PATIENCE-A VIRTUE OR A NECESSITY

Patience- how to keep it when all seems to be going wrong.
I found a quote by Idil Ahmed-
"You know great things are coming when everything seems to be going wrong. Old energy is clearing out for new energy to enter. Be Patient!" Good thoughts.
My thoughts- trust in God and Jesus- love others, be positive to attract positive energy and ideas. Be available to loved ones.
Shit Happens!
Patience ebbs and flows. If alone, easier to rant and rave and don't have to be judged by others. In groups, work and common social situations, harder to keep any negative thoughts under rap so easier to walk away from conflict. What if you have patience but others around do not? Listen and then walk away.
I am not virtuous. I am finding I have less patience for stupid. So the answer to my question patience is a necessity! What do you think? How would you describe patience?

HOW TO STAY MARRIED TO THE ONE YOU LOVE

About to celebrate 46 years of marriage, a colleague asked how I did it. Basically be yourself-stay an individual. Then be a couple. Then be a family. She asked did you always know it. I said yes. Taking time to stay connected to oneself is so important. You must understand, my husband does not like most of my interests. So I would have not been able to have a full life. Being able to do things alone. Yes alone is so important. I love genealogy- he tolerates it. I love shopping- he does not unless it is food and then he is happy. I rarely grocery shop with him because he is always so critical of what I buy. So I do some food shopping but the stuff he does not buy. We garden but different aspects. He likes to grow the vegetables but I do other parts of the garden- like the flowers and weeding. Due to his health issues, he has no desire to travel anymore. He says he wants his bed. So day trips it is. Maybe I can convince him to do an overnight! So how to have a full life. Well dinners out or lunches or breakfasts work! Time with the grandchildren work too. A day at the beach, the park, a movie work in small doses. As my life is changing, planning for a holiday alone is on the agenda. I am not tired of travel. But he is! So like other aspects of life, marriage changes as it goes along! Then my girls said Mom I will go with you so maybe the dynamics of travel will change. A girls' trip somewhere!

ARE YOU A STAR?

Be a star for a day! Celebrities like the spotlight all the time. Don't listen to the nonsense about wanting to go somewhere and not be known! Rubbish! They want recognition. For the average person, we all want our 15 minutes of fame too. We want to be a star! Birthdays are a good time to get some special Me time! As there are many stars in the sky, there are stars on earth. The average grandparent is a star to their little ones. Just feel the warm hugs when arriving at an event!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN'S SLEEPING ISSUES ARE DIFFICULT

Do you ever want to ask an expert on how to get you child to sleep better? The perfect sleeping baby after 2 weeks exist! Often however, the sleep patterns change as the child grows. Some sleep through the night then start to wake up again at 4 months for example. Some babies need another feed during the night. Some babies just wake up and can not tell you why! Some strategies- let the baby cry it out and no one sleeps, cuddle the baby back to sleep, feed the baby or take the the baby to your bed. As babies age, wear them out before bedtime with play and top up with extra food. The toddler with fresh air may help with sleep. Quiet time before bed. The white noise helps with keeping other sounds away from the sleeping child.
 Some children like to crawl in the parents' bed during the middle of the night. For older children, pushing bed time back a little may mean the child is more tired. It is a trade off of having some private parent time. It is wonderful to have children sleeping so things can get done.
Of course certain stages and ages the dreams and nightmares can start. Being afraid of the dark and the nightly shadows that come with it! Night lights help even for older children.
Sleeping is so necessary for everyone. There is no one strategy that will work with every child. Some children just need to be near other people.
As the Nana, I have found on sleepovers the grandkiddies sleep better if there is another child with them. My oldest grandchild when sleeping over by herself would often come in my room during the night so I would decide at 2 in the morning to go to the guest room bed and stay with her for the rest of the night. Now it is not an issue. Perhaps the different house and noises concerned her. As other grandchildren started to sleep over, the same pattern emerged.
So being well fed and tired may help  your child to sleep better. Trying different approaches is the best remedy. Reassuring your child the home is safe and you are nearby. Sometimes just time and a changing child is the answer.
Any thoughts or comments are what you have tried to get your child to sleep? Parents need all the help and support they can obtain.

#29 BARB'S RELFECTIVE 150-SPRING BULBS

Coast to coast, underneath ground, warmed by the winter snow, the spring bulbs pop up in gardens. Everywhere.
Tulips!

Crocuses!

Colour fills the gardens!

The fragrance of hyacinths!

Little ones bring colour too.
Well you get the picture. Canada celebrating 150 with colour everywhere!
#springbulbs#tulips#hyacinths#daffodils#gardeners#

#28 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- TIM HORTONS

Okay Canadians love coffee and drink many different types from espresso, instant, brewed,  and decaffeinated. But across Canada there is one of many coffee shops called Tim Hortons. Named after a real hockey player- go figure! Tim Horton. Now more than a donut shop and coffee. Good soup and sandwiches on the road. Breakfast!

Known to have different cups for a variety of themes throughout the years.

I always love the Christmas ones.

                      So does it surprise anyone to have a 150 years one and in both languages!
#timhortons#Canada#150#coffee#coasttocoast#donut

MONDAY MONDAY-LAST WEEK OF APRIL

Hard to believe the first real month of Spring is coming to an end. The brown in the garden has much greenery with spring bulbs popping their heads in rapid fashion. Some daffodils and one patch of tulips. The weather has been up and down with parts of Canada still experiencing snow. Our beloved MAPLE LEAFS gave it a good try but are out of the Stanley Cup race for this year. Two Canadian teams are still vying for the cup. So let's cheer them on. Outdoor furniture is on the back porch. Even had one lunch there to welcome the warmer weather. My camera is handy to start snapping more Spring in its glory. One more birthday celebration- my oldest grandson turns 9. Yes it is Monday of a 5 day week. Harder to endure the older one gets. It seems the weekend brings new issues to resolve on a Monday-the busiest day of the week. With indoor and outdoor work reved up for the next few months, it seems energy is needed. But April let's embrace your last few days with love and appreciation. As we know April showers bring Spring flowers!

Trying to frame some pictures with natural elements. The green tulip leaves sprouting are from the anniversary ones that I am eager to see how they do. How is your garden coming along?

APRIL TULIPS

Every garden has one area that has its first of everything. In the back some tulips come up on schedule every year. I can see them from the kitchen window. It was important ot get my camera and snap these first ones. In a week or so I can go around the neighbourhood snapping other ones. But mine are the best.

EARTH DAY 2017

April 22 is Earth Day. Time to reflect about our footprint on the earth. I walk, compose, use cold water washes and air dry most of my clothes. Use the dryer for sheets and towels. But I do use too much plastic. Need to rethink that one.
My daughter Sonya wrote a good blog post of the the environmental ways to reduce our waste.
House of Kerrs
So think of ways to celebrate Earth Day.
#earthday#environmentalwaste#toomuchplastic

DAFFODIL-THE APRIL CANCER FLOWER

The Daffodil is the April flower of hope. Cancer flower! Buying daffodils or wearing little plastic daffodil pins helps support cancer research and resources for cancer patients.

Planted in the Fall the spring bulbs like the Daffodil come up in Canadian gardens to make a lovely statement in the garden. Grown in clusters or alone the yellow or white amongst the dirt is a wonderful reminder of the tenacity of nature.

#daffodils#cancersociety#hope#garden

NANA SAYS SUMMER PLANNING HELPS WITH FUN

Parents have planned summer camps already. But there are moments to have some family times together. A trip to a cottage or weeks in Europe or south may be on the agenda. Grandparents often help with some summer babysitting too. So having activities in the home, day trips to local venues. For us there is the Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, The Aquarium and if possible tickets to a sports event. Beach or pool jaunts use up 1/2 days. So parents needed to plan but grandparents can plan too. One of daughters suggested to get the kids helping with digging in the garden. Not a bad idea. Perhaps giving them a corner for flowers or a row of vegetables to maintain. My teacher friend then calls it a Natural Science lesson. So planning can include simple basic summer activities. Make sure the library card is up to date because trips to the library for some books is another easy fix.

