HodgePodge Wednesday - It has been a while

I haven't HodgePodged in a while and this seemed like a good week to start back, so here goes:

1. Did you watch the solar eclipse? Your thoughts? Sun Chips, Moon Pies, Starburst candies, a Blue Moon beer, a Sunkist orange, or a Milky Way candy bar...what's your favorite eclipse related snack on this list?

I did watch the eclipse and I blogged about it here.

Hmmm.  Probably the Milky Way bar - if it comes in dark chocolate.  I hate sun chips, I have never had a Moon Pie, Starburst candies are ok - ish.  I don't even know what a Blue Moon beer is, and I do like oranges except I don't like that they leave you with sticky fingers.

2. What are you 'over the moon' about these days? What's something you enjoy doing every 'once in a blue moon'?

I am over the moon about my new tattoo.

To read about why this symbol is so important to me you can read my blog from April 2016 here.

I guess I like getting a tattoo once in a blue moon - this is my second after six years. 

3. Tell us about something in the realm of science that interests you. How do you feed that interest?

I love geeky science.  Yesterday while watching the eclipse we were playing around with the pinhole camera.  The physics of it still fascinates me.  I love flora and fauna.  I love growing things, and watching the birds at our feeder and discovering animals on our camping trips.



4.  What are a few things you remember about going back to school as a child.

First day of school photos taken by my parents in the front yard.  The covers they would give us to cover all our textbooks.  The new school supplies.  I loved the newness and freshness of the new beginning of each school year - both as a student, a parent and a teacher.

5.   I've seen several versions of this around the net so let's make one of our own...share with us five words that touch your soul and briefly tell us why.

Rain on the camper roof.

I was diagnosed with a chronic illness when I was 48 years old.  That is almost 14 years ago It is all good now, but at the time we were not sure what the outcome would/could be.  After the diagnosis my husband asked me what I wanted to do with whatever time I had.  My answer was I want to be in the camper with you listening to rain on the roof.   Rain on the camper roof always makes me feel safe and loved,  warm and secure.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

My brain is filled with so many random thoughts these days.  I wanted to answer 'Don't sweat the small stuff' for question 5 but I am not very good at following that advice.  But now I have thought of it again I will try to keep it more to the forefront.

DSTSS  was engraved on a watch my husband gave me many years ago.  You would think I would have learned it by now!

To see other hodgepodge posts click here. 

Hodgepodge Wednesday

I haven't played for a while and I thought I would jump in today.



1. Share a favorite memory of your mother or share a favorite something from your own life as a mother. If you're a mother (or stepmom) tell us how your experience as a mom differs from your own mother's experience.

A favourite memory of my Mum is going to the A and W drive-in for a Teen burger. We would bring our German Shepherd and Mum always ordered an extra beef patty for her. One of my favourite memories as a mother was being in a tent at the edge of the Okanagan Lake in between my then six and three year old children while they were sleeping and I was listening to them breathe and the lap of the water on the shore.
As for how we differed as mothers? She was a stay at home mother, and I went back to work part-time when my children were small. She had six children, compared to my two. That is a huge difference!

2. In May we celebrate teachers (May 9) and nurses (May 6) both. Most every family has at least one in their midst, so tell us something (or a few things) you appreciate about the teacher or nurse on your family tree.

My eldest sister was an Elementary school teacher and she has the most beautiful singing voice. My second eldest sister taught at the University level and always, always was looking out for the marginalised students. I was a teacher too. I guess it runs in the family.

3. Chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad...which would you go for if all three were on the menu? On bread or a bed of lettuce? If you answered bread, what kind of bread would make it the perfect sandwich?

This could have been my answer to a favourite memory of my Mum. She made the best egg salad sandwiches, on white bread. I try and try to make them like she did, but hers are still a fond memory.

4. Do you have a desk? Is it organized? If so, share your secret to keeping it that way. If you don't have a desk, where in your home do you take care of family paperwork and business? Where do you normally sit to blog?

Yes I have a desk, but I never sit at it - it just holds stuff like my printer, knitting patterns, bills, and odds and end. When I had a desk as a teacher it was always a terrible mess. I would clean it up periodically to be a good role model for my students but within a day it was a mess again. Every class I had always had one student who would finally reach the breaking point with my mess and come and organize it for me!
I pay bills and blog (and knit) on the couch.

