Travel Bug ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 hosted by Annie at Cottage by the Sea.

Annie says that finding reasons to blog and stay in touch with others, or to meet new bloggers is very important and I would agree with her.  Blogging also  provides you with a record of your thoughts and ideas to leave for your family.   It's a journal of sorts really that you share with others.

Summer is June 21st and people usually take advantage of the warm weather to take a trip or vacation or day trips to visit, shop or for recreation.

So let's talk about travel.

1.  What are the most memorable destinations you've visited, and what made them stand out? (this could include places like museums, art galleries, etc. not only a vacation site.)

Oh my!  I've had so many memorable travel destinations and places that I've visited that have stood out for various reasons.

Australia  - Everything was novel to me, the side of the road for drivers, the scenery, the accents, the sayings like 'good on ya mate' and of course the weather. I was enamoured of the fine white sand along the Gold Coast at Surfer's Paradise but the entire eastern coast of Australia was spectacular. I travelled with my brother on the first and second trip and he drove from the Far North Queensland, Port Douglas all the way south to Sydney in New South Wales. Oh and I can't forget about the Great Barrier Reef. We spent an entire day out on Green Island to explore the reef. and had several opportunities on the drive down the coast to experience Aboriginal culture.

New Zealand (North Island) - I loved the scenery and the quiet countryside. We saw more sheep than I've ever seen at any one time before or after. A fantastic time time was had in the hot springs of Rotoru (Te Puia) and in the Maori's Marae listening to the cultural teachings, songs and dances of the Maori people.

Honolulu, Hawaii - I've been here briefly a few times and though I'm not a huge fan of the heat, I absolutely love the scenery. On 2 separate trips I've taken the 2.5 hours bus tour around the island to experience the Halona Blow Hole and the fantastic scenery. I did a recent google search and found that these days the tours seem to last all day. Personally I prefer a shorter tour. The ones I took were run by the original Hawaiians who gave a little insight into their history and lifestyle.

Kenya, East Africa - On my first visit to Kenya, I went on an unforgettable safari  to the world renowned Maasai Mara National Park. Part of the experience was seeing the Maasai men perform their traditional jumping dance and also visiting a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai people, like many tribes in the isolated areas of the country, still live in their traditional houses and compounds.

Paris, France - I had a dream for many years to travel to Paris with my youngest nephew. We talked about it a lot when he was quite young.  When he grew up I never thought he'd be interested but we did it! We travelled to Paris in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed our short trip.  Just being in Paris was a thrill though we also saw several of the usual tourist things. My personal favourite was a visit to the Sacre Couer Cathedral in Montmarte. 

2.  Which hidden gem locations have you explored that you'd recommend to others?

These days it's pretty hard to say you've found or explored a 'hidden gem'. Most places that are worth seeing have pretty much been overrun with tourists.  There are many beautiful places in the world but I have to say that Canada is blessed with spectacular scenery.  British Columbia, the province where I live is no exception especially if you love mountains, valleys, & lots of waterways (lakes, rivers and oceans). If there are any hidden gems I'd have to say if you travel the province by car and explore some country roads you will find all manner of beautiful spots and many secluded areas near lakes where you can camp or rent a cabin. Virtually every where you go in British Columbia, there is a beautiful, gem and it's a 'hidden one' if it isn't on someone's 'must see' list. 

3.  What’s the most unique cultural experience you’ve had while traveling ?

Travelling in New Zealand where we experienced the marae (communal and sacred space which serves as a hub for community gatherings).  My brother and other men were invited to participate in a Haka Dance with the local Maori men and it was so much fun to watch them.  We also visited a cultural geyser site where foods were being cooked in the traditional way among the rocks and the hot steam.

In Cairns, Australia, my mother and I joined a tour where we were taken around to various sites where the Aborigines of the area showed us how they used to hunt, make things and forage for herbs and foods.  We also had an opportunity to see the Tjapukai Aboriginal Dance Troupe at the Daintree Rain Forest.

In Kenya, I got to see the men of the Maasai tribe do their traditional dancing and went to many places where the culture was evident and on display.  For example, visiting orphans raised by a widow woman, they broke out in traditional song to welcome me and also to say goodbye.  This happened wherever I travelled and it made my trip so enjoyable and also memorable.

4.What mode of transportation is your favorite for a long trip? How about a short trip?

For a long trip I prefer to take the plane. For a short trip I prefer to go by car. A train may have more room but it is very slow in Canada and I don't like to take forever to get somewhere. For many tourists who come to Canada, they opt to take the train and see the spectacular mountains between British Columbia and Alberta, the world famous Rocky Mountains.  

I've been on the trains in Germany but not as a tourist. I found it quite stressful dealing with connections between I was largely alone and struggling with heavy luggage on stairs .  I wasn't on holiday and the people organizing my travel left no room for flexibility. If I missed a connection it would have been a nightmare. It was also in the days before smart phones and Google so I couldn't do much advanced research.

Today, if I were to take a multi-holiday trip to Europe, I would probably travel by train so I could see the countryside.  I also think it's an economical and comfortable mode of travel especially if you are not so fixed on the time and connections. I would also use the bullet train if I ever travel to Japan though I don't relish the idea of being crammed in the train like a sardine (I've seen it on television).

Note:  A post such as this is better enjoyed with personal photos. Since most of my memorable experiences were had before smart phones, I don't have any photos readily available to upload. But I will look for a few and scan and upload any that might be appropriate. As for the Kenyan & Paris photos, I have so many but again I'll have to search for the 'right' ones.  In the meantime, I've added links in this post, to all the major sites.  Please do check them out.

Thank you for stopping by!

A Cosy Home ~ Tuesday 4

Hi Friends!   It's another Toni Taddeo Tuesday 4. 

Here it is a temperature breaking Monday afternoon.  The meme today is all about warm and cozy homes.

What’s one feature in your home that makes it feel especially cozy or comfortable for you?

Lighting, especially in winter. I use fairy lights, candles, wall scones, lamps and the fireplace to create that hyggle-lieg feeling.

How do you like to personalize your living space to reflect your style or personality?

I'm not much of a decorator but I do like cosy. I try and create cosiness with cushions, area rugs, throw blankets, and lights. The reflection of my personality is in the colour choices. I've always loved jewel tones, especially rich reds. But of late I'm more inclined towards the use beige, ivory, light grey & yellow to create a more mellow, peaceful feeling. Since I love reading and crafts you will also find a lot of books and handmade items in my home. Last but not least, I love art. Not expensive art but pieces that are nonetheless meaningful to me.

I no longer have this sofa or most of the cushions. 

New lights for living room

The above photo is an old photo and most of the decor has changed including some of the art work and lighting. As time moves forward I've made some long needed changes and more will come as I endeavour to make things function better for our needs.

Are there any home maintenance tasks you find particularly important for keeping your space comfortable year-round.

Not really. I live in a condo and we pay someone to take care of all the maintenance tasks of which there are many. Indoors I just try to keep everything in working order and make small improvements here and there. My main goal is to downsize possessions and eliminate clutter.

What's your go to way to unwind or create a relaxing atmosphere at home after a long day?

When I arrive home after a long day and taking off my shoes, etc. I usually spend some time on the home computer and delete unnecessary email. I then think about making dinner if I haven't eaten out.  After clean up I can sit in the living room, make a caffeine free drink like tea or coffee.  If it's hot outside, I will have a cold drink like diluted pomegranate or other juice. I sit with my feet elevated and enjoy some You Tube on the smart television, some other programming or I read one of the many books I usually have going.

The Best Part of Waking Up ~ Tuesday 4, 2025

Hello again.  Here are today 4 questions for  Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

We are asked 4 questions each week to get us blogging, thinking, discussing and visiting with other bloggers.

The commercial song said "the best part of waking up in Folger's in your cup".  

1. What is in your cup in the morning?

I remember that jingle but I have Maxwell House in my cup.

