GOODBYE TO MAY 2014

April showers bring May flowers. Bold, beautiful are the spring bulbs, the budding trees and flowering bushes. What does May bring? Well more of the same as we edge into June. A colder May than normal at the start, it turned into lovely seasonal weather. Able to go out in shorts and bare arms is a delight after cooler weather. Gardens coming along. The local park is dry so Nana can take the grandkiddies to play as a welcome break when they are over. Using my trek trolley to walk to some nearby stores to try to fit in as much exercise as possible. Just enjoying the time of sun and fun. Of course there is lots to do as usual but nicer days just give such a change in mood and attitude. As everyone who knows me, knows May is my favourite month. So I do feel a little sad to say goodbye to it. How are you doing with the season? Are you enjoying the opportunity to be outside in the garden? Or are you one of those sufferers of seasonal allergies? Hope not!

THE IRIS-THE CANADIAN GARDENER'S DELIGHT

The Iris is one of those beautiful surprises in your garden. The long green stems with the flower that can present in a variety of colours. Tall and regal, what a delight for the gardener. Walking to work one of the neighbours up the street had a wonderful array of irises. Then again going for my mail, another neighbour had the flower blooming well. Mine are budding and about to burst. The Iris-a Canadian gardener's delight!

THE IVORY TOWER-WHO WORKS HARDER THE BOSS OR THE WORKER

Do you like the expression that some people live in an ivory tower is it ivy tower? The bosses do not know what the workers are doing. Shows like undercover boss are fun because they show the bosses trying to do the simple job that is not so simple of the employees in their companies. But people that run places have huge responsibilities. Accountable to funders, investors and the general public, when the little cog in the wheel breaks it affects the whole company or business. I see it every day in my job- someone does not smile, does not have the right answer, does not jump when a family member demands- well you get the picture. A complaint or poor patient satisfaction! The best workplaces whatever they are have the best teams. People doing their own job well and having the back of their colleagues as well as the boss! Keeping the leaders in the loop about important issues like workplace safety, discrimination, harassment, others not pulling their weight etc. Along with the boss working at the worker level, it would be fun to see a worker trying to run the whole show. Have you ever been somewhere where a person had a promotion and the old buddies now are complaining and demanding to the new boss? In one of my management positions, it happened to a new supervisor who discovered that very notion! My advice was if you are damned if you do and damned if you don't then just do! Workplaces can be friendly and efficient but no one goes to work to make friends with everyone. Getting along, respect and mainly well- earning a pay cheque are important! Actually respecting everyone's jobs and what is contributed to the overall place goes without saying. Stop looking at what someone does and think- that person does not work as hard as I do! Take me for example, I just do. I don't grumble, complain, constantly talk about how busy I am and how tired I am so of course it may look like well I am not working as hard as the others. While someone is grumbling about the workload, I am quietly just doing what I am paid to do! Like most workplaces some days are busy nuts and other days have a manageable flow. Of course the Friday before a long weekend is always busy with at least one crisis or two. So looking at that tower remember someone is assessing the pay rates, benefits and vacation complement so just do and act like you really do deserve more!

NANA SAYS EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM THROUGH RESEARCH AT THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN

Having a special needs child has never been easy for parents. Watching the development of your preschooler veer off balance to other children brings  a new realization that something is different when a child is diagnosed with autism or in the Autism Spectrum Disorder category. This week a study was revealed by doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto that shed hope on earlier diagnosis of children. Studying the genome and the mutations in the genes of over 3000 people from North America and Europe, it would be possible to know which children are at risk. Even hope to find these children prenatally.  It was quoted that the average child is not diagnosed until age 4 but in my experience there are many children that are found earlier. The issue of course is to begin treatment and support to both the child and parents. In our area there is Early Intervention Services offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech language and medical intervention when needed. Support that comes to the home. For parents to be part of the team that supports their child as well as connecting with other parents dealing with their complexities is vital. Finding ways to advocate early for all those supports should become less work and more of a realization of what is really needed. Parents who go for genetic testing prenatally will be better prepared to make difficult decisions about their children. What is important to me is the help available for Canadian couples facing this tough diagnosis to know that children with autism can have a future and the hope of better acceptance in the larger population.

