CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION-TORONTO ONTARIO CANADA 2014

The Canadian National Exhibition celebrated 135 years. 65 years of an Annual Air Show. Beginning as Toronto Industrial Exhibition, it remains one of the top 10 Agricultural fairs in North America. Since we are commemorating the start of World War One, it served a s military and training camp for 15th Battery of the Canadian Field Artillery during the war-1914-1918.

The CNE has always been a fun place to go. Situated on Lake Ontario near the waterfront, it has brought generations of Canadians to its events.

From entering at the Princes Gate

to the many food stands

to rides,

to capturing famous landmarks like the CN Tower in pictures,

to the many signs that help find our way,

to the colourful variety of painted Muskoka chairs found everywhere,

to the FARM building with activities and pens of farm animals for children and adults to learn about our many farm activities,

the EX has something for everyone. Spending 6 hours of a Saturday with one daughter and her family, it was a wonderful time. The Air Show was on. The roar of the jets could be heard everywhere.

Difficult to try to see everything in one day but fun trying to get in as much as possible. Labour Day is the last day. Been to the EX lately!!

LANGSTAFF SECONDARY SCHOOL THORNHILL ONTARIO CANADA- 50 YEARS YOUNG!

50 years ago I started High School at Langstaff Secondary School in Thornhill, Ontario Canada. September 1964 was the first year of the school. So I attended the first Grand 9 and became one of many who completed the first 5 years from Grade 9 to Grade 13 graduating class. There was the 5 year Arts and Science stream, the 4 Year Arts and Science stream as well as many business courses for those who would need typing, shorthand and other skills. We had to take 9 subjects each term with exams. Physical Education was a required subject. There were sports and extra curricular activities. The first year only went up to Grade 12 as students from other High Schools did not want to transfer to the new school. Students in the grades from 10 to 12 came from Richmond Hill High School and Thornhill High School. Many people did not like to have to transfer so there was a mixed feeling in the school. Mary Ellen McChestney was our very first Prom Queen as well as the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad. She actually went on to become a teacher many years later at Langstaff. Why the Langstaff name? Actually it is a prominent name for the Richmond Hill-Thornhill area? There were many generations. On one of my photo shoots, I found  a Langstaff that served in the War of 1812.

The tombstone is located in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Richmond Hill Ontario. I enjoyed my High Schools. Met my husband Adolph there who, yes was my High School sweetheart. Made good friends and loved school and most of my teachers. As the school celebrates the 50th anniversary, I urge others who attended to tell their tales to the modern generation. The Langstaff name is a proud Canadian name. Who out there attended Langstaff? Please comment on this post if able. I would love to hear from you.

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND BRINGS END OF SUMMER REFLECTIONS

The last long weekend of the summer comes with mixed feelings. Yeah it's a long weekend and boo it's the last summer long weekend. Kids getting a last hurrah before heading off to school next week. Parents trying to get the last minute things done even though there is still lots of time to buy new clothes and school supplies. It would never fail, all is organized and once at school children needing something else or not liking the new clothes because all the other kids were wearing a different outfit!! Schools with school uniforms do solve that problem! The workplace starts all the committees again and the workload increases as everyone is back from vacation. The traffic-what can be said about the traffic. Everyone is back! Lucky for me with my walking, no need to worry!! In my younger days I used to spend the long weekend doing Fall cleaning. Now I spread it out over the Fall. Why waste the whole weekend? Depending on the weather, it will determine what will be done. I already decided the growth in the pathways will be managed in October with more weed killer- vinegar and salt to be exact. To put a good layer to absorb in the ground over the cold months hoping it will kill the unwanted growth. For many Canadians, a trip to the family cottages to enjoy the weekend. Although many cottages are now winterized and are used year round. There is a sadness in the air, however, as the transition to September changes the lazy days of summer to the activity level increasing. There are still farmers' markets with the summer vegetables diminishing and the fall ones starting to arrive. Apples and squash will be available soon!! Of course more meals on the back porch until the weather warrants bringing in the summer furniture. So the long weekend and its fun! So what will you be doing on the Labour Day Weekend!!!

 

 

Time for soups and sauces and roasts again. The barbecue does not go away yet.

