NOVEMBER WAS A BUSY MONTH

How was your November? A birthday dinner, Christmas shopping, Remembrance Day celebrations, putting up the Christmas lights, decorating the house, a parade or two and working on the normal routines at work and home made the month quite busy but productive. The arrival of December brings some relief as the bulk of Christmas preparations are done. The fresh tree will be bought in a week and the decorating will occur while watching a Christmas movie! There are are dinners and parties planned! Thank you November for getting me to a good space of being able to enjoy the festive season! Maybe I can get out and snap some much needed photos to use in my blog!!

DIETS DIETS DIETS EVERYWHERE

Everywhere we turn someone is giving us advice about a diet, a diet plan or how to lose weight. A movie star, a sports figure and even annoying work colleagues are in our face about weight. People apologize for eating a chocolate or cookie. Why? Healthy eating and exercise will work. Watch your snacks and time of day you eat. Smaller meals throughout the day. But  chocolate is a food group and actually can help your mood. For me it is the exercise piece that I want to maintain. Not for weight loss but it just makes me feel good to work my body and muscles. No big trips to the gym or a private trainer- it would be fun to have one- but making sure in my day to walk, go up stairs, do a few weights- which could include picking up the grandchildren- and some stretching. It begs the question. What is our North American obsession with our bodies and having to look young? I think Europeans have a similar obsession too! What is more important looking good or feeling good? Of course, we can try to have both! For me feeling good is the priority. It means not just a physical appearance but inside- mentally and spiritually! No matter what I do I will not look 25 or 35 or even 45 again. Do I have to look younger or can I honestly be proud and happy to reach my age and well feel good about me? To enjoy a big meal with friends  in the holiday season is a must. Watching the calories- yes is important! But honestly- life is too short not to indulge occassionally! How do you feel about you? Are you becoming too obsessed with your weight? Do you want to be a little slimmer? Moderation is the key. Healthy living! But happy living is more important! Let us eat cake!

DO YOU LIVE A FRUITFUL LIFE?

Is your life full of activities that bring meaning to you? Is there variety? Do you muddle through your day or do you have a purpose to it? Do you wake up with joy or is it a drag? Do you go to sleep at night wondering what's it all about? Like the movie- What's it all about Alfie? If you were to arrange a fruit platter showing your life, what would it look like?

NANA SAYS PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS CAN BE POSITIVE

When our little children go to school, there is the anxiety of wondering if the child will be a good student, a well behaved student or the class trouble maker. There is always a relief for most parents that their child is doing okay. Of course there are some parents that are disappointed their children have not been recommended for Harvard or Oxford at age 4. What my little genius is just doing okay? Academics and social development are both important. The solid B student can still grow up to have a fine life. If a child is struggling in a subject, there is an opportunity to work positively on the knowledge needed for that subject at home and school. At the parent-teacher interview there can be a positive diaglogue about your child- strengths and weaknesses- areas to improve. Believe or not your perfect little boy or girl can be normal! Yes and can work on some areas of improvement! Just like the real world! Your first job- a boss will point out your areas for improvement! Creating a good relationship between home and school is vital for the family daily routines. School phobias are not pretty! So a child that likes the teacher, the school, the friends- well is more important than A plusses! A parent's relationship with the teacher goes a long way! If there is a challenge on a matter, for example, approach the teacher with the facts, be positive and respectful. Don't start a dialogue with- "the problem with education today"! Your discussion should focus on your child and the situation that brings you to the table. Remember one half of all education belongs to the home! There need to be opportunities to read, learn math, new skills and exercise as well as having fun! The teacher is your partner- not the one to do the parenting- that is your job! So at your parent-teacher interviews- be a partner!

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

Four weeks to Christmas and the local parades are in full swing. Attending the one in Richmond Hill last Sunday saw the big guy arriving to cheers and waves of the crowd.

Mrs. Claus decided to come with him too. He was headed to the local Mall where he will receive the children and any adults that will let him know what they want for Christmas. Yes, 4 weeks to the big day! How are your Christmas plans going? Are you having your own parade in your community? Do you have a local toy drive?

WASN'T THAT A PARTY!

After Black Friday shopping, a local Santa Claus parade and the Argonauts win at Grey Cup, it was a party weekend. People had a good time- no injuries! After the party it is time to get back to the normal daily routines and a Monday morning. An anniversary of any event brings memories and reflections to those involved. So 100 years ago a Toronto team won the Grey Cup and ironically a Toronto team won it again! For me it was not about the winning but people coming from all over Canada to have a party! Celebrating in good spirit with rivalries but respect and all in good fun! Makes us proud to be Canadian that we can respect our differences and love each other anyway!

A POSTCARD FROM THE GREY CUP

If anyone has a postcard from the Grey Cup try to send one to me! I am sure in a history of over 100 years there would be a few postcards of the event occurring in the Canadian Footbal League. Each city from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa and to Montreal have had a turn at winning the Cup. Have those cities made postcards of their wins?

TRYING TO RELAX DURING THE BUSY SEASON

Christmas season with all its tasks, parties and expectations can be stressful at the best of times. By planning and organizing and perhaps doing less, it can be enjoyed. Shopping has become easier with online shopping, gift cards at so many stores, and longer store hours. Making a list and strategizing what needs a personal visit to a store and what can be ordered is a simple list. Flowers, cookies and gift baskets are wonderful festive gifts from a simple online order or phone call. Writing one newsletter and printing copies that can be tucked in Christmas cards saves lots of writing. Or email the newsletter as an attachment so your friend or family member has some update from you. Follow up with personal phone calls in the New Year. January is a great time to reconnect with people as well! You have lots of time and less pressure. Bake a few items if wanted but remember there are many great bakeries or sections of grocery stores that can help you. At any big dinner let everyone bring a food item so all the work does not belong to one hostess! If family time is what you want then make simple family get togethers with lots of photos! If anyone of us remember our best memories it usually involved simple activities. For me, going downtown and looking at Eatons and Simpsons store windows at Yonge and Queen still sticks out in my mind. Yes, the lights along University Avenue- driving by in a car. Trips to the mall are modern occurrences but are they really pleasant! There are small stores and bazaars looking for your business. Right now in Toronto there is the One of a Kind Craft Sale with artists from across the country selling their wares. If you can not make it, look it up online and find items you might like as they all have websites where you could order a wanted item! Embrace the Christ in Christmas and look to the community for ways to help like the toy drives and food bank donations. How are your Christmas preparations going? Are you feeling the pressure yet? What can you think can help in your world?

Or are you doing too much and it is just a blur?

BLACK FRIDAY FRENZY

Are you a shopper? All the hype about the bargains today! What is Black Friday? A little history- the day after Thanksgiving in the United States that starts the real shopping for Christmas and helps those businesses that were in the red to sell enough that their sales would now be in the black! Many Canadians go across the border to pick up the great sales. In the GTA, many people go to New York state, especially the malls and stores in Buffalo! Well, Canadian businesses have  embraced the idea and want us to stay home to try and get some good buys here. My email account has been full of great bargains to buy  at home and I can even order online. Stores like The Bay and Sears have their own Black Friday sales. There is one idea- if you are a great bargain shopper, there are always lots of sales in January at great reductions too! End of season sales- like buying the children next year's snowsuits in April! However, there is something about a bargain and bragging how much you paid for an item! If you don't like crowds, sitting at your computer in your jammies getting your bargains and free shipping is quite appealing! There is a human element though. Are we still just hunters and gatherers at heart? Has anything changed? Shopping has become a full time activity! Running for a sale does give us a little much needed exercise! What will you be doing today? Oh to shop or not to shop, that is the question?

GREY CUP WEEKEND AT 100 YEARS

The Canadian Fooball League is celebrating 100 hundred years in Toronto Ontario Canada at the Rogers Centre. Home team- Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders are playing. West versus East tradition- a Canadian tradition! The Grey Cup is the prize. Grey cup parties will occur in many homes on Sunday November 25, 2012. Families will have bets that live in other parts of Canada. Remembering other games like the one that had to be postponed due to the fog! Or the1976 one when my daughter Natasha was born! What memories do you have of the Grey Cup? Have you attended a game? What was your favourite win? Who are rooting for this weekend?

