CHANGE-EMBRACE IT OR RESIST IT!

Change is part of our lives. One season ends and another begins. Children grow and change. We age! Work brings a new boss who wants to bring change to the organization. New ways of doing things that look like old ways of doing things but with a new twist. Young people accuse older folks of not wanting to embrace new things. The longer one lives the more changes are embraced. I think about my first jobs. Hand written reports were typed by the secretary. The secretary photocopied and well did secretarial duties. Today with the computer, although a professional, all my secretarial duties are performed by me. Don't ask anyone to perform that duty! The good news is my Grade 10 typing course that allows for quick typing. Sorry today it is called keyboarding! Same skill, different name. So has it changed? I have a cell phone or do I have to call it a smart phone. Not so smart when the battery dies and needs to be charged! Can take pictures! However, the good digital/SLR cameras take better ones. Besides the old adage of not putting all your eggs in one basket prevails. Some on the phone, many uploaded to the computer and yes real prints that can be scrapebooked. Framing one sometimes that can be displayed.Those stories of someone losing their child's 5 years of pictures because there were on the cellphone or shared to the cloud or some phantom computer space. So embracing change but maintaining whatever areas of one's life liked. I blog so embraced a modern endeavor that is fun. However, I do not share my whole life to the world. Privacy is a good thing to maintain in many circumstances. Maintaining the privacy of others too in the family and friendship circle! Change is hard. Taking time, if one has the privilege to embrace it slowly. A crisis often means a change happens without time. Emotionally may be tough! So change can be good but it also can be life threatening, life changing and sometimes just tolerated! So what changes are occurring in your life? How are you coping? What do you use to roll with change? Do you embrace it? Do you resist it? Do you hate it? Thoughts??

THE SIGNS OF SPRING

Walking to work I hear the songbirds chirping. Nice to be able to identify some of the birds. It is a happy early morning sound. Spring bulbs are popping up in the garden between the leaves and brown dirt. More people are out walking and enjoying the changing weather. Checking my stash of yard waste bags as it is time to begin some garden cleanup. Yes there is another storm or two brewing somewhere. May have some freezing rain today so the boots go back on my feet. But Spring is here and Easter just around the corner!

A NEW DIAGNOSIS-COUNSELLING HELPS WITH THE FEARS

Part of my work is counselling people with a new diagnosis. Going from healthy to dealing with a new health problem can be overwhelming. Allowing the emotions to flow. Normalizing those feelings. Making room for planning and what is next! Often allowing for hope. It can be treated. Life will go on. When asked what is your greatest fear. Often surprisingly, it is not- I am afraid to die but I do not want to be a burden on others. I do not want to be bedridden! Letting the person share their fears helps with the process. If there are tasks to do to help with the situation then the person has some control in those decisions. After diagnosis comes treatment and coping and often healing.                                                  Counselling can be a great support provided.

Cancer can be a heavy diagnosis to hear. April is Daffodil Month in support of cancer awareness and funding services. So remember to look around you and be there for others with any new diagnosis.

MARCH-OUT LIKE A LION?

March weather in Canada can fluctuate greatly. Warm days, cool nights. Rain, snow, freezing rain. For the Maritimes winter has not left with all the storms that keep brewing. The GTA is warmer but coats and jackets are still needed with the chilly weather. So hard to say if winter is really over. Too much talk about all the remembered storms in April that were experienced. We'll see!

LUCKY OR BLESSED

While shopping for Easter stuff, the cashier remarked when I said I was buying for my grandchildren. She stated you are lucky to have grandchildren. Without a heartbeat I replied, no blessed. It is a blessing to have grandchildren in my life, Luck is a good thing to have. Sometimes we are lucky at some endeavors. But feeling blessed by many things in our lives is more important. So yes my grandchildren are a blessing. The number 6 is not the 6 in Toronto but the 6 in my life.

GOSSIP-DO YOU LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT?

Okay we all hear some gossip sometimes. We all share some sometimes. But do you live to know all the scope on everyone you know. There is celebrity news but is it important to know it. Some celebrities make a living on nothing, just pictures posing and doing the ordinary. And getting paid because they have a following on Social Media. Some people have jobs reporting- well gossip.

