FEBURARY-THE SHORT MONTH

With 28 days this year, February is quickly coming to an end. But what a month with record breaking cold spells and snowfalls in parts of Canada. The last time it was this cold in Ontario was 1979 which I remember as I was pregnant with my second daughter. There are high hopes that March will bring an early Spring but I doubt it as it is just another day so the lingering cold snap may stay. A productive month of indoor activities but of course not getting as much done as wanted due to just being tired. By the time a week is finished, I often find myself finished needing to slow down. Luckily there are slow, quiet activities to do. I am looking forward to the first burst of Spring. Somehow energy comes from within when the sun shines and outdoors is inviting me for a Spring walk. I have done enough winter walks all bundled up!  The daylight is coming back to us which is encouraging at dinner time as some sunlight gives us enjoyment, hope. For those with depression February is the heaviest month. According to a psychiatrist I know, March becomes Manic March. It is a difficult time for people who have manic phases of their disease. The transitions and daylight saving changes have a major impact. So individuals and families supporting them be attentive and kind. The time for some Spring cleaning and hauling things to the curb may begin for many people. For school children, the wonderful March Break is around the corner. For this blogger, looking for Spring themes and flowers and ideas- just hoping some burst of energy will inspire me to continue to be enthusiastic about most areas of my life. How about you? Are you just about done with winter? Are you hopeful Spring is around the corner or corners of your life?

RESILIENCY-WHERE DOES IT COME FROM

I have written periodically about resiliency. The dictionary tells us it means readily recovering from shock, depression, otherwise being buoyant-able to keep afloat or rise to the top like a liquid. The question- why do some people have more resiliency than others? Adversity kicks a person in the gut. Not everyone recovers. Some people can become the walking dead. Depressed, drugs, drinking and not recovering. Post-traumatic stress! Clinical depression! Adverse events leave scars but some do find a way to get up and get going again! There are so many sayings- when the going gets tough, the tough get going! So easy to say but harder to do. Allowing a time of grief and reconfiguring let's us move to the next steps in our lives. Resiliency is not for everyone. Sometimes it is easier to retreat and say to hell with the world! People in their middle age laid off from a dream job may never find the dream job again. Divorce, death, health issues are further kicks in the gut. The more adverse events faced, does it become harder to bounce back from them! Sometimes just getting up and putting one foot in front of the other. Going through a week with goals and a purpose to get up in the morning, is that resiliency? Should we judge others if they are not as resilient as we are? Think not! My children tell me I am a happy person- because I chose to be. There have been many areas of my life that have been adverse. Family, business, work, loss of loved ones- but to keep going means pulling deep inside and just do it! When the negative thoughts occur, I picture a bridge and a running river- water under the bridge, hoping it will wash away the bad and perhaps bring some solutions to continue with positive living. But there are days, I like my own quiet and not the negativity of others. Resiliency works better when surrounded by like people. Sometimes for me, just people my own age- but those without all the materialistic goals of the younger crowd and the obsession with having a wrinkle or two and having to look younger! Knowing that life does go on and this too may pass. If it does not, then oh well, just deal with it. Resiliency- a huge topic and lots of thoughts! What do you think? Do you have your own version of resiliency? Can it be as individual as the people in it?

THINK ABOUT BEING A BLOOD DONOR

The slogan- it's in you to give- is the motto of the Canada Blood Services. A simple way to help save a life. As a regular donor, I have a duty to encourage others to give. Call Canada Blood Services for more information or visit your local clinic to find out how to donate. Some people can not give for various reasons- understood. But if you can consider it- an easy way to give back to your community!

