Ch-Ch-Changes - Part 1

Hi friends and fellow bloggers,

Lately I've been feeling quite tired. It's partly because I've just been so busy for so very long and I don't see much of an end in sight. I also haven't had a real rest for a very long time.  The latest forced period of rest was due to being sick with the shingles and in a great deal of pain so that just tired me out more than anything.

I have some plans for very short trips before the end of summer so we'll see how that goes.  Of course I'll share scenic photos when I'm on my way or when I'm back.  I love taking scenic photos.

In the meantime, here at home I'm still beavering away on making a lot of small changes to the home. I've got got plans for some medium size changes a little later this year. There's only so much that can get done in a given week. It's an achievement just to get the gardens in on time.

This year my home garden was planted by my brother. Thank goodness. I was stricken with shingles and couldn't do much besides sleep so he decided to weed and garden for me.  He also had to buy a lot of soil first to add to what was already there.  I didn't go crazy on buying plants because the garden is going to undergo stress very soon when Phase 2 of the patio renovations begin later this month.

Part of the patio garden

One thing I chose for the balcony garden was a small rose bush called Maui Sunrise. It's already given me a lot of joy with its big showy blooms and plenty of beautiful colour.

A few weeks before getting sick, I planted the plot at the community gardens.  In truth it really hasn't done well. It's been overridden with invasive plants from elsewhere so I've been doing a lot of pulling up rather than a lot of harvesting.  It's too sad looking to post a photo here. In fact, I don't even think I took a proper photo of it this year simply because it looks that bad. But at least I've tried.

Here are a few photos of some of the small home decor changes and DIYs around the house.

New shelf for the primary bathroom

New shower curtain for the primary bathroom

This one comes with tassels. I still need to steam the wrinkles.

New shelf for the master bathroom.

New shower curtain for the master bathroom.

I recently purchased a very thin summer blanket and a white linen/cotton bedspread. It was proving time consuming and difficult to make the bed every day. I bought the new duvet cover and put the thin blanket inside. You can see it's still lumpy but it's a bit easier to make the bed. The bed looks so small in the photo but it's actually a queen size.

A new striped bedspread & pillowcase.

Fresh Rabbit's Paw Fern for the living room

New bathroom fan/motor

New bathroom light fixture

The master bathroom also had a lighting upgrade but I cannot find the photo right now. The below photo is the former look with gold finish. It's now a matte black finish. Some of you will remember when I changed out several of the door knobs from gold or brass finish to black.

Another bathroom project was restoring the master bathtub. It was looking so dirty where the anti-slip adhesives were affixed to the tub. It looks newer now and the drain ring and overflow cap which showed a lot of wear have been replaced.

Before

After

I'll continue to work on the bathtub after the caulking and regrouting have been redone in both bathrooms.  I'd looked into replacing the tub with a shower but the price was absolutely ridiculous.  The company that gave me a quote was asking for an amount which was more than sufficient for an entire bathroom redo but it was only to replace the tub. I know there are better prices out there but for now I'm going for a temporary fix just because there are a lot of bigger projects yet to do in the kitchen, dining room, living room and both bathrooms.

New kitchen cabinet knobs

Old kitchen cabinet knobs

New combo oven/microwave.

The cabinets got a good scrub but they are always in need of a good scrub. The grimy grease collects so easily even though I wipe everything down on a daily basis.

There are a number of projects which I want to complete before the end of the year. Let's hope it all goes well. I've discovered I am not a big fan of home renovations and decorating. It takes too much time, energy and money but sometimes you just have to do it.  My long time readers will know that I've already made a lot of small changes over the past 2 years or more. But this year's changes are more wide-ranging and hopefully will last longer than the former changes.

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 young girl I was taught the value of hard work for an honest wage and to take pride in my work.  I carried this teaching with me no matter what work I was doing whether paid or voluntary.  Later I learned that the value of hard work is also a biblical concept.  In case anyone is curious, I found it was easier to implement the hard work ethic than it was to learn how to be content in all things. Thankfully I eventually succeeded in the latter and found it really added a lot of peace and satisfaction to my life overall.

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.

What Will We Find ~ Tuesday 4

Hello! Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. 

1. What will we find on top of your refrigerator?

You'll find extra large boxes of dry cereal, mostly Honey Nut Cheerios and Weetabix, sometimes Bran Flakes.  I also keep a ready supply of paper towels and cleaning rags in a plastic cleaning caddy. These rags are more for shining the kitchen appliances, windows and mirrors.  The heavy duty cleaning rags are kept somewhere else.

2. What will we find on your nightstand?

I don't have a nightstand. Neither does my husband. He uses a wicker basket with a flat top cover. He doesn't keep anything there except a small flashlight in case he needs to use the washroom during the night. I use a corner of my dresser.  I keep distilled water for the CPAP machine, water for drinking, the CPAP machine & a remote control for the bed.  If I'm having difficulty sleeping I might raise the head of the bed during the night. I try not to do that because it wakes my husband.

3. What is in your purse or handbag?

In the inner pocket of my cross body bag, I have hand wipes, a wallet & change purse, small spray hand sanitizers, a notebook, pen and my passport.  In the small front pocket, I have numerous lip glosses and sometimes a small room spray. I do try to keep the latter on hand because sometimes public washrooms aren't that fresh.

4. What will we find on your coffee table or side tables? How about your kitchen or dining table?

I don't have a coffee table because we have an ottoman for resting our feet. I do keep a large tray in the centre of the sofa and keep a variety of items in it:   kleenix, clean dishtowels/paper towels, hair clips, a small flashlight, scissors and the remote control. On the side table I keep the landline telephone, a variety of stationery items, odds and ends & my daily bread (bible scripture cards).

Try as I might,  my dining table is not used much for dining these days. It holds various stages of 'in progress' items like paperwork, household tasks or creative projects or sometimes all three! Once I complete the seemingly never ending decluttering project, the dining table will be used more regularly for sit down meals. Of course when I'm expecting company, I clear everything away and the table is set.  But for now it's the largest flat surface I have for dealing with projects.

Thanks for stopping by my Tuesday 4 post!

How? ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

Let's jump right in.

1. How did you end up  in the place where you are living? 

I'm not sure if this question relates to my city or to my actual home in the city.  I first came to Vancouver many years ago to attend university. I loved it but had to move away for varying lengths of time for work opportunities. When my longer term work prospects didn't work out in eastern Canada, I returned to British Columbia and decided I'd settle in Vancouver once again. It brought me geographically closer to my family, the city I loved and the ocean which beckoned me.  I wasn't married yet so I was free to move wherever the opportunity arose but I was tired of moving and criss crossing the country.  I purchased my home so that I would have even more reasons to stay in one place.  The idea worked well because it made it harder, though not impossible, to consider work opportunities elsewhere. 

2. How did you end up with the job you have/had?

The last job I had was one I enjoyed very much and I was good at it.  It was a very unique job working for the federal government in a policy development and advisory capacity. The jobs in my unit were supposed to be temporary but I did that job for several years.  I would have continued with it, or at least with the federal public service, for many more years if I didn't get sick and have to retire early for medical reasons.  I fully expected I'd get better and return to full time work but things didn't work out that way.

3. How do you end up with your life partner?

We met shortly after I started medical leave in 2006. I had always wanted to do missions in Africa and since I was on leave I was looking for ways to purposefully fill my time.  I couldn't do anything very demanding or long term.  I was searching for small ways to contribute to some good works in Africa as it had been a childhood dream of mine and now I had time on my hands.  

I made a connection with an American woman pastor who had a small missionary outreach in several African countries including Kenya. She knew my now husband who lived in Kenya.  Eventually I ended up working on some projects with him, meeting in person and ultimately marrying though the marriage part took quite some time due to various challenges and responsibilities we both had in our respective countries.  Looking back, both my husband and I see our meeting and the way everything happened as God's design.  It fulfilled 2 special desires of of my heart.  First, that I could be involved in missionary work in Kenya.  Second, that I would find a Godly man to marry. It also answered some of my husband's desires.  

I never did return to my job though initially I thought I would. I still have the same medical maladies I had when I first went on leave and the job was too demanding in various ways for me to be able to fulfill my duties.  My husband ultimately joined me in Canada where there are more opportunities for him.

4. How did your weekend go and how is the week ahead looking?

The weekend has been busy. I did what is called the Weekly Home Blessing (WHB) in the FlyLady cleaning system.   Here is a link to an interview with the FlyLady, Marla about the FlyLady cleaning system.  Usually people do the WHB on a Monday to start the week but I like to do mine on a Friday to start the weekend. I do another one early in the week.  I also did a bit of reading and talked with loved ones long distance. I felt tired all weekend so I didn't over extend myself. 

The week ahead looks busy. I have parcels being delivered, library books to return and pick up, a dinner to attend, computer work to do, shopping and an appointment. That's just Monday and Tuesday, lol.  I'm sure I can easily fill Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with banking and other business, grocery shopping, cleaning etc.  A woman's work is never done, is it?

Thank you if you made it this far. I appreciate you! Have a wonderful week ahead.

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.

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.

Easter Weekend ~ 2025

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

Another Easter has come and gone. I hope yours was a special one.

We had our Easter dinner on Easter Sunday or what many call Resurrection Sunday, the day that Jesus rose from his grave after being crucified on Good Friday.

This year I decided to make it easy on myself in the kitchen. Instead of roast ham or turkey with all the fixings, I made a sheet pan dinner of small potatoes, asparagus and salmon covered in olive oil and herbs.  For dessert we had a fruit flan. 

Dinner was delicious and best of all I didn't feel so tired out like I usually do when making the holiday meal. 

On the sacred holidays I'd rather be thinking about the reason for the season, especially at Christmas and Easter instead of slaving over a hot stove. Right now too everything is in disarray at my home.  There are all kinds of boxes, bags and furniture that either has to be sorted or taken to the landfill. This kind of situation doesn't lend itself to having people over as much as I'd like to host a few people on special holidays. It will have to wait until things are more organized.

On Saturday I had errands, the main one was to go to an advance poll and cast my vote for the federal election. The voting day is April 28th but advance polls were open for 3 days over the long weekend and there was a record turnout of voters. I had to wait in line a bit longer than usual and I was glad to get out there once finished because I was too hot in the small room. Everything went well though. The elections here are always well run in my opinion and things tend to go quite smoothly. On my walk to the polling station I took the following photos. This is my contribution to Skywatch Friday this week.Sorry it's late but I had an issue with trying to upload.  This has been a problem over the past month. 

It had been a lovely day but you can see the clouds forming.

After voting I stopped for a light dinner of Pho Noodle Soup and shrimp salad rolls.  It was delicious. By the time I left to go home, it was pouring rain. I was glad I had the warming soup to sustain me because it was also quite chilly and I wasn't quite dressed for heavy rain.  I had to walk a few blocks in order to catch the city busy for my short ride home.

Easter Monday saw me getting things organized for the week ahead. I also visited the community garden to weed and plant seeds.  I planted 2 varieties of sunflowers, carrots, watermelon and leeks. I'd like to plant some kale if I can find some seeds soon.  I may or may not plant tomatoes.  I think it's a bit early for a wide variety of seeds and nursery plants but the community garden contract stipulates that our gardens must be fully planted by the end of April each year. It means I start buying seeds and sometimes starting them, sometime in February or March. I buy locally not through mail order and so the options are limited.

While at the garden I ran into someone I knew from university many years ago when we were both working at the Law Faculty. It turns out she is a newcomer to the community garden and we had a nice chat and updated one another on our personal news and other people we both know in common.  It was nice to have a visit with her. 

That's how my weekend went. I was pleased with my balance of work and relaxation. I hope you had a great weekend too. Thanks for visiting and please come again soon.