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