WILL 2021 BE BETTER? BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!!

 2020 with all the health issues, disasters and yes COVID-19.

Just a year. The good, the bad and the ugly.

The toil on humankind.

The worst year in history. Probably not. But a bad one, none the less!!

Most people I know can't wait for the new year! Will it be better?

Well with vaccines coming for everyone, perhaps the threat of COVID-19 will in check. Not gone but in check.

So evaluating what 2020 taught us can be an end of year task. Many lives changed forever. Many lives lost forever.

Looking at 2021 for me just means moving forward. No great expectations. No big plans. Just small manageable goals. Activities that will bring me some pleasure. Activities that include family especially my precious grandchildren.

Why I say be careful what you wish for is the fact that the year is starting the way it ended? COVID is not over. 

So keeping expectations in check may help with the mood. It is good to get excited about the new year.

Hope is a good thing. 

I know I hope for the better. But I am realistic and know it will take time. So using the months of slow recovery, yes slow recovery wisely. 

My main wish is not to get COVID-19. Nor any of my family. Second wish is not to give it to anyone else.

Third wish to keep on trekking in this thing we call life.

Fourth wish to do things in Adolph's memory. Like a better version of our cookbook for example.

After that I will just see what comes along.

So what are you wishing for in 2021?

#2020#2021#becarefulwhatyouwishfor#whatare2021goals#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#hopeisagoodthing#remembertokeepontrekking#

WINTER PHOTOS CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

 If it has to snow might as well snap some photos.

Now if I actually went for a drive to find other scenery.

#winterphotos#takingpicturesathome#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WINTER FUN

 With proper winter wear, the outdoors is the best way to get some relief during COVID-19,

So waiting for my trekking poles. I had trouble finding them as I had put walking poles in my online search. They are called trekking poles. Hum.

I will be walking with them for safety. Not really trekking very far.

So I will have no excuse to be outside and walking a little each day. 

The old fun of walking around a mall or going to a movie are not on the agenda right now. 

But a change of scenery is necessary. Looking out the window does not count. Should I be spying on my neighbours!! I think not!

#winterfun#trekkingpole#properwinterwear#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE DAY AFTER THE WINTER SOLSTICE

 So after the shortest day and longest night, the sun is starting to return to us.

It feels like the pandemic in some ways.

Darkness.

Sadness.

The never ending pandemic.

No matter what positive twists I try to put on the season, it is harder and harder.

Another bloody lockdown. Are you kidding?

So many of us followed the rules. All the rules.

Now we are being made to feel guilty if we want to share a meal. 

We are told it is just one Christmas. Well it was one Easter, one Canada Day, no concerts, no sports, no Halloween, stay away from each other.

We did not even have a funeral service. 

So for many it could be the last Christmas together.

So is it just one meal, one Christmas?

So many emotions. Why do politicians and public health think it is okay to guilt us?

#wintersolstice#whydowehavetofeelguilty#somanyemotionsaroundtheseason#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#

CANADIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

 Everyone likes to talk about their traditions. 

I have always taken many things I do at Christmas for granted. 

So what are my Canadian Christmas traditions.

Family. Being with family. Connecting with family.

Christmas lights outside. Some people make amazing displays. Others a string of lights or two. This year I put my lights in my living room window so it is easier to turn off with my convenient switch. Then some solar lights in the garden that need no work.

Christmas Cards. Always loved the way my mother would find a spot for the cards. So I do the same now. I have a large Christmas Stocking with pockets in my doorway to the Family Room. Yes I still send cards and love to receive them. I love the messages in them.

Christmas decorations throughout the house. The variety that people can do is endless.

The Christmas Tree whether real or artificial. With saved decorations. One of my favourite is the little angel my daughter made in Kindergarten. 

Presents for family near and far.

Stockings for Santa's gifts. In my childhood It was a real silk stocking from my mother. We would get a large delicious apple and big orange along with little Santa gifts. The big Santa gift would be beside the stocking. I loved buying all the little stocking stuffers for the girls when they were little. Often along with fun stuff, new socks and underwear.

Lots of goodies in the house during December.

The music. Radio or CDs. My favourite- Oh come all ye faithful

And oh the movies. A Christmas Carol. Miracle on 34thstreet. It's a Wonderful Life. My modern favourite is Love Actually. Now there are lots of cheesy Christmas movies on TV. Like the Hallmark ones.

