AUGUST SAILED AWAY

Sailing away! There is something romantic about sailing into the sunset! But honestly I would not like to be on a sailboat at night in rough waters.

Seeing a boat under full sail is so beautiful. Like the summer months, I caught the wind and sailed in different directions. Visiting Kingston in the east, St. Jacobs in the west, St. Lawrence Market in the south and Wiarton in the north let me feel that the summer had so much to offer. Now to put the boat at the Marina, there are photos and vignettes and work to capture the highlights! August was a good month! Did you enjoy the month? Do you feel the call of September? Are you ready for the new challenges? What boat would you take? Or like I want to do, sit at the Marina enjoying the memories?

THE CANADIAN MUSKOKA CHAIR

While visiting a friend's cottage recently, I had the luxury of sitting in this comfortable chair.

Known as the Muskoka chair, I decided to do a little research. Apparently a Canadian Thomas Lee while vacationing in New York in 1903 wanted a summer chair for his family. Designed the chair and asked a local carpenter to make some for him to take back to his summer home in the Muskoka area in Ontario. The carpenter Harry Bunnel patented and sold the chairs for 20 years but they were called the Adirondack chairs since it was the region in New York.
Muskoka chairs are made in many locations in Canada from some of our finest woods. Not only are they used at many rural settings- farms and cottages but are in backyards. They can be painted any colour to match a personal preference or decor.

They are a nice addition to any deck. The best thing is friends can sit and chat together, read the newspaper or even enjoy the view. There is something grounding about being in the chair. Does it remind us of our lazy summer childhoods in rural Ontario? Do you have Muskoka chairs where you live? Did you know the name does come from the municipality of Muskoka in Ontario? Some people may call it the Adirondack chair since they were made in New York as well. According to my little research even jumped across the ocean to Europe where some knockoffs are made. I like to think the chair is another item to add to our long list of Canadian icons. What do you think? Childhoood memories? Canadian icon? Or it's just a chair!

NANA SAYS STARTING HIGH SCHOOL BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER

When our children are preteens, we feel a little safer. But the beginning of High School means the real teenage years have begun. Going from being the oldest in Grade 8 to starting at the bottom in Grade 9 can bring anxiety into a home. Wanting to be " one of the cool kids" can influence everything. Some parents put pressures to get great marks now so the best university can be obtained for the future disallowing children to enjoy the moment and well enjoy High School. What to wear can be a challenge! If a Catholic school in Ontario, the uniform. Even private High Schools have uniforms too! The schools have gone to pants as the young ladies would roll the skirts so high even the 1960s minis were longer! To those parents facing their first child starting High School, sit back and relish the moment. Be part of the experience by listening to your kids. Meet their friends. Go to parent/teacher events- if your child allows it and brings home the notice! The High School years are really a time when children go from being children to young adults! Do you have a child or children starting High School? How are you managing?

TURBINES CAN HELP WITH AGING

Our energy come from many sources.

A country drive reveals the old hydro pole with wires adjacent to the new turbines that resemble windmills.

A modern farm with its own source of power makes country living even more enjoyable. No need to worry about power outages in bad weather. Like a person with a pacemaker!
Perhaps as we age we can think of new energy sources for us. Sometimes I feel like the old hydro pole worried my wires are going to come down! What would my modern turbine be? Do you try to find new ways to vitalize your energy? Or just ways to conserve it?

COMING DOWN FROM A SUMMER HIGH!

Returning from a friend's cottage, the realization that all the summer plans are finished. Little day trips, overnights, family get togethers and cottage weekends with friends are completed. Lots of photos to organize for scrapbooking has been well underway. But there is a little, oh it's over! It seemed the calendar had been full of events to come. Now the memories! Sometimes in the rushing and driving, not stopping to think it has come to an end. Sort of like Boxing Day! But it is in the summer. There has been lots of enjoyment and fun. I am sure there will be Fall events but nothing to compare with the two months of warm weather and summer events. Do you ever feel a little down after the fun? Some people do not like the heat and are glad the cooler weather is approaching. Digging out the projects on hold during July and August will make busy hands. How do you feel as September approaches? Did you have a good summer? There a few weeks to go as I know. Perhaps an Indian summer will keep our spirits up.!

