A CANADIAN MOOSE IN A MALL? CANADIAN, EH!

Nature at its best! Christmas brings out the artist and creativity in many people. Shopping recently at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto, the beautiful Swarovski tree with decorations was too hard to resist a photo or two. Low and behold- a moose! Bringing the forest to the urban setting worked.

Lots of crystal on the tree!

There was lots of details on the tree. If you look closely in the middle of the bulb, you can see me taking the picture. Fun to be part of the Christmas photo. Are there photo opportunities at your malls across the country and the world. Why not explore in the midst of all your Christmas shopping! Bet you can tell I love the Christmas season! How about you?

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS COULD USE SOME ELVES

Eleves would help with the work and stress of Christmas preparations. Often it is the mother that makes the magic of Christmas happen for her family. Over the years there are often suggestions of dividing the work. Remember the cookie drive! Have a group of friends and each of you make one kind of cookie or square but dozens then each swap with each other. Can you think of other ways to share the load? Have play days with a friend so that Mom can clean, shop, bake, wrap or whatever is needed? Use other family members to share some of the activities of Christmas with you! Spreading out the events in different houses shares the load! Back to planning and deciding what is really important for the season! Dragging children to shop at the Mall is not the best way to enjoy it! Think back of your childhood! Watching my mother make Christmas cake was one for me! Quiet times in the home! Ask your children and spouse what are the most important activities they want to do! Many young parents buy the gingerbread house items and make their own! Creating memories that are simple! So can you think of someone who could be your Elf? Remember Santa had lots of them- he does not do everything alone!

CANADIAN PARADES ARE FUN

Cookie monster was a big hit at the local parade. It could be seen far in the distance before it made it to where we were sitting. The children loved it.

But at the Thanksgiving parade in New York City, large blown up characters like this are the norm. For us locales, it was fun. What is it about parades that draw crowds? I wonder when parades originated. Perhaps a little research in the New Year to look at this concept. Are you having a local parade? What is the theme? Here in Canada there are many Santa Claus or Christmas or Holiday parades occurring across the country! Attending at least one is a must for everyone!

NANA SAYS SANTA CLAUS PARADES ARE A TRADITION FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN

Local parades are occurring across the country every weekend. The one in Richmond Hill was last weekend. The main event is always the Santa float for the little children. Attending with little children brings back the magical moments of Christmas. Some floats were local church groups with one with the motto put Christ back in Christmas! Lots of Happy Holidays too to keep us multicultural! Of course a few bands playing some fun music for us! Politicians from every level of government handing out candy canes and some flyers from businesses! Fun for everyone and a little cold on the toes! They enjoyed " high fiveing" the various dressed characters in the parade. Santa Claus parades are a tradition for Canadians. As a little girl, I attended the Eaton's parade in Toronto now renamed as the Toronto Santa Claus parade. It occurred November 17. It is rather impressive and televised. My children used to be in the local parade when they attended Brownies and Guides! Seeing the new generation brought back some memories. As we are older we make the magical moments for the children! Standing in the cold and acting as if it is fun helps! My children and grandchildren like this parade because it is close to Nana's house. Spreading out the season's activities lets parents have some quiet moments too. So hot chocolate, marshmellows and cookies at Nana's house after the parade warmed everyone! Granpa had some too!

DECORATING THE HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS IS LOTS OF WORK

Decorating for the Christmas season can begin as early as you want. Some people have their homes decorated mid-November. Others have specific times to start. My house always was decorated after my daughter's birthday in late November. I did not want Christmas to interfere with her birthday. I have lots of decorations and enough tree ornaments for several Christmas trees. So I do not put all my stuff out every year now. My living room is my Santa room so all the big Santas are displayed but not all the little Santa items. Several years ago, I discovered my grandchildren liked to play with them all, rearranging all my displays. So I leave the little things packed away. I put the coloured stacking boxes for the children to have some fun along with the Hallmark singing displays accumulated over the years. My winding staircase only houses some lights now as the green garland used for years is packed away too. The year there was a family wedding in January, decorating was reduced as well. Even with just putting out the larger items, the work is there along with the acquired items of decades. It takes energy to decorate and of course time! So big things fill up spaces if this year does not bring enthusiasm for you! Less can be more! Of course a well decorated Christmas tree fills a big space. For me, I buy a real one about 10 days before Christmas and it comes down New Year's Day! Spacing out the Christmas activites helps with the stress of the season. Giving time to do what needs to be done helps! Sometimes let's admit it-everyone needs a break from the hoopla of the season. When the house is finally decorated, it can be enjoyed. Looking at bins of things can not! So if you must decorate a little at a time due to time constraints, have a spot where your stuff can go until it goes up in the house. Coming home from work to a mess can be discouraging! Plug away at it and it will be done! Don't be afaid to leave some things tucked away! Wanting to try a new look can be too! It is okay to be tired of the same old things! So how is your decorating coming along?

MY FIRST SNOW

When the first real snow arrives, it is always a bit of a surprise and shock. Preparation starts weeks in advance with winter tires, buying the salt and putting the shovels and snow blower where they can be retrieved easily. The scarves, mitts and hats are in the front hall closet and the boots are by the the door. Physically we are ready, but emotionally it takes it toll. Adults think of all the hazzle of getting around in the winter. Children want to play in the snow. Explore! Mess up the clean paths! Make a snowman! Of course, there are many parts of Canada that have had their first snow weeks ago. For us in the GTA-Greater Toronto Area- the end of November or first week of December is usually the norm. The snow often does not stay. So the ugly Fall brown is in our face!
For those that want to ski or snowboard there are areas not far away where it can occur! Sledding is always fun! There is a small hill by the Richmond Hill Central Library-just a little dusting and it is full of children and adults sliding down! Funny with all the technology and computer savy kids- sliding down a hill is as much fun in 2013 as it was 200 years ago! The white stuff brings out the kid in many of us- as long as we do not have to drive in it! One of my favourite things about the snow is looking down a street at night with some snow and Christmas lights shining! It makes such a Christmas card scene! No matter what the end of fall and start of winter is occuring! As Canadians the white stuff is part of our conscienceness! I know many snowbirds head south to avoid it! Good for them! For most of us, finding a way to accept it and actually enjoy it can be an annual challenge! Luckily, as a grandparent  I dress warmly and frolic in the snow with my grandchildren! If being outside is not your thing, a hot beverage of choice sitting by a window reading a book and observing the outside works just as well! What does the word snow evoke in you?

MAKING WRAPPING THOSE CHRISTMAS GIFTS EASY

One of the dilemmas of the season is where to hide the gifts once purchased. Wrapping them a few at a time seems to be the solution for me. With little grandchildren that visit often and now know to snoop, it solves the problem of where to hide the items. Once wrapped and labelled, put in larger Christmas bags for each family group, the secret is safe until Christmas morning! Which brings us to wrapping! There are so many choices now- pay a charity at the Mall that does wrapping, with your  online shopping gifts can be delivered to the recipient gift wrapped, tissue and bagged or wrapping that special gift with the pretty paper, special ribbon and little ornament. A fun thing for children of course is the proverbial candy cane on top instead of the ornament! An easy way is the gift box. I like them for the children's clothes. Put 2 or 3 items in the box with some tissue and a little tape-voila! Too many bags are hard to place under the tree so a few boxes are good for stacking. So how is your shopping and wrapping going?

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF KENNEDY'S DEATH

Today marks 50 years since the Kennedy death. As a young girl, I remembered what I was doing when I heard the news. Watched Oswald get shot live on TV! In disbelief! There have been other news events and tradegies that stick in my mind too. The shuttle explosion! Of course, September 11th! It has been asked the last week, why the fascination with Kennedy! Why do we still care? He was American but it effected Canada and the next years. It was said he would end the war in Viet Nam sooner which lasted into the 1970s. Do we remember to hope it will not happen again? I wonder how Caroline feels today! Her whole life she has lived in the shadow of that event! He was a President but he was her Dad! Most people I know now are younger and not even cognizant of the event! Perhaps, it gave me a fascination for news events and history. Perhaps it taught me about death! Does it rank with the motto- Lest We Forget! Today in Dallas and other parts of the USA there will be talk and remembrance. To my American friends and colleagues-my heart is with you! 

FAMILIES ARE LIKE FLOCKS OF GEESE

Families are like flocks of geese. Sometimes one takes the lead, then moves over to let another do the job. They mate for life. They like to return to the same area to have their babies indicating they like stability. Not every goose likes the other goose. So in families there can be differences, disagreements and even times when it is more important to put distance on relationships in order to survive. Siblings can be estranged as can children from parents. Finding one's way with family can be simple or very complicated. Add in-law relationships and it can become even more complicated. Real families talk about their issues. Large families can have the pretense that everything is fine because large numbers get together! Being in the same room does not mean everyone cares for everyone else. Different ages and different stages can bring an ebb and flow to a family. There can be decades of discontent that erupts later in life. "Mom always liked me best!" Some children just need to be the one! " I am the oldest so I deserve everything, and you do not!" Believe or not this still can be the battlecry in many families. It is such an archaic concept! Just because royalty has to abide by this rule does not mean the average family has the same rule! Even giving more to the boys than the girls rules in some cultures is still a standard! Like it is said we can pick our friends but we can not pick our family! If you are dealing with any troubles right now, just put distance on it! Pick the number of times a family event needs to occur- 2- 3 events annually is more than enough! If the relationship is stronger than as often as you want! Just because your family looks like a flock does not mean alone and down times help you survive! Nurture your own family. Your spouse and little children should take priority over the extended family. Regroup! Renew! Revisit what is important to you! Don't confuse childhood good memories with the conflicts of adulthood. Life and families change! How you enjoyed things at 5 is very different than 35! Families are good when they work! So find the good points about your own family and distance from the negative ones! And feel good about it! Look at some of the immigrants who left large family groups behind-visiting every so many years! Hum was there a reason for it! Probably! Emotional distance is good for everyone! What do you think about your family? Are there concerns that need contemplation? Are there things that you can just let go?

NANA SAYS THE BUSY CHRISTMAS SEASON IS MANAGEABLE

The Christmas season revs up early in the Fall so it also revs up the children. Keeping a lid on activities so children have time to enjoy takes planning and lots of patience. The Christmas photos, the visit to Santa, attending a parade or two, let alone the school homework and events are very challenging to parents. Starting early with activities and pacing oneself is essential. Using your children as a excuse not to do things well is an excuse. Christmas comes at the same time every year so if planning has not occurred yet, there is no time like the present to get started. So what is important in your family. Start with where Christmas dinner will occur and go backwards to the events leading up to it. The visit to Santa can be on an off night and not the busiest Saturday. Luckily parades are in November so can be a short event. Knowing what the children want for Christmas is important so the gifts can be bought in store or ordered on line. Try to plan many quiet events at home with children- baking cookies, making some crafts, reading Christmas stories especially the birth of Jesus and why we have Christmas, planning a day to decorate the tree etc. Plan to quiet your parental energy! A load of laundry on while an activity is done! The school events have set dates so plan around them. Take a deep breath as the season gets busy. Oh yes, it is manageable! Generations before you managed with fulltime working and lesson schedules too! Watching favourite Christmas movies together allows for a time to sit! There is a choice to make the season a busy, busy hectic time or busy enough with some quiet fun moments! Remember you are creating the memories for your children-simple can be better! Grandparents and aunts and uncles are good resources to help with the events! A hot seasonal topic so there will be more suggestions as the season evolves.

ORGANIZING FOR CHRISTMAS-A CHRISTMAS WREATH

A wreath on a front door is one of the easist Christmas decorations. The variety is endless! Make one, buy a ready made store one or go to a craft show and sale buying from a crafter! The one featured used recycled Christmas ornaments pinned on a foam wreath! Using pinecones and other natural items keeps the season very Canadian.

ORGANIZING FOR CHRISTMAS-THE OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Organizing for Christmas does not have to be a blur. Take an activity at a time and methodically complete it. The outdoor Christmas lights can go up when you want! Some have them up immediately after Remembrance Day while others wait until the end of November or early December. My folks used to leave the lights along the house up year round-they just did not turn them on!! An outdoor display can be a single set of lights or an immense display-your choice. Strings of lights get more mileage if strung out rather than bunched. Now with the prelit trees and other lawn ornaments, outdoor displays are much easier to do. A beautiful lit tree in a front window can be your display as well! Before putting the lights outside, check that all the strings are working by plugging them in and checking any burnt out bulbs. Think about which strings attach to each to other as eventually one has to go to the extension cord that plugs into the electrical outlet! I usually do the display because Adolph often says later or tomorrow. Since I am short and use a ladder, I always call my display the "short woman's display"! Nothing special- strings of lights between trees and winding one or two around my oak tree. Last year, buying two of those prelit trees that go by the door! Not award winning but pretty enough! So think about your display, plan it and pick a non-windy moment to put the lights and other items out!  

IS A DOG MAN'S BEST FRIEND?

Is a dog really man's best friend? To many dog owners, the answer would be yes. Unconditional love, happy to see you and does not talk back! Pets in families are like another member of the family. They can be working animals like seeing eye dogs, police dogs and visiting the sick and old as therapeutic dogs. The variety of dogs suits the dog owners. Be careful which one you choose as it is often said dogs look like their owners. Sometimes dogs show up in art. The bronze sculpture at Harbourfront in Toronto is such a piece of art. Bending on the front patio of a restaurant it is a favourite tourist attraction! Do you have a dog? Do you like your dog more than most people? Too many dog owners would admit that one!

A BRIDGE SUPPORTS A TRANSITION

Bridges take us from one side to another. It can denote change. In our dreams, bridges can have many symbolic meanings to the person. Undergoing a new adventure can feel like crossing a bridge. Bridges can be on footpaths or across enormous gorges. Looking up at the bridge let's us see the span! Looking down from a bridge can bring different meaning to our lives! The world below is visualized. A bridge can take us from earth to heaven. Sometimes people chose to end their lives by jumping off a bridge! Bridges are often necessary as major highways. Like the London bridge beside the London Tower! Raising and lowering to let the boat traffic go by on a daily basis. In Ontario, the Burlington Skyway is a huge bridge linking us to the Niagara Pennisula! Although they can be commonplace, they are an engineering feat. Do you have a favourite bridge? Do you have a story about a bridge?

LIFE IS LIKE A BALLOON

Life can be celebrated in many ways. Balloons are a sure indicator something good is happening! Enjoying the good times usually comes from relief of going through a hard time! Grabbing on to a balloon of life can help the mood change to relishing the moment! Like little children we can play with it, tie it to our wrist  or put it on display. Be careful though because you may encounter others who want to pop your balloon! I don't know why but there are many people that can not celebrate happiness. Or if that person is miserable everyone else should be too! Balloons are fun! If you go to the right party store that sells balloons, there is a variety of many different themes to buy! Sometimes just have a balloon on display in your home-for fun! I had one birthday balloon for Adolph tied to the front banister on display for over a month. The grandchildren enjoyed batting it and seeing it! Like a symbol-we enjoy life here! So if you bought a balloon today, what would it be! Mine would be a little princess with another princess and 3 knights nearby! 

THURSDAY REFLECTIONS BY BARBARA

Reflections make us stop and look at ourselves. Often we point fingers at others but must remember 3 are pointing back at us! As we look at the picture the reflections are upside down. In life, turning things upside down can give a new perspective and might give some new direction in our lives! Taking the blessing and not taking them for granted is a good first step. When events do not go well, the first response can be-woe is me, why did this happen to me, etc. When things go well, there may be no reaction but the expectation, why not I deserve everything in life. Stopping when events go well and just saying thank you to God or to the universe is more important. Relishing the good times and holding on to them. Are you experiencing a good time? Are you relieved an event has been good? Are you just feeling happy about something? Well enjoy! 

NANA SAYS WELCOMING A NEW BABY TO THE FAMILY IS PRECIOUS

Welcoming a new baby to the family group is always a precious moment. As we lose people along the way, new life helps to keep the family going! New challenges for parents with older children. Helping siblings to adapt is a daily occurrence. Fortunately the new baby does not notice the older children are getting attention. The baby eats, sleeps, gets cuddled, can get rocked but does not worry Mommy and Daddy are helping the other children. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends can help with the transition. By watching the baby, Mommy can have a bath or shower. Taking the older children to events and giving some quality time can give the parens of the new baby some alone time! Babies are babies and lots of fun to have around family events! 

TAKING THE HECTIC OUT OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Christmas preparation does not have to be hectic with the right plan and mindset. Christmas 25th is the day every year. If the preparation is started early, then the tasks fall into place. Many people buy presents year round, putting them aside to use at Christmas. Others decide to think shopping is what Christmas is all about! Hum! So what are the main events other than shopping.
Putting up the Christmas lights. Decorating the house. Putting up the tree. Wrapping those gifts. The Christmas events such as parties, pot luck at work, the visit to Santa, the Christmas pictures of the children,family get togethers or who is hosting the family dinners. Of course, Christmas cards and out of town parcels. Which church to attend or do you help with the Christmas concert! Sharing the Christmas message with little ones with a creche and Christmas stories!
Since I do have decades of experience with all of the above, I will be writing various posts over the next few weeks with some strategies for you. Please email or write comments about your own strategies.
Firstly if you have not done it already, write a list of all the people that require consideration for a present, a hostess gift etc. Since the out of town people need a gift sooner, start with them.
For the record, I usually write this list sometime in August. My girls provide the lists for their children mid-October. However, just getting started really helps.
Oh yes, I know there are many that only give gift cards and their Christmas message is an email saying Merry Christmas everyone! There are others where Christmas is a time of family and gathering so it is to those people that I want to share my ideas and organizational skills!
Many young families like the photo Christmas card showing their growing family so please do not tell me no one sends cards anymore! Some do, and some do not!  Christmas can be many things to many people!

So let's take the hectic out of Christmas!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS-A REMEMBRANCE TRIBUTE 2013

Wear your poppy today in remembrance!
A famous Canadian John McCrae wrote a poem on the battlefield during World War One. I have transcribed it here.

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, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were love, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

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

This poem is read and recited at most Remembrance services across Canada. John McCrae did not return home from the war but his reflection is a continual reminder to us all!

ENGLISH CEMETERY IN CASSINO ITALY-REMEMBERING OUR CANADIANS

The Cassino area has several cemeteries honouring those who died in World War Two. The English cemetery otherwise known as the British Commonwealth cemetery is in the Commune of Cassino, Province of Frosinone, Italy. There are grave markers of 4265 British Commonwealth Forces, 855 Canadians are buried there. On the Monuments by the pond area with 4,054 names who do not have an individual grave 194 Canadians can be found. Monte Cassino Monastery overlooks the cemetery. The history of the battles from 1944 is well recorded and analysed. For me this cemetery represents a piece of Canada . Married to an Italian born Canadian-Adolph, I had always heard about the area and his hometown. When I visited the cemetery in 1991, I came away feeling that a part of Canada will always belong there. In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, I always ask the Veterans selling poppies what campaign they fought. If it was the Italian campaign I always mention my visit to Cassino. I am sure the memories of lost comrades in arms never leave them. I feel to remember keeps me humble today! Have you visited a war cemetery? What were your feelings?

REVISITING THE CASSINO WAR CEMETERY-WAS I WORTH THEIR SACRIFICE

Adolph and I visited Italy in August 1991. I wrote this story several months later and tried to have it published-to no avail. So November 1, 2010, I wrote it and posted in on my blog. I decided to write it again today as a repeat post as the story is still valuable to help with Remembrance activities. The original title was "Was I worth their Sacrifice?Cassino War Cemetery".

Sometimes it takes a trip abroad to discover a Canadian sense of self. While touring the local sites in my husband's hometown of Cassino, Italy, south of Rome last summer we visited the three war cemeteries in the area. The are entitled the Polish, the German and the English cemeteries.

During World War Two, the Germans had established two main lines of defense- the Gustav and Hitler lines to check the Allies from advancing to Rome. During April and May 1944, there was major fighting in the area culminating with the bombing of the Benedictine Monastery on Monte Cassino. It was imperative to secure that location as it had a strategic vantage point overlooking the Liri Valley. Once captured it allowed the Allies an open road to Rome. On May 16, 1944 the First Canadian Corps received orders to advance on the Hitler line six miles up the Valley. The attack began May 23, Frosinone, the captial to the region was occupied by May 31. The Canadian campaign came to an end in the area as the Allies advanced to liberate Rome.

As we visited each cemetery, we noted the varying locations. The Polish cemetery is located near the Abbey where they had secured the Cassino position and the Monastery on May 18, 1944. The Polish General who died several years after the War requested to be buried with his troops. The German cemetery is located in Valley with triple graves of soldiers as there were just too many to bury. Rows and rows of young men, which makes it difficult to picture them as an enemy now.

Our last visit was the English cemetery or really the British Commonwealth one. Walking into the cemetery, I read the signs, inscribed on the two walls which state.

"WITHIN THIS CEMETERY STAND MONUMENTS WHICH BEAR THE NAMES OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AND EMPIRE WHO FELL IN ASSAULTS UPON THE SHORES OF SICILY AND ITALY OR IN LATER BATTLES TO FREE ITALIAN SOIL AND TO WHOM THE FORTUNE OF WAR DENIED A KNOWN AND HONOURED GRAVE. AROUND THEM ARE THE GRAVES OF THEIR COMRADES WHO DIED FIGHTING IN THESE PARTS TO OPEN THE WAY TO ROME AND THE NORTH."

The other wall bears this inscription.

"THE LAND ON WHICH THIS CEMETERY STANDS IS THE GIFT OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE FOR THE PERPETUAL RESTING PLACE OF THE SAILORS, SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN WHO ARE HONOURED HERE."

The Canadian section was quite large and distinguishable by the Maple Leaf adorning the top of each stone. It is one small cemetery of many in 74 countries that honour the 109,980 Canadians who died in the First and Second World Wars.

 I began to read the names of the men of the regiments of the First Canadian Corps. From Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, West Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Special services, The Engineers and more places, were all resting in peace. What overwelmed me were the dates in April, May. How many had fallen together. Comrades in Life! Comrades in Death!
My Canadians! Our Canadians! Tears and emotion overcame me. I left my companions as I did not want them to see my tears. I continued to walk amongst the rows wanting a glimpse of each stone. I felt I owed them; to acknowledge their being, their worth. Young men, mostly in their teens, their twenties, their thirties, who were denied a life that only those in middle age and older can appreciate that death in youth really has no rewards. But why was I crying? I felt a sense of pride. Those men fought for us, our freedom. They believed in a greater cause. I felt a sense of anger and the realization that if very politician and General would visit the cemeteries of the previous war, perhaps we could try to find alternatives. I felt a sense of sadness. Those men were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, friends. They were missed at home. They did not chose that resting place. I remembered. An uncle had fought in Italy. A family friend went through there. Were those men their comrades?

All the cemeteries were quiet and peaceful. In Europe, they are kept clean often better maintained than the surrounding towns. Our men are honoured there. Almost fifty years buried while the living has gone on.

Would they be proud of Canada today? Would they consider us grateful of the freedoms they secured for us? Would they feel their cause was understood? Am I doing for Canada and freedom what I inherited from those men? To all those buried in the many cemeterires, am I worthy of your sacrifice?
April 1992

Reflecting and rewriting this story does bring back many memories. Of course the pictures help. Monte Cassino in the background overlooking the valley brings the historical facts to life. June 6 2014 will be the 70th anniversary of D-Day. As well it will be 70 years since the battles of the Cassino area. Remembering does not glorify war. Our peace and freedom have come with a price. Even today in communities across the country, men and women serve not just in the military,but police, firefighters, health care personnel and other disciplines to ensure our communities thrive. So as we reflect on Novemeber 11th at the 11th hour- remember and think about what it means to you. LEST WE FORGET!

GERMAN WAR CEMETERY-CASSINO ITALY

The German War Cemetery near Cassino is another poignant reminder of the loss of war. Young men who died in the battles in the Spring of 1944 have eternal rest as the Monte Cassino oversees it.

Rows and rows of graves often with three to a grave is a reminder of the sacrifice of war. Adolph and I visited this cemetery during our stay in August 1991. When viewing the ages of the soldiers, it hard to picture them the enemy now. As with all European war cemeteries, it is immaculate. And quiet! It seems the solemn mood reinforces the loss of life on both sides of the conflict. German tourists often make a stop in this area to honour their ancestors. Have you visited a war cemetery? The ages of the young men is very moving! Such a reminder that a life was stopped before it had a real chance to keep going. Deutschner Soldaten-German soldiers-are remembered here.

CMENTARZ POLEGLYCH-POLISH CEMETERY CASSINO ITALY

At the base of Monte Cassino, in Cassino Italy lies the Polish Cemetery. Allies in World War Two their valiant efforts helped secure Italy. In the battles for Monte Cassino, many brave soldiers died. Cmentarz Poleglych-Polish Cemetery also houses the General who died in 1962. He wanted to be buried with his men.

Adolph and I had visited this cemetery during one of our visits to Italy-August 1991. Silent- it is a testimony to those who fought in the battles. Books have been written about those battles in and around Monte Cassino in the Spring of 1944. My mother remembered the various soldiers that had come to Canada to train during the war. She remembered the Polish ones too. Did some of them fight in Italy? Today
 it is a stop on Italian bus tours for many people of Polish descent to visit and honour their ancestors who died.  Any trip to a war cemetery gives a very poignant story of war. The ages of young men is heartbreaking. So on Remembrance Day think about those young men who rest permanently there.

 

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS-AN ADJUSTMENT IN LIFE

Twice a year we change the time. Spring forward. Fall behind. An hour disruption can cause more havoc than it helps. More accidents! Tired people for a week or more. Readjusting our sleep patterns-particularly difficult for children and little babies and probably old people. Called Daylight Savings makes sense in the Spring. In the Fall, it means that night time comes sooner. Dark at 5 p.m. is not fun. Drivers adjusting to night driving takes some time. Who would have thought one little hour brings readjustment! In life, little things are often perceived as being nothing, just get over it! "You can cope!" How many little "things" happen to us and we find ourselves stressed or anxious without being able to identify what is going on. Changing the hour on the clock is in our face. But many things piling up in our lives is more insidious! It is like the first wrinkle on our face. Before we know it more have arrived! Gaining or losing weight- one pound or in some countries kilos happens slowly. Family members with new adventures in their lives- new baby, new job, thinking of moving and normal annual activities like Christmas with all its work and fun- festivities can make us tired too! Adjustment do happen but at what cost to our mental and physical health! By identifying those changes in our lives and finding strategies to cope helps! Too often others around us can be in denial mode, pretending nothing fazes them so we may look like we just can not handle everything! Well, don't be fooled! As a clinical Social Worker, I recognize denial and avoidance like a sore thumb! Other disciplines work well in denial! To stay healthy, accept your own adjustments and work with them. It is not necessary to share your feelings with everyone nor how tired or cranky you may feel! Know your own adjustment limitations! Like the new time on the clock, this too shall pass! How are you doing with the time change?

A WAR MEMORIAL IN EVERY TOWN

Hard to believe that it will be 100 years next year since the start of WWI. Monuments throughout the country have honoured Canada's contribution to the war effort. It was that great war that consolidated us as a nation. There are no more veterans from that era but there are many women and men alive today that served in other missions and conflicts as soldiers or peacekeepers. We do not remember them to glorify war but to acknowledge and reflect on the sacrifices made that bring us to where we are today. Wear a poppy and remember!

NANA SAYS VETERANS WEEK CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT OUR HISTORY

Veterans week gives a great opportunity to connect our children with the history of our country. Not to glorify war and world conflicts but to show how another generation fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Taking children to war memorials and placing wreaths is an easy activity. Going to a Remembrance Day service connects with many generations. Schools often have talks and assemblies for Remembrance day. There are student groups now going to places in Europe like Vimy Ridge to demonstrate Canada's role and sacrifice for peace. New immigrants should be invited along to learn about our country's history. Learning and reciting a poem like " In Flanders Field" not tells us about a Canadian poet but is good literature. The War Museum in Ottawa gives centuries of our history. There are some amazing paintings as well. Not all history gets captured on a cell phone! Get a poppy and have your child wear one. In our busy schedules, slow down and stop to reflect on where we are today and who brought us there! Work on peaceful ways to settle conflicts. Support our troops in their peacekeeping missions. Teach your children that Canadians play a role on the world stage. Keep it simple! Depending on the child's age, monitor the information they need to know. My Dad gave a talk for grade schoolers one time. He concentrated on the planes he flew and generally what he did. As a Vet he did not want to scare the children! If you have a veteran in your family, give them a hug!

VETERANS WEEK CANADA 2013-FINDING LOCAL WAR MEMORIALS

Every town and city has a War Memorial in Canada. The names of the local men and women are engraved to honour their efforts. On trips for various reasons to locales near home, I always look for these monuments.

Here in Cambridge, Ontario in the town square there are several dedications to Canadians who served.

Honouring women who served is front and center......

On the insciption above the City of Galt honours the women who served. Cambridge includes the City of Galt as it is an almalgamated city now. In Cambridge, however, the various areas are still honoured. I bet some people did not know women served in the Navy!  So as we honour our veterans this week try to learn more about the service of people from your own area.

THE SOUNDS AND SIGHTS OF A CANADIAN FALL

Although the leaves on trees look so beautiful in the Fall, walking through them and hearing the crunch under one's feet brings memories of childhood joys. Do you like that sound of Fall? Are there other sounds that bring thoughts? Flocks of birds flying south for the winter. There are still some groups making their way here in Ontario. The sunrises and sunsets are quite spectacular too. They do not make sounds but maybe the people viewing them with oohs and aahs! Fall the time before winter! Nicer than often thought!

Looking up at the blue sky on a Fall day is an image with lots of symbolism. What do you think? What thoughts do you have?

APPETIZERS OF LIFE

Appetizers are the little tease before a meal that keeps us anticipating the main event. Life has other appetizers such as buying that special dress for a big event.  The fisherman who can't wait to try the new fishing reel! Buying the car and waiting to have it delivered. An appetizer lets us be excited about what is next! What appetizer do you have today? Why are you excited?

NOVEMBER-TIME FOR CELEBRATION AND PLANNING

November-often considered the dark month as the sun continues to move away from the Northern Hemisphere. With the reving up for Christmas and the festive season ahead, it can be a time for planning and celebration. Our family has two birthdays and dinner parties to consider. Looking for the bright moments amidst the rainy days and nights. Today Novemember 1 is "All Saints Day" for some people. A new month always brings some anticipation of good times yet to come. Of course, the monthly bills must be addressed. Pulling out the winter garb and knowing where the boots are located for that first trek to work in them is a chore to be done. Knowing November is still Fall so the spring bulbs can still be planted. I actually have about 40 to put in a small garden that can be seen from my kitchen window- a new package as well as some misc ones that came with the Easter tulips and others that were mistakenly pulled when pruning the tulip leaves! The remainder of the leaves to be raked and placed on the gardens to protect the other bulbs hibernating under the earth. Of course, a good month to finish all that Christmas shopping. Mid-month after Remembrance Day, the Christmas lights will go up! The month is actually busier than most people give it credit. For many students, the mid-terms are probably happening. Today, just enjoying the aftermath of halloween and trying to decide who gets all the leftover candies! Welcome November and all the big and little joys it will bring! What do you feel about November? Is it just another month to you? Any plans? Any celebrations?