NOVEMBER THE BUSY MONTH BEFORE THE REAL CHRISTMAS SEASON

November is always a busy month in my home. Two local family birthdays as well as sending wishes to my brother..Shopping, wrapping, Christmas letters and cards done- time to concentrate on the house and some social events. Actually went to a team dinner with some colleagues so time to be home and rest. Not a party animal. This time of year brings lots of reflections as memories of past events creep into my thoughts. Remembering family times. For many people the season has mixed blessings. The present with its hoopla and events as well as the past which may have been happy times mixed with some unhappy times. Trying to decide what is important for the season. Taking time to enjoy it. So deciding to make it the best Christmas ever can be a goal for all. The sense that each year may include people that may not be with us next year. I remember the year my mother-in-law was in her last stages of her cancer. I took a special video all the season with her in it for some memories for my family. After she died the next July that video was watched many times. Rather than running away from the fact that each event should be enjoyed as much as possible and to embrace the loved ones in our families, Christmas is a time to stop and take in all that has meaning in our lives. Simple events like listening to the wonderful music while reading a book or just listening to the music. If able go to a concert or one of those church special evenings of music. Teaching those songs to little children. I have a wonderful CD for children with all the Christmas songs. So as we say goodbye to November, embrace the fun of the season- yes there is work, stress but find ways to manage it and roll with doing what has the greatest meaning to you. If you are not too busy see how you can help the busy parents in your lives.

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 5

Waiting to get through a birthday celebration at my house so only a few Christmas items are out. More wrapping and needing to shortlist my gift list to determine who needs something else. Must keep the items even for the little grandkiddies.
Saturday night was parade time in Aurora- Under the stars, a night time parade. Adolph and I took two of my grandchildren that we were babysitting to be with our younger daughter and family. So the cousins could have a time together. Nana had a bag of popcorn with little baggies for the kids to enjoy. Two small pizzas rounded out the need to eat.

Actually throughout the GTA-Greater Toronto Area- there were many parades on both the Saturday night or Sunday. Toronto had its big parade last Sunday-November 20th. It used to be called the Eaton's parade but changed to Toronto when Eaton's no longer sponsored it.

By putting some Christmas lights on a truck or float or car just makes everything prettier. It was not too cold but rainy so the dampness sent the Grandpa back to the car.
We all waited until the big guy in the red suit appeared.

Of course the grandkiddies and the big kiddies always have to give a wave. Lots of fun for all!

So back to organizing. With the birthday celebration, the rowdy corners of the house have been cleaned. So going to a social function then the rest of the week will be pulling out Christmas decorations. Only the big stuff off the floor this year. We have a toddler in the family who loves to put everything in his mouth!

SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS MEAN SPECIAL EVENTS

Every birthday gives another year of life to each person. But certain years bring different celebrations. Turning 1 and lots of fuss. 13 and you are a teen. 25- half way to 50. 30 leaving youth behind. 40 is huge for most people. You are really leaving youth behind. 50 can bring a mid life crisis especially for men. Although many people retire before 65, it is a good number because some old age benefits begin and pensions can be had. 75 is good too. If spire can really party. 100 is good but many people are cognitively impaired so really do not enjoy it. Good photo opportunities for families. Every birthday should be enjoyed. Time for little get togethers or a dinner out or a big party.

                                          Of course the bigger the balloon the better!

TORONTO CELEBRATES GREY CUP WEEKEND

Party on Toronto as East meets West in the Football Classic. The weather should be okay for lots of indoor and outdoor fun. Calgary joins us again to try to capture the coveted cup. Here's to all the football fans wanting a good time and bringing some excitement to the GTA!

MANAGING THE STRESS OF THE SEASON

The energy level starts to increase. Christmas parties at work and home. Buying presents and wrapping or just gift cards for all become decisions to be made. Black Friday with all the deals so many waited to purchase those big ticket items. Decorating the home inside and out. Finishing or starting the correspondence for the season. Keeping an eye on the weather as it can put a hamper on events- well Christians get the picture! What church services to attend? By pacing oneself and doing small tasks at a time the season can be managed. Decide on paper what is most important to do! Family events can cause undue stress too. Whose home does the old grandmother need a bed for Christmas Eve? The unmarried uncle who contributes nothing but expects to be entertained. For most situations it is the busy woman trying to put it all together. So pull in any men folk and give them chores and little jobs to do. For example, if a special item ordered online can only be picked up at certain stores- send him. Taking parcels to the post office or other courier service, hello another job for him! I always advice young wives to give a job to their spouse. Men do not read minds nor do they really see all the tasks to be done. So alleviating some stress by having the lists visible and negotiating who can do what and when. Wrapping presents together can be an activity after the children go to bed! Get out the Christmas books and read as a family. Find simple quiet tasks that are needed to do together. Always what memories do you want to create for your family! Little children want to be part of everything. Let them help to decorate the tree too. Yes there are picture perfect ways to have a home done but if there are children then some adjustments can be made. What is fun for them? Stress is a huge topic and more may be said. But start with taking a deep breath, exhale, and go forward!

NANA SAYS TWO PARENTS PARENT

When my children were little, I really resented anyone who said the daddy was babysitting the children. Mothers parent and Fathers babysit! Hum! Well some people in this new generation seems to think the same sometimes. My daughter Sonya a modern Mom has her own blog and has been writing well. Her latest article on being a team as parents is a good read.
houseofkerrs.com
She is writing about the daily demands and issues facing young parents today.
Back to the two parent thing- children are not just the Mother's responsibility. With a third generation of women in the workforce, it is not a new concept that some women still chose to stay home. Some women really do not want to be in the workforce and enjoy being a stay at home mother! Good for you! But many women want it all just like men have had it all- work, recognition and parenthood. Actually other generations of women worked in factories, on the farm, in family businesses, held the fort during the war years as well as the chores in the home-but their work and contribution was not always recognized! Women have always worked in the workplace and at home! There has always been double duty. More men have stepped up and become a team with their spouses. Just doing what needs to get done in the home and garden!
What really has to happen is for women to stop bashing each other! Yes as an aging woman I have always recognized that women are women's worst enemies. Embracing and supporting all mothers and fathers as they parent young children together is important.
As a Social Worker, it is how one parents that helps to nurture and raise children- a tough job but loving and caring job. Two parents parent. If a family is lucky, there are grandparents, aunts, uncles, older cousins and family friends, neighbours, coaches and others that surround our children to help with it all! It takes a village to raise a family so let's support the village. But most of all support the young mothers and fathers around you. Give them a listening ear and your blessing!

ARE YOU AN ANTIQUE?

Life is full of everything. People of all ages. Older folks still feel young inside even if their bodies have slowed down. Age can be irrelevant! Some 80 somethings can be more energetic than 50 somethings. In the workplace, the staff has aged. Many older employees have retired. Now being one of the older ones, the ageism comments creep in often. Trying to be a supportive colleague, it is very difficult to discuss simple events. Being compared to others' mothers and often grandmothers has become quite boring over the years that just not sharing what I do has become the norm. How was your weekend? My response- busy like everyone else! I also do not get into pissing contests with female colleagues. Who has done more? Whose lives are more interesting? Just would like some of my colleagues that have since left to visit so I could have a friendly, non-challenging conversation.  I read, I write, I challenge myself. I love the antics of my grandchildren. They make me smile and feel all fuzzy inside. If I share a story then the contest starts to compare whatever else is going on! I am a good listener so if someone has a story I just listen. I would love the same respect back! I do modern things- have a cell phone and take some pictures on it but like the antique I love my camera and uploading good photos. I even print pictures too. Like digital, photo books and even share those print pictures with others. Just sending an email with an attachment is nice but I like to think my recipients enjoy seeing a print picture in their hands sometimes. Antique! But I love being one. Those that visit my home see that I have collected antiques over the years. My kitchen has an 1850 Butternut buffet that is durable and attractive, for example. So are you an antique? Like I, do you enjoy being one?

