MARCH OUT LIKE A LION

Well March came in like a lion. Stayed seasonally cool and well it is departing like a lion too. Spring is here but not warm to be outside too much. My little snow drops are appearing in the garden. So as the month that is winter/spring comes to an end with  happy celebrations of Easter and Passover a good reflection is did anything get accomplished. For me yes, lots of personal stuff has been done. April will bring more planning and doing and well accomplishing. Taking care of loved ones- big and little. Taking care of myself too! How about you, did March treat you well? What was your best moment?
#march#accomplishments#snowdropsinthegarden#outlikealion#goodreflection#easter#passover

EASTER IN CANADA

Some cities have passion of the Christ parade like little Portugal in Toronto on Good Friday. All churches have services all weekend long. Many TV stations play the favourite Easter and Passover movies. I usually like to watch Ben-Hur as it has such a wonderful historical base for the Easter message. What do we eat? Depends on the Canadian. I was raised eating a ham dinner on Easter. Adolph liked his lamb and a pasta dish, often lasagna. Well now we have a pasta dish- meat sauce and egg noodle,  lamb, ham with pineapple slices, Italian sausage and chicken breasts. Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beans. Some anise with oil and vinegar.A veggie and dip platter as one of the appetizers.Fruit and cake and lots of chocolates. Yes ice cream for the kids! I make some bread sticks and porscuito for the gang. Favourite beverage! But before dinner is the Easter egg hunt at Nana and grandpa's. It is so much fun to watch the little ones running around finding those chocolate eggs.! Happy Easter everyone!
#easteregghunt#Easter#lamb#hamwithpineapple#chickenbreasts#italiansausage#cake#lotsofveggies#chocolateeggs#favouritebeverage

EASTER- TIME TO REFLECT AND RENEW

The most holy on the Christian calendar. Absorbing the Easter message. Being forgiven. Starting new. So Jesus forgives us but do we forgive ourselves. Some humans are very self absorbed and believe they have never done harm to anyone. Okay some but most of us always feel some remorse and wish we had been better human beings. Forgiving ourselves for our imperfections. Letting go of the past to grow. Living in our mistakes is like living in post traumatic stress all day long. If forgiving ourselves means talking to those we think have been offended. Telling our children we are sorry for not being perfect parents. Eliminating toxic relationships in our lives. Renew. Put joy. Pray for forgiveness and the ability to forgive ourselves. It is okay that we did not love everyone and have those relationships where we could hardly stand other people. Letting those people live their lives and just moving on. Jesus would not want it any other way. Remember forgive those who hurt you. Do onto others as you would have them do onto you. So letting go can be included here. Surrounding ourselves with love and kindness while giving love and kindness to the world.

#Easter#Jesus#forgiveness#forgivingourselves#eliminatingtoxicpeople#notbeingatoxicperson#imperfections#notbeingperfectparents#lovecanbedifficult#eastermessage#christiancalendar

SPRING- TIME FOR REBIRTH

Most people make new year resolutions. Then do not keep them. At least the majority do not. Spring is when change needs to occur. It is the season of rebirth. Even if you are in the winter of your life, spring can put a bounce back in your step. Well for me anyway. Walking in runners is a lot lighter than walking in my heavy boots. Seeing the garden and the trees coming alive. Listening to the song birds. More people start to be outside. Just walking and strolling are happening again. The longer days are welcome. Eyeing the spring/summer fashions. Keeping within the budget. Making decisions and plans for the coming months. Spring. Oh yeah waiting for winter's last hurrah. Often have one more snowstorm. Don't need it but it can come. It is Canada after all!!

Soon a nice walk through a manicured garden. What are your stories of rebirth? Why do you like the spring?
#springrebirth#outsidestrolls#walkinthefreshair#winterisover#onelastsnowfall#wearrunnersnotboots#springfashions#summerfashions#seniorscanhaveabounceintheirsteptoo#beingoptimisticaboutlife

EASTER LILIES ARE A MUST!

Easter would not be the same without the lovely Easter Lily. There are many sites online that tell the story. A good link!
Easter Lily
Churches fill their altars with lilies and other spring flowers.
One story says the white lilies grew in the garden of Gethsemane after Christ's death.But the lily is about the Resurrection and the true meaning of Easter. Other traditions connect the flower with the Virgin Mary.
Whatever the reason to have Lilies at Easter, no home is complete without at least one pot of the beautiful flower.
#Easterlilies#Easter#thetraditionofcelebratingJesus#Christianchurchesfilltheiraltarswithlilies#theResurrection#lovehopefaith#giveafriendalilyforEaster

PALM SUNDAY-TIME TO SEE A POSTCARD FROM ISRAEL

Lucky to be able to visit Israel in 1991, I bought lots of postcards as well as took pictures.
Adolph and I did the Stations of the Cross or the Via Dolorosa.

The area in OD Jerusalem is a lot smaller than in the movies. The famous areas are crowded and the street narrow. However just being in the holy city was something that resonates with me still.

So a view of Jerusalem from the air.

The Citadel at night.

Another view of Jerusalem.

The Church of the Nations.

Jericho- The Mount of the Temptation.

Jerusalem, Jewish Quarter, remains of the "Churvah" Synagogue.

Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives.
Postcards are always a great way to have wonderful photos of many places. On that trip I did not have a digital camera- they were not around!! Just imagine if I did how many pictures I would have taken to the Holy Land. We were only there a couple of days for a business associate son's bar mitzvah. We had been touring Italy so were able to leave from Rome to visit Israel easily.
I am sure the people visiting for Holy Week are thrilled to visit where Jesus lived and died.
#Israel#Jerusalem#themountofolives#viadolorosa#Jesus#thestationsofthecross#postcardsfromJersulam#postcardsmakegreatmemories#mountoftemptation#middleeast#holyweek

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE

Well each day can begin like this. The first day of the rest of my life. However, when decisions are made. Deeds done. Thoughts become reality. There is a cleansing. An accomplishment for all in my life. There is a personal reward when worries are no longer. Worries often lead to getting things done. So a day to begin some next phases of my life.

So get on that path and get going. Shadows and all!
#thefirstdayoftherestofmylife#gettingthingsdone#stopworryingandgetgoing#life'saccomplishments#thedeedsaredone

SPRING SNOW DROPS ARE A WELCOME SITE

No matter how cold March can be the spring bulbs start the miracle of popping out of the ground. Some colour on brown is always a welcome sight.It is amazing how they will survive another snowfall if it happens. Do you know the scientific name for them?
#springbulbs#snowdrops#March#springisherewhenthebulbsarrive

NANA SAYS MARCH BRINGS NEW CLOTHES

With Spring here, it is time to revamp the clothes. Check what is needed. What can be passed down to a younger child. If there is a family or friend's group then sharing of good used clothes can prevail. Pass it around! I used to give my girls' nice stuff to two younger nieces. Any special occasions can be an opportunity to ask for a clothing item. I have made it a tradition to buy some clothing on days like Valentines, Easter, Canada Day for the grandchildren. Less chocolate and something more practical. Of course birthdays and Christmas bring clothing purchases. It always helps the family budget when something can be provided by someone else. Besides for this Nana it is fun to find some pretty items for all.
#clothesforchildren#nanalikestobuyclothes#springwardrobesforchildren#cleaningouttheclosets#buyingnewclothes

SPRING-METAPHOR FOR A NEW START

Ah today the first day of spring at noonish! For many just an end to winter. But for some the spring of life. A new beginning. A renewal. A fresh start. Seeing the earth come alive with greenery. Birds return. Animals mate. The spring of our lives can be behind us but is it?? As we age, often we stay in the winter of our lives and feel life is behind us. But can spring bring that new energy to start again. To start something new. To finish the unfinished projects. To embrace change rather than be afraid of it. Putting a spring in our steps so to speak. It is a season that is so welcomed. Spring into action. Even if the spring is a little slower, moving forward or even just moving is a good thing! For this blogger it means so much! With trepidation, I will spring forward. How about you?
#spring#sringmethaphoricallyspeaking#howtoembracespringasasenior#howtoembracerenew
ael#afreshstart#anewbeginning#thespringofourlives#howtomoveforwardwithoutfear#bravetostartsomethingnew

ST JOSEPH'S-EAT A ZEPPOLA

Italians celebrated St. Joseph's and eat zeppole.

It is a wonderful cream filled dessert. There are good reasons to eat one. Tastes good. Started by a baker in Naples in the 19th century and has become popular and necessary since that time. Mostly in the Rome and Naples areas of Italy.Try one. You will like it.
#stjoseph's#zeppole#rome#naples#Adolph'sareaofitaly#granpalovestocook#pastry

SUNDAY- THE DAY OF REST

If religious, we are supposed to rest on Sunday. But modern times makes us use every day of the week to be busy. Why? Resting is a good thing. It does not mean to lay in bed all day but it can mean to do restful things. Reading, writing, puttering in the house. Spending time with family and friends.  Going at activities slowly. Taking the rush out of life for the day. Preparing meals that can be enjoyed. Even cooking extra for the week. Sunday however is often stressful as many people worry about the start of the work week instead of enjoying the day. Having an afternoon nap. Oh Sunday what small pleasures can you bring to my life!!

#sunday#restfulday#slowactivities#putteringinthehouse

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

With some Irish in my family history it is a good day to wear the green and celebrate.

Pick a napkin to use.

Although we will not have Irish stew and biscuits, some sweets for the day are fun. Cookies and cupcakes with a green theme of course. How about you are you celebrating St. Paddy's Day?
#stpatrick'sday#weargreen#cupcakesandcookies#irishinmyfamilyhistory

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

Has life got you down? Do you feel the weight of your problems on your head and your neck? Do you feel the dark of your life is overwhelming? Sometimes just hanging in there and hoping, wishing, waiting for the light of your life to return is all that is needed. Life goes in cycles. The good, the bad and the ugly. Waiting for the light in your life is usually a leap of faith! But leap and see where it goes!
#darkestbeforethedawn#waitingforlifetoturnaround#lifegoesincycles#lifeanditsjoys#lifeanditsupsandowns#leapoffaith

KEEPING FRIENDSHIPS ALIVE

Life happens and we all get busy. People move away and it can be hard to keep in touch. Social contact is necessary for humans. Belonging to something with someone keeps us well. Having friends that know us and understand us makes life enjoyable. Having a laugh. Modern social media let us keep in touch wonderfully. Those forsook updates, instagram, tweets are fun. But a phone call, a coffee, a dinner party or other special gatherings are necessary. The personal face to face interaction keep it alive. So how do you nurture your friendships? How often do you keep in touch? Do you try to have regular time together?
#friendships#socialinteractions#personaltimewithfriends#socialmedia#makingtimetogettogether#humansneedeachother#makelifeenjoyable#modernsocialmedia

OVER THINKING-ANXIETY'S FRIEND

The mind is a wonderful thing. Or a curse! Thinking can bring lots of good ideas. But over thinking any situation can bring angst and well anxiety. Having plans and backup plans are always good. But thinking the worst is not good. Worrying becomes over thinking's best friend. Worrying can be debilitating. It can lead to panic attacks in some who have severe anxiety. A little anxiety is normal. However, not doing and just stalling is not good either. Life's changes often bring lots of over thinking. What if this? What if that? When? Why? Activities like health changes, retirement, separation, pending death, selling a house- well you get the picture. What if lots of these things are happening at the same time! It can be very overwhelming! Where to start? How to do everything one piece at a time.! And try to get help- free or paid. Take the thoughts out of the head into the hands. One activity at a time. It's like packing a house for a move. Start with one drawer, one closet. The thoughts are your drawers so tackle one thought! What to do with it before rushing to the next one! Over thinking can be just over whelming!! Yes remember to breath!!
#overthinking#anxiety#havingaplan#severeanxiety#worrying#panicattacks#life'schanges#tackilinglife'schanges#gettinghelpwhenneeded#life

WHERE ARE MY SPRING BULBS

Okay it is a picture from another year. But I live in hope the bulbs are waiting to burst from the earth. It is such a miracle of nature. The timing! The return of the flowers. The realization that other things in our lives that lie dormant are waiting to explode into colour and bring joy. Patience comes in as waiting is necessary for the right time
#spring bulbs#life'smiracles#bulbsasamethaphoroflife#patience

MARCH MADNESS BEGINS

With the change of seasons upon us, the time change- well our mood can be affected. Usually March madness can refer to the basketball season in the United States. However, change can be very difficult on people with any mood disorders. For most of us the pressure to do some spring cleaning. Getting prepared for the outdoor garden. Parents busy finding summer- yes summer camps even before March Break has been completed. In our need to plan and plan again, it can be so stressful to keep it all together. So March that Winter/Spring month that calls us all to get going. Get out. Get planning. Well slow down or it can leads to some chaotic stress. It is just another month with all the potential a month can bring. March Break brings a time to do stuff. Some outings. Some activities. Some planning. But remember to stop and enjoy. As Spring slowly comes to parts of the country, as there will be more snow then rain then warm then cold- well it is March- try to roll with it. So how is your March going??
#marchmadness#moods#marchbreak#planning#reducingstressbychilling#embracingthechangeofseason#Spring#winterending#gettingreadyforthenextseason#parentsandchildren

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2018-CELEBRATE

A day to recognize women. International Women's Day. Equality. Respect. Dignity. Mothers. Women. Workers. Wives. Friends. Daughters. But there are places in the world where women are still treated as second class citizens. Underpaid. Overused. Abused.
Then look to home. Just over a 100 years since women were able to vote. Still some are experiencing negative aspects in their lives.  Is there still a glass ceiling? Women must take time to have the babies and often time off work too.
Advances in health care has saved lives but still women in parts of the world do not receive the same health care. It is simple- if we take care of the women- we take care of the men and boys and the girls. A healthy baby- male or female is needed in this world.
A working woman brings home income to the family. Sharing responsibilities with the men in her life.
So celebrating and reflecting what it means to have a day!

1975 was the first time the day was really celebrated. The Why Not was the mantra.

#internationalwomen'sday#women#mothers#workers#wives#reflectingtheroleofwomen#whynot1975#respect#goodhealthcare

NANA SAYS ARE YOU READY FOR MARCH BREAK?

End of winter vacations are fun. Hordes of people will fill major airports to head to southern destinations. Beach and amusement parks are the themes. But for those staying behind, major cities have lots to offer. In Toronto and the GTA there are many activities for children. The Toronto Zoo is saying good bye to the Pandas so try to have one last trip to see them before they head west- to the Calgary Zoo I think.
Check out House of Kerrs- Our Top Picks for March Break in Toronto. Lots of great ideas for those staycations. Of course, if there are any children's films not seen yet, why not use the week.
As for this Nana, two days home to babysit some grandchildren to help out those hard working daughters of mine.
#houseofkerrs#toppicksformarchbreakinToronto#funonmarchbreak#vacationssouthwiththekids#pandasatthetorontozoo#visitlocalvenues#funwithnana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORONTO- 184 YEARS YOUNG

In 1834 with 10,000 residents the city of Toronto was created. Located on a strategic waterway- Lake Ontario it was significant in the creation of the province of Ontario.

So many images over the years. So much to see in this diverse city.

So visit and check out this great place.

So much to see.

No visit would be complete without a trip up the CN tower.
#Toronto#torontocelebrates184years#cntower#oldcityhall#diversecity#happybirthdaytoronto#lakeontario

DO YOU HEAR THE SONG BIRDS! SPRING IS HERE!

The sighting of a Robin is a sure sign Spring is just around the corner. Walking in March can reveal that some birds have returned from the south. Of course some never left us. My pair of cardinals in my backyard is coming around more. Where did they go the last few months? Some say if a cardinal is present, an angel is near. Nice thought! Birds in Canada are such a blessing! The varieties can vary in the different regions. But in the GTA there are many species. I am not a bird watcher per se. But I enjoy the sound of singing birds. So on my walks to work and back, it is noticeable that the sounds of spring are starting to occur.

Is that why the two hawks are back too! Can you find them in the trees! 

#songbirds#springbirds#hawks#cardinals#robin#soundsofspring

ONE CRISIS OVER, TIME TO REGROUP

Life has its ups and downs. The downs can sap energy and concentration more than anticipated. The ups can rejuvenate and bring new energy. Balancing life with its ups and downs is the struggle. Once things start to look a little better, it is important not to race back to some kind of old normal but to embrace the new normal.

Although it can look peaceful, assessing the currents of life so one does not get swept away!
#thenewnormal#lifewithitsupsanddowns#energysappedbyhardtimes#onecrisisafteranother#findingnewenergy#embracingallthatlifebrings

MARCH IN LIKE A LAMB, SORT OF

February ended with high temperatures so March 1st looks good. Oh but there is another proverbial snow storm coming with lots of white stuff. Good thing I have not heard or seen a Robin yet. Poor thing would want to fly south again. No bulbs yet in the garden so all is good. As the smart one, still wear my boots and coat so know winter is not over yet.
The good news, it is in the home stretch! Lots to look forward to in March. Husband slowly on the mend. It will be good to get outside again.
#March#inlikealamb#outlikealion#snowstorm#springrobins#springbulbs#garden