Simple Questions ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   I hope you are enjoying these questions.  Let me know if they can be improved and if you have any ideas for subjects!

Here are just 4 simple questions for you this week...

1.  Do you have any superstitious beliefs?

No I don't but from time to time I think of things I heard a lot as a child from neighbours, children and so on.

For example, when we used to walk on the sidewalks there were sayings like "step on a crack, break your mother's back". Then there were things like it's bad luck to walk under a ladder or to have a black cat cross your path. I'm sure the ladder saying had to do with common sense so that you didn't have a ladder falling on you as you walked under it for example. As for the black cat belief I read that it originated in Medieval times and was rooted in fears of witchcraft and heresy.  Last, but not least, I used to hear that 'bad luck comes in threes". I guess this last belief comes from ancient superstition about the spiritual significance of the number 3 both in Christian belief and Greek/Roman traditions.

2.   How often do you check the weather? Where do you get your weather reports?

I check the weather at least once a day and a lot more often if bad weather is expected here at home or further abroad. I have family and friends spread out near and far so I like to see what the weather is like elsewhere. Also, if weather is bad here at home, I want to know when it will improve.

I check the weather in a variety of ways: on my phone, on the television's weather channel, on the local news weather report and on line through the weather channel or on Bing. If I'm watching You Tube on the television I also watch the weather updates on a variety of American news channels.

3. What time of your life was the happiest and why do you think that was?  How could life improve for you now?

I've been blessed to have many 'happiest" times in my life. I guess they aren't actually the 'happiest' times because there were so many. They are just 'happy' times and for a variety of reasons,  usually when I've celebrated a personal or family milestone, gone travelling to an especially nice place, spent good times with friends, heard an especially good worship service or, talk, the list goes on. But I would say that probably the personal or family milestones achieved over the years are the main things that makes me happy.  It's a given that salvation is also one of the happiest things.  It gives a sense of peace to know or believe that you know you are going to be with the Creator in eternity and so many other people that you know and love.

Life could improve for me and others, if I could know that suffering would end now for everyone. That sounds very Polly-anish and I know it won't be happening until the Lord returns. Even then suffering will only really end for those that are in the faith family.  If you are reading this and you don't believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that is okay.  It's your choice but that is how I believe.  While I and many others wait for Jesus to return, I choose to do my part in feeding the hungry and bringing a bit of hope and good news to those I meet, many in Kenya and other places as I'm able.  Even very small efforts are huge to those that are in desperate need.  

I haven't written about the missions in Kenya for a very long time but my husband and I are still doing some small things here and there.   At the moment, we are not doing it full-time or with the same emphasis as when he lived in Kenya. The season in our lives is a bit different right now but we do what we are able because the needs are still there. In some cases, the needs are even greater than ever because of global inflation which has increased hardships even here at home.

4. What things would you ordain to make everyday life happier, kinder, more prosperous, for everyone?

I think I answered that in question 3 but if there is any doubt, I just wish that people would choose to be kind and choose to be nice and also helpful to others they come across daily.

Sky Post ~ Two Faces of February

Hi friends and fellow bloggers,

We've had tumultuous turns of weather throughout February. Some days are raining heavily, some days misty (light fog), other days sunny. 

I'm happy to see that the longer term forecast for us is more sun than not. Yeah, I'm so happy. 

With the improved weather, I'm starting to think about what needs to be done to prepare the gardens.

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post. Take care and enjoy your weekend.

Grocery Shopping ~ Tuesday 4

Hello friends and welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor of Toni Taddeo.

Here are some questions for you on the topic of shopping.

1. Where do you like to buy your groceries and do you buy by the day, week or month?

 I do not drive to the supermarket so my shopping is done locally and within walking distance. I use a shopping trolley to carry my groceries home and I will take the bus if I go a little further afield but usually still in my part of the city. Generally I shop every few days for fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products. I try to buy other things like dried goods (beans, pulses, rice, flour etc.) in bulk so I don't have to shop for those very often. Meat, fish and chicken are purchased 2, sometimes 3x per month.

2. What foods would we always find in your kitchen?

In my kitchen you will always find bananas, oranges, apples and strawberries or other berries though sometimes I buy frozen berries rather than fresh. To a lesser extent you'll find pears, grapes and gooseberries, otherwise it's whatever fruits are in season. It also depends on the prices each week. Bananas are usually the best buy. I don't eat many bananas but my husband eats quite a lot of them as well as all the other fruits. I mainly use the berries in fruit smoothies but also love to eat strawberries plain. You'll also always find eggs, bread and milk/cream in the refrigerator and potatoes and rice in the pantry and a variety of canned goods, especially tomatoes, crushed or diced and canned fish. You'll always be able to make an easy meal at my house even if it's nothing fancy.  As for all other foods, those will vary depending on costs.  I'd like to make more varieties of dishes but it usually means I'd have to buy more ingredients and condiments than I already have on hand. I simply don't have room to keep it all.  Sometimes I experiment with the cooking but within reason given the limitations.

3. Do you buy anything online and if so what kinds of things are you most likely to buy there?

I do shop on line but never for food.  I prefer to inspect and choose food myself.

4. Do you shop with a list on paper, on your phone or do you just shop without a list and maybe come home with things you never planned to buy?

I often shop with a list on paper especially if I'm buying more than the basic items or I have to go a little further afield for food items. I've tried keeping lists on the phone too but that doesn't work as well for me. Sometimes I take screenshots of the flyer items so I can look at those when I shop. I've found it useful to have the photos and dates if there is an issue with getting the advertised price and that issue does come up once in awhile. I often shop without a list and I always come home with things I never planned to buy. I can't seem to pass up a good offer; especially if the item is something that will keep over a longer period. I buy far too much and have tried different ways to limit myself. I get the habit from my mother.  She didn't over buy though.  She had a smaller selection of items she bought and she had a larger family to feed.  She always purchased in bulk.

Bonus question:  What will you be cooking in the coming week?

I didn't prepare a meal plan for the week ahead though I often do. I do have some salad greens and tomatoes that I need to use up soon.  I was thinking of making beef patties and salad for Monday night.  Meals we had last week included home made and take away meals:  stir fried vegetables and noodles with Tiger Prawns, KFC (take out), Salmon & Tuna Onigiri and Gyoza (take out), Curried Coconut Lentils and Chicken with steamed rice, cabbage and ground beef soup and spaghetti with meat and lentil sauce.

Curried Coconut Lentils & Chicken

Cabbage and ground beef soup

Spaghetti with ground beef & lentil sauce

It can sometimes be a challenge to figure out what to make. If it isn't a hearty meal, my body cannot stay warm and I'm always hungry. I also like to incorporate a lot of vegetables into the dishes otherwise it's hard to eat enough vegetables.

The Month Marches On ~ Skywatch Friday

It's rare for me to spot a great variety of  birds around where I live. The ones I tend to see most often are seagulls and crows.  In summer there are a lot of little brown jobs, sparrows and wrens among them and the odd robin. If I go to the parks I will see more geese and ducks. I know there are a lot more bird varieties but you have to go to where they congregate and I don't do that but I do like to see some when I'm walking about. Having said that, every now and then I get a real treat and spot an eagle or two. Usually it's when I'm out at the University of British Columbia which is situated very near the ocean but sometimes I see them in the city as well.

The other day, I saw quite a number of crows in the bare branches as I walked to the library.  As I mentioned, I often see crows but it's rare for me to see a lot of them in any one place.

I passed by this small park located near the library in my neighbourhood. A friend used to live very close to the park but she moved to Alberta some years ago to be closer to her siblings.  I thought I'd send her some photos of her old neighbourhood.