LIFE IS LIKE A PORCH

A house with a porch brings up reflections of times past. Sitting and reading. Watching children run around. A haven from the rain. Modern homes can come with newer versions of a porch. A railing to keep us from falling off if it is too high. Allows us be outside of the house while still being home. Life needs a porch for us to view the world while we keep our indoors safe and private. Places to sit and often pots of plants or flowers, decorating our porches can be as varied as the people that use them. What is on your porch? Do you even have a porch?

AUGUST FINDS CANADIAN TOMATOES COAST TO COAST

August is the time for the Canadian tomato. Abundant in home gardens and at farmers' markets. The grocery stores have lots too! Time to freeze some in large bags for winter sauces and soups. Many Italian-Canadians make Passata in large bottles. About a 3 day process- from cleaning the tomatoes, to cooking and crushing to bottling, boiling in a large container on an outdoor fire and then day 3 is the cleanup. We don't do it anymore but buy the Passata already made when it is on sale. Good time for Canadian canning if you want. Pickled tomatoes or use in a pickled chili sauce. Your mason jars come in handy for this event. But the best way to eat a tomato is fresh- sliced and eaten as a separate dish or put on a favourite sandwich. The taste is memorable. Tomatoes have many varieties here in Canada- beefsteak, roma, san marano, cherry, grape, tiny toms. Can you think of another one? What is your favourite? Who can identify the tomatoes in the picture?

NANA SAYS QUIET TIMES HELP WITH PATIENCE

Children test our patience constantly. To be calm and able to listen takes more than Job ever expected of us. Children have selective listening. They know how to tune out better than most adults. Of course, if there is something they are not supposed to hear they will. A 3 hour activity should wear us down. Come home and chill, have a quiet time. Nope-children seem reeved for the next event. Adults can insist to stop-read, watch a movie, draw a picture or take a nap! Putting a child in a spot where an impromptu nap happens is a good strategy thus causing quiet for awhile. Children get cranky when tired but will not admit they need to rest! Insisting on down time after an outing is a good way for a family to regroup. The adults sure need it! Having my grandchildren for a couple of days teaches this Nana to find ways to regroup and reclaim her energy. Quiet times work and if a little nap occurs so be it.

A HAWK ON A PERCH!

Do you ever notice a hawk on a perch? Checking out the view! Looking for food. Do you ever try to survey your life from a distance, above or below? Trying to get the larger picture of everything can make one's head spin! Do we envy the hawk? Looks alone and peaceful! Hard for anyone to reach him! What do you think?

FLOWERS IN AUGUST-A CANADIAN SIGHT

Love the Holly Hocks in the garden. Adding colour for a few more months as other flowers and bushes die.

Of course, purple flowers attract butterflies.

A nice landscaped garden by the library will last for a few more months too.
So summer is not over yet with all the beautiful colour around town!
How about your area? How is the colour?

GETTING THE LAST BIT OF SUMMER HERE IN CANADA

The time to reflect and plan are upon us. Enjoying the bounty of the summer season with more market visits is so enjoyable. It is one aspect of Summer that is missed when all the crops are in and it's back to hot house tomatoes and cucumbers. Wearing all my whites for a couple more weeks before the Fall garments must emerge for the cooler temperatures. Finishing some projects and getting back to others. Helping the children with their children as school is around the corner. What else can be visited as a day outing? If warm, just enjoying those rays with a good book. Just stopping and smelling the roses- well because there are roses in the garden to smell!! Picking the herbs to be dried- some parsley, basil and oregano. Can I dry some mint too? Of course needing to hear the whining from many that it was not a good summer! I think it was an amazing summer like every other one. Beats boots and coats so wearing long sleeves occasionally was okay. Actually it is not over until the fat lady sings or here in Canada we say- until the snow flies!!

THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE-SOOTHES THE SOUL

As many of you know my father-in-law died from ALS- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis  40 years ago. It is a horrendous neurological condition that completely disables a person but one has one's faculties. The recent fun challenge that people are taking-pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads is fun. Then challenging someone else to do it too.  It is to bring awareness to ALS and then a donation is made to a local ALS Society. The media experts were analysing the current trend last night on TV. They were talking about marketing and how it has changed. Get over it! People do not want to be analysed. Something has touched people to do this because- well it feels good. Doesn't take much to do something that with the donation may make a difference in a person and family's lives.  I just find it very endearing that many people I know have taken the challenge. Even heard a neighbour last night challenging her brother before she had the water put over her head. With all the sad news and trouble spots of the world, the current phenomenon is uplifting and easy to do and fun! Love seeing the videos on Facebook. My son-in-law was challenged so he is going to take one for the team!! I had thought that my daughters and I could do it but Domi you are the family trooper!! Here's to the people suffering from this affliction and the families supporting them. Maybe with the surge of new donations, a researcher out there may come through with a breakthrough! We can always hope, can't we!!

LIFE IS FULL OF BUSY ACTIVITIES LIKE THE BEE TO ITS HIVE

Busy as a bee from a beehive can describe the lives of many people. Actually many people thrive on letting everyone know their busy is more extreme than any one else. If you have two activities on the go, well they have 10. Sort of anything you can do, well I do more. Defining ourselves by the number of activities and things is so common place. Historically, people have always been busy with lives. Work weeks used to be 6 days with only Sunday off for church and family. Well farmers still have long work weeks. The average person has many activities of daily living to achieve. We can pick and chose what we want to do with our lives in many ways. Working late at the office has been replaced by taking the laptop home to finish the day's work. Weekends have to be packed with running around with kids in tow. So why do we need to be busy, busy, busy!!! As a clinician, it is an easy way to hide feelings, to protect oneself from working on relationships and to shrike one's family duties. Dragging your kids to the Mall to look around when one parent could take one child and leave the rest with the other parent, for example, might be more enjoyable but then not busy. I was the busy working mother with a husband doing 12 hour days and in the busy construction season 6 day weeks-so I get it. I took my children to many places like the Zoo, Art Gallery alone!  What I find amusing is many people look at this empty nester and tell me I had it easy, their busy is more extreme with this generation of parents! Oh yeah! Lessons and driving children has not changed! So when I am asked how was your weekend, I always say busy like everyone else's! I am actually tired of the "pissing contests" of who does more and is more tired!! So you were busy and so was I!! Working, living and being with family can be as involved or carefree as you want. Older generations in our area often go south for the winter ignoring their families altogether!! For me, I chose to be involved with my children and grandchildren as much as they want without my interfering with their lives. It is not being busy, it is defining a life. Along with my activities like this blog, it gives me a purpose. I like that part of me is defined by being a grandparent! So when I babysit my grandchildren, I am really grand parenting them. Lately I would like to be busy with more people my own age. Perhaps one day more lunches with friends! If we were not busy with something, then what would we be doing!! Rather than saying busy, maybe substitute the word with living! I am living life to the fullest or partial because like some people an afternoon nap may be needed!! So what do you think?

NANA SAYS CHILDREN STILL USE OLD THINGS FOR THEIR CREATIVITY

An old box has been a play thing for many generations of children. Remember the fridge box would become a playhouse. Lately my grandchildren have been using boxes to make a robot. It is wonderful to see that children with all the modern gadgets will see a new use of a simple item and make an object. When playing in the backyard a stick is still a wonderful object used to play. The problem is that the kids will fight over the same stick when there are 50 more to use!! My granddaughter uses a spot behind some bushes as her fort!! When left to use their imagination, children like children of other generations use the resources at hand. I recall as a child using my brother's wagon first as a wagon for our "wagon train" going west  and later as the "trailer" to go camping. A wheelbarrow filled with water offered lots of water play. Even today kids old and young still like to run through the sprinkler. Oh yes the beach! Playing in the sand can entertain generations of families! So put the gadgets away and collect pine cones or go for a walk gathering items for a craft. My grandchildren have had some amazing experiences at camp where the counsellors have nurtured their imaginations. Get involved in the creative play! I love that school use play based learning in the younger grades. If you are lucky, you can have just as much fun with the little ones recapturing your own imagination.
#childrenandcreativity#usingoldthings#playisimportantforchildren#astickasatoy#imaginaryplayisgoodforeveryone#rememberingplayasachild#letchildrenusetheirimagination

WHAT IS OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Something is new again. Do you ever follow fashion? Skirts go long! Mini! Midi! Pinched at the waist! Hugging the hip! Well there are only so many styles to consider. So fashion like many other aspects of life goes in a circle. But why is it, the minute an item is given away or taken to a charity box, a new use is found for it. We keep the economy moving by replacing items. Putting a bunch of banged and rusted baking items at the curb for picking since I had replaced them with new items there was a happy feeling when a man stopped and took the items. Probably for the little bit of scrap metal in them. Adolph was not interested in taking our scrap metal items to a scrap metal dealer so to the curb. And that guy was!! Do you ever watch those American picker or Canadian picker shows?? They make me feel good that my house is not that full of stuff-well not even close. Actually empty cupboards and closets now as the slow methodical process of eliminating stuff or giving it to a new home has been happening for awhile!! Do you notice with the back to school sales? Kids still use binders, pencils, pens, and lined paper despite all the modern gadgets!! A paper clip or safety pin are still functional items. Old but new again!! The perfect outfit for the first day of class has not changed! Even the whining about the end of summer has not changed. This old person is trying to relish every day of August while others are already feeling September is here!! What is old is new again? What are your thoughts? Do you have new uses for old items? Do you just want new items to replace everything?

LIFE IS LIKE A FENCE

Fences make good neighbours. Allow boundaries and privacy. They come in many shapes and sizes. The cost can vary depending on the materials used. Iron fences painted black are distinguished. Wood fences with planks give more protection from the wind but have been known to blow over in the wind. Chain link fences for large businesses or big properties. Farms had fences from boards to keep the cows out and to define the crop grown. An opening with no gate is very inviting. A swing gate allows people through to the other side. A locked gate needs a key and only those invited by the owner. There are imaginary fences we can put around ourselves. Times when we allow others to approach and be part of our territory. Other times the fence goes up for self protection. Like a fence we can be strong like iron or get blown over in a bad wind storm. What kind of fences do you have in your life?
#lifeislikeafence#boundariesandprivacmakegoodneighbours#imaginaryfenceskeepusprivate#afencehelpswithselfprotection#fencesmakegoodneighbours#doyouhaveafenceinyourlife

QUIETING OUR ENERGY AND THOUGHTS

A quiet place to think is needed occasionally. Sometimes we can find solace in a church and other times by the water.

Disconnecting from devices and just listening to our own inner voices can bring insight and solutions to our lives.

Sitting and using our own energy not the rush and confusion that can abound around us.

FARMERS FEED CITIES

Driving home the other day, this bumper sticker stood our- FARMERS FEED CITIES! What a thought! Buying food nicely packaged we can forget who put it on the table for us. The planting, the work, the picking, the shipping all takes effort. Many people make a living from the food industry. So next time you see a farmer, give the person a hug. That is if he/she is not too busy working!!

WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS A WINDOW-HOPE!

When God closes a door, he opens a window. We all experience difficult times. Losses. Changes. People move away. People die. Job losses. Accidents. Thefts. Life can bring many different difficulties on our journey of life. Stupid comments can come our way. "It could have been worse." "That's nothing, you should hear what happened to me!" Then there are the kind people that just are there and don't need to say anything. But faith and believing in another day, hoping things will get better keep us going. Lamenting on why does bring some solutions to the problems faced. Learning strategies for coping and grieving the losses in our lives. Making plans so it might not happen again.  Accepting the changes, not necessarily liking them. The window opened gives a chance for air to flow and to feel its gentle breeze. Can you feel it? Can you find peace in feeling hopeful? Having faith in God that there is a way and a path to new life gives inspiration! Yes hoping for a better day!
#hope#whengodclosesadoor#life'slossesandstressesneedhope#hopelet'susacceptchange#hopingforabetterday#lamentingcanbringsolutions#problemsbringusdownweneedhope

CANADA HAS BEAUTIFUL END OF SUMMER GARDENS

End of summer flowers bring beautiful colour to  Canadian gardens.Public places like the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto abound with many beautiful gardens. The fountain is a favourite place for photos. So check out those local gardens and take advantage of family shots with the floral background. Maybe I'll take my advice and get out shooting some photos.

NANA SAYS YOUR CHILDREN DO NOT HAVE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS

Yes parenting has been going on for thousands of years. But parents can be crappy people. Abuse. Emotional putdowns. Children have died at the hands of their parents. Well you get the picture. Making decisions for vulnerable people-children- takes thought and wisdom. Stupid decisions are stupid decisions. Trends in parenting sound cute. Like the couple that won't tell anyone the sex of their child-really they want to write a book. I won't be reading it. To vaccinate or not! Really- a parent  wants to risk death from getting tetanus-look at the case in New Zealand where the 7 year old died- or disability from the next polio epidemic-there will be one- or death from diphtheria. Even common childhood diseases if a child contracts a high fever from measles- brain damage. No a vaccination does not cause autism. That is genetic!  I know there can be religious grounds for no blood transfusion but it does save a life. I am a regular blood donor and am adequately tested. If you want to be vegan-great but make sure your children are allowed to experience life's foods. Okay someone may say but he/she is my child. Yes but there are child welfare laws for a reason. So would it be okay for a parent to say my child, I can have sex with my child! So be careful when advocating "I can do what I want with my child." Actually you can't! Especially if laws are being broken!  Food, clothing, shelter, education, health care are some of the main ingredients for upbringing a child. Lots of love and not the view to complete your needs but to deal with the needs of the child. As a health care professional, parent and grandparent my needs would not outweigh the needs of a child. So when making decisions-just ask the simple question whose needs am I meeting?

ALONE BUT NOT LONELY-SOME THOUGHTS

One can be alone but not lonely. One can be in a crowd and feel lonely. Feelings of loneliness are varied and complicated. Does feeling lonely lead to depression? When a celebrity takes his or her life then questions are often asked, why, could something had been done? The loneliness of our service men and women after an operation is coming to light. When does loneliness begin? Are there signs a person gives us so we can help? Feeling comfortable with oneself can be a lifelong struggle. There are times we can feel on top of the world and times we don't! There are events that impact us in many ways. Good, bad and the ugly! Family can be support or the cause of our feelings. Depends. But having a social circle gives us a place to go. The local coffee shop can be such a place! Our work crowd. The neighbours who walk their dogs can be people to see us. Teaching our children to learn to accept varied feelings and live with them. It can be comforting to be alone with our thoughts. It can also be comforting to be with others. Alone, lonely, loneliness-brings up some interesting thoughts!!
#alonebutnotlonely#findingasocialcircle#canbelonelyinacrowd#feelingsofloneliness#lifecanbecomplicated#lookingforsignsofloneliness#feelingcomfortablewithoneselfcanbealifelongstruggle#eventsinourlifeimpactus

A DAY AT WASAGA BEACH ONTARIO

Beaches are everywhere in the world. Just north of Toronto is Wasaga Beach. An easy drive off the 400 highway to make a fun day trip. So joining the kids and grandkids for a few hours before returning to the cottage for lunch was quite enjoyable. There still are stores and places to eat or bring your own cooler of meals and snacks so there is something for everyone. The beach on Georgian Bay which is a part of Lake Huron- one of Ontario's Great Lakes- has room for thousands of people. The water has a flat sandbar where people can walk and stand in the water. Like any lake or large body of water there are spots to be careful. There is a drop to deep water and at one end there is a current or undertow. Since the little children can not swim well enough then it's life jackets for safety for my girls. Children go in the water and out so keeping eyes glued takes real perseverance. I like the way  they think safety first. Early morning shows there are few people but by noon the beach is packed. Always fun to be with family! Especially a day at the beach!

SUMMER BRINGS TIME TO PLAN SEASONAL CRAFTS-MINE IS KNITTING

Using one's hands to do crafts, paint, play an instrument, carve or whatever skill you have brings pleasure and rewards in life. Being on a summer schedule, my knitting needles and crochet hooks are out but not working yet. Planning for fall and winter projects are happening. Making something for the grandchildren in their favourite colours is fun when watching TV or just relaxing. Last year it was baby blankets for the new granddaughter. This year will be by request.  Busy hands- thoughtful mine! Idle hands-idle minds! Soon little projects will start to evolve.

My stash from last year. Wonder what crafty delights will be made this year? Are you in a mood to begin some projects or have you been going strong all summer? My sister-in-law Edna has been making Christmas stockings with names of the people who requested them all summer. Never too soon to begin. The good thing about little projects is the fact they are portable and can taken everywhere. Of course, do those projects slowly as it is still summer!

AUGUST STILL HAS LOTS OF SUMMER LEFT TO ENJOY!

