KEEPING OUR BALANCE IN LIFE

Sometimes we can all feel a little off balance. Not even tipsy, just needing to refocus. Changes in season, months or even decades can give a sense of the urge to regroup. It could be from a sore hip, which makes us limp! So what is balance! The word can mean different things to different people. We balance our budget, hopefully with money left over. Balancing our lives between work and play. A balance can help us weigh items. Chiefs of staff can hold the balance of power in the world. Balance can mean making a compromise in a conflict. Taking in both sides. The Thesaurus tells us, we can ponder, consider, deliberate, compare  an idea. Like an acrobat we can balance on a tight rope- which our lives do feel sometimes! Anticipating a positive outcome like reaching the other side safely! Lives with a balance are very fulfilling as many aspects can be accomplished. Getting exercise while participating in a loved sport is an example. Having social times and quiet times allows for  different parts of ourselves to grow! Balance in marriage, family and life helps us to stand on our feet! So how do you keep your balance in life?

A DAY IN HISTORY THAT LEAD TO WORLD WAR ONE

The anniversary of World War One has started today as June 28, 1914 marks the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinad  of Austria, the heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary empire allies with Germany. It was a Serbian nationalist who killed the Duke and his wife- Sofia. By July 28, 1914 the Triple Entente- United Kingdom, France and the Russian Empire were at war within a month- July 28 2014 with Germany and her allies. As the reminders of this major event begin to be commemorated it is a great lesson in history why war is not always the answer.  As a history buff, I will be reflecting on events periodically. Even today there are marked difference and interpretations of events. The orchestra in Sarajevo wants to provide music that honours the struggle for peace. The young man who killed the Archduke is a hero to Serbians while not to others. Studying history and trying to learn lessons is a human endeavor. Unfortunately history can repeat itself.!

SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY

Outdoor exercise is fun in the summer. Walking is the easiest one to do. If you can park the car and find times for little walks-go for it! Next comes some swimming. Go to the beach! Go to the pool or swim in your own. Of course, gardens always need attention and provide some exercise. Of course flipping pages in your book or favourite magazine while resting in the shade on a hot day does also give a little exercise- at least to your fingers. Summertime and the living is easy and slow it down! How is your summer going so far?

WAS THE KINDNESS OF A STRANGER AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE?

Kindness comes in many forms. During an emergency some people step up to the plate and help. I have experienced such kindness periodically. Like the time I had a flat tire and a man stopped changed my tire and would not accept any money for the work, then drove off. My daughter experienced the kindness of a wonderful woman yesterday who stopped to help her on the side of the road giving her and her 3 little children a ride home. She called her an "Angel." So kindness comes from our earthly angels. But were these angels sent by the heavenly ones! Life has some magic moments. If we look for the good or we ourselves try to do good things for others, do we honour the good soul inside of ourselves! I think-yes! Or did our Guardian Angels give us a little tap on our shoulders to go ahead and do something kind! Hum-don't have all answers! What do you think? Have you experienced the kindness of strangers that may have been an Angel in disguise?

TO BE NICE OR NOT TO BE NICE-A CANADIAN QUESTION

Choosing how to live is a choice not a personality trait genetically programmed at birth! The English word nice has several meanings- pleasant, agreeable, satisfactory, good- natured, requiring careful thought or attention, and delicately sensitive. ( Thank you Oxford English Dictionary) Yes, one's family can have an influence on all of us. Some very happy nice people have miserable family members, I get it. How we approach the world can be ours alone! When we act nice something begins to happen. So what is nice? What does it means to you? Watching what we say and curbing our words to reflect more positive thoughts actually takes a lot more effort than just being bitchy and saying hurtful things. Being thoughtful to others. Saying honest compliments. Acting like a nice person to be around. For example, there are days when I arrive at work, I am tired, wishing it was the weekend but I put on my game face- my nice face and act like I want to be there. Greeting others nicely. Of course there are times to be assertive and challenge ideas but in a nice way. Not nasty. You see I made a choice many years ago to try to be as nice as I could most of the time. I looked at the miserable people of the world deciding that was not for me. However just because I am nice does not mean I trust everyone and think their motives are always honourable. Being nice does not mean one is stupid! Being nice does not mean my thoughts are always nice! But I keep them to myself or share with trusted friends or family members! I believe I was nice in my childhood and youth to be liked and win others' approval. Not anymore when I choose to be nice, I think it was in my early 20s- it was because I wanted to live my life loving myself and those around me. It is hard when I have to confront someone or even yelling at my children when they were little and now sometimes my grandchildren-especially if they want to venture into an activity that could harm them. So I ask the question, do some people just choose to be miserable and think it is okay! Me first, who cares about the world! Even those with Mental Health issues who struggle daily can have varied personalities. For example, I have known some with clinical depression who are nice and try so hard to face the day's events! Canadians generally are supposed to be nice. So perhaps I wanted to be one to help carry the torch and wave the flag of niceness! For the sake of the country! I have known so many nice people in my life- teachers, friends, work mates, family, neighbours and even nice kind strangers that saved the day! So to be nice or not to nice that is the question? If you read my blog regularly, I know what your answer will be don't I!!!!

NANA SAYS GRADUATIONS ARE IMPORTANT TIMES

June has graduation parties and ceremonies at many levels. Universities and colleges have convocation. Graduating starts at a young age. Adolph and I were able to attend the graduation of two of our grandsons going from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 1. Their Day Care had a wonderful little ceremony with grad pictures and all. They sang a little song and told us what they learnt in Kindergarten. Seeing little children feeling proud about their accomplishment was endearing. Sitting there it seemed strange as the question arose in my mind- where did the time go? Was it not just yesterday that my daughters were graduating from Kindergarten? There are so many stepping stones in children's lives. Being there for them and clapping and telling them you are proud is so important to emotional development. It starts young to support children in school endeavors. Making school seem important is a family affair. So with two sets of parents, siblings and two sets of grandparents our little ones knew their efforts were honoured.

A CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD MEAN SOMETHING

Getting more education or developing your trade skills or taking courses to upgrade never hurt. Life is life long learning. Most positions in management in Health Care now need a Masters Degree. The only problem I have is it a real degree? There are certain standards that come with higher education. Your literary skills must improve. Your critical thinking that combines many different disciplines should be sharpened. It is not just a piece of paper. A colleague recently finished a degree. Initially the statement was it could be done in 3 months. It actually took the person 2 years and 3 months. Yes! Higher education must come with effort and time to let the process happen and new real learning to occur. Some workplaces help to pay for courses towards a degree. If one does it solely for the sake of trying to get or keep one's position but hates the process than what is the use. Retrospectively when I was studying for my Masters at the University of Toronto, it was a real accomplishment because even being accepted to the program took time and effort. At that time there were 1000 applicants for 100 spots. In the first year, 15 students were counselled out and 85 of us continued. It meant there were standards and expectations that needed to be met. One did not just show up and get a degree. Since earning my degree, I have taken many courses where one must have a Masters to take the course. Again adding knowledge to the base degree continues. All regulated professionals belong to a College so each year it is a requirement  to attend courses, read, present, write papers or do whatever is needed to continue to develop your competence in one's field. Learning continues or revisiting old texts or course material to refresh one's memory is good. However, one of my life long goals has been to read in other disciplines. I bought a popular book on Physics two years ago to try to learn and understand other concepts. Reading business books that actually use many psychology concepts learnt in my undergraduate courses prevail in marketing and planning. Of course one of my first loves- history continues. I love current events so always look for the historical context.  So when a new immigrant from another country tries to say something about their "superior" history, I can dialogue and put it in a universal context. Let's be real- many areas of the world changed hands many times and borders changed. Different armies and ethnic groups mixed and mingled. Many different influences changed areas of the world. So knowledge teaches us there is no superior country or race or religion! No real pure people! With DNA it could be proven that most humans have a mix! Hum! So higher learning brings some humility! Teaching us to learn, think, listen and continue to be aware of the world around us. So if you are beginning a journey of higher learning-feel honoured that the opportunity has come your way. So what are you planning to study? Or are you in a position to mentor or teach students in your field? Are there family members that could learn from your life?

LIFE IS LIKE A GARAGE SALE

Life is like  a garage sale. Taking a risk to try to sell old treasures to new people. Not everything will sell but lots will go. Never judging why a buyer likes an item. Just -here you go sir! Take the money and be glad something is moving from the sale. Planning and advertising work but one does not know what brings in a buyer. Sometimes just passing by or saw your flyer. What doesn't sell can go to a variety of places- the curb, a charity box, pickup from such a charity or back in the garage for another time. Giving away to family and friends like good old fashioned trading helps to rid the stuff. A garage sale is just a drop in bucket of what remains in most people's homes. It is a good way to cleanse and declutter. Especially if a few dollars are made it can be worthwhile. Some sales have nicer customers than others. Depends on your neighbourhood! Grouping with some friends who bring their stuff to make for more fun. A street sale can be good too! Theme sales are good but it is better to try to be more eclectic with the stuff. Couples may be looking for a variety of items. If possible maybe rent a table at a flea market sometime to be more aggressive in selling! If it is a collectable, do not put it in a garage sale. Find a dealer who will give a better price or buy lots of things! Life with all its stuff! What to keep, what to sell and what to give away!

THE SUMMER SOLSTICE-THE CANADIAN SUMMER BEGINS

June 21st is the longest day of the year. The summer solstice! The first day of summer! How meaningful as we all look forward to the lazy, hazy days of summer. Changes in season always bring some reflections. Remembering other times in our lives when summer was so anticipated. As a young child waiting for the school year to end. Hoping I passed! Who would my teacher be the next year? Waiting to get my free ticket to the CNE-Canadian National Exhibition- that all school children received in the Toronto area! Sometimes being pulled from school early to go to Algonquin Park with my family to secure a good camping spot at Rock Lake. A week at Ball Point on Lake Scugog! In High School, writing exams! University-well into my summer job or jobs! Now this day is the birthday of one of my sweet grandsons! He turns 6 today! What new events and reflections will come from this summer! Canadians will be on the move soon- to the cottage, south to beaches and Disney World, to Europe for those adventures, cross Canada country trips and others enjoying their local events with meaningful staycations!  A change! More of the same! Dancing like our ancestors of old! Remembering my Celtic roots! Oh summer Solstice- bring it on!

HOME IS A PLACE TO CALL OUR OWN

There is no place like our home whether it is a mansion, a modest house, a condo or rented apartment. Even the basement at our parents! A place to hang our hat or other clothes! Where we cook and keep our stuff. Often making a family there! Losing our home can be a very devastating event! Through fire or floods or bad weather like a tornado, everything we have can be gone in a flash! We all have things that have emotional attachments or just necessities of life. The "home' is the container for those things. The word home brings up many different definitions. Warm feelings, sense of belonging and often safety from the world. Our home country! As many new immigrants and some old ones still feel out of place in their new home and long for the old one.  Home Sweet Home! Even a song-Country Roads Take me Home! People take trains, buses, planes and even drive to go home for the holidays! Home is where the heart is! What does the word home mean to you?

TAKING CONTROL IN OUR LIVES

Control and order in our lives well contained brings a sense of safety. However, it is difficult to obtain and our well ordered world can be undermined in a flash. Sensible dialogue at a meeting can change with snide comments or challenges. A storm can cause property damage. An accident can cause an injury. So how to cope in life without trying to hide from any dangers. Coping is knowing that there are possibilities for events that throw us on our butts. Having strategies that are individual to get through what life throws at you. Knowing this too shall pass! But what about the need for control! Taking control of our lives has been the subject of many books for decades. Ways to manage and feel good about ourselves. Telling us it is in our hands. But is control always in our hands. If your work wants to restructure and your division is on the list to be let go, did you have control? No! However, keeping your resume up to date and checking for other job opportunities on a regular basis can be a way to find some control so when the axe fell, you had some preparedness! Knowing the tasks are done so you can deal with the emotional piece. Keeping a work network! Strategies for self employment can help. Insurance on a house and contents will not replace any major loss completely but will help to move on and rebuild. The word control is an interesting idea and concept. It means different things to different people. Losing control can be very overwhelming emotionally and cause physical illness. Even if we have a false sense of control, it may be enough to get through the difficult times in our lives. I always tell people I dress colour coordinated because it is one of the few things I have absolute control over! Of course I am often met with frowns and looks of condescension but think about it! What do you feel gives you absolute control in your life?

NANA SAYS SUMMER IS COMING-ARE YOU READY?

With summer quickly approaching, parents have been busy with the June activities as well as gearing up for plans for the children. Being ahead of children's laments- I'm bored, there is nothing to do- can be challenging over the next couple of months. Time to accommodate skills like taking little ones to the beach or pool to practice swimming skills. Family bike rides. If lucky to be camping or at a cottage or lodge- time to learn that great Canadian skill- canoeing. Or rowing a boat! Water skiing can be the new skill acquired in the summer. Setting some goals for children with a reward at the end. Sounds a little like a bribe- well if it works use it. The old fashioned summer reading programme. Set an appropriate limit. "If you read 5 books then you get the reward the end of August!" A pretty summer journal to write down activities, thoughts, doodles etc can be fun for children. Especially on long car rides. I use a hard cover journal book, keeping it on my lap to record ideas, names of places, things I see on my road trips or even day trips. A large pen or pencil for children so they can write big on the pages works. What skill are you teaching-observation? Oh yes they could be glued to their favourite gadget and avoid looking out the window, but as parents it could be encouraged to use some opportunities to look and form some ideas and opinions outside of social media! I was discussing with one of my daughters about how unenjoyable summer was when they were little for the various reasons discussed. The pressure of the cost for camp, classes, taking vacation to be with my kids- two months or 8 or 9 weeks is a long time to try to keep children occupied and safe. I did buy summer activity books too that were fun to do with them. Use walks and picnics as a time to use natural items. Even on my walks home from work I have been collecting some nice size pine cones to use for summer crafts with the grandchildren. If not used they can be put in the barbecue fireplace in the Fall or saved for Christmas. Routine activities are good. Like every Wednesday you go to the Library to take out some books. Thursday is Ice Cream day- as examples. If home with the children for any period of time- household chores or some gardening to teach the skills of self reliance. Of course if your children are receiving an allowance- a little monetary incentive goes a long way. Have an item they want to purchase or have you purchase but let them save for it with the money from the paid activities. Another lesson-the value of earning money and how difficult it can be. The most important suggestion is to sit back and enjoy the time with your children. Life goes rapidly by and trying to create memories are good. Go to the same things every year and take that changing picture. I have some of my girls at one of my favourite places The Toronto Zoo. The panda picture from the 1980s is precious. I want to go with them now and take another picture with them at the Panda sign. Another favourite annual trip was to Black Creek Pioneer Village. So do the same things over and over each year as favourite family events. Those country fairs or large ones like the Canadian National Exhibition can be annual events. The local Canada Day celebrations are always good and inexpensive for everyone. I remember wanting to take the girls to the Fire works in their teens and they reluctantly came but discovered all their other teenage acquaintances were there- so it was cool to be there. For me remembering the lamenting of boredom does come to mind but I also remember some really good times. Like the time I took my girls- preteen with two friends to a rented cottage on Lake Simcoe and could be Mommy for a week with Adolph coming up midweek and on the weekend. My little rubber inflated row boat  with two people paddling in it was tons of fun. Summer can be a dirty word or a great word for parents. Planning activities that you too will enjoy rather than just tag along will make life more exciting and enjoyable.

CANADIAN BARNS-A SYMBOL OF THE LAND!

Our Canadian farms bring food to the table. A jaunt in the country always reminds us of the hard work of the farmers and their staff that work every day.I like barns with the variety of shapes they can have. The architecture can be a cultural design or modern. It makes me want to go hunting for barns in the country.

Some can seen off the highway so with your shutter on high speed there are a few opportunities to capture some photos.
Do you like barns? Their shape? Their use? The importance of the work held in them!

DAISY BRINGS A LITTLE HAPPINESS TO THE CANADIAN GARDEN

Season for the variety of daisies in the garden. Smaller than a Sunflower, it is a happy little flower. It adds some colour differently. Between the purple, yellow and red colours of others, the white draws our eye to it. Besides we can all play- he loves me, he loves me not! There are some wild ones that like to grow in my paths and in the garden. I leave them until they are finished flowering. Letting some wild ones abound allows their little seeds to go to the wind to grow elsewhere. Although I do not have a wild flower bed per se, I actually have several wild flowers growing so I feel I am doing my duty to save the natural growth. Of course, weeds do find their way too. Since the laws changed about what kind of week killer can be used , the weeds at the side of the roads are abundant and ugly. Needless to say they make their way to gardens. So when a few wild flowers that are actually pretty arrive, they are a wonderful addition. Thus the daisy with all its varieties is a June/July garden flower. Do you have daisies in your garden? What varieties do you have?

A CANADIAN FATHER'S DAY

Fathers are the other half of the parenting team. Children need the male role model along with a female one. Father's Day give us  a time to remember what our Dads mean to us. For those whose fathers have passed away, remembering can bring a smile and tears. To those apart from their Dads, a phone call, a tweet, an email will link you with them. Living close-take your Dad to lunch and have a hug or two. Wives love the fathers of their children. If kind and loving, it just makes a Dad love more. The drawings made by precious hands are lifelong keepsakes. To Dads-enjoy your day! In Canada we enjoy Father's Day various way- a trip to church, a breakfast or lunch out, cards and simple gifts like a new shirt or T-shirt and just time together! If far away from a Dad, a gift basket with goodies goes a long way! What do you do for Father's Day?

PORT PERRY THAT LITTLE TOWN OF LAKE SCUGOG

Lake Scugog is a lake near Toronto. It actually started as a river but a dam created in the 1800s near Lindsay created the lake. The water levels rose wiping out the cranberry and wild rice crops of the Native Canadian people living in the area. The farmers lost many acreage of crop land as well. There is a road that is called the causeway in Port Perry that joins the land to Scugog Island. It is a picturesque drive for a Sunday afternoon. Port Perry's main street has some interesting stores which make the trip fun. Of course good old fashioned Canadian Fish and Chips can be found in several locations. So why not take a drive east and north of Toronto to discover this little community.

 

Palmer Park is a good place to have a little picnic if a restaurant is not for you.

 

 

 

I love the architecture of old towns. The brick work is so Victorian period. The walk on the main street is not long so can be enjoyed in a short time before the drive home. 



MEMORIAL SERVICES-A CANADIAN WAY TO REMEMBER

Memorial services are a sombre way to remember a person, group or an event. The 70th anniversary of D-Day was a reminder of the sacrifices made to liberate Europe from the Nazi regime. Remembering our Mounties who died at a large funeral and memorial in New Brunswick this week gives that community a time to grieve collectively. Historically we remember important days that gave modern times its meaning. The signing of the Magna Carta is such an event that contributed to modern law. Memorials have testimonials, poems and quotes from the Bible as their mainstay. Ecumenical ones incorporate all religions and faith groups.  A time for reflection and sometimes soul searching.

Flowers add some colour and meaning. Music soothes the soul. Do you notice it does not matter have often you hear Amazing Grace it gives new meaning each time to the event you are attending? Some refreshments afterwards to give some time to talk and share stories. Sometimes as a Social Worker I have the opportunity to be part of hospital wide memorial projects. In my personal life giving the eulogy at my  mother's funeral was such a testimonial! Writing caring letters or cards to others experiencing a loss knowing they help the people involved! Remembering so we can move on with the person, event or group as part of our conscience! Knowing the event has made us a better person or at least appreciative of what we have in the present moment! Or it should make us so! What are you remembering today? Have you been part of a memorial service?

DOES LOVE HELP YOU HEAL?

Research has shown that people with positive social contacts fare better. For example, the elderly with a hip fracture will heal better with more family and social contacts. Stimulation! The hospital environment is the worst place for anyone with diminished capacity. They need the familiar. So does healing generally occur better when an individual is surrounded by people who care. People with a strong faith rely on the love of God! I would contend yes. If you have a purpose to get up in the morning with social supports, your life has better value. If you feel valued does it affect your physical systems? I would contend yes. So does love help you heal? Unfortunately I do not have any studies to quote and to cite for you. However I would say love helps with everything. Being loved, feeling love and loving others does something amazing for our general well being, doesn't it! Through the hard times, love from others just feels good! Emotionally! Physically! Socially! So I would go with- Love helps you heal!

NANA SAYS JUNE IS A BUSY BUT PRODUCTIVE MONTH WITH CHILDREN

June is a busy month for everyone. Winding down the school year, community meetings will take a hiatus for the summer season and planning for summer vacations and camps can seem never ending and overwhelming. For parents it can seem very hectic with the ending of dance and hockey and the beginning of the baseball, soccer and swimming lessons along with the school functions. Learning to take it with stride. This too shall pass and the ease of a couple of summer months with "the lazy days of summer" arriving. For any working person, the longer days give more time to be outside completing any gardening or maintenance. In all the planning put some real down time. If you like biking then do some family biking around the neighbourhood. Swimming lessons are great but there is nothing like parents and children enjoying water play with the parents doing some teaching of swimming. Just playing at the park. I take my little grandchildren to a small local park where they can play on equipment. The walk there is good exercise for me and time to enjoy the kids. Less can be more with store bought ice cream and cones for a treat. Freezies and of course lots of farm fresh summer fruit makes snack time easy. A simple outing with children is a visit to a local farm to buy the fruit! So as June seems so busy try to think of ways to enjoy and be happy to part of your children's lives. The warmer months are way too short so embrace them and do slow easy things. If you have a row boat, a quiet row on a river is good. Teaching children to paddle a canoe with slow easy strokes let's us take advantage of many worlds. June is a good month to enjoy for itself!

MULTI MEDIA RENAISSANCE WOMAN

Due to the influx of the smart phone, many people especially young ones try to say there is no need for other media devices. Even yesterday someone said there is no need to have a TV anymore due to the ability to watch shows on a device. It made me think- well I am a multimedia person. I use most devices- TV, radio, land line phone, cell phone and a real camera. Yes I know one can take pictures on their cell phone but for the real photographers of the world they are nice casual shots like the old Brownie Instamatic camera  used to take. Okay for those average family shots but not professional level. As for watching any show on a cell phone- well I like my modern flat screen TV. If I had the money for a larger house  for a  theatre screen, I would have that too. The radio in the car or a boom box playing while I work in the garden works for me. I have a CD player that I use to play my favourite CDs when working  on projects or doing housework. Yes I like to buy new CDs occasionally. Uploading and sorting is okay but there is nothing like have the whole collection of a favourite singer's songs and well singing or dancing along! I have a dual VHS and DVD player so I can watch any of my collection of movies or home movies when I like. Even bought some children's VHS tapes at a flea market that my modern grandchildren love watching. In case we are at a picnic or a cottage without electricity the battery operated boom box comes in handy and the music tapes can be played as well as accessing a news channel. Yes I upload pictures from my memory card to my computer but I also like to print some as well and put them in a real album. It is hard to view the 200 vacation pictures of someone on their little cell phone screen no matter how advanced it is. Besides aren't the slide shows on the computer just like the slide shows that everyone had to endure as a child? Visiting family and having to watch the slide show! How many pictures of a family eating or standing by famous landmarks do we need to see? Have you noticed that no matter how modern the pictures look they are just like the ones your grandparents took? I have two little transistors battery operated radios with my emergency stuff. They have come in handy during power outages. Sometimes the overload on the cell phone towers crashes those systems. Even the old fashioned ham radio operators can be necessary in emergencies as it has been seen in Eastern Canada and United States during power outages! So what's my point? Well with age comes lots of smiling as the latest gadget gets heralded as "the bee all and end all"!  I don't throw out my old gadget when a new one arrives. Old TVs and computers have gone to recycling centres however! I am not a hoarder! Oh yes I am not one of those people with a phone in my hand doing the average 200 plus textes that people do on a daily basis or checking and checking their phones. I actually pay attention to my environment and the people around me. No media device needed for that! Yes I read real books and newspapers as well as access information from the Internet. Guess what- most of the devices used can fit in a corner of my house or if you live in an apartment would fit there too.  I like to call myself a Multi Media Renaissance Woman! Modern with a flair for what works in my world! Does anyone really have to be stuck with one device?

MY CANADIAN ONION FLOWER

The onion flower adds some much colour to my garden. Round bulb like flowers on a long stem they can be seen from many angles especially my kitchen window. Like other bulbs planted in the fall they produce new bulbs. If you have squirrels in your yard, there could be some growth in unexpected parts of the garden. There are various sizes so they are a welcome addition to any perennial beds. Of course it has some real scientific name that I have forgotten. Perhaps a fellow gardener will clue me in.

