Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The greatest gifts of all are the ones money cannot buy


A teacher asked her students to list the 7 Wonders of the World!
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 The greatest gifts of all are the ones money can't buy!

Monday, July 29, 2019

Interesting facts about Queen Elizabeth

She texts her grandchildren. 

She takes her handbag everywhere. 
Obviously she keeps a lipstick in her handbag
She spoke to her mother every day. 
Since the death of her dad King George VI, the Queen made sure her mum never felt alone. The Queen Mother was a widow for 50 years, until her death a the age of 101.

She became next-in-line for the throne at age 10. 
Before her uncle King Edward VIII unexpectedly abdicated in 1936, the now Queen was a distant heir to the throne, much like Princess Beatrice now. But when her father became King, she was next-in-line to sit on the throne.

Apparently, when the news broke about their father becoming King, Princess Margaret asked her sister: "Does that mean you will have to be the next queen?"

"Yes, some day," said Princess Elizabeth.

"Poor you," replied Princess Margaret. 

She worked as a mechanic.

Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Princess Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945, during World War II. 'Second Subaltern Elizabeth Alexander Mary Windsor' was a mechanic and driver and an inspiration to the future royal military men, Prince William and Prince Harry!

She loves horses
We always assume that the Queen's favourite animals are her corgies but those close to her know that horses are her true love! She rides, breeds and races them. Once she even held a private audience with the Horse Whisperer!

She became Queen when she was up a fig tree in Kenya.  
On 6th February 1952, Princess Elizabeth was reportedly climbing up an African fig tree at the time of her father's death, the moment she became Queen. When Prince Philip broke the news to his wife, she returned home to assume her duties.

The Queen is afraid of nothing!

In 1981, at the Trooping of the Colour, the Queen was on horseback when she was shot at by a man in the crowd six times at close range. She hardly flinched. And again, in 1982, a deranged man broke into the Queen's bedroom. Instead of being scared out of her wits, she remained calm and talked to the man for seven minutes until the police arrived.
 
Her Majesty certainly has a sense of humour.
She is one of the most recognizable faces in the world, so it's seems hard to believe that someone wouldn't recognize The Queen.

However one of her former protection officers claims that she can still slip under the radar, and actually went completely unrecognized by an American tourist following a leisurely walk near Balmoral.

Richard Griffin has revealed that the Queen, not wanting to reveal her identity, jokingly played along when the tourist asked if she had ever met herself seeing as she lived in such close proximity from the royal residence.

Her Majesty slyly replied: “No, but this policeman has,” gesturing towards Mr Griffin.

HILARIOUS.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Some good advice to my senior friends

1. It’s time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it.  Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital. Warning: This is also a bad time for investments, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

2. Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don’t feel bad spending your money on yourself. You’ve taken care of them for many years, and you’ve taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.

3. Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get your sleep. It’s easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you’re feeling well. Stay informed.

4. Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort then, enjoy it together

5.  Don’t stress over the little things.  Like paying a little extra on price quotes. You’ve already overcome so much in your life.You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten.

6. Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor and remember: “A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection.”

7. Be proud, both inside and out. Don’t stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.

8. Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. There’s nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters. You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are.

9. ALWAYS stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks. You’ll be surprised what old friends you’ll meet. Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know is important at any age.

10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future, and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today.

11. Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time. You may have been younger, but you are still you now, having fun and enjoying life.

12. Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around.

13. Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. If you’ve lost your partner (our deepest condolences), then find a person to move in with you and help out. Even then, do so only if you feel you really need the help or do not want to live alone.

14. Don’t abandon your hobbies. If you don’t have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog, grow a garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf. You can paint, volunteer or just collect certain items. Find something you like and spend some real time having fun with it.

15. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to accept invitations. Baptisms, graduations, birthdays, weddings, conferences. Try to go. Get out of the house, meet people you haven’t seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). But don’t get upset when you’re not invited. Some events are limited by resources, and not everyone can be hosted. The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a field. Get out there.

16. Be a conversationalist. Talk less and listen more. Some people go on and on about the past, not caring if their listeners are really interested. That’s a great way of reducing their desire to speak with you. Listen first and answer questions, but don’t go off into long stories unless asked to. Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to. Try to accept situations as they are. Everyone is going through the same things, and people have a low tolerance for hearing complaints. Always find some good things to say as well.

17. Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we’re all going through. Try to minimize them in your mind. They are not who you are, they are something that life added to you. If they become your entire focus, you lose sight of the person you used to be.

18. If you’ve been offended by someone – forgive them. If you’ve offended someone - apologize. Don’t drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn’t matter who was right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Don’t take that poison. Forgive, forget and move on with your life.

19. If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don’t waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration. Live your faith and set an example. Live true to your beliefs and let that memory sway them.

20. Laugh. Laugh A LOT. Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age, never get to experience a full life. But you did. So what’s not to laugh about? Find the humor in your situation.

21. Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be thinking. They’ll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you’ve achieved. Let them talk and don’t worry. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the life you’ve lived so far. There’s still much to be written, so get busy writing and don’t waste time thinking about what others might think. Now is the time to be at rest, at peace and as happy as you can be!

REMEMBER: “Life is too short to drink bad wine and warm beer.”

Friday, July 26, 2019

A great sail away in Halifax tonight!

Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth ships scheduled for special sail away Friday


Two Cunard cruise ships will put on a show for Halifax as they leave the harbour tonight.  The Queen Elizabeth will leave at 6 PM, sailing past the east side of Georges Island before heading north where she will meet up with the Queen Mary 2.

The two vessels will then loop around the main part of the harbour together before departing.

"This is an excellent opportunity to see the two Cunard Queens in all their glory as the vessels pays tribute to the historic connection between Cunard and Halifax," said a news release from Port of Halifax.  The event is expected to take around 90 minutes.

While the two ships are in port, there will be a day of celebrations commemorating the fifth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity.


Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Getaway to Vancouver Island

We decided it was time we went back to Vancouver Island.  We made ferry reservations, last minute and were on our way!

Our first stop was to see Margaret and Dave in Parksville!  Dave had hip replacement surgery and is recovering.  We went for lunch at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club.  Neil Bidewell was the former pro at Kings Links and moved over to Qualicum to become the pro there.  I worked with Neil when I was at Kings Links.  He's a super guy and really happy with his relocation!  What a gorgeous golf course!



This was our view at lunch on the patio!
This magnificent public golf course was opened in 1913, making it the fourth oldest course in British Columbia. In 1981, the municipality of Qualicum Beach purchased the golf course from the late R. A. Brown of Calgary, Alberta.

Qualicum Beach is one of Canada's most scenic courses, offering breathtaking ocean views. A beautiful, well-groomed seaside course, Qualicum Beach is open year round due to our mild climate and boasts excellent drainage.  Many golfers from other areas of Canada visit here in the winter months.
After lunch we drove along the old island highway to Campbell River.  We stayed at the Anchor Inn!
We went to Elk Falls Provincial Park
I spotted this doe on our way to the falls!
 
A great walk and the view was spectacular!

Our hotel room had an unobstructed view of the water!
I checked high tide at Seymour Narrows and knew the Disney Wonder left Canada Place at 4 PM
At 8:30 it was a gorgeous site on it's way to Alaska!

Coombs Country Market, where the goats are on the roof!
 
A gourmet market that was so much fun to look around!

Lots of other unique stores there!
 
The wood carvings were amazing!

Monday, July 22, 2019

How to get on a US game show!


First, BEWARE, The Price is Right is coming to the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam in September.  This is NOT the show that is telecast.  This show sells tickets through Ticketmaster that range from $52.50 - $172.20 per ticket!  It's a money making side show that uses the Price is Right name.  If you want to be on the REAL Price is Right, you can get free tickets through CBS.  It films in Hollywood at CBS Studios.  If you see a game show in Las Vegas, if you have to pay to get in, it's not the real thing.

The Price is Right, CBS tickets


Cheryl and I went to Let's Make A Deal and got tickets from:

Let's Make A Deal Tickets

This show films in Van Nuys at a different studio.  If you plan on going to either show, wear bright colours with no commercial logos on them.  If you go to Let's Make A Deal, WEAR a costume.  You can rent them there, however, no one in a rented costume was selected when I've been there.

You are watched from when you enter the building until the show taping is finished.  You get a 30 second interview.  They ask you what you do and ask a little bit about yourself.  This is where you start to smile and show your energy!  You are then taken to a "holding room" that shows a former episode.  During this time, it's crucial you socialize, react to the show and keep off your cell phone!

You need lots of time to attend these shows.  It's a lot of fun and you meet some wonderful people.  It's great how everyone is excited and cheering for the person chosen.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Vault in Cloverdale

 
In the heart of downtown Cloverdale, is a unique restaurant known as The Vault.  It was a bank before it became a trendy restaurant and you can get a table in "the actual vault".   The owners of The Vault also own Washington Avenue Grill in White Rock and Hawthorne Beer Market & Bistro which is located down the street from The Vault.  We've eaten at all three restaurants and they don't disappoint.  The Vault is my favorite of all three but they are all excellent.

Donna, Janice and Jim wanted to try this restaurant so last night we went for dinner.  It didn't disappoint.  The food was awesome. 
Here is the unique table inside the old bank vault
 
Jim noticed how many people were in western attire, some were wearing cowboy hats.
 
Janice and Jim both ordered Seafood Gumbo

Donna and I had the prawn and scallop salad

Cec had meat loaf.  It was wrapped in bacon.

Near the end of the meal an entertainer started to play!
A wonderful dinner with longtime friends!   Jim noticed the temperature difference from Vancouver to Cloverdale.  Today the weather forecast is for sunny and hot, 29C/84F.

Junior Achievement - Lindsay Duthie

My best friend  growing up was  Carol Smith.  She was a member of Junior Achievement.  She really enjoyed it and it made a huge impact on he...