NOVEMBER IMAGES

The sky behind my house.

The homemade pasta using fresh egg noodles.

A parade with a marching band in the rain.

Those first snow pictures.

An event with my daughter making sugar cookies.

A visit to McMichael Collection and a tour of the Sculpture Garden.

Remembrance Day Celebrations.

A number 5 birthday. A number 42 one as well!

Where will life's path take us in December?
#novemberimages#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#remembrancedaycelebrations#birthdays#firstsnowfall#autumnleaves

ANTICIPATORY GRIEF- IS IT AS PAINFUL AS REAL GRIEF

Times in our lives can bring tough events. Seeing someone ill and worried about what is next can bring some anticipatory grief. The grief is very similar to losing the person. Ups and downs. The emotional roller coaster. The helplessness. The hopelessness. No matter what is done it may not be enough. So how to cope. Reaching out for support from those closest to you. Really making each day count. Eat food that is enjoyable. Activities. Laughter. Cry it cleanses the soul.Do all you can do then let it go and just live! Ride it out! Take in all the moments that can be shared.
#anticipatorygrief#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#grief#allthefeelingscancomepushingthrough#reallyenjoyeverymoment#laughterhelps

NOVEMBER THE BUSY MONTH IS ENDING

Birthdays and Christmas preparations make the month eventful and fun. Even the early snowfall did not damper the plans that were needed. So what is finished. The outdoor lights are up and I must tell you the only ones on the street. Letters to the troops were sent after Remembrance Day celebrations.Some webinars and lectures attended. Finished a genealogical article that was posted here for all to read. Crocheting and knitting many items. Still have not done any sewing. I wanted to get back to some small quilted items. Still on my list of things to do. Spending time with the grandchildren is always fun. To one Santa parade- we all froze our buns off but it was worth going as one grandson was on a float. Time with some friends so that was good. Friends are people that make life worth living. Support to family members. Being with my husband and laughing at stupid stuff can make the day go by pleasantly. So November is ending but with some good memories.
#November#funstuff#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#attendinglecturesandwebinars#abusymonthbutstuffwasdone

DOES THE SOUL TELL YOU WHEN IT'S TIME TO GO?

For the believers, we have souls. Souls have work to do on this earth. We get busy living and doing and being. We can lose sight of our soul. People get sick. They face death. Then things change. Our loved ones can be connecting with their soul and know their time on this earth is coming to a close.Sometimes we are told things we do not want to hear. No one wants to lose a loved one. But if the soul is speaking who are we to challenge it.
#soul#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#thesoulspeakstous#livingwithlovedones

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- PATRICK ARTHUR ENGLISH 1859-1905

As can be read from the article there are unanswered questions about Patrick's family. Why did he use Arthur in some documents and Patrick in others.Were John and Michael his brothers.? Where did their families live?
There was little family information about his family. Perhaps sharing this information on the Internet may bring some answers.
#genealogy#patrickarthurenglish#ontario#quebec#bedfordquebec#reflectivthoughtsbybarbara#mayellis#maryednaenglish#aliceenglish

LAY OFFS- WHERE IS THE HOPE?

As GM announced a closure of a plant in an Ontario community, it brings the grim reality of layoffs and closures pending. The plant supported secondary services. The workers want to fight it.
Already the word is out that others are looking for skilled technicians in their businesses.
Layoffs have a grief factor attached. Work is so much a part of our conscienceness.
How to get through the process takes stamina and grit.
So I had two major layoffs in my career. I left a job too to try a private practice that did not pan out. So almost like 3 when trying to get back into the workplace.
It is a tough process. Like a captain without a ship.
Job hunting can be brutal depending on the age. The older the harder it is. But is there a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes. Just takes whatever time it takes to get there!
In some lay offs there are early retirements for some workers. But what if the person really did not intend to retire early. Some people recover and some people never recover.
So how did I recover. Kept sending out resumes and answering ads and checking job sites. Job interviews usually sucked. I can give a list and stories of some of the bad ones.
Eventually, I found another job. Four months. Not bad in a job search. The last job at the hospital started as a casual/part-time that morphed into a full time position after several contract jobs there. So perseverance. It paid off to a 15 year term that ended in a planned retirement. It was probably my best job or at least one of my best jobs.
I feel for the workers every time I hear a store is closing or major layoffs. Whether one wants to hear or not, laid off people are judged as if they did something wrong. People will avoid you. So tough skin is good too. "You did nothing wrong is the mantra to adopt."
So anyone out there needing support or guidance just email me at abdm@rogers.com and we can chat.
#layoffs#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#toughskin#griefcomeswithjobloss#doyouneedsupport

BEING FESTIVE AT CHRISTMAS IN CHRISTMAS 2018

Festive cookie display at an event brought ideas of how to make the table more attractive. I love all displays everywhere. Store windows.

Lamp posts in old fashioned traditions in cities and towns.

Using evergreen branches for outdoor displays.

Red carnations as a reminder of a loved one.

Christmas lights in all shapes and sizes.
Oh Canada and all the festive features everywhere.
#festivedisplays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#lightsarebright#don'tyoujustloveCanadaatChristmas#greenerymakelovelydisplays#lotsoffunatChristmastime

DO YOU WATCH THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND?

I started watching this show two years ago. Now is Season 6. It is fascinating that so much work and money has gone into trying to solve the mystery on a small island connected to Nova Scotia. A Canadian story but now has two Americans and partners trying to solve it. What is interesting is the location. It would have been easy for people coming from Europe over the years to find the island. Like the Vikings found Newfoundland. The show has a following. Every time they need something authenticated Canadian experts are used. Starting the season Rick and his partner and son went to Calgary to have a gemologist examine two stones found in brooches on the island. They were old. Lots of theories and speculation. But Rick and Marty always have an expert examine all their finds. An archeologist must be involved if anything cultural is found. It is part of their permit and well the law. Lots of people in labs and back rooms are featured on the show. Rather exciting for them. As a history buff it would be neat if the finds lead to some larger historical events. Templars have been a speculation. The unusual cross found was similar to one in a church in a Templar church across the sea. But only if there is proof and concrete evidence can anything be considered true.. Thus all the experts. Of course Adolph finds it boring and watches his shows. Yeah for two TVs in the house. It beats lots of the other reality shows many people watch.
#curseofoakisland#historicalevents#NovaScotia#whatwillthemysterybe#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#justlovehistory#mustprovethefacts

GIVING TUESDAY- A WAY TO CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY

We are always reminded in our frenzy of Christmas and parties and stuff that others are in need. So giving back is a good thing. Many children collect food bank items at their schools. A simple way to bring a couple of items that does not hurt the pocketbook. Inviting people to family dinners and occasions can be good too. Donating to your favourite charities. I already did my thing earlier in the month. I like World Vision and give the goat, rooster and two hen gift every year. I like to think of a family having a livelihood beyond a one time donation. There are shelters that can use items. Women's shelters can always use a variety of items. Giving does not have to be huge. Small thoughtful gifts like the toy for the local toy drives at Christmas. Sometimes it can be too much to be asked at every checkout if one wants to donate to the store's charity. It is okay to say no sometimes because no one really knows how much has been given already. Giving Tuesday is one day. Throughout the year there are many times to be involved in the community. Giving is not always about money. Giving one's time to a cause or helping others is good. Visiting a sick person in the hospital or going to someone's home for a friendly visit. Let's face it giving back is good. It gives hope. One day it could be me at the receiving end.
#givingTuesday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#donations#charities#givinghopetoothers#foodbanks#fooddrives#givingtoshelters.

CHRISTMAS PREPARATION A LITTLE AT A TIME

So the outdoor Christmas lights are up. Not a great display but colourful. New prelit trees by the door. The old ones' lights died last year so new ones were needed.
I am trying to wrap as I buy. Why? If the grandchildren come over I have to try to hide the bags. So if wrapped then no need to hide. Besides blitz wrapping is a drag.
I want to enjoy the holiday season. For me this year to try to include as many out of the house social events. No matter how small or lame. I need to be out.

Family is the most important to me. So any time spent with family at events is important. Like a local parade.

So the preparation is moving slowly and methodically. I still have lots to do that is not Christmas.
How about you? How is your preparation going??
#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#christmaspreparation#familyisimportanttome#family#merrychristmassign#alittleatatime

NANA SAYS LESS IS MORE AT CHRISTMAS TIME

Too much stress to do so much for family at Christmas. My daughter Sonya wrote a great post on her undo list at Christmas.
House of Kerrs
Good suggestions on prioritizing at Christmas. Deciding what to do without all the guilt of trying to be the super mom for all. Taking some things off the plate.
My suggestions. Always make your own family traditions. Do you go to the local parade together? Do you donate to a charity together? Most schools have a food bank drive so be part of it. Who does the family dinners and when? Divide the work for all to have a part. I remember baking one item with my girls when they were little.Something simple and fun. Or don't bake at all!!
Since I am an empty nester, easy to have the family for Christmas dinner as I don't have little ones under my feet. I love Christmas so have always tried to make it festive and fun. But some years less is done because of what is going on in my life.
Children do not read the magazines or watch the shows on how to make everything over the top and special. They relate to their own family and what their family does. The time together is what they will remember.
More on Christmas at another time. Remember to breathe!
#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#lessismoreatChristmas#makingyourowntraditions#don'tfeelguiltyifyoucan'tdoitall#bepartofyourownfamilytraditions

COOKING WITH GRANPA-FUN WITH EGGS

An active day making homemade egg noodles with Conestoga Farm eggs.

There is a post on Granpa loves to cook about the day.
granpa loves to cook
Attending a media event with my daughter was fun Monday night. We were able to bake some cookies- Team 3. All the teams made different cookies using the Conestoga farm fresh eggs.
Conestoga Eggs

The hostess Clarie Tansey a local cookbook author puts us through the steps. All the participants received her cookbook, a bag of eggs and of course a tin of the cookies.

Don't you just love the table full of food to nibble? I know I did.

There was a long shelf at the location - The Edible Story, 320 Richmond Street, Toronto- full of cookbooks.

Claire wore festive Christmas red and green.

This was our display of our sugar cookies. We could use any of the items available at the place.

Going to an event in this festive season was fun. But the best part was spending time with my daughter. Do you have events planned with family?
#Conestagoeggs#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#houseofkerrs#granpalovestocook#bakingcookieswithClaireTansey#TheEdibleStory#outforanight#cookbooks#atinofbakedcookies#funwitheggs

FIVE WAYS TO STOP BEING OVERWHELMED

Actually to stop feeling overwhelmed.
Woke this morning with this very feeling. With the recent retirement and trying to organize the house for a future downsizing, family commitments-just overwhelmed with all that life brings.

So how to contain it??

1.  Identify the areas of your life that seem too much. Admit some areas are too much. Health. Painful diagnosis. Loss.  Death. Work demands. Home demands. Relationship problems. So knowing that being overwhelmed comes naturally in so many situations. So stop and breath. Have a coffee or your favourite hot drink. Relax your body.

2. Make a list of what needs to be done. Notice the word needs not wants!! The pleasure of ticking off items can be satisfying. Then what do you want to do. What would bring pleasure?

3. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Yes all you I can do it myself, I do not need any help, ask anyway.

4. Now look at your list and prioritize. For example,  I did lots of garden cleanup but with the early snow was not finished. I felt overwhelmed with the thinking of what was not done. But actually a lot was done. So must wait until the Spring to continue. Knowing gardens are never finished but always a work in progress. Like life. A work in progress. So garden cleanup is off my list. Now to those indoor winter projects that are doable. 4 months of time to be spend on other things.

5. Stop overthinking everything. Life is only one moment, one day, one year etc. So start with now and do what can be done. The what ifs can drain our happiness. And give those overwhelmed feelings.
#feelingsofbeingoverwhelmed#life'spressures#prioritizingwhatisimportant#slowdownandsmelltheroses#lifeisaworkinprogress#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

WHO NEEDS THE NEGATIVE NELLIES???

Enjoying my checking out from Shoppers after cashing in some of my Optimum points, I encountered my first negative Nelly of the shopping season. The comment I hate shopping this time of year. Christmas is not about shopping!!
So I replied, I know. That's why I wrote letters to the troops, give to the food bank, donate to several charities, give a toy to the toy drive- well you get the picture.
Nelly if you do not like shopping this time of year, then don't go shopping. By the way there were 3 customers in the store. Not a really busy day!
But shopping is part of Christmas. It allows us go buy gifts for family, friends, service people. A chance to say thank you to many.
So what do you say or do when you encounter a negative Nelly? Are you a negative Nelly??
#negativenelly#shoppingispartofChristmas#buyingtogivetoothers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS-WRITE A LETTER

Since 1991, I have sent support letters to wherever our troops are stationed. In the National Defense website it is easy to find the locations worldwide. If not related the rules are very strict. No packages. No closed letters. So I fold my letters with tape on each side so it is easy to see inside. Sometimes I receive a response back from one of our service people. They are my treasures. I have learnt about the life of serving abroad at Christmas/New Year. Think about it. Tough to be away from family and friends. One can also send an email if letter writing is not your thing. One never knows the ripple effect giving support can have for those away from Canada. So think of others who serve us. First responders can be honoured as well.
#letterstothetroops#supportourtroops#rememberingthosewhoareserving#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

LESS THAN 6 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS-ARE YOU GETTING READY

Christmas is in the air. Parades locally this weekend. People slowly putting their lights out on their property. Shopping in stores and online in full gear. I am in full swing. Mailed 29 letters to our Canadian troops where they are serving in the world. Some store shopping today. Some online shopping yesterday. The wine for Christmas dinner is bought. A couple of homemade items done for family. November also has family birthdays so still some more celebrating to do.

Yes the Toronto Christmas Market opens. Hopefully I will get an invite by a family member to attend.
#Christmaspreparations#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#gettingreadyforChristmas#letterstothetroopsweresent#lotsofChristmasshoppingisdone#wineforChristmasisboughts

ART AT THE MCMICHAEL COLLECTION GALLERY

A visit to the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg is always a wonderful day. A recent visit with friends was truly a wonderful day.
The regular exhibits of the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson. Watched a documentary on the controversy around his untimely death.

The trees on the grounds have matured. It is very reflective of a Northern landscape.

Wolf sculptures reflect nature.

The Sculpture Garden has more modernistic work.

Native art and artifacts abound.

A book on the David Milne collection rounded out my day. No pictures could be taken of his art.
It was more interesting to see the art then to take pictures. I have several books on the Group of Seven on my bookshelf. I love this gallery and it is so close to home. I have taken visitors there too.
#mcmichaelartgaller#groupofseven#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#modernart#nativeart#lovingart#timetoseesomeart

GET YOUR FLU SHOT!! VACCINATIONS WORK

The Flu shot for seniors this year is so easy to obtain. Go to your doctor. For the regular flu shot there are lots of locations like your local pharmacy

Anyone with health issues like Diabetes benefit from it.

Have you had your shingles and pneumonia shots as well. Seniors do better with up to date vaccinations. Staying as well as you can is a good thing.

#flushot#vaccinations#getyourflushot#stayinguptodatewithyourvaccinations#seniorsneedtostayhealthy#peoplewithhealthissuesdobetterwithvaccinations.

WORLD KINDNESS DAY- SO ARE YOU KIND?

There is always a day for everything. But a day for kindness. Shouldn't every day be a kindness day??
Making an effort to do one kind thing a day would bring 365 kindness acts to the world multiplied by all the people. Say a kind word. Do a kind deed. Just try to think kindness and not be mean. It seems easy to say we can be kind. But think about it. Some days with all the nonsense we have to do, it can be a hard thing to be kind. Kindness is a mind set. Looking around and seeing what needs to be done to make the world a kinder place. It starts with one person giving to 2 who give to 2 etc. Okay World Kindness Day- what kind thing can I do??
#worldkindnessday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#areyoukind#bekindeveryday#doakinddeed#kindnessisamindset

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2018 IN RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO CANADA

Attendance at the local Remembrance Day service was good this year.
The 100th anniversary of the end of World War One may have been a factor.

At the Cenotaph on Yonge Street.

Lest we Forget!

The Cadets!!

Community Members.

Wreaths and the new statue unveiling.

  I placed my poppy on the Afghanistan soldiers wreath.

Lots of tributes!

The Crowd. The People.

The parade and the salute! Last time Glenn Wood would be the Parade Marshall!!

Community members!

                                  Don't you love the flames from the Brownies!

#Remembranceday2018inrichmondhillontariocanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#thesalute#theparade#wreathsofremembrance#thecrowdwasbigger#asolemnservice#rememberingourwardead#rememberingallthatserved#theveteranswerethere#richmondhill'scenotaph#remembering