FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

It is finally Friday. It is also the end of February and I am celebrating another birthday today.  My grandchildren made my cake and decorated it as well. Didn’t they do an outstanding job.

I hope I am not getting older but getting better. The family celebrated last Sunday since we are leaving the country in search of some warmer weather.

I will not be blogging until I get back home. Don’t miss me too much!

This week’s co-host is Kisma from Sounds Like Life To Me. She came up with the last two statements:

The statements:

1. Once I am packed I am heading to Charleston S.C.
2. Winter isn’t through with us but I am through with it.
3. One can have too much cold and snow. 
4. I have the best family ever and I thank them for the support they have given me.

MEMORY MONDAY

 

My mother has written her memoirs and has been after me to write mine. I have been resisting for a while however I am creating Memory Monday to help me along. Come join me with your own memories. Each week will be a different prompt to encourage the writing of your memories. Link your memories and share them with everyone.

Our prompt is: Other Jobs I’ve Had

I could not have retired without working first. My first career job was teaching. I taught for 3 years. I actually got my first class room by going through the back door. When I graduated from teacher’s college I was not hired. It was 1971 and jobs were scarce. I joined the supply teaching line. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to improve my teaching skills. I taught in many schools to many children and many grade levels.

I was asked to teach a Grade one class in a fairly new school. I arrived to find a very distressed class of 6 year olds. They had been without a teacher for 3 days and I was the third supply teacher. The class was unequipped and very undisciplined. I was so exasperated that I called the principal and asked him to visit. His arrival coincided with a tennis shoe being thrown. Let’s just say he was not impressed. He did give me a chance to explain the situation and was very humbled to learn of the goings on in this particular class. It turned out his teacher had a nervous breakdown. It was this principal who put my name forward store when a teaching job became available and I was hired to teach kindergarten as a permanent teacher.

I then taught Grade 2 until I left to have a baby. My first year students from kindergarten were also in my last class as a grade 2 teacher. After the children were born I tried to get back into teaching and did more supply work however the timing was poor and t my own children needed my attention more so I gave up teaching.

I could not be just a Stay At Home Mom as it would have driven me crazy. To combat my boredom and to earn the extra money we needed I became an Avon lady. I made it my own business and had over 200 customers. Avon also provided me with an opportunity to train other representatives when they had a Group Sales Leader program. I sold Avon from 1983 until 2000. I won many trips and was 3rd highest in the District when I left.

Of course this job was fun however it did not provide a steady income nor any benefits which we needed. With all of the children in school and no longer requiring daycare I got my job at Bell Canada. I thank my sister B for suggesting I apply. I started face to face as a customer representative in The Phone Centre. I stayed for 11 1/2 years until the store was closed. I then transferred to the business office and worked on the phones until I retired.

 

Next Week’s Prompt: No Memories for March! Will be back in April!

My daughter made us a Memory Monday button that you can grab from my sidebar if you want.

Please link up your posts to this continuing linky so we can watch each other’s memoirs develop over this year.  Please use the format of “PROMPT – BLOG NAME” so we can follow each week’s writing.

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Anticipating our trip South & warmer weather!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

It’s Friday already and time to join Mrs. 4444 for Friday fragments. Another busy week has gone by. Monday was a holiday and everything was closed however we got to hang out with our grandchildren. We played board games and cards  as well as made some homemade lip balm.

Tuesday was a luncheon with our Senior’s group and a wonderful talk about taxes. Hopefully with this new found knowledge we can save some money on our taxes.

Wednesday was another play date with the grands. This time we made chocolate chip cookies. The hardest part was waiting for them to cool so we could eat them.

Yesterday it was time for the car to have an oil change and make sure it is ready for our trip south. We also got news that Dad has a place in  nursing home so we are off to move him.

Next week will also be busy. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

I am joining Hilary as well. This week’s co-host is Brooke from Brooke Blogs. She came up with the last statement.

The statements:

1. Knitting is the best activity to do while watching television.
2. Do you work on the weekends?
3. Macaroni and cheese is my comfort food and the only thing I actually cook.
4. Spending time with my grandchildren always makes me happy.

Happy Friday!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Today's word is Bail

As a little girl I used to have to bail the water out of our boat before we could go skiing. It was dirty, tiring work however the rewards were worth it.

I hope I never have to post bail for someone so that they can get out of jail.

The country of Greece is asking Europe to bail them out of their debt crisis.

Do you need a bail out? Come ponder with Brenda!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

I had to visit our Revenue Agency on behalf of my father at the end of January. I would say the experience was a 5 on the scale of 1-10. I found it frustrating and many of my questions were not answered as well as I expected them to be. Not only that I was told it could take up to 6 months to process.

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University, but never graduated. In terms of any candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

A person running for office should have a proper education if only because they stuck it out.

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

We visited Gettysburg about 9 years ago and it has been many years since I was in Washington.

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day? I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds?

It was also Flag Day in Canada. Our flag is 50 years old. I love almonds especially is they are covered in chocolate.

5.The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters that came out of the program?

Sorry, not a fan.

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

My afghan is purple and it is wrapped around my legs.

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!
She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?"

Believe it or not hubby makes the bed. I only make it when I change the sheets. I pull the covers over the pillows.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This has been an exceptionally busy winter with taking care of my Dad since Mom passed away. We are looking forward to our time away in March. Only 18 days until we get on the cruise ship.

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

Tuesday, February 17th, 2015

Dance like no one is watching.  

Who are you when no one is watching?

Les always gives us something to think about with her Tuesday Coffee Chat.

The first time I took my oldest granddaughter out on a Play Date I was advised that I should play like no one is watching and so I did. She climbed the slide and I climbed the slide right behind her. She danced and sang around the fountain and so did I. Together we learned how to be a good granddaughter and grandmother. This was all good training for the rest of the grandchildren who followed afterwards.

My youngest granddaughter reminded me yesterday that she gave me a set of rules to follow and I am being very good because I love rules.

Grammy’s Rules:

1. Expect to be spoiled.

2. Bedtime negotiable.

3. Eat dessert first

4. Sleepover welcome.

5. LOTS OF HUGS!!

6. Endless stories.

7. HAVE FUN!!!

8. We won’t tell Mom or Dad

9. MAKE MEMORIES!

This is who I have become. Of course I also have to provide homemade sweaters, mitts, socks, hats and blankies as well as anything else requires.

Who have you become or who do you want to be?

MEMORY MONDAY

 

My mother has before  written her memoirs and has been after me to write mine. I have been resisting for a while however I am creating Memory Monday to help me along. Come join me with your own memories. Each week will be a different prompt to encourage the writing of your memories. Link your memories and share them with everyone.

Our prompt is: My Job

My first job that put me on a payroll was working for the Public LIbrary in our City.Before that I did some babysitting. I was paid 60 cents an hour and worked 4 hours on Saturday mornings. My job included binding the magazines and carding them. I also read the Dewy decimal section on History and Geography.

This was my dream job as I loved reading and would come home with the new books before they were circulated. I bought flowers and pastry with my first pay cheque. After 2 years I transferred to the Children’s Library where I helped with the preschool program. I learned about reading to young children as well as making puppet shows. I was the first part time librarian to ever pay income tax.

I would love to have become a librarian however at the time I would have had to stay in school for another 4 or 5 years. Instead I went to Teacher’s College and became a teacher.

I love books and reading to my grandchildren. Libraries have a very special place in my heart and when i am on a cruise ship I make it a point to use the library.

Next Week’s Prompt: Other Jobs I’ve had

My daughter made us a Memory Monday button that you can grab from my sidebar if you want.

Please link up your posts to this continuing linky so we can watch each other’s memoirs develop over this year.  Please use the format of “PROMPT – BLOG NAME” so we can follow each week’s writing.

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! Everybody cuddle up!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

It has been another busy week. I spent Monday and Tuesday looking after my Dad’s affairs which meant a harrowing trip on Monday to his home town. Have I mentioned I hate winter and especially driving in the winter. Coming home on Tuesday wasn’t nearly as bad, thank goodness. It was also a successful trip. Unfortunately Dad will require some extra care. We all realize that Mom did a lot for him.

I had the pleasure of watching the grands again this week. T was not into napping for either Grammy. Even though he ran around outside in the snow as well as in the playroom, he would not go down. F loves her cupcakes and her Valentine’s gift. E enjoyed receiving some beautiful paper so she can write more notes.

Yesterday DH and I had lunch out with our Retiree group. We celebrated Valentine’s Day as well as Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Ram in the Chinese calendar. We have no rams in the family.

We have a dance tonight and a social tomorrow.

I hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend!

This week Elizabeth from Silver Reviews is my co-host. She came up with the last two statements.

The statements:

1. Did you notice that there are a lot or old TV shows being rerun these days?
2. The sun is on a hiatus for the winter. Please come back soon. 
3. Since it has been so cold out I haven’t done as much walking.
4. Would you ever take a cruise?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Today's word is BRUTE

My first thought when I saw the word brute was brute force. I have hear it used in “brute force trauma” on many of my CSI shows. This is usually a head injury from either someone or something. If it isn’t murder it could be a car accident of a fall.

