CHRISTINE LAGARDE A WOMAN TO RESPECT

Flipping through the dials while cleaning is often a good way to find something to watch. Today I found something intelligent to watch. PBS had an interview with Christine Lagarde Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Her bio is too long to write here so I advise you to look up information on her. She received a World Leader Award- Appeal of Conscience Foundation. With economic prosperity, there is hope she says. Her IMF hopes to promote economic security and prosperity for their 189 member nations. She is a true advocate of women and the need to be fiscally secure and independent. It is always wonderful to hear a brilliant woman speak. She is even excited like other woman to be anticipating a new grandson. Her mantra- peace, tolerance and respect. I plan to read more about this woman and definitely follow her on Twitter. I even copied her speech of acceptance of this current award. Do you know about this brilliant woman? Are there other brilliant women in your field?
#ChristineLagarde#InternationalMeonetaryFund#Worldleaderaward#knowingaboutwomenleaders#learningfromwomenintheprofessions#supportingthenotionofpeaceeconomicprosperity#supportingnationsoftheworldthatneedsupporttobecomeeconomicallysecure#whattoteachourchildrenabouthonouringeachother#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

LEAVING SEPTEMBER WITH MEMORIES

As summer emerged into fall, September too is slipping away. Back to school and all the cute outfits of grandchildren. Birthdays and their celebrations. Organizing and decluttering brought a cleansing feeling. Discovering those hidden treasures forgotten in the back of a cupboard or drawer. Reviewing the photographic adventures of the summer. September is always a busy month after the quiet and fun of July and August. Getting back into the routines. Actually liking some routines. With them come a sense of completion and getting something done. Visits from friends and relatives.
For me, corners of the house that have been unattended. Now super clean. Smell a lot like Pine Sol but clean. Reviewing what is next in this new journey of retirement. Wanted to be further down the road in finding some income potentials but it is getting there. Really knowing what to do and how to do it efficiently. Not to waste precious time just because there is more time to do personal activities.
So September has been useful and rewarding.How did your September go? Are you in full swing of the Fall schedule and activities?
#September#summerintofall#fallishere#lotsoforganzinganddecluttering#photoopportunitiesforfallpictures#routineshelpedtogetmoredone#Septembercelebrations#visitsfromfamilyandfriends#whatwillOctoberbring

DON'T LET YOURSELF COLLECT DUST

Life can be full of dust bunnies. Under the bed. Behind furniture. On all the little Knick
Knacks in the house. Sometimes we let ourselves become dusty or even covered in dust. Time to get out the vacuum or cloth and furniture polish. In the this case the people polish. Dust yourself off. Get up and get going.
#dustcanbeeverywhere#don'tletyourselfbecomecoveredindust#getupandgetgoing#dustyourselfoff

FALL CLEANING CLEANSES THE SOUL

Fall cleaning is a monotonous and boring job. Let's face it. Going through stuff takes more time than anticipated. Asking oneself- why did I save this. So 20 tin pie plates and other odds and ends went to the curb. Someone did pick them so glad I did not have to bag and just throw in the garbage. My basement is better. Lot less cobwebs! When did those cobwebs arrive anyway?? Not finished the grandchildren's stuff yet. They are growing so do not use all the odds and ends there either. Oh my laundry room smells like Pine Sol but it is clean. My clothes closet is so nice and neat. The home is getting the do over!! Steam cleaned the floor in the Dining Room so hope to do a round of the main floor before Thanksgiving. Getting ready for a house guest too!!  Some things are just getting packed as if I am moving tomorrow which I am not. But one day downsizing will happen!
My little visible collections of stuff are greatly reduced everywhere. I am finding stuff to use for other things like Christmas and crafts etc. Of course, donations to charities are always good too.
Why is it good for the soul? Well cleaning gets one thinking and remembering and deciding what things really are important! Having helped clean out a parental home I know what children do with stuff- they chuck it. They want very little! So with eyes like my children I know how much they will chuck!! I always let them know to sell the antiques if they are not interested in them.
My soul has been heavy lately. So reducing the clutter has freed up my thinking and giving me room to get projects like writing and crafts and planning for holiday events more of my time.
Plus retirement brought change in my life so change in my home is a good thing too. The house is my office, work, place to create, be with my husband and just be!! How is your fall cleaning going? Are you even doing any this year? Share your thoughts with me.
#fallcleaning#goodforthesoul#cleaningthebasement#decluttering#gettingridofstuff#cleansingthesoul#makingroomforlessandenjoyingittoo#retirementbroughtchange#whatchangecanyoumakeinyourlife

FALL 2018 HAS ARRIVED

Crisp air. Fall leaves. Apple picking at a local farm. The pumpkin for the festive events. Squash of all kinds in abundance. Sorting the clothes for fall and winter wear. Winter coat cleaned. Cleaning up the garden. The garage do over to make room for the car. Shorter days. Amazing sun rises and sunsets.Organizing summer memorabilia for scrapbooking or uploading for digital files.

So many fun things to do. Lots of Fall work which brings exercise to the body.

A walk down a country lane would be nice.
Lots of photo opportunities for Fall Colour that presents themselves!

The coniferous trees by the deciduous ones make a wonderful image. Oh Fall just beginning but what will you bring to our Canadian lives. Maybe walking through leaves with the grandchildren.
#fallinontario#canadianfall#funtingstodointheFall#applepicking#buyingthepumpkin#countrylanesforphotoopportunities#coniferoustrees#deciduoustrees#wonderfulfallimages#clothesforcolderweather#organizingthehouseandgarageforcolderweather#whatfuninthefall#fall2018

FAVOURITE CANADIAN IMAGES OF SUMMER 2018

As Fall is fast approaching, what images did evolve over the summer.

Sunflowers everywhere.

Trip to Stratford. The Music Man was a good show.

Oh those market trips and fresh Ontario produce.

The beautiful town of Niagara on the Lake.

Winnery visits.

Retirement celebration with cake, specialty donuts and family.

A walk in a sunflower field. The trend on Instagram to get a selfie in a field.

A River Cruise with the club on the Grand River near Caledonia.

Those quilts at The Creek. Every year an amazing display of quilts. A very great Canadian tradition coast to coast. I just was able to see Ontario made quilts.

One square mini samples!

A granddaughter at Horse camp.

The array of summer flowers.

Finding beautiful butterflies in the garden.

Grapes growing on the fence at home.

Vinelands and orchards in the Niagara Region. A popular wine and fruit area of Canada.

Iris in the garden.

Buying ciambella for my husband.
Oh Summer. Fleeting away too quickly.
#summerincanada#ciambella#vinelands#Niagararegion#caledonia#grandrivercruise#summergardens#buttlerflies#retirementcelebration#orchardsinniagararegion#sunflowers#horsecampforkids#quiltsatBlackCreekpioneervillage#quiltsarefun#grapesgrowinginagarden#stratfordwithfriends#sunflowers#freshontarioproduce#summerfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

SEPTEMBER AND FALL CLEANING

With still sunny skies but cooler weather, Fall cleaning is well under way. Closets, the basement and little areas like one shelf or a drawer. Hauling stuff to the garage- to store or to sell or just put on the curb. 4 bags of clothes to Value Village. 8 bags of yard waste this week So a feeling of going through the house is a good one. Cleaning also cleanses the soul. There is something about getting rid of stuff. The mind clears as stuff is cleared. The best feeling is when stuff finds a new home. Someone can use my old stuff. How about you? Any fall cleaning? What are your best tips for cleaning a home? Sometimes just if in doubt throw it out!!!
#fallcleaning#throwingoutstuff#cleaningthebasement#cleaningthecloset#rearrangingthehome#declutteringreallyhelps#ifindoubtthrowitout#cleansingthesoul

RETIREMENT BRINGS THE PURCHASE OF MAGAZINES

So I am finding myself subscribing to more magazines. A variety like the Walrus, Good Times -already had Canadian Living, Home and Beautiful and some off the shelves at the store. From Country Living to modern crafts, I am looking for themes and what interests people. What writers are writing! What is trendy! We have one daily newspaper but Adolph uses it for the sudoku he likes to do. Retirement is a chance to review and look and see what is out there in a bigger way than just the job and what comes through on the Internet. Reading from writers that really know how to write, use words and make the reader think.  I am a news groupie so watch news daily and check in on world events. Reading what is out there gives me a chance and opportunity to research so I can find some ideas on writing too. Writing and researching have always been a part of my life. This blog has given me so much latitude to write down ideas. However, perhaps it is time to take my writing to another level. I might try my hand at trying to write something for one of those magazines. There are sites online that include 1-3 page articles. So another avenue.  I want to write about my knowledge, expertise and the experiences of my profession while I still have those concepts fresh in my head. Of course, there is fictional writing that allows for more creative process. Genealogical articles are fine to write but they are factual, cite your sources, don't speculate and need to be clean. Fictional as you can fathom is another realm and may be fun. So back to those short articles and how each magazine likes their content to evolve. Have you tried your hand at writing? How is it going?
#purchasingmagazines#writingaboutcurrenttrends#writingaboutnewsworthyitems#freeingupmywritingenergy#readingtofindnewideasandtrends#magazinesarefuntoread#retirementgivestimetoresearch

NANA SAYS SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING

For most parents September can be stressful initially. Once the routines are established and children are adjusting to their new teachers and settings, everyone can breathe a sign of relief. Lessons are underway. Meetings and social functions outside the home are happening. So school brings homework too. Parents can help with it but remember the homework belongs to the children. Make sure they do it and you do not do it for them. Children always benefit from parents or caregivers reading to them. So remember to read every day. Hearing the voice and the written word is always a good learning tool. It also brings some intimacy to family relationships. Slows everyone down.
Making lunches again is a daily activity or chore. There is lots of advice online and in magazines on how to make nutritional and fun lunches.Depending on the age of children, having them involved can be an important life skills. Preparing for the week helps too. Remember those wonderful standbys- the grandparents for support!
#schoolyear#parents#grandchildren#homework#readingtochildren#makinglunches#childrencanlearntobeinvolvedinfamilychores#grandparentscanhelp

SHADOWS REVEAL SO MUCH

On a walk to take some photos close to home, I noticed some many noon hour shadows. It had me thinking about the shadows in our lives. We all have a light side and a dark side. Light helps to cast our shadows.

Our shadows can be our secrets, our private thoughts! They can be our negative thoughts and parts of ourselves we really do not want to share with others. Our shadows!
#shadows#notsharingourprivatethoughts#lifebringsshadowstothelight#doyoushareyourshadows

TWO MONTHS POST RETIREMENT AN SOME REFLECTIVE THOUGHTS

I feel like the kid in the car on  a drive. Are we there yet? Having enjoyed the summer months as I normally do, September arrived. Parts of my home are getting the do over. The declutter. The reorganization. The getting ready to blitz this retirement thing. To get to the real creativity pieces. I had wanted areas of my life to be better organized before retirement but life got in the way. I am often asked how it feels to be retired? Well different but the same. Don't worry about Sunday nights getting ready for Monday and the work week. Putting some new routines in place. Each day to have a mundane task to complete so more fun stuff can be done. Searching for social events in a different way. Knowing that being home can be socially isolating and no facebook time does not cut it for social time. Talking and relating in a real way is always better. I have accomplished some things because having goals and projects have not left me. Some people seem to think that to do little and relax is what retirement should be. Boring! Good for a day here and there. I have many things I would like to accomplish still in life. Getting to writing more projects is a goal. Working on that genealogy stuff is so important. Fixing this house to think about the next place over the coming year is an important goal too. Supporting my family and husband in a variety of ways. Perhaps ask me in a year how I really feel. Everyone said I would be busier than when working. Really- replacing 50 hours a week that work involved. Perhaps a different kind of busy. But cleaning my house and garden is important but actually rather boring. So some busy is a necessary part of life. If I am going to be busier than I want it to be activities I chose to do and enjoy! #thoughtsonretirement#beingbusyinretirement#howdoyoufeelinretirement#newroutinestoeasetheboredome#funstuffinretirement#declutteringthehouse#nomoreworryaboutMondaymorning#don'tbesoicallyisolated#goouttosocialevents#goalsforthedayareimportant#

COMING THROUGH THE FOG

On my walk today, it was foggy. It made me reflect about times in our lives we feel we are in a fog. Through cancer treatment we can have a brain fog. Pregnancy gives a fog and forgetfulness. Sometimes trying to solve a problem keeps us in a fog. Wearing bright clothes helps others see us in a fog. Foggy days can be dangerous when driving as it is so difficult to see other drivers and cars. Planes have trouble landing in them. Aging can feel like one is in a fog. Or just really stressful times can fog the brain. The good thing is the fog clears and we can see clearly. Or maybe it is good we can not see too far down the road in life. How about you, do you feel in a fog today?
#foggydays#comingthroughthefog#brainfogfromchemotherapy#pregnancymakesusfoggy#stayingsafeinafog

MEMORIES OF ALGONQUIN PARK

I belong to a Facebook Group- Memories of Algonquin Park. I finally found all my saved brochures from 1973 and earlier posting them to the site. Memories come in many shapes and forms. Focusing on one area of my life- Algonquin Park makes me realize how a piece of land can have so many memories- from childhood to teens to married life.
It would be fun to go there sometime when family are visiting. Just seeing Rock Lake where we camped in the 1950s and 1960s as a family. Last time I was there was 1973. We had camped on Lake Opeongo in August 1974 with friends.

#algonquinpark#campingasakid#memoriesofAlgonquinpark#rememberinggoodtimes

NANA SAYS GRANDCHILDREN ARE GOOD FOR GRANDPARENTS

I am starting to see research that having grandchildren in your life helps with your mental and physical health. Anyone who loves their grandchildren already feel the love. Having several generations available does give a different perspective to everyone. The little ones learn and see an older generation. The older generation gets to experience the new activities and gadgets from a different perspective too. Being support to the parents by giving them people who love their children for help in many situations. A recent article in  GOOD TIMES by Wendy Haff talks about the bond with your grandchildren.
GOOD TIMES
It is an interesting read and deals with the wonderful subject. Incorporating grandchildren into your life. For me I recently had one of my grandsons help me pick the grapes with me. We talked about how I used to make grape jam. Since my husband is Italian born having grape vines was a must for the garden. He sampled the grapes then later wanted me to pick some of the tomatoes and other veggies growing in pots on my back porch. Since he loves red peppers, he even decided to eat a fresh red pepper.
Little activities can bring conversation.
The important thing is time according to Wendy's article.
#grandparentsandgrandchildren#researchongeneralwellbeing#activitieswiththegrandchildren#lovingyourgrandchildren#spendingtimewithgrandchildren

SEPTEMBER-5 WAYS TO START FALL CLEANING

Seasons force us to change. Hot to cold. Cold to hot. As Canadians we must be flexible due to the weather. September rolls around and well it is a wake up call. Enjoyed the hazy days of summer now back to the regular schedule.

1. September is in our face. Summer is over soon. So doing a survey of the home, garden and garage of what needs to be cleaned. Not necessary to do it all in September. But having ideas of it all.

2. Check the supplies in the home. What cleaning products? Clean or freshen with some paint. Wash or dry clean curtains and other items. Doing the check first before starting. Nothing worse than getting started and not having what is needed.

3. Making a plan. A room at a time. A theme at a time. One neighbour used to wash the window in one room of her house each week. Not necessary to do them all. However, there are window cleaning companies that can take the burden off self cleaning. Do you want to do it all or pay for a service? Cleaning companies will do a big clean for you. Each day can have a job. Or leave it to one day per week while doing other things. Feeling good about doing it yourself is okay. But no guilt if you find it boring and would rather pay someone else! Part of your plan could be you find cleaning your house boring!!

4. You can look at Fall cleaning as a job not a chore. Hard to do but sometimes there are hidden treasures to sell, donate or if not a treasure toss to the curb. Using September and into October/November to do a good go around on the home let's all of us do other stuff in the Winter months. My stuff is writing and craft projects. Maybe this winter organizing all the photos better, cards and scrapbooking for the grandchildren.

5. September tells us to get started. Kids are back in school. Days at the cottage are numbered. The leaves will be falling and need raking. There are lots of activities too. So rewarding ourselves with some apple picking for example at a farm after some hours  or days of cleaning can be a reward. Buying one of those home baked farm pies! Remember to pace yourself. Hard deep cleaning and gardening can use muscle groups that have been dormant. So no hero cookie. When tired stop, and know there is another day.

Fall cleaning and sorting clothes has its small rewards. There is a sense of control knowing one can keep their corner of their life together. So how is your Fall cleaning going.
#fallcleaning#5waystodofallcleaning#Septembertimetogetstarted#makingaplanforcleaning#oneroomatatime#howisyourplangoingforcleaning#itcanbeboring

A SENIOR MOMENT- WHAT DOES IT MEAN

Aging is one of those processes that sneaks up on all of us. Some face it terribly or not at all. Others embrace it and brag about how old they are and what they can do. Others moan and groan about all their aches and pains and how the Italians say it- the Povera Me! The Poor Me syndrome!
But being a senior is as diverse as the Seniors themselves. We have books on what to expect from our baby, our preschooler, our teenager. There are lots of parenting books and blogs on good parenting etc. But how to be a good Senior. Is there a book for family members on what to expect from their Senior? When does one become a senior? Some discounts start as early as age 55!! But there are some people 55 who think they are still middle aged!! Some discounts are at age 60 and others well age 65!!
I will tell you it did take me a while to ask for the Senior's discount. I needed to hide my age at work due to the ageism discrimination. You know what happens now? You guessed, no one asks they just give me the Senior's discount. I guess I really look like a Senior.
Back to those Senior moments. Yes they can be little memory gaps- like what was the name of that actor. But if looking closely it was an actor from the 1940s that has not been in our consciousness for decades. Trying to remember the names of every person we ever met is a little disconcerting. To punish ourselves for needing to look something up like the name of the actor- who cares!
The pace of the world is fast. Keeping up with all the new gadgets and using the old gadgets- well we are really more proficient than we think.
Just using this computer, uploading, scanning, using the cell phone for pictures and messages, texting, knowing how to write a letter- well you get the picture. Seniors have come a long way in the world and all the changes that have occurred in our lifetime and it is not over yet.
Seniors have skills, knowledge and can say done that been there!! If you are smart use the knowledge of those around you to help with the modern times. For example, some of those organizational skills are really just old ideas recycled.
A true Senior just feels blessed to have reached the age to be able to be a Senior. As a baby boomer it has been shoved down our throats on how we will cost the system so much money in old age as we all boom into it. If we do the math of how many started out- sure! However, in my family and friendship circle at least 5 baby boomers that I knew died in their 50s. Did not use any old age government services! 3 High School mates died way back! So that's 8 I know! So think of all the other baby boomers living and how many they know that are no longer around.The original numbers do not stick. Sure there are lots of us but not as many as you think.
The smart young people should cater their goods, products and services to us Seniors too. We still need stuff. We like to party. We like to go out. We are social and do like being around people of all ages.
So at 68 and a half- I sound like a little kid don't I. But sometimes I feel like a Senior and sometimes I feel like a little kid. Sometimes somewhere in between. So yes I am a Senior. I will take any Senior discount that I can. I worked hard enough for my money just like most other people. I am blessed to have family and the opportunity to spend time with my grandchildren. How about you? Are you a Senior and how are you embracing your age? Any thoughts!!
#Seniormoment#embarcingaging#seniorshaveknowledgeandskills#knowinghowtouseallsystems#seniors'discounts#thepoveramesyndrome#getupandgetgoing#seniorsonthemove#babyboomersareaging#beingaSeniorisoneoflife'sblessings#beingavailabletofamilyforgrandparenting

NANA SAYS FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL IS AN ADJUSTMENT

Getting back into the swing of things is always a challenge. Although we all need routines and some sort of schedule to get things establishing it takes some adjustment.
The first day of school is over. So knowing who the teacher will be for the year is settled. Not everyone will be happy. Not being in a class with one's friends can be disheartening for many children. Yes they can make new friends but they really wanted to be with the old friends. Let's face it! There are favourite teachers and teachers that are tolerated. Some teachers are just better than others.
At home- oh the lunches and the dinner prep and getting the homework done. Remember it is the child's homework and not yours. Let your child accept the consequences if it is not done. A good life lesson. Remember down the road that first boss will appreciate a good worker.
The lessons and extra activities need that schedule too. The driving and getting it all done. Do you have a support team? Like grandparents, aunts, uncles or car pooling!!
We all get through the first week. Just glad it is a short one.

A POSTCARD FROM STRATFORD ONTARIO 2018

Stratford is a wonderful Ontario town. Home of the Stratford Festival. World renown array of plays and musicals with many famous actors vying for a chance to perform here. Ironically it was my first trip there. So I had the opportunity to go with two wondeful friends- Rose and Mary.  I have been to live entertainment and plays elsewhere but not in this place close to home. So I had the opportunity to see a Musical and spend some time exploring the downtown core and shops.

The Visitor's Guide for 2018 gives a wonderful overview of all the plays and activities of the season. Martha Henry is starring in The Tempest.

I bought a few postcards and took as many pictures as one can take when walking with friends.

My photo of City Hall on an August day. The building stands very prominent in the town. Historic buildings are always wonderful photo ops.

Stratford sits on the Avon River.  There lots of swans in the river. Rose informed us that the swans are paraded in a winter shed in the Fall where they stay until the Spring.

A gate to a pretty walkway inscribed with a Celtic phrase- Tir na nOg- meaning Land of Youth.

 Our Italian cruisine lunch was at Fellinis restaurant on Ontario Street.

Service was very good in a pleasant atomsphere. The combos were good. I had the Ceasar Salad with the Lazio pizza. Why? I was thinking of my husband who was born in Cassino, province of Lazio in Italy.

Don't you love their business card??

We ventured back to see the Musical- The Music Man at the Stratford Festival Theatre.

A fun upbeat show with lots of songs and dancing. The audience was receptive to it and the atmosphere in the theatre was joyous and friendly.
What I loved was the grounds? The landscaping was superb.

There is even a sweet statue of Shakespeare himself.

Overall a fun and informative day. The town is a blend of modern and historic buildings. A little town outside Stratford called Shakespeare was interesting for me. There were many antique shops. Too bad I am not in the market for new stuff. Just visiting Shakespeare another day to peruse those stores would have been right up my alley. I love old stuff and absolutely love antiques.
Would I go to Stratford again? A resounding yes. If I could not drive, there are buses from Toronto as well as rail service.
#StratfordOntario#StratfordFestival#themusicman#musicals#historicbuildings#oldcityhallinStratford#oldcelticsaying#landofyouth#oldtownsarefullofwonderfulsites#FellinisItaliancuisine#italianfood#laziopizza#fundaywithfriends#adayinthecountry

SEPTEMBER- THE BEGINNING OF THE END TO SUMMER

With hot and humid weather it is difficult to think that the end of summer is at the beginning. Of course, we could have a warm Fall or Indian Summer.
September with back to school, the summer vacations are over, back from the cottage, time to start to clean up the gardens- well you get the picture, September is a time to get going.
Or it can just be another month. Only 30 days though. So one less day to do stuff.
So what tidbits will I share in September. Well there will be a few.

#endofsummer#Septemberbringschange#gettingbacktoroutine#gardencleanup#IndianSummer#schoolisbackin#homeandchange