MARCH LEAVES US AS A LION

March a good month for many.

A bad month in terms of COVID. The variant is getting the better of us. And younger people.

So staying at home. Limiting contacts.

Online orders. 

Using up my resources at hand. Like my freezer full of food for lockdown.

Grateful to have another March. 

Canadians like to talk about the weather. It always gives up something to discuss.

So!!

How is the weather in your area this last day of March??

#marchgoesoutlikealion#marchweather#keepingcovidprotocols#onlineorders#usingmyresourcesathome#Canadianstalkabouttheweather#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro 

OUTDOOR SPACE READY FOR WARMER WEATHER

 Being outside.

Hearing birds sing.

Sun on my face.

Some small garden work.

Outdoor furniture ready for use.

We are told now that nature is good for our mental health.

Studies have been done.

Doctors write a prescription to go out in nature.

Okay.

Is this new news for anyone? REALLY!!

#natureisgoodforthesoul#beingoutsideisgoodformentalhealth#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

I LOVE BEING A SHEEP FOR BELIEVING IN THE SCIENCE

Okay there is freedom of speech and then there is stupidity.

I have lost my patience for those that are doubters about the COVID-19 crisis.

Items like deaths are exaggerated. A government plot. A vaccine will put a microchip in your body.

Well you get the picture.

We are sheep for following public health protocols.

We are sheep for getting the vaccine.

We are sheep.

I feel so grateful at having received my first dose of my Pfizer vaccine. I feel so grateful to everyone worldwide and nationally who made it happen.

Well for all those people who did not pass Grade 10 science and believe the quacks of the world.

I have only one thing to say.

BAAAAAA. BAAAAA. BAAAA!

#beingasheep#scienceprevails#getyourvaccine#nomicrochipinme#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#covidconspiraciessuck#trustthescienc#don'tbesostupid

PALM SUNDAY AND HOPE FOR THE WORLD

 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to thrive, the last year has dragged by or flown or seems the never ending nightmare for many.

With infections now in a younger population, it has become more scary for many. 

No longer just seen as affecting the elderly, some younger people still do not get it.

So as Christians celebrate and reflect at Easter, it can be a time for hope. To join collectively in prayer to rid the world of this debilitating disease virus as well as practice public health protocols will help all of us to bring some resolution.

Palm Sunday the day Jesus brought hope to people. 

So using hope as a beacon for all of us.

As we reflect on life, may the joy of faith be with you.

How are you celebrating this Palm Sunday? What thoughts do you have for hope for the world?

#palmsunday#hopefortheworld#christiansandeaster#celebratingwithfamilyfromadistance#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH ROLLS ALONG LIKE MARCH DOES

 The urge to do outside work is here. Did some clipping of small bushes, leaving the branches on the ground. We are told not to rake everything up until the weather is warmer due to insects, bees and other critters needing the vegetation.

Short walks will escalate into longer walks I hope. 

But Covid and all its horrors continue to prevail.

Hopefully will get the vaccine soon. And hopefully for everyone else.

So March the month when Spring springs into our lives. The start of Spring cleaning especially for Easter.

March birthdays in the family. Remembering those no longer with us. And those still here.

Spring flowers making their way through the dirt. Always a welcome and positive sight!!

So for many March is the optimistic month of good weather and good times outside ahead.

How about you? How is your March going?

#marchrollsalong#gettingbusyinMarch#doingspringactivities#beinghomeduringmarchduetocovid#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DOES THE VACCINE ROLLOUT FEEL LIKE IT'S IN SLOW MOTION?

 Watching and waiting for my turn has become a job now.

Waiting to hear when the over 70s can get their shots in York Region is coming soon.

But why does it feel like it is in slow motion?

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SPRING CALLS TO OUTDOOR LIVING

 Now that some restrictions are lifted so people can be outside more, there is hope for more social activities.

Staying safe with masks and distancing so outside events can be enjoyed.

