THE SCOTS WENT EVERYWHERE-HERE'S TO SCOTLAND

The Scots influence in Canada is paramount. St. Andrew's day is celebrated in the world. Fergus Ontario celebrates in a big way. Even a province- Nova Scotia was named after Scotland. Our roots and heritage in Canada has many Scottish values. Fiddle playing and Highland dancing are performed at events across the country. Many people like a good malt Scotch, made where else but Scotland. Every parade has one or two bands playing the bag pipes and the members wearing kilts in their favourite tartan. The Scots of course have Celtic roots too which makes up a large percentage of the world's population. I do not have Scottish blood but I do have some Celtic genes. Here's to the Scottish people today.

THE CANADIAN CHURCH BAZAAR

One of my Christmas goals this year was to go to as many church bazaars as possible. So far I have attended 5 such events. The work that the groups at the various churches do is so noticeable. The bake table full of seasonal goodies. Cookies, banana bread, pies, muffins and more all neatly wrapped in festive seasonal paper. The White Elephant tables full of misc items that often could be found at a garage sale but here they are. Some people try to bargain. I usually just give the asked price and if possible- tell them to keep the change if it is close to the $20.00 bill given. The crafts- often knit or crochet wear, Christmas ornaments,stockings, table arrangements are some of the items for sale. A used book, CD or video/DVD table.  Used jewellery and sometimes clothes.A tea room offering well tea or coffee with some goodies to eat. One offered a Spud lunch for part of the day. The lunch out can be something that is fun. What is noticeable are the Christian women and men and youth working as volunteers to raise money for their churches or the various functions they do for the community. Many local churches put together food hampers for the needy in their community along with supporting overseas occurrences. A couple of churches are part of the OUT OF THE COLD program for the homeless in the GTA. One night during the week the church is open to those needing shelter or just to get out of the cold. Along with baked goods from each event, I have bought a baby knit sweater and hat and mitts, a real silver creamer-$2.00 and some collector dolls ranging from $2.00 to $5.00. It is a good thing I have walked to most of them. The churches mid town are a good walk for me. It curbed my spending and limited me buying more items I did not need. It also gives me an idea of where to donate household items no longer needed for next year. The church bazaar was part of my childhood. It was always an event that was fun. I would even buy a Christmas present or two with my saved allowance money. I remember my Mom working at our bazaar. One year she bought me a nice pair of shoes. I looked at them and said Mom those are the shoes I donated!  So attending bazaars in the community fulfilled my goal of giving to the people in my community in a small way along with bringing back childhood memories.There are other ways to give too. Coast to Coast churches are having special Christmas functions in their communities. So be part of your own church function but try to attend others. There is life outside the Mall or online shopping. It worked for me.

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK FOUR

I did attend the Richmond Hill Santa Claus parade last Sunday November 22 with only one of my grandchildren. Sophia wanted to come so out we went. A little cold but manageable. The house is decorated. I changed the decorations on several areas of the house. Hung a variety of stockings along the fireplace- not original but it does look colourful. The living room has things for the grandchildren to touch and actually they can play with them- the Hallmark singing snowmen bought over the years, the colourful empty boxes to be stacked and some of the soft santas that can not get broken but cuddled. The good ones are high on the tables or shelves.

Since one of my lovely daughters is having an event, ordered a special prochetta- Italian pork roast with herbs and spice- from a Fine Italian food market. Little pricey but it will be good at her December 13th event for family and friends. A trip to the LCBO- Liquor Control Board of Ontario to purchase the wine, gift boxes and liqueurs for all the events. I have enough wine to take me to the New Year and beyond. It was November 24th so I said to the clerk- one month from now and this place will be rammed! A few extra Christmas bottles in case we get an invite to an unscheduled event! Writing and planning the menu for our dinner party with friends on the 5th. Trying to add some extra touches. No children so can have an adult theme. Wrapping gifts has been good while watching repeat sappy Christmas movies. Some of the movies are rather lame. Nothing like the classics. My bedroom is Santa's workshop but there is a light at the end of the tunnel I went to another Church Bazaar to support local people. Of course those corners of the house continue to get attacked when I am in the mood and actually have some energy. Lots of breaks and even a " cat nap " yesterday! I was the first on my street to put up some Christmas lights. Now a couple of other houses have some too. However, my street is never one full of light displays. So when I am out driving, I like to go down streets with lots of lights. Christmas lights are one of my favourite things about the season. I love Christmas shopping but I must confess I am using online shopping more this year as it is so convenient especially at 6:00 a.m. Especially for children's toys or books so easy to find. I do not enjoy searching in stores for that elusive item along with other parents and children. Why do some parents let their children play with the store's toys and leave them scattered in the aisles? So at home, I do not see it! I bought the fancy cards for family. Fun to purchase baby's first Christmas card for our new grandson! So more seasonal preparation and looking forward to some social events.

AMERICAN THANKSGIVING IS DIFFERENT THAN A CANADIAN ONE

Firstly it is in a different month. There are pilgrims involved. Both do celebrate the harvest. It falls on a Thursday and the next day is Black Friday. It has an amazing parade in New York City that is attended by thousands of people and watched on TV. Canadians send their Happy Thanksgiving to friends and relatives there. Both have turkey with all the trimmings, although their trimmings may be a little different. Not sure if they use cranberry sauce as a condiment. People fly, drive, take a train or bus or even walk to get home for the special day. The stock market in the US is closed for the day. Can you think of other comparisons?

#canadianthanksgiving#canadianthanksgivingdifferentthantheamericanone#celebratingincanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHILDREN

And children at heart. So parents have the pressure to make memories! So take the pressure off. Planning, planning and organizing will help to get through this very busy season for children and parents. Choose your events! Can you make it to everything, probably not! So one local parade, the school concert, the Santa picture, the Christmas picture,  family parties will fill the time. Then making sure the Santa gift is the right gift! Prioritizing daily and weekly helps to get through everything. Buying the school teacher and the lesson teachers and the coaches theme gifts. Remember to buy a couple of extra ones as children often want to give to someone else you did not think was necessary! Since it is for children at heart, put some events that you enjoy as parents too! Making memories with the children is important. Do you need holiday baking to feed an army or is one batch of sugar cookies decorated with the kids enough and fun? Making a gingerbread house can be fun and edible too. Having Christmas music in the house and sing along. Watching a favourite movie together- okay you can write the cards or wrap a gift at the same time too. Trying not to be a busy frenzied parent is difficult. But remember creating memories that are enjoyable is not ever easy! Did I say it take the pressure off! Decide what is important for your children and family system! Please do not get caught up in comparing with others who are trying to do more. If you are a working mother, you can not compete with the stay at home Mom so don't even try! Do the best you can with the time you have! For children, candies in the house and presents under the tree is the best start! The rest is just icing on the cake!  Oh, your presence is more important than presents in the long run. So hugs, kisses, letting your children know the best thing about Christmas is having them!

THE CHRISTMAS STRESS PICKS UP

Lights in a blur like the frenzy of the season as it speeds up. So much to do! So how to manage it. Slow down and focus on one activity at a time. Christmas shopping can have themes. Rather than something different for everyone- a theme of tops or books or even gift cards to favourite places. If a crafter, making the same item but in different colours so no need to learn a new pattern every time. Remember it is not just about gift giving so the family events can bring lots of fun too. Everyone makes a dish or baked good so the load is off any one person to do it all! My children often rent a playground place close to Christmas so a group of friends with children can all enjoy an evening out with no one taking on the mess of clean up! However part of the season is to feel the frenzy and fun. Parties, dinners out or taking a small present to a special person in your life can bring a smile to your face. I remember walking home from work last year and seeing people with  little gift bags in their hands. The joy, the fun- when someone receives something it can bring a smile. I like to try to wrap with a little flair. This year I have lots of string ribbon so have devised a way to put 6 strands in the middle for a little extra something on top of a gift. Easy and I will use up lots of the ribbon I have. So sort through the Christmas stuff you have stock piled and use up your resources at hand. I found by pulling everything out, I found stuff I forgot I had. Of course having an area in your place where you can leave the wrapping so it is easy to grab what is needed. That space is my balcony and a corner of my bedroom- messy but only temporarily! The Christmas lights on the streets and businesses always bring me pleasure. I love the colours. Happy colours! So if stressed, stop and find something in the season you love- the lights? the music? a movie? or just a favourite drink- sit by the window and watch the snow come down! The season is just picking up. So if the heavy work is done like the outside lights, decorating the house, finalizing plans- December can begin with fun rather than just stress. Well there is always some stress but it means you are alive!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK THREE