2. What brand of coffee or tea is the best in your opinion and why do you think so?

Maxwell House is the brand I like best for home brewing. When I go to the coffee shop I generally pick a medium roast brew. The coffees I like best are medium roasts from Guatemala, Sumatra, Kenya and of course, Columbia. The reason I like these coffees is they pack enough of a punch without being too strong or bitter. By the way, I am not a coffee snob though I probably was at the introduction of Starbucks and all the many specialty coffee shops that popped up after that. These days I seldom go to the high end coffee shops including Starbucks. I'd probably go more often but they close so early these days (mostly by 7. p.m.).  Nowadays I find that as long as the coffee is medium roasted, freshly brewed cup, it is just right for my tastes. 

3. Where do you drink your cuppa in the morning? Do you have a nice view?

I always drink my coffee while sitting on my sofa.  When the weather warms up enough I will like to try going outside on the patio, however it sounds like the weather is going to go from coolish to very hot, no transition.

On the sofa, I can also watch something on television or answer the phone if it should ring. I still have the old fashioned land line for my home and I prefer it to the cell phone.  

I always used to say the cell phone was for my convenience only and I didn't want personal calls on it. However, over time, more and more calls come in on my cell phone and a lot of it is scam related.  These days I usually ignore the cell phone which makes my friends very annoyed with me but I just get so fatigued with all the scams.  When a number appears on the screen with no name, as it often does, I am afraid to answer if I don't recognize the number. I suppose the lack of a name could mean that the caller is using a different service provider but I am leery of answering.  I receive far more scam phone calls on my cell phone than legitimate ones and that is incredibly annoying. Sorry for the rant. Does anyone else have this problem? 

4. Besides the morning, do you take little tea or coffee breaks during the day?    If you are out and about where is your favorite place to get some tea or coffee?

Once I have my 2 cups of coffee to start the day, I do not have any more unless it's the weekend and I'm running late errands.  Often, though not always,  I have a cup of tea at to warm up especially in the colder months.  I have to drink caffeine free or I'll be awake all night.  In the hot months, I omit the tea and have a cold drink instead. 

If I'm out and about, I'll stop at McDonalds, J.J. Bean or Blenz, all of which have many branches.  I like to read a book after running errands and relax with a drink.  Generally though I find it easier to read a book at McDonalds over coffee than anywhere else. The exception is on Friday or Saturday nights when typically the place is overrun with teenagers who are enjoying their 'night out'.  They can get very loud and the way McDonald's is built, the sound is amplified and just bounces off the walls.

Staying Put ~ Moving On: Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Sometimes we live in the sameplace where we were born and remain there all of our lives.

Sometimes we move away and never come back because of jobs, marriage, circumstances of all kinds.

Sometimes we choose where we will live and we have definite reasons for staying there even though we might be far from family.

1. Are you far from family and if so why? Would you like to have them closer and have you discussed that with them?

When you say 'family' I assume you mean immediate family. I have some of my immediate family near me and some far away.  I haven't discussed being closer with the far away family members. They have their reasons for living where they live and I have mine. In fact they have their own family members too and are rooted in their various locations.

2. How did you come to live in the state you are in? How about the city/town.

I was born in the Province of British Columbia (BC).  A province is similar to a state.  My birthplace is and where I grew up is about 1200 km north of Vancouver, BC which is where I live now. I first moved here for university and then work.  I have lived and worked in other parts of Canada but have been in Vancouver the longest of any other place I've lived so it is my home.

Signage at Mile "0" of the Alaska Highway

3. What good things keep you living where you are?

What's good about your state and town?

Now that I am retired I remain in my city because it provides the best access to health care and there are many things one can do here to stay active and entertained.  I consider myself fortunate in that I've had no issues accessing the health services of a family doctor or various specialists.  This is a major problem for so many others, especially those that live outside of the Greater Vancouver area.  Sometimes I've considered moving to a quieter city which is marginally less expensive to live in.  It's the place where several of my immediate family members grew up and where several of my loved ones are laid to rest.  The key impediment is lack of access to a family doctor.  In fact, the issue was highlighted on the news just the other day.