So my first start. Back to walking with my weights. A slower walk as I had to do my hill to the library. I will get faster as time goes on. But I did it.

Some chairs are outside so I can enjoy some sun if not too chilly.

Those first spring flowers.

Hope is in the air. 

Unfortunately we are in a third wave of covid but maybe it will be a flatter wave. Just hope not another lockdown.

So some fresh air. Some walking. Getting my exercise groove on with the warmer weather!!

How about you? Are you in an exercise mode?

#warmerweatherandexercise#gettingintheexercisegroove#backoutside#somefreshairbringsjoytomylifeagain#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SPRING HAS SPRUNG-YEAH

 With Spring arriving tomorrow, there is the hope of new renewal of life.

Vaccines rolling out brings some joy.

Still more months of being vigilant is okay.

Warmer weather let's us be outside which sure helps the mood.

No real travel plans. But looking at day or 1/2 day trips locally.

Lots to see in this province which I am sure others can see lots in their provinces too.

So can support local business everywhere. Then when the growing season starts, support local farmers.

Our Covid numbers suck today in Ontario. So I am mindful of being in the home stretch of this crisis. 

Spring brings some joy however.

How about you? Are you feeling some joy with Spring arriving??

#springintheair#beingoutsidewillhelpthemood#covidnumberssuck#areweinthatelusivethirdwave#getthosevaccinesrollingout#tryingtoplansomedaydtripstoplacesclosetohome#reflectivetghoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- CORTLAND THE TRAIN CONDUCTOR

 My paternal grandfather Cortland Alton worked for the railroad as a conductor.

Cortland Alton.

Cortland in uniform.

Family pictures show him by trains. 

He met my paternal grandmother Leonie Violet Parkin in Lindsay where he was stationed.

There is so much railroad history about trains in this part of Canada. It would be a good area to research.

I found this ad for the Grand Trunk Railway in the Watchman(1888), 11 Jun 1896, pg. 6.

This railroad predates CN.

I wish I had more pictures of Cortland in uniform. He and my grandmother lived in Toronto for a while then moved to Belleville Ontario. 

They both died there in the 1940s and are buried in the cemetery there.

There is more to this story that I will write at at future date.

#cortlandalton#railroadinLindsayontario#grandtrunkrailroadinlindsay#travellingbytrain#canada'shistoryoftrains#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HAWAIIAN MEMORIES

 Adolph and I honeymooned in Hawaii- May 1971.

Finding some handwritten notes in my scrapbook of the trip, decided to transcribe them. So many fun memories came back.

We stayed in an economy hotel where we could make our own food and still eat out if necessary.

What amused me was the cost of items!

We could eat very cheaply.

We only stayed on Oahu. But there were some many things to do and places to see for free.

These pictures are from a travel album I bought at a flea market many years ago. Waikiki around 1910. Colourized by the My Heritage program. 

Hawaii still calls to me. Adolph and I had always wanted to return but we never did. 

So I watch shows like Magum P.I. based in Hawaii to get that feel for that beautiful destination.

It might be fun to go one day with family. But without Adolph it would not be the same.

#memoriesofHawaii#rememberingourhoneymoon#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#rmemberingthegoodtimes#memoriesareagoodthing

THE IDES OF MARCH-BEWARE

 Well I am not Ceasar.

But I could not help myself.

The old adage beware the Ides of March comes to mind today with the cold weather and wind.

March is that in between month- not winter and not quite Spring.

Cold weather clothes.

Warm weather clothes.

Is it time to put away the boots, mitts and hats??

I usually delay. As soon I put things away, then I have to take them out again.

I do have rubber boots for rainy days but without socks they are not very warm.

So the middle of March brings hope for new beginnings. Planning for Easter. Thinking about spring planting or not! Finishing some winter projects!!

Mostly like everyone else, looking forward to being outdoors.

Sitting in the sun. Walking. Being around outdoor life.