The Oxford  Dictionary gives a good definition. It tells us- easy or unconstrained talk or writing about persons or social incidents; idle talk;groundless rumours.

Can it be hurtful? Well yes! Can it be false? Well yes! To want to know everything about others means what!

Even as a child, I did not like the little girl cliches that gossiped about others. Who cares if someone wore a different coat or whatever?
In any work environment there are the gossip teams that drag information from one area to another. People who want to know and share all.

Knowledge is power. So is it a power trip to have the latest. I know something you do not know.

Unfortunately there are some people who are not discreet and flaunt their indiscretions everywhere. Extra marital affairs in the workplace can be uncomfortable for the other staff around them. No one really wants to see someone snuggling up to their new squeeze in a public place knowing there is a spouse with children at home. Besides it is a workplace. Those not cheating are not being public and snuggling up to their partners in public places at work. The line is drawn between home and work.
Be discreet!

Back to gossip. Why is it so interesting? Why does someone's problems carry such delight to others? "Did you hear?"


I like to be one of those people that knows tons about everyone but like the three monkeys- hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil! If I do share something sometimes which I do make sure it is with someone I trust. Like my husband, he is not listening anyway! My reality is the fact that someone shared something and I wish to honour it. If the person cares to share with 50 people, okay but not from my lips.

So do you love gossip? Do you spead it? Do you go out of your way to know things about people? Do you loathe it with I don't care about it? What are your thoughts?
#gossip#discretion#cheating#knowledgeispower

LIFE EBBS AND FLOWS LIKE THE WAVES

Ocean or lake or river waves are so revealing about life. They ebb and flow. Sometimes gently, sometimes roughly. Sometimes calm. Sometimes a storm. We can bounce in the waves alone or use a device like a floatation one. Life can be waves. Events can hit us in waves. Life one big wave coming ashore.

SPRING CLEANING 2017

There are so many sites informing us about decluttering and spring cleaning. Some go room by room or select a category like clothes and go for it.
Knowing what to keep and what to give away or try to sell takes time. So when there is time in the busy schedule get started. I saw how some people had cleaned their whole house. I could not do that in one weekend. But starting with a drawer, a closet, a room is a good start. I have also learnt over the years to keep some areas clutter free. One or two junk drawers are okay but not every drawer in every room. Seasons keep us focused. For me a change of closet in Fall and Spring. Warm and cold weather clothes with some used for both.
My daughter Sonya has an amazing blog for young parents. She did a post on cleaning and safety in the home. Try it out.
Sonya Kerr
If you can not link then just google her or House of Kerrs.
#sonyakerr#parenting#modernmother#modernfamily

MARCH IS MAPLE SYRUP SEASON

Yeah the sap has been running. Maple Syrup a wonderful Canadian food. Available in Supermarkets or at Farmers' Markets. A wonderful school theme or even a class trip to see how it is collected. Maple trees a Canadian symbol give us this wonderful commodity. Quebec is the largest producer of Maple Syrup. Great on pancakes or french toast! There are wonderful recipes that use maple syrup like fudge! So what are you making today.
#maplesyrup#spring#pancakes

NANA READJUSTING AFTER MARCH BREAK TAKES PLANNING

Children like routines as much as parents. Being back at school to talk about all the vacation adventures can be fodder for stories, art and good discussion. So why not have the little ones do their own journal or story at home. Use pictures taken to add depth to the stories. Photobooks are fun. But even some print pictures with the information written will be a way to create memories. With the change in weather, sorting through clothes for warm Spring clothes until real warm weather arrives. For those that have done it yet, getting ready for the summer months of camps and other adventures starts now. Spring can be busier than Christmas planning for most parents with all the change. Hockey ends and soccer starts. Dance competitions abound. So take a deep breath and methodically plan for the next few months.

LIVING WITH CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES

Aging brings life. But it can also bring chronic health issues. An overactive bladder. Breathing issues. Pain in joints that make walking long distances hard. Diabetes. Hypertension. Pills, testing and keeping well enough. Staying close to home can solve the problem but it is not much fun. Learning to manage the issues and get away for day jaunts, overnight or even longer trips takes planning. Many people do not want to look old. Won't wear a hearing aid. Drive when no longer safe to be driving. Sure don't drink and drive but are all the medications safe for many people. Learning to use a bus, a taxi or walk short distances can be simple solutions. Oh I hear from some that taking a bus is beneath them. In the GTA, the subway is a great way to get around the city core. Now there are more elevators in stations for those who have trouble with stairs. For those who can not walk long distances, most urban areas have mobility buses that come door to door for the price of a bus ticket. Living with the issues starts with a mind set. Recognizing that some tasks may take longer- so what if retired, you have time. Sharing the load with healthier individuals. Learning not to do activities alone. Having someone spot you. For example, when I wash the curtains, Adolph is behind me when I am on my little ladder hanging them back up. Five minutes of safety! Drive through fast food places are great too. My parents in their last years of living in their home would use the one at the Dairy Queen for their banana splits then go to a local park to eat them. A little jaunt. So more thought will be given to this issues. Aging creeps up on all of us so embrace it and live well! What are some of your solutions to change? What equipment do you use? What changes have you made to your home or surroundings?
#aging#chronichealthissues#mobilitybus#hearingaids

WRINKLES-WELL I LOVE MINE!

Yes I use moisturizer and cream on my dry skin. But living long enough means that lines, age spots and whatever else comes with being on this earth awhile will start to show on one's body. Cosmetics help to give a glow and yes I use makeup. I colour my hair. Although there will  come a time when it may be okay to go grey or white, but not today. My wrinkles mean that I have lived. I have smiled. I have frowned.  Do I like the fact I look so old? Not every day, but if I don't stare at myself in the mirror for long periods then I can not obsess about my wrinkles. Living a life that includes work, interests, family, friends means there can be little time to fret about all the wrinkles. I decided long ago that no matter how youthful I try to look, I am not a youth anymore. I am a Senior. A Senior with wrinkles! Aging also has its meaning! It means Life, wrinkles and all!
#life#wrinkles#aging

END OF WINTER-HERE COMES SPRING

Tomorrow is the first official day of Spring. Persians celebrate Norooz. For Canadians it is the hopeful end to winter and the beginning of a new outdoor fun. Like taking a stroll in running shoes and not boots. Rubber boots are good for now. If muddy or wet, no problem. There is the expectation that the snow is finished. However a late day snowstorm can often happen. Good for the garden and farmers but not so good for commuters and long haul truckers. Spring is present. The birdies are singing. It seems something is trying to make its way up through the leaves and dirt in the garden. The time change has brought a longer evening with lots of light. Change always bring mixed feelings. But this good change is a happy one.

                                                                    So Spring bring it on!

#24 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-ALGONQUIN PARK ONTARIO

Every camper has memories of their favourite place.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario is 250 km north of Toronto. Created in 1883 as a watershed for Southern Ontario it is a camper, canoer, lodger, fisherman paradise. Used to be logging companies along with the recreational features. Camping or staying at one of the pricey lodges is available.
Algonquin Park

Going through the Eastern gate on Highway 60 one entered the greenery of the park. During many years of my childhood, Algonquin Park was a summer home. Our family would secure a spot on Rock Lake, our usual spot in late June and usually stayed until early August. Our Dad would come back and forth on his days off from work. Sleeping in a tent on a air mattress if lucky was the norm.

The Natural museum had many artifacts and information about the Park's history. Algonquin an authentic Canadian word after one of the many Frist Nations tribes that used the park. Many canoe routes were established generations ago.There is a Logging Museum too.

Lots of wildlife. It was not unusual to see a deer at the side of the road.

The Western Gate had staff greeting the many car loads of people.
Hiking trails were established and could be enjoyed.
To day the vast majority of the Park's land is not accessible by car. As can be seen by the map, the highway goes through the southern tip of the Park.
I even joined a group on Facebook called Memories of Algonquin Park. I may upload some photos from those earlier times.
The last time I camped with my husband and friends on Lake Opeongo was August 1974. Ocassionally I meet people who have just returned from a stay in Algonquin. Not much has changed. It is still a haven for Canadians and others from around the world.
#Algonquin#campers#lodgers#canoe#tents

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH-HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

St Patrick's Day is a fun day for all. One does not need to be Irish. So wear some green. Try some Irish stew. If you like beer, go to a Pub and get some green beer! Our family has some Irish roots so able to claim some Irish luck! Some pretty shamrocks are on the kitchen table. Now to find a rainbow and a pot of gold are on my bucket list today!

                                               Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all!

WITTY OR SARCASTIC

Sarcasm can sting and hurt. Wit can be funny. So how to tell the difference in a group. How to be witty and not sarcastic? Thinking about this can bring the difference of a good relationship at work, home and friends. Being funny but good funny always lightens the mood. When I talk with my brother Rob, I always have him laughing. When I tell an event there is a funny twist. Comes naturally to me. However, there are times I wonder and do not say what I am thinking to others as I fear it is just sarcasm. A put down! So best left unsaid in that moment! There is enough negativity in the world so to have conversations challenged often just hurts. Silence is golden! So perhaps just not responding to others but staying silent goes a long way! Do you know any famous witty people? Do you have any good lines to share? Are you witty?

NANA SAYS MARCH BREAK IS FOR SPENDING TIME WITH GRANDCHILDREN

Taking a few days away from work to have grandchildren sleepovers is always busy. Loud, and fun, grandchildren bring a joy to life. Feeding them is non-stop. They love Nana and Granpa's snacks. The ylove being with cousins. It gives time to bond! It always amuses me that they have huge beds at home but will squish together in one or two beds. It is a time to develop a relationship. Listening to them. Disciplining them. Encouraging fun and respect. Nana sure loves her grandchildren. But when they go, the quiet is okay for awhile. Until next time!

#23 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-OUR WILDLIFE

There are just too many animals to mention in one little post about our 150th anniversary. Lots of postcards in my collection with some to share,

The Black Bear captured for a tourist's postcard.

The Fox.

Bull Elk! (Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Female Elk!

Buffalo!( Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Bear, Big Horn Rocky Mountain Sheep, Bull Moose, Bull Elk.

Snowy Owl. ( photo by Larry Halverson)

Columbian Ground Squirrel. ( photo by Larry Halveson)
The list could go on. Many coyotes and raccoons live in the wild but also urban areas. Toronto has a large population due to its wooded areas.
This Canadian has squirrels in the backyard along with many species of birds, butterflies and bugs!
Oh love the wildlife of this country.

A POSTCARD FROM TERME VARRONIANE-CASSINO LAZIO

Cassino or Cassinum in Roman times was a spot for prominent Romans to come for relaxation.
The springs of Terme Varroniane was the reason.

A quick visit during my first trip to Italy August 1991.

A lovely water location. A simple photo.

Postcards from the trip.

A kayaker on the water of this place with pure Acque Minerali/Mineral Water. Can you see the Monastery of Monte Cassino in the background? A nature lovers paradise!
To sit by the water in this quiet spot draws people today. No wonder the Romans loved it!
#TermeVarroniane#CassinoItay#NaturalSprings

A POSTCARD FROM ANCIENT ROMAN CASSINO

Cassino, my husband's hometown south of Rome has an interesting history. Due to the natural springs in the area it was an escape for prominent Romans to relax. Over the centuries a large Monastery that was built on the mountain prevailed. Monte Cassino.
At the base of the mountain near the Autostrada/ highway that enters Cassino are some significant ruins that time almost forgot.

A small Colosseum adjunct to modern Cassino.
Photos taken during my first trip to Italy in August 1991.

Taking in the scenery was enthralling.

Being able to visualize how old Cassino or as it was called Cassinum must have been.

A local farmer had his sheep grazing along the old Roman road.

Nearby was the Anfiteatro Romano! Amphitheatre! Can you picture someone walking on this ancient road? Well I walked on it!

Can you imagine a speech or some entertainment happening here!

The view from the top.

What is incredible is the fact these ruins survived at all. Throughout history there have been several invasions. The worst during World War Two- Spring 1944- when the Battle for Monte Cassino destroyed the town. The ruins at the base of the mountain survived in quite good shape as can be seen by the photos. The town was completely destroyed and was rebuilt after the war.
My regret is not returning to see what has become of this piece of history. With a digital camera, just think of all the photo opportunities that prevail.
#CassinoItaly #CassinoAntica#Italy

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Still waiting to find my first Crocus in the garden, a sure sign of Spring. However walking home yesterday I heard my first Red Wing Blackbird chirping. Heh, a sign of Spring. Now if only I could find a Robin then I would know it is around the corner. The weather report this morning was not promising for most of Canada with storms heading to several provinces but one lives in hope of the end to winter. Canadians always know the weather gives one or two more hoorays of winter weather before it is over. Besides late day precipitation put moisture on the ground that seeps into the deep roots. Farmers need it and it does help the average gardener! But I will keep checking my garden for those signs of Spring. How about You?

BE RESPONSIBLE-DON'T THROW SOMEONE UNDER THE BUS

Mistakes can be made in life. It is always easier to find someone else to blame. Not my fault. He did it. She took it. Teaching young children to confess about any mistakes made. Take ownership. Then there is the adult world. Politicians are great for this. Find something or someone else to blame. Throw them under the bus. Learning from mistakes is part of life. In the hospital culture, if a patient and family is informed about a mistake, a misunderstanding or delayed procedure, the end result is better because being kept in the loop brings trust. A transparent process always helps. Saying the buck stops with me. I did it. I will correct it. It is my fault. I will check it out for you. Taking responsibility is always the best road to go. Then there is no need to avoid any issues. So no throwing under the bus, okay?

NANA SAYS SOCIAL WORKERS HELP CHILDREN

Being Social Work Week in Ontario and across Canada, it is important to remember the impact Social Work services do for children. In school, clinics, hospitals, child welfare and family life education to name a few resources Social Workers are trained professionals that facilitate change and support in the lives of people. Children with family issues, school problems, grief situations can benefit from Social Work involvement. Child Welfare is largely composed of Social Work support. Assessments that have been carefully developed assess the risk of babies and children in situations. At school, there can be a variety of areas handled by the school social worker. Losing loved ones can bring grief and groups or individual counselling helps those children. So as the week is celebrated think about situations where children are supported. If you know someone that could benefit from counselling/therapy support, ask a Social Worker to find some resolutions in the situation.

SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2017

Celebrating a profession that advocates and supports social change. Facilitating support for individuals, families, communities and collaboration with other disciplines has been the mandate for Social Workers for hundreds of years. The history in Canada is long. Part of the humanitarian efforts for all new immigrants since the early 1800s. The Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto where I obtained my Masters of Social Work is well over 100 years. Other Canadian universities have faculties training modern day Social Workers. Real Experts facilitating real change in the lives of people. Social Workers are found in schools, welfare offices, mental health clinics, child welfare, services for special needs, doctors' offices, wellness clinics, private practice-often practising family therapy and psychotherapy and of course health care in the community and in hospitals. Many Social Workers have joined the business community with combined degrees in Social Work and Business or Social Work and Law. So celebrate the week. For me, an Open House at our workplace to showcase what the Social Workers do.

SPRING-TIME TO CLEAN AND DECLUTTER

With longer days and warmer weather around the corner, it is easier to get ride of those items in one's house no longer in use. Donating to charities and some even pick up from the house. Selling items- using those online sites and even local ones like Varage sale. The curb invites neighbours who may like your items that can not be sold but are still functional for someone else's home. I enjoy seeing people taking my stuff from the curb! As an aging baby boomer, everywhere one looks one sees-your kids will not want your stuff! So keeping my treasures but cleansing the larger piles is giving me some joy. A couple of community garage sales to rent a table is in the future months so will see how that goes. Areas of my house are enjoying the cleanse! How about your place? How is it going?

#22 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- THE GREAT LAKES

Living in the GTA for my whole life, Lake Ontario has always been a significant part of my living. The Great Lakes in Canada are a bit of a misnomer. They are actually larger than any sea in other parts of the world. The St. Lawrence Seaway connects the lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. So the lakes are a major transportation route as well so important in our country's history. Major cities like Toronto grew because of Lake Ontario's great natural resources.

As can been seen from the map, we share the lakes with the United States. A source of water is vital to both nations. Beaches-fun, fishing, boating and many other industries depends on these lakes.
The largest is Lake Superior. A treacherous lake as our history has stories of many ship wrecks there. Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario make up the 5 bodies of water. Ships that use the water system are delayed in winter due to the freezing of large portions of them. There are many lock systems that make interesting visits for tourists.
Environmentally it is important to protect them.
There are many sites that inform about the history of this great water system. It rranscends several subject groups such as history, geography, culture, natural reasources. So pull out a map and have a look.
#GreatLakes

#21 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- MAPLE SYRUP

Maple syrup is so Canadian and so good. On pancakes, in fudge and baking and even snow cones dipped in it, no one leaves without a smile. March is Maple Syrup month.

