Monday, 21 January 2019

Winter Fun List Update #1

Greetings! About a month ago I wrote my Winter fun list here for the period of 2018.12.21 to 2019.03.19. It's time to check in and provide an update on my progress.

MY WINTER FUN LIST UPDATE #1:

1. Enjoy my family holiday party (on December 26): Yes! There were twenty-five of us in attendance. We enjoyed plenty of food, board games, and fun conversations. I talked to each of my nieces and nephews and listened to their news. They grow up so fast. We're now planning a get-together in February.

2. Start the New Year 2019 at home: Yes! On New Year's Day, we woke up later than normal, had a leisure breakfast, and enjoyed a relaxing day. My first cup of coffee in 2019 was so good, I made a second pot of coffee for us. It was a mild winter day, partly cloudy, with high temperature 6C (43F) so we went out for a 45-minute walk along the waterfront trail and enjoyed a beautiful view by the lake!

Lake Ontario on New Year's Day 2019

3. Visit the Winter Flower Show: Yes! I made this visit into a 'fit and fun' outing, and wrote about it here. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed doing it. There were many beautiful and bright colours at the Winter Flower Show, except the winter 'blues' :)

Winter Flower Show

4. Explore Guatemala in January: Yes! I had a wonderful, wonderful time in Guatemala. So many fantastic experiences to share on my blog once I sort out my travel materials. Below is a sample photo that I took while watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlán which is surrounded by three volcanoes. Note the contrast in weather and scenery between this photo and my photo in #7 below.

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

5. Attend the Icefest event in February: Pending. This is an outdoor event that showcases incredible ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations. I hope the weather will cooperate on the event date.

6. Check out the Ice Breakers 2019 winter exhibition: Pending. The five winners of the Ice Breakers 2019 International Design Competition are installed outdoors and on display from January 19 to February 24, with the theme “Signal Transmission”.

7. Photograph snow-covered objects: When we barely had snow in December and the first two weeks of January, I began to wonder when I would be able to photograph snow-covered objects this season. Well, last Friday night into Saturday, Toronto had a major winter storm. By Monday morning it had stopped snowing and I was able to capture a few photos during my morning walk. I love the clear blue sky and green trees laden with fresh snow.

Fresh winter snow

8. Book a trip in the Spring with my sister: Pending. We've narrowed down our destination choices and will be going on a guided tour so that most of the logistics will be taken care of.

I counted five completed and three pending items. Stay tuned for my next Winter fun list progress update on February 21.

I'd love to hear about your fun activities this season.

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50 comments:

  1. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond21 January 2019 at 15:26

    Hi Natalie, what a beautiful Winter bucket list you have. Guatamala looks so beautiful although I have never considered visiting there as I don't know much about that region. Your December 26 party sounded wonderful surrounded by family and love. Enjoy the rest of your Winter and have a great week! xx

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    1. Natalie21 January 2019 at 15:55

      Hi Sue - I had a wonderful time in Guatemala with some memorable surprises.

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  2. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond21 January 2019 at 15:26

    PS I was visiting through #3 Senior salon link up.

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  3. Bette Stevens21 January 2019 at 16:06

    Happy Winter!

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    1. Natalie21 January 2019 at 16:48

      Thank you, Bette, for your visit and comment. I just visited your blog and enjoyed your New Year's poem very much.

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  4. Jo Tracey21 January 2019 at 17:51

    Pic for #7 truly is a winter wonderland. I'm looking forward to hearing more about Guatemala - it's a place I know very little about. Have a great week...

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    1. Natalie21 January 2019 at 18:35

      Guatemala is wonderful. I can't wait to share my travel posts and pics. Have a great week, Jo!

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  5. Christie Hawkes21 January 2019 at 19:07

    It looks like you are on track to complete your Winter Bucket List, Natalie. I agree snow-covered landscapes are beautiful, especially when the skies are clear and blue. We are on the tail-end (I hope) of a major snowstorm. I'm not at the point I can appreciate it yet, having had to dig my car out after work and negotiate the treacherous roads, but tomorrow should be beautiful! Thanks for reminding me.

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    1. Natalie21 January 2019 at 19:17

      I hope you have a safe drive tomorrow, Christie, and have a nice coffee break to enjoy the beauty of winter.

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    2. Christie Hawkes24 January 2019 at 10:02

      The drive was much better the next morning--and so beautiful with majestic white mountains against the bright blue sky, and of course the snow-covered trees.

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    3. Natalie24 January 2019 at 10:07

      That's great, Christie. I'm visualizing your description and the image makes me smile. Have a beautiful day!

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  6. Deb's World21 January 2019 at 21:32

    I always enjoy reading your updates Natalie and love how you're so organised! snow covered landscapes sound delightful as we swelter here in the heat at the moment :) #seniorsalon

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 07:32

      Thank you, Debbie, for your kind words. Sometimes I feel not so organized :) We had an extreme cold snap and a major snow storm last weekend. As soon as it was clear and the sun came out, I went for a walk with my camera to snap a few photos.

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    2. Deb's World23 January 2019 at 05:01

      That sounds delightful as we swelter in summer heatwave :) Sharing for #mlstl

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    3. Natalie23 January 2019 at 07:31

      I hope your summer heatwave will ease up to make it more comfortable. Have a beautiful week, Debbie!

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  7. retirementreflections22 January 2019 at 01:56

    The snow-covered trees in your photo look stunning, Natalie (but please don't tell them that, I don't want the snow to get any crazy ideas and come out this way). Congratulations on another very successful Bucket List. I look forward to hearing what travel destination you and your sister decide upon.

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 07:37

      It was quite cold with windchill when I took the photo of the snow-covered trees, Donna, but I knew the snow wouldn't last and wanted to capture the scenery in a few snaps. By tomorrow, the high temp will be around 4C so some of the snow will disappear.

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  8. Suzanne22 January 2019 at 15:31

    Natalie, I am impressed with your list :-) As it does look fun! A good mixture of home and abroad. Enjoy your upcoming trip with your sister, creating memories with loved ones is so important.

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 15:47

      I'm with you, Suzanne, about creating memories with loved ones. A mix of home and abroad is great for me at the moment.

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  9. Liesbet22 January 2019 at 15:48

    You’re right on track as always, Natalie! The snow seems to be coming late this winter; here in Masachusetts we had a nasty snow storm on Sunday as well. It looks pretty, though. :-) Looking forward to your Guatemala stories and photos. I’m glad you had an amazing time.

    One question, if it’s not too rude... who’s the “we” in the sections about making coffee and going for walks? :-)

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 16:17

      Hi Liesbet - Having a short, non-ambitious list helps :) The 'we' is my husband and I. My hubby would like to stay private, off my blog, so I write mostly about me and my activities :)

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  10. Janis22 January 2019 at 18:15

    Since I don't live in the snow (not that I am complaining), I've always enjoyed looking at pictures of snowy winter landscapes. A dusting of snow can turn a barren winter scene into a magical fairy land. Good job on your bucket list!

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 18:53

      Thank you, Janis, for stopping by. The fresh snow or slow-falling flurries is magical. I see them every year and still love the sights. My list is a fun list so I'm quite motivated to do it :)

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  11. Terri Webster Schrandt22 January 2019 at 20:41

    These are great winter bucket list items and you have clicked off five already! I agree about going someplace warm for the winter, even though that didn't happen for us this month! Reading from #MLSTL

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    1. Natalie22 January 2019 at 20:50

      Thanks, Terri, for your visit and comment. I'm having fun with my list of eight. It beats the winter blues.

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  12. csuhpat122 January 2019 at 21:43

    Very beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing them. #MLSTL

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 07:19

      Thanks, Patrick, for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.

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  13. Jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty and ZigaZag22 January 2019 at 23:25

    Guatamala sounds amazing. Can't wait for the blog posts. We are lucky in WA that winter doesn't really get that cold, but many people escape the south of WA to go north to places like Broome for the sunshine.

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 07:21

      Hi Jo - I had a wonderful time in Guatemala. I'll blog about it soon. Thank you for stopping by.

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  14. Denyse Whelan.23 January 2019 at 01:52

    You sure are getting through the list and your special family times are sounding like a greatr way to connect.We are sure not having anything cold in our weather in Australia right now: heatwaves are gripping the nation.

    Thank you for joining in #lifethisweek and the optional prompt for next time is: 4/51. What Is Hope? 28/1/19. Denyse

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 07:24

      Thank you, Denyse, for stopping by. Hope the heatwaves will dissipate to make it more comfortable for you.

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  15. Leanne23 January 2019 at 02:08

    What a great list Natalie - lots of family and fun and travel and home time - a great mix. Looking forward to seeing how your pending items go.
    Thanks for linking up with MLSTL and I've shared on my SM :)

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 07:29

      Thank you, Leanne, for hosting and sharing. I look forward to doing the pending fun items :)

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  16. Cheryl23 January 2019 at 07:59

    Hello Natalie, what a great idea for a list! I love lists, I've always got a couple happening right next to me on my desk. I've never thought of a winter (or any season) list - it's a lovely way to make sure not to miss the moment. We've had some great snowfalls here (Moscow, Russia), so snow photos for me are quite easy at the moment! Wishing you more snow and a lovely end to winter. Cheryl from MLSTL

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 09:25

      Thank you, Cheryl, for your visit and comment, which made me visualize the Red Square in Moscow in the winter and the striking colours red vs white. I made a short fun list to have something to look forward to and to embrace winter. It seems to work well for me so far :) Have a beautiful day!

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  17. Nancy Dobbins23 January 2019 at 08:25

    Hi Natalie, New here and visiting from MLSTL. Your photos are lovely; Guatamala looks so interesting - we are traveling to Costa Rica in a few days, and we have also been to Boquete, Panama. Central America is an enlightening travel destination that folks tend to overlook, I think. Thanks, I am sharing this to FB.

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 09:30

      Hello and welcome to my blog! Thank you for your visit and comment. I really enjoyed Guatemala. I've been to Costa Rica twice before. I think you'll love it. Safe travels and have a great time in Costa Rica!

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  18. Shooting Stars Mag23 January 2019 at 08:49

    Go you! You're off to a wonderful start. And I like that your family is planning to get together in February after enjoying each other's company for the holidays.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 09:32

      Thank you, Lauren, for stopping by. In my family, we try to get together every two months or so. We book time to do it, otherwise it won't happen. Have a great day!

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  19. Min - Write of the Middle23 January 2019 at 17:48

    Wow what a fabulous winter fun list! You're doing well Natalie! I'd love to experience snow and be able to photograph it. It's such a novelty to us folks in the tropics of Brisbane, Queensland Australia! I look forward to reading about your travels to Guatemala and judging by the gorgeous sample photograph there's going to be plenty more amazing photographs to see too! :-)

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 18:33

      Hi Min - We do have cold winters but the fresh snow is beautiful. I'll share my travels to Guatemala and photos soon. Have a great week!

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  20. Debbish23 January 2019 at 19:34

    You're doing very well! I've only seen snow once so am a little envious of your winter weather, but am sure if it got that cold (where I live) I'd probably hate it!

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    1. Natalie23 January 2019 at 19:58

      Some people dislike cold weather and snow. I figure out how to dress for cold weather and enjoy snow when we have it, especially the fresh snow.

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  21. Christina Daggett26 January 2019 at 00:02

    I love your bucket list idea! What an exciting and fulfilling life you lead. My husband and I are perpetual travelers, and have been in Europe for about 7 years now. We lived in Ecuador for 18 months before deciding to become perpetual travelers. You've made me think about returning to Central and South America. I've never been to Guatemala. It looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing your post, and all those great photos!

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    1. Natalie26 January 2019 at 11:11

      Thank you, Christina, for your comment. I enjoyed Guatemala very much. I’m interested in learning more about your experience living in Ecuador. Europe is wonderful. How awesome that you have been perpetual travelers for seven years.

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  22. Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit26 January 2019 at 18:09

    Lots of Yes's up there! Way to go :)

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    1. Natalie26 January 2019 at 18:49

      Thanks, Leanne. It has been a fun-filled winter for me. Hope you are enjoying your summer.

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  23. Dr Sock 18 February 2019 at 14:36

    Natalie, we have actually had snow on the ground here on Vancouver Island for the last couple of weeks — enough to go cross-country skiing in my neighbourhood! Have I mentioned that I love snow?

    Jude

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    1. Natalie18 February 2019 at 15:09

      Hi Jude - It's terrific that you love skiing. Winter does have its beauty. We've had a few snow storms in the last four weeks, too, as recent as last night. Today when I walked outside, it was sunny and blinding white with the snow.

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