CANADA WILL CELEBRATE 150 YEARS IN 2017

As the beginning of thinking about ideas on how to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, what ideas have come to mind? Well not too late to head to Home Hardware or order online from them! They have cloned a special tulip for the celebrations that looks like a Canadian flag- red and white. So buying two boxes containing  25 bulbs each and sharing with my girls- I gave 10 bulbs to each family. Most of my 30 bulbs are planted in various spots as well as large pots. I still need to find spots for the remaining 8.  Rather than just putting them all in one spot, I picked one spot under the tree in the backyard that is visible from the kitchen window.  Needing to find one or two more spots! Why make flowers pretty for neighbours when I really want to see my flowers! So planting spring bulbs in the Fall brings joy in the Spring!  A little project for the 2017 celbrations already started!

OCTOBER LEAVES, NOVEMBER ARRIVES

Denying that cold weather will arrive ends with the start of November. Days are becoming darker much sooner. With the time change next weekend, the reality will set in. How to make a dismal month with the remaining leaves leaving the trees to their bare brown branches  become a wonderful month takes passion! The remainder of yard work to be done in small doses. So being outside with fresh air is good for the soul. Thinking about the outdoor lights for Christmas can be a small project. Attending Remembrance Day services is a must. 3 family birthdays will keep us busy too. Of course Chirstmas shopping will be in full force. Orders from family members for knitted hats, scarves and even a blanket have come my way! So those moments of wanting to watch TV, I can have a little project in my hands. These are good moments. Quiet time knitting or crocheting at a leisurely pace means something is being done. With aging, the pace is a good one. No need to rush. The energy level is not the same! So sitting and doing conserves energy! Looking for photo opportunites with the change of season is a good quiet project too. The end of the month brings some parades. Heh a photo opp! Each  month brings challenges. Each month brings wonderful family time too! How to endorse the people around us can be the greatest gift of any month! What are your thoughts on November?

HALLOWEEN MARKS THE END OF OCTOBER

For children, Halloween is right up there with the celebrations of Christmas. Planning their costumes for months. Parties at home and school. Of course, treat and tricking from door to door. Getting candy or chips or some people give bookmarks. But children prefer candy. The industry around Halloween with the food, costumes and accessories is huge. Lawns decorated for Halloween become a status symbol. Some homes in the GTA go over board enticing many visitors but have a box to collect for some charity of choice.My street has changed from children to empty nesters. So I never know how many children will come to my door. I still give out a  can of pop of choice and candies. I make special bags for my grandchildren who live elsewhere as the first item in their bags. The little boy across the street who is one of the remaining children gets a special bag too. I miss the endless parade of children. Love to see their costumes and joy of just getting something. One year it was wonderful to hear copious thank yous from all the children. Manners do prevail! I am putting out little pumpkins. Decided when my girls were teenagers that carving pumpkins was work. No one here to care. So little ones will be present. So to all the children and adults that need to accompany their little ones have one ghoul time! 

END OF OCTOBER IMAGES

Some Fall images stand out. A quick picture on a country road is one of my favourites. Always liked taking pictures of fences. Especially old barn board ones.

A gazebo is so inviting, even with a Canadian flag. Think of a speech or a wedding picture or a place out of the rain. Always wanted one in by backyard but it never happened.

A fence along a road. Housed some horses. Images can be found everywhere. So my thoughts may be reflecting- don't chain me, a place to meet or dance and don't fence me in!
What images are you capturing lately?

#fallimages#fences#gazebosarebeautiful#fallinontario#lovingthefallcolours#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WORRY CAN LEAD TO ACTION

Okay some people are just pessimistic worry warts. Not what is meant here. Our little worry voice can make us pay attention to areas of our lives. Did I pay that bill? Should I call that friend? Something comes to our attention and worry creeps in! Worry jolts us to reality. Our reality. Worry can help us be organized. For example, preparing for an event, because we worry about it can bring the needed action of getting the pieces for it done. Positive action of completed functions are good. Life comes with its share of worry. Worrying about the future may mean putting in a good retirement plan. Worrying about a job may mean doing a better job! Being aware of one's surroundings are always good. Positive action, not just knee jerk reaction really help with life. Be careful though, some worry is just useless waste of energy. Try not to worry about everything. Try to keep positive thoughts and energy so action is good.

                    Rake up your worries into one pile. So stop worrying and get going!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN LOVE HALLOWEEN

Second to Christmas, Halloween is so exciting for children. Deciding on the costume starts months in advance. Now with the huge selection, the sky is the limit. I remember as a child wearing one of Mom's old blouses. Wearing makeup was exciting. Now children can be their favourite movie or TV characters.  It still is a fun time to go door to door, escorted of course by parents for safety. Schools with their Halloween parties. Since it is on a Monday this year, there are going to be many parties this Saturday night for children and adults alike! The problem with purchasing Halloween candies too early is many people dip into the stash of little chocolates so often have to buy more for the big day! Adults shelling out at the door can dress up too. It is a fun time for all. Just a few days away!

APPLE PICKING IN CANADA

If there is an orchard near you, still time to pick apples. All kinds grow in Canada. Some are better for pies and others are good for eating. Farmers often have an orchard or two nearby for pick your own. Baskets of picked ones are available! Stored in a fridge or cold cellar apples last for months. Of course supermarkets will continue to have apples in their produce section.

Apples are such a good fruit. Eaten fresh or like many Canadians make apple pies, apple crisp and apple sauce which is good with a pork roast. Delicious, Macintosh, Sparta, Gala and Golden are some of the types grown across the country. The Okanagan, Niagara and Annapolis Valley are 3 locations. Can you name others where this lovely fruit grows? Remember an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

MONDAYS- A CHANCE TO BEGIN AGAIN

Monday is often a dreaded day for work. But it is always an opportunity to begin again. Make some goals for the week. Hopefully there are not too many meetings and other events that need urgent attention. To attend to the regular aspects of one's job. Clean up the little piles of paper that need cleaning. Trying to learn to do with less paper. With so much electronic filing and organizing need to get in the groove. Have one spot for basic summaries. My address/journal/notebook is a hard copy with lots of information in one neat spot. I do not want to put all the private information out there on the Internet. Like in the genealogy world, the vitals on living people are not on the Internet. To keep some privacy is important. Always! So Monday the start of the week. Actually the weekend brought some closure to some piles of stuff around the house. Methodically areas are being purged. Trying to use each night for an activity to get through the week with some success. Trying to write and write some more on little projects. What about you? How will your week unfold?

TIME TO WORK

Feeling good about yard waste. Tried for 2 bags and ended up putting out 8 bags. Mostly leaves but my group of bags at the curb shows some meaningful work was done. Life is like that sometimes. Nice to have something show for all the effort made. My goal for the Fall was to put 50 bags of yard waste to the curb. I am at 15 so far. So getting there slowly. Setting life goals and just going at them brings meaning to our lives. No matter how small or what the goals mean to the individual, it is important to keep going. So what projects do you have? Just get started and see where life takes you!

TIME TO WORK AND A TIME TO PLAY

Stress, hard work, complicated events can lead to life's trials and tribulations. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Or in this case Barb a dull girl. Life/Work balance is so vital to keep healthy both mentally and physically. The Bible says there is a time to dance. So off to a dinner/dance. Not sure when a last dance was attended by us. It might be different as dancing isn't as feasible as it was in previous years. Health issues have slowed us down. But heh, there are slow dances so maybe it will work. I like the notion a time to play better. So what are you playing this weekend?

EVEN SMART PEOPLE GET FOOLED

No one can watch their back constantly. Or know that some people will be con artists of various levels. If your Achilles heel is known then someone may just attack it. So if you do get duped about something or anything do not beat yourself. Learn from it and try to find ways to help others to learn too. Trusting, caring people can be the most vulnerable.  You know what they say, there is no fool like an old fool!

OK JAYS TIME TO GET A WIN

Canada is watching and wants a win. Can the Jays turn it around. Optimistic people say yes! Let's go Blue Jays. Let's play ball!

                                                           We can reach for the top!

