January 2, 2026

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…starting a new puzzle

Today I finished wrapping the last of my Christmas gifts. I can now organize and put away my gift wrapping, ribbons and gift bags for another year.

A good friend gave me a new jigsaw puzzle for Christmas so I thought I’d get a start on it today. I cleared half of my dining table and started sorting through the 550 pieces. I like to do the perimeter first. Once I got going I couldn’t stop. I find it very addictive.

I did eventually stop so that I could get out and do a bit of shopping. At the last minute, despite the bitter cold I decided to walk to the store. I’m glad I did. It was exhilarating and I logged 2500 more steps. When you dress properly the cold isn’t an issue.

Here is how much of the puzzle that I completed.

Thursday Trios – Trios Along the Lake

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…this morning on my walk I came across numerous waterfowl

If you have any trios to share I’d love to see them. Just copy my link and paste it into your post. You don’t have to post on Thursday and the subject material is up to you. The goal is to have fun.

School Pick-ups and Ballet Classes

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Mama Cormier

One of our favourite things to do in London was pick up our granddaughter from school, walk back to flat with a stop at the corner store to stock up on drinks and snacks and on one occasion we got Sevin ready for her ballet class and walked her over to to the community hall for her lesson.

A Visit to Hampstead Heath

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…October 14, 2025

Today we decided to explore Hampstead. It is an affluent neighbourhood in the north of London. It’s a beautiful leafy green village with wonderful cafes, pubs, bakeries, book stores, antique and floral shops and high end clothing stores.

We had a perfect lunch in The Flask….cauliflower soup with truffle oil, baked Camembert with chutney and pickled fennel on sourdough bread.

Continue reading →

Exploring the Beach – Day One

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…after breakfast this morning

English Gardens in Highbury

Posted on June 8, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…walking back from a community musical festival

Street Art Along Church Street in Stoke Newington

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Mama Cormier

…London, England

Street art is everywhere in London but especially on the walls surrounding construction sites. These panels are directly across from Clissold Park.

Walking Through Clissold Park and Along Church Street to Get Ice-cream

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Mama Cormier

Yesterday was a more laid back day but at one point Azadeh, Sevin and I needed to get out for a walk. It turned out to be one of those typical London days ….to rain or not to rain but we chanced it anyway and headed for the park.

We took a shortcut through the park and made our way to Church Street. About half the stores were closed because it was a bank holiday but most of the coffee shops were opened.

The best part of the walk for Sevin was the stop at the gelato shop.

…and buying her favourite flavours….mango and strawberry.

A Day of Learning to Ride a Bike, Trekking to Argos and Ending the Day at the Pub to Watch Arsenal Women Win the Championship

Posted on May 24, 2025 by Mama Cormier

Today started out slowly. We were waiting for our eldest daughter to arrive in London from Toronto before heading out for the day.

After Andrea arrived we took Sevin outside to practise learning how to ride her bike. She took a few spins of the driveway with her father close behind before we walked to Argos to pick up some pillows that we had ordered earlier in the day.

The walk to Argo’s was substantial and we stopped at a famous noodle house for a bite to eat. More about that tomorrow.

We also stopped at a Waitrose to pick up a few more groceries and decided to take a bus back home. We wanted to get back home in time to catch the UEFA Women’s Champions League at one of the local pubs.

After missing one bus because the driver didn’t stop, waiting for a second bus and then having to walk a ways we finally got home, put away the food and made our way to the pub with the whole family.

The first two pubs were packed and one didn’t allow children. We ended up in the pub closest to our flat and we got there in time to see Arsenal score the first and only point of the game. The pub erupted in cheers when the hometown team won the championship.