Hair, some have it, some don’t. Apparently I was born with very light peach fuzz hair and didn’t really have much hair until I was about 18-24 months. I made up for lost time, as my hair grew in thick and was very long when I was growing up. Oh how I remember Mom braiding my hair or putting it up in ponytails. So often there would be those few strands that would be pulling and hurting, but I’d never say a word. Once out of sight I would pull and adjust those strands to make it less painful. It may not have looked as nice, but it felt better. Or when the bauble would slip and I’d get a jolt from it slamming into my head. Eeek.
Not sure how old I was here, maybe 18 months or so but not 2. I had hair but it was very light.
Sandy and me….blond and growing.
4 years old and pigtails. Looks like Mom had cut my bangs….a bit crooked.
Me and Buffy. More ponytails.
Braids….those red things are the baubles that would hurt like heck when they slipped out of Mom’s grasp when giving me ponytails.
My hair is about this long now. This is probably the longest it was, when I was a kid.
My Dad loved long hair and wasn’t keen on me having it cut. Finally, when I was about 11 years old or so, he agreed, but only if my piano teacher would do the honours. Yup, that’s right, my piano teacher. Not a hairdresser, but a piano teacher. He thought the world of her and trusted she would do a good job. I guess she did since he never said anything about it.
Grade 10 maybe. OMG…the part down the middle.
And there were the perm days. What was I thinking?
Still short at high school graduation.
Over the next few years my hair got shorter and shorter. It remained that way until 1988/89 when I let it grow slightly below my shoulders. It lasted a couple of years and then I cut it again and it kept it short until 2020 when Covid caused havoc. I had been debating letting it grow for a few years prior to Covid, but it would get to a point when it would drive me nuts and I’d have it cut again. But this time I got past that point and just let it keep growing. It’s been an interesting 5 years. It is quite long now, just about to the small of my back. Somedays I think I will have it cut but so far I haven’t. I have thought about donating it to make wigs for others and that remains a possibility when the time comes to have it cut.
Sept. 2008, Canton MA – Liam Clancy and me. Fluffy thick short hair. (photo by Linda Meekins Karako)
Oct. 2020 – 5 months into letting it grow.
Now, having long hair has it drawbacks or dangers. Some things that may or may not have happened to me are as follows:
one must be very careful when dropping things on the floor in the bathroom, especially when landing very close to the toilet. Long hair has a mind of its own and it will suddenly swing forward, landing in the toilet.
chewing gum and blowing bubbles, in the wind. Just when the bubble is at its fullest, a gust of wind comes and swings several strands of hair into the now collapsing bubble. Messy. Impossible to get the gum out of my hair and vice versa.
power windows on a vehicle can be hazardous. One must be mindful of raising the window. Ever so conspicuously the window will reach out and grab some hair without you noticing. Then as you reach for something or turn your head, ouch, you realize your hair is caught in the window.
brushing your teeth can be a challenge as well. Oh how there is nothing like the first big spit of foamy toothpaste. You just prep that spit and lean over and open up and voila, there’s your hair right in perfect line with that big spit. Like the hair in the toilet, this will likely happen when you are pressed for time and thus making you late for whatever you needed to be doing.
zippers are another hazard. Jackets, vests, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. with zippers up to the neck are the worst. And the worst is not when you initially zip up, but a few minutes later when you move your head and OUCH….yup, a lock of hair has been caught in the zipper. Similar situation to the power windows. You don’t’ realize it until you turn your head. One or two strands aren’t bad as they usually just let go, but anymore and you’ve got a tangled mess.
Yup, you are right. They have all happened way too many times to count. Well, maybe not my hair falling in the toilet. Once was enough for that one.
October 2023.
I’m still getting used to having long hair. I mostly have it in a ponytail but on occasion I’ll wear down. There seems to be more curl in it than I remember when I was young. It is very thick too. The cold dry air of the winter seems to play havoc, as it is sometimes very staticky and sticks out. It can also be fun, as many people have not recognized me because they aren’t used to seeing me with long hair. One person said he thought my ‘red’ hair was the most gorgeous he has ever seen. Hmm….I might have red highlights, mixed in with the grey, but my hair is far from red. So many laughable moments.
December 2022 – Cousin It came to visit. Having fun with hair.
It’s been fun looking back through photos and seeing how my hair has come and gone and come again. Only 3 trims since March 2020. The last one was about 4″ though. The ends get split and icky and need to be cut off. I did feel kind of naked after that though. Overall I’m enjoying long hair. In the summer it does annoy me in the heat though. I might keep it long forever, or decide some morning when I get up that it’s time to get rid of it.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this hairy blog. It’s been a hair raising experience bringing it to you. To those who are follicly challenge, I apologize, as you’re missing out. To those who can, I challenge you to cut loose and ponytail up and let yours grow. I’m hair for you if you have any questions.
Hair – the only thing that can prevent baldness.
Hair today, gone tomorrow.
In closing, hair’s to you. Leave a comment if you wish.
Gaelic/English sign at the Gaelic College, St. Ann’s.
Departure: Dundee, Richmond County 9:00am
Destination: Indian Brook, Victoria County
I decided to take Mom on a day trip today. We both mind the heat and humidity so much, and although I work in air conditioning during the week, Mom doesn’t get much relief. I thought it would be nice to at least spend some time in the car in cooler conditions.
Our destination was Indian Brook, Victoria County. Why you ask? Through my workplace, I had been communicating, via phone and email, with a lady named Judy Brown. Judy operates a business called ‘The Other Cupboard Emporium’ in Indian Brook and I wanted to check it out.
Our first stop was the gift shop at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s. I hadn’t been there in many years, but I remembered it always had some lovely items. I found a CD I had been looking for “Home” by Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen. (It’s a cork’er. I’ve already listened to it twice.)
Gift Shop, Gaelic College, St. Ann’s.
From St. Ann’s to Indian Brook is about 30-35 minutes. It’s a pretty drive following along St. Ann’s Bay (I think) and North River. There was a bit of traffic but everyone seemed to be just taking their time and enjoying the surroundings.
Our next stop was Cabotto Chocolates. Oh my. This is not a safe place for me to be.
Cabotto Chocolates and Colouratura Art Gallery
The shop and gallery are in an old church.
Photo called “Waiting for Spring”, on the outside wall. Oh how we wish it was spring.
Gorgeous display of chocolates.
We sampled both dark and mild chocolate and pistachio/orange fudge. All VERY delicious. Of course we came home with a bar each.
Mom chose the Seaweed Dark Bar and I chose the Mint Dark Bar.
I thought this was a cute barrier in the parking lot.
A few steps but very easy to navigate with the handrails. Mom isn’t fond of steps but she found them great.
I introduced myself to Judy and I was very happy to finally put a face with a voice. She is every bit as lovely as I expected too. She really has a wonderful shop filled with EVERYTHING! “At The Other Cupboard we believe in offering healthier, local and affordable options to fuel your mind, body and soul. ” This quote is taken from their website. Check out their website for the many items they stock. I came away with a bottle of haskap juice.
We had planned to turn around at this point, but Judy encouraged us to continue on for just a couple of kilometres as there were a glass blowing shop, woodsmith shop and The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery. We took her advice and had lunch at the Clucking Hen.
The Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery
The cafe was quite busy but there were still several empty tables. A lovely waitress came with menus, utensils and water. She was so nice and accommodating. We debated between the lobster sandwich and the lobster roll. The waitress said the lobster sandwich on oatmeal porridge bread was the best. As we took a few more minutes to decide, she returned with a full loaf of bread to show us what it looked like. We both decided to have the lobster roll. It was a grilled bun with a lining of lettuce and stuffed with delicious lobster. But we did ask to purchase a loaf of the bread and two cinnamon buns to go. All in all, a great place to eat and so many hen things to look at around the dining area.
A felted fiddle playing hen hanging on the wall.
In the yard at the Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery. I was tempted to run around it three times hoping for rain or snow, or at least cooler temps.
The glass blower demonstrating and working today was Mervi Haapakoski. She grew up in a rural area not far from Helsinki, Finland. She lived in Ontario for several years, and then came to visit Cape Breton in 2015 and moved here in 2016. She was very nice and also hilarious.
Mervi beginning the process. She was making a starfish.
We watched Mervi for a while and then went into the gift shop. WOW! What a collection of gorgeous glass works. Tumblers, vases, pitchers, birds, tiny animals, pendants, brooches, buoys, balls, etc. I loved going through and looking at the different artists works.
Buoys
Lots of pretty balls.
Glass and metal sculpture in the front yard.
Glass tube amongst the hostas.
Another glass and metal structure.
I bought a starfish made by Mervi. It wasn’t made today as it would not have cooled enough. It’s about 4″ wide or so. I love it.
The Woodsmiths Studio was next. Oh the lovely scent of wood when we walked in the door. I didn’t get his name but a very pleasant fellow who shared some of his travel experiences. I had asked him if he was open year round and he said no, that he travels for about 3 months each winter. He has beautiful cutting boards, interesting bandsaw boxes, business card holders, pencil boxes, pen holders and lots more.
The Woodsmiths Studio
We were heading back but still checking out some more shops and still in Indian Brook. What a great place with so many artisan shops to visit. Our next stop was the Leather Works.
Another distinctive scent when we opened the door. The lovely scent of leather. I had remembered visiting the business many years ago but I remembered it being high up on a hill. I asked if they used to be located where the Other Cupboard Emporium was and that’s exactly where they were until 6 years ago. Lots of purses, belts, wallets, change purses, bracelets and much more. I bought a leather pony tail holder which I hope will work with my thick hair.
Our last shop was Piper Pewter. I have a couple of Piper Pewter Christmas ornaments but I had no idea they were a Cape Breton company until today. I have no idea why I didn’t know this.
Piper Pewter shop
This isn’t a big shop, but it is well displayed and a wonderful place to visit. They have Christmas ornaments, Clan Crest brooches, bookmarks, earrings, pendants, keychains and kilt pins. I’m sure I’ve missed some products.
At this point we were both getting tired, so we decided we’d make Baddeck our next stop. We managed to get a place to park not far from the Flying Kite Artisan Shop where I found the other CD I was looking for today. This one is “The River She Knows” by Rose Morrison. We played this one on the way home and we both enjoyed it very much. We also had Death By Chocolate ice cream in a cup. Yummy. A quick stop for potatoes at The Baddeck Co-op since they were sold out when we picked up groceries in Port Hawkesbury last night. Another quick stop at The Farmer’s Daughter for a turkey pie which we’ll have for dinner tomorrow.
Although I’ve been hearing tourism is down in Cape Breton, all the places I asked said they thought it had been much busier. We saw lots of tourists and plates from many places; Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and that was without really looking.
Mom asked to go back home through Orangedale and Marble Mountain so I accommodated. That’s a nice drive, but a bad road in places.
We had an awesome day. Thankfully everywhere we visited had air conditioning. It was hot and humid with the temperature steady at 32C. We blasted the A/C in the car too. We did some Christmas shopping, visited lots of shops, had a great lunch, met some nice people, everyone we encountered at every business was so very lovely, but most of all Mom just thanked me for taking her on this day trip and keeping her cool.
I hope you enjoyed my day with Mom, as much as I did. As always, leave a comment if you wish.
Meet Hastings, compliments of Europa Hotel, Belfast, Ireland. Even rubber ducks like to float.
I was gifted a float session by my foster kitties, Miella and Gus, last year. Although I had heard of floats, I wasn’t really aware of just what the purpose was or how they worked. And I wasn’t sure this is something I’d ever want to try, but I recently did. I’ll attempt to give you a bit of background information and describe my first float experience in this blog.
Miella
Gus
I had lots of questions prior to my first float; what is a float, what do I wear, what do I bring, is it hygienic, what if I can’t do it, or don’t like it, etc. I generally ask a lot of questions, especially if I am trying something I’ve never done before. However, every float is different, and everyone has different expectations and experiences.
What is a salt water float?
A salt water float generally takes place in a sensory deprivation chamber, aka float tank or pod. There is approximately one foot of warm water, (temperature is approximately that of the human body; 33-36C), and a thousand pounds of epsom salts. The high concentration of salt automatically makes one very buoyant. Floating in a pod eliminates as much outside distractions as possible. Floats are sometimes referred to as REST – restricted/reduced environmental sensory therapy.
What is a pod?
A pod is an enclosed tank. The pod I floated in had a large door. Once in the pod, you kneel and pull the handle down to close the door. The whole idea is to have the least amount of distractions as possible. The tank is sound proof, dark (although you can leave the light on but again, less stimulation the better), and warm. If you are claustrophobic you may not be able to float in a tank, although even with the door closed, there is still lots of room to sit up and I didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable as there was plenty of space. There are also float rooms that have an open pool/float space that is an option for those not feeling comfortable in an enclosure.
Float Pod – look at those eyes.
In this picture the door is open and the light is on. Once you, you kneel, close the door and float with your head at the far end, although if you are more comfortable with your head at the door end, float your boat, or your body.
Is the pod hygienic?
I asked this question and was told that the filtration system uses a UV light, an ozonator, along with several filters, and the water is constantly being circulated. They are much cleanlier than a public pool.
What do you wear for a float?
It’s best to wear just your birthday suit, although you can wear a bathing suit, but again the less stimulation, the better the float.
What is the purpose of a float?
The idea is to be in a totally relaxed environment, with no outside stimulation, so your mind can drift between wakefulness, meditative state or sleep and your muscles can relax to a natural state. The buoyancy is similar to a zero gravity experience.
Reaching the theta state is the optimal state. This is a very positive mind set state, meditative state or daydream state. This is the state when tasks are so automated that you mentally disconnect from them. Also, the state just before deep sleep and the state just as you are waking up.
If I fall sleep, might I roll over and drown?
Not likely. The buoyancy makes it nearly impossible to unintentionally roll over.
Will I get water in my ears?
Oddly this was never a concern for me, although I have no idea why. I used to get water in my ears whenever I went swimming, and be in discomfort for hours/days. The floatation centre will provide you with ear plugs, so you shouldn’t’ get water in your ears.
What are the benefits of a float?
The benefits are endless but not limited to; alleviating insomnia, migraines, mental anxiety, muscle tension, joint pain, depression, decrease blood pressure, stress relief, processing emotional trauma, detoxification, improved athletic performance, improved creativity and many more.
It is said that floating for one hour is equal to sleeping for six hours.
Are there people who shouldn’t float?
These are some reasons, but not limited to, why you may not be able to, or shouldn’t float.If you have open wounds, it is best to wait til they heal before you float. It is not recommended if you have contagious diseases, untreated epilepsy, low blood pressure, kidney diseases, claustrophobia (open float room is a recommended or leave the door open in a pod), recent tattoo’s or piercings, undergoing chemo or radiation, or incontinence. If you have any questions, it would be best to talk to your health care professional before booking a float.
This is the Douglas Room at Nepsis Floatation in Antigonish. If you would be uncomfortable in an enclosed pod you may want to dry the open float room.
My friend, Krista Crane, booked our floats about a week in advance. Once I knew we were booked I became anxious, nervous, excited and apprehensive. I really wasn’t sure I wanted to try this, but since I had a gift certificate, why not. I peppered Krista with questions, as she is an old pro when it comes to floats. I’m sure she was ready to tell me to knock it off with the questions, but I’m grateful for Krista for encouraging me, answering my questions, and knowing I needed to do this float when we did.
Krista, who recently turned 50.
What do I need to bring? Towels, soap, shampoo, brush, bathing suit, and on and on. Krista said all I needed was a brush for my hair, deodorant and a water bottle. You may get thirsty after floating. I was.
Will there be light or music? You have the choice to leave the light on, or off. You can have music on or off. Again, less stimulation the better the float.
Do I shower before or after? Both. Shower before so you are clean and after to get rid of the salt.
Poor Krista, it went on and on.
Our float was scheduled for 2pm, for 45 minutes. Krista picked me up at 11. (I have to admit my state of mind wasn’t great and I almost cancelled prior to pickup.) She had a plan prior to the float. I was not aware, so it would be a surprise. We went to the Front Porch in Mulgrave, for a snack prior to our float. It is recommended to have something light to eat, prior to floating. You don’t want your tummy rumbling from hunger while floating. I had a most delicious scone. I had never been to the Front Porch before, but believe me I’ll be going back. A quaint, interesting, lovely place on the water in Mulgrave. Very relaxing and homey feeling. For some reason I want to call it The Open Door.
Quaint decor. This is a tabletop of wood and coffee beans.
I love this table and swings for seats. Mini lights add a nice touch.
We then took some back roads, very back roads at one point, making our way to Antigonish to Nepsis Floatation. It was a nice drive and we passed through some very pretty areas. I think this led to a relaxed state prior to the float.
We spotted an eagle’s nest and once I loaded the picture I noticed an eagle in the nest.
And as per our usual drives, we found some cows. We stopped to say Hi, I mean moooooooo.
Upon arrival at Nepsis Floatation, we were greeted by Amanda Maginley, owner of the business. The setting is quiet, soothing, and relaxing. There is a room, with dim lighting, the chill room, where Amanda met with Krista and I. She explained the process and we had time to ask any questions we may have. Amanda is patient and answered everything in detail.
Amanda led us to our pod rooms. Of course we had separate rooms, with our own pods. Since this was my first time, Amanda took me to the pod and explained what to do and offered some information I’d not thought about. The room has a shower, the pod, benches and hooks for convenience, a chair and all the amenities needed; towels, washcloths, bathrobe, ear plugs, halo (for placing under you head in the pod), short float noodle (in case you want more floatation under your back, legs, shoulders, etc), shampoo, conditioner, soap and vaseline. Tubes of vaseline are supplied to apply to hangnails, small scratches/scraps, and some people have sensitive hoo hoo’s. Yes, you read that correctly. I asked Amanda how I would know the float is over. She said music would play. If I didn’t hear it the first time, she would play it again, a bit louder. If I still didn’t hear it, she would knock on the door and come in, but would not open the pod.
You are required to use the washroom (located across from your pod room, hence the bathrobe) prior to floating.
I’m now left alone in my float room. OMG! I undress and insert my earplugs prior to showering. It is recommended to insert the earplugs prior to getting wet. The first shower is to cleanse your body. You don’t wash your hair in the first shower. Once you are finished you make your way to the pod. I bring a washcloth with me, in case I end up with the salt water in or around my eyes. Thank you Krista. Amanda has also placed a spray bottle of regular water in the pod to spray my face in case of the salt water coming in contact in or around my eyes, nose or mouth. I carefully step into the pod and immediately feel the warmth and soothing feeling of the water. I lower the lid/door, but of course I didn’t pay attention to Amanda saying ‘make sure you are kneeling or sitting when you lower the lid’. Of course, I plunked myself on the head with the lid. Once the lid is closed. I take the halo and small noodle and lay down with my head away from the lid opening. The light is still on at this point, but I decide I don’t want any light and I turn it off. Total darkness. I lay there observing nothing. No light. No sound. I’m floating. It is bizarre really. The water is so comforting. I take note that only my toes, chest, face and a small part of the back of my hand are out of the water. I position the halo to provide extra buoyancy for my head, but I soon realize I don’t need it or want it. At some point my halo leaves me. initially my arms are down by my sides. But I try different positions and raise them up by my shoulders.
I take note that I feel like I am not connected to my body. WHAT? Yes, I am aware of the parts of my body out of the water, but not the parts under water. I know my toes are there, but there feels like nothing connected to my toes. I also notice that the discomfort in my knees is nonexistent. My joints are not aching. Oh my, this is heavenly. However, I do notice that I’m getting soreness at the base of my head, my neck and across my shoulders. I try the noodle and I relocate the halo, and although I get some comfort, before long the discomfort returns. I just let it be and try to ignore it.
There is no concept of time. I try not to think about not thinking. I’ve never been one to truly relax. The past few months have been stressful and I try to forget about all of that. But the more I try to not think about it, the more things come to mind. I focus on my breathing and just the sensation of floating. I begin to twitch; toes, feet, hands. At one point I have this ridiculous thought ‘what if the building catches fire and they forget I’m in here’. And the next thought is ‘I’m in water, I’ll be fine’ which is ridiculous, but as quick as the thought came, it went. A good sign that this thought came and went so fast, I assume. I know at times I thought about ‘time’ wondering how much more time I had to float. I had no idea. I wondered if I’d hear the music. Every time I thought of something, I found my mind going back to the sensation of the float, the water temperature, the soothing feeling, etc. I hear a strange sound. What was that? Nothing I assume, but then I continue to hear it. It’s music. My float is over already? Seriously. I jump up, opening my lid, thankfully not banging my head, and find I’m rushing. I also have a sense that I am leaning forward and have to concentrate on not losing my balance. Perhaps this is because of the near zero gravity experience of the float.
It’s shower time again. Shower number two is shampoo, conditioner (if you wish) and a good body cleansing to eliminate the salt. I dress and proceed to another room to comb my hair and use any of the hair care products provided. There is time to sit in the chill room and discuss the experience with Amanda, relax, be in the moment and absorb what your float was like, and/or have a cup of tea. I know I didn’t get to the theta state, but Amanda assures me that is normal for the first float. I explained that part way through I had a very bitter taste in my mouth, which is probably from the salt and its presence in the air in the pod. I mentioned the discomfort in my neck/shoulders and Amanda explained this is due to holding onto stress and given the past while, that is no surprise. I also said that I was twitching which Amanda said is a good sign as I was releasing cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Believe me, I’m sure I have a lot of that stored up. Not a good thing.
Overall this was a tremendous experience. I’m going to go back again very soon for another float. I want to go while this first float is still fresh and see if I can get closer to the theta state. The first float is a ‘what’ float. All the initial questions and concerns are answered. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. I had an overwhelming feeling of having done something good for myself, which I rarely do. I also realized I need to work on quieting my mind and lessening the stress. I’ve done well over the past three years, or so, of appreciating the little things and getting outdoors and being in the moment and enjoying nature. I need to do more of this and work on my breathing and meditating. I need to make time for me and realize that it is okay to do that. I need to let go of the guilt when I do things for myself.
If anyone has any questions or concerns about floatation therapy, ask and I’ll answer based on my one and only experience. Better yet, contact a floatation therapy location near you. I highly recommend trying it.
Nepsis Floatation offers several intro and membership packages. They are the only float therapy business east of HRM.
Whale motif in the pod room.
Thank you Krista for taking me to my first float, for getting me out of my comfort zone and doing something for ME. You recognized, more than I did, that I needed to do this. Hugs my friend.
In closing, a huge thank you to my foster kitties, Miella and Gus. Thank you my dear fur kids, for gifting me this float experience. Signed, Foster Mom, aka Two Treats.
Miella
Gus
If you liked what your read, or have any questions that I might be able to answer, feel free to leave a comment. As always, all pictures were taken by yours truly.
March 8/22 – I am so blessed to live where I do. I get to see wildlife each and every day. There is no shortage to the goings on; eagles, deer, mink, otter, bobcat/lynx, beaver, songbirds, crows, etc. Today I watched an otter play on a clamper. It would dive in the water and then climb back onto the clamper, before diving back in again. It was fishing and came up with a small fish to munch on after a couple of dives. How lucky am I to witness so much?
Otter
Deer
March 9/22 – Laughing. Yes, simply laughing. There is really no better feeling than having a gut laugh, or laughing until tears roll down your face. I don’t laugh enough but I’m laughing more than I did for many years. (I need to start laughing more again.)
Mom and Cousin It – Christmas 2022
March 10/22 – The moon was beautiful tonight. And no matter where you are in the world, we all look at the same moon. The moon takes on many views. It can be huge and orangey, a crescent shape, a half moon, full moon and anything in between. There are many different names for the full moon. It can take on an eerie look or be vibrant and clear. But regardless there is only one moon and everyone sees the same one.
Crescent moon
Full moon
March 11/22 – I love Friday’s because this is when all three knitting blogs, that I have registered for, arrive in my inbox. The three that I receive are from Darn Yarn, Galt House of Yarn and Les Laines Biscotte. I love to see the new yarn, colours, patterns, notions and ideas each week.
I love yarn. It allows me to be creative.
Knitting relieves stress for me.
March 12/22 – Gaelic – I attended a Gaelic class today. What fun!! I took Gaelic many years ago for a few weeks and I loved it. I’ll never been a speaker but for 1-2 hours weekly, for the next few weeks, I’ll be attending. My teacher is Robert Pringle. I had his grandfather, Will Pringle, as my teacher in grades 4-6. I thought that was cool. (Unfortunately I can no longer attend as classes are during my work day, but I’m still very interested.)
100,000 welcomes – Scots Gaelic
Irish Language (Cross stitch I did in 1995).
March 13/22 – I love a warm shower. The feeling of water cascading over my body is amazing. I once read that it was one of the things Christopher Reeve really missed, after he became paralyzed, was the feeling of water flowing over his body in the shower. It’s such a heavenly feeling to me. (I will spare you a photo of me in the shower.)
An eagle drying its wings. I wonder if birds like showers?
March 14/22 – I love to read and I love getting lost in a good book that reels you in and makes you feel like you are in the story. I read every night before I go to sleep. I go to bed at 9 and I read until at least 9:20-9:30. It relaxes me before going to sleep.
Two books by friends and local authors that I recently read.
March 15/22 – Wordle, Canuckle (no longer available), Quordle, Wordle 2 and Crosswords. I love word puzzles. Wordle has taken social media by storm. It’s just a fun puzzle that I like to do each morning. Canuckle is the Canadian version and this one gives a fun fact after you solve the puzzle which is interesting. I always do the newspaper crossword puzzle while on the exercise bike after supper. (Thankfully I have dozens saved from last summer as the newspaper is no longer delivered.) I’ll post a picture of another kind of puzzle I love to do, jigsaw puzzles.
Wooden butterfly jigsaw puzzle
March 16/22 – Covid Rapid Test. Well, I’m not sure this is a pleasure really, but the fact one can test for Covid at home is kind of pleasurable. I did my first rapid test today. The throat swab was first, obviously. The directions said ‘you might gag’. I only have read the word ‘gag’ and my gag reflex is activated. Rubbing the swab back and forth at the back of the throat certainly had me gagging. Then the nose swab, both sides. Instructions said ‘your eye may water’. By the time I was finished and waiting the 15 minutes for results I was gagging, sneezing, my eyes were watery and my nose was overflowing with snots. Sorry to be so descriptive. I was a mess. I needed a shower. Oh, did I tell you how much I love a shower? Yup, made me feel all better. And by the way, the test was negative. Always a relief to get a negative test, but I think I’d sooner have someone else drive the swab up my nose.
I used a couple of these last weekend. I was negative. One of the few tests where a negative means a pass.
March 17/22 – On the drive home from work this evening, I met a car with a bright yellow vanity plate that said “BE HAPPY”. Yes, let’s all be happy and grateful. We have a choice to see the negative in things, or to find the positives in everything. So go forth and be happy, and see the glass half full, or maybe even full, or overflowing. This was a fun challenge.
A smiling eagle.
Be happy, be grateful always.
How is your list of simple pleasures coming along? If you enjoyed this three part blog, leave a comment. Let me know what simple pleasures you enjoy.
Thank you for reading. Once again all pictures were taken my me.
February 26/22 – I went to Port Hawkesbury early this morning. I had to pick up water softener salt. The bags are 18kgs; large and heavy. Once I load them in the cart, I navigate to the checkout and the cashier just waves the scanner over one and counts the bags I have. This morning the cashier said ‘you’ll have to put all those up on the counter’. OMG! At first I didn’t realize she was joking. Once I did, we had a good laugh. She was a riot. We kept up the banter until I left. On the way out the person working the customer service counter said ‘Have a great day’ and then the young man at the exit said ‘enjoy the rest of your day’. I’m not a fan of Walmart, as a rule, but I have to say I was very impressed with these three people and their friendliness. Of course no picture, so something that makes me laugh sometimes.
Squirrel
February 27/22 – A visit from friends. Covid has made everyone realize how important friends are. It was nice to gather with Sarah, her Mom (Martha) and her sister, Fiona, (who was on an extended stay in Cape Breton, from her home in New Zealand). Sarah was looking for Lopi sweater knitting patterns and I was happy to provide her with a large file folder of many patterns for her perusal. We sweets and coffee. We chatted and just enjoyed our time together. Martha gifted us with quince/rosemary jelly and Sarah brought us a dozen fresh eggs. Sarah’s eggs are awesome too. Sarah is a teacher and a farmer (sheep and hens) and her farm is called Rock Loaf Farm.
Lamb
February 28 – I wake up every morning and look at amazing artwork I have on the walls of my bedroom. They are just pieces I’ve picked up, or have been given to me, that I just like.
“One of these things is not like the other” – my own creation
Natasha Miller whose work I love. (https://nrmiller.com)
March 1 – Nova Scotia Health Authority Colon Cancer Prevention Program letter. Yup, when you turn 50 (and every 2 years after that) in NS you get the big yellow envelope from the NS Health Authority for testing your stool. Happy 50th. Ick. No one likes to talk about this, however it’s important to complete the test. Then the letter arrives some weeks later. Today, the letter arrived. Do I tear it open and read it immediately? Or do I pay not attention to it? Or do I slowly open it while surfing Facebook, pretending not to be overly interested? The latter. NORMAL! Yeah. Now for something not so crappy.
Yellow Swallowtail on a lilac.
March 2 – Music. Music has been a huge part of my life forever. I was first exposed to music while still in the womb. Live concerts began when I was only 3 years old. The turntable was constantly used for nap time as a toddler. Piano lessons began when I was very young and I have no recollection of actually learning to read music. Over the years I’ve dabbled in, and collected, many instruments; fiddle, mandolin, concertina, whistles, flute, and bodhran. Tonight Kevin Evans entertained us for 90 minutes or so, via live stream. Over the past two years, with Covid being present, live music is one thing I have missed so much. I have managed to get out to a few shows, when restrictions permitted, but not on a regular basis. The live streams are what kept me going. I’m so thankful for the efforts which some of my favourite musician friends have done. They have been so uplifting during these odd times we are experiencing.
Two instruments I like to play; concertina and fiddle.
Livestream by one of the best songwriters, singers, musicians, and entertainers, Kevin Evans.
March 3 – Today would have been Margaret MacIntosh’s birthday. Who was she you ask? She would have been my teacher in grades 1-3. She was an amazing person who I loved. She had more patience than anyone I knew and if there was ever a perfect teacher, it was Margaret. She was like family as my uncle was her step-father. She was a gem of a person and I always remember her on her special day. I don’t have a picture of Margaret, (I wish I did), but I will post the flower for March; a daffodil.
Daffodil
March 4 – I am thankful to have wonderful new neighbours living next door; Krista and Mike. Today was Krista’s birthday and she held an open house in the wee pub they built behind their house. Although I’ve been in some small pubs in Ireland, this one is likely the smallest. And to have it within walking distance is wonderful. It was a nice celebration with libations, snacks, and friends.
March 5 – Today we celebrated Christmas as we were not able to be together in December. Mom made her traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings; stuffing, potatoes, turnip, asparagus, gravy, cranberry sauce, pickles, olives, apple pie and chocolate cake. Today was all about the three F’s: food, fun and family .
Christmas dinner – March 2022
Christmas March 2022
March 6 – Nap time. Yes, I nap. No, I’m not embarrassed to say I do. It can be as short as 20 minutes or perhaps as long as 2 hours. I love to have a nap.
Wild Rose
March 7 – I had a skein of yarn that needed to be wound into a ball. Sometimes I use the arm of a chair but today Mom offered up her arms so I could wind. I love winding a ball of yarn with Mom helping. A few short minutes but a special time.
Using Mom’s arms to wind yarn. Special times.
How are you coming along with your daily simple pleasures? It’s not easy picking out just one, is it? Part three will follow in a few days. I hope you are enjoying these posts. Leave a comment.
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