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE ON CANADIAN STREETS

Slowly, houses are beginning to shine with Christmas lights and lawn decorations. I put mine up in two stages. With 2 new prelit Christmas trees, it was a challenge to find enough extension cords for all the plugs. It is a beautiful time of year with each house or business using their own imagination to have lights. Richmond Hill has old fashioned lamp post lights-quite pretty at night. Of course, with other cultures abounding there are many gaps on streets with no lights. Other faiths do have lights as part of their traditions but just not in the Christmas season. Lights are joyous not just pretty!

NANA SAYS SIT DOWN TO EAT YOUR FOOD

It is safer to sit and eat our food. What is it with children that want to run around and eat? With my little grandchildren, there is a spot at the kitchen table for them. Sit and eat. Sit and drink. Yet, before any time passes one gets up and walks around with the food. Back to the table! Fast forward! How many adults do we see every day- eating in their cars, walking and eating, working and eating! Is it about good manners or is there a real safety issue? Choking! People and children come into any hospital on any given day from a choking incident. Even with sitting and eating, it is still possible to choke on our food or drink. Jumping, running, walking or driving can increase the chances! How many times do you talk to someone on the phone that is chewing food in your ear? Well that is manners! You may want to choke the person yourself! Be a role model and sit to eat with any young children. Demonstrate what you preach! As we age it is more important to chew food well to reduce choking or aspiration incidents. Besides sitting and eating is a real social time. Spending time with loved ones at a table with food can be one of the most enjoyable times of the day!

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

I learnt to sew from my mother. She would sew an item, check it then take her razor blade and rip out the seam. So I would use the trial and error method until I started to think about it and decided if I measured the item first then sew perhaps I would only need to sew it once! Voila! It worked. And I bought a seam ripper- a very cheap sewing tool just in case I did need to remove some stitches or hem some pants or a skirt. By taking our time with items in our lives and planning, thinking, measuring it saves lots of aggravation in the long run! New furniture, for example, may not fit the rooms you have in your home! So map out the room before buying! Where to hang a picture on a wall? Measure first! In my first homes there would be many holes behind each picture I hung- now one! When I knit a sweater for example, I knit both sleeves at the same time thus saving time of measuring and checking tension etc. Every knitter has had the experience of one sleeve being slightly longer than the other. Counting stitches and marking them down on a piece of paper is a simple method. Writing in our lives!  It has become so easy for High School and University students with spell  and grammar check. However, it is still a good idea to have a dictionary and thesaurus handy to know the meaning of words. A little concise book of English grammar can be another tool for doing it right! Is it affect or effect? What is the noun and what is the verb? What is an adjective and an adverb? Take an inventory of how long it takes to complete any task. Then dissect the steps involved and you may discover there are ways to eliminate some of those steps. Did you take three steps forward and one step backwards? Perhaps! Each new task takes time to learn how to do it but over time it becomes a skill. So the trial and error method may get you started until you determine your own -- I will do it right the first time! Have you had tasks in your life that are second nature now? Do you find ways to reduce the number of steps it takes to complete a task?

EVERYONE'S A THERAPIST

As a trained Social Worker-Therapist, it is always interesting how many people think they can do what I do. Speaking to, giving advice and knowing the right answer is not therapy. It is speaking and giving advice. In my current employment, there are many times when providing resources to a patient and/or family, there is minimal clinical depth. Other times there is a real therapeutic process occurring. Counselling is not just talking. It is a skill that comes with training, experience and continued learning. There are different theoretical bases, types of counselling and modes of intervention. Crisis counselling is different from relationship,adjustment and family counselling. Often issues are recognized but can not be addressed as a discharge is all that is being discussed. Trying to fix a family's dysfunction is not the problem of the team. Friends in social circles think they can counsel and fix their friends. Stay friends! Be a good friend but do not ever think you are a therapist! Even work colleagues think they should try to fix each other! As a therapist, my view is very clear- fix yourself first! Projecting your own issues on others, keeps the spotlight off you is a nice decoy! Be a good work colleague- kind and supportive! Remember not everyone is a therapist and does not have the same skill and professional boundaries needed to respect you and your issues. If you need a good therapist, ask your friendly Social Worker who can recommend one for you!

A POSTCARD FROM RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO CANADA

Every hometown has its local pieces of history and interest. I found these postcards by a local artist- A. Vermeulen done several years ago.

Top left-the Presbyterian Church on Yonge Street. Top right- the United Church on Yonge Street. Both built in the 1800s. And the Mill Pond- a popular spot for Canada Geese, ducks and a few people.
In the summer there are concerts in the park and the winter skating on the ice with a Winter Carnival in Feburary.
How does the drawing compare to a real photograph!

I've called Richmond Hill my home for most of my life. The little town north of Toronto! Actually its population now is equal to other cities in Canada. The bus, the Go train or the highway can take you south to Toronto or north to cottage country! It may not be the best place to live in the world, but it is not bad! Of course my very favourite building continues to be the Central Library. 

Especially in the Spring time. What do you have to say about your hometown? Home is where the heart is and in my case- my family!!

EARLY MORNING- A TIME FOR RENEWEL

Each day brings a chance for renewel. New goals, new conversations, new hope! Mornings give us a chance to forge ahead! To look down the road! To observe our world, our community, our street! To wait for the shadows to leave! A time to walk, jog, drive to work! If wanted, a time to pray and be thankful for another day! A quiet time with few people around to make noise! Mornings!

ARE YOU A NEMESIS?

The Goddess of divine punishment according to Greek mythology! Or simply defined as retributive justice in the Oxford dictionary. Or an agent of such a downfall! Sometimes words or ideas pop into our consciousness and by pursuing the meaning it can bring some insight to current events in our lives. So the word nemesis greeted me this morning. Nemesis pursued Zeus! I think Sherlock Holmes had his nemesis- Moriarty? Do we all have one? Are we one to others? Why was I thinking this word this morning? Does it have some significance? Or not? Carl Jung believed in the Collective Unconscious. Was something coming from a deeper level? By paying attention to the world around us, do we get ideas, clues or warnings about our lives? Do you ever have a thought and wonder, where did that come from? Why was I thinking that? By listening to our thoughts and observing our own actions, great insight can be gained.

NANA SAYS COLD WEATHER BRINGS WARMER CLOTHES

As many parts of Canada have already experienced snow and cold weather, parents have pulled out the winter clothes and boots. It can be a struggle with little ones to put on snow pants, jackets, hats and scarves as well as the bulky boots. Children often resist. What was a quick exit from home can become a 5-10 minute ordeal! Then the teenage child that insists on wearing spring clothes on the cold days. On my winter walks I have seen many red ears on the older child due to the resistance of wearing a hat. Winter or cold weather since it is not official until December 21 is more work for the parent. Planning and organizing clothes by the door can help with the routine. Patience can be stretched. Allowing the younger child to get ready uses a lot of it. Have extra pairs of mitts/gloves and scarves in several places. I always had extra in my car all winter when the children were little and even when they were teenagers. Thus if something is left at home, there is the proverbial backup. Check the lost and found box regularly at the school or day care as many items find their way there. Children misplace, lose and don't care about their winter clothes. Even as adults the layering can be cumbersome and annoying at times. If I am going to an evening event with heels, my boots, scarf and gloves are put in the car as my backup too. Having several matching sets of winter apparel saves the problem of losing one mitt! There is another pair! Oh the struggle to keep warm! What are your suggestions for winter organization? Do you find it a big annoyance? Or do you just roll with it?

GIVE WITH A WARM HAND

Not a cold one! A work mate tells me this is her mother's saying. Rather than reading the Will and this is what you will inherit, her mother has decided to help her daughter in the living. She can enjoy seeing her child use some money for things she needs. A cousin transferred a cottage to his children so he could see them enjoy it as well as continue using it if needed. My mother-in-law liked to give money when her granddaughters were taking a big trip somewhere . If my children say it's too much, I just tell them I took it out of the Estate! It is important to let the family in your life make their own way. Every aging parent does need a certain amount for their old age. However, I witness people hoarding whatever they have and threaten adult children with the Will- if you are not good to me, I will cut you out of it! I recall a book written that stated to die broke! Use up your resources in the living so you have enough to last for your needs but why have tremendous investments left if they were only for you! If you want your children and grandchildren to have them- well why are you waiting? Balancing the finances does take creativity sometimes. If we only knew how long we would live, then we could adjust accordingly! I also witness Elder Abuse in my work. Adult children refusing to use their parents' financial resources on their needs stating their folks have no money for things like private care or equipment. They are more concerned about losing a piece of the pie! So educating people to use their own investments and money for their needs as well as sharing what they chose to share in the living could reduce some of this exisiting abuse. Yes, it does go on more than you think! A parent assigns a child to be Power of Attorney to manage his/her money not to steal it! Most children are very respectful and do a great job! However, there are a certain percentage that don't! Some parents assign two Powers of Attorney as a double blind! Keeps everyone honest! So balancing what we need and sharing what we have as we age takes research and talking with our children! I like the warm hand, don't you?