This next photo was taken on East Broadway. I was coming from a dental appointment. This shot is facing westward on Broadway Avenue.  In the background of the photo you can see some construction cranes. This is where the final stages of work is happening to get the new Main Street Subway Train station ready.  This work has been going on since 2020.  Completion was delayed due to a strike and completion and opening is expected in 2027.  This very long timeline has been most difficult on the businesses that are located along the street.  Construction has interfered with the flow of traffic to their businesses and impacted their livelihoods.   Many businesses have moved elsewhere or closed altogether.  Even more are struggling to stay afloat.  The government has not given any compensation to the businesses despite numerous appeals over the years.

I was on my way to the doctor's office when I spotted what looked like an eagle flying overhead.  Soon I saw 5 eagles flying in my direction from the southwest.  Then coming from the northeast, there were two more eagles. They congregated almost right above me but were high overhead. I couldn't stop to watch them for long because I had an appointment but I hurriedly snapped a few photos and hoped they turned out.  It's rare for me to see eagles so far from the waterfront and it really made my day!

Thanks so much for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Love Those Sports! ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 friends!  I am always happy to take part.  The Olympics are taking place and  we just had the Super Bowl for American football so perhaps we can talk about sports a bit.  Thank you to Diana of  Doodles and Daydreams for suggesting sports as a subject for this week! So, let's think about sports this week...........

1. Do you enjoy any of the sports from the Olympics either Summer or Winter? Would you tell us about it?  

Yes, I enjoy watching the sports from both the summer and Winter Olympics though I confess to not being a truly, avid fan. In summer I like watching swimming and we have a few wonderful medallists in Canada like Penny Oleksiak and Summer McIntosh.  I also enjoy watching Figure Skating and Skiing in the Winter Olympics.

2. What sports have you taken part in and what good did you get out of participating? If not, was there one you wish you had taken part in?Did sports help you in life?

I played all the sports throughout school, including junior and senior high school as part of the mandatory Physical Education (Ph. D.) program.  I don't think that PE is mandatory anymore but I'm not completely sure.  

When I was in high school I played on the girl's school basketball team.  We were really a rag tag team and weren't much good.  I'm still surprised I did it because there were some terrific girl's basketball athletes in the different schools around the area that we had to play against.  In my off-time, I played women's softball and was in the women's soft ball league.  I was always so nervous that I would flub things up for the rest of my team mates. I probably have what you'd call performance anxiety.

In university,  I played casual volleyball on Friday nights with my classmates and friends.  It was just whoever showed up in from the program I was in and we had a lot of fun getting together each Friday. I wish I had been a swimmer and would have liked to be on a swim team but I have a life long fear of deep water.  Try as I might, I've never gotten over it.

I can't say that sports helped me in life. I never was very good at any sport. I really don't like competition or more specifically competing against others. I don't mind competing against myself to try and meet goals.  I enjoyed sports more when playing baseball and track and field with the local neighbourhood kids and my siblings. I also enjoyed the casual volleyball gets togethers at university for the socializing aspect.

3.  Is there a sport you still engage in  or one you enjoy watching a lot?

I no longer play any sports.  I do like to watch some events now and then on television, especially figure skating. I find it so beautiful especially when combined with classical or dramatic music.

4. Have you any favorite teams you cheer on? Or perhaps a favorite sports figure? How about both??

Of course I cheer on any one from Canada who is participating in various sporting activities around the world. I also cheer for the Kenyan long distance runners.  My DH is from Kenya and they have world class runners from near where he lives.  Everyone needs a cheerleader.  

I'm not so familiar with the athletes in the various Olympic competitions but recently I was rooting for Canadian Mikaël Kingsbury who lost out on a gold medal to Australian, Cooper Woods.  After he lost that race, it was wonderful to see him win dual moguls gold medal on Sunday.  What a way to finish his career.

What's the most memorable comeback or turnaround you've ever seen in a sports game, and what made it so special?

I've seen some on television but I really cannot recall too many specifics at this moment.   

Skywatch in the Middle of the Month

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I hope this day finds you well and looking forward to the weekend. I am definitely looking forward to the break from 'things I have to do' and to spend a little time outdoors.

Our weather here has been erratic but quite warm for this time of year and I can't wait until spring when all the greenery comes out in full force.  I also have 2 small gardens I must plant. Though gardening really isn't my favourite thing, I absolutely love when things are in full bloom.

Today I'm sharing a few photos taken on a spectacular day this week. You might be able to see that some fresh snow has fallen on some of the mountains. I don't mind snow high on the mountains. I can look at it from down below.

Thank you for stopping by my Skywatch Friday post today. Have a wonderful weekend.

Watching TV ~ Tuesday 4

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

Television has become part of life for many. 

Let's talk about Television okay?

1. Do you own a TV or do you have more than one? Is it old fashioned or one of the new wide screens?

I own only 1 flat screen television. I've had it for many years already and it still works well. I don't think I know anyone who owns an old fashioned television.  In fact, most people own a much newer television than I do.  I used to have a flat screen in my bedroom too but donated it.

2. Which progams do you like to watch ?

Over the years my television watching habits have changed a lot and there are only 2 programs that I watch on a regular basis, news and a TV series which I'll explain more about at question #3. I have also enjoyed many other programs over the years; primarily sit-coms and Christian programming.  But no one program has lasted for the same length of time as my favourite mentioned in answer to #3.

3. Were you ever a soap opera or serial fan and if so what series or soaps were your favorite?

Yes, I've been a soap opera fan for more years than I can count.  In particular, I watch the Young & The Restless series. I think I started watching shortly before I had to move away from home to board with a family before my family joined me in the same city. That was way back in January 1976. At that time I was enamoured of the fancy homes and beautiful clothing that the women wore on the show. I didn't want their lifestyle but wasn't used to seeing the kind of opulence portrayed on the show.  Over time, I realized that the core aspects of the show revolved around family. At difficult times, the key characters would turn to their faith and you would often see them praying to God.  However I haven't seen characters turning to God for some time.  It probably has to do with the fact that the original creator & producer of the show passed away some time ago. I think I've stayed as a loyal viewer of the show because it's a good, quiet time for me; a distraction for a few moments from the every day cares of life.

4. Is there a TV character that stands out in your mind and if so what makes them special or noteworthy? 

Victor Newman (played by Eric Braeden) on The Young & The Restless. He is the patriarch of his family and the most powerful man in Genoa City. He will do anything or everything within his power to protect his loved ones. His character has taken on a bit of a mythical quality to those that watch the show. In his real life, he was one of the people that lost his home in the Pacific Palisades fire in Los Angeles and though he is well over 80 years old, I've heard he plans to rebuild. I remember him saying in an interview just after the fire, that he wasn't sure he would rebuild at this stage of his life. I guess he has reconsidered. God help him. I'm sure it is a daunting task at this stage in his life.  What I admire about his character is his total  commitment to supporting his family members.

The Books of 2026

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

I'm wondering whether you set reading goals for the year, or whether you just like to read whenever the mood strikes you never mind the idea of keeping track of the books you've read. Or maybe you really don't like to read at all.  I know a few people that don't read much. They usually try to read just before sleep and promptly nod off. I always try to encourage people to read more, even if it's just one more book than they might usually read.

I've always liked to read and I had the impression that I read a lot.  However until I started setting annual reading goals and tracking the number of books and pages read through Goodreads, I realized that I really didn't read much at all.  I started tracking my reading in 2009 and now read consistently though my reading drops off if I'm sick or travelling and there are some months when I just give myself a break.  I know you can read when travelling and people use their electronic devices to assist in this regard but I prefer reading paper books and I may only take 1 with me to read on the plane.  There are usually so many other things to keep one busy when travelling.

In 2026, I've set another modest goal of reading 50 books.  If you are a reader you'll know there are some books that only take 2 or 3 hours to read. Then there are books that take much longer to read. Most books I select have anywhere from 6 to 15 hours estimated reading time. I prefer to read books that are a more than 300 pages so that I am not having to go to the library every other day. I like going to the library but I usually try to work in a trip there for when I am needing to do other errands nearby.  I also enjoy historical fiction best but in the last 3 years I've tried to diversify my reading.  Consequently, I've read fantasy books, murder mysteries and contemporary books.

If you've read this far, I hope you will leave me a comment and let me know what books you are reading right now.  Perhaps I can add a few of them to my 'want to read list'. In the meantime you might be interested in knowing what I've been reading thus far in 2026.  Here are the books and a summary of what they are about.

I picked the book, Ring of Salt off the library shelf and was pleasantly surprised and happy with the book. In this memoir, Betsy, an American left the United States for Ireland to get far away from her rich, abusive parents.  She ends up dating and marrying an abusive man and having one child with him.  Throughout her marriage Betsy is working as a struggling but published author and her husband earns very little which only adds to the strain in their marriage. Ultimately she plots her escape and with the assistance of the local women's shelter she is helped to get on her feet again.  Betsy meets another man, who is supportive of her and wants to marry her but she declines. She has a vision for opening a retreat for abused women where they can also learn how to learn some crafts to help them earn an income.  Though her life continues to be a financial struggle, Betsy is able to see the beginning of her dream coming to life.

The Golden Spruce, was gifted to me for my birthday.  This non-fictional story is set largely on the northwest coast of British Columbia, the province where I live. It's a fascinating account of a man, Grant Hadwin, who cuts down a tree, known as the Golden Spruce.  The tree was a 300 metre high Sitka Spruce tree, revered by loggers and sacred to the Haida people of the Haida Gwaii, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands.  The year was 1997 when Grant's used a chainsaw to fell the sacred tree from the old growth forest which was his act of protest against the logging industry. He felt people were too fixated on the one tree while the logging industry was decimating a huge part of the old growth forest. Just before he was scheduled to stand trial for environmental vandalism and eco-terrorism, Grant disappeared under mysterious circumstances and has never been found.

Aging Well with Diabetes,  is a good reference book for older adults who have diabetes. I didn't finish it because there were people on the waitlist before I could complete the reading.  I don't want to buy the book because I've already decluttered so many books over the past several years and don't want to accumulate more.  On the rare occasion I do buy a book, it's usually from the thrift store. I will add this book to my list to read later

I added Welcome to the School by the Sea, to my "want to read" list because it was recommended by the library based on other books I'd read. I enjoyed it but I would give it an average rating.  The book is the first installment of a 4 part series.  The setting for the story is a posh girl's boarding school in Devon, England, hence the title.  In this installment, young teacher Maggie leaves Scotland to begin teaching at the boarding school.  In doing so, she has to leave her boyfriend Stan behind and he's none too happy about it.  It's a bit nerve wracking for Maggie to settle in because she isn't from the posh set and has no experience of teaching children from a well to do background.  But she is determined to have a new adventure in life and is reluctant to return home though several times Stan asks her to do exactly that.  The book is basically about how Maggie adjusts to the school, Maggie making new friends, the school girls that get into mischief, and an attraction to male teacher at the neighbouring boys school.  There is also an overarching story about the school administrator, Veronica.  As the novel proceeds we learn of an unexpected connection between Veronica and the adopted son she gave up at birth.  Of course no one even knows she had a child as an unwed mother. Although the book was just average or a little better than average, I'm open to reading the other books in the series in the future.

