HOUSE OF KERRS THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY

I love blogging. However my daughter Sonya has taken it to another level.
Her House of Kerrs is a wonderful family and lifestyle blog.
Her inspirational writing for families and women and just people in general warms my heart.
Happy Third Anniversary.
House of Kerrs
#houseofkerrs#sonya#thirdanniversary#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#writingblogsisfun#writingfillsthesoul#keeponwriting

SUMMER READING- ACCOMPLISHED TEN BOOKS READ AND MORE

So for the last few years I have a summer goal of reading 10 books. Making myself enjoy the summer becomes easier when reading is in the mix. I had some Indigo gift cards so used them to buy some books and perused my own bookshelf to read those books waiting for me. I love buying books but sometimes have more books than books that have been read.

I started this P.D. James book a couple of years ago and put it down. Book finally completed for my summer reading project. She is an author that has been so prolific. I have read many of books over the years.

Gift from the Sea was written for another generation by Anne Morrow Lindbergh and still has relevance for this modern generation of women. I gave copies to my daughters for Mother's Day.

An Ocean of Minutes- more of a science fiction but an okay read by Thea Lim.

Based in England, Jenny Colgan wrote the Bookshop on the Shore.

Ellen Keith's The Dutch Wife gave some fictional insight into the dilemmas of World War Two.

The Ripple Effect by Greg Wei. One of those how to live your life with some simple changes and steps. Similar to other books of that nature that I have read in my life. I had to return it to the Library so it could not remain on my pile.
And added to the bottom Washington Black by Eri Edugyan- Giller Prize winner. Book about some insights to slavery and how one person lived and survived.

The in between books that needed to go back to the Library. Some Toronto history pictorial books, one day in August by O'Keefe about a different version of why Dieppe occurred, theatres in Toronto all needing to go back.

The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews.
Okay. Fast read.

A Gift for Dying by M.J. Arlidge- fast easy mystery read. Not fussy about the ending. I checked the local library and more of his books are there. So will take out now rather than buy.

Daydreams of Angels- short stories by Heather O'Neill. Most of the stories were fun to read. Gave me some clues of how to enrich the short stories I am writing.

The Hidden life of Trees-Peter Wohlleben- an amazing factual book about the effect trees has on our lives and why we need them. His book reveals the secret world of trees.

Another trip to the Library yielded some war history books for my research into my Dad's war story, what can be done about health care- Better Now and the stress on working parents and being caregivers- Something got to Give.

So active reading of novels, non-fiction and some research books was my summer reading.
I am glad I started to go the Library again. When I see a book featured online or in the paper I check the local library, if there write down the call number. So when I go, I have a number of books I want to take out.
Besides being a pensioner, always wiser to limit the number of books bought now.
How about you? What did you read??
#summerreading#pdjames#heathero'neil#mjarlidge#peterwohlleben#warstories#ellenkeith#jennycolgan#esiedugyan#miriamtoews#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#goalofreadingtenbooksoverthesummer#usingthelibraryagain#buyingbooksisexpensive#readingisagiftoflife

ENJOYING THOSE LAST DAYS OF AUGUST

Once the crisp morning air comes along it makes me want to clean and do garden cleanup and just get going for the Fall. By getting boring tasks done, it leaves room for my creativity.
So pulling out knitting and crocheting projects. Reviewing what wool I want to have in my hands.
The quilting that I have been neglecting because my machines need their tensions adjusted. So guess what, come hell or high water I will get a machine working.
My goal is to start with simple designs to get back in the swing of sewing. A simple patchwork would be good.
But August is still here. So those wonderful morning walks are a must. Listening to the birds. The air is so breathable.
Went for a sundae at Dairy Queen with my daughter and grandson. They brought a cone home for Grandpa.
August still gives us a chance to embrace summer. Take it all in. Look at the summer pictures of fun. Then there's time to take more.

The writing projects have been ongoing. In other years I put them aside for the summer. Not this year. I have been writing all summer. Uploading pictures for the various family history lines. I am glad. As some of those stories are almost finished. Yeah for me.
My walks have given me inspiration for short stories and vignettes. So many in draft form. Maybe I will finish them and put on this blog and maybe I will not.
So back to enjoying the last days of August.
#August#enjoyingthelastdaysofaugust#summerpictures#reflectivthoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#summergardening#gettingthosehandicraftsgoing#knitting#crocheting#quiltprojects#lovingthistimeofyear#summerfruitandvegetables

COUPLES CAN BE BECOME INSEPARABLE

When a  couple has been married a long time, it is very difficult to separate them They complement each other. One may be more extroverted, the other introverted. One more social, the other more reclusive. Each contributes uniquely to the relationship. The marriage.
Roles are shared or can be separate.Money. Sex. Children.
It can become difficult if one needs to live without the other. Death. Voluntary separation to a nursing home.
There is no real way to prepare needing to live without the other person. Some people survive it and some do not.
#marriedcouples#somebecomeinseparable#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#learningtolivewithouttheother#survivingaloss#voluntaryseparation#death#nowaytoanticipatehowonewillcope

TAKING BUTTERFLY PICTURES AND WHY THEY ARE HARD TO TAKE

This photo was so easy to take. The butterfly posed for me.
However, today with camera in hand three times I tried to capture a yellow and black one on my cone flowers. As I approached, fluttered away.

So being vigilant and trying to scope out the scene.

There is one somewhere in this picture. Middle black pot.

#butterflypictures#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#photographingbutterflies

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-WEBINARS ARE GREAT LEARNING TOOLS

As a genealogist who has been researching for over 35 years, webinars are useful for new ideas and confirming old ones.
Being retired I am able to watch webinars any time of the night and day. It is fun to know I am one person from over 19 countries watching and learning.
What I do love is the fact that I use many of the ideas presented already. So I can really call myself an experienced family historian.
Then to print up a certificate that I attended one makes me feel like I passed some course.
Being at home in PJs or casual clothes and not driving anywhere makes it so easy to continue genealogy learning.
For the new genealogist it is a great way to get up to speed on how to research, cite sources, write and organize.
For the experienced person like I am, always something to learn.
#webinarsaregoodforlearning#experiencedgenealogist#goodforbeginners#easytoattendawebinar#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS GETTING READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL IS STRESSFUL

The clothes. The school supplies. The anxiety.
Getting back into the swing of things.
A suggestion. Wait to see what they really need?
Sometimes the supply list will change.
And the clothes if  not a uniform can be costly. Well what are the other kids wearing!!
I remember going shopping with one of my daughters and she wanted some items. Bought them.
Went to school and wanted something else because of the other kids. Those clothes sat in the closet.
So one thing for first day of school then wait.
Besides there will be fall sales and time to fill the closet with new items.
The school year is a long one with lots of opportunities to add to the school requests.
Of course the lessons and hockey and sports and outings etc.
Breath and take your time with the preparations.
Nana can be helpful too. Tell her what you need and maybe a thing or two can be bought.
#backtoschool#anxietyofbacktoschool#waittoseewhatisreallyneeded#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#schoolsupplies

AUGUST-CELEBRATING THE END OF SUMMER

Okay I know summer ends September 20th. The end of August and start of school only feels like Fall for most of us. Hopefully September and October will have some nice weather.
Birthdays and outdoor reading and country drives have given me some pleasure.
I love the summer and the time it gives to slow down and really smell the roses!!
We lead these busy lives. Hurry up is the mantra.
But slowing down and enjoying the scenery is good too. Taking it all in is a good thing.

Even in warm weather there can be snow on the mountain!!

So find a good vantage point and take it all in!! Take a deep breath! Exhale and enjoy!
#august#theendofsummer#valleyview#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#enjoyingthebirthdaysofAugust#slowdownandsmelltheroses

LET'S GO TO THE EX!! TORONTO CELEBRATES

Today the Ex or CNE- Canadian National Exhibition opens in Toronto. So many memories come back.
At the end of the school year we would get our ticket to the Ex. It was an event that was so important in the GTA.
As a young teen my brother Rob and I would go on the first day. Back then there were buses that came from various areas straight to it. We would get the CNE Express at Yonge and Steeles. Coming home took the Express bus back. We had saved money over the summer so we could go on rides and buy our food.
As an adult, I have gone every few years.
Then the grandchildren came along and have gone more often.

The food is always everywhere. The aroma of all of it is what makes the event fun.
Visiting the buildings and midway and playing a few games. Lots of junk to buy.
If you like air shows, then the Labour Day weekend is the time to go.

Am aerial view!

The Princes' Gates!

So let's go to the EX!
#EX#cne#canadiannationalexhibition#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#foodtoeat#midwayrides#playsomegames#lotsoffunforthewholefamily

LANGSTAFF SECONDARY SCHOOL- 50 YEARS SINCE GRADUATION

Hard to believe that 50 years have gone by since I finished High School. In my time, we had Grade 13 and many students were 18 or 19 heading off to work, college or university.
I had attended Langstaff Secondary School in Thornhill from the school's opening in Sept. 1964 to June 1969. Our class was the first class to go the 5 years.

 We had our graduation ceremony the next November.

My class.

Not everyone is with us today.

The 50th anniversary celebration was so much fun in 2015.
I wonder how the graduating class is doing this year. Will they post in 50 years??
#langstaffsecondaryschool#50yearssincegraduation#barbaradimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#shoolgraduation#oneofthefirststudentstocompletethe5years

BOOMER BARBARA ROCKS RETIREMENT- ROUTINES HELP

The freedom of retirement can become boring quickly. Having meaningful activities can be difficult as the time factor means there is no rush to finish in a hurry.
Routines give meaning to life. They help to keep us focused.
So driving my grandchildren to camp this week again is a good thing. Need to be up and ready to go.
It is a nice feeling. Frankly it is a feeling of being needed.  A real function.
Work gave us those real functions. We had a job to do.
 Retirement often does not give us a job to do.Yes I know there are those who claim they are busier than when they worked.
Not for me. Not busier. I am doing the same things- my interests. Yes more time to do them.
I try with my writing projects to give myself deadlines. Otherwise I can take my time. Procrastinate. Do something else. Have a nap.
So getting back on the horse and finding more routines in my day let's me get more done.
With Fall around the corner sadly I write, the house could use some daily cleaning routines. Not hours but maybe 1 hour daily then back to my projects.
So routines come in many forms- daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, annually. Marking it down and knowing what needs to be done keeps me on track.
I miss the work environment of accomplishing so much in a day.
#retirement#routineshelpwithactivitiesbeingcompleted#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#settingaschedule#havingmeaninfulactivities

MY COZY CORNER- DO YOU HAVE ONE?

So in the Spring I bought a table and chairs for the front. Hoping Adolph would sit out there with me!!
But as the season has progressed it is my corner in the quiet of the front.

I can be outside. To read. To do hand work. To take a nap.

My potted plants and some impatiens.

My view of the street. I can see you but do you see me??
I hear lots of birds chirping. I have some shade on hot days. I can hear Adolph if he yells for me.
Live is good in my little corner of the world.
#cozycorner#viewofthestreet#abletoreadquietly#placetonap#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#timetobeoutside#pottedplants#impatiens.

COOL AUGUST FEELS LIKE FALL-CLEANUP HAS BEGUN

Some cooler mornings has brought a surge of energy to get out stuff in the house and garden. I was going to leave everything for September but there is no time like the present. May hay while the sun shines.
So getting to corners in the house. Working on decluttering and hauling things out of here.
Two pieces of furniture I am going to try to give to a charity place. If not, 1-800 I've got junk here we come.
I figure I can not wait to see how my life plays out. What I can do now is the best plan!!
Piano piano! One thing at a time. It is easier to be methodical like I am doing with the family history stories. Upload a picture and put it right away in the person's  story. It is working for me.
Been sorting the family history shelves. Many resources are not pertinent to our family history so making donations to the.local history room at a our September meeting.
So being in control of my stuff and life and garden is giving me some needed energy in all that I have to do.
Yes I am still enjoying the last days of this summer. More reading. Sitting a bit in the sun. Enjoying the seasonal fruit and veggies.
How about you? How is your August going?
#augustfeelslikefally#augustfun#startingthefallcleanup#findingsomeenergyinthischaoticlife#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

AUGUST CELEBRATIONS

The last true month of summer has some important family celebrations 4 family birthdays, 2 friends' birthdays and a wedding anniversary.
It is a time to continue to enjoy all the fruit and vegetables of the season. The weather is good so summer activities continue. For me, as much walking as I can find outside my power walk.
Of course the Ex opens in a week so it is another fun event to consider.
Lots of writing, sorting, reading.
Gosh I really love the summer!!
#summer#augustcelebrations#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#birthdaycelebrations

IS IT KARMA OR DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

In my line as a Social Worker, I would see it all the time. Good people with bad events.
Bad things do happen to good people.
 A Rabbi wrote a book by that name many years ago when his own son has a debilitating disease and died young.

Why does a 3 year old get cancer?

People always talk about Karma. Yes and no.

There are many people who have what they have because they screwed others. Or their lucky break affected someone else. Bad things do not happen to them.

There are of course, many people who worked damn hard for everything they have. Raised their children well but maybe one did not turn out so well.

Do all the old folks and sometimes young folks who get dementia deserve it because of some karma?
I say no.

If all the kind people got what they deserved they would be the really rich ones.

Many times you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time!! Or a better candidate got the job.

Practicing safety. Eating well. Exercise. these are good tips for a healthy living. But no guarantee you will live fit until 100 years old.

Life does present itself in unusual ways sometimes. If we play the cards we are dealt in the most positive way than life can be manageable and doable and hopefully moments of happiness and joy.

So do you think everyone gets what they deserve? Why do you care if others suffer? Live your life as best as you can.

Love those around you. Encourage positive vibes.

Be your own star!

Even in adversity look for the helpers. Accept kindness from others. And if a good person know that some bad events will happen to you for no reason. So don't look for a reason.

So Karma or just bad things happen to good people!!
#karma#karmaorbadthingshappentogoodpeople#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#positivethinking#dothebestyoucanwiththebesttoolspossible#noteveryonegetswhattheydeserve#playthecardsyouaredealtinlife#keepgoinginbadtimes

DECLUTTERING STARTS AT THE VERY BEGINNING

I have been in a declutter lull. But today I tackled an area of personal papers. Organized. Threw out some. Stuffed some piles into labelled big envelopes.
So two shelves in my den look neat. Yeah.
I am back on the horse. I want to tackle other small areas before the garden cleanup must start.
I usually wait for jobs like this until the Fall.
However, I was not needed with my grandson and it was a rainy day.
Took advantage of the time.
There are so many households jobs that are very boring.
So doing them and getting them out of the way is rewarding.
Are you having trouble tackling those boring jobs?
#boringhouseholdjobs#declutter#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#gettingthehousein order#usingarainydaytogetthingsdone

CIVIC HOLIDAY MONDAY IN ONTARIO

On my morning walk, it was evident that it was a holiday Monday. The quiet. Less traffic. No crowd of people at the bus stop at Major Mackenzie and Yonge Street. Nice to have the peaceful atmosphere. The girls and families are both away for the weekend enjoying the country of central Ontario.
So Lord Simcoe, the reason we celebrate the day can be thanked.
What are you doing on this holiday Monday?
#civicweekend#lordsimcoe#timeaway#thequietoftheday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS GRANDCHILDREN HELP WITH BEGINNINGS

A lot of aging brings the fact home that life is ending and not beginning. Retire. Health issues. Sell the house for a smaller place. A spouse dies.
Grandchildren bring that new energy to us. Everything is new to them. Doing old activities become a fun event again.
Grandchildren help change our perspective. We want to make pancakes. We want to go to the park.
We want to learn new activities on the Internet.
All of a sudden we do not want to be left behind.
Grandchildren help us to look at new beginnings. We can start over again in many areas.
There is a reason to take new pictures. Time to tell family stories. Time to write down those stories.
Grandchildren can be sweet too.
This Nana had a surprise conversation. We were talking about how old I was- 69. I felt I was getting older. They said no Nana. You are a young Nana. You walk. Take care of yourself. Well you only look 55!!
And you are not fat.
Grandchildren can make our day, don't you think!!
#grandchildrenkeepusyoung#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#grandchildrensaytherightthing#grandchildrenchangeourperspective#lookagainatnewbeginningsandnotendings

NANA SAYS CHILDREN DO ENJOY SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

A grandchild sleepover with 4 of my 6 revealed that children can do simple activities and have fun.
Three trips to a local splash pad and playground area were daily activities. The deal- the cell phones, ipads and whatever are left at home.
We all know that sand can hurt them. And children do leave things and they could get lost.
Day 3- you know what they all were doing for 45 minutes?
Swinging on an old fashioned swing. Going high and jumping off.
They spent more time on those swings than any other activity.
I was concerned that Nana did not take them out to a place or movie or event. The simple playground worked for them.
My little granddaughter liked the simple walk with Nana to the mailbox every day. We found some acorns from an oak tree and well a simple science lesson occurred.
Slowing down and doing simple activities really works.
Children can learn to enjoy the moment.
#simpleactivitieswithchildren#theoldfashionedswing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#goingtotheparkisanouting

AUGUST- PACK IN THE REST OF SUMMER

Well with July over, and August upon us, it always seems the summer whizzes by and the winter slows down.
So with so much remaining it is a good thing to pack in as much sun and sand and fun and ice cream of course.
I had a liquid lunch- Mocha Ice Cap from Timmies. Decadent Friday. A summer thing.
Ripping out the tall dead flowers a little at a time in the garden.

August some garden cleanup but still able to enjoy the flowers that are still blooming.

A cemetery visit in July showed the memorial needed cleaning so talked with the groundskeeper who said he would do it. A few days later, they were cut back. So put some carnations and cups of water in the container.
So August will be more of writing those family stories for my grandchildren and of course more sleepovers with them.
How is your summer going?
#Augustevents#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro