Category: Just some thoughts

But a moment in history…

Today is a significant  moment in Canadian history. Our 23rd Prime Minister was sworn in today! Justin Trudeau, liberal candidate for Prime Minister won by a landslide on October 19th with a majority of votes in his favour. Yesterday was Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s last day, and today at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau became Canada’s new Prime Minister.

He is a young man (43) with a young family( 3 small children) but not the youngest Prime Minister for Canada. Joe Clarke became Prime Minister at 39, the day before his 40th Birthday. Justin is the only Prime Minister who’s father was once a Prime Minister too. Pierre Trudeau was Canada’s 15th Prime Minister from April 20, 1968 – June 4, 1979 when Justin was but a young boy.

So today history is written. Let’s hope for good things for Canada and from this man that will lead our country!

   

  

Was it a dream? 

Well…I am HOME!

My time in China went far too quickly as I knew it would. I absolutely love it there. There are not too many people who understand my feeling about this. But this country really took hold of my heart while we lived there. The land, the culture, the people… yes, the people. There is no place that fills that void I feel like China.

always in my heart

Well perhaps if David & I relocated to Vancouver it would help. I have never been there except for my day layover on this trip. It is definitely on our “must see bucket list” After James was there and described it, and so much Chinese influence…maybe that would help.

I am so thankful to have had the priviledge to go back,especially in my year…the year of the goat!!!! I never could have imagined.

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To do this trip to China with my dear sister in law, to see where my niece is teaching, to see Chinese friends again, to see some of the “famous” landmarks, to walk in the quiet places that I love …yes I am thankful, it was a dream. Time will tell if it will only create a greater longing to visit again or was it enough…

Moon in China

BUT for now it’s time to think about exploring a different part of this wonderful world! Hmm…where to next? ( Probably the Cuba Wedding Trip in April) and then…

 

Press pause

Just for a short bit…

I am pressing the pause button today. Not actually BUT I wish I could, wish it was that easy…

Don’t you wish sometimes that you were capable of pressing pause when you want to, or fast forward when you want to… I sometimes wish that…

TiMe…it crawls and then it flies……………………………… I just need to savour and enjoy  EVERY moment

Just a few thoughts as I’m enjoying my coffee on this chilly morning…

I went for a little drive today

to see and capture Autumn’s brilliant color in all it’s glory.

It was such a beautiful day. A great day for gardening, a walk, a drive… I really can’t believe the temperatures are so nice for mid October. This week colors are peak. It really would be perfect to see the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton this week.

DSCN6204 DSCN6207 DSCN6208 IMG_9376 IMG_9379 IMG_9381 IMG_9382 IMG_9387 IMG_9391 IMG_9392

Well…better enjoy it because who knows what this winter will bring once it finally gets cold and snow season starts …this was the 9 day forecast when I checked this morning. Monday doesn’t look so great… ( say it isn’t so)

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This time of year

If you are lucky enough to live in a place where there are seasons…you will know that this time of year is one of the most spectacular! The colors are AMAZING!!!! The leaves put on quite a show.

I am thankful we live in Canada. While all the trees and their colors together are beautiful, I am a little partial to the red Maple.

DSC08429Here are a few pics of the beauty around me this weekend on our Canadian Thanksgiving Long Weekend…

IMG_9314 IMG_9316 IMG_9317 IMG_9318 IMG_9322 IMG_9323 IMG_9324 IMG_9325 IMG_9326 IMG_9327 IMG_9328 IMG_9336 IMG_9338Feeling Blessed!

Deep fried Turkey Day!

This weekend is Thanksgiving and many Canadians will enjoy family feasts of turkey, cranberries, pumpkin and apple pie. This year we’re switchin’ things up! Oh for sure we are still going to enjoy cranberries and pie and definitely turkey is on the menu BUT …instead of hours roasting in the oven. Tonight, a few days early ( because of family work schedules on the weekend) we are deep frying our turkey in a pot in the backyard!!

Turkey_Fryer

It’s been a few years since we’ve done this and our kids don’t remember doing it so, we will give them this fun experience. And…it only takes 45 minutes!! Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Table is set
Table is set
Turkey ready for the pot
Turkey ready for the pot
Some of the fixins' ready
Some of the fixins’ ready

NOW…it’s out to the back yard to the Turkey cooker.

IMG_9273 IMG_9275 IMG_9278 IMG_9280 IMG_9281 IMG_9289 IMG_9294 IMG_9296 Dinner is served. Thankful for my Family<3DSC08508 DSC08509

Deep fried Turkey for our early Thanksgiving Dinner!!

 

Something to SMILE about

Did you know today October 2, 2015 is WORLD SMILE day! It’s the first Friday of October every year. A perfect day…it’s a Friday!

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It’s HISTORY

The idea of World Smile Day was coined and initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. Harvey Ball is known to have created the Smiley Face in 1963. The World’s first World Smile Day was held in the year 1999 and has been held annually since.

After Harvey died in 2001, the “Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation” was created to honour his name and memory. The slogan of the Smile Foundation is “improving this world, one smile at a time.” The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day each year.

The simple act of smiling does far more than just make you look friendly – it can change your life and the lives of those around you.

Just for fun…Here are the top 10 reasons why you should SMILE!

1. It boosts your immune system

2. It changes your mood

3. It lowers your blood pressure

4. It gives you a natural high

5. It melts hearts

6. You’ll be remembered

7. Smile your way to success

8. You’ll look younger

9. And live longer

And….

10. A quote to smile about

“A smile costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.” – Dale Carnegie

 

Grab your camera, say cheez … and SMILE and take a picture because it’s World Smile Day, and It’s Friday and the start of the weekend…

IMG_9369Now that’s something to smile about!