JANUARY COMING TO AN END

A month full of celebrations, dinners, movies and continued work on projects, it seemed there was not enough time to get everything done. The winter months bring time to catch up on indoor projects before the garden pulls with all its work. So February will be a continuation of plugging along with those little indoor projects. Yes real spring cleaning can wait until the Spring. No sense having items by the door to take to the curb with the existing snowbanks or to charitable organizations or even- maybe a garage sale until the nicer weather returns! January the hopeful month as the beginning of the New Year!

A WRINKLE IS LIFE'S WAY TO SAY YOU'VE LIVED

Aging brings wrinkles to the body. Often showing up on the face with those lovely laugh lines near the eyes. Happy people. Sourpusses get deep frown lines on the forehead. Miserable people. Surgery, wrinkle creams and limiting smiling may reduce some wrinkles. Are they badges of honour or something to cry over? Do some cultures really age better outwardly than others? Hum- food for thought. I think not- I usually can surmise the age of anyone. Usually the way someone carries their body is the best indicator- stooped over and shuffling is a good sign of being elderly regardless of the number of wrinkles on the face! The attitude gives everyone away- there are happy middle aged people and those who are starting to have those chips on their shoulders. So instead of trying to reduce wrinkles, perhaps keep a skip in your step! Take the chips off the shoulders! The alternative to aging is not being here at all. So accepting a few wrinkles and even age spots is not a bad thing. If you want less wrinkles on your face, stay fat. The fat cells fill in those wrinkles, not as healthy but if you have the need to try to look younger, well stay fat!! Those cultures that have fatter people or rounder faces could have less wrinkles!! Low lighting and makeup helps with one's appearance. The question- why is there a need to look younger? Why is there a need for someone to guess your age? Why not brag about the fact you feel good and your health is doing okay for your age? Here's a thought to annoy others, why not just be as happy and as healthy as you can be every day enjoying your life- wrinkles and all!!

SOUP AND WINTER GO TOGETHER

Cold weather brings the need for comfort food. What is better than a nice bowl of hot soup with a meal. Even having a head cold in some cultures require chicken soup as the proverbial remedy for the cure. So pull out a big pot or your slow cooker to have your soup of choice simmering in the home. A container of soup taken to work makes a nice lunch on a wintry day! Why does soup makes us feel better? Is it the taste or just the heat needed to warm up the body and soul? A fast meal or part of a meal? With crackers or without! Homemade is best but there are some newer healthier brands on the market that are tasty too. If too much sodium, just dilute with some water or milk-if a creamy one to reduce it! With the wind blowing outside my window as another blast of Artic air is breezing across Southern Ontario, I feel warm already.

LIFE IS LIKE ONE LONG CELEBRATION

Saying goodbye to one big Celebration and on to the next, keeps life interesting. Putting away Christmas and Chinese New Year's and on to Super Bowl Sunday. Valentine's Day is around the corner. Trying to keep the celebrations fun gives life a lift. What if there is not a celebration but just a day, a lunch, a dinner? Making life good with little celebrations with a small "c"! Okay most people celebrate Fridays because they occur before the weekend. Deciding each day to find something to "celebrate" would make life just more enjoyable. Even the simple pleasure of that first cup of coffee while greeting the day is a lift. Singing songs with celebration in them! Well you know the one- celebrate, good times, come on!! By planning to celebrate something, it helps to energize the mind and body, might even put a skip in one's step. Even laying down on one's bed at night can be a celebration of returning to a favourite spot! Life enjoyed, celebrated!

NANA SAYS TALK MENTAL HEALTH TODAY

It's Bell's Let's Talk day- all about mental health. Recognizing and acknowledging depression and anxiety are important to the overall health of our children. Dealing with it by obtaining the help needed. Preventing suicides in young people is paramount. As there will be coverage on the TV and radio today, use the opportunity to discuss the subject with children especially your teenagers who are more vulnerable. Our own Clara Hughes has done a tremendous job with her across Canada ride and the documentary of the journey. If you have family members needing your help, well no time like the present. If therapy is needed, then seek it out. Knowing positive strategies in dealing with difficulties like exercise, diet and positive activities along with family support help in maintaining good mental health. So today talk, read, plan and do!

WINTER SNOW BLASTS BRING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

As North America continues to experience winter, some areas are harder hit than others. The blizzard of the year is slamming parts of the Eastern Seaboard as I write. Even though downgraded, it will be a big blast before it is over. Hopefully with the closures of roads and schools and businesses for a day, there will be less harm done. The emergency crews can clear the roads. If hydro is out, those crews can be working to restore it. Emergency preparedness is now part of our conscienceness. Charge your cell phones, buy water, have batteries, gas up your car- well you know the drill. Amazing how weather continues to effect our lives. No matter what the technology we have, Mother Nature rules. Which brings me to a point? Depending on technology is not a good thing. GPS is great but it still helps to know how to read a map. Texting is okay but picking up a phone or actually going and seeing someone talking face to face is good too. Having electrical appliances are fine but make sure there are ones that can be manually used. Campers usually have equipment in their homes that can be used in emergency. Backyard barbecues always come in handy. Wood burning stoves or fireplaces are more than decorations. Some people use the garden solar lights in an emergency for lights at night. No matter how prepared we want to be, emergency situations do bring a sense of concern and anxiety. Some people have to report to work regardless of the situation. So next time you have a day off due to weather, think of the emergency crews out there working on your behalf.

VACATION IS OVER

Once one vacation week is over, why is it human nature to be planning for the next one? The start of time off is so desirable. Returning to work is not! Even loving one's job does not take the sigh out of my mood! Maybe not missing having to bundle up every day and face the cold unless I wanted to do it. So when is the next time off! Oh yeah, a long weekend in February! Well it is a start!

SNOW ANGELS

Making a snow angel is one of those fun things to do with children. Lay down in the snow and move your arms and legs up and down- voila the little angel is made. No need for tons of snow to complete it. The question- who was the first person that figured it out! There are so many things in our lives that exist. No credit is given. No royalties. No residuals. A snowman is another one! Lots of snow fun can be had for no cost. Shovelling or snow blowing a driveway is not fun! That counts as work!

GOOD REASON SUNDAY SHOULD BE A DAY OF REST

As we hurry through life, taking time to rest soothes the soul. For busy working people, it is hard to take a day off as often Sunday are loaded with more than church activities. Perhaps restful activities like folding laundry, a peaceful walk or doing some correspondence  or calling a friend to have a chat. Even a long nap to have some needed sleep. Knowing when the body needs to rest and letting it rest. Working in a hospital setting I have never heard anyone say when an illness occurs or death is imminent- I should have dusted my house more or run a few extra miles or stay longer at the office! Knowing to rest and enjoy the time and especially the loved ones in your life-just because!

SICKNESS BRINGS HUMILITY

We all like to be healthy and energetic and setting the world on fire. But if sickness prevails, admit it and do what needs to be done to get better. Rest-preferably in one's bed, plenty of liquids, light food and re-evaluate one's life. What brought on the sickness? A virus? The flu? Food poisoning? Let your body do its thing like gross purging- you know what I mean and we all heal. Yes, stay away from other others in case it is contagious! Healing physically comes with stopping and healing. Trying to forge on when unwell does not work! So taking my own advice and two days of rest, on the mending road. I really need to attend a social event tonight so will get another nap to reassure this body it is doing better! I hate being sick but having the ability and knowledge to get well overcomes it!

WHAT'S IN A NUMBER?

Numbers can mean something sometimes. A special birthday number. Number 1 in a race. " You are at table 10" at a wedding. Our bank account has the number of our balance. Depending on the number, it can have different meaning for different people.

Some numbers are lucky and others are not. 13 is supposed to be unlucky but I did live on the 13th floor of an apartment building once and was just fine. Starting school, retiring from the workplace, and being able to drink alcohol come with a special number! The number on the scale can be encouraging or depressing!

Numbers pop up everywhere!

They make fun decorations.

 

 

Birthday cakes have numbers all the time.

 

 

 

Balloons have numbers too. A street number, longitudes and latitudes, the speed of our car- well you get the picture- numbers are everywhere! 



NANA SAYS ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SIT AND EAT

Choking can lead to death. Encouraging children to sit and eat. Not to run or jump with candy or gum in their mouths is a good lesson and something I lecture my grandchildren constantly. It is very easy while sitting and eating to have food go down the wrong way or a piece of something get stuck. Learning the Heimlich is a good thing. For babies keeping their environment safe with items they can not swallow. Baby proof. If it is thought to be too small then it probably is too small for the baby. Even for adults- eating and drinking while driving is not safe. Sitting and chewing food properly does not decrease the chance of choking.

SUNRISE -A JANUARY MOMENT

Sunrise. Sunset. The first lines of a song from Fiddler on the Roof. While watching the sun rise this morning from my pink bathroom that faces east, some thoughts came to mind. Why is the sunrise so beautiful to us? Why is the sunset so beautiful to us? While the midday sun gets no credit for anything!

Sunsets and sunrises are so metaphoric in their meaning of life. A day in the life of a person. From sunrise to sunset! Although the night can bring some wonderful aspects of life too! Like the moon and the stars! I often look at the sunrise thinking how the sun is shining for all humanity! It brings us warmth and helps all crops to grow! Sunshine gives us some Vitamin D! Photographers take copious amount of pictures of sunrises and sunsets. Everyone's travel pictures always includes at least one photo! Nevertheless, there is something humbling about a beautiful sunrise. It makes me a little closer to God and wanting to say a little prayer as the day is welcomed. A simple thank you to have another day is a good start! Sometimes more important than a good breakfast! Spiritual food for the day! As life moves along, the joy to have another day, another sunrise. Life appreciated!

TSHIRTS BRING BACK MEMORIES

Travellers are famous for buying the proverbial T-shirt from the exotic destination visiting so everyone back home will know you had a vacation. While wearing my sweatshirt from Acapulco Mexico yesterday it was a reminder of the trip. It has the logo- POCO LOCO CLUB! We were supposed to go to Venezuela in 1989 but due to an uprising the Canadian Government advised travellers not to go there so our travel company offered other packages and we ended up in Acapulco. A destination that many people from the GTA liked! It was alright but not a lot to see except some divers at a local cliff and places where some Elvis Presley movies had been made. I actually became sick with Montezuma revenge that spoiled the vacation. The sweatshirt was the saving grace! It made me think about the reason to buy vacation shirts. T-shirts and sweatshirts are good souvenirs for family members especially grandchildren since  the big people do not like them anymore and a personal souvenir for oneself. On our trips to Rome, years ago there was a great T-shirt vendor near the Colosseum where the t-shirts had the best price in the country. Bought one for everyone on my gift list! Our ventures into Montreal, Ottawa and the Niagara area included purchases of T-shirts for the little ones. The best thing- it is clothing. Wear it out, around the house or to bed with your jammy bottoms! Oh the souvenir T-shirt!!

THE LAST TIME

Life has its routine and normal days. Monday is the start of the workweek. Tuesday is garbage day. Wednesday is laundry catch up day. Every other Thursday is payday- go to the bank. Friday is the end of the work week. The weekends can vary with different activities but often has a rhythm and predictability . It seems everything will remain the same. But often in life it does not or will not. The last day at work when retiring or being laid off. Needing to start something new. A loved one dies or is dying so the last Christmas, the last birthday. A favourite vacation spot or cottage trip that may bring the last time. Sometimes it is our decision it is the last time. Often life happens and before we know it- it was the last time. There can be joy because a bad situation has ended. Sadness because it was a good situation. Would it be important to know when something is the last time? To relish it! To rejoice! " The last time I saw him, he looked great!" " The last time I talked with her, it was so pleasant!" We can catch ourselves hearing these words often. But it was not the last time, forever last time! There is a difference. We do not always know when it is the real last time. I was remembering the last time I was at Rock Lake in Algonquin Park, Ontario- a place our family camped for years. I was 23. It is still there so I could visit again if I wanted which makes it not so bad. But the last time I saw my Mom was the last time. The last time I worked at a community job was the last time. I can not remember the last time I did not have grey hairs on my head because that hair colouring keeps it looking youthful!! That's another story! Some last times are fixable and others are not. What I have learned in life is to call, email, visit or keep in touch with people you care about because we do not know if it would be the last time. If you have the energy to do an activity or complete a project- just go for it as one never knows if it is the last time.

