MY WINTER FUN LIST FINAL UPDATE:
1. Enjoy my family holiday party: Yes, as mentioned in my Update #1 here.
2. Start the New Year 2019 at home: Yes, as mentioned in my Update #1 here.
3. Visit the Winter Flower Show: Yes, as written here and here.
4. Explore Guatemala in January: Yes, my itinerary took me to beautiful colonial Antigua, a colourful market in Chichicastenango, and a wonderful boat trip on Lake Atitlan to visit Santiago village. I was thrilled to see the active Fuego volcano. I plan to write a post on my stay in Guatemala City next week. The warm weather and vibrant colours in Guatemala made me feel happy while I was there and long after I returned home to our winter.
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| Guatemalan woman in Santiago village |
5. Attend the Icefest event in February: Yes! I greatly enjoyed a 'fit and fun' outing to Icefest 2019 and wrote about it here. This is an outdoor event that showcases incredible ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations in Yorkville Park, in the heart of Toronto. This year's theme is Hollywood North, inspired by the success of the film industry in Toronto, and Yorkville known as the home of the stars. On the day of my visit, the high temperature was minus 5C, with the windchill it felt like minus 10C so there was no chance for the ice to melt :)
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| Icefest 2019 Hollywood North |
6. Check out the Ice Breakers 2019 winter exhibition: Yes! I checked out the five winners of the Ice Breakers 2019 International Design Competition. They were installed outdoors, with the theme Signal Transmission. A post is coming up on this topic.
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| My kind of Christmas tree |
7. Photograph snow-covered objects: Yes, as shown in the header photo and in my photo collage below. We've had a few snow storms in the past four weeks so I got to enjoy the beauty of winter during my morning walks. Mother Nature is truly amazing because she usually gives us a break with several good days after each snow storm and all is right again.
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| 2019 winter scenery |
8. Book a trip in the Spring with my sister: Yes! We've booked a guided tour to Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia. We're going in March. I'm very excited about this trip for the sights that we'll see and the memories we'll make.
So I've completed all eight items on my Winter Fun List and winter is officially still here until March 20. For the next four weeks, I plan to continue with my goals for 2019, read to prepare for my upcoming travel, and do some spring cleaning at home.
A friendly reminder that our next monthly Wellness link up is on Wednesday, March 13. The optional prompt is Indoor or Outdoor Fitness. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
How are things going with you? I'd love to hear your comments.
Inlinkz Link Party
What a lovely Winter you have had Natalie and you have experienced so much. I love all of the snow but I'm sure if you live with it the novelty wears off after a while. Spring should be on the way for you as we 'Down Under' are hoping for Autumn and cooler weather. Have a great week #Lovin'LifeLinky
ReplyDeleteHi Sue - You're right that I've had a lovely winter so far. I read about the heat wave or high summer temperatures in Australia. I hope you have nice and cooler weather soon. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteYou've done so well to be able to tick everything off your list Natalie! Not only that but what wonderful experiences you've had and are still to have! I'm actually looking forward to winter here in Brisbane, Australia. It's nothing like winter over there but its far more comfortable then our hot and humid summers. I'm over the summer and ready for the cooler weather to come. No snow or ice here though! xo #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteHi Min - High temperatures and humidity make summer uncomfortable. I hope you have nice and cooler weather soon. Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteYou certainly do get to some interesting places - looking forward to the pics from Bosnia, Slovenia & Croatia... #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteCroatia has become a very popular destination. I look forward to the trip in March.
DeleteCongratulations on successfully completing your Winter Bucket List, Natalie. That's great to hear! I was a bit sad about the reminder that winter is officially here until March 20. For me, it has already outstayed its welcome! :)
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming, spring is coming, Donna :) I hope there are many sunny days ahead on Vancouver Island to cheer you up.
DeleteWow! Look at you Natalie Overachiever! You finished your winter list with a month to spare. I've sure enjoyed reading your posts and looking at the pics. Thanks for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christie, for your kind comment. I can complete my winter fun list as it's short but my spring cleaning list seems like an endless work in progress :)
DeleteI love your winter scenes... from afar! :-) And, wow, Natalie, you’re well ahead of the game here haring completed your winter fun list a month early. Enjoy reading up about your next desination. Another beautiful and unique country combo!
ReplyDeleteHi Liesbet - I'm looking forward to visiting Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia. From what I've seen and read so far, the landscape along the Adriatic Sea is stunning. Thank you for dropping by.
DeleteLove the Christmas tree photo. Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteIt's my kind of Christmas tree, naturally gorgeous :) Thanks, Leanne, for stopping by.
DeleteAre you guys snow-free now? With spring in sight? Your kind of Christmas tree is my kind of Christmas tree. Maybe with the addition of a few cardinals on the branches. Snow dresses up everything.
ReplyDeleteI know I would enjoy the ice exhibits/sculptures. Have never seen anything like that up close. Christy at So What? Now What? enjoyed an Ice Castles exhibit that had been on her bucket list for 2 winters. Finally made it happen.
I think you are going to truly enjoy this month's trip with your sister. I had a mommy-volunteer in one of the libraries where I did a long-term sub job who was from Croatia and in the U.S. for just a year while her husband attended school. She shared details of her life back home and photos of the beauty of her country. Someday, someday, I would like to go there, too.
We still have snow, Leslie, but it comes and goes. A few red cardinals on our snow-laden Christmas tree would be beautiful. Daylight saving time begins next Sunday here so spring is coming. My sister and I are both looking forward to our trip.
DeleteWhat led you to choose Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia for your next trip?
ReplyDeleteJude
These new-to-us countries' history, culture, sights to see, scenery along the Adriatic Sea, the tour itinerary, group size (max 22) and its timing work for us. Plus the tour was on a flash sale which saved us quite a bit of money.
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