THE SUPPORT TEAM

In every workplace, family, home there needs to be a support team to help get the job done. Doing your own job then some- makes for a fuller life. Taking the time to look around you to determine if someone needs a helping hand. Being the one that usually does not say no but knows when to say no allows others to know they have someone to use as backup. At work the social workers cover for each other when they are away. At home as a couple, we are a solid team helping each other with chores and errands. In the family system, dinners and babysitting help out the modern stressed parents in our lives. As I look down the road, I will be the one someday that will need to use the support team. Aging will bring slowing down, needing a ride and even help with the normal activities of daily life. But not today! Lots of energy to give a cheer and to get going with the tasks at hand! How about you? Do you support the people around you in positive ways? Are you happy to know you are needed?

THE HARVEST HOME

Everywhere across the country the final crops are being harvested. Corn in my area always reminds me of the previous generations who depended on harvesting and storing the crops for winter. Our area, hundreds of years ago was home to the Huron Nation whose staple was corn. Although they were already gone from the area when Champlain arrived in the 1600s, the historian in me smiles and wonders if their spirits prevail!

DO YOU FEEL GOOD IN YOUR OWN SKIN?

I have been doing some soul searching lately. Reviewing times in my life and feeling good about the situations I have survived along with the support and love I have given to many people. Do I feel good in my own skin? Well I do. I do not have the amount of money I wanted for my old age but I know I will survive. There are still lots of items on my Bucket List to keep me hopeful that I will do them. It bothers me though that so much is put in how much a person earns for a living and the size of house they have. Many people are maximized to their eyeballs in debt but they look good- with the leased Mercedes and huge home with little furniture! In my lifetime I have had the advantage to know and be around some very wealthy people- not the professionals like doctors, lawyers and engineers who think they are but the very wealthy. My first exposure was at age 17 on a trip to England. My sister was seeing a friend she knew from university. She wanted to see if their romance could be rekindled. Well, a family townhouse in downtown London full of 200-300 year old antiques, a driver for the Rolls and a Country Cottage in Salisbury near Stonehenge was a clear indicator of wealth. Later I discovered his father was one of the wealthiest people in England. Yes, there was a property in Scotland and Spain that was visited many times during the year. The living room at the "cottage" was three times the size of our rambling family bungalow in Richmond Hill and real servants- not a weekly cleaning lady paid under the table. Were they happier as individuals- not really but hospitable to put up with the country bumpkins from Canada. Fast forward to my husband's years in the Construction Industry and my exposure to many wealthy people again taught me to feel good about who I am. Holding my own at dinners and business affairs, knowing I could discuss any subject gave me an adult confidence to be me. There was no need to compete as I had the education and the grace to enjoy whatever events came my way. Then life happens and health issues arise and some of those wealthy people got sick like anyone else. Making it through their 50s became a challenge!  I can give a list of people I have known that did not make it to their 60th birthday! Worried about old age, they did not even finish middle age! However, we do live in a society where money seems to talk and consume some people! If you are not highly paid then what? You can not be happy with your life! You must be seen as jealous of anyone who makes more? I think not. The things that might keep me awake at night are the unfinished projects, finding the time and yes energy to do them! Sure I am looking for ways to augment my income, why not? But those projects will not make me wealthy but perhaps provide a vacation or two- remember my bucket list! I do feel good in my own skin even if it is a little wrinkled in some places! Do you feel good with who you are? Do you ever want to leave social events where money, money, money is the discussion? I know I do!

NANA SAYS FALL MEANS GATHERING LEAVES WITH THE LITTLE ONES

Teaching our children about nature can happen in many ways. As the trees start to change colour here in Ontario, I was reminded of a favourite childhood activity. In school and home, we would gather a variety of leaves from different trees to make a poster board of leaves or put some in a big book to be pressed over the next copy of months. A favourite technique was to take a leaf, put it between two pieces of waxed paper and press with a hot iron- of course the adult did it. Those waxed leaves could be taken to school to use in the Fall themes. Knowing Canadian trees is still good general knowledge for our children. Gathering the leaves helps to identify which leaf comes from which tree. So my grandchildren will help Nana get leaves from the Oak, Elm,  Maple, Plum, Pear, Ash, Pine trees in my yard or on the other yards nearby. Since I have lots of waxed paper to use, we can revitalize an old tradition. The little ones love collecting the pinecones from the various coniferous trees in my yard. There can also be a little lesson about the Boreal Forest in Ontario. Which trees stay green all year and which ones lose their leaves in the Fall? Of course, just helping them to look and see the beauty in the beautiful Fall colours. Or another old tradition- rack a big pile of leaves and let them jump in them! Sometimes children do not care what kind of leaf it is!

SAM THE RECORD MAN- WHEN A CANADIAN ICON DIES

There are many symbols and people that are icons in this country. For the musician and music world, Sam Sniderman, who had the record stores- Sam the Record Man- was their hero. He believed in the music and made money selling the records, tapes and other memorabilia associated with music. In Toronto, the iconic store on Yonge Street in the downtown core was a favourite tourist attraction. With the internet and downloading, many record stores lost business since they did not keep up with the online buying and selling. Sam died at 92 and with his death it is a reminder of many things Canadian that transcended generations. I think of Pierre Berton and his books that annoyed historians since he wrote in a folksy manner. However, he wrote about all things Canadian- from a railroad that united a country, a war, a gold rush and many other important events that made our history come alive. Gordan Sinclair with his opinions on everything allowed us to think and often disagree with him. Barbara Frum who hid her cancer until her death and wrote from the heart about all things Canadian. Terry Fox and his mother who taught us to have a dream and keep the faith. Do you have favourite Canadian icons or heros for whom you would write a eulogy? Many of our heros were not the richest in the world but they did make a difference to the masses. They left a mark!

PREPARING FOR THE THANKSGIVING SEASON

Thanksgiving will be early this year- October 8. For the host and hostess, preparation begins weeks in advance. Starting with some Fall decorations around the house, the initial grocery list and the big decision of whether to buy a fresh or frozen turkey. My preparations have begun with the purchase of the dinner wine and a trip to a farmer's market to buy some squash.

Since I am expecting not only dinner guests but a house guest in a week, the Fall cleaning has been bumped up with some outdoor tidying as well as indoor clutter cleaning. The spare room usually the grandchildrens' sleepover room is ready as well as the pink bathroom-grout cleaned on the tile floor has kept me busy. Households across the country are anticipating family get togethers. It is wonderful time to enjoy the harvest. How are your Thanksgiving preparations going? Are you like I am- you like to take it one item at a time or do you wait until the last minute, getting everything done in a hurry?

A POSTCARD FROM QUEBEC CITY QUEBEC

With the start of the school year, it reminded me of a high school class trip I took in Grade 13 to Quebec City in 1969. So I looked for some postcards I bought.

The three top postcards from that time period. The church across the water is on I'lle d'Orleans where we took a bus tour. The church with the cars is Notre-Dame-des-Victoires built in 1688. I remember how excited we were as students to be in a Canadian church that was so old. There were two students who originated from England who were amused as by their standards it was not that old. Notice the cars in the parking lot- 60s vintage. The painting is from inside the church- Jesus runs across Saint Veronica by Boyermans(1577-1640)

My girls went on class trips to Quebec City too bringing home some postcards as souvenirs. It is a quaint, lovely city. Very similar to an Eurpean city, it draws tourists year round from Canada and the United States. It is close to Saint-Anne-De-Beaupre famous for skiing and religious retreats. Unfortunately where a famous movie star lost her life too.
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.

LOCAL IMAGES

If you took your camera and walked no farther than 1/2mile or .6 km from your home, what images would you find?

Bullrushes, a pretty side walk?

Your favourite pink library?
Sometimes there are wonderful images nearby that often do not get the recognition they warrant!
What would your favourite images be?

FALL 2012 IS HERE!

As the real Fall season begins, it is a time to harvest, enjoy the last warm days as they occur, clean up the garden and prepare for the colder weather. Lots of opportunities for short drives and little day trips with the changing colours of the trees providing nature's canvas at its best. There are many country roads close to home for me to meander.The last of the crops such as pumpkins, apples, squashes to name a few to be bought at small and larger markets as well as a few road side stands. As a season it has a lot to offer in terms of events. How do you feel about Fall? Is is a season to embrace?

IS YOUR HOME A CASTLE?

We all know a house is not a home. A house is just a structure with rooms, a roof and a basement. A home is where the heart is. It contains love, support and a place to be away from the world. It could be a one bedroom apartment, a large home or a castle on the hill. Home is often equated with family and the connection needed to feel safe. People get home sick if away in a foreign country. The feeling after a long work or school day- time to go home! It is a concept not a structure! Yet all the decorating shows dupe us into making our home better and worth more money. They are really talking about a house! Sometimes home is just a thought, an idea we carry in our hearts and thoughts. What do you think? Is your home your castle? Do you care how decorated it is? Is it your sanctuary from the world-clutter and all?

NANA SAYS " YOU'RE A HAPPY PERSON MOM!"

Children observe who we are and know our faults and strengths better than anyone else. My daughters paid me a great compliment recently by saying- " You're a happy person Mom!" There are times that adversity occurs in all our lives but I present happy because I make the effort for myself, my husband and my children and of course now the little grandchildren to try to be happy. Not the woe is me or as the Italians would say Povera Me! Poor me! By enjoying the little moments in life and just being, I guess brings the happiness. Happiness does not happen to a person but comes from within! It is not the things we have or the great vacations, although they can contribute to the mix that brings happiness. So how did my children discover this about me! What did I do? I wish I could tell you so you can decide if you want to be a happy person. If there were descriptors of you as a parent or grandparent, what would you want it to be? There are children that find the grownups in their lives as  miserable people. Angry? Resentful? Victims? Who wants to be around them? My grandchildren will tell their parents they want to see their Nana and their Granpa if a time has passed without a visit. Is it because we are so happy to see them- making eye contact, smiling, saying their name and giving a favourite treat when appropriate- after a nutritional one first! So what would your children say about you? What word would they use? What word would you want them to use?

LIFE IS A GAMBLE

Do you ever think how many gambling references are made to Life? " You have to play the cards you are dealt!" When did your mother give you a deck of cards to get through life? Marriage is a gamble! Trying to get a new job is a gamble. Like the Kenny Rogers' song- Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, know when to run! He was not really talking about a card game, was he? Life can be a crap shoot! Roll the dice and see what you get! I will bet on you to get the project! I am sure there are many more phrases that will come to mind, I will lay odds on it!

WHAT IS COURAGE?

In our modern world we often mistake courage for people that want to climb Mt. Everest, sail alone around the world or go skiing in high mountain places. Those people will say they do not want the average boring life but adventure and to say they did something courageous. Personally I do not think it is courage but self centered. There are too many risks that often end in tragedy. Recently the woman from Canada who died on Mt. Everest who was untrained and unexperienced risking her life unnecessarily. It made me think about courage. There are little situations every day where we face adversity. Rush hour on a major highway. Running afte a child bolting into a dangerous spot! Dealing with daily conflicts with compassion and assertiveness! The courage to get up every morning and face a day that is unwelcoming. Driving on a snowy day to work in order to earn a paycheque to put food on the table! To me, courage to try to be a good person, a good parent, a good spouse, a good friend when we may be surrounded by others who are needy and can take advantage of us! Yes, there are times you could save someone from a burning car or building or do CPR and really save a life, winning an award, getting your picture in the paper. God Bless those people who have done it! Having the courage to keep going! Facing a day! A week! A hard time! It takes strength and perservance! Daily courage is a real human value and virtue. For those of you reading this post, good for you to keep going! Like we say in English- the tough keep going when the going gets tough!

MAKING GOOD OLD FASHIONED CANADIAN GRAPE JAM

I used to make more jams and preserves and pickles for many years. Then there were jars left in my cold cellar from year to year that were left uneaten that it just stops. Periodically I will have the urge to make something. This year it was grape jam. Adolph loves it! So on one of our trips to the country and farm markets I bought a basket of Canadian grapes.

And some cauliflower! The cauliflower was not in the jam of course!

The grapes were cornation grapes. Usually I would use concord grapes like the ones I grow in my backyard.

I actually had a few bunches to add to the grapes bought. I would have had more if Adolph had not eaten so many of them!!

I pulled out my booklet that I have had for years.

Stained, it is my little bible for preserving and making jam. It came in a box of new preserving jars I bought over 40 years ago.

Grape jam is a little more work than your average jam. Washing the grapes well, you separate the skin from the pulp-has seeds.I had my helper Adolph for the job. The pulp is boiled until it is soft enough to put it through a sieve or collander to get rid of the seeds.

