THIRTY DAYS HATH SEPTEMBER, APRIL....

June and November. All the rest have 31 except February which in 4 has 1 day more. A nice rhyme to remember the number of  days in the months. April with 30 days always seems shorter. It is the real first spring month with all the preparation for the rest of the season. The flower beds are raked. The garden reviewed for what work needs to be done. Spring cleaning in a flurry. Items given away or maybe even planning a garage sale or 2. Summer exercise routines started. Even today did a power walk with my weights. Plan to do it Saturdays and Sundays! The energy returns after the winter indoors. There is an urgency to get going and started that is very Canadian. In most parts of Canada we have 4 good months. May-August. If April can be used for outdoors work as well as September then it is extended a little. No real planting until after the Victoria Day weekend because of frost potential but lots of getting started. Although cooler weather hit us in my area, already eaten outdoors a few times and onto many seasonal barbecues! If you know me well, May is my favourite month. Goodbye April- it has been a good start to the warmer months- birthdays, dance competitions, hockey tournaments, fun times for all! Yes the buds on the trees are about to explode with colour! How was your April?

A CANADIAN WALK IN THE PARK

Walking is an easy way to enjoy the outdoors. To a favourite park, along the street or if lucky a walk on the beach. Slow, fast or even power walking with weights are some of the milieu I have used. Taking a camera is a wonderful way to capture little and big images.

  Near a park can be a town street with interesting captures. Too early to take photos of spring flower beds but it will happen soon!

Of course my walk always includes going by my local pink library. The Central library in Richmond Hill with its windows and light for patrons. So what are you waiting- get your runners and your camera- get walking! Or running if you prefer!

HANDLING STRESS WITH CHOCOLATE-ONE COMFORT FOOD

Comfort food often helps us with stress. The word comfort is important as it has a soothing tone to it. Chocolate the forbidden food now has some medicinal purposes in modern times. In moderation a bit of it in our day is not harmful! Eating a good balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruit is a must to help with any stress in our lives. Exercise really helps also! But enjoying one's life with some simple pleasures makes a happier life!  A chocolate fountain-how comforting can that be! Yes dipping the fruit in it makes a double reward!

NANA SAYS LOTS OF FUN AHEAD OUTDOORS WITH THE GRANDCHILDREN

Although the weather is cooler than wanted, the outdoors and short day trips are on the horizon. Being outside with grandchildren is so welcome. The local park we call granpa's park is a simple little playground the children love.

With slides and monkeybars as well as swings, something for many children. A short walk from home, it has been a favourite activity for all the grandchildren.

Kids can make little adventures. Usually taking them in the little wagon where snacks can be stored when they need a break.
Of course, there may be car trips to other places like Pioneer Village or the Ontario Science Centre or a conservation area for a picnic. Sometimes the Moms drag me along on their trips like the Toronto Zoo last summer! Rainy days bring fun indoor places too. Bring on Spring and Summer with the possibilities of lots of fun! Who says children need to have all the fun!

CANADIAN SPRING FLOWERS 2016

The fragrance of hyacinths permeates throughout the garden.

The first tulips in the back garden with more to come in the front garden in a couple of weeks.

My little blue ones popping up all over!

A planted pot of pansies add some colour to the front door area. How is your garden coming along! Lots of work! But the colour is to be enjoyed, eh?

TRY NOT TO BE MEAN

One of the facebook comments was trading some live disliked personalities for some popular dead ones. My first thought was- that's mean! I know it was supposed to be funny but to me some things are not funny. Like wishing someone dead! Suicide jokes! Fat jokes! Just mean! We can have mean thoughts periodically but no need to say them out loud. Trying not to be mean is not difficult for many people! However, there are some who believe I can say what I want when I want! Okay! It is a free country but remember Canadians are nice, well maybe not all the time but most of the time! So if a mean comment does not have to be made then don't make it!

