The Cozy Pastime of Reading ~ Tuesday 4

 Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we give you 4 questions to think about each week.People make reading lists for the various seasons and many mention how cozy it can be to cuddle up in a favorite spot to read.

1. Do you have a list of books you'd like to read? 

Yes, I keep a list of books I might want to read in future. It's very long so I'll never run out of books in my lifetime.

2. Where do you get ideas for books you want to read?  What kind of books catch your interest?

I get ideas everywhere. When I read blogs or watch vlogs, I keep a note of what people are reading if it sounds of interest to me. I also get ideas from television, social media, library websites, bookstores, people I know and so on. If I've read a book by an author and really loved it, I will start reading other books they've written.

3. What have you read lately?

Currently on my reading list is a Jane Austen book, Mansfield Park which I've read before. I'm also reading The Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly. Prior to that I read Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See and The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel. I've read other Jane Austen books before and enjoy them as well as movies based on her books. I've also read all of Lisa See's book which I love and I'm working my way through the novels written by Kristen Harmel, some of which are better than others.

4. How do you find time to read and where do you make yourself cozy and comfy to read?

I read several days a week unless I'm really sick. When I was struck this year with Shingles, I found I couldn't read anything for several months until I started feeling well again.  I cannot read in bed like many people seem to. Some days I read only for a short time.  Other days I'll read for a few hours. I like to sit in a corner of the sofa under a wall lamp with my tea and snack and read.  My issue isn't finding the time to read.  It's stopping to do other things, including sleep once I'm settled and enjoying a book.

Saturday Relaxation

I've been wanting to go to the movies for several months but couldn't land on a movie I wanted to see.  But at last, there are a few releases I now want to see.

Today was the day.  I almost didn't make it because everyone and his dog was out and about.  It was a sunny day after a few days of rain and I don't think anyone wanted to miss out on it.  City traffic was heavy and buses were very slow with people getting on and off at every stop.  What adds to the time is strollers and wheelchairs because they take more time to enter and exit the bus. But hey, everyone needs to get somewhere.

I didn't buy a movie ticket in advance.  Besides the price of the movie ticket they also charge you a service fee when you buy on line. I knew the movie wasn't going to be too busy because I previewd the available seating in advance.  I also wanted to make sure I didn't miss too much of the movie before buying my ticket given how slow the traffic was moving.  Fortunately I only missed about 5 minutes of the movie when I checked in.  But by the time I ordered a coffee it was a longer delay.  Unbeknownst to me they made a fresh pot of coffee which added to the delay in getting into my seat.  On the other hand it was lovely to get a nice, fresh cup of Starbucks coffee.

The movie I went to is called Heart of the Beast. It's an adventure survival movie with Brad Pitt and a beautiful German Shepard who goes by the name Odin in the movie. The story is sad and poignant.  I won't say more as I don't want to spoil it for you.  But in case you'd like to know more,  here the official trailer if you want to check it out.

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I stopped at Winners after the movie. I spent a lot of time browsing before finally purchasing 3 small items including a rechargeable lamp for the entryway.  The lamp is meant for  a small cabinet and there's no available nearby.  A rechargeable lamp is a good option. 

Even though I made an early dinner before I left the house, I didn't have time to eat it.  Once I'd finished at Winners it was 7:45 p.m. and I was famished. T & T Supermarket was nearby so I headed there for a few items and to have a snack.

My snack/light dinner consisted of some unknown to me version of Vietnamese Salad rolls. The filling was mostly vermicelli noodles.  Whatever they added to the lettuce was quite tasty even though there wasn't much of it. I also had a small seaweed salad and a Strawberry Milk Tea with Pearls. It was all good.  I bought a few vegetables and some strawberries at the supermarket before heading home.

I mentioned that it rained for several days.  The temperature also really dropped and now I'm fighting a cold. Thankfully my little garden is still blooming and I am still going outside to smell the beautiful fragrance.

I've spent a lot of time this month research and buying supplies and items for some DIY renovations we are doing. It's taken a lot more time than I thought it would so I really needed a break from it.  Renovations will be ongoing for awhile by the look of things but I'm pleased with things so far.

What has occupied your time in September?

Skywatch in Late September (2026) ~ Skywatch Friday

Hello friends  and fellow bloggers,

Skywatch Friday is here again & it's time to share and see more beautiful skies from around the world.

Our week has been very busy with running to and from the home improvement stores looking for this and that.  We're making changes to both the primary and master bathrooms and there sure seems to be an enormous amount of supplies and tools required to do the various improvements.  

Anyway, time was getting on when we made a recent visit visit to the home improvement store, Home Depot.  While I was making my way back to the car, the birds were making their flight to their nightly resting spot.  It's always a thrill to see so many birds at one time and I quickly snapped a few photos to share in this space.

So many birds

An airplane even got in on the flight action

We've been spending a lot of time here

Thank you for your visit! Enjoy your weekend.

September So Far ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   

1. How has your September been so far?

September has flown by and it will be over soon. It's hard to believe. I was hoping to travel by the end of the month for a brief break but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

2. What events are coming up next on your calendar or have there been any special days so far for you?

I had 2 special days when cousins from the Northwest Territories and the Province of Alberta came to the city to visit.  They were both very brief visits but it was so nice to see both of them as I haven't seen one of them since my late mother's funeral services in 2017.  She lives so far away and the cost to get there is quite prohibitive.  The other cousin I see sometimes once a year or every other year when she comes this way to visit another sister.  Last, but not least, I was hoping for a visit from my nephew who had to pass through the city on his way to a work engagement.  It hasn't happened yet and I'm not sure if it will because his time is very limited.

Other than that it's been a super busy month with lots of back and forth travel to home improvement stores and searching and buying building supplies on line too.  We're doing some home renovation projects.  Right now we're working on the master bathroom.  Next up will be the main bathroom.  I've also been very busy with medical tests and dental appointments.

3.  How's the weather been in your neck of the woods? 

The weather has been mostly sunny and dry with a cooling trend.  I noticed the cooler temperatures in the last week of August.  Many people are still walking around in summer clothing but personally I need to dress a little more warmly.

4. How can we be praying for you or sending our good thoughts your way?

I've had an MRI very recently. Pray for a good outcome. I'd rather not mention the why's and wherefores of the test at this time but it's an ongoing issue I've been dealing with and so have had all kinds of tests in the past 2 years or so.  If you offer some prayers on my behalf, I thank you so much for your time.  May God bless you for it.

A Beautiful Sunset Scene - Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers, 

Welcome to my Skywatch Friday post.  I trust you are all doing well and that you have some fun or restful plans for the weekend.

Recently I had to go to the downtown hospital for a medical test. We took a quick drive along the waterfront so I could share some new scenes with you.
 

The sun was setting and we noticed just how quickly it went down!

I noticed much cooler temperatures about 3 weeks ago but we do have alternately cooler days and then we'll have a warmer day thrown in.  Many people are still walking around in sleeveless shirts and tops or short sleeves and shorts. These kinds of people are either oblivious to the cold or they want to hang on to summer for as long as possible.  Personally I find it a little too cool for summer clothes especially if the wind blows a little. I think the summer is well and truly over here.

On yesterday's news I heard that we'll likely be having a milder winter than usual in Canada.  I was puzzled because not terribly long ago the weather experts were saying the exact opposite and that we could expect a colder winter this year. I guess I'll have to wait to experience whatever comes.  But personally I'm hoping for a warmer winter.

Thank you for stopping by!

What Are You Going to Do? ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 continued in the memory of Toni Taddeo, its original author.

Here are a few questions for you to consider.

1.   What things do you enjoy doing when you have time on your hands?

Reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, various other handicrafts, going for a walk, having lunch & get togethers with family and friends, going on a day trip to see something new and outside of the neighbourhood.

Currently reading

Newest hobby

2.   Last minute company coming tonight for dinner!   What do you cook?

In cooler months, chili with cornbread.  In warmer months, baked salmon with rice and salad.  Maybe some corn on the cob.  It's been a long while since I've cooked for company.

3.   You've got a day to do anything and the weather is perfect outside, how are you going to spend the day?

I'd go for a walk, preferably by the waterfront.

Village of Steveston

4.   It's morning and you are asked out for breakfast.  What are you ordering?

Probably bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast with coffee and orange juice. If it's a Dutch pancake house I'll have a ham and cheese pancake.

Favourite breakfast

I made this breakfast. I don't often make or eat breakfast but if I do, it's often bacon and eggs or a variation of it.

That's all for today. I hope you'll visit again soon.

End of Summer 2026 - Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

The end of the first long weekend of September signals the end of summer and back to school and regular schedules.  

It also coincides with the end of the annual Pacific National Exhibition (PNE).  I try to visit once a year or at least every other year.

I didn't forget to Skywatch but mostly was there to soak up the atmosphere, people watch and eat. 

I had the Bannock Burger because they were out of Indian Tacos.  The fry bread used in the burger was absolutely delicious.

I also took in the concert featuring award winning singer, Crystal Shawanda and her family.  The price was included in the ticket.  

There were many singers I would have liked to see, The Guess Who, Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Earth, Wind & Fire & Sarah MacLaughlin among them.  You had to pay separately for these performances and tge tickets were sold out well before the event unless you didn't mind standing at the back somewhere.

And just like that, another summer was over.

All in all, I enjoyed my visit.

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday

 

Reading in August 2026

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I haven't been diligent about sharing the books I've been reading this year. I think some months I read 4-5 books and there were a few months where I read nothing due to illness.  I've been trying to make up the reading time I lost and I keep track of the books I've read on Goodreads. I read quite a number of books in the month of August so I'm very close to my goal of 50 books for the year.  Some years I read more and other years I read less but one of my blogging friends told me that she likes to keep track of the pages. That makes more sense given that some books are quite short and others can be quite long. I strive for about 20,000 pages per year. If  I make that or close to it, I am satisfied.  I only count the pages of books that I've completed not books that I've only partially read.  To date, I've read 47 books and I'm just shy of 16, 000 pages.  It will take more than 3 books to reach 20, 000 pages so I'll have to increase my reading goal a bit.

It turns out I'd read The Evening and the Morning several years ago. When I saw the book on the bookshelves I didn't remember that I'd already read it.  It's over 900 pages long and as I re-read it I remembered different aspects of the book and enjoyed it once again. This novel is the prequel to the series Pillars of the Earth (which I also read several years ago and enjoyed immensely) and is set in 997 AD covering a period of the Middle Ages & Viking raids through to the year 1007.  It features a love story between an unlikely pair and a strong female character despite the lack of power among women of those days.

From Cradle to Grave is a murder mystery by prolific writer Rhys Bowen. I've read a few of her books and enjoyed them.  I wouldn't say this particular book is one of the better ones.  I shelved A Summer Affair. I got 63 pages in and realized it really wasn't a book I wanted to continue reading.  I shelved it!

The next two books are cookbooks and entertaining books. The Healthy EveryDay book is a cookbook organized into easy to make high protein dishes in every category (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). I really liked the book because the recipes seem very doable but this is the kind of book you need to have out of the library for awhile to really use and enjoy it or you need to have it in your personal library. Alas, I'm in downsizing and decluttering mode so I'm not buying any more books.  The author of Having People Over was featured on the Homeworthy You Tube channel which is how I learned she'd written a book about hosting parties.  I promptly borrowed the book out and was suitably impressed with it.  Everything you need to know about preparing for parties and get togethers is shared in a very accessible format and in a non-intimidating manner.  Simple recipes and tips for making hosting easier are also provided if you need more help.   It's another good reference book but I'm not adding anything new to my personal library at this time. 

(Click on the images below to enlarge if you'd like to see the book covers)

The Last Garden in England is an interesting book of historical fiction using a special garden as a connecting point to tell the story of 5 different women over several generations.

A Girl Like Her is about a young woman with autism and a prickly personality.  It's really about her finding a boyfriend and relationship in her new neighbour; someone who accepts her despite her prickly personality. It really wasn't my cup of tea. I would say it is more a coming of age book for young adults with lots of explicit language.  Having said that, I did finish reading it.

Nobody's Girl is the sad life story of Virginia Giuffre who by now is a household name in North America and England.  But just in case you don't know who she is, she is the young woman who was sex trafficked by the late Jeffrey Epstein.  She's also the person responsible for successfully exposing the former Prince Andrew's active involvement in Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking activities ultimately leading to his ouster from the British Royal Family.

The Last Love Song deals with the age old themes of love and loss and is set in small town, west coast Ireland and the big city of London.  This novel was written by Lucinda Riley under the name Lucinda Edmonds.  The book was reworked by her son Harry Whittaker after her death.  To be honest, this was not my favourite book.  I found it a bit ho-hum.

The Summer of Songbirds is about the lifelong friendship of four women who met as young girls at summer camp, their lives as the seasons progress and how they join together to save the camp.  I enjoyed it as it deals with many themes, friendship, love and loss in relationships and memories of summer and life that sustain you throughout your lifetime.

That it for August reads. For my first book in September, I'm reading one of Kristen Harmel's novels, The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel.

A Week of Skygazing ~ Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I hope your week was a good one and that you have something to look forward to over the weekend.

I'm looking forward to taking in the annual Pacific National Exhibition in the coming days.  I don't go every year but I like to go now and then and enjoy a bit of food, people watching and taking in a few shows.  Sometimes I go with a friend or family member but most often I go alone so I can zip in and out of displays and shows.

Another thing I like doing is showing a week of skies for Skywatch Friday.  Over the spring and summer the weather and the skies can be so variable. In winter the skies are mostly cloudy or rainy with the occasional day of sunshine.  In summer the skies are mostly sunny with occasional rain. 

This weekend is a long weekend ending on the statutory holiday on Monday September 7, 2026.  Labour Day falls on the first Monday in September each year.  It's meant to celebrate the achievements, contributions and rights of working people. For most people, it's the last day to rest or to get ready for back to school the next day and back to regular scheduling with work and other activities.  Thankfully the sun is expected over the weekend.
 

August 27, 2026

August 28, 2026

From my patio

August 29, 2026

Brighton Beach looking east

Brighton Beach looking north to North Vancouver

 

The Second Narrows Bridge

August 20, 2026

The steeple at the condo building (formerly a church)

First high rise in the neighbourhood. More coming.

August 31, 2026

September 1, 2026

In the neighbourhood.

Popular coffee shop.

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post today.  I hope to see you again soon.