5. When I was nine years old....

I was in Grade Four with the same teacher I had in Grade Three. She seemed ancient but was very kind. It was a new school for me and they were using rods to do math and I never could figure out how they worked. Ironically I am now a math tutor!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have missed HodgePodge. I like the new five question format, and I will try to be more regular in my participation. I didn't know May was the month for celebrating teachers, but I will be thinking of all the mothers and mothering people I know come this Sunday which is Mother's Day in Canada.

Here is my favourite picture of me and my Mum. I think this was her 70th birthday so I was 37:

HodgePodge - First day of Autumn

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home?

I bring in all my succulents from outside and take great joy in their summer progress. I also have chrysanthmums growing outside which always remind me of fall and my dear aunt and grandmother's garden walkway



2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

Definitely pumpkin pie. Homemade with a gluten free crust.

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Yes, I can get the afternoon slump but a cup of hot earl grey tea and a chocolate chip cookie are all I need to recover.

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

My female friendships are what sustain me. I have fantastic women friends. Some go back to my childhood, some to my first teaching job, some are new since I retired. I love them all. Fiercely.

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser?

I used to be to my detriment. Now I take better care of myself and my time, but I do still like the feeling of helping others. I am just more judicious about when and why.

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

Turn Turn Turn (To everything there is a season) by the Byrds

7. What do you wish would never change?

That the people I love would never get sick or die.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I've always loved the Fall. The colours. The cool sunny air. The light. The lead in to my birthday and Thanksgiving and Halloween. Armistice Day and yes, Christmas. There are so many reasons I love this time of year. New beginnings. New students. Making mustard pickles. Picking apples. Yes, I've always loved the Fall.


Check out other HodgePodge entres here.

It's Wednesday!

So it must be time for a HodgePodge. Check out other Hodgepodgers here.




1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city.

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?

Most likely, meaning I have already planned, pick fresh strawberries with my honourary grand-daughters, and least likely to host a garden party. Have you seen my garden? Not gonna happen.

I will read a book, go on a road trip with my dh, discover a new coffee shop, go to a farmer's market and maybe buy some flowers. What would I add to the list? Heal the things I've broken, speak the words unspoken. (line from a Stephen Fearing song that has been going around and around in my head this past week.

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Have a hot bubble bath. Yup, that's what I will do today.

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?

Mint chocolate chip. For a while I liked the Sea-salt and caramel, but now I am back to Mint Chocolate Chip.

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Caution: Cries easily. And often..

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?

The International Buddhist Temple.

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why?

Autumn. I was born in the Autumn. I love the Autumn. I think I am like the changing colours of the leaves - predictable and wise and yes, beautiful, in their demise.

7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

Yes, I do agree with this sentiment. When I travel I remember that I am braver than I think, and I remember how much I love the geology of this earth. I am too much of a homebody so travelling definitely helps balance that out.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

People come and go from your life
Weaving in and out
Some are the warp
and some the weft
and at the end of my life
they will have made an intricate
fabric that is unique
and mine alone.

Spring has sprung - Hodgepodge Wednesday

Read other Hodgepodgers here at Joyce's blog.

1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?

Spring is in the process of springing.  It is not yet fully sprung.  The cherry blossoms are out, but the many rainy days has detracted from their beauty.  The daffodils are blooming in droves and my apple trees are just beginning to show new growth.  The russet-backed chickadees have returned to my feeder from wherever it is they spend their winter, and the flickers are drumming on anything they can find in their annual mating rituals.  My favourite thing about spring is that it reminds me of the spring my husband and I courted - lying under the cherry trees and looking up through the pink blossoms to the blue blue sky.

 2. Besides the weather, what's put a spring in your step recently?

My spring is returning as I finally feel I am shaking off this virus I have had for well over a month.  I am back in the pool, back at yoga, at making any excuse to walk and walk and walk.

 3. How does Easter impact you?

As an esoteric Christian Easter is an important time of year for me.  I don't necessarily spend it in church, but I do spend it reading about and pondering the impact of Christ's life and death on me and the world. 

 4. I saw this somewhere on Facebook and thought it would make a fun Hodgepodge question. Which of the following would you find most disappointing...
a just stuffed taco shell breaking open and spilling out before you take the first bite? dropping a just-purchased Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts coffee? opening the peanut butter jar and finding it empty? upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone? a burnt bagel popping up in your toaster when you're rushing breakfast? or cutting into an avocado and finding out it's rotten? 

Well, the taco thing happens every time I have tacos, so that is a given and doesn't bother me at all.  I think of the list, the avocado thing is the most disappointing.  I love them and they are expensive and when I want one I want it to be firm and just ripe so finding it rotten is annoying, plus then I have to think of something else to eat when my heart is set on an avocado and tomato sandwich.

 5. What's something held together with tape at your house? Or a paper clip? Or a wing and a prayer?

That is an easy answer because I am determined to go to the hardware store to get a proper fix for my cupboard that won't stay closed because the magnets have lost their oomph.  I have been kludging it together for two years now with earth magnets, and last night fiddling with the magnets caused me to burn the popcorn I was making.  (That should have been a possible answer in the previous question, lol).

6. Do you feel underappreciated? In what way?

Actually, I don't feel underappreciated at the moment.  I know there was times when I was teaching that I did - sometimes by parents, sometimes by colleagues, but not now. 

 7. What's something you'd build if you knew how?

I would like to start designing my own knitting patterns - socks, or a shawl, or even a sweater. 

 8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today
another step
taking time
being patient
trusting.

Thanking God

Meditating on

All I have

and knowing

it is enough.

For today

It is enough.



HodgePodge Wednesday - skating and other stuff

Yup, it's Wednesday, so it must be HodgePodge!  Thanks to Joyce for hosting.  Skate on over here to see other entries..  


1.  Speaking of skating...when did you last 'skate on thin ice', 'skate over the details', 'encounter a cheapskate', or just plain skate?

Gosh I haven't skated for so long.  It always, always hurts my ankles too much. Plus I could never learn to stop except by running into the boards.
 I feel like I am skating on thin ice at the moment.  I am pretty fragile these days, but I can't be mixing metaphors like skating on thin ice and totally immersing myself in swimming. That would be weird.

2. What would you say is the biggest problem of people your age?

Hmm.  The first thing that comes to mind about women my age is we focus too much on our skin instead of what is under it.  

3. What's your favorite accessory? Is it something you wear every day, often, or only on special occasions?

I think my favourite accessory is my hummingbird necklace that I where every day, and also my hand-knit socks which I wear everyday (not the same pair everyday, but always a hand-knit pair).  My current favourite special accessory is my Cameo shawl I completed last fall. 

4. January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day. Are you a lover of cheese? What's your favorite dish made with cheese? Last thing you ate that contained some kind of cheese? 

I do love cheese - pretty much all kinds.  Lately I am on a Brie binge.  My favourite dish made with cheese is a zucchini/tomatoe/feta casserole I make. 

5. What's something guaranteed to make you roll your eyes? 

Young boys that wear their pants with the belt line across the top of their thighs.  

6. Your favorite book series? 

That is tough.  I loved the Lord of the Rings, but also The Hunger ames and Game of Thrones.  But, if I have to pick a favourite, and if two books counts as a series, I would pick Seraphina and Shadow Scale, by Rachel Hartman. 

7. Why did you choose your profession? 

It kind of chose me.  I was tutoring a boy with a learning challenge when he was 14 and I was 16. That was it, I was hooked and decided to become a teacher. Even when I left teaching proper for many years I was still teaching - end users of the computer programs I wrote, or breastfeeding classes for soon-to-be parents, or peer-counselling classes.  Then I returned to the classroom at a Waldorf School for the past sixteen years.  Although I am technically retired I still teach from time to time - like this morning I am subbing in Grade Three. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a private swim session with my Total Immersion coach on Thursday.  I am looking forward to it even though it means being in the pool by 7:30 am!  Eek!

First Hodgepodge of the new year.

I hope this first hodgepodge isn't too auspicious since I am posting a day late. Thanks to Joyce From This Side of the Pond for hosting and check here for other entries..

1. Share one thing that really makes your day.

A 48 minute swim.