LILLY PADS ON THE WATER

Water lilies are a lovely vegetation that grows on fresh water lakes in Canada. There are pretty flowers that can be seen from the shore or just clusters on a lake. Summer always brings so many beautiful images to capture with the camera. Even those simple places close to home!

#lillypads#ballpoint#ballpointmariposatownshipkawarthalakes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lakescugog

A LOG IN THE WATER

Makes an interesting picture. I love shorelines and the images they create. If I were a kid I would probably try to walk and play on the log. Or is it a big branch waiting to be jolted from its roots and float down the lake?

A TRIBUTE TO A LIFE

I wrote and said the eulogy at my mother's funeral in February 2012. Yesterday, my cousin Roy wrote a wonderful tribute to a family member that can be read at http://43carbuttplace.blogspot.com  It was reflective yet told a story about her. If you were to write your own tribute, what would you include? What would you want others to remember about your life? Have you ever written a tribute or eulogy? It is an interesting, emotional journey isn't it?

WHO HAS YOUR BACK?

We all need to know someone watches out for us. The same way we watch out for others in our family and friendship circles.

There are services in the larger community that protect us. It is always a good idea to protect your own back. If you stand with your back on a wall, you can see in three directions without any help. Self-preservation can be a good thing!

NANA SAYS STARTING UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE IS A NEW CHALLENGE

As Fall quickly approaches, the preparation to go to post-secondary locations brings many challenges and energy to families. For some students it will be a daily commute from home and others moving away for the first time. Finishing summer jobs, waiting for final government approval of student loans, organizing a course schedule begins weeks before the first day. Those preparing to live away from home have copious lists of items needed to survive. Trips to household/kitchen stores to buy the rudimentary items for those students. Buying the books new or used can take hours. Of course the Frosh week plans at every educational institution have been months of planning. The child has become an adult exposed to an adult world very quickly. It changes the family dynamics considerably. No matter how ready everyone thinks they are, there are unspoken emotions rumbling inside. To those parents facing this challenge, hang tight!

A ROLLING STONE

GATHERS NO MOSS!

Is a popular phrase that is often used in a psychiatric assessment. The patient is asked what does it mean to you. So what does it mean!

I find moss growing in the Canadian bush especially on logs to be quite pretty. I could not resist taking a photo of some.

So what does moss growing on a log mean? Well I have no answer! Do you?

DID YOU MISS YOUR FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME?

We are told everyone gets at least 15 minutes of fame. A special birthday, the lead role in the school play, an award at work, an article published that become routine in our lives. But what if that was it? Your 15 minutes! I often wonder what was mine! Did I relish it? Or did I miss it? I had a great readership going from another country on my blog for about 6 weeks. Really helped with my Stats! Then it's back to 1 or 2 reads from that country now weekly! So a light bulb goes off- was that my 15 minutes on my blog? Or like the famous line in the song- " you don't know what you've got til it's gone!" Some of us are lucky and have the odd 15 minutes periodically. We work hard and try new things to determine what road the effort will take. So is it luck that gives us the 15 minutes or hard work or a combination of both? Do we will really want fame or just some recognition to help our egos? Do some people get too much for doing too little? Have you had your 15 minutes? Do you even remember it? Or do you just keep plugging away and really do not care about fame? Or perhaps you really do not care? Well I think it took me 15 minutes to write this post! Hope someone reads it or maybe not. It is fun and discipline that keeps me going! Fame is greatly over rated anyway!

A POSTCARD FROM SPAIN

Rummaging through my postcard collection, I found these two cards from Spain.

I bought this postcard at an antique market years ago. This date seems to be 17 Fe 11. Feb. 17, 1911 which would make the card over 100 years old. Not sure what the 25 means.

My second card is from a friend.

The card reads- "Dear Barb, Having a fantastic holiday. Morocco is mysterious and ancient. Spain is lively and exciting. Portugal is still to come. Weather has been fairly good. It's great to be on holidays. Call you when we return. Sophie and Ed."
The postmark is 23 May, 1975. I had just finished my Masters of Social Work and had started my first job. The reason I tell you this information is I have no clue who Sophie and Ed were! Classmates? Workmates? Neighbours? Since the card is just addressed to me, not someone known to Adolph. However, it is a nice card with a picture Spanish stamp!
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.

NO HORSING AROUND!

I love the English language because it uses the same word to mean different things. Yes the picture is of a horse very calmly eating some grass.

The horse can be used to describe life. Life is like a horse race. You can start out last but end up first.

