Should We Stay or Should We Go - Our Travel Journal

  As the sun is setting on April, and the Ultimate Blog Challenge , I thought this photo was perfect for today's Wordless Wednesday. This challenge has been my most successful challenge.  I only missed three days, but I connected with many fellow bloggers. I look forward to the next challenge.

Yesterday, myself, and a family friend spent a lovely afternoon with my elderly mother strolling through the Royal Botanical Gardens, and it turned out to be one of those simple moments in time that leaves your heart feeling full. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the fragrant magnolias were showing off in full color—big, bold, and beautiful. We wandered the paths at our own pace, stopping often to admire the trees or sit on a bench and just enjoy the breeze.  And of course, it wouldn’t be spring at the gardens without a few “influencer sightings.” There were at least three people in long flowing dresses, striking dramatic poses under the blossoms while their friends crouched on the ground to get the perfect angle. At one point, I had to gently steer Mom out of someone’s selfie.  It was a beautiful afternoon and a great reminder to slow down, and enjoy special moments with loved ones.  

Photo by Sidra S on Unsplash If there’s one thing you can’t miss when you’re in Toronto, it’s the CN Tower. You can spot it from just about anywhere — standing tall, calm, and effortlessly cool over the city, like it's been there forever, keeping an eye on things. Built back in the 1970s, the CN Tower wasn’t actually meant to be a tourist attraction. It was designed to fix a pretty practical problem — communication signals bouncing all over Toronto’s growing skyline. Engineers needed a way to send stronger signals over all those new skyscrapers, so they decided: why not build something way taller than everything else? Simple enough idea. But what they ended up creating was so much more. By the time it was finished in 1976, the CN Tower wasn’t just solving communication problems — it was the tallest free-standing structure on Earth. It held that title proudly for over 30 years. Even now, at 553 meters (about 1,815 feet), it still ranks among the tallest and most recognizable ...

I have been wanting to see the show  Come From Away for a few years. We had tickets once, but then covid hit and everything was canceled. Since then, we've been trying to go and then somehow... we just never did. Life, schedules, the usual. But finally, finally, I made it happen. John wasn't keen on it (he doesn't like musicals) so I called my sister. Tickets booked, afternoon cleared, no excuses. We headed into Toronto, giddy like little kids on a field trip. Honestly, just being back downtown felt exciting. There’s something about Toronto that always feels a bit electric — the energy, the people, even just grabbing a coffee feels like an event. Even though I only live 40 minutes from the downtown core, I don't go downtown often enough. The show was at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, which is just... gorgeous. It’s one of those places that feels frozen in time — all velvet seats, gold details, and this feeling like you’re stepping into something special the moment you...

  Photo by Neakasa on Unsplash So, you just got back from a trip. Your suitcase is half-unpacked, you’re still finding sand in your shoes (even though you’ve already vacuumed), and suddenly your to-do list looks a mile long. The magic of travel fades faster than your tan, and now everything at home feels a little… blah. Yep, you’ve got the post-travel blues. Honestly? It happens to the best of us. You go from soaking up sunsets in new places, eating amazing food, and being in that glorious “out of office” mindset—to sitting in traffic, sorting emails, and trying to remember where you left off on laundry. It’s a jarring switch. And while it’s great to be home, part of you misses the adventure, the freedom, and maybe even that slightly questionable hotel breakfast buffet. Why Do We Feel This Way? Travel shakes things up—in the best way. Every day is new. Your senses are lit up. You’re in a flow of discovery. Then suddenly, you’re back to your usual routine, and even the smallest...

Spring has definitely sprung here in Southern Ontario, and with the warmer weather finally settling in—almost 20°C yesterday!—we knew it was the perfect time to dust off the e-bikes, charge the batteries, and head out for our first ride of the season. We’ve had our e-bikes for two years now, and they’ve completely changed the way we enjoy cycling together. I was the first to make the switch after realizing I just couldn’t keep up with John on our rides. But it didn’t take long before he went out and got one too, once he found himself trailing behind me!  We were concerned that we would get less exercise on the e-bikes but here’s something interesting—according to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity , people who ride e-bikes actually get more exercise than those on regular bikes. Sounds surprising, right? But the research, which looked at over 1,400 riders across Europe and North America, found that e-bike users tend to ride f...

It’s become a bit of a spring tradition for us. As soon as the Toronto Blue Jays drop the Lead-Off Pack , we’re in. No hesitation. This year marked our fourth straight season scooping it up—and honestly, it just wouldn’t feel like the start of baseball season without it. The Toronto Blue Jays offer this special before the season opens as a way to get fans into the stadium. The Lead-Off Pack gives you tickets to every home game in April and May (that's 29 games). It’s very affordable and the best way to dive headfirst into the season. The only draw-back is that the seats are assigned and always in the upper level.  Still, at what works out to be about $6 a ticket, it's a deal we couldn't miss. The Rogers Centre The Rogers Centre has a vibe that’s hard to beat. Right in the middle of downtown Toronto, with the CN Tower looming above, it’s one of those places that feels big and exciting every time you walk in. Photo by Hugo Coulbouée on Unsplash Inside, it’s a mix of classi...

  I had a bird feeder made from a coconut shell, filled it with seed, and hung it up, hoping to attract some birds. However, instead of birds, a small red squirrel claimed the feeder as his own. The size was perfect for him, and in exchange, he allowed me to take some great photos of him enjoying his newfound spot.

Photo by Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash There’s something magical about seeing the world—but that magic doesn’t fade with age. In fact, for many, travel becomes even more meaningful and rewarding after 55. From our experience, the pace slows, the perspective deepens, and suddenly, we're not just passing through a place but truly experiencing it. So why is travel after 55 not just possible, but better? And why is it something every senior should consider?  You Travel on Your Terms When you’re younger, travel can feel like a bit of a scramble—crammed itineraries, tight budgets, and sleeping in noisy hostels just to make it all work. You’re often trying to see as much as possible in as little time as possible. But after 55? That whole vibe changes. Now, you get to travel the way you want. Want to spend a lazy afternoon people-watching at a cozy café in Paris? Go for it. Rather hop on a scenic train through the countryside instead of rushing from museum to museum? Perfect. T...

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash Retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Some people embrace it like it’s their new full-time job (with better coffee breaks), while others wander around wondering what day it is—and why they're suddenly so into birdwatching.  Here are 14 types of retirees—odds are you’ll recognize a friend, a neighbor… or let’s be honest, yourself. 1. The Perpetual Vacationer This retiree has been counting down to this moment since their first paycheck. Think cruises, golf resorts, national park road trips—passport always ready. Their motto? “I worked hard, now it’s time to play harder.” Signs you’re this type: You own more luggage than cookware, and your house plants live a more stable life than you do. 2. The Hobbyist Whether it’s woodworking, quilting, birdwatching, or homebrewing, this retiree finally has the time (and the basement space) to dive into their passions. They’ve got tools you’ve never heard of and a craft room that could riv...

There’s something surreal about stepping off a plane from the Caribbean and into a Canadian spring. One minute you’re peeling off a damp bathing suit and brushing sand from your feet; the next, you’re tugging on a coat because the air still bites a little. After three sun-drenched months of beach days, easy rhythms, and warm ocean air, returning home is both comforting and disorienting. While it's good to be away and enjoying life to the fullest, it feels like a warm hug coming home. There’s no place that grounds me quite like my own home. Walking through the door feels like slipping back into a part of myself I haven't seen in a while. It’s where my soul quietly exhales and says, “You’re back.” Reality Hits and the Catch-ups Begin Coming back in April means we've skipped most of winter’s worst. This year we dodged blizzards,  deep freezes, the endless shoveling.  There's still a chill in the mornings that serves to remind us that we still have a while to go before s...

While Son #2 was down visiting us, we decided to take an excursion - a catamaran trip to Isla Catalina, one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful spots for snorkeling. Little did we know, the journey there would be almost as memorable as the destination itself. The Bumpy Road to Paradise Our day started way before the sun came up., as we had a two hour bus ride ahead of us. We boarded a tour bus in El Cortecito, and, after a few other pick-up from resorts along the way, made a stop along the highway where we switched onto a bigger bus with another group.  The plan was to head to La Romana, where we’d board a catamaran to the island. Cue the drama. After a very long drive, and making a detour to drop most of the group off at another excursion, we were getting closer to our destination. Suddenly our driver pulled the bus over. Flat tire #1.We were told to get off the bus and stand on the side of the road while the driver got out the spare, and changed the tire.  Not ex...

 There's nothing quite like the sight of fluffy Canada goose babies curled up in a field of golden daffodils—springtime at its sweetest. Their proud parent stands nearby, ever watchful, a gentle reminder of the beauty and protection found in nature’s quiet moments. These photos were taken by myself on a visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario, a couple of years ago.