Your Jobs ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

This week's idea for questions came from Pamela Steiner and it's all about your occupation and work.

I think that's a great idea, so here are questions prepared for us.

1.What did/do you do for work and how long did you work in that position? 

I'm retired.  In my last job I worked for the federal (national government) as a policy advisor. I was in the department that among other things had different teams negotiating agreements with the First Nations of British Columbia over land (excluding private property), resources (fish, forests, etc.) and government powers (a broad range of powers) to enable the First Nations of British Columbia to enact laws and manage the lands and resources once negotiated agreements were ratified and passed into law.  Parties to negotiations were many First Nations, but not all,  the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. There were also many interest groups who were party to different aspects of the negotiations but who were not actual signatories to any final agreements. I worked at the job for approximately 10 years and hoped I would have continued working in the job if life didn't intervene and send me into an early retirement.

2. Of the jobs you've had throughout life, which was your favorite? If no favorite, which was the worst? Tell us why you loved/hated your job.

My last job was my favourite because it was mentally challenging, varied in duties and there was a lot of room for showcasing one's ingenuity or problem solving abilities. There were of course things I didn't like about the job.  In talking to many people over the years, and through my own, varied work experiences, I concluded that no job is perfect and though you may really enjoy yours, there is probably something or several somethings, which you would rather do without.  After many different work experiences where things were not always rosy, I finally learned to implement the teaching of the Apostle Paul in the Book of Philippians 4:11-13.  It's best to try to find contentment in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, or be prepared to find a new circumstance.  Even if you look for a new circumstance it won't end up being perfect. 

3. What did your job entail?  Did it require a special education?  

It was multi-faceted. It included analyzing, developing positions, knowing the laws of the land at the federal and provincial level, liaising with legal advisors and other policy advisors in multiple departments and ministries both at the federal and provincial levels. A big part of the daily work involved discussing government positions on subjects and issues with the negotiating teams and advising negotiating team members on the parameters and language for the agreements. Another aspect was developing policy positions with my counterparts in Ottawa. There were many more aspects to the job but this summary captures the essence of it.

The job required previous policy experience and a legal degree and experience. I did however have a colleague who joined the team before I retired. She didn't have a law degree or legal experience but had a lot of other useful experience in the department. However, I'd have to say that I don't think her level of ability to advise or develop policy was anywhere near the level of the other members of the team. She obviously had other skills which stood her in good stead when she decided she wanted a change of pace at work.

4. List all the jobs/occupations you have had.

I've had a diverse work background including jobs as a student like babysitting, waiting tables and washing dishes, research & working in the university library, & summer jobs in one of the legal departments of the Government of Canada.  After graduation from university, I had a number of policy and research related jobs mostly dealing with issues of self-governance, land claims and legal rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada (not just First Nations).  I primarily worked for the Government of Canada & for non-governmental organizations in Canada both in Ottawa, Ontario and in Vancouver, BC. 

As a Christian, I implemented the value of hard work for an honest wage. In life at home my siblings and I were taught the value of working hard for honest labour.  The value of hard work is also a biblical concept and one I continued to implement as an adult.  In case anyone is curious, it was much easier to implement the hard work ethic than it was to learn how to be content in all things. Thankfully I eventually succeeded because it really adds to one's satisfaction in life.

Well that concludes my post for today. I hope you found it interesting and that you'll visit again soon. Take care and have a wonderful week.

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.

Sandwich Time ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Sandwiches are a lunch time favorite.  

In the 1930s two favorite sandwiches were ham, pickles and mustard and tuna with rice, capers, pepper and paprika.  I think it probably needed mayo!

Sandwiches can be a  simple peanut butter and jelly or a classy Monte Cristo.

1. What is your favorite sandwich and how do you make it?

I love a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich (2 slices of toast with strips of bacon and tomato with lettuce and mayo) or a grilled cheese sandwich if I'm making them at home. If I'm eating out I love a Clubhouse sandwich (on 3 slices of toast just like a BLT but with added turkey).  I also like a Baron of Beef sandwich.  Sometimes I'll go to Subway restaurant and have a Cold Cut combo sub which is basically a variety of cold cuts with cheese and vegetables but I haven't had any of these 3 sandwiches for a long time. Actually there a good many sandwiches that it's hard to narrow down what I love but these ones are the ones I find I tend to order most often.

 

2.  What is the best bread for making toast?  How about for making sandwiches?

I love a good white bread or sourdough loaf for making toast. I also like the same breads for making sandwiches.  We don't get Texas Toast bread here very often but I do love it for toasting when I do get it. I also really like the diabetic white bread from COBS bakery. It is perfect for toast and sandwiches.

3.  If you go out to eat for lunch are you more likely to stay with a safe choice or be more adventurous?

Most people consider me to be quite adventurous with food choices but in many ways I pick the safe choices. Once I've tried something I like I tend to order it often but then I'll experiment here and there and expand the repertoire.  I'm willing to try almost anything at least once.

4. Dagwood, hoagie, submarine, Po boy, grinder. Whatever they are called where you are, do you like them and if so what do you want on it?

Yes I like them. We tend to call them submarine sandwiches of which there are a great variety. Actually most people shorten submarine to 'sub'.  My favourite is the cold cut combo I mentioned in answer to question 1 above.  My local grocery store also sells a specific type of subway called Lumberjack. It's huge and it's loaded with all kinds of meats and vegetables. I will sometimes buy it for our dinner and we will eat it over 2 days (dinner and then a snack or lunch). That's how huge it is.

Unfortunately I don't have any photos of my sandwich orders but I think many of you will be familiar with how they look. After all this talk about sandwiches, I'm getting hungry.

Thank you for stopping by!

Summertime ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we ask just 4 questions each week to give you something to blog about, something to think about and a reason to visit other blogs!

♫Summer time and the living is easy says the song.  

So how is summer going for you? Let's talk about
it.....

1. How has summer been so far?  Has it been easy or hard or are things moving along as usual?  Is the weather getting you down or are you enjoying it so far?

Summer is going so-so. I would say things and are a bit hard since plans small and large aren't really going smoothly but I press on. That's the only way.

I'm dealing with a lot of needs around the condo building and also in my unit.  Most of the items are things that the strata management company needs to take care of but my part is paying for it or being around to permit access for the various workers that are coming.  When you need to provide access typically you are captive to someone else's schedule.

There is a lot more going on right now than is the norm so it's a good thing I haven't planned a summer vacay.  I don't generally leave my keys with someone else while I'm gone unless it's a family member and we don't have a resident caretaker.

Right now we're going through a bit of a warm spell.  We haven't really had high temperatures to date but July is usually the hottest month of the year.  I'm grateful that it hasn't been too warm and uncomfortable to date but when it is we rely on fans and open windows.

2. What have you been doing this summer?   Even the little mundane things count.

I've mostly been dealing with condo stuff and also making small and slow progress on my reorganizing efforts. I'm keeping up with the cleaning, recycling and household routines. It's all rather boring but it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be able to keep up with things or to make a bit of progress on the bigger things I want to do. I've also been taking care of a lot of paperwork and medical stuff.  Not just for me but also for a niece who is going through mobility issues and needs some big medical equipment purchases. 

3. What are you going to do?   Any plans? What interests you this summer?

I would dearly love to take a trip.  But it's out of the question.  There are costly renovations that need to be paid for in early 2026 and we are saving up for that even though we don't know what the anticipated bill is yet. We won't know that until February 2026.  

As much as I'd really love to travel out of country all the problems around the world right now make me feel it is not safe.  Anything can happen in an instant and also right now there have been so many flights being cancelled all around the world and even right here at home.  I've also been looking at travels within my own country but the cost is very high.  It's one of the reasons Canadians travel abroad quite often but also the timing isn't quite right with everything going on. I want to be able to travel with my dear husband and his schedule is not permitting it right now. Nor is mine with all the condo business that requires attention.

I have some relatives that are supposed to visit me this summer.  One has called to delay her trip - again to the end of the summer.  I hope she makes it as we like to travel around the city and see the sites while the weather is good.  Two other relatives said they were visiting but they didn't say exactly when they were coming.  I haven't seen them in at least 5 years so I hope they can make it. They live rather far from me. Actually all of my closer relatives live a long distance from me so it is hard to see one another very often.

I used to do a lot of things in the summer like attend festivals and exhibitions.  Now that I'm older I just like to take it easy at home and avoid the crowds and the hot weather. I'll spend time relaxing through reading and hobbies, spend a bit if time catching up with a few friends and trying to keep the 2 gardens blooming. 

4. It's been hot in most of the country  How are you weathering the heat ?  What are your ideas for staying cool in the hottest weather of summer.

We really haven't had excess heat here in Vancouver for which I'm grateful. I hope that the temperatures will continue to remain bearable. To help stay cool on very hot days, I drink a lot of water, sometimes a bit of watered down and very cold juices, use cold towels on my neck, keep the blinds drawn and the fans going. When the temperature cools a bit I open the windows to let in the fresh air.

Off To Work We Go - Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 started by Toni Taddeo and kept going in honor and memory of her.

This week we go back 5 years to ask again about work....

This week is about work.

1. Describe the best job you ever had why was it good? (if it was awful, tell us about that instead).

I've had many good jobs. One of my earlier best jobs was working for a national non-profit organization in our nation's capital city. I was reviewing education legislation with a view to recommending changes.  This was just one aspect of a nation wide study and not so terribly interesting. But other parts of the study were short staffed and the rest of us had to help out. It meant I got to travel to far flung locations in the country to meet and interview people. I was able to get to places I would not ordinarily get to and a few I had already been through.  I enjoyed it a lot because we were basically setting our own schedules in the field, away from office politics and it was summer with great weather. I had the opportunity to travel to even more locations but I declined due to timing, fatigue and other work needs.

2.  How did you learn to do your job?

No one taught me anything. Basically all of us were simply expected to know how to do our jobs and for the most part, we did through a combination of education, work experiences and an awareness of the end goals of the project.

3. You are now in charge of your town's public relations committee.  Tell us why we need to move to your town.

You will love it here (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)  because we have everything you could possibly want in a place to live. We have immigrants from all around the world.  They bring their cultures and foods with them so you can experience the kind of food you like at a variety of festivals and restaurants.  

English Bay in the West End

Our temperatures are relatively moderate and the winters though sometimes cold with snow are milder and shorter than the rest of the country.  The natural beauty here is to die for with majestic mountains and fantastically beautiful ocean front. If you prefer the fresh water, there are a number of destinations that are not too far away where you can take a weekend getaway and spend some time in a cabin by the lake or river. 

English Bay looking west to the mountains & Pacific Ocean

English Bay

Looking to the North Shore Mountains from Downtown

Spring at False Creek

False Creek looking north to downtown Vancouver

False Creek with a view northeast

Aquabus at Granville Island Public Market

If it's culture you enjoy we have all manner of concerts in every type of musical genre, a variety of regular sporting events, festivals, museums, attractions for adults and families and last but not least, the weather is suited to a great variety of sporting activities.

Rolling Stones Concert

Leora Cash, local Jazz Musician

Star Wars Movie with Live Orchestra

Early Music Vancouver

Aboriginal Day at Trout Lake

4.  It's lunch time! Build your perfect sandwich for us.. what's in it and on it and what's in our cups?

My perfect sandwich is a toasted, lettuce, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich.  For a drink we can have home made lemonade, not too sweet. If you prefer we can have cold tea with some ice cubes and freshly squeezed lemonade and then you add your own honey.   The sandwich may not be the healthiest lunch but it's tasty and eating it now and then won't hurt too much.

Summer Books ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 which is not limited to Tuesday by any means.  You can join in whenever you want to!

Will you be reading this coming summer? 

When the weather gets hot and humid so many stay indoors to keep cool and studies show that people read more in the summer.

How about you?  Let's discuss it.

1. Do you have a favorite kind of book that you like in the summertime? What kind is it? Mystery? Bio?

I don't select my books by season. I simply read whatever I want and whatever is available at the library. I put most of my books on hold at the library and some come up sooner than others so they get read first.  I try to expand my scope of experience by reading a variety of genres but my favourite genre is historical fiction.  I didn't really give much thought to what kind of books I loved most but it became obvious once I started logging my reading on the Goodreads website.

2. Is there a book you return to again and again and if so why?  

I don't tend to re-read books but there are a few exceptions. I loved The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and have read it twice. I also read Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy twice. I loved many other books equally but never re-read them. There are just so many books to be read although I am planning to re-read The Shellseekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, one of my favourite authors.  The book was made into a movie but I didn't like it much.

3.  What book is better than the movie and what movie is better than the book?

This is a good question.  Generally I've found that I've enjoyed a book more than any movie it's based on though there are one or two exceptions. One that comes to mind is The English Patient. I didn't like the book but loved the movie. One movie and book I enjoyed equally is The Life of Pi.

4. Do you have a list of books you are looking forward to reading this summer?

I don't have a list of books to read for the summer.  I have a modest reading goal of 40 books for 2025 and I think I've completed 23 of them to date.  I usually read about 60 books per year but in 2025 want to make more time for crafting. I have several books on hold right now and will try to spread them out over the summer months. None of them are really 'must reads'.  Just books I've heard of along the way and added to my list of books to read.

Home Sweet Home ~ Tuesday 4

Hello!  Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where each week we are asked to consider 4 questions on various subjects.    The goal is to get us thinking, considering, talking and getting to know ourselves and other bloggers.

1.  In some places people name their homes or properties. What would you name your home and why?

I haven't named my home and I have no plans to name it.

If you would not name it, why wouldn't you?

I'm just not the type of person to name things.

2.  Are you more of a romantic or a pragmatist when it comes to your home or apartment's decor and color?

I'm a pragmatist.  I've always tended to buy things I like at an affordable price point. These days I still do that though I often have to restrain myself from spending more.  I have basically everything I need and things are mostly functional.  I do need to purchase some larger ticket items like appliances and possibly furnishings in the next few years.  I like to 'soften up' all the practical items with all kinds of textiles and plants but the plants don't last long in my home due to heating issues and lack of natural light. I confess that I would probably spend far more money on higher end, sometimes higher quality furnishings but I simply don't feel good about spending because there are just too many other good 'causes' that are more worthy.  I think it's important to be a good steward of what we have and that includes our income.

3.   Do you have enough room in your home? Storage space, kitchen cabinets?  What would you add or subtract from your home?

I like space. A lot of space.  I've always liked a lot of space though I don't really, really need it. I live in the heart of the city where space is at a premium.  My home, though on the smaller side (not quite 1000 sq. ft.), is actually quite a lot larger and has more storage than a lot of the condos on the market in my city and surrounding areas today.  Even so, I'd like far more cabinet and closet space and a bigger outdoor space with a shed to keep gardening implements and furnishings when not in use.

We do have a storage locker in the basement.  This is where I keep things I don't need to access very often and things I need to deal with at some point.  For example, I have a lot of the photos my mother had. She had many and a lot of them are ones I gave her. Before I can whittle them down I need to have a lot of time to just focus on them. Thankfully I've already whittled down a lot of my own.  In the storage unit I also have things that belong to a brother and one of my nephew's. We also keep things like a moving dolly and tires which need changing out a few times a year.

Indoors, the closet spaces have to keep hats, coats, boots, shoes and clothing.  Since I have no linen or other closets, I also keep extra things in the closet spaces including all my hobby items, extra blankets, linens, suitcases and so on.

Little by little I'm getting rid of excess and to make sure it doesn't build up again I have also reduced what I purchase.  Once these tasks are more or less done, I'll look into purchasing a storage sofa and/or a storage bed.  This would really help to keep all the extra pillows, sheets, blankets and let me get rid of a blow up bed.  My DH believes that what we have now, is better quality than most of what can be purchased these days and he's right. It's more challenging to find what we want in good quality without also spending a lot more money.  In any case, I've really been restraining myself from both major and minor purchases. It's probably wiser to complete my decluttering and downsizing to see what is left before I spend more on storing things.

4.  Is your place really home sweet home ?  Would it be hard to leave it ?   Are you firmly rooted in your abode or would you move if a better opportunity came your way?   

My home is comfortable and cosy enough.  Whenever I've had people over for a meal or to stay they've told me that. I've also been told that my home is very peaceful and this makes me happy because I strive for comfortable, cosy and peaceful.  I usually have a patio garden as well but didn't have one last year. The garden gives me a lot of joy though I do find it a lot of work since I don't consider myself a true gardener. I do it because I have a decent garden space and I do love colour in the garden in the summer. It's a wonderful place to enjoy during the growing months.

I will enjoy my home more after I've sorted and decluttered many items I'm currently storing in the living areas.  I keep them there to remind me of what needs doing and when I get the time I will deal with it.  Until then it remains as visual clutter and causes me discomfort.  I'm very slow about doing what needs to be done because I'm juggling a lot of other things at the same time.  I keep plugging because I am making progress.

I am quite firmly rooted in my abode.  I live in the heart of the city. I have a beautiful view from my patio and front rooms.  I life within easy driving, walking or public transit to virtually everything I need.  I also have storage space and a parking space which in this city are premium amenities.  However I always keep my eyes open for something else that may appeal to me at the right price.  

Things I'm looking for: a unit that isn't up too high (I have to be able to get out if there is a fire), and has access all on one level, easy access to shops especially food shopping, access to public transit and services, a nice patio, not too close to other buildings such that another home owner can readily see into my unit, car parking, lots of indoor space, good storage and not in need of renovations.  It would likely have to be in an older building that already has a renovated suite since the newer units are very small with even less storage space than I have now.  So far I haven't found a place that comes close without it costing a whole lot more.  If I do find something to consider, my DH would of course have a look at it and see what he thinks. He is pretty easy going about most things and he often has an interesting perspective that helps when it comes to making final decisions about household and other matters.

In closing, I'm very interested in reading what others have to say about their spaces.  Thank you for stopping by.

Holiday Thoughts ~ Tuesday

Welcome once again to Tuesday 4, hosted by Annie of Cottage by the Sea. 

It's frigid across Canada and America and winter is early this year. There are only a few days left until Christmas...how are you spending this time? 

1.What are you up to in preparation for the holidays?  There isn't a lot to prepare these days. I no longer travel at Christmas and I no longer have a large family to think about. 

The decorating was done several weeks ago and I spent some time shopping for a few new items such as a new Christmas tree, a Christmas wreath and a garland.  I only have a few people for whom to prepare gifts. I've done most of that though I still have to wrap them. I have 2 more gifts to buy but it won't take much time. I have one gift to send in the mail but the postal service has been on strike for a month. Service will resume in a few days but it will take time to clear the backlog and things will not reach their destinations by Christmas.

The Christmas stockings have been hung and partially filled.  I have a few small items to add. 

Other than these things. I just have to buy a few items for Christmas dinner and clean and freshen the home for the holiday period. 

 2. What is your absolute favorite holiday movie? 

It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I watch this movie almost every year though I think I missed it last year for some reason. This movie gives me the warm, sentimental feelings.

 3. What are your hopes for this coming season? 

This year my hope and plan is to have a quiet, restful holiday with no extra responsibilities. It's been a dreary and tiring year of decluttering, patio rebuilding and master bedroom restoration.  I'm feeling in need of a rest so plan to take it easy though I'm not being a complete hermit.

I've had one Christmas luncheon at my home with a friend. 

I hope to host two others for dinner if their schedules permit.  I've given them some optional dates. If it comes together, it comes together. If it doesn't, I've tried my best. I hope to also at least touch bases with two or three others by phone or in person.

Unexpectedly, I have a relative who came from far for a hospital stay so I've also visited with her and her daughter. It can be lonely being in hospital at any time but especially when you're in hospital and so far from home at Christmas. 

4. Tell us your view on the great tea/coffee/hot chocolate debate and do you want it with fruitcake or cookies? Come on own up!! 

Fruitcake isn't my favourite. I do like nut and raisin cake but never make it myself so it will have to be cookies. Almost any cookie will do, lol. I'll have it with coffee, thanks!

Thank you to Annie for continuing to host this meme and thank you to all the people who read these posts and especially to those who take time to leave a comment. I appreciate you all. 

Take care and have a very Merry Christmas. 🎄🎄🎄

Countdown to Christmas ~ Tuesday 4

Hello and welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where 4 questions hopefully help us to blog, meet people and think about things in general.   

Sometimes the simplest questions can be a bit difficult to answer. 

Christmas is celebrated all over the world. 

Today's topic is the countdown to Christmas.

1. What was the countdown to the holidays like for you as a child?  Special projects at school.. at home.. with friends?  Do you use an advent calendar?

The lead up to Christmas was always a special time. Every year our schools and our churches would prepare by rehearsing a play about the birth of Christ and also rehearse for the singing of Christmas carols.  I was in our small church choir and always enjoyed the singing but I was never into acting. I remember having to play an angel once and I was so nervous for weeks on end and on the day of the performance. I didn't have the same issue in the choir because I didn't sing solo. 

At home we kids didn't have much to do but we were so excited with the anticipation of eating all the wonderful baking our dear mom would make each year. In fact, when she wasn't home I'd sneak into the crock pots and try to help myself without it being noticed. Many years later mom and I had a good laugh about it as she admitted knowing what was going on, lol!  

No one that I knew ever used an advent calendar and in fact I never even heard of one until well into adulthood. Now I usually send one to my niece in advance of Christmas. This year I didn't get a chance to send her an advent calendar due to our mail strike.

2. As a kid did  your family stay home on the holidays or go visiting around ... what do you do now?

We always stayed home at the holidays. My mother was known for her wonderful cooking and every major holiday, including Christmas she would make so much food and people would drop by all day and into the night to eat and to visit.  She loved being of service in this way.

These days I stay home because now I make the dinner. Sometimes I host people, either family members or friends for dinner. I'd like to host moreo often but my energy levels simply aren't there when it comes to holidays.

3. What foods did Mom and Grandma make for those  days?   What snacks were out?   What is the food situation in your home today?

In those days the usual menu for Christmas was the traditional bread stuffed turkey and all the fixings like mashed potatoes, green beans, corn niblets, tomato and lettuce salad, coleslaw with raisins, Hawaiian salad, gravy and a variety of canapés (sausages, crackers, cheeses, pickles) and snacks (nuts, chips, dips etc. Desserts were plentiful too with jellies, cakes, puddings, dessert bars, pies and ice cream. Growing up I always felt that we prepared way too much food because there was always a lot left over though people ate a lot too. 

I resolved to make far less food once I started cooking myself especially since I don't have an 'open' house. I strive to make plenty of food so people can eat their fill plus have a bit left over for later.

4.  What is Christmas dinner for you and yours? Goose? Turkey? English Roast Beef?

Christmas dinner is usually stuffed turkey because I'm very traditional that way. However I will often make something different, like ham for New Year's Dinner especially if we had turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas and we are feeling 'turkied out', lol.

As the years go by, I'm wonder how long I'll be making a larger holiday meal. I keep saying, I'll make a chicken instead of turkey.  But last Christmas and again for the most recent Thanksgiving, we had a smaller turkey instead. That way I got to stuff it because a turkey doesn't seem complete to me without stuffing. If I can find a small turkey for Christmas dinner we will have that again this year. We also have mashed potatoes, baked Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, various types of salads, pickles, cranberry sauce, gravy and some kind of dessert. Snacks usually consist of a variety of cheeses, crackers, pickles and crudités.