Monday 29 June 2015

The Joys of June

June 30,2015


Can you believe it, another month has whizzed by us. I had hoped the march of time would uncharacteristically  slow down somewhat.  Just to please me..... is that asking too much?!

Monday 15 June 2015

Flowers and Fog

June 16,2015


As you may have surmised if you have read any of my recent posts,the weather is a dominant factor, and it is usually is not favorable. We have, however, had a run of 3 or 4 days of sunshine and warm temps but I was busy enjoying them and not snapping photos. I am drawing on a few I captured awhile ago.

 Fog can be rather mysterious and calming if taken in small doses. It shrouds trees,grasses and plants in droplets of water without damaging any delicate blooms.

Monday 1 June 2015

Anatomy of a Yard Sale

  June 2,2015


Along with earlier sunrises and warmer temperatures in Atlantic Canada, Saturdays are special to a breed of natives known as "Yard Salers" Although generally a quiet and docile animal, they have been known to exhibit unusually contentious behavior if  sale signs are not to their liking or if challenged in any way by others of their species.

There are certain traits that distinguish  them from the run of the mill people who just wander into a yard sale out of curiosity. Most notably, they arrive, park where they stop, and begin a ritualistic assessment of the wares on display.  They can be seen with a coffee cup in  hand as they purposefully mingle with others of their ilk. Most will nod or smile in the direction of the "Seller".This is also known as Posturing. It gives the impression of kinship and increases their chances of getting a better deal when, and if, haggling occurs. These finely tuned ceremonies are part and parcel of what makes a Saturday morning Yard Sale so much fun, whether you are selling, or one of the "Salers"(not to be confused with the east coast "Sailors"). I have been an active participant in both categories and also enjoy being part of the rarer breed known as the "Casual Observer"!

Monday 25 May 2015

Evening Has Broken

May 26,2015




Each week, or at least every two weeks,  I try to come up with a "theme" for the "Wordless Wednesday" posts. This week it is "Sunsets".  I have given myself permission to enjoy the sunsets and seasons of Spring ( what's left of it) and Summer and that means not worrying or thinking about anything to do with posting on my blog. Secondly, it also means that I don't have as much contact with you.... and I miss that. Now, the dilemma that is presented is ...what to do? Perhaps a compromise.

The photos that I am posting are from my ..(gasp).. cell phone and for that I apologize. I have a weakness for sunsets and these made me feel very peaceful. I hope they do the same for you.




The Spring thaw left the river swollen and carried with it fallen trees and logs, like this one, still floating to shore. The sun was just about to dissolve into  the  water when I was able to capture it.




Another days- end that is not so much spectacular as  quietly peaceful..... I can live with that.




And one  more of the same location. It was this lone tree on a tiny island that caught my eye. Despite the turbulence in  area the little tree settled in and is quietly beginning to process another rebirth.

Have a wonderful week!



Monday 11 May 2015

It's Just a Walk in the Park.

May 12,2015

 Being retired, one of the ways I keep in touch with former work mates is sharing a coffee or lunch. This week a few of us did just that. It had been a long time since I was in the company of  this particular  group and we reminisced about our nursing days, and how "these young people don't know how easy they have it". I think every senior worker in just about any trade,  profession or job of any kind feels that they learned things "the hard way".I have no doubt that  those ahead of me/us said exactly the same thing.

When lunch was over, those who did not have other plans, decided to go for a short walk in a nearby park.

Monday 27 April 2015

And They Call It Puppy Love

April 28,2015

I have been an animal lover as long as I have had a memory. We had a cat... or feline friend... as you cat -lovers would call them for about 6 years, a lovely seal point Siamese cat.

After a period of being pet-free ...but not child-free, we decided to get a dog..... a six month old Golden Retriever... that became part of our family for 10 years, and later, another  Golden that lived with us for an additional 8 years.

The feeling of loss that we experienced with the last pet was the deciding factor in our resolve not to have another pet..... in our home. But like "grand" children, "grand" pets can visit, romp and play, give and receive lots of love..... then return to their respective homes.  This  is the case with  "Zoe"  (rhymes with Joey), an 8 week old Golden Retriever  that belongs to our daughter and son-in-law.

Monday 20 April 2015

Short City Sojourn

April 21,2015


While walking and driving about my city this week,  I managed to capture a few pictures. Actually I should clarify that I was not behind the wheel and was therefore able to look about and find something that I thought might be "post-worthy".  This is not an easy task as there is not a lot of Spring evident, at least in the conventional Hallmark, tulips -blooming-fluffy yellow chicken, aspect. Thanks to hubby for being my chauffeur.

Monday 13 April 2015

Persistence,Perseverance and Perspective

April 14,2015


Nature is an absolutely wonderful force. Sometimes it needs to be "reckoned with", other times appreciated and still others one needs to put it in perspective.

Nature, in this case the seasons of the year, allow those of us living in the east coast of Canada to have 4 very distinct seasons and they all arrive each year....some sooner,some later and stay for varying amounts of time. This time has been averaged over 12 months and amounts to approximately 3 months each. An example would be the ever illusive "Spring". Beginning on the 21st of March and ending on the 21st of June according to the calendar, anyway, it heralds the arrival of new buds on trees , new growth in our gardens and a lilt in our step. The rather  seedy side of  Spring is the rotting snow permeated with the dirt, sand and twigs of a hard winter.

Monday 6 April 2015

You Knew It Was Coming.

April 8,2015

I am beginning to believe that my brain has begun to decay as a result of the cold, damp weather that has decided to call this part of Canada "home". As a direct result of "brain rot" I have failed to motivate myself to  produce the type of results for the "Wordless Wednesday" on Tuesday, that would normally make me proud..... or at the very least quite pleased.