IT'S BEGINNING TO FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS

With a first blast of snow and cold, the weather makes it conducive to think about Christmas. Forget the stores have been full of Christmas stuff since Halloween. If one has not started to put up lights or shop, the weather somehow makes everyone get busy. Of course, the majority of Canadian women have been at the Christmas thing for months. Lists for gifts are usually made in August. Planning and doing are on the calendars and agendas. Deciding who does Christmas dinner and all the other parties around it. The blast of cold means the boots, mitts, scarves and yes the winter coats that have been waiting are to be worn today. Another reason to be organized and get things started early. Weather can delay everything. Flights cancelled so out of town parcels sit in airports too. For some reason if there is no snow we do not feel it is Christmas. Yet baby Jesus was born in the desert and a much warmer climate! Strange eh?

COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK 6

Cashed in some Shoppers Drug Mart points to get some misc Christmas goodies and a couple of toys for grandchildren on Tuesday. I couldn't wait for the big bonus one. I still can cash in two more times. 95,000 points to get $170.00 worth of stuff-free. The extra bonus ones usually gives an extra $50.00. It will probably be at the beginning of December so can buy more goodies, some appetizers and lots of food items. Depends what is left on my list. One of the best bonus deals in town. #ShoppersDrugMart.
Saturday was blitz shopping at Indigo/Chapters for books of course. The store is amazing with lots of non book items. #IndigoBooks.
Then to Canadian Tire for some outdoor items for the kids- little shovels in pink and blue plus a green plastic sledder for each family. And another string of white outdoor lights. I want to change my display a little. Paid a bill then to Mastermind to buy a Rubik cube for two grandsons. They both love math so thought they may like them. I never could master the cube! A little Dollie and free brush/mirror for the youngest granddaughter. My online shopping packages arrived Friday so shopping is coming to a nice conclusion. I will shortlist what I have done to see what else is on the lists. The big kids want gift cards- boring but doable.
Of course, stocking up for the drinks needed- a trip to the LCBO- Liquor Control Board of Ontairo. They always have gift packages for Chirstmas. Special Cat Bottle wine from Germany for Christmas day. I bought some Beer and Wine for the Birhtday celebration too. I always buy a bottle of Sweet Vermouth. It was a tradition with my Italian Mother-in-law to have  a little drink with her before Christmas Eve dinner. With ice and a slice of lemon, the vermouth is poured in a glass. It just keeps some traditions to have it in the house.
Watched Christmas movies in my bedroom while I finished wrapping another out of town parcel and some of the local gifts. Two grandchildren are sleeping over next weekend and there will be a birthday celebration. They like to snoop and peek so if the gifts are wrapped and in a bigger bag then it saves the problem of hiding the presents.
Sunday has been card writing and addressing the envelopes. They will be sent the end of November but are done. I finished sewing the ends of an afghan I made over the last month for my oldest granddaughter. I have been working on the blue and red hat another grandson wants.
Good thing there is lots of music in the background as it helps with the Christmas stuff.
After the birthday celebration next weekend, I will start to decorate the house. I have a couple of things out but the big chore will be after November 28th.

THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM-SNOW IS COMING

Southern Ontario has been enjoying warmer seasonal weather. Cool but no boots and winter coats yet. However we are told that the snow is coming Sunday. Good thing my garage has a spot for the car and most of the yard work has been done. Maybe another bag or two of leaves to go!  Lots of activities to do inside. But the shovels, salt and other winter paraphernalia are ready. I try to think like a child and get excited about snow. I do not try to think about the months of winter to be endured. Embracing the change in weather helps with the adjustment. Finding indoor and outdoor activities such as snow shovelling the driveway keeps me grounded! Pretending it is fun makes it bearable. Don't forget for the photographers in all of us, winter photos are beautiful. Just have to be able to drive to some good spots to get the photos!

                                                   A little reminder of what is to come!!

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS #1

Getting started in genealogy is often a puzzle that is easy to solve. Popular shows have made it look so easy. A click on the computer and your family lines appear. If lucky a family member has all the information you need. For most novices, there are ways to get started. Not as simple as a click!
It is detective work and keeping good records
A pedigree chart of your liking- there are a variety of ones that can be used. I have always used the Ontario Genealogical One. Put your name, then your parents, your grandparents etc in the little boxes.Some sites have very pretty ones that can be bought or try for free down loadable ones.
Next comes family charts. Each family member has their own chart and are part of another family chart.
There are computer programs and lots of sites that give advice on how to keep your information.
When I started 34 years ago, it was the charts and binder system to organize. Now some new diehards say everything must be digital. Going from 14 binders to just digital will take time. Scanning all important documents will take time.  So gathering the information then investigating which way or computer database to use to organize, store and save your information. Backup all your information A helpful hint- by sharing information with other family and they have some copies then it can be a simple backup for you.
For those starting out, the paper and pencil method gets you started but finding a good computer program or database is a modern must too. I am starting to use Evernote-slowly.
What is the most important aspect? Well the family history. After starting with yourself, talk to all older family members. Collect their stories- write them, record them, tape them, collect photos, documents. Give them a chart to complete. And talk to everyone more than once. Write to other family members- email is good. Joining local genealogical associations. Facebook now has special interest groups that are helpful. Keep all variations of the spellings of names.
From the beginning determine how much information you really want. Start small before trying to chase every cousin and 5th cousin removed lines.
Document and always site your sources. It is methodical but will save time later. Many experienced family historians pursuing genealogical endeavors have had to go back and find the sources. It is not enough that your name is the same- is the person really family.
For example to join the descendants of World War One veterans at OGS, I had to prove my link to my grandfather Ernie Ellis.
So keep all family lines in separate spots and links from the beginning. Always show how you a descendant is linked back to the person.
So getting started is the first step. Check your library for genealogical books or write to associations like OGS and purchase books, resources on good solid methodology. If lucky you know someone who is keen on the subject, talk to him/her. Remember though no one unless you pay them is going to do your family history for you. If I am busy with my research, I am not keen to do yours. Pointing in the right direction will help. So talking, books, resources will keep you focused and save time and money.

NANA SAYS PLAN QUIET FAMILY TIMES DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Grandparents and other family members can help parents of little children during the busy upcoming Christmas season. With sleepovers, babysitting, taking children to some events, parents can have a break to get some of the busy activities of the season done. Going with family to parades, Santa visits and Christmas parties can be helpful as an extra pair of hands. Having the grandchildren help with decorating, baking or other fun seasonal crafts can make memories for the season. Less is more, so being home and doing rather than running around everywhere with children. If parents can shop alone and have quiet time at their houses to wrap, then grandparents have helped immensely. There is so much fun to be had without making it all stress. Of course, trying to attend those holiday/Christmas concerts are great photo opportunities.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS START TO APPEAR IN CANADA

Homes are starting to decorate their outdoors for the Christmas season. Store windows are beautiful. Many towns and cities will have the lighting of the Christmas tree in the centre of town.

Angels, santas, sleds and an array of lights.
Take a string of lights- any colour- wrap around a tree, along an eves trough or by a window. Everyone makes their display unique and their own. So is your display up and ready for the season? What are you planning to do? Mine includes a prelit deer in the front garden!

3 IS A GOOD NUMBER

Three comes after 2 and before 4. For a child, 3 is a good number. Speech is coming along. Understanding happens. Children age 3 are a delight and fun to be around.

Two's company and three is a crowd. Unless you are parents with one child then it works.
The Holy Trinity has three- Father, Son and Holy Ghost. In life there are often 3 choices to any conflict. Someone said lately- right or wrong. I said right, wrong or in the middle.
But think about a conflict and what you want to do- there are not infinite opportunities or options- usually 3 to consider!!
I thought I was fortunate when I had 3 grandchildren. Good number. Now with 6 maybe there are good things about the number 6. Then 2 into 6 makes 3! 3 inches off a waist line is good. Can wear skinny jeans. 3 cookies instead of 2 is always better. Oh the number 3.

COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS 2016-WEEK 7

Okay it's mid-November but most active homes are already in the throngs of preparing for Christmas. Some have their outside lights up now that Remembrance Day is over and others like myself are organizing their display. Checking the lights to make sure the strings still work. Perhaps adding a new ornament or two. This year added a prelit deer for the front garden. Sobeys had some floral arrangements so found one with a deer so perhaps a little deer theme on the go for the front..My letters to the troops have been sent so they make the outgoing mail before November 18th. 17 locations in total. Never know what they mean to the people who receive the - Any Canadian Forces Member letter. I like to think each card or letter adds to a wall of Christmas cheer in all the locations. My family newsletter is complete so will be addressing my cards in the next week or so but not sending until the beginning of December. Two out of town parcels are wrapped and addressed. One to finish! In my younger years I had 6 or 7 to do! Yes must do active Christmas shopping for the local ones. Some stuff done but much more needs to be on the go. It is good to wait for all the sales that start soon and of course the end of the month brings Black Friday. Now with the online shopping feature to everything some things are just a click away. There are always gift cards too. Money works for part of the gift to the kids as they do like to buy something they like after Christmas.  I do not decorate the house until after my oldest daughter's birthday. This year is a special one so having a little dinner here for her and all the clan on the 27th. So the countdown is well under way in my house. How about your house? How is it going?

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2016

Each year services are held across Canada to honour our Veterans and those serving in conflicts today throughout the world. It is not always possible for working people to find time to go to a service today. Many places have a service the Sunday before the day, like we did here in Richmond Hill Ontario Canada. Other countries have their own days of Remembrance too. Our Allies often celebrate and remember at the same time as we do. Teaching children the history, remembering makes us aware to fight for peace. To try to make the world a better place, safe for all. Giving people a home where they can have education, good health care and opportunities to live. Our troops go to areas of conflict for those reasons. To help the people there to find the stability they need. In disaster areas, our troops have brought water filtration systems to clean up their water to ensure survival at a basic level. Here in Canada our troops have been sent to our areas of natural disaster to assist. Years ago when Mayor Lastman was ridiculed for asking the troops to Toronto to go door to door to check on people during a very bad winter after a bad storm. The fact was no one died and all the elderly that needed some support received it. So who had the last laugh! Our Armed Forces are there for us every day in their own way. Protecting us! As well as honouring our troops, remember all our public servants that protect and serve like the police, Mounties, firemen and anyone out there keeping us safe. A day of Remembrance but a time to reflect on what has real meaning to us!

MANY ROADS LEAD TO ROME SO TO SPEAK

Different choices can take us in the same direction. People can end up with the same results. Just getting started on a road to somewhere in life is the important issue. Setting goals is good. But realizing all one's goals in life may not be met. For example, investments that are supposed to be there until death may be screwed due to financial downturns in the economy. So all the goals may need to be readjusted. If at a crossroad in life, be courageous take a road less travelled. It actually was the name of a book years ago- remember. Your comfort zone may just hold you back! The expression many roads lead to Rome is an old one in English. It suits many events. Sometimes do you feel your road just takes you in a circle so you are back to where you started. Or you take a road and just feel lost! Where am I? Roads in life are so metaphorical. A road! A journey! Our life's journey! One road leads to another! Roads have beginnings and ends! Sometimes there has been enough travel on any road and you want to sit in your rocker on the porch and watch life go by!

NANA SAYS TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT OUR HISTORY

Remembrance Day week is a good time to teach children and teenagers about Canadian history. Wearing a poppy and explaining why is a good starting point. Many schools invite veterans to come and give a talk. My Dad used to go to schools in his area in West Kelowna to talk about his experiences. He said he cushioned his discussions so not to talk about the horrors but the reason and outcome. How he fought for his country. To remember and honour the Vets. There is a fine line of how much to share. Parents use your discretion. Our history is more than war. With 150th anniversary of Confederation, there is lots to discuss. With the 100th anniversary in 2017 of women getting the vote in Canada, even more to share. Visiting local museums and art galleries has so much to offer. Locally we have the Black Creek Pioneer Village with the buildings and artifacts. Wonderful opportunity for children. There are many books available too. No need to buy, can get them from local libraries. Why history? Connects to the past in the present. For my family talking about our ancestors who came to Canada in the early 1800s connects to immigrant experiences today. Also the foundation of humanitarian endeavors started over 200 years ago. Children can love the facts of how we came to be as a country. My grandchildren get history from their Nana- maybe a little too much!

AMERICAN ELECTION DAY 2016

Canadians follow American politics too much. As our neighbour, their politics do affect us. Everyone does have an opinion on whom they want to win. Of all the neighbours to have I am glad they are Americans. Good people, hard working! Back to the election!  For me, my thoughts have been, out of 350 million people these were your best choices? Democracy at its best, I guess! I will miss the Obamas, I found Michele to be a classy lady. No real scandals so I guess that may have bothered some people who like dirt! So America no matter what, get out to vote! If you don't then do not complain about any elected official! As for many Canadians, we may be hauling bricks to build that wall!!

A CANADIAN SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE 2016

For the last years, I can not recall when I made it a regular November event, I have been attending the Remembrance Day service in Richmond Hill. It is always held the Sunday before Remembrance Day so this year November 6. The Cenotaph is in the old part of town in front of the Conaghy Centre that originally was a school. Built in 1923 to honour the World War One fallen from the town. The wall then moved on to include the people from World War Two. This year the little Cairn behind the wall has a new plaque for those who served in Hong Kong.

The event starts with a band, groups of Veterans, Cadets- Air and Army, the York Region police, the Knights of Columbus and members from the local Legion marching to join the crowd. The Richmond Hill High School Band plays for all the anthems and hymns. Everyone sang along to the Canadian Anthem. The hymns Abide with Me and O God Our Help in Ages Past are always sung. Reminds me of my church days. Favourite hymns for all. Readings which of course include In Flanders Fields. The Last Post, 2 Minutes of Silence, the Lament and the Rouse. It takes some time to place all the wreaths representing local places, agencies and many families who have lost loved ones in various conflicts where Canadians served throughout our history. The one that brings closer meaning is Private Dunning who died in Afghanistan. His parents and grandparents are always present laying a wreath.

The service is basically the same each year. It is the crowd that varies. Parents come to see their young cadets march taking lots of pictures. New dignitaries place the wreaths. The mood however remains the same very sombre. Most crowds or gatherings have people talking through all the speeches and events. Not so! Quiet reflection was enjoyed especially by me. I appreciate it when people are listening and cellphones turned off. Attention to the event and surroundings. 

A beautiful sunny day! I have attended in the rain, in the cold and all unpleasant conditions. But this year the perfect day! I see some people I know from various situations. One chair of the local Chamber of Commerce said it was her first time! Young people are coming out in droves too. It seems the world conflicts bring remembrance closer to them. Not isolated wars in history but modern conflicts that connect all wars. The urgency for peace everywhere! The men and women serving today were honoured and mentioned too!

A flag always carried. Lest we Forget! So snapping some pictures and walking home, it is always a good feeling to stop and honour those Canadians who lost their lives, those who served and returned home and those who are serving now. Find a service near you and try to attend. It will be worth the time spent.

A POSTCARD FROM FLANDERS FIELD

Flanders in Belgium, part of the West Flanders and East Flanders was home to several battles in World War One. The Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Passchendaele were important to Canadian War history. Honoured in war memorials throughout the country.

Flanders was made famous by the poem of John McCrae. A Lieutenant Colonel and physician/surgeon born Guelph Ontario, he served in The Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Writing his poem after the death of a close friend on the battlefield, it has become a must at most Remembrance Day services.
Poppies did grow on the battlefields as they are a hardy plant.

Poppies are on many wreaths that get laid as tributes to our service men and women.

They are a plant that is found in many gardens due to their beautiful red, So remembering can be year round.

From Flanders to Canada.
John McCrae's poem is recited annually. Flanders is an important part of Canadian history. Many of our men are buried there.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW
BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW ON ROW,
THAT MARK OUR PLACE; AND IN THE SKY
THE LARKS, STILL BRAVELY SINGING, FLY
SCARCE HEARD AMID THE GUNS BELOW

WE ARE THE DEAD, SHORT DAYS AGO
WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW SUNSET GLOW
LOVED AND WERE LOVED, AND NOW WE LIE
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.

TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE;
TO YOU, FROM FAILING HANDS WE THROW
THE TORCH; BE OURS TO HOLD IT HIGH.
IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
John McCrae-May 3, 1915

NOVEMBER CANADIAN IMAGES

The Maple Leaf forever!

Pumpkins did their thing for Thanksgiving and Halloween. Time to carve some for the seeds and the pulp. Makes great pies and other baked goods.

Tomatoes to put in the freezer.

Cranberries for sauce, baking or for use in crafts.

A church window offers hope.

A quilt of remembrance and honour. Don't you just love all the Canadian flags, poppies and maple leaves. Even little Moose and Reindeer.  Canadian images abound everywhere.

A RED POPPY-SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE

Red poppies with the little black center are showing up everywhere. Coats, jackets, indoor clothes, news shows! Wearing the Poppy is our way to remember those who served for Canada over the generations. The legions across the country earn some revenue from the sales to continue their programs. Every year at Remembrance Day services, the famous poem by John McCrae- a Canadian who died in World War One- is read- IN FLANDERS FIELDS. The Poppies blow! Tell your young family members about the members in your family that served. Write down their stories! Thank a Vet! Go to a Remembrance Day service! Or if you can not watch one on TV! So are you wearing your poppy?

NANA SAYS NOVEMBER BRINGS CHANGES

Children need to bundle up once the cooler weather approaches. Time to organize all the coats, hats, mitts and scarves. Are the boots good for another season? Many homes have a spot that is a "mud" room. The season for bringing in mud, water and well you get the picture. Allowing more time to get ready. Taking a good five minutes to dress for the weather means time. Even adults find it cumbersome to get ready to go out! No longer just putting on shoes and out the door. For those without a garage for the car, cleaning off snow or frost adds time. The time change this weekend means that everyone's schedule will be off for several days. So prepare to be inconvenienced. Little children and especially babies have the hardest time. With the days becoming shorter and shorter, darkness sooner means safety and adjustments. Remind all children to be very safety minded. Teenagers waiting for early morning school buses need to be know drivers may not see you. So light clothing and be under street lights to be seen! November can bring a variety of weather conditions. So work on emergency backup plans in case of delays getting home or to the Day Care settings. Listening to news in case of bad weather to stock up on essentials. Baby stuff is different. Adults can adjust with shortages but babies need diapers, formula and their regular things. So November with all the preChristmas fun can be organized well so adjustments can be made.

NOVEMBER-THE BUSY MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS

With the days getting shorter and the time change happening this weekend, time to organize and plan for the next couple of months.Wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day is important. Planning on which service to attend to honour our Vets and current Service Men and Women is an honour. There will be parades in several locations for Remembrance Day as well as the usual Santa Claus ones. My Christmas list was organized in August. Gives time to find those bargains and items for gifts without the panic and rush of the hoopla season. Besides with out of town packages to be sent, vital to get them done. The family around the corner is a lot easier- tissue and put in a bag wrapping is a breeze. Why organize and get shopping out of the way? The season is more than gift giving. There are the events to enjoy. Deciding which events to attend takes money and time. Forgoing on the work event for some private ones will be my decision this year. Same money, two different events. Yard work continues as long as the weather cooperates. Turning to indoor stuff can be tackled. For this blogger, writing and more writing. Those genealogy stories are coming together. Promising to scan and send some big projects has to be done too. November is a shorter month with one day less. Also three very important birthdays happening with my loved family members. A 65, 40 and 3!!! Every time a new month happens, it seems it will be busy. But it is my busy. Trying to embrace life and what is meaningful to me takes some thinking and organizing. Mentioned on other posts, that the energy level has changed. When hours could be spent at tasks, it seems an hour or two is all that can be mustered. So finding those quiet, less energy activities give the feeling of accomplishment without knocking myself out. Finding time for those little cat naps to reenergize too! So as the month proceeds will keep you posted on all that is happening- quietly without all the hoopla. Taking time to embrace the little things around me and my world. So what about your world? What is important to you? How are you going to use this amazing month of November?