FOURTEEN NINTY-NINE

Miya posing with my stash!
TAKEN: JULY 10th, 2026

About five years ago, I bought myself the perfect inflatable floating chair. 

During the cottage floating season, it was always stored on the stainless loop of the dock ladder, but after a late season storm, a gust of wind had it take flight never to be seen again.

So, once the snow left, I began my search for a replacement.

As luck would have it, I was sending my travel buddy hubby into the local Canadian Tire for dog toys that were on sale, and he discovered exactly what I was looking for. Not only that, but it was also on sale for $14.99!

After looking at it in the wrapper for a couple of days, I sent him back for a second. Not because I needed two but because it has been my general experience that if you find something you really like, the chances that you are able to replace it, is slim to none.

In keeping with the thought process, we drove to Costco last weekend because before we went to Bahamas, I got a great pair of black Roots flip flops for $39.99. 

I will admit, I tend to spend more on flip flops that offer support because in any long weekend away I can walk up to 100,000 steps and wear them out by the time I get home.

Only once did I pay the price, or shall I say didn't spend the money. I forgot to pack a pair of my holiday foot ware must haves when we went to Vegas in 2023. I bought a cheap pair at Walgreen’s on the strip, and suffered with shin splints for a good three weeks following.

Short story long, the road trip to Costco was in search of another pair as the pair I bought in March are pooched. 

That said, we always stop at a place in Orillia called Liquidation Nation (a discount clearance centre) before we head to Costco because their 12 rolls of Bounty are 25% cheaper than Costco because the bags have been damaged and have packing tape holding them together.

While I was there, I headed to their foot ware section to see what I could score. Low and behold they had the exact same Roots flip-flops, in my size, in multiple colours. Get this, they were on sale for $14.99 a pair!

A sure sign that they had been discontinued, I bought three. 

For this cat, this isn't the summer of '69....

It IS the SUMMER OF $14.99!!

#yagottalaugaboutit

TRASH INTO TREASURE

A sneak peek at our winfall,
and an action shot of
Jukebox helping his Dad!
TAKEN: May 30th, 2026

As the saying goes, "one person's trash, is another person's treasure." Which was 100% applicable in removing this almost brand-new kitchen for reinstallation in our cottage.

In all my years in high-end custom homebuilding I have never return to a cottage prior to its demolition for personal salvage. But as we prepare to gut the cottage for resale, a new kitchen was going to be one of our largest expenses.

So, when one of our project managers mentioned that an NHL hockey player we are building a new cottage for was ready for demolition, I asked him to send me photos of the kitchen.

Once I saw what was going to landfill, I booked a U-Haul, enlisted Jukebox to help, and hatched a plan.

The important thing my hatched plan lacked, was how difficult a task it was going to be and how I totally missed the mark on how long it would take to disassemble, load and then offload all the items into our garage at the house.

In the moment, my travel buddy hubby and I wished we had rented a larger vehicle because we would have removed some windows and the patio doors as well.

Filled to the brim with a nice kitchen, custom millwork vanities, expensive ceiling fans, shelving and bathroom light fixtures - we headed home.

Not bad for a whopping $130 U-Haul rental and some quality time with our boy!

Thanks Jukebox... Your help was truly appreciated!!

WELL, HECK!

Miya keeping her tail on the pulse
of squirrel central!
TAKEN: JUNE 8th, 2026

Back at the cottage for another Saturday trying to figure out more hot water issues, the thunder rolled. 

We had hydro at the cottage but shortly after dark my Facebook Messenger began to blow up with our neighbours letting us know there was a situation at the house; approximately 18 kms away.

In two stages of very loud cracks our driveway tree came down. Once we confirmed that the bulk of the tree was setting on the roof, but hadn't gone through, it was decided there was nothing we could do that night in the pouring rain.

I guess you can say we have been lucky in the fallen tree department. We fell and process trees that may be a threat annually... but it apparently this one had stayed off our radar.

In hindsight, I used to see a ton of squirrels in and out of the thing but never realized that if they were running a local recreation center out of the trunk, and that we may need to investigate the overall health of the tree.

That said, once we pulled the main branch off the roof by using the trailer hitch on the car, we began limbing and moving those branches into the gully. Before long, it was ready for bucking.

As usual, I voluntarily took on the labourer role, and the guys got their dueling chainsaw going. 

Buddy down the street brought his four-wheeler with a trailer to claim the free wood and just like that it was all cleaned up.

As far as the squirrels losing their recreation center, I have made a note to self to watch for where they gather next.

Not only will I strickly enforce NO parties after dark... I also will make sure they are not over occupying close to any eve of the house!

SPRING BITS & BITES

Headed to town for plumbing bits... 
And getting blackfly bites in the process!
TAKEN: MAY 17th, 2026

Do you remember those old television commercials for Christie Bits & Bites? 

You know the one, they aired decades ago starring a weird looking cartoon dude explaining that every time you reach in the bag, "whole new ballgame!” (Here is a YouTube link to click to offer context.)

Well, that commercial is exactly what crossed my mind after my travel buddy hubby and I spent last Saturday turning the water on at the cottage. Every season, I have no idea what I am in for as he has never winterized the cottage the same way twice.

A couple of years ago we discovered the hard way that the upstairs plumbing line were never bled, when the water was turned on the water it began to rain inside. 

This year we discovered that he never left the valve on the pressure tank and kitchen faucet open and the trapped water broke the fitting on the tank and the faucet was pooched. The septic? A-OK, which meant we could spend the night.

The next morning, off we went with a laundry list of plumbing requirements. I offered to bring the parts with us, but he assured me he knew what he needed and had taken photos of the fittings.

Now, after almost 40 years of marriage, I definitely pick my battles. What are a few blackfly bites and a couple of hours in several plumbing aisles to support him. I never bit back once and just kept cleaning up the water as he honed his trial and error plumbing skills.

By 3pm Sunday we had cold water, but we still had no hot. He wanted to go back into town as his connection fittings were the wrong size but it was a beautiful day, and I could boil water for the dishes.

As we prepare for retirement and ultimately sell, I feel that enjoying what time we have left to enjoy the space is more important than hot running water. 

What he doesn't know is that I have quietly hired a plumber to re-pipe the cottage this summer.

I certainly hope that doesn't mean he will go on strike next spring.

Because if he did, all the local hardware stores would be calling us because their sales will be down!!

#yagottalaughaboutit

Z IS FOR ZZZ's

My wee Miya Maria channelling
 my end of April vibes!
TAKEN: APRIL 18th, 2026

It is hard to believe that another challenging April A-Z year has come and gone.

Overall, I faired better than most years staying on my target of posting daily. But when I returned from Bahamas, I became terribly ill and had to play catch up. Still not 100% I feel my lack of effort really showed in my last eight or ten offerings.

Not to throw the baby out with bath water, I feel that I was the most mentally prepared to take part since about 2018. Year over year saw a lack of enthusiasm on my part and I almost quit writing in 2021 and came close to deleting this electronic journal.

That year I only posted a mere 31 offerings, with 26 of those being from my A-Z archives (so no new material in April). With nothing from the end of April to my year in review on New Years Eve. 

That was the year I left my job and took 3 months off to recalibrate my career goals and take care of my husband as he recovered from life altering surgery.

Not to focus on the negative of how I got to today, rather I look forward to what the rest of 2026 has to offer.

The fact that we bought a brand-new king-sized bed for the cottage means my summer zzz’s will be much more comfortable; not just for me but especially for our pups.

Once again, happy 1st of May tomorrow... and thanks again for reading.

It really is appreciated.

Y IS FOR YACHT

Here is an information link for the yacht we rented.

  My Brother

My travel buddy hubby 
whale watching.
TAKEN: FEBRARY 27th, 2026

 

Cousins enjoying the day
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

The upper view with the captain.
TAKEN: FEBURARY 27th, 2026

One of our many stops for the day
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

X IS FOR XENIAL

My cousins' hopsitality in Hautulco was xenial.
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

 

Every year I struggle with this letter, but this year my word seemed obvious.

As I have written through the month, we traveled for a cousins retreat to Hautulco, Mexico that last week of February. My cousin (in the green and straw hat - that is her husband on the end in blue) was the perfect hostess.

Xenial is an adjective describing warm, friendly hospitality or the relationship between a host and a guest. Originating from the Greek word xenos (stranger/guest), it refers to being welcoming, generous, and kind, particularly toward travelers or visitors.

Thanks for the memories!

W IS FOR WHITE

A mere 1,089 days later
and it is finally white!
TAKEN: APRIL 11th, 2026

When I returned home from my birthday trip to Bahamas, I was pleasantly surprised that a selfie I snapped while walking the beach showed the finality of my hair dying journey.

As vain as this may read, I used to take such great pride in my hair. 

Then, on May 5th, 2023, my hairdresser dyed my locks blonde. As a result I began to shy away from any camera, and I wore a baseball cap (or my hair in a bun) 99% of the time that I was out and about.

Well, this birthday proved that my journey to getting rid of the blonde colouring is over.

Now, I could have bitten the bullet and cut my hair, but I really didn’t want to. Short hair has not been in my wheelhouse since the early 1990’s when I cut it off and immediately regretted it.

For the last three years I have repeatedly said to my travel buddy hubby that “my hair won’t look like crap forever.” And though he was quietly supportive, I know he never liked the blonde either; it just didn’t suit me.

Well, as you can see, the photo I am sharing today tells two stories.

That I have officially embraced my sexagenarian status.

…AND, it really IS better in the Bahamas!!

V IS FOR VROOM

 

VROOM VROOM VROOM
Through the Golden Zone in Mazatlan, Mexico
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 30th, 2019

Mazatlan was one of the very few places that I didn't feel safe in Mexico. 

Primarly because we stayed in a massive RIU resort that only receieved two Canadian planes a week. One from Toronto, and the second from Vancouver.

However, we did spend the money to hire a personal pulmonia driver to vroom throughout the Golden Zone and climb to the top where the El Faro lighhouse is located.

Heavily popluated by the Sinaloa Cartel, it is the one place I have no desire to return.

U IS FOR UNUSUAL

 Unusual - /ˌənˈyo͞oZH(əw)əl/

"Unusual" describes things that are not normal, typical, or common, often appearing strange, rare, or remarkable. It indicates a departure from the expected, such as an "unusual sound" or "unusual ability". 

Synonyms include strange, peculiar, rare, odd, and extraordinary. 

Well, this was a first for us. 

Wild, albeit pair of tame chickens that hung out with us and fetched like dogs. This particular poultry pal climbed the stairs and followed us to the beach. If I didn't experience this in real time, I would have never believed it possible.

Unusual for sure!

This chicken was a tame as our dogs
TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2026

Catching some air to grab the bread
TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2026

They were so tame they wanted
to come into the house!
TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2026

T IS FOR TEEHEE

A little humour to capture the political 
climate during this years April A-Z Challenge
Source @Facebook

 

S IS FOR SOAR

My wee Katie Kate doing what she loves.
TAKEN: AUGUST 4th, 2025

Just look at the effort and focus of my pup.

Every muscle extended, her focus sharp on her goal.

Where are you soaring to this week?

You'll be on your way up!

You'll be seeing great sights!

You'll join the high fliers 

to soar to new heights.

~Dr. Suess

R IS FOR RESORT

This resort complex is massive
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

 This year we went back to the Baha Mar for the first time in eight years. 

The last time we were onsite there was only one hotel that housed the casino. That is the building you see directly behind my travel buddy hubby. Now there are three large hotels on 1,000-acre resort complex; with 45+ dining venues.

Our original intent was to walk over for lunch. With the help of Google Earth, we figured out how to access the employee entrance which made our walk from our AirBnb 1.75kms rather than almost 6kms had we walked around through the front entrance.

Like any typical tourist, we walked the beach and the boardwalk, took a ton of photos, and realized how lucky we were to not be staying there. 

Don’t get me wrong, it is a nice place to visit but $10,000 USD doesn’t go very far. 

Anyway, we decided against a pricey lunch. So, our total dollars spent on resort was a whooping $2.70 USD.

You see, I put a $20 bill in a slot machine, played a couple of rounds then quickly cashed out so that I would have small bills for the jitney to get is to the fish fry at Junkanoo Beach

...Where we had lunch and a cocktail for less than $40 USD with our tip.

The flamingo's that do yoga were cool.
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

Our AirBnb is beside the taller building
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

Trying to find our way back out.
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

Walking out the main entrance
to catch the jitney.
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

Q IS FOR QUIT

WORDS WE LIVE BY.
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 8th, 2018

P IS FOR PUPPUCCINO

Miya isn't taking her eye off the prize!
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 5th, 2026

I can’t remember when the puppuccino craze started but I personally jumped on board about a year ago.

We don’t go to Starbucks for thier freebie but with a dollar store investment for four expresso cups, $3.99 at WalMart for Redi-Whip, our girls were quickly and firmly on the band wagon.

Now, this is what I consider a 'special' treat. Truth is, the can got buried in the back of the fridge, so the lapse between this specific treater was just over two months apart. 

Could that be what makes the offering so special?

Not a chance. Miya and Katie are so food driven that everything is the perfect treat!!

I usually use two hands but they
 did great keeping to thier own.
TAKEN: APRIL 16th, 2026

O IS FOR ORPHAN

Little Orphan Brandy
TAKEN: APRIL 13th, 2026

Peeps, meet my buddy Brandy. 

An orphaned street dog that was recently adopted by a young family on the lane where we stayed on Cable Beach.

She wandered across the lane on our second day and by our fourth day she didn’t want to return home. The little Bahamian boy whose family took her in became distraught when she didn’t want to leave us.

So, I gave him a ten-dollar Bahamian bill and told him that I have two dogs at home. I told him I felt that Brandy knew how much I missed them, and she stayed with us because she didn’t want me to be sad.

He grabbed the cash and proudly announced that we could take Little Orphan Brandy with us to the beach

...My spidey senses tell me that he said we could take her to the beach with us because he thought he would score more cash!

He did not!!

#yagottalaughaboutit

N IS FOR NASSAU

MCS Grandiosa is massive.
One of  five cruise ships in port that day.
TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2026

I would like to clarify that my travel buddy hubby and have never booked a vacation specifically to visit downtown Nassau, New Providence. We have always stayed in the beautiful area of Cable Beach, giving us the option to venture into downtown Nassau on the jitney.

As I am sure Google can confirm, the Port of Nassau is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean, so with the help of a cool website CruiseMapper.com (for real time port maps) we know when to NOT go into the downtown area.

We chose the 12^th as it was raining when we left our AirBnb and there were only five ships in port (approximately 20,000 people). With it raining, we figured we could manage a hopeful 50% capacity.

Our big investment downtown this trip was a $14 USD admission price into the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Two years ago, I won the coin toss for the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle, this year my hubby wanted to check out the museum - so we did.

This is our third venture onto the island and this one has been the best by far.  Though we changed the address where we slept, we easily found our bearings with the understanding how to escape the astronomical cost of being a transient vacationer.

For this trip downtown, we selected a second story patio to enjoy lunch.

I couldn’t help but admire the colours of the World Famous Bahamas Straw Market and this size of the MSC Grandios that flanks it in the background. 

M IS FOR MONUMENTOUS

Two thumbs up from
my cool 'cuz' in the middle!
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

It was definitely a day and evening to remember.

We met the entire group at the dock at 9am and by 9pm we were still going strong. All extremely sun-kissed from a nine-hour day on a yacht; everything about our late night dinner was perfect.

My one cousin, Tootsie (with the orange wristband on the far right) was staying with my aunt at a nearby all inclusive resort. The other four of us were staying together but walked to meet her so that she could join us for the evening. 

What can I say, with all others on our cousin’s trip ‘down and out for the count’, the five of us decided to let the wine and even more childhood stories flow at Villablanca Hotel (Santa Maria, Huatulco). 

Though we are all linked together electronically, there is something about aging and seeing and laughing with the people you love in person.

I guess my point is that the moment you realize how just how precious time is, THAT is when your entire perspective about life changes.

Which in itself is what made this amazing trip momentous!

L IS FOR LONGEVITY

 

Auntie Andy, wee Jukebox, and Me.
On the shores of Lake Temicamang, QC.
TAKEN: JULY 1991

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from one of my closest friends with a very simple request. She wanted me to come keep her company until her name was called at the local medical clinic.

Working to an early afternoon deadline, I arranged the next best thing. 

I had my travel buddy hubby pinch hit until Goob finished his shift, then once I delivered my proposal, I tapped him out and stayed with her until she was finally seen by a doctor.

By the time I arrived, she was understandably frustrated as she had been waiting for hours. As I settled in she said something to me that spoke to the depth of our deep love for each other. She said, “Ï am glad you’re on the last shift, because I think we are going to need you to channel your inner bitch to get things going!

I burst out laughing and kept her entertained until we left together a few hours later.

Andy and I went to high school together. She lived in a townhouse across the street from my parents, and we eventually bought the house next door to her, which is where we raised our children.

Always known as Auntie Andy (her parents were Nana Anne and Poppa Peter) and she was there in all aspects of our lives for just shy of forty years.

I guess the real heart of the matter is that the true longevity of our friendship isn't measured by the years we have known each other... Rather it is cherished by the unwavering support we've shown each other no matter what is happening through life's ups and downs.

They say you only have a handful of true friend through-out your life, well she's grabbed a couple of those digit and a good portion of my thumb.

What can I say, we all love you longtime Auntie Andy!

K IS FOR KUDOS

This place is perfect!
TAKEN: APRIL 9th, 2026

 I rarely brag about general accomplishments, but that is about to change.

Two years ago, we travelled to Bahamas for my birthday. So, when we looked at what we had saved at the end of 2025, I knew I wanted to travel back to the island to celebrate my 2026 birthday on Cable Beach. 

Over the holiday break, my travel buddy hubby and I looked at booking our spot from 2024 but quickly realized that $1,200 a night was in all cases highway robbery. Then I discovered Little Bahama. I am sharing the photo I took on our way to the grocery store, right after settling in.

Located just a few steps from the amazing beach, this place is far better than the overpriced apartment where we had stayed in previously. Our selection this year is beautifully appointed, in upscale neighbourhood, close to everything we need.

About a kilometer and a half walk to BahaMar, that is where I spent my birthday. Total dollars spent onsite? Nothing!

I found a chit on the floor for .60 cents, put in a $20 USD bill, then cashed out to get small bills for the jitney. 

Look, any Bahamian island is extremely expensive. 

Kudos to us for bringing what we could in our luggage, so to avoid the grocery store. Kudos to us for knowing how to stay out of $40 USD taxi cabs. Most importantly?

Kudos to us for booking the same weekend here next year!

J IS FOR JITNEY

A white knuckle ride
to the fish fry!
TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2026

There are a few letters of the alphabet I struggle with, and the letter J has always been one of them. I suppose my plight is that I never use the same word twice.

Well, yesterday, as we made our way from Baha Mar to Junkanoo Beach for the fish fry, my word for today became obvious. Just like in Isla Mujeres driving a golf cart, you take your life in your hands riding the local jitney in Bahamas.

One step up from an oversized mini van, it is how the locals navigate the island.

The price is $1.50 Bahamian dollar per ride, and you pay as you exit.

A bargain basement price to travel from Cable Beach though the downtown of Nassau.

Just be sure to keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times - because they drive like maniacs and the speed limit is never something that is respected.

#yagottalaughaboutit

I IS FOR IGUANA

This local tree chicken feel out 
of the same tree three times that day.
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 28th, 2026

It wasn’t until we returned from our trip to Mexico in February that I discovered that the iguanas have been given the nickname of, “tree chicken.”

Well, spending the day by the Villablanca pool under an umbrella after a nine hour day on a yacht, I can confirm that his fella fell out of the tree above us three time and bounced onto the patio stones beside us; once landing in the pool.

Though my immediate though was because they live (and fall out of) trees, but they were given the nickname because they are a popular Central/South American delicacy known for tasting like chicken.

Though I stayed away from local street food trucks while in the center of Huatulco, I was told they are regularly served in stews and tacos here as a high protien option.

I may have had no desire to chomp on this one, I really did enjoy spending a few hours with them.

H IS FOR HIGHLIGHT

Can you find us ?? (Hint - I am raising my glass)
Posing on the 70 foot yacht my cousin
chartered exclusively with other Canadians.
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

We are what I would classify as easy-going travelers. Though we enjoy meeting new people, we generally keep to ourselves and always manage to find our way.

In this instance, I wasn’t sure how I felt about a commitment to chartering a seventy-foot yacht with twenty (plus) other Canadians we had never met.

Like I do everything, I researched it to death and realized that the $1,000 peso per person (about $75 Canadian) price tag was an opportunity that may never come our way again.

As the date of departure approached, I would continually ask my travel buddy hubby “what the hell are we going to do on a boat in the waters of Huatulco for nine hours?!”

Well, it turns out that the day flew by. We stopped three times to swim and snorkel, stopped for a picnic lunch that everyone had packed for themselves. We whale watched, followed multiple pods of dolphins, and enjoyed really great conversations; yes, I got one guy from Edmonton to discuss politics with me!

I can say with confidence that we have previoulsy done many prearranged resort tours and have never experienced anything like this. 

It was intimate, exciting, educational, but best of all… it was batshit crazy fun.

Definitely a highlight that will offer great memories for years to come.

G IS FOR GOOB

A fun night out with our son... GOOB.
TAKEN: AUGUST 28th, 2025

As you may or may not know, I very rarely use the actual names of people I am referencing in my electronic journal. My husband is referred to at my travel buddy hubby, my oldest is Jukebox, his sister is Sweetie... and this is her twin brother Goob.

An avid lover of music he introduced us to Leon Bridges when he first landed in YouTube. Only twenty-five when his first album Coming Home was released, its R&B vibe that became known for its 1950's and 60's throwback sound. (Official Coming Home video to get the jist of his vibe.)

So, when I discovered his guy was coming to Canada, I bought tickets and the three of us ventured to Budwiser Stage for an night of great music. Goob reciprocated by purchasing tickets for the three of us to see Jesse Wells at Massey Hall last month - but that's another post. 

Though the urban dictionary refers to the word goob as a nerd, geek, or silly person, my son is anything but. He was given the nickname at a very young age as I had never seen as much drool out of a baby in my life.

In his mid thirties now, I am the only one that still calls him by his nickname. And what I will say... 

Is that he prefers I don't do it in public!

#yagottalaughaboutit

F IS FOR FAVOURITE

It is my favourite. 
It is my mantra!
TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 18th. 2018

Not sure about you but for me, there is something about a really great coffee mug. 

As soon as I pick it up in the store, I know I need to have it. There is a certain way that the handle fits in my hand that I instantly know if they are a keeper.

Always in the mood to shop, I know that no matter if it is a grocery store, department store, or specialty store, I make sure I check and seek out their goblets the hold my precious caffeine. I find myself picking them up randomly to see if they meet my specific criteria.

For the last decade or so, every holiday season I buy myself a new Christmas themed mug for the whopping price of $4.97 at WalMart. When I take down the tree in early January, I pack it away with the others I have collected to keep each other company.

The following December, I hold each one of them to remember the holiday season that they spent the mornings with me, keeping me warm.

The photo of the one I am sharing today is my very favourite and it keeps me company at the cottage. 

Think my mug obsession is quirky?

That’s nothing, if you are a new reader, put Petro Canada Glasses in the search and check it out.

I have over two hundred and fifty of those suckers. 

So I guess technically, they are ALL my absolute favourite!

#yagottalaughaboutit

E IS FOR EPIC

Words can not describe how just how EPIC our upoming 2026 Toronto concert events will be. Rogers Stadium, here we come. Oddly enough, we are in the same section and row for all of them.

Let's say I had an extra ticket for all of them.

 If you had to pick one, which of these three would you like to see most?

Trust me, as a Super Fan of them all ...There is NO bad answer!

D IS FOR DEFINITION

My travel buddy hubby admiring
the Carribean Sea at Punta Sur
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 30th, 2026

Believe it or not, my travel buddy hubby has worked for the same company (which was sold and only incurred a name change) since he was fifteen years old. Something not many can admit, including yours truly.

The reason I shared my husband’s years of service is because he has earned a whooping six full weeks of vacation, so when I changed jobs about five years ago, four weeks of vacation time was a hard negotiation point in my selecting my employer.

Anyway, when the children left the nest, we finally decided it was our turn to reap the rewards of our years of hard-work. So, we took our first trip without our children in the winter of 2012.

After that amazing trip to Negril Jamaica, we quickly embraced a sense of wanderlust that has increasingly grown with each passport stamp since.

I guess you can say that I chose the word I did today because so many people have opinions on the amount of travel we get to enjoy – and I tend to feel obligated to explain how I budget and execute our travel choices.

So many passive agressive comments, so many so many sarcastic "it must be nice" judgemental type remarks. Which is why we accept no one’s definition of how we should live our lives.

...Because we are quite capable of defining it for ourselves!

#yagottalaughaboutit

C IS FOR CONFIRMATION

We haven't been everywhere
...But it's on the list!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 24th, 2025

As my travel buddy hubby and I look forward the hard stop called retirement, there are a few things I have come to terms with in the last few years. 

For instance, the older I get, the less I worry about what people think. 

I have always been a people pleaser, so in a lot of ways I have let people away with behaviours that I should have nipped in the bud years ago. One by one, that genuine good grace has shifted.

I am the first admit that as I have aged I have become more set in my ways, but I think that is because for the last five years I have worked remotely from a home office. By this time last year, I no longer kept a workstation or desk space at the brick and mortor office that employs me.

That said, I have got a great gig. I have a strict home office routine that allows me to run a doggie daycare, as well as meet my deliverables; and ultimately earn above and beyond within a bonus structure I have in place.

That incentive has allowed us to embrace our love of travel and collection of passport stamps.

As I prepare to hop another plane to Bahamas for my birthday trip next week, there is one thing that I can confirm.

Because I work remotely, I rarely want to leave the house.

Yet, at the drop of a hat… I cannot wait to leave the country!

#yagottalaughaboutit

B IS FOR BOCANA

I have only one word.... STUNNING
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 25th, 2026

For about the last decade, I have watch my first cousins' adventures from afar, as she traveled from Saskatchewan and rented a condo in Huatulco, Mexico. This year, we traveled with four of my first cousins and one of my aunts traveled to meet her for a week at the end of February.

The first outing she arranged was lunch by the ocean on La Bocana Beach. She told us that she really wanted us to see it. 

Well, when lunch was finished (hubby had a fresh seafood dish) we sent those anxious to be on their way, simply because we didn’t just want to see it; we wanted to experience it. 

The photo I am sharing is of us, walking in silence, appreciating just how lucky we are to experience each destination together. As you can see, the beach was absolutely pristine. 

In the moment, I posted a story on my socials confirming that ‘my travel buddy hubby and I have been to a lot of different beaches, and this one is definitely one of the best.’

Muchas gracias beautiful Bocana, we love you. We will see you soon.

...Because we will definitely be back!

A IS FOR ARRIVAL

Decending on the beautiful beaches
in Santa Maria, Hautulco, Mexico
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 24th, 2026

As I began to prepare myself to take part in the April A-Z Challenge, I found it hard to believe I have been torturing myself every year since 2013. You know, the platform where I muse in my electronic journal about a letter a day for 26 days for the entire month of April...with Sunday's off for good behavior. 

Well, this past February was the first time in almost a decade that my travel buddy hubby and I vacationed during the shortest month of a dreary Canadian winter. The last time was 2019 and we spent a week in Cuba. 

This year we sent the last week of February in Huatulco, Mexico – situated on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.

For those unfamiliar, the city is located where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, which is approximately four hundred kilometers east of Acapulco. 

We spent our week in a small boutique hotel that was, in every respect, wonderful.

The photo I am sharing comes from a tradition I have always embraced, which is to snap a picture as the plane begins its descent and we prepare for arrival; to which this photo does not do the plethora of area beaches justice.

There is always something special for us when we arrive in a new city. We research it to death before we leave yet arrive without a plan. Just a couple of free spirits packing in as much of the experience before we have to leave.

What I will say about any new adventure that excites us most…

It is that our arrival is merely the simple transport vessel for the boat load of fun that we always manage to have!

MY PUZZLE TABLE

Writing for a purpose and doing a jigsaw puzzle are extremely mentally stimulating
...As both keep your mind in a constant state of engagement. 

The 4pm darkness of January at the table.
TAKEN: JANUARY 10th, 2026

For the last number of winters, after the December holiday break, I always hunker down and have a jigsaw puzzle on the go until I leave for my birthday trip in April. For my tenure,  I park myself in front of our patio door to get as much natural light as possible.

I used to have a puzzle board that I would store under a bed when not in use. Then, in the first winter of lockdown, I dropped a whopping ten bucks at the Habitat for Humanity and bought myself an official puzzle table. 

I generally head to our local Wal-Mart when the puzzles come out for Christmas but this year the pickings were so slim that I had to head to Amazon to find the stylized puzzles I enjoy doing.

As I have mentioned before, I enjoy doing puzzles with vibrant colours that tend to focus on travel, food, or pets.... No big surprises there on any front!

Anyway, this year, I only managed to take on three. The last one will probably take me until the end of the month, simply because I have been working weekends to stay caught up.

That said, I have decided to share my 2026 collection thus far.

Once the third one (below) is completed, the table will be moved back into the garage, and my furniture will returned to being arranged accordingly.

Though the snow returned this week, words can’t express how glad I am to be at the tail end of winter this stinking winter. Or shall I tell you how I really feel?

Full disclosure: If I did, major profanity would definitely be involved!

#yagottalaughaboutit

1st one finished. 750 pieces.
Title: Dog Days of Summer
TAKEN: JANUARY 31st, 2026

Look the snow is gone!
2nd one finished - 1000 pieces.
 Title: Wintery Night Bonfire
TAKEN: MARCH 7th, 2026

Look, the snow is back!
3rd and final - 1000 pcs
Title: Mountain Retreat
TAKEN: MARCH 18th, 2026

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!

Had an amazing cousin vaycay!
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

Like most reading this, I am sure you can relate when I share that my first cousins were my very first friends. 

I have fond memories of my grandparents and my mom's different siblings’ homes being full when celebrating birthdays and holidays. In a nutshell, we all had a close connection growing up.

As we aged, and we have unexpectedly lost those we never imagined would pass away so soon, we decided to try again to plan an annual getaway. The messages started to flow in late September, for a week away in February 2026 for Huatulco Mexico.

Now, we have tried numerous times over the years to get everyone on board; with no luck. My one cousin from Saskatchewan (in the green sundress) and I tried for the last decade to plan something and things would always fizzle out. 

We've tried to organize a large home where we could all stay, all-inclusive vacations together, but nothing seemed to stick. 

At the end of the day, vacationing takes disposable income and truly is a luxury item, so I totally understand how some wouldn't want to participate in a 'first cousin trip' and do their own family thing. 

That said, it was something my cousin from Quebec mentioned (on the end in the red shirt) this time around that had my travel buddy hubby deciding to commit. He said, "I am tired only seeing my cousins at funerals!"

Of the thirty cousins I have on my mom's side, we have already lost six. The last passing was particularly hard for me, to which I penned My Favorite Cowboy in his honour.

As I look at the photo I am sharing (with two elsewhere on the 72 foot boat when the pic was snapped), there are so many others that I wish had made the trek.

I guess there will always be hope for next year. 

Because Lord knows... I will be there with bells on!