A walk in Stanley Park

False Creek view to downtown

Granville Island

Granville Island Aqua Bus

So I stay put to access health services and all the other wonderful things in my city.  It's a terribly expensive city but it is in a very beautiful, scenic setting.  There are so many cultural activities, festivals and concerts to take in.  If you are a sporty person there are also a plethora of sporting activities to enjoy such as running, hiking, walking, skiing and other sports.  Vancouver is a very walkable city and has a variety of malls and neighbourhood shops where one can enjoy a variety of foods and shopping.  One of my favourite activities when I have a bit more time is to take a walk in a particular neighbourhood, have coffee or lunch and take photos whether it's raining or sunny.

View to downtown Vancouver from Spanish Banks

Lights of Hope fundraiser for the St. Paul's Hospital

Trout Lake for the Aboriginal Day festival

I also love the province because by and large, the scenery is spectacular wherever you travel througout the province.

Going north on the Coquihalla Highway

Kits flying in Steveston's Garry Point Park

4. What things might convince you to move to another state or just another town?

Better access to health services. 

Downtown Hospital, a new one is being built 

Right now the provincial government is streamlining the process for health workers in USA who want to move to Canada and, in particular, to the province of British Columbia (BC). The government and relevant authorities have dramatically reduced the wait times for credentialing and the requirements for credentialing to help expedite the process for those who want to move to BC and work here.  It's likely this will improve health care staffing across the entire province including smaller towns and villages.  

Since March 2025, over 1200 doctors, nurses and health professionals have expressed an interest in moving to BC.  The government says that number includes 573 physicians, 413 nurses 133 nurse practitioners and 39 allied health professionals.  Since April 177 nurses have applied to work in BC and 113 have already been registered with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives though it isn't clear how many have actually been hired. 

The government and health authorities have tried a variety of things to increase the number of doctors in particular including opening new medical school.  However these initiatives take a lot of time to increase the number of health care professionals. Hiring people from other countries would increase the numbers more quickly assuming the province will have the flexibility to hire immigrants. I believe that these numbers were recently reduced by the federal immigration minister before our last election (pre-April 28, 2025).  The federal government has been trying to reduce the immigration numbers overall due to the housing crisis. I sense that things are on the right track to improve both housing and health care.

Drive to Kamloops, BC

Near Seton Lake, BC

Kamloops, BC to the North Shore & Bachelor Heights

Question Variety ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4

This week just a variety of little questions for you to ponder.

 1. What's on TV for you tonight?  Alternatively do you have plans for Tuesday night?

Canada has a national election Monday for the new government and our new Prime Minister. Tuesday there will be a lot of political coverage so I'll likely be watching it.

2. Is there a TV program you hate to miss? Why?  And if not TV is there a club or activity, get together you would hate to miss out on?

There is one indulgence I've had since I was a teenager. It's the popular soap opera, 'Y & R'. When I first started watching many years ago, I was enthralled by the lavish lifestyles, homes and fashions. But I was actually watching another soap opera first called 'The Edge of Night'.  Does anyone remember it?  However it went off the air maybe a year or two after I began watching it and 'Y & R' became it's substitute for me. Where I grew up absolutely no one had that kind of lifestyle. These days I like the family values and the ups and downs of long term relationships (family, friendships, business partners, arch enemies). Some things have never changed, just like real life. I probably started watching these shows as a way to fantasize about a different life. I grew up in a small town with no real services or amenities and it was always my desire to leave to go to university and experience other cultures and lands. I enjoyed many different programs on television in my younger years but only Y & R seems to have lasted all these years.  Update:  After a bit of research I realized an error. It wasn't 'The Edge of Night' I'd started watching. The soap was instead called 'Another World'.

3.  Do you belong to any clubs or societies or organizations?   Odd Fellows, Elks, Moose, Eastern Star or anything like that?   Can you tell us about it?

