Happy New Year 2024

Don't forget at 11:59 PM tonight, raise your left leg so you start the year on your right foot.

Another New Year is coming

 

The Price is Right

I've been to the taping of Let's Make A Deal three times and believe it or not, three times I've been chosen.  The last two times I went, Cheryl came with me.  She wasn't chosen but learned how to be loud and get noticed.  She's always wanted to go to The Price is Right.  We tried booking in November but air fares were ridiculous and her work calendar made it difficult.  She found a few days that worked and thanks to Air Canada's Boxing Day sale, we got a good flight.  We have our tickets to the taping and our hotel is next to a large mall!  

I plan on being unusually quiet.  I don't know prices but she watches the show and takes notes.  She also is great with numbers so if she gets chosen she would be a lot better at the games that I would.   

Here is the shirt she's wearing:

Lexie bought her a bright lipstick from Sephora.  Now to figure out what to do with her hair and headpiece.  

Even if she doesn't get picked, it's a great trip away with the daughter!  I'm glad she got my mom's love of game shows!   We would take Lexie but she's in the middle of a semester.  We don't go for a few weeks, but I'll update on my blog our trip, picked or not!

End of the year message

As we embrace a new year, it's crucial to acknowledge that for some, it can be one of the most challenging periods of the year. At the close of this year, our team takes a moment to reflect on the critical issue of mental health and wellness.

Statistics reveal that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness experience a worsening of their conditions during the holidays. In light of this, we invite everyone to join us in supporting Heads Up Guys, an invaluable free resource designed to aid men in their battle against depression. Under the leadership of John Ogrodniczuk, this organization has positively impacted millions of individuals, both men and women, by facilitating assessment, engagement, and response to mental health issues affecting loved ones.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the New Year, let's take a collective pause to reflect, remember, and extend support to one another in any way possible.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season.

If you need more information, want to do an online self health check or donate to this wonderful organization:

Head Up Guys website

Year End Report of Santa Letters 2023

Here is a final report on Santa letters from our co-ordinator:

December 01 was this years deadline for Domestic Day Cares, School Class Letters and Library Groups and most those letters arrived between December 01 and December 10^th and continued to be received including on December 24^th.   2,892 were processed on time and we have a few late receipts which will receive a After Christmas Class Reply which we will begin on December 27th.

December 07 was our published mailing deadline for the public and we received the most of our letters between December 07 and December 17 and up to and including December 24th.  We received and processed approximately 53,100 Domestic letters on time and our late receipts are approximately 3,000 so far for Christmas After Replies which we will begin on December 27th.

It is interesting to note that we received letters to Santa from some different countries this year and different cities in Japan. Some of the translation included Mongolian, Spanish, German, Brazil, Lithuania, Russian ,Philippines, China, Taiwan and Japan. Other countries include New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, & USA.

Japan was the Country with the most mail for Santa.  We normally plan for between 7,000 and 8,000 letters to Santa from Japan but this year we have doubled that count so far and still counting .

December 27th:  (I have offered to reply to these)

We are starting on December 27^th on our Domestic After Christmas replies until we finished them up and get them delivered to keep Santa's promise "To reply to every letter".

We will continue to reply to any more International letters that might arrive as well as reply to all our Japanese receipts.

Fun with puns

 

Dad, are we pyromaniacs?  Yes, we arson. Why do bees stay in their hives during winter? Swarm.   Just so everyone is clear, I’m going to put my glasses on.   A commander walks into a bar and orders everyone around.   I lost my job as a stage designer. I left without making a scene.   How much did the pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buccaneer.   I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by. I kneaded the dough.   I lost my girlfriend’s audiobook, and now I’ll never hear the end of it.   Why is ‘dark’ spelled with a k and not c? Because you can’t "c" in the dark.   Why is it unwise to share your secrets with a clock? Well, time will tell.   When I told my contractor I didn’t want carpeted steps, I was given blank stares.   Scientists got together to study the effects of alcohol on a person’s walk, and the result was staggering.   I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.   I got over my addiction to chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. I won’t lie, it was a rocky road.   What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re.   What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up their own incision? Suture self.   I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness.

Merry Christmas to all

Cheryl had a delicious Christmas Eve dinner.  When Lexie was about five, Cec explained German Christmas to her.  His parents would celebrate Christmas after Christmas Eve church service.  Lexie thought that was an awesome idea and every year since, we give her our presents after dinner on Christmas Eve.  Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Persephone checking out the Christmas Village

Cec, Cheryl and Lexie played crib.  Lexie won both games and skunked her mom!

 I hope Santa recovers.

Potters - The Christmas Store

It's never Christmas until you visit Potters in Langley!  This store is a nursery in the spring, summer and fall but transforms into a winter wonderland every November.  We waited until yesterday as the parking lot is always full long before Christmas.  Yesterday it was busy but parking wasn't a problem.  It's 28,000 sq. ft. of Christmas magic!

Many high quality ornaments and figurines!  I loved the owl.

The mugs are hand painted and make awesome gifts

The store is huge and great to browse.  Lots of ideas for gifts and the sales haven't started yet, in case you are asking.

Shrinkflation!

Shrinkflation is the practice of reducing the size of a product while maintaining its sticker price. Raising the price per given amount is a strategy employed by companies, mainly in the food and beverage industries, to stealthily boost profit margins or maintain them in the face of rising input costs.

This has been going on for years.  I remember my mom complaining about cereal boxes that weren't full.  It's hard to believe a long time chocolatier did this, just in case you bought them for someone this Christmas:

This is how they looked last year:

This year:

If you bought these for a gift, you wouldn't know!  I bought Purdy's for Lexie.  I certainly hope they haven't changed their boxes.  I bought them through a charity!  I hope she doesn't read my blog.

I saw this I thought I would share:

The Christmas Lady

On December 1st, I posted some pictures on my blog showing my friend Sharon "Shaz" Vrecko's Christmas decorations in her Cloverdale home.  

We have volunteered together at Canada Post doing Letters to Santa for many years.  Shaz (as her friends call her) answered all the mail from schools in Surrey we received.  That's a huge job!  She has four grown sons and lost her husband to cancer many years ago.  Both Shaz and her late husband were Canada Post employees.  The picture below was taken on Tuesday when she dropped off all the Santa mail she'd done at home.  Shaz was on her way to the hospital where one son works, to give home made treats to the staff and cheer to the patients.  She's a great friend and an marvelous person.  

The Cloverdale Reporter visited her home last week and published a wonderful article in this week's paper that I've posted below!  

Her shoes have a lot of bells and you can always tell when she's in the building!

It began to look a lot like Christmas back in October for one Cloverdale woman.

Known as “The Christmas Lady,” Cloverdale’s Sharon Vrecko transforms her house into a Christmas wonderland every year.  She has so many decorations, and she fills every room in her house, that she has to start in October so she’s ready by Dec. 1.  “I wait until the last week (of November) to put up the tree,” Vrecko explained.

The Christmas Lady said her upbringing inspired her to provide a higher level of Christmas cheer for her family and friends. She was brought up in foster homes and although she ended up with some great families in time, she remembers in her younger days she had nothing and longed for a regular holiday season.  “I didn’t have Christmas and that. So, I swore that if I ever had my own family, there was going to be Christmas.”  And Christmas she did. Vrecko transformed her childhood pain into a lifelong love affair with Christmas joy—spreading the love of the giving season by opening her heart and her doors to others.

At the height of her decorating days, she was opening her house up for public tours and taking in donations for charity. She’d come full circle by giving back to those in need.  Vrecko first made Christmas decorations a big deal around the house in 1967, the year she got married, keeping the promise she made to herself in her youth. She started small, but added and added and added over the years until she eventually earned her moniker.

“I’ve cut down a lot,” The Christmas Lady said, now 80. “Because of my age and my hip and back, I can’t do it anymore. And my kids wouldn’t let me climb a ladder, because I need a hip replacement.”  She said she loves seeing people’s reactions when they visit.

Letters to Santa for 2023

This is the Santa letter box, made by Canada Post employees at the Cloverdale Distribution Center.  Every day the carriers come back from their walks with local letters. They aren't sent to the main depot but deposited in the above mailbox and we pick them up at 9:00 AM when we start.

Every year I decline lunches from Red Hat and Sapphire Sisters and other daytime invitations I get.  I clear my calendar so I can go into Canada Post as many days as possible.  This year we couldn't get into our room until December 1st so it was a little shorter than previous years.  

We are now finished for the year.  I have don't know how many letters were done across Canada.  We sent letters to Canada, Japan, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland and the USA.  We got letters in different languages.  We answer the French ones, but other languages are sent to the main depot.  Many people working for Canada Post have a second language but if we can't find anyone to answer in the language required, Embassies assist us.  This year we received letters in 27 different languages. We received many letters without a return address.  Unfortunately, they don't get answered.

We cannot take pictures of the letters, but here are some comments we read:

• I've been naughty, I broke my parents TV!!
• My favorite animal is my mom!
• One young child said he wants to be an "Actuary".  His favorite thing is his "calculator"

One letter from a young boy was in categories:

  Want:  a short list of presents from Santa

  Need:  two items of clothing listed with sizes and stores to buy them

  Do:      things he wants to do in 2024: Escape Room; Science World; Laser Tag

  Read:  Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac & anything by Dav Pilkem

Many children want world peace and hunger to stop.  One child wants his father to return home, another wants her mom's cancer to be cured and one boy only wanted his dad to get a job.  

The most requested items I saw:

• I Pad/Computer
• I Phone
• 3D Printer (even I want one of these)
• Taylor Swift Tickets
• Many things that started with Barbie

We are always shocked with the names and spelling of them.  We got some very unique first names from Game of Thrones characters and other shows I'd never heard of.  However, the most unique name: First Name: Precious  Middle Name: Gift

Yes children are a precious gift, but really!!!

Carol is our long time Canada Post retiree volunteer co-ordinator and has answered letters for many years.  She said she got started when she was a letter carrier in Ladner.  She was doing door to door letter delivery and a little boy would be at the door every day asking for his letter from Santa.  One day, it was in her mail.  She went to the house, mom answered the door with the boy beside his mom.  The excitement he had when he actually got the letter started her answering letters.  When my hands ache from writing, I think of all the children who are getting those letters and I hope they are excited as the little boy in Ladner many years ago.    

 

In the last Quarter of Life

A lot of us are in the last quarter of life and I share without politics, religion, race cards. Just gentle thoughts:

You know, time has a way of catching you off-guard about how quickly it travels.

It feels like just yesterday that I was young and ready to start adult-life. And in a way it feels like eons ago, and I wonder where the years have gone.

I know I lived them all.

I remember all my hopes and dreams. I remember the plans I made.

And suddenly, here I am in the last quarter.

How did I get here so fast?

Where have the years gone and where did my youth go?

I can recall looking at older people, thinking how long it will take for me to get where they are. That I am still in my youth, that I have many years ahead. At that time I could not even think of being where I am now.

And yet, here I am.

My friends are retired, they all have grey hair, they move much slower than they did and when I look at them, I see older people. Some are in a better and some a worse condition than me. But I see the big difference. They are no longer the youthful, carefree, full-of-life friends.

Just like me, age shows. And we are now the older people we used to look at and thought it was still a long way off.

I find that these days, taking a shower takes its toll on my breath and energy levels. And an afternoon nap is not just a treat, it’s become a necessity. And if I don’t, I find myself sleeping in the same chair I started reading or watching television in.

Now I have entered this new season of my life, totally unprepapred for the discomfort, aches and pains, loss of energy and strength and ability to do what I could, yet sometimes didn’t. At least I know that, even though I am in the last quarter and I have no idea how long this quarter will be, when my time on earth is over, a new adventure awaits too.

Yes, I do have things I wish I I had never done. Yet so thankful for those I did. It is all in a lifetime.

And if you are not in the last quarter yet, I want to remind you that it comes faster than you could anticipate. Do the things you still want to do as soon as possible. Do not procrastinate. Life runs on fast legs.

Do today what you can.

There is no promise that we will all see the seasons of life. Live for today. For now.

Say the words to the ones you love. Often.

Hopefully some will appreciate the things you did for them. And if they don’t, it is also okay.

Life is truly a gift. Just be happy. It is after all your choice.

And remember that health is a treasure, not wealth, gold and silver, property or your bank balance.

You may think that going out is the best, but believe me – coming home is better.

You may forget names and that is okay, because some have already forgotten that they knew you.

The things you cared about previously, you may lose interest in.

If you fall asleep in your favourite chair, stay there.

Growing older is wonderful. It is comfortable. It is loaded with memories that you never grow tired of. It is an absolute treasure.

Look after yourself.

Love & Light

Iceland Volcano

A few years ago we were on a cruise and visited three ports in Iceland.  We circled the island and loved the people and the terrain.  When in Reykjavik we visited the Blue Lagoon.  It was so different and the warm water was wonderful.  I never had arthritis pain for four months!  

I've been watching the reports about the earthquakes and impending volcano.  Yesterday, it erupted very close to the Blue Lagoon!

About 4,000 people were earlier evacuated from the fishing town of Grindavik and the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was closed.  The eruption started north of the town at 22:17 local time (22:17 GMT), the Icelandic Met Office said.

The region around the capital Reykjavik has been experiencing an increase in earthquake activity since late October.  The Met Office said that the eruption was located about 4km (2.5 miles) north-east of Grindavik and the seismic activity was moving towards the town.  The length of the crack in the volcano is about 3.5km, with the lava flowing at a rate of around 100 to 200 cubic metres per second, it added.

The eruption can be seen from Reykjavik, which is about 42km north-east of Grindavik.  One eyewitness in the city told the BBC that half of the sky in the direction of Grindavik was "lit up in red".  He said smoke could also be billowing into the air, with police warning people to stay away from the area.

Iceland's Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said defences recently constructed would have a positive effect.  She said her thoughts were with the local community and she was hoping for the best despite the "significant event".  It said that this was many times more than in previous eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years.

Some great advice in this busy season

 

Sunday Funday

 I can relate to this one:

This is a short Christmas You Tube that is really funny:

Here Comes Amazon

Justin Trudeau's sock choice

LILLEY: Justin Trudeau's words, and socks, show he's not a serious leader

World leaders don't take Canada seriously because in an increasingly dangerous world, our Prime Minister is still playing sock diplomacy.

Here is the article with a picture

I read X (Twitter) and Threads frequently.  I get so tired of the hate and I never know what to believe.  When an article is from a well known newspaper I take it a little more serious.  I read the headline and then the article from the Toronto Sun which is above and includes the picture of the socks.

The headline should read:  Justin Trudeau gets his socks from a young entrepreneur with Downs Syndrome.  He does it to spread awareness and help him.  

John Cronin likes socks – the crazier, the better.

So when Cronin graduated in 2016, he and his father teamed up to start a business, aptly named John’s Crazy Socks.

The quirky idea quickly grew into a successful, multi-million-dollar business. Cronin now has 1,200 designs that are sold across the world and worn by the likes of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

You may not agree with Justin Trudeau's policy, but give credit where credit is due!  Way to go John Cronin.  Shame on you Toronto Sun and writer Lilley for not researching your story!

I cancelled my Hawaii cruise

I had a deposit on a 17 day return cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii in April 2025 on Holland America and just cancelled it.  Holland America released this lovely itinerary:

27 days from Vancouver to Seattle September 1, 2025 on the Westerdam.  Alaska and Hawaii in one cruise leaving from Vancouver.  We will get Quick Shuttle back to Vancouver.  

This cruise was introduced on Tuesday.  There are very few rooms left as it's such a unique trip.  Maritime Travel already group pricing.  Is anyone interested?   If so, send me an email:  lfisher@maritimetravel.ca

Beautiful sunrise

When I woke up yesterday, I saw the most amazing sunrise!  I didn't get a picture but a friend did.  We don't see the mountains from our windows. This picture was taken in the morning from Kings Links Golf Course.  It's gorgeous!

You can see Mt. Baker as it's so clear!  I miss working early mornings at the golf course!

Canada's most livable cities for Retirement

CANADA’S MOST LIVABLE CITIES:

FOR RETIREMENT 

1.  Victoria, B.C. 

2.  Oak Bay, B.C.

3.  White Rock, B.C.

4.  West Vancouver, B.C.

5.  North Vancouver, B.C.

6.  Parksville, B.C.

7.  Dieppe, N.B.

8.  Saanich, B.C.

9.  Penticton, B.C.

10. Calgary, Alberta

This list is from the Globe and Mail.  I thought it was pretty interesting, 8 of the cities are in British Columbia!

New billboard in Surrey

 

This sign is located at 176 & 60 Avenue a high traffic area.  It's paid for by the City of Surrey.  I wonder if there are any more around town?

Vince the sign guy

I just had to share more signs.  I love this guy!

 

If you have Rogers formerly Shaw TV and have a cat......

We now get Channel 197, The Aquarium channel.  I told  a few cat lovers about the new channel and Persephone loves it!

Thank you Rogers.  We are getting some new channels.  We love the NASA channel.

Sleep

 

Friday Funnies

 This sums it up:

This isn't funny, it's true!

Some wise words from Phyllis Diller

         As your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.

- Phyllis Diller

Housework can't kill you, but why take a chance? - Phyllis Diller

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing. -Phyllis Diller   The reason women don't play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public. - Phyllis Diller Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: Eat out. -Phyllis Diller   A bachelor is a guy who never made the same mistake once. - Phyllis Diller   I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them. -Phyllis Diller Old age is when the liver spots show through your gloves. -Phyllis Diller   My photographs don't do me justice -they look just like me. -Phyllis Diller I asked the waiter, 'Is this milk fresh?' He said, 'Lady, three hours ago it was grass.' -Phyllis Diller   The reason the golf pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing. -Phyllis Diller   You know you're old if they have discontinued your blood type. Phyllis Diller