Horses like the Queen's horses are used in parades and even the Royal Wedding- 2011 had lots of horses. The horse is such a significant animal in history. Just think of the cowboy and the Wild West! Or the Calgary Stampede! Sometimes the horse just entertains us as we see from Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride!
Good thing we eat like a pig sometimes and not like a horse! Some people have a horsey laugh! So really no horsing around today!

EACH DAY IS A CROSS SECTION OF LIFE'S STAGES!

Do you ever look at the same scene or section of a garden through the different times of day? As the sun crosses the sky, then the dusk, then the night, the moon's glow and back to a new day, the same spot takes on a different appearance. Like life- new beginnings, midlife, old age! Like my fence in the picture! We think we stand alone but may not be aware of the forces or shadows that influence us! Or how we and our shadows influence others! What do you see when you view this photo? It is black and white except for that little bit of green that pokes through the corner! Yes, a touch of a brown leaf, too! Does it bring up any feelings or ideas? What are your thoughts? I have lots of thoughts but I would rather know about yours!

NANA SAYS A TRIP TO THE FARM IS FUN

For children of all ages. A recent short jaunt to a local farm with activities for children was worthwhile. Forsythe Family Farms in Markham Ontario is one of many farms throughout Canada that have wagon rides, corn mazes and areas to pet and feed animals. In our visit- goats and sheep- were the main attraction. Watching my little grandson take off when a baby goat wanted some of the food he had in his hand was amusing. My granddaughter liked holding and petting the bunny. Buying some fresh plums for the children and a large garlic for Granpa rounded out the visit. Perhaps we will return in the Fall when there are harvest events involving pumpkins! Do you like to take your children or grandchildren to Farms for fun?

SUMMER FRUIT BRINGS REWARDS

As the days start to get shorter, one of the continued joys of summer is the fruit. All of it! Buying baskets of items like peaches instead of 5 in a bag in the winter, laden our homes with fresh fruit. For those that can or make jam, the fruit is a welcome addition to the home. Reminders of olden days when canning or drying the fruit for winter often stored in a home's cold cellar was the norm! We just love to eat it! I might make Adolph some grape jam when the grapes are ready- his favourite! Continued trips to farms or roadside booths with fresh veggies-especially corn now  are simple summer pleasures!

NOW THAT THE OLYMPICS ARE OVER, WHAT'S ON TV?

Over two weeks of Olympic and athletic accomplishments, whenever an Olympics ends there is always a feeling of withdrawl! Cheering and feeling good about not only our Canadian athletes but the wonderful stories of other nations achieving some glory too takes over the daily conversations! With nothing much to watch on TV perhaps it's time to return to the summer reading! What do you think?

A POSTCARD FROM CAPRI ITALY!

On our trip to Italy, September 1997, Adolph and I took a bus tour to the Naples-Campania area of central Italy.

Our tour was late getting to Naples from Rome due to some people being 45 minutes late arriving for it! We had to run for the boat that took us to the Island of Capri across from Sorrento. While on the boat the tour guide pointed to the road on the side of the cliffs and said that is where we are going. Great- I thought! I do not like heights much or sides of cliffs!

We went in small boats on arrival at Capri to go to the Blue Grotto- a small cave. All the guys sang Napolitana songs to us. Some of the tourists found it quaint. As for me, after years of Italian dinner/dances/weddings where I had heard the songs  so many times it was "old hat"! You can see some of it in the first selection of postcards-Saluti da Capri!

Rushing off the boats to our little mini-van that was taking us to the top of the area, we were jammed like sardines. Everyone gets in then seats are turned down in the aisles and no seatbelts. One thing I remember as we are trying to see out the windows is the humour of the tour guide. " Last week, just think, it was possible one of the vans went over the cliff- ha ha ha!" He said he was joking and everyone but me laughed! The driver was taking the corners a little too quickly for my liking!
Capri was quite beautiful but I would not suggest the rushed tour we had. Go on your own and at your own pace. It would be worth an overnight stay. Do you like the liquore Limoncello? This is where it is made!
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!

SOMETIMES YOU LIVE TOO LONG

And you lose what you had. During a recent bedside interview, an elderly woman facing death told me this was a favourite saying of her mother. It makes so much sense. I think of people with dementia who had good years until major cognitive decline took a piece of them at a time. If they had stopped living when they were so able and functional then life would have been different for them. I think she was talking about herself, don't you?