I no longer belong to any clubs. When I was working I was sometimes a member of various professional organizations and did a bit of volunteering with grassroots community groups and Big Sisters organization. Today I only have memberships in a couple of local community centres.  It allows me to hear about some fun community activities and classes and gives me a reduced cost to participate.

4.  The internet is filled with ads.   Are there any ads that you enjoy seeing or ones that you hate to see?

I'm not sure if you are talking about ads on blogs such as the ones appearing on my blog, or if you mean ads in general. I don't mind some ads but I really don't like 'pop ups' ads. They are too distracting and make it hard to navigate a blog or website.  I pay more attention to ads on Instagram than on any other social media site. I've learned about some local services and organizations through these ads and have actually used them. I likely would never have come across them otherwise. Even so, one has to take precautions when following up on advertisements on line.

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 Windy Month ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we try to have fun answering questions about various subjects.

March, they say, comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  It is called the windy month like Chicago is called the windy city!

1.  Has March come in like a lion or a lamb in your neck of the woods? 

I can barely remember back to the beginning of March and I didn't take any outdoor photos at the time. After thinking about it for a while, I recall the temperature was feeling a bit warmer but the night hours were quite chilly.  So the month came in like a lamb.

2. There have been some awful storms of late.  Have you suffered through them or have you ever suffered through a very bad storm in your life? (if so we wish you well).

The last bad storm I was in was about 3 or 4 years ago. The city traffic came to a grinding halt due to a snowstorm.  It snowed for hours and hours non-stop.  There was so much snow and it was very slippery. I still remember walking down the street to get home when the buses were not operating. There were a lot of other people walking and we saw so many cars and buses just abandoned in the middle of the streets. I took photos but I guess I never uploaded them so unfortunately I can't share them with you.

3. Spring begins March 20th and ends with summer on June 20th this year.  Any plans for Spring in general? How about the spring holidays? 

I'm looking forward to spring.  I have no plans to go away for spring break which starts today (Monday, March 17, 2025).  Spring is always a busy time as I have a lot of jobs that accumulate around the house over the winter and I have the patio to organize and plant.  Last, but not least, I have to do the planting at the community garden plot. 

4.  What are your favorite springtime flowers?  Trees or shrubs?

How about a song with a springtime theme to it that you enjoy?  

I don't have favourite spring time flowers. I love them all, lol. I usually plant a lot of geraniums and petunias as well as pansies and Black Eyed Susans.  I've also tried to plant many other taller flowers like snapdragons and others which haven't tended to do well in my garden.  Perhaps I'll try again because the soil has been completely changed out. 

Fall 2024, the new garden, not quite finished

As for trees, I like Dogwood Trees, Maple Trees and Weeping Willows best but love almost all trees too.   My patio garden area has been completely rebuilt and I now have to replant it.  Large trees with big root systems are no longer allowed.  I'll plant some shorter bushes instead.  I've chosen some Azalea Japonicas and a Pieres Japonica or a Lily of the Valley shrub.  Both types of shrubs grow quite slowly.

Pieres Japonica, Red Head (not mine)

The only springtime song that comes to mind is "When it's Springtime in Alaska" by Johnny Horton. I'm a northern gal so country songs and songs about the north are appealing. This song should make all the southerners be grateful for their warmer temperatures *smile.

Teenage Years ~ Tuesday 4

It's time once again for Tuesday 4 brought to you each week in memory of Toni Taddeo and hosted by Annie of Cottage by the Sea.

1. Did you have a teen heart throb? Wanna tell who it was and maybe why? Maybe there was a teen actress you looked up to?

I didn't have much of a focus on singers or actors back when I was a teen.  I was too busy with school and keeping up grades, helping out at home, going to church and just enjoying the day to day life. The closest I came to having a heart throb  was an older teen, David Cassidy of The Partridge Family.  