When the pulp mixture has been squeeshed and squeeshed so you have all the pulp, it is added to the skins and measured. In a large pot or a jam pot, add the grapes and sugar. Two cups of grape mixture to one cup of sugar is the norm. Too much sugar will make the jam runny.

The process is to boil the mixture and sugar for about 20 to 30 minutes, skimming off the white on top until it is jam. Since I am not entering my jam in any contest, I do not mind if it is a little runny but actually this batch was a good jam texture.

Voila! Some jars of jam. Actually I made 4 and 1/2 jars with a plate for Adolph to sample. It did not last long. The jam is a little tart with the use of the cornation grapes. Concord grapes are sweeter in the jam.
Do you get the urge to make jam or pickles or a chili sauce? It is fun to have some homemade items.

THOUGHTS FROM A MID SEPTEMBER WEEK

It has been an interesting week. Why does our energy level go down with the start of school? Is it because we are busier than we think? Work has had its ups and downs. Families with issues and some sad cases kept me challenged clinically. Going to a Madonna concert in Toronto with my married daughters was fun on Wednesday. Coming home after midnight- catching the last subway train that turned at Eglinton so we needed to take the Shuttle bus to the Finch station to retrieve Natasha's car, getting home at 2 a.m. and managing to survive the next day on 4 hours of sleep was interesting! Of course, babysitting two grandchildren on Thursday night for a couple of hours then heading to bed for an early night helped to restore some needed REM sleep brought me to Friday! Where did the week go? The weather is holding with warm days and cool nights- ideal for sleeping! The trees are just starting to turn colours. The vegetable garden has a new surge of crops of beans and tomatoes! The frost has been kept at bay! I have all the summer pictures- 800 plus scrapbooked! Actually the photos go back to my grandson's B-Day in April! Natasha is right- I do take pictures of everything! So why do I feel a little sad? Are the events of the last few months catching up to me? Do the change of seasons and transitions have more of an effect than I care to admit? Am I looking down the road too much? Sometimes it is as if the other shoe will drop! Too much thinking and reflection! Perhaps I just need to grab my camera this weekend and begin the next round of photos! What do you think? How is your September going?

THERE'S BEAUTY IN DARK PLACES

Do you ever walk through a forest and find beauty in the darkest corners? In the ocean's depths there are interesting creatures. Caves have their life forms. We need light but some do survive in darkness. There will be dark times in our lives but nature tells us to keep going and find our way!

#there'sbeautyindarkspots#fernshidemanybeautifulitemsofnature#reflectivethoughtsbybybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS SEPTEMBER BRINGS STRESS TO PARENTS

No matter how organized about preparation for the day and coordinating the lessons, September is a time to readjust to new grades, new schedules at work, lessons for the children and family obligations. Giving yourself time to adjust takes patience that often is difficult with the daily demands and whines of children! Slow down when you can! Make dinner a time to ask everyone how their day went! Or you can make it on the run like everything else and keep the pressure going! Have a midweek treat! Rely on the support team like the grandparents! Take it like everything else, one day at a time! The morning rush when children can be annoying with fighting and forgetting things or needing to pee at the last moment is painful! Try and Nana knows it is difficult to have patience. Even starting the routine leaving 15 minutes earlier than needed can give a breathing period if things get bogged down! Forgive yourself for not being a perfect parent! Yes, other parents may look as if they are managing better than you but stop looking at them and know you are doing the best job possible. Every time you think there has been a negative moment, hugs, I love you and we'll have time together later can help ease the moment! Some one said parenting is one of the toughest jobs so know your choice to have a family and raise those children was an honourable one! You will get through the day and the week, finding the positive, loving moments to enjoy! Like bedtime when the little ones are asleep and do look angelic!

A DAY TO REMEMBER-SEPTEMBER 11

As the news stations show clips of that day, we all have our memories and stories of what we were doing, where we were and the fears for those we loved. Some of us saw the Towers coming down live while others caught it on other news clips. Through the years there have been documentaries on the other stories that happened that day like the boats and ferries that evacuated people from New York City. The Principal that walked her students to safey. And even a movie or two about some of the background stories. Now we are thinking about those who have suffered lung disease, PTSD and cancer from being first responders. The ramifications of the conflicts that followed and continue to affect us are the legacy. As we all reflect on that day, may we continue to live in hope of a peaceful world!

LOOKING ACROSS THE LAKE

The shore invites us to stand and look across to the other side. Who lives there? What stories can be told from this location? Checking out the vegetation! What fish or other little creatures abound in the water? Do you sit by a shoreline in your location and reflect on the images presented? Do you photograph? Write a poem? Do your grocery list? Sometimes just listening to the noises can be very reflective! The sound of the water! The sound the wind makes through the trees! Look closely at the photograph and tell me what do you see, hear and think!

#lakescugog#ballpoint#mariposatownship#ballpointmariposatownshipkawarthalakes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE SUMMER OF 2012 IS ENDING

And Fall is coming. While walking this morning, the crisp, cool air was a reminder of the last days of summer. Although almost two weeks to go, most people have summer finished already. For some reason, I am not minding the change. Usually a summer groupie, I can feel depressed with its conclusion! Not this year! Perhaps it is the planning to complete some projects, clean the messy parts of my house and prepare for an October guest! Or knowing like all the other seasons, it will roll around again! I am also trying to embrace whatever month it is as well as doing activities with meaning! I am dragging my husband to various locations so we can research ideas for his blog and mine. Plus lots of photographs! With the cooler temperatures, I found myself kniting yesterday trying to finish a simple vest for the cold days ahead! I even made some Grape jam for Adolph- his favourite! I am learning to stop and really take in what is around me in a peculiar way! I am also thinking about people who have left this world this year! How to honour the memories! And of course, have added the blankets back on the bed that were sidelined with the hot weather. Really it is just a month-September! But it brings that transition to the busy lives we all lead! Like the motors at the race track- rev your engines, it is time to start!

A POSTCARD FROM PARIS FRANCE

Paris- the city of love! I found some postcards in my collection from this beautiful city.

Although many people I have known have travelled to this city. I only found one postcard from an old work colleague who went on a trip there in the 1990s.
"My dear Mukibaumers! I miss you all! Sending my best wishes from this interesting city. I have seen all that stuff on the care and more! Going to south of France tomorrow to relax-Take good care-see you soon> P.S. To my groupx XOXOXOXOXOXXX Margaret"

Although I have enjoyed my summer trips to various locations in Ontario, Paris is still high on my bucket list to visit. Eh bien- perhaps in the Springtime.
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.

STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Do you ever get off course? Do you ever need some help steering in the right direction for you? Sometimes we need to stop and see where we are going. Review our manifest! Set new goals! Decide are we going into shark infested waters or staying close to shore! Everyone needs their own steering wheel! Do you have one?

ARE YOU A PILLAR?

Pillars is front of buildings make a statement. Some people are pillars in their community! Pillars in their workplace! I like to think some of us are just "little pillars" in our families. Without anyone really knowing we are there steadfast and strong helping to hold lives up for ourselves and others around us. So are you a pillar? If so, what kind would you be? Gothic? From the Middle Ages? Modern? Or Renaissance? Or do you need a pillar in your life to hold you up?

NANA SAYS JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN STARTS IT ALL

As two of my grandsons both started Junior Kindergarten yesterday, I thought about how their school career has begun. In my day there was just one Kindergarten. Now Junior and Senior or JK or SK as they are called. Parents with hopes and dreams and lots of fears were common. Hoping your little "tyrant" will calm and fit into the school norm but be bright! Some parents even are thinking down the road to university and careers! As Nana, I was just hoping my little sweeties would get through the day, like their teacher and be excited enough to tell me about the new phase in their lives. Where they will be headed is not on my mind! My home will continue to provide learning opportunities, books, crafts and fun activities in the house and garden to be a support to parents and school. Of course, just love and encouragement and a listening ear as they are my grandchildren- like other grandparents- just proud and glad they are in my life! Grandpa feeds them! Food is important too! So here's to all the little JK kids out there and others who are advancing in their grades. Like my granddaughter now in Grade Two who was excited to be with her friends!

DO WE TAKE OUR HEALTH FOR GRANTED?

As long as we feel well, health is something we do not really think about! We are told to eat well and exercise and do not walk in front of a bus! Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze into your arm! There are small things we can do for our health. Less sugar! Less salt! Less fatty foods! And stay away from people that do not cover their mouths when they cough or wash their hands after going to the bathroom! Check out our parents and determine if we came from a good gene pool! What is health? Aging catches up with us and we will get something! However, not everyone gets that message. As a health care provider, it never ceases to amaze me that older patients and their middle age children get surprised when Mom or Dad actually get sick. " My 91 year old Mom was still driving her car, why did this happen to her?" " Everyone in our family lives to 110- how did he get sick at 96?" Since the average life expectancy is 82, why do people not think anything over that number is icing on the cake? When our body functions work well, it is a blessing! Slowing down is better than a dead stop! So next time you think about how you are feeling, count your blessings when most of your parts are working just fine. Some aches and pains mean you are alive!

