EACH TASK HAS SMALL PARTS

Any job can be tackled. But biting off more than one can be chew makes any task insurmountable. Experience teaches us that anything will take 3 times longer than initially anticipated. So how does this help us? Hire someone else to do it is always a good plan. But for most of us little tasks can be accomplished with some grit. Houses and gardens are never ending work. Each season brings new work. So planning and more planning before starting is a good- well plan. Cleaning a whole house is a task but a drawer, a cupboard, a room, a window can be done in small parts. A neighbour of mine cleans one window each week over the spring and summer thus getting all her windows done but in parts. Perhaps do some tasks as spring cleaning and some tasks as fall cleaning so areas are done annually. Reviewing seasonal clothes is always a good task twice a year and a way to decide what to keep and what to donate! There comes a time in life where the decision to change comes with the workload. Bigger is not better, just more work and expense. So if going smaller, what to keep, what space is needed and what kind of work to continue doing. That's where planning comes into the picture again. I have empty closets now so I know subconsciously I am going smaller. Empty nesters use the old space the children used then eventually succumb to the idea that the space is no longer really needed. Cleaning less space is more enjoyable than hours on a weekend trying to clean more. Besides projects that are not cleaning bring a different joie de vivre to one's life. Gardening can be a pleasure or a chore. The same goes for any activity. Even the exercise program one does can be fun or arduous! So tasks of any nature with attainable parts are doable! The 20 minute goal for many activities does get much accomplished. Like this blog which I still enjoy doing. It is discipline but worth doing as it keeps me writing and going back to other writing projects. So my next task getting ready for work! How about you? What are the tasks in your life? How are you managing them? Whatever looks overwhelming, just divide into smaller tasks!

EASTER-THE HOLY WEEK-TIME FOR RENEWAL, REFLECTION AND FAMILY

Easter can mean different things to different Christians. For some it is a time for family and Easter egg hunts while other giving up something for lent. Attending Church, reading the Easter story to children and watching religious movies can be in the home.

Easter lilies with their symbolic meaning are a must in my house.

Lots of eggs for the grandchildren to try to find from the Easter bunny. It is always interesting to try to explain how a bunny and Jesus are part of the same event.Having the religious icons are important too.

I found some stickers with crosses for the kids to make crafts. My bookmark from years ago gets taped to a kitchen cupboard. I am not the best practising Christian but I do try to have a bible, some children's books and the talk with the kids. Traditions stay alive if the living make them happen. The Easter story and faith have survived for over 2000 years so it is important to keep it going another 2000 years. What are your Easter plans? Do you celebrate with family? Is the Easter season full of extra church visits?

CLEANING IS EASIER THAN WRITING

Preparations are under way for the Easter weekend with some cleaning of the living and dining areas. More to do before it looks pristine. Weekends are short so trying to divide my time between creative projects and regular housework takes lots of energy. No wonder I throw my hands up at times and take a nap. Yesterday proved that more cleaning can be done than writing! No thinking just grit! Writing and sorting notes then rewriting  takes a slower process. Seeing one pile of papers smaller does not look like much has been done. A room however cleaner shows itself differently! And well- smells and feels cleaner. Cleaning is nice when the doors and windows can be open to let in the fresh air. With a wind chill of -20 yesterday, it could not be done. Taking small piles to the garage comes next with the decision- what do I do with that stuff! Detaching emotionally from things is a harder endeavor than imagined. Things bring up memories but like the Ikea ad with the lamp by the curb- it's just a lamp! So with non-consequential things, they are just things! April will be bringing sorting and downsizing stuff in drawers and closets. I promised myself if it has not been worn than to a charity it must go. I do wish I had that item on my bucket list- a cottage because many things would be good at a cottage! Perhaps someone else's cottage will suffice! Spring does bring a bounce in one's step. I actually found I accomplished quite a lot yesterday with even 4 hours of babysitting for three grandchildren squeezed in there. Don't worry I am smarter than you think. The next work week is 3 days- a conference day on the Thursday and Good Friday- a stat day so if I do exhaust myself- only 3 work days which are manageable! But it is like Spring is in the air as I did not have this energy a month ago. The light! The fresh air! The tiredness of winter being over despite the cold lingering outside! Spring with its expectation of renewal, refresh, review and often reflection! Remember with all the work and busy-ness of Spring that one can slide into Summer with its lazy days! So get cracking with the Spring cleaning or cleansing or decluttering or whatever you decide to do. Then those quieter projects like writing can be tackled again! Or reading a good book or going to a movie! Your choice since it is your energy!

WHY DID HE DO IT- THE CRASH IN THE ALPS

With the crash of the German plane in the Alps, the question- why did he do it? Take away the crash element and make it simple- it was murder. So why do people murder anyone? Too often we try to get into the head of a killer. We probably will not have a definitive answer. The word depression has been thrown around. So let's be good and not think everyone with a clinical depression would be capable of doing what the co-pilot did. Most people with depression are more harm to themselves- not others. Keep it in perspective and say it was one person! People suffering from any mental illness carry so much stigma as it is! People with depression need the necessary supports to help maintain quality of life. Will we ever really know what motivated the man? I would rather focus on supporting and offering condolences to the many families who lost loved ones. Are they getting the attention they need to grieve? The French and German authorities have been quite transparent in their investigations which speaks volumes. The support they are giving to the families is so caring and compassionate. Their leaders are democracy at work- a tough time! The week with a tragedy like this crash stops us all in our tracks. I think I just want to give extra hugs to my family. How about you?

FEAR OF FLYING

There are many different fears. Fear of flying is one of them. My mother always took gravol before a flight as flying made her nervous. Since Dad was an airline pilot it was somewhat ironic. Flying is a very safe way to travel. Regardless of the plane crashes that occur, the number of planes in the air every day supports the notion. Pilots and crew are very well trained personnel. They are medically checked regularly. They must practice and know their routines. The aircrafts are checked before every flight. It may be the lack of control that brings the fear. One sits in a seat and someone else flies the plane. However, it is really the same on a bus or train. Only when a driver in a car is control feasible or walking or riding a bike! So why do people fear flying? Interesting- probably as many answers as there are people. Since I grew up around pilots and pilot talk, I know the safety rules- in the air and on the ground. I feel comfortable in a plane. It is the takeoff and landings that are the most critical times. Yes it is always nice to be safely on the ground again!! When there is a crash and so many people affected, the fear factor rises for many people. It is sad. So dealing with the sadness makes us all feel a little vulnerable. Facing our fears in life does take courage. So on your next flight, realize there are many people at the airport waiting for the plane that may have such fears- cut them some slack!

NANA SAYS TAKE CARE OF THAT POST VACATION COLD

As families return from those March Break vacations and staycations, many return with colds, fevers and little bugs acquired while away. All the fun and stress of enjoyment and togetherness also brings sickness too. Confined in hotel rooms and airplanes can bring a new set of germs. Hard to tell working parents to relax, rest and renew your energy. Many return to work with assignments on a desk. However at home, it could be a time before the Easter weekend to go to bed earlier, drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy. Take care of any little illness before it becomes larger. The weather changes does not help as the warm to cool to winter conditions to warmer days are a pool of germs waiting to happen. Trying to get fresh air away from others does wonders for the body! Remember even good times from travel bring many stresses- like the airport waits! So slowly get back to your routines- don't push yourself Mom and Dad! Hold onto that relaxed vacation feeling! Of course there are always pictures!!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

I was corrected recently for the phrase to say- Be careful what you wish for! Not much difference in meaning. Sometimes others can be a little anal with old idioms. Ask, wish, want! I even read a article once- Be careful what you pray for! Basically, if we throw desires out to the universe we might get what was asked but not quite what we needed and really wanted! I remember a colleague once being happy her manager was "walked out"! I looked at her and stated be careful what you asked as the next manager might not be better for you but actually worse! She seemed perplexed. So many people at work- I can't wait until I am retired! Of course coming from people in their 30s or 40s! Don't they know life is being wished away and retirement will mean they are older!! Do they really want to be older? Having dreams, goals, likes, desires and even wishes are not a bad thing! Can help us get through the day and look forward to happier times! Working towards things we want help us stay concrete and see the flaws! So when wanting, wishing, asking, praying stay focused and be clear as you may get what was asked but not really! So be careful what you ask for!

SEARCHING FOR THOSE SPRING BULBS

With the snow melted in most of the garden, a quick walk around to check if any little green is starting to emerge occurred yesterday. Not yet. The ground is soft and mushy, even on the paths. So perhaps in a week some green may start to emerge. Meanwhile last year's pictures will have to suffice!

Underneath the ground there are spring flowers waiting to face the sun. If listening carefully, the song birds can be heard. On my walk to work, the chirping has become louder and louder. Nice sound to hear! In the house, some corners are slowly being scrutinized and cleaned. Little projects under way that can be completed in a day or 2! Oh Spring! Love the renewed energy it starts to bring! Of course all that energy renewal does require some weekend afternoon naps!! Are you feeling the energy of Spring yet?

TWENTY MINUTES CAN QUIET THE ENERGY

I arrived at my local mall 20 minutes before the two stores of interest opened. So I sat down on one of those modern mall couches. Leaving my cell phone in my purse, I sat quietly observing the world in my vicinity. Some mall walkers were finishing their rounds. One 60 something man took off his backpack and slumped in a chair with hand across his eyes to try to nap- was he a traveller. He did not look homeless. If he had spoken to anyone, it might have revealed his accent- perhaps German. The juice guy was loading his machines with some modern music jazzing up his place. An elderly Italian guy I knew walked by. I tried to catch his eye to say hi, but he looked too self absorbed so no hi. Workers were arriving for their shifts. People anxious for the stores to open. Me- I was early so just taking advantage of the time to people watch, listen to the noises, take in the smells! 20 minutes a day to pay attention to the world around me without a goal in mind. Do not have to pretend I am busy! Do not have to feel guilty if at home where there is so much work to do! Just quiet the energy! Perhaps next time a walk in the woods or sit by a river, creek or lake or watch a sunrise. 20 minutes could be found in so many places. Important to stop and see the world around us, isn't? Have you found some time in between other things to reflect quietly? Precious isn't it?

SPRING MEANS SPRING CLEANING

Someone told me yesterday it will be so nice to have the windows open so a breeze can come in! What a wonderful thought as Spring has finally arrived. Not warm enough to open windows and doors yet, but the weather is slowly getting warmer. Now that the snow has melted, a quick walk around the garden to see if anything is trying to break through the soil. What is real though is the idea of spring cleaning. Now that the curb does not have a snow bank, perhaps things can make their way there. Or some bags for a local charity? A drawer, a closet, a bookshelf, a room- time to cleanse a home slowly of stuff as well as clean those corners. Too soon to change the clothes around as for me that will be a job mid-April. Chilly mornings and chilly nights mean that the warm winter sweaters and clothes are still needed! How about you- are you ready to do some spring cleaning or is it already finished in your home??

SPRING ARRIVES TODAY

Although it is a date on the calendar, it may not seem like spring in many parts of Canada. More snow for the east and rain for the west. With some areas with temperatures in the one digit, people are already sitting outside for a drink. What I love the most is to see people outside. It is like the hibernating bear that emerges from his cave. More light, fresh air and activities that draw us outside- like a leisurely walk make spring a time of year for renewal, review and the proverbial- spring cleaning! There is space on the curb to put out misc items that someone else may want to take. Stuff in the garage that can go to a charity or sell or just to the curb! Besides first day of spring on a Friday- can not beat it! So how are you feeling this first day of spring? Do you have plans? Dinner out? If warm enough to sit outside? Oh spring with its hope of rebirth!!

WAITING FOR CANADIAN SPRING FLOWERS TO EMERGE

Flower pictures are always enjoyable as it is a reminder that under the snow and once the cool weather passes, the perennials will return in full bloom.

Daffodils are so symbolic for Canadians.

The garden can become alive.

 

 

Oh Spring! Around the corner! And under the ground, Canadian flowers are waiting to bloom.



MARCH IN LIKE A LION

What a difference an ocean makes! The Canadians on the Pacific side are enjoying a wonderful Spring while those on the Atlantic have been slammed by another winter storm with so much snow there is nowhere to put it. Then in the middle of the country, cool but manageable Spring weather. Well it's March- In like a lion and out like a lamb can be the mantra! Let's hope the Maritimes are given some lamb weather very soon!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN ARE LIKE A FIELD OF SUNFLOWERS

Life without children would be very boring. Fun, loud, busy, demanding and hope for the future. They take time to grow tall. Starting from a small seed, they grow and change in front of our eyes. the baby year goes too quickly, the toddler year so busy then the talking and learning. Before we know it tall like the sunflower, turning during the day to face the sun. We can be like the sun helping our children learn and grow. A happy flower that is beautiful and provide food!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2015

People of Irish descent or those like I am with some Irish blood are celebrating today around the world. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Some with no Irish blood get into the spirit and wear a little green. Apparently those in Ireland do not drink green beer as can be the custom in Canada and the United States. Personally I do not drink beer but try to have some Irish biscuits and stew! I watched a Walt Disney movie- Darby and the little people- on Turner Classic movies. It was a sweet film based in Irish. The surprise was a young Sean Connery. He spoke in an Irish accent which was good acting as he is Scottish! The grandchildren are over so are making some cupcakes to decorate with green icing. Craft items in green along with some dollar store hats are making the day fun for them. I have some cheesy ear rings with shamrocks to wear to work so the day will be fun. Do you have some green to wear? Have a good day and the luck of the Irish to you!

GENEALOGY-A 30 YEAR VENTURE

Shortly after a nephew was born in 1984, I started doing my family history. 15 binders and four shelves full of books and publications, it has been an adventure. With many databases now online, the jaunts to sit at microfische machines in the library are no longer necessary. Our Canadiana room at the local library still has many obscure books and over sized atlases that need to be scrutinized periodically. One researcher recently in  a newsletter suggested to start at the beginning with one's research and fill in all the gaps and to have sources to be cited. So my one line- Ellis had that cleansing. Removed all the extra names that do not belong to us. Now it is 1/2 the size. Found some information on a great-grandfather that filled in some gaps of where he lived. Always had the basic information. As TV shows  and the one with celebrities that have made genealogy more popular, I always smile when a librarian goes to a shelf and takes a book turning to a page to show the celebrity the information. It probably took her two weeks and several researchers to find that note. Genealogy is not like the ad- type in a name and your history will appear. It is actually like detective work. One layer at a time proving that the person belongs to your family not just because the name is the same but because the link is proven. Like today many ancestors used popular names. Our Ellis lines has one generation with a William and Elizabeth which in the region in England in the 1800s there are many with that name and same surname! So the searching is tedious as one must figure out which William and which Elizabeth belong to us! Another family member from Ottawa has helped with it. I did keep all the extra notes as I will put them in large envelopes to keep for a time, in case someone submits a surname search to a newsletter and I could help like others have helped me.  So the venture continues but with the computer and new databases and a good home printer that has several new cartridges of black ink on standby, this family history amateur will tackle another binder and family line. The huge task is to go digital, although I often worry about all that information in a "cloud". The honourable thing to do is not to share dates of current living relatives- you know identity theft and all!! Family historians figured that one out a long time ago. There was always courtesy to ask people if it was okay to share information. Slowly I am cleansing areas of my house in the event that the downsizing planned in a year or two will occur. Besides, the effort to share family information with members has started with the writing of one article on our grandfather who fought in World War One. I decided most family members do not want all the information- just the highlights and the links and perhaps their own family chart without all the cousin lines. The interesting stories and trends will give lots of food for thought. So the work continues- slowly and methodically. Family historians are patient people. It may be years before a link is made but with a new detail of an ancestor, whole new links occur. I just hope when I no longer can do it, someone else will pick up the torch!

SUNNY AND SNOW- ONLY IN CANADA E?

As the Maritimes were slammed with another winter storm, the flowers are growing in BC. Here in Ontario, cool but no snow. Only in Canada can we have such diverse weather. Calgary can have sun, rain then sleet on a summer day! Canadians are a diverse bunch. We complain about the cold in the winter then will turn on our air conditioners on summer day because it is too hot!! Even though we promise in the winter cold not to complain about the heat in the summer. My kids are headed to warmer climates for the March Break. Me-just hoping the snow will do its slow melt to help the farmers have the moisture they need in the ground. So no flooding with the spring runoff! As for the Maritimes and family there, hope they have seen the end of the snow blizzard for one season! With Spring to arrive next weekend, let's hope it brings a deserved break. Oh weather, always something to say about it!!

WHO SAYS CANADIANS DON'T HAVE FUN AT HOME!

Cupcakes are the fun food of life. Can be made big or small in whatever colour you want. Great for children's parties or for a picnic. A project to decorate in your favourite icing.
Available everywhere and made by everyone!

Choosing  a bottle of your favourite wine at a restaurant or the Liquor Store, will bring some nice relaxed moments. Canadian, Californian, Italian, German, French, Australian, South African, Portuguese- oh the variety! Okay a lot  of Canadians drink beer!

Eating your favourite pickled product, kitchen made in the Fall- for that special homemade flavour. Pickles, beets, red peppers and the eggplant that is shown are some of the delights at home.

Finding handicrafts in your hands like knitting or crocheting or quilting- lots of quilt shows scheduled for the Spring. Projects to organize for those long summer cottage trips. Canadians are very handy!

In a few months there will be local vegetable and fruit to eat, bought at the supermarket or on those wonderful farmers' markets that are abundant in this country.
There are many sports events. Looking forward to the PanAm Games in Toronto in the summer!!
Oh the fun that is ahead once the Spring arrives! So much to do so I better get planning!

BE LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Feeling like a butterfly these days as the cocooning occurring over the winter months is being shed. Trying to transition to more light and the thought of outdoor activities as the freedom of less outdoor wear. Still wearing good warm, waterproof boots and coat as the mornings are chilly. Butterflies are optimistic as metaphorically they are so symbolic of change. So what kind of butterfly would you be? I am just looking forward to seeing some Monarch Butterflies return to my garden again. Perhaps I'll look for butterfly images in the world. A quiet hope for all!!

LIFE IS LIKE A SPRING FLOWER

The bulbs are found from the mother plant whether it is a tulip, a crocus or a daffodil. Planted in the Fall to rest under the winter snow, the bulbs wait for the spring to emerge from the ground. There are different colours and types and selection. Each has their own time span. Leave the plants to slowly die and dry with the spring sun because underneath new baby bulbs are created. The cycle starts again. Life with its cycles and colour and array- just like that beautiful spring flower!

NANA SAYS PULL OUT YOUR SPRING SAFETY RULES

With the nicer weather slowly making its way across the nation, parents are reminded about the need to review all the safety rules. Creeks, rivers and lakes will have melting ice and the banks with snowbanks are not safe. One man fell into Lake Ontario yesterday due to the snowbank on the edge of the lake not holding his weight. Those high snowbanks are not forts as children can fall in and be buried. As more people get out walking, review the street rules with children. Watch out for those little patches of black ice with the thaw and freeze that can occur on surfaces. Pick up all the fallen branches in backyards so avoiding little injuries. Of course too early for all the sun screen but look at your supply and determine if new products are needed. For those travelling south, review all your water and sun safety rules there too. Safety first is always a good motto year round but Spring takes over our senses. Wanting to be outside is a good thing but just do it as safe as possible!

GENEALOGY WEEDING CAN BE MORE EXHAUSTING THAN A GARDEN

An exhausting project is to revise and shortlist my genealogy binders. My research has also included my husband's side and other lines. Over 30 years of research can accumulate lots of superfluous information. Currently working on my Ellis binder, there is so much information on the name Ellis that is not related to our clan. What to do with the extra information as I am streamlining the binders to be put in a digital family tree program eventually- not today. There is correspondence from other family historians going back the 30 years but those individuals are not related. Keeping all information on a name however can be useful. Often relooking at that seemingly unrelated data sometimes does reveal a link years later. The handwritten notes from microfische visits at the library are no longer needed for lots of information is easily available as many databases are online. Can be printed by my home printer- not available 30 years ago.  Examples- census tracts, marriage records. If one wants to pay, Ancestry.com includes other databases. Be careful though as lots of information that you pay at Ancestry is available on other links. Besides sharing with a relative or another family history buff can give lots of information as well. The Ellis name is a common English name. Our roots in the Rawcliffe area of England has many William and Elizabeth Ellis from the early 1800s not related directly. Then the Ellis name in York Region from the 1850 era has many family groups too- not related. Fortunately our Ellis- William and Elizabeth parents of Ward Ellis lived in Claremont just east of me with only 2 Ellis names there. So I always feel that if I see a name search in one of the genealogical newsletters where I am a member, perhaps I can help another researcher. So what I have decided to do- streamline the relevant family history with names and descendants of the that person as I have done for years only neater. Make a separate pile then file or place in large envelopes with the abundance of information not directly related. At the Ontario Genealogical Conference in Barrie in May one of the speakers will be discussing the idea of searching one name throughout the world. Nice idea so I will see if what I am doing can be relevant to keeping the family history information simple for other family members. I still like to complete family group charts as the handwritten can always be transcribed to the computer later. Some modern genealogy buffs think it is antiquated and only digital is useful but I like the idea of picking up a binder without the need of electricity and computer. Why not use all methods? Besides too much information on that "Cloud" could be misused!! With scanning and attaching, information can be sent to others as needed so the cost of photocopying that was the norm for decades then mailing has reduced the cost considerably. Scanning can be work but in PJs by the computer much easier than a library visit.  Another major goal is to write short articles on various family lines. A project for Christmas 2014 included writing an article on Ernie Ellis and his role in World War One. I gave it to over 40 family members. So updating then providing short blurbs periodically to family members will be less cumbersome than saying come and scan the tremendous amount of family information. Streamlining will also allow me to think about how to submit to relevant libraries where our ancestors lived so the histories can be more comprehensive. So weeding out like the garden takes methodical work. Hopefully weeds will not grow back. It is amazing how one binder with both maternal and paternal lines has grown into over 15 binders of information. Of course some historical data, maps and interesting antedotes are there too. One binder at a time. Why did I pick the Ellis binder first- it had the most to revise. So as I continue with the largest projects first then to the smallest, the job will get done. Slowly and methodically-just like all the work that occurred over the years.

DAY LIGHT SAVINGS MEANS CHANGE

Twice a year we adjust our clocks and change the batteries in our smoke detectors. Day light savings is a reminder that change occurs without our control. We must adjust whether we like it or not. More accidents occur as sleep patterns are disrupted. Do we remember to be more careful-well not really! We should as twice a year we are reminded to be careful. Change happens to us all the time. What is ironic is older people are accused of being resistant to change. Actually I find the youth have more trouble. The older one gets the more change has occurred in one's life. Change of jobs, family size, empty nesting, retirement, health, loss of friends and loved ones- change is all around us all the time! Younger people get upset when they can not access the latest app on their phone! What is learned behaviour is to cope with change but not really needing to like it! So here I am an hour earlier getting ready for the day and hoping by next Monday it will be the new norm. Going to bed an hour earlier to adjust. But wait they will be more daylight and perhaps like everyone else has discovered something can be done with it! Oh yeah it is only March and the snow is still on the ground so gardening is out. Too early to put out the garden furniture. So maybe working on a project or just reading a book will help to enjoy the longer day. How about you? What will you do with the added hour of daylight?

Maybe a drive in the country is just around the corner. Planning for those spring adventures is encouraging to this blogger!!

MARCH 8TH-INTERANTIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

It seems ironic with all the advancement of women there are still girls and women in this world treated like second class citizens. Take the time to promote one cause here in Canada, your home town or somewhere in the world for the education and health of a girl. A girl with good health and education will grow to be significant woman and mother in her home community. Here's to all the men who love their mothers, wives, daughters and granddaughters promoting them to be the best they can be! Sons and daughters of good women grow into fine human beings. Celebrate the day with careful reflection of helping to be the change we need in the world.!

SOCIAL WORKERS KNOW WHAT TO SAY

And what not  to say! Counselling skills come with training and practice and more practice. Reflecting and identifying the person's concerns takes more than just saying the right thing. There are moments where honouring the person means so much to that person. Families of sick people take very long and painful journeys to care for their loved one. One comment I often make to such family members go like this. " I can tell there is a lot of love in the room." " You have been a loving and caring daughter/son!" Recently I said " what an amazing wife you have been!" Often no one ever tells the family member who has had a tremendously hard journey with a person they are losing all their care was noticed. Everything they have been doing matters. For me one memory I have, is when my father-in-law was dying in his last hours, two different nurses commented on the skin care that my mother-in-law had done on his body. Joe had endured ALS for 7 years and the last 3 he had been bedridden in diapers. A very difficult feat to maintain to have good skin care. I use those comments from those nurses when I do my End of Life talk to nursing mentorship. Those brief positive comments make a difference. A few days before my mother-in-law died I let her know I would tell her great grandchildren about her. As you see I still mention the wonderful care she provided for her spouse. So when I meet and deal with families who have experienced these painful journeys, I have clinical awareness as well as personal awareness of the long days that turned into years. So what's my point! You do not have to be a Social Worker to notice people around you dealing with a tough situation. Perhaps an elderly neighbour caring for a spouse with dementia- take some time to talk and support the person. A friend with a family member dealing with a life threatening disease- call, send some chocolates or just hold a hand and listen. 5 minutes, 20 minutes, a takeout coffee or just remembering means so much to those people. If you are dealing with such situations, do not say no if someone offers to do something. Let people into your world to assist and give support. Often we do not know what we need. So from one Social Worker to others- Happy Social Work Week! To people whose lives I have touched, it has been my honour to be for you in your time of need.

SOCIAL WORK WEEK IN CANADA 2015

Each discipline, each cause, each town, each country celebrates sometime. So this week is Social Work week in Canada. At our hospital there is a banner in the lobby. Today we had an Open House for the staff to come and see our poster boards as well as eat having some delightful donated food and drinks. It was a good turnout. The theme for this year in Ontario is-
SOCIAL WORKERS: MOBILIZING STRENGTHS IN INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES.
May sound a little pretentious but finding strengths that all human beings have within them allows for empowerment. Not every problem can be fixed but that is not what social work is all about. It is a profession that can be found in a variety of settings- school, hospital, community, urban, rural, clinics servicing all ages depending on the location. Working with other disciplines to provide the opportunities to optimize everyone in the best possible manner is great collaborative work needed in life. It is a profession that has provided many opportunities for me. A chance to use skills, expertise and compassionate care to give to others. Can it be draining? Sometimes. But dealing with a tough situation and being a facilitator is much easier than being the participant. So being there for others is not hard for me. When asked, how can I do what I do? My answer is simple- I know how to do it! It actually is an honour to be part of someone's life at one of the most difficult times of the person's life. Just being and doing with expert and compassionate care! Well that's Social Work! So to all my fellow Social Workers coast to coast- enjoy your week!!

NANA SAYS MARCH BREAK IS QUICKLY APPROACHING

With March break quickly approaching, parents have planned or are making last minute plans for their children. A premium time to travel, often necessary as everyone can be off. Vacation days at work are focused around children's breaks from school. Perhaps not a bad thing as many family vacations occur. For a family to be together and enjoying a beach or ski hill makes memories. But all the togetherness can bring stress along with the fun. So planning something everyone will enjoy can be very tricky. Little children are easier to please. Teenagers not so easy. Taking a break from all the electronics in a distant place can be difficult for many. Too many people have been burnt by their roaming charges and heightened cost for minutes used. Getting a prepaid phone for the trip may be the best solution. A gadget with wi-fi potential is best. Many places such as hotels do have that capability offering it as a bonus for the lap top computers. However, disconnecting from the constant texting and checking of a smart phone can teach there is a life to be had. Staycation have many places offering March Break deals. I remember trips to the Art Gallery of Ontario when my children were little and the activities offered were fun. Make sure the staycation does not become a clean the house vacation. Putting in fun times during the day such as breakfast or lunch out breaks up the day. Patience is so necessary- for airports, train stations and highways. With parents and children travelling, it will be busy. The old ideas of having easy to travel activities on hand for all ages is good. For example, I keep a little pocket Sudoku book for travel. Fits nicely in a jacket pocket! So items that are accessible are best. A little waist purse for all with just enough things will work for a plane. No fussing in a carry on bag that must be put up in storage on the plane. Of course the mother/wife needs a bigger bag to keep all those little extras like tissue, gum, pens/pencils, tickets etc. I know I am always the keeper of stuff! Then make sure there is someone to watch your house or property. Like a willing grandparent! I will be spending my week keeping an eye on things for my travelling children. Makes me wish I was going somewhere too. Memories of past trips south! Glad I have lots of pictures. Oh yea lots of pictures! Nothing like group shots everywhere! Catch everyone in fun moments! Enjoy!

DON'T BUY IVORY PRODUCTS-SAVE AN ELEPHANT

CTV-W5 had an amazing documentary Saturday night on the illegal ivory trade and poachers on some reserves in Africa that are decimating the elephant population. Ivory art is sought in China by the Nouvelle Rich! The stock piles of ivory confiscated when the trade was deemed illegal is released in small portions annually. However, the amount of ivory carved in China surpasses that amount. One advocate of the elephants stated the animal could be extinct in the wild in 10 years. What is disturbing is the fact that those that have ivory can keep it and when a new supply is no longer available, their ivory will increase in value. Some advocates say there are just not enough people and police forces who can work in this area due to the fact that drugs and other areas take priority. The commentator stated that maybe ignorance is a factor as some may believe the ivory tusk is like a tooth that falls off the elephant and the animal does not need to die!! Well let's teach the ignorant! Teaching about elephants and how intelligent and family oriented they are, may help with their survival. Endangered animals are every one's responsibility! If possible go to the CTV website and try to view the documentary yourself! I have not done it justice!

IN LIKE A LION-THE START OF MARCH

February was one of the coldest for the GTA in recorded history. Sure hope March will begin the Spring thaw. My friend out west has shown blossoms on Vancouver Island- well our blossoms will follow in a few months. We need the cold for the Maple Syrup to run. School children make trips to local areas to participate and enjoy an old Canadian tradition. The school break is coming soon with lots of local events planned for those not going to warm southern climates. My girls and families will be headed south for the break. Means no babysitting so can continue to purge and organize areas of my house before the outdoor work starts.

No there are no flowers in the garden yet. But underneath all that snow the mighty crocus is waiting to emerge from the soil and show its colours.