It can be found in many locations. The farm, the markets and even the supermarket. The PC brand costing $10.00 for the bottle in the picture is an easy find. Depending where it is bought there are a variety of containers.

On a farmer's market trip to Cambridge we bought the 2 Litres jug from this sweet company.
#ShadyGroveMapleCo.
Shady Grove Maple Co
During a family trip to St. Joseph's Island, we discovered it was the largest producer of Maple Syrup in Ontario.

Thompson's Maple Products was a fun jaunt with family.
#Thompson'sMapleProducts
Thompson's Maple Products
Thompson
We came home with some products from this wonderful location.
Other market trips like St. Jacob's yielded wonderful jugs of the product.
#stjacobsmarket
St.Jacob's Market
Although lots of maple syrup comes from Ontario, Quebec is the largest producer in the country and I believe in the world. Calls for a trip to La belle province to visit some locations and buy their syrup.
For those that love maple syrup, it does comes in lighter and darker versions.
Some of the best maple syrup I have used comes from my brother Ron and wife Sheila who live on St. Joseph's idea. He has a small sugar bush and bottles his own syrup for personal consumption. It is dark and very tasty.
In our area here in York Region, there was the Baker sugar bush at Bathurst and Highway 7. Gone now but there is a street name after them. The Baker family was an original Pennsylvania family that settled in the area in 1790.
The conservation areas in the province have special days for obtaining the sap to make the syrup. Bruce's Mills near us has school trips for young people to learn about this important heritage.
Thanks to our First Nations people who introduced it to the White Man, it is definitely a very Canadian tradition. Yes it does come from the sap in a Maple tree!
There are lots of sites that have history and information on the process of gathering the sap and boiling it to sugar. Try visiting some sites then go to an actual location. Lots of fun for the whole family!

#maplesyrup#stjacobs#thompson'smapleproducts#shadygrovemapleco#visitstofarmersmarketswherelotsofmaplesyrupissold#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#onpancakes#makefudgefrommaplesyrup#maplesyruponoatmeal#lovemymaplesyrup#averycanadianitemshowntousbytheindigenouspeople

CHOCOLATE-HELPS US COPE

Dark chocolate is supposed to be good for us. A hot chocolate on a winter's day after an outing sure tastes good. With some little marshmellows! Good chocolate from a favourite place. Even bad chocolates are good too! Chocolate chip cookies! Brownies! Cake for any occasion with chocolate icing. Big or little chocolate bars! So if having a bad day, have a chocolate!

CHANGE IN SEASON-CHANGE IN MOOD

Although we all look forward to the change of seasons, it can bring some mood issues as well. With the time change around the corner, our sleep patterns will be disrupted until we are used to the new time. More accidents happen at that time as well. More sunlight- yeah the days are getting longer means more time to be outside. For those with bipolar disorders, it can be a season that brings some mania. So understanding that change brings some anxiety is important. One of the big dilemmas is what to wear. When do we put away the boots, scarves and big coats to wear the thinner spring jackets. In one day we can be cold, warm, hot then cold again as the temperatures dip. There can be an urgency to get things done. Spring cleaning, garden cleanup, get the extra junk out of the garage then comes the sore muscles. So to work efficiently without hurting one's body is a good thing. Usually warmer weather puts people in a good mood. So here's to March and all the wonderful days ahead.

NANA SAYS GET READY FOR MARCH BREAK

Many families go south or away for the break. But there is so much to do in and around the country if one is staying home. Big cities like Toronto, for example, have great venues. Royal Ontario Museum and the downtown core will bring many adventures for the children. The Art Gallery of Ontario has activities. I remember taking my girls there several times. Kleinburg with the McMichael Collection can help your children learn about Canadian art. Of course depending on the weather, the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and tubing/tobogganing bring outdoor fun. Movies are a great standby- get out of the house. But chores and some spring cleaning can include children of all ages. Those lists for new clothes- what fits and what doesn't.
#ROM #ArtGalleryof Ontario #Toronto