Don't rush your life away! Since August has arrived there is a feeling and discussion, summer is over. Three weeks until Labour Day and another 3 weeks of summer! There is lots of summer left to enjoy. Time to visit places and suntan. Many people do not take their summer vacations until August. Fresh produce is in abundance for the next months. So why rush life needlessly. Do we sit and wait to die? Or do we live until we die? Same with summer- do we lament it is over or do we enjoy it until it is over. Even then- the Fall can have some good times too! And nice weather! Even weekends to enjoy! I think sometimes the agony of last winter is still with us. Remember though it is over. Too much emphasis was put on having to have a good summer. It has been good- lots of rain so no watering for the garden. Water bill will be lower. Yes the talk of back to school- still 3 weeks. No need to buy all the back to school clothes yet. There will be sales in October. Children need to see what everyone else is wearing. I made that mistake one year with my younger daughter. Bought lots of skirts and tops she wanted in a younger grade then she wanted what the other kids had when she started school! I know there is still lots of summer because the garden continues to grow. The weeding has not ended!! The days are still long- yes I know a little shorter than the end of June but still lots of time to sit outside to eat meals and enjoy the evening. Summer- slow down and enjoy it! As for the other seasons, slow down and enjoy them too! Life is too short to be put on hold until the good times roll! Just roll along with what life brings! Perhaps make goals for each month that are attainable so there is a feeling of getting things done and going somewhere and being someone!

Take lessons from the Holly Hock! This pretty flower will continue to blooming even after the snow flies! Happy August everyone!

NANA SAYS HOW MUCH SUPERVISION AND FREEDOM TO GIVE A CHILD IS A DIFFICULT QUESTION!

How much supervision and how much freedom we give children can be a tough road? Often when children are left alone to play they are just fine. Toddlers are the toughest as they explore everything. But sometimes children take advantage of the moment and do something silly or unsafe. Sneaking cookies or treats are the norm for my grandchildren. Children need to know they are trusted. Letting play occur in a safe environment is necessary for positive growth. At a playground supervision must be there. It takes time for a parent or guardian to think a child is ready for independence. There comes a time when children should be left alone in a home. Usually nothing bad will happen.  Older children have let people in homes that often get trashed for the fun of it. Have a get together and friends of friends come that can not be trusted. Older children get into parents liquor cabinet. So letting an older child have a drink or laying down the law of don't touch may help but again how much supervision. Trying to hide booze can be tricky as all children find parents' hiding places. Limiting the amount of alcohol in the home may help. But what does the parent with a wine cellar do!  Then the issue of pills! Children have been known to take their parents' prescription pills if they think they can get a buzz. A home can not be a fortress but trust is an earned value. Parents do not hesitate to check on those liquor bottles and pills. Counting helps. Make sure the booze has not been topped up by water to hide the fact some have been taken. Little children-little problems. Big children-big problems! Our children can be influenced by their friends or really accept that our own children could be the instigator! Discussions and house rules are needed. It is hard to keep an eye on our children all the time. Raising children means being cognizant as much as possible of what is going on in their lives. Some freedom but not total freedom! Even older children if parents are taking some time away need an adult who is supervising them! Oh yes a responsible adult! Some adults have never grown up either!  Did not bring up the sex discussion. Fodder for another post!

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CANADIANS WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR ONE?

As ceremonies are occurring world wide to remember World War One as it is the 100th anniversary of the start of that war, what do you know about the contribution of our Canadians?  In which battles did they play a major role? Do you have family members who served? Our grandfather Ernest Adolphus Ellis served in the war. He even received medals from his role at Vimy Ridge, France. It is time to teach our children about our Canadians and others who served in that war. Not to celebrate but to honour. To reflect on lives lost and what an ultimate sacrifice really means.

I wrote a post of Ernie's contribution at Vimy and my cousin Roy wrote extra notes in the comments. April 2011 is the month in my blog to find it.

One battalion from the Toronto area. Why not visit a cenotaph and obtain a name? Find out about the local person who died. Honour the memory! Let us remember their sacrifice so we work towards peace and ending our modern conflicts! No peace in any nation came without sacrifice. So as more news will reflect on the anniversary of the war, make it a time for history to be part of your agenda!
Lest we Forget!

