After the rapid pace of April, I had hoped that April would be a quiet, stay-at-hone month. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. Not remotely! There were: Homemade lunch then theatre (Harvey) with Deb, book club at my house (the snacks were my only photo), online book club (same book – Oliver Twist), Mother’s Day Flowers, Mother’s Day Breakfast and Mother’s Day Garden Tour.
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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90 thoughts on “What’s Been On Your Calendar – May 2025?”
Sounds so fun and exciting! My May seemed to consist of doc appointments (all routine — no issues) and teeing up for some house projects (done by others). My June will be much better.
Not renos, just routine maintenance. Tomorrow we are having our patio pavers cleaned and aligned. They are a mess and haven’t had any work in 20 years. Even though someone else is doing it, it meant we had to clear off the patio furniture which meant we should really get rid of stuff we don’t use. Can you see how this stuff explodes? 🙂 🙂 🙂
Wow your May sounds quite full on Donna and the camping looks cosy! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip away. Welcome back to the land of blogging! I’m interested in your Elder College study as it seems to be about Listening??
Hi, Deb – Our camping trip was great – despite the cold and constant rain. And we did get in an amazing Bucket List item that I will write about in my next post. You would like my Elder College Course, which is ‘The Art of Listening to Music’….and it really is about listening. I will email the slides. ❤
You certainly had a full month of May, Donna so it would have been great to relax with a camping trip away from wifi and social media. I’m curious as to your news in Wellness Reimagined but I don’t have long to wait as it is on Monday. Life is good and you are certainly living well and enjoying life. xx
Thanks, Sue – I always appreciate your kind words and thoughtful comments. And yes, we have lots of fun things coming up very soon – Wellness Reimagined and Wind in the Willows Podcast to name just two. I’d better get cracking! ❤
Let camping begin here in western Canada. What made May memorable? A visit to my son & his family in Red Deer. I hadn’t seen them for 2 mos. Garden equipment serviced & up & running. Consequently, the garden is tilled & planted, grass mowing under way. Bedding plants are mostly transplanted after trips to 3 different greenhouses. I need more plants! Hosted a BBQ with friends; lunch & scrabble date x 2 with other friends. Lunch out with a few friends. There was a surprise visit from a long lost cousin. The 2025 season of the World Professional Chuckwagon Racing kicked off yesterday in Grand Prairie. Evenings are spent listening to the radio broadcasts. Watermelon, feta cheese & basil salad is on steady rotation. Finally found a handy man to help with the heavy lifting around this rural property. And this week I spent an afternoon reading a book in the lounge chair on the front porch. Aaah – summertime.
Hi, Mona – Your May sounds wonderful too. I especially like the sounds of your ‘watermelon, feta & basil’ salad! ❤ Congratulations on finding a handy man to help with the heavy lifting. What book did you read on your front porch?
Hi Donna – it sounds like May Wellness Month to me – a little bit for the body, mind, and soul – Mothers Day love, camping (Erica was just back from doing the same thing), book clubs, and friends and family – it all sounds pretty perfect to me.
Thanks, Leanne – It was a wellness break on those levels but the rain, cold and damp did finally get to us and we both now have bad colds. A perfect excuse to stay in bed and read…which is exactly what I plan to do! ❤
Wow you really did have a jam packed May! I wish I was a camping girlie cuz it looks like a lot of fun but I just can’t wrap my head around sleeping outside 😂 I’ll be interested to read your Wellness Reimagined post!
Hi, Sharon – Tent camping isn’t for everyone but it works for us. But we have had to make some refinements as we’ve gotten older — absolutely no more sleeping on the ground! I’m off to work on that Wellness Reimagined post right now!
Another full on month for you Donna, but good to hear you managed a period of time out. I’ve always loved camping, but we haven’t been for a while. I love your camping photos and look forward to hearing more about your time away.
Hi, Jennifer – Like you and your partner, Richard and I love camping, but we haven’t camped in a couple of years. With all that equipment in our garage we thought that it was time to ‘use it or move it’. We enjoyed it so much we already have our next camping dates booked!
Thanks, Barbara – Our island campgrounds are fairly safe when everybody follows the rules (pristine clean campsite and no food left out ever). Luckily, everyone was following the rules on this trip!
You really had a busy May, Donna! How wonderful to spend time with your sons, grandsons, your mom. The book club and classes are always fun. My May was busy as well with doing Mother’s Day project with my granddaughters for their mom. Then we had Mother’s Day brunch together. My daughter’s anniversary was yesterday so she and her husband had a date night while hubby and I watched the girls. Both of my grandkids have dressed rehearsals for their dance classes so I was busy doing their hair and makeup for the rehearsals. The recitals will be the first Saturday of June. Then I had the regular volunteering at my older grandkid’s class on Tuesdays and take the two girls to their dance classes on Mondays and Thursdays. Om, in addition to my own doctor’s appointments!
Hi, Miriam – You have had a super busy May indeed. It is so wonderful to be seamlessly integrated into our grandchildren’s lives. I am always grateful for that!
It’s funny how some months just fill up and that’s what May seems like for you. A joyful recount and I am so glad you got to spend time with your mother.
Happy camping times as well as lots of chances to celebrate others’ and life!
Lovely to read Donna, and thank you for the link up.
Hi, Denyse – Thank you for your wise words as usual. Our months do have a way to fill up in planned, unplanned and unexpected ways. I seriously do not know how I ever had time to work! ❤
Hi, Jo – For some reason your comment was hiding in my spam folder. I’m glad that I checked in there. I’m sorry to hear about your excessive heat. Our May has been unusually cool and damp. I so wish we could simply trade heat and rain as needed! ❤
Yes, that would be handy, but we just make the best of what we have. We still managed a walk by the sea this morning and back to shade by lunchtime. I’m up on my roof terrace with a hint of a breeze at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend xx
It looks like May was kind to you on many levels. Me too. May is my celebration month, and wow, did we celebrate. I’m looking forward to slowing down in June (it is very hot and humid here), so there will be mostly indoor activities. I have a few books in mind that I’d like to read, mahjongg to play, and blog reading to catch up with. I’m looking forward to reading about your bucket list item.
Hi, Suzanne – I’m glad to hear that you also had a fun-filled May. Sounds like we both are looking forward to a quiet June. I’ve started a couple days early and have barely left the couch today (shhh, don’t tell)! D
Hi Lisa – I absolutely love book clubs. They can really expand and elevate your thoughts on a book (regardless of whether it was loved or not-so-loved)!
You do keep busy. Better than the alternative! May was busier than I had planned as well. But all good things. Entered a baking contest at the care home my mother-in-law is residing at. My chocolate cake didn’t win but was well received. I’m looking forward to a quieter June. But we’ll see. xo
My MIL was very happy that I participated. She has always enjoyed my baking. Her dementia has progressed, but she still understood what was happening, for the most part.
Hi Donna, Looks like you had a fun-filled May. I look forward to reading about your bucket list item. I had a wonderful time in Sicily for about half of May and the rest was also wonderful with family and friends in Toronto. Thank you for the link-up. I added my link. Wishing you a joyful June!
Your May was so full! I can’t wait to see your amazing bucket list item. The weather does indeed look less than stellar which can be a real thing on VI. I WISH we had your rain. The smoke has moved in here now. Love all the positives in your life.
Thanks, Bernie – I always look forward to your comments. I wish that I could have sent you that rain. According to our weather gods we are supposed to have rain overnight tonight, a bit on Saturday morning, a bit more on Wednesday and Thursday evening and then that’s it for awhile (or so they say). I’d be most happy to send you that rain too! ❤
Never a dull moment in your life, Donna, just like in ours. I’m so glad your May was chock full of friends and family again – and I’m delighted you and Deb get along so well! Looking forward to learning about your bucket list adventure.
What a rich month you had! You are right – May never seems to go quite as planned with all the activity and celebrations that take place! Your camping trip looks idyllic! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your bucket list experience!
Thanks, Laura – May was a wonderful month in so many ways, but I am kinda glad that it is done (our weather was horrible throughout). The Bucket List Experience post comes out today!
A busy month of May for you! From the smiles on your face I know you must have been having good times. My May was very green, so much rain. And it was very noisy, hello cicadas you annoying bugs.
Hi, Laurie – I am glad that you were able to spend much time in your garden. I am glad that the end in insight for you. I look forward to your upcoming posts.
What a whirldwind May you enjoyed. I loved the photos by the lake. For me that would be bliss to be so close to nature although I confess sleeping in a tent I would be nervous of the wildlife.
Being in (or in view of) nature is always my favourite place to be. As long as you and your neighbours keep a clean campsite, wildlife kindly tend to stay away. ❤
Yes we have lots of bears (black bears) as well as cougars and wolves. Ironically, we say virtually no wildlife while we were camping, but there was a black bear in our neighbours yard while we were away. 😀
VERY late to the party. But I enjoy catching up with everyone’s month in review even a month – almost – late!! May provided you with lots of reasons to smile. The garden you toured looks lovely. Lunch and theater, yes, please. Hope June has been quieter but equally smile-inducing.
Hi, Leslie – You are never late to the party. I greatly appreciate you popping in whenever you have the time. May was action packed, with lots of night spent away from home. June still had some action, but all but one night we were in our own bed. Hope you had a great June too.
Hi Donna – v late … but so be it – life … you certainly make full use of life as is available … I love reading your posts … cheers for now – and I will get to send out notifications soon … must do – sorry!!!!! Thoughts from over the pond – Hilary
Retirement Reflections 
Sounds so fun and exciting! My May seemed to consist of doc appointments (all routine — no issues) and teeing up for some house projects (done by others). My June will be much better.
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More housing projects, Kate?? I thought your were done with renos. ❤
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Not renos, just routine maintenance. Tomorrow we are having our patio pavers cleaned and aligned. They are a mess and haven’t had any work in 20 years. Even though someone else is doing it, it meant we had to clear off the patio furniture which meant we should really get rid of stuff we don’t use. Can you see how this stuff explodes? 🙂 🙂 🙂
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I can totally relate to stuff exploding. I hope that Sasha did not have to stay in hiding for too long!
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Wow your May sounds quite full on Donna and the camping looks cosy! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip away. Welcome back to the land of blogging! I’m interested in your Elder College study as it seems to be about Listening??
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Hi, Deb – Our camping trip was great – despite the cold and constant rain. And we did get in an amazing Bucket List item that I will write about in my next post. You would like my Elder College Course, which is ‘The Art of Listening to Music’….and it really is about listening. I will email the slides. ❤
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You certainly had a full month of May, Donna so it would have been great to relax with a camping trip away from wifi and social media. I’m curious as to your news in Wellness Reimagined but I don’t have long to wait as it is on Monday. Life is good and you are certainly living well and enjoying life. xx
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Thanks, Sue – I always appreciate your kind words and thoughtful comments. And yes, we have lots of fun things coming up very soon – Wellness Reimagined and Wind in the Willows Podcast to name just two. I’d better get cracking! ❤
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Let camping begin here in western Canada. What made May memorable? A visit to my son & his family in Red Deer. I hadn’t seen them for 2 mos. Garden equipment serviced & up & running. Consequently, the garden is tilled & planted, grass mowing under way. Bedding plants are mostly transplanted after trips to 3 different greenhouses. I need more plants! Hosted a BBQ with friends; lunch & scrabble date x 2 with other friends. Lunch out with a few friends. There was a surprise visit from a long lost cousin. The 2025 season of the World Professional Chuckwagon Racing kicked off yesterday in Grand Prairie. Evenings are spent listening to the radio broadcasts. Watermelon, feta cheese & basil salad is on steady rotation. Finally found a handy man to help with the heavy lifting around this rural property. And this week I spent an afternoon reading a book in the lounge chair on the front porch. Aaah – summertime.