I picked up The Last Thing He Told Me was a free book which I picked up at the local community center.  The book is easy to read and quite engaging.  As I started reading, it didn't take long to realize that the story line was familiar. I thought perhaps I'd already read the book but later realized that I'd seen a mini-series of the same name on Apple TV.   I enjoyed both the book and the mini-series.  In the story, Owen, is Hannah's husband.  Very early in the story, Owen disappears suddenly and very mysteriously. The police are looking for him in connection to major fraud perpetrated by his boss and the company for whom he worked.  Owen's boss has been arrested and Owen will also be taken into custody if the police investigators can find him.  Owen left so quickly that he hasn't let his wife, Hannah or his daughter, Bailey know what's going on, where he is. whether he will come back.  He's only left a note for Hannah to protect Bailey.  It's left to Hannah and Bailey to try to piece together what has happened to Owen and to try to have a life without him.  The majority of the story reveals that Owen isn't who he said he is and that much of what Hannah and Bailey know about him is untrue.  This is earth shaking news for the both of them and they are faced with monumental decisions about how they move forward.

This next book was on my 'to read' list. It appealed to me because I like bakeries and I like a lot of novels set in Paris. It turns out the book isn't set in Paris but in a suburb on Rue de Paris, lol. It's a magical, fantasy book that weaves together the secret bakery recipes and the lives of those who own the bakery or work in it. 

I picked up The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo because the cover appealed to me.  The book title and summary suggested a story reminiscent of the late Elizabeth Taylor who I always found fascinating.  Not so much because of her many husbands but because of her great collection of precious jewellery and her air of old fashioned Hollywood glamour. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a well written story but if I had known a bit more about the content, I probably would not have read it. 

The Secret History of Audrey James is another book I picked from the shelves. It seems I read a lot of books about women heroines set in WW2 in England or France. I haven't read this book yet but will start soon.

I have a few more books that will be ready for pick up in the next few days.

I heard an interview on You Tube with the author of this book, Culinary Claims.  L. Sasha Gora did her Ph. D. in Canada which culminated in this book.

I tried listening to Andrew Lownie's Entitled on Audible but I have a hard time listening to a book. My mind wanders all over the place.  Even if it doesn't wander I just can't seem to focus on the story itself.  So I've put the paper book on hold and now it's ready.  In the period of time that I've been waiting for the book there has been so much information about these two former royals that has come out in the press, tabloid television and You Tube channels that whatever is in the book is probably "old" news.

I've only read one book by Carley Fortune who seems to be a very popular Canadian author writing about romance and contemporary themes.  The book is called, This Summer Will Be Different .  It's set in Prince Edward Island (PEI) which is clear on the other side of the country from where I live. I thought it was a little 'fluffy' or light for my taste but I'm going to read another book of hers to see if I like it better.

That concludes my January and February book selections so far.  Please let me know in the comments if you've recently reads any good books. I'll see if the library here has a copy.

It's Early February ~ Skywatch Friday

Happy new month of February.

The following photos were taken rather hurriedly as I tried to capture the birds in flight. The fog and mist add an ethereal feel to the photos.

Just the other day I made another trip to a nearby municipality to return something I'd purchased on line and to try another size.   You can see it was raining rather heavily for our journey.

The shopping trip was unsuccessful in terms of finding what I wanted.  But we did find a wonderful place to have a delicious dinner.

I think we're back to drier weather for a few days and the temperatures are very warm for this time of year.  I think they are warm all over the province. I've been feeling spring in the air.

Thank you for visiting my Skywatch Friday post.

The Last Skywatch of the Month ~ Skywatch Friday

Hello friends and fellow bloggers,

This was the scene as I stepped out to run errands late Thursday. It was raining earlier in the day but when it stopped I dashed out. The weather forecast includes a lot of rain which is usual at this time of year.  We recently ended a week of fog and sun, usually both on the same day.

I'll take the rain over the ice and snowstorms that are affecting much of Canada and the USA right now.  I hope the weather is fine in your part of the world. Thank you for stopping by on Skywatch Friday this week.  Stay warm and stay safe.