REFLECTIONS OF 2011 SUMMER MOMENTS

Tomorrow will be September. As we leave August, I felt like reviewing some pleasant moments of the summer.
A trip to the Sculpture Garden at the McMichael Collection with my granddaughter.

A visit to Peterborough to see the Lock.

A beach visit to Harbourfront- Toronto, Ontario.

Fun for the day with the family at Blue Mountain-Collingwood before the concert- Huey Lewis and the News at Casino Rama-Orillia.

A quick visit to Westbank BC to help with the folks and had a good view of the fire zone from 2009.

A day trip to Port Perry  for a picnic by Lake Scugog then to the farm on the way home. 

Of course many family times, barbecues, June birthdays and the first one for our youngest grandson Tyler in August as well as an anniversary!
The summer had other adventures too but I have highlighted a few. Eating outside! Reading there in my cozy corner while catching some rays all made the summer a time to enjoy. I feel a little down as the Fall starts to kick in. Even though we can have a beautiful Indian Summer, knowing that the cooler weather is approaching brings a sense to try to capture any warm day enjoying it to the fullest. How were your summer months? Did you gather a collection of memories? Did you have some favourite times? Some had the birth of a new grandchild. Some went on a trip to Europe. Some just enjoyed the cottage life. Are you a bit sad that August is over?

NANA SAYS THE FIRST YEAR AT UNIVERSITY IS STRESSFUL

This time of year university and college students are leaving home for the first time to study and live at their university of choice. Although many students commute to school, a large contingent live in dorms or rentals with friends. Labour day weekend is usually the time the first year group move into residence. The upper years have the week prior to take their time to move. When my daughter Sonya decided to study away from home at the University of Western Ontario, labour day was a gruelling trip on the 401 driving along side dozens of other packed to the roof vehicles. Arriving in London, Ontario we needed to take a certain route to Essex Hall to wait in line until we arrived at the roundabout where the belongings could be unpacked. It was a 4 student unit with each student having their own tiny room, 2 shared a bathroom and a small kitchen-living area shared by all 4. It was a very emotional time as Sonya had only been away for one summer vacation- 3 weeks so it really felt as if she was leaving home. Parents must act strong and pretend it is okay. The emptiness on the return home was incredible. Not wanting to pry but always wondering how she was doing was on my mind. The first weekend home was so important. Children need their space and freedom. Now when I talk with other parents whose children are going away for the first time, I help to acknowledge the real grieving that occurs. In Ontario, with the elimination of Grade 13 a few years ago students going away are younger. There will be news stories on Frosh weeks and all the fun of post High School education. Four years of back and forth- we did learn to use the train for return trips rather than the 4 hour round trip on the highway. Of course- phone calls and computer chat rooms helped to ease the pain. We are full blown empty nesters now- have been for years. But that first year was more painful. Is your child heading to university for the first time? Are you feeling a little emotional?

IT IS WISE TO EXERCISE

Exercise can be achieved by all means! Housework, walking the dog, running on the treadmill. Reports and studies are now telling us it helps with all aspects of our health. So with September almost here, summer relaxing is over. Time to get back on the horse! Although I walk every day to and from work, I have been neglecting my weights! Time to work those biceps again! What have you been ignoring?

SOME SIGNS MAKE US SMILE

I could not resist taking a picture of this sign on one of our summer country jaunts. Someone with a sense of humour must have made it. I remember after the Barrie Tornado in 1985, one family who lost their home put up a sign saying- GONE WITH THE WIND! I felt they were going to survive okay. As I don't know that I would have found anything funny about the situation!
If you could make a funny sign what would it say? Would you use an interesting picture?

PREPARE EVACUATE RECOVER

These were the words stated over and over due to Hurricane Irene. How many lives were saved? No one will really know. The cynics say too much hype when it became a Tropical Storm- that caused billions of damage, anyway. I like to be as prepared as I can. I need to review all my emergency items like batteries, working flashlights, bottled water in the house. I even asked one of daughters about a safety plan of where we would meet if we all had to evacuate.  Even though I live in an Urban area, a few days without hydro or a flushable toilet would be uncomfortable. All our hearts, prayers and thoughts go to those affected by not only this natural disaster but the last few months that started with Spring floods to Summer storms and all that the weekend brought to the Eastern Seaboard. We will wait to see what the Fall and Winter will bring. No wonder we talk about the weather so much- it really does affect our lives no matter what technology exists!  Are you doing okay today? Were you affected by the weekend storm? Don't give up hope, you will recover!

A POSTCARD FROM THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

The Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto is an annual event. It really marks the end of summer as it begins the 3rd week of August ending the Labour Day weekend with the Air Show. As a child it was a major event in my life. Saving money for several months to be able to go on some favourite rides. The Flyer was the biggest roller coaster at the time. It was dismantled due to old age years ago replaced by more modern rides. The various buildings would have exhibits so gathering a bag full of pamplets was a must. The food building offered many free samples as well as booths to buy meals. Now it is just a food building with all the modern take out outlets as well as many ethnic favourites selling a variety of dishes. There are CNE bargains, rides, midway with a chance to win many prizes including the biggest stuffed animals. The Princes" Gates featured in the postcard were dedicated in 1937 by Prince George and Prince Edward when they visited Toronto. Many tourists have their picture taken there.

The Carlsberg Championship team and wagon were regular features at the EX for years. I had these two free cards from them in my collection. The horses are 8 beautiful Championship Belgian show horses. They are very large animals.
The Ex offers lots of good and junk food eating- from snow cones to candy floss to tiny tim donuts- the smells entice you to eat. This year deep fried butter and deep fried crispy creme hamburgers are a feature. Not sure if I would try one.
Many photo opportunities, craft displays, people selling the latest gadgets, and lots of junk to buy if wanted. I have bought some small elephants items in the International Building that features booths from all over the world. Of course, many African nations are located there thus the availability of not only elephant artifacts but other African items.
Adolph and I plan to go on the Labour Day weekend to check the end of the EX sales as well as to see the Air Show. Have you ever been to the Ex? Do you have childhood memories of being there?
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com. I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

YES, CAN I HELP YOU

The service industry has many different people who provide- well a service. To greet someone with a smile and an implied interest helps the situation. Sometimes we have all had the glum person who is on the phone, chewing gum or just acting as if we are just an inconvenience and he/she is doing us a favour by waiting on us. When I encounter such people, I usually stop, give a smile, ask how are you doing with enthusiasm then ask my question. It is hard to be happy all the time but during a work day, greeting customers with a polite hello does not hurt. And as a customer to greet the service person with manners is a given! Can I help you, she says with a smile?

DON'T BURST MY BALLOON

Have you ever been having a really good time and someone in the crowd tries to put a damper on it? I call those people the balloon busters. We all deserve some happy times, even lots of happy times in our lives. We say-oh it's a sunny day- might rain later! Bought a new pair of jeans- you bought last year's style! Well you get the picture! I have learnt creative ignoring when I encounter this type of thinking. If you are having a fun time, just enjoy it and gravitate to those who feel good too. Let the balloon busters hang out together! What do you do to keep your spirits up despite negativity around you? Are you a balloon buster?

NANA SAYS SHARING CAN BE DIFFICULT

Young children need to learn to share. Sharing toys and books with others who come to their home is important to learn to participate and share with the world. It is very difficult though as often we can hear " it is mine". That's my toy. Sharing the spotlight on a sibling's birthday is another tough time. The smart adults bring a little something for the other children. Recognizing the child's anguish and giving extra love and inclusion in the event. Thus the multiple lighting of the birthday candles so the other children can blow them out can help, for example.  Sharing the attention of the parents on any given day can be a constant struggle. We become annoyed with children who do not share often saying you are being selfish. Fast forward- how many adults really share with others. At work, we must share common work areas. But we all have our desk or work area. We share responsibilites in the home- everyone has their chores to do. " Stay our of my room- it's my stuff!" However, imagine the 33 year old with a brand new car- would we expect him to let his best friend take it for a spin because- "you have to share". Sharing is a gracious quality to have but one of the most difficult. It takes a delicate balance to teach sharing and to role model how it is done. Children learn by what they see and hear! If you had to share throughout your whole childhood, as an adult there may be a tendency to want to be a little possessive about some things in your life. Neighbours and friends have been discarded because items have not been returned or returned damaged. I stopped lending books years ago because some people have not returned them and I felt burnt. " Well it's just  a book!" So we encourage and help young children to share but at the same time recognize it as wonderful quality. Remember wars have been fought over sharing a territory! Do you like to share? Do you have a young child you are trying to teach to share? Do you have adult membes in your family who are possessive about everything?  What do you think about the whole concept of sharing? It is a tough one!

WEATHERING THE STORM

As the pictures from the Tornado in Goderich, Ontario flash across our screens, we can reflect on other disasters that we have seen. From floods to monsoons to hurricanes to tornados to war zones, no one  on this earth will escape some  adversity in his or her lifetime. We all can have something beautiful that can be destroyed in a short time. The town square in Goderich reminds me of Adolph's hometown Cassino afer WWII. It was a beautiful town before the war and completely rebuilt afterwards. It never was the same picturesque community. Courage and perseverance is needed to start over. To lose our homes and our stuff is not easy. We are often told well the insurance will pay. It does not replace the memories. The anxiety about other future disaster possibilities can manifest itself in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Letting ourselves grieve the situation before moving on is essential. When a community is affected, there is a solidarity in numbers-you do not feel alone! Have you experienced some adversity lately? Do you feel affected by witnessing disasters in the media? Have you weathered a storm recently?

LARGER THAN US

A panoramic view can be very humbling. Looking into the distance and wondering what is on the other side of the mountain brings thoughts of our place on this earth. We fit in a small space while the landscape is big. We are one of many people. Do you every stand somewhere and reflect on the larger scene? Does it inspire you? Does it humble you?

A POSTCARD FROM ALASKA

My folks loved to take the cruise that left Vancouver, travelled the Inside Passage to Alaska.
I received many postcards over the years from them.
September 20, 1993- "Hi Gang! Here we are on the sea! This is our ship. We are on the boat deck. Cabin 127--really big, outside super. Great fun every hour. Holding my own in Casino. Granpa salmon fishing in Ketechan. Marvelous day like June instead of Sept. We stayed in Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver. The best in world. Simply fantastic!! Love xxx Mom, Dad" As with most of the cards from Alaska there was a postage due- 22 cents!

Recently, Roy and Margaret( cousin & cousin-in-law) took this wonderful journey to Alaska. Roy took some amazing photographs that can be viewed on http://www.flickr.com/photos/papa-ellis . Duing their busy time, a card was sent to us.
"26 July 2011 Greetings from Skagway! Fantastic cruise- icebergs, whales, birds, seals & bear. Food is great-nice state room & veranda. Too much to do, on & off the Zuiderdam. Train to White Pass summit and return after lunch. Cool & wet weather, after sunny Vancouver weather last Sat. Glaciers tomorrow, Ketchikan next day, then return to Vancouver on Saturday. Roy&Margaret" No postage due- the price was 80 cents. A beautiful stamp for my collection too!

My mother would buy many postcards on each trip. During her last trip, she informed me she had written her postcards before she left home so she could enjoy the cruise! The lastest card from the folks in my collection was September 6, 1996 from Ketchikan, Alaska addressed to my girls-"Sonya, Natasha, Hi my darlings how are you. This is a trip to save for. My niece's daughter works on a cruise ship. She loves it. Lots of parties and new men. Going shopping in Skagway tomorrow, then Juneau. We love Alaska! See you at Ron's wedding. Love Granpa & Nana-xxxxoooo" Of course there was postage due of 12 cents!!!

Anyone I know that has taken a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver absolutely enjoys it. Needless to say it is on my Bucket list!
If you want a postcard featued here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

BY THE WATER

While enjoying a picnic lunch last Sunday in a little park in Port Perry located on Lake Scugog, I was observing how people always gravitate to a location near water. Is it primal? Our bodies are composed of a large percentage of water. The tidal pull from the moon is a daily occurrence. The sound of water brings many memories to us. We drink it, wash with it and play with it. Fishing! Boating! Many wildlife and of course fish live in the water. Depending on your belief in all the evolution theories, perhaps some species did come from the water to the land. A beach on the ocean, lake or river is always a common destination worldwide. It was the main transportation historically for man. Faster by water than land!  Those vacation brochures- the best beach in the world! A house or cottage near water is desirable property. We build ponds with little fountains in our backyards to have water. A backyard pool still is a status symbol.
Movies have had water in their title. A recent film- Water for Elephants is one.

Some of the water vegetation is quite picturesque. Do you like the bullrushes and the water lilly pads? I found them to be quite symbolic.

A solitary water lilly. What story could we make from it? Can you hear the bullfrog? Do you expect a fish to jump and eat a mosquitoe? I look at the picture and feel like writing a poem.

DEPRESSION CAN BE FATAL

Clinical depression is a mental illness. Even in this day, there is a stigma attached. An illness needs to be treated and respected as any other illness. This week a Canadian hockey player- age 27- succumbed to his depression. Since a sports figure had depression, the only good thing is it may be able to draw attention to the other Canadians suffering from this illness as well as sufferers worldwide. There are times we all can have situational depression from such events as a death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, or any other event in our lives that throws us off balance. Never hesitate to go to your doctor or tell a friend about your feelings! Seek help! If you notice someone you know with depression that seems to be debilitating- help the person to seek professional help while remaining a good support. There are many community health care professionals available as well as crisis lines in many urban areas if you want to phone without giving your name. Depression can kill if it leads to suicide! Giving a person hope in the middle of depression could be a life saver! Do you know someone who is depressed? Are you depressed? Talk to someone.

NUMBER ONE

Number 1 can be a significant number to many. " I want to be first in line!" Finishing first in a race or a golf game can mean the difference in a significant amount of money and status. Second does not cut it even though status comes with it too. The first choice for a job. Being the bride and not the bridesmaid! The best sales record in your division! Winning the beauty talent, best dancer, best singer contest- " the winner is!" Participating is fun but being the winner is even better. "We're number one!" However, Canadians seem okay with not being number 1 in the world. It's okay for us that we place wherever we place. Even number 10 is okay with us or how we rank. Except with the 2010 Olympics- we did get a little assertive! First job, first love, first marriage, first child, first bike, first car, first vacation outside Canada, first house-these images can bring so many memories to us! Then there is the First Birthday of my littlest grandson! He is not my first grandson but like the rest of the grandchilren very precious to our family! Do you have some firsts that are significant to you? Do you care if you are number 1! Have you ever been number 1? How did it feel?

NANA SAYS A CHILD'S INDEPENDENCE COMES AT MANY STAGES

"Let me do it!" " I can do it!" Statements that children of all ages tell us. The defiant two year old! The five year old that wants to help with dusting! The ten year old that wants to bake a cake or mow the grass alone! The fifteen year old that does not want a ride home from a friend's house! There is always a push-pull between safety and allowing our children and grandchildren to do an activity by themselves. As adults we often see the safety consequences much clearer than a child. However, there are unnecessary risk taking adults that may actually teach bad habits to children. Sometimes, we can discourage children by saying " don't be a sissy!" All of us have our own definition of independence. There are times children need to be dependent on us. When a child is about to learn a new skill or enter a new stage, there may be some temporary regression before the surge forward. As the adult in the situation we must be aware of the child's needs. Support, encouragement, love are the key ingredients as well as setting some clear boundaries! What is your definition of independence? Dependence? Do you struggle with safe boundaries? What has worked for you?