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Hi, Mona – Your May sounds wonderful too. I especially like the sounds of your ‘watermelon, feta & basil’ salad! ❤ Congratulations on finding a handy man to help with the heavy lifting. What book did you read on your front porch?
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You were busy! My May was mostly handling “issues”–car, repairs, medical, that sort! Love the pictures.
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Ah, issues. They take up much of our time as well. According to our calendar, June will be devoted to them!
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Hi Donna – it sounds like May Wellness Month to me – a little bit for the body, mind, and soul – Mothers Day love, camping (Erica was just back from doing the same thing), book clubs, and friends and family – it all sounds pretty perfect to me.
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Thanks, Leanne – It was a wellness break on those levels but the rain, cold and damp did finally get to us and we both now have bad colds. A perfect excuse to stay in bed and read…which is exactly what I plan to do! ❤
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It sounds like another busy month for you Donna. I’m glad you got away to spend time in nature.
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Hi, Christie – It is nice to hear from you. Time spent in nature is always so uplifting!
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Wow you really did have a jam packed May! I wish I was a camping girlie cuz it looks like a lot of fun but I just can’t wrap my head around sleeping outside 😂 I’ll be interested to read your Wellness Reimagined post!
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Hi, Sharon – Tent camping isn’t for everyone but it works for us. But we have had to make some refinements as we’ve gotten older — absolutely no more sleeping on the ground! I’m off to work on that Wellness Reimagined post right now!
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Another full on month for you Donna, but good to hear you managed a period of time out. I’ve always loved camping, but we haven’t been for a while. I love your camping photos and look forward to hearing more about your time away.
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Hi, Jennifer – Like you and your partner, Richard and I love camping, but we haven’t camped in a couple of years. With all that equipment in our garage we thought that it was time to ‘use it or move it’. We enjoyed it so much we already have our next camping dates booked!
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It does sound a busy month. Very brave going camping….
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Thanks, Barbara – Our island campgrounds are fairly safe when everybody follows the rules (pristine clean campsite and no food left out ever). Luckily, everyone was following the rules on this trip!
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I was thinking of the weather…and just camping in general!
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😀
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My May was very busy too. I have made a decision to reduce my weekend business during June. I need time to just be me with my paints and pen.
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That sounds like an excellent plan, Robbie. More time with paints and pen sounds absolutely perfect!
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My latest art project is time consuming but I’m getting there 🌞🌈
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That’s awesome! I look forward to reading about the final result!
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You really had a busy May, Donna! How wonderful to spend time with your sons, grandsons, your mom. The book club and classes are always fun. My May was busy as well with doing Mother’s Day project with my granddaughters for their mom. Then we had Mother’s Day brunch together. My daughter’s anniversary was yesterday so she and her husband had a date night while hubby and I watched the girls. Both of my grandkids have dressed rehearsals for their dance classes so I was busy doing their hair and makeup for the rehearsals. The recitals will be the first Saturday of June. Then I had the regular volunteering at my older grandkid’s class on Tuesdays and take the two girls to their dance classes on Mondays and Thursdays. Om, in addition to my own doctor’s appointments!
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Hi, Miriam – You have had a super busy May indeed. It is so wonderful to be seamlessly integrated into our grandchildren’s lives. I am always grateful for that!
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You’re right, Donna, Yeah, the grandkids are a major part of our schedule. We’re thankful to live close to them.
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You are very fortunate! ❤
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Yes, we are, Donna! We moved from California to Oregon to be close to them. I’m glad we did.
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It’s funny how some months just fill up and that’s what May seems like for you. A joyful recount and I am so glad you got to spend time with your mother.
Happy camping times as well as lots of chances to celebrate others’ and life!
Lovely to read Donna, and thank you for the link up.
Take care,
Denyse x
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Hi, Denyse – Thank you for your wise words as usual. Our months do have a way to fill up in planned, unplanned and unexpected ways. I seriously do not know how I ever had time to work! ❤
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Life sounds good, Donna. My May was its usual hodge-podge. Trying to adjust to the heat in the past few days, but hopefully it will cool a little xx
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Hi, Jo – For some reason your comment was hiding in my spam folder. I’m glad that I checked in there. I’m sorry to hear about your excessive heat. Our May has been unusually cool and damp. I so wish we could simply trade heat and rain as needed! ❤
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Yes, that would be handy, but we just make the best of what we have. We still managed a walk by the sea this morning and back to shade by lunchtime. I’m up on my roof terrace with a hint of a breeze at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend xx
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Your roof top terrace sounds absolutely lovely!
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A full and fulfilling May… with proper camping as in sleeping in tents. You’re a tougher woman than I am, my friend!
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I wouldn’t bet on that! But I do love tent camping…and totally realise that it is not for everyone. I look forward to catching up soon!
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Far preferable to your slow, oozy, plan. You know about mine 🙂
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Thanks, Derrick – I do love slow and oozy months too. Here’s hoping that happens in June!
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You definitely have been busy. Enjoy!
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Thanks, Neil – It was all great but I am hoping for a much less busy month ahead! ❤
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I don’t think May ever turns out quite like we imagine!
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That’s the magic of May! Now if we can get our weather to cooperate and realize that it is almost summer — that would be perfect! ❤
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The weeds know it!
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Absolutely! ❤
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It looks like May was kind to you on many levels. Me too. May is my celebration month, and wow, did we celebrate. I’m looking forward to slowing down in June (it is very hot and humid here), so there will be mostly indoor activities. I have a few books in mind that I’d like to read, mahjongg to play, and blog reading to catch up with. I’m looking forward to reading about your bucket list item.
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Hi, Suzanne – I’m glad to hear that you also had a fun-filled May. Sounds like we both are looking forward to a quiet June. I’ve started a couple days early and have barely left the couch today (shhh, don’t tell)! D
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I haven’t camped for over 25 years – and I won’t be tempted back into a tent! The rest of your month looks great though.
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Hi, Anabel – Camping isn’t for everyone. But I was deleted to see man other tenters on this trip (and several who simply slept in their car)! D
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I hosted book club at my house this month too as well as attended a zoom one. Aren’t book clubs grand? Your May definitely looked full. And fun! 🙂
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Hi Lisa – I absolutely love book clubs. They can really expand and elevate your thoughts on a book (regardless of whether it was loved or not-so-loved)!
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It was a fun month spending time and adventuring with you! And my 5 year anniversary of being an “island girl” too!!! Hoping to blog about this soon 🩷
Deb
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Woohoo to you being an Island Girl for five years now. It is incredible how time flies. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and adventurer!
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You do keep busy. Better than the alternative! May was busier than I had planned as well. But all good things. Entered a baking contest at the care home my mother-in-law is residing at. My chocolate cake didn’t win but was well received. I’m looking forward to a quieter June. But we’ll see. xo
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Hi,Darlene – That’s awesome that you entered a baking contest. I’m sure that this made your MIL very proud. Cheers to a quiet June for both of us! ❤
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My MIL was very happy that I participated. She has always enjoyed my baking. Her dementia has progressed, but she still understood what was happening, for the most part.
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It’s funny how those months always manage to fill themselves isn’t it? It looks like you had a wonderful month.
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I know, right? Months do have a way of filling themselves up. But I have already sent a memo to June asking for quieter times! ❤
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Hi Donna, Looks like you had a fun-filled May. I look forward to reading about your bucket list item. I had a wonderful time in Sicily for about half of May and the rest was also wonderful with family and friends in Toronto. Thank you for the link-up. I added my link. Wishing you a joyful June!
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Hi, Natalie – Thank you for adding your link. I look forward to reading about your time away in Sicily. See you there!
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Your May was so full! I can’t wait to see your amazing bucket list item. The weather does indeed look less than stellar which can be a real thing on VI. I WISH we had your rain. The smoke has moved in here now. Love all the positives in your life.
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Thanks, Bernie – I always look forward to your comments. I wish that I could have sent you that rain. According to our weather gods we are supposed to have rain overnight tonight, a bit on Saturday morning, a bit more on Wednesday and Thursday evening and then that’s it for awhile (or so they say). I’d be most happy to send you that rain too! ❤
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Never a dull moment in your life, Donna, just like in ours. I’m so glad your May was chock full of friends and family again – and I’m delighted you and Deb get along so well! Looking forward to learning about your bucket list adventure.
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Thanks, Liesbet – It is awesome having a good friend close by who is also a blogger and a hardcore adventurer. What else could we ever ask for?
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What a gorgeous spot to go camping! How lovely. Looking forward to the book review chat. #WBOYC
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Thanks, Lydia – I greatly appreciate you reading and commenting!
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Love the camping teaser! A busy fun packed month for you.
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Thanks, Gail. I greatly appreciate you reading and commenting. Bucket List post to follow tomorrow!
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What a rich month you had! You are right – May never seems to go quite as planned with all the activity and celebrations that take place! Your camping trip looks idyllic! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your bucket list experience!
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Thanks, Laura – May was a wonderful month in so many ways, but I am kinda glad that it is done (our weather was horrible throughout). The Bucket List Experience post comes out today!
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A busy month of May for you! From the smiles on your face I know you must have been having good times. My May was very green, so much rain. And it was very noisy, hello cicadas you annoying bugs.
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Hi, Ally – We also had a very wet May…but thankfully, not many bugs. Wishing us both a warm, pleasant and dry July!
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How this post with photos of your busy life made me smile. Looking forward to reading more about your camping trip.
My May involved gardening, gardening, and more gardening. But the end is in sight, and I plan to return to blogging regularly in the next week or so.
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Hi, Laurie – I am glad that you were able to spend much time in your garden. I am glad that the end in insight for you. I look forward to your upcoming posts.
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What a whirldwind May you enjoyed. I loved the photos by the lake. For me that would be bliss to be so close to nature although I confess sleeping in a tent I would be nervous of the wildlife.
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Being in (or in view of) nature is always my favourite place to be. As long as you and your neighbours keep a clean campsite, wildlife kindly tend to stay away. ❤
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Do you have Bears or other critters?
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Yes we have lots of bears (black bears) as well as cougars and wolves. Ironically, we say virtually no wildlife while we were camping, but there was a black bear in our neighbours yard while we were away. 😀
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Wow, what a May you had, Donna! How nice to get away and stay off tech. Lovely shots of the area.
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Thanks, Terri – Despite the cool, damp weather, the time in nature (and away from social media) was perfect!
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Wow what a May you have had.. pretty much the opposite of sitting at home.
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VERY late to the party. But I enjoy catching up with everyone’s month in review even a month – almost – late!! May provided you with lots of reasons to smile. The garden you toured looks lovely. Lunch and theater, yes, please. Hope June has been quieter but equally smile-inducing.
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Hi, Leslie – You are never late to the party. I greatly appreciate you popping in whenever you have the time. May was action packed, with lots of night spent away from home. June still had some action, but all but one night we were in our own bed. Hope you had a great June too.
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Hi Donna – v late … but so be it – life … you certainly make full use of life as is available … I love reading your posts … cheers for now – and I will get to send out notifications soon … must do – sorry!!!!! Thoughts from over the pond – Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – I’ve been thinking about you and was hoping that all is well for you. I am off to your site now to catch up further. See you there! ❤
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