IT IS NOT BEING STRONG BUT JUST DOING WHAT REAL LOVE DOES

 Being told I was strong to be there for Adolph and others in my life seems so trite.

When we love someone it is just doing what real love does.

In life those that show up mean more than those that say tell if I can do anything.

So providing loving care is just that. 

What did the love of my life need?

And then doing it.

Also asking him if I could do something else for him.

I believe always in doing the walk, not just the talk.

When it is for someone I love, family or friends, no problem.

Not strong. Just love.

#love#notbeingstrong#justdoingthewalknothetalk#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE SOUNDS OF THE MORNING WALK-MORE THAN QUIET

 Back to regular morning walking with 2 lb weights felt good.

I am going up that sloping hill a little faster every day.

Today paying attention to the sounds.

So many different birds in the field and along the street chirping away.

Around the Central Library to go a short way along Yonge Street near Major Mackenzie brought the noise of traffic. Those cars stopping and those starting up.

Then down Atkinson to the quieter Hopkins to reach the park. Just two people doing Tai Chi to a recording.

Our family calls it Grandpa's Park. It is where the grandchildren still play. Well the younger ones.

Adolph loved having time with the grandkids there.

Passing the memorial bench for Adolph. Can't help but to give a quick blown kiss.

Back down the park path to Harding and then home.

Paying attention to the world around me helps to keep me grounded.

The morning walk is good exercise. But it is walking meditation. I think less about a lot of things and just concentrate on enjoying the walk.

#morningwalk#walkingmeditation#listeningtothesoundsoftheday#gettingoutofmyhead#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY MY FAVOURITE MONTH COMING TO AN END!

 May with the hope of many warm months and times ahead.

I love the trees turning green.

The orchestra of spring bulbs blooming making the garden a wonderful showcase.

Warmer weather means more outside time.

And I am back to walking again. With my two pound weights. Made the walk 10 minutes longer so I pass by Adolph's plaque in the park. A feel good time.

So this morning stopped to take a cell phone pic of some pretty pink flowers.

 Just down the street but lovely.

What do you enjoy about May?

#may#myfavouritemonthismay#pinkflowersinmay#enjoyingwalkingagain#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JOURNALING HELPS DURING THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES! ESPECIALLY GRIEF!

 Journaling helps during difficult times.

As a professional Social Worker, I knew all the jargon and talk any therapist would give me.

When my beloved Adolph was sick, I really did not want to share so many intimate feelings with anyone.

Besides the privacy thing. Did Adolph want me to share?

So a journal on my computer was my outlet. I would bang away.

Thoughts.

Swear words.

Negative.

You got it.

It worked.

So for 2 years after retirement it was my go to therapy.

Adolph's nurse would ask if I talked with anyone. No I journal.

I did not need counselling.

My family and some close friends filled in the gap beyond journaling.

Then because I dealt with his dying and death so well, I am told I am strong. Not everyone is so strong.

I do not see it that way. I just feel I loved him and it was the loving thing to do.

Besides like I have said so often. Caring for him was the easy part, living without him has been the hard part.

#journalingthroughgrief#griefandjournaling#therapyisnotforeveryone#dealingwithgriefanddying#dealingwithalovedonesdeath#missingthemanyourloved#caringforhimwastheeasypart,livingwithouthimhasbeenthehardpart#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHY DOES ANYONE SAY CARING FOR A LOVED ONE IS A BURDEN? ACTUALLY SUCH A LIFE HONOUR!

 When I try to state how being there and caring and loving my spouse Adolph during his last years was one of life's honours, you know what I am often told- oh you were a caregiver.

No not a caregiver- a wife, a lover, a supporter.

Then one guy when I was chatting who knew Adolph, said he was a burden.

Why does anyone think loving and caring for someone would be a burden?

I remember a family member saying Nonna Maria- Adolph's Nonna was a burden and it was better she died.

People live a life. How the life ends is beyond us?

The love and care any of us give our loved ones may be recognition that they deserve a dignified and loving end of life.

Both Adolph and Nonna Maria had been such wonderful human beings who went out of their way for others their whole lives.

Our lives have many changes. 

For the record any day of care was so meaningful. Living with him was the easy part. Living without him has been the hard part!

#notaburden#lovingsomeonebringsuchmeaningtolife#caringforsomeoneyouloveislife'shonour#missinghimeveryday#lovingandleavingarehardpartsoflife#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LANGSTAFF SECONDARY SCHOOL AND SO MANY MEMORIES- 1964-1969

Langstaff Secondary School had so many events and activities over the years I attended 1964-1969.

 

A fun event with so many students performing. Does anyone have a memory of what was performed?

Adolph in his Mexican Hat at Our Thing. The last event we attended at the school.

I think he was representing the Spanish Class.

 Do you have fun memories of your school activities!

#langstaffsecondaryschool#ourthingajuneeventatlangstaffsecondaryschool#barbaraandadolphattendedlangstaffsecondaryschool#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LANGSTAFF SECONDARY SCHOOL MEMORIES-THE PROM MAY 15 1969

 May 15 1969 the Prom was held at the Old Mill.

Since it was so late in the year, it did not make it to the annual yearbook.

I was Prom Queen. Won by 200 votes.

My photo album page.

After I was crowned the Queen.

It was a time before selfies and copious pictures. Luckily someone at the Prom snapped some pictures for me.

Proms are here again.

Enjoy your special night.

#langstaffsecondaryschool#langstaffsecondaryschoolprom#1969promatlangstaffsecondaryschool#barbarapark#barbaraparkinpromqueen#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RICHMOND HILL DOORS OPEN-TABLE BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Our table with information.

Informing the Public.

 The Operations Building through the City of Richmond Hill where the Artefacts are donated, assessed and housed.

There were ten locations in total.

A six hour volunteer day. But good to have it back as the last one was 2019 the year before Covid.

#doorsopen#richmondhilldoorsopen#manningacommunitytable#richmondhillhistoricalsociety#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE FUN TO ATTEND-THE RETURN OF THE RICHMOND HILL SPRING FAIR.

 One of our Regional Counsellors decided to have a Spring Fair on May 20. It was quite a success with a good turnout. 

Started with a rainy day but the rain turned to cloudy to sunny at the end of the event.

Fun to see some people I knew.

Umbrellas to start the day.

Richmond Hill 150.

The Old Fire Truck.

Entertainment.

Our Arts council Table.

Supporting the Ukraine.

All in all a good time.

#richmondhill#richmondhillspringfair#supportingukraine#facepainting#artscouncil#richmondhillartscouncil#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- THIRD GENERATION TORONTO BORN FAMILY MEMBERS

 My Mother May Arline Ina Ellis was born in Toronto June 1922.

I was born in Toronto 1950.

Both my girls were born in Toronto.

So many newly arrived immigrants will say no one was born in Toronto.

Well there are actually many families that had generations born in Toronto.

My family has three generations. All my grandchildren were born in Richmond Hill so the GTA-Greater Toronto Area.

So how about you? Where were your family roots?

#threegenerationsborninToronto#Torontoborn#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-KATHLEEN WITHERIDGE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR FAMILY HISTORY

 In my first years researching family lines, I posted a request for information on my maternal line of Witheridge.

My mother May Arline Ina Ellis was the daughter of Ernest Adolphus Ellis and Mary Edna English.

Mary Edna was the daughter of Patrick English and Elizabeth Maude Witheridge.

I posted in one of the newsletters of the time about the Witheridge family in 1987. One year later just before I was about to leave on a trip west with my girls Kathleen Witheridge contacted me by letter asking if I was interested in the information she had dating back to the 1600s in England.

Thus my connection over the years with her. I joined the Witheridge Association in England and for many years received their biannual journals.

Kathleen organized a family reunion of Witheridges in Courtice Ontario at the Ebenezer United Church where the cemetery that held our early family lines- Witheridge, Saunders, Oke, Osborne- burials and tombstones.

The older part of the cemetery in the background.

The reunion had Witheridge family from the States, other provinces and other parts of Ontario.

Kathleen provided family history binders of all my lines. She donated most of her writings to the Durham Branch and they are housed in the local history library.

If anyone is interested in more information on the Witheridge family lines, write in the comments and I will contact you.

I was thinking of her today and how one person's contribution to genealogy impacts so many.

Thank You Kathleen Witheridge!

#kathleenwitheridge#witheridgefamilylines#familyhistory#barb'sgenalogytidbits#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

AN ANNIVERSARY QUILT TELLS A STORY OF A MARRIED LIFE-DO YOU SEE THE IMAGES AND THE MEANING

 An Anniversary quilt tells a story.

I started this quilt after our 25th wedding anniversary. Finished it closer to our 27th. 

It was going to be the 8 blue rectangles but then life revealed our life was more than that. So images spilled out all over to reflect our life.

The purple material in the lower right hand corner was a few pieces of material from our honeymoon to Hawaii. 

At the time it was fun finding fabric I could use for some themes.

So if you made an anniversary quilt, what would your images be?

#anniversaryquilt#quilt#makingananniversaryquilt#imagesforaquilt#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambo

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE WOMEN OUT THERE!

 Mothers come in all shapes and sizes.

Mothers, aunties, motherly women, those who want to be moms, those who lost a baby/child, those who lost a mom.

So many women make life possible and good for others.

Happy Mother's Day!

#mother's day#motherlywomen#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MEDIA EVENTS ARE FUN TO ATTEND WITH FAMILY-MILANO RESTAURANT EATALY TORONTO ONTARIO

 My daughter Sonya often has media events to attend. When allowed a plus one she often asks for me to accompany her.

So Tuesday, off to downtown Toronto by subway, we went to EATALY for the occasion.

In the Milano room, Pure Flour From Europe, were showcasing their product and entry into the North American market.

Toronto was one stop on their tour.

Prosecco, bruschetta, three dishes of pasta, a two sided pizza and a dessert that we missed due to time, it was a good feast.

Sonya has showcased more of the event on her Instagram- House of Kerrs. She will add to her Blog pages as well. So check it out. You may even see a Daughter-Mother picture.

The flour is from organic soft wheat. The durum flour and semolina flour are from Italy. Others names mentions ere the Italian Association of Millers ( ITALMOPA).

The Consulate General from the Italian Consulate in Toronto attended.

Getting a gift bag with information, a recipe book and a functional apron that can be used.

I have perused some of the information. Interesting to learn about food production here and in the world. 

So when will the next outing occur??

#europeanflour#purflourfromeurope#italianconsulate#italianflour#ITALMOPA#torontoontariocanada#EATALY#milanorestaurantEASTALY#downtownTorontoadventure#consulategeneral#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

IS BEING JUST BUSY A WAY TO LIVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE- MAYBE YES AND MAYBE NO

 We all can be busy with everything a daily life brings to us.

There is always work around the house both inside and outside.

Many tasks are necessary to keep functioning. Garbage out. Beds made. Laundry. Meals to cook.

Well you know!

But sometimes activities are just that. Activities.

When I retired I sought out some meaningful groups and activities. 

So I am enjoying them. Have met some new people.

So I am busy in a good way. Doing things I like and want to do.

And I do not have a boss. I have team members so to speak with ideas and sharing.

I like not having a boss. If anyone in one of my groups becomes boss like then I really do not tolerate it.

I do not tell you what to do so do not tell me what to do.

Using creative energy and giving to a group does give me a part of a meaningful life.

Family continues to be my most meaningful purpose. But being important to others in groups does feel good too.

Flowers like forget-me-nots give meaning too!

#meaningfulactivities#notjustbusybutenergized#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A SPRING IN MY STEP-A MORNING WALK

 I am trying to get back to regular walking.

So sporadic lately.

But this morning there was a spring in my step.

Feels good.

Just 20 minutes but a good 20 minutes. 

Now to do something during the day to keep fit.

Weights?

Squats?

Plank?

So many choices!

What are your go to exercises?

#walking#exercise#squats#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE BRINGS NEW JOY

 People connections.

Reconnecting with a hospital colleague yesterday. Good lunch.

Meeting new people has been joyous too.

Many colleagues from work have disconnected but I did try to keep in touch.

Like cream true friends rise to the top.

Social isolation is a killer. So reaching out to others and talking and relating is so important.

Talking and relating is good.

But my journaling helps too.

So today will connect through phone calls with friends.

How about you? How do you face your social isolation?

#connectingwithpeople#friendsareimportantforsocialconnections#reconnectingwithhospitalcolleagues#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY WITH ITS GLORY OF COLOUR-THE TULIP PARADE

 Okay tulips are one of my favourite flowers.

So many shapes, sizes, colours.

Raindrops on the tulips.

These photos are from 2010. Over the years I have taken so many photos of tulips.

They will be more to come.

#tulips#yellowtulips#redtulips#pinktulips#rainontulips#gardenwithtulipglory#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

STAYING ON TRACK AMIDST CHALLENGING TIMES

 Staying on track takes perseverance. 

Life can take us in many directions. Sometimes down a rabbit hole.

Staying on track can take strength if the goals are needed.

We can go off track to be spontaneous if needed.

Life has many directions but often it is straight forward.

What track are you on today?

#stayingontrack#richmondhillrailroadtracks#lifeantitsjournies#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY-THE BEGINNING OF THE SUMMER SEASON AND MY FAVOURITE MONTH

I love May for several reasons. 

My anniversary.

Expectation of warmer weather and more time outside.

Of course the flowers, the trees, bushes- blooming for all to see.

Daffodils and some tulips partner together.

My purple grape flowers.

Deep purple tulips.

Leaving the dandelions for the bees. Now seen as an ecological friendly way to support our bees.

#supportingthebees#tulipsinthegarden#daffodils#daffodilsandtulips#purplegrapeflowers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara##barbaradimambro