ARE YOU INCLUSIVE OR EXCLUSIVE?

We all have friendship circles and favourite work buddies. Beyond that, how are you at welcoming new people in your life? It never ceases to amaze me when there is a new staff, for example, how many of the older staff ignore that person. Is it so difficult to welcome and introduce yourself? Ask the person how it is going? We have all been new at one time. It is difficult for many people to walk into a new setting, a party, a vacation lunch room and see so many strangers. I was at a bridal shower where one of my good friends was one seat over! So when the lady in the middle said, oh do you want me to move? She knew no one else at the table, we said no and just included her in our conversations and games and fun at the shower. Inclusive behaviour! It was such an easy thing to do! Do you speak another language? Language can be very exclusive. It is one of the main reason I started to learn Italian. How many times could I go to an event in my early dating days with Adolph and be excluded from the conversations? Even though I am by no way fluent, I understand and speak enough Italian. So can not be excluded! Fast forward to the current workplace. Stafff who speak another language other than English, often revert to their language- exclusive of the other staff around them! Those same staff would probably say oh we do not mean anything by it! Look around and see if anyone is being left out of situations. Be kind and include! Everyone does not need to become your best friend! Including fellow staff on your shift is not so difficult, is it? Going to a family party and reaching out to the non-family you do not know! Be available in the social situations that are just about "best buddies".  Yes, it can feel safer to be with "your own" but does it limit the opportunities. Of course, it does! So are you inclusive with your social behaviour or exclusive? Have does it feel when you have been excluded from situations? With little effort, you can help someone else to be included!

NANA SAYS IT TAKES LOTS OF WORK TO PLAN FOR TWO MONTHS OF SUMMER VACATION

With June approaching, the end of school activities consume a lot of time for parents. Then planning for the summer must start early. Deciding on a family vacation and where! Going to the family cottage or renting one takes effort of organizing two homes. Do the children have summer sports' activities like swimming, soceer, baseball or special camps like gymnastics, dance, math, computer or music.? Some parents send their children to weeks of sleepover camp eliminating any need to change their lives. Working and having children at home during the warm weather can be stressful. The day cares are open year round and often offer special day trips and summer activities.For the 11 or 12 year old it becomes tricky. Not wanting a babysitter, yet not old enough to be left alone all day, it is a huge dilemma for parents. Not old enough to get a summer jor or even one of those volunteer jobs that keep the child very occupied. Not wanting them sitting in front of a computer or tv all day either! Some parents will take separate week vacations from work to be with their children. No real family vacation but saves on the budget. Having activities on a daily basis for children is good. If math was the difficult subject, for example, activity books to work on math over the summer could be helpful. Books-yes reading can be an enjoyable activitiy. Using the library as a regular outing! Weekend day trips can be fun. To the beach, to the city, near us weekly jaunts to Wonderland with that seasonal pass and any family members that can join or even offer a day or sleepover for the children add some variety. Depending on the weather- will it be hot, wet, cool- can be the unforeseen factor in planning! Asking children what they want to do can be twofold- they can have particular interests but often children can be offered new opportunities that they may even like. Sounds really busy doesn't it? The less is more can be a good approach too. Rather than setting yourself up as a parent to run, run, run- plan for activities that let you relax too. Children can learn less is more too. Planning ahead though is your first defense because if you are already feeling tired from all the plans then it is a wakeup that maybe you are trying to make life too busy. There can be repetitive activities. A weekly picnic! A weekly family day at the beach! A weekly movie on discount movie night! Remember the grandparents do come in handy and can be one of the planned activities! How are you summer plans going? I remember as a parent with young children it was a struggle to offer them a rewarding summer. Plan and take some pressure off but leave some pockets for the unexpected times that may present themselves!

HEAT WAVES CAN AFFECT YOUR MOOD

When we go on a southern vacation by the water, we seem to love the hot weather. At home it can be a different story. Workplaces can have the air conditioner cranked up to freezer like temperatures. Some like it cool while others do not mind a little warmth as it it is an opportunity to wear loose, cotton summer clothes and sandals. Needing to wear a sweater inside when the weather is hot outside is a little disconcerting. Hot weather does not help a person's mood. Do you ever notice anger rises its ugly head when people are too hot? Think of a traffic jam? Waiting in line at a store? Instead of feeling mellow that winter is over and the warm weather is here, many people are not ding the happy dance! In my home, I handle the heat differently than my husband. A compromise is to make the pull out couch in the living room into his bed on very hot days. No matter how much air conditioner the second floor does not cool down enough! He is happy to toss and turn there and I am not frustrated!  Basements are good.They were the old fashioned way to stay cool in the summer before everyone had houses with air conditioning. Have patience as anger is not a way to live! It is just a little heat! Do you adjust to the heat or are one that just complains? How do you cope on the very hot days?