FALL REFLECTIONS

As the weather changes, so does the mood and trepidation of what is ahead. Rather than embracing each day, many worry about the next phase. I can not help it, I have been worrying a lot lately. Predictions of a harsh winter! Well it is Canada and some winters are harsh and others are not. It's life. Preparation does help. For example, my garage is almost cleaned the way I want it to be but right now our car has a spot. When the snowy weather starts it has a refuge from the weather. Will still poke away at the garage and put more stuff to the curb as well as recycling.Collectibles are there so advertising to sell things, mostly duplicates and a spot to view them is done too. Shovels are handy, need to buy another bag of salt. Coat, boots, mitts, scarves are in the front hall. Of course, I hope they will wait for a longer time- way longer time!!Yard work not progressing as well as hoped. Two weekends of babysitting off and on caused the delay! Of course Christmas shopping and seasonal thoughts are on the go. Made my list in August with some fun purchases from day jaunts! Considering cutting back on decorating this year- just the big stuff. I really want to concentrate on the little writing projects! I really want to concentrate on activities I love! Work is work. I used to love it but am finding Mondays harder to face! Many days I just feel old! Other days, can set the world ablaze! But more days of feeling there is some much to do to leave some legacy to this world. I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and of course my hubbie! He is doing okay but does have some health issues! So Fall with its beauty and changes brings so much to contemplate. Enjoying the good times, preparing for the months that are coming, discarding the clutter of things and thoughts and embracing all that is good!

                                     Which way to turn can be an ongoing question too!

FALL IN LIFE'S JOURNEY

Older people are usually accused of being set in their ways. Not liking change. Really the problem is there has always been change. Life can throw curve balls and no matter what your life is changed. Needing to roll with the flow takes energy and courage. Courage to keep going no matter what. Fall is so metaphorically good as a stage of life. Fall as the end of summer- like the end of little children, an empty nest, retirement or thinking about retirement, downsizing, moving, health issues and many new aches and pains. Fall can have lots of colours and fun but can be the realization that winter is coming- the end of the seasons. Sure there is botox and tummy tucks to try to look younger. But no one can recapture youth! Embracing Fall with gusto and some A2W can help! Lots of life-just not at the same pace and with a few naps!

OCTOBER AND ITS FUN EVENTS

Yes Halloween is coming. But it means the end of the month. Still 2 weeks to go of fun and outings. Especially those farm trips. Buying the big pumpkins for carving and decorating is a Canadian traditiion coast to coast. For this tired nana, a liitle pumpkin is all that can be mustered. It's the meaning that counts, not the size!

CAN'T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES

Sometimes in life we are caught up in activities. The larger picture escapes us! Too much, too little time. Being busy. Being tired. Then the the light bulb goes on and life becomes manageable. The forest presents itself loud and clear.

ONTARIO FALL IMAGES

A Canadian image. A lane way with Fall colours. One of my little jaunts that brought this lovely image! Where is it leading?

One of my favourites! Pumpkin man on the Willowtree Farm- near Port Perry Ontario.

Lake Scugog getting ready for the season ahead!

There can never be enough pictures of fallen leaves. Such a common image in the Fall.

Along the side of many roads.

Just take a country drive anywhere and enjoy the Fall colours. The Fall that season after summer. Often dreaded as the prelude to winter. Like the Fall of our lives there is so much to see and enjoy. Relishing the good. The harvest. The colours. The seasonal weather that can be warm enough. No boots or coats yet. Ontario in the Fall is so beautiful. Like other provinces in Canada that have so many beautiful images to offer.
#ontariofallimages#pumpkinman#adriveringthecountry#fallleavesmakebeautifulpictures#ontariofallisbeautiful#treesandalltheircolours

NANA SAYS PARENTS CAN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

New parents. Parents with bulging families. Parents of teenagers. All phases and stages of parenting bring challenges but also lots of joy and memories to be made. In my time books and journals on parenting assisted as well as a degree in psychology. Several courses on child psychology in fact.. Remember the principles propagated today are based on psychological principles. Just ask me and I could tell you the theorist. I digress. There are many supportive internet sites for parents- Yummy Mummys is one. Of course the magazine Parenting with lots of insight and tips, strategies to help get one through the day. Remember there is the wisdom and experience of older people in families- grandparents, aunts, uncles! The important thing is not to approach parenting as a job but a journey. The relationship between parents and children builds character, shares love and is what family entails. Talk with other parents, share moments, bitch, commiserate, laugh about children's exploits. Many parents have their hockey buddies,dance buddies, soccer buddies or whatever activities their children are doing can bring new friendships. Sharing means caring and helps with the overall stress of being a modern parent with modern demands. An important trick to learn would be how to overcome being so tired all the time!!

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Adversity- according to the dictionary- the condition of adverse fortune. Misfortune. Sounds so trite doesn't it? But anyone who faces misfortune of any nature will tell the world it is not trite. Depending on the misfortune, there may not be much support from anyone. You didn't get the job, try for another one. Suck it up! Be a man! Be a woman! Get over it! Do we need support to move on? Probably. At least to have the event acknowledged! Large events like the death of a loved one gets immediate attention but over time if the person grieving is not healing the support wanes. A lost job and trying to find a new one wanes too. Immediate support of others helping to network goes away.It is too hard to be around the down behaviour and mood, so people move away from the sufferomg person. Offering counselling services, groups or intensive therapy do help some people. Support with others going through the same circumstance. The fact is clear that sometimes people do not come back. Their lives changed forever. The messages or movie playing in the head will not go away. for example, if the love lost was the love of one's life, a choice may be made to stop really living. Getting stuck in one's misfortune often leads to bad choices- drinking too much, drugs, overeating. Even prescription drugs can become a crutch. Situational depression can become clinical depression. Why do some people bounce back or just work really hard at moving forward? Why do some people become stuck? Is it in the gene pool? If advesity has not come your way, it is very difficult to understand the journey of another! One strategy is to get up every morning and put one foot in front of the other. Start with some daily goals. Find some meaning, no matter how small. Embrace the people who love you. Keep going. Do the dishes. Put out the garbage. Wash your hair. Go for a walk. Read. Write. Paint. Increase your activities. Push negative thoughts out of your head. Can't go it alone- get some professional help! Know too that many people chose not to understand your situation so find positive people in your life who really care! If you can be the positive person to another, then be there!

THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS

Sitting down for a great meal with adults and children is a challenge. No matter how wonderful the food children often are picky eaters not wanting to try it. Of course the adults can not get enough of a good thing. Just being together eating, talking and sometimes laughing is what any special festive holiday brings. Making time for each other. Thanksgiving brings the joy of thanking and thinking about life. Unlike Christmas with the month of hoopla, Thanksgiving is quieter and less hectic. So that makes it special. Glad to be together. Some families are experiencing their first one without their family member. So it is a prelude to bigger events in the future. For most workers, Monday a stat holiday. A day away from work. Of course, some stores chose to be open which spoils it for some people. Being in October, depending on the weather still time to be outdoors. Or like some people cleaning the garage and putting stuff on the curb. Making room for the car when the snow flies! For the hostess a day to eat leftovers, put away the holiday dishes and enjoy the quiet. Putter and reflect!

#thanksgivingreflections#childrenarepickyeaters#beingtogetherwithfamilyforthanksgiving#reflections#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A CANADIAN THANKSGIVING 2016

Every year Canadians from coast to coast celebrate Thanksgiving- the second Monday in October. It is a harvest celebration although churches do have services of Thanksgiving. The first celebration started with Frobisher in 1578 who was grateful he returned safely from journey searching for the Northwest passage. Then Champlain and his "Order of Good Cheer" in 1604 in Halifax sharing a feast with some First Nations people there.
By 1879, thanksgiving was held but at different times. Then after World War One, it occurred with Armistice Day in November. But our real stat holiday was in January 31 1957 when the Canadian Parliament proclaimed it to be a day of honouring our thanks to God and would occur the 2nd Monday of every October.
Harvest home! The celebration actually connects with the European roots of celebrating the harvest. Celts apparently celebrated a harvest festival over 2000 years ago. Quite fitting that many modern Canadians can claim some Celtic lineage!
Besides being a day off work, it is a fun weekend of outdoor and indoor activities. Some close up their cottages, some go to a farm to pick up a pumpkin and other vegetables but mostly a feast of a meal.
Turkey with all the trimming- turkey stuffed with a bread stuffing, cranberries made into a sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, sweet potato, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, brussel sprouts  and to satisfy the guys some Italian sausage. Dessert with a pumpkin pie and whipping cream, apple pie and vanilla ice cream and some pumpkin shaped cookies for the kids. Your choice of beverage.

Some of my favourite memories are watching my mother cook the dinner with the excitement that other family would be coming. My Uncle Norman, Auntie Lynn and cousin Pam were usually the family coming. My mother would make turnips too along with frozen corn and peas. We do not eat turnip now. If out somewhere I would eat it.

At school we would make Thanksgiving decorations. However, pilgrims were included which had nothing to do with the Canadian Thanksgiving. Only in America and that's in November.

Church altars would include a cornucopia of items. Celebrating the harvest. Celebrating for all that we can be grateful.

#gratefulforthanksgiving#cranberries#thanksgivingdinner#canadianthanksgiving#thereisahistoryforaCanadianThanksgiving

THE FOODS OF A CANADIAN FALL

Fall brings the last harvest of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Eggplant.

Cranberries go with turkey or amazing in many baked goods.

A field of pumpkins of all sizes.

Onions crated in the Holland Marsh ready for market. The smell of onions was pungent.

Red peppers- sweet for roasting, pickling or lovely in a veggie platter with dip.

Concord grapes and fresh cauliflower.

Brussel Spouts cooked and ready for eating.

Can you name the variety of squash available? Goes back to our First Nations' roots. They introduced us to the mighty squash!

Still can find some corn!

Fresh parsley and sage along with the red onion!

More pumpkins!

Farms loaded with vegetables for good eating.

The sunflower gives us some wonderful seeds to eat plain or with salt.

Apples and more apples of all varieties everywhere.

Fresh garlic picked and good for months to come.

Eggs at the supermarket or from the farm.

Oh I could go on if I could find more pictures. Where is there one of the Potato- all the varieties. Potatoes can be made into so many Canadian dishes. Hum, maybe another post! Then I only included fruit and vegetables. The meat dishes are plentiful too! Of course this weekend with the turkey and all the trimmings! Canadians eat well! So come and join us!

#canadianfallfoods#fresheggsfromthefarm#garlic#apples#eggplants#squash#parsleyandsage#lotsofgoodcanadianfood#let'seatcanadian

IT'S MOM'S MONEY-SHE CAN SPEND IT

Some adult children worry about their aging parents spending their inheritance. As care needs change and there is money in the bank, it can be used on those needs. Even before a parent ages there could be some sibling rivalry about a parent giving a sum of money to one child in need. Well it is very clear. It is the parents' money to spend how they want. Of course as long there is no financial abuse occurring. The parents earned the money. It is theirs to spend. Of course, many people do want to leave something to children and grandchildren. In most situations it is very clear and straight forward. There is no abuse or rivalry. I have had some conversations lately with acquaintances where this was occurring. One child was upset the parent gave some assistance to another child. Well folks, it's Mom's money- she can spend it like she wants!

NANA SAYS TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT THE THANKS IN THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is about the harvest home. The Fall abundance of food and living. Letting children know by role modeling how to thank life for all that we have. Food, clothing and shelter. So a simple grace at the festive table. Asking each person what they think is important to them. Thanking others. Thank you is a huge phrase in English that should be used often and with meaning. Little children can learn its meaning as soon as they learn to talk. Adults of all ages have the responsibility to teach it by being thankful. What better time! Thanksgiving! A wonderful opportunity to be thankful!

OCTOBER-PREPARING FOR THE FALL

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the house and grounds need a cleanup. Summer months let us relax so the corners acquire some clutter. Feels good to go around a home and just keep cleaning and decluttering. Items to the curb next week, some to the recycling depot and some organized to sell as collectibles. Some of my earlier stuff is now vintage! The first room organized is the dining room where the Thanksgiving feast will occur. Like other women, by the time we all sit down, everything will look so good that it seems like a piece of cake- no real effort. But a well planned event takes some work and organization. So when you all head out to homes that host the feast, remember to thank the host and hostess. It is more than just a meal. The home needed hours of preparation. Besides the special event is for special people like you!

DON'T FENCE ME IN!

Fences are so meaningful. They create nice neat boundaries. Keeps our neighbours at bay! Allow for personal space.

They are everywhere. Different shapes and sizes.

Old barn board fences are still prevalent in Ontario.

Field stones make an interesting fence around an Anglican Church.

A city street lined with a fence.

A Fall walk is coming. Time to swish through the leaves as the trees discard their foliage!

#fences#don'tfencemein#fenceshelpwithboundaries#beautifulfenceshelpwithneighbourhoods#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OVER THINKING

Do you every over think a situation? You sweat and worry and analyze. Over thinking can cause many restless and worrisome nights! Why do we over think a problem or situation or issue? It can be unnecessary concern. All the over thinking will not change a situation. If it involves another person not present, the way to stop over thinking is to realize that person does not give a rat's ass about you!