TO DECLUTTER OR NOT TO DECLUTTER

Cleaning the corners of a house is very therapeutic. Pulling out stuff that has been unused for awhile to give to a new home  begins a decluttering process. Sometimes it is a garbage bag or put on the curb hoping someone would take it or giving to a charity. Getting one of those calls that "we will be in your neighbourhood' do you have anything.? Well I did and a huge pile of stuff from the garage is waiting by the front door. One of my girls wants to do a garage sale this summer so some of the "better stuff" was saved for that event. I have to help her anyway so might as well try to sell some of the things laying around. When I look at the pile on the front pathway, the realization sets in- how much stuff do I have? Well lots? We have been in our home for 27 years and counting. I promised my children I would not expect them to clean out my home the way I had to help clean out my parents' home. Assessing the real collectibles and finding the right market for them is rather fun. For example, my old LPs or vinyl records can be sold to one of the 16 stores in Toronto. Some of them could be $5.00 or even S50. Not here's a  box for $10.00 at some garage sale. With some of the internet options I now can label some stuff as vintage. A wedding gift from the 70s is vintage now- go figure! A neighbour is moving and has been cleaning out stuff to move. Interesting what goes to the curb. Each house has things that are used by the current buyer but when moving the decision to give away, sell or put to the curb can be rather mercenary! I even explore my home saying you will go and you will come to my stuff. There are old things we just use because we have them, aren't there? Like my 14 white plastic chairs strategically placed throughout my garden. 20 something years old! Well you get the picture, they will not be coming. The cute new little table with the modern weave chairs will be coming with me when I leave this house. I actually started going through the photo albums a few years ago when I did the 40th anniversary albums for us and the girls. Actually sent some photos to family and threw out stupid ones of people or events that did not matter anymore. Now with scanning and putting pictures in photobooks, a project of saving them to a different media is possible. But family albums with their history are a simple things to keep and often bring the most pleasure.  I am lucky because most of my antique and furniture items can be used for storage. Believe it or not, most of them are empty because this house has copious cupboard space.  The idea of changing and going somewhere else is often overwhelming for most people. My strategy is to plan and get to it methodically. As we consider where we want to live next, that is the most difficult decision. The second decision- how small can we go so there is comfort. Our area is rather pricey but to live close to the children and grandchildren it will be a price we have to pay. An hour away the housing prices come down. My thoughts are- just one place, one time. Giving stuff away helps with a review of one's life. What has the most meaning? Why did I keep this? Like the Ikea ad when the old lamp went to the curb with the sentimental music and the announcer said- it's just a lamp!! Better not to get sentimental about everything isn't it?

A CANADIAN GARDEN

The flowers in the garden continue their growth. Like an orchestra, each one brings colours. The poppies are about to bloom with their red hue that blast colour.

Of course the variety of tulips are giving a wonderful show. Flowers do not do much. They just look pretty. Attracting bees and birds, May is a time to enjoy the beginning of the warmer season. Planting a few annuals for colour in the shade so they look good during the hot weather- well my share of the planting is finished. Weeding is a regular chore, however. The vegetable patch is coming along. It is still early to try to plant too much. The soil must be warm or the seeds do not grow well. Summer gardens are the reason we Canadians survive the winter. How is your garden coming along? The best thing I like about my garden is sitting in a favourite spot with something to read and a beverage of choice. How about you?

MEMORIAL DAY IN USA GROUND FOR REFLECTIONS.

Memorial Day in the USA is celebrated in  a big way. Happening to watch a concert last night from Washington honouring generations of their veterans made room for some reflections. People who gave their lives, people who suffered severe injuries, people who may be suffering mentally. With the wonderful testimonials spoken by celebrities and many poignant songs it was a good concert. It ended with phone numbers people could call if they felt they or their loved one needed any help or support. Especially the emotional component! Our veterans and current armed forces that served in Afghanistan and other wars need our love and community support in a big way. The post traumatic stress needs to brought to public awareness constantly. Their message was to help give a vet a job. Be aware, be thankful. The real message was the hope that one day peace would prevail and war would not have to be an option. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One and the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe, it will give us time to reflect on those who fought and gave us the peace in this country that we enjoy today. With so many new immigrants, it is further important that they learn about the history and sacrifices that make us who we are today. Canada paid its dues on the world stage. Along with our friendly neighbours- USA and Mexico- North America is an example of a peaceful co-existence that has prevailed.

A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

With the glorious weekend weather, it was wonderful to be outside. Mostly with the grandchildren as there were two different duties of babysitting. The children with their little shovels helped to spread the piles of brick chips that are from our porch wall that is being dismantled. Smart Nana to leave them! The kids thought they were helping-well they were! Puttering in the garden while watching them. Lots of good food! Adolph made a sauce. It was a weekend that seemed longer than two days which made it even more enjoyable. First visit of the season to the little park, pulling two little boys in the wagon for safety. Rejuvenating to have the time to enjoy the days. Of course the weekend started with another name to put in the maternal side of the family history. My cousin Roy has another beautiful little granddaughter to add to his tree. Even this five day work week does not seem too intolerable. What are you planning to do? Are you ready for the week?

LIFE'S JOURNEYS BRINGS MANY THOUGHTS

On our journeys in life there is light and often shadows. Our lives are complex with all the interactions that happen in a day. Considering  a lifetime multiply it by 1000 or more. Do you ever consider all the failures and successes? The highs? The lows? Do current events remind you how far you have come?  Sometimes I consider all the conflicts at work for example. The differences of opinion that I wish would stop. Sometimes commenting then being challenged unwarranted brings thoughts about how many of these conflicts have happened over the years. Sometimes it's the age thing. A fun comment like- I printed some of my pictures to who prints anymore when it can be in the cell phone! Well I print pictures- I like photo albums, scrapbooking and giving extra photos to others. Oh yes, I download to the computer and am able to upload, email to others and use all the modern techniques. Then no one buys CDs or vinyl. Did you know there are over 16 stores in downtown Toronto that sell LPs- vinyl records and turntables? It seems there are people like myself that use every media. Actually I want to sell most of my albums!!  Yes I have a VHS and DVD player to be able to see my tapes as well as my DVDs. A package from my cable provider to be able to have movies at home. The library is still a good place to go and take out a book or two. Just listening to the radio in the car can be enjoyable.
Okay so the work stuff. The age thing! How do I demonstrate that my work ethic is different than my young colleagues? Well it is. No sick days or time off for no reason. I actually work through my lunch most days unless there is a talk with a lunch n learn component with a free lunch. The professional snobbery! One discipline pulling rank over another- well I am smarter and know more than you because I am a ..........! Boring and tiring! Most times I just like to listen and not get into the discussion. Concentrate on the tasks at hand! Just do it like the ad says! Sometimes I feel, I am not just too old for this but really have been down this road too many times! Then I have a case where my experience and knowledge makes a difference in a person's life. Then I know why I am doing what I am doing despite any challenges. My children appreciate me and my grandchildren give me joy! Maybe the weekend needs some down time to cure up with a book, hug a grandchild and just reflect on all the good stuff and forget those that aggravate me. I have lots of resources. So it sounds like a plan. If I need to burn some energy there is always housework!

THE BEST CURE FOR ANXIETY IS TO RESOLVE THE EVENT

The best way to curb your anxiety about an event is get through the event. Being anxious is part of living. Yes there are individuals who have Generalized Anxiety Disorder that need medication and sometimes treatment. However, we all have moments of anxiety. Going to the dentist.  A job interview. Having a loved one in surgery. Driving in a blizzard. Well you probably have your own list. Sometimes the anxiety can be tied to extreme worry about a situation. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst- well in one's imagination. Often the most extreme worry does not surface. The situation can be bad but manageable. Anxiety can be tied to a previous event. The present one conjures up those old feelings. The extreme disorder of post traumatic stress disorder is such a debilitating example. Triggers that bring up the anxiety. So what to do about anxiety. Know yourself. Identify things that make you anxious. Accept that they make you anxious. Learn strategies like deep breathing, self talk, back up plans that will help to manage those feelings. Know when you are through the event that you will feel better and the anxiety will subside. For example if you do not like going to the dentist, make your appointment as early in the day to get through it so you do not need to worry all day long. For me, when I had a job interview I always tried that strategy. Make it the first one of the day. That way not thinking about it all day if a 5 p.m. appointment. If it is a hair appointment, who cares not really anxious about it. Sleep, the right foods, exercise help with dealing with stressful, anxious events in your life. If you are feeling anxious, know that you will be more prone to reacting to others so be aware of grounding yourself and not reacting. Try not to be caught up in others' issues. Anxiety can be contagious so put on your own armour. Try to surround yourself with positive energetic people if feeling down. That energy can help with your anxious thoughts. If feeling anxious put it out there. Sometimes just getting it out of your body and mind helps to find a new place for it. So how do you cope with your anxious feelings or moments? What really works for you?

NANA SAYS HELPING CHILDREN DEAL WITH A DEATH TAKES SENSITIVITY

Helping children deal with the death of a loved one is often tough for adults. Depending on the age of the child, there is a different understanding of what death means. Not like the cartoons with the person suffering severe injuries and jumping up and being well. Losing a grandparent can be tough. How do the adults in the child's life help the child to remember the loved one? Sometimes it is as simple as letting the child talk about their feelings and their thoughts about the grandparent. At special events such as Christmas, for example, a little picture ornament with the grandparent's picture can be very inclusive. Occasional cemetery visits can be useful if there is a place to visit bringing the message home that it is okay to remember and miss the person. Adults often have trouble dealing with their own feelings so need to share their difficulty with their children. It is okay to admit it is one of the toughest things to occur in one's life. There are so many books and workbooks to help children deal with a loss. Check out your library or bookstore. Funeral homes believe it or not have wonderful brochures on various themes and dealing with the losses. There is no right answer as each child is different in a family and may need a different approach. It is important to take your time and try not to have set answers. Missing loved ones will always have some place in a family network. Being patient and sensitive is what good parenting is all about!

A SHORT WORK WEEK

Four day weeks seem shorter but there is usually 5 days worth of work. Sometimes we are punished for the day off. Staff who worked the weekend are glad to see the regular staff return. Jumping in with both feet to get a start on the week and the work. Supporting the team, patients and families is the order of the day. Hopefully the long weekend was peaceful and fun for everyone. Of course if one is retired then short or long weeks do not matter. What are your thoughts on short work weeks?

A HOME GARDEN OR THE TULIP FESTIVAL IN OTTAWA

Monday in the garden is a good way to spend the holiday. There is something peaceful about puttering and getting one's hands dirty with plants. Very primal! All the sophisticated tools and inventions can not beat the joy of seeing your flowers and plants grow. Adolph with his vegetables and me with the rest. How is your garden coming along? Of course, you could visit another garden and enjoy the view. Like the Tulip Festival In Ottawa!


                    