NOVEMBER A MONTH WITH MANY ACTIVITIES

Christmas shopping is underway in a huge way. I am having trouble hiding all the packages from my grandchildren. Letters to the troops are completed, addressed and stamped-ready for mailing. Sunday was Remembrance Day so time was made to attend a parade and service in Richmond Hill.

This year was very well attended with the beautiful sunny day and the fact it was on a Sunday.

Many wreaths were laid from all levels of government, local agencies and even for some individual family members from various generations that had served for Canada. After snapping a few pictures, I placed my lonely poppy to join them. Can you see it in the picture? I like the Ottawa service where people put their poppies on the unknown soldier's grave. It becomes an array of red love!

Sunday is always a day to rest- after two grandchildren had a sleepover, finish some household tasks-vacuum and mop the main floor, fold some laundry and work on the two blogs. Adolph depends on me to type his blog. Actually he had his Minestra soup featured on the Gastropost page of The National Post along with many others. I was excited. He was complacent! His blog continues to be about food from his Ciociaria area and sometimes he tells about food he has tried from other regions. http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com
Earlier in the day, walking back from the service- about 20 minutes from the middle of Richmond Hill, I found a tree that still had some leaves so took another fall picture.

A strong Oak tree with green leaves amongst the yellow, a little reminder of the strength of Canadians everywhere. Sometimes I wish Sunday could be cloned into two days! How was your Remembrance Day? Is Christmas shopping underway in your home? Are your little grandchildren keeping you busy?

A POSTCARD FROM STONEHENGE

In the Salisbury Plains in Southern England lies the rock formation of Stonehenge. On my first trip ever outside Canada in 1967, I had the joy of visiting this historic site. There was no fence surrounding it. People could touch it. Not now!

As you can see from the postcard I bought- no fence! A friend of mine visited England in 1980 and sent me a Stonehenge postcard.
September 25, 1980- Denise wrote " Dear Barbara and Adolph, Over here for 2 weeks-going to Stonehenge today- travelled down from Scotland yesterday and off to London tomorrow for a couple of day then home. Cheers! Denise"
Since I love history, I have books on my shelf about the mystery and the theories surrounding Stonehenge. Druids are the popular notion. So any visit to Great Britain is worth a visit to this site.
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.

WRITING OUR CANADIAN TROOPS

Each year our family composes a letter to send to our Armed Forces wherever they are serving in the world. It is easy to find the addresses by looking up the National Defence website and see the link- write the troops. If you want and it is easier just send a message via email. Think about the ripple effect of reaching someone that may need a kind message being so far from home and his/her loved ones. A little kindness going a long way!

THE MAPLE LEAF

For Canadians, the maple leaf has become symbolic of our nation. It's on our flag. It come from maple trees. There are a variety of these decidious ones that  grow across the country. One variety even make a delicious syrup. Hardy, changes colour in the Fall and rejuvenates in the Spring with beautiful green foilage. Its' seeds blow in the wind and make numerous new trees everywhere. Sometimes in our gardens where we do not want any new ones. No wonder it is indicative of our nation!

IN FLANDERS FIELD

In Flanders Fields, a poem by Canadian John McCrae- May 1915, has been recited by school children for generations in Canada.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead, Short days ago
We lived, feld dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; by yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

There are web sites and government sites telling many stories of the Great War and McCrae's story. Perhaps, look them up and learn more about our history. Did you have to recite this poem at Remembrance Day ceremonies as a child? I remember learning it in the early grades. It really transcends time and is so relevant with any modern conflict.