DO WE REAP WHAT WE SOW?

Sometimes there can be adages that you get what you deserve. What goes around comes around but does it? A work mate and I were discussing that some children act as if they do not come from the same family. Same parents- one child a leech, the other child appreciative. One child demanding, the other children willing to do their share. There are some very good parents that have bad children as adults. There are some dysfunctional parents whose children make their way differently in the world. Does a parent I know of an only child deserve his contempt for her? He claimed he was deprived of a good childhood because he could not have a motorcycle in his teens. His mother thought it was dangerous. Fast forward to his 50s- he had a motorcyle accident and ended up in Rehabiliation for several months! It can be interesting to see more children abandon their parents than parents abandon their children! So do we reap what we sow? Can years of hard work be waited out? Certainly. A layoff, sudden critical illness, natural disasters can change everything for no apparent reason to the people affected! If people got what they really deserved, less people would be able to achieve greatness with the Machiavellian approach to life!

OLD HOUSES IN SMALL CITIES

No matter where I go, I like to photograph houses especially ones with some detail. One of my favourite style is the Victorian style from the 1890s.

Or buildings with interesting designs. When a house or building has been around longer than I have, my curiosity heightens and I wonder who lived there, who worked there  and why is this building still here when others have been demolished. I hope to share more of my pictures periodically.

NANA SAYS-WHOSE COUNSEL-OLD MOM/NEWMOM?

A couple of weeks ago before some weekly rounds, one of the peds nurses had a new Mom who was not understanding the nature of a newborn. She stated " I always tell new Moms to talk to their friends not older Moms because they are more current!" What does that mean? I thought about my answer and gently said- it is like riding a bike. Babies have not changed-they eat, they sleep, they poop and need love. Some breast feed well, others do not and some breast and bottle! Yes, I think it is good to have other new Moms and Dads around you. However, your new Mom friend with a baby a couple of months older usually gets in a comparison contest. If you say the baby is not sleeping, she will usually say either her baby slept through the night at 2 days or complain louder. If you say it is hard to breastfeed, she may say it is so easy, I had no problems.  Other new Moms are not as wise, experienced and more giving than the older Moms. And the older Dads! Babies cry, get fussy and it is good to have other generations available to rock, cuddle and well- give the new Mom and Dad a break! And can say this stage will pass! Another scenario- baby shower for a niece. Another new Mom of a six month old was acting all experienced and wise telling the Mom to be- go to your friends for advice, they know! I surveyed the room and calculated the years of experience in the room. Some women had two grown children, some three, some four as well as grandchildren! We all looked at each other and very patiently listened to the" wisdom of the Mom". I do not know what they were thinking- I was thinking just wait for the twos, threes, preteen, teenage years etc. Older Moms are kinder and patient- we were new Moms once! To negate the Wise Woman is to negate yourself as a parent. If you pick up a book on the phases and stages of children, nothing has changed nor will it regardless of the gadgets and high tech children can have. Like I said babies have not changed! A new baby smiles on average at the same time as other babies! Rolls over! Sits! Knows the sound of your voice! There are norms and ranges of development. Most children are toilet trained by Junior Kindergarten or sooner! It is important to believe your baby is special and larger than life! Helps with the emotional development! Trust! Sense of Self! I find I listen more and give little advice as I find my way with the grandchildren and their little personalities! What do they need in the moment! I am more patient with new Moms and Dads as they struggle with parenthood! I guess Grandparents have not changed much either. Our patience helps to conserve the much needed energy to help with the grandchildren!

A WISH IN A FOUNTAIN- CAN YOU RESIST?

How many times have you thrown a coin and made a wish in a fountain? There is something about a fountain- like the Trevi Fountain in Rome- that entices us to make a wish! Do wishes work? Well it does not hurt to make a wish. "Make a wish before you blow out your birthday candles" is taught at a young age.  Do we even remember what we wished?  Every town or city has a fountain of some kind.  I think the local governments make some revenue off the coins tossed.  How many fountains have you used to make a wish? For me, Trevi Fountain in Rome, City Hall in Toronto, the CNE fountain and of course, the fountain in Confederation Place in Kingston Ontario during our recent visit there received a coin or two. Sitting by a fountain can be relaxing too! Do you know who was the first person to think about making a wish in a fountain?

