About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

ABC Wednesday - Y is for....









When I was YOUNG, I had no worries. My Daddy helped me ride my toy train and when I got older, he taught me how to play softball and basketball. I remember playing with YO-Yos (they were very popular in the 50s) and these days, I try to teach my grandson how to use them.













YOUTH is a wonderful thing, something that we tend to squander at the time. Looking back now, I wish I’d had the wisdom that comes with age and experience. There were many happy times, though, and this was one of them. Every summer, my parents would take us camping - until we all got to the age when it wasn't "cool" anymore. This is one of the last times we went and took my little cousin John with us. Check out those "beanies!"








I fell in love with my husband at the Royal Vancouver YACHT Club when he’d asked me to accompany him to a party. We'd already been dating for a few months, but that was a very special night.










During a slow dance, we looked into each other’s eyes and Cupid hit us both at the same time. It seems like only YESTERDAY that we exchanged vows to love each other "until death do us part." That love continued past that time. However, it seems to me lately that it’s time to move past YESTERDAY into the imminent future and open myself up to the possibility of one more love.












Once I’m finished with back surgery and the months of recovery, I’ll be back on the exercise bike and the treadmill training for my tour of Wales. My friend and I plan on using the coaches and trains along with our own two feet to travel from place to place. And one place we want to visit again is YORK and YORKSHIRE so we can meet Denise (aka Mrs. Nesbitt, our ABCW hostess) and her friends. Hopefully, we’ll also meet Anne, Sally, and Ellee who all live fairly nearby (at least in Canadian terms!).






In 1998, I took my daughter Jamie on a tour of England and Scotland. On the left, we're at Hadrian's Wall and on the right is Jamie in The Shambles of York.

So watch out world! Original YOUTH may be done with, but I intend to make every minute count in my YOUTHAGE! (as opposed to dotage)

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm with you Leslie in keeping my youthage. I hope all goes well with your surgery and recovery and will love seeing posts about Wales and the Yorkshire!! yabba dabba doo!

CaBaCuRl said...

Grand & glorious plans for your youthage! What a wonderful word!

Anonymous said...

I hope your surgery goes well. I like your choice of Y.

Katney said...

Youthage! I like that. I am in my youthage, as well!

EG CameraGirl said...

Leslie,
It sounds like you have a great attitude!

All the best with your back surgery.

Texas Travelers said...

Great post and photographs.
I loved all of it, from the early history to the present.

I just realized why I haven't been by lately. You have somehow been lost from my "Check it Out - Favorites" Blog roll. I will fix that now. I really like your blog.

I had back surgery 25 years ago. I am better and stronger now than I was at 20 years of age. Be aggressive in your rehab.

Thanks for the visit and kind words,
Troy and Martha

PS: I was 68 and Martha was 66 when we drove from Texas to Alaska and back. 16 weeks and 18,000 miles. Youth is what you make of it and is a state of mind.

Ruth W. said...

Leslie, when is your surgery? I will be praying for a very speedy recovery for you.

Yes, I too seem to have gotten the adventure bug in me, and I like it!!!

Michele said...

Hi Leslie!
Oh, you were a cutie in that photo!
I love how you did this post... it's great, full of life, full of hope... I need to take heed of your positive attitude and use it towards my own life...
You are an inspiration!
(HUGS)
Michele

Kim said...

What a wonderful story you tell through pictures. Good luck with the surgery and your tour of wales, sounds like fun.

Reader Wil said...

Dear Leslie, Thanks for your comment. Yes your and my life has been eventful. It's so sad that your husband couldn't see your children growing up. I think you are a brave lady, and yes life goes on and we must mahe the best of each day. Take care. I like your post!

Linda said...

You've got to stay young with all the traveling you do. Great post!

Anonymous said...

All those Y's. Just brilliant and what a great tale they tell. Thanks for sharing them with us. Hope your surgery goes well so you can enjoy your holiday. York is a most fantastic city. I've only visited once but York Minster is amazing and a walk along the Roman Walls is a must.

Andrea said...

Bless your heart. Hope your surgery goes well. My husband has been through two different back surgeries and my oldest daughter has had back surgery. I have a slight bulging disc but not serious enough for surgery.

Louis la Vache said...

Leslie, this is a heartwarming post! "Louis" is glad he stopped by.

Over at Chez la Vache, after you stopped by, "Louis" and his Editor got into it again in the comments...

Louis la Vache said...

"Louis" apologizes: he was caught up in the heart-warming part of your post, he neglected to wish you all the best in the surgery. "Louis" joins those wishing you well - and liking "Youthage!"

kRiZcPEc said...

nice post, enjoyed it!

nancygrayce said...

Ah, as they say "youth is wasted on the young". I had a beanie exactly like those! We even had them last year at Vacation Bible School! I also loved yo yo's but wasn't ever good. When is your back surgery? I'll be praying it goes well and you'll be back up and running! Literally!

