Easter Weekend ~ 2025

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

Another Easter has come and gone. I hope yours was a special one.

We had our Easter dinner on Easter Sunday or what many call Resurrection Sunday, the day that Jesus rose from his grave after being crucified on Good Friday.

This year I decided to make it easy on myself in the kitchen. Instead of roast ham or turkey with all the fixings, I made a sheet pan dinner of small potatoes, asparagus and salmon covered in olive oil and herbs.  For dessert we had a fruit flan. 

Dinner was delicious and best of all I didn't feel so tired out like I usually do when making the holiday meal. 

On the sacred holidays I'd rather be thinking about the reason for the season, especially at Christmas and Easter instead of slaving over a hot stove. Right now too everything is in disarray at my home.  There are all kinds of boxes, bags and furniture that either has to be sorted or taken to the landfill. This kind of situation doesn't lend itself to having people over as much as I'd like to host a few people on special holidays. It will have to wait until things are more organized.

On Saturday I had errands, the main one was to go to an advance poll and cast my vote for the federal election. The voting day is April 28th but advance polls were open for 3 days over the long weekend and there was a record turnout of voters. I had to wait in line a bit longer than usual and I was glad to get out there once finished because I was too hot in the small room. Everything went well though. The elections here are always well run in my opinion and things tend to go quite smoothly. On my walk to the polling station I took the following photos. This is my contribution to Skywatch Friday this week.Sorry it's late but I had an issue with trying to upload.  This has been a problem over the past month. 

It had been a lovely day but you can see the clouds forming.

After voting I stopped for a light dinner of Pho Noodle Soup and shrimp salad rolls.  It was delicious. By the time I left to go home, it was pouring rain. I was glad I had the warming soup to sustain me because it was also quite chilly and I wasn't quite dressed for heavy rain.  I had to walk a few blocks in order to catch the city busy for my short ride home.

Easter Monday saw me getting things organized for the week ahead. I also visited the community garden to weed and plant seeds.  I planted 2 varieties of sunflowers, carrots, watermelon and leeks. I'd like to plant some kale if I can find some seeds soon.  I may or may not plant tomatoes.  I think it's a bit early for a wide variety of seeds and nursery plants but the community garden contract stipulates that our gardens must be fully planted by the end of April each year. It means I start buying seeds and sometimes starting them, sometime in February or March. I buy locally not through mail order and so the options are limited.

While at the garden I ran into someone I knew from university many years ago when we were both working at the Law Faculty. It turns out she is a newcomer to the community garden and we had a nice chat and updated one another on our personal news and other people we both know in common.  It was nice to have a visit with her. 

That's how my weekend went. I was pleased with my balance of work and relaxation. I hope you had a great weekend too. Thanks for visiting and please come again soon. 

Enjoying Spring

Hello friends and fellow bloggers, 

This is a late (and quick) submission to Skywatch Friday.

We've been having fabulously sunny and warm days. It's been a real treat and I'm enjoying what is remaining of the cherry blossoms.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter weekend. 

Thank you for making time to visit with me.

Live for Today (and Tomorrow)

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I trust that this new season is going well for you. Or at least as well as can be expected given the current turbulence in the world.

Canada and Canadians are of course impacted by what is going on south of the border.  However life does go on and each of us moves forward as best we can.  Our federal election is happening on April 29, 2025 but I plan to participate in advance polls this weekend. It's also Easter weekend so I've been busy planning a simple menu. This year I'll be making a dinner based on salmon rather than our usual ham or turkey. I'm looking forward to it.

Photo credit:  Southern Living website (february 2023)

I planted the patio garden and I can see the seeds are starting to germinate. They haven't fully sprouted yet and I can't wait until they get tall and have some blooms to enjoy. I've planted so many flowers so there should be a riot of colours. I haven't had time yet to plant the containers or to plant at the community garden. Hopefully I can get to some of these tasks over the long weekend.

Much of my effort in April has been focussed on getting the patio ready.  In addition to planting, I've been trying to make the space more comfortable. I purchased a new patio conversation set, a small table on which to place beverages and I'm waiting for the rug which I ordered on line. It should be here next week. I also bought a new trunk in which to store all the patio cushions.  I've unboxed it but haven't put it together yet. It will be very handy at the end of the season. I still need to get one or two furniture covers for the sofa and chairs.

Part of the spring 'to do's' includes spring cleaning. Is that a thing anymore? It is for me because even though I try to keep up to the cobwebs and dust over the winter months, things tend to look dirty and drab once the spring light arrives.

Something that will help me clean and do the washing are eco friendly cleaning products made and sold right here in the Greater Vancouver area by Live for Tomorrow.  I ordered a large quantity of product to reach the free shipping offer.  If you live in Canada or the USA, you might want to have a look at their products and place your own order. There is free shipping once you reach a certain spend threshold ($100 Canadian or $150 USD).  Here is the link in case you're interested. https://lftbrands.com/collections/shop-all.

The goods should arrive tomorrow.  I can't wait to try the cleaner for the washer.  Based on reviews, it's supposed to work very well.  I'm hoping to get rid of the mildew smell in the washer.

Even though I'm working hard, I'm enjoying the month.   It's my favourite time of year. I love when the sun comes out, the trees start blooming and the gardens start growing. It's still a bit chilly here but soon it will be quite warm.

Take care and enjoy your day.

Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

It's another rainy day here in Vancouver but sun is in the forecast over the next few days.

I hope the weather is good where you are and that the sky keeps you entertained.

Here are a few photos from the past two days.

Thanks for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post.  Enjoy your weekend.

Renewal & Keeping Busy

Hello friends,

It's been a very busy few weeks. I've been in the process of renewing and refreshing my home and garden.  This has involved researching various large household items for purchase and going to brick and mortar stores where possible.

One thing I wanted was a storage bed.  But once I got to the brick & mortar store to check out mattresses, for a storage bed I got sidetracked.  Instead of finding a mattress, I found an adjustable base and have made a tentative decision to buy it if I can organize a new mattress.  Earlier, I spent an enormous amount of time looking for a storage bed and an appropriate mattress before I switched tracks. I've got a few weeks to find a suitable mattress.  My DH was not sold on the idea of a storage bed.  But he does like the idea of an adjustable bed.  So when I was at the store trying out mattresses and bed bases, I came to see the health and comfort benefits of a bed we can adjust for comfort.

As you likely already know there are just so many mattress options available at a variety of price points.  But it's not that easy to find one you (and your partner) like and at the right price point.  Now that I found an adjustable bed base (and DH approves), I have to find a compatible mattress.  A lot of mattresses these days are just not that deep.  Combined with an adjustable bed base that isn't very high because it doesn't require a box spring, it's a bit more challenging to get the bed height one would like.  I don't like sitting on chairs, or sleeping on beds, that are too low to the ground.  I'm actually surprised that most of the mattresses I've looked at aren't even 10 inches deep.  The last time I went mattress shopping which was many, many years ago, I recall that mattresses were very deep and pillow top mattresses were all the rage. Do you remember when 14 inch sheets were all the rage because the mattresses were so deep?  I wonder when all that went out of fashion?

If I find the right mattress in the next week or two, I'll know for sure about the bed base.  I've paid a refundable deposit and the store is holding the bed base for me. After searching and searching for a mattress with no luck as of yet, I thought maybe we should just keep what we have. But DH and I would both be more comfortable in a larger bed, which by the way brings up another purchase need.  A larger bed requires larger sheets. Thankfully the bed spreads and comforters I have will still work. I'll have to donate several sets of sheets but will keep 1 or 2 to use on the sofa bed.

Another thing that's taking time is the new garden and patio set up.  The entire patio was rebuilt in 2024 and the garden has had to be planted from scratch.  I really wasn't up to figuring out what to plant and doing the work of planting in time for it to be patio ready by warmer weather.  So for now, I've planted a variety of colourful flowers, mostly annuals, all from seed. I've also planted 3 bushes.  Over time, I hope to have a better idea of what I'd like in the garden and more time to work in the garden as well.  I had hoped to have the community garden planted by now too but there has been so much rain. I'm hoping to be able to finish the planting there by the end of Easter weekend. So far, I've done a little garden planning and purchased the seeds. I'll also have to buy some nursery plants.

We already have a patio table and chairs. I think we'll be spending more time relaxing outdoors this summer so DH and I agreed to purchase an outdoor sofa and armchairs. They'll be delivered on Wednesday. We haven't actually seen these items in person but they look to be gray in colour or greige (greyish beige). Once we see them we'll know how they go with the current patio umbrella (beige) and patio chair cushions (red) purchased just last summer. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be little choice in colours and patterns when it comes to outdoor furniture.   They are either dark and gloomy looking, wild with patterns or wild with colour.  Our primary concerns are comfort in the cushions and comfort in the height of the seats.  I have sat on similar cushions at the store to the ones I've purchased and they are very comfortable.  The seats are also 30 inches from the ground.  Other options I saw on line were mostly 22 inches off the ground. Thirty inches should be quite comfortable for most guests and for us as well. 

Chairs

I posted here about buying a new storage sofa and I'm loving it so far.  DH was quite happy with the leather sofa we're recycling. I told him the sofa is not doing its job when we need so many cushions to prop us up.  His main issue is the quality and durability of the furniture. The old sofa set was quite durable.  I could have refilled and stuffed it, but it would not solve the storage issue.  The set had more than paid for itself in terms of use, so it was time to let it go.  

The new sofa is firm and comfortable and the storage option has really made a huge difference in my daily life.  To date, I've been storing things to get them out of the way.  When I have a little time here and there, I sort and recycle the stored items. The leather armchair we had has been taken apart and the frame recycled.  I saved all the leather pieces which I'll either use or giveaway.  The leather sofa is still sitting in the living area.  We'll be renting a truck this week and moving it and 2 other pieces of furniture to the city dump.

Sofa, wooden bench & Pilates chair

In preparation for new furniture deliveries, the different corners of the house have to be cleaned.  Bags have been filled with clothes, books and other odds and ends which will eventually be donated to the Salvation Army.  Ideally, I'd like to have as many things as possible gathered for donation before they are delivered to cut down on the back and forth trips.  On the other hand, I don't like storing them for too long because visual clutter is overly stimulating and not in a good way.

Spring is here and with it I feel a sense of renewal and progress. My theme word for 2025 is 'renew'.  So far the word is working for me.  In 2024, the master bedroom and the patio were completely rebuilt.  It's appropriate that those spaces are being refreshed and renewed in 2025.  

What about you dear reader? Did you choose a theme word for the year 2025.  If so, what is it and how is it working out so far?

Take care until next time.

Spring has Sprung - Skywatch Friday

We've had some beautiful spring days this past week. I spent some time gazing at the sky through the blossoming branches.

How is the weather where you are?

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday Post for this week.

 

Skywatch Friday ~ Last Friday in March

Hello and welcome to Friday's Skywatch post,

It has been raining so very heavily now for what seems like forever. It makes it difficult to go anywhere. But today it stopped raining and the sun came out. I couldn't get away early but in the late evening I went to the grocery store for a few items and snapped these night photos.

It was much warmer than it has been in a long while and it felt so good. You can see some of the apple blossoms are out in full force but haven't started to blossom on other trees.  I'm hoping it will be sunny more frequently soon so I can get out and enjoy the blossoms more fully and during the day too.

A few years ago I learned that many of the city's cherry trees were gifts from Japan.  In the early 1930s the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama in Japan gifted 500 Ojochin variety cherry trees to the City of Vancouver, British Columbia.  The trees were meant to honour the Japanese-Canadian veterans of WW1.  A few years later, Bunjiro and Kimi Uyeda, a local business owner and philanthropist couple, donated another 100 cherry trees to the city's park board.  The citizens and visitors alike have been enjoying the blossoms ever since. Today we enjoy thousands of cherry trees all over the city and they are in full bloom from late March to about the end of Apri with some areas starting earlier and some starting later.  Right now there is a Cherry Blossom Festival going on. I've never attended myself because it's often still cold and blustery and it's also a very busy time for me in general.  But the moment the sun shines and I have a few spare moments I get out and take some photos.

You can tell the weather was warmer as people are walking around without heavy jackets. It was so nice not to feel the chill when I went out. I don't need heat but I do like the temperature to be a bit higher than frigid, lol. I snapped this photo of the pretty tree with Christmas lights. The tree will likely remain lit all year long. 

During Covid, the city put seating in many streets all around town so people could visit outdoors instead of in their homes. After things got back to more or less normal, the city decided to continue with these outdoor seating areas and they've become a nice place to rest or visit, or both. Sometimes they have live free music. I noticed they added several tables and chairs on the opposite side of the street (the side on which I'm standing to take a photo).

On Wednesday the sun came out and brightened the day a bit. I managed to capture a bit of blue in the sky.

Thanks for joining me on Skywatch Friday.

A Long Awaited Gift to Myself

Hi friends and fellow bloggers,

I'm sharing happy news today. I finally took the plunge and bought a storage sofa with reversible chaise. I hadn't arranged for assembly prior to delivery but when the delivery men arrived I realized I didn't want to have to deal with all the packaging and set up myself or wait for DH to be available because he has such long days as it is. So I asked the delivery men whether they had an assembly service.  They did and they were willing to do it on the spot. Of course I had to pay them for the work and they were good enough to give me a discount. 

The two gentlemen were efficient and moved my old sofa and chair to another area.  They didn't have a haul away service for sofas.  They tried very hard to assemble the new sofa but had difficulty putting both of the arms of the sofa onto the body of the sofa.  After numerous attempts they asked if I would contact the furniture store and let them know the issue and I agreed.

The sofa minus one arm

I called the store and they tried helping me over the phone. When that didn't work they arranged for a technician to attend and deal with it. The technician arrived promptly at the appointed time on Monday and while he worked I learned the trick to how the arm is supposed to be attached. I don't know why the assembly men didn't know that.  They were trying to attach it in the complete opposite way though I have to say their way was the more intuitive way and I would have done the same not knowing any better.  I wasn't provided with any assembly instructions so I'm not sure if they were disposed of along with the packaging.  But now I know what to do if I ever need to take the sofa apart and put it back together again. I already know I'd need help with that because the pieces are too heavy for me to do it alone. My DH is very strong so he could do it and I could help him if needed.  I made sure to tell him the 'secret' to assembly when he arrived home later that day.

The storage part of the sofa is in the chaise as most of you will already know.  I wasted no time in filling it with things that were occupying floor space.  I'll be getting rid of most of the stored items eventually.  I'll no longer need the excess cushions and numerous reusable bags. After I deal with these things  I'll be keeping bedding in the chaise. The sofa pulls out to make a double bed which is one of the incentives in purchasing the sofa. I'm expecting company this summer and so I'm so pleased that I now have a more comfortable space for my cousin to sleep instead of on an air mattress.  I'm also pleased with the price and the multi-year warranty I purchased.  These days it seems like so many little things can go wrong with new items and it can cost a lot to have someone attend to deal with it. The sofa itself is quite comfortable.  

I call the sofa a gift to myself  because my DH didn't think we needed a new sofa. He liked the leather sofa we had. I did too but it had lost its comfort level and really needed to be restuffed or filled.  We'd been propping ourselves up on other cushions. So it was either repair the sofa which I was planning to do, or get a new one.  Since we need a space for occasional guests to sleep and a place to store blankets  I concluded that a new sofa was needed. The hardest part for me is just to decide what I really want or need then to find a good quality item at an affordable price.  The extra tariffs that have been imposed by the US Administration and those that have yet to be imposed, will have a direct impact on pricing of many goods and commodities.  So it's a good time to act on big purchases if you have the need and the means. In fact, I may be purchasing another large item in the not too distant future once I make a space for it to be assembled.

What about you dear reader? Do you have a storage sofa? If so, are you happy with the purchase?

Gone With The Wind ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we answer 4 questions each week and try to have some fun with them.

1.  Have you read the book or seen the movie Gone with the Wind and what did you think of it?

Yes, I've read Gone With the Wind but it was long ago. I also saw the movie before and after reading the book. I enjoyed both the book and the movie which is quite unusual because normally I find the book to be much better than the movie. In this case, the movie was fantastic.  Vivienne Leigh was one of my favourite actresses.  She was so beautiful and emotive in all her roles.

2. Which character was your favorite? If you didn't read it or see it. who is your favorite fictional character from a book or movie and why?

Scarlett, played by Vivienne Leigh was my favourite character in the movie. I probably wouldn't like her much if I met her in real life because she was spoiled and childish.  But I admired her character for rising to the occasion during the hardships of the war and learning how to survive.

3. Are you a fan of big epic films like Dr. Zhivago,  Gone with the Wind, etc.  If not what kind of films do you enjoy the most?

I love big epic films.  I googled "top epic films".  It turns out I've seen and enjoyed all of the ones on the list (Gladiator, Braveheart, Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dances with Wolves, The Bridge on the River Kwai & All Quiet on the Western Front). There was one film on the list called '300' which I didn't see it. In fact, I've never even heard of it. I also enjoyed Dr. Zhivago which is such a classic film.

4. The Ante Bellum era is indeed gone with the wind.  Is there an era in history that you are interested in or that you have a good deal of knowledge about? Perhaps there is an era you would like to learn more about?

Yes, I am very much interested in movies set during the during the time of the Roman Empire.  I think I've seen every movie that was ever released that was set during this era.  Most of them I saw as a youngster and a teenager;  movies like Ben Hur, Spartacus, Cleopatra, to name a few. I was especially interested in the lives of Christians and the hardships they endured during that time and how God helped them through the tough times. One of the more recent films I enjoyed about this era is Gladiator (2000).  Here is a famous clip from that film.

Thank you for visiting my blog and thank you to Annie for hosting Tuesday 4. I'm looking forward to reading your answers to the questions too!

The Trees Are Blooming

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I've been super busy this week so I haven't had time to get out and about. These have photos were taken from my balcony in early evening.

This week nature gifted us with tree blossoms. It hasn't been too warm but still the blossoms came out almost overnight

These macro photos were taken the day after when I went out for errands.

It's still chilly especially during the evening.  During such weather I always love to see the twinkling night lights of the ski slope in the distance. They look so pretty.

Thank you for stopping by to see what I've posted for Skywatch Friday this week.