A COUNTRY DRIVE ON A SUNDAY MORNING

Taking a little country drive today watching the scenery go by revealed some thoughts. The Spring is optimistic with the fields ready for planting. Yes there will be crops. Will many of the evergreen or coniferous trees seen with lower branches of dead needles survive? And here we thought the Ice Storm did not affect them. Thousands of trilliums - the Ontario floral emblem-growing under deciduous trees! Why don't they grow under coniferous? The needles are too acidic? Not enough sun? Will have to look up the reason as it was wonderful to see so many growing wildly. Roadside stands closed but knowing in a few weeks the pick your own farms will be blossoming and ready for business- strawberries and asparagus are the first off the mark. There were some places with fresh baked pies. Cows and horses grazing in their respective pastures were a welcome sight. Wondered if there were any new babies! Just nice to do a simple drive that Adolph and I have done many times. It starts off the summer season of little road trips/ A quick stop to use the washroom facilities at the Blue Heron Casino on Scugog Island and 5 minutes at the penny slots was eventful. Broke even so had some fun without any loss! Going through the little town of Goodwood where family roots are found always pleases me. John Shaver and his wife Emeline raised 12 daughters there in the 1800s. Ward Ellis married one of them thus the Ellis line in our family is found in another little town Claremont not far from the highway we were using. There is something about connecting with the country for me. Perhaps like so many other families, there are country roots in our blood before the big move to urban life. Food, sport, recreation and just pleasure can be found in country settings. People who live there have a good life. Oh yes I will take some treks into the city too but today was the feel and smell of country. Especially going by some farms with heaps of manure! Are you planning any country trips? To favourite towns or spots?

WILL THE SUMMER OF 2014 BRINGS TRIPS TO FARMER'S MARKETS?

Trying to plan for late spring and summer fun takes some internet research of farmer's markets and well farms close to home. What is always appealing is the fresh produce that will be coming our way very soon. Adolph is starting to plant the vegetable garden despite the cooler temperatures. Being self reliant for food is a good thing. There are garden plots throughout the city for those that live in High Rise buildings. The Royal York in Toronto has a herb garden on the roof for their restaurants. Using available land to grow food is not a novel concept but a good one. Tomatoes for example could be grown in pots on balconies. Herbs grown in small pots on window sills and other places for fresh parsley, rosemary, mint, oregano or basil are a cook's delights. Honouring the farmers near home whether in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba or British Columbia are becoming Canadian traditions. Of course maple syrup from Quebec or here in Ontario is a must for any market visit. Ontario or Alberta beef is the best. Wheat, soy and other produce from the Prairie provinces is worth the adventure to visit those locations if able. The Maritime provinces with their seafood worth a trip there or available in places like the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto and many fish markets. Trips to find the season's bounty has become a tradition with Adolph and me. Food! What markets are you hoping to visit? Do you have trips planned in Canada or other provinces or just close to home for you?

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND IN CANADA 2014

Victoria Day weekend comes a little early this year. Usually around the 24th of May, it is the time for gardeners to plant and people to open their cottages for the Spring/Summer season and others to have a 3 day weekend. Of course, Victoria is the famous Queen Victoria that reigned in England over a hundred years ago. Born May 24, 1819, she became Queen June 20, 1837 and continued her reign until January 22, 1901. Since 1953, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official birthday. The day started as Empire Day, changed to Commonwealth Day which was moved to the second Monday in March according to some internet research. Now the Monday before May 25th is the designated holiday. A little dated for a Canadian holiday but it works. It is not an official Statutory day off in every province. In Quebec it is called La Fete de la Reine. But here in Ontario it is a great long weekend. Federally the Post Offices are closed so it does have a Canadian wide flavour. Some seasonal rules apply. For the fashion wise, do not wear white until after the May weekend. Farmers always were advised not to plant their crops until the end of the May usually coinciding with it as well. Of course there are large fireworks at major venues and parks. Homeowners often do their own backyard ones but with lots of warning to do it safely. Regardless of any historical context, having a long weekend to work, to chill, to get together with family for a barbecue or to go to the cottage it is great to have a day away from work. How are you spending your long weekend?

ANNIVERSARIES CONJURES UP MANY REFLECTIONS

Anniversaries conjure up many  memories of a life together. It is like a wall full of platitudes and images. Created together it gives a history of the time spent as a couple, a family and as separate individuals. Sometimes it is hard to believe where the time has gone. So many moments together. From youth to middle age and now hitting those senior years with old age lurking, a major time for reflection. Seeing your babies having babies! Losing loved ones! Pondering when to retire! Starting to downsize and wondering what to keep and what to sell or give away! Looking at the man I married and seeing the teenager, the 20 something, the middle aged man! And now the senior! At least he comes with a senior's discount!

NANA SAYS STOP AND APPRECIATE THE SIMPLE EFFORTS OF CHILDREN

Mother's Day was a happy event. To celebrate the day along with a granddaughter's baptism it was a positive family time. Children like to do something for their mothers. Schools and day care have themes where the children can make an item for Mom. My little grandson needed to be with us one night after school before the big event. He had made a card for his Mom. Proud, showing me how he printed the words- I love you. Then his pride expanded as he pointed out the heart he drew. Nana gave lots of praises to him. How simple, yet how important to stop and look at what little hands do. The thought and caring that went into a little handmade card for Mom. When his father picked him up, again he went over the details of what he had made. Very often, adults just look, that's nice and let's go! Next time little hands make something, really look, ask about the theme, ask why did you chose that colour and watch the face and the explanation bloom. Think about it! When we make a special dinner or buy a thoughtful gift or do something different for those in our lives, do we appreciate the casual thank you and everyone goes on to the next event. No matter how old, a real sincere thank you and time in acknowledging the many simple events in our lives. For children, their simple events are huge to them. If we stop looking at what they have done, they will stop showing us and even telling us about their lives. Looking, seeing, hearing and really listening- yes take our time. But the time is just minutes instead of seconds. The little ones usually then run off to do something else. However, there is an awareness you are an adult that listens and can be trusted with their efforts. I mentioned to my daughter how proud her son had been in the card he made. Oh yes, he was listening. He knew Nana thought his efforts were important. Adults that make children feel important. How emotionally grounded is that!

A PHOTO TO AN IMAGE-FROM THE SHADOWS TO THE LIGHT

Being on the wrong side of the door creates a different image. Looking out and not in. Seeing a shadow of an object. Contemplating! Reflecting! Observing! Thinking! Going from the shadows to the light! Photographers see images everywhere. If you had a caption, what would you name this picture?

MOTHER'S DAY FOOD-WHAT A FEAST!

Food for a Mother's Day feast. With your beverage of choice.

Having a buffet brunch with sandwiches.

Three pans of Adolph's homemade lasagna.

Two salads along with olives, cold cuts, pickles, buns, devilled eggs. three tiers of appetizers.

AND

The Sweet table with the baby girl's baptism cake. A wonderful event with mothers but lots of children and Daddies too.

POST MOTHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS

Mother's Day was a busy day so this mother took a break from writing a post. It was a day of great reflection. Starting with finishing our share of the food for our granddaughter's baptism, dressing and getting to the church on time. Thornhill United Church where Adolph and I were married, our girls were married there and now all the grandchildren have been baptized there. The service was a beautiful Christian Family Day service. All Mothers were thanked-current mothers, grandmothers, mothers who had passed away remembered, women who mother others, women trying to be mothers, and women who lost children. Step-mother needed to be added. It was a poignant message. A mother is not just someone who gives birth to a baby. Mothering a human being is more than a physical reality. It takes parenting skills, patience and lots of love. So adoptive mothers are so vital to the message. Some mothers can not raise their own children giving them to someone else to ensure they have a home. Being a mother is for a lifetime. Caring about your children does not end with adulthood. At the end of our lives our children need to mother us as we become more childlike needing support. Have I enjoyed being a mother? Most of the time. Challenges did test my ability to see straight sometimes especially through the teen years. Then the children grew into beautiful adults with heart and responsibility. What advice? Just hang in there with your children. Continue to guide, listen and be support through thick and thin. Mother brings up so many feelings and thoughts in life. We all started with a mother. We usually end our lives without one. Loving our mothers means loving them with all the flaws. Mothers are not perfect nor should they ever try to be.

HONOURING CANADIANS WHO SERVED IN AFGHANISTAN-MAY 9 2014

Honouring our men and women who served in all aspects in Afghanistan is happening today. May 9 2014 has been created a day to honour and celebrate those who served in that mission. 158 lost. The aftermath of the service with many individuals also dying from PTSD taking their own lives makes the number larger. As Canadians it is important to support our troops. At the same time we can continue to work for policies and practices that lead to peaceful resolution of world conflicts. Afghanistan is a country with riches and great poverty. Those people struggle to make a living and have a life. It is good to know our Canadians made a difference there. Here's to those who served and the families that sacrificed a normal family life and welcomed them home. To the ones we know, like Jim thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

COMPLIMENTS-THOSE FINER MOMENTS IN LIFE

Compliments are important in life. Knowing we do things well is self fulfilling. Being recognized by others is icing on the cake. Compliments for me are positive ways to keep the energy good especially in work environments. Acknowledging and recognizing others around us also makes one endearing. Watch the smile and glow on someones'  face when a compliment is shared. Staff love it when a patient or family thank us with a card, donuts or chocolates. The little thank you can go a long way. A compliment takes the thank you one stage further. Oh yes there can be back handed compliments that are sarcastic and not really a compliment. I always love it when someone says " you look really nice today!" Does it mean I don't look nice everyday? Or is it a real compliment? I don't comment on people's weight. I don't like to say- have you lost weight? I try not to feed into the "adult anorexic thing". Perhaps a weight loss could be a health issue brewing and not a happy loss! Do we really want to point out to fatter people that they now look better thinner? If a compliment is sincere and a real compliment then go for it. Positive thoughts and comments are needed in this world. So did you receive a compliment today? Have you given one to other?

NANA SAYS A BAPTISM BEGINS A JOURNEY OF FAITH

Having a faith is important to the well being of people. Introducing children to the stories and message of the bible is vital. Believing in a larger being than ourselves is part of the human spirit. More than talking about the meaning of Christianity, practicing is more important. Do unto others as you will have them do unto you. Other religions have a similar message. Only the extremes in any faith can teach non-tolerance to other faiths. Christians can appreciate and work with those of all religions as it teaches us tolerance and love. This Sunday my newest little granddaughter will be baptized at Thornhill United Church. It will be begin a journey of learning about the love of Christ. The love of life, the love of tolerance and reaching out to others. In a country like Canada with cultural and religious diversity understanding and knowing one's faith to understand others begins at home. Children deserve a good start to life.

LIFE IS LIKE NEVER ENDING HOME REPAIRS

Home repairs are always never ending. Even brand new homes can have glitches. Fixing a 27 year old home comes with challenges. The little jobs like wood filling a groove in the floor, sanding and varnishing are manageable. Discovering a piece of drywall fell in the downstairs rough in bathroom caused by  a little drip which is going to make us play detective. Is the leak from a pipe or from outside? Doesn't it amaze us how one little drip can cause damage? We all have little drips in life that build up to larger problems. Take care of the little problems and the big ones take care of themselves we are often told. So are home repairs like the constant self reflection and need to self improve? As we paint one room of ourselves, another one needs sanding and fixing? No matter how much insight and  self awareness we may obtain, there is always room for improvement. Or is there? Like an older house, somehow we learn to live with the flaws. Take care of the major problems but learn to take time to go through the home gently fixing, adjusting, decluttering and adding new interesting features. Do we appreciate what the old home has given us? Like life what has it given us?

WATER-A HUMAN ELEMENT

Looking into the distance in this picture brings many contemplative thoughts. Water and earth are main elements of life. Sitting on the edge of a lake, river or ocean often brings humbling thoughts. Where is it leading? What lives in the water? What lives on the edge of the water? Water keeps us alive. We use it. Play in it. Swim in it. Travel on it. Before aviation, we travelled the earth on it. Still water gives us a sense of peace. Calm. Canada has many lakes and rivers. We are a fortunate people. Living near the water can have its hazards which can be seen by the flooding that can occur in spring runoffs or summer storms. Appreciating it is a force of nature to be respected keeps us vigilant. Homeowners know about water damage. Easier to anticipate a problem than fix one. Regardless a day on the water in a boat, canoe or rowboat is rather enjoyable. Sitting on a beach reading a book brings a relaxing thought. Water!

THE TRUTH-LA CHIESA DELLA VERITA

The truth and nothing but the truth! There is a church in Rome called La Chiesa della Verita. The church of truth. There is a huge face with an open mouth on one wall. The likeness is the above small souvenirs I bought on one trip to Rome. One puts their hand in the mouth if telling the truth nothing happens. If one lies then the mouth closes on your hand. It is rather funny to see tourists gingerly put their hands in the mouth almost expecting something to happen. So the truth is told. Too bad the same does not always prevail in reality. If we thought our hands would be severed would we always tell the truth?

A JACK OF ALL TRADES AND MASTER OF NONE

During a conversation at work recently, it was decided it was great to have a handyman in the house. Since neither my mother nor I had the luxury of such a person, it was vital to learn many household skills beyond laundry, dishes and cooking. I don't do anything electrical but can fix things and figure out what needs to be fixed. Skills such as sewing-yes unlike modern people- I can sew on a button and hem pants so do not need to take anything to a sewing centre and minus $15.00 later have a finished product. So what is better to be such an expert of one area but not know much about other things or the proverbial jack of all trades. Painting a room, making the curtains, cleaning it and framing a photo to decorate brings the many skills scenario.  Call me Jack or maybe the female version is Jane of all trades. It is more fun to putter with many areas. The boredom factor of life lets a project sit while another one is progressing then returning to finish the other one. Active projects such as digging a section of the garden or quieter ones like photographing something of interest or knitting while watching TV or a movie allow many little things to get done at the chosen pace of the moment. Workplaces require job descriptions and what is in your scope of practice. At home there is no scope of practice. Some couples may keep gender roles but many men and women have started to gravitate to what interests them. Some cultures still have female and male jobs!! If it's broken and can be fixed give it a try. We have become a throw away society. Some things are good for the recycling bin or a charity box. However, many little home projects can be managed by the people living there. Yes I needed to hire a roofer for a new roof but painting a room or cleaning the grout in the tiles can be done cheaper by knowing how to do it. There is a sense of accomplishment to say I did something. Besides have you ever hired someone and found the mess made was not worth the cost of that person. Or little boo boos were made and have irritated the hell out of you ever since? If I made the mistakes I can live with them since my labour did not cost me any money!! Expert or Jack! Which are you??

MY FAVOURITE MONTH-MAY

I have always loved the month of May. The flowers, the trees, the flowering bushes present themselves slowly then before realized everything is in full bloom. The weather is just warmer and nicer. It is the month of my wedding anniversary, The first long weekend that is warm delights most people. Garden centers start to emerge and in droves people are buying their plants for the gardens . It is the beginning of the warmer season. Labour day seems a long way away! There is anticipation of what is to come. Where to go? What to do? Are there house guests coming to visit from afar? This May we have a baby's baptism, awaiting a new great-nephew and of course a favourite cousin's birthday. Hopefully there will be other fun things to do. Oh yes lots of opportunities to take new photos for this blog. Happy May everyone!

HYACINTHS GROW IN MAY

As most people know about me May is my favourite month. Beautiful flowers such as hyacinths grow abundantly in the garden. A very Canadian spring bulb it is also significant in other cultures. The Persian spring- Noorz  includes this fragrant flower. It is a happy flower. Slowly making its way out of the earth. There are a variety of colours that can be grown. It is the aroma that captivates the gardener. Like most spring bulbs it does not last long enough. However, in early spring many supermarkets sell pots of them. Of course, I bought one to liven up my home. Sometimes it would be nice if all the spring bulbs burst into colour to make an incredible collage of flowers. But one space at a time reveals the next bulb to poke its head and reveal its foliage. The spring garden is the best one. The flowers just start to present themselves. The gardener can wait and watch after the leaves that kept them warm during the winter are cleared. It's the weeds and digging to aerate the soil that is more work which is coming soon. Of course I have my helper for it! How is your garden doing? Do you have hyacinths? Do you have a wonderful display of spring colours?