PLANNING FOR A VACATION OR A STAYCATION

Friday is always a welcome day-especially before a vacation week. Trying to organize everything at work and my work stations at home. With project completions planned and some day trips/outings, it does not take long to fill a week. Besides there can be good intentions but the energy level can get in the way. Usually people find the vacation is needed because a break is needed. So along with planning and things to do, I always cost in how the week will flow unexpectedly. Sometimes laziness can sneak in and watching a movie in the afternoon doing nothing else may be fun too. I often think of beach vacations south where the major decision of the day is what time to go to dinner. Naps and reading books and walks on the beach bring a relaxed pace to life. So even with a busy staycation planned, the element of relaxation must prevail. So am I smart- of course, many of my planned projects are quiet ones to sit and do while watching a movie. Exercise can be done in the home. For example, a 20 minute walk up and down stairs and around the house at a fast pace with my weights and in my jammies with no wind chill factor will keep me in shape. Of course, it can a slow pace as I really do not need to get anywhere. Some restaurant meals to take the pressure off the cook. Don't get me wrong, I really would love a beach vacation or a Spring river boat cruise or two months at a summer cottage! However, as a great believer at a bird in the hand, otherwise how to enjoy a little home winter break in the home community or just from my home will bring some renewed post-Christmas energy back. As most people know, it is my birthday week so some cake will be on the agenda too! Since my posts need some rejuvenation, research for planned topics is something to consider.

CANADIAN WINTER IMAGES

Summer country drives are more enjoyable. But a country drive in winter can be interesting too. Finding lanes for photo opts can be a challenge. There are out there waiting to be photographed.

A winter garden can expose some images too!

Clusters of snow on a green bush!

Or your street in the winter!
Of course if it is -30 with a wind chill of more, then staying indoors for a sunny winter day to haul out the camera may be a good option too!

NANA SAYS SPEND MORE TIME AND LESS MONEY ON CHILDREN

I saw a version of this quote on a list of nice sayings lately. Food for thought! Eh? With all the gadgets and items that cost money, a child with a parent or grandparent or adult doing a simple activity means so much more. A story at bedtime! Playing a board game together! Sitting down to a meal together! A spontaneous picnic! Riding a bike or skiing or sledding- depending where one may be! Children remember the time together. Honestly listening to what they have to say to you. Looking at their art or story or whatever. Do teenagers need time with you? You bet. Put down the gadgets at times of the day and interact with each other. Be interested in what your children are doing. Let your home be a place where they hang out- meaning it will not be as quiet as you may need. Creating memories and moments that are simple and delightful. Like the snowman on the front yard when there is enough snow. We had a wonderful dinner the other night. No cell phones on and used. Just everyone eating and talking with each other.  Remember it goes by very quickly! Find pockets of time every day to enjoy each other's company! Even little notes in the lunch box for your child can be a way to stay connected! Time is priceless!

TUESDAY- MARDI-MARTEDI-MARTES

And whatever language you speak, Tuesday- the second day of the workweek is said to be the most productive. Why? Probably, because there is an admission the weekend is really over. Or is it because Monday's transitions are tough. Waking up at an earlier hour than the weekend again, facing the hurried morning routine, morning traffic and at work- the new cases from the weekend.  Planning and organizing for the week! Getting handouts ready for talks to be given! Seeing new people! Engaging with other staff! At home, paying the bills, putting out the garbage and making lunches! What clothes to wear that are attractive but also warm. My workplace has varied temperatures depending on which floor I am working in the moment. Hot to warm to cold-drafty! Those daily decisions flooding one's mind are in full swing. Of course, planning for the weekend- will there be babysitting, a movie, a super clean of a cluttered area that is helpful in January when there is no garden to work and what relaxation will be needed!  In the end, it makes us one step closer to the weekend!

LIFE IS LIKE A GOOD BOTTLE OF WINE

Red, white or rose there are so many different ones to chose. Italian, French or German are some that have been with us the longest. Then South Africa, California, Australia and here in Canada wine growers come in all varieties. Wine tours in Niagara Ontario or Okanagan British Columbia demonstrate that domestic ones are fine too. Some people are lucky to have a wine cellar or others buy a needed bottle at a time.

Some local wineries use the produce of the area like the apples and pears.

 Grapes are the main staple. Growing in neat rows in fields or terraced each grape is unique. Different grapes give different flavour and taste. Sweet or dry there is something for everyone. Buy a recent bottle or let it age. Like people, the young, the middle and the aged all have a purpose. Paired with the right meal, wine complements everything. In moderation can be good for our health. If you were a bottle of wine, what would you be?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS MEAN FAMILY

Eating out for our birthday celebrations, it was evident that a table full of family members is always special. The restaurant had several celebrations at other tables. It meant not having to clean the house or do the dishes. The most important aspect for me is family. A chance to get together and celebrate. Three generations at one table-how wonderful is that!!

PURPLE EVERYWHERE

Loved going into a local restaurant and the floral arrangement had purple pinecones. It was a photo opportunity. And perhaps a craft idea for next Christmas.Purple is a colour of healing, royalty and passion. It goes well with green and coral. If one looks hard enough, it can be found everywhere!!

LIFE IS LIKE A GOOD FENCE

Fences make good neighbours. So we are told. Keeps pets in and others out. In our lives, we all can put up fences around us. Sharing with others what is important, but keeping areas of our lives private is good too. A fence allows a boundary between one thing and another. " I do what I want and you do what you want." A gate can allow trusted people into your life. It can be open, shut or shut and locked. Fences can be decorative, low or high, chain link or even have sensors that can shock others if they intrude. Some are stronger than others. Wooden ones can rot over time and even get blown down in a strong wind storm. But like life, fixed and made new again. Country drives reveal one barn board fences. Some communities are gated with expensive iron fences with a guard. A fence can determine social class too. There must be one around all pools for safety. Look in your area and determine how many different fences exist. Then look at yourself, what kind of fence do you use to protect yourself?

JE SUIS CHARLIE

Only love, prayers and thoughts to the people of France especially Paris. Freedom of speech reigns in democracy. Canadians are thinking of you everywhere!

NANA SAYS BUNDLE THE CHILDREN WELL DURING THE COLD SPELLS

As the kids have headed back to school, with the deep freeze many are staying in for the recess periods. Colder temperatures mean a chance for frost bite on the skin. So keeping any exposed areas covered is a must for everyone. Ski masks are good so if children want to be outside they can be safe too. Needing fresh air during the day helps with sleep and overall well being. Besides if there is snow on the ground, children love to play in it. When is it too cold to be outside is always the dilemma for parents. So skating at indoor rinks, gives some cold but in a warmer environment.  Winter needs to be enjoyed with all the sports activities. If affordable skiing or snowboarding are fun for the teenagers. So family events can occur.

HOCKEY'S GOLD IS OURS AGAIN-YEAH JUNIORS!

Well, when a gold medal on home ice at the Air Canada Center occurs in Toronto Canada, it is only an opportunity to celebrate pride in our country. The Juniors won in hockey. Many Canadians stayed up to watch the game that normally would not watch a hockey game. What I loved was the fact that the team had players representing all parts of Canada. From coast to coast to coast, it was a team of ambitious young men playing a game they loved. To see the sea of red in the stands was phenomenal! Hockey is a Canadian invention. So periodically, Canada recaptures the crown. Did you enjoy the "Sea of Red" worn by many in the stands and homes across this land?

