Yesterday our granddaughter celebrated her 9th birthday. It was time for a party after two birthdays with Covid restrictions. Her 7th birthday was celebrated on the front steps of her home in April 2020 when the world was locked down and nobody knew how the virus spread. We took wrapped presents, set them on the […]
Enjoying Retirement
Squirrel Invasion in the Attic
A few days ago, we learned that squirrels invaded our attic. A squirrel nest with babies in the attic over the garage portion of our house was discovered! Over the winter, we occasionally heard strange sounds in the attic. The sounds were intermittent and happened in areas around the soffits. Both of us would remark […]
National Goof Off Day
In keeping with whimsical themes, I invite readers to celebrate National Goof Off Day! It’s a day to relax and have some fun. After two years of living with fears of the Covid-19 virus and, in recent weeks, watching a war in Ukraine destroy the way of life for millions of innocent people, everyone needs […]
International Women’s Day
March 8, today, is International women’s day. Today I reflect on some early career experiences that shaped my thinking about women’s rights. Most of these happened in the late 60s and early 70s. I know that my history in the workforce is not unique. The incidents I’m describing may seem trivial to some –yet each […]
New normal?
As the pandemic supposedly wanes, and public health restrictions gradually lift, I wonder what the new normal will entail? Everywhere there are signs that we are returning to previous lifestyles. Governments are easing restrictions on gatherings now that rates of full vaccination in my province of Ontario are nearing 90%. Perhaps the recent protests in […]
It’s Valentine’s Day — So What?
When Valentine’s Day comes on February 14, so many people yawn and say, ‘So what? rather than looking for ways to celebrate. Many face the day anticipating loneliness. How sad! Others see it as a way to show caring by celebrating love however it may come. I’m fortunate to be in a long-term love relationship […]
Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year to all readers! The Year of the Tiger 2022 starts on February 1 and lasts until February 16. It’s an important holiday for millions in China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Celebrations last for days and include parades, special foods, and fireworks. The new year of the tiger marks a beginning of […]
Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
In keeping with a touch of whimsey for January blog posts, this piece is to honour ‘Answer your Cat’s Questions Day’. Wow! Who knew that January 22 was such a special day? To get us through difficult times and cold winter days as well as to amuse cat lovers among readers, I pose and answer […]
A Celebration of Rubber Ducky Day
For a change of pace, let’s contemplate a celebration of rubber ducky day on this dreary January 13th. Adults too often forget the importance of fun for relieving stress. And who isn’t stressed during these incessant waves of the pandemic? Finding a way to celebrate Rubber Ducky day is an excuse for some fun. Why […]
New Year — New You?
It’s just a few days into 2022 and I’m tired of hearing how a new year offers the opportunity to become a ‘new’ you. Does becoming a new you mean getting a new life? Perhaps a new body? Or a new face? Or some type of new fulfillment? In my thinking, this hackneyed admonishment should […]
