PUMPKINS- ORANGE THAT WE LOVE

Pumpkins are a definite sign of the season. Great for decorating a veranda or putting on a festive table. The seeds are tasty roasted. Some people crave the most beautiful creations. Our workplace even has a pumpkin carving contest! Does yours? Then there are the pumpkin pies, cupcakes, bread or whatever the baker can conjure from this Canadian vegetable. A country drive may take you to a pumpkin field where you can pick and choose your own pumpkin.

Soon there will be the news item of who grew the biggest pumpkin! And where! Apparently the trick is to inject it with milk so it helps it grow bigger. Don't know that I will pick my own pumpkin but I do know a good farmer's market or two to peruse for a good one! Are you ready to buy one?

THE SOUND OF LEAVES

Making the crunchy sound under your feet brings one of the pleasures of Fall. Remembering large leaf piles to jump in as a child or collecting leaves for a science project as always being some of the enjoyments of Fall. Trying to block out that cold days could be coming are the trepidations of an adult. We need some balance to enjoy all the days while preparing for the cold ones. Fall always comes after summer-so it is really just another season to enjoy. The changing colours and the Fall harvest of apples, squash, sweet potatoes- are not to be missed! Of course if the days stay warm for some time then there is more to enjoy! Fall- got to love it as it is the season we have right now! Are you enjoying Fall? What are your favourite things about Fall?

A FOUNTAIN

Brings water and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many backyard gardens have a fountain. A famous fountain in Rome- Trevi Fountain- is a popular and must see tourist spot. We often toss a coin to make a wish in the fountain. Sitting by a fountain and listening to the trickling water is always enjoyable. Do you have a fountain? What is your most memorable moment beside a fountain? Mine is being able to drink a small bottle of white wine by the Trevi Fountan in Rome in 1991! Or pictures by the fountain at the CNE in Toronto with my children! Fountains and pictures do go together, don't they!

NANA SAYS TIME WITH GRANDCHILDREN IS ALWAYS PRECIOUS

 And spending time with your grandchildren can also be time consuming, frustrating and energy sapping. In order to establish a relationship time is the key element. Come and give granpa a kiss and sending a child on his/her way does not build the relationship. Enduring the mess, the noise and the defiance allows both grandparent and child to bond. Then there are the many positive moments- fighting for your lap, wanting the sleepover and needing a bedtime story read and the opportunity to watch a precious child grow! Do you remember the first time your grandchild called you by name? I am Nana and the first time I was called it, was very heartwarming. Answering the many questions, listening with interest to the little stories and seeing love in their eyes make grandchildren very important people. Do you have grandchildren? Do you have special stories to tell?

THE CONNECTING BRIDGE

In Toronto is the Bloor Via Duct over the Don Valley Parkway. Like bridges in other parts of the world, it connects from one side to another- west with the east side of Toronto. Bridges help us in many ways in our lives. They can be symbolic in our dreams too. If we are facing a change, the bridge helps us to face the change by crossing over to the new life.  In the middle of a bridge, we can see both sides, deciding to go forward or turn and go back. Or travel under it! There are so many famous bridges in the world- San Franscico, Vancouver, Montreal have significant bridges. Pictures abound of them. Do you have a favourite bridge that was significant in your life?

EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

Is a great term when faced with a life crisis. Trying to put on a game face with a smile but feeling torn inside. Wanting good news, but expecting bad news! Sometimes not sure what to feel. Our bodies will react to this emotional state in various ways. Upset stomachs, out of whack bowels, tense muscles! How to deal with it becomes a struggle! It is best to know the feelings are normal and we are going to feel badly no matter what we do. Keep busy with gentle projects! Nothing too strenuous! Use activities that bring some order to an out of order life. My clothes closet is very organized as it helped me make it through the weekend. What do you do? How do you keep your emotions in check? Reach out and hug someone!

A SUNNY FALL DAY

Lifts the spirits of those who are missing the warm days of summer. To be able to be outside sitting on the veranda or taking a walk, makes the heart sing. It puts a smile on our face. Hard to be gloomy when the weather is cheery! More seems to get accomplished as light permeates a room. Of course all the dust bunnies show! Are you enjoying a sunny day?

A POSTCARD FROM FLORIDA

Several trips to Florida when the children were younger were manageable on a tight budget. During the trip of 1988, we stayed on the west coast at St. Peterberg, visited Busch Gardens, travelled to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World. The girls were younger and the big thrill for them was the pool at the hotels.

Florida has great beaches, wonderful for collecting shells and of course, the oranges, tangerines, grapefruit. A drive through the central region is so delightful as the smell of the fruit permeates the air.
During the 1988 trip, Sonya wrote a postcard to her Nana and Grandpa- " Dear NaNa & Grandpa, We'r having a great time in florida. every day we go on the beach and collect shells. We whent to basch gardens and whent on rides and looked at the animals. Love Sonya." Dated March 9, 1988.

Walt Disney World and Epcot Centre were so interesting. My mother-in-law Concetta that travelled with us really enjoyed everything too. Canadians, travel to Florida in great numbers. Many people have properties there spending the winter months and returning to Canada in the Spring- called the "Snowbirds". Of course many children and grandchildren will join their folks for an easy affordable vacation. Without a doubt, the pink flamingos that are such an interesting bird and very photogenic are so amazing to see live.

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. 

FALL IS HERE

And so is Fall cleaning- the house, the garden, the clothes closet, the garage. Cleaning, sorting, discarding, decluttering, organizing brings a renewed order to our lives. Of course all these activities do not need to be done in one day but over the season. Reviewing what is important in our lives periodically helps us to focus on our priorities. Personally, I like to keep my photos up to date- scrapbooking, copies to family members, weeding old pictures that are irrelevant in my life. I completed my summer scrapbook to be able to enjoy and share with family. The clothes closet gets a cleaning twice yearly. Fall also brings the beautiful colours so a country drive is a pleasurable reward for any hard work. What do you do in the Fall? Is it a time of renewel for you? For those of us in middle age, it is the Fall of our lives- a time to reap the benefits of our achievements. Or a time to continue to follow some dreams and passions?

A BOAT CRUISE

A slow cruise on the water-whether a lake, river or ocean allows us to enjoy one of earth's elements in a different way. Water sustains us of course. But using water for a recreational vehicle brings a calming connection with nature. I have been on a cruise for days in the Carribean and a short cruise in the Toronto harbour. Paddling a canoe, rowing a boat or clipping along in a motor boat bring enjoyment and create memories. Would I like to be on a boat right now-yes! To escape the troubles of the day! Of course take some bug spray as dusk does bring out the little critters! Do you like boats? Do you have a special memory of cruising?

THE LAST TIME

We do something does not become the last time until it is over. For example, I eat outside as much as I can in the warmer weather. I do not know when it will be the last time for the season. The last time we see a friend. The last time we kiss a loved one good-bye can come without us even knowing it is the last time. When school ends, we know it is the end and September brings a new year. There are beginnings and ends that are predicatable. Christmas Day with all the lead up then it is Boxing Day. Prepare for next year. If someone ticks us off, we can quietly say well that will be the last time and gently not return phone calls or emails. Families have a way of creating last times. The last reunion, the last get together, the family funeral. Together for the last time. Coming together for the crisis then going our own ways without looking back! It was the last time I talked to him! The annual Christmas card but no real communication will be necessary. Sometimes someone has had the last time and did not really realize it! Like the date that seemed great but the person did not call back! I have no problem with goodbyes! Moving forward to people that are happy and healthy keeps me energized. In my life, I have weeded the toxic people. Someone told me I am too nice! However, even this nice person will not be rude but will quietly make it the last time for people that sap my positive feeling! I think I see the last time coming for several situations in my life right now! Some painful, some needed! Are you facing a last time right now? Have you had a recent event that surprised you as a last time? Are you moving forward to a first time with a new person or situation? Tell me your story.

