BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-THE OLD FAMILY HOME- 260 WELDRICK ROAD

So I posted a picture of our house at 260 Weldrick in Richmond Hill. Our Park family lived in the house from 1962 to 1976. When Mom and Dad retired out west it was bought by a man who eventually demolished it and built two houses.

                                     ( Photo by Barbara Di Mambro)
   
I put the picture on the Richmond Hill Historical Society and it was reposted to Richmond Hill Now and Then.
Interesting the comments from people who knew us and the area.
For me, I see an old family home. The Station wagon in the driveway. The trailer on the right hand side that we used for camping. The acreage. The country setting that was popular when we moved up to the area in 1962.
So I write lots of intellectual and other stuff. But one family home picture has brought so much response.
They do say- a picture speaks a thousand words.
#familyhome#260WeldrickRoad#RichmondHill#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#ohthememoriesonepicturecanbring#earlyphotographybybarbara#theimagesinthepicturebringmemories#genealogyresearch#familymemories

WHERE WILL OUR TRACKS LEAD US

We all make an impression in life. We leave tracks. Some wash away. Some stay embedded in the dirt. Some are long and some are short.
Our tracks lead us to places. Our tracks take us away from places.
What tracks have you made in life?
#tracksinthedirt#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#tracksoflife#wheredoyourtracksleadyou

CONSTRUCTION MAKES FOR INTERESTING PHOTOS

With all the construction in Richmond Hill and area, thought a few photos of the equipment and site was warranted.

 A roller.

A packer.

A Backhoe.

 Of course I took these pictures early on a Saturday morning so I would not be in the way of the workers. Spoke to Adolph about the machines. He looked at me as if everyone knows what they are. Well I did not know the name of them.

Adolph explained that one machine is to put the stone and the other is to pack the stone. Otherwise if it is not packed it will just settle. There could be more images to capture at another time. I just found these materials interesting to photograph.
#constructionsite#yongestreetvivaconstrution#yongeandmajormackenzie#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#constructionmaterial#shapesofconstruction#richmondhillconstructionsite#earlymorningconsructionpictures

CHEF GORDON FEEDS THE CANADA WORLD VISION EVENT.

Attending a charity event with my daughter for World Vision Canada was fun.
She was attending as an invitee to feature the events
House of Kerrs
It was the start of their 1000 day Journey. A campaign targeting the first 1000 days of a baby's life. Pregnancy to age 2.
As is common at events, we were feed a wonderful meal.
The Chef behind the meal was Jagger Gordon

His goal is quite unique. So at a charity to help internationally, we had food from someone who is helping local people eat.
His food rescue program right here in the GTA is helping individuals to eat.
Reading through his outline above will give you all the particulars better than I can here.
His website will tell you more.
Feed It Forward
He gave a little talk about his program that can be found on Twitter.

The photographer in me had to get his picture.
So basically two charities in one. I love the whole concept of those in need being able to pay what they can. If we can reduce the food waste in this country, it can only be a good thing.
#chefjaggergordon#feeditforward#worldvisioncanada#feedingpeoplemakeshealthypeople#paywhatyoucan#donatingediblefood#attendingcharityeventswithadaughter#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BOOMER BARBARA ROCKS RETIREMENT-ATTENDING A CHARITY EVENT

A wonderful invitation for my daughter to bring her Mom along to a Canada World Vision day April 28, 2019 in Toronto.
It was the beginning of their 1000 day journey. So what is it?
The 1000 days from pregnancy to a baby's second birthday. Those first 1000 days with good nutrition and health care enable the best outcome for children.
With the support of the Government of Canada, World Vision is targeting 5 underdeveloped countries in their campaign.
Pakistan
Myanmar
Kenya
Bangladesh
Tanzania
Their website and videos found there tell the story better than I could here in this post.
World Vision
For the specifics in this campaign, you can visit the story of the 1000 days.
1000 days
Being Canadian and all we have to support our babies and children it is good to give back to others in the world. Especially babies. By helping to support those families in having a living and clean water, the playing field becomes more equal.
A wonderful day with a caring crowd.
#worldvisioncanada#1000dayjourney#april28eventformothers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#torontohostsaneventforworldvision#ababyneedsthebeststart#pakistan#myanmar#kenya#tanzania#bangladesh#helpingchildreninunderdevelopedcountries#bloggerscareaboutthewelfareofbabies#thankingmothersfortheirsupport#lovingbeingpartofaneventforothers

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- WHO WAS A.F.REID?

I have lived in my current home in Richmond Hill since 1987. The land was divided and the owner of the full acreage had lived in the area since 1965. The lot behind had been a farm and empty for years. The main intersections are Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive. When I found the Tremaine's Map of the County of York for 1860 I was curious about who A.F. Reid MD was. He owned quite a chunk of land that would encompass modern day May Avenue and Addison Streets in Richmond Hill. So with a little research I have written the following article.

It was interesting to know a little more about the family who lived where I am currently living. My ancestors did not live in the area so genealogy research here has not been necessary. Hope you enjoyed my research.
#richmondhillhistory#afreidandhisstory#presbyterianchurchrichmondhill#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradidmambro#wikitree#gen.com#knowingwholivedintheareawhereyoulivenow#doctorsofthe1800sinOntario#earlyhistoryofrichmondhill#knowyourlocalhistory#funresearchinglocalhistory#genealogyresearch#usinginternetresourcesforgenealogy
Copyright 2019
Barbara Di Mambro

NANA SAYS IT'S YOUR PRESENCE NOT YOUR PRESENTS THAT MATTER

Spending time with my grandchildren teaches me many things. One is the value of being present. Yes I feed them and give nice presents. Important too.
But your presence with them. Listening. Talking. Playing.
Arriving and having grandchildren run for a hug. Well it melts my heart.
I love them unconditionally and well they seem to love me unconditionally too.
Having a grandson wanting me to sit beside him at his birthday dinner was endearing. Another grandson brought me a chair to the table. No asking, just doing. He just noticed I needed a chair.
For some grandparents who live far away it may be hard but with Face time, instagram, facebook and yes an old fashioned real phone call being present can be had.
So presence not just presents!
#beingpresentwithgrandchildren#presentsaregootoo#reflcetivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lovinggrandchildrenunconditionally#hugsareendearing#grandchildrenknowhowtomakeananafeelloved#nanasays

DIVERSITY IN WHAT WE DO

Being diverse. Trying new things. Challenges that are incongruous. Integrating two different concepts. Just being able to try new avenues and make it work.
Most of you know I love to take pictures and have posted many over the years. Always trying to find ways to sell them. Years ago I made photo cards and have sold a few.
So recently I submitted several to a photo site and many were accepted. Yeah.
Retirement has made me think about how to use all my interests and resources at hand.
So love of history. Joined a historical society and was accepted to the local Council's Heritage Committee. Hoping to use my love of history and interest in local affairs to my advantage.
I can see how I can use the information in my genealogy interests and local history writing.
So not putting all my eggs in one basket, more can be accomplished with the resources I have found and can use.
Fitness- love walking, using weights and trying to find other way to get exercise.
Cooking and market visits. Well I have the cookbook notes of a gggrandmother and hope to write about some Canadian recipes on this blog as well as writing about her.
So diversity is not just about cultural differences but our own diversity of interests.
#diversity#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#manyinterestsmakelifeinteresting#photographyisaninterestofmine#marketingmyphotos#tryingnewchallenges#loveofhistorymakeslifeinteresting

NANA SAYS SPRING BRINGS SAFETY CONCERNS

As the nicer weather occurs, outdoor spring fun begins for children again.
Being street smart means watching out for cars and playing safely near roadways.
With all the flooding in Canada, staying away from fast moving water is always paramount.
Staying on paths and being careful of spring mud.
Helmets when riding bikes and learning to use the proper arm signals to indicate direction.
Making sure little babies and toddlers are not eating items like stones, berries, branches and bugs. Knowing what might be harmful to keep items away from children.
For older children and teenagers, wanting to stay outside longer means vigilance for strangers and fast drivers. Being careful in parks and roadways.
For everyone, adults included sunscreen and bug spray will be the normal items in the outdoor tool kit.
#springbringssafetyconcerns#niceweatherandbeoutside#bugspray#sunscreen#everyonecanenjoytheoutdoorssafely#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS AND LOTS OF EXTRA WATER

To all the flood victims coast to coast, my heart goes out to you. Our home is our sanctuary. No one wants it to be damaged. I get water in some parts of my basement and it is bad enough. I could not imagine my home flooded or damaged so badly. Losing precious stuff.
April the month of spring but the winter runoff.
So looking forward to May flowers but still want to enjoy April and all it brings to my life.
A couple of birthdays. Easter. Family getting together. Just being outside without boots and coats.
Having the door open letting in some fresh air.
More sunshine. Going for my power walks.
So gentle April showers bring it on.
#aprilshowers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#floodvictimshaveittough#damagetoourhomesishard#here'stoallwhoaresufferingfromwaterdamage

EARTH DAY 2019- WHAT CAN WE DO?

No one asked us to use all the plastic that is used every day. Why not make it biodegradable?
Finding ways to use less of it is a challenge.
I have composted for over 4 decades. The organic waste goes in my garden.
I try to recycle as much as I can.
I try to walk more so use the car less. If going downtown, use the subway in Toronto.
I use my dehumidifier water for my outdoor plants. I try not waste water.
Thus I do not water my grass. Ever. If a really dry spell will spot water my plants. Not a overall hosing that wastes water.
I have plants that attract birds and bees and butterflies. I let my garden be a little wild at times.
I use light bulbs of lower voltage. I use natural light as much as possible so not to have lights on during the day.
I put usable stuff on the curb hoping someone will take it and use it. Not so much to the dump.
We have recycling in our area so I recycle as much as possible.
Can I try to do more? You bet. What about you?
#earthday2019#tryingtoreducemyfootprent#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#neverwateryourgrass#don'twastewater#recyclye

CELEBRATING EASTER AND PASSOVER IN CANADA

Good for all that the Christian and Jewish holidays occur together this year.
Time to reflect on the messages for all.
Love, hope, forgiveness and the strength to carry on in life.