ST. JACOBS FARMERS' MARKET-KITCHENER-WATERLOO AREA

Capturing photos for my husband's blog- http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com has been a fun activity. I have food pictures from many years that now can be used since he only starting blogging in January 2012. I am enjoying watching him enjoy all the activities that exploring food in various venues brings to our lives. St. Jacobs is a small community just west of Toronto in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. There is a blend of small city life and country living side by side with modern Canadians and the old Mennonite community. Cars and buggies with horses are seen on many roads.

The town has many trendy stores which I visited previously with freinds. Adolph and I concentrated on the Farmers' Market outside of town nestled amongst big box stores, an antique market and other modern businesses.

From the farm,

to the stall

at the market.

From the Bakery,

to many purchases, one of  the best parts of my day was enjoying the huge cinnamon bun made by two young Mennonite women at one of the small booths inside the market.

Reviewing the day with a hot coffee in hand it was quite delicious! My love of history has kicked in as well. I started some more research on the Mennonite community in Ontario. It could be the fodder for a post in the future!

REGROUPING AFTER SOME EVENTS

July was a good busy month with activities and projects accomplished. A fun day trip to St. Jacobs Farmers' Market over the long weekend gave me a chance to capture some fun photos. Time now to regroup and organize some areas of my home and my life to be ready for the busy August ahead. But do you ever find it is a struggle in the summer to organize anything? I do. I get into a summer mood of moving slowly. Some activities just look boring! That's when it is important to push through the boredom and just get the jobs done! Maybe the reason for Fall cleaning- just leave things to the Fall. One massive cleanup- house, garden, and whatever else comes your way? Or little cleanups in August? Day trips and photographing the events do sound more exciting! Sitting outside reading! Leisurely walks in a park with camera in hand! Sipping a favourite drink chatting with family and friends! Or do I just work through the boredom- to do or not to do, that is the question?

A POSTCARD FROM TOTEM POLE LAND ( BRITISH COLUMBIA)

I found these old postcards from the early 1960's that my mother had given me.

They are depictions of totem poles created by the Kwakiuti tribe( top two) and the Bella Coola tribe(bottom two). Images of ravens, thunderbirds, beaver and eagle are images often used in Totem Poles.

The Totem Poles above are from Thunderbird Park in Victoria British Columbia. Don't they show the range and depth of Native art and creativity. The old postcard-circa 1900 shows a cradle that was used only for one baby. When finished with it, the mother would hide it in the woods.
The man in the postcard is from th Coastal Salish tribe. He is in ceremonial regalia. Head dresses and masks such as these were only used on special occasions.

A totem pole at Georgia Park- Nanaimo BC and Prospect Point- Stanley Park, Vancouver BC are some of the many places totem poles can be found. The Kwakiutl postcard is a picture taken by Edward S. Curtis, 1914. He was a photographer that took many pictures of the " North America Indian". I even have one of his large print books on my bookshelf. The picture show two masked performers in the winter dance representing hug, mythical birds. Totem poles can be found in other parts of British Columbia as well as Canada. Just visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto Ontario and you will find a huge one in the stairwell.
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.

SIMCOE DAY OR A CIVIC HOLIDAY IN ONTARIO

The first Monday in August is a civic holiday in Ontario. Other provinces like Prince Edward Island and British Columbia have a day off but call it by a different name. In Ontario it is called Simcoe Day after the First Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada- 1791-796- John Graves Simcoe or often referred in history as Lord Simcoe. He created Yonge Street, established courts, trial by jury, English common law, freehold land ownership and abolished slavery. His wife- Lady Simcoe- Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillan- wrote a diary which is a very significant book chronically the early years-1800s- in Ontario. Apparently she was quite an artist so her drawings depict visually early impressions in the province. There is a statue of Lord Simcoe at Queen's Park in Toronto outside the provincial legisiative buildings. Lady Simcoe has a statue in a little parkett in front of the Bradford Post Office. Bradford is straight up Yonge Street about an hour from downtown Toronto. No matter what they call the Civic holiday in other provinces or here, I am just glad to enjoy another summer long weekend which gives time for another day trip or two or just to relax, reading a book! Are you enjoying the long weekend? Thank you Lord Simcoe!

TIME-FRIEND OR FOE?

We alll have the same twenty-four hours in a day! But how many times do we hear- " I would do that but I just don't have the time!"

