GGODBYE FALL HELLO WINTER- ARE YOU READY?

 Although it already feels like winter since the middle of November, it officially arrives tomorrow.

I like the longest day to arrive because it means we are headed back to the sun returning to us. 

The winter Solstice is bittersweet for me. I always look forward to Christmas and being together with family.

But a dear friend died December 21, 2001 from a traumatic injury on his farm.

Larry. He will always remain in my heart. 

So bring on winter. I am going to try to be outside more. I know nature with its natural light and fresh air is good for the soul.

What do you like to do in winter?

#wintersolstice#winter#goodbyefall#missingagoodfriendlarry#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS CAN HAVE MANY MEMORIES! WHAT ARE YOURS?

 Okay I love Hallmark Christmas movies. Sappy but happy. Predicable but enjoyable.

On one I watched today the character was talking about the Magic Of Christmas in her dialogue.

Too many childhood memories of opening that Christmas stocking on Christmas day. Always a delicious apple and large orange. Christmas with family.

My mind reflected- when and what made Christmas magical for me.

I started being Adolph's girlfriend Oct. 1966. He mailed me I love you Darling Christmas card which I cherished so much.

Christmas Eve 1969 we were engaged. He put the ring in a pair of fuzzy slippers.

Our first married Christmas. Student married residence at the University of Waterloo 1971.

A time when I always bought Christmas ornaments on sale. These drums and ponies were my first purchases as a married lady.

Natasha's first Christmas. Sonya arriving in the family and making our family of 4 magical.

When Eatons had holiday momentos. 1988 was a good year. Remembering our trip to Florida and our first cruise.

The magic of blending two cultures- Italian Christmas Eve Seafood dinner and Canadian Christmas dinner. 

So sitting in my cozy decorated family room, I feel the magic of Christmases past. 

In all the Christmas preparations, I try to put some magic into my life. Like the raffle prizes I made very pretty for two social events. Like magic watching the winners excited about their wins. 

I have made my house fun for the grandchildren over the years. They can touch and play with my decorations. Lots of craft materials to make fun items.

I recorded a Christmas message on my phone Dec. 25 2019 on how Adolph and I celebrated Christmas Eve and had a good day together before the family arrived. How blessed I was to have him in my life. It was our last Christmas together but a wonderful one.

So what magic will occur with the memories of Adolph and family events locked in my heart forever! 

#magicofchristmas#magicalchristmasmemories#rememberingAdolphatchristmas#familymakechristmasmagical#thatfirstmarriedchristmas#beingengagedonchristmaseve#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

 

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- WIDOWHOOD IN OUR FAMILY HISTORY

 Widows and even widowers happen in families.

Nonna Marie- 3 children and lost her husband in World War One. Had to live with in-laws then son and daughter-in-law

Widowers- Reed lost Claudia and cousin Tim lost Linda

Mama/Concetta cared for Joe with ALS for 7 years before he died in 1974 when she was was 53.

Nonna Adelina lost her husband in World War Two- Rita doesn't have any photos. I just have the one.

Auntie Lynne lost Uncle Norman in 1978.

Auntie Bernice lost Elmer in 1987. Found out the day I was having my first party in the house- Halloween.

Elizabeth Maude lost Patrick when she was pregnant with Ina

Being left without a spouse and how someone survives.

New job, living with family members.

Ward Ellis dies then Emeline on her own. Lived with family members.

Gammie- Elizabeth Anne- lost Charles W in 1942 so a widow- 16 years before her death- then her daughter, then her son-in-law

How old was she when Charles died?

I need to add more to these stories but wanted to publish this post so it would not be lost in my thread.

#widowhoodinthefamily#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FALL BOUNTY- ALWAYS GREAT TO EAT LOCAL

 Even for Christmas the Fall bounty is important for the festive tables.

Veggies and fruit are good anytime.

#fallbountyforChristmas#squash#pumpkin#apples#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS ARE MOVING ALONG

 Presents wrapped.

Christmas cards written with the hope of being able to mail them with this Postal Strike dragging on.

Some food bought. Fresh veggies can wait until a few days before Christmas.

Two Christmas trees and some decorations in the house.

Two social events that were fun. A dinner at the group leader's house. The Richmond Hill Historical Society holiday get together with a buffet of goodies and raffle prizes then a sing-a-long of Christmas music.

Cleaning some corners of the house. Not really for Christmas but because the house is like a dust bowl and needs some work.

Went to a company work event with my son-in-law's company. Nice to be invited.

So not feeling left out of all the Christmas hoopla that goes on at this time.

How are your Christmas preparations coming along?

#christmaspreparations#presentswrapped#buyingfoodforchristmas#twochristmastreesinthehouse#socialeventswerefun#likingtobeincludedinchristmasevents#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

 November was a good month to celebrate a daughter's, granddaughter's and brother's birthdays.

I had lots of cake. 

Took my oldest to lunch with her sister and daughter. Fun lunch.

So celebrating made a dark month bearable.

How was your November?

#novemberbirthdays#celebratingfamilywithcake#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE IN TROUBLED TIMES-BE A DEFIANT CANADIAN

 I feel like there is too much chaos in the world right now.

The American election results and subsequent taunting of Canada and Canadians can be a little disconcerting.

Having a bully in a place of power can be daunting. Or is it?

I have found in life when a bully's bluff is called out the bully loses so much luster. 

And patience is a virtue for all of us.

So staying positive and strong and defiantly Canadian is the rule of the day.

We are a strong nation with strong people. And we have the RCMP for heaven's sake.

#beingCanadianintroubledtimes#Americaisinforaroughride#bulliesneedtobecalledout#reflectivethoughtsbarbara#barbaradimambro

TIM HORTONS AT CHRISTMAS

 I love all the specials at Christmas time.

So a Tims Bailey Cream Donut and a coffee in the festive cup was good to have today.

Of course the Chili with a bun worked for dinner.

#timhortons#baileysdonut#festiveholidaycup#chiliandabun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DECEMBER-TIME FOR PARTIES, FAMILY AND SOMETIMES QUIET REFLECTION

Christmas brings reminders of those no longer with us. It is the reason we like to eat so many goodies at this time of year.

My house is no exception.
 Christmas goodies everywhere. Some to eat and some to give away.

I like to buy goodies for the Christmas table.

It is a sense of comfort in chaotic times.

Torrone to remind me of Adolph's favourites. He liked the plain hard nougat one.

What are your Christmas favourites:

#Christmastreats#torrone#panatone#christmascandies#fudgeisthebest#spongetoffee#reflectivethougthsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RICHMOND HILL ARTS COUNCIL DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

 

#richmondhillartscouncildecember2024newsletter#richmondhillartscouncil2024#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RICHMOND HILL ARTS COUNCIL ARTS EXPO AND FESTIVAL MARKET

 December 1 was the event.

Didn't have a great turnout but the people who came really enjoyed themselves.

Some community people like the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival committee.

Many musicians provided by York Region Open Mic.

Vendors.

Student volunteers including my grandson Damiano and his friend Hunter.

A cousin, a community friend and a doctor from Mackenzie came by.

All in all a fun day.

But glad it is over so I can enjoy December.

#richmondhillartscouncil#artsexpoandfestivalmarket#beingpartofthecommunity#honouringourcommunity#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING THIS CHRISTMAS

Some years are better than other years.

When it is the first Christmas without a loved one, it can be difficult and challenging.

I remember the first Christmas after my mother-in-law died.

Adolph would sit and watch all the sappy Christmas movies and often with tears in his eyes.

This year will be the first Christmas without my sister Marilee. She died in February unexpectedly.

So remembering my nephews and her grand-daughter will be important. I miss her but I know they will miss her more.

So how to support someone who is grieving? Simple show up. Make a phone call. Send a card. Be available if needed. Talk about their loved one.

Who are you missing this year? Or do you just think about all the people who are no longer here?

#missingsomeoneatChristmas#sadnesscanprevailatChristmas#firstChristmaswithoutmysister#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

 

EMBRACING THE PEOPLE WE MISS THE MOST AT CHRISTMAS

 Christmas can be special for so many reasons.

But missing those who live far away, are serving in the Armed Forces, or who have passed away bring up so many memories.

I remember the first years that my sister and parents had moved away. My Christmas table was so much smaller. So phone calls, cards and letters prevailed. Remember the days before snapchat and other social media ways to keep in touch.

So how to keep the memories alive. 

I have a Christmas photo ornament of Adolph I can see from where I sit in the Family Room.

I have written about many of those memories in the family stories.

So finding ways to remember without being too sad. Finding the joy in those memories is so important.

Giving a toast on Christmas day to all your loved ones here and missing.

What are some ways you have found to embrace your loved ones?

#rememberingthoseweloveatChristmas#honouringthosenolongerwithus#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HARD TO GET EXCITED WITH CHRISTMAS DECORATING-BIG ITEMS TO USE

 sometimes decorating can be cumbersome.

So find 5 big items in your stash and start there.

The Christmas Tree always takes up lots of room and with lights can be a great start.

I put large Christmas stockings on my fireplace area and adds so much colour and makes the room cozy.

A display of poinsettias always make a room festive.

Garland with lights in a significant place.

Christmas table cloths on all tables make a room colourful.

I so many Santa items. I used to put them all out. Now just 4 large Santas that fills spaces on tables throughout the house..

I do have 2 Christmas trees. One in the family room and one in the living room so with lights makes the house festive.

Some Christmas teddy bears on the couch with red/green/white afghan blankets give the room a fun look.

I just do not have the energy to do hours of decorating anymore. The house is festive enough.

How is your house decorating going?

#fiveitemstomakeyourhomefestive#fastwaysforfestivefun#decoratingthehomewithfestiveitems#poinsettias#christmasstockingsonafireplace#christmastrees

CHRISTMAS PREPARATION

 November is always the start of Christmas preparations.

After Remembrance Day, I begin decorating and putting up the Christmas lights. Now just a small display in my front window on a timer so little work for me. It became too much to put them outside and then having to unplug every night. Now easy peasy.

No Christmas parcels to be sent. Years ago I would have 6 family parcels. Now just cards.

Love a Christmas arrangement on the table.

With the death of my sister, no gift basket to send either.

With the postal strike, I will remain hopeful and do some Christmas cards anyway. If not for Christmas arrival, sometime in the New Year.

I have a stricter budget this year. Some home repairs expenses played into my spending so need to tighten the belt a little but not that much.

How are your preparations going?

#christmaspreparations#tighterbudget#somechristmaslightsareup#christmascards#christmaspresents#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TORONTO ARGONAUTS-GO TEAM

 Toronto won the Grey Cup and the celebrations were good for all.

A rally in Maple Leaf Square.

Nick Arsenault was so sweet with his two daughters in his arms.

It gives hope that maybe other Toronto teams can win as well.

Go Argos Go.

I remember them winning in 1993 when Adolph and I lived in Thornhill. We got up and hugged after they won.

Memories of time gone by. 

#torontoargonauts#torontohasawinner#torontothegood#funtobeawinner#reflectivethoughsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TORONTO AND TAYLOR SWIFT-A FUN MOMENT IN TIME

She came. She sang. She conquered

 Not a real Swiftie. But I like many songs

What I liked about the 6 concerts in Toronto was the vibes and the fun atmosphere.

With all the doom and gloom in the world and the recent results of the American election, it was such a nice change in the news.

People were happy. Exchanging friendship bracelets.

Mothers and daughters. Dads and daughters,. Friends.

People came from all over Canada and America and other places.

The large bracelet outside the Rogers Centre for selfies was so much fun for so many.

Streets with Taylor Swift way signs that will be auctioned off to raise money for the Food Bank.

The Toronto Police Horses with a big Swiftie Friendship bracelet around their necks. 

Announcers were being given bracelets by random people in the crowds around the Centre.

I watched from afar as Toronto livened up for one and all. I smiled at my TV a lot. I smiled at the joy.

And the business community sure benefitted from it all.

