Category Archives: pets

Birthday month 2025

18 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by in Art, community, Health, pets

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The past couple of weeks have brought small, joyous celebrations with friends to help me mark another orbit around the sun.

I am constantly aware of the struggles and injustices happening outside my little corner of the world, reassuring myself that I am helping in a small way with occasional charitable donations to humanitarian movements.

This birthday doesn’t mark a notable milestone in age yet it marks the completion of one year being retired from full-time work. What a year it has been with enjoying slow mornings, walks around the community, volunteer activities with purpose, and afternoon naps.

My favourite response when people ask how things are going with retirement is: Less responsibilities, less stress, and … less income.

During my birthday month, I have enjoyed light meals and catch-up chats with old work colleagues, Rotary club volunteers and close friends.

My favourite birthday gift: F*ck it blank journal and fine tip markers

At my advancing age, I don’t need more “stuff” yet some of the lovely birthday gifts have brought me joy, laughter and an obligation to release the inner artist child.

One of the best ways to help me celebrate is to share in a meal, tasty treats and engage in meaningful conversation. Getting out for “fart walks” after meals is also appreciated – depending on the comfort level with walking companions.

A bench in the evening haze near the Nepean Sailing Club walking path along the Ottawa River

When the weather conditions are kinder, I like to get out for walks around the community, walks with friends or solo walks that are longer than the usual grocery run. When I get too comfortable on the couch for too long, I motivate myself by repeating a fun quote to get up and “move it, move it”, to get the blood flowing while performing light housework and chores.

Tabby Cat peering out from her home office cubicle

Sometimes, when I am planted in the wee corner office at my laptop, the old Tabby Cat likes to observe and supervise me from her various perches or hiding places. Her timing is impeccable during Zoom meetings, mewing loudly and demanding attention.

What about you? What are you doing to ensure a healthy and enjoyable retirement?

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Summer makeup?

10 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by in economy, Health, pets

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During summer heatwaves, I cringe at the thought of applying anything on my visage other than mascara, lip balm and colour. Even applying sunscreen on my body is a compromise. Due to being such a sensitive child, it feels like my skin is suffocating.

Imagine my practical, critical side rearing its sweaty head while watching an episode of The Social CTV last week. I observed a series of steps that would extend, refresh and enhance your makeup.

The Social CTV episode August 6, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzZ39cSBVg

You too can enjoy sweat-proof makeup after spending hundreds of dollars and applying four layers of different substances to your face. Just imagine the packaging waste and gunk that washes down our drains.

Pass.

I hope they have gentle cleansers to remove layers of gunk, and clean those pores.

Imagine my practical penny-pinching guilt a couple of weeks ago when I spent nearly $50 on Clarin’s one-step gentle exfoliating cleanser. The sales lady promised me it would be a refreshing scrub option. At least I was able to get my Senior’s 20% discount. Score!

I have been using it almost daily during these heatwaves and I like to think it is soothing my super-sensitive facial skin. I can barely read the long list of ingredients on the box. I sense a slight fragrance of powdered laundry detergent while using it. I trust their claim online that it contains plant-based microbeads and not the cursed, environmentally harmful ones made from plastic. Usually, I just wash water and a soft facecloth. Easy-peasy …. and cheap.

Questions: How do you manage your sensitive skin care during hot, sticky seasons? Do you wear large-brimmed hats and long sleeved cotton tunics when venturing out into the sunshine and wildfire particles?

Stay cool and fresh. Check out the Tabby Cat’s blog. She is barely surviving this cruel summer heat too. We compensate and commiserate while sharing a guilty pleasure of ice cream. YOLO +8.

Tabby Cat enjoying a lick of her human’s ice cream cone

Please hold the judge-y comments with concerns about the cat’s diet and health. She’s 20 years old, survived bouts of diabetes, two household moves and one annoying roommate. The deaf old girl loudly, repeatedly demands to share MY snacks of cheese and ice cream while she sits on the sofa beside me or eerily positioned behind my head. What Kitty wants, Kitty gets (all in moderation, of course).

Thanks for stopping by.

T

My low-key winter

16 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, libraries, pets, Warm fuzzy, writing

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In an earlier post, readers were introduced to reckless joys and activities emerging from my brat summer.

Now seven months into retirement, I am appreciating less commuting, less stress … and less wants as a result of having less income.

I have been enjoying weekly walks on different days with two different friends, exploring our community, breathing in the fresh air, visiting local thrift shops and obtaining groceries on our way home. I appreciate getting out for volunteer activities and short jaunts to local stores for necessities. Some days I need more motivation. That’s why it’s good to have walking buddies who push you to stay on schedule.

Woman standing in front of a huge snow pile in a local parking lot

The above parking lot scene illustrates the challenge with snow removal after recent snowstorms in our region. With recent street parking restrictions by the City of Ottawa, I am so relieved that I do not have to worry about where to safely shelter a vehicle.

Tabby Cat observing Lunar New Year

As usual, I managed my seasonal depression by embracing colours, aromas and friendships while preparing for the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. I also participated in home cooking experiments with the Resident Millennial.

Preparing Chinese dumplings with the Resident Millennial

One unexpected, heart-warming encounter in January was an email received from a hopeful writer who found mention of my (Flo’s) novel online and requested to purchase a copy. I had to inform him that I had no more printed copies and had removed the electronic version in 2024. I was tickled pink yet cautious about this request. You can read about it at the novel’s blog.

Walking path through deep snow in a local park

As we navigate paths and obstacles in this deep and brutal winter, let us be optimistic that spring will arrive in the Northern Hemisphere in five weeks.

Let us dream about new places to visit in Canada this summer.

Let us continue to be kind and supportive of those in need.

Thank you for stopping by.

T