24 January, 2026

Getting to know me

 


So here I am answering more getting to know you/me, these questions come from Kymber found here:

https://booomcha.com/2026/01/get-to-know-you-74/

If you woke up tomorrow as your pet, what’s the first thing you’d do?

Demand food

Would you rather always sing instead of speaking or only communicate in movie quotes?

I guess sing as I don’t know many movie quotes

Have you ever left a one-star review online?

I don’t remember doing so

 

22 January, 2026

Tuesday's 4



Welcome all, here I am taking part in Tuesday's 4, this is the first one for 2026 this year I am going to try and post on the right day of the week, anyway, here are this week’s questions.

Welcome once again to  Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 

Here are this week's questions

Where did your mother and father grow up?

My mum was born in Parkes and at the age of 4 when her mum left her dad she went to live with her maternal grandmother in the small town of Byabarra in New South Wales with a population in the hundreds she lived with her till she was 14.

My dad was born in Kurri Kurri and lived with his parents till he was 8yrs old when his mother dropped him off with his aunt & uncle during school holidays and ran off with another man. He was then raised by his dad and his aunt and uncle.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Newcastle New South Wales and lived in different suburbs of Newcastle all my life.

What was your favorite meal your mother made? What is your favorite recipe to make?

Mum made a lot of wonderful meals can’t think of a favourite

When my girls were little, I made what they called my noodle mince stew, just mincemeat, some frozen veggies a tin of potatoes and a packet of 2-minute noodles all cooked an electric frypan.

What are the advantages you enjoy where you live?  

I live close to Lake Macquarie and the suburb has everything within walking distance from my home but doesn’t feel crowded.


21 January, 2026

A bit of hodgepodge

Hi all here I am taking part in 2026 hodgepodge Q & A the questions can be found here:

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2026/01/hodgepodge-questions-volume-637.html

Ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, or a snowy walk...which winter activity do you choose? Have you done any of these activities so far this winter? 

Since it doesn’t snow around here, I do none of these

Everyone is posting pictures from ten years ago on their social media sites so let's jump on the bandwagon too. Share one photo and one thought to go with said photo from the year 2016. And maybe everyone isn't doing this, but many are and we're going to be part of the fun. 

 



This photo was take on my 52 birthday, looking at it they all seem so young.

What's a trend you hope disappears in this new year? 

I can’t even think of a trend at this moment

'They' say there's a day for everything and January 21st proves it. National Granola Bar Day. Do you like granola bars? How about just regular granola? Do you like bars of other kinds? 

Took me a moment to remember what a granola bar was as they are not something we see here but that’s because we have muesli bars which I like but rarely have.

A frozen lake, a trickling stream, a raging river, or a deep well...which one describes something about your life right now? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

My emotions are like a trickling stream, into a raging river and back to a stream over and over again.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember each day should be approached with a positive attitude, take some time to savour the morning and not rush into it. Embrace the quiet moments be grateful for each day you are blessed with and take the time to let those important to you know they are just that important to you.

  

20 January, 2026

Share Your World 3

 Hi everyone I am taking part in sharing my world again here are this week’s questions and answers, which I found here: https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2026/01/19/share-your-world-19th-january/

    


            

Here are this week’s questions:

Would you like to have your own private jet?

 Might be cool but nope

Would you like a chauffeur to drive you everywhere?

Since I have no licence yeah, I would indeed like a chauffeur

Would you like to live on your own desert island?

Only if I had my family around me and easy access to stuff like food and other stuff

Have you ever had anything made to measure (suit, dress, shoes etc)

Nope

 

 


18 January, 2026

Getting to know me

 


So here I am answering more getting to know you/me, these questions come from Kymber found here:

https://booomcha.com/2026/01/get-to-know-you-73/

 If you became Earth’s official tour guide to aliens, where would you take them?

In would take them to India and to Nauru the most populated country and one of the least populated and maybe to the Vatican City the very least populated place.

If you could explore the deepest oceans, get on a rocket to space, or visit 60 countries, which one would you choose & why?

60 countries, because I would love to explore more the world.

What controversial opinions do you enjoy sharing with others?

None I keep my controversial opinions to myself

14 January, 2026

Share your world number 2

 


Hi everyone I am taking part in sharing my world again here are this week’s questions and answers, which I found here:

https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/share-your-world-12th-january-2026/

How would you describe your laughter? (giggly, deep, infectious? etc)

I have been told I look like an old Asian woman when I laugh, it is a solid lasting laugh that leaves me feeling good.


What makes you smile?

My grandchildren make me smile


Have you ever cried with laughter, and if so, can you remember the circumstances?

Often the last time was only the other day don’t remember what started the laughter, I was with Sue and we laugh a lot when we are together


Have you ever laughed at an inopportune moment?


Of course, and far too often, sometimes it is how I handle difficult things

13 January, 2026

Transgender Identity

 


I have a transgender grandchild who I love unconditional and who I support, these actions are not about whether I understand being transgender because honestly, I don’t understand it.  

My husband does not accept this and will often refer to her as him saying he is being truthful and I am enabling her delusions. He will often quote the Bible to back up his actions and opinion that he is just being truthful.

When I think about how God feels about someone being transgender, I tend to think that God’s love for us is unconditional. No matter how we identify or express ourselves, we are wrapped in God’s love. This love is a foundation that helps us embrace our true selves and provides strength and encouragement. Each of us is uniquely created, and God’s love reaches every person, allowing us to feel accepted and valued.

The LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

This is just how I feel, Tim at times makes comments about how Sam doesn’t talk to him but this doesn’t surprise me as Sam knows that Tim doesn't support her and this has caused friction between them.

 


Sunday Stealing

 


Welcome to Sunday Stealing. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

We're going into the new year by looking back. Randy at GeneaMusings encourages us to reminisce. 

When I Was Young

Tell us about a time when your family got a newfangled invention (your first air conditioner, colour TV, VCR, microwave, computer, etc.).

It was back in the 70’s and colour TV had just came out here in Australia and my dad bought one, we were the first in the street to have one

Is there a particular song that sparks a childhood memory?  

Can’t think of one

What is something an older family member taught you to do?

My Nan taught me to care for my skin telling me to moisturise daily starting at the forehead and ending at my boobs. Saying I wouldn’t want to have leathery skin.      

Back in the day, what name brands would we have found in your family's kitchen?

Kraft, Arnott’s and Vegemite

As a child, did you collect anything (rocks, shells, stickers, etc.)

Posters of actors and actresses and musicians.  

 

Tuesday's 4


Welcome all, here I am taking part in Tuesday's 4, this is the first one for 2026 this year I am going to try and post on the right day of the week, anyway, here are this week’s questions.

Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 welcomes you and we are very happy to have you back.

Can we talk about housekeeping and chores today since January was usually the time for white sales and replacing linens and towels for the household. Never heard of such sales

My mother ironed sheets and pillowcases. I iron the cases but not the sheets.  I feel that the cases feel better after ironing and I like the fancy ruffles etc to look better.   What do you do?  Is ironing a waste of time for you?

I iron pillowcases, tea towels and work shirts so not much

Home is enhanced by good cooking, clean rooms, freshly made beds, quilt and the lovely touches women bring to things.

What special touches do you put on your home to make it special, cozy and warm?

Can’t think of a damn thing other then having photos on all the walls

Do you recall Mom or Grandma sprinkling and ironing clothing?  Was there a laundry day set aside and an ironing day?   What is washday like at your house

Mum used ironing spray and so do I, washing day was always either Saturday or Sunday, me I wash every 3 or 4 days. Ironing would be done often at night while watching TV when I was a child.


Hodgepodge No 2 for 2026

 


Hi all here I am taking part in 2026 hodgepodge Q & A the questions can be found here:

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2026/01/hodgepodge-questions-volume-636.html

What kind of winter person are you-snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate. 

I am a stay inside and do what I do most days

The Pantone colour of the year is cloud dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off white shade. The colour symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed which do you need most in your life this winter? 

Peace and quiet

Every cloud has a silver liningon cloud ninehead in the cloudsstorm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which 'cloud' idiom do you most relate to currently? Explain. 

After much thought I have decided it’s storm clouds due to the tension I have felt in the family.

coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list? 

Mayonnaise, I can not look at cauliflower without feeling ill, due to childhood drama.

Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote-

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 

Agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I get what he was saying and maybe he is right, but I am not sure if I agree or not

Insert your own random thought here. 

This week’s rando thought is a poem I came across about Parkinson’s Disease.

In the hush of dawn, the hands may shake,

A gentle tremor, a subtle quake.

Steps falter softly on the morning floor,

A journey begun, not as before.

Words may stumble, voices sometimes low,

Yet courage lingers where shadows grow.

The mind remembers, though time may haze,

The laughter and love of younger days.

There’s hope in science, and hope in friends,

A will that bends but never ends.

Though Parkinson’s whispers and tries to confine,

The heart beats steady—brave, and fine.

 

 

 

 

10 January, 2026

Getting to know me

 


So here I am answering more getting to know you/me, these questions come from Kymber found here:

https://booomcha.com/2026/01/get-to-know-you-72/

If you won the lottery tonight, would I see you at work tomorrow?

Nope only because I don’t have a job

What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

None it was only something we saw in American movies and TV shows

What’s a movie you can practically quote from start to finish?

I can’t think of one

 

07 January, 2026

This is for Sue

 


This is to remind you of how unique our relationship is and to tell you that you could never, ever be replaced in my life.

It is to let you know how much I appreciate you. It’s a thank you for every time you have shared a worry or tear, every time you have listened and been the only one who understands and every time you were there when I felt like there was no one else, I could turn to.

It's to assure you that our relationship is one of the most important in my life and that you are not only my sister but a dear and treasured friend.

This is to tell you that I love you, and I hope your days are filled with happiness and love.

06 January, 2026

Share my world number 1 for 2026

 


Hi everyone I am taking part in sharing my world again here are this week’s questions and answers, which I found here:                

Sharing my World 5th January 2026

How long did it take you to get back into the normal swing of things after the holidays?

No time at all just went right back to normal


Are you looking forward to 2026 with optimism?
Yeah as I am an optimistic person

Are you taking part in any of the January WP challenges/prompts?
Nope, note planning to but that may change.


If you could wish one thing for 2026, what would that be?
That we see the return of common sense, acceptance, and tolerance.

 

05 January, 2026

First Tuesday's 4 for 2026

 


Welcome all, here I am taking part in Tuesday's 4, this is the first one for 2026 this year I am going to try and post on the right day of the week, anyway, here are this week’s questions.

Would you tell us about a book you particularly enjoyed?



I love to read but can’t think of a particular book, but I can say that I really enjoy the Spenser books by Robert B Parker

Do you have a favorite book series?  How about a favorite series when you were a kid?



I have a few favourite book series, the Spenser books, the Bony series by Arthur Upfield to name two.



As a child I loved the Trixie Beldon books by Julie Campbell   

Is there a book that you just did not like or one in which you just could get interested?

I am sure there has been, but I can’t think of any at this time.

Is there an author whose books you don't want to miss or one whose books you avoid?

Stephen King books hold no interest for me at all and never have.

 


Hodgepodge Number 1 for 2026

 


Hi all here I am taking part in 2026 hodgepodge Q & A starting with this. The questions can be found here

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/2026/01/hodgepodge-questions-volume-635.html

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 635

What are three words you would use to describe your 2025? 

Struggle, accepting, surviving

I ask this question every January, and I always get comments about how we shouldn't be banning words. This is fun and games so just play along : ) 

Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness (go here to read about how the words are chosen). Here's the list for 2026- 

67 • demure • cooked • massive • incentivize • full stop • perfect • gift/gifted  • my bad • reach out 

Which one (if any) do you use most often? Which one of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word you think should have made the list? 

Interesting list I use the term “my bad”

What I don’t like is the term “full stop”, when someone uses it when talking to me, I find myself feeling really pissed and if I never hear it again, I will be happy.

What are your nightly rituals? Is that different from your 'ideal' nightly ritual? If so what's your ideal? 

I don’t really have a nightly ritual, I get changed into a nightie, take a screenshot of the steps I have done, put on my Cpap mask and get into bed

January 6th is/was National Bean Day. Do you like beans? Which one is your favorite? Last thing you ate made with beans? 

Nope can’t stand them

Are you easily embarrassed? Elaborate.

Nope not now maybe when I was younger but not anymore 

Insert your own random thought here. 

Success is not the destination; it is the journey. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams. Don't stop, because what seems like an obstacle today will be an invaluable lesson tomorrow

Other people's happiness doesn't diminish yours; it just reminds you that you can achieve it too.

 

 

04 January, 2026

Getting to know me

 


Here are this week’s getting to know me questions and my answers. These questions are set by Kymber over at https://booomcha.com/

This week’s questions.

What are some of your favorite songs from your teenage years that you still listen to?

Can’t thing of songs but I liked stuff by The Bay City Roller

Who was your favorite actor or actress as a kid?

Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis and Harrison Ford

What was the title of your first job?

I had only one paying job that was as a typist and only had it for 17 weeks

 

Books Read in 2025

 


       BOOKS & STORIES READ IN 2025

My Story Factory Girl                        Pamela Oldfield

My Story Workhouse                            Pamela Oldfield

My Story The Great Plague                    Pamela Oldfield

My Story Suffragette                         Carol Drinkwater

My Story 1900 A Brand New Century            Carol Drinkwater

The Story of Andrew &n Molly              Linda Swain Bertha

The Psychic                                     Dawn Pisturino

My Story Young Nanny                      Frances Mary Hendry

My Story Slave Girl                     Patricia C McKissack

My Story No Way Back                         Valerie Wilding

My Story Australia                          Goldie Alexander   

Song of Comfortable Chairs           Alexander McCall Smith

From a Far & Lovely Country          Alexander McCall Smith

Pavilion in the Clouds               Alexander McCall Smith

The good pilot Peter Woodhouse       Alexander McCall Smith

The Talented Mr Yarg                 Alexander McCall Smith

The Private Life of Spies            Alexander McCall Smith

The Man with the Silver Saab         Alexander McCall Smith

The Discreet Charm of the Wolf       Alexander McCall Smith

Mandatory Murder                              Steven Schubert

A Memory for Murder                                 Anne Holt

Australian Christmas Yarns book 2            Mary Grant Bruce

Noelle                                             Greg Kincaid