Yes there were some ticket scammers but all in all it was quite joyous and peaceful for all who came to Toronto.

Come again anytime Taylor. The joy you brought gave all of us a bit boost.

#taylorswift#friendshipbracelets#rogerscentrewithabigtaylorswiftbracelt#torontopolicehorseswithabigfriendshipbracelet#lotsofjoyandfunforfans#torontodidwellwiththe6concersts#taylorswifthadfansfromallovercanada#fanscamefromafar#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEBRANCE DAY 2024-WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO REMEMBER?

 I always attend the Service in Richmond Hill. It is held on the Sunday before Remembrance Day.

So Sunday November 10, 2024 at the Cenotaph.

My program is a little wrinkled from the rain that started midway through the service.

The front design was from a Scout troop. Very pretty design.

What are you doing for Remembrance Day?

#remembranceday2024#attendingaservice#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REFLECTIVETHOUGHTSBYBARBARA NOW HAS DONE 4000 POSTS

 Hard to fathom that I have done 4000 posts on this blog.

Some whimsical, some thoughtful, some photos ones and several themes.

I try to post every day but sometimes it just does not happen.

I still rarely post a pic of me. On Adolph's blog Granpalovestocook it had many photos of him as I wanted to show him cooking or at a market to keep it authentic.

I don't know that I will change very much of what I say or do. 

Sometimes I have reposted a former post or used similar ideas again.

It is hard to be original. I do have some basic values and themes I like to share.

So I will continue to write as long as I am able to write. And photograph. And see symbolism in the world.

Are there any ideas you would want me to share? Let me know.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbarareaches4000posts#writingonablog#barbaradimambro#themesformyblog#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS LOVE ATTENDING THOSE GRANDCHILDREN'S GAMES

 Love being at the rink early.

So while waiting a couple of kids from Ty's team came out.

One player after filling his water bottle, turned and saw a family member.

He said Hi Granma and walked over to give her a hug. Such a sweet moment.

My grandsons always give me a hug too. Doesn't matter who is watching.

So watching them play is one thing. Getting that hug is priceless.

#grandsonshockeygames#goingtowatchthekidsplayhockey#gettingahugfromagrandchildispriceless#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LIKE PEBBLES ON A BEACH WE ARE ALL UNIQUE

 Like pebbles on a beach we are all unique.

I love my collections of pebbles I collected from Sauble Beach Ontario. The water rounded out rock to make these very picturesque pebbles.

I keep them in a small jar as a reminder of how different we can be.

#saublebeachontario#pebblesonabeach#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro 

 

AS AN OLDER WOMAN I AM HAVING TROUBLE SORTING OUT THE GOOD GUYS FROM THE CHAUVANISTIST ONES-WE ARE NOT GOING BACK

 The American Election keeps my head spinning.

Those men who support Trump are a certain breed.

So when I see someone in a pick up truck wearing a cap or looking like a Trump supporter here in Canada I cringe.

I want to keep my faith in the good guys of this country and world.

But history tells us about the rise of men who are willing to do whatever it takes to control their countries. Especially to control their women like some countries in the Middle East.

Prewar Germany is such a nation.

The Roman Empire was bloody and brutal. 

Listening to rhetoric and nonsense coming out of the mouths of those supporters sound like Romans and Nazis. The Fascists in history.

Then there is this whole notion of woke liberals. Very left. Who are they and who are they supposed to be? I think the T Cult just labels them.

Even our conservative leader has used the word woke in a negative context. Our Constitution, our health care, our education system and our willingness to be a democracy is huge.

Woke started as a way to be aware.

The backlash against women and rights makes me cringe too. To think prochoice is still confused for proabortion. It means giving a woman the right to determine her own reproductive decisions. There are women who are prochoice who would not have an abortion. However they would not ever think to deny that another woman could have that choice.

Women and men have the right over their own bodies. All men were born from women.

Respect for all the women in your life.

So when I see an American that looks like a redneck endorsing Harris/Waltz I have to remember to listen and not judge a book by its cover.

I want to be aware and open minded and try to respect all. But right now I wish I could slap a lot of people and say get over it. Open your eyes. Listen with your ears. Be wary of the threat to democracy.

So as an older woman I want to stay engaged because I have grandchildren that deserve a democratic and good future.

We are not going back. 

#americanpolitics#beingdemocratic#listeningandnotreacting#whatiswrongwiththeTcultinAmerica#isitwrongtobeliberalthinking#wemustlearnfromhistory#harris/waltz#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FAITH IN YOUNGER PEOPLE-SOME GOOD EXPERIENCES

So I attend my grandsons' hockey games as often as I can. Keeps me near young people and well they are my grandsons. Love them.

Recently I had some work done on my home.

I had a leak and needed some shingles replaced. The young man in his 20s was courteous, efficient and very skilled. He took about 3 hours to get the work done.

Needing my eaves troughs cleaned, two young men in their 20s represented the company. They cleaned the troughs and one said the screws were too long holding the down sprout to the house. So he spent some time putting in smaller screws. All for the same price.

What I liked was how well both situations showed how younger people care about the work they do, Skilled, efficient and well nice people.

Like Socrates said two thousand years ago, what is happening to the youth of today. Well he was wrong and many of the people who worry about the youth of today, I think they are wrong too.

The youth will find their own way in this generation. By being a good, caring older member of the community I can role model good behaviour as well as acknowledgement of how well many of our youth and younger people are doing.

So home repairs brought some well needed reassurance that good work continues to be done.

We need good workers of all kinds but especially in the trades. Good skills all around.

Have you had some good work done lately? 

#homerepairswentwell#roofneedingsomeshingles#gettingmygutterscleaned#respectinghteyouthoftoday#socrateswaswrong#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DOES POLITICS HAVE YOU DOWN?

 Wars.

American politics.

Canadian politics.

I care more about what I can do locally right now. When I think about what could happen in America, my head wants to explode.

I worry about democracy. Look what happened to women in the Middle East. Backwards.

Women have come a long way in history but need to go further. 

Education. Equal work opportunities. Getting better jobs that are deserved and not a token.

Tokenism doesn't work.

There are bright qualified men and women. Working together for a better world. 

But I am concerned. Not for my me but my grandchildren and their generation and their future.

How about you? Has politics got you down right now?

#politics#americanpolitics#worryingaboutmygrandchildren'sfuture#education#equalopportunities#democraryisontheline#wedonotneedafascistdictatorshipinamerican#cantheconstitutionofamericabetakenawaybyafacistpresident#weneeddemocarayinthewholeworld#politicsisabummer

FALL REFLECTIONS 2024

 

2023- Orange Shirt Day

There are so many Fall images to see this time of year. October brings the beautiful Fall colours.

Roadside images.

Images taken in 2009. I always loved the Bullrushes.

A favourite sunflower by the fence photo.

My street in the Fall.

White pumpkins.

Just another Fall tree.

Of course these pumpkin sculptures from Willowtree farm near Port Perry.

Pumpkins and more pumpkins.

I need to search for more photos. I may or may not take a trip to capture more photos. But when my files contain so many it is easier to look through my files and relive those magical moments.

#fallimages#researchingmyfilesforfallimages#pumpkins#willowtreefarmnearportperryontario#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OCTOBER THANKSGIVING IN CANADA

 Shopping and serving for a Canadian Thanksgiving is work but worth it.

I had my peeps. 11 of us for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday.

Appetizers, the traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and dessert with pumpkin and apple pies. 

It was lots of work as I try to clean my house as well as prepare for a meal.

I am a little tired today but for some reason not as tired as other years.

Maybe I am just in better shape than I realize.

So with the blessings of the season, what thankful thoughts do you have?

#thanksgivinginCanada#turkeydinnerwithallthetrimmings#pumpkins#turkey#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OCTOBER- THE MONTH WITH PUMPKINS AND ORANGE AND FALL LEAVES

 

A pumpkin dog.

Farms with pumpkins

A favourite Fall lane.

And pumpkin man.

#october#fall#pumpkins#lotsoffallleaves#leavesontheground#fallinontario#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro