Mara tells me I've been tagged, now what?

I've just been tagged in Mara's "Weighty Matters" blog. I am to answer 8 questions, then tag someone else. I think it was originally "tag 10 other people" but I won't do that many.

The questions are:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started writing a book about the travel adventures I've had since I can't walk very far, very fast, or for very long; can't climb ladders or even stairs without difficulty; can't do very much of anything for very long at one time. I would send chapters to friends, who would say things like "Gee, that's great" and to relatives, who would say, "Yep, that's you" but I wasn't getting any real feedback. Then a dear friend, whose writing career I have followed from the beginning, told me about her blog, and suggested I start one using the chapters of my book and the photos I would like to see included. Of course, it grew from there. You know how it happens.

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would you go and why?

Scotland, and I'd go first class, with no damp beds. I want to see Aberdeen, where my Fraser ancestors lived. Then I'd go up to the Highlands, where my MacKenzie ancestors came from. Then I want to see the Isles, especially Skye, Eriskay and Mull. After a detour on the banks of Loch Lomond, I want to see Coatbridge, near Glasgow, where Grandpa Davies lived, and see Glasgow itself because I hear it is wonderful now.

3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence in your life?

Almost anyone in my high school graduating class could answer this question for me: Desmond Walsh, without a doubt. But also D'Arcy Dendy, and W.L.B. Hawker. And in college, Benno Friesen.

4. If you could spend one day with a famous person, who would it be and what would you do?

Sean Connery, and I'd spend the day listening to his beautiful voice.

5. Toilet paper, over or under?

Over, so I don't have to fight to find the end.

6. Name one thing in your life you would do over if possible.

I wouldn't have started smoking. (I stopped, but it took too long to get stopped and stay stopped.)

7. Tell about your pets - if any.

This answer could go on and on, there have been so many. Right now there is Lindy, our darling Golden Retriever rescue dog. We've had her one year this week and love her dearly, she with her vegetable-eating habits and her own Facebook page. But the pet question wouldn't be complete without mention of my best buddy, my cat Hermie, 1986-1999. He loved people, and he loved to go visiting. He especially loved to visit people who had puppies, kittens or babies because he loved to play with them. He wore a collar, and a tag with my phone number on it, and once, when I was moving, complete strangers came to my door: "We want to say goodbye to Herman. He used to visit us every morning." I miss him so much.

8. Do you live in a small town or a large town?

We were looking for a condo to buy, in the small city near here, when I suddenly realized I wanted to be in a small town. I had just spent seven years in a village in British Columbia after 30 years in the Vancouver area, and I loved small-town life. Our town and the city here in southeastern Alberta share a border, so we have the best of both worlds.

Almost forgot -- I have to tag someone -- omigoodness, this is difficult. Eeny-meeny...

I think I'll pick Margy, in the beautiful Powell River area of British Columbia.