REUNIONS-TIME TO SHARE LIFE

Luckily there are different groups of friends and acquaitances in my life. Each Spring the Langstaff Ladies- some of my High School mates- get together for lunch at a hotel near the Airport.It is a middle spot as we all come from different directions.  Some years it is a small group and other times more can attend. Yesterday it was 8 women- all my age. Refreshing as there is no need to explain oneself or be treated as if I needed botox! Being with others who are going through life and enjoying the moments! Sharing a picture or two but now with Facebook easy to keep up differently! A good gab and a goodbye- see you next year or maybe sooner, who knows! There is a history. We know the highlights! There is no competition! Who cares who makes more money and has a nicer car! Just a chance to remember the old times, live in the present and hope the future brings more joy. Some are retired and others still working like I am. Reunions are a needed part of life. I always feel good coming back from this one. I can tell my hubbie how it went because he knows the ladies too- it was his High School!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE QUEEN!

Turning 90 is an accomplishment for many people. The Queen turning 90 and still working is even greater. Her life looks so easy but when viewed closer she has had her degree of difficulty and sadness. Her father dying prematurely so she had to ascend the throne at a young age. Her children having marital difficulties and divorces like average families. Dealing with all the public scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. I saw a wonderful little video with her life from baby to now. She was so beautiful as a young woman. However, her grace and beauty still shine through in her smile and her love of her people. So Queen Elizabeth the Second, enjoy your birthday and life!

LIFE IS LIKE SITTING BESIDE A FIREPLACE

A fireplace is so inviting. Don't you want to pull up one of those black chairs, reach for a favourite beverage to read a book or just contemplate life. Or have a nap! Through the ages the fireplace was warmth for the home and a place to cook food! For most of us now it a decorative part of the home or is it? Do we have fireplaces due to our collective unconsciousness? Does a fireplace connect us with safety and security? Or to our past? The types of fireplaces can vary from traditional to very modern. Gas or real wood burning! A room with a fireplace usually is very cosy! The entrance to a wonderful venue- The Manor in Kettleby Ontario- seemed to invite us all in to a wonderful day. For most of us, the fireplace is where we hang the Christmas stockings! Do you have a fireplace? What does it do for you?
#lifeislikesittingbesideafireplace#fireplace#TheManor#KettlebyOntario#timeforafunevent#lotsofgoodcooking#cosyistheroomwithafireplace

FAILURE LIKE A FROWN TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN

A frown is a smile upside down. So failure at things can often lead down the path to success. If something does not work then try again with another attempt or idea. Many successful people had many tries at trying to establish themselves. Once successful there is no guarantee that the top will be the permanent spot. Success can be measured in many ways. Usually in our materialistic society it is by the amount of money one has and the expensive car and size of house. However for real people it can be measured in the love for family, faith, living a life that has meaning and just being happy with the cards that are dealt. We see where the rich and famous go for a vacation with the $10,000 a suite for the night. But I know many people and often family members who have a great time with their camper camping at a favourite park and sitting by the camp fire. With Smores! Do you know some successful people? A retired entomologist, pilot, brothers, older people writing books and family! My children do not know how well they are doing raising their own children! Immersed in daily activities one can lose sight of the broader picture. So look at yourself in the mirror, is there a frown? Well try to smile, if nothing else happens it make you a happier person attracting others and giving back to the world!

LIFE IS LIKE RUNNING FOR A BUS

Walking home yesterday, I witnessed a poor High School student who ran for the bus but the driver pulled away without him. It make me think about times I took the bus. Sometimes too early and waiting and waiting. Other times it would be stopped on a red light so running to catch it just in time. Or running and the driver would just pull away making me wait for the next one. I would wonder if the driver took pleasure in not being nice and letting one more passenger meet the school or work deadline. I know there is always another bus coming. But after a hard day's work it is great to catch the first bus and be on one's way home. Public Transit is great but people are at the mercy of schedules and well drivers. Like life not everything is in our control. Sometimes we catch the bus and sometimes we wait for the next one.

NANA SAYS CHILDREN ARE WORTH IT

There can be days in a busy life with whining children and just too much to do that you may think, was having children worth it! For this Nana yes! It's true the grandchildren can be fun but also work too. I recalled a time when my children were little- 5 and 3. It was after a long week of work and stuff. Friday night decided to share the bath with the kids so I could go to bed early too. I was washing my hair at the end of the bath when two little hands with a soapy washcloth started to wash my back. The simple touch made me slow down and be calm. A little child supporting a Mommy! In your busy time as  parents give your children a chance to be there for you. Thank them. Include them. Be available-especially for teenagers who may need a hug more than the little ones. Put away the gadgets. Have a movie night with popcorn! Play a board game or go for a simple walk together. Take time to let little hands help you!

LIFE IS LIKE A CANADIAN QUILT!

Quilts always make lovely wall hanging. Large or small. Traditional or modern they can be found everywhere.

Sometimes they tell a story. Or  a social group's project.

My anniversary quilt from 25 years married. With a big annivesary coming up, is it time to make another one? Garden or quilting what would it be! Perhaps a Fall project!

Or an anniversary trip somewhere! Like Rome, it would be nice to see some famous landmarks again!

A lovely Mennonite quilt from St. Jacobs! Many quilting bees occurred in our history. Using scrapes in the olden days to wonderful modern fabrics in modern times.

A sampler quilt from a previous Creativ Festival in Toronto! Life is a beautiful quilt. Bringing pieces together1
Keep Calm and Quilt On!

BAPTISM- A TIME TO REFLECT ABOUT ONE'S FAITH

There is nothing like a child's baptism to remind one of faith. Christian faith had its struggles throughout history. The Reformation with some separating from the Catholic Church to form new Protestant sects. So a baby's baptism at the Aurora United Church was a wonderful family event. It is a church with its own struggles. It is housed in Trinity Anglican Church now as the original heritage building had a fire in 2015. They will rebuild. All the churches in Aurora are on Victoria Street- an old part of the town. So to see the littlest grandson baptized and to be part of Christian faith was a powerful and humbling day. The United Church is one of many to help Syrian refugees resettle in Canada. Reaching out to other faith communities with care and compassion! To reconnect through family and grandchildren!

#baptism#unitedchurchofcanada#baby'sbaptism#Chrstianfaith#reformaiton

WARM WEATHER BRINGS EVERYONE OUTSIDE

Do you ever notice as soon as we have a nice day everyone comes outside? Strollers with babies. Couples walking. Neighbours that have not been seen for months are still alive! Smiles and hellos! Like bears exiting from hibernation. Even that trip to Canadian Tire had people looking at summer furniture and grass seed! Adolph managed his first Spring barbecue on Friday night. I had my first dinner outside on Saturday night too. As most people know I have as many meals as possible on my back porch. I even found a wasp trap so perhaps the meals will be more enjoyable. Even though the temperature could go up there were some guys in shorts and flip flops visible in many locales!

Never tire of the continuing blossoming of the garden. Even purple flowers- my favourite colour!

SHELLS-THOSE TREASURES FROM THE SEA

Somewhere along the road of life, shells come into play. Clam shells from Canadian waters and a great variety of specimens from the oceans of the world. Florida a great place to find shells! There is something universal that permeates through the ages about shells. Why do we like to have? Collect them? Pick them up from a beach? Really a shell was a little creature's home. A piece of coral- was a living form!

A whelk- a souvenir from a family trip in 1988 to St. Peterburg on the gulf side of Florida.

A pretty gift from a family member to add to the mix. The sea and all its elements are part of the human consciousness. Water! Besides being pretty there is something about shells that makes time stand still. The size and variety of them keep the serious collector very busy. Having  a few in one's possession that can be shared with little family members is enough.

Broken shells and little pieces can used in craft projects in which the sky is the limit for variety of ideas. I find the best thing about shells is being on a beach with a little bucket and walking and looking for some pretty ones to keep. How about you? Have you had a similar experience? A beach! Finding some shells!
#shells#seaandwater#wateranelementoflife#shellcollectors#findingshellsonbeaches#clamshells#conchshells#tigershells#usesshellsincrafts

STRESS-CAN IT BE MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING?

Everyone has stuff. Things to do. A life. How we handle the daily stresses can make or break a good life. There can be a competition of who has more and who is more stressed. But sometimes can it be- much ado about nothing? Everyone has to get up in the morning and has a routine- less stress. Keeping items topped up in the home so there are no midnight jaunts to the supermarket, although it can be fun periodically to shop at odd times! Meetings where just about everyone has diverging opinions and there is no consensus! Why don't they listen to me, I Know I am right????  One cares about dinner and the other one does not. Strategies when life is getting into a tizzy to step back and decide- is this stress really worth it! Is it really stress or just my reaction to it! Having too much to do can tip the scales! Parents with young children have many daily activities just to get through the day! Waiting for major events to finish! Looking forward to some good times but take effort to make them happen! Stress can be self induced. Busy, busy, busy- have to run! So much to do! Then they could be a time in one's life where there is so much less to do. Do you ever hear people talk about boredom and being idle, wanting to be busier! Wanting the stress back! Oh well, much ado about nothing! A Shakespeare play- perhaps time to reread it and take another stab at the topic! Or just cruise through the day with the light being the return home to reflect or not!

Or think about a favourite lake and sail away on your favourite sailboat!
#stress#muchadoaboutnothing#disagreeingandnotstressing#busyandhavetorun#knowingwhentostepbackandnotstress#whatdidShakespearesay#dailyactivitiescanbestressful#theboredomfactor

NANA SAYS SPRING BRINGS RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations are beginning to happen. In the United Church of Canada, baptisms are very important too. This Sunday will be the baptism of my youngest grandson. It gives an opportunity to stop and reflect on what faith means to family. Attendance at church is down but there are many people in Canada that state Christian as their religion. It makes me realize that adults must role model faith to children. Belonging to a church is one way to demonstrate it. One of my grandchildren one day stated, I do not believe in God. My answer- well God believes in you! So not just talking but doing the walking of practicising Christian values does keep the faith alive. Meanwhile the Baptism will be enjoyed. It will be our family's time of quiet reflection.

DAFFODILS FOR APRIL

The Daffodil is the flower for April. Why? It is a reminder about cancer awareness. The ones we wear on our lapels are a reminder as well as a fund raiser for the Cancer Society. Everyone has been touched by cancer in their families or even personally. It still is a hard burden to carry! I just always say- Cancer Sucks! No sugar coating about courage and carrying on! So buy your daffodils! We are all in this together.

MAYBE I'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOME ONE'S LIFE

Mondays are always a hard transition from the weekend. Home with so much to do and some of it just enjoying being home. So I had this thought about work today- maybe I will make a difference in some one's life. Then a skip in my step thinking about the possibilities the day could bring. Everyone works, has a family, does stuff- so all of us do have opportunities to be life changers. Perhaps a nicer smile and thank you to a clerk. Teachers praise your students. Parents more hugs and less yelling!  As a health care professional, people who are sick deserve the best that can be given. Rather than what life owes me what do I owe life. Remember Kennedy's famous line- ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country! Same consideration for life. Given one, so let's use it well!

VIMY RIDGE- CANADIAN HEROES AT THEIR BEST

April 9, 2017 was a significant day in Canadian history. During World War One, the battle at Vimy Ridge in France was one of the turning points of the Canadian role in the war. April 9, 2011 I wrote a post to this great day. In our family, Ernie Ellis, my grandfather played a role in that day even earning some medals and recognition. My post on April 9, 2011 tell his story. Here's to all who served that day and to all our Armed Forces personnel who are serving today.

KNOWING YOUR PLACE

Work life can bring days where one gets put in their place. This is your job- do it. I am the boss, I am smarter than you. Is it okay to put someone in their place? Do you ever hear, I told that person off and put him in his place? It speaks of an old caste system, doesn't it. The gentry are superior and the workers are the inferior. I make more money than you so my opinion has more value. Doing the job one is paid to do is vital. But respect and consideration of everyone's worth is more compassionate and well human. What place are you in anyway? The place where I live is just fine, thank you very much!!

LET THEM EAT CAKE

This comment in history had a negative connotation. In modern life, eating cake can be a luxury. So many people on a diet, can't have a bite! Celebrations usually include a sweet and it could be cake. So go ahead and have a small piece. If really brave, include a scoop of ice cream. You will be glad you did!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN CAN HELP WITH CELEBRATIONS

Letting children help to organize and plan their own events start to build skills that will last a lifetime. Sometimes they will pick the same old, same old. What do you want to eat? Pizza or hot dogs or whatever is their favourite. What theme do you want? Often the favourite of most other children but it gives some say in what is happening. Who cares what is on the napkins? If the child decides then it makes the celebration more inclusive of the child. Adult celebrations can often use a child's influence. I often let the older grandchildren help with the place cards for a festive table. Family celebrations can be simple or complex but a child feeling a part of it builds memories! Some children even learn to make their own birthday cake! Imagine the pride of one little boy recently for his 10th! As adults we are usually in a hurry to get things done so exclude the little helping hands. Slowing down takes patience but is worth it in terms of confidence building with our children. A gingerbread house at Christmas! Painting Easter eggs! Making cookies for a barbecue! Well you get the picture!

APRIL CELEBRATIONS

Each month brings a celebration of some sort. There is a death so the service is the celebration of the person's life. Remembering those who left us and celebrating the memories of that beloved person or people. Birthdays with cake and balloons and presents are the most fun. Then a scheduled baptism coming up to bring a young baby into Christian faith. Dance competitions to celebrate the little dancer who practised and practised to be part of the group. This year even trying a solo, building the confidence of a young dancer who tries to overcome shyness! Hockey tournaments and little trophies! Celebrating the number of goals!  April with its mix of winter weather lingering and hopes the warm weather will return. A month of memories! A month to create memories! Time for Spring cleaning! Time to find new meaning in life! Time to revisit old meaning in life! What to bring back into life! A spring walk or jog or bike ride! Just being and celebrating whatever can be done in a day! Oh April the beginning of those long Spring and Summer months even with the white glitches!!

OPTIMISM-THAT POSITIVE TRAIT

Being optimistic can annoy many people. Wanting to complain, lamenting about everything in life then the optimist comes along! Even the Good Morning with enthusiasm can bring scowls from others. The day is what it is! Roll with it! Things can get better but they sure could get worse! Prepare for the worst but always hope for the best! Optimists are also very patient people. Stay positive to attract positive energy and ideas. It does not mean the optimist has not faced adversity because this one sure has. Playing with the cards life has dealt even if they suck! Some good can come! Is there a silver lining, not always in every cloud but even the storm clouds will pass and sometimes leave a rainbow! Monday is always a hard day but it does bring opportunities for everyone! Someone may be going to a hopeful job interview or having a baby or waiting for some new furniture to arrive! Finishing a project or going to a lunch with a friend! Another day, another time to enjoy life! Glad to be alive! Glad to have a chance at new ideas or recycle old ones. Celebrating a child's birthday and thankful for that child! Oh optimism!

SPRING CAN BE FULL OF SNOW TOO

April is that special month with spring bulbs springing out of the garden. Snow in the GTA and Southern Ontario has come again. Many of my spring memories are around snow in April. The year I finished my Masters coming home from downtown Toronto April 15th with 2 feet of snow everywhere. My Spring baby and the Freezing rain and cold weather April 4th. First year in our house and an April snowstorm. So I am not surprised with the weather. My coat and boots and other winter stuff is still handy, including the snow shovel. The only good news is the moisture is good for the garden and the farmers' fields. Perhaps we have fended off a Summer drought! What do you think?

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY

The April fool's joke is I don't do pranks or practical jokes. Sometimes sarcasm if annoyed. Having said that I watched an old video clip on Canada AM of one of the most famous April Fool's jokes years ago from the BBC. It showed women in Switzerland picking fresh spaghetti from trees. Nice long strands. The announcer was very convincing explaining how they grew the trees even using wine. The women had little kerchiefs on their heads. Funny! So joking aside, have a good first day of April. If you know of some good and funny April Fool's jokes do let me know! A good laugh is always good for the soul!