MAY WAS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE

For some a birthday month, an anniversary month, a staycation month, a Carribean vacation month, plant the garden month or just enjoying the beginning to the warmer season. As we walk towards to June, the way can be straight or even a little wavy! Whatever route you take, let's hope there is some adventure! Of course, and an opportunity to take lots of photos!

REFLECTIONS OF MAY 2012

As May begins to come to an end, it has been a memorable month. Time to garden, write, and organize areas of my life.  Small projects finished, larger projects getting closer to completion. First Mother's Day without a Mom. Thinking about the meaning of family and priorities in my life. Spending time with the grandchildren and trying to work on patience! Hopefully as we head into June, the summer will bring renewed energy, exercise and fun! Fun is a much needed commodity in life! Do you find ways you can have some fun? Summer helps us to slow down. Spring revs us up to clean, plant, garden. But the summer months rewards us with some time to enjoy the good weather! So what are you doing to have some fun?

CANADIAN WILDLIFE APPEARS EVERYWHERE

The beaver is such a symbol of Canada. While on a day trip Sunday I saw a beaver in Lake Scugog but was unable to capture its picture. So here is an artist's interpretation from the Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto. Our nickle- 5 cents- has a wonderful beaver on it. Spending time outdoors and rediscovering our natural wildlife is so therapeutic to me. I remember as a child canoeing in Algonkian Park in Ontario and following beaver in the river. Do you have some stories about the beaver? If you have property they can be destructive to new trees. Sometime I will write about the significance of the beaver and the early history of Canada. For now, enjoy the art!

A POSTCARD FROM WASAGA BEACH ONTARIO CANADA

I found some old postcards in my collection. Wasaga Beach is a popular destination for many Ontarions. It is a short drive from Toronto so many people will go for a day beach picnic. It is situated on Georgian Bay which is part of one of our great lakes- Lake Huron.

Friends of the family rented a cottage there when I was 10 so I spent a week with them. I bought these cards as it was all I could afford. Don't you just love the cars! I doubt if anyone can park on the beach anymore! I remember the sandbars in the lake as we all could walk out a great distance without it being over our heads.  When my girls were in High School, it was rite of passage to spend the Victoria Day weekend with groups of friends there over the weekend.
It is still very popular to go there renting a cottage or just spending a picnic day!
If you want postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

A STROLL AROUND THE GARDEN

As May is starting its decline, the garden is evolving to the late Spring and early summer.

The beautiful Iris!

My onion flowers that are growing everywhere, thanks to my friendly squirrels.

Some wildflowers I rescued from a field.

One of my garden paths is symbolic of many Canadian gardens. For me, a garden is a metaphor about life. It changes with the seasons. As one flower or plant withers and dies, another takes it place. A combination of perennials and annuals keeps the colour all season long. It is important to weed and cut back some plants. Similar to cleaning the clutter from all areas of our lives, gardens also need some decluttering occasionally. The best thing about my garden is sitting on the porch looking at it! Like life, all work and no play is not the way to have full enjoyment of a garden! How about you gardeners out there-are you just working in your garden or are you enjoying it? If we take another path, you will find Adolph's vegetable garden but that's fodder for another post another day. He will want to tell you about it on his http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com/ blog. Flowers are beautiful but vegetables are fun to eat fresh from the garden. Do you have a combination vegetable and flower garden too?

FAMILIES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

Family means different things to different people. In the end, it is a bunch of people, animals or even ducks that are related to each other by blood. Good, bad or indifferent- we either love each other or try to tolerate each other with minimal involvement. Some family members always prefer their friends to family. Excuses why visits can not occur! There is something, however, about the bonds of family that do tie us together. We marry into families so we are not accountable for our in-laws or other family members to whom we are not related by blood. When my children have concerns about their Dad, I just tell them I married him- you are related by blood! So if there are aspects they do not like, well the little old acorn does not fall from the tree! Family and all the warts- would rather have family than not all! How about you- how's your family?

CANADIAN FOREST FIRES ARE SCARY EVENTS!

As a fire rages in Northern Ontario and the town of Kirkland Lake is on evacuation standby, it is always a reminder of the power of fire and nature combined. As we worry about the safety of the families living there, it is a time to remember we all must be on some form of evacuation order at some time. Even in large urban areas, with chemical spills looming at times we all could face such a stressful event. We are advised by emergency services to have supplies in our homes for power outages or other natural disasters like tornados. I am not sure I would be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice. What to throw in the car? I know I would grab my purse and camera. Perhaps thinking about an emergency bag like the one to be packed when waiting for a baby to be born housed in a front closet would be an idea. This event really reminds me of the fire in Westbank British Columbia in July 2009. My folks' home was in the way of a forest fire on the mountain. They only lost their front hedge and some siding on the house was damaged. The water from the helicopter that doused their house caused a little damage in the house-came in through the front door. Their neighbour had a car burnt and some damage to their garden on their slope. It was a very close call!!

It was called the Glenrosa fire. The saw mill, as can be seen in the picture, was saved by the workers as many actually lived in Glenrosa. When I stood on the road behind my folks' home and viewed the damage on the mountain ridge, it was a real blessing the homes were saved.

As with any disaster there are always people involved who do their job which can often mean risking their lives. There is a beautiful four sided tribute to the events of the Glenrosa fire of 2009 on the side of the ride.
Today there are crews from Ontario fighting our fire. There are 80 fire fighters coming from British Columbia to assist our guys. In 2009 crews from Ontario went to BC to help with not only the Glenrosa fire but others that had been occurring along the Okanagan Valley. In the forest fire fighting community there is a real commarderie of assisting each other regardless where the fire may occur. Here's to all the men and women doing their jobs. In my family I have a nephew, Tom who will be very involved today fighting this current fire. Do you have anyone in harm's way today? Perhaps we all need to say a little prayer for our loved ones!

NANA SAYS IT'S A STRUGGLE TO HAVE CHILDREN REALLY LISTEN

How many times have I told you? You are not listening! I think these phrases come out of parents and grandparents mouths on a regular basis. Why do children not listen? Well, why do adults not listen? Perhaps the joy of the activity just prevails! Babies and toddlers can be redirected to something else. Older preschoolers, school age children and teenagers will have their mind set on something so listening has no rewards for them. Teaching the natural consequences of one's actions is one strategy. For example, if you touch the hot item, you will get hurt! Do we really want our children to be burnt. Physically removing the child from the prohibited activity comes with much heartache. Kicking, screaming can be results. Taking a toy away or stopping the activity do work. However, if you stop the car and turn around on a wanted activity, remember you must follow through and be at home with the sulky children. Tough love, always means you are not enjoying yourself either! So how do we get children to listen? Discipline and parenting means setting limits, being consistent with messages in a warm, supportive, loving environment. I love you but I do not like what you are doing or have done. No name calling! For me it is a regular struggle with my growing grandchildren. Safety is paramount so activities that are unsafe mean more struggles to teach and have the little ones listen! How do you help the children in your life learn to listen? What are your struggles?

WHEN THE FIREWORKS ARE OVER!

We all have exciting times in our lives. Feels a little like fireworks- oohs and ahs! Lots of splash and colour! Returning to our regular life and activities sometimes seems like a letdown. Where's the excitement? Where's the fun? Regular activities can bring the small "ah" moments. Looking each day for something that is passionate and fun takes energy and a commitment to enjoying the day. By living each day to the fullest as best we can, allows our lives to have meaning. There will be days that are a struggle. Even getting through that struggle can gives a sense of accomplishment. It is difficult with young children or caring for an older family member to find time for ourselves but setting aside even thirty minutes a day to read, exercise, or doing something pleasurable brings the little fireworks back into our lives. Do you enjoy fireworks? Do you struggle each day? How do you find the "ah" moments? What would some of the moments be?

A TEE SHIRT TELLS A STORY

While wearing my tee shirt today from the Mc Micheal Collection- from the Challenging Traditions in 2007 event and my grey sweatshirt hoodie- from Social Week 2012 , I thought about the number of times our very lowly tee shirts tell a story about us. Buying one from a major vacation let's everyone know where we have visited. Taking tee shirts from our home towns to give to others when we travel is always a fun gesture. Expensive tee shirts let everyone know, look at me I have money to waste on  expensive tee shirts! Babies wear- I love Mommy, I love Daddy, Best granpa or Best papa in some cases- on their little chests! Teenagers like offensive sayings or their favourite group or rapper! They come in every colour under the sun! We all have our favourite tee shirts. Hey, maybe it's a theme for some posts- a tee shirt from....... Or not! Do you have a favourite one? Was it a special present for you? What is the most bizarre tee shirt you ever had?

FORGET ME NOTS

Are  beautiful little flowers that comes up in the Canadain Spring garden. I am sure it has a more scientific name. They are easily transplanted from one spot to another. If they are growing in one of my paths, I just gently pull them saving the roots and put in another place in the garden. Do you have this lovely flower in one of your beds?

ANOTHER POSTCARD FROM HAWAII

Since we celebrated our anniversary this week and honeymooned in Hawaii, thought I would write about Hawaii again.

We sent a postcard to my new in-laws. "Hi Mama, Joe, Nonna, Adolph and I are enjoying the sun and the beach. We rented a car and have driven around the island. It is so beautiful. Adolph really loves it. We will see you when we get home. Love, Adolph and Barb" It was sent May 22, 1971.

Hawaii is always a favourite honeymoon destination. The people, the scenery, the food, and the beaches are some of the best in the world. As a gardener, I love the flowers and have included some misc. flower postcards.

Although the orchids are so fragrant and abundant, the Red Hibiscus is the state flower. Don't you love the Flame tree? The Red Anthurium is great for flower arrangements. My mother had sent us an arrangement for our stay in Honolulu. Every time I see one it reminds me of the time on our honeymoon.

Imagine the garden one could have in this beautiufl state!

If you want a postcard featured here, email at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you may address so you can send me a postcard.

THE CANADA GOOSE RESTS EVERYWHERE

Too funny! Glad to have my camera when Adolph and I were going to breakfast on Friday. Saw the Canada goose on top of a patron's truck. They are so prolific in urban areas now. Always return to their original homes. However, we all could do without the goose poop that is also prolific! Do you have geese in your area?

VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND IN CANADA

This weekend really rocks. It is the time to go to your cottage or plant your garden or just chill to enjoy one extra day away from work. Many young Canadians may not know who Queen Victoria was. She was the longest reigning Queen of the Commonwealth who is being challenged by Queen Elizabeth the Second who is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year. Even Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are visiting Canada to help us celebrate. There are always fireworks on Monday. The ones closest to us will be at Canada's Wonderland- home of the Roller Coasters and other fun stuff. I just love it as it marks the beginning of the long weekends over the next few months. As the days are getting longer, the renewed energy and desire to be outside help with the enjoyment of the season. It also sets us aside from the Americans. We are part of North America but do have our own identity and connections. They are great neighbours to have. Until 2011- 911 we did not even need much ID to cross the border. Different but positve allies! So here's to Queen Victoria and our current reigning one- Elizabeth! Did you know in British history when a woman ruled there were many cultural and social changes and history was significant? Queen Elizabeth the First was an amazing woman! Look up her history and see! Happy long weekend everyone! Hope you are enjoying yours as I am enjoying mine!

DO YOU LOVE PHYSICS?

I studied one  physics course in high school and decided to major in psychology in university. Recently, at Wednesday NICU rounds, the doctor mentioned a physics principle. He said do you know physics to us. I said sure I studied it in high school. The pharmacist on rounds said very smugly, well I studied it in university.  Did not think much  of it until I found a book written by a Physics professor from MIT called " For the Love of Physics."  Walter Lewin apparently would amaze his physics students with nifty ways to learn about physics. So needing to learn about something new, bought the book and on my Staycation week have been reading some of it along with other books. Okay, I was not a physics major. He simplified physics for his students who were probably more like Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory! I felt the need to learn about physics and to try to add some renewed knowledge to my life. It is actually a fun book to read. I am learning about physics. However, when he was talking about measuring stars and galaxies using simplified mathematical formulas my brain started to hurt. I understand the parallax measurement theory. The simplified formulas well they deserve a second or third read. Or not? I know why we are shorter standing up then when laying down! I know why the sky is blue! Do you? I know now why I did not major in physics! I'll take a psychology course anytime! Perhaps by the end of the book, there will be new ideas to incorporate in my blog postings or perhaps not. Maybe I will stick to what I know!

HEARING AND LISTENING-ONE ASPECT OF MINDFULNESS

While walking today, I decided to hear all the sounds and noises in my environment. The song birds singing. The traffic noises with cars speeding and a truck making a loud sound. The red eye plane from the west heading to Pearson Airport made a welcoming noise in the early morning sky. The honking of a Canada Goose that made me divert my walk from the stairs to walking through the parking lot at the Richmond Hill Library. The geese are known to chase people so I was really not in the mood to be chased. My feet making noises as I pounded the pavement. The wind rustling through the trees. Being attentive to the surroundings let ideas and thoughts prevail. The main reason I do not plug into a walkman or I pad or whatever else as they  drown out the world. Listening to the world! One aspect of mindfulness that allows the senses to expand. As we try to find excitement in our life, it can be the small moments that bring some meaning. Hearing and listening to the world, to others, to ourselves- takes concentration and discipline! How mindful are you in your environment? Do you hear and really listen? Or do you try to block out others and the sounds around you?

LILLIES OF THE VALLEY FILL A CANADIAN GARDEN

The fragrance from the Lillies of the Valley fill my garden currently. I love this little flower. The green fills many garden spots long after the flowers are gone. Apparently it is toxic for little pets. It is fun to pick a few and put in a little vase in a room to keep the room fragrant. Do you have these beautiful little flowers in your garden?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN'S LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IS AMAZING

Being around a toddler is quite fun. Listening and noticing how every day  language is developing from the age of 12 months to 24 months is incredible. From a few words and sounds to pointing and identifying many objects and things. Trying to put words together into sentences. Grammar, verb tenses and words increase. Continuing with all preschoolers to support and enhance language is important. It is also a time to try to teach another language if it is a goal. Even a few words in another language enhance knowledge.  Grandparents have a role in all language development too. Reading, identifying items in the environment and just talking to them encourages positive language development as well as vital communication patterns. Children need to be heard. Eye contact, attentive listening and often crouching down to the child's level to show them that what is being said is important. Of course, the most important word I never tire of hearing is Nana! I just loved it when the grandchildren knew I was Nana! Do you have fun around little ones? Do you enjoy hearing the language development evolve?

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY THOUGHTS

41 years married to the same man! Do I deserve a medal or does he? Last year we travelled to Montreal and Ottawa after a special lunch with the family! One year on our 25th we went to Rome, Italy for a week with a little side trip to Frascati! Since then I like to buy a bottle of wine from the region as a special reminder of that trip!

What makes a marriage work? I think a sense of humour is the best ingredient. When you drive each other nuts, laughter is a good remedy!

Happy Anniversary not only to us but to all the couples out there!

STAYCATION OR WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME ON A WEEK OFF

May is a good time to take a break form work. This week also coincides with my anniversary. So let's me be more relaxed.  Changing the normal routine is as good as a rest. I still rise at 5:50 a.m. I like to go on my weekend power walk every day. Observations of my world at that time can be made. As I walk by the Central Library in Richmond Hill, at Yonge and Major Mackenzie, I noticed the traffic is quite busy as well as the number of people heading to work. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be within walking distance of work and do not have any real commute as most people do in my area. There are lots of chirping birds that make it seem as if I am really in the country instead of a suburb of Toronto. I can blog a little later in the day. Well it is only an hour or two later but seems much later!! I have aready completed some minor projects- new curtains for the kitchen. Plans for a couple of dinners out at restauarants and a movie. Hopefully a day trip or two to be back in time to pick up the little grandsons from Day Care! Sitting on my back porch and reading or jotting down some ideas for this blog. Puttering in the garden, pulling weeds and just stopping to look at the world around me. Okay, I really would rather be spending Springtime in Paris, but there is a always a French channel on TV or French music to pretend my bucket list wish is true. Perhaps, next May I will be in France! I was lucky one May to be spending my anniversary in Rome! Do you enjoy Staycations? It is a little bit of preparation for retirement!

A CANADIAN TRAIN RIDE

Trains take us places across this great nation. It was the train that joined the east and the west and the prairies in between. In Toronto, Union Station is the hub of train travel. It connects east and west and north allowing commuters as well as long distance travellers a safe ride.

The facade still has an appealing curb presence. The architecture is a reminder of old Toronto.

A subway ride from Finch Station brings you to Union Station. The walk along Front Street is always interesting as you can reach the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre.
Trains a part of the Canadian landscape connecting country with city. When was the last time you had a train ride? Do you like trains? Old train stations give some interesting photo opts!

A POSTCARD FROM A SON VISITING FLORIDA

Since it Mother's Day, I perused my postcard collection and found a card from my brother Ron sent to my folks in BC. He was visiting Florida with his wife Sheila.

He sent the card the Feb. 14, 2002. " Hi Folks: Florida weather has been nice-cool nights and warm days in 70's. We BBQ in our portable most nights, lots of fresh beefsteak tomatoes and grapefruits every day and strawberries are in season. Bigger trailer is quite comfy and we even shower in it. Will be heading back end of month for the sap run. Love Ron and Sheila"

For those of you that are not Canadian, Ron was referring to the Maple Syrup season- sap run that occurs in March in most of Canada. The Sugar Maple trees are prolific in Ontario, Quebec and the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. If you have not had maple syrup, never too late to try it!

