THE SUNFLOWER-THE HAPPY FLOWER

The sunflower is the happy flower. The ones in the garden have grown big and can be enjoyed even after the first frost. For any Fall table, they make a beautiful centerpiece. In our area there were fields of sunflowers that have been marketed for their seeds as well as cut flowers. Do you think it is a happy flower too?

FALL WITH ITS BEAUTY

Ontario sure has some beautiful scenery when the trees turn colour. From red to yellow to orange, the array is stunning! There are bus tours along many country roads throughout the province. Other areas in Canada experience this wonderful spectacle! With cameras in hand the photo opportunities are endless! School children like to collect the leaves so they can use a little wax paper and iron them to preserve them for another day or to use in school projects. Of course for the homeowers it can be another chore of raking the leaves once they fall! Of Fall-just have to love it for the variety it brings!

SEPTEMBER 2013-IT'S A WRAP!

As September wraps, the bounty of the fall is in full swing.The trees have started to turn beautiful colours. The harvest is well underway. Garden cleanup and taking in summer furniture continues. Even indoor fall cleaning is happening in stages. Thinking about preparation for Thanksgiving as the month ends. The kids are back at lessons and school so free time is at a premium! The panic at the beginning of the month is over with the norm being the back to back activities. Some projects like the baby blankets for my new grandchild coming in a month or so have been finished! Thinking about hats and scarves for my other little "pumpkins" are the new projects! Oh September-it's a wrap!

LIFE HAS MANY CROSSROADS

When we come to a crossroad in life it is often difficult to decide which way to go. Sometimes it is a good idea to stop and consider the options. If we think about our lives, there were probably more crossroads than we realized. Who to marry? When to marry? To have children or not? Which university or college or trade school to attend? To buy a bigger house? When to retire? Well you get the picture! Someone yesterday was saying it is important to embrace change. The longer we live we actually face more changes than in our youth! Most of the changes are forced on us! Like aging and wrinkles! Our children grow up and need more financial assistance. Some crossroads mean taking the least negative route. We can stop and refuse to continue or just look both ways and carry on! Life is rarely a straight line or smooth. Curves and bumps in the road keep it interesting! Perhaps a car with good suspension is the answer! What do you think?

NANA SAYS FIND TIME TO SLOW DOWN

September has all the flurry of a snowstorm. Working parents with back to school tasks and lessons in full swing, the quiet of the summer months seem far behind. All the advice like one day at a time and one task at a time prevail. Organization and good scheduling can make the activitiy level seem manageable. Relying on car pools, extended family helping with a drop off or pick up and deciding not to have your child in every sport or dance lesson also helps. Homework can be another thorn in a parents' side. Remember it is the child's work and try to provide a good space for completion while supervising. In the midst of the "busy" world, remember home is important for children so they can find the love, peace and emotional stability to protect them from the world. As a parent you need it too! Plan and organize down time. At least one work night or two, have no outside activities. One day of the weekend to be home or plan a family time- keep it simple! Remember the best part of family time is spending time together! If children fight when out, divide and conquer! Each parent has a special time with a child then switch next time! Even grandparents find when there is only one child from a family- the dynamics change! Home and family does not have to be on the run all the time! We all chose how much running we want to do! One of my daughters lives so close to the childrens' school that there is no real travel time. Walks them there then home to get the car todrive to work! When my children were in day care, it was 5 minutes from home! It sure made a difference in my life! Oh yes, do not compare with the other "superparents"! The competition of how many activities-" you have 5, well I have 10"! Really-who cares! Do what works for you! Don't be afraid your children may be missing out- they are not! So you busy bees, get back to the hive and chill!  

BARNS HAVE MANY USES

Old barns can have many uses. Some people build houses, some people use them-well as barns for farm animals. Near Port Perry, Ontario is the Ocala Winery and the barn is used as a store with lots of wine and other items for sale. There are collections of items such as old pictures and antiques. Social functions can be booked there. Finding little treasures such as small wineries made the summer months fun and interesting. When travel afar is not possible, travel near becomes another opportunity. The wine was actually quite good. Not only using grapes but apples and pears to make some dessert wine. Of course, I have one bottle left for my Thanksgiving dinner!

Don't the bottles have pretty labels! It is an easy little day trip from home. A quick jaunt to the winery then off to a park for a picnic or a a quaint restaurant for lunch. Do you have places close to home that give a fun time?

LIFE NEEDS A LITTLE FLAVOUR

Just like herbs add flavour to our food, do you have things or interests that add "flavour" to your life? We all need the basics but fun, exercise, good food and social events give us the extras that can sustain us through the difficult times.  Some like chocolate or plain vanilla ice cream! Others like a few nuts on top or with a cherry! If you had a favourite flavour what would it be?

SCUGOG CARRYING PLACE-AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF ONTARIO HISTORY

This book was written quite recently and targets an area in Ontario history that predates the White Man. Frost in his book- Forgotten pathways of the Trent did discuss the Scugog Carrying Place. I have used the reference in my Ball Point articles. Karcich dissects all aspects. So what is the Scugog Carrying Place you ask! Basically it is a trail from Lake Ontario- Oshawa area that weaves and meanders up to Lake Simcoe. It was established as a route sort of like a modern highway. In the Toronto area there was also the Humber Carrying Place. If you really like history and especially Canadian History it is a good book to have as a reference. For me there are several references to Ball Point- that family property full of history. What I love is Karcich was able to get the notes from the Royal Ontario Museum on the archeological digs at Ball Point and Washburn Island across from Ball Point in the early 1050s. All I got was a letter saying the notes were too messy and would not be of much help. Of course, the Scugog Carrying Place did go by Ball Point. It is available from Dundurn Press or through Indigo/Chapters and can be ordered online. With lots of Postits, I can mark the releveant points for my writing. Canadian history is not dull! There is always something new to learn!

POSTCARDS FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA

It is always fun to receive postcards in thes modern times. A quick note on a pretty postcard is unlike an email no matter how many emails received. Postcards are saved while not all emails are worth keeping. The postcard from Victoria is from my sister Marilee. She was visiting her boys and granddaughter in August 2013.

The second postcard is from Vancouver. Our friend Rose writes so dearly-it was time for a good old fashioned postcard!

IN THE DISTANCE

The future is like looking across a lake into the distance wondering what is on the other side. Will it be clear sailing? Rough waters? Will there be barriers to overcome? Sometimes even thinking-will I make it. Life should be lived in the present moments. However, there are days thinking of old age and wondering- will there be enough resources? What can I do about my health today to try to optimize the future? Other times-just feeling blessed I have made it this far in life with people I love! Reflections is life can be many! do you have any today?

NANA SAYS PREGNANCY IS A LONG 10 MONTHS

Pregnancy is a long 10 months or 40 weeks of gestation. For the expectant parents it is a time of adjustment and great anticipation. Books on what to expect when one is expecting abound and are good reading to help with some questions and even fears. Attending prenatal classes is a good idea too. A birth at the hospital or home with an obstetrician or does one use a midwife can be considerations. There is usually lots of advice from other mothers about everything. Recently one young Mom mentioned something interesting. She said everyone tells you about the delivery but few people mention after that! She meant the trials and tribulations of breast feeding, the changes in the body, the potential of hormonal changes-example could affect your hair, and the emotional roller coaster of feelings. New parents need lots of support- both physical and emotional! The change from a couple to a family is a huge adjustment! Extended family can be a great help or hindrance depending on the support given. The male attitude can greatly influence the new Dad! In our modern world, it is wonderful to see that even a Prince can change nappies! So be kind to that pregnant woman you see! Her body is doing a beautiful job!

GENDER EQUALITY IN MODERN TIMES

Gender equality continues to be a struggle even in our modern times. Canada has come a long way over the last hundred years. However, generally men still earn more than women. Little girls are encouraged to pursue all dreams. Teaching and nursing were once main female professions but now have more men equalizing the acceptance as top careers. In my profession, Social Work was once a female domain with men in the top executive positions. Men taking parental leave to be with their new babies is a huge step in viewing the child care piece as important. Women still must carry babies and give birth! In some cultues, the boy is still the coveted sex to want! We must be careful as can be seen by the number of bachelor men in China now with a shortage of women! Girls and boys are different in some ways but similar in other ways. Raising respectful children to become respectful adults being able to live and work with each other is a dream. Many successful men had positive relationships with their mothers and grandmothers. I can think of one President with that background! Do girls and women need to work harder to get ahead? Probably! By recognizing the barriers to success and removing them so both men and women have equal opportunities based on skills, education and experience, we will continue to move forward. What does gender equality really mean anyway? Do you have some thoughts? Do you have some answers?

THANK YOU BRINGS JOY IN OUR LIVES

Are you a thankful person? We often say grace and thank the lord for our daily bread. But are there other things to be thankful in our lives? Last week when feeling blue about the many repairs and things to be done with the house and other areas in my life, a news clip made me stop and realize life is quite good. When I see disasters and people losing not just their homes but their lives, I am thankful to be able to carry on and fix the little problems I have. No one told us life would be perfect! The uncertainity of the future carries a heavy burden sometimes. It is difficult being around younger people  who  march to a different drummer! Missing friends that are gone or moved away can be sad! Thankful to have known them but wishing they were here! In my down moments, I try to remember what and who I have in my life! By having an attitude of appreciation, life becomes more positive. Don't get me wrong-there are times I look at what some people get by doing very little and ripping others off! They have not deserved what they have! And often do not appreciate it at all! Expecting more! Then I try to turn inward and remember each life is its own journey. If I am thankful for what I have-especially health and the skills and ability to keep on going- then each day can bring joy! So are you a thankful person? Do you remember to stop and evaluate what you have? Do you embrace the people in your life? Do they embrace you? Thank you for visiting my blog! It is nice to know someone reads what I have to write!!

FALL MARKETS

The summer markets offer such a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit. There is a sadness when the season changes. Then the realization the fall offers another selection of fresh produce locally grown- apples, squash, sweet potatoes, onions and even sweet red peppers. Of course the pumpkins will be coming out in force! It will be time to get Adolph visiting some of those sites for fodder for his blog. He has had a rest for the last few weeks. Country driving is fun with the goal of visiting farms and markets. Do you have places in your locale? Are there regular sites you like to visit?

WELCOME-THAT FRIENDLY ENGLISH WORD

Welcome is a friendly word! We welcome a new baby to the family.We welcome pople to our home and even to newcomers- welcome to Canada. A good habit at work is welcome new people to the job. It is a word that goes a long way. It is remembered. It is endearing to welcome someone! It really leaves a lasting impression. There is a sense of acceptance about it. Welcome to my blog! Have you welcomed someone lately?

PUMPKIN-A NICKNAME FOR A GRANDCHILD

 I call my grandchildren my pumpkins sometimes. Why I use that name? I don't  know I just think it is cute. I like pumpkins as they are  a happy vegetable. Can make pies! A symbol of Thanksgiving and Halloween! They can be big and small. If you drive by a field growing pumpkins it can be rather pretty. My grandchildren are not round like the pumpkins so it is not appearance! So what do you nickname your sweet grandchildren?

DO WE NEED MORE THAN A HEALTHY BREAKFAST TO START OUR DAY?

We are told a breakfast gives us a healthy start to the day. We need the food to give us energy. But are there other things that we need. Can starting with a prayer of thanks be mindful? Can conversing positively with a loved one give a sense of belonging? With little children around there are often hugs and kisses- giving us the much needed touch factor. Adults all need some touch too. Look at the elderly in care centers and visiting pets that allow touch. The start of a day brings a renewed sense of another day to live on this earth. I have a bathroom that faces east and the sunrises are beautiful. Often I find myself there giving a prayer of thanks and think about the day ahead. Are there routines you have to help you get your day started with good energy? Of course that first jolt of caffeine helps. Adolph usually brings me a coffee most days. It is a sweet gesture of caring that warms my heart! Is there a purpose to your day? I find I need a purpose- work, play, routines, hobbies- whatever it will be! Why do I want to get up in the morning? It does not have to be over the top events. Just good ordinary living with the people I love! Can I in my ordinary day help others to find a purpose too! Oh yes-trying to post something on my blog every day even if it is not extraordinary gives me some purpose. It keeps me disciplined to write. To find something to write about in a creative way. To find opportunities to take photos. Can reaching out to others that may be going through a difficult time give purpose too. Another day-another chance to be!    

THE BATTLE OF THE BUTTERTARTS-ONLY IN CANADA, EH?

During the summer of 2013, did you know there was a war brewing in Ontario? It was the war of the buttertarts. Wellington County had an annual buttertart tour for years. Then Durham County posed a tourist attraction of a buttertart tour. Well-Wellington took them to court and the battle of the buttertarts began. It ended peacefully when a challenge occurred in Toronto August 15th. It was decided that there is room for buttertart tours as it actually encourages people to go and buy buttertarts at various locations, eating them and helping determine who makes the best ones! Only in Canada could there be such a battle! The buttertart has become an icon in Ontario cuisine! Perhaps other parts of the country will join with buttertarts of their own! I just enjoyed buying them on our various market trips over the last few months. Fresh fruit and veggies are healthy but buttertarts are fun!

DO YOU HEAR OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING?

When life gives opportunities, do you recognize them? Have there been times in your life that opportunity knocked and you did not answer the door? Were you sleeping? Not paying attention? It is difficult to take every opportunity that comes our way. Sometimes we are not ready! Sometimes there is too much on our plate. For example, a young Mom, just had a new baby and can not try to go for that management position due to the family commitments. Opportunity knocked at the wrong time. The good thing about life is that often other opportunities do come along.

NANA SAYS DISCIPLINE IS NEEDED IN CHILD REARING

Spare the rod and spoil the child is Biblical. Often the rod is mistaken for the right to use force in disciplining a child. For me the rod simply means discipline. Children needs boundaries and guidance provided with encouragement and love. Discipline is not negative. A home with security and room to be a person- especially a little person- who needs the chance to experiment is essential to emotional development. Each flower in the garden needs a similar approach but knowledge about its uniqueness allows the flower to reach its full potential. Providing positive discipline that does include saying no when needed and yes when needed helps our children grow. Parents need to be disciplined too. Setting a good example in our language and behaviour demonstrates how living well can be accomplished. Remember a child can not be spoiled by too much love.

DON'T FENCE ME IN!

Do you ever feel as if there are barriers to what you want to do? A fence can keep bad neighbours out but it also can limit us in our views of the world. It is a safe environment. Gives us boundaries which are often needed. Would having a gate give us  the freedom to come and go in our lives? Perhaps, as long as it is not an excuse not to venture out into the world. It is said good fences make good neighbours! It can be said- don't fence me in!

BOTTLE OF WINE-FRUIT OF THE VINE

The summer was enjoyable with visits to many wineries far and wide. Starting with the Ocala winery south of Port Perry then to local ones like Magnotta and on to the Niagara area with its many fields. Trying wines not available in the LCBO gave credance to the expertise that exists in the industry. I have some dessert wine to use at Thanksgiving and Christmas so some of the pleasure will continue to prevail.

GENEALOGY IN MODERN TIMES

Genealogy is a wonderful activity to pursue. For over 29 years, it has been a passion to discover my ancestors and share with interested family members.When I first begun my journey, many visits to the library and scrutiny of microfische reels took hours and years of pursuit. Buying books, census and cemetery records from local genealogical societies assisted in the completion of cousin lines. With many databases placed on the Internet, the job became easier to access over the years. It still is detective work needing each line to be recorded one person at a time. Finding the same person in different places validates the information to be correct. Even TV shows now have genealogy as a main topic. For example, Who Do You Think You Are is quite fun to watch as celebrities find out pertinent information about ancestors. What I find amusing is how one will visit a library or resource and the person whether it is the Librarian or Archivist gently says I found a resource for you and turns to the exact page with the name. Those of us who do genealogical research know that it was probably hours of work locating the book completed by a team at the library. It is is great TV but the hours of research needed to give the tidbits gets glossed over!! There seems to be a heightened interest in genealogy which is always exciting. My many binders need some weeding of old notes and completion of family lines. With the 1921 Canadian Census now available to researchers perhaps some little gaps will be plugged. The 1842 Census of Canada West and Canada East is also available online. So with the click of a mouse, research can be done from home. There are always brickwalls that are frustrating. Maybe some new researchers may need some of my information and may have a missing clue for me.

NANA SAYS HOW IS THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR GOING?

Back to school for another year has begun. The children adjusted! The teachers adjusted! Well most parents have adjusted. Learning is the foundation for life long skills and knowledge. Helping your children with this learning is a commitment for the average parent. Having a home that gives a space for homework, projects and full of books- now the new technologies that are needed. The personal touch is still the best. Praising a child's efforts! Looking at an art project! Listening! It is a busy time but the pace will become the norm again! How has your school year started?

LABOUR DAY-THE START OF SEPTEMBER

Labour Day officially marks the end of the laid back lazy days of summer. With school starting and all the lessons, traffic resumes with a fury. There is a heightened energy in the air to get going again. Projects put on hold to enjoy the trips and outdoor activities  are waiting to be finished. Although, I actually did finish some projects during the summer. September almost feels like the beginning of a new year. The feeling to keep some warm weather longer and the anticipation of an Indian Summer. Looking forward to the fall crops of apples, squashes and rapini! Hoping the frost will hold off for several more weeks so the garden does not need cleaning up until October. There can be more day trips photographing the Fall colours. Maybe even another market or two! The path is not straight-maybe a little jog or two. How about you-what does the new month hold in store for you?

LABYRINTHS-FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES

Sometimes a day trip for one reason allows an unique discovery. In June during an adventure to Cambridge, Ontario to visit the farmer's market for a photo journal story for Adolph's blog, I discovered this garden. Initially I thought it to be a maze.

With a little internet research about the garden in Cambridge, I discovered it was a labyrinth. Known in history from the palace of King Nestor in Pylos in southern Greece from c. 1200 BCE. they are known to us.  Even Pompeii had some fragments of a labyrinth. Found in many places in the world and even among the Hopi and Pima peoples they have been around for centuries. Sometimes associated with the journey of the soul or a metaphor for an individual's journey through life they are therapeutic. A labyrinth has a winding path that leads to the centre and will take you back out. A maze tries to confuse the person and he/she must solve the puzzle to reach the centre and get out again.

What is interesting is there is a whole network of labyrinths throughout Ontario- some private, some public, some by invitation. In downtown Toronto, there is one behind the Eaton Centre accessed by Bay Street and open 24/7. Why a resurgence? Self-awareness and spiritual growth said the author of the site I read. Some have 7 paths which is the classical or cretan and some have 11 paths like the Chartres Cathedral in France. 

Do you have labyrinths where you live? Churches can have them now. Some hospitals use them to aid in rehabilitation. Meditation, reflection and exercise can be achieved. I stopped to take a picture of this beautiful Anglican church. Sometimes a journey for one thing does reveal another wonderful discovery. So when I jump in and out of the car snapping pictures wherever I go, I find possibilities for growth. Or do they find me?