NANA SAYS HOW DO WE TEACH RESILIENCE IN CHILDREN

Reading a short article recently by Michelle Horton on helping children through traumatic events, the concept of resilience was discussed. As parents and grandparents we can not protect our children from traumatic situations. Life happens. Helping children to navigate their concerns helps. The experts say good parenting that includes empathy, unconditional love and honest acceptance are key factors. Parents and grandparents and other family members like close aunts or uncles must model resiliency. Check out your library or bookstore for books on the subject if you need more reading. As a professional social worker being available in crisis situations for individuals and families, providing guidance on next steps and where to go for further help, can be first steps in setting up resiliency. People can become stuck in their grief or misfortunes in life. How to navigate from those situations to positive living and learn from the situations. Sometimes being in a hole teaches us we do not want to be there for very long. Allowing all feelings from sad to mad to glad can be raging simultaneously. For example, if a child loses a parent at a young age, the parent has been lost for the lifetime. So be available at different times of the person's life as grief can resurface periodically. Like at a graduation, a wedding or a first baby! Resiliency is a huge topic so I will write more at another time.

LIFE IS LIKE BEING A GRANDPARENT

Grandchildren and the pleasure they bring has been missed by some. I know at least 3 people in my family/friendship circle that did not meet their grandchildren. They passed away too soon. One cousin died 6 weeks before her first grandchild was born. I think about the grandchildren born after a grandparent has died. Do I feel blessed to be able to part of my grand children's lives? You bet! I remember when my mother-in-law was dying, I told her I would tell my grandchildren about her. I have kept my promise- she is their Bis-Nonna- great-grandmother! Sometimes I mention her as their grandpa's mother. When my mother died, I told my grandchildren a little about her too. She actually had some pictures and knew about her great-grandchildren. Life brings different phases and stages. Some people we knew at a point in our lives did not meet the people we know now. I often think about how loved the little ones would be by the ones no longer around. Like my Unc who loved me! He would love all my kids and his great-grandchildren. So what is my point- my melancholy point- hug and love those who are with you today! When your grandchildren are running around and making lots of noise, try to enjoy the privilege of being part of their lives. Of course, go home to your quiet house knowing there will be another day!

THE AWARDS SEASON IS FINALLY OVER

For the past two months, one award show after the other has claimed a Sunday spot. The same stars and same accolades do drag it out. Some of our favourite movies win while others get shut out of the awards entirely. I usually manage to see 2 or 3 of the movies nominated. But I must be getting older as I have not made it to the end of one award show  yet. My sleep calls me. The reviews and reruns in the morning, in the papers and online give the highlights anyway. The fabulous gowns and I think all the people look fabulous are in overkill. How many evening dresses does one need in their closet. I miss Bob Hope being the emcee. I love movies and I have ones I like to see annually. Of course the classic Christmas ones like It's a Wonderful life and Scrooge. If I am feeling melancholy, Out of Africa is one I like. Ben Hur at Easter. Once in a blue moon, The Sound of Music which is Adolph's favourite. Whimsical romantic ones like French Kiss or Under the Tuscan Sun. Of course. Love Story that came out just before I was married.  Recently I bought The Best Marigold Hotel for $5.00 at Walmart. Pleasant British film with exceptional acting. It was a flick I missed at the theatre. I will not be seeing 50 Shades of Grey- just looks like soft porn. The younger generation is heading to see it in droves. There are some films still playing at the movies I still want to see. Will I try to see the winners from the Oscars? Hum- probably not! If thought is given to past winners, they often were not the box office winners. Sometimes what the masses likes to see does not filter down to the nominations. Those action films that are computer generated make lots of money- poor acting but fun for some audiences. The best thing is that movies are made for all to enjoy. The variety from drama to comedy to biographical to animation let's everyone find something to enjoy. Foreign films can be seen in some theatres. Of course being able to see in many venues from the movie theatre to one's TV and even on the little cell phones or do I have to call them smart phones and even tablets, allows accessibility to all. The large screen still gives the best viewing. So will the networks go back to some regular Sunday night shows. In my youth, Ponderosa was in the Sunday night slot. Then later, Murder She Wrote was popular. A lifetime can be experienced by the movies and shows watched. Of course, with all the technological equipment, the old home movies can be updated and put on modern devices. Sometimes those movies are actually the best. Why? Starring US- the family!! Do you have favourite movies that bring back memories? Or you just like to see them?

