ONE BOOK DOWN AND HOW MANY TO GO

 I did something special yesterday. Read a book in one day.

So only 244 pages and not the longest book ever.

But a start on a personal challenge to read at least 10 books by the end of August.

Spring read and not just a summer one.

Book- A summer in Italy by Rebecca Searle.

What was ironic was it was based in Positano. When the character was taking a boat ride it was on a boat called- wait for it- Da Adolfo!

I found it poignant and sweet to have Adolph's name in the book.

So what book adventures will I go on over the next few months.

I do have a pile in my family room needing to be read.

#bookstoread#bookchallenge#needingtoreadatleast10books#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EARTH DAY 2023 OR SHOULD EVERY DAY BE EARTH DAY

 April 22 was earth day.

Time to reflect on what to do to help our earth.

We are all worried about climate change and the effect of plastic and toxins on the earth's environment.

So how do we keep the momentum going.

For me, not having a pristine garden. I let plants and bushes grow a little bit wild.

Attracts the birds and the bees and of course my squirrels.

I have not accomplished zero waste but I have tried to reduce my carbon footprint. 

How about you? How did you spend Earth day?

#earthday#april22wasearthday#caringabouttheearth#doingwhatwecanfortheearth#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-POST WORLD WAR TWO HOUSING AND I LIVED IN TWO

With the buzz about affordable housing in Canada, it brings a time in our history where houses were built to accommodate the Canadian population.

Post World War Two houses.

This bungalow built after the war had a ditch in the front when we lived there. 36 Langside Ave, Weston. The Park family lived there from 1955 to 1962.

I googled the current home that does not have a ditch. There seems to be a new porch and cantina under the porch. There is a garage at the back.

20 Woodward Ave.,  Thornhill. Story and ahalf homes.

Our original #20 Woodward Ave was demolished and a two story home built. This house across the street from #20 is very similar to the house where I lived.

The Adolph Di Mambro family lived there from 1978 to 1987. It was the first home we bought.

Now the talk in Canada is to build affordable housing. There are still many smaller homes around but the developers want to demolish and build bigger.

Perhaps there are lessons to learn from post war Canada in the 1940s and 1950s.

#postwarhomes#bungalows#storyandahalfhomes#woodwardaveinthornhill#bungalowinweston#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MID APRIL AND ALL ON TRACK

 Income tax returns done over a week ago.

Yard work underway. 7 bags to the curb on garbage day.

Organizing my computer area and files. Looks very neat.

Granny square projects going well. Over 100 squares are done.

Now to get back to walking, and all will be good.

How is your April going?

#aprilactivities#yardwork#organizingprojectsandcomputerarea#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#grannysquares

NANA SAYS THE GRANDCHILDREN LOVE THEIR FRIDGE PHOTOS

 My fridge door is covered with photos of my grandchildren and family events.

Their school pics.

Family dinners.

Many group shots of the six of them.

So at the Easter table I could hear them making fun of how they looked.

Their hair. Their funny faces.

So by leaving the photos that they review every time they come to my house, I get to enjoy their critiques of the photos.

Love it. Love listening to their antics.

I just sat at the table listening to them looking at their photos. 

#childrenandtheirphotos#nanalovestohearthegrandchildrentalkingabouttheirphotos#schoolpics#familygroupshots#lovelisteningtothegrandchildrencritiquetheirphoto#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

APRIL-THE MONTH BETWEEN SPRING AND SUMMER-TIME FOR OUTDOOR WORK

 As a gardener that respects the ecology of leaving a garden unattended so the pollinators can hibernate during the winter, it is now time to begin a rigorous garden cleanup.

So what I mean is I go in my garden and try to do 100 clippings a day. It is doable for a Senior. I can not do hours of yard work anymore.

So usually after I count to 100 I often do a little more.

The middle of April will have the yard waste bag collection starting every other week.

So my goal is to try to put out two bags or more on each collection.

Small simple steps. 

Needless to say, my garden will never be pristine. It is a little wild jungle in the backyard. Who cares!

No one visits the yard to see it anyway. 

With my battery operated hedge trimmer, it makes the job faster.

If I had the finances I would hire a gardening crew to help me. Maybe my grandsons could be my crew.

#aprilandyardwork#aprilisanewmonth#gettingworkdoneinapril#smallsimplestepsforyardwork#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EASTER- TIME FOR REFLECTION AND RENEWAL

 

Appetizers are always a must for easter.

Easter lillies.

Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic potatoes.

Preparing a wonderful Easter feast for the family is always enjoyable.

How about your Easter? What are your traditions?

#easter#easterdinner#lambforeaster#appetizersforeaster#aneasterfeast#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EASTER HAS MANY CELEBRATIONS-OUR FAMILY LIKES THE CANASCIONE ONE

 Adolph loved Canascione. It is an Easter dish from the Ciociaria region of Italy where he was born.

On the Granpalovestocook blog we created his recipe for Canascione from April 2012 still gets page views weekly.

Sonya tried Adolph's recipe for Easter 202o. He approved.

A memory of Grandpa Adolph with his Canascione.

#canascione#adolphlovedcanascione#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DISPLAYING FAMILY PHOTOS FOR GOOD FOR MENTAL WELL BEING.

 It came across my social feeds that displaying family photographs are good for well being.

I have always displayed many photos in my home. On tables. On the wall. Collages.

And have several albums full of photos.

As you know I love to take photos so love to display.

Now psychologists are telling us for a child to see family photos with her/him in them is a good thing.

It is good for self esteem.

There are several sites that will give reports and studies on this fact.

What I really enjoy is when the grandchildren come to the house and see the photos on the fridge of themselves and laugh at how they look. Every time. The same comments about the same photos.

Makes me smile.

So I guess I am helping their mental well being. But I really think it is helping my well being more.

What do you think? Do you display photos in your home?

#displayingfamilyphotosisgoodforyou#childrendobetterwhentheyhavephotosofthemselvesdisplayed#photographsgiveusafamilyhistory#familyphotos#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEMBERING THE THINGS HE WANTED TO DO

 Dance lessons.

Buy into a business.

Build a house.

Go on a cruise

Support my decision to get a Masters Degree

Trips to Italy

Going with Sonya to Milan to help her settle.

Take care of Fia during Kindgergarten two days a week.

Great card player.

Avid reader.

Large boulders to make the back garden.

Smarter than he let on.

Cooking our meals. Being creative with cooking.

There were many other goals and dreams. 

But many were fulfilled.

Our life.

#thingshewantedtodo#rememberingalife#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE

 Each morning when I wake up I think about my goals for the day.

Simple tasks. Simple ways to get going and make meaning.

So each day is the first day of the rest of my life.

Be present. Be real. 

No matter how I am feeling to get going and to use the day to live a life.

Sometimes the memories creep in. I miss my old life. I miss my guy.

I always will.

But when I live I keep his memory alive. 

I say his name.

Adolph.

#firstdayoftheestofmylife#livinganddoing#beingpresent#livingalife#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

POEMS BY BARBARA- THE SCHOOL BUS

 I am one of those people that likes to look out the window at the world around. Early morning in my pink bathroom that faces the east. The back sliding doors that let's me see the Esso Station and Yonge Street.

The front window that faces my street Addison Street. So one morning these thoughts came to me.

THE SCHOOL BUS

The orange school bus turns the corner.

On route to pick up kids

Heading to class on this cloudy day

Memories of grade school images return

Waiting on Bathurst by the Tyndale Farm

Field and land at my back

The sound of nature

Now on my urban street

Thinking of young minds

Chatting, on their phones as the head to their day

Hoping their efforts will make this part of the world a better place

January 20, 2024

#poemsaboutabus#reflectivethoughtsinthemorning#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#presentandpastinmypoems#poemsbybarbara#tryingtoseelifethroughapoeticlens

NANA SAYS WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE TO YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

 I have mentioned it previously that I have an ongoing project of working on the memory boxes for my grandchildren.

Currently I am organizing the coin collection I have into 6 lots. It is not a big collection but there are some interesting coins. Old lira and old pesos and some earlier Canadian coins. Are they worth money, probably not!

I decided that doing this makes sure some special items to me will have a home with grandchildren.

What they chose to do with the items is up to them!

My stamp collection is another area I am making into 6 smaller ones of the duplicate stamps etc. The larger collection will stay intact. Doing this has helped me organize the collection better.

So whatever the grandchildren chose to do with it again is up to them.

I do not expect them to be collectors or enjoy my interests. I just want them to have a part of something that had meaning to me.

But other than things I want me to be a memory with them. So spending time and often not a lot of time to keep the relationships alive is good enough. Little moments.

Eating a meal together. Going to a hockey game. Giving a ride home to a grandson. 

Precious moments of just being together. 

And of course take lots of photos!

#nanasays#nanasaysspendtimetogether#notbeingalone#lovingyourgrandchildren#eatingamealtogether#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT IS CLASS AND DO YOU HAVE IT

 Class is often thought as being the upper class and the lower class.

Money and status and rich things like cars, clothes and houses.

For me class often means having manners and a way of being good.

Not judging by how much money one has but by the way a life is conducted.

Not malicious or gossipy or mean.

Being able to be assertive without being aggressive.

Caring about others and being good.

A classy woman. A classy man.

So what image comes to your mind. Do you have your own mental image of what class is?

I think of some celebrities who have class and others who do not.

I think of people in my life who exhibit it.

I like to think that I have class in many situations. 

For example times I wanted to put someone down and bit my tongue and took the higher road.

Times I acted excited for someone else when inside I felt a little jealous but again took the high road and quelled that feeling. Felt it is not about me but about them. So be gracious.

So is class being gracious. Honouring others when the feeling is tough.

I need to think about this very human trait.

So do you have class? Do you know classless people? Do you try to work on your ability to show class?

#havingclass#doyouhaveclass#dopeoplewithoutclassbotheryou#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VULNERABILITY AND HOW TO FACE IT

 Sometimes life creates moments where vulnerability rears its ugly head.

A new job.

A moment in a travel destination where you feel like a fish out of water.

The Oxford Dictionary says vulnerable has several meanings. The meaning I am searching-exposed to damage by a weapon, criticism etc.

Comes from the Latin word- vulnus- wound as found on the Internet under definitions.

It is like standing and giving a speech where you are concerned no one will like it.

Being physically or emotionally wounded.

I often think of it as being naked in a crowd. Remember those dreams writing an exam naked and not knowing how to find clothes.

Sadness. Grief. Rejection. They often make us feel vulnerable. 

That feeling of being alone. Vulnerable.

Alone in a crowd.

To the elements. So cold. Could I freeze to death!

Vulnerable.

So facing it and moving on and just doing.

Face that vulnerability. Will it kill me?

Probably not!

Can I live to see another day that is better. Not so vulnerable.

Usually facing vulnerability means putting two feet on the floor and taking a step forward then another.

Or asking for help when needed. Having the courage to admit help is needed.

So when do you feel vulnerable? What are your worst moments? What have you done to get through the moments?

#vulnerability#facingvulnerability#whatmakesyoufeelvulnerable#whatareyourworstmomentsofbeingvulnerable#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH-SO FAR IN LIKE A LAMB

 March is here.

It does not seems so bad.

Our winter has been milder than normal. So even if we have a massive snowstorm or two, well it's March and winter will not last so long.

More indoor projects before the yard work begins in April.

Spring is the time of renewal

Is it time for me to renew?

#march#marchinlikealamb#renewal#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A DEATH IN THE FAMILY-HOW TO HANDLE ALL THAT COMES WITH IT

 Death and taxes we are told are staples of life.

So when a death occurs in a family there are so many different ways to grieve from all angles depending on the family member and friends.

My sister was found dead last Saturday February 24. Not sure yet of the exact death date. Up to the medical examiner to determine.

She lived in Alberta. Moved there 14 years ago from Ontario.

Visits and phone calls and texts kept the relationship going.

Sad is a funny emotion. It sticks with you. How are you? Are you okay? No not okay. Just sad.

So helping my nephews with some facts and data. 

Emotional support.

They lost their Mom. I am the sister.

Informed and speaking with my brothers and some friends.

Marilee was 77. I will miss her.

#deathinthefamily#dealingwithadeath#helpingthenephews#beingsadisastrangefeeling#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-KEEPING A FLOW IN GENEALOGY RESEARCH

 Getting busy and avoiding those fun projects takes a toll.

Especially on my genealogy research.

So trying to do something rather than waiting for the ideal time seems to be the best answer.

Checking the 1931 census.

Visiting a link.

Uploading another picture.

Writing another paragraph in a written piece.

Keeping the glow going even if it is a small attempt.

What I usually discover is once I say I will only do 5 minutes it does end up being more with some successful results.

Genealogy research can be done in little segments with good results.

#genealogyresearch#genealogy#smallattemptsatresearch#reflectivethoughtsbyarbara#barbaradimambro

REACHING OUT TO TROUBLED FRIENDS, FAMILY OR ACQUANITANCE-WELL JUST SHOW UP

 Often we know people who are facing difficult times.

It can be said by many- I don't know what to say or do.

Sometimes nothing is done. We stay away.

The best answer is to Show UP.

Be there.

Tell the person you don't know what to say or do. But you are there to listen and be with the person.

Showing up is the best message given.

How about you? Have there times you did not know what to say or do?

#justshouwup#don'tknowhattosayordowelljustshowup#showup#bethere#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FEBRUARY PROJECTS MOVING ALONG-INDOOR ACTIVITIES

 Trying to take advantage of the last two months of indoor activities only puts pressure on getting projects started and others done.

The decluttering of one closet was a good feeling.

Working on a crochet project of making granny squares to use on a variety of items.

Using my gift cards from Christmas to buy some much needed books for Spring and Summer reading. I wondered down the Canadian literature aisle and found two that seemed promising.

Mason's Jar by John Jantunen caught my eye. One-third through it. The writing has enticed me to make my other writing more descriptive. It seems my habit of writing assessments and charting and just stating the facts does stifle me. So I have decided to add more description when I edit my short stories.

Attending as many of my grandsons' hockey games as possible. At least the ones that are closer to home.

My bedroom closet area is almost done. I am waiting for warmer weather to go through my clothes in a big way. 

Of course March will be the beginning of Spring cleaning.

I am trying to focus on creative projects.

My community involvement remains the same. I am trying to find three more speakers for one group. I have someone as my April speaker. Those meetings are zoom only.

Exercise is sporadic so I must up my game. Walking around the house is not like walking with weights in the community.

So how is your February going? Are you getting your indoor projects done?

#indoorprojects#cleaningthoseclutteredclosets#canadianliterature#mason'sjarbyjohnjantunen#readingisgood#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND IN ONTARIO FEBRUARY 17

 A stat holiday in February.

How nice!

Time to spend with family and friends.

With the snow last week, there are many outdoor activities to do.

Up the street from me is the Library with some events. However, the hill in front of the library has children sledding. I can hear the squeals from my house. A simple outdoor fun activity.

I will be with my grandchildren for part of the weekend.

So how are you spending the weekend?

Do you have a stat holiday Monday?

#familydayweekend#spendingtimewithfamily#lovingtimewithfamily#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAKING FUN APPETIZERS FROM HOUSE OF KERRS-PESTO BOCCONCINI TOMATO APPETIZER

 My daughter Sonya writes a wonderful blog when she has time.

So using some ideas from a couple of years ago has been fun.

House of Kerrs

If you want some valentine or love themed ideas just put the words love themed or heart shaped in the search link on her site and some great ideas will come up.

So for my Saturday night steak dinner I added her Pesto Bocconcini Tomato dish. Very simple.

The ingredients. Bought the tomatoes from Longos. The pesto in a jar and bocconcini from Grande Cheese.

Easy to make. Slice the tomatoes and cheese. Layer with the pesto on top.

Tasty with my meal and I am sure to make them again.

#pestobocconcinitomatoappetizer#easySaturdaynightappetizer#addingnewideastomymeals#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#houseofkerrs#houseofkeersvalentinerecipes

BEING BLINDSIDED- HAVE YOU BEEN BLINDSIDED OR JUST HAVE A BLIND SPOT IN LIFE

 

Our cars have blindspots. It is why we look over our shoulder before we change lines.

We are told love is blind. Well sometimes. Often we do see with both eyes wide open. And love the person anyway.

We are told we are blinded to our faults. Often criticizing others for those faults. But we can have self awareness and realize our faults.

We may have trusted others or groups or some people in our lives to be blindsided by an action, a criticism or they were not the friend or group we really needed nor can trust anymore.

Being excluded and not realizing why in a social situation. Not loved or accepted as much as we thought.

It hurts and we have to realize it really does hurt.

So have you had occasions why you were blindsided?

What did you do about it?

#beingblindsided#blindspotsinourlives#losingtrustafterbeingblindsided#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FEBRUARY THE MONTH OF LOVE AND FUN AS WELL AS DEPRESSION

 My February is off to a good start.

I went to the All Star Hockey event in Toronto with the family. A nice dinner before the event at the Scotiabank Arena.

There was the All star draft with celebrity captains. Justin Beiber and Michael Buble were two. Fun for my granddaughter.

For me the thrill of seeing the 1967 Maple Leaf team and my teen hero Dave Keon. 

Like my fun sign.

Taking the subway with my grandson is always an adventure. Just being downtown was great.

A doctor's appointment and all is well.

Working on community group publicity.

Some more organizing of my stamp collection and 6 small collections for the grandchildren.

With all the activity it is a month with little sunshine which does not help the mood.

So pushing to go out and be around others is good too.

February-a time to love, live and be.

#February#justinbeiber#michaelbuble#allstarhockeyweekend#davekeon#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LILY'S PROMISE- A STORY OF HOPE IN THIS MODERN TROUBLED TIMES

 

History can repeat itself if we let it.

So a story from a terrible time in modern history. 

I bought 6 copies of this book in 2022. Donated one to each of my grandchildren's schools and kept a copy each for your families.

So poignant with what is happening in the world today.

Lily wants us to have love, hope and peace.

Wonderful message isn't it??

#lily'spromise#auchwitz#hopeforthefuture#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO I HAVE DONE BETTER-TIRED OF HEARING THIS, WELL I AM TOO-BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER

 How many times do you share a story?

An event?

And just want to share it when someone pipes up with I have done that and better.

Active listening means to hear the person's story. Not to jump in with your story.

For example ,I went to an FC game a couple of years ago for the first time. I love the jumping fans. Thought it was so special for me. Well didn't the person I was telling have to say, we went all the time. We had season tickets. Whatever!

Each person's experience belongs to them.

It is why when a child is sharing for the first times to listen. Encourage the conversation even if you have done it a hundred times.

I learnt this skill as a student supervisor of counsellors, social workers and others in the field. The student needed the first experience of learning a new skill. Yes for me I had done so much so many times. Active listening and validating.

A good friend listens to the story. An acquaintance can become a friend by just listening and validating those positive experiences.

Anything you can do I can do better is not said aloud but it is implied when someone jumps in with a better one up!

It is why sometimes I do not want to share anything unless it is to very close people that care. When I am listening to their stories to remember to listen and not jump in!

Yes it is always a struggle to practice what you preach!

How about you? Any thoughts! Stories to share! Are you a good listener?

#anythingyoucandoIcandobetter#activelistening#rememberingtovalidateothers#agoodfriendtrulylistens#teachingotherstheskillofactivelistening#itisastruggletobeanactivelistener#reflectivthoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHEN LIFE THROWS A CURVE BALL-SOMETIMES POSITIVE, SOMETIMES NEGATIVE

 Have you ever been blind sided?

Something out of the blue. Unexpected.

Like a curve ball isn't it?

We are like the batter at home plate.

The curve comes.

Sometimes it is a miss.

Sometimes it is a hit.

Sometimes the ump calls ball and we have another chance.

Even if we are struck out, we will have another turn to return to the plate and try again.

#curveballsinlife#blindsidedbylife'schallenges#unexpectelifeevents#sometimeswestrikeout#sometimeswehittheball#reflcetivethouhgtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BLUE MONDAY OR IS IT JUST ANOTHER DAY IN JANUARY

 Can't be all blue. One niece has a birthday today.

Martin Luther King's bday.

So yes the bills need to be paid from Christmas but all in all it is just a really cold day for many people in Canada.

So Blue Monday came and went. It is now Friday.

Not so blue after all.

How was your week?

#bluemonday#gettingthrouhghardtimes#fridaygetsusthroughtheweek#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GETTING AROUND BRICK WALLS IN LIFE-WHAT ARE THE STRATEGIES?

In genealogy it is called hitting a brick wall when a family line is stuck.

But in life we often feel we have hit a brick wall when our problems become insurmountable. 

Approaching problems one at a time is a start.

Try not to be overwhelmed by everything.

Taking a step back to see the larger picture.

Often when the little details overwhelm us it can be difficult to see a way around them.

Asking for help can be a good approach.

Other eyes on a problem can give a new perspective.

Sitting with the problem and giving time works as well.

Do you have strategies for working through your brick walls of LIFE?

#brickwallsinlife#strategiesforworkingthroughbrickwallsoflife#askingforhelpinlife#findingsolutionstobrickwalls#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHY DOES WINTER CREATE SUCH LONELY MOMENTS OR IS IT JUST TIME TO REGROUP AND PLAN

 Am I lonely? Not really. Just more isolated, I guess.

Funny but I do enjoy my own company. And my independence. I have learnt when to ask for help so I do not hurt myself.

January is the month after Christmas. So not so much hoopla and planning and sometimes fun and sometimes stress.

The house returns to normal which after the colours and fun stuff of Christmas seems very dull.

Bad weather keeps me and so many others home. 

It is a time to go through the house and clean those corners.

My genealogy is one. Putting all those new items in the proper place. The binder. The Evernote file. Write up another story? Review former stories written and determine if more can be added.

Putting people on my list to call. Hearing a real voice is much better than just a text or email.

I did one family email to Italy with some Di Mambro photos from 1955ish. I wanted them to identify the people in the photos. Not much of a response.

Connecting with family. Going to hockey games. Helping with driving. Knitting toques to keep my hands and mind busy.

Social isolation is huge for mental health issues. So not only doing instrumental tasks but making sure human connections are made. 

In writing posts, trying to find some stimulating ideas and topics. Maybe another poem or two.

So pushing myself to keep going. Pushing to write. My community activities are few this month so time to find speakers for one group. Just need 4 for the year. One group is dormant until May, yeah as I almost resigned from that one anyway.

Almost half way through January and I am still here. 

How is your January going? Are you lonely? Busy? Depressed? Happy?

Tell me your thoughts.

#winterweatherkeepsushome#januaryactivities#keepingbusyinwinter#organizingmylife#areyouorganizingyourlife#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#craftskeepmebusy#socialisolationisbadforyourmentalhealth#howtoreduceloneliness#pushingmyselftokeepbusyandgoing

USING YOUR RESOURCES AT HAND-PROJECTS THAT COUNT

 I have so many supplies in my home.

From food to craft items to business supplies.

So deciding to use my resources at hand I am making my way through those supplies.

I have knit 4 toque hats using some of my supply of wool. Feels good in the dismal days of January.

I am dividing my extras in my stamp collection into 6 small collections for my grandchildren. 

Sorting through my various piles of documents I am working on downsizing some of my family history binders. I can scan and upload to my Evernote files so do not need duplicates of everything.

My photo albums will be another project. There are photos of people that I can send to those people. Years ago I sent one nephew most of his baby and childhood pics. I felt he and his daughter would enjoy them more. I only needed a couple.

I know retail therapy can help in these dismal days but using up stuff is the opposite of shopping and feels very good knowing I can use up supplies. So therapeutic in its own way.

Of course all those meals I froze over the last month are being eaten. On those days when the thought of cooking is burdensome, having a nutritional meal ready to heat in the microwave saves the day. Like the Sheppard's pie pieces I made from leftover Christmas dinner mashed potatoes, carrots, peas and used fresh ground beef.

I confess though I made a deliberate trip to Longos( a wonderful local supermarket with many products and an amazing bakery) yesterday to buy a steak, Caesar salad-just have to mix the precut ingredients and a piece of cake- better than buying a whole cake- for Friday night dinner. I had a baked potato from another meal. I really wanted to eat out but it sufficed for me. Plus a few other grocery items.

So what other resources do I have in my home. Probably I have just touched the tip of the iceberg.

How about you? Do you have resources to use in your home?

#usingyourresourcesathand#makingprojectswithitemsaroundthehome#usingfrozenfooditemsforaquickmeal#stampcollectionbeingdividedforfamilymembers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SNOW SHOVELING IS A WINTER ACTIVITY

 Sometimes I feel badly that I do not do real winter sports. Skiing in my youth. Used to skate but now not very good at it.

I decided that snow shoveling is a real winter activity. 

I use several muscle groups that I am now feeling.

Our snowfall last night of several inches became very heavy wet snow.

So shoveling it off the driveway into little snowbanks gave me a good 30 minute workout.

Neatly shoveled.

I am on the corner so end up with a band of snow on the curve that the City of Richmond Hill clears after the main streets are snowplowed. It is a little back hoe guy who does. But see that nice curb. Well when he finishes I have to go out and clear the little row of snow he leaves me. 

I do have a system that I push the snow and do not lift as it is probably not good for my heart.

My arms feel like I have done a minor weight workout.

So I feel that I can now brag. Yes I have a winter activity. Shoveling and salting my 6 car driveway.

#winteractivity#snowshovelingcountsasawinteractivity#workingthosemusclesinthewinter#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS EMBRACING THE NANA ROLE

 Grandparents love their grandchildren.

Some are more hands on than other grandparents.

For some it is a show. Look at me and all my grandchildren. Talk is cheap.

I like to be part of their lives.

So looking for ways to be engaged. 

I took one granddaughter to see the Nutcracker. Lovely day out. Subway ride and being in the City.

Wanting to take the older boys to the PWHL first game. But it was sold out. Then I found a way to do it. Bought tickets for the NHL All Star weekend. Tickets had already been bought so I have two extras for the event.

For the littles I bought some tickets to the local theatre for a Spiderman movie during their March break.

Of course ordinary sleepovers, going to hockey games, drives from school and to appointments keeps me embracing the nana role.

They are my people and  I love them.

Nana says embracing the Nana role is really special.

#nanarole#embracingthenanarole#beingpartofthegrandchildren'slives#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JANUARY 7TH- A SPECIAL DAY IN OUR FAMILY

 January  7th will always be a special day in our family.

Sonya and Andrew were married this day. They started dating on the 7th of January so wanted to be married on the day.

It is also Adolph's birthday. I always think that his Mom was pregnant at the same time my mother was pregnant with me. Opposite sides of the world.

Celebrating always shoos away those January blues.

Having cake is never a bad thing. 

So wherever you are have some cake today to celebrate whoever you want!!

#januarybirthdays#january7thaspecialdayinourlives#rememberingaspecialdayinJanuary#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS-ADVICE TO PARENTS-EMBRACE THE CHAOS

 I was watching a segment on Breakfast TV.

The guest a fitness instagramer with 4 children- Phil Mackenzie said he embraces the chaos of having 4 children.

It reminded me that my daughter says the same thing about her family.

Roll with the chaos.

So families with many children seem to feel the same way.

The family chaos.

As a Nana, I must admit it is is good way to parent.

All the parenting advice is good.

But life can have some chaotic moments and well with children in the mix it simply can not be helped.

There are so many ways to parent positively.

Consistency.

Love.

A positive safe home.

Parents that love each other.

Healthy choices in food, environment.

But knowing that chaos can occur so why not embrace it.

#embracethechaos#positiveparenting#rollwiththechaos#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RICHMOND HILL- 150 CELEBRATION IS OVER-BUT I DID SNAP SOME 150 PICTURES

 The 150 sign moved around Richmond Hill or the Hill as we call it.

My First encounter at the City buildings on East Beavercreek.

January 2023.

I did take a selfie but it sucked.

Sign at the Maple Festival in April

Some of the 150 banners along Yonge Street.

Banners at the Spring Fair in May.

July music festival in the park.

Sign on Richmond Hill Center for Performing Arts.

Richmond Hill Heritage Summit September 10, 2023. A collaboration between the City of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

Art Walk and the amazing City crew helping with the Plaza sign and set up.

The sign made it to the Central Library at Yonge and Major Mackenzie.

Grandkids with the sign.

Flower pots near the path from Major Mackenzie to the Library.

View of path to the library.

So the year has ended but some memories created.

Do you have any pics of he 150year

#150yearinrichmondhill#photosbybarbaraofthe50year#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro