FIVE THINGS I STILL DO THAT OTHERS WON'T ADMIT TO DOING

 !, Photos- I take photos on my phone and have a good SLR Nikon camera. A friend commented to me- are you still using a camera like that? Actually many photographers prefer good cameras to their cell phone ones. I upload photos to the computer. I use them in my blog. I print some photos. I enlarge some especially those family group shots.I give copies to family and friends. I still make albums and scrapebook some main events. I have made some Photo books for special occasions.

2. Maps, Map Quest- I like to use real maps. I have several map books. One of the GTA. One of all communities in Ontario. I print out map quest directions..

3. Ironing- I iron wrinkled clothes. Tablecloths for Christmas. I put  my clothes away wrinkled but folded and iron as needed.

4. Make most of my own meals. I do like to order meals or go out. I have tried those ready made freezer items periodically. But fresh made pasta is best with a good sauce. I do buy the Alfredo Fettucine sauce- the PC brand as it is good on pasta and an easy meal with some pepper on top.

5. I watch regular TV shows as well as streamed item. And I listen to the radio. I do like the fact I can find my shows the next day at a convenient hour. Like the Curse of Oak Island. On 10 pm Sundays nights so I watch it the next day at a decent hour.

These are just a few things I do but I am sure there are more I could write for you another time.

What are some things you do that others may find old?

#fivethingsIstilldothatotherswouldnotadmittodoing#5thingspeoplefindoutdated#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BEING REMEMBERED FOR MY SOCIAL WORK JOB

  My daughter saw a doctor I worked with at Mackenzie Health before I retired.

From the Woman and Child Program so it was about the babies and the mommies and some daddies too.

She told my daughter she would love to have me back working there as I was the best.

I dealt with the tough stuff. The hard stuff.

The baby deaths. The mommy hard times. And sometimes both mommies and babies.

Only one mommy death.

To be remembered and feel that the work was good and seen.

Did it make my day. Well a little. Actually a lot.

How about you? Do you like to be remembered for the work you have done?

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#workasasocialworker#mackenziehealthhospital#woman&childprogram

DECEMBER-THE BUSY MONTH FOR CHRISTMAS

 The hoopla raves up.

If lucky, you have some social events to attend or maybe to host. Mine as always is Christmas dinner.

We have a fun Christmas evening at one of my community groups.

So shopping, decorating and now to get to those Christmas cards is upon me.

Trips to stores and maybe malls to see the Christmas decorations.

Pretty displays can be seen everywhere.

#christmaspreparatons#decorationseverywhere#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- OCTAGONAL STRUCTURES DO CONNECT WITH FAMILY HISTORY

 The Richmond Hill Historical Society had Pamela Vega, The City of Richmond Hill Heritage Planner present a talk on Cemetery ornaments and Octagonal building. She showcased the Death House in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Richmond Hill on \October 21, 2025. 

What came to my mind was the Octagonal barn that used to be at the corner of Dufferin and Steeles.

I have a book on barns published in 1972 . "The Barn-A Vanishing Landmark in North America", by Eric Arthur and Dudley Witney.

I thought the barn was featured in that book. But perusing it I did not find the barn. So I keyed in the words octagonal barn at Dufferin and Steeles and several sites appeared.

Dukes Heights in North York listed some sources in the area. Friends who like Vintage Toronto Facebook page and North York Historical Society had information about the barn, its history and move.

The barn was built for Samuel Troyer, in the 1870s on Lot 1 Concession 3, Vaughan, Ontario.

This photo was taken by Steve Zikman Christmas Day 1976. It is on the Toronto Historical Society page. It is on the page Friends Who Like Vintage Toronto Facebook page.

Octagonal barn

Doing some research online I discovered the barn was dismantled and relocated to the 

Country Heritage Park in Milton. The photo is from their website.

I was pleased to know it still existed. 1977 when it was moved was a different year for me. I had a baby and was home. No internet. No news in the local papers.

For me to think all these years it had existed when I thought it was long gone.

I have copied some articles that tell why it was saved. It will be for another post.

I just wanted to get this post finished before December kicks in.

#otagonalbarn#dufferinandsteelesoctagonalbarn#countryheritagemuseum#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER IN LIFE-LIKE A PUZZLE

 

Do you ever feel your life is just in pieces?

You don't know where to start.

Well just start. One piece at a time.

If you have ever worked on a puzzle you kow it takes time to complete.

But feeling angst can stop us in our tracks.

Get started. One foot forward. Make yourself do something. Get it done.

One piece at a time. Like a puzzle.

#puzzlesteachuslifelessons#getstartedonepieceatatime#getgoing#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#don'tlelifegetyoudown

CHRISTMAS PREP IS UNDER WAY FOR CHRISTMAS 2025

 Most of the decorating done.

Need to do my two Christmas trees.

Trying to decide if I put lights in the window or not.

You see, I am finding that the work is not fun.

The hoopla of Christmas with people and parties and food is fun.

I went to one church bazaar last weekend. I will try to go to more of them as it is one way of supporting the community.

So I am conserving my energy and doing the most enjoyable of the tedious tasks and leaving some tasks undone.

Took items to the local police station for the Holiday Heroes Campaign they have. Items collected are given to various community charities.

Bought the lottery tickets for the kids. Have cashed in some points for gift cards.

The Christmas lists have arrived from the grandchildren so will be doing some online purchasing of those items.

I have so many Christmas items that I am trying to use my resources at hand before I decide to purchase anything new.

So life goes on and Christmas stuff is getting done.

My goal is have any presents done by December 1 so I can enjoy the season. If not then I just plod along doing my best. 

The grandkids do like money as well.

How about you? Any Christmas planning going on?