NANA SAYS CHILDREN ARE PARTICIPATING IN VETERANS' WEEK

Every year as we honour our Veterans at Remembrance Day , it is quite noticeable that young people are attending the ceremonies. High Schools across Canada now plan trips to memorials. Some even venture across to Europe visiting places like Vimy Ridge in France. Canadian history and our place in World history has become cool. This interest is due in part to our history. Actually, due to the involvement and commitment of our modern military going to places like Afghanistan and peacekeeping in Cyprus and other parts of the Middle East, our youth is viewing modern heroes serving our nation. News stories featuring our Highway of Heros on the 401, brings home the price that is paid to protect our country. Teaching our children not to glorify war but to promote peace takes a fine balance. Informing our young family members about other family members that served keeps the memories alive as well as saying thank you for the work. It helps with life's lessons of why it is important to resolve conflicts without injury. Honouring our Veterans also teaches that life can be tough with tough times. Do what you need to do in your family to remember. Wearing a poppy can be the easiest gesture. Besides they are rather pretty. Depending on the age of the child, too much detail may frighten the little ones while teenagers will understand differently.

REMEMBERING OUR CANADIAN VETERANS

Once just Remembrance Day, now we have Veterans' Week November 5-11. It gives more time to reflect on our military history and the sacrifices made to have the peace we have today in Canada. Our recent missions in Afghanistan and other nations bring home the fact there are still conflicts and suffering in the world.

In parks, town centers and avenues, monuments exist to honour local heroes who served and those who died. The army, navy, air force and merchant marine have men and women from all walks of life. In our family, there are individuals that served in World War One- Ernest Ellis and World War Two- Ellerington Park, Parkin Alton and Norman Ellis. Families across Canada will have similar stories about their loved ones. A family friend has a Mom- Amy Evans- who served with the Canadian army in England. She met Jack there and he came to Canada with her as a War husband.
If you have not done it, talk to the older Vets and get their stories- write them down, film them, tape them. Once they are gone, then their stories are gone. Learn about the famous battles and Canada's role in them. By honouring our past, we learn to find a way to resolve conflict peacefully in this modern world. I hope the Canadian military returns to its peacekeeping role- helping communities build, bringing fresh water supplies, education and health- in a wonderful way. When you think of Canada's history, what stories come to mind for you? Do you have a special person you like to honour?

BEING AN INDIVIDUAL

Takes courage. As important as it is to be a member of a social group, knowing your worth as a person in that group is vital.

Is the whole  the sum of its parts? Sometimes we all need to leave the group to be valued for ourselves. In our multicultural Canada, many new immigrants do struggle with the need to belong to two worlds- their cultural or religious group and Canadian society yet find a way to be an individual! The forest has room for many different trees and vegetation living side by side. Does Society have the room?

A POSTCARD FROM FALL IN ONTARIO

As our Fall weather is winding down and all the leaves are almost off the trees, I found some postcards from various spots in Ontario depicting the Fall colours and thought I would share them with you.

One camp friend of mine wrote- August 13, 1963-"Dear Barb, We're having a real riot up here on our canoe trip. We're in this little town with one whole store and 2 houses. Maybe? the family will go back to Rock Lake. See you then, Sharon" It was from Kiosk Ontario.
From Minden Ontario family friends wrote- "1969- Dear May and Eli, Having a week at a friends cottage. Weather could be better but at least it's fine. Will call you when we get back. Les and Geoff send their love to everyone. Cheers Eve and Maurice"

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.

A POSTCARD FROM SCOTLAND

Anyone who has been to Scotland, say it is one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen. My stepdad's parents- my grandparents liked to visit Scotland every couple of years when they were able. They would take a ship over and stay for a couple of months with cousins. Aberdeen was the birthplace of one of them. I think it was Granddad.

The postcards are from the 1960s.

In September 7, 1963- Granma wrote: "This is a card for your collection Having very fine weather and enjoying ourselves. Hope everyone well. Tell Mom to write. Love to all. Grandad and Granma"

There were family friends who wrote often. Hugh Fraser had been a boarder with us from about 1955 to 1957. He worked on the ground crew with Trans Canada Air Lines which later became Air Canada. After he married he returned to Scotland to work but kept in touch with our family for decades. I think he obtained a job with British Airways. I believe they had two children.

