December always brings forward so many beautiful memories of time spent as a family. I was thinking today of all the school recitals and concerts we attended while our children were growing up. We have only one daughter, but we were very fortunate to raise her in a small community where two of my cousins…
Is it just me, or has life become simpler and yet more complicated with Pinterest? How did we ever live our life before having access to an unlimited compendium of recipes, decor suggestions, fashion hints, life hacks, funny quotes and so much more? Ten years ago, my social media apps consisted primarily of Facebook, and…
Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things I have fallen behind on delivering one fresh post every day in December as part of my Advent Calendar series, and to catch up today, I…
If you have ever been spent time in Canada’s Capital as a visitor or a resident, then you likely know of the Rideau Canal. The narrow channel weaves through Ottawa landmarks and neighbourhoods along an 8km stretch, connecting the metropolitan’s two universities while delivering the most picturesque scenery a city can provide. Many of us…
Yes, you read that title correctly and it was not a typo. Traditions have always been big in my family, thanks mostly to my husband who was a big fan of repeating events and activities that our daughter enjoyed while growing up. Camping out in the backyard to mark the last day of school, ending…
St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century in Turkey. He was a kindhearted and generous man, and because he had inherited large wealth from his parents at an early age, he developed a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. The stories of this…
Let me take you back to the summer of 2019. The air is warm, people are out and about and you are sitting out, possibly enjoying a refreshing beverage, listening to the sounds around you. You hear the birds of course, maybe a light breeze rustling through the trees and general murmurs and clatter people…
I have been unbelievably blessed all my life and I give thanks everyday for my good fortune. I try so hard not to take anything for granted and treasure my family and our good health, and my precious friends. I am aware that one’s good fortune can change in an instant, and that many experience…
I have written before about cruising and until our recent trip to Mexico, preferred vacations on ships rather than resorts. I would say that for a vacation in the Caribbean, a cruise is still my preference. This year, we took 3 Caribbean cruises, visiting islands of the lesser and south Antilles (St-Thomas, St-Marten, Barbados, St-Lucia,…
We all know that travelling gives us an opportunity to expand our knowledge and gain a better understanding of other cultures, and countries. Beyond this, the benefits of travel are quite tangible, physically and psychologically. I walk more when I travel, and my stress level goes way down. The fresh air stimulates endorphins, putting me…
How is it that we travelled in the summer and the fall to all these warm places, and then made it back just in time to go through another winter in Ottawa? What is wrong with us? Most Canadians that have the travel bug fly south for the winter, but we seem to do things…
We have had a wonderful year, and as I reflect on our blessings, it occurs to me that I have not shared much on our blog, despite having a great year filled with discovery, dear friends and family and new journeys. Many of you have asked about the next instalments. Not all journeys involve travelling….
