ON TO BE ON A BEACH IN CANCUN MEXICO

 

Love the place. Love the people.

First trip to Mexico in January 1985. 

Always a wonderful ally of Canada as part of North America.

We are the bread between the meatball in the middle.

#cancunmexico#mexico#northamerica#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaramaydimambro

CRAFTS ON THE GO

 TV watching in my cozy family room is a good time to work on one of my many crafts.

I always have a knitted item, something to crochet and an afghan stitch crochet item.

I have two and a half bins of finished items that I stock pile.

I use them as gifts.

What crafts do you have on the go?

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#craftsonthego#knitting#crocheting#barbaradimambro

WHY I LIKE TO READ THE PRINTED WORK AND HOLD THAT BOOK IN MY HANDS

 Reading a book has always been part of my consciousness.

With audible books, ereaders some people prefer that way to hear the words.

I like to hold a book in my hands. I can find a favourite place to read. Sometimes the chair in the kitchen by the window for good light. Curled up on the couch in the living room with a warm blanket.

I like the feel of a book. I like to see the printed word.

I discovered years ago I am a visual learner so seeing and not just hearing helps me to remember more.

Perhaps on a road trip, listening to a book would be okay though.

So what is your favourite way to attack a book? Visually or auditory?

#readingabook#listeningtoabook#auditoryisgoodforsomepeople#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WATCHING CBC NEW YEAR'S COVERAGE SHOWED HOW UNITED OUR COUNTRY CANADA REALLY IS

 What does a senior do celebrating New Year's Eve alone.

Well the coverage on CBC that visited Canadian communities coast to coast to coast.

Adrienne Arseneault and Jann Arden in Toronto while Ian Hanomansing and Ali Hassan were in Vancouver.

Canadians proud to be Canadian.

Visitors from the USA and other parts of the world visiting family.

Seeing Newfoundland ring in the New Year. The Maritimes and then Ontario.

The fireworks in Yellowknife. 

The discrepancy in the temperatures. 

No mention of discontent. No divisive talk. 

We really are an united nation. A democracy. We can have our differences but also our similarities.

So 2025 we will show the world how strong we really are.

Happy New Year! And thank you CBC for a wonderful evening of celebration.

#cbc#newyear'scoverage#canadianspiritisaliveandwell#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

2024 FAVOURITE IMAGES

January birthdays. 

 

The NHL All Star game in Toronto. Feb. 2024

My sign showing the year the Leaf won for the last time.

Scotia Bank Arena.

My= 

Seeing my childhood hero- Dave Keon. And all the celebrities that were there.

A grandson playing hockey.

My pile of granny squares to use in several projects.

Spring Maple Syrup Festival.

Birthday cakes.

Flowers on Mother's Day.

Spring tulips everywhere.

A grandson's graduation.

ATVs at a Music Festival.

King's Plate 2024. Saw some races before it was cancelled due to torrential downpours.

Swings in a row.

Ribfest Aurora.

Artwalk Richmond Hill 2024. Bought that pink picture in the upper right hand corner.

An unusual sunset on my street.

 

Food at Christmas time.

And last but not least-

 Christmas goodie bags as name tags.

 Christmas Eve Fish and Chips. Tim's goodies. Christmas feast.

Food always plays a part not only for good eating but family times.

So lots of family and community time. My facebook page has the many photos taken there of people and art.

2024 is over. What will 2025 bring?

#2024images#familyandfood#art#parties#cakes#hockey#graduation#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#nhlhockeyallstargameatscotiabank

NAME TAGS FOR A CHRISTMAS TABLE CAN BE FUN

Each year I put name tags on the place settings at the holiday tables. So how to change it up a little.

One year I used some cups with goodies. 

The last two years I have made Christmas goodie bags. What to put in them besides Christmas candies and a candy cane. So this year I included gum. 

The bags were a hit with the family especially the grandchildren. They eyed the gum.

So now to think of other goodies for other occasions that will keep the kids interested.

Using candies this way is good. I used to put candy canes and candies on the table. No one would take them home. Now the bags go home with family. I have not fun making them but enjoy seeing my grandchildren appreciating them.

Simple idea but enjoyable for all.

Name tags in a variety of forms can be useful and edible.

#nametags#bagsofgoodiesfornametags#keepingthefestivetablesfun#foodatchristmasisalwaysgood#kidslikeseeingtheirnames#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS 2024-FUN AND FEAST

 11 of us around the dinner table. Family at its best.

Appetizer table.

Sophia took a photo of the table with all the food. Christmas crackers on the table. I always put an extra one by Sophia and me. It is a reminder of Adolph's spot. Small way to include his memory in the day.

A traditional Canadian Christmas dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. Many veggie dishes.

Of course I gave each family group Christmas goodie baskets.

A bag of candies, goodies and gum made the name tags for the table more special

Christmas was good. Family was fine and healthy. Lots of good eating and conversation, As long as I am healthy I will continue to cook and host. When it becomes too much, then I will order one of those ready made meals and have the family bring an extra dish or two.

How was your Christmas? Did you have too much to eat as usual?

#christmas2024#eatingatraditionalcanadianturkeydinneratchristmas#turkeyandallthetrimmings#lovingfamilytimeatChristmas#christmascrackers#rememberingourlovedonesatchristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybrabara#barbaradimambro