October 7, 1961, Hugh and Ishbel wrote- "As you can see we arrived safe. My plane 2 1/2 hours late. Hugh's 25 minutes early. Going around all the country spots like two Canadian tourists. Weather not bad, not keeping us in anyway. See you all soon. Ishbel and Hugh"

September 7 1968 Hugh and Ishbel wrote-" Having a lovely "caravan" holiday here in Aberdeen. It's not Hawaii but we've had terrific weather with lots of sunshine. We both rather like Aberdeen and wouldn't mind staying further. Maybe we'll see you next year. Love Ishbel and Hugh"

The large postcard and the one along the margin are postmarked from Paisley, Renfrewshire. Again from Ishbel and Hugh. The large card, from  June 11, 1962 illustrates the beauty of Scotland. From the script on the card it says- "The Kyles of Bute, Argyll. This beautiful waterway separates the Island of Bute from the mainland. In this picture a Clyde pleasure steamer is seen rounding Buttock Point at the entrance to Loch Ridden." Th couple seemed to love this area of their home country. The top card is from Loch Ness.

A friend from  work at the time at CNIB wrote me a card in 1984.
"2.2.84 Hi Barb! Touring by car with Mary. We have been on a few Mt. walks- very beautiful scenery. Today we saw Loch Ness (no " Nessie") and Ben Nevis. Ging to a castle at Nairn tomorrow-then to a theatre at Pitlochry to see a play. Scotland looks just like the postcards. See you. Love Adele"

My folks visited Scotland a couple of times. I have dozens of cards from their visit. Perhaps another Postcard from Scotland will be warranted at a future date.
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

THE HOLLAND MARSH ONTARIO

A stretch of wetland and farms north of Toronto named after Captain Samuel (Johannes) Holland- a Dutch born Surveyor- made a fun day trip looking for photos and ideas for Adolph's blog- granpa loves to cook.

Highway 400 divides it so on any drive north, the fields are visible, making the route scenic. Taking the sideroads off Highway 9 allowed some time to take in the area.

It used to be all family farms( some remain)  but now there are grocery chains that buy the crops. Apparently, carrots and onions are huge crops along with other smaller ones.

Onions crated and ready for market.

There is something picturesque about seeing food grown in its natural environment.

The Holland River which runs through the Marsh is a watershed that lies within the Oak Ridges Moraine. Nearby is the Lake Simcoe watershed area. There is also a canal that runs through the Marsh. Managing the area environmentally and refertilizing it keeps it viable presently and for future generations.

Bradford is the small town near the Marsh.

There are always some photo opportunities. Maybe next time I will take my tripod and try to capture some artistic pictures. On any of my drives while accompanied by my husband, I jump in and out of the car, snap a picture then we race to the next stop. Perhaps a Spring jaunt alone, so I can leisurely take the time needed to relax and reflect on the area. An added note- I have lived near this area for most of my life. Taking the time to explore it was interesting. I did some Internet research to use in this post. There is local history all around us. So if you have areas near you- explore them, take pictures, research the history and is quite amazing what tidbits you will find there.

CANADA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS BUT NOT FOR SALE

Is a sign I would like to put on my front lawn. As I listen and watch business reports and hear of yet another billion dollar offer to buy yet another Canadian company or resource, I always wonder once done will the profits stay in Canada or go to the foreign ownership? Yes, trade between nations keeps economies flowing and workers employed, but are they our Canadian workers? Some of our Free Trade agreements work like with the United States and Mexico. We have expenses here- Health Care! Are these foreign owners taxed so the money goes back to keep Canada afloat? If our resources are profitable, why not keep them Canadian with Canadian owners? Does foreign ownership give those individuals a say in our politics and our health and social services which are in place? We are a democratic country with wonderful human rights. Do I trust other nations are the same? No! Money talks and the one with the biggest wad, often speaks the loudest! Reciprocal trade-yes! Ownership- please think before you sign the dotted line! Canada may be at stake! What do you think? Do you feel there are enough safeguards in place to protect our future? The future of our grandchildren?

NOVEMBER THE MONTH OF REMEMBERING

November is the in between month. Fall is starting to end. Day Light Savings time!Turning the clocks back! The trees have lost all their leaves so there is brown on brown. The days are starting to get shorter and darkness prevails. It is a month to gear up for Christmas, shopping, putting the outdoor lights up by the middle of the month, Remembrance Day, and of course a couple of family birthdays that bring some fun. If the weather holds- more outdoor cleanup and raking those last leaves. There is yard waste pickup until the end of November! I like the beginning of months as there is so much promise to set some goals to get "things" done. It is a time to remember as I like to start wearing my poppy today. How do you feel about the new month? Is it just another month or do you have plans?