Bath Time ~ Tuesday 4 Meme

Hello!  It is nice to have you back again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 hosted by Annie at Cottage by the Sea.

Today we're discussing the secrets of the bath?

1.  Do you take baths or showers?  Is there a reason you prefer one to the other?

I only ever had baths as a child.  I remember my earliest baths were in homes without running water. Mother would heat up the water on a gas converted wood stove then fill a round aluminum tub which was placed by the stove for warmth.  Then each of us kids would have a bath in privacy as no one else came into the kitchen during our bath times.  

Since I've become an adult, I only ever have a shower. I don't know why I converted to showers since it was so long ago. I think it had to do with my thinking it was much quicker to have a shower because the tub didn't have to be filled with water first and I was always short of time in the mornings. I had a friend who overcame this by having her baths at night before bed because she preferred having a bath in a tub. Today I would have a difficult time to have a soaking bath even if I wanted too because bad knees make it hard to get up and out of the tub.

2. Once a day shower or bath or do you have a different schedule?

I have a shower once a day in the morning or before I go out for appointments or errands. I've been told I shouldn't shower so often because the skin on my legs is far too dry. I've experienced dryness for some time but it became a larger problem over the last year and a half or so. I use oils, heavy creams and vaseline to try and protect my skin. I am trying, not so successfully as of yet, to ha e a bath less often and just have a bird bath but it takes me just as long if not longer and I find it cold in the bathroom even with the heat light on. I guess it's a symptom of growing older. Either that or poor insulation and definitely inadequate indoor heating. 

3. What are your favorite soap and shampoo?

Due to the dry skin issue I've started using body wash and lotion products that the local hospitals use.  They are made by a company called Medline and the particular products I'm using are Phytoplex, both the cleanser and moisturizer.  But I also buy other creams and lotions made by various companies.  I also sometimes buy unscented castile body wash at a local dispensary.

4.  Back in the day many loved Jean Nate spray after a bath.  My mom enjoyed Avon's Skin so Soft.  What do you like in the way of skin creams, oils or sprays?

I used to use and love Avon's Skin So Soft too.  But I lost track of my Avon representative many years ago and stopped shopping for Avon products.  Now I purchase lotions at my local pharmacy or on Amazon if I want to purchase the Phytoplex items. I also buy oils at a local dispensary (sunflower, jojoba, avocado apricot and so on).  Sometimes I mix the oil into the lotions I'm using. The lotions I tend to use are mainly Eucerin and Lubriderm, sometimes Bergen's, Aveeno and Vaseline (lotions and jelly). I like lotions that are heavy but not too sticky which is why I like adding the oil. The Phytoplex moisturizer is one of the nicest I've used so far. It goes on well and is both hydrating and soothing.  I don't use any body sprays or perfumes anymore.  I stopped wearing these because there are so many restrictions in public places about wearing scents and also I personally know many people with allergies.

Thank you for stopping by.

And When October Goes ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's

Tuesday 4.

"And when October goes

The same old dream appears

And you are in my arms

To share the happy years

I turn my head away to hide

The helpless tears

Oh, how I hate to see October go". 

Barry Manilow

 

1. What do you hate to see go?

I hate to see the end of the dry seasons.  Heavier rains can start as early as the middle of October and last well into the new year.

2.  How's the autumn weather in your part of the world right now? 

Today (Monday) it was a beautiful day with sunshine and clearing blue skies.  We've just had 3 days of torrential rainfall. Something called an atmospheric river which is a new phenomenon.  Sadly, many of the surrounding municipalities were flooded and there were a few casualties around the province.

Sunday sky

Monday sky

3.  Anything on your reading list for autumn? What are you reading/watching right now that you would share with us.

I'm about to begin reading several books including:  The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence.

I can't yet say that I recommend them because I haven't read enough yet.  They were all random books I picked up at the library a few days ago.

I've also been watching a few different series on Netflix:  Pachinko and Slow Horses and I'm looking forward to the new season of both. I understand that Pachinko hasn't yet been renewed but Slow Horses has been. If you are a fan of Gary Oldham you will enjoy his performance in Slow Horses but really, the entire cast is a delight.

4.   For many religion keeps them going with promises of better things to come.  But there are other things that help along the way.  What things/people/thoughts, keep you going on your way?

At the moment, the thought that keeps me going is once I get through major decluttering and reorganizing, I will be 'free' to do other things wholeheartedly and enjoy life more. I do enjoy life right now but I hope to enjoy it more with greater free time to do hobbies and maintain or make new friendships. I also want more time to host people for dinner including loved ones and family members and time to plan travels and projects with my dear hubby.

Lunch at Woolworth's ~ Tuesday 4

Click to see full size.

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

Prices are soaring and there is no end in sight!  Wouldn't it be nice to go back in time to do our buying? Even restaurants were affordable back in the day.
You can click on the menu to see it full sized. 

1. Did you ever eat at Woolworth's?  

Yes!  When I was growing up we lived in a small city in the far north of my province. There weren't many restaurants. In fact, I only remember 3, Woolworth's, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe at the local Co-op and a few fast food joints. There was a Dairy Queen (DQ) but I think it was only open in summer for take out ice cream items only.  We also had a KFC which in those days was called Kentucky Fried Chicken or Chicken Village.  There may have been more restaurants but I don't remember them.  Anyway, back to Woolworth's. Mother took me and my siblings (3 of us in those days) to town once in awhile and it was a treat because she took us to Woolworth's for lunch. I don't think we ate anything other than French Fries with gravy and a Coca Cola but it was always a treat. I remember these days very fondly.

2.  What would you order from this menu?

Definitely the French Fries and gravy and maybe, on occasion, a Hamburger Platter.

3. Woolworth's had banana splits and sundaes.  Do you like sundaes? What kind?

I love both banana splits and sundaes. If I order a sundae it's usually a strawberry sundae.  Sometimes I ask for 2 toppings (strawberry and pineapple or strawberry and chocolate).

4. What restaurants are you favorites and what do you usually order?

I enjoy all kinds of food but when I go out I normally have Asian food, either Vietnamese or Japanese. I order Vietnamese House Special Soup (with the works) and Prawn Salad Rolls. Sometimes I order a bowl with noodles, peanuts, shredded carrots and celery, and topped with deep fried spring rolls and grilled skewered pork. At the Japanese restaurant, I order a Bento Box most often with beef or chicken teriyaki and mixed tempura along with miso soup, salad and a California roll.

I also crave 'Western Food' now and then but there are extremely few places to get it these days. I'm talking about places with menu items similar to the old Woolworths and then some. I like having pork chops, mashed and veggies or something like a soup and sandwich. 

Last but not least, I love some good Mediterranean food like Chicken Souvlakia, roasted lemon potatoes, Greek Salad, and Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes and foods like Morrocan Chicken Tagine. I'm thinking of making a Tagine later this month for my brother's birthday dinner.

Thanks for stopping by!

October Memories ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to October's first Tuesday 4 kept in memory of Toni Taddeo.   

1. What memories do you have of Octobers past?

I have 2 memories of Octobers past. The first is when I was 13 years old and the last time I participated in October 31st trick or treating. I lived in the far north of my province and though we didn't have snow at that time of year it usually got quite cold at night. Children and teenagers of course almost never worry about the cold, especially when out having fun.  

My siblings and I covered many miles that night with our pillow cases, going house to house.  The moon was full and the hoar frost was out in abundance.  It was cold and we weren't dressed for it but it didn't stop us.

My outfit that year was as a hippie.  I was dressed in bell bottoms, a t-shirt, an open button down blouse (striped), some kind of necklace and a scarf tied around my forehead with the sides hanging down the side of my face. It was back in the day when you put together your own outfit and mother's seldom sewed them for their children like they do today.  I don't know why I remember this particular Hallowe'en. Perhaps I got a load of candy more than usual, perhaps it was extra cold that night, perhaps it was because I knew it would be my last outing as a 'trick or treater'.  In any case, I remember that night well.

My second memory is of living in our nation's capital, Ottawa, Ontario. My mother had come for a late fall visit and we greatly enjoyed going for walks and tours soaking in the beautiful fall foliage. Here we are at the farmer's market, called the Byward Market in Ottawa with all the gorgeous pumpkins. Forgive the quality of the photo. It was in the days before smart phones. I think I was even using a disposable camera.

2. Besides here in New Jersey, some of the coziest neighborhoods I've driven through were in rural Ohio and Pennsylvania.   The picture reminds me of those times.  Does this photo bring any thoughts to mind for you?

The photo reminds me of scenes in and around Ottawa, Ontario. When you go out of the city a bit to the villages you will see a variety of cottages, old wooden homes and of course trees in the fall with their beautiful, autumnal colours.

3. As weather cools I do enjoy Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Latte flavors in my coffee.  Do you like flavored coffees or teas? Which are favorites for you?

I'm not found of flavoured coffees especially those with mixes you add to your coffee at home. Occasionally, I do enjoy a Pumpkin Latte at Starbucks but I seldom order such things. I used to go on regular coffee dates with a friend who has now passed on and she loved Pumpkin Lattes and coffee in general. Since her passing I still do enjoy coffee but seldom at a specialty coffee shop. I don't drink much tea but I have a variety of fruit flavoured teas and also I love my Earl Gray with Oil of Bergamot.

4.An orchard near me not only sells apples but pies and their famous apple cider donuts in the fall.  What kind of pies, cakes and pastries do you like to eat?

Don't get me started, lol. I do enjoy pastries of all kinds. At this time of year apple pies are especially good and apple fritters too. I have never had an apple cider donut.

I join with like minded people in asking God to bless and protect all the precious people in North Carolina, George, Tennessee and all areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.   I also ask for protection of Floridians who are at this moment expecting another Category 4 Hurricane.  

Advice: 5 c ~ Tuesday 4 Meme

You are very welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

We all take and give advice at least once in our lives.

Oxford dictionary says that advice is: guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.

1. Is there one piece of advice you  were given that you feel has been very important in your life?

Yes, to stand up for what I think is right even if I have to stand alone.  In my lifetime there have been occasions when I've had to implement this advice and stay strong on my own (and of course with the help of God).

In later adult, years I heard a quote by Sir Winston Churchill I also took to heart. Perhaps you've heard it. 

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” (Sir Winston Churchill).

The reason I found it helpful is I have a tendency to drop everything to help someone else who perceives they need a listening ear.  I get this from my later mother who was very giving and very self-sacrificing.  It's a symptom of how she was raised as a motherless daughter and the expectations others placed on her. Over a long period of doing this, I realized that it was hampering my ability to get things done, whether large or small, because there could be so many interruptions in a day. 

These days,  I strive for a better balance between making myself available, especially at crucial times, and focussing on my own goals and priorities.  It's a form of self-care and it's also a way to be a better steward of the time God has given me. 

 2. What advice do you think is important for building good personal relationships?

Understanding that every person has a story and sometimes they need someone to listen to it. It's also important to really listen to others and try not to give them too much unsolicited advice.  The longer and the better I get to know someone, the more I get a sense of when to keep opinions to myself and when to offer advice.  Of course, some people straight out ask for advice.  

One thing I've learned in this life's journey is that there are also people who are known as energy vampires.  These are people who sometimes intentionally, drain your emotional energy.  They feed on your willingness to listen and care for them, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed.  I have actually met several of these kinds of people especially when I was just starting out on my own.  Once I recognized the situation, I had to learn to put up boundaries and sometimes even cut out certain kind of people, especially those that like to complain a lot and look to you to prop them up emotionally.  We all need a bit of this kind of emotional support, however when it is constant and overwhelming, it's my belief that someone needs professional assistance. 

3. Do you give advice to friends when they have problems to solve or do you refrain unless asked?

When I was a young adult I often gave advice, solicited or not. These days I refrain from giving advice unless I'm asked.  Even then I don't readily offer detailed advice. 

4. What advice can you give us today?

Be grateful for each day because tomorrow is not promised to us. That is what I'm trying to do myself. Also, it's good to learn to be content in life and to honour what the Lord has given to us. I get inspiration from the Apostle Paul in this regard who said (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV).

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Take care everyone. Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Autumn ~ Tuesday 4

Happy Autumn

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4... are you ready for Autumn?

Sunday September 22 is the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of the Autumn season.  Let's talk about it okay?

1. Are there pumpkins or chrysanthemums on your porch or are you planning on putting some out?  

No. I don't have a porch but I also don't care for mums or using seasonal decor except at Christmas. Even that is minimal.

2. What seasonal changes are you noticing in your part of the world? What would you add or take away?

I've noticed a drastic change in temperature. We've had some lovely sunny days with brilliant, blue skies but we are now in the period where rain can happen at any time. If I could add or take away, I would increase the temperatures just a wee bit and take away some rainy days.  We do need rainy days to keep our trees and grass green.

3. Is pumpkin pie on the menu for you this fall?  How about pumpkin spice or pumpkin latte coffee flavors? Are you a fan?   Spiced teas?  What do you like?   

I'm the only one in my household who like pumpkin pie so I'm not sure if we'll have one in a few weeks for our Canadian Thanksgiving.    We often have apple pie instead and one year I made a Pumpkin Mousse Pie. It was delicious. I need to make it again. I'm not too keen on having pumpkin spice or pumpkin latte coffees. I have tried them but I don't need to have them. I prefer good old coffee with no additives other than cream and and cinnamon spice if I'm having a latte or cappuccino.      

4. If there was a free week long tour of New England, complete with peak colors and a trip to Plimouth, Massachusetts (the colony site with historical players), would you come along?  If that doesn't suit, where would you like to go for your Autumn trip?

Absolutely. I love autumn colours. The closest I've gotten to the beautiful autumn colours in the east is in Quebec and southern Ontario. In fact, many years ago I took my mother on an escorted Fall Colour Tour and we both enjoyed it so much. The foliage was absolutely spectacular. We get beautiful foliage here in BC too but not so many deep reds (maple trees) which I absolutely love.  An alternative trip would be to New York City. I think it would be the perfect season for walking and sightseeing in Manhattan.

September Musings ~ Tuesday 4

September is back to school month and even if you are an adult now, you can usually still recall the back to school days.  It was a new beginning.. sometimes scary, sometimes joyous.  New experiences were awaiting you.

How about now? September is still a new beginning to  the year.  What will it hold for you?

1. As summer's heat fades do you get out and about in nature often ?  Where do you go, what do you do?  What would you like to do?

I get out more in the Fall and Spring than I do in other seasons. Mostly I love to go to places where I can take a walk by the waterfront. I enjoy the photo opportunities at the waterfront.

2. What has changed in your life that you miss/regret the most?

I miss my university days mostly because I had a very active social life and people were more ready to get together for any reason to have a potluck or a dance/fundraiser or to invite one another to their homes for a dinner. These days it's like pulling teeth to get together with anyone and that includes family members. Everyone is so busy and I fall into that category myself. It's sometimes even hard to make phone calls or to receive them but it's important to try and make an effort. At least, I believe it's important. Sadly, not everyone I know agrees with me except for people who are older than me. Perhaps I wouldn't be missing these 'olden' days but a lot of people I know have moved away and haven't kept in touch or they have passed from this life.

3.  Money is no object, nothing stands in your way... are you going to move or stay where you are?

I would be moving within the city but I already know that it would be difficult to find a place that fits my requirements. I'd love a larger space with roof top amenities for gardening and entertaining. I'd also like a building that isn't too high in case of fire and I'd love a view with an apartment that isn't too close to everyone else and has a lot of space, preferably green between buildings. If money was no object, I would also like a cottage getaway at the lake.

4.  How can you improve your life?

That's a good question and I'm not sure I can do more than I'm doing because I work on improving my life each and every year. Right now, it would be nice to finish up the decluttering. Honestly it just seems to go on and on but I can see the endpoint of the main things I'm trying to accomplish. Once I have that done, I will continue making small DIY improvements. All of this is to ensure I have a comfortable space, easier to maintain and more efficient for doing crafts and study.

Joining in with Tuesday 4 this week. Thank you for stopping by! Happy September to you. 🍁🍂🍁

Autumn Reading ~ Tuesday 4

Autumn Reading

 Happy September friends and welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

The Autumnal Equinox is September 21 and it is the actual beginning of Autumn. Many, however, consider Labor Day as the unofficial opening of the Autumn season of the "Ber" Month

1. What's on your reading list for September?

I've got several books on the go for the month. At present I have 4 books at various stages of completion though mostly I've just started on all of them. You can view my last post here where I mention the books I'm currently reading.

2. Does your favourite reading nook look anything like the one in the picture or do you wish it did?

I don't really have a favourite reading nook or a nook at all. I just have a convenient spot on one end of my sofa which is where I sit and also watch television and or knit. I usually take a book with me or have one on my device and read wherever I am and will often stop and have a coffee just so I can read for a bit.I really wish I did have a reading nook like the one in the photo and I may yet have one if and when I ever 'finish' with decluttering and reorganizing.

3. Can you name some books you've read many times?  Do you recommend them?

I don't think I've actually read any book many times (unless you count the Bible) and I can't even recall what few books I've read at least twice though I do recall thinking or wondering why I liked a book so much the first time around.  It didn't seem to great the second time around. 

4.   Which of the classics have you read?  

I've read a number of classics.  Probably too many to mention in full.  Books like Little Women, David Copperfield and several others by Charles Dickens, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride & Prejudice and almost all of Jane Austen's other books, Jane Eyre, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, Gone with the Wind, Withering Heights, East of Eden, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Kite Runner, Heart of Darkness, The Alchemist and many more.  For so many years, I did not read the classics unless I had too. Now I have a loose goal to read more (no specific number) and to include them amongst the books I select to read each year. I see some people counted the number of classics they've read. That's a great idea and I should go back and do the same!

I've also read many books that are not considered classics. I just love to read and challenge myself each year to read more than one a month. I also love to read the Bible and reading it from one cover to the next in chronological order as presented has been quite interesting, informative and inspirational.

Tuesday 4: A Little Tea Party

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

This week could we talk about your personal thoughts?

1. Do you find yourself daydreaming about your situation and things you would love to do if only ...?

Yes, the thing on my mind for some time now is if I can just get through all the decluttering and little jobs there are to do around the home, I can finally start doing some creative and more fun projects and possibly make plans for the future.  Recent water leak and strata projects set my own timeline back considerably because I didn't have access to all of my things. I still can't see the end in sight to the household tasks though I do see progress.  

2. If you are having tea/coffee, a little break in the day does your mind wander off to other thoughts and meditations.

No, not really. When I'm having coffee, I usually use that time to catch up on email, blogging, recorded TV programs or a bit of reading/study so my mind is already occupied.

3. Do you find yourself meditating or revisiting in your mind a scripture, verse from a book you've read and it's impact on you?

Yes, I often meditate on scriptures. I did a lot of scripture memorization as a youngster.  These scriptures come to me often during alone time, while going through life's events, having discussions with family and friends and whenever I watch or read Christian and secular material.

4.  Do you find yourself sometimes replaying conversations with others?   Are there books or movies that stay vivid in your mind? 

I don't replay conversations with other these days but when I was younger I did. Especially when I was a junior high schooler and spent a lot of time walking to and fro to school. I had plenty of time for replaying conversations and thinking because I had a long walk to school and back.  As I grew into adulthood and had different relationships of work and a personal nature, I also spent time thinking about and replaying conversations. Usually I was thinking about tensions with someone and what I might have said in discussions instead of what I did say.  I don't do this anymore either.

I have many movies and books that I've enjoyed over the years but I seldom think about them afterward. The ones that have really stayed with me tend to be from when I was very young and perhaps more impressionable.  Three movies that really stuck in my memory for a long time include: Anna Karenina with Vivian Leigh in the titular role of Anna, The Red Shoes and a Brief Encounter. 

Three books that stayed with me a long time after reading them were: The Poisonwood Bible, The Kiterunner and A Fine Balance.  

These books and movies are not necessarily my favourites though some of them are. It's just that they somehow remained in my brain much longer than others did.

Thank you for stopping by!

Childhood ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni's Tuesday 4 and another chance to learn more about yourself and your fellow bloggers.

1. Were you an adventurous child at all?

I don't think I would describe myself as a very adventurous child. My mother was overly protective with me as the eldest and a girl. I was always told about the dangers out there and my time to do the normal things was strictly limited and observed. I developed a fear of doing a lot of things that other children did more naturally such as swimming, riding a bike and skating. I did do all of these things eventually but none too well and to this day I really don't do any of them.  All of my siblings took to these activities very naturally. I suppose too they were given a lot more freedom given that by then mom and dad had more experience as parents. However they were still given strict instructions about when to be home and so on. I'm glad for these kind of rules when I was young but wish I didn't become so fearful. It's something I've tried to work on in later life with some success.

2. What were some of your favorite places to go when you were a child? Amusement parks, movies, restaurants, zoo.  etc?

I enjoy all of these things as a child. My small town didn't have a zoo but each year the circus would come to town and practically everybody would attend. I enjoyed it a lot and was always nervous when the lion trainers would work with tigers and lions. This was in the days before such things as animal rights. I'm not even sure if there is such a thing as a travelling circus anymore in small town Canada. We didn't have amusement parks though once a year in late summer just before school started again, we would have the Fall Fair and Rodeo. The fair always included the carnival and was something we loved to visit into the late nights. We did have one movie theatre and dear mom would make sure that I went to matinees either with her or with my siblings and of course we'd have popcorn and pop for a treat. Restaurants were very few but we did get out to the Woolworth's Cafe once a month when mom went shopping or when it was back to school shopping. We also had a chinese restaurant where we had a treat now and then but not that often. 

3. What games did you play outdoors? indoors?

We played every game that was known in our parts both indoors at outdoors. Indoors at school we played things like dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, indoor hockey and probably more. Outdoors we played a lot of soccer, road hockey, baseball, cricket, track and field, hide and seek, roll over & tetherball.  I feel like I'm missing something from the list of games and sports. For quiet games indoors we played all kinds of things like card games (Crazy 8, solitaire, some played poker and some played cribbage) and board games (snakes and ladders, Chinese Checkers, Yahtzee and so on). In summer it would stay bright outside. Even at midnight it would be like dusk so we kids did a lot of playing outdoors in those times. We even played outdoors in winter because the sun would shine brightly and though it did get cold it wasn't cold each and every day. We'd make snowmen and have snowball fights.

4.  Where did you grow up and do you think it affected who you are today?

I grew up in a small city in northern British Columbia (I lived in more than one) and yes, I do feel it affected who I am. I love the city and all it offers. It suits my personality but I also have a huge appreciation for the small town way of life and it's people, animals, wildlife and so on. I think I would love to go back and live however what holds me back is the lack of services, especially good health care. In fact, the lack of health services and easy access to specialists is what keeps me from moving to most parts of my province. That and the cold weather.

Thank you for visiting. Please come again soon.

Wild Animals ~ Tuesday 4

Tuesday 4 is here once again. 

Summer brings us out of the house and we spend more time outdoors, weather permitting,  and have an opportunity to see animals and birds that live around us.

1. Do you see many animals where you live? Is your answer a good or bad thing? 

In the immediate vicinity of where I live I don't see many wild animals except for a few types of birds, the odd squirrel and the occasional mouse.  That's a good thing but I wished I saw a lot more variety of birds. Oh once I saw a coyote down a dark alley when I was returning home very late from work one night. Fortunately he was further away and didn't follow me.

2. What kind of animals and birds are around your area?

In the broader city area where I live there are all kinds of wildlife and sealife. There are wild bears, mountain lions, coyotes, squirrels, birds, racoons, rats, mice and possibly other critters. In the ocean there are all kinds of fish which I never see but occasionally I will see orca whales and sea lions, the latter like to sun bathe while sitting on logs or rocks on the seashore. The bird life is prolific but I seldom see them unless I go out farther afield. In my immediate area I only see the occasional robins, sparrows, chicadees, pigeons, crows and sea gulls. If I go to the park I see swans, geese, ducks and all the others I've mentioned and sometimes bald eagles. If I go to the university or other outlying areas I will also see a lot of bald eagles.

3. What kind of animals and birds could you do without and what kind would you love to see more often?

I love all birds but can do without the coyotes, wild mountain lions, cougars and bears. These animals have been increasingly forced out of their natural habitat by human encroachment so it's only natural they now roam the areas where humans have moved in. Thankfully in my immediate, I only know of coyotes that can pass by. Apparently several hundred of them live in the city.

4. Do you feed wild birds or animals?

I do not feed the wildlife. It isn't good to encourage them to rely on and get habituated to humans. It's especially bad to try and feed bears when you see them in the park but people do it all the time. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post today. Please come again soon.

Tuesday 4 ~ Books

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Books are such a big part of many people's lives. Maybe we should talk about that.

1. Do you have some books in your home? If so what subjects are they? Which is
your favorite?

Oh my, do I have books! Yes, I do. My husband says I have books all over the place and on every corner and surface. Even though I got rid of at least 100 books just before the Covid pandemic and very seldom buy a new one, I still have too many books to accommodate well in our living space. 

Subjects are wide ranging. I have all kinds of novels from classic to contemporary, novels from authors around the world, art books, history books, science and self help books, Christian story books, Christian bibles and study books.  I also have a lot of self help books, cooking books, DIY books, children's books, craft books and so much more.  Based on the statistics produced when I log my reading material, I found out that my favourite genre is historical fiction.

2. Do you enjoy browsing around in bookstores ? Do you have a favorite you like to go to?

I really love browsing in bookstores. I used to make an afternoon on weekend specifically to go to a favourite bookstore and browse the aisles. My favourite book stores always had seats and tables to sit at and examine a book more closely before buying.  In those days there were many great bookstores large and small. These days they are fewer in number and they no longer have comfy seats and tables.  I realize in answering this question, that I haven't
actually browsed in a bookstore for many years. Mainly it's because I stopped buying new books and magazines many years ago already because I always got carried away with too many purchases.  

If I do purchase a 'new to me' book, it's usually something I've purchased on line or in  used book or thrift store. That way I don't feel any regrets when I finish reading them and want to gift them to charity.  It also means I don't contribute to my already plentiful book library.

3. Do you think real books are clutter or do you just love having them around you?

I love having books around and it's hard to discipline myself from buying them. Since most of my book purchases these days are gently used, I sometimes go on a bit of buying binge.  I even stop at the mini book libraries in the neighbourhood when I'm out for walks. Not too often though because with the sheer number of books I already have, and the number of books I borrow, I no longer feel such a great need to have them around me. I do feel that what I currently own is largely clutter and I'd like to whittle down the number of books I own.  I've given away a lot of books and I need to get better organized so I can add some to the mini libraries in the neighbourhood. Does your neighbourhood have a little library box where you can drop off books or take books for free?

4. What is the oldest book you've read and what is the newest book you've read or are reading.

I guess the oldest book I've read is the Bible and also Shakespearean works. Believe or not my English 12 teacher introduced our class to Chaucer and other writers of old. He even covered the history of the Bible. He was a wonderful English man and I felt like I was in a university class. The newest book I've read was published in February 2024. It was a very poignant story which I reviewed here.

Good Morning Tuesday - Tuesday 4

It's time for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 ... just four questions each week for you to ponder and share your thoughts, likes and dislikes.  You can visit others and see their opinions and hopefully make some new blogging friends.

Can we talk about mornings? We all have them, right?

1. Do you jump out of bed or hit the deck running as I call it or are you slow to get up to speed in the morning?

I'm slow to get up to speed in the morning. It typically takes me hours to really get going. I'm a night owl not a morning person.

2. Do you start the day with coffee or tea?  Or do other things help you wake up like washing your face, etc.?

I usually start my day with coffee and cream after making my bed and making a washroom stop. Sometimes I'll wash my face then but usually I wait until I've had my coffee and feel more alert.  Then I'll take a shower including washing face and brushing teeth and and get dressed to start my day.

3. Is the best part of waking up some Folgers in your cup? What brand of coffee or tea lights your fire?

I like the jingle for Folgers coffee but you'll find Maxwell House in my cup instead. I read the other day that the coffee got it's name from the Maxwell Hotel. 

One of his [Joel Cheek] first big customers was the Maxwell House Hotel. The hotel bought some of his coffee to serve in their dining room. Supposedly, the customers loved it so much they demanded that the hotel keep selling it. Joel named his coffee brand Maxwell House after the hotel in Nashville, where this happened. Tennessee State Museum website

 4. In the Netherlands toast with hefty style chocolate sprinkles are a usual breakfast.  Italy also begins the day with rolls or cookies.  Britain and America are eggs, bacon, toast, or cereal.  What about you? What is a typical breakfast for you?

Many years ago I used to eat breakfast more often; usually a cold or hot cereal with toast. On weekends I would have the full American breakfast of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and toast on a Saturday.  I remember the days well because I was a student or a young career woman.  Saturday was always a time relax and do errands, and meet a friend for late breakfast and a natter. These days I seldom eat breakfast.  When I do it's usually toast and coffee.  Sometimes I have a craving for hot porridge or bacon and eggs and I'll make those if the craving or hunger is strong enough.

I've recently had a huge breakfast of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and toast. I probably won't have it again for quite some time. In this case I was using up some small potatoes before they went bad.

I'm joining in with Tuesday 4 today.  Thanks for stopping by!

It's March ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 begun by Toni Taddeo.

It's March and it might be nice to talk a bit about it.

The year is going by quickly.

1. March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion.  How has it made it's debut in your area?

March 1st was a cold and it rained very heavily at times.  I stayed indoors.

2. Is St Patrick's Day something you observe?

I don't observe St. Patrick's Day. Where I live I've only ever seen it as a day for people to wear green and many go to an Irish pub for 'green' bear.  No one I know observes a special dinner on that day. In more recent years there has been a St. Patrick's Day parade and there seems to be a bit more happening each year.  There is a Ceilidh on March 15th and a concert of the Welsh Choir the next day.  There is also a Celtic Festival that weekend.  I've looked at the festival program and it seems like a lot of it is focussed on drinking so I don't participate.  Besides which the weather is usually not very nice on St. Patrick's Day.

3. Do you observe Easter? 

I do observe Easter. 

4. What will those holidays see you doing this year? 

It's usually a quiet time of reflection and gratitude for Christ's death and resurrection.  Church's here like everywhere also focus on this message.  It's also time for a holiday meal with one or two loved ones. Long ago, a much larger group of family and friends would gather together for Easter dinner but those days are long gone as are many of the people. 

This time of year most of us in the western hemisphere are anticipating the arrival of the Spring season.  So I've planted up some seeds in readiness for the garden season. Hopefully they won't sprout up too stringy and straggly.

Saturday night I took a walk to the garden to return a book called The Venice Sketchbook. It was a poignant read set in Venice, Italy during WW2. Once I got home I realized I had another book I needed to return.  It had fallen to the side of the sofa and I didn't notice it until the next day when I was vacuuming.

 

I wanted to do more 'creating' in 2024 but haven't really gotten in the groove yet. I did make a few dishcloths. I was surprised to find a skein of cotton yarn at my local dollar store. I thought it would make 2 cloths but it only made 1.5. I returned to the store to buy another skein but there were none left. I tried another store location but they had none. I'm thinking that this was a one time offering so I don't hold out hope of finding more.

Some of you who've followed me for years may know that I love plants especially tropical ones for indoors. However it has proven impossible for me to grow them indoors. It just too cold with drafts in all the wrong places and lack of natural light is also a problem. As a result, I purchased a artificial bush last year and put some fairy lights on it. When I was out for a walk the other day I found this abandoned tree sitting on a bench outside a store. It didn't look like it belonged to anyone but to make sure I enquired inside the store. They told me that it had been sitting on the bench for three days and to please take it if I wanted. So I did. It now sits beside me on the sofa and I'm very happy with it as it is just the right height without being too wide in diameter.

I took this patio photo last week. Today the workers started laying the new foundation. I think they will make a lot of progress this week.

This is how I spent the first few days in March. I'm feeling happy and content and looking forward to Spring.

Joining in with Tuesday 4 this week. Thanks for stopping by!