ROMANCE, INTIMACY AND SEX-ARE THEY THE SAME?

While walking this morning, I was thinking about the new craze- reading the trilogy "The Shades of Gray". I have not read the books but have done a little research. Erotica, dominatrix, leather, collars and handcuffs are some of the ideas presented in a couple's life. Apparently the second book delves into their relationship. What I have found interesting is asking others who are reading the books what they think? The clinician in me! One of my friends found her younger daughter-in-law surprised she had ventured to read the books! Each generation reads something to do with sex. Ancient times in Hindu life it was the Kama Sutra. Not just a book on sexual positions but outlining a goal of Hindu life. Kama- sensual or sexual pleasure and sutra- a thread or line that holds things together. It really was a guide to virtuous living and the nature of love and family life. Lady Chatterly's Lover and The Joy of Sex are books that have passed my way! Old copies of Playbook and Penthouse with the letters to the editor that seemed unreal. So my questions- romance, intimacy and sex are they the same? I think they can complement each other. Everyone needs some romance in their lives. Look at the amount of flowers and chocolates sold on Valentine's Day! Even flowers just because can bring some romance! I think it is romantic that my husband brings me coffee in the morning while I am getting ready or even before I am out of bed! The little things that help a relationship to thrive. Intimacy can be many things- holding hands, rubbing A5-35 on sore joints or the goodbye kiss as couples part! Just sex in a couple's life without some romance or intimacy can exist but does it keep the relationship going! I love one ad on TV where a young couple are walking and they swing past an elderly couple holding hands. The young woman looks back smiling at the old couple! Is she thinking I hope I have someone when I am that old? Or how romantic? Or some cynics- they are holding each other up! The question? Perhaps the answer is- we need all three. Do they help a relationship to last? Probably! Does the latest craze hurt couples? Probably not as with my little research it is mostly women that are reading the books! I do not know of any man admitting to the craze! What do you think?

OLD KINGSTON WITH THE NEW

One of my favourite photos from our summer ventures is the first image taken from the path leading into Fort Henry. There is something timeless about it. Thinking about the soldiers that guarded the area against the invaders from the south! There was a quiet on the hill. The second image shows the view of the city of Kingston revealing a modern world.

JUST A HAMBURGER JOINT

Adolph and I decided to go to a local hamburger joint for dinner. Banquet burger and fries with a diet coke! The Steer Inn has been in Richmond Hill for over 50 years and is still making burgers- good ones! They will be closing in the near future to make room for development on Yonge Street. It seems strange that many moons ago, I sat with Adolph as a teenager sharing a burger and drink with him. I would never have thought that 45 years forward I would be with the same person eating in the same place. Just a few memories from some good burgers over the years! Do you have a place that brings back memories for you?

A POSTCARD FROM SAUBLE BEACH ONTARIO CANADA

Last weekend at a friend's cottage in Wiarton Ontario, it reminded me of an earlier time when the same couple invited us to the parents' cottage near Sauble Beach. This beautiful beach is close to Owen Sound- about 3 hours north of Toronto Ontario. I found these postcards I bought at the time- early 1970s.

The beach is very popular and with the Falls nearby makes a wonderful Ontario vacation. It is on Lake Huron as part of the Bruce Peninsula. On the other side of the Peninsula is Georgian Bay( Lake Huron) with its beaches- Washaga Beach the most renown. Manitoulin Island is accessible from the top end of the Bruce Peninsula or driving north to access it from  Espanola- along the Trans Canada Highway.

I received a postcard from a family member featuring the S.S. Norgoma- the ferry that took people to Manitoulin. "Dear Bub, Tante Leni and I are having a pleasant little hunting holiday here! Fine weather-beautiful scenery-pleasant surroundings. Hope everyone is well. Love, D. xxx"
It is from the mid 1960s. The postcard of Georgian Bay is very typical of the area- rock formations with coniferous trees trying to grow tall.
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.