2. Lots of these kinds of lists out there, but one found here says the fifteen most colorful places on earth are:

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy~Burano, Italy~Havana, Cuba~Rio de Janiero, Brazil~Chefchaouen, Morocco~Balat, Istanbul, Turkey~Menton, France~Jodhpur, India~La Baca, Buenos Aires, Argentina~Guanajuato, Mexico~Capetown, South Africa~Valparaiso, Chile~Wroclaw, Poland~San Francisco, California~and Pelourhino, Salvador, Brazil.  

Of those listed which would you most like to see up close and in person? Of all the places you've seen or traveled in your own life, what would you say was one of the most colorful?

I would like to travel to Italy.  I was in Florence eight years ago, and Northern Italy and Sicily twelve years ago, and I would love to go back with my husband..

3."Everything you want is on the other side of fear." Jack Canfield  In general, would you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?

I think some things I want are on the other side of fear for sure, but not everything.   Wanting to live a long and healthy life is not on the other side of fear.  Selling my house and moving probably is. 

4. Imagine you're stranded on a desert island and dessert appears...what do you hope it is? Do you ever struggle to remember which spelling is desert and which is dessert?

hmmmm.  I am not much of a dessert person, but if I had to answer it would be cheesecake. I didn't think I struggled with how to spell which word, but when I started this sentence I spelled desert instead of dessert.  So there's that.

5. What song almost always makes you cry?

Danny Boy.

6. January is National Soup Month.  Everything from soup to nuts, in the soup, thick as pea soup, souped up...which saying most recently applies to your life in some way? Explain.

In the soup, for sure.  For an explanation read the post before this one.



7. Write a two word note to your younger self. What does it say?

Be Brave.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am glad for these hodgepodge prompts to get me thinking and writing.  Life is not easy at the moment and thinking about these questions gives me some reprieve. 

HodgePodge and Nanowrimo - The Eye of the Storm

Thanks to Joyce for hosting, and visit here for other entries.

1.  What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?

I am sure there are lots of things that surprised me about my life, but the one that comes to mind at the moment is how I can derive such joy and delight in the simplest things; birds at the feeder, a child's smile as I walk past them in the grocery store, the fall leaves, the cherry blossoms.  Well, you get the idea. 

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe(apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable. 

Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?

Well I have used brain fart in conversation, and I think fat shaming gets in there too from time to time.  I don't think I would ever use any of the others, but you know what 'they' say - Never, say never!

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which one on the list is your favorite?

I do like gravy.  A lot!  All kinds.  I probably wouldn't eat brussel sprouts without gravy, unless it is the kind my husband makes with bacon and parmesan. We do make our own gravy, and recently my husband discovered an awesome gravy recipe by Jamie Oliver which is so delicious.  My favourite though is my mother's roast beef gravy.  It makes my mouth water just thinking about it poured over Yorkshire pudding!

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.

I have plans for the little things like writing a novel, or improving my swimming.  However I really suck at making plans for the big things like: should we move?, should we renovate?, where should we go on holidays?.  We both kinda fly by the seat of our pants on those big plan-less events.

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?

Yes I own the original game - I think it is the one I played on as a child.  I love the game, but likely will not be playing it on the 19th.  I didn't even know there was such a thing as National Monopoly Day.  I have never been to Atlantic City, but I have taken a few train trips: through the Rockies, from Frankfurt to Florence and back again.  Parking in my town is free, but not unlimited.  And near the hospital there are meters now. (which I think is atrocious!)  The last thing I took a chance on was agreeing to teach a course I have never taught before with only 24 hours notice.  I am glad I did.  It went very well.  

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning?

You are the wind beneath my wings.  I love the line "Have I ever told you you're my hero". 

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude....what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?

I am grateful that I leap into things without always thinking it through.  I think, at 60, that can only be a good thing.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is an excerpt from Chapter 18 - I have just over 30,000 words.  Hoo Hoo!

She drove in the eye of the storm.  It was sunny, and clear, and when she parked she noticed the air was very, dare she say it, warm.

She greeted her friend at their favourite sushi restaurant and they were talking before she had removed her coat and before the first cup of tea had been poured.  They had known each other through it all – first loves, first heartbreaks, first drinks, first betrayals.  The death of their fathers, marriages, divorces, babies, illness. 

All of it. 

Time would go by.  Sometimes a lot of time.  And yet when they reconnected it was as if no time at all had passed.  They always called each other on their birthdays.  It was their thing.  She was two months, almost to the day, older than her friend so she led the way into the new year, the new age, the new terrain. 

When they were growing up her friend had been the beautiful one.  She was the academic one.  It had seemed that way until they were in their twenties.  Then she had felt more of an equal but they were opposites.  One blonde, one brunette.  One tall, one short.  One slim, one curvy.  

But they were connected deeply – like two sides of the same rare and fragile coin.  

HodgePodge Wednesday - Remembrance Day

Thanks to Joyce for hosting HodgePodge.  To check out other entries go here

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?
Remembrance Day is a time to remember a trip I took to Italy with my Uncle in 2004 to attend the 60th anniversary of the Canadian battles fought there during World War II.  It was a two week trip accompanied by our Governor General and various MPs and Senators.  I heard so many stories about my Father, my Uncle and my Grandfather during our trip.  It was amazing.  I visited many cemeteries honouring the fallen soldiers during that trip and the vision of the memorial stones, row by row by row will stay with me for always. 

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

Nothing comes to mind.  Nothing. Well, maybe The Great Escape, but I am not sure patriotism is woven into that storyline.  

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

Yes.  And yes, I did have a terrible flu one year - H1N1 - I was so sick and I had had the flu shot that year, but clearly too late.  

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

Personally I don't like to see any Christmas or Holiday hoopla up until after Remembrance Day.  I try to avoid the malls as much as possible during the Christmas season.  It is just too overwhelming.  And really, people?  There are much more important things to get up in arms about than Starbucks' red cups.  Just sayin'!

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

In the woods - it would be a mama grizzly.  In the water - it would be a red jelly fish.  I got stung by one two summers ago and it really freaked me out about swimming in the open ocean anymore. 

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

I am not a builder, unless you count building sweaters that I have knit.  I have built five sweaters so far this year.  

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

The cedar trees that surround my house.  I never get tired of looking at them. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Here is my latest excerpt from Chapter Eleven as I continue participating in Nanowrimo this month:

She awoke to the sound of the cat yowling from outside the front door.  It was pouring with rain, the eaves were over-flowing and water was splashing onto the front porch.  The cat looked like the proverbial drowned rat.  And he was pissed. 

He stalked by her with his tail straight up in the air and she went to get an old towel from the rag-bag to dry him off.  He was indignant, but allowed her to rub him dry. 

She had been thinking of attending the Remembrance Day ceremony at the local cenotaph, but with this kind of rain she thought perhaps not. 

Well, that is selfish, she thought.  Those soldiers in the 1^st and 2^nd World War had put up with more that an hour in the pouring rain.  She remembered reading about trench foot that afflicted soldiers, like her Grandfather, in the Great War.

It was barely eight.  She had time to eat, take her pills, tidy up, and still leave in plenty of time to get a good place to stand – especially if this rain kept up. 

The rain had let up somewhat for the drive, and she got there early enough so she parked relatively close.  She had her large golf umbrella.  The one she used to take out on recess duty with her when she was teaching.  It covered all of her and the drips were well outside her shoulder line.

She settled in – taking in the somber atmosphere, watching the scouts, cubs and girl guides lining up with the cadets and the school choirs.  Some of the veterans were taking their places – many in wheel chairs, or powered scooters. 

If her father had still been alive would he attend these ceremonies?  She knew her uncle attended ceremonies until he died, she didn’t know about her grand-father. 

But here she was and as the pipers started to play she started to cry.  She always cried when she heard pipers.  Was it part of her Scottish dna? 

She wiped the tears with her free hand, and listened to the speeches.  She kept her eyes on the four young cadets standing guard at the cenotaph and recalled the year one of them had fainted.  She remembered her uncle telling her that even though you have to stand still, you must keep flexing your leg muscles to keep the blood pumping up to your heart. 

The choir began to sing Flanders Fields and again she started to weep.  She waited patiently through the laying of the wreaths, and after the crowd had dispersed she liked placing her poppy on the cenotaph with all the other poppies. 

She stood back and took in the vision of all the red poppies laying against the cold, white, wet marble of the cenotaph.  

She put down her umbrella as she walked back to the car.  

It seemed right that she should be soak to the skin by the time she got home. 

Wednesday HodgePodge - Abundance

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?

Well, being Canadian, eh, Thanksgiving has come and gone. I do look forward to going to the cenotaph on November 11 and remembering my father and uncle.

2. If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?

I would send it to my sister to thank her for being there for me this past week and always.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?

Hmmm. being gluten intolerant I would love to say yes to all of them, but alas it is not to be. My favourite gluten free bread at the moment is Udi's cinnamon raison. Toasted. With butter.

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good thing?

I have an abundance of love from my husband, family and friends. It is always a good thing.

5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

Well I have four siblings with red hair so I am not going to pick a favourite because that would just get me into trouble. My favourite, non-related red-head would have to be Annie, of course!

6. The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.

Apparently the most instagrammed spot according to Busbud is Grouse Mountain, but I think the most photographed spot should be the Lynn Canyon suspension Bridge.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question-

What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?

I have learned that this old dog can learn new tricks. I am re-learning how to swim and loving it. At sixty I am grateful to see more doors opening than closing.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am participating in Nanowrimo this month. I have never attempted a novel before, but always dreamt of doing so. It is fiction, but definitely drawing from my own experiences as well. It is only day four but I am excited to see where my protagonist ends up by November 30th.
Here is an excerpt from chapter four:

The day started well. Chores done. Check.
Pills taken. Check.
And she was feeling good. Really really good.

That should have been her first clue. Nothing good ever seemed to come from feeling that good.

She was inexplicably happy. The air was clearer. The sky was bluer. The sun was brighter and the autumn leaves were ablaze in their yellows and reds, oranges and brown.

So, this is what happy feels like. Actually, this was what euphoria felt like.

And that should have been her second clue.


check other hodgepodge entries here. Thanks Joyce for hosting.

Wednesday HodgePodge - Patience?

Yup, it's Wednesday - Check out other HodgePodge entries here.


1. What's something that has recently 'tried your patience'?

I bought a gorgeous skein of yarn, and when I was winding it with my swift and ball winder I got into a horrible tangled mess. It took over an hour to undo and was so very frustrating.

2. Do you think patience comes to us naturally or is it something you have to learn as you grow? On a scale of 1-10 generally how patient are you? (1=I blow up at the drop of a hat and 10=I've got all the time in the world).

I think patience comes to some easier than others but i do think you can develop patience over time and with age. Generally speaking I am not very patient. I would probably give myself, on a good day, a five.

3. Share about a time when you felt like you could fly. Or a time you wished you could fly. Or a time you felt like you were flying.

I always wish I could fly - especially so I could be close to my children when they have been living far away. I dream about flying often. I love those dreams.

4. Your favorite song with the word fly in the title or lyrics, or your favorite song that relates to flying in some way?

First song that came to my mind is one my grade 4/5 choir sang called On the Back of an Eagle.

5. What's in your fall picnic basket and where are we picnicking in your neck of the woods this time of year?

Well, it would be Mole Pie. Ha! No, really. It is a recipe that comes out of the Redwall books. It is really called Deeper'n'Ever Turnip'n'Tater'n'Beetroot Pie The moles ate it, and it was, and is, a favourite recipe in our house and perfect for fall picnics because it is just as good cold as it is fresh out of the oven. For dessert apple pie made with apples from our own tree. The where would be at the rushing river near the Headwaters park close to our home. The sound of the river pushes all the thoughts clear away.

6. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping...which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?

Plumbing for sure. I have a leaky kitchen faucet in both my kitchen and my camper.

7. What's something you think is too expensive to justify buying lately?

This relates to the previous question. The kitchen faucet I want is over 200 dollars and I can't quite choke that down.
Yet.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I will be sixty in a few days and I can't wait. I think I am going to rock my 60s.

Wednesday HodgePodge

I am joining This Side of the Pond in this weekly hodgepodge.

1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so?

Now that I don't have little ones at home Hallowe'en is not as big a deal as it once was. Like last year, I will spend it with my honourary grand-daughters because I do love trick-or-treating with them.


2. "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld

What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will?

The first thing that comes to mind is the day I hiked up the Squamish Chief and then realized my legs were pretty much done and I had to get down. You can read about my 'will' experience here.



3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own (click here to see the list). Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower?

My provincial flower is the pacific dogwood and it is perfect and beautiful.




4. What have you lost interest in recently?

Eating. Nothing appeals before the fact, although I do enjoy the taste of things once they are put in front of me. This is not actually a recent thing, but on-going and annoying.

5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician?

Prince.

Oh, and Yo-Yo Ma probably deserves to be mentioned as well.

6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Ever make them indoors? Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? Do you have an autumn bucket list?

I do like s'mores but since being diagnosed as celiac many years ago I can only eat the ones with gluten-free graham crackers and they don't quite cut it. I enjoy making them for others though - my great-nephews for example, and I have good memories of making them with my classes while on camping field trips. I have never made them indoors.

My autumn bucket list is to camp (which I did for a month and sat around many a campfire), and to lay on the porch in the sunshine as long as possible until the rains come.


7. Your favorite small town? Why?

Hornby Island! The people, the co-op, the market place in the summer, the Meadery, whaling station, Carbrea winery, Grassy Point, yoga with Ambika, the Thatch, the free-store, the art shows, the potters.




8. Insert your own random thought here.
I realize that in answer to the question about losing interest - I have lost interest in reading many of the blogs that I used to enjoy. I am not certain what that is about. I did catch up yesterday but found myself skimming through rather than really reading the posts.

Perhaps it is because I have been away for a month and there are just too many to catch up on. I fear though that it is part of a general malaise I am experiencing. Time will tell.

HodgePodge Wednesday

From This Side of the Pond is hosting HodgePodge Wednesday this week. Check out other entries here.


I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

My biggest struggle will be to relax and reset, yet oddly enough the one that comes most easily is finding the good in life.

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

I would buy wool. 'nuff said!

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet...which 'trip' have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

This is hard to admit, but it would be ego trip. I found myself twice this week (and its only Wednesday) thinking how great I was at a)swimming, and b)yoga and I felt certain that someone was going to notice me and compliment me. (didn't happen - but it totally should have.)

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

I would love to do a headstand, and water-ski. I have never had strong upper body strength and if I did I would do all those arm balancing poses in yoga, and also lift cars off of people when they are in trouble ala Superman.



5. As July draws to a close, let's take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you...been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book? Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

I have been swimming, had ice-cream, eaten corn on the cob, gardened, unplugged, and read a book. Camping and a road trip are next up, and the apples are ready to pick, and soon so to will be the blackberries.


6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What's your question?

Being a Canadian I haven't followed it too too much. All I can say is 'Donald Trump? Really?'


7. What's your most listened to song so far thisI summer?

That's easy - my daughter is living with us this summer and she is a singer/songwriter - so all of her songs - and Valerie (which isn't hers but she rocks it).

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have let my herb garden bolt and go to flower and it is so beautiful. The honey bees love it and the flowers are so unique .

HodgePodge Wednesday

HodgePodge Wednesday is hosted by From This Side of the Pond.

Here are today's questions:

1.July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. What can you give away? Will you?

I have a box of books I am giving to charity, and a book I am gifting to a friend.

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so.

My usual mantra is "Just keep Swimming", ala Dory in Finding Nemo.

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle?

My husband does the grocery shopping. He shops every day and usually has a list. I love my husband, just sayin!

4. Is there a TV show you're embarrassed to say you watch? You're going to tell us what it is, right?

I watched 'The Real Housewives of Vancouver' when it was airing and it IS embarrassing to admit that.

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter-

that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused?

Amazing, definitely amazing.

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It's called 'The Granny Hair' trend. Your thoughts?

Not one to judge what others are doing, but I am happy with my gray hair - I've earned it!

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they've read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let's try. What's one of the most beautiful sentences you've ever read in a piece of literature?

Someday, the curtain of the world would lift onto a sunny springlike stillness and reveal that nothing - nothing - had been for nought, neither the suffering nor the agony of the child in the hallway, nor love that ends in death:nothing. Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I read a meme lately (I know, I hate memes) that said "Depression is when you don't care about anything. Anxiety is when you care too much about everything. Having both is living hell!"

So that's me - check out other entries by clicking the link at the top of the page.