I also hope that last one love is on his way right now! Or is he already waiting in the wings?? ;)

meggie said...

I love the idea of youthage! Good for you.

Rambling Woods said...

Youthage..I love that..I don't mind being 52, I'd just like to upgrade a few body parts...and keep the wisdom.

photowannabe said...

i want to keep my youthage too. Life is just too short to do otherwise. I so enjoyed reading this blog and seeing your pictures. It sounds like you are ready to move beyond yesterday.

ArneA said...

I had to read once more your profile and the destiny of your love one. Young at heart will bring many wonderful blogging years.

Unknown said...

Hi Leslie. thanks for your kind comments on my post. Your Y post is terrific, Youthage is a wonderful thing. Though the body may age may the mind stay young always. Best Wishes for your surgery York is a beautiful City. I live near by and visit regularly, so might bump into you. Kev

Anonymous said...

I good selection - full of memories. All the best with the surgery.

me ann my camera said...

This was a wonderful read of the y's in your life.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Very good choice and a very personal trip down memory lane.

Gordon said...

A comprehensive Y post. As a child, I loved the yo-yo craze.

RiverPoet said...

What a wonderful Y entry! I know you miss your husband, and it's wonderful that you still have fond memories and a great love for him.

Peace - D

Neva said...

I see that we think alike! I did young as well! I like yours.....
Missed you guys last week! I like your choice.....they do get difficult at the end don't they?
Mine is up here and here.

Christine said...

A great combination of wonderful "Y's"! I love the wedding photo!

nonizamboni said...

I raise my cup to 'youthage' and your very wise and wonderful post!
Best of luck w/the surgery.

Alan said...

Many Ys to choose from there, and a good story. May we all remain young at heart. :)

Rose said...

Great "Y" post! I like your new word "youthage." There are a couple lines from Tennyson's "Ulysses" that I'm reminded of here. I can't remember the whole line, but there's a phrase about not wanting to "rust unburnished with use." I don't think you are going to "rust out." Good luck with your surgery; the trip to Wales sounds like so much fun.

Daryl said...

Wonderful Y ... and I love the term Youthage ...

:-Daryl

Bear Naked said...

Posting Your photos of Your life was a clever way to illustrate ABC Wednesday--Y.

Thank You for visiting my blog.

Bear

Rune Eide said...

Have a nice trip to Yorkshire and bring my greetings for Mrs. N! Lovely area to spend both the first and second youth.

I'll see if I can't find a way to post some pictures from Hadrian's wall some time.

Nydia said...

Leslie, I have no words to express how your post moved me. Beautiful, wise statements - specially about letting the yesterday at its proper, honored place.
Wonderful and spontaneous photos, thanks for sharing them with us.
Kisses from Nydia.

PS: When is your surgery taking place? Let us know!

Mental P Mama said...

Great, great post! Youth is indeed wasted on the young, but I have a feeling your youthage is going to be something!

mrsnesbitt said...

OOOOOOOOOoooooooooooohh! Leslie we are so excited. Do you know the dates yet? let me know when you do!

kjpweb said...

That must be the "mostest" ;) Y's in this ABC Wednesday!
And all good ones!
Cheers, Klaus

Elizabeth said...

What a wonderful exploration of Y.
Makes me feel a bit pedestrian.
It's good that young people don't know too much yet - they'd start worrying sooner.
I really enjoyed discovering your blog.
I'm an ex-English teacher too.

Jerez Sherry said...

endearing Leslie...

Got me right in the heart!

Miss_Yves said...

Lots of "y" in your memories ...
I hope I'll reach wisdom like you.I hope you have enterely recovered health.

I remember YoYo !!!It's a funny game!
Miss
Y
ves

Anonymous said...

Great uses of the letter "Y". Wow!

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting.

Dragonstar said...

I love that idea - youthage! More power to you! I really liked this post.

zetor said...

Good luck with your surgery. Love the photos.

Jo said...

Leslie, what a great post. And I agree about the youthage. I am definitely in my youthage!

Just think, when you get your back surgery done, you will be even younger than you are now. :-)

Barbara said...

Great photos from your youth! I remember yo-yos too, my son also enjoyed them. York is a beautiful city, my daughter was at University there and graduated from York Minster. I loved to visit when she was living there. I must go back some time.

esnorway said...

nice y

abb said...

Y Y Y Y Y your Y post is excellent!

kml said...

Young - perfect!! All the best to you!

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Man, oh man. More than 50 comments already. Everyone must be attracted to your Youthage.

kRiZcPEc said...

love the yacht one, so nice. :D

Larry D said...

Great photos and post I enjoyed your take on Youth. Thanks for stopping by my site.

Powell River Books said...

Youthage - a great new word. I always like to hear about your life. I chose Y is for yarn, I invite you to come see. - Margy