LIFE BRINGS SMILES IF YOU TAKE THE TIME

Slowing down and looking at the world around us can bring joy. Seeing the sad moments and trying to help fix them brings sweat but knowing an effort is being made. Say goodbye  to some of Canada's finest and wish them welll- stay out of harm's way. They are joining international efforts to fight ISIS. Hopefully they will be part of many efforts to bring the smiles back to people in the world affected by some atrocities. Life with the good, bad and the ugly is Life. Embracing it and doing something to make the world a better place should bring a smile to your face. So are you smiling? And what's in your day to bring a smile to someone else?

LILIES BRING HOPE AT EASTER

Easter would not be the same without Lilies. A flower that brings hope and light.

Eggs even chocolate ones are about new life and rebirth.

The message of Easter is very poignant and significant today. For those suffering in the world, to have a message of hope for a better day and life.

Enjoy your Easter!

FOREGIVENESS-HOW IT RELATES TO EASTER

Good Friday is the holy day of Jesus' sacrifice. He died so our sins could be forgiven. It made me think about forgiving and forgiving others for what they do to us. Then the thought occurred to me. Forgiving others means it is necessary to forgive ourselves first. Many good people have things done to them by not so good people. It takes courage to forgive those people. But forgiving ourselves for being duped, hurt or scammed takes more courage. Not to wallow in the hurt but to move forward. It does not mean toxic people should stay in our lives it just means that forgiving frees up so much negative energy. Easter is a time for celebration. Reflection. Being with family. Talking about the Easter message. Love. Peace and well forgiveness. So for me starting with myself. Forgiving me for not being all the things I had wanted to be. Loving what has been done. Loving the people in my life. Forgiving frees up love!

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS #4-SUSAN MCWATTERS

Susan McWatters the wife of great-great grandfather George Witheridge. She came from County Armagh, Ireland in 1864. They lived in the Durham region. The Witheridge family history goes back to the 1600s in Devon England. Her background and family have been a 34 year search. So at a local genealogical meeting for York Region last night- April 12, 2017 the talk was about British Home Children. The time frame 1869 to the early 1900s. Farm hands and domestics. So a bell went off- why not research that area. Perhaps she did not come with family to the Durham region but was one of the Home Children. Worth a shot so I will update at a later date to determine if anything came of this lead if it is one. The presenters were from the International British Home Children group.
#britishhomechildren#genealogy#mcwatters#ireland#countyarmagah

NANA SAYS SPRING IS IN THE AIR-TIME TO GO OUTDOORS

Looking forward to the Easter weekend, there will be a sleepover with the grandchildren. Time to think about outdoor play and activities. If dry enough, a little jaunt to the local park to use the play equipment. Taking the ball to try some baskets on the little court there. The walk will be good exercise for all. Of course, I take the little wagon to hold stuff as snacks are always a must for everyone. Running around the backyard works too. Of course, there will be lots of  "sticks" for play. With my granchildren I find less is more. So let's find some pinecones. What can be done with them? Let's see how many different birds we can see or hear! Let's see if anyone needs an afternoon nap! Outdoors hopefully helps to tire everyone with all that good fresh air!

SPRING FEVER

The energy picks up as the weather gets warmer. Do you notice it? Last night my husband said where are you getting all this energy. Well, changing the fall/winter clothes to spring/summer? Getting ready for the Easter weekend and family time takes days of preparation! Okay if I were not working full time them it would be done in less days! But giving myself a little job every night to be ready for the long weekend is paramount! Adolph is doing a little each day outside. The ground is still quite muddy so the paths and clipping of trees and bushes.

Pieno by pieno like they say in Italian! Little by little. I love to be very busy and energetic in the Spring. Attack the house and garden. So by mid June when the really warm or even hot weather arrives, it is time to sit back and enjoy! So get going so you can enjoy the lazy days of summer when they arrive. Nothing like rewarding yourself for all the hard Spring work!!

#27 BARB'S RELECTIVE 150- SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS EVERYWHERE

Remembering the Canadian efforts at Vimy Ridge 100 years ago, brings us forward to the present. Our Armed Forces are involved in many arenas worldwide and at home. To support all their efforts is important. They put themselves in harm's way to protect us. The First World War was to end all wars. Unfortunately it did not happen. Conflicts in the world today bring home the realization that peace always comes with a price.

#26 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-REMEMBERING VIMY RIDGE

Sunday April 9, 2017 marks the 100th anniversay of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians became of age at this famous battle. The huge monument in France honouring 11,000 who died and those who fought. Thousands will descend on France for the celebration. Our Prime Minister, Prince William and Prince Harry along with many other dignitaries and general public. France has put out a welcome mat with lots of Canadian flags.

Ernest Adolphus Ellis- grandfather to many in my family, great grandfather to several and great great grandfather to many fought in this battle and earned medals.

Men from Toronto.

More faces of men who served. Were they there that day?
Vimy Ridge Foundation is a wonderful site to peruse. Learn more about the accomplishments of the Canadian.
Vimy Ridge
2017 has many celebrations across the country. Try to join one or watch live coveage on Sunday April 9, 2017. Lest we Forget!

NANA SAYS EASTER IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE CHRISTIANITY

Even irregular church goers can use the Easter season to talk about the Christian faith and what it means. Children can learn it is more than Easter bunnies and chocolates. The story of Christ and his teachings can be taught. Having story books for all ages and even some church attendance would be a good start. Grace at dinners is the tradition in our home. Practising love, acceptance and tolerance are year long virtues to have. Do onto others as you would have them do onto you! Basic but stands the test of time. Mostly as an adult role model positive Christian qualities every day!

CHANGE BEGINS WITH ONE STEP

Thinking of the changes coming in our lives can be overwhelming. Spring brings spring cleaning. I love to see someone cleaned the whole house. Nice but not feasible in my world. To vacuum my whole house top to bottom is 4 hours straight. So how would I clean it all with closets and drawers and stuff to sort. Starting with an area and methodically going through the house. Actually started a year ago with sorting and giving away and boxing what would need to be moved. One day! So wanting change in our lives begins with a plan.

1.What needs to be changed? More exercise! Lose some weight? Read more books? Take in more social activities?

2. Then comes the why! Why do you want to change?

3. How are you going to accomplish it? Alone. Help. Therapy.

4. When are you going to start? Right now is a good plan.

5. Where are you going to get the change? Home. Gym. Work-new job!

Often the need for change comes with a feeling inside of dissatisfaction. Seeing others doing more and being tired of being a good sport. Wanting something more. Or sometimes just wanting less. Less stress, less work, just less!

A journey does start with one step. The first step in getting out of bed. Staring the day. Change starts with that first step.

APRIL COMES IN WITH LOTS OF EXCITEMENT AND FUN

Birthday celebrations are always good. So beginning a month with one along with some warmer weather, this part of Canada is good. Did you watch some of the Junos last night? Celebrating our talent is fun too. Only saw the last acts due to a social event but it seemed Ottawa was a great venue for it. The last song- the Summer of 69 sure brought back memories. 1969- finishing High School, preparing for university, feeling like life was good! April is the first real month of Spring. The trees are budding for the May bloom. Spring bulbs popping up their little heads in the garden. Yes the birds in the early morning singing and embracing the weather. So will there be a song about the Spring of 2017, we'll see!

NANA SAYS HANDMADE BLANKETS ARE BEST

In every family there are crafters. People who like to make things for their loved ones. My mother and mother-in-law were two from the previous generation. I am one for my immediate family. My sister-in-law Edna creates all the time and sells Christmas stockings. All my grandchildren were given at least three baby blankets by me when born. So recently when my little Allie girl told her Mom her blanket was too small but her favourite the race was on. Knitting as fast as I could, a bigger girl blanket was finished.

As requested, pink and purple with some white bands and the blanket was done. Always creating and making craft items to have a handy stash, I find when my hands are busy for a specific person the time spent has some love attached. There are handmade blankets everywhere in my house. To see my grandchildren wrapped up in one on a visit or sleepover melts my heart. Now they are realizing Nana made this. So any grandparents out there remember your loving hands can create loving projects for your family.
#Nana#blankets#handmade#love

#25 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- PARKS CANADA DISCOVERY PASS

Parks Canada has provided any Canadian wanting a free pass the opportunity to visit all their sites free. As part of the 150 celebration, it is a wonderful gesture to have Canadians visiting as many parks or venues as possible.
Parks Canada

It will make a nice souvenir in the 150 scrapebook for anyone deciding to create such a book.
#150#ParksCanada#DiscoveryPass