Category Archives: Family
The Simple Things in Life
….are often free or cost very little
My granddaughter and daughter are leaving today and flying back to New Brunswick. We’ve had a wonderful time going to the CNE, buying new clothes for school and Gaelan and I went to the theatre to see the show, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. All of these things were fun to do but when I asked Winnie what her favourite activity was, she said she loved swimming in the city pool and my neighbour’s pool. She also enjoyed our picnic lunch in High Park, walking through the High Park Zoo and climbing on the huge tree stump in the park. Twice she was treated to ice-cream from the ice-cream truck, once from me and then again from her aunt Andrea. You can see from the look on her face how special that was.









Miss you already, Winnie! Love Oma
Back to School Shopping
….a quick trip to Marshall’s for back to school clothes
Winnie and her Mom are spending the last week of summer with us before heading back to New Brunswick and the beginning of the new school year. Of course this meant that a trip to the store for new clothes was a must. Believe it or not Winnie was a bit hesitant about buying new clothing but once we started trying on outfits, almost everything she tried was on the ‘Buy’ list. Here is what we left the store with.







For what I paid for these 7 outfits plus new running shoes I could have paid the same amount for one outfit at Sherway Gardens. Thank you Marshall’s. We also made a side trip to Staples where her Mom bought her a new book bag and a pen and pencil.
A Day at the CNE With my Girls
….it’s been three years since the last visit to the Exhibition
We were all excited to be going back to the CNE. For the last two years the Canadian National Exhibition was closed due to COVID.
Having my granddaughter, who is now six, with us made the day extra special. We started the afternoon in the Kids’ Amusement area. Winnie played a fishing game which guarantees a prize for all. Even though she ‘won’ the smallest prize she was delighted. She was very independent and went on several rides and fun houses on her own but on the kids’ rollercoaster she was escorted by her aunt Andrea.









There was one ride in the Kids section that Winnie really wanted me to go on with her. It was called the Raptor Run and it basically went around in circles but the cars went in circles as well and the platform tilted up and down. It was fun and I screamed like a little kid. Just when I thought it was over it changed directions and kept going.



We decided to save a few more rides for later so we headed over to the Food Building and the Midway. Andrea had a corndog and the rest of us shared a large chicken and chips basket. Winnie wanted to go on some of the adult rides but for many of them she was too short but she was okay to go on the Tornado. Again she wanted me, her Oma to go on the ride with her. I convinced Andrea to join us but Winnie’s Mom refused. I’m glad Andrea joined us because the cars were high off the ground and I needed a hand to get into my seat. This ride was similar to the Raptor Run but it flew through the air. What I won’t do for my granddaughter!!!!
Of course I can’t go to the CNE without playing some midway games. One of the big differences this year wasn’t the type of game that was offered (they were pretty much the same as other years) it was the price. Many of the games were $10.00 a pop. We were very selective as to which games we played.
A must every time we go is the Birthday Game. We found one that was only $2.00 to play. Andrea, Winnie and I all played the first game and guess who won?. Winnie of course. She was delighted. Then we went to Whack-a-Mole. We love this game but the competition was very intimidating. One of the guys offered us his spot but I thanked him and declined because I knew I couldn’t win against these young guys. Turns out the this same fellow won and he turned to Winnie and asked her what she wanted. She was shocked and we were surprised. She chose a blue Sloth and we thanked him profusely. What a nice guy.


I always like the water pistol game where you aim at a target and the first toy to reach the top wins. This time Andrea and I were the only players, so again Winnie won another prize, a sparkly blue dragon. What a day.


Thursday Trios from my Daughter’s House
Thursday Trios – Sorry for the Delay
…away last week and working like crazy this week to get the house ready for my big 70 birthday
I wanted to post something a little different for Thursday Trios this week but I’m physically exhausted. This is the best I could come up with. Hopefully you’re having more luck finding trios this week. I need your inspiration. Please share.



If you’d like me to comment on your trios please copy the link from this post and copy it into your own post. I’ll get a pingback and after the weekend, if not sooner, I’ll get back to you.
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Mini
….thanks to GC for hosting this week’s Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge https://weeklyprompts.com/2022/08/24/weekly-prompts-wednesday-challenge-mini/








Whatsoever Is Lovely Challenge – July 17, 2022
….thanks to Xingfu Mama for hosting the Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge https://xingfumama.blog/2022/07/17/whatsoever-is-lovely-challenge-2022-week-28/
This weekend I finally opened my cottage. It is truly my special place. I normally open sooner but I was so busy with my art show that this was the first opportunity I had to go up with my daughter. Opening up is always a big job and I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own so having Andrea with me made the whole process so much easier and more fun. Here are a few images from the north shore at Big Sand Bay and from the dock.





Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Outdoor Fun
…thanks to Sue W. and GC for hosting Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge –https://weeklyprompts.com/2022/07/13/weekly-prompts-wednesday-challenge-outdoor-fun/
What’s more fun the summer camp? It seems that our granddaughter is loving it and being the youngest one there doesn’t seem to deter her.