So should we beware the IDES of March or embrace them? It is your call!!

#bewaretheidesofMarch#march#springplanning#puttingawaywinterclothesandboots#warmweatherclothes#whatdoyouhopeforSpring#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

COVID AND SOCIAL ISOLATION

 As many people are getting their vaccines, there seems to be a common theme.

What do you want to do?

"I want to hug my family! I want to hug my grandchildren!"

Many people have followed the rules and stayed home.

But at a cost!!

Social isolation has always been a problem with elderly, depression in some individuals, new mothers- well you get the picture!!

COVID has shown how much damage it can do.

Sure ZOOM meetings helped keep us connected! But personal meetings and seeing people mean so much more.

I joined groups to be able to be out and about with them!

So as spring emerges and vaccines roll out perhaps people will come out of their shells and connect once again!!

covidandsocialisolation#mentalhealthtollofcovid#beingoutandabout#connectingwithpeople#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MOVING FORWARD NOT MOVING ON-GRIEF'S PERSONAL JOURNEY

 I watched a TED Talk a few years ago. The speaker was addressing grief and all its concepts in a delightful talk.

The part I remembered the most was the people we lost do not go away. 

We have been told in grief to move on. Let go. 

She was good in saying we do not move on. But we do move forward.

I have found myself moving forward. Baby steps. 

I have decided my soulmate will always be with me. 

Yes life goes on. The old adage, let go to grow.

At my age, I am not sure how much soul searching I really need to do. Since life can be a circle, perhaps looking at my circle and revisiting what has been important to me.

So not needing to let go and grow, but just to move forward. Getting up and putting my feet on the ground and moving. 

He would have wanted it for me.

#movingforwardnotmovingon#grieftakesitsownjourney#dowehavetoletgotogrow#lifedoesgoon#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SPRING BRINGS HOPE OF NEW BEGINNINGS

 It was not a terrible winter. Well it is not over yet. But even if some snow or cold comes we are nearing the end of it.

Especially this year after the Covid crisis.

Vaccines are bringing us hope and coinciding with Spring and warmer weather.

I put my outdoor chairs outside yesterday. Sat in one for a short time. Earlier than I usually do.

But somehow just the thought of sitting outside. Facing the sun. Coming through the crisis brings some hope.

I want to find joy again. I am not joyful which is not like who I am.

So I feel if I embrace Spring and try to find those small quiet moments of joy I will.

So the chairs. Perhaps I can have someone come by and we can sit outside distanced on the chairs.

So Spring.

So hope.

So new beginnings. Or maybe just one. And take one at a time.

#springandnewbeginnings#newbeginnings#tryingtofindjoyintheday#joymakeslifeworthwhile#makesmallactivitiesjoyful#embracingSpring#puttingoutdoorchairsoutside#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DAY OF OBSERVANCE- REMEMBERING THE LAST YEAR

 What name to give the anniversary of the declaration of a global pandemic!

Everyone knows what they were doing.

School to be closed for an extra two weeks that morphed into 3 months.

Stay home.

Limit contacts.

Businesses to be closed.

Panic buying.

Extra supplies for Adolph and me.

Lots of toilet paper that I also shared with my family.

Then use masks but not cloth. Then cloth ones were okay. So making a bunch.

And two more batches for us and family. I was not interested in joining community groups and making for others that could spend the time making some for themselves. Nor did I want to donate my stash of supplies.

I made donations to causes I support- like the local hospital. Food Bank. And some homeless people on the street.

So following the rules. No easter dinner together. Birthdays away from family.

HOPE prevails now. There is the vaccine rollout. Still necessary to do Public Health protocols.

I think I will be wearing a mask shopping and being in crowds of people for a long time. Washing hands is always a good thing anyway.

The year was long and not so long. So much with it. 

For me the biggest concern was keeping the virus away from Adolph. Luckily he did not get it thanks to all of us in this family. But hard for the family as they really wanted to see their Granpa!!