I used to enjoy that show in general and I paid attention to each of the actors and actresses on the show.  Susan Dey, also of The Partridge Family, would have been a young actress I looked up to and also Marie Osmond of the Osmond Family. Marie was just starting to make her own name as a solo singer at the time.  The few times I purchased Teen Magazine (anybody remember those?),  I would see David Cassidy, Susan Dey and Marie Osmond featured in them.  They were the huge superstars of their day. At least in my youthful recollection.

The photos I've shared of my teen idols are what they looked like back in the day when I followed them on the television and in the teen magazines. They were all a few years older than me.  It's sad that David Cassidy struggled so much with his alcohol addiction. It seemed like he tried hard to overcome it but seemingly lost the struggle.

2.  When you were a teen, what song  made you happy when you heard it playing?  Did you and a boyfriend/friend have 'Your" song?

I enjoyed the theme songs from The Partridge Family & Gilligan's Island. Those were the popular television shows I remember from my youth.

I didn't have a long term boyfriend in high school.  The main guy that I dated and I, did not have a song as such.  But he liked to listen to Johnny Rivers and Johnny Winters who were both popular at that time. I particularly remember the song covered by Johnny Rivers called "Solitary Man" and I grew to like it a lot. Much later, I heard the song as originally recorded by Neil Diamond and I was able to see him in concert when I first moved to Vancouver.  

My teenaged boyfriend was a very nice young man, a few years older than I and very respectful. We didn't break up as such since we were not so  serious.  I guess we just drifted apart due to my family's long distance move and his knowledge that I had plans to move even farther away to go to university.  There were no strings and no future 'together' plans.   Years later, I learned he died of natural causes.  He was still very young age and if I recall correctly he had some heart issues. I was saddened when I learned the news and grateful that the Lord protected me from certain heartache at a young age. I also enjoyed the rock and roll band, the Rolling Stones and a few other groups of the day.  I wrote here about going to a Stones concert last summer. It was a gift to me from my youngest brother and I enjoyed it a lot.

3.  Were sleep overs a  thing in your area?  How about sweet 16 parties?   Were they the thing to do or not?

Sleepovers were a thing but not really in my circle and I never heard of anyone in. my area having a sweet 16 party. In any case, my mother would never let us stay overnight at someone else's house. She didn't mind us visiting and playing after school but we had to be home by a certain hour and we were always at home on the weekends. I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.

4.   You are suddenly transported back in time and you are 16 years old.   You've got school tomorrow. Lay out your outfit for tomorrow and tell us what it consists of.

I still remember what I wrote to school and what I wore in general. My outfits were fairly simple. For school, it would have been a checked wider legged pant with cuffs and a pullover top (short sleeves) in a coordinating colour.  The top was a pullover top but not a t-shirt. 

Similar to these pants and top but different colour.

I might also have laid out a striped bell bottomed denim type pants with a button up blouse. I also wore jeans and even had a pair of what was called elephant pants.  A pair of pants with extra wide legs. I mostly wore jeans at home, not to school and I wore the elephant pants only for going somewhere special so didn't wear them often.  We didn't have an excess of clothing back in those days. We had 2 or 3 outfits for school, one or two outfits for church or dress up occasions, night clothes and outerwear. Times and needs were much simpler then.

The shoes I wore would have been a casual shoe with a platform heel, not terribly high, with lace ups. I believe the brand was Cougar.  I couldn't find a photo of the shoes but the leather ones below are similar. Mine were plain leather not stitched on top or on the sides.

.

I used to also wear Wallabees, a suede lace-up shoe which I loved and which were popular until well into my university days.  It seems Wallabees come in a variety of colours but where I lived the options were beige or brown. Inevitably I opted for beige. For dress up occasions, I wore low heeled pumps.

Sadly I don't have any photos to show my outfits from those days. My mother was the family photographer and historian.  But there was a long period of time when she didn't take any photos and where my baby brother , was busy destroying the photos she did have.  It was during his terrible two phase of development.  

It was fun walking down memory lane with you. I'm looking forward to reading about your teenage years. Thanks for stopping by.