There are time management consultants that help us jam more in our day. Prioritize! Organize! Declutter your life to make time! All great pieces of advice! However, if we really want to do something we will not only find the time but we make the time for it! It is very simple! Routines in our lives help us to get the necessary tasks done- for me- change the bed Saturday and two loads of laundry, Tuesday- garbage roundup, Wednesday-laundry catchup and try to vacuum the main floor twice weekly, etc. There are seasonal tasks like Spring and Fall cleaning. Let's face it those tasks are really boring at times but we do them because they need to be done. Making time for activities we love to do can also become a routine. Like writing a post every day for my Blog! It was very difficult in the beginning as my standards were higher. Now I sit and write every day! Like the ad- just do it! I know that sometimes the posts are better than others. I want to finish some knitting projects. Looking at them does not get them done. Putting them in my hands and knitting one row at a time does! Let's face it- we do not make time for things that we really do not interest us! So don't feel guilty that someone else does an activity more than you! Do we really need to cram more into our lives if we do not want to! What is wrong with living and doing less rather than more! Can we live with a little clutter? Probably! We will clean up if company is coming, won't we? I have written about time previously and used my clock picture. Each clock is different-just like we are! So is time your friend or foe!

WINNING AT ANY COST-IS IT WORTH IT?

As we watch the Olympics and root for our country, it is always wonderful to see the best and those who do their personal best. Canada making it to number 5 from 8th in Women's Gymnastics was amazing. The little swimmer from Lithuania winning that gold for a country that does not come first. Concerns about cheating again in the pool is a reminder of the 1972 Olympics. We Canadians with our terrible Ben Johnson scandal makes us more vigilant to take ownership of cheating with drugs or doping. Besides the continued use of any drug could compromise the longevity of a person. Is it it worth it for a moment of glory to die before your time? Does anyone really want to face that consequence? There are enough events and medals to go around that can be shared by athletes of the world so many nations can be proud of their heroes. Olympics give incentive to todays' children and youth to try to excel in sports with lifelong benefits. We are told exercise has many wonderful possibilities for good health. Good clean competition is wonderful to see. May the best man or woman win in each event. But is pushing your athletes to win just a gold as a silver or bronze does not count  seem somewhat barbaric? State run programs work in some countries. However taking young children from their families in their childhood to live elsewhere denies them a chance, well to have a family. Does it give the emotional grounding needed to live as a well rounded adult? Where do you belong? To the state or to your family? We Canadians saw what such a move did to our First Nation people a couple of generations ago when young children went to residential schools. It was a blight on our history that we are still correcting. Winning is good but with the support of family, the immediate community, friends then comes the nation. I would not want to sacrifice one child for the sake of a Gold medal if it meant an adult without an identity. One moment of glory often does not account for decades of living out of the spotlight. What do you think is winning at any cost worth it?

NANA SAYS ENJOY THE END OF SUMMER

Since July is over and August has begun, the stores are full with back to school items. There can be a pressure to get organized now. Get over it with some school supplies shopping- buy a package of pencils! Then get back to the continued enjoyment of the summer. Stressing too much about the new school year filters down to the children who may be enjoying their time at camp or camping or just being with their parents and families more. Yes there is shopping with the little ones-maybe! You know their sizes! When my girls reached an age where they wanted to buy their own school clothes and supplies, they were given a nominal amount. They had to be frugal with the money. Actually if you hold off until the middle of September for clothes, many things go on sale anyway. For older children, they often wait to see what the other kids are wearing and may reject the earlier purchases. Save the bills! So see there is no real need to rush the month away with worrying about school shopping yet! If you are lucky, Nana has a new activity! As each grandchild starts school, she will buy an outfit! Last year one but this year three! Two grandsons start Junior Kindergarten! As for the granddaughter starting Grade Two, well Nana plans to try to have a special outing with her to buy that outfit. It is seen as stretching out the gifts bought for birthdays and Christmas. One less at those events budgetting to help the working parents with their budgets! So back to summer. Nana and Granpa have a babysitting gig in a week- 5 days and 4 nights while one couple celebrate a special anniversary away in a southern location! Plans to go to a  farm for children to enjoy things like a wagon ride and enchanted forest, splash pad visits and of course an ice cream or two! That's the real meaning of summer- simple, slow fun things! And yes a nap or two in the afternoon when the children are expected to read a book with quiet time!