Bleach2Beach

This week was more about finding ways to entertain our moms than about Black Friday shopping. How do you go from being parented by your mom to becoming their parent in a blink of an idea? It actually happened quite quickly. Never take for granted being able to make simple decisions for yourself.  Things we do without even thinking have now become monumental decisions for these women.  Being at the beach has become a very quiet affair as neither one of them is much for talking anymore. The pressing question of the day is what are we doing for dinner? We have filled our days with short walks on the beach (my walking game has dropped significantly), getting them to do some word searches or play dominoes to help stimulate the brain, and short trips to the store where after a few minutes I can see the look of confusion and know it’s time to leave. Luckily we are starting to build some routines for the day that have helped both of them feel a little more stable, and staying home more than we

The last few days have been interesting, challenging and not quite what I had expected when I first thought a senior’s trip was a good idea.  However I am grateful that this trip has highlighted some important steps we need to take when it comes to taking care of our parents as they get older and face challenges.  There are many lessons to be learned here. I have been learning the art of patience and being thankful for my health, both mentally and physically.  I’m doing my best to understand a little more everyday about dementia and mental illness to better support this transition for our moms. But more than anything I’m trying to do things differently in my life to make sure I appreciate and bring joy to as many moments in my life as possible. The one thing important thing I have learned about my time so far with the folks is that they no longer have a filter and will say what comes to mind so I’m constantly checking my surroundings to make sure no one gets offended. It has made for s

This past weekend was filled with spending time with Simone (taking in the Bridgerton Ball) and dinner with friends before heading off on the next leg of our year of travel.  It was an interesting journey but we made it to Florida.  Not even a snowstorm in Buffalo over the weekend stopped us. We drove straight through for 22 hours, stopping for gas fill ups and bathroom breaks only. My mother-in-law Anna came along for the trip and we hope she enjoys her time with us for a few weeks. My father-in-law and his wife Antonella are already in Florida and we couldn't be happier to have them with us for a few days of family time together before they head back to Canada. The drive was a long one and I'm a really baby when it comes to long road trips, especially when there is nothing interesting to see and I don't make for a good passenger because I get car sick unless I'm driving.  Yes, I love to drive but I think it might also be a control thing.  Luckily, my husband has no p

Time To Plan Our Road Trip It's been two weeks back in Mississauga. We got home just in time for Halloween, Simone's first Brock Mainstage performance, strike action (glad I picked this year to be off) and some Mirvish productions.  Being home for the last couple of weeks has been a bit of a struggle, not going to lie.  Although I am grateful for the nice weather, it definitely made the transition a little easier.  However, the jetlag has been a killer this time around. It's been great to see family and friends but now that I have done that I'm ready to go see and do more.   We are off to Florida in just over a week to practice being "snowbirds" for the season. I'm not crazy about driving down but it makes sense because we are going to be there for awhile. Our plan is to make home base Delray Beach for the next 4 months.  Rob is very excited to avoid the winter months here in Canada.  We have some family and friends who will be coming down to join us here

Sept 28 to October 10 -  South of France Here is a break down of our itinerary with links that may be helpful to you. Keep in mind that I am a 3 star kind of traveler so the accommodations were excellent for me and I try to travel and live as much as possible like the locals. Sept 28 - RyanAir flight from Malta to Marseille. Place in Marseille is steps away from the main cathedral. It is at the highest point in Marseille. The walk up here was a challenge, but the apartment is fantastic. Small, but so comfortable. Walked up and saw the cathedral Notre Dame de la Garde, since we were already up here. Did a full self guided tour of Marseille, including Napoleon’s cathedral, La Piene area and the other sites. Marseille is the second largest city in France but felt so small.  Sept 29 - Took the train to Cassis . A small old fishing village that is now a high end yacht stop. Small boat tour to the cliffs. After looked so nice. Walked the village. Saw the few sites. Had mussels by the wat

1. European parents seem far less stressed, results in children much better behaved and having fun. 2. Just when you thought you had the best food of your life, it gets better except in Scotland and Ireland. 3. Everyone has a story…the world is full of fascinating people who will share their story with you. 4. It’s normal to find beer bottles everywhere, somehow they never quite make it to a recycling box, if only they could tell a story. 5. Travel is a privilege, I totally appreciate that I am able to do this and so grateful. 6. You can travel for almost 2 months with just a carry-on and still have things you don’t use. 7. I loved taking trains more than flying, much more relaxing, less hectic and if you use promo codes super cheap. 8.London is really expensive, you can’t think too much about the exchange rate or it might make you a little crazy. 9. Water shoes are always a good investment, do your research and check to see if the beaches are rock or sand. 10. Walking

I've added link to some of the highlights of our trip as well as the accomodations we used! Sept 11 to 15 Monopoli, Puglia Took first class train from Rome to Monopoli for four days (25 Euros for both with a discout code) Super cute Airbnb, like a Trulli Monopoli old town is so wonderful The food is fantastic and Puglia wine is great Did a day trip to Polignano a Mare, 6 minute train ride from Monopoli. Tour with Vito. Alberobello and Trulli homes were so unique. Martina Franca was a cute medieval town and Ostuni was beautiful, needs a second visit. We did a Bike tour of Lecce , which is a one hour train ride away. The legend of the Madonna icon coming to shore on a raft that contained all the wood needed to put a roof on the cathedral. Loved it. Next we took a one hour train to Bari. Loved our bed and breakfast that was right in the heart of the city. Enjoyed our bike tours so we did one in Bari too. Nice city. Good vibe and excellent food! September 16 t

We have settled back into Trastevere, Rome for the last four days of our trip. The weather has been fabulous for October, temperatures reaching the high 20's and gorgeous sunny days which have left us sad to leave this walking museum of a city. Having started this adventure in Rome we have come full circle and it was so nice to come back to a place that feels like home. Martina and Armando (Rob's step-sister and boyfriend) opened their home to us and gave us a chance to relax and enjoy a city that has remained true to itself and very much a place where locals live. We were able to spend some time with Matteo, catching up on his last 8 weeks studying in Rome and witnessing how wonderful this experience has been for him so far. Trastevere for me is the heart of Rome, it gives us a chance to be a part of the local community while allowing us to take strolls to famous landmarks. As I write this blog, the tears are flowing because I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to mak

London is a city for people who enjoy limitless options of things to do, places to go and restaurants at which to eat. You have virtually everything on your doorstep, and one thing that might surprise you is the amount of green space to enjoy. We especially enjoyed the lively street markets and amazing museums. London is bustling, vibrant, multicultural and cosmopolitan, making the old and new work so well together. We were extremely fortunate to have my cousin Raquel with us to explore the city, she has been living in London for the past year and made sure we had the best experience. She even managed to have beautiful 18-degree weather and some sunshine brought in for the weekend too! I'm sure you can imagine just how much walking took place during this London visit but the sights were amazing. Everywhere you look, it’s a moment of awe. We even made it for the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. I know it's touristy but, it’s the famous English pomp and circumstan