So not a celebration. Just a quiet reflection. Writing this brings up so much of the last year. Mostly dealing with a death through COVID that denied us the real way to honour our loved one. No funeral. Limited contacts with families that may have offered condolences or not. COVID also made it easier for people to do nothing. Not even a phone call! Which I will remember! Many of his family members are out of my life permanently now.

COVID reminded us of what was important. Some people rose to the occasion. Some just whined about their own self-centerness.  

So what memories does COVID conjure for you??

#covidafteroneyearofpandemicdeclaration#covidandallitstragedies#theyearhasbeenahardone#tryingtomuddlethroughtheyear#hopeprevailswiththevaccine#wearamask#makingmasks#followingtherules#stayinghomesucks#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2021-IS IT MORE POIGNANT??

 Firstly Happy International Women's Day to all the women out there. 

Secondly, are we set back due to COVID?

The answer is a resounding yes. Needing to chose between home and work and community to keep going during these times.

Domestic violence is up. Child abuse. And who knows what else will rear its ugly head.

The demands on women have skyrocketed. 

Burnout is huge.

So women out there be kind to each other.

Support each other.

Be there for each other.

Raise strong little boys and girls to care about the world we inhabit.

So tell your stories of the women in your life. Honour them. Love them.

#internationalwomen'sday#womeninourlivesarestrong#lovingthewomeninourlives#beingthereforeachother#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

COVID ONE YEAR LATER- WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT!!

 A year ago when the COVID monster was perking its ugly head, no one thought we would still be in such a pickle.

First wave. 

Second wave

Variants.

Lockdowns. Restrictions.

Wear a mask.

Stay home.

No large gatherings. Even some wanted to cancel Christmas.

We were told Christmas was just a day. There will be others. For some maybe, but no one could tell us if all our loved ones would still be around.

So not just another day.

More deaths in Nursing Homes. People recovering at home. But at what cost. How well will they be? Any lasting effects on the body.

The St. Patrick's Day party that did not happen at The London Pub which is now permanently closed. The property is being sold.

The first masks I made and gave some to the grandchildren.

Community signs on streets not only in Richmond Hill but across the country.

Playgrounds closed and taped to reduce the spread of infection and not to have children playing close together.

Rainbow trees in support of the hospital- Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital put together for all to see from the Belviso Family. There for months before they were removed.

I did one in front of my house. Children all over the world were putting rainbows in windows for hope of the end of COVID!!

More masks for my family and me.

Construction continued on Yonge Street.

A beautiful COVID sign thanking so many people.

One of many COVID assessment centers in York Region. Major Mackenzie and Harding.

Capturing the words in a collage.

Tim Hortons has a special cup thanking so many workers for all they have done during COVID.

No dining. Just delivery or curb side pickup.

Local knitters- a group of 16 make a beautiful memorial blanket for those who died and to honour the workers.

A limited Remembrance Day service. I captured these photos a couple of days later.

Two of many churches showing support for others in the community.

A Virtual Winter Carnival.

ZOOM meetings. Virtual learning for students. Singing in the street. Porch visits. Waving from the street. Patio dining. Curb side pickup. Limited, virtual or no funeral services.

Images we will remember.

As we face another year and a new dawn, we live in hope of the vaccine rollout speeding up. We will practice Public Health Protocols until we are out of the woods.

What memories do you have of COVID?

#belvisofamilyandraintbowtrees#rainbowtreesofhope#signsinthecommunity#timhortonsandthankyoucups#covidafteroneyear#Thankingfrontlineworkers#toomanydiedfromcovid#makingmasksforcovid#playgroundclosedforcovid#doingwhatwecantosurviveaftercovid#virtualmeetings#thankyousignseverywhere#covidassessmentceners#porchvisits#zoommeetings#tryingtobepositivethroughouttheyear#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#memorialblanketforcovid#beingthereforothers#yorkregion#richmondhillontariocanada#picturesofcovid