#christmaspreparations#buyingforthegrandchildren#likeChristmasbutnotalltheworkanymore#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

OZYMANDIAS BY SHELLEY-A POEM FOR OUR MODERN TIMES

 I learned this poem in High School when we studied the Romance poets. It stuck out for me.

Reading it, would you see any parallels to our modern times??

OZYMANDIAS-BY PERCY BYSSHE SHELLY

I met a traveller from an antique land,

Who said--- " Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert... Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them, and the the heart that fed;

And on the pedestal, these words appear:

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.

Source: Shelley's Poetry and Prose (1977)

With the current geopolitical climate, his poem stands out. Some current mighty leaders who think they are invincible could take heed.

Remembering this story gives me some solace that eventually good will prevail.

I hadn't thought abut this poem for decades. It came to my conscience lately.

How about you? Are there some life lessons you would want to share?

#poety#ozymandias#percybyssheshelley#romancepoets#rememberinglife'slessons#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara##barbaradimambro#nooneisinvincible

LOCAL REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES-MEMORIES IN RICHMOND HILL

 I try to attend every Remembrance Day service in Richmond Hill.

Often taking photos.

So I am putting some of my captures here.

Always lots of marching and music.

The wreaths honour local groups who remember those who served.

The Service by the Legion is always poignant.

#remembrancedayservices#wreaths#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NOVEMBER FOR REMEMBRANCE-1991 TO CASSINO AND THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH CEMETERY

 

I have reposted these photos several time. I wish I had a digital camera in 1991. I would have photographed the whole cemetery. 

Do you notice the Maple Leaves on the tombstones? Our Canadians resting for eternity in that part of Italy.

42% of the graves in the cemetery are Canadians.

See the Monastery as it watches over the Fallen Soldiers and Air Men.

Can you see Adolph in the blue shirt looking at the columnas?

Adolph was born in Cassino, FR, Italy. So visiting his hometown was such a wonderful trip for me.

Remembering our Armed Forces who fought in the Second World War is always important.

#worldwartwo#rememberingthosewhofoughtforus#BritishcommonwealthcemeteryinItaly#reflectivthoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#cassinoitaly

NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH TO GET READY FOR ALL THE FUN

 November is my month to get ready to enjoy the Christmas season.

I wear my poppy and go to a Remembrance Service.

Three birthdays to celebrate- Daughter, Granddaughter, Brother.

Shopping is less as the family all make a list so easier to get things done.

Two meetings have the publicity done so just need to wait for the actual meetings.

Garden cleanup is almost done. I leave lots on the garden for the winter bugs and bees to have a place to hibernate. Besides no one goes in my backyard. I get the front yard neater as it can be seen from the road. Also when I look out my front windows.

The time change always gets tougher every year.

So November. The month where the days start to get shorter.

But the light keeps me busy enough.

#november#novembertimetogetgoingforthefestiveseason#birthdaycelebrations#shopping#gardencleanup#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FALL AND ITS GLORY IN ONTARIO CANADA

 I have some favourite Fall photos.

Apples at Brooks farm.

Pumpkins. That lovely orange colour everywhere.

A walk in Fall laneway.

A fence with a chain.

Beautiful trees with their pretty foilage.

Pumpkins in a field.

I love summer but Fall is alright too.

#fallinontario#pumpkins#acountrylaneway#beautifulfalltrees#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HALLOWEEN AND BLUE JAYS FINAL- WILL IT BE A TRICK OR A TREAT

 Luckily the game starts at 8 and most of the kids in my area come early for their goodies.

But my snacks are ready for the game.

Salsa sauce and nachos.

No matter how they do, Toronto and all of Canada will stand tall.

But Go Jays Go.

We believe in yout.

#worldseries2025#treyvesavage#bluejays#vaddy#lovethosejays#halloweenandabluejaysfinalgame#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

KEEP OUR FRIENDS CLOSE BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER-SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT CARNEY BEING NICE TO TRUMP

 Diplomacy makes politicians walk a fine line.

Dialogue has to happen.

Our trade war with the United States is such a fine line.

They are not our friends. More like enemies.

Considering the long history of shared interests and respect it is a real sad moment in the history of both our countries.

There is no respect from the current administration. It is a game where they want to be the winners.

Winners for what and who. So many workers on both sides of the border are affected.

Canadians care about all our workers. We care about the work they do. They did not ask for this trade war.

Usually a game has set rules. This current game keeps having the rules changed almost daily to appease one man.

So some are saying Carney is not doing enough. Hard when the opponent keeps changing the rules. 

Knowing that administration lies and will try to win at any cost. Machiavellian isn't it?

So we will keep our friends close but know to keep our enemies closer.

And of course cover our backs.

I will do whatever I need as a Canadian to support all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

#keepyourfriendsclosebutyourenemiescloser#Carneyisdoingwhatneedstobedone#cannottrustthecurrentamericanadministration#supportingcanadianscoasttocoasttocoast#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SUNDAY WALKS ARE THE BEST

 I like the quiet of a Sunday walk.

There are fewer cars and people. I feel alone with my thoughts.

Walking up Addison by the fields, I noticed a line of early morning mist along Yonge street. Took a quick photo on my cell phone.

The Library looked lovely with that row of trees along Hoskins changing colour. I saw a cardinal flying quickly form one plant to another.

Noisy birds chirping in the woodlot at the library.

A man with his backwards jays cap, wished my good morning as he walked by me on Atkinson street. I yelled go jays go. He smiled. I know I am a nerd.

One young paramedic sitting outside the by doors of the paramedic site. My walk takes me by the Police Station with the Paramedics there as well.

Lots of people on the free tennis courts at