Sorting, wrapping- two out of town boxes ready to go, 1 more to do. An early work Christmas/holiday dinner out at a restaurant in Newmarket- Made in Mexico on Wednesday evening with Secret Santa gifts for everyone to share. Yes they serve Mexican food. Received the list from my second daughter on what the kids need for Christmas. Seeing what has been bought and what else to buy. The Festival of Lights at the McConagahy Centre, Friday evening to celebrate our Veterans. On Sunday the local Santa Claus parade will occur. Time to go and snap some photos with the grandchildren- if they attend. Plans at work for a pot luck lunch in mid December. Listening to Christmas music on one radio station but really too early for me to put my CDs with non-stop Christmas music playing in the house. Usually like to listen as I decorate which will occur next week. I have so much Christmas stuff that once it is hauled from the closet, hours of decorating or a minimal this year. I'll see what my mood is when I review my stash! Some TV channels have movies now but not really in the mood for those shows yet. I have two drafts of my Christmas newsletter done so it is time to write the final draft and print them to put in the Christmas cards. I have bought the Christmas stamps to use locally, US and International.  Trying to put away all the clutter that has accumulated in the corners of my house. With all the yard work and hubbie's surgery, the clutter got a little out of hand. My poor den has become the repository for stuff. It will be a January job to sort, sell or give away! The weather has become cooler with some snow in other parts of the country but not locally yet. Some towns an hour or so away have had some mild snow flurries but here in Richmond Hill, just getting a little cooler! My boots and winter coat are ready when needed. I am still the only house on the street with lights so far.

One float from Aurora's parade last year!

FRIDAYS- YEAH

What is it about Friday? The day before the weekend. Plans for a dinner out for many people or at least take out to make the start to the weekend pleasurable. Time away from work and colleagues. If bad weather, can stay home. Or take time to get to an event. More shopping- groceries or otherwise! Of course gifts for Christmas and birthdays! Fridays at work are usually busier than other days! Trying to organize the weekend for the people there! Friday let's us know we made it through the week. Getting ready for the plans for the weekend. Time with grandchildren-actually helping with babysitting this weekend! There was a Mama and Papa song about Mondays! Perhaps it is time to write a song about Fridays!

SOME PEOPLE ARE TOXIC SO CHRISTMAS BRINGS CHALLENGES

We all have situations in our lives where there can be no relationship. With billions of people on this earth it is okay to pick and chose which people will be our friends and those to whom we are polite. Families can make it very difficult. Some siblings do not get along and never will. When parents are alive children often try, but once parents pass away, many siblings make the choice to go their separate ways. It is the civilized thing to do. But there can be those in the family system that like the drama and expect all parties to attend all events together. Forget it. If the relationship is toxic then stay away from each other. Then the in law situation. No blood, just married in! No real commitment to the original family. To try to make family traditions continue that no longer have any meaning is rather futile. Couples and their children make the new family unit. Decisions can be made for them. The extended family works around each couple. With my work in family history, it is often interesting to see how history does repeat itself. Each generation may have had some family members that were toxic and affected how events happened. For me, I would rather have happier smaller gatherings where people sort of enjoy being with each other, then contrived "we must be together for the sake of Mom" events. It does not work. Perhaps a simple meal at a restaurant rather than a big event at one person's house who takes on all the work, could be a compromise. Christmas is a huge event where these old conflicts often start to present the ongoing family conflicts. Smaller events on the days in and around Christmas may work so everyone sees everyone but not at the same time or the same event. Get real. Be honest. If you do not like each other then stay away. A friendly Christmas card to all family members should be more than enough. Even to the toxic people in your life!

CANADIAN NOVEMBER REFLECTIONS 2015

Beauty can be all around us. A simple neighbourhood walk can give us opportunities to reflect on life. A look to the sky through the leaves.

A visit to a church and the beauty of the windows. Actually Richmond Hill United Church in well- Richmond Hill Ontario Canada.

Stained glass with a story to tell about the Christian faith.

Streamers from a light with the colours of the rainbow- indoors of course. How nice- an indoor rainbow!

Not art but an interesting crosswalk that could be seen as art!

Fall flowers bring colour to the changing season.
Take a walk around your community. Look for the images that bring some pleasure to you. Life can be big landscapes and famous locations or just simple pictures nearby. So what are you waiting for- get your camera and take some photos!!

PEACE BEGINS WITH ONE

With all the tragedies in the world, peace and hope for a better world begins with one. Share with 2 others who can share with 2 others. 2 to the power of infinite will help solve the problems of the world, one person at a time. Trying to suppress all the negative thoughts against others including our enemies takes incredible love and hope! Loving all the children of the world! Working towards education and health for all so they too can have a future! Peace, love, charity but the greatest of these is love. I work and struggle every day on trying not to judge others but it is a difficult task when I view events like Paris. But peace starts with one so I will do my best to live up to my own words!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS - WEEK TWO

Letters to the troops were sent November 10. Each year I write to our troops wherever they are serving. The Christmas lights are up outside. My two prelit Christmas trees by the front door are put on little outdoor tables to give them height. I have an ordinary display with coloured, white and blue strings of lights strung from bush to tree to tree. No awards to be won, just some Christmas colour. When they are spread out they actually give more light and seem bigger. I bought the speciality cards especially the First Christmas for new baby for our little grandson born in September. I continue to organize and shop for Christmas. I will be attending a work function dinner needing to bring a Secret Santa gift which is wrapped and ready to go. I am reorganizing some areas of the dining room and living room in preparation of decorating in a couple of weeks. I resisted the urge today to buy more Christmas decorations as I do have a closet full of Christmas stuff. I will be pulling out the Christmas paper and bags to start to wrap the out of town gifts. They need to be packed into boxes to be ready to post the end of November. Finally the photo books I made for a couple of family members came by mail from Blacks. Their stores closed but there is still a lucarative online business with some good bargains for photos, books and other goods. Organizing, organizing, sorting and continuing to shop are part of the Christmas season. Helping the community too. I attending a church bazaar and a Nursing home bazaar yesterday to give some support to their causes. Deciding which church services to attend and where there might be some beautiful Christmas music to hear over the coming weeks is important too. I will watch the Santa Claus parade from Toronto on TV later today. The parade is taped then put on TV. It actually helps those who are in the parade to see themselves. I love Christmas and have learnt to pace myself so I can enjoy all it has to offer.

129 VICTIMS 129 STORIES

When we hear the number of people who died in Paris, it means little until we put faces to the numbers. With more dying from the injuries sustained, the tragedy becomes surreal. For most of us just going about our average day can bring home the reality that no event can be safe. So deciding to live in honour of those who lost their lives is the best strategy. Each loss represents a story- a family attached to the person. A reason they were where they were Friday night. I was shopping today and thinking that my quiet mall or any one's place of shopping could become a location for tragedy. By learning about the victims they become people. To the people of Paris and France, worldwide support has given hope. Even in Toronto, the Toronto sign has been lit in the colours of the French flag. The CN Tower has the colours of the French flag. Hockey games played the French national anthem. Australia, Britain, Germany,  and many other parts of Canada have done symbolic gestures and vigils. The outpouring of support is heart warming. I saw a picture not seen by me before of Paris after September 11th- the American flag very huge in front of the Eiffel Tower. Very poignant. Countries that believe in democracy, liberty, peace are behind each other. So I will continue to hear the stories of the lives lost. It keeps it real- not just numbers.As with other tragedies like plane crashes- people, not victims lost their lives. Being vigilant but not paranoid keeps us going. In public places being aware of those around us to keep each other safe. I always watch out for little children anyway. So by keeping yourself safe, you help to keep others safe.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

It's just another day or is it. Depends on your point of view! Or suspicions! Do bad things or unusual things happen on the 13th! Quite frankly the fact it is Friday and the end of a work week works for me! I really can not remember it making a difference in my life. One nephew has a birthday  the 13th of June so sometimes it does fall on a Friday. Being a pay week it had some luck. Going to a birthday party today makes it fun for all! So how about you? Any trepidation about it being the 13th?

POSITIVE THINKING FOR A THURSDAY

Sometimes the road seems lonely. But keep going and there could be a solution around the corner!

Look across the water, to the hope of a greater life.

Wait on the bench for a friend to join!

Then burst into a sea of colour and inclusion!

WRITE THE CANADIAN TROOPS 2015

Not only attending Remembrance Day services, it is a time of year to think about our Armed Forces serving in various parts of the world and Canada. My tradition is to write a fun Christmas letter to send to the men and women serving. Since I do not know one personally it must be addressed Any Canadian Armed Forces Member. No parcels- just letters or postcards. So on red or green paper with a little Christmas sticker or two the composed one page letters are printed. Folded and addressed with some tape to keep them closed but allowing for the Belleville post office to have a peak to see it is just a letter. Addressed 17 last night so will be in the mail today. I used to send some small parcels but after September 11th it was not allowed- just notes from non-family. You can find the addresses in the National Defence website or just use the email address to send Morale Mail to the troops. Some years I may get a response from someone. I have a binder with my special letters. Maybe one day I will share some of those poignant responses. I never know if my little letter touches anyone. I hope along with school children and others the various locations fill a wall with such letters, notes and Christmas cards. So like a garden each flower adds to the overall appearance. Letting people know we are thinking of them, especially those serving away from home at Christmas is such an easy, small gesture out of the busy Christmas planning. I have been doing this since 1991!! Supporting our troops is such a Canadian thing to do, eh!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK ONE

It starts with the list. Usually written early in the fall or late summer. Who, what, where and why. Always looking for sales and purchases that could be used for Christmas presents. Asking for early wish lists from families so if a large purchase is necessary to look for the best buy and of course a sale. Checking out Christmas bazaars and sales at churches to help support their efforts there. What local charities may benefit from some support. Deciding who to support, where to give. Organizing the December social schedule. Well Christmas dinner is easy but the other events. What time with friends and families. Going to outside dinner or lunches or entertainment. Of course prioritizing the out of town people. I still send 3 small parcels so having their stuff bought, organized and wrapped by the end of November is a must. Yes I know a gift card stuffed in a card is easy but receiving a little parcel is fun for the recipients that will get these little gifts. No lights or decorating until after Remembrance Day in honour of our Veterans. So have you got started yet?

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO CANADA

Although Remembrance Day is November 11, our local service is always held on the Sunday before the 11th. So I walked up to the cenotaph to participate in the ceremony.

Prayers, hymns, reading of poems and the important laying of the wreaths.

The Veterans from World War Two become fewer and fewer.

Lest we Forget flag part of any ceremony.

Even precious hand crafted by the local brownies, guides, cubs and scouts! A good turnover on a sunny November day. Here's to those currently serving, we remembered you too!

OUR CANADIAN HIGHWAY OF HEROES WILL GET 117,000 TREES

To honour our Canadian veterans who died in conflicts over the years, a stretch of the 401-Macdonald-Cartier- highway in Ontario from Trenton to Toronto is called the Highway of Heroes. Whenever a fallen Armed Forces person returns to Canada their body is brought along that stretch to the Coroner's office in Toronto. Ordinary citizens, police, firemen will line all the bridges along the way with flags and hands across hearts. Often they wait for hours for the hearse and cavalcade of cars carrying the family and others to proceed. Cars on the highway will pull over to the right to allow the the procession to pass peacefully.  A wonderful salute. It was announced that over the next few years 117,000 trees will be planted along this wonderful route to honour our fallen. Remembering is always important! The families and friends will always know their loved ones will be honoured. Canadians are a quiet bunch but we do love and care for our country men and women from all over this beautiful nation! Lest we forget!

LIFE IS LIKE FALL LEAVES

As the trees shed the remainder of their leaves, there is an adventure in walking through them. The sound of crunching and swishing and dragging one's feet to enjoy the sensation is a small joy of embracing the moment. Wishing I had my camera on my walk to work, as many images prevail! Like life Fall has its moments like the middle age woman. Finding new activities before the cold of winter.

When the wind blows, listen to the sound.

The leaves although laying on the ground, reflect that lives have been lived.  Get out and play in some leaves, then of course rake them up. Put them on the flower beds to keep those spring bulbs warm over the winter. Oh the fall of our lives so full of life, love and new ventures incorporated with the old ones.

WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE

How many poppies do you have? Remember those who fought for our freedoms in Canada in the various conflicts over the centuries. If you don't know them all, a visit to the War Museum in Ottawa will give a reality check! I wear my Vimy Ridge pin with pride- my grandfather Ernie Ellis fought in that Canadian battle in World War One! Our family hero! Do you have a family hero? If possible hug a Veteran!

RESILIENCE GIVES STRENGTH FOR TOUGH TIMES

Calling on life's experiences to forge through tough times keeps one grounded. Resilience the ability to bounce back and hang in there. The dictionary tells us- recovering from shock, depression- buoyant! In the clinical world, individuals and families that survive well show tremendous resilience. Surviving hard times and picking up one's socks to continue takes it. Not everyone bounces back! The threshold of resilience can vary with individuals. Sometimes I surprise myself at how resilient I really am. Child of divorce in the 1950s and ridiculed in my youth taught me to trust and like myself. Layoffs, fraudulent business  partners, a conniving family member and other events did not stop me! Reaching out to others and being a good friend. Finding the good people and being nice to others but not including them in my inner circles.  Recently dealing with some glitches after my husband's knee surgery, I revisited the concept of resilience. The way others reacted to me, I realized they do not know how really resilient I really am!! They did not know me! So he may have some ongoing health issues that need attention. Manageable! We can do it! Even Adolph's resilience to the current situation is so hopeful. He had to quit smoking cold turkey and he did it- one day at a time! Life is going on and is okay. Besides folks as we age, we are all going to get something! Sometimes it may just be old age, but everyone dies eventually. So facing the issues along the way and dealing with them head on, well that's resilience. So what if you need reading glasses, a cane, medication or whatever else will help you get through the day- be resilient and just go for it! Tell yourself all the other events you survived and you can survive this one! Of course one does not have to like everything thrown your way, you just have to cope and be resilient! Are you dealing with a tough time today?
#resilienceintoughtimes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#gettingovertoughtimes#beingagoodfriend#facingourissuesalongtheway

NANA SAYS CHILDREN CAN BE HEROES

A wonderful little five year old was honoured in Edmonton yesterday at an awards ceremony for saving her mother and brother. The car had rolled down an embankment, her mother and brother were injured. She removed her air bag. She climbed the ridge in bare feet to the road near Jasper to flag down a car. Her actions were noted by emergency services. Children have been known for their ability to think and act under pressure. Not every child needs a traumatic event to prove they can be smart. Teach children where they live and how to get help. The 911 number and how to call emergency services if needed. Children can be helpful in any situation. I loved the story. It really touched my heart.

FENCES GIVE US BOUNDARIES

Fences make good neighbours. In life putting up our own fences  help us contain various aspects of it by keeping us focused. Separating work and home. Friends from acquaintances, Public and private thoughts. Sometimes fences needs mending like relationships. Deciding on what kind of fence. One that allows air. High. Low. Letting us see the view beyond our own existence. Nostalgic- like a white picket fence or black iron that is gated! Keeping others out but keeping us in. Fences can even help countries and become a wall like the Great Wall of China or the wall around Rome. What would your fence look like if you built one? Does you have a psychological fence around you?

NOVEMBER GIVES TIME FOR ORGANIZING AND PLANNING

The garden almost finished for the year, just need to rake leaves and perhaps clip back some more growth. Spray the paths with weed killer for the winter and I am done- I mean really done. With Adolph's knee the yard work has been all mine!! Time to do the indoor projects and organize for the coming events. Or maybe just find pockets of time to relax. The surgery and its aftermath has taken more of a toll on me than realized. So enjoyable activities like Christmas planning and blogging and crafts will bring some renewed energy back to me. Shopping at stores of choice and the joy of online shopping make the activity of Christmas purchases more manageable. If harried- gift cards! Of course getting through my first week back at work will be challenging too! Take each day at a time! Do my job and then come home!  Looking after a sick family member is not a vacation! So perhaps planning for some kind of winter vacation or real time away from work for fun will be in the future. November includes several family birthdays. So celebrations are in the works. Cake is always something to include in meals!! Remembrance day services are part of my planning too. I always like to attend the local ones. Perhaps one day I will be in Ottawa for the national one. November is the dark month with shorter and shorter days. Until there is snow that seems to add some light to the night, it can be dismal. So with the time change and some added sleep November will be approached slowly and methodically! Looking for positive outlets to renew, energize, refresh and perhaps have some interesting reflections on life. I promised one of my genealogical societies some family history articles! Researching and writing family history stuff usually takes me to another place and helps with my overall well being! One day at a time! One thing at a time! November is seeming more optimistic than originally thought! How about you? What do you have going for November?

MOVEMBER- TIME TO THINK PROSTATE

Men grow moustaches in November to support the need to think about the prostate and other urological problems. So if you see your favourite males with some upper lip growth, it is for a good cause. Men's health supported by other men!

A POSTCARD FROM PIER 21 HALIFAX NOVA SCOTIA

On a recent trip to Nova Scotia, my sister-in-law  Edna sent some postcards from Pier 21.

My brother Reed and she were exploring some of the information surrounding the Park landing in Canada. The family actually landed in New Brunswick but the research staff at the Museum were extremely helpful in finding the information they needed.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a wonderful place to visit if in Halifax. It is on my bucket list. When the museum first opened, I sent my husband's immigration story which is listed under the Italian immigrants to Canada collection of stories. Along with his family he landed in Halifax June 29, 1959 on the Queen Frederica that had sailed out of Naples Italy.
Perusing the website again, it is full of wonderful pictures and stories. Historian Steve Schwinghamer has written a great summary of some of the Canadian immigration history that pertains to Pier 21.
Between 1928 and 1971 it was known as the gateway for 1,000,000 immigrants. My husband was one of the 45,000 arriving each year. Troops, war brides and others left Canada and arrived through this historic location.

I would recommend for you to visit the website: www.pier21.ca for a closer view and read about this significant Canadian landmark. For students or those searching their family roots, it is a great source of information. You never know some of the pictures they have may include a relative or two. If you have questions you can email the staff that are always so helpful. If you have a story in your family, I would suggest submitting it to be included in the ongoing building of the history of Pier 21 specifically and Canada generally.
So thanks to Edna for sending along these cards!
If you want your story here, email me at abdm@rogers.com for my address so you can send me a postcard!