It's News to Us ~ Tuesday 4

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Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we give you 4 questions to ponder and blog about each week.  The details of our lives are 'news'.

1. Do you or did you ever have a nickname? Care to share?

Yes, I've had several nicknames over the years. These were usually given to me by my maternal uncles and my maternal grandfather.  One I can share is 'jawbreaker eyes'.  My uncle called me that because back then I had very large, dark eyes.  He thought they resembled a popular candy made in those days called jawbreaker. The candy was round, large, very hard & tasted like liquorice if I recall correctly.  Sadly, my eyes are no longer so large.  The candy also seems to have disappeared from the marketplace. Update:  I did a google search and apparently they still make and sell this candy somewhere (probably the USA) and it comes in different flavours not just liquorice.

2.  Did you ever have a penpal or have you chatted online with someone you don't know in person?

Yes, I've had several pen pals over the years whom I've never met.  I've also chatted with several people on line that I've never met and likely never will.  The time I shared snail mail with a pen pal was when I was a young adult.  His name was Leczek and I 'met' him through a local friend who worked at the university when I was a student. I can't recall why I started corresponding with Leczek but I think my university friend thought it would be a good idea.  Leczek was Polish and lived in Poland with his wife and 2 children.  My memory is hazy but I think Leszek and his wife were both teachers.  I do remember that they were both deeply fascinated with Native Americans. 

This interest is what later made me back off from corresponding with Lezsek.  I was very uncomfortable with his views of Native Americans and his insistence on seeing them as historical, noble savages rather than the contemporary peoples they are today.   No matter what I shared with him, he and his wife refused to see Native Americans as contemporary beings with a rich history.  

In many parts of Europe, primarily Germany and Poland, there are people who romanticize Native Americans and emulate their way of life before and during early contact. They even have friendship clubs were they get together each summer to camp and recreate the lives they think Native Americans live/d including their way of dressing, dancing and so on.  They seem to have gotten their information from the writings of the Eastern German novelist, Karl May. 

Karl May never actually ever met a Native American and never travelled to America but he wrote many novels about the life of Native Americans as he imagined it to be.  He is well known and still today people believe whole heartedly in what he wrote. I met some of these people when I travelled to Germany and I when I visited the Karl May museum in Dresden, Germany.  Anyway, the correspondence with Leczek was interesting while it lasted as I also learned a bit about Poland and the life there as well as his family and how they lived.  I almost forgot that I currently have a friend who lives in Nottingham, England and we've corresponded by snail mail for several years.  We've never met in person but if I get to England there may be an opportunity to meet.  My friend's name is Joy and she's been going through a lot of trials over the past year when she lost her husband through a bitter divorce and she also lost 3 family members to health complications.

Tony is the last person I chatted with on line and whom I've never met.  He's from Nigeria and when I met him he owned a women's accessories shop selling things like shoes and handbags though I'm not sure if he still has it. Recently he got married and had a child so we haven't had an in-depth talk in some time and likely won't.  

Though I've enjoyed having these pen pals, it isn't likely that I'll be chatting with more strangers on line.  It's a lot of work to sift through their peoples intentions.  I no longer have an interest in doing that, nor do I have the time to do it. I almost forgot that I have another friend who I met on line when she lived in Spain. Enza is an Italian who has lived in Mallorca, the Netherlands & even New York City during the time I've known her.  Now that her children are grown she lives in Dubai, UAE.  She and I keep in touch by chat and voice messages, not usually through live phone calls due to the time differences and schedules. She is a dear friend though we've never met. We talk about meeting but so far we haven't done it. 

3. Do you read a  newspaper ? How do you keep up with the latest news?

I no longer read a physical newspaper but from time to time, I read some on line newspapers.  Mostly I catch 'breaking news' on Instagram (IG), You Tube and local news broadcasts. IG seems to be a good way to see what the latest breaking news especially since I no longer use the site formerly known as Twitter.  Since Elon Musk bought the company and called it X, I no longer follow.

4.  Is there any news in your life lately?

There isn't much news of interest to share.  I'm still in the middle of renovation chaos. It's primarily the bathrooms that are being partially renovated and a few minor changes in the kitchen and the open area of the condo.  I've learned to live with the chaos but I can't wait until everything is completed and some sense of order is restored.

I also want to update that the MRI test I had had several weeks ago didn't reveal anything of concern.  There was just one small issue that my doctor already knew about and which doesn't require any further follow up.  Thank you to those of you who remembered to pray for me when I mentioned it in this space prior to the MRI appointment.

Bookish Questions ~ Tuesday 4

White washing the fence, Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer

Welcome to Tuesday 4 kept up in honor of it's founder Toni Taddeo.

   

Over 12,000 books, many once required reading in schools and including children's books have been banned.  Even Jane Eyre finds itself under scrutiny.

1.Do you think any book or series has  helped form your view on things...life, love, etc?

Many will say the Bible but how about more secular books that you feel have taught or influenced you?

I can't say that any book or series has influenced my view of things. I've had a good upbringing with what I feel was appropriate moral guidance on the key things in life. Whatever was taught at home was confirmed and enhanced at church. 

Books and the values they exemplify, often provide guidance too but a different type than what I got at home but I like to challenge my thinking and my knowledge beyond what is comfortable or immediately accessible through reading, film, travel, friends.  In terms of reading specifically, I would say that my most read genre is historical fiction.  Through these types of books I get interesting in further researching historical events rather than just reading the fictional version.

I also enjoy authors that focus on family relationships, love and forgiveness.  They give me a warm cosy feeling and a sense of comfort.  I also like books that teach me about other cultures. This interest dovetails well with my love of travel and learning about the people of other lands through their food, clothing, views on land and so on.  All these interests are confirmed through the reading of books.  The interests didn't originate with the reading of books. I hope that makes sense.

2.  What is your favorite book or book series and why is it a favorite?

I have too many favourite books and they are favourites for different reasons. Some of my most favourite books  are simply because the stories were so well written.  The authors evoked an emotional response with their masterful way with words.  Some that come to mind A Fine Balance & Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry, Tara Road by Maeve Binchy, The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, Cutting for Stone by Abraham Vergese & The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini but these are by no means the only books I thoroughly enjoyed.

3. If your favorite book or book series was being cast for a TV/Movie series, who would play the main characters?

I have no idea.  Most of the books I like books are set in other countries with other nationalities as characters. To be believable, the movie or television series would need to hire some actors from those ethnicities and countries. The Binchy and Pilcher books are set in Ireland and Scotland respectively.  Both books were made into movies but I don't think they did the books justice.

4.  Are there any books you have read many times?

I tend not to read a book more than once.  I have so many books yet to read on my 'to read' list. However I have accidentally read a book more than once. One I re-read recently is Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Surprisingly I didn't enjoy it that much on the 2nd reading though I did enjoy it the first time around. 

I had a similar experience with one book I read in university many years ago.  It is called The Invention of the World by Jack Hodgins, a writer from Vancouver Island. I made a point of reading it again many years later just because I enjoyed it so much the first time. Again, surprisingly, I was disappointed in the 2nd reading and I didn't finish it. I wondered why I had enjoyed it so much when I read it the first time?  Believe it or not, I want to try reading it for a 3rd time just to make sure whether I like it or not. If I don't, I guess it means my tastes have changed and I'm okay with that.

The Cozy Pastime of Reading ~ Tuesday 4

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

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

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

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

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

3. What have you read lately?

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

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

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

September So Far ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   

1. How has your September been so far?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Are You Going to Do? ~ Tuesday 4

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

Here are a few questions for you to consider.

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

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

Currently reading

Newest hobby

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

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

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

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

Village of Steveston

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

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

Favourite breakfast

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

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

Traditions ~ Tuesday 4

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Tradition is an important part of any family or community and so important that people will fight to be sure they are not neglected or done away with.

From the first day of Autumn, to Halloween, All Saints Day, and Thanksgiving autumn brings many different traditions from all around the world.

School kids cut out paper leaves, pumpkins,etc. Homemakers change decor to reflect the new season.

Sweaters come out of storage... the weather is changing.

1. Why is tradition important to you?

I believe it's the glue that can hold families and communities or even nations, together.

2. Have family traditions helped to shape who you are?

Absolutely. I have many fond memories of celebrating holidays and traditions whilst growing up. Even today I try to carry on some of those same traditions albeit it in a much smaller way because my family is much smaller now and extended family members live very far away. 

3. Do you believe that tradition helps a community or shapes the unity of family and community?

I definitely do. Family traditions such as having dinner together on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter give a sense of unity & working together toward a purpose.  Even if it's only making sure you get to the family celebrations on time, these traditional holiday dinners and celebrations are ways that help bond a group of people together. Many families, including mine, have a tradition of extending invitations to dinner to foreigners or visitors from outside the family.  So it becomes a wonderful way to meet people from afar and show hospitality.

Today, I live far away from my childhood home and relatives but I've carried on the practice of inviting people from elsewhere to my home whenever I can.  

Traditions such as a nation's birthday can also be a unifying time for the citizens of a country to celebrate such as on the nation's birthday.  It's a time for citizens to celebrate together in a way that is sanctioned by the governing leaders of the day.  People can enjoy coming together regardless of political persuasions.  Even if it's only for the day.

4. Are there any traditions you would like to bring back and why?

When I was a child in elementary school, the entire school would have a brief patriotic moment with greetings from the school Principal, announcements and singing the national anthem.  After that, the classroom teacher would lead his/her class in prayer and daily Bible reading.  Today that is no longer allowed in deference to the fact that there are others in the class who are not practising Christians and the number of people in this category has grown over time. 

Personally I think we should bring back these morning practises, readings and prayer.  After all this was always part of Canadian culture.  We shouldn't have to change it just because others have moved here since that is often their voluntary choice.  They don't have to be Christian to respect the way the country respects its origins.  Sadly the Christian aspect in public institutions has been watered down in every way and I'd like to see the trend reversed.

Rainy Days & Mondays ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4

We've had a lot of rain recently and it got me wondering about some things.

Could we discuss it please?

1.  Do rainy days and/or Mondays really get you down? If so why?

Rainy days do not get me down. I actually like rain. It's only when it rains heavily for 10-14 days that I start to get annoyed. Thankfully that doesn't happen very often.  

On the other hand, Mondays happen every week and I've never liked Monday's. It's a hold over tension I feel from my school days and my work days. Often I'd have homework from school or work related paper work which I'd bring home but never got around to working on until the last minute if at all. It caused me stress.  I still get a bit of stress when Monday rolls around even though I no longer have home work.  Monday means back to the business week when offices,  'business related' organizations and public institutions are open again.  Either they're calling me or I'm calling them and the telephone tag begins.  These days I find they don't just call once and leave a message for you to get back to them. If you don't call right back they act as if you have really delayed in getting back to them. It's very annoying.  Alternatively they don't even call. They want to email you or text you which is even worse.

2. Does thunder and lightning frighten you at all?

How about your dog or cat and what do you do to help them out?

Yes, actually thunder and lightning do frighten me, especially when the thunder is very loud and the lightning is significant.  I was just telling my dear husband the other night, that the crack of thunder and the flashes of lightning can seem like they're going to split the earth and sky open.  In fact, just the other night we had such significant thunder and lightning here that it made the news. 

I no longer have a cat but when I did, she would hide during a storm. If she was not hiding I would sometimes hold her and try to calm her as she would shake from fright.

3. If you are at home on a dark, rainy day what do you do with your time? Some find it a good day to cuddle up with a cuppa and read or watch TV... what is your preference?

I like to sit with a good cup of tea and a snack and read or watch television.  I guess reading would be my preference unless there is something really great on television which is rare these days.

4. Ever been caught in a downpour or has rain ever ruined your plans?

bonus question: Why do Mondays seem to be so unpopular with so many?

I've been caught in downpours in Canada and in East Africa. Rain never ruined my plans but may have delayed getting on with them.  Here at home I always check the weather and make plans appropriate to the weather.

Mondays mean the end of the weekend which people use to catch up on other things, spend time with friends or relax in other ways. See my answer to #1 for a further explanation of why Monday's are unpopular.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week!

The "Ber" Months ~ Tuesday 4

There are just 3 weeks left until the "ber" months begin.  September, October, November and December.  Fall/Autumn begins in September and ends in December.  

Autumn begins in September and it is called that until leaves begin to fall and then it's called "fall". 

Sept means 7, Octo means 8, Novo is 9 and Deca is 10 but the numbers are off since the calendar was changed long ago from 10 months to 12.

Ber is an adjectival suffix from latin meaning month.  Let's discuss it.

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to encourage blogging and enjoying the ideas and work of fellow bloggers.

1.   What foods make you think of the autumn months ahead?

Squash soups, pumpkin lattes, apple cider, pumpkin and apple pies, pumpkin and cranberry scones; all these foods and drinks make me think of the cosy autumn months.

2.   Are there any songs you associate with the fall month?

The beautiful Nat King Cole song,  Autumn Leaves.

3.   Are you looking forward to the ber months at all?  Why?

Yes, and No. "Yes" because I love the autumn leaves. I also love the cool, crisp air & taking walks to enjoy and admire the beauty of the season. I also like wearing heavier clothing in fall colours and not having to worry about becoming too hot. 

"No" because the older I get, the less I like winter.  It's too long and too cold for me and the ber months means winter is close behind. Over the winter, I also miss the growing season, the colours of spring and autumn.

It's difficult to take a selfie of one's outfit (I don't like mirror photos)

4.   School in New Jersey always begins after Labor Day and before that I would have dreams of going to school in my pajamas!  Did anything similar happen to you?  Did you dread going back to school or were you happy and excited?

I never had such dreams. Going back to school was always an exciting time. For some reason, kids like to go with their mother to buy school supplies and I was no exception.  It was also the time when we got new clothes for school wear.  In those days we didn't wear school clothes or 'good clothes' at home. We changed our outfits every day after getting home and wore our home clothes. Clothing lasted longer that way.

Thank you for stopping by my Tuesday 4 meme.  I hope to read your answers too!

Summertime ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Summer time is upon us. 

1. What special memories do you have about summer when you were younger?

I remember warmer weather because our summers were very short in the far north. We kids would play outside until midnight because it was so light outside. The sun didn't stay out all night but at midnight it still looked like twilight.

I also remember the annual trip to Bible Camp which I absolutely loved because there were lots of summer activities and lots of good food as well as good company and new friends from all around northern Alberta. I lived in British Columbia (BC) and the camp was in northern Alberta. 

See the highway (SE) from Dawson Creek to Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

Each year my Sunday School teacher and her husband would drive one of my siblings and I to camp along with two of their children. It always seemed like a long drive in the hot sun but according to google it's only about a 1.25 hours drive southeast from Dawson Creek, BC.  Camp was only a week long but it seemed much longer because we did so much in that one week.  Specifically I remember lots of outdoor sports like softball and swimming.  I loved singing around the campfire roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate. We did a lot of church of course and Bible study along with crafting and other things. One summer my house mother was a missionary lady from Africa and that is when my interest in Africa began.

There was always a special church service on the last day and a nice luncheon to which the families of all the campers were invited.  Then everyone headed for home to their different locations. It was always a sad day for us young people to part with our friends and fun activities.

2. What is the highest temperature you've experienced in summer? What about so far this summer? How do you weather the heat or humidity?

I'm not entirely sure but I think it was about 43 degrees Celsius or 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  Some summers can be very hot here in Canada.  In those summers we usually have a lot of wildfires all over the province where I live and often in other provinces as well.  So far this summer it hasn't been too bad in BC.  The hottest day I can recall so far is about 29.2 degrees Celsius or 84.5 Fahrenheit.  Lytton, BC has been the hotspot of the province so far this year at 36.9 degrees Celsius or 98.4 Fahrenheit. Lytton is the town that burned to the ground due to heat and wildfires a few years ago. It still hasn't been rebuilt and right now there are wildfires in the area where the town is located.

When it's hot or humid I try to stay home. If I go out, it's usually late in the day. I also drink cold drinks and eat fruits like watermelon and cherries.  I keep the fans on when I feel overly hot and will sometimes put an ice pack on my neck or back.  We don't have air conditioning.

3. What's been on your menu so far this summer?

Usually in summer it's too hot to eat regular food so I keep the menu light with lots of salads and fruits like watermelon and cherries.   We have lots of corn on the cob, peaches, nectarines and apricots and wild caught salmon from the ocean.  The weather this summer has been much more bearable so far. It's almost the middle of July and our temperatures have been in the 22 - 26 Celsius range (71.6 - 78.8 Fahrenheit).  Not too hot at all. Quite comfortable in fact.  Right now (Sunday) it's overcast and has been for several days. It looks like rain but so far there is no shower in sight.  July is usually a very hot month but this year the temperatures are several degrees cooler than usual.  It seems like the very hot weather is being experienced in Eastern Canada this year and in Europe.

Given the nice temperatures we've been eating more or less the regular food we eat.  However, because it's summer I'm also making an effort to make a few summer type meals. For example, on Thursday we had a delicious vegetable salad and a Chicken Bacon pie from frozen. Today I made BBQ ribs and a Penne Pasta Salad chock full of vegetables and feta cheese.

Chicken & Bacon Pie

BBQ Ribs & Penne Salad

Penne Pasta Salad.  I was very generous with the feta cheese.

Another salad we like to have in summer is Potato and Egg and I plan to make it early in the week along with some hot dogs on buns.

4. What is on your reading list this summer... anything to recommend to us? What's on your TV this summer. Any music you're liking this summer?

There are a number of books on my reading list this summer:

I recommend Mansfield Park for Jane Austen fans.

I recommend both books. First one is set on a sheep farm in Australia, 2nd in NL., Canada.

I recommend if you like stories told through letters.

I recommend for insight into understanding how we spend money.

I recommend if you want to understand the immigrant experience.

I recommend if you like twisted mysteries.

I recommend The Hotel Nantucket if you like cosy reads set in beautiful places.

I recommend if you like spy stories where the spy is a woman.

On the television I have several streaming services and I usually select a spy movie. I just finished watching the series The Agency with a stellar cast including Michael Fassbender. I've also watched several series on Paramount Plus:  The Marshals, The Madison & The Dutton Ranch.  On Brit Box I've watched The Other Bennett Sister and I'm now watching A Woman of Substance.  The latter is a series based on the novel by the same name which I read decades ago and which has stayed with me throughout the years.  The content is perfectly captured in the title. A young woman rises from abject poverty to become extremely wealthy despite all the challenges along the way.

I also saw quite a good, long movie on my library streaming service over the weekend.  It's called Tomiris, about the Queen of the Massagetae people on the steppes east of the Caspian Sea. I've been trying to find the exact location of the area where the Massagetae people lived but since historical records are scarce there isn't accurate information.  I do believe that the people didn't actually live in Iran but in what is now Turkmenistan and in the other countries of Central Asia with the words ending in 'Stan". In the movie, Tomiris is depicted as a woman destined to protect her people and their lands from the encroachment of Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great hailed from Persis, an ancient region in southwestern Iran in what is now called the Fars Province. Click on the link below to enlarge the map of the Persian Empire.




If you can find it on a streaming service you use, I'd highly recommend it. Please note you'll need to turn on the subtitles. If you're in Europe I've read you can watch it on Amazon or Apple TV.



As for music, I'm not one to sit and listen to music though I really do love it.
Recently though I heard this song on Instagram and I had to look up the singer. You might like him too. 
Dusty Rivers is an 80 year old blues and soul singer. He appears to be a real person with a real discography.  It also appears that he uses AI to generate his image in the songs on his YouTube channel. Anyway I really love his voice and have listened to this song a few times. The content of the song no doubt has to do with the result of aging and no longer needing to strive so hard. Perhaps he has also a better appreciation for different things as he nears his last chapter.

 I do spend more time listening to music on occasion and when I do I love to listen to gospel, especially the old hymns, the occasional contemporary gospel song and gospel songs in other languages.  I also l love folk music and the music of the 1970s.

What Do You Call It? - Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which was started by our friend Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory of her. Different sections of the USA have different words and customs they use. Let's talk about them. 

1. In New Jersey you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag.  In Athens, Ohio where I went to university, you put them in a paper sack. Is it bag, sack or something else where you live? 

I live on the west coast of Canada.  When we go shopping, especially at the supermarket for groceries, we're always asked if we want to purchase a bag.  I generally take my own and also a bag on wheels because I tend to overshop.

Bags are generally made of fabric, plastic or paper and we no longer get them free in the market place.  In fact we haven't for many years already and most of us have learned to carry our own to the grocery store otherwise we have to buy one at the store. The cost runs anywhere from 25 cents for a paper bag up to $2.50 for a reusable bag.  I often see people carrying their food purchases in their hands.  No bag.  This works if you only buy a few items.

2. Though no one seems to wear them anymore, NJ says "stockings". Athens, Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are "tights". What about where you live? 

We use all 3 terms depending on what the item is. If they're made of sheer fabric we call them nylons (old term, from the 60s and 70s), pantyhose or hose.  I think before that they were called "sheers".  Pantyhose cover the entire foot, legs and derriere, making it much easier to keep the stockings where they're supposed to be.  On the legs rather than down at the ankles.  I still remember the days when we had to wear some kind of strap around our waists with clips on elastics that were used to secure your nylons and keep them from falling down.  I wasn't quite old enough to have to use these but I definitely remember them. Pantyhose were a huge improvement and more comfortable.  These days most people don't wear any hose except at all except perhaps knee high hose, sometimes called "trouser socks".

"Tights" are like pantyhose except they are made of much thicker material and usually worn on colder days.

We use the words "stockings" or "socks" if they cover the foot and ankle, or the foot up to the calf.  Knee high stockings cover the foot up to the knees. 

Sorry if this explanation sounds too basic but there may be people reading, especially men, who have no idea! LOL

3.  Soda, Pop, Coke? 

Hero, sub, grinder, hoagie? 

We use both terms "soda" and "pop" interchangeably, but pop is probably used more often where I live. People will often say "coke" as a general term when they want a cold drink but when they get to where they will buy it of course they have to be more specific with the tupe of soda or pop they want such as Pepsi, Fanta (Orange), Root Beer, Coke, Sprite, etc. 

We say "sub", short for submarine sandwich but sometimes stores and restaurants will call them Heroes or Hoagies. 

4. Shopping cart or trolley. buggy? What do you call it? 

I call it a shopping cart if you're referring to the metal cart on wheels that you push around in the grocery store and in which you place your intended purchases. I also have a shopping bag on wheels which I like to call a 'buggy' even though that isn't the proper name for it.  I got that terminology from my late mom.  I looked it up and I guess such an invention goes by several names including: a shopping trolley, shopping caddie, granny cart, bundle buggy, or a rolling grocery cart.  Based on this brief research, I guess "buggy " is the short form of "bundle buggy" and an appropriate term to use after all. Who knew? Not me! LOL.

My old buggy

A rare, full shopping cart

My newer, black buggy. I need a new one again.

Thank you for reading this far. I look forward to reading about the terms used where you live. Enjoy your week and please visit again soon. xx