For those celebrating Easter, many pictures for the message.

Symbols everywhere.

Some flowers are a memory of those no longer with us. The best part of the celebration is being with family, especially the grandchildren. They bring some good energy to the mix.
How are you celebrating the holidays?
#Easter#Passover#symbolsofEaster#picturesshowustheseason#crosses#eastereggs#flowers#easterbaskets#celebrating with family.

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- THE MISSING TOMBSTONE OF SARAH ELLIS

Cemetery visits are standard fare for family historians. Site visits occurred regularly for years. Since I started family history research in 1984, there were not the databases that are so prolific online today. Doing all genealogy research by computer was not the norm  Now there are sites like Find a Grave that makes searching easy from one's computer. I wrote the following article for possible submission to a OGS branch newsletter.

Part of the genealogy world is sharing with others and giving credit. So sharing on my blog has become my latest mantra. It is important to submit to the OGS and now called Ontario Ancestors branch newsletters. However, I have submitted two articles and this has been one of them that was not acknowledged nor considered. So expect to see more family histories written here. Spending time researching then writing up the information neatly is important in the genealogy world. But part of the writing is to share. Being asked to submit material and submitting will continue.  Hopefully this article may reach someone looking for Ellis/Gordon information.
#Ellis#Gordon#SarahEllis#Claremont#BaptistChurchinClaremont#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#cemeteryvisits#familyhistoriansvisitcemeteries#findagrave#genealogyresearch#writingarticlesfornewsletters#ontariocountyfamilyhistory

LIFE IS A CIRCLE OR IT JUST SEEMS THAT WAY

Life seems to go round and round. Something is fixed then around it goes and needs fixing again.
It can feel like nothing is getting done. Just going around in circles.
Do you feel like your life is going in circles?
#circles#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#lifeislikeacircle#areyougingaroundandaroundincircles

PALM SUNDAY-A DAY OF CELEBRATION AND HOPE

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem to cheers and jubilation, it was a time of hope. Not knowing what lay around the corner for many spectators it was time to celebrate.
Palm branches. A symbol of hope.
Like life we can learn from this. A time to celebrate comes along- so celebrate.
There will be hardships in life. But don't wait for them if the day is a good one.
When Jesus died and was resurrected, it brought more hope of a better time.
So as Christians celebrate the Easter season, it is a time for reflection.

#palmsunday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#Jesus#Jerusalem#timetocelebrate#atimeforreflection#Easter#Eastercelebrations

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- BALL POINT- THE NATIVE MURDER

Another interesting story concerning Ball Point, Mariposa Township, Victoria County. The Murder at the Point led to one of the most interesting stories in early Toronto History- the sinking of the Schooner Speedy in 1804.

This was an interesting story concerning Ball Point. A family member was visited by a person on Lake Scugog talking about the murder that had occurred. The story could use a map of the area for clarity and may be added on a future post.
#murderatballpoint1803#nativemurderonlakescugog#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#mariposatownshipvictoriacounty#cityofkawarthalakes#themurderledtothesiningoftheSpeedy#whathappenedatBallPoint#theFarewellbrothers#justiceforkillingawhiteman#TorontohistorypartoftheBallPointstory#barbaradimambro#thelandhasmanystories#knowinghistoryoftheland#genealogyresearch#socialstoriesaugmentfamilyhistory#cityofkawarthalakes

SPRING FLOWERS-SIGNS OF HOPE

Don't you love it when the crocuses are in the garden. The colour between the brown gives hope of new life to come. It always amazes me that nature seems to have a mind of her own!!

What are you finding in your garden?

The daffodils will be coming. Buy get one of those on a pin to wear for Cancer month.
#springflowers#crocuses#daffodil#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#naturedoesherthing

NANA SAYS I WORE PINK, DID YOU?

Wearing pink for anti-bullying is a good thing for all ages. Looked seeing the support from everyone and everywhere to wear pink today.
There has always been bullying throughout history. It has often lead to death for the bullied. It can be racist in nature. To bully someone for any reason is wrong.
To have children speak the language of pink. To have awareness of what it means will last a lifetime for them.
Well I work my pink spring coat and froze my buns. It was a cold day but I wanted to show some solidarity for the cause.
#standuptobullies#wearpinkonpinkday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#childrenstanduptobulliesbywearingpink#don'tbeabully

REMEMBERING VIMY RIDGE

It has been 102 years since the famous battle that put Canadians in the forefront of military history.

In 2017 thousands went to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary.
I had wanted to go but was unable so the best thing I could do was take some pictures off the TV.
My grandfather Ernie Ellis fought in that battle and won medals. In other years I have written a post on his involvement there.

 The boots placed for those who lost their lives there.

Not great pictures but a memory for me.
#vimyridge#france#worldwarone#ernieellis#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#rememberingvimy#adayinCanadianhistory#wanttogotoVimyoneday#onmybucketlisttoseeVimy