SURVIVING CANADA'S DEEP FREEZE-2015

With a slow start to winter in parts of Canada in 2014, 2015 has slammed the country with a deep freeze. Winnipeg gets the prize for coldest with its wind chill along with extreme low temperatures. The weather lady on Canada AM suggested people just go back to bed. Hum, nice thought but with the first day back to school and the first real business Monday of the New Year, it is not happening. Even with bundling up well and watching any temperature that could cause frostbite on exposed skin, days like these are tolerated. Trying to keep calm and freeze on is difficult to do. With a severe Ice Storm in Quebec many people there are without power which reminds them of the storm of 1998. Staying off major highways in bad snowy weather is good advice. Layers and more layers of clothes work to keeping warm. Keeping cables in one's car trunk in case they are needed for a boost or help someone else. Having a shovel- mine is a little child's shovel- in case of landing in a snowbank. Of course, other emergency stuff depending on your area and where you drive everyday is very helpful and smart to have. Extra mitts and scarves are handy for those that don't like to drive with covered hands but available. Being inside helps to deal with the cold. However, cabin fever can occur if too long in the same place. So little jaunts to other places like the library, a favourite coffee shop or a seat at the Mall will mix up the boredom. At least with the cold weather, for all Canadians coast to coast there will be something to discuss. Canadians love to talk about the weather. It should be deemed a national pastime!

DO YOU HAVE THE JANUARY BLUES OR BLAHS YET?

After all the hoopla of Christmas and New Year's celebrations, January brings a certain quiet to it. It can be a welcome quiet of new reflections for the year or missing all the excitement of the festive season. January can be a time to plan, read, organize, declutter or get away to a southern location for some warmth and beach fun. Quiet can allow for thinking and just enjoying the present moments. Sorting the fun stuff from the season and maybe scarp booking, making photo books or putting pictures in your digital "cloud".  It is a good time to get a trade to help with a much needed home repair if necessary. Watch for those home items like sheets and towels or new toilets on sale. Stores want your January business. But quiet allows time to find an inner peace and come to terms with your thoughts and dreams. For those with New Year resolutions, keep on track. In our family, January has several birthdays, an anniversary and a vacation week. For those with the blues or blahs, try to use the time constructively  with finding meaningful things to do. Sometimes the holidays may not have been great so reviewing what may be wrong with your family or life can be resolved with this quiet time of coming to terms with the events before letting go moving on. The cleaning of the Christmas tree and decorations gives a chance to put the season to rest. Keep hold of the good times and the memories! January is just another month in the year but it comes after a busy season so can seem like a slow time. For those who hate winter, it is a reminder we are still in winter. So perhaps find a way to tolerate winter better. Start with this January. Turn your blues to different shades of purple or your favourite colour. So how is your January going? Finding meaningful things to do will  help with any one's mood. If nothing else, you can sit on the couch with a warm blanket and watch a favourite movie or read a good book. Getting out of your head can lead to many positive outcomes. So again, how is your January going??

LIFE IS LIKE A GOOD POT OF SOUP

There are quick soups or ones that simmer for hours on the stove. Plain broth or a vegetable soup with every kind of vegetable. Use fresh ingredients or leftovers from veggie platters of large meals.  Ethnic soups with their own unique spices. Hot soups or cold ones! One bowl can be a dish at a meal or two bowls the complete meal. Eaten alone or with crackers or your choice of crunchy bread. Adds a wonderful aroma to the home. A good bowl of chicken soup can be the standard remedy as a cure all for any illness according to some self healers. Make enough and there are opportunities to use in more than one meal! People of all ages enjoy a good bowl of soup. The variety of soups like life can meet individual tastes. Always one for everyone! Variety is the spice of life but so is a good bowl of soup!! How does your life include soup?

NEW YEAR BRING MORE OPPORTUNITIES

There is nothing like a new year to bring some new energy and anticipation of  opportunities and challenges. The first day of the New Year usually brings the final cleanup of the Christmas items. The outside lights are left up until Epiphany January 6th. The house looks bare without the Christmas items but like the New Year a chance to clean the slate and plan. Get ride of the dust bunnies of life! January is the optimistic month. With all the stair climbing and moving items around, it has been a good start to the New Year exercise. The first day of 2015! No need to set goals as life will find me! Just more of the same! How are you finding the new year so far?