Loving some snow and walking in it. With children around making snow angels or a snowman. 

Local charities- food bank, toy drives and others. Canadians are very giving and generous. Toys are given to those needy children. Not just Christians.

We included Adolph's Italian tradition of a seafood dinner Christmas Eve. Lots of seafood dishes.

Christmas day the big turkey dinner with all the trimmings- bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, corn, brussel sprouts. In my childhood, turnip. But now I have sweet potatoes and squash usually acorn. Desserts have varied through the years. My Mom would make a plum pudding with real rum sauce. I used to bake but now depend on the girls bringing desserts. So yule log, cookies and lots of other goodies. Vanilla ice cream to add to the dessert table.

A festive Christmas table.

My parents often invited someone who had nowhere to go over Christmas. Over the years Adolph and I had his and my extended family and others. His brother alone would be bring 5 extra people to the table.

Now it is just our kids and grandchildren.

There may be some phone calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Ways to connect. Now everybody has some new traditions. Posting on Facebook for days with Merry Christmas to everyone. 

So Canadian traditions are abundant. Different regions may have a different one or two. 

I like making place names so this year is no different.

Stars for some. Trees for others. And on the back 2020 to show the year.

What are your traditions? Do you have some from your childhood?

LIFE IS LIKE CLEANING COBWEBS IN THE CORNER

 We all go about our daily routines.

Our houses are our sanctuary right now.

Then it happens. There is a long gobby cobweb. How long has it been there you ask yourself?

Hopefully you are the first one to see it!! Grabbing your broom or duster it is gone.

Our lives have many cobwebs. We live with them. 

We do not see them. Until one day we do.

We eliminate them. We tidy up some areas of our lives.

Going through stress, hard times, grief, job loss- we often do not catch those cobwebs. Our emotions get in the way.

We have to be ready.

#cobwebsinourlives#findingthecobwebsinlife#cleaningthecobwebsinourlife#notseeingthecobwebsthenseeingthecobwebs#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS ARE SLOW MOVING

 What is next in Christmas preparations for our limited times together?

Well I certainly need to iron some tablecloths.

They make any room festive. Even if it is only for me.

#tablclothsforchristmas#gettingreadyforlimitedevents#tryingtostaypositivethroughpandemicdays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A FAMILY TRADITION

 Adolph love stuffoli. A sweet Christmas Italian dessert.

Posted on his blog granpalovestocook December 2012.

So Sonya decided to give it a try. She posted on her Instagram and Blog showing the steps and giving her thoughts.

House of Kerrs

I was the lucky recipient of one plate of it.

Another generation completing a dish.

#struffoli#honeybubbles#granpalovestocook#familytradition#asweetItaliandessert#sonyamakesstuffoliinafamilytradition#reflectivetghoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

V-DAY- THE VACCINE ARRIVED IN CANADA

 Although the new restrictions and lockdowns of regions has put a damper on Christmas, the arrival of the first batch of vaccines bring hope to Canada.

Despite any criticisms from the anti-vaxers it is such a positive joy for all.

Get to our elderly and healthcare providers. 

How it will roll out to the rest of us- time will tell.

But when I can be in line, I will be in line.

#vaccinetocanada#getinlineforavaccine#canadabeginsitsprocessofvaccinating#christmasduringcovid#thevaccineisthebestchristmaspresent#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS DURING COVID

 Okay depending on where one lives celebrations across Canada will vary.

Scaling back on large celebrations has been a given now for months and months.

So Christmas will be similar. 

Cooking and bringing plates of food to family groups is doable.

Masks and veranda greetings are doable.

Outdoor with warm clothes.

Even on any small get togethers, isolate for 10 days to be reassured everyone is well when near each other.

Physical distancing in the home. Still using masks if too close to any vulnerable family member.

I can't tell you that it is fun.

Zoom is okay but also a little tiring. 

Texting and emailing and posting on Instagram does keep us connected.

Those cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies have come in handy.

Doable but celebrating so limited really sucks.

Just saying.

#christmasduringcovid#celebratingdifferently#practicingpublichealthprotocols#familycelebrationsarelimitedandsmall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#celebrationgchristmasduringcovid#tryingtobegoodandfollowingallthepublicheathprotocols

CHRISTMAS MEAL SPECIALS BRING SOME SOCIAL ISOLATION JOY

 So I wrote on Granpalovestocook about my fun in trying food specials.

The Swiss Chalet Festive special. I had the rib/chicken combo. Loved the stuffing and cranberry sauce. I also bought poutine as well as the Coconut Cream Pie. It took me a couple of days to eat everything. I had the ribs the first night and the chicken the next day for lunch.

This week I tried the Pizza Pizza Holiday at Home special A medium pizza with 3 toppings, 3 drinks and one dessert.

I also bought some cauliflower bites and 5 chicken wings. So I ate two wings, some bites and one slice of pizza. Put the other 7 slices in baggies in the freezer for eating over the next couple of months. The best was the funnel cake dessert with caramel sauce. Not bad for a pizza place.

Being home alone. Cooking alone is not fun. So ordering something fun brings some eating joy to this Senior.

Buying food that can be frozen for a meal another day also works. 

If some grandsons can visit then the pizza slices will make a nice snack.

The real dilemma is what to order next week. Or should I make some room for the big Christmas feast that is coming in 13 days.

#christmaspecials#swisschalet#pizzapizza#eatingaloneisdifficult#beingsingleandeatingalone#buyingatreathelpswiththeisolation#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

 I must admit I am enjoying all the hoopla of Christmas this year.

Being at home brings more time for TV and the Christmas movies.

My granddaughter has been watching my classic Christmas movies with me when she can. She is in my bubble.

I found some craft ideas to do while I watch TV. 

No baking as I have bought baked goods from Supermarket stores. Like the PC chocolate chip pie. I need to decide when to heat it up and whom with by my partner in crime!!

A cheesecake variety pack too.

Since ideas are frozen, there is no hurry to eat them now.

I like everyone's Christmas lights. My two Christmas trees bring me joy at night with their lights.

No parties. But there will be a virtual one on Monday night with the Richmond Hill Historical Society. I will tell you next week how that goes.

I am trying to find church services to attend- online of course.

So looking forward to whatever the season will bring.

Have received a couple of Christmas cards which I really enjoy. Nice messages warm my heart. People realize this is tough Christmas for us with our Empty Chair!!

How are you enjoying Christmas?

#Christmas#ChristmaswithanEmptyChair#christmaslights#watchingchristmasmovies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUPPORT OUR CANADIANS IN CHINA

 I saw a simple plan to support bringing our two Canadians home.

Send Christmas Cards to the nearest Chinese embassy or consultate.

Michael Kovrig

Michael Spavor

Write a card for each then send to the Chinese institution. 

Put it on Social Media.

#FreeChinaHostages as the tagline.

So let's bring our men home.

#freechinahostages#canadiansashostages#michaelkovrig#michaelspavor#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE VACCINE BRINGS HOPE TO THE WORLD

 The vaccine is starting to be rolled out.

Yay for Britain and 90 year old as the first person receiving it. Do you believe the second person was a man named William Shakespere!

It's a new dawn.

We still need to follow Public Health guidelines. We are not out of the woods.

But we are starting the journey.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To science. The scientists. The lab workers. All the professionals that will help roll it out.

THANK YOU!!

#vaccinebeingrolledoutinbritain#startingtoseethelightattheendofthecovidtunnel#stillfollowpublichealthprotocols#stayhopeful#loveandsupporttothosewholostsomeonetocovid#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DECEMBER-TIME FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

 

Snow brings the feeling of Christmas.

Time to think about sleds and skates and walking in the snow.

Of course shopping or are you finished.

I still need to buy a few more things for some grandchildren.

Wrapping is under way. 

Cards sent and some letters to write.

Some phone calls to make to people. More emails to send.

Charitable donations made. International, national and local.

So a little at a time. 

How are your preparations going?

#christmaspreparations#snowisgoodforchristmas#christmaswrapping#beinghomeforchristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NOVEMBER- THE MONTH WITH HOPE

 We hoped that COVID would begin to go away. 

But alas it surges.

Our family celebrated 3 birthdays- my granddaughter, my daughter, my younger brother.

So everyone a year older.

House decorated for Christmas. 

Outside lights put up. Solar lights bringing some atmosphere to the outside.

As we leave November 2020, we do hope that isolation, distancing and practicing good public health practices will bring some changes in December.

#novemberandhope#beinghopefulfortheendofCOVID#practicegoodpublichealthpractices#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FINDING PEACE IN GRIEF

 5 months since my beloved husband Adolph died.

Grief is an isolating and painful journey.

Personal for everyone.

Different for everyone.

It depends how it is entered. What was the circumstances of the death?

Initially I was just very tired.

Handled my grief well enough. But a lot of going through the motions.

Private tears. It is my way. 

No " povera me" for me.

So leading up to Natasha's birthday was hard for our family. The first without her Dad. Painful and lots of tears.

But then it happened after an afternoon nap. 

Peace in my soul. A different feeling.

Knowing Adolph is okay. He is in a good place. 

I will always miss him. But at peace I can live without him. 

Why? Because I was blessed to have had him in life. The memories. The love of our children. The love of our grandchildren. So he lives on through them.

#beingatpeaceingrief#griefisverypainful#findingpeaceingrief#knowinglifecangoon#knowingIcanlivewithouthime#Iwillalwaysmisshim#lovefromchildrenandgrandchildrengetmethroughitall#Iwillbeokay#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#grief#dealingwithgrief#gettingthroughgrief

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS 2020

 The whole shop early for these covid days is not a new notion for me.

I always shop early. But I am still waiting for one family's requests. 

I like to get the grandchildren what they want from a Nana.

Of course they always love money or a gift card for their favourite store.

But the two littles ones need lots of presents under the tree. 

Little presents count. Little kids like to count the number of presents they receive. So rather than one bag with several things, all the things are wrapped separately so more to open.

I decorated two trees two weeks ago. I needed something festive in the house. My outdoor lights are indoor. I put them on the front window inside so I could turn them off easier then opening and shutting the front door. 

Since I cut branches on my front bushes the lights can be seen from the road. 

My preparations are in rote mode. My heart is not in it this year. But I keep going because the end result is usually appreciated by me.

I love Christmas lights so having light in the house is good for me.

No more lit fireplace fires. So I use the fireplace to put festive candles. I can light them safely in a safe spot.

My Christmas parcels have been sent. My Christmas cards have been sent. Maybe a day or two earlier than normal. But my Christmas newsletter will bring some hope.

So I will write more on my days.

How about you? How are your preparations going? Are they festive this year to make up for the COVID crap?

#christmaspreparations#2020preparationsaredifferent#goingthroughthemotions#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SURVIVING COVID ISOLATION FOR SINGLE PEOPLE

 I am talking about older single people. Like the seniors of the world.

Especially retired singles. If one goes to work there is some company there.

COVID rules say stay at home.

Limit social contacts.

Well you get the message.

Is it hard?

Yes- to be away from normal contacts.

No- finding ways to make it work.

8 months into this thing has made us all be a little creative.

I wrote letters in the spring to people. I made phone calls. 

So now what to do.

Well lots of Christmas cards to everyone already sent with a different newsletter. I look forward to receiving some cards too. I love the mail. It is fun to open it.

Even though I am the one who is dealing with grief, I have this need to reach out to others in a supportive way.

It helps my isolation. 

I can have physical distance and masked events with kids and grandchildren for now. 

Family arranging ways to be outside with a firepit and enclosed areas. I even bought insulated pants.

One daughter said to buy snow pants. Well they are called insulated pants for adults. I could not find women's snow pants! LOL

But anxiety and depression is huge for many living alone. So be aware for yourself and others in your life. 

Connect. Reach out. Keep in touch more than usual. 

If lonely, tell others. Listen to music a lot! It stimulates the mind and keeps one out of their head.

What are your strategies for social isolation? If having trouble, call me. Write me. Leave a comment.

#socialisolationduringcovid#findingwaystoovercomesocialisolation#findingwaystobecreativeduringcovidisolation#dealingwithgriefduringchristmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

I SHOPPED LOCAL-HOW ABOUT YOU?

 I am trying to support local businesses.

So yarn from Knitters Attic in Richmond Hill.

Gift cards from Polished Beauty Bar in Richmond Heights Plaza.

Flowers from Hillcrest Flowers in Hillcrest Mall.

Later I will be ordering some take out dinner.

How about you?

Are you supporting your local businesses??

#localbusiness#supportinglocalbusinesses#helpingourlocalbusinessesonepurchaseatatime#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS JOIN THE KIDS IN OUTDOOR FUN DURING COVID

 So I bought some new skates. My son-in-law will have them sharpened. 

Ordered insulated purple pants for outdoors.

And a hockey helmet.

If we must do more outdoors, I want to be warm.

I do have good boots for walking in the snow.

So I think I am ready with lots of hats, scarves, mitts.

How about you? Are you ready for winter outdoor activities?

#winterwear#newskates#insulatedpurplepants#gettingreadyforoutdoorfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbardimambro

COVID-19 AND SOCIAL ISOLATION

 Being alone during this crisis does take its toll.

So making sure social connections of any kind are made daily.

 Phone calls. Emails. Writing a card or letter to someone. 

For me walking. Walking to get the mail.

Limiting my outings as York Region is a red zone so must be socially responsible to 

be community minded.

I have music on all day long and of course TV, computer checking and having the cellphone for texting is a good thing.

But it is hard for a mentally and physically healthy person to be isolated so how must it be for others who are not.

So everyone reach out and although physically distancing do a virtual hug, blow a kiss, stay connected with those in your life.

Be nice and friendly with all service people. A friendly hello and thank you go a long way.

COVID-19 really sucks. We have fatigue. But we want to get through it as best we can. 

#socialisolation#covidandsocialisolation#covidreallysucks#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- NEW INFORMATION ON LANNI AND MATRUNDOLA LINES

 I decided to post some pictures on the Cassino Immigrant Facebook Group from a wedding in 1995.

My mother-in-law with some family members coming from Scotland for the wedding.

What a treasure trove!

People recognized the people in the picture.

And let me know they had information on the Lanni and Matrundola lines.

I have received two very comprehensive family lines on these two branches of my husband's tree.

It will take me some time to digest the information and put the new names on his tree and our charts.

I will personally acknowledge the individuals in another post or two.

It always pays to advertise.

#barb'sgenealogytidbits#lannifamilyhistory#matrundolafamilyhistory#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LETTERS TO THE TROOPS HAVE BEEN SENT

 Since 1991 I have sent letters to where our Canadian troops are stationed and serving.

So on November 11, 2020 I addressed and sent my letters.

It was harder this year to be as cheery as I am usually.

So mentioning an empty chair at our festive tables without Adolph was needed.

Then knowing that those serving are the empty chair at their family homes is poignant.

Acknowledging how hard it is to be away from family and friends.

So we all can feel a little melancholy this time of year. But being together in it no matter where we are is okay. A good letter or happy note helps everyone.

#writethetroops#sendingsupporttothetroops#writingtootherstokeepthemhappy#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WRITING LETTERS BACK IN VOGUE SINCE COVID-19

 So reaching out in many ways to stay connected there are some individuals that are writing letters and notes.

Actually in the Spring I reached out in that way to let people know how I was doing.

Emails, texts are okay but the written word helps too.

Of course I will be sending Christmas cards at some point with my newsletter.

Maybe write a little more in each card you send. It will help.

#writingletters#christmascanbeatimetoupdateandconnect#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

 A child's art says it all.

We will remember all that served.

Wear our poppies.

Salute a veteran.

Honour those that are serving now for our great nation.

Lest we Forget.

#remembranceday#lestweforget#saluteaveteran#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

IT IS A NEW DAY

 Politics are politics.

We like some candidates. We do not like others.

We tolerated others points of view.

But I do feel a sense of relief with the election results in the US. 

Yes there will be policy differences. But it will be done without name calling and put downs. And probably some compromises. No shame. No blame.

America is our friend and neighbour along with Mexico.

Separate nations but many and most values in common. 

Democracy.

Rights of individuals. All individuals. Not just the ones that look like we do.

Listening to others and learning from them. But getting the facts straight. Not believing lies.

When I saw the celebrations in the streets of so many cities across America, I smiled. I was happy for them.

Then I saw Van Jones on CNN, a black journalist. He spoke from it being a good thing. But one comment stuck out. He said the I can't breath from George Floyd has been his reality every day. Every time he would go out wondering if he would be okay. Having a president that allowed the underlying racism to surface was always scary. 

I am a white woman with blue eyes. I have never had to feel that way. To fear. To worry about my children, my grandchildren. I always could breath.

So listening to him and others. No comment, no comeback. But to listen and feel and try to walk in that person's shoes.

So it is a new day. The excitement will pass. Learning from the experience will not.

With this bloody COVID we have to come together even more. Support each other. 

It moves beyond tolerance and acceptance but sticking up everyday for others. With kindness, goodness and mostly love.

Not the talk but the walk.

Yes it is a new day but a good day as well.

#newday#toleranceandlove#americaisourneighbourandfriend#democracyhasspoken#rightsofindividuals#VanJonesCNN#blackjournalistspeaksfromtheheart#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A VIRTUAL REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

 COVID-19 changed so many areas of our lives.

One event I have been attending for years was the Remembrance Day Service in Richmond Hill Ontario at the Cenataph.

Well attended. A little parade. Poems especially In Flander Fields. Songs. Laying of the wreaths.

I would put my poppy on one of the wreaths. I like to put it on Dinning"s wreath. His grandparents always came to honour him.

So looking through my photos of Remembrance Days past I thought I would post some memories.

Brownies, guides always came out.

The stature that stands on guard year round.

#remembranceday#parades#wreathslaid#attendingtheservices#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

IN A TRUE DEMOCRACY EVERY VOTE COUNTS

 Some tricky dicky style talk south of the border.

All the votes count. Democracy depend on the people to have their say.

Not just the votes that favour one person or party over another!

So hoping the Constitution and laws of the land prevail in the United States today and going forward.

Whoever comes out on top remember you represent all the people, not just the ones who voted for you.

Be a true leader.

Have some real integrity.

#everyvotecounts#haveintegrity#don'tbeasoreloser#itisnotoveruntilitisover#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TUESDAY WEAR YOUR PEARLS FOR RUTH

 

She served with her heart and wisdom.

Girls and women can make a statement in our own unique way.

So wear your pearls!!

#wearyourpearlsforRuth#makingourownstatement#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SNOW ALREADY, REALLY

 I know snow would be coming. But we had a wind warning for last night.

To wake up to an inch of snow and my car covered was a cruel November joke.

I would have parked in my garage. 

Oh well, scraping the snow and ice off the car.

Putting some salt on the front area already.

Lucky it will warm up towards the end of the week so I can rake the leaves some more.

#snowalready#toosoonforsnow#needtofinishfallactivities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHANGING WEATHER MEANS MORE INDOOR ACTIVITIES OR DOES IT?

 Outdoors is better with COVID-19.

But in a Canadian climate it means being cold and outdoors for a good 5 months of the year.

So this Senior tried to be proactive.

Bought new skates. Just need the helmet and other protective equipment.

So will be trying skating again after many years off the ice.

#skates#winterooutdooractivities#stayinghealthywithCOVID#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HALLOWEEN AND ITS FUN

 So bags of goodies to my grandchildren as I normally do. 

No trick or treating door to door in York Region.

I had made goodie bags for neighbourhood kids. So I will try to find them and give

personally.

The reason is I do not want to eat all the candies.

Of course pumpkins everywhere helps with the mood of restrictions.

Make pies. Use the seeds or do as I do- I leave the pumpkin in my garden for the little animals to eat as well as compose back in the soil.

A time to wear masks too. Since we have been wearing masks for months, it seems a little redundant doesn't it?

#halloween#notrickortreatingdoortodoorthisyear#pumpkins#givingouttreats#reflcetivethoughtsbybarbara#barbardimambro

10001- COVID DEATHS IN CANADA

 10,001. Just a number. 

But when linked to COVID it takes on a sad meaning.

Lives lost connected to love ones.

It is the reason we stay safe, wash our hands, wear masks and limit contacts.

We should remember them.

#coviddeaths#liveslosttocovid#coviddeathsincanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BUSY HANDS, IDLE MINDS

What does this mean?

What does it mean to you?

Taking the thoughts out of your  head into the hands? Maybe??

Many crafters find working with hands brings a sense of purpose, doing, creating, having a project at the end.

Gardeners feel the same way. Digging, planting, seeing the beauty of their garden.

Writers write. The printed word. The prose, the narrative, the report, the essay, the short story, the book, the article.

Cooks and bakers make meals and treats.

Hands touch. Hands hurt. Hands can accomplish many things. Or just sit quietly in your lap!

#busyhandsidleminds#crafters#gardeners#writers#keepingyourhandsbusy#handscandomanythingsornothing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHEN YOUR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS

 I feel relieved that my recent prayers were answered. God gave me what I needed.

So I feel I need to mellow and not ask for too much more right now.

I try to make my prayers, prayers of thanks.

Keep my family safe.

Give me strength to keep going. 

But I have this sense not to be greedy and burden him.

#prayersanswered#GodgavemewhatIwanted#prayersofthanks#keepmyfamilysafeprayers#strengthtokeepgoing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PRESS ON WHEN LIFE BECOMES MUDDY

 We all have good and bad times. Sometimes we just get through a day. Putting one foot in front of the other just helps to keep us moving and sometimes slowly but forward.

#gettingthroughhardtimes#puttingonefootinfrontoftheother#movingforward#reflectivethoughtsby#barbaradimambro#muddypatssurroundedbygreen

NANA SAYS THE CHILDREN ARE ROCKING BACK TO SCHOOL

 Our children are doing it.

Following rules.

Wearing masks.

But mostly just glad to be back to school.

Learning. Playing. Being social.

Resilience prevails.

Somehow this Nana knew they could do it.

#nanasaysthechildrenarerockingbacktoschool#resilience#wearingmasks#followingrules#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LIFE IS LIKE FALL LEAVES

 Leaves bud in the Spring and fall in the Fall. 

From green to bright red, yellow, orange or even brown adorning the trees.

Even on the ground the beauty prevails.

Each unique. Prettier in a bunch.

#fallleaves#uniquetoeachindividual#greeninthespring#mutlicoloursinthefall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

STRONG ROOTS KEEP US GOING

 Our history. Our family roots give us strength often to keep going.

No matter how exposed we may feel sometimes knowing others before us got us here.

#strongroots#atreewithrootsexposed#believinginourroots#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL 2020

 Daughters, granddaughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, well the list could go on.

Girls and Girl power are important to the world.

It goes without saying that all girls are created equal.

Depends on where the girls live.

Education is not equal for all girls.

Health is not equal.

So as we celebrate a Canadian Thanksgiving and are grateful for all we have. Take some time to do something about those other girls in the world.

Small donations to whatever is your cause will be a thing.

I like World Vision to give to husbandry donations of goats and chickens as well as their Education category. Food on the table helps. Makes the family self sufficient.

I donate to a Canadian cause.

I donate to local causes too. Like the Salvation Army's drive each year to fill a backpack for a needy child going back to school with supplies.

I can not save the world. But I can try to help one girl at a time.

#internationaldayofthegirl#helpingthegirlsinourlives#helpinggirlsintheworld#givingtocausesthathelpgirls#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THANKFUL DURING COVID! YOU BET!

 Thankful is an interesting word. 

It does not mean there are not concerns in our lives.

Having health. A home. 

Lots of food in the house or the ability to buy it is huge when so many of the world's populations including many in our own are food insecure.

Staying safe to help the community is good.

Keeping well so my grandchildren can stay in school. I do not want to give them anything.

Limiting contact with family members and friends. Emails. Phone calls.

Thankful for those who have been in our lives. Thankful for those who are in our lives now.

So as we head into the Thanksgiving weekend.

What are your thankful thoughts?

#canadianthanksgiving#thanksgiving#beingthankfulduringcovid#stayingwellduringcovid#limitingcontactsduringcovid#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NATURE BRINGS PEACE IN COVID TIMES

 Natural settings have a way to calm the soul. Being around trees and birds and running water are ways to stop and be calm.

When was the last time you had a walk in the woods?

#nature#runningwater#alittebrook#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MONDAY COVID BLUES

 So as numbers soar, the covid fatigue is soaring too.

Staying safe. Staying home. Staying sane is the goal.

So limiting outings. Limiting indoor activities.

Wearing masks in car with others.

How is your covid fatigue coming along?

#covidfatigue#stayingsafe#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ONTARIO ADVENTURES

 A short day trip near home yielded some photo opportunities.

Belfountain Conservation Area.

Cheltham Badlands.

Both places about an hour from my home. Wanted to share the pics.

Will share the data in another post.

#belfountainconservationarea#chelthambadlands#caledonontario#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro