Staying Put ~ Moving On: Tuesday 4

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Sometimes we live in the sameplace where we were born and remain there all of our lives.

Sometimes we move away and never come back because of jobs, marriage, circumstances of all kinds.

Sometimes we choose where we will live and we have definite reasons for staying there even though we might be far from family.

1. Are you far from family and if so why? Would you like to have them closer and have you discussed that with them?

When you say 'family' I assume you mean immediate family. I have some of my immediate family near me and some far away.  I haven't discussed being closer with the far away family members. They have their reasons for living where they live and I have mine. In fact they have their own family members too and are rooted in their various locations.

2. How did you come to live in the state you are in? How about the city/town.

I was born in the Province of British Columbia (BC).  A province is similar to a state.  My birthplace is and where I grew up is about 1200 km north of Vancouver, BC which is where I live now. I first moved here for university and then work.  I have lived and worked in other parts of Canada but have been in Vancouver the longest of any other place I've lived so it is my home.

Signage at Mile "0" of the Alaska Highway

3. What good things keep you living where you are?

What's good about your state and town?

Now that I am retired I remain in my city because it provides the best access to health care and there are many things one can do here to stay active and entertained.  I consider myself fortunate in that I've had no issues accessing the health services of a family doctor or various specialists.  This is a major problem for so many others, especially those that live outside of the Greater Vancouver area.  Sometimes I've considered moving to a quieter city which is marginally less expensive to live in.  It's the place where several of my immediate family members grew up and where several of my loved ones are laid to rest.  The key impediment is lack of access to a family doctor.  In fact, the issue was highlighted on the news just the other day.

A walk in Stanley Park

False Creek view to downtown

Granville Island

Granville Island Aqua Bus

So I stay put to access health services and all the other wonderful things in my city.  It's a terribly expensive city but it is in a very beautiful, scenic setting.  There are so many cultural activities, festivals and concerts to take in.  If you are a sporty person there are also a plethora of sporting activities to enjoy such as running, hiking, walking, skiing and other sports.  Vancouver is a very walkable city and has a variety of malls and neighbourhood shops where one can enjoy a variety of foods and shopping.  One of my favourite activities when I have a bit more time is to take a walk in a particular neighbourhood, have coffee or lunch and take photos whether it's raining or sunny.

View to downtown Vancouver from Spanish Banks

Lights of Hope fundraiser for the St. Paul's Hospital

Trout Lake for the Aboriginal Day festival

I also love the province because by and large, the scenery is spectacular wherever you travel througout the province.

Going north on the Coquihalla Highway

Kits flying in Steveston's Garry Point Park

4. What things might convince you to move to another state or just another town?

Better access to health services. 

Downtown Hospital, a new one is being built 

Right now the provincial government is streamlining the process for health workers in USA who want to move to Canada and, in particular, to the province of British Columbia (BC). The government and relevant authorities have dramatically reduced the wait times for credentialing and the requirements for credentialing to help expedite the process for those who want to move to BC and work here.  It's likely this will improve health care staffing across the entire province including smaller towns and villages.  

Since March 2025, over 1200 doctors, nurses and health professionals have expressed an interest in moving to BC.  The government says that number includes 573 physicians, 413 nurses 133 nurse practitioners and 39 allied health professionals.  Since April 177 nurses have applied to work in BC and 113 have already been registered with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives though it isn't clear how many have actually been hired. 

The government and health authorities have tried a variety of things to increase the number of doctors in particular including opening new medical school.  However these initiatives take a lot of time to increase the number of health care professionals. Hiring people from other countries would increase the numbers more quickly assuming the province will have the flexibility to hire immigrants. I believe that these numbers were recently reduced by the federal immigration minister before our last election (pre-April 28, 2025).  The federal government has been trying to reduce the immigration numbers overall due to the housing crisis. I sense that things are on the right track to improve both housing and health care.

Drive to Kamloops, BC

Near Seton Lake, BC

Kamloops, BC to the North Shore & Bachelor Heights

Skywatch at Daybreak

 It's been awhile since I caught the morning sunrise. It was a spectacular one.

Joining in with Skywatch Friday. Thank you for dropping by! 

I Forgot it Was Time for Skywatch

Hello everyone, 

It's now the wee hours of Saturday morning. I'd forgotten all about Skywatch Friday hence this late post.  Of course I knew it was Friday but it was a very busy day.  I was waiting for 3 deliveries, 2 of which came very late in the day and the 3rd came not at all. It's been that kind of week; very busy and some things not going to plan but all is well.

Friday was a spectacular day before the rains started late in the day. Too bad I had to stay indoors waiting for deliveries.  But I did manage to get a few photos.

From the balcony

On West Broadway Street near Heather Street

On West Broadway near Michael's Craft Store

Broadway, the street above, has a new underground subway tunnel. Construction is currently underway for the six new stations that will serve the new line.  See the yellow line in the map below (click to enlarge) and the red dots or circles. The circles represent the new stations.

Extending the line to the west (left side of the photo) from Arbutus to the University of BC (the green space) is one of the priorities for the Greater Vancouver region.  Continuing the line is basically down to a question of the funds required to do the remaining work. At the same time, the Translink Authority which manages all the public transportation in the Greater Vancouver area, has approved a significant number of improvements to existing services and additions to current services through new bus routes and more frequency on the busiest of bus routes. I'm not sure yet whether my route is affected but I hope we will get more frequent buses since it takes so long to get anywhere even though I don't live so terribly far from most places I need to go.

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch post.  I hope you're enjoying the weather and the beautiful sky wherever you are in the world.  Note:  Over the past several weeks I've had issues trying to link up with Skywatch. I've tried several times this morning and will continue trying until I can post. Thanks for your patience.

Question Variety ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4

This week just a variety of little questions for you to ponder.

 1. What's on TV for you tonight?  Alternatively do you have plans for Tuesday night?

Canada has a national election Monday for the new government and our new Prime Minister. Tuesday there will be a lot of political coverage so I'll likely be watching it.

2. Is there a TV program you hate to miss? Why?  And if not TV is there a club or activity, get together you would hate to miss out on?

There is one indulgence I've had since I was a teenager. It's the popular soap opera, 'Y & R'. When I first started watching many years ago, I was enthralled by the lavish lifestyles, homes and fashions. But I was actually watching another soap opera first called 'The Edge of Night'.  Does anyone remember it?  However it went off the air maybe a year or two after I began watching it and 'Y & R' became it's substitute for me. Where I grew up absolutely no one had that kind of lifestyle. These days I like the family values and the ups and downs of long term relationships (family, friendships, business partners, arch enemies). Some things have never changed, just like real life. I probably started watching these shows as a way to fantasize about a different life. I grew up in a small town with no real services or amenities and it was always my desire to leave to go to university and experience other cultures and lands. I enjoyed many different programs on television in my younger years but only Y & R seems to have lasted all these years.  Update:  After a bit of research I realized an error. It wasn't 'The Edge of Night' I'd started watching. The soap was instead called 'Another World'.

3.  Do you belong to any clubs or societies or organizations?   Odd Fellows, Elks, Moose, Eastern Star or anything like that?   Can you tell us about it?

I no longer belong to any clubs. When I was working I was sometimes a member of various professional organizations and did a bit of volunteering with grassroots community groups and Big Sisters organization. Today I only have memberships in a couple of local community centres.  It allows me to hear about some fun community activities and classes and gives me a reduced cost to participate.

4.  The internet is filled with ads.   Are there any ads that you enjoy seeing or ones that you hate to see?

I'm not sure if you are talking about ads on blogs such as the ones appearing on my blog, or if you mean ads in general. I don't mind some ads but I really don't like 'pop ups' ads. They are too distracting and make it hard to navigate a blog or website.  I pay more attention to ads on Instagram than on any other social media site. I've learned about some local services and organizations through these ads and have actually used them. I likely would never have come across them otherwise. Even so, one has to take precautions when following up on advertisements on line.

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. 

Enjoying Spring

Hello friends and fellow bloggers, 

This is a late (and quick) submission to Skywatch Friday.

We've been having fabulously sunny and warm days. It's been a real treat and I'm enjoying what is remaining of the cherry blossoms.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter weekend. 

Thank you for making time to visit with me.

Live for Today (and Tomorrow)

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I trust that this new season is going well for you. Or at least as well as can be expected given the current turbulence in the world.

Canada and Canadians are of course impacted by what is going on south of the border.  However life does go on and each of us moves forward as best we can.  Our federal election is happening on April 29, 2025 but I plan to participate in advance polls this weekend. It's also Easter weekend so I've been busy planning a simple menu. This year I'll be making a dinner based on salmon rather than our usual ham or turkey. I'm looking forward to it.

Photo credit:  Southern Living website (february 2023)

I planted the patio garden and I can see the seeds are starting to germinate. They haven't fully sprouted yet and I can't wait until they get tall and have some blooms to enjoy. I've planted so many flowers so there should be a riot of colours. I haven't had time yet to plant the containers or to plant at the community garden. Hopefully I can get to some of these tasks over the long weekend.

Much of my effort in April has been focussed on getting the patio ready.  In addition to planting, I've been trying to make the space more comfortable. I purchased a new patio conversation set, a small table on which to place beverages and I'm waiting for the rug which I ordered on line. It should be here next week. I also bought a new trunk in which to store all the patio cushions.  I've unboxed it but haven't put it together yet. It will be very handy at the end of the season. I still need to get one or two furniture covers for the sofa and chairs.

Part of the spring 'to do's' includes spring cleaning. Is that a thing anymore? It is for me because even though I try to keep up to the cobwebs and dust over the winter months, things tend to look dirty and drab once the spring light arrives.

Something that will help me clean and do the washing are eco friendly cleaning products made and sold right here in the Greater Vancouver area by Live for Tomorrow.  I ordered a large quantity of product to reach the free shipping offer.  If you live in Canada or the USA, you might want to have a look at their products and place your own order. There is free shipping once you reach a certain spend threshold ($100 Canadian or $150 USD).  Here is the link in case you're interested. https://lftbrands.com/collections/shop-all.

The goods should arrive tomorrow.  I can't wait to try the cleaner for the washer.  Based on reviews, it's supposed to work very well.  I'm hoping to get rid of the mildew smell in the washer.

Even though I'm working hard, I'm enjoying the month.   It's my favourite time of year. I love when the sun comes out, the trees start blooming and the gardens start growing. It's still a bit chilly here but soon it will be quite warm.

Take care and enjoy your day.

Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

It's another rainy day here in Vancouver but sun is in the forecast over the next few days.

I hope the weather is good where you are and that the sky keeps you entertained.

Here are a few photos from the past two days.

Thanks for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post.  Enjoy your weekend.

Renewal & Keeping Busy

Hello friends,

It's been a very busy few weeks. I've been in the process of renewing and refreshing my home and garden.  This has involved researching various large household items for purchase and going to brick and mortar stores where possible.

One thing I wanted was a storage bed.  But once I got to the brick & mortar store to check out mattresses, for a storage bed I got sidetracked.  Instead of finding a mattress, I found an adjustable base and have made a tentative decision to buy it if I can organize a new mattress.  Earlier, I spent an enormous amount of time looking for a storage bed and an appropriate mattress before I switched tracks. I've got a few weeks to find a suitable mattress.  My DH was not sold on the idea of a storage bed.  But he does like the idea of an adjustable bed.  So when I was at the store trying out mattresses and bed bases, I came to see the health and comfort benefits of a bed we can adjust for comfort.

As you likely already know there are just so many mattress options available at a variety of price points.  But it's not that easy to find one you (and your partner) like and at the right price point.  Now that I found an adjustable bed base (and DH approves), I have to find a compatible mattress.  A lot of mattresses these days are just not that deep.  Combined with an adjustable bed base that isn't very high because it doesn't require a box spring, it's a bit more challenging to get the bed height one would like.  I don't like sitting on chairs, or sleeping on beds, that are too low to the ground.  I'm actually surprised that most of the mattresses I've looked at aren't even 10 inches deep.  The last time I went mattress shopping which was many, many years ago, I recall that mattresses were very deep and pillow top mattresses were all the rage. Do you remember when 14 inch sheets were all the rage because the mattresses were so deep?  I wonder when all that went out of fashion?

If I find the right mattress in the next week or two, I'll know for sure about the bed base.  I've paid a refundable deposit and the store is holding the bed base for me. After searching and searching for a mattress with no luck as of yet, I thought maybe we should just keep what we have. But DH and I would both be more comfortable in a larger bed, which by the way brings up another purchase need.  A larger bed requires larger sheets. Thankfully the bed spreads and comforters I have will still work. I'll have to donate several sets of sheets but will keep 1 or 2 to use on the sofa bed.

Another thing that's taking time is the new garden and patio set up.  The entire patio was rebuilt in 2024 and the garden has had to be planted from scratch.  I really wasn't up to figuring out what to plant and doing the work of planting in time for it to be patio ready by warmer weather.  So for now, I've planted a variety of colourful flowers, mostly annuals, all from seed. I've also planted 3 bushes.  Over time, I hope to have a better idea of what I'd like in the garden and more time to work in the garden as well.  I had hoped to have the community garden planted by now too but there has been so much rain. I'm hoping to be able to finish the planting there by the end of Easter weekend. So far, I've done a little garden planning and purchased the seeds. I'll also have to buy some nursery plants.

We already have a patio table and chairs. I think we'll be spending more time relaxing outdoors this summer so DH and I agreed to purchase an outdoor sofa and armchairs. They'll be delivered on Wednesday. We haven't actually seen these items in person but they look to be gray in colour or greige (greyish beige). Once we see them we'll know how they go with the current patio umbrella (beige) and patio chair cushions (red) purchased just last summer. 

Unfortunately, there seems to be little choice in colours and patterns when it comes to outdoor furniture.   They are either dark and gloomy looking, wild with patterns or wild with colour.  Our primary concerns are comfort in the cushions and comfort in the height of the seats.  I have sat on similar cushions at the store to the ones I've purchased and they are very comfortable.  The seats are also 30 inches from the ground.  Other options I saw on line were mostly 22 inches off the ground. Thirty inches should be quite comfortable for most guests and for us as well. 

Chairs

I posted here about buying a new storage sofa and I'm loving it so far.  DH was quite happy with the leather sofa we're recycling. I told him the sofa is not doing its job when we need so many cushions to prop us up.  His main issue is the quality and durability of the furniture. The old sofa set was quite durable.  I could have refilled and stuffed it, but it would not solve the storage issue.  The set had more than paid for itself in terms of use, so it was time to let it go.  

The new sofa is firm and comfortable and the storage option has really made a huge difference in my daily life.  To date, I've been storing things to get them out of the way.  When I have a little time here and there, I sort and recycle the stored items. The leather armchair we had has been taken apart and the frame recycled.  I saved all the leather pieces which I'll either use or giveaway.  The leather sofa is still sitting in the living area.  We'll be renting a truck this week and moving it and 2 other pieces of furniture to the city dump.

Sofa, wooden bench & Pilates chair

In preparation for new furniture deliveries, the different corners of the house have to be cleaned.  Bags have been filled with clothes, books and other odds and ends which will eventually be donated to the Salvation Army.  Ideally, I'd like to have as many things as possible gathered for donation before they are delivered to cut down on the back and forth trips.  On the other hand, I don't like storing them for too long because visual clutter is overly stimulating and not in a good way.

Spring is here and with it I feel a sense of renewal and progress. My theme word for 2025 is 'renew'.  So far the word is working for me.  In 2024, the master bedroom and the patio were completely rebuilt.  It's appropriate that those spaces are being refreshed and renewed in 2025.  

What about you dear reader? Did you choose a theme word for the year 2025.  If so, what is it and how is it working out so far?

Take care until next time.

Spring has Sprung - Skywatch Friday

We've had some beautiful spring days this past week. I spent some time gazing at the sky through the blossoming branches.

How is the weather where you are?

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday Post for this week.