I also thought of the men’s perfume which is called Brut. It is not one of my favour fragrances however I suspect that a man would wear it if he thought it would make him stronger.

You can also call someone a Brute which is almost the same as a bully since this person forces his will on other people.  They are tyrants and usually very rude.

I hope that you are not a Brute and have a kind day!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

1. Have you ever written a love letter? Have you written one recently? Had one written to you? Did you keep it?

Yes i have written many love letters although not lately. The year I got engaged I traveled to England while DH worked in Northern Quebec. I still have those wonderful letters that we wrote to each during our courtship.

2. What's a movie that ends in a way you especially love?

I am not a big movie fan although one of my favourites is “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the ending is heart warming to know that you can make a difference in the lives of others.

3. Something that makes your heart sing? And for those of you who are parents, I mean something besides your children that makes your heart sing?

Ah Joyce how could you say we can’t speak of our children or grandchildren, they are my heart. If I can’t say them I will have to chose hearing the birds sing instead.

4. What's the last event you had to attend, phone call you had to make, routine task you needed to complete, or meal you had to prepare, that you did do, but only half-heartedly?

As many of you know my mother passed away last month and I had some very difficult phone calls to make to m her friends as well as my own family. It was heart-warming as everyone had such wonderful memories to share about my mother.

5. Tuna fish salad-yay or blech? If you said yay, how do you like your tuna salad prepared? Hey, this is the Hodgepodge, right?

Yuck to tune fish. Besides being allergic to it I really don’t like it.

6. What's something you 'know by heart'?

The first to come to mind is “The Lord is my shepherd” which I can say by rote and have said a lot lately.

7. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, what two or three word phrase would you write on a conversation heart for someone you love? That someone could be a spouse, child, parent, cousin, bestie...anyone at all whom you love.

To my husband – “you hold my heart”

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day as a super holiday. When we were first married we had very little money however we would splurge a steak and share it. Roses are way over priced at this time of year as well. When the children were growing up I had a heart shaped pan and would make fudge or a chocolate cake to celebrate. It is also a great time to use the red candles to make an ordinary meal a little bit special. This year we have a dance to attend and are looking forward to it.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

MEMORY MONDAY

 

My mother has written her memoirs and has been after me to write mine. I have been  resisting for a while however I am creating Memory Monday to help me along. Come join me with your own memories. Each week will be a different prompt to encourage the writing of your memories. Link your memories and share them with everyone.

Our prompt is: My Favourite Teacher

My favourite teacher was not a school teacher, but my piano teacher. Mrs. A was actually my second piano teacher. The first one was a Mr. B and he used to come to the house. Mrs. A lived down the street and taught after school and in the evenings from her home. She had a piano in her basement and we used to walk through her kitchen to get to our lessons. Mrs. A worked from home because she had a mentally challenged son and could keep an eye on him.

I used to love to go straight from school and even though I had to wait for my lesson I would watch out for her son W. It was my first inkling that I should become a teacher. Mrs. A never yelled or banged on the piano as she had the patience of Job. I completed my Grade 8 piano as well as my Grade 3 theory and history.

My own children took piano lessons from her as well.

Next Week’s Prompt: My First Job

My daughter made us a Memory Monday button that you can grab from my sidebar if you want.

Please link up your posts to this continuing linky so we can watch each other’s memoirs develop over this year.  Please use the format of “PROMPT – BLOG NAME” so we can follow each week’s writing.

 

SIX WORD SATURDAY

 

Snow! Snow! and even more snow!

FRIDAY FRAGMENTS & FOUR FILL IN FUN

 

  

This has been an inside week because of the snow. We did get out long enough to shop and get to exercise class however we tried not to go too far. Thank goodness for my grandchildren who provide me with some insane moments that keep me sane.

I am getting lots of knitting and crocheting done and thank you everyone for your project ideas. I making baby blankets, baby outfits, sweaters and scarves for teddy bears. Socks are on the to-do list. I even got a book read this week.

Next week I am back at my Dad’s for Monday and Tuesday. We have some meetings set up with the financial planners. Hopefully it will go smoothly.

The statements:

1. Is it me or do you also feel like winter has been around too long?
2. Snow is great for pictures but not so great for walking about in.
3. Fish is my least favorite food
4. The winter will end with a cruise.

Happy Friday Everyone!

