CANADA ALWAYS PROTECTED THE USA NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND

 Look at a map.

Canada is north of the OSA. Surrounded by 3 coasts- Atlantic, Pacific, Artic.

They never needed to fear an invasion from us nor from Mexico.

So when we are told how they protected us. From who and what.

The undefended border. The previous friendship.

So get educated. Just look at a map.

#canadausrelationsaresour#canada#lookatamap#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WIDOW SERIES-TRAVELLING ALONE REFLECTIONS ON A TRIP TO IRELAND

 I do day trips. Movies. Restaurants. Jaunts into the city.

But Ireland October 15 to October 24 was a big excursion out of the country.

Ireland 2026. A bucket list accomplishment.

Although part of a tour group, I was still the single one. On my own. My own room.

Able to do what I wanted with free time.

Getting to know the others on the trip was good and fun. Good people. But too much chit chat takes its toll. Giving the couples their space to be alone too.

Luckily it was a Canadian group so did not need to defend the country. 

The Irish people love Canada and Canadians.

I did think of Adolph a lot. He never wanted to go to Ireland so it was not like it was something he missed.

He would have liked many aspects of the tour. I bought an espresso at the Blanery Castle on Tuesday of the tour and toasted him. I think I was just getting tired of the pissy coffee. I like my coffee a little stronger.

I did not feel emotional except at Pearson saying goodbye to Sonya. Otherwise something in me emerged.

Not really confidence as I have it but a feeling of moving forward and getting something good out of life for me. Just me.

I texted family a couple of times and got some nice responses.

I got into the groove of the moment. I loved all the history as I am such a history nerd.

So as I label photos and try to sort into themes, more reflections are emerging.

I will keep you posted.

#ireland2026#awidowtravelsalone#beingpartofaCanadiangroup#irishpeopleloveCanada#espressocoffee#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ANOTHER CANADIAN COMPANY-FIRE BEAN FROM THE YUKON

 

Fife Bean Coffee from the Yukon. I ordered the beans so I could grind it myself.

The four pack will let me try the different blends.

Fire Bean

I have tried it in my Coffee Pot and my Espresso Maker. I am working on the amount to use. Tasty and different.

Glad to have a connection with Northern Canada.

#firebean#northernCanada#yukon#canadiancompanies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GRIEF LETS ME GET TO THE JOY AND HAPPINESS IN MY LIFE

 Grief as you know is my friend.

I have endured the pain, the sadness, the trauma.

But working through grief lets everyone to the joy and happiness in life while loving and remembering our loved ones.

Adolph would want me to find happiness again. And remember him too.

So joy come into my life again.

#grief#joy#happiness#rememberingAdolphalways#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BUYING CANADIAN- TRYING NEW PRODUCTS FROM SMALL CANADIAN COMPANIES

 In an effort to buy Canadian and change some habits, I have discovered new companies. Posting on Instagram really helped them to find me.

Soaps from La Marcotterie in Quebec. 

Soaps and other product. Elodie the founder is proud of her products.

From Chelsea, Quebec.

La Marcotterie

New Laundry sheets, toilet bowl cleaner and dishwasher detergent.

From Also Green from Kelowns, BC.

The laundry sheets are great. No plastic containers. I will promote them.

Also Green

Gentle Moose with new cream for pain, deodorant, Based in Saskatchewan.

Do you like the sweet message on the box from JON?

The muscle rub is good. There are other products like skin care, soap. I may try other products in time.

Gentle Moose

Trying toothpaste in a jar and a new deodorant from Nelson Naturals- Nelson BC. Tania the founder.

The deodorant is good. Getting used to the new toothpaste. It does save on tubes that do not need to go to a landfill.

Nelson Naturals

Beauty from Bees to try some new skin care products.

From Marwayne Alberta, Michelle the founder has developed these products.

Beauty from Bees

So supporting Canadians risking starting their own companies from coast to coast to coast is my mission.

I love the energy of these founders of their companies.

So as I use the products I will report back to my blog. So far, so good.

#aslogreen#beautyfrombees#nelsonnaturals#gentlemoose#lamarcotterie#canadiancompanies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#buyingcanadian#supportingcanadians#lovecandadstrongandfree

CNE 2026 AND THE SNOWBIRDS IN TORONTO

 Day at the CNE September 6, 2026.

In a couple of buildings before finding a good spot to watch the 

Air Show.

FOOTLONG FREAK FRIES for lunch with a lemonade.

So much to do and see.

Then the Air Show was wonderful.

Then the Snowbirds for the last time in Toronto.

Such a memorable day.

#cne#airshow#snowbirds#watchinginTorontoforthelasttime#eatingattheex#longfriesandlemonade#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

 Everyone has a story or memory of that day and the days to follow.

Adolph was in Italy with Sonya.

Tash and I spoke on the phone all day long.

25 years ago and still resonates for so many of us. 

It was day and a time of sadness and resilience.

#september11th#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro