NOVEMBER-SHORT BUT BUSY MONTH

With November drawing to an end, the slow preparation for Christmas revs up for most people. The final party and social plans are being established. There were several fun birthday times in November that were enjoyed by family. A first snowfall that caused havoc on roads and highways. Getting back into the swing of winter with hats, boots and heavy coats. Movember for those bringing awareness to Prostate Cancer. Will miss the cute moustaches on the men, not the women so much!! It was a busy, fun and moderately eventful month. Short but sweet! How was your November? Was it busy? Fun? First taste of winter?

A POSTCARD FROM THE RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO SANTA CLAUS PARADE-2014

From police on horseback!

A marching band-

Or two-

Or three!

Lots of horses pulling floats!

Trucks pulling trailers!

And the big man himself to the delight of all the children and "children at heart"!! A local parade but one reflective of many across the country!!

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-4 WEEKS TO GO

The Christmas cards are signed and addressed with several family and friends receiving the Di Mambro newsletter. The out of town parcels that have be ready for two weeks will be sent today after work. The Christmas decorations have been hauled from the closet and they are sitting on the dining room table as slowly items will find their place in the house. Since there is an abundance of items, not everything gets put out every year. For years all the little Santa items stayed in the big tins. Only the big Santas were put out. This year however the high shelf that holds my African and other craft items will display many of those items. My collection of Christmas books will be available to visiting grandchildren. The sideboard in the family room will hold the crèche and other books on the Holy story! I will draw the kiddies attention to the display. If they want they can play with the crèche items.  My outside lights look okay. We are one of two houses that have lights up on the street so far! There will be a work dinner next Tuesday and the hospital dinner/dance next Friday. Some store bought cupcakes and brownies nicely decorated are in the freezer, just in case a quick lunch or invite is given. All the holiday wine and booze has been bought. I love the German cat bottle wine. I use some for the Christmas dinner. Bottles to take to other dinners or functions are waiting as well as using red wine as part of two Christmas gifts took some consideration. Going to the LCBO- the Liquor Control Board of Ontario- on a Tuesday night when casually browsing and stocking up for the holiday season as well as beyond was enjoyable. In another two weeks all the stores will be rammed and the selection diminished. Wine does not go bad so buying weeks in advance really works.  Yes I check those last minute sales. If someone is short a gift or two, there are always gift cards!!! Getting the outside purchases done will leave me time to wrap presents over the next few weeks. When the gifts are for immediate family it can be a slow process. Nicely wrapped or the modern way- tissue and throw in a gift bag. Again being available for babysitting. 1/2 of Saturday while working on decorating, two of my grandchildren will be here. So finding a way to include them in the process or just providing some craft materials for them. Lots of movies available- Christmas and others if wanted. Or they may want to play in the yard. Lost most of the snow from last week's storm but the light dusting last night may be enough for them. Yes it is time to put my favourite CDs in the player. What is Christmas without music?  Adolph wants to buy the Christmas tree but this weekend is not for decorating it. So his idea to put it in a corner of the garage and it can be brought in the house and put up when this big Elf is ready.  I usually like to put up a fresh tree about 10 days before Christmas. Eventually I will buy an artificial one but not yet. Still like the smell of a real one in the house. I love the modern world with the online shopping! Especially for the grandchildren when trying to make sure I have the right sizes for clothes. If buying for one person store shopping is easy but I found the online purchases for 5 to be less stressful and manageable. Some jaunts to the stores will occur as the  Christmas decorations are always pleasurable to see.  In the midst of all the work, there are always sappy Christmas movies to watch. It is hard to believe that November is almost over! December will bring the pressure of getting ready for all the season's happenings. Stay calm and Christmas on! Four weeks to go!

LIFE IS LIKE A PUMPKIN

Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. The Orange is visible and bright. Well it is a happy colour! A pumpkin can be left whole. Carved into whatever design you desire. The inside pulled out to reveal a empty innards. The seeds planted to make baby pumpkins next year or roasted in the oven to be eaten now. The pulp can be cooked and then mashed to make pumpkin pies or cupcakes. The rest put in the compost pile to nourish next year's garden. Sometimes a seed remains in the mix and a renegade plant will grow in a flower bed. Even Cinderella escaped in a carriage made from a pumpkin! And has a green one named after her.

Even as bunch, each pumpkin is unique. With bumps and flaws, big and small! Often a Nana can be heard calling her little grand kiddies- " her pumpkins:!

NANA SAYS CHRISTMAS STRATEGIES ARE SIMPLE

Children love Christmas. The child in us loves Christmas too if the memories are good ones. So how to make good memories and have fun amidst the work involved by parents and let's face it- the Mom! The Mom makes it happen, makes the lists, makes sure everything is on track. It is why most Moms start shopping and preparing months in advance of the big day. Believing in Santa brings another layer of buying. A big present from Mom and Dad and another big one from Santa. As children age the stocking stuffers become more expensive too. So how to enjoy the season and create memories so the stress does not pull you under. Take a step back and decide what is important to your children and family. The lists for Santa and the letter written. Can your children be part of the preparation!
 Make one batch of cookies together or the Ginger Bread House.
Decorating the house together- depends on the interest and age of the children.
With modern times- the gift wrapping is easier with tissue and gift bags. In a hurry- use the gift wrapping table at the Mall.
Story books can have the Christmas story so including the religious component can be part of the bed time routine. Even older children like to revisit the story books from younger days.
A church service or two.
Children love music so have a CD or 2 to play for them during the season.
And sing along!
Decorating the tree together. When it is put up in your house, depends on your tradition.
Put on  sappy Christmas movies. Sometimes having them in the background while you work or wrap can bring the softer side out in all of us.
Remember those family group shots can be from any event in the year. Most people love getting them in their Christmas card so those are definite memory makers. I have received lovely ones from a summer vacation so they do not need to be taken in December with Christmas ornaments unless you really want to have one!
Pacing, pacing, pacing! Take a task or 2 each day that is manageable.
Long lists to start! Keep a notebook with all purchases for each name. As one person is finished. give a check mark.
Keep the lists with you or in your date book or in your cell phone or computer!
Keep making short lists so you know where you are in preparations.
When feeling overwhelmed, pull in the troops. Grandparents can babysit while you wrap or shop or do some preparations. Of course, when you must attend those social work functions. And the functions for children should be fun times and not pressure times.
Do not compare what you want to do with what others do. It is about your home, your family and making your new traditions. Along with keeping some old ones.
Nana will probably have more to say on this subject. So take a deep breath as the busier part of the season is about to emerge.

PERSONAL GOALS ARE INDIVIDUAL

Personal goals have meaning to the individual. Sometimes the most simple things in life bring the deepest sense of fulfillment. Sometimes still standing on one's own two feet really helps. Taking up new interests and hobbies that were wished for years makes people happy. An idea in August that will play out at Christmas for some family members. Or revisiting a hobby and organizing it to determine its value can bring joy. My September and October was such an endeavor with labour intensive love attached.  A friend of mine took up running and ran her first marathon. Proud of her efforts in her 60s! A cousin takes amazing photos of his interest- nature and other misc. items he finds in his environment. A daughter who wakes at 430 am every day and runs on her treadmill to stay in shape before her busy day. The important aspect is not to compare with others. Rarely do I share my interests at work, for example. Have I ever become tired of hearing- well I don't have time for that! If  the activities I love to do are not of interest to anyone else they are kept close to my chest. So not sharing means what I do does not get put down by small minded people. Staying positive means keeping the toxic people away! Or your children are out of the home so you can not be as busy as I am!! Try being a grandparent!  Who really cares what someone's busy entails? Is your busy meeting your personal goals? If one has a health issue, sometimes the goal is to make it through the day doing one or two things. So I wrote my Christmas newsletter. Not too many exciting things on it. But lots was left off as the negative parts of my life do not get shared with the world. One of my personal goals is to keep focusing on the positive and getting through adversity!  Another goal is to listen truly to others around me. Act as if I care about them and you know what happens a friendship, a connection is made. When someone shares, keep it confidential! Let the person know their life has value too. Goals can have layers and sub-layers. Achieving them can take a lifetime or a week or a day. Lifetime changes take courage. Downsizing goals! New job search goals! Having another child goals! Life can be full of goals to be achieved! Or living each day with little, simple daily goals. One of my daily goals is to do something kind to others. Something as simple as pressing the button for the light to change so the cars coming out of the townhouse unit don't have to wait as long. Sometimes my kindness is keeping my mouth shut and not telling the person what I really think as it would be hurtful!  Of course, writing, writing, writing- you should see the little notes to self so I remember to write the thoughts down later. This blog has been such a personal goal. To try to think about what to write every day is a challenge!! So do you have personal goals? Do you share with others?

A path to somewhere! Or needing to cross the bridge to get to the other side?? Personal goals!

FEELING TALL OR FEELING SMALL

Towering above the crowd in height or intellect takes some humble thinking. When looking down it is important not to offend anyone intentionally. Often in life, one can offend without even knowing it has occurred. One's use of language and use of big words can offend. Caring about one's appearance can offend someone who is not so meticulous. Knowing stuff like history or geography or political views can offend. So how to live a life without offending. Well, it is not your problem. Being who you are is more important. Life can brings people to you that will be offended by you just because!! You are the wrong height, nationality, sex, from the city and not the country- well you get the picture. Trying to please everyone just doesn't work. Be prepared- yes there will be people that will not like you for no reason!! Their reason, but you will never get it. To have lots of acquaintances but few friends is what works for me. Do I get offended by others- you bet! But it is my problem and my task to examine why! We all can be triggered by issues buried deep inside us. Perhaps from childhood, work experiences, life experiences! What we do with them, shows our maturity and wisdom! The wise person accepts that life can be very complicated and yet simple simultaneously! So feeling tall or feeling small can occur daily! What do you think? Do you acknowledge when you have been offended? Do you blame the other person? Do you self-reflect? Do you just pour yourself a coffee and sigh- oh well? That's life!

A CANADIAN SANTA CLAUS PARADE 2014

Every town or city or community across the country will be hosting Santa Claus/Christmas parades. Trying a different one this year, I went with one daughter and family to the Aurora-" Under the Stars" parade. Another town just north of Richmond Hill. It was different with the Christmas lights on the floats or wrapped around trucks or cars. Night pictures are difficult to take so I tried my hand anyway. It was just fun to be there with 3 of my grandchildren.

Going south down Yonge Street through the old town of Aurora. Floats pulled by horses!

Church groups come out.

Marching bands.

A child waving as Santa arrives!
Lots of locales come out for the event. Many visit from other communities. Throughout York Region there will be parades in every area. What about your town? What about your community? What can you report about the festive activities of the season?

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS- 5 WEEKS TO GO

An early cold snap and snow storm delayed some Christmas activities this week for people in the GTA. Taking 2-3 hours to get home, few wanted to venture out again to shop. Outdoor Christmas lights are starting to spring up on many houses. Mine are ready in the hallway with some thinking and planning of where to hang them outside. Usually around a few bushes and my Oak tree. Some strings from tree to tree which makes more of an impression. Items are being organized for the local food bank. Local newspapers scrutinized for church bazaars and craft sales to support local efforts. Many churches have food hampers and gift baskets for local families that need assistance at Christmas time. Two local Santa Claus parades will happen. The Saturday night one in Aurora and the afternoon one in Richmond Hill. Toronto already had their big parade last week. It used to be called the Eatons Santa Claus parade but when that huge Canadian icon of a store closed, the parade became sponsored by other corporations and just is called The Toronto Santa Claus parade. Our local one is small scale compared to it but Santa still arrives. Local bands and social groups participate so there is the spirit of the community. Across the country there are many towns and cities hosting their own parades. So in my household, the 3 parcels to family out west with gifts wrapped inside are ready to be sent out next week. My Christmas newsletter is composed and will be put in the Christmas cards. Next week I will begin to write and address them. My system- start with the International ones, then the United States ones then ones to family in other provinces and last the family members close to home. A few hand delivered. Oh I know there are those people that send an email. Yes I print them up and put with my cards but an annual card is not really a big deal to send to family and friends. Of course keep a good list. One year I sent two cards to one cousin! Guess I just was thinking of him too much! I have organized the planning with my daughters- what events, what babysitting to occur so those items will be reflected in future posts. Sorting the gifts bought already will occur this weekend. With little kids visiting my house and getting into every closet, it is harder to leave things unwrapped or just in store bags. My children told me when they were adults of course that as children they became very good at removing the tape to peek inside wrapped gifts- hum!! One of my daughters has already taken the Santa picture which is on my fridge. The year my mother-in-law passed away I took my adult children so we could have a picture with Santa. I wanted to do something whimsical that year. It's a cute picture with the 3 of us. So if you are going through a tough year, find some magical moments in Christmas to give a perk. Some Christmases I try to have a unique little theme to give to others. The one before the 2010 Olympics, I did an Olympic one with my hand knit red hats and the Hudson Bay mitts and Olympic glassware. Perhaps this year will bring a special item to several family members. But you must wait until Christmas Day to find out! Of course, Adolph starts to lament as I look for every cheesy Christmas movie I can find on TV to watch.  I do have a good collection of adult and children's Christmas movies. The Little Drummer Boy is a good film to give a simple version of the Christmas story to little children. Baby Jesus is the reason for the season. So finding ways to keep that in perspective too!

LIFE IS LIKE A GOOD SLICE OF CAKE

Cakes come in all shapes and sizes. Every occasion can warrant a cake. From birthdays to weddings to retirement cake is served. Let's celebrate! Have some cake!  Vanilla or chocolate or lemon! With icing or plain like a coffee cake. Often heard, too full for cake but save me a piece and I'll have some later. Cake from scratch! Or a boxed one! Or from a good bakery! Life is a cake! With all its variety! So have a slice- big or small!

NANA SAYS CANADIAN COLD WEATHER BRINGS SOME THINKING

Nana says the fun begins of bundling the little ones for the cold weather. That layer of snow pants and boots and hooded jackets makes the start to the day longer. Then finding the spots in the house to dry any wet clothing later in the day. Of course your teenagers think it's cool to leave a jacket unzipped and wear running shoes in the winter- hum! With the wind chill in our area, reminders about potential frost bite on our exposed skin. Then the dilemma- gloves versus mitts! Gloves can be prettier but mitts are warmer. Teach little children about the concept of layers. Putting some air between the layers of clothing allows the body's heat to keep us warm. Wearing mitts allows the fingers to move and keep warmer. hats or heads covered- teach 90% of the body heat can go out the head. So little one if your head is warm, you will be warmer. Easy! Adults need reminders too. The smart ones are already wearing appropriate clothing with reflectors- especially those who walk dogs at various hours of the day. Yes- the road safety. Teaching children and teenagers that cars can slide on slippery roads so keep your distance. For example, at an intersection waiting for a light, stand back from the street. Not every driver drives according to conditions and can wipe out very quickly on a turn. Even on my route to work on a secondary road with two corners, there are at least two accidents every winter with cars driving too fast and going off the road. I know when I cross in a crosswalk I have the right of way but teach your children to look for the driver's eyes. If the driver is not looking at you, the driver does not see you. So teach children not to step in front of any car unless the driver is aware. Winter safety is not much different than year round safety. At least the children are off their bikes. However you may get an argument as often adults are riding their bikes on icy, snowy streets. Many parts of the country have experienced bouts of snow and bad weather already. Southern Ontario usually does not get the real snow until December. However, it has arrived. At least we are not in Buffalo. I think they have had the worst storm so far for anyone this Fall. Actually the weather is cold but winter has not officially arrived even though it feels like it has. So it does feel more stressful currently with the new norm. With the hats, mitts and scarves, always remember to have more than one as we all know children misplace those items so often. If at school, visit the lost and found box often to find missing items. Oh winter!!

COPING WITH THE COLD CANADIAN WINTER

Bundling up for the winter weather takes more time. But keeping warm is important!

With boots!

And hats and scarves. Mitts and gloves! And a warm coat- Canadian winter weather is manageable. Embracing the change in temperature takes fortitude. A willingness to use each season for the beauty and positive aspects it can bring. So why do so many people lament about winter or head south to avoid it for months. So what can keeping warm mean? Protection against the cold! Having control over an uncontrollable situation! Going with the flow- the colder time of year. Oh Canada the home of ice and snow! How Canadian eh?

MONDAY MONDAY

A snowy Monday morning makes the drive slower and tedious. Mondays are hard to take at the best of times. After my layoffs from work over the years I tried to act as if I was just lucky to have a job and well welcome Mondays. Then I decided lots of people have jobs and are not very grateful but resentful they even have to work. So I found a middle ground. I could be mixed- wish the weekend was longer and be happy when Monday is finished so I could continue on my projects at home. Don't get me wrong, I do love my job but sometimes the politics get me down. Being home doing my own thing does bring lots of pleasure too. So here's hoping this Monday will bring joy, opportunity to learn and appreciation of life. It is just another day after all!

A POSTCARD FROM SABLE ISLAND

Actually there will be no postcards from the latest protected National Park of Canada. 1 and a half hours by plane off the coast of Nova Scotia lies this majestic beauty. 90 km of shoreline it is really a large sand dune. Home to over 500 wild horses who may have landed there after a ship wreck or two which occurred over the centuries off the shore of Sable Island. Seals make their home there too. The only visitors allowed must be invited like scientists. A wonderful clip last night on CTV-W5- November 15, 2014 showed a wonderful glimpse of this island. Due to the oil in the Atlantic, there are several oil rigs that can be seen which may be the greatest threat to the island. No one swims in the water due to the abundance of sharks surrounding it. To have such a beautiful place that belongs to Canada makes one proud. So no postcards but wouldn't one be nice to see the documentary. Go online to CTV news and follow the links. Worth watching- what of Canada's treasures.

SMALL PLEASURES MAKE A WONDERFUL LIFE

The small pleasures in life make it a wonderful life. Bigger isn't better, it is just bigger. A slice of life can be very wonderful or in the form of a cupcake. A birthday party, a walk in the park, coffee by a window or whatever pleasure you find in your day, do you feel you have a meaningful life?

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-6 WEEKS TO GO

As soon as Halloween is over, the stores put out all their Christmas stuff. Pretty and even one store has its Christmas music playing. The store, mall and street decorations are beginning to emerge.  For most Canadians used to "the hussle and bussel" of Christmas, the women at least have made lists and have preparation well under way. Work parties, a family get together and other social events will be starting in a few weeks. So at week six to Christmas, what has been started- a list, letters to troops sent out on November 11th, a "Santa workshop" corner in a room to wrap gradually, 2 out of town boxes with presents wrapped and addressed to be sent the end of November to arrive mid-December, online gift baskets ordered to arrive December 19th, Christmas newsletter drafted to be revised, and the routine of putting up the outdoor Christmas lights mid-November-hoping to put them up November 16th.
By doing the tasks slowly and having a methodical plan that has been useful for decades, the season can be enjoyed without going crazy. Yes doing all this preparation, support and help to my working daughters will occur. I can have the kids while they shop or do other Christmas preparation or go to work functions.

Shopping and more shopping will begin to accelerate over the next few weeks. Shopping at stores, ordering on line or just buying gift cards are options. Gift cards are a last resort for that person who is difficult or you are too exhausted to try to come up with an original idea. For the home crafters, knitters, sewers and crocheters, 6 weeks still gives time to make some wonderful items or unique decorations for the home. If no time, go to the many craft sales big and small- we have one in the GTA early December with crafters from across the province and country- the ONE OF A KIND CRAFT SHOW AND SALE- or most local Churches have a Christmas event often renting tables to local crafters. For those beautiful handmade items, support that local crafter. I know my sister-in-law Edna makes beautiful knitted Christmas stockings year round in her area in New Brunswick as a small cottage industry. So at week 6, make a list, have a plan, get out the calendar and mark the events, have targets of getting things done- slowly and methodically, assess what has been happening in your life this year- if it has been tough, less is more- , reduce the expectations to make everything "perfect", nice and ordinary is just fine. Remember the loved ones around you will enjoy the moments rather than the expense. 6 weeks is a lot of time- so approach the season well rested and deciding what is important in your life. Have you begun to prepare yet?

LIFE IS LIKE A PLATTER OF FRUIT

Fruit comes in all shapes and sizes. From sweet to sour, the taste can vary. From grapes to pineapple to a seasonal watermelon, there are so many choices. Even ethnic centric with mangoes and kiwi from different parts of the globe. Canadians love apples of all kinds. Grapes reach us from California  and Chile. Winter fruit of tangerines and oranges can come from Florida and Israel. Learning about the origins can be a geography and history lesson rapped up in one bite. Don't forget bananas- they rarely make it to a platter but are a mini meal with a wrapper from our Central America friends. Fruit is good for us. A quick fix for a low blood sugar! An afternoon snack! Adds colour to any platter whether cheese with a few decorative grapes or cold cuts with slices of cantaloupe. Variety- the spice of life! What would be on your fruit platter of life?

NANA SAYS CELEBRATING LIFE'S MOMENTS WTIH CHILDREN BRING BLESSINGS

Finishing my sleepover with 3 of my grandchildren last Saturday made me think. To give relief and a night out for a married couple, is what family can be. After putting the baby to bed and then reading to the two little boys- they picked the books was a life moment. Short, simple but enjoyable. Hugs and kisses then they went to sleep in their own beds. Nana could retire to her bed and read before turning off the light. Grandparents spending time with their grandchildren establishing bonds that will last a lifetime. Children grow emotionally when many adults in their lives love them. Parents come first but extended family of aunts, uncles, grandparents and family friends give children a foundation. Caring and sharing those precious moments add a brick at a time.

REMEMBRANCE DAY-TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE

It does not seem like much but two minutes of silence gives time to think. I often wonder what others may be thinking about. I usually think of my family and how lucky we are to live in a country like Canada. Then I think about the families who have lost loved ones and those who have people serving today. Two minutes does go by rather quickly. What are your thoughts? What do you think about? What are you remembering? You do not have to share as the two minutes are really your private moments.

AND THE 2014 GILLER PRIZE WINNER IS

I watched the awards for the Giller Prize finalists last night. To hear clips from books I have yet to read. The range of ages of the authors as well as gender was refreshing. The story lines intriguing as many have a backdrop of an historical event. Celebrating Canadian literature, how Canadian! On yes the winner is Sean Michaels- US Conductors. What is the story? Well come on you will have to check it out yourself- at the bookstore, at the library or online! I won't make it that easy for you!!

CANADIAN LITERATURE-THE GILLER PRIZE

Each  author who has been shortlisted for this important literary event is awarded a monetary prize as well as recognition. There are other contests for poetry, non-fiction and historical fiction during the year. Buying and reading some of the books featured supports Canadian Literature. Of course, E-books and trips to the library can expand  reading of our authors. Belonging to a book club can be fun too!  For now, I try to purchase the Giller shortlist books and some from other events.
The books and authors for this year are:

THE GIRL WHO WAS SATURDAY NIGHT- by Heather O'Neil

TELL- by Frances Itani

ALL MY PUNY SORROWS-by Mirian Toews

US CONDUCTORS- by Sean Michaels

THE BETRAYERS- by David Bezmozgis

THE EVER AFTER PF ASJWOM RA0- by Padma Viswanathan

Did you want to know what the books are containing? Why not look them up on line or go to a bookstore and check them out?
Today, November 10, 2014 the awards will be announced on Canadian TV- CBC I think, used to be another channel. Perhaps you could make it a habit to buy a copy of the winner each year to help support our authors.
 If you know a local author, try to support the efforts. A love of books and literature lasts a lifetime, regardless of how it is read. Reading is necessary for every generation even with all the gadgets used in modern times.
So if you have a favourite book award program, check out the books! Talk about them. Encourage others to read them.
I will be honest, I do not read every book I have ever purchased. They are on my shelves and available to be read when able. So a shortlist book from another year may be on my summer reading list or taken on a trip. Since some of the books over the years has been a collection of short stories, easy read on a long trip. Books do not become stale.
As for non-fiction award programs, there are some interesting and thought provoking books available
too. For example, with the commemoration of the start of World War One there is a new influx of books on Canada's military history.
The Toronto Star books has many books on a variety of themes. I purchased some history books about  Canadian food to use in Adolph's blog.
Of course, books are on my grandchildren's Christmas lists. This Nana has already bought their choices. With online shopping, it is so easy to find all the desired titles. With online catalogues of libraries simplifies a trip to take out a book.  I still prefer to go to a bookstore and browse but with the option of shopping from my computer, makes life easier.
So literature from home or international teaches us so much. If we want the modern generation to have a love of reading, be seen reading. My parents always had books in the home and were readers. My coffee table has coffee table books but they are directed at my grandchildren. One book- a day in the life of the world featuring pictures from May 15, 2012 is a favourite of my granddaughter. There is also a book about animals written at a child's level. I even put an Art book too so they will see some art and begin to get an appreciation.. Read to your children.
So what are you reading? Why? How does it interest you? Literature helps us understand the psyche of a nation and a people. What would I find on your bookshelf? What books have you taken from the Library lately? Reading is good. I am glad that people read my blog. Gives me encouragement to keep on writing.

RMEMBRANCE DAY SUNDAY- A TIME TO REFLECT

Each town and city across Canada will be having a Remembrance Day service this week. Many places had one today- like a Sunday Service. Today in Richmond Hill, I attended along with other community members and politicians. The crowd seemed a little larger than other years. Perhaps connecting with recent events of losing two military personnel on our own soil. Remembering and honouring those from many different conflicts that allow us as Canadians to have the freedoms we enjoy today. So on Tuesday wherever we are there will be two minutes of silence to reflect and remember. Where will you be??

Lest we forget!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

Yesterday a special garden was opened in England to commemorate Flanders Fields in Belguim. Apparently bags of soil from Flanders Fields were transported from Belguin with reverence. They were brought to help to create the garden. Other gardens will be created throughout the world as a gift from the Belgians to those who fought on their land in World War One. For Canadians, John McCrae wrote a very famous poem that is read each Remembrance Day at services and ceremonies.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW
BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW ON ROW
THAT MARK OUR PLACE; AND IN THE SKY
THE LARKS,STILL BRAVELY SINGING FLY
SCARCE HEARD AMID THE GUNS BELOW

WE ARE THE DEAD, SHORT DAYS AGO
WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW SUNSET GLOW
LOVED AND WERE LOVED, AND NOW WE LIE
IN FLANDERS FIELDS

TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE;
TO YOU, FROM FLAILING HANDS WE THROW
THE TORCH; BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH.
IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
John McCrae

He was one of many Canadians that did not survive the war. He did not survive the battles at Flanders Fields.

It is a very poignant poem. Short and simple. It could be applied to other conflicts and battles. So as Remembrance Day approaches, it is a time to reflect on the past but also to think about the present hoping the current conflicts will be short lived and hope for peace and prosperity for earth's children.

REFLECTIONS GIVES US QUIET MOMENTS TO FIND OURSELVES

A quiet place to think and reflect about life! We all need one. Connecting with elements of nature keep us grounded to the past, being in the present and to plan for a future. Being near water or trees or rocks from the earth, the basic human  feelings we all have can be tapped.

So finding your favourite spot and going there physically or in your mind can bring tranquillity.

 

A bench by the library near fragrant roses.

 

 

 

For some a place of worship can bring answers to prayers.









Quieting one's thoughts away from all gadgets is necessary to listen to who we are. The noise of the world silenced for brief times during the day is good- really good for the soul!

NANA SAYS COLDER WEATHER NEEDS PREPARATION

Advice to put on snow tires brings the realization that colder weather is around the corner. With children big and small, checking out the coats, boots, hats, mitts and scarves is the task of the day if not already done. Even putting some cold weather clothes on that famous Christmas list given to grandparents and other family members can bring in some warm outfits. Preparing mentally is important too. It takes longer for all of us to get out the door when bundling up in those clothes and boots. So- start to think about leaving home earlier rather than the nagging to get children all ready at the regular time. Children do take their time and lacing boots or putting on warm socks just take longer. As for mitts, have several pairs the same. Everyone loses a mitt or misplaces one- hopefully it will be found in the lost and found box at school. Think too about that emergency kit in the car. I always put some scarves, mitts and a couple of blankets- go over knees on those cold days before the car really warms up- in the car!! A little snow shovel  in the trunk in case it is necessary to dig out of a snow bank!! Warm clothes are good for the fun times that can be had playing outside in the colder weather. Healthy for children and adults as well. If needed there may be a  relative that loves to knit or crochet a scarf or hat for you. Just ask!

SQUASH-HOW CANADIAN EH!

Squash family have many varieties. A wonderful Fall and Winter vegetable thanks to our First Nations people. When the white man settled in Canada, learning to eat and grow the food that was indigenous to the land was often necessary. Squash can stand the first frost and store well in a cold cellar or back basement as well as the fridge. It is a very healthy food too. Tasty- each kind has its own distinct flavour.  Add it to the list of foods that Canadians love and eat!  Can you name the variety seen in the picture??

LIFE NEEDS A PORCH

A front porch is very inviting. Shields us from the rain. A place to sit and watch the world. Or hang a swinging hammock and have a snooze. Reminds us of the depression days in Canada where the poor folks that owned the farm would see the guy from the bank coming to take it. Some modern homes have little porches- room for one outdoor chair. A porch let's us have an outdoor room. There is always the safety of returning inside, locking the door and shutting the curtains to the world. Porches are a fun place for children to play within the safe range of mother's hearing. Or mother can join! And father too! At night, look up at the stars. In some parts of the country using lots of bug spray would help to make the moment pleasurable. How many first kisses happen on a porch? Proposals? Other significant announcements? The lowly porch! Or is it?

NOVEMBER-A LITTLE BREATHER BEFORE DECEMBER

November-the month to finish outdoors raking and really say good-bye to the garden before the snow flies. Time to make the garage ready for the car over the next few months. No need to scrap ice off the windows making the start to the day shorter. Time to get rid of the stuff that went from the basement to the front hall to the garage. Even walked to the mall yesterday in my new Sorel winter boots- waterproof and all. Since I walk in the winter decided to invest in a good pair of boots. So they were comfortable and no aching feet afterwards. It is good to walk to a mall- can only buy what can be carried home. Two birthdays to celebrate this month so there will be cake. Yes I even resisted buying Halloween candy that was on sale at Shoppers. With all the little chocolate bars and other goodies available last week at work, I do not think I can look those candies in the eyes! Well if they had eyes. Time to cut back and make room for good eating near Christmas. With the outdoor raking of leaves and garage cleaning, it was enough exercise for a Sunday. My intentions to do some computer work and other indoor activities were put on hold for a much deserved Sunday nap! Preparation for the work week is about all I could muster. So November the darker month- less sunlight which can be depressing for many people. So turn on some lights and read a book or phone a friend. Yes, Christmas preparations will begin with hanging outdoor lights in a couple of weeks, buying presents gradually especially with many sales that will start, of course the wonderful online shopping and a special theme for this Christmas that family members may like or  not. November without all the pressure of September and December. A little breather so to speak. For many Canadians looking forward to the outdoor sports when the snow flies. Or it is just another month!