AN APPLE A DAY

Keeps the doctor away was a common saying growing up. Now there are supposed to be some medicinal purposes to the saying. As we approach the apple picking season, it is a good reminder of how healthy the fruit can be. Of course, there are the apple pies, apple fritters and apple crisp. Served with vanilla ice cream or ice cream of your choice, just remember you are doing your body good! Who says good eating can't come in the form of dessert? Hum-do I have some pie in the house-let's go see!

BUSY HANDS PREVENT IDLE MINDS

Being busy can be very therapeutic when going through a hard time. Maintaining order by accomplishing small tasks, keeps us grounded. The simple task of folding laundry or cleaning a counter or watering the plants allows us to move forward in our distress. Sitting and idly doing nothing may be needed sometimes, but doing something gives the sense of keeping order and control in our lives. Are you distressed now? Do you need to find some order and control in your life? Busy hands helps us to expend some energy- like the boiling kettle, we all need to release some steam!

LOSING A LOVED ONE

There are many stages in life- a time to live and a time to die as the Bible tells us. The painful process of losing a loved one happens to us all. Here's to those who are going through a difficult time. The anticipatory grief stage is very draining. Are you experiencing such an experience right now? Reach out and embrace your family.

COUNT OUR BLESSINGS

My daughter Sonya reminded me today that despite any adversity to remember to count our blessings. Even when times are tough, there are joyous moments to embrace. My family-especially my husband, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, siblings(and families) and even a few cousins are some of  the many blessings I have. Do you count your blessings? Can you rejoice despite the hard times in your life?

THE FALL HARVEST

With summer over, the Fall brings the bounty of the season. Red peppers are a favourite of Adolph and me. We like them fresh, roasted or pickled. Eggplant is so plentiful this time of year too. The fall markets are fun places to visit and buy lots of fresh items. Years ago I would make a variety of pickled items and some jams. Now I buy a few items as we need them.  In the past, Canadians needed to dry the fruit, stock pile root vegetables to prepare for winter. So pickling any fruit or vegetable was a must to sustain the larder over the winter. Now with fresh items transported year round it is no longer a necessity. There is still a need however to try to prepare for the cold months ahead. It must be in our genes! Do you have the need to prepare for colder times?

HOME SWEET HOME

After any journey, vacation, emergency family crisis, home is a welcome relief. Regrouping energy, seeing loved ones and just doing the laundry in your own space gives a sense of control. Living out of a suitcase in someone else's home is usually difficult. It is easier to find something in a big house then remembering where it was tucked in a bag! Have you been away recently? Were you glad to be home?

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND

Here's to all the people we love. Give them a hug, a phone call or send a prayer their way. Love unconditionally- just because the person needs to be loved. To the people I love- a big kiss!

HEADING INTO THE UNKNOWN

The unknown is difficult to take. We all want clear answers but life is not always so easy. Staying patient with the unknown takes courage. To be able to say- I don't know when an answer is being desired can be frustrating. I am facing an unknown. I have gone with my instinct of what needs to be done! Will it be right?
Only time will tell. Are you facing the unknown today? Take courage and follow your heart!

A POSTCARD FROM MONTREAL

Montreal is a beautiful big city in Canada. Visited in 1963 to see our grandparents away on their ship to Scotland.
I have spent several hours as a layover on several  trips to other parts of Canada in one of the airports in Montreal.

Since Adolph and I could not go to Paris in the Springtime, the decision was made to go to Montreal for part of our 40th anniversay celebration A city with a French twist. Enjoyed the downtown core. Adolph was able to eat the smoked meat for which Montreal is famous! We ate at Reubens. I had a reuben sandwich, what else.

The excitement of a major city, Old Montreal and the Port were enjoyable for the short stay we had. Definitely will return one day. We have not received any cards from Montreal but I did send some to my grandchildren.
If you want a postcard featured here, just email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send a card.

A FAMILY CRISIS

Occurs in everyone's life. We all have families so we know there are the good times, the bad times, the happy times and the sad times. A family can be supportive or dysfunctional. The cream rises to the top during a crisis. Are you cream in your family or are you the one that sours the milk? Not questioning, putting down and doubting a family member is the way to give unconditional support. So many families experience the negativity of a few that makes the experience more painful. There are always the doers in a family. They do the walk not just the talk. Doers get tired of all the criticism? If you are on the sidelines than just cheer. If you are not willing to get into the game and get dirty then stay quiet. So what are you? Are you just the Talker? Or do you do the Walk?

MAKING IT THROUGH THE DAY

Some days with tough times are hard to endure. By putting one foot in front of the other, we try to make it through the day. Are you dealing with a crisis, a problem, a tough time? Just keep going and make it through the day.

NANA SAYS GRADE ONE IS LOTS OF FUN

My granddaughter starts Grade One today. Everyone has been concerned that after Kindergarten is so much tougher with homework and a long day. We all went to Grade One at some point in our lives. I remember my Grade One teacher- Mrs. Morehouse at Pelmo Park Public School in North York. She seemed so old at the time. However, she was so gentle and sweet. I don't remember her yelling or centering out any children. I learnt to read and really enjoyed school. The teachers in the younger grades must have the patience for the range of differences in ability and academic knowledge. Some children are reading well and others are just getting started. To blend all those children together and help the class emerge is a huge responsibility. Here's to all the Mrs. Morehouses out there! Do you remember your Grade One teacher? Did you like school?

WHAT WOULD YOUR MEMOIR SAY!

If you had to write a memoir what would you say about yourself! What would be the highlights of your life! The good, the bad and the ugly! How would you describe yourself? Caring! Loving! Cheap! Thrifty! Always there for your family and friends! A loner! A social butterfly! Most people exaggerate the good qualities and see themselves as more positive than reality. Now if you asked someone else to write a biography about you, do you think it would match your own opinion of yourself! I have been with the most negative people that will state how knowledgeable and positive they are! In my head, I usually say- Right! Our worst critics usually help us identify our flaws whether we want to or not? Be careful! Some people may want to drag you down. Ask the nice people! They get dumped on a lot! If you are crabby, no one wants to say anything because they do not want the wrath!  I hope my memoir matches what I think of myself- nice, my personal history, my life in Social Work, love my family, patient, poor manners tick me off, cheap people including family tick me off, ready to learn something new, think I am slimmer than I am until I see the pictures with my tummy rolls, get bored when I am not challenged enough, surprised about how deep I feel about certain situations, definitely do not like to cry publically and well all around good person! Now I should get Adolph to read this and perhaps he will set me straight! Then I could write his biography. So what would your memoir say! What would be your social, family and work history? Regardless of your age what do you want to be said about you! Identifying those qualities, now go about living them! Be the person you want to be! Hum, now I sound like an ad and a little preachy- perhaps I need to add preachy to my memoir!

A POSTCARD FROM JERUSALEM ISRAEL

Adolph and I were lucky to travel to Israel in 1991. We were attending a business associate's son's Bar Mitzvah.

Years later a work mate that returned to Israel sent me a card.
" Hi Barb! July 2,/94. It was a great socprice to received your card. ISRAEL is nice to my, but very different coulture and people. I am living in Jerusalem and every weekend come home to see my family at the Kibbutze. I miss work and the very good talk-and Jocks with you. But I am slowly get use to the new realtity-calld Israel. I have part time job teaching and couching kids to swim. I am trying to get a school job fro next year in special E.D. It is very hot here but I am adjusting my self to it. Don't forget to my love to errybody. How know me in muki bum, as well as the peopl that you serve. With love-Niv. P.S.- If you in Israel.You have to see me."  I have to leave the wording exactly as he wrote it. Niv returned to Israel after being in Canada several years. I had asked him one time what he liked about Canada. He said the Pies! Even the vegetable ones! I tried to think what would be a vegetable- pumpkin!

Jerusalem is an amazing city for its history and religious significance. Adolph and I had a tour of Old Jersusalem conducted by a Rabbi. He was very well versed on the Stations of the Cross! The Mount of Olives, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall were wonderful to see.

The Kirdon Valley, the Old Jewish Quarter and the Church of Gethsemane( the church of all nations) all have such historical significance to modern religions. We stayed at Laromme Jerusalem Hotel overlooking Old Jerusalem. The Bar Mitzvah was at the King David Hotel. I would love to return to Israel one day to see other parts of the country. Our trip there was too short.
Have you been to Israel? Isn't it an integral part of history?

HAPPILY EVER AFTER ONLY OCCURS IN FAIRY TALES

It would be nice if there was a happy ever after for most things in life. Unfortunately, there may be glitches in many areas of our lives. How to care for our elderly folks? Which house to go to for Christmas dinner? Being passed over for a promotion at work. Even the man/woman of our dreams may not be happy ever after. Life has a way of presenting itself. Sometimes exciting, sometimes boring and sometimes a struggle. Sometimes it is necessary to say goodbye to people in our lives due to death. Sometimes to people who make our lives toxic. In families unresolved conflicts can be the end of relationships. When family members live far away, it makes it very easy to put distance to the relationships and to part ways. When the person like a parent that keeps us connected is still around, there must be a relationship but after death-well it is easy to sever the tie! There is no need to keep the bond! Then there are some people in our lives that are eternal and understand us! Sometimes we reconnect with people from other times in our lives and are glad they have returned to us. In my life, when I have been patient with a situation for long enough there does come a time to stand my ground and say arriverderci! Are you facing a crossroad to let go of a relationship? Is it family? A friend? Have you reconnected with someone? Tell me your thoughts.

THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Is the last official long weekend of the summer. When the children were younger, I used to use it as a mark to clean the house and do the windows- I took the word labour literally! Now I spread out the Fall cleaning to one area at a time over several months! It is a time to organize for the Fall. However, planning some fun events is okay too. Before the pace becomes hectic again it is a great weekend to enjoy! At the Canadian National Exhibition there is always the Labour Day Parade with the various unions marching to demonstrate the Labour movement in this country. It does seem somewhat passe! The labour laws and the protection of working people is so ingrained in our culture now.The origninal battles for rights brought us to where we are today! If you want, you can hire a lawyer! Are you planning any laborious activities? Will you be enjoying the good weather?

SEPTEMBER AND THE END TO SUMMER

Welcome September! The relaxed days of summer months are now just a memory. Even though we still have 3 weeks of summer left, the urge to reve up and get back to those projects put aside for summer activities has begun. Stores have been busy the last few weeks with the back to school shopping. Committees and staff meetings at work are scheduled with urgency. The student placements from the colleges and universities are arriving. No wonder everyone is feeling so tired! There is such a pressure to do things- well September is here, must get going! So take a deep breath and remember there is only 24 hours in the day and tomorrow will be another day! Don't pull out all the winter woolies yet! Keep the summer colours a little longer! Relish the days outside when the weather keeps warm for a while longer! Hope for the Indian summer! Buy some plants like the Fall mums adding new colour to your garden! For parents everywhere that have been trying to keep the little ones from being bored and active, the start of school is not necessarily a bad thing! Starting High School for the first time! The first year away at university or college brings challenges! The first time not going back to school but in an exciting new job! Yes welcome September, you can do some early Christmas shopping if you want or plan for your special projects as gifts. One of my relatives knit a beautiful sweater already for a family member with her leisure time over the summer as a Christmas gift! Do you welcome September? Or are you trying to catch those late season rays to keep your tan?