EVERYONE LOVES THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

Even the animals like to be outside. There is something about the warmer weather. Outside enjoying nature. Country drives. City walks. Eating your favourite ice cream. The start of markets and fairs and outdoor concerts. A time to enjoy some new adventures and maybe even some challenges. Longer walks and runs and bike rides. Toughen up those calve muscles. Maybe a swim across the pool or lake or just some slow gardening that will make you strong. Oh the outside! have to love it.

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY-KEEPING CANADIANS MOVING AND GROWING

With the warmer temperatures, the construction season is in full swing. Road closures or sometimes just lanes causes havoc for the commute. The Construction Industry is a huge component of the Canadian economy. Employing people in many capacities, it helps the ebb and flow of our lives. From electricians to crane operators to the labourer to landscapers there are so many jobs in the industry. Materials and manpower keep us going. There is a huge responsibility to do any job correctly. If a building collapses or a sinkhole occurs, the engineers involved in the projects will be scrutinized. Thus safety with the hard hats, construction boots and an eye to work safely on any job site is paramount. I find a construction site fascinating. I love the way a project comes alive. There are some condo buildings near me in various stages. Digging down to put in the infrastructure- the electrical, plumbing, water, hydro etc. before the concrete could be laid. The building floor by floor is a process or a work of art. Sometimes I walk by them deliberately just to see the progress to date.  Seeing any building especially city sky scrapers is a reminder of the number of people and systems that were needed to work correctly.
Adolph had a summer job years ago when he was  an university student on a skyscraper in downtown Toronto. He was the gofer to bring coffee and other items to the workers on the 15th floor that had no elevator. Needless to say, he had very well toned calves at the end of the season after all the walking up and down the stairs.
Having been involved in a small construction project, i.e. the building of our current family home, I have some knowledge of the process and layers of work needed to be done. The ebb and flow of what needs to come first then second and so on to the completion of the house. Then the ripping apart of our yard several years ago to accommodate 50 boulders from a work site Adolph was contracted to do gave some knowledge of a big landscape project. My paths- the boulders as the boundaries- and gardens were a constant commitment of creativity for several years. Now with the overgrown gardens and the need to weed non-stop is my current project. Constructing and maintaining go hand in hand! Children love all the construction equipment often liking to know the names of each piece. So little tractors or wheelbarrows or diggers can be toys to teach about the Construction Industry. Respect for all the workers! There are individuals in many communities that take pride in the large projects where they took part. Many family members in Toronto brag about their role in building the CN tower for example! Makes us wonder if the workers that built the pyramids in ancient times told their children and grandchildren about their role. I know it was supposed to be slaves but maybe they were not. Maybe real employed workers of the Pharaohs! An ancient Construction Industry!

D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY-TIME TO REFLECT ON CANADA'S CONTRIBUTION

June 6 1944 was such a major military mission that when reviewed historically it never ceases to amaze. Timing the exact day to try the invasion of Europe. Needing the right weather, the tide to be out and the element of surprise made the landing in Normandy a monumental task. 156,000 armed forces! The Canadians landed at Juno Beach. Glider planes landing behind enemy lines with equipment! Tanks, ships, planes! Montgomery felt it was not as successful as he wanted but history tells us it was a success. In 3 months, the Allied Forces were going into Germany with the Soviets coming from the East. Italy had been liberated with that campaign starting in September 1943.
Reflecting on this event it is so hard to imagine what that day was like for the men and women who served. We see old men on TV at anniversary events telling their story. Since it is the 70th anniversary of D-Day there are special celebrations in France as we speak. It is often bittersweet. Remembering brings tears and feelings, happy to be there but remembering the day and those who were lost. Since it has been 70 years, the veterans are getting up there-many now mostly in their 90s! If you see a Vet, get their story. If you have a Vet in your family, write it down as part of your family history. In Canada, you can write for your loved ones war records. I have the records on my grandfather from World War One.
We do not remember the events of war to honour war. We remember to acknowledge the sacrifice that others have made for our lives and our freedom, peace and security in Canada today. Yes if you can hug the Vet and get a picture. Seeing one gentleman on TV in Normandy, treated like a celebrity by the people there, make my heart happy. For those young people to let our guys know it meant something, the least we can do is tell our guys they mean something to us.

WHEN A COMMUNITY IS IN CRISIS

Natural disasters, civil unrest, armed conflicts,  fires, and community shootings can put a community in crisis. The event can overwhelm and cause many different levels of feelings and reactions. Ordinary innocent people can be pulled into the drama. The aftermath can have consequences for years to follow. We saw it with September 11th! What helps during these times? Well acknowledging it is a difficult time. It is okay to feel nervous or upset- a fish out of water. Rally with family and friends determining what your role can be. Work with authorities, try not to blame. Know it takes time to plan and find resolutions to situations. Know you do not have to like it!

NANA SAYS PARENTS ARE VIGILANT ABOUT PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

Being vigilant about skin protection starts at a young age. Parents today are more aware of skin cancer and how to prevent it. Hats, sun screen and sun glasses are visible everywhere. Playing in the shade to avoid over exposure to the sun is the norm today. Hydration during outdoor play with a water bottle or juice is important to avoid sun stroke.  Day cares and school insist children bring their sun protection with them. Nana has noticed even the boys' swim suits have longer sleeves and pant lengths. Modern parents have understood the message. Tanning is okay but in small doses. Yes we need to get some Vitamin D from the sun. Teaching children to protect their skin as it is an important vital organ is paramount too. Good going parents for your care and concern about your little ones. Don't worry the grandparents will carry on the job as well.

LIFE IS LIKE A GARDEN

The longer days bring the opportunity to be outside and work in the garden after dinner. Rather than watch the news or summer reruns there is the chance to get some needed exercise. Along with the plants growing so do the weeds. Sometimes the weeds are more prolific than the flowers! Hum! since we have paths and gardens, the growth in the paths can be overwhelming. Not only weeds but little flowers like violets, daisies grow there. Seeds scatter everywhere and do not discriminate whether it is a flower bed or the path. So let them be until they flower or transplant back in the flower beds or just rip them out! The paths actually need a new base of stone on them. Over the years the stones have sunk into the ground. Like life we often need a new layer of something. Revisiting, rejuvenating and restoring what we have. Adding a refreshing top layer to the garden or to us. Gardens are a wonderful composite of life. Plants, bugs, bees, trees, bushes annuals, perennials and yes weeds grow in abundance. The longer the garden survives the more can arrive there. I remember the first years in our house with a backyard full of dirt and some flower beds with items transposed from the old house. Now the trees tall and shading the yard which Adolph complains about lack of sun for his vegetable garden. If I envisioned how green it would be 27years ago, I would not have worried about the brown and the dirt. Different stages of the garden are like different stages of life. The work involved is a mixed blessing for me. With my job I can not give it the attention it needs, so can not be pristine like in the gardening magazines. Some areas are a little wild with whatever finds its way there. I think of the future and how to have a nice garden that would be smaller but manageable. Life lets us move on to whatever is needed for us. A garden a metaphor for many things in our world. Does you garden bring joy? Work? Time to reflect? Where is your favourite spot in your garden?

JUNE RHYMES WITH MOON

June is a an old fashion girl's name. Probably for a child born in June or named after a grandparent. There are several family birthdays for us to celebrate. The 70th anniversary of D-Day occurs. The first day of summer. Weddings are popular this month. For some reason people like to be married in June or August. The end of the school year and lots of dance recitals are happening. Company and family barbecues or picnics are often planned in June. Moving. People are on the move in June-why don't they wait until July. Already on our street two homes have exchanged home owners. June rhymes with the word spoon. It is a dinner utensil or a folksy word for kissing. The moon in June has been used in many poems or movie settings. I don't find the June moon to be anything special- it just rhymes like the word spoon. The loon a Canadian water fowl and racoon-that little bandit that wrecks havoc with homeowners are other words. Daniel Boone a famous American frontier hero may have done something in June. A thug or goon  is not so popular. Noon is a good time of day- lunch and getting closer to home time. The work week has started. So getting ready for work must occur soon. Oh June-the month with so many possibilities! Actually it is like other months. Shorter-only 30 days! So let's get out and enjoy it! What are your plans for June?