Monday 30 March 2015

What is "Happy"?

March 31,2015


What is Happy


I was just walking down our street the other evening and was suddenly aware of a different kind of feeling.  Firstly, I was able to walk on bare pavement ( street- not sidewalks yet) secondly there was a temperature variance.... not yet warm, but definitely less cold.  I guess one could call this "feeling" as an anticipatory happiness.  For the first time in many months there was the realization that maybe a new season was upon us. For me that will most assuredly be classified as "Happy".

Tuesday 24 March 2015

A Passing Reference to the Past

March 24,2015


A Passing Reference to the Past


Have just finished the book club choice for this month and was reflecting on the theme of it. Clara Callan, by Richard B. Wright, was a story of two sisters and their vastly different lives in separate cities... actually separate countries. They communicated, for the most part,by letters. For the benefit of those who are unfamiliar, this was how people reached out to each other by writing their thoughts and emotions on a piece of paper using cursive writing. My post is not a review of this novel but rather a segue to what I eventually discovered.

Tuesday 17 March 2015

I Promise...No More!



March 17,2015


I Promise... No More!

We  have passed the half way mark for March and  here we are again, digging out after another MAJOR snowfall. Received 36cm yesterday for a total of ,,,, I have really lost count... but definitely greater than 450 cm (14ft 9in.) No matter how you calculate it, that's one heck of a lot of snow.... and that's only been the last 7-8 weeks!!

But back to topic. I promise, no more rants and no more pictures of snow covered ..... everything, after today!!

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Is It the Right Time ?

March 11,2015


Living on the east coast of Canada as I do, we experience time changes twice a year.  On Sunday at approximately 0200 hours our time...or rather our clocks... moved ahead one hour. This is known as Daylight Saving Time. The idea, initially during the first world war, was that it would be an energy saving idea.  We would not be sleeping through an hour of precious sunlight. Now, however, it is being debated as more and more research indicates that our bodies suffer from this 60 minute loss. Apparently there have been cardiac issues and road and pedestrian safety is involved.


Saturday 7 March 2015

5 Hints for a Healthy Relationship

  ~~ 5  Hints for a Healthy Relationship ~~


    I do not have a multitude of degrees, but I have been married for 45 years and  feel a degree of confidence in sharing what I have learned. I have narrowed it down to five essential items. They have worked  for me and those around me, and best of all they are very simple.


Tuesday 3 March 2015

Orchid Objectivity

Wednesday, March 3,2015

Hallelujah and praise to the "date gods"! Notice the date in bold font in the upper left corner of this post. It says March.  See, I can't even say it in regular font.  The reason for my excitement is that it becomes apparent that time is actually moving forward.  The 200+cm of snow that was outside my window yesterday ( I am writing this on March 1,2015..oops, did it again)  is  still there today, but I feel an anticipation and eagerness for the spring that is on it's way! I guess you could say it is about how one views an otherwise mundane fact or their Objectivity!

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Mystery Mosaic

February 24,2015


Once upon a time.... OK, this is not a fairy tale... but it is a true tale and it just seemed natural to start like that.  I'll start again.

One day about  4 months ago we were out shopping, I  remember distinctly because shopping is not one of my fun things to do, just can't recall the date. Anyway, we went about our buying business and returned home to find a shopping bag hooked over the handle of our door knob.  I love surprises, but knew I had missed a visitor.  With conflicting emotions  I quickly  picked the bag up and hurried inside.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Wordless Wednesday w Linky

February 18,2015



                                                                 Cheering for Cheer


When we were raising a young family we inevitably became part of the  child oriented, parent/caregiver driven, sports  activities. Although other adult members of my family were sports oriented, that particular gene never made it to my system.
Hence, it never fails to amaze me when I see the camaraderie that is evident in team sports.
This past week-end has been memorable for a number of reasons, and  this fellowship is just one of them.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Wordless Wednesday w Linky

February 11,2015


                                                              Old or Antique ?


As I am pretty much house bound, except for shoveling and snow blowing,I have not had the occasion to go out for new photos.  I decided to take advantage  of  chattels  around  our house  from an earlier time and use them for my "WW" photos. Important Notice: I am NOT including shots of my Hubby or myself. We may be mature, but definitely don't fit the "antique" description!

Each of these items are well seasoned, and  are not functional now . They do, however, serve as interesting conversation pieces.

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Wordless Wednesday

February 4,2015

                                              Several Shades of Grey..... and White


Anyone who knows  me knows  that doing anything "wordlessly" is next to impossible, but I am going to try very hard to keep my words brief!

In this part of Atlantic Canada we are next to the beautiful Bay of Fundy, that for the most part, moderates our climate. When it is  hot in the summer, it is less so on the coast. Likewise when the mercury tickles arctic lows we are comparatively "frosty"!This is one example of good ole Jack's artistry.



Tuesday 27 January 2015

Do You Like Quick Quizzes?

January 27,2015




I have been a nurse for 27 years and the mother of 3 beautiful but active  children for 16 years before that,so health issues have been important to me for a very long time. We all have grown since those early years but my health concerns have  only intensified.

Tuesday 20 January 2015

Conversation and Tea

January 20/15

You just got a text or a phone call from your neighbor down the street, or maybe your co-worker who "just happens to be in your area", and would like to drop in. It's 2 pm, too soon for supper and too late for lunch and custom dictates you offer her or him a beverage. ( Sorry, didn't mean for it to sound like Sheldon Cooper!)

Tuesday 13 January 2015

One more time....with feeling!

January    2015

 If you speak French--Encore en fois..... Perhaps Spanish is your language--vamos a intentar de nuevo... or far away in Russia it would be--Давайте попробуем еще раз... or in plain old English, "One more time... let's give it a try!