SNOW IS ALL AROUND

Lots of snow means lots of moisture for the Spring flowers. Somewhere under the snow the bulbs are waiting to emerge. I noticed the buds on the tree branches getting ready for the warmer weather. Just think Spring is just a month away!! Some birds are starting to flock back to us! Getting through winter- I think I can!

SNOWY DAYS ARE GOOD FOR INDOOR WORK

Watching the snow come down in large flakes is a pleasure to watch from indoors. Lots of light in the house to help with the sorting and organizing years of correspondence. What to keep, what to throw out? What may go to the family history binders or the photo albums. The winter months are great for these boring tasks. Hard to look at so much life in piles! Not really decluttering  as the stuff was well contained in Rubbermaid containers. Just too much of it! Too bad I am not a retired President! A museum is usually created to house all that stuff. But I promised my children I would not do to them what my folks did to us. I have to clean out my own stuff. So the snowy day is perfect to putter and putter and clean out some stuff! Reorganize and keep some! How do you use your snowy days?

CONIFEROUS TREES GIVE US SOME GREEN

Evergreen or coniferous trees are a reminder of the hardiness of the Canadian winter. The green behind the snow is encouragement of Spring. With a further Arctic blast hitting the East, any hint that warmer weather is coming is needed. Good thing there are lots of warm boots, coats, hats and mitts to keep us going. So my big tree on the front lawn does give me hope! How about you? What is helping you to survive winter?

YOUR HEART VERSUS YOUR HEAD

From the heart or the head, our emotions and feelings can vary. Intellectually we may know something should be done, but we feel otherwise. We use our head to be concrete and analytical. We use our heart to feel. Can the two meet and give us informed decisions? A congruent life! Is it better to live a life feeling? Or is it better living a life with facts? Being able to use all our senses makes a whole person. Daily goals take the head to complete. Relationships take the heart. Oh then what about the soul! A discussion for another time! My head tells me to get going with my day. How about you?

NANA SAYS HOW TO MEET THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF NEWBORNS CAN BE CONTROVERSIAL

Babies cry. Healthy newborns cry. Premature babies cry. All babies cry for a reason. Comforting and meeting the needs of babies is paramount to the physical and emotional growth of little ones. Hunger. Pain. Too cold. Too hot. Babies cry because they need something. I was asked a question recently. What is your take on letting a baby cry itself to sleep especially at night so the parents can sleep and the baby learns? The baby learns what? Babies wake up at night for a reason. Dirty diaper. Need a little more to eat. As babies grow their demand for food changes. Giving more before the last feed often can help the little one make it through the night. Other reasons. Need comforting. Can a parent hold a baby too much? Depends on the child! Every parent recognizes very early that each child is different. Some need more holding while others a quick hug and put me down! Touch is important to growth. Look at the skin to skin after birth.  Called the Kangaroo approach! The baby becomes close to the parent. Not just for Moms because Dads can do it too! Will the baby be spoiled if held too much? What does spoiled mean? No loving and holding and touching are important to humans. Look at our elderly who miss human touch. The reason a dog or cat that visits Nursing Homes to give opportunities for touch have become popular. Babies snuggle into arms and shoulders. Toddlers grab onto a leg. Older children like to sit close for story time. Even grandparents can benefit from a little one wanting to be close. Family hugs and group hugs. Touch and holding are human needs! Back to letting the baby wail and cry for hours on end- I say get a rocker for baby's room and sit and cuddle so everyone is comfortable. Rocking works for comfort for both parent and baby. Not a great fan of letting a child sleep in a parents bed until age 5 or older. Children do need their own space. But sometimes taking a child into a parent's bed may be needed. Judge for yourself! The phases and stages of the first year pass so quickly. Taking real time to meet the emotional needs let the child know he/she can trust the world. As a psychology major, could give all the theories of child development. No this generation has not changed. The same stages apply that applied to your ancestors but I think you get the picture. Parents learn very quickly what the different cries their babies make mean. Pay attention to those cries and you will understand your little one. Remember taking of the physical needs like food do also meet the emotional needs. So while feeding a good cuddle can occur. Benefits both baby and parent!

RED ROSES MEAN LOVE

Receiving flowers at any time can be romantic. Red roses are so iconic at Valentine's Day.

 

A reminder that flowers grow somewhere. Actually most roses are imported from Columbia! Not just coffee! In the background there are some cut tulips, a favourite for the spring time in Canada. Flowers in the winter bring a much needed relief to the home. The fragrance is aromatic! For sweethearts, red roses mean the most. Did you receive flowers from your sweetheart?

FAMILY DAY IN ONTARIO 2015

What can I say? A Monday off to spend doing personal stuff is always welcome. Especially missing a cold walk to work for one day. Actually a frigid weekend so being inside was okay. One social event with family, lots of hand crafts and watching some TV movies along with the usual household chores. Valentine's Day rammed in there too!! With the sun shining, lots of light in the house so does not feel depressing at all! Time to continue to learn the features on my Blackberry Classic that I obtained two weeks ago. Mondays are always hard work days in the winter. Why does warm weather make it  easier to get up and go out! Maybe the longer days! The sunshine! So if I look outside and just see the sun, I can pretend it is warmer and nicer than it is. And the days are getting longer anyway! So are you enjoying a day off from work! Or do you have family members home so you can enjoy some real "family day" time together?

50 YEARS OLD- OUR CANADIAN FLAG

Iconic- hard to believe the debate and controversy to have our own flag. Each province had a flag but Canada used the Red Ensign- British as a reminder of being part of the British Commonwealth. But on February 15, 1965 the new flag was declared the one. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson was in office at the time.

Little flags and big ones are waved at important Canadian events. Even the athletes at the closing ceremony of many Olympics carry a huge one around the field. I remember the prototypes- even some stamps had those images. A stamp from 1964 had 3 red maple leaves with a blue background- National Unity. Actually trying to please part of the country and not the whole. An old song rarely sung at events now- The Maple Leaf Forever. More English than French which was the problem. However with the Maple Syrup industry in Canada having an incredible base in Quebec, the maple leaf definitely is symbolic. When we celebrated the 100th anniversary of confederation in 1967, a beautiful 5 cent stamp had the flag proudly waving. Our flag is very hard to make by hand. The maple leaf with all its points would take a steady hand. My home flies the flag on July 1 weekend. It is handy for major sports events. Red and white are good colours. It stands out and most Canadians would not have it any other way. Eh?

FRIDAY THE 13TH

Are you suspicious? Does the number bother you? Or is it just another day? Before a long weekend, it is not so bad. Valentine's Day is tomorrow so lots of red, chocolates and flowers- if lucky a dinner out with a sweetheart! 13- in Christian faith- Jesus and the 12 disciples! Why is it considered unlucky? In my life I actually lived on the 13th floor of the Married Students' Residence at the University of Waterloo. Must have been lucky- still with the same husband! However, many apartment buildings do not have a 13th floor! I would avoid playing it on a lottery ticket as it is just as easily to be one of the winning numbers. But we do have a dozen eggs- 12 not 13! The number 13 does add up to 4- which is an unlucky number for Chinese people! To think we could have this discussion again in March which has another Friday the 13th. So lucky or unlucky, it is just another day so enjoy it as a fun day follows it! Being a Friday, it can not be so bad, eh?

LIFE IS LIKE A FERRIS WHEEL

Any trip to an amusement park or the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto- will have a Ferris Wheel. Starting at the bottom, one rides around and around until it stops to let on the next bunch of people on for the ride. Like life, we often go around and around- the days have a morning, a noon and a night; the weeks a Monday to Sunday; the seasons change and the months go by January to December, starting at January again with a new year. Sometimes we are at the top and sometimes at the bottom then to be at the top again. The ride of life goes around and around- depending on the day it will determine the view. It can be fun, scary or the same old thing! Lots of enjoyment for one ticket. Like life it is a hell of a ride!

NANA SAYS NOT LISTENING DRIVES ALL PARENTS CRAZY

If there was one definite answer to the question- why does my child not listen? To me! To the teacher? To the world? Actually children are always listening, just not hearing. Like most of us- the words are there but the hearing is not! Some tips- try to have conversations without anger and yelling. Hard for most parents. As discussion is repeated the tone gets louder. So take a step back and scrutinize when your child is not listening. Most times is it at transitions! Leaving for school. Leaving for  a lesson. Pick up at school or day care. Remember children give their parents the worst behaviour.
As a therapist I like to use the narrative therapy approach. The problem is the problem not the person. The not listening is the problem not the child. So exploring and identifying with the child and including the child in the solution to the problem will help to find a successful resolution. Just punishing a behaviour will not work.  Finding all the things your child does well and support it. Yes I hear- I am not going to praise my child every day for the things I expected him or her to do. Okay, but an opportunity may be missed. What about just a simple thank you as we teach good manners. " Thanks for a great morning!" " Thanks for getting yourself ready on time!" Children are little, you are the adult, the parent. A smile. A hug. Simple loving things with your children.
Be consistent. If you are going to reduce or stop or not have an activity due to the not listening, you better make sure you follow through on the action.
I actually experience the not listening most days in my work and it is not from children but the professional adults around me. I have learned to talk to a doctor in 2 easy sentences or less. Short to the point bullet points. Other professionals have a way of just walking away and not listening let alone hearing. So I have learned to talk to those who really want to hear what I have to say. Most of my talk is charted. So the work I do is there to read for anyone that is really interested. As for children, they talk and listen to each other. So as the parent, you listen to what your child is saying- about him or herself, the words used and what is seen in the world.
I love it when I have my grandchildren and I know they have manners. No thank you Nana. Please. May I have something. Sure there are moments even with Nana- they are just children. But I notice the transitions, the play when one child has had enough and the other wants to keep playing, who wants the control of the play, the age gap matters often and knowing when to separate children to play independently are difficult times to discipline. It is always noticed the hour before a sleepover is ending that the unruly behaviour starts. Transitions! No one said parenting would be easy- it is not. But if a huge step is taken back, your child is probably quite good and sweet most of the time, it is the difficult times that stand out. Remember children can have a hard time leaving home just like adults do. Think of how crabby many people are on the road Monday mornings. Workmates often grunt a hello. So why should children be more behaved than your average adult! If a parent hates his/her job, the energy is picked up by the child. If parents are having conflicts, the energy is picked up by the child, so it is easier for the child to have Mom and Dad mad at him or her than deal with parents not being happy! Oh the dilemma of not listening. The not listening is the problem, not the child. Are you listening?

STRATEGIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS

Winter does seem to drag on and on. For those with more snowstorms than you wanted, it can be difficult to keep optimistic enjoying life.
So how to beat those winter blahs.
1. A trip south for a week or two to a warmer climate does help. Take lots of photos to keep the memories.
2. A trip to a snowy chalet to ski or snowboard or just toboggan down a run. Or to sit in the chalet with your favourite beverage.
3. Attend a local winter carnival or festival like the one in Ottawa this weekend. There are local ones across the country.
4. Work on your projects at home. Put some pressure on yourself to get them finished before Spring arrives. Finish that book you are reading. Make a list of spring and summer reading to do.
5. Get out and embrace winter. Little walks in the snow or building a snowman do help. Invite friends for a dinner party- catch up on all the news.
6. Movie time. Catch up on those movies you have been meaning to see. Use those gift cards of movie and a popcorn. A trip to a warm theatre for a play or musical does help too. Toronto has an amazing entertainment district. Major cities often have winter specials- a hotel stay and a game or play to see. Of course, shopping or a dinner out.
7. Remember February is a tough month for depression sufferers so if you mood is low, go to your physician for an assessment. If feeling suicidal, go to your local emergency for help.
8. Researching and planning those spring and summer day and overnight trips can bring some relief to long stays in the house.
9. A great time to sort through clutter, renovate, or just change things up in your house a little. Take advantage of the household sales if wanting to replace worn items.
10. Like the picture above, the sun is shining through, spring does follow winter! February can be a quiet time of review, reflection and renewal! Try to use each day well as it is really just another month in the year.
Now come on, I bet you can think of 10 more things or activities to get you through the winter blahs.

SNOW GOES WITH A CANADIAN IDENTITY

Snow in Canada is synonymous with our identity. Adaptable with the seasons. Embracing each one but having a favourite. If lucky escaping the snow for a jaunt to the south, enjoying a beach or two before returning to a real home with snow, ice, cold and all. Winter brings time to finish those indoor projects before the work of the garden begins. Time to find some winter photos. Even just looking out the front door.

Then the back door to capture one season. Imagining that is a few months, the backyard furniture will come out with the barbecue, ready to experience another aspect of Canadian life.

SNOW THE COAST TO COAST CANADIAN FORECAST

Winter brings snow especially in Canada. So looking to the north out my front door there are the children sledding on the hill at the library. Simple fun! Not a dangerous hill but sloped enough for a fun slide. Memories of childhood. A little hill in the school yard to use at recess. Family jaunts to Albion Hills north of Toronto to have a toboggan run. Children love snow and the joy it brings! Looking at it from inside the house- yes the snowfall today is pretty! No commute! Luckily unlike the Maritimes, not a storm. Some areas sure have been slammed with tons of snow this year. The good news for our area- the snow with its effect will help the crops in the Spring/Summer! If the grandchildren were coming today, perhaps I would build a snowman. However, they are not so I think I will putter inside and peak once in awhile to watch it snow.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Remember studying Ponce De Leon and his search for the Fountain of Youth. How to be young forever and continue living? Modern times have not changed. Except the hunt is in the form of wrinkle creams and cosmetic surgery, well you get the picture. Isn't youth wasted on the youth anyway? Some days I think about my girls as little girls then I see my grandchildren and would I change anything? Nope!! Different phases and stages of life bring different events- the good, the bad and the ugly. Frankly I do prefer the good!! The nice thing about fountains is tossing a coin and making a wish! So maybe not searching for anything but just enjoying the day, the life! The picture for the day- why? The fountain in the picture makes me think of the summer and trips to be made. So do I need a fountain of youth- not really- maybe just a fountain- warm not in this frigid weather- to dip my toes or toss a coin or make a wish with one of my sweet grandchildren! Might be a task for this year- to seek out pretty fountains! Of course, beside food markets to keep Adolph happy!

LIFE IS LIKE AN INNER COURTYARD

Visible from the street. Has a solid laneway to get there. Protected often by a gate or security guard. Enjoyed by the people who live there. Our brains and souls are like inner courtyards. Sharing as much as we care! Protecting with our own built in " security guards". Our thoughts can be controlled and contained. Since no one is a mind reader, we are safe! Keeping happy images and memories sustain us. Keeping out the negativity and stress of past events! Learning not to tell everything we are thinking! Having a pretty laneway with as many flowers or bricks or windows!

NANA SAYS KEEP SICK CHILDREN AWAY FROM OTHERS

Sick people especially children can be contagious. Besides a day at home in bed sleeping with plenty of fluids is still a good remedy to help a cold or  flu bug with lots of good hand washing. Now with a fringe group of parents not vaccinating their children, healthy children could be vulnerable to diseases like measles. Why someone would risk their child getting measles with the complications it can bring, beats me! Tetanus is not contagious but can be fatal without a vaccination. The dirt in the Ontario soil is rampant with germs. Only takes  a little cut  for germs to enter the body!! Little children and big people need to take care when feeling unwell. New babies should not be around  others who are ill. The first year makes them more vulnerable so common courtesy says keep sick children and adults away. Give those babies time to be vaccinated! With the eradication of certain diseases due to vaccination in our part of the world, travel has made Canadians more vulnerable as could be seen in the Ebola virus. Thankfully there are researchers in our country working on a vaccination and hopefully a cure. The first line of defense does remain. If the germs do not travel from person to person then with a closed door so to speak, less people become infected. Teaching children to wash hands and cough and sneeze into their sleeve continues to be good advice. Too bad more adults do not heed this practice.

SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW

Fun to measure how much snow gets accumulated in one snowfall.  Virgin snow! Doesn't his bench just invite you to sit on it?

Time to get a shovel and clear some of the driveway! How's your snow clearing going in your part of the world?

GROUND HOG DAY-ONLY IN CANADA EH

Any Ground Hog Day according to a little historical research started in the United States with some German settlers bringing their tradition to the Pennsylvania. In Punxsutawney- little Punxsutawney Phil is the predictor. So in Canada, the tradition goes differently. There was a Candlemas Day in mid winter in England and Scotland during . Basically looking to see if the candles shone bright. But somehow they may have used hedgehogs to help predict the remainder of the winter. Since there were no hedgehogs in North America but lots of ground hogs and prairie dogs, they surfaced for the predictors. Since 1887 in Pennsylvania, little Phil has been making predictions. For some reason, a Canadian tradition started in Wiarton Ontario in 1956. Wiarton is on the Bruce Peninsula near Georgian Bay. In order to help with his job, Willie has a special little house in town.  Living in a burrow in the wild would leave him exposed to natural predators. In Canada many fields where there is a natural habitat would be covered with snow or ice so difficult to come out of the burrow during the winter.  Besides helps with the tourists that like to visit the place near Bluewater Park to take pictures. Not to be outdone, Nova Scotia has their Shubenacadie Sam, Manitoba has Brandon Bob and Alberta has Balzac Billy. Although Billy may just be a man dressed like a groundhog. North of Calgary may be hard to find a real groundhog willing to participate! The prediction model remains the same. Remember Canada is a big, big country so weather can be different in different places.
So what is all the hoopla about?? It goes like this- if the groundhog regardless of the location comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, then there will be an early Spring. Meteorologists may confirm some truth to this tradition. Apparently colder, drier air form the Arctic would help with sunny days in winter thus colder. A snowy or overcast day may be slightly milder. However like most parts of Canada, weather can change from week to week.
My prediction? Well the first day of Spring is usually March 21st. So if February is cold and snowy, most Canadians hope for March to be warmer with Spring around the corner!! Ground Hog Day makes for lots of conversation. I can just hear people at work trying to outdo each other. If they know how to pronounce Punxsutawney Phil it would be interesting. Wiarton Willie or Brandon Bob or Balzac Billy are much easier. Shubenacaide Sam is up there with Phil. Regardless with January behind us and February here, we are 1 month closer to Spring. Ground Hog Day- a silly, fun little tradition in North America! What does the rest of the world think? Especially those Europeans who often do feel superior to us! Only in Canada eh! Not really U.S. too!

A POSTCARD FROM WIARTON ONTARIO

Wiarton- a sweet and quaint town on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario- is famous for the little groundhog that appears every February 2 to help determine how much longer winter will be. Depends if he sees his shadow or not. Then will there be 6 more weeks of winter or not!!

Beside the bay is a statue to the current Willie's ancestor. A fun tradition for all. Some much needed publicity for the community. Near Wiarton there are beaches and places to see. Worth a trip in the summer!