THANKS LORD SIMCOE FOR THE LONG WEEKEND

Returning to work after a long weekend is always tiring. The Civic Long Weekend always the first weekend in August helps us to celebrate Lord Simcoe's contribution to Canadian and Ontario history. Yonge Street was created in 1790. The abolition of slavery in this country is accredited to him. Many people just enjoy a long weekend. Toronto had the Scotiabank Caribbean celebration-used to be called Caribana!! Brings people from many parts of the world- especially the United States and Caribbean Islands to celebrate culture, dance, music and food. Of course our long weekend had 3 days of thunderstorms and some places like Burlington had some flooded roads. Luckily my house is still standing. A long weekend just gives a time to regroup! An extra day gives extra time to putter or go to the cottage or entertain friends and family! Being summer allows time to sit outside- in between storms of course- to read, to suntan or just listen to the birds. I actually have times of the day I like to watch the planes go over on their last lag to Pearson Airport. Back to Lord Simcoe- so if you do not know much about him- look it up. Learn some history. Remember those who went before us and built some of the infrastructure we have in this country. Especially the charity and humanistic pieces of our lives. Are you wondering- did Lord Simcoe and Lady Simcoe have a piece of these? Of course, Lake Simcoe is named after him- that's a no brainer!!

ST JACOBS FARMERS' MARKET-A FUN DAY TRIP WITH LOTS OF ONTARIO FRESH PRODUCE

Fun trip to St. Jacobs Farmers" Market yielded lots of good fresh food.

Located in the Kitchener/Waterloo area of Ontario, it is an easy day trip from home. Home to multigenerational Canadians of German, Mennonite and a diverse background it is a composite of modern Canada. Last year there was a devastating fire that destroyed the building with 60 vendors. A temporary Harvest Barn houses 47 vendors. A permanent structure is being build with modern specs as a requirement. The old building although historic was made with wood.

It can seen in the end of this row at the market. There is lots to buy at St. Jacobs. Some rows are flea market items and many rows of fresh produce. In the building there are bakeries and meat counters with some places to eat. Adolph and I ate at the outdoor picnic areas. A tasty bun with pea meal bacon, egg, tomato- a breakfast special! Some people were already eating hot dogs with fries at 9:00 am! If the trips are food related, Adolph has no trouble tagging along and even poises for pictures to use in his food blog.
A longer picture story about the trip can be found in his blog.
http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com
The post from our trip in 2012 is also a good read.

LIFE IS LIKE A PATH TO SOMEWHERE

 A path can take us to many different locations. While on my walk this morning, the path by the library to the intersection of Major Mackenzie and Yonge Street was pretty with the baskets of hanging flowers placed there for the summer. Each season brings a change in the path's borders. Like life's journey, a path  can change with the seasons, the decades, the activities of one's life. Sometimes the path ends at a historic monument like the Brock Monument near Niagara Falls or just a jaunt through the woods. My garden has paths that take me in a circle and back to the beginning of the garden. A path in life can have many meanings. Our internal path! Our external path!

A path through the trees.

A bumpy path by a river.
What path are you taking right now?

AUGUST BRINGS MORE SUMMER PLEASURES FOR CANADIANS

Corn is the one vegetable that reminds me of August. Growing in abundance and available everywhere-at farmer markets, supermarkets and at your local farm the freshness is overwhelming. And it is healthy for everyone!

Farmers are baling their hay for the winter. If lucky able to get two crops. Country driving not only gives a chance to buy the fresh fruit and vegetables, there are opportunities to relax, take in the images and of course- take pictures.

So with August upon us, there is an urgency to get out and enjoy. What better way than the beginning of the long weekend- Civic holiday here in Ontario! The highways are already busy with drivers with carloads of family going north to beaches and cottages. Lots of people took the day off to make it a longer weekend. Oh August what delights will you bring us. Inspiring reverence! Admiration! From the Latin Augustus! Looking forward to some birthday and anniversary celebration! Of course lots of good fresh veggie and fruit eating! Hey go out and enjoy August!
#Canadiansandsummerpleasures#farmers#hayinafield#cornisagreatsummervegetable#lovethatcountrydriving#freshsummerfruitandvegetables#thingsCanadiansloveaboutthesummer#Augustamonthforsummerpleasures