MARCH OUT LIKE A LION- MORE SNOW IN THE GTA

Rain yesterday that always give me heartache with my leak in the back basement.  But to wake up to snow. Yuk!!

Back yard!

Front yard. Road already plowed!

My poor JEEP! Or as I call her! My little pony! Why? Comes from a scene in the movie- Romancing the Stone!!

My flower pots waiting to have some spring flowers.
Oh well, have lemons make lemonade. Have more snow take more winter photos!
#springwasfooled#morewintersnow#thegtahasmoresnow#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#mypoorJeep#Icallhermylittlepony

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- BALL POINT-BIBLIOGRAPHY

Any story always needs research to verify the facts. This is a current revised bibliography on my research on my Ball Point project. Ball Point is a little cape on Lake Scugog, Mariposa Township, Victoria County- now the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada. It has been part of my family history since the 1840s. However the story of the land predates our family's settlement there.

#bibliographyofballpointresearch#ballpointmariposatownship#maps#mariposahistory#victoriacountyhistory#nowthkawarthalakes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#richhistoryofourlittlecapeBallPoint#lakescugog#familyhistoryonBallPoint#usingallresourcestoresearchBallPoint#thehistoryoftheOjibwayinOntario#thehistoryoftheIroquoisinOntario#usingtheoldprimarydocumentstofindoutaboutBallPoint#thehistoryofBallPointisinteresting

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-BALL POINT-THE NATIVE BATTLE OR NOT

The Ball Point story has many aspects. In my years of research on the history of the family property, I have followed several trails. This article deals with the story of a major Indian battle being fought in our little cape on Lake Scugog, Mariposa Township, Victoria County-now the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario,Canada. I use the word Indian as it was the word at the time. Now we would use First Nations. This article will use the tribe's names.

I will continue to write about the other wonderful stories and finds on the little cape of Ball Point.
Copyright 2019
Barbara Di Mambro
#BallPoint#MariposaTownship#IndianbattleatthePointornot#theBeaverWarsinCanada#Hurons#Mohawks#Iroquois#Chippewa#Mississauga#LakeScugog#verifyingabattleoccurredatBallPoint#warinthelate1690sinOntario#Indianhistoryasanoraltradition#PaudashtellsthestoryofhisfamilyinOntario#Dr.D.Smith#GeorgeCopway#barb'sgenealogytidbits#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambrowritesaboutthehistoryofBallPoint#Kawarthahistory#historyofMariposaTownship#OjibwayhistoryinOntario#genealogyresearch#kawarthalakes

NANA SAYS CHANGE OF SEASON IS FUN FOR ALL

If outdoor winter sports were not your thing, then the spring may bring some outdoor fun for your children and teenagers in your life. One daughter has found her children like the walk/hike in a woody trail. The simple act of being outside and experiencing nature in a simple way. Of course the local parks and play areas with swings, slides and other equipment is an easy fix. Of there is a basketball court, then outdoor basketball practice is good.
My family likes to go to a small park nearby we call Granpa's park. A short walk from my house it has simple fun equipment. Driving through some of the new subdivisions there are new parkettes with equipment for children. One daughter has a skateboard unit attached to a park.
The parks can be safe havens for children. Go in pairs for safety. Parents can let their children have some time to be alone and learn some survival techniques at these places close to home.
Change of season, change of fun for all. Even the grandparents.
#outdoorfun#changeofseasonbringsfun#outdoorsports#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#livingnearapark#granpa'spark#childrenhavefunoutside#asimplewalkbringspleasure

WHERE DOES LIFE LEAD US!!!

Life can lead us down a straight line or around bends and corners. Just when we think we have it all worked out, a curve gives us a different direction. Sometimes we want the dull and predictable and sometimes the surprises. Life in all its glory!
#life#wheredoeslifeleadus#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lifeinitsglory#lifecanbeunpredictable.

I FOUND THE FIRST SPRING FLOWER

So walking around my garden today and checking and checking as well as picking up garbage that has blown on my lawn, I found it. The little tops of the snowdrops poking their head through the ground. Yes along with robins singing, a spring bulb seeing light really means Spring is here. Never ceases to amaze me how nature takes care of life. Spring follows winter. A time for rebirth. Spring is the hopeful season. What will the weather be? Can we be outdoors alot? Is it time to bring out the patio furniture? Where is that summer reading pile of books? Oh yes there is garden cleanup. But being outside is always a welcome joy!!
#spring#thespringbulbsareemerging#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#snowdropsinthegarden#barbaradimambro#springfollowswinter#ohthosespringbulbs

LOOKING FOR THAT FIRST SPRING FLOWER

Every year as soon as the snow melts, the search for some green in the garden begins.

Sometimes the snow does not have to melt for some green to appear.

The snowdrops are always the first to bloom. So if seen in the yard then of course Spring has really arrived.
However, the brown and the blown garbage and the cleanup are also part of Spring. Snow has to be shoveled but it does hide the drudgery of the landscape.
How does your garden look?
#springgardens#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#snowdropsthefirsflowerinthegarden#lookingforspringbulbs#springcleanup#barbaradimambro

THE MORNING WALK-A SPRING IN MY STEP

After mostly indoor exercise for the last several months, my morning walks have begun again. I feel it in my muscles but it is a good feeling. Walking is the most sustainable exercise for me. I use my 2 lb weights to work on my arms. There is something about fresh air and hearing the birds sing and just being outside. Chilly but doable.
How about you? Are you ready for outdoor walks or runs?
#morningwalk#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#outdoorsandfreshair#hearingthebirdssing#mothernatureatitsbest

YEAH THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

Even though the weather is chilly there is optimism in the air. Time to think about a spring jacket. Time to get outside and walk. Time to start a spring cleaning plan- slowly of course. One window. One room. One small area at a time.
Checking the garden for that first little spring flower that tries to break through.
Of course, a spring in our step. Winter is always long so the feeling that we have made it to Spring.
Getting people with health issues outside too. Feel the breeze on your face. Hear the birdies sing. Start to have an outdoor routine.
Spring-rebirth.
So how do you feel about Spring being here??
#spring#springcleaning#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#springisintheair#thefirstspringflowersinthegarden#gettingpeoplewithhealthissuesoutside#listentothebirdiessing#doyoulovespring

NANA SAYS STOP PROGRAMMING CHILDREN-ALLOW SOME BOREDOM

In speaking with some modern parents, there is a guilt around not having ones children constantly entertained. Vacations, weekends and PA days seem a fodder for extreme planning. Yes activities are good. Summer camp and family vacations needed. The latest electronic gadget. The online games.
But get over it. Boredom is part of life. Boredom can breed some creative process.
It is not your responsibility as a parent to make sure your child is never bored.
Adults- do you never get bored? Of course. Even if a job is loved, there are boring moments. It is life. When I hear people say I love my job and am never bored- Right!! I don't believe you.
Endless meetings. Reports due weekly. Can't wait for the weekend.
So knowing how to grapple with our boredom gives strategies to use with our children and grandchildren.
First question, ask the child. So you are bored. What do you want to do about it? Should you jump in and give direction. Nope.
If the child can not suggest anything, then maybe suggest this idea.
Let the child know that there are many boring tasks to be done around the house. So tell the child to pick one.
Another suggestion. If a nice day, go outside and play. Winter with snowsuits. Summer with sunscreen. Unprogrammed play. If a bad day outside like rainy, then suggest to go to the play area in the house and clean it.
Give a broom or mop or whatever is needed. A garbage bag for all those wrappers that are often tossed under furniture.
Read a book.
Yes the words "it is boring" will prevail. Too bad. Get used to the idea that some things in life can be boring but need to be done. Children need to learn to take care of their own boredom too. It will make for a healthier adult.
You know the adults that you know that constantly crave something and become bored very easily.
Ever been to a wonderful social event and someone at the dinner table will say, the music, the food is so boring!! That person is boring.
I remember my Dad saying "People that are bored are also boring." I understood it as an adult better than as a child.
Boredom pushes us to act. To look for something that seems fun or maybe getting mundane jobs done.
 Sometimes it just makes us take a nap! But at least not bored.
#boredom#lettingchildrenbebored#lettingchildrenplansomeoftheiractivities#don'toverprogramyourchildren#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradidmambro#soyouloveyourjobandneverareboredright#boredomeleadstocreativity#takeanapwhenbored#childerncanlearnfromboredom

I HEARD A ROBIN SING- IS SPRING REALLY ARRIVING

As Canadians, we talk about the weather constantly. Too cold. Too hot. Never just right. But after a long winter and we always say the winter has been too long even if it is the same length as all other years!! Hum!
I think it is the boots and hats and coats. The shoveling! The drafts in the house. Just not being outside! There are winter sports that are enjoyed but many people just want to be outside. Sit outside. Go for a walk. Not a cross country ski trip.
So hearing a robin brings some optimism. Yes. Spring is coming. Spring is coming. It will happen on the calendar but for the die hard Canadian, it is not over until it is over. Remember the snowstorm mid-April last year??
So sing away dear Robin!!
#robinssinging#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#springisaroundthecorner#snowshoveling#Canadianstalkabouttheweather#wintersportsmakewinterdurable#awaywithboots#awaywithwintercoats#goforawalk

HEALTH CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT IN CANADA

If anyone complains about Health Care, well consider all that is good.
Today I would like to advocate for more home care for people. The cost is much lower than one trip to the hospital. Average ER visit $1,500.00. A home nurse visit- much lower. In the comfort of your own home is so much better. Not having to drag a chronically ill person to needless doctor's visits is always a good thing.
If a Personal Support Worker is needed, well be assessed for it.
If you have health benefits can charge any equipment needs to that benefit.
Or trying to get a tax credit for all the spending may be possible too.
The ambulance service is there in an emergency.
Health Care is as good as the people providing the service. If not satisfied with one caregiver then ask for another one.
Be a good patient. Unnecessary complaining is just wasted energy. Both patient and professional are part of the same team. Care of you.
Respect, courtesy and sharing information is always a good thing.
#healthcare#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#caregiver#nurse#beingpartoftheteam#personalsupportworker#thecostisbetterwhenhomecareisprovided#anERvisitscostmuchmorethanahomevisit#advocateformorehomecae

NANA SAYS KEEP CHILDREN IN THE LOOP REGARDING FAMILY

Depending on the age of the child and their level of understanding, parents can keep children aware of family difficulties or illness. Letting children know helps them to develop ways to cope with difficulties. They need to understand people can be mad, sad, glad, concerned. Letting a child witness some adult tears or concerns in a positive way let's them be part of the solution. Often children say they will give you a hug to feel better. How many times does an adult hug a child or kiss a boobo?? Letting children know saves the fear of what they do not know.
For example, if there has been a family member with a heart attack. Saying everything will be okay when you do not know if it will be okay is deceptive. If you do not know let the child know you do not know if the loved one will be okay. It is better to say everyone is hoping it will be okay. Let's pray if you are religious. Answering the child's questions honestly. Explaining what a heart attack entails. Why someone needs to be in the hospital? Keeping the child informed as much as possible.
Too often adults want to protect the child. But what will the child feel and think if the outcome turns out to be bad and you did not share honest information.
Another important activity is to let the child see the person who is unwell. The child can judge for him or herself. The child can ask the person questions directly. If the child has a close relationship with the person, it may be important for the child to see that person, even if it is for a short time. Children can bring a special treat for the person, draw a picture and mostly give a loving hug. The sick person needs all the love. Let your child know he/she is part of the treatment team.
Nana says let the child be part of the family situation.
#nanasayskeepchildrenintheloop#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#letachilddowhattheycanforthelovedone#morefearfulnottoknow#behonestaspossiblewiththechild#sharingbadnewsasafamily#letchildrenbepartofthesolution#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- DO YOU NEED TO DO DNA

I did my DNA and it is fun. Names of people that I do not know how I am linked. With a comprehensive paper trail and cited resources, I am quite sure of my roots. 34 years and counting doing family history.
With new databases, I revisit information to reconfirm the information.
Two second cousins to whom I had corresponded for many years, did DNA and now they say we are related. Of course the paper trail had proved it along with the cited sources. Good Genealogy.
I have binders full of descendants. But I have taken a step back. As mentioned in another post, I starting with me and my husband, tell our stories. My parents. My grandparents. Go slowly with the stories.
I still need to put a family tree online. I belong to Find My Past so it will be okay to start there.
Sometimes I am hesitant to share every detail with that world out there. I have connected with so many in the genealogy world, sharing as well as receiving information, photos, little tidbits of information.
DNA and all its possibilities is a good thing. I have gone to lectures and attended online webinars on the subject.
I do believe to use all resources as it makes for a fuller history. It is fun discovering new connections. But writing up all that I have which is quite huge makes me stop looking for awhile and getting those stories written.
I was fortunate when I began the journey that two family lines were taken back several centuries. Saved a lot of research.
Writing the stories and putting them here on this blog has paid off with new connections.
There is a genealogist that says to write one story weekly and at the end of the year there will be 52. Nice idea but I am aiming for one or maybe more monthly. So far not on track.
How are your genealogy journeys going?
#dnaforgenealogy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#tellthosefamilystories#connectingwithothersdoinggeneralogy#FindMyPastisausefulsite#connectingwithsecondcousins#putafamilytreeonline#familylinesbackseveralcenturies#dnawebinars

HOW TO CONFRONT FEELING OVERWHELMED

Life can be hectic and scary at times. Too much going on. Where to start? What to do? Like the song in the Sound of Music- start at the very beginning. Start. Get out of bed. Two feet on the floor.
Are you a list maker? Make a list!
Are you hesitant to ask for help. Ask someone for something.
Start with baby steps. Do a meaningless task. For example, fold some laundry.
Pay a bill. Buy the milk.
When you are dealing with life changes, pending surgery, a death, a new health problem- life can seem and often is overwhelming. So stop and breath and start small. One little thing at a time.
#lifecanbeovewhelming#startsmall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#startatheverybeginning#babysteps#onethingatatime#barbaradimambro

5 THINGS I LEARNT CLEANING OUT MY PARENTS' STUFF

Working along with other family members, cleaning out my parents' stuff several years ago brings back memories. It has made me more vigilant of what to do with my stuff.

1. Be prepared to discover things about your parents you did not know. When I helped with my mother-in-law's stuff I discovered she loved slips and had two drawers full of slips. My mother saved her bottom denture plate in her button box. My dad wrote love poems to my mother. There were many unfinished projects.

2. Important documents can be anywhere in the house. My mother's birth certificate was in her sewing area. Her marriage license in another drawer. So remembering to cluster important documents in one place for heirs is a must. Make sure all tins and envelopes are checked. Found the wills in the kitchen cupboard in a tin. There was pockets of bills and change in the house.

3. No one wanted the clothes, the books and many sundry items. So trips to charities with things  by one family member was ongoing.

4. Divide up the jewellery as many ways as there are children. Thus the grandchildren will have a chance to have someone from their Nana. Keep some knickknacks as there may be an interest at a future time. I kept a cup and saucer for all the girls in the family. Something from Nana.

5. Know it is emotional. So do it in small pieces. If things like letters need to be read, put them aside for another day. Some things can be kept or discarded later. Not necessary to eliminate a person's life in one go.

The major component I learnt was to give away stuff now, liquidate any collections or assets, work in small doses as your own stuff can have emotional attachments too.
#givingawayparents'ssuff#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#organizingsomeone'sstuff#importantdocumentscanbeanywhere#putyourwillsandotherdocumentsinasafeplace#findnewhomesforclothesandbooks#jewellerybelongstothewholefamily#whatwouldNanahavewanted

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2019

Women are to be celebrated. So does it mean we still have gender inequality. Probably. Although many strides have been made, women still do have an even playing field. We are still judged by how much money our husbands make. We can be denied advancement as we age. Ask those beautiful actresses that claim parts diminish with age. We get to be the caregivers of children, parents and spouses more often than men.
So women are strong needed. So raise strong women and strong men. Teach your children to respect both sexes and to value all that we all bring to the table.
In underdeveloped countries support women through education and health to have jobs and to raise strong children.
Men can celebrate the women in their lives.
So what are you doing on International Women's Day?

#internationalwomen'sday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#raisestronggirls#raisestrongboys#respectiskeyforbothsexes#womenarethecaregivers#menandwomensupporteachother#celebratetheday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORONTO 185 YEARS YOUNG

Celebrating Toronto's birthday today. 185. But people had lived in this area for centuries too.
In my maternal lines, there are 3 generations who were born in Toronto- my Mom, me and my two daughters.

The older generations were born in other parts of Ontario. I have lived in Toronto, north of Toronto and west of Toronto. Living north of Toronto lets me take advantage of country living on the edge of a big city.

I find I do not go into the city as often as I would like. The drive is longer due to the abundance of traffic. Taking the subway is usually the best way.

I have done some walking tours of the city as it is the best way to see it.

There is more to Toronto than the CN Tower. It always lurks in the background of many photos.

Center Island always gives those photo opportunities of the skyline of the city.

Situated on Lake Ontario there are so many water based activities. 

The images are endless.

So many neighbourhoods to see.

Events year round to see. 

Art galleries, museums, street art. Something for everyone.

Yes the sports too!

So with its teams- I do love the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Raptors, the Blue Jays, FC, and all the rest.

Is the best yet to come! With its history, its present and what will come in the future, you either love Toronto or hate Toronto!!

#185yearsyoung#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#stlawrencemarket#lakeontario#centreisland#seeingtorontoonfoot#cntower#distillerydistrict#yongestreet#streetart#artgalleries#exploringtorontoonfoot#ridethesubway#streetcarsintoronto#celebratetoronto#barbaradimambro#thesix#lovetoronto#hatetoronto#torontoontariocanada