Let's Blog ~ Tuesday 4

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

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

1. Why did you begin blogging?  

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

2. What benefits does blogging offer you?

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

3. Have you made friends from blogging?

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Ponder ~ Tuesday 4

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

Across much of the USA autumn has arrived early.   

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

Here are the questions she asked us to ponder:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warm, comforting, happy, peaceful yet invigorating.

Coffee or Tea? ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Art of Living ~ Tuesday 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.  What lessons have your biggest challenges taught you?  

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

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

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

Bon Voyage ~ Tuesday 4

Wayfaring....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View of residences in Parklands area of Nairobi, Kenya

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

Movenpick Hotel in Parklands, Nairobi

A cafe at the renowned Lord Stanley Hotel in downtown Nairobi

A coffee with lunch at the Lord Stanley

Jonah, checking out the menu at Lord Stanley Hotel 

Nairobi City traffic

Side street in downtown Nairobi on a quiet Sunday

More city traffic

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

Going to Utali College to visit a young friend

Passing a Hindu temple on the way to Utali College

Birds were everywhere in the trees at the Utali College grounds

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

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

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

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.

Travel Bug ~ Tuesday 4

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

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

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

So let's talk about travel.

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

Oh my!  I've had so many memorable travel experiences and fantastic places that I've visited over. the years.

Australia  - Everything was novel to me, from what side of the road you drive on, to the sayings like 'good on ya mate', the flora and fauna, the spectacular scenery and of course the weather. I was enamoured of the fine white sand along the Gold Coast at Surfer's Paradise but the entire eastern coast of Australia was beautiful and there were miles and miles of nothing. Similar to parts of Canada in that respect.  I've travelled to Australia 3 times, twice with my brother and once with my late mother.  On the first trip, my brother and I took a road trip all the way from Port Douglas in the Far North Queensland (FNQ), and south to Sydney in New South Wales. My brother drove the entire distance and we stopped at many points along the lengthy coast.  Oh and I can't forget about the Great Barrier Reef in FNQ.  We spent an entire day out on Green Island to explore the reef.

On the Ross River, FNQ on the Aboriginal Tour

On a boat in Sydney's Darlington Harbour

With David Hudson of the of Tjapukai Dance Theatre

A young dancer from the Wild World Show

On the catamaran to Green Island

Relaxing on Green Island for the day

Enjoying the fine, white sand at Surfer's Paradise 

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

Traditional Hut and totem pole of the Maori

Honolulu, Hawaii - I've been to Honolulu on overnight layovers from Australia.  Though I'm not a huge fan of the heat, I absolutely loved the tropical scenery. On 2 of my layovers, I took the 2.5 hour air conditioned bus tour around the island to experience the Halona Blow Hole and the lush, tropical scenery. I did a recent google search and found that the tours these days seem to be much more extensive and can last all day with increased costs to match. Personally I prefer a shorter tour. The ones I took were run by the original Hawaiians who gave a little insight into their history and lifestyle and the time allotted for the tour was perfect for learning a bit and seeing the sights on the Island of Oahu.

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

Wildlife at the Maasai Mara National Park

Paris, France - For years, I fantasized about travelling to Paris, France. For some reason I would promise my youngest nephew who was very small at the time, that we would travel there together.  When he grew up I never really thought he'd be interested but he was and we did it together! In 2019, we travelled to Paris for a few days and thoroughly enjoyed our short trip.  

Just being in Paris was a thrill though we also saw several of the usual tourist things. My personal favourite is the Sacre Couer Basilica and although you're not supposed to take photos inside, I took a few photos surreptiously.

The iconic Eiffel Tower

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

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

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

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

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

In Kenya, I went on safari, a once in a lifetime experience.  As part of my lodging package, I got to see the men of the Maasai tribe do their traditional dancing and visited a traditional Maasai village.  I went to many places where the culture was on display.  For example, when I visited orphans raised by a widow woman, they broke out in traditional song to welcome me and did the same when I left.  This kind of greeting happened wherever I visited and made my trip so memorable.

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

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

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

Today, if I were to take a multi-country trip to Europe, I would likely travel by train so I could see the countryside.  I think it's an economical and comfortable mode of travel if you are not so fixed on the time for connections.  Well at least if you make your own arrangements you can make connections that are more suited to your needs.  I would also use the bullet train if I ever travel to Japan though I don't relish the idea of being crammed in the train like a sardine (I've seen it on television).

Note:  A post such as this is better enjoyed with personal photos. Most of my memorable experiences on the above travels were before smart phones the quality isn't very good. I also didn't capture many moments of our travels because it wasn't always convenient or culturally appropriate.  As for Kenyan & Parisian photos, I have so many and have uploaded them over time on various posts. I'll see if I can add a few here once again. In the meantime, I've added links in this post, to all the major sites.  Please do check them out.

Thank you for stopping by!

A Cosy Home ~ Tuesday 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New lights for living room

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

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

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

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

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