I have my folks' postcards and find it very interesting how much of a life can be found from the little tidbits they reveal about the family and friends. Nice to see how people kept in touch with them! Mom always liked to write letters and cards herself so know she especially appreciated receiving them.

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.

HUNTERS AND GATHERERS

Do you ever watch people haul food home? When returning from work there is always someone carrying groceries home! We hunt for bargains! We gather food! What would the cave men and women think of us today! Have we really changed hunting and gathering- accumulating food and other stuff? Our caves are definitely bigger!

WHAT WISDOM AESOP HAD WITH THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE

As I was powerwalking this morning, I was passed by a runner not a jogger. When I tell people I walk, there is always someone who says they run. If I say I exercise for 30 minutes, someone always does it more. We live in a competitive world to the point where whatever you do does not seem good enough according to someone else's standards! Or does it? The tortoise according to Aesop just kept on plugging away even though the hare was faster. Should we just keep on plugging away at what we do? Will we see results? Will we win our own race of life? There is room in the world for those that want instant gratification and those that are willing to be patient and keep going. I like being a "tortoise". I have goals and plans that take time. What are you? The tortoise? The hare?

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK IN CANADA

We are told that a certain percentage of all people experience some mental health issues in Canada. In my role as Social Worker on  Surgery and Woman&Child programs, issues of depression and anxiety along with situational disorders present themselves on a daily basis. Treating people with dignity and not the stigma that is still attached to a mental health issue is a continual struggle for the people that suffer form mental illness. It is an illness like any other illness if not treated well has a fatality rate similar to leading physical illnesses. There is a correlation between depression and many physical diagnoses such as diabetes. During this special week, raise your awareness to those that are experiencing mental health concerns. Do you know someone with depression or extreme anxiety? Do you yourself suffer? Women postpartum are at risk for depression. Give extra support to the new Moms in your life! Open your mind to the difficulties people have with their disorders. Good community support along with medication if prescribed are the backbone for assisting people. If needed there are psychiatric services in not only the hospital but the community. Look around your own family and support those people with problems. Read and learn about the concerns Canadians face. Different cultural communities may have different concerns. Learning, supporting and being aware to be there for our Canadians in need is one of the goals of this weeek. Have you tried to be aware of the concerns of people in your lives? Here's to all the Health Care Professionals who assist the community with their mental health concerns.!

CANADIAN HEALTH CARE AND OUR NURSES

As Nursing Week is ending in Canada, I thought about some considerations of the ideas and events of the last week. One nursing speaker asked the audience what made a good day at work. My response as I was one of 3 people that actually put up my hand and answered the question was the chance to work in a health care setting with so many wonderful staff and many of them are nurses. As a Social Worker, my role is a secondary, supportive one to the team. Primary medical and nursing care are the norm in a hospital setting. Counselling, bereavement, resources, team support, discharge planning and many miscellaneous tasks and processes are the standard requirements for many social workers in health care settings. So what makes a good work day for me- when I am challenged by complex cases and situations, when I am able to console and counsel a patient/family in a difficult situation and when I witness the appreciation that many of our families show for the staff. The hospital setting is complex with many different programs and services. It hums! But it saves lives or gives compassionate care at the end of life and everything in between! I am hoping I will be able to end my career in this hospital setting. I work at York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. It is an amazing thriving setting. As for our Nurses, I hope they enjoyed their special week! Do you have a favourite hospital? Have you had an experience with a nurse that was memorable? Are we the best health care system in the world? Perhaps,but it is the one I know and I try to work every day to put it on the road to being the best. If you work in health care, what are you doing to ensure Canada ranks the best in the world? What do you bring to your job? If you are not a nurse, congratulate the nurses in your area for the fine work they do!

TULIPS-THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF NETHERLANDS

Every year in Ottawa  Canada we celebrate the tulip festival. During World War Two, the Dutch royalty was housed in Canada and as a thank you the people of the Netherlands gave Canada tulip bulbs.

From Ottawa and to the East coast then to the West coast and everywhere in between, tulips are popping up in Canadian gardens.

So it is possible to have our own little tulip festival in our own yards. Do you have tulips in your garden? Aren't they so beautiful?

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS!

Life can create a series of bad events and twists and turns. It seems that just as you feel better, something else comes along. So if it rains then pours, make sure you have a good umbrella and rain boots to help weather the storm! Are you having a series of bad events lately? How do you weather your storm?

NANA SAYS WARM WEATHER BRINGS SOME CONSIDERATIONS

Along with creative outdoor play, the warm weather brings some renewed considerations. Bike riding safety is a must for older children and adults using helmets and reviewing the rules of the road. Remember riding on a sidewalk means the pedestrian has the right of way- please do not try to run people down! Street hockey is fun with a reminder to watch out for oncoming cars! Learning to drive does not mean drag racing on country or city roads- look at the number of fatalities every year! Sunscreen, sun hats and bug spray should be a part of daily life. On the very hot days- drink liquids to keep up proper hydration for the little ones and the old ones! Revisit the traffic rules- how to cross the street safely! If you like air conditioning, keep it at a normal setting! Freezing homes and hot outdoors are fodder for spring and summer colds! Since I have an allergy to bee and wasp stings, benedryl is a part of my stash of emergency items. There are allergy creams for both children and adults along with after the bite sticks that help with any bug bites! Take care of any little cuts as ordinary garden dirt is full of germs! Love the warmer weather and outdoors! Do you have any other suggestions for a fun and safe time? Do you have your stash of warm weather items?

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ART GALLERY?

Art galleries offer such an opportunity to experience the art world for a minimal fee. Viewing the masterpieces is such an enriching and rewarding way to understand a culture and a period of history. Luckily, I have visited galleries in London, Rome and Florence. Le Louvre in Paris is on my bucket list! At home Toronto offers the Art Gallery of Ontario which now houses the donated Thompson art collection. Of course, you know I love the McMichael Collection in Kleinburg Ontario. I saw the outside of the National Gallery of Canada during a visit to Ottawa May, 2011.

The trip was too short to visit every site so we chose to visit the War Museum. I love art but Adolph is a tepid fan!!

Art comes from the ages and hopefully will always be with us. I have a few original pieces in my home but do not have the means to buy an extensive collection. Thus my thirst for art can be met by visits to galleries and even online viewing of new artists' work in the world. Do you have a favourite art gallery? A favourite artist or work of art? One of my favourite artists is Gainsborough. My painting- Paul Peel -After the Bath. Of course, my little grandchildren make some interesting art.

HYPERVIGILANCE-SNEAKS UP ON YOU

Hypervigilance is usually associatied with PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Often people think they need a huge trauma in their lives to experience this reaction. Recently, I was commenting to a family member that the death of a loved one can create a new anxiety of worrying about others in life, for example. Think about it- it is a blow to the psyche to lose someone. A near accident! A close call! Your wallet is stolen! Even minor events in our lives can shake us for some time! Current events may conjure up previous losses that we felt were so dormant they no longer had any effect! It happened to me. My daughter called at an unusually early time the other day. My husband had this serious look on his face. It was a call to tell us the little guy was sick and staying home with her. Everything was okay! My anxiety level was high. Hypervigilance! For several months I had been waiting for the phone to ring with bad news. It can be a feeling waiting for the other shoe to drop! As life settles down the sense of urgency will diminish. If you know loved ones that are dealing with a recent loss or incredible stress, help them normalize and recognize this feeling of worry can occur. No, you are not going crazy! There can be people who always say- oh nothing bothers me! Well, it is probably not true! Being strong does not mean having normal human reactions to bad situations is weak! Allowing the acknowledgement that loss has a devastating  effect on us! Do you know someone dealing with loss? Are you dealing with loss? Are you ruminating about the events in your life? Talking to someone or writing about your feelings may help you to normalize them.

A POSTCARD FROM LAKE LOUISE ALBERTA CANADA

Lake Louise in Alberta Canada is a beautiful and wonder location in this country that attracts visitors from not only Canada but from the world.
Many years ago when I was a teenager in 1960's my cousin Linda sent me a postcard.

Linda wrote on August 4- " Aug. 4. Hi Barby, We just started our holidays today. We stopped here for a couple of minutes to have some pop. It's a beautiful spot. The lake is a lovely light blue and freezing. You could not swim in it because it's icy water from mountain streams. Will be moving on tomorrow to Vernon. Write soon, Love Linda."
She mailed the card from Golden, British Columbia.

Lake Louise is about 65 kilometres from Banff in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. I actually visited there in 1957 with my family when we went on a cross country road trip in our old red and white station wagon. The Chateau on the grounds is rather pricey so a lot of people visit the grounds and move on. Many people camp in the area which is more affordable.
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.

OPPOSITES CAN BE FUN IN A MARRIAGE

In a marriage, having differing views and interests can bring variety. Many relationships begin because opposites attract! There are often common values and beliefs whether from the same background or religion. So initially it can appear there are major differences but the basic elemments are consistent. Love can prevail! Working on accepting each person as unique as a grain of sand on the beach. Like the salt and pepper added to your meal- they complement each other but have a distinct taste. Man and Woman! Husband and Wife! A couple but separate while together! Each with strengths and vulnerabilities! What are your thoughts about marriage? How do you make it work? Do you think you are different from your partner or very similar?

A CANADIAN-JAPANESE FEEL GOOD STORY

The Tsunami in Japan in March 2011 was devastating to so many people and areas of Japan. We are told the debris that is in the Pacific Ocean continues to head to North America and especially the coast of British Columbia in Canada. This week a fellow Canadian Mark Davis that likes to beach comb found a container with a motorcyle on a very remote beach. It was from debris from the Japanese Tsunami. Did he want to keep the find? No. His kindness to try to find the owner as it had Japanese license plates was to contact the Japanese Consulate. He wanted to know if the owner had survived. His first thoughts were about the person who owned it. The rest is history- Ikuo Yokoyama is alive and the owner. He lost family members, his home and probably lots of hope for his future. Harley Davidson in Japan is having the bike shipped home and will fix it before returning it to Ikuo. It's just a bike but it is something to give back from a terrible disaster. Both men want to meet each other. I feel proud to have a fellow Canadian with a good and generous heart. His first thoughts were to return the bike. Does it mean there are stories to unfold as the debris continues to hit our shores? Will there be a special connection between Canadians and Japanese? I hope so. Perhaps it is a lesson to see if there are other connections we can make as Canadians with other parts of the world. Mark you are a fine human being and like many other Canadians-very mellow and low key about the whole thing!

NANA SAYS OUTDOOR PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

With the warmer weather here, the outdoors becomes a great playground. A fenced in yard can keep children safe. Depending on the day- bug spray, sunscreen , a good hat and we are now advised to use sunglasses for not only adults but children of all ages. My yard is paths and gardens so teaching the little to leave the dirt in the garden and the stones on the path is a constant struggle. We are creating a little area under one of the trees so it can become " a fort"! Cheap plastic toys, a wagon and somewhere to sit makes for fun! My yard is full of rocks that the children like to climb and sit on! If you do not have a yard, there are many parks with lots of equipment or just go to the grassy area for some creative play. Make a picnic! Low tech! Old imagination! Listen to the birds- identify them. Teach about the trees! Pick up pinecones- then try to find uses for them! Nature becomes a lesson in constant progress! Walks, jogging and long bike rides work for older children and teenagers! If you are a lucky one with a cottage, learning the rules of the water- swimming, boating- learning to canoe or row a boat, and whatever the area brings in terms of wildlife and vegetation! Every adult becomes a teacher! Of course reading a book outside or doing a craft with natural products becomes fun. What do you have in your yard? Can an area become a castle for a princess and prince? Can a section of your garden become the little one's spot for flowers or vegetables? Get a bird book and a natural atlas for your area! Have fun looking up new any unknown "thing" with the family! Even if teenagers appear to be totally uninterested, keep at it anyway! They continue to learn through osmosis! As we spend more time outdoors with the children in our lives, it can have a great benefit on us! I find the screaming, and sometimes fighting that occurs with my grandchildren is less annoying as the sound evaporates into the air! Of course, helps with naps and sleeps as the play and air does tend to tire children. Tires adults as well! Oh the great outdoors- just love it!

MAY- MY FAVOURITE MONTH

A new month always offers a chance for a new beginning. It is my favourite month as it is really the start of the real warmer weather. The trees and flowers continue to bloom. Althought this year, it felt like May from the middle of April with all the vegetation about 3 weeks ahead. My anniversary occurs in May so there is an opportunity to celebrate. I like to take a vacation week around the long weekend to give me some time to work outside, tidy inside and yes- a day trip or two! Eating outside starts to become the norm. After a day cooped up in the hospital, it is welcoming to sit and eat dinner on the back porch. As the days continue to become longer, renewed energy and the ability to be more physical. I try harder at staying up later. Do you have trouble during the winter months making it past 9 p.m. at night? I love the extra daylight as it means more can be done at night which seems like day! I like the idea there are 4 months of "summer" even though it is not officially summer until the end of June. Perhaps it is just psychological but it goes to my soul! May- renewel! Time to get going! Be outside! Enjoy the flowers, trees, birds, the walks, bike riding! How do you feel about the month of May? Is it just another month to you? Sometimes it is just the idea of doing and going that gets me charged! What gets you charged this time of year? If we do not find the time to do the things we enjoy, life can become a blur!