Should We Stay or Should We Go

There is something about getting out on our bikes in the fall that I really love. The temperatures are cooler, the air crisper, the leaves are falling, and the colours are beautiful. Whatever the reason, autumn has become one of my favourite times to ride. Last week, we were treated to one of those unexpectedly warm fall days. The kind of day where we knew that we had to take advantage of the temperature, knowing that it won’t be long before the snow begins to fall. We decided it was the perfect opportunity to get the bikes out and hit the trails one more time before packing them away for the season. So off we went! One of the things I love most about living in Oakville is the number of ravines, green spaces and interconnected trail systems throughout the town. We can leave home, ride through our neighbourhood and find ourselves surrounded by trees and nature in just a few minutes. We rode through our subdivision, but once we reached the trails, you would hardly know we were in th...

We were sitting in a specialty restaurant on our recent cruise, looking forward to a less hurried, quieter meal than some of the larger dining venues offer. A chance to relax, enjoy a nice dinner, and have a conversation without too much background noise. What we didn't count on was a little table-side entertainment. At a table behind us, six Americans were having a great time. There was lots of laughing and talking, and they were doing it rather loudly. It was becoming a little annoying, and very distracting, but we figured we'd just have to put up with it. Then, several minutes later, we heard the familiar sound of a cell phone speaker coming from the table beside us. We turned around to see a man and woman, speaking with Scottish accents, enjoying a video call with someone. And by enjoying, I mean having the conversation on speakerphone for everyone within earshot to enjoy as well. It continued for several minutes. We were trying our hardest to ignore it, but it was bec...

You know you're retired when… You have absolutely no idea what day of the week it is, but you know exactly what time the grocery store puts out the fresh bread. A doctor's appointment at 10:30 means the entire morning is pretty much spoken for. You plan your errands around avoiding rush hour, school buses, bad weather, and basically anyone else who might be out at the same time. You consider going somewhere on a Tuesday morning a real treat because, well, you can! You look at the calendar and realize you have a busy week ahead. Two appointments, lunch with a friend, and a trip to Costco. How will you fit it all in? Getting a good deal on something has become a competitive sport. Senior discounts? Absolutely. Early bird specials? Don't mind if we do. Staying up until 10:30 feels like a late night. You can spend an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing and still feel like you've had a very productive day. You have to make an appointment to see your friends ...

  Well, all good things must come to an end, and after five weeks away, we're home! It's always a little bittersweet when a long trip comes to an end. On one hand, we're sorry to see it over. We've had a wonderful time, travelled to some beautiful places, spent time with family and friends, enjoyed cruising, and made plenty of memories. On the other hand, there's something pretty nice about sleeping in your own bed again. I always find that coming home after an extended trip takes a little getting used to. For weeks, our days have been filled with new places, different surroundings, deciding where to eat, what to see, and what adventures the day might bring. Suddenly, we're back to familiar surroundings and the everyday routine. And then reality sets in! There's the unpacking, which somehow never seems quite as exciting as packing for a trip. Laundry, groceries, mail, and checking in with elderly parents. The refrigerator is looking pretty bare, and aft...

  And just like that, our big adventure has come to an end! We landed in Galveston this morning, bringing our time aboard the Norwegian Viva and our five-week journey to a close. As I write this, we're making our way home to Toronto, probably with a few mixed feelings. It's always a little bittersweet when a trip like this ends. We've had such a wonderful time, and the Viva was a great ship to spend part of our adventure on. From travelling through Europe with our family, to exploring the Caribbean, to spending six and a half days crossing the Atlantic, we've made some pretty special memories along the way. We're sorry it's over all too soon, but I think we're also ready to go home. There's something nice about getting back to your own bed, unpacking the suitcases, and settling into a familiar routine. And after five weeks away, I'm sure we'll appreciate a little home cooking again! Our Trip in Numbers Now that the journey is behind us, I th...