HALLOWEEN-THE LAST DAY OF OCTOBER

One wishes every month ended with so much fun. Halloween- next to Christmas, the favourite event for children and lots of adults too. Excuse to eat lots of candy and dress up in a costume.
Sometimes it marks the end of Indian Summer! We did have some warm days and now the cooler weather is arriving. Gardens are almost put to rest. Lots of leaf raking to do as the trees shed their foliage! A good month to finish projects and then to start new ones. For me- two photo projects done. One for friends and another for a family member! Bags of yard waste to the curb! The garage ready for the car when the winter weather starts so less work in cleaning it off  every morning! Of course, Christmas prep is full swing. Two major dinners- Thanksgiving and a friends' dinner party! And any left over projects that will continue into November! A knitted blanket and quilted throw are in the works. Of course, November brings some special birthday celebrations in our family. So how was your October? Did you get stuff done? Are you continuing with your regular routines or planning new ones? Share your projects with me.!
#October#Halloween#projects#photos#albums#garden cleanup#leaves#christmasprep#fun#friends#family

5 REASONS TO ENJOY HALLOWEEN

On Halloween Eve, are you ready for the trick and treaters. How to enjoy the day.

1. It is fun . People decorated their lawns, their doors and the pumpkin farmers are rewarded for their hard work.

2. You get to shell out candies and stuff to the children in your neighbourhood. I give cans of pop and candies. For years I have been known as the " pop lady"!

3. People are happy at work. Some come dressed in costumes. Others just smile at those who are dressed.

4. Buying all those candies and stuff helps the Canadian economy. Just do an Internet search to determine how much is actually spent. Then watch for the sales and you can use the little chocolate bars at Christmas too.

5. It is just a good reason to get out of the normal activities. So dress up, get ready for the day and well the night. Let's hope it is good weather for the little ones and the big ones taking their kids out. Lots of outdoor lights for them to see their way.

Happy Halloween Eve!
#halloween#pumpkins#fun#whatareyouwearing#chocolatebars#children#candies

KNOWING WHEN TO SHARE AND NOT

Keeping parts of life separate can take energy. Work life is separate from home life and privacy is always an important aspect. God forbid you do not say yes to everything! If no then what's up your butt!
Know who you can trust when sharing information. The lunch table with 20 people is probably not the best place. Do you really want everyone to know your business? And at work! If you have an issue, remember people will want to get in the mix and offer advice or belittle your concern. Do you really need that? No! Be like a pickle tray with separate components!
#sharing#privacy#separatingaspectsofyourlife#trust#energy#worklife#homelife#lunchtable

FINDING A SPOT FOR CONTEMPLATION OR QUIET SOLITUDE

Belonging to a family, work, a social group is good. But there are times to withdraw and contemplate life or what to do next. A nice bench in a park or trail or city street can bring a good location to think about things.
The bench! Sort of a blank canvas. So when you look at the picture what do you see? What do you think?  Would you sit there and watch the world go by? What are your thoughts?
#thoughts#contemplation#solitude#thinking

#61 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150- GORD DOWNIE

Canadian icons are important to us. Gord Downie, front man for the Tragically Hip- a wonderful Canadian group- died last week.
Canadians coast to coast are mourning his death at age 53. So buy some music, honour him by enjoying the songs. Remember his family and friends.
R.I.P. Gord.
#gorddownie#tragicllyhip#canadianmusic#icon#canada

NANA SAYS BRACE YOURSELF FOR CHILDREN'S ILLNESSES

As a grandparent, I always get the flu shot to try to deter any illnesses coming from me. So parents think about it for yourselves too.
Do you have backup as parents when children get sick? Day cares have strict rules on when children can return after fevers, colds etc. Do you save some vacation or personal days for such occurrences?
Grandparents are good backup as needed. Depending on the age of the child, we can be helpful. The toddlers are more demanding so would not be left with Grandpa!
What about those remedies? Cough syrup, tyelenol syrup, drops for pink eye, doctor's phone numbers, walk in clinics- well you know the drill. Having your own little home pharmacy for both child and adult helps when illness starts to occur.
If one parent needs to stay home, do you have your car pools arranged. You help others and they help you.
Lessons need to occur. If needed can you take your sick child to work for short periods?
Fall/Winter are the heavy duty times for illness. So prevention is the best cure! Getting rest, eating healthy and taking vitamins may help!
What are your startegies!
#children'sillnesses#flushot#prevention#sleep#vitamins#howtosurvivechildren'sillnesses#walkinclinics#howtoarrangebackup#remedies#homepharmacy#stayinghealthy

5 REASONS TO DO FALL CLEANING

Spring and Fall bring out the cleaning bug in many of us.

1. You pull everything out and look at what you want to keep, toss, sell or give away.

Then you have a room that is neat and organized.

This is my craft room. All the projects in little bags to grab and work on them. Now neatly organized. The table is for my projects as well as a space for the grandchildren to do crafts. The bed is the overflow guest room. The grandchildren can sleep there as well as use it for naps when they are at the house.

2. Cleaning the clothes closets may reveal items in the back that have not been worn often. So bring them out to wear, or donate. Coats to the cleaners. Jackets washed. Access the mitts, gloves, scarves and hats for winter wear. Are the boots good for another season?

3. The garage. Mine becomes a mess magnet with all the summer gardening. Reorganizing with the items removed from the garden and neatly placed with themes- the garden tools in one spot, items for the spring garage sale, the hanging plant pots, etc. My winter shovels and salt are near the door of the garage. The space in the middle allows for the car to be parked over the winter. No scraping of ice. It stays clean and easy to use.

4. The closets and cupboards throughout the house get a cleaning too. One at a time when in the mood. Good for a rainy day. Too many pots and pans. Which ones are old, rusty or just too dented! Purge.

5. And the gift cupboard. All those sale items bought just in case. What can be used for Christmas gifts? Surprizing how much gets purchased over the year. Find those sweet new items a new home. Yes my Christmas organizer plastic tower is nicely organized. I reviewed my gift bags, paper and cards knowing I am well stocked and ready for the Christmas season.

So Fall cleaning let us slide into the Christmas preparations and season. I am not sure the Recycling crew will appreciate all my stuff on the curb but my house and garage sure feel cleaner.
How about you? How is your Fall cleaning going?
#fallcleaning#purgingstuff#cupboards#closets#whyfallcleaningis goodforus#tipsoncleaning#cleaning outthegarage#cleaningtheclothescloset#cleaningthecraftroom#acleanhouse

PUMPKINS-HOW CANADIAN, EH!

October without pumpkins would be unthinkable. They are everywhere. To be carved. To have the seeds scooped to roast and eat. Use the flesh for pies and other baking. Used in themes for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Baskets at markets and farms. Even pumpkin competitions to determine who grew the biggest one.
The colour orange is very therapeutic and healing. Although there are variations of pumpkins now.
Two big pumpkins and 3 small ones are in my front area.My favourite pumpkin item of course are the pies. What do you love about pumpkins?
#pumpkins#fall#october#pumpkin pies#markets#farms#baking#carvedpumpkins#goodeating#halloween#Thanksgiving

KINDNESS CAN NOT BE TAUGHT

Sometimes the acorn does not fall far from the tree. In our family system we have had many generous and kind people. Is it taught? Is it genetic?
This week one of our wonderful grandchildren did a kind act.
Sophia was at an regional cross country race. Her school had aspirations of doing well. During her Grade 7 category, she was running well. Part way through the race, a little girl stumbled smashing her face. Sophia stopped to help her so did not finish the race. She was disappointed she did not finish. The rest of us are amazed at her kindness and good heart. She did the right thing. She helped someone else. Her school recognized her.
If we worry sometimes how our children or grandchildren will do in life, an ordinary day becomes a teaching moment for all of us!
#kindness#learning#family#winning#life'slessons#helping

NANA SAYS GIVE CHILDREN STRONG ROOTS TO GROW

Family is a good place to start in giving children strong roots. If lucky, there is more than one generation to be there for the little ones. Having grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends that are like real family give children a village where they can grow. Being loved by many people is so emotionally important. To be accepted and appreciated for no reason other than they are in your life is the best. Regular dinners, events, get togethers keep the joy alive. Even being welcoming to your children's friends is good for those children too.
#family#village#grandchildren#grandparents#children#roots#emotionalstability

THE SOUNDS OF A CANADIAN FALL

As the leaves fall off the trees, the roads, lawns and sidewalks can be filled with them. Walking bring a crunchy sound under our feet. It is an endearing sound. For the birds that are still making their way south, the flocks that can be seen on hydro lines and their sound remind us they are leaving for warmer climates. Fall with the clouds that are puffy. The sunrises and sunsets against the coloured trees are so beautiful. The wind has a different howl too. Fall has its unique sounds. What do you hear? What do you like? What don't you like?
#Canadian##fall#leaves#flocks#birds#trees#clouds

FIVE REASONS TO GREET THE DAY WITH JOY

Each day brings new opportunities. So how to try to greet the day with joy.

1. Your night of insomnia is over. You can be awake.

2. You can tackle the To Do list. One item at a time. If anything not done, well do it tomorrow.

3. It is the beginning of the rest of your life. So enjoy!

4. It gives the opportunity to connect with loved ones. Phone, text, personal, or even write a note or letter by hand, email or keyboarding.

5. My favourite and a cousin of mine- yeah that first cup of coffee to greet the day. If you have your own drink like tea, milk, or water- go for it.

Monday is always a hard day for working people. The weekend usually is a busy, busy time. Too many of us try to pack 5 days into 2.

But trying to find joy in every day. Even a little or big thank you to God is a good help.

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY- OCTOBER 15, 2017

The loss in early pregnancy is an underrated loss. The loss of an infant is huge. Any pregnancy loss stays with the parents for the rest of their lives.The loss can represent lost dreams, hopes, expectations of a baby. A child. Growing a family. Many parents may have struggled with getting pregnant. The joy turning to sadness and loss. The grief journey is tough. Honouring all those parents, families who have had any pregnancy loss is important for all of us. Various groups do some honouring on this day. Releasing balloons, butterflies, lighting candles. If you know someone who has experienced such a loss, let the person know you remember and want to share how you care.

A POSTCARD FROM ALGONQUIN PARK-1960S

The good thing about keeping postcards is the time frame of bygone times.

We camped as a family the late 1950s to the early 1970s most summers at Rock Lake. The guys in the family may take fishing weekend trips up Lake Opeongo.

This is a view of the Galesairy Lake and Madawaska River at Whitney- just outside the east end of Algonquin.

Costello Creek in Algonquin.

What a rustic highway in the 1960s. This is Lake of Two Rivers on Highway 60 in Algonquin Park.
Many people today go for a weekend in the fall to see the colours of this part of central Ontario. It is the park that connects the south to the north. The trees are from a boreal forest so lots of green coniferous trees amongst the changing deciduous trees. If one does not love camping then there are lodges in the Park and motels/hotels outside the park to stay when making day trips.
#algonquinpark#camping#1960s#1950s#1970s#Ontario#countrydrives#fallcolours#memories

5 REASONS NOT TO WORRY ABOUT FRIDAY THE 13TH

Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? Well I am not! I even lived on the 13th floor of married students residence at university.

                                                             Watch for the signs.

1. Think religious. Jesus and the 12 disciples- the number 13. So spiritual!

2. It is just another day. And look it is Friday- the end of the work week.

3. People are born on the 13th of the month. So do not deny a birthday celebration. It is not always a Friday.

4. It is coming to mid month so get moving on your month's activities and goals. It is the second Friday the 13th this year and guess what the last one!

5. Okay, if you are worried- no walking under ladders, avoid black cats, wear garlic if you think there is a vampire. Go back to bed and pull the covers over your head!

Otherwise Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy the day!
#friday#the 13th#fridaythe13th#superstitious#religion#Jesus#disciples#fear#worry

NANA SAYS BE KIND TO NEW PARENTS

New parents want to do it right. There is so much advice from family, friends and the Internet. Not much has changed. Babies cry, eat, poop and and need lots of cuddles. Babies come one of two ways. Mothers need to recover from the birthing experience. Skin to skin, kangaroo care or whatever we call it is good for all as it helps with the bonding. It is 24/7 which can be such an eye opener for all. Sleep or little sleep is so stressful for the new parents. How to be good support means ebbing and flowing with the new parents. Bring food. Let the Mom have a shower. If older children take them out and entertain them to give some relief in the home. Or take care of the baby so Mom and Dad can get out for some time. Even a quick coffee alone somewhere can be supportive. The best advice is to be a good listening ear. Let the new parents know you care without being overwhelming to them. If a grandparent, time to develop a relationship with the grandchildren.

COUNTRY IMAGES CLOSE TO HOME

A short drive to find some woodlots with fall colours revealed some areas close to home that have potential photo opportunities. All the summer rain has kept the trees greener longer so the full array of colour is slowly happening.

There is a sense of connection with nature. Trees are earth's most important resource. So is that why just driving and viewing the colours brings such joy. There are bus trips north to see the colours. Pictures are taken. Postcards are made with them. Too early to capture them all. Another country drive is planned. I know the spots and the safe parts of the road to pull over to snap some of nature's beauty.
#countrydrive#fallcolours#trees#photos#woodlots#postcards

#60 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-A THANKFUL THANKSGIVING 2017

Canadians love their turkey and all the trimmings. Thanksgiving 2017 was a good time for family and friends to celebrate together. Remembering and celebrating our history. Time to bring all our people and concerns together. It is a celebration that transcends time. From early settlers bringing their harvest customs to embracing our First Nations contributions of nature and fall vegetables. Overall it is a truly Canadian celebration.
#thanksgiving#firstnations#settlers#celebrations

A CANADIAN THANKSGIVING-2017

Known for a big turkey meal with all the trimmings, the traditions do go back historically.
Different than the American one, Canadians celebrate on the second Monday of October every year. Our celebration has nothing to do with pilgrims.
It wasn't always like this.
In 1879 our Parliament declared November 6th to be a day of celebration of Thanksgiving. Then it was too close to Armistice Day after World War One.
January 31st, 1957, Parliament Proclaimed-
" A day  of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed!" So the second Monday of October became the holiday.
Harvest celebrations were always occurring in Europe and Great Britain. So those traditions made their way across the ocean when settlers came.

Our history tells us the English explorer Martin Frobisher had a ceremony in Canada in 1578 giving thanks for his arrival after surviving exploring the North West Passage. He held it in Newfoundland.  Samuel de Champlain- the French explorer- held a similar ceremony in Nova Scotia in the early 1600s giving thanks. The Order of Good Cheer!
Our First Nation people celebrated the harvest and gave thanks for the abundant crops.
Churches have cornucopia of fall vegetables and fruit from the harvest. In the Jewish faith there is the harvest festival of Sukkot.

Eating turkey and all the trimmings is the norm. Squash, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkins are so generic to Canadian life. Apple, blueberry and pumpkin pies are a must. Yes cranberries are so historic too. They link us to the past.
So the first long weekend after the summer Thanksgiving is always a welcome event.
Celebrating and giving thanks is a good way to remember all that we have. Often Canadians will invite family and friends that may be alone at this time. There is always too much food anyway. So the more that join in the Thanksgiving table festivities the better.

So out to the farms and supermarkets for the abundance of food for the table.
#thanksgiving#dinner#turkey#squash#history#samueldechamplain#maritnfrobisher#history#parliament#pumpkinpie#applepie#blueberrypie#harvest#cornucopia#cranberries

OCTOBER- TIME FOR FALL ORGANIZATION

Thanksgiving is a good time to prepare the home for the coming months. Having guests for a good meal gives the opportunity to tidy up those clutter corners. Cleaning that has been put off for those warm summer months.  Putting stuff away in the garage. Since it is early this year, leaves weeks to finish lots of fall projects. Along with cleanup comes many opportunities for photographs. I have been scouting some locations so when the colours are in full bloom I know where I want to go. Actually my drive to my daughter's home in Aurora has a lovely drive up Bathurst street. Some woodlots are divine this time of year with colour, i.e. when the colours come.

From years ago, a favourite spot in Port Perry Ontario beside Lake Scugog. Photos can give such pleasure. Even one beautiful tree in your garden can be photographed year round.

                                                This is one of my favourite fall pictures.

o work around your house and garden. Then when enough is done, hop in your car and go for a drive and find those places that bring colour and joy. Fall- time to organize and well, just enjoy life!!
#fall#photographs#fallcleanup#Thanksgiving#countrydrives#PortPerry#Ontario#photographs#Aurora#trees

NANA SAYS DEALING WITH SCHOOL AND ITS RULES

Now that school is in full swing. Homework. Extracurricular activities. Early mornings. Late nights. Then the lessons and all the planning. October brings the new month of staying in the groove. The groove can be very tiring. So with a long weekend how to try to keep the school needs at bay. Well perhaps any homework, get it done Friday night so the weekend is free. Outdoor trips that may help coordinate the school needs. Are there lessons in science about trees? Collect leaves! Are there lessons about environment? Then a farm trip or trip into the city! Try to help your family have some fun with all the demands that are needed. So School needs can be incorporated into family needs too. Keep in touch with your children's teachers. Have home conversations about friends. Know who your children's friends are! Remember school is a part of your child's life. It is not their whole life. Although it can feel like the school has more control in your life. Especially if your child has some issues and you get calls from school. Keep it separate from home life. Give everyone a break. Embrace what school brings to our lives. If time be a volunteer there or send items that the teacher can use in lessons. No matter what, you are the parent and the most important person in your child's life. Challenges will happen. Grab onto them and find ways to solve, cope and sometimes just survive. School and home can be one of those huge challenges.
#school#home#challenges#activities#parents

OCTOBER ARRIVES- 5 WAYS TO EMBRACE IT

October that little month with a long weekend and lots of time to enjoy the Fall outdoors.

1. Thanksgiving weekend with the dinner and time for family. Eat well and cook a lot so there are leftovers. Then more time to be outside and enjoy.

2. Country drives. They will let the fall colours embrace your soul. Of course the photo opportunities are endless.

3. Country markets. Farm trips. Buy a stock of fall vegetables. Put them in your cold cellar for eating until Christmas.

4. Some fall cleaning. Changing the clothes from summer to winter wear allows for some purging. Give to charity, younger family members. The garage cleaning to allow for the car. What can not be sold or given to charity, put on the curb.

5. Outside decorating. Not too early for the Halloween theme if you are a groupie of that event. Some lawns are amazing with all the interesting things. So go for it.

More garden cleanup. Shopping early for Christmas. Just enjoying any days with sunshine. October with its varying weather systems- some cool, some warm. Just hoping for an Indian Summer..

                                      Just don't get fenced in! There is life on the other side.

#october#fall#thansgiving#countrydrives#halloween#fallcleaning#farmtrips#gardencleanup#photography#turkeydinner#familygetogethers#fallvegetables#fun