THRIVING THURSDAY

 

Today's word is BRANCH.

Trees have branches and in the winter time they are exposed. Banks and libraries also have branches. Does anyone use a bank or a library these days?

When I retired I branched out into new endeavours. I joined a gym branch for more exercise. I went back to my roots for my knitting and crocheting patterns.

Since my Mom passed away we have heard from many branches of the family. They are coming together for a memorial tea in the spring. Have you done a genealogy tree with all of the branches of your family?

 

 

 

    

Branch out today and have some fun!

WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE

 

1. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your emotions tucked in tight?

My heart is always showing how I feel. If I am happy you will know it and if I am sad I can’t hide it.

2. How did you meet your closest friend?

DH is my closest friend and we met in high school.

3.  Pink lemonade, grilled salmon, cotton candy, pink grapefruit, a strawberry milkshake, or raspberry sorbet...of the pink foods listed, which one is your favorite? Least favorite? Which one have you most recently consumed?

Pink grapefruit wins hands down. I eat a half every morning for breakfast. I love cotton candy as well. My least favourite is grilled salmon as I am allergic to it.

4. When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

I am always tickled pink when I spend time with my grandchildren. They keep me on my toes.

5. Are you a fan of television talk shows? Daytime, nighttime, or both? What's your favorite?

No! My father actually likes them and he drove me crazy when I stayed with him. I prefer game shows.

6. When was the last time you wanted to ask a question, but felt too foolish to do so?

I have been asking so many questions about my Mother’s estate and some of the government offices have me going around in circles.

7. My favorite breakfast right now is cornflakes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Things around here are settling down. We are gearing up for our cruise in March, only 32 days to go. The groundhog saw his shadow on Monday and is predicting 6 more weeks of winter and the weatherman is going along with this. It has snowed a little every day so we are getting our exercise in shovelling and cleaning off the car. Off to play with the grandchildren today. They keep me sane.

Happy Wednesday everyone and thank you Joyce for hosting this meme!

THOUGHTFUL TUESDAY

 

 

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
Random.  Got a rant to get off your chest? 
A recent victory to share? 
Some cute kids to boast about?  Your choice today.

-

My rant today is about our government services. To apply for the benefits my father is entitled to I had to fill out reams of paperwork and have told it can take up to 6 months to process. Is everyone dealing with the death of a parent?

Kudos to my grandchildren for getting out in the snow yesterday and helping to shovel it away. They have also requested more slipper socks to be knit when I have time.

No recent victory however hopefully we will have one soon.

Keeping it simple today!

MEMORY MONDAY

 

My mother has written her memoirs and has been after me to write mine. I have been resisting for a while however I am creating Memory Monday to help me along. Come join me with your own memories. Each week will be a different prompt to encourage the writing of your memories. Link your memories and share them with everyone.

Our prompt is: My School Years

Throughout my school years I actually only attended 4 schools. A primary school from Kindergarten to Grade 6, then a middle school for Grade 7 and 8. High school followed for Grade 9 to 13 and finally one year of Teacher’s College.

In the primary school I skipped grade 4 because I was in an  accelerated class for grade 2 and 3. I remember always peaking at the other lessons for the group ahead of me. School was fairly easy and I enjoyed learning math and reading. In Grade 5 I had a teacher Miss D.  She had the most beautiful handwriting  and I wanted to emulate her however I discovered she was a smoker and I took an instant hate for her. I think that was the beginning of my anti-smoking campaign.

I also had a Grade 7 and 8 Teacher, Mr. T who was a smoker and I drove him crazy with my attitude. I still sucked my thumb at this time and would sit in his class for 40 minutes with my thumb in my mouth. He would try to break me of this habit and I would respond that I would quit my thumb-sucking when he gave up smoking. It was an impasse.

Of course there would be many teachers in high school who also smoked. My music teacher, Mr. F. used to go into his office and smoke there when he was in a rant. He was a terrific music teacher and choir master. The other teacher I fell out of favour with was the gym teacher Mrs. O because I would not join the swim team. I loved to swim but not in a competitive way.

Finally Teacher’s College is where I met my best friend B. We struck up a conversation while standing in line. We are both Pisces and still share our birthdays every year.

Would I like to do those years over again? No Thanks!

 

Next Week’s Prompt: My Favourite Teacher

My daughter made us a Memory Monday button that you can grab from my sidebar if you want.

Please link up your posts to this continuing linky so we can watch each other’s memoirs develop over this year.  Please use the format of “PROMPT – BLOG NAME” so we can follow each week’s writing.