A TRIP TO THE FARM

Brings out the nostaglia in all of us. Fresh produce, fields, old farm equipment.
We are reminded of the work that goes into bringing food to the table. Many places now
have agritours- agricultural adventures- to spend time on a farm learning and working along side the owners.. In Adolph's hometown- Cassino, Italy- they have such vacations. However, if I go there again, I would spend time in a hotel.

Old equipment make interesting garden ornaments. Not everything makes its way to a museum! In my youth I wanted to live in the country. The closest thing I have now is an overgrown suburbian garden. So visits to the country keeps the feeling alive in me.

Do you like the old wagon? Should be hitched to a horse to go for a ride!

Many movies from the depression era always show people trying to find work for food. Ride the rails and get off at a farm to eat and sleep in the barn. Now we can go and pick our own fruit. There are several strawberry and raspberry farms for picking. The tomatoes are almost ready for the Southern Europeans to pick many bushels to make their own passata. In the Fall the apple orchards have such fun outings. Do you like to pick your own fruit? Does going to the farm bring out the country in you? Or do you prefer a city market without the work?

CANADIAN CORN

We often think of wheat as being the Canadian staple. Corn is grown across the country too.
Throughout the summer a drive anywhere north, east, west of the GTA reveals farms with many corn fields.

In my immediate area, just north of Toronto, the Huron Nation lived hundreds of years ago. They were long gone in the area when the white man arrived ( 1790). Corn was a staple food for them. They would live in an area for about 12 years until the soil was quite leeched then found a new location. Their homes were long houses not the teepees often depicted for Native Canadians. There have been several archeological digs in the area that have revealed their history. In 1649 they were almost wiped out by the Iroquois. Regrouping with other Native nations in the late 1600's, the land in Southern Ontario was reclaimed by the Confederacy of several nations. In the Midland area there are historic sites honouring the Hurons. The history and story is very interesting. One day we can discuss it more.

In one of our many summer drives, Adolph and I stopped at a roadside farm- Willowtree farm- just west of Port Parry. We bought some brocoli, cauliflower and of course a few cobs of corn. Freshly picked corn is so good with some butter and a little salt. I just eat mine with a bit of butter though. After husking,  we still boil our cobs but some people like to leave the husk and pick it on the barbecue to steam. August is the time for a good corn roast. Corn is just a welcome addition to any meal throughout the week. The taste of the "Peaches n Cream type" is delicious. Do you like corn on the cob? Does it become an August staple for you? Take a drive to your local farm and buy some!

A POSTCARD FROM MUNICH, GERMANY

My daughter studied in Italy in 2001 for 4 months. During one of her weekends she and a group of students took the train to Munich for the real Octoberfest.  While there she wrote us a postcard.

October 6/01
"Hi Family! I am having an incredible time here in Munich. The Octoberfest festivities were quite an experience. My friends and I also went on a really cool hike tour of the city. Munich is so much more beautiful than I had imagined. Today we will go to Dacau-one of the first concentration camps of WWII. It will be a heartbreaking, yet enriching experience. I hope everything is well back home. I miss you all & love you very much. Sonya XOXOXO " There is an Italian stamp as Sonya sent it when she returned to Milan.
Germany does have such a rich history and culture. The postcard features the Church of the Theatines (1675).
Have you been to Germany? I would love to go one day and take a cruise down the Rhine to visit historic sites as well as tour the wine country. There are so many good wines especially the white ones- Reisling, Blue Nun, to name a couple- that I love.
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

THE LONG COMMUTE

Is a reality for many working people around any large city. Hours on the road or the GO train or the subway are daily grinds in the GTA. Saturday brings the peace of staying home or shopping- what errands need to be done. Some drives are an hour on a good day. Weather, road repairs, accidents can extend the time regularly. Why do we do it? What compels us to work hours away from our homes? In my workplace, there are many facing a long commute every day. There are hospitals where they live but they chose to work here. Since I have no real travel time- 20 minutes walking or 5 minutes by car is nothing! Do you have a long commute? How do you use the time? Do you feel your time is wasted?

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

August is the melancholic time of year. The summer is starting to wind down. Some people still need to take their summer vacations. There is a pressure to enjoy every minute of the warm weather. So if there are some cool nights, it is too much of a reminder that Fall is around the corner. Wishful thinking that perhaps September will bring more warmer weather! Change of seasons can bring many moods. Everyone at my work this week has been very tired. Is it the daily demands and active schedule of an acute care hospital or the pull on our energy of change coming again? Mood swings can affect us. Those with clinical depression may be experiencing heightened mood swings! August is a time of harvest, enjoying the extended daylight, but seeing it as the last real month of summer- even though 3/4 of September is still summer. To me summer never lasts long enough. Do you enjoy summer? Has is your August? Vacation plans? Tell me your story!

A BARREL OF LAUGHS

Laughter is good for the soul. We laugh at a joke, ourselves, a sitcom. Even in adversity we should find the humour in any situation to help break the ice. Have you ever been at a tough meeting and the first little joke brings over exaggerated laughter? A funny story in an eulogy at a funeral reminds us the deceased was a person with a personalily. Laughing at people is not okay. Making fun of others in a hurtful way is not okay. Sarcasm is such humour. It is a back handed slap trying to be disguised as humour. The sarcastic person is difficult to be around! Who needs all that negativity? What do you find funny? Did you have a good giggle today?

NANA SAYS SIX YEAR OLDS ARE FUN

Each phase and stage of children bring joy and amazement. My little granddaughter will start Grade One in a few weeks. Over the summer her reading skills have improved, her art developed and her conversations are interesting. She does have her moments where she tests the rules- oh well, just being a kid! Her activities can parallel mine so both of us can be doing something creative together. Still teaching her to knit- she almost has the skill- maybe next time. Do you find the different ages of your children/grandchildren interesting and fun?

A SIGN WARNING CAUTION

Sometimes in life we are given warning signs to proceed with caution. A yellow traffic light clues to stop or try to get through the intersection before it turns red. With our health, an unusual weight gain or loss, a new cough, or a general change in our well being are good signs to get us checked out. We can chose to be cautious all the time but might eliminate some opportunities that may be beneficial to us. Being aware of our environment, locking our doors, changing the oil in our car and many other daily activities can help to keep us safe from some harm. Even if we try to avoid all possible bad situations, life does happen. There are unavoidable circumstances that we must roll with all the consequences. Caution does help us to keep our eyes and ears open to any danger! Are you a cautious person? Are there events in your life that were avoidable if only you had paid attention to them? Are you overly cautious? Tell me your thoughts.

THE SUMMER HARVEST

One of the joys of summer is the local harvest. There are so many outdoor markets and roadside stands with fresh produce. I went to a small one yesterday at our local mall. Wednesday and Sunday- just a few stalls but an abundance of fresh produce. With my baskets of tomatoes and peaches plus a cheese bread later returned home. I always like to support the local farmers. Grocery stores are needed but summer buying outside is fun! Do you have local markets you like? Do you ever go picking your own fruit or vegetables? Years ago when I made my own jam, I liked to pick the fresh strawberries. No one eats the jam or pickles anymore so I stopped making my own. We buy the bottled passata for sauce now. Do you still make homemade jams and pickles?

A POSTCARD FROM NEW BRUNSWICK

New Brunswick has been the home to one of my brothers, Reed for many decades. Many family members have visited the province and find its beauty comparable to the other Maritime provinces.
The Hopewell Rocks, the Tidal Bore in Moncton are just a couple of the many sites to see.

Of course, the many lighthouses throughout the province.
During my last trip there, 2000, when Adolph and I attended the wedding of our niece Kathryn and husband, Jim, we were welcomed with wonderful Acadian hospitality and found the friendliness of the people endearing.
Although I have not received a postcard from there, I did buy several to add to my collection.

I love the old postcard of Main Street looking east in Moncton. I wonder what year it is as the cars are rather old. Have you had a visit to New Brunswick? I know during September 11th, 2001, many planes were grounded in Moncton and the people remember the warmth provided by the locals during a world crisis until they could fly home. Tell me your Maritime story!
If you want your postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send a postcard to me.

CICADAS-THE SOUND OF AUGUST

The Cicadas are that large, winged insect with the sound of a high pitched whine that occur usually in mid-August. The sound is the mark of summer starting to wind down. This year we heard them in mid-July so I mentioned to my granddaughter it was a cicada. Today outside we could hear them and Sohpia said it's a cicada, Nana.  The funny thing is I do not think I have ever seen one- just heard them! I do not know much about them. I think they do no harm. At least I have never had a cicada bite- mosquitoe, spider, black fly but not a cicada. Their sound is always expected this time of year. Do you have cicadas in your area? What do you know about them?

FLYING THROUGH THE CLOUDS

Is like driving in a whiteout. On the final descent into Toronto from a trip west recently, we had to fly through clouds for a good half-hour. Did not like it. I know the pilot had precision instruments and the guys at the Control Tower were leading us home but did not alleviate my anxiety. I kept looking for a break in the clouds to try to see the ground. Finally, it came and five minutes later, descending further, seeing the runway the plane landed safely. There had been rain so the clouds had covered the sky. Sometimes in life we are flying through clouds and really can not see where we are going! Faith can guide us! A good pilot! A good driver! The optimistic part is to keep looking for the ground and a safe landing. This can come in so many ways- a supportive family, good friends, a windfall, having an idea- all can lift the clouds and allow us to see. Do you have a story about your clouds lifting? Who is in your Control Tower?

THE GLENROSA FIRE TWO YEARS LATER

In the summer of 2009 it was very scary for our family when the subdivision-Glen Rosa- West Kelowna, BC needed to be evacuated for a fire. Our folks were one of the many families. We did not know where they were for four days. They lost a hedge, had parts of their siding warped and some water damage from the helicopter dropping water saving their house. Otherwise quite unscathed.  Walking up their street on a recent visit, I noticed some benches up the hill. Climbed the hill and found the commerative kiosk with the story of the fire and the tribute to the people who saved that part of the valley. There is a highway behind the kiosk. The ridge west and north of my folks' house has burnt out trees. In the picture, you can see the saw mill that was saved. All very close to the house.

I compiled many pictures and stories about the fire and made an album. It is another family story. However, it was very peaceful to view and reflect about the fire there. The view of the valley is so beautiful. Seeing the dead trees surrounding the subdivision is a reflection on how close to further destruction and possible death the area could have had. It did not. Three houses burnt to the ground, the workers saved the Saw Mill and no one died! Reflecting on life, it makes me realize other close calls we have had. Feeling blessed does not capture everything we can feel-it does come close! Have you had some close calls? Tell me your story!

A VIEW FROM THE PLANE

I always love to sit by the window when I fly anywhere. I spend a great portion of any trip looking out the window. To see the earth from the sky gives a humbling experience. On a recent flight across Canada, the prairies and mountain range- The Rockies- always cease to amaze me. The neat patterns of the farms that bring food to our nation- one of our many food baskets. The time over the mountains- seeing the range of them- majestic, awesome. Not bad for a bunch of rocks! Then the decent into the Kelowna airport. Such a difference from Toronto with dozens of gates to depart- Kelowna has two! Seeing the vineyards from the air reminds me of the great wines that are offered from that region. Do you like to fly? Have you ever seen your house from the air? Once in my teens returning from the west, we flew right over our house and it was so neat to see my home area- house, school, streets from the air! How about you? Do you have a favourite place you have seen from the air.