Holiday Express ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome Friends to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

The holidays are coming fast!  They are loaded onto the Christmas Express  train and there is no stopping them now.

Are you ready for them this year?  

Well it's been a very busy few months and it hasn't helped that I've had a very long lasting cold. I feel okay one day then get a set back the next. This has hampered my ability to get things done. So basically I'm going with the flow. Everything will get done when it gets done. There's no point in stressing as this is the season we should make time to reflect and rejoice in the birth of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.

 1. Is your tree up? How tall is it?
what color lights? 

Yes, thankfully I managed to put up the tree. I bought a pre-lit tree a few years ago because decorating is not one of my favourite things. Now all I have to do is add some Christmas baubles and I'm done, lol.

The tree is 7 feet tall with clear lights. It is a very narrow tree to fit into different areas of my small home.  I love it!

Are there lights in the window? On the door?

No lights on the window or on the door though I do have a wreath on the door with some string lights. I also have lights on the mantle along with some greenery.

 2. Got a menu for Christmas Eve and Day?

No menu for Christmas Eve and Day as we'll be spending Christmas with my niece who has asked for Italian food.  By that she means spaghetti but we'll see what else is on the menu at the restaurant. Our dinner will also not be exactly on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day but it will be close to the day.

3. Who is coming for Christmas or who will you visit?

Yes, one brother and my dear hubby and I will travel to  my niece and brighten her holiday.

 4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I was about 6 years old, maybe even a bit younger. I remember the house was so beautifully decorated. The tree glowed so prettily in the dark with the lights and the artificial snow spread across it's branches. I'm sure there were other decorations as well and it all looked so magical.  For sure I remember the nativity scene came out each year and took pride of place.

That year, a beautiful 'walking doll' was under the tree for me.  They were all the rage at that time. I remember how pretty she was and how much I enjoyed her. My mom told me many years later that that Christmas was a hard one financially.  She had bought the tree many months before and she was so thankful that she did because there was little else under the tree that year.

I always marvelled at how much my parents were probably stressing and suffering over the idea that Christmas wouldn't be as good as usual for the children but my childhood memory is that of a very special Christmas.  It wasn't so much the gift I received though I really enjoyed it. It was the magical atmosphere that was created. 

Wishing each of you a wonderful, blessed and magical Christmas.

Holiday Specials ~ Tuesday 4

Thank you for joining in for Tuesday 4, begun by Toni Taddeo and kept in her memory. Christmas is fast approaching for billions of people.

1. Do you have a favourite Christmas carol and if so is there a particular version you especially like?

My favourite Christmas Carol that I sing if I'm at church is "Oh Holy Night".  I don't have a favourite version. I just love it no matter who sings it. I also love the entirety of Handel's Messiah and try to attend a concert to hear it every now and then during the Christmas season.

2. Do you have a special dinner for the holidays? What foods are included? 

In past years, the Christmas Dinner consisted of turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies like Brussels Sprouts, various salads, cranberry sauce, pickles, a variety of appetizers and desserts.  Now with only two of us, sometimes three, I've opted not to make the large turkey. Instead I make a roasted chicken but the others foods remain the same. On New Year's Day we often have a roasted ham, sweet potatoes or scalloped potatoes and various appetizers and desserts. The leftover ham is good for a few meals and for making pea soup.

This year I may not be making a Christmas meal. We're going to visit my niece and she has requested an Italian meal.  She simply loves all kinds of noodles and is looking forward to spaghetti.

3. Holiday movies ... which do you like to watch?

I don't watch Christmas movies every year but there are a number of them I enjoy when I'm able, such as It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, Home Alone and Home Alone 2, and Miracle on 34th Street.

4. What traditions do you continue to keep year after year for the holidays?

Actually I'm in the process of doing away with most of the traditions because our family has gotten so much smaller and for years there haven't been any young children with whom to celebrate.  The generic kind of traditions that I've kept are sending Christmas cards, making handmade gifts (a newer tradition of about 7 years) and calling one or two loved ones on Christmas and/or New Year's Day.  Oh I guess also, we open gifts on Christmas Day not on Christmas Eve and I decorate every year even if I'm not expecting to be home. I like to see the lights before and after Christmas but I take them down before the Epiphany.

Last year, I said I wanted to start making new traditions.  Depending on what happens in the the world, one of the things I'd like to do is travel to a warmer climate.  If we do start this new tradition we'd probably do it before or after Christmas so we can avoid the crowds of people and potential travel delays. 

This and That ~ November 11, 2025

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I hope you are well and keeping warm or cool depending on where you live in the world. We've had 2 dry and sunny days here for which I'm grateful. Every year it seems to rain on Remembrance Day and I always feel for the elderly veterans that have to sit outside in the cold and rain in order to participate in Remembrance Day Services. On the news today they were saying how few veterans are left of those that fought in World War 11. Sad to know they will soon no longer be with us.

True to form, each year at this time of year I'm delayed in getting a flu shot due to getting a bad cold. When I was working I always got a flu early in the season. Now that I'm retired, I always get a very bad cold or bronchitis and seldom get a flu. Again, the illness prevents me from getting a vaccine.

I'm keeping steadily busy. There is always something that needs to be done both inside and outside of the home.  I've had to reorganize a few appointments until I'm feeling a bit better.  I don't really like to do that because then it makes for a busy time trying to catch up later but sometimes it must be done.

I haven't made much headway yet on the latest book I'm reading but I'm really enjoying it so far.

I've almost finished the small, red beaded dress pin in honour of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). I still have to sew the front and back together and create a border.

I've been craving Butternut Squash soup for awhile and finally made some today. It was delicious. Even better, it's healthy.  I made the soup in my new Dutch oven. 

Someone came to pick up my old Dutch oven today. It was large one and very heavy.  I gave it away on my local Freecycle site.  Someone responded to my ad within an hour of posting and came to pick up the pot this afternoon.  I'm glad I didn't have to throw it away. It doesn't look that pretty and the enamel had started chipping away from the cast iron but it's still perfectly usable if you can handle the size and weight.

The new pot is not as heavy and the capacity is about 2 litres less. I can tell it isn't as well made as the old one I have but I'm sure it will be fine for my needs.

In other news, we finally managed to get the home phone, internet and television services all working at the same time. It's the first time since late August. Hopefully that will be the end of the issues and the billing issues I've had to sort out with Telus. It had become a real nightmare.  We don't know for sure but the problems seem to have stemmed from using the old (reconditioned) set top box that we were given when we signed on to Pure Fibre (high speed internet).  Once we used the small, new set top box, everything started working as they should have and so far everything is still working.

Thanks for stopping by. If you missed my submission to Tuesday 4. You can find it here. 

November Musings ~ Tuesday 4

It's time again for Tuesday 4 held in memory of Toni Taddeo it's founder and previous host.   Thank you so much for joining in and helping to keep this alive. It is much appreciated.

It's Autumn and temperatures in many places will be going down, days will be shorter and leaves are tumbling down. 

1. What kind of weather and temperatures make you feel most comfortable, most healthy?

I feel most comfortable and healthy when the sun is shining and the air is slightly bracing. It's good walking weather and I can wear a lighter jacket without getting overly hot or cold.

2.  Do you like the colors associated with Autumn. Clothing wise do they look good on you?

Yes! I love autumn colours like golds, browns and oranges.  I don't usually wear these colours but this year I'm trying to expand the wardrobe colour pallet with more gold, brown and green.  Orange is not my colour. I've also got my eye open for items in a deep red but no success so far. 

3. Would you rather:… 

•   …get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride? Hayride
• … visit an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch ? Pumpkin Patch
•  … eat a caramel apple or  a candy apple?  Caramel Apple
•  … have some cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins? Cinnamon Buns

4. There are 7,500 varieties  of apple.  What is your favorite and do you regularly eat apples?   What fruits do you keep on hand?

I'm not a huge fan of eating apples unless they are crispy. I used to love green apples but these days I find the skins too tough and hard on my gums. Instead I buy Honey Crisp, Pink Lady or Fuji for snacking on. 

We always have apples on hand but we also have bananas, oranges, avocados & lemons/limes on a regular basis.  Less frequently, we have pears.  In summer we have fresh peaches or nectarines and gooseberries.  Except for the apples, I find it very hard to keep most of the fruits in adequate stock however if I buy too many they will go bad.   I also buy a variety of fruits to keep in the fridge. Normally we have one or two of the following fresh berries & frozen berries (for the freezer to be used in smoothies):  strawberries, raspberries, blueberries & blackberries. Less frequently and usually in late summer, we have green or red grapes and melons such as watermelon or cantaloupe. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Music and You ~ Tuesday 4

Tuesday 4 is hosted  in memory of Toni Taddeo who started it a few years ago and I (Annie) hope you will join in with us each week. It is a great way to visit new bloggers, make friends and discover new and interesting things about your friends. The topic for this week's Tuesday 4 meme is Music.  

1. Do you play a musical instrument? 

I used to play the guitar to accompany myself in singing but haven't played in ages.

2. Have you taken music lessons? What kind. If not, is there one you might enjoy learning. It is never too late to start.  You might be surprised at how accomplished it will make you feel.

I haven't taken any music lessons but I always wanted to take piano lessons especially as a child. Perhaps I still will one day.

3. Is there music in your home as background to your day's activities or do you have music playing in your car, etc.? If so, what kind of music do you enjoy hearing?

Though I love music I seldom listen to it as background to whatever I'm doing. When I'm on the road there is usually music playing to pass the time.

What kind of music do you NOT like?

I don't like most heavy metal or rap music.

4.  Do you have a favorite composer or genre of music that you like most? Maybe you like several. Please share with us your thoughts?

My favourite genres of music are classical and Christian.  Favourite classical composers include Mozart, Bach, Handel & more.  Favourite Christian contemporary composers are Chris Tomlin,  Don Moen, Jenn Johnson & many more.  Favourite hymnal composers are Fanny Crosby, John Newton & more. 

I also like rock and roll from the 70s the era in which I grew up.  My favourite singers and songwriters include John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger & many more. 

Click the links on the names above if you'd like to hear some music samples.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Weathering the Storm ~ Tuesday 4

It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  After Toni passed into Paradise, Annie of Cottage by the Sea wanted to keep her memory and her meme alive.  Now on to the questions.

When thunder and lightning happen, cats, dogs, squirrels like to be in a small, safe , enclosure. Inside animals will hide under beds, outside they are appreciative of a box or little house to hide in. People are no different it seems.  

1. Do storms frighten you or make you cautious?

Yes, storms make me a bit frightened due to how powerful they can be, especially when it's loud thunder accompanied huge flashes of lightning.

2. What is the worst weather you can remember?

Whenever I think of a bad storm, I think back to several decades ago when I lived in the City of Saskatoon for a summer. I was working a short term contract at the university. When it storms on the prairies it gets super loud with ear shattering thunder and huge flashes of lightning and the rain coming down in buckets. When you are indoors, the lightning will light up the entire house or apartment you happen to be in.

3. Are you in a personal storm right now and do you need our prayers to help you through it?  I think many bloggers are prayer warriors indeed.

I'm not in a storm as such but I am dealing with several large matters concerning my family and my own personal needs. If you can join me in prayers for God's answers and provision that would be appreciated.  The Lord has been super good to me and when I'm going through the hardships of life, He is always there to support me. I am ever so grateful that I can turn to him at any time.  Night or day, he is always there.

4.  What is the best advice you can give to others about weathering storms of any kind.  

I often deal with others who are going through storms.  I seem to have a manner about me that makes others feel safe and comfortable to confide. I always try to give them comfort and let them know I'm praying for them. If the situation requires or it is requested, I might also give advice or counsel. It's always warmly received even by people who aren't Christian. I find that when people are going through hardships they tend to be more open to hearing about the spiritual side of things. More than that, they take comfort in hearing about God and having someone pray for them.

Autumn Nights ~ Tuesday 4

Annie at Cottage by the sea is our host for Tuesday 4 and she writes 

"Autumn evenings were always special when I was a kid.  The day ended early and the family gathered in the living room where my mother and grandmother watched a little TV and my father sat on the sofa reading and smoking his pipe.  My parents enjoyed a cup of coffee and sometimes a snack."

Here are the questions she poses (and my answers) this week.

1. Does your life go along in the same way all year or do  things change with the seasons?

My life goes along in more or less the same way all year. The thing that changes is that I am indoors a lot more once the summer ends simply because it's cooler and often rainy. It keeps me from wanting to go out unless I have something specific I need or want to do.  

Where I live the weather is inclement for half a year so if we want to do something we have to plunge ahead and do it, not wait for better weather.

2. Do you have a favorite meal on the chilly night?

I don't really have a favourite meal on a chilly night but as the weather gets colder I do need to fuel my body with hot and more substantial food than at other times of the year. Having a salad during our winters just doesn't cut it though I wish it did.

3.  Do you have a snack while you watch TV or read?

Yes indeed. I usually have a hot drink of herbal tea or regular tea with milk (the Kenyan way) or if I don't feel too cold I might have a cold drink. If I have a hot drink I will always have something to go with it like a few cookies, a piece of cake or pastry. On a rarer occasion, I'll have crackers and cheese or yogurt with fruit.  I'll often make a fruit smoothie for my cold drink and add some healthy things like chia seeds and sometimes green protein powder.  This becomes my dessert and also boosts my nutritional intake.

4. Do you have a fireplace in your home?

I have a fireplace but very seldom use it. In fact it doesn't even work. The pilot light keeps going out and I only got it fixed once. I could light it myself but I'm afraid to do it.  My fireplace likes needs replacing because the pilot light keeps going out.  Fixing it is not top priority because of all the other building projects and special assessments. One thing about living in a condo is you don't plan the overall capital expenditures yourself though you do vote on them and you do have a legal obligation to make sure the capital projects are done and paid. You don't control the timeline or negotiate costs of expenditures unless you sit on the Strata Council or are the Strata Manager.  Not every building has a strata manager because they need to be paid just like any other service.

Thanks for stopping by for a blog visit.

October Reading ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo.

Most people love to read.  It opens other worlds to us.  Autumn weather is often conducive to reading as weather can be chillier and rainy. Cozying up with a book can be a lovely way to spend some time.

How do you relax in the evening after dinner? 

By watching television, working on the computer or by reading a good book.

Do you read in bed? What kind of books do you read?

I do read in bed but not that often as I don't find it comfortable. I usually sit and read on my sofa.  I try to read all kinds of books but I tend to read more historical fiction than anything else.

Do you have a list of books you look forward to reading?

I keep a very long list of books to read and I'm always adding new titles. I can get most of them at my local library or have them sent there from the city's inter-library system. I seldom buy books these days because there are just so many available through the library.  I do get the itch to buy a book but will only buy them used and if they are a very good price at the thrift store on a rare visit there.

What is the best book you've ever read and why?  Or how about the worst book you feel you wasted time reading?

I have several books and authors I've read that I call 'the best'.  Some of my all time favourite authors are Mauve Binchy (Evening Class), Rosamunde Pilcher (The Shell Seekers),  Abraham Verghese (Cutting for Stone), Khalid Hosseini (The Kite Runner), Rohinton Mistry (A Fine Balance), Sandra Gulland (The Josephine B. Trilogy), Ken Follett (The Century Trilogy), Lisa See (The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane),  Karen Blixen (Out of Africa), Jane Austin (Pride & Prejudice) & Leo Tolstoy (Anna Karenina).  There are many more and so you see it is difficult to choose one best book and author. 

There have also been a few books that I feel I wasted time on. Some of them I plodded on and read them anyway.  But in the last few years I've started shelving them rather than waste time especially if I've dawdled over reading it and it's due back at the library.  One book that I can clearly recall not liking is President Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope" (I own this one and recently gave it away). I was quite surprised because I really enjoyed his book "Dreams of My Father".  I'm afraid I didn't keep good track of the others I've more recently shelved including a cosy mystery I tried reading last month. It was very highly rated but I could not get into it.

Other

This is a Public Service Announcement for Canadians. If you haven't yet heard about several bills that are currently before the Parliament of Canada for consideration, please pay attention to the following short video 

and the particular legislative proposals mentioned therein. Also, share this information as widely as you can.  The rights of citizens in virtually every nation around the world are being eroded before our eyes and Canada is no exception.  We need to do what we can to protect our rights. Please investigate these items and contact your local Member of Parliament with your concerns.

C 2 - Would Allow Canada Post to open your mail at the border without your consent.

C 5 - Could pull funds that are paid to provinces affecting national unity.

C 8 -  Would give the government power to order the shut down of all your Internet and phone if you are deemed to be a threat.  

C 9 - Changing definition of hate speech and giving government the power to charge you without Attorney General approval.

The above descriptions are taken directly from the video above, not through my own research. The next step is for people to do their own research and contact their local Members of Parliament with their concerns.

Here is a link to the bills currently before Parliament including the Bills I've mentioned above.

This link will take you to a page showing you the current status of each bill and identifies the stage of the legislative process they are currently in.

Last, but not least, here is a link to find your Member of Parliament should you need assistance in finding your local MP.

 

Let's Blog ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again friends to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 (hosted by Annie at Cottage by the Sea) and how about talking about blogging this week since it's something we all do anyway. 

Get yourself a cuppa, come sit down at your computer and let's think about blogging for a bit. Blog is short for Weblog, a log or diary on the World Wide Web or internet.   Your journal or diary can hold personal stories, ideas, opinions of all kinds and can be private or public as you wish.  It is an excellant way to document your life or interests.

1. Why did you begin blogging?  

I started blogging many years ago when I was on an extended leave from work due to illness. The blog post archive says 2009 was the first year I blogged but I thought it was a year or so earlier. Anyway, I was looking for a way to do something creative and productive and I believe it was my youngest brother who told me about blogging.  Since I was sick I wanted to find a way to focus on the positive and uplifting things in life like nature's beauty and so on.  The blog seemed a good vehicle for expressing positivity.

2. What benefits does blogging offer you?

As mentioned, I started blogging as a way of focussing on positive things to encourage myself while I dealt with my own health issues and also the health challenges of a dear family member. Along the way, I expanded the blog topics to share about the missions in Kenya and document my creative and other daily activities so the blog became more or a journal of sorts.

3. Have you made friends from blogging?

Yes, I've made a few friends through blogging.  I've been fortunate to meet a few bloggers in person.  One in Canada who has since passed on and one in Kenya who now lives in South Africa.  There were plans to meet two other bloggers, one in Vancouver Island and one from Hong Kong but those plans didn't come to fruition.  I expect I'll get a chance to meet one or two other bloggers in due time.

4. Where do you get ideas for things you blog about? Do other bloggers influence you?

The last few years there have been a number of quirks and issues I've faced with the blogging platform, Blogger.  These problems resulted in fewer readers, followers and commenters.  Since I don't want to be talking to myself or blogging about things that are only of interest to me,  I've thought about giving up blogging altogether because it's discouraging when no one leaves comments or only one or two people seem to be reading.  However, I persevered and along the way, I've been encouraged by a few other bloggers.  Since I've been blogging, I noticed that so many others have started a blog and dropped by the way side.  Blogging no longer is the main social media tool for keeping in touch with others. Everyone seems to want instantaneous and new and have migrated to platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok and others.   

Sometimes I have many ideas for blogging and at other times I have no ideas. Blogging ideas can come in different ways: every day life, what I see on television, what I read and what I see around me.  Other bloggers influence me too especially when I read their uplifting posts, beautiful photos or heartfelt personal news.  I've also been inspired to try new recipes or crafts when I see what other bloggers are up to.

For some time now, I've been preoccupied with decluttering, household renos, condo business and old personal business so the blog has been in caretaking mode rather than robust activity and original content.  It's helped enormously to have a few memes to participate in to support my blogging efforts.  Once I've completed all old business, I'll be able to decide what direction to go with the blog.

Things to Ponder ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome back to another of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 memes hosted by Annie at Cottage by the Sea.

Across much of the USA autumn has arrived early.   

Annie writes that while she was enjoying her cuppa she was pondering a few things to do with her home and suggested we ponder a few questions.

Here are the questions she asked us to ponder:

1. If you could live in the world of any movie, which one would you choose and why?

When Harry Met Sally.  I chose the movie because of the wonderful fall scenery and because I love the vibe of New York City.

2. If you could have coffee or tea with a woman from history or from fiction come to life, who would that be and why?

Mary, the mother of Jesus.  I think she was such a courageous and strong woman to deal with being with child before being married and all the social stigma that must have arisen from that.  I'd love to talk with her about how she managed the stresses and responsibilities of becoming a mother in the way she did and also how she handled her married to Joseph.  I also think Joseph, the step-father of Jesus would be a wonderful person to speak with.  I've often thought what a wonderful man he must have been to support Mary in her condition and marvel at his obedience in following the message he received from the angels through his dreams. Surely he must have had many questions and most likely, even doubts about what he had to do. Another woman I'd like to speak with is Josephine Bonaparte. Her marriage to Napoleon only lasted for 6 years because she could not bear him a child. Even after their divorce they corresponded a lot and he continued to declare his love for her.

3. If you could create an autumn-themed festival, what unique events or foods would it feature?

I have no idea. I love festivals but I don't think I'd be good at planning them. Maybe some pumpkin carving, bobbing apples, face painting hay rides and warming drinks like hot chocolate and some good funnel cakes which we don't really get where I live. I think they now sell funnel cakes at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) an annual summer event. I went this summer (see my post here) but I didn't indulge in any sweet treats.

4. If autumn had a personality, how would you describe it, and what kind of friend would it be?

Warm, comforting, happy, peaceful yet invigorating.

Coffee or Tea? ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

The living cat on record, Creme puff,  lived to be 38 years old and was given coffee at breakfast all his life.  Breakfast for him was bacon, eggs, broccoli and coffee.

The previous owner of the record was Grandpa Rex Allen who lived to be 34 years old on the same diet.  Coffee reduces chances of Alzheimers, Parkinsons.  

Tea without adding milk can "tan" your bladder making for many problems .  Milk binds the tannic acid making it safe to drink.

Homemade food increases an animal's life span too.  Let's talk about it, okay?

1. Coffee increases a bee's memory and does the same for you.      Bees love caffeinated coffee  flowers.  What do you love about coffee or tea?

I love coffee for the smell and the taste.  The caffeine also perks me up enough to get going after a night's sleep.  I also love tea for the taste.

2. If you opened a tea or coffee shop in your neighborhood what would it be named?  How would you decorate it? Would pastry or cake be served?

Good question. I haven't landed on a name because I haven't thought much about opening such a shop.  How about "Perfect Potion" or "Chat and Brew", lol. As for decor, I envision a rustic interior with lots of wood and beams. The other option would be a shabby chic look. Cakes and pastries would definitely be on the menu because these sweet treats go well with tea and coffee.

3. Beethoven required 60 beans per cup of coffee.  How particular are you about your coffee or tea?

I am not that particular. I only require that the coffee or tea not be bitter.

4.  Italian clergy in 1600s  declared coffee the devil's brew and forbid it.  Pope Clement the VIII wanted to taste it, loved it and blessed it ... today, new research shows black coffee is drunk mainly by psychopaths.  Sweden banned coffee in 1746 as dangerous and Islam banned it for causing free thinking!  

How do you take your coffee you free thinking, radical and what's your favorite brand of devil's brew?

I take my coffee with cream, no sugar. My favourite canned brand is Maxwell House. My favourite beans if I buy at the coffee shop are Sumatra Java or Guatemala Antigua. I also like certain coffees from Ethiopia, Kenya and Columbia.  

I used to drink my caffeinated tea black or with lemon but these days I drink it with cream. If I drink herbal tea, I take it without cream or sugar.  My favourite at the moment is Rooibos from South Africa. I usually drink herbal tea at night when I'm relaxing before sleep.

The Art of Living ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where the idea is to promote blogging and friendships.

The art of living can be tricky and you need to know how it's done.  Life gives you lessons if you are paying attention.  Part of the art is knowing  how to see things as they really are.... 

Let's talk about your view on life..... 

1.  What gives your life meaning or purpose?    Why does it do that for you?

My faith in God and eternal life as a gift gives me purpose and meaning.  My faith helps me get through each day especially the hardest days.  The moral aspect of my faith is my moral compass that provides a direction in how I live my life and the ethics that go along with it.  

2.  How do you define success and happiness for yourself?  

Success and happiness is being able to do the things that give you joy and contentment. I also believe it's important to have good relationships with family and/or friends depending on your circumstances and to help others when you can.

3.  What lessons have your biggest challenges taught you?  

It's best not to worry too much. I say too much because though we're told in scripture not to worry, I think it's human nature to spend time worrying.  Some people worry more than others but the believer must try to cast their worries and cares upon our Heavenly Father.

4.  How do you want to impact the world or those around you?

I want to be remembered as someone who lived out her faith and inspired others to a life of faith. I also wish to be remembered as someone who brought joy to those around me and hope to others when they needed it most. I also wish to be remembered as someone who loved family and did her utmost to support them throughout life.

Bon Voyage ~ Tuesday 4

Wayfaring....

Welcome to Tuesday 4... here is a repeat from the first year.

1. Where have you traveled and what is the furthest you've been from home?

I've travelled to many countries but not as many as I would like. 

Firstly, I've been very privileged to have travelled to almost every province and territory in Canada. I still haven't been to Nunavut, the newest Northern Territory, Prince Edward Island (PEI, home of Anne of Green Gables) or to Newfoundland and Labrador and I likely won't make it to any of these places.

I've also made it to several US states (Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Maine, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Florida.   Many of these places we were just passing through on the way to specific cities. Miami, Florida was a stopover on my trip to Peru and I stayed overnight just to see Miami Beach. For a variety of reasons, it was not a pleasant stay in. Miami and I won't be repeating it.

I've also been to Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Taxco) and Lima, Peru.  

In Europe, I've been to Germany, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Sweden and a small part of Norway.  I've also travelled to Paris, France but haven't seen any other part of France unless you count Versailles just outside of Paris. I'd love to travel much more of Europe however the weak Canadian dollar has always limited where I travel.  I'm still hoping to make it to a few more European countries before my travelling days are completely over.

I've also been to Australia several times (all down the east coast) and to the north Island of New Zealand in Oceania.  Last, but not least, I've been to Ghana in West Africa and many times to Kenya in East Africa, the latter of which I consider my second home..  

I'm not sure which country was the farthest from home but probably Kenya because it had the longest travel time.

2. Is there a location other than where you are, that you think would be a nice place to live?

I loved Far North Queensland, and in particular the City of Cairns. Sydney in the south was also very nice  and in their winter it reminded me a lot of where I live in Vancouver, Canada.  I'm not sure how I'd be in Australia's summer season in either of these places.  I don't do well in hot weather.  

I also loved almost every city I visited in Germany and I travelled to almost every region of German with Ahlen as my home base.  I loved the people I met, the aesthetics of each town, their festivals and lifestyles. The cities put people first and there were small parks everywhere (at least where I stayed much of the time) & recycling and bike riding was made super easy with bike paths and recycling bins everywhere.  

I also like a few Kenyan cities and towns, like Nairobi for the big city and Kericho for the smaller city.  The scenery, the wildlife and the people were all fantastic.  

In Canada, I love Montreal in Quebec because the city has a European ambiance.  But the winters are too brutal and too long for me now.  In summer it can be very humid but the city itself is beautiful.

3. Do you have a photo or story from a favorite place to visit?

I uploaded several photos here of a visit to Australia for a recent Tuesday 4 post.  The trip was many years ago before smart phones existed. I took so many photos during my travels over the years but didn't keep them organized.  Looking back, I see that most of the photos were terrible quality and rather uninteresting.  Now I'm beginning to go through them and throw them out little by little.  They aren't good so they are just adding to my clutter.  I really wish they were of better quality so I could share them.  Now that we use smart phones, the photo quality is much better.  I took the following photos on my last trip to Kenya. I didn't see too much even though I was there for 3 weeks.  I got very sick soon after arrival and spent much of my time trying to recover from a serious lung infection. 

View of residences in Parklands area of Nairobi, Kenya

In the foreground is the Oshwal Centre, the oval building in back is a mall

Movenpick Hotel in Parklands, Nairobi

A cafe at the renowned Lord Stanley Hotel in downtown Nairobi

A coffee with lunch at the Lord Stanley

Jonah, checking out the menu at Lord Stanley Hotel 

Nairobi City traffic

Side street in downtown Nairobi on a quiet Sunday

More city traffic

Traffic jams are notorious in Nairobi City though number of expressways are now open

Going to Utali College to visit a young friend

Passing a Hindu temple on the way to Utali College

Birds were everywhere in the trees at the Utali College grounds

4. What dream destination do you have tucked away in  your heart? Do you think you'll be able to visit them one day or are plans in the making?

One of my dream destinations is England.  So that would include London and not sure where else because there is just so much to do and see and I'll be lucky if I can get there once.  I'm thinking I'd like to see Bath and Devon but I also have a friend in Nottingham whom I'd love to see.  I'd also like to travel to Hungary and Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast.  

I'd still like to see more of Africa such as Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa. I think some of this might be doable but it's hard to say given the state of the world today. Also the budget definitely doesn't go nearly as far these days and savings for such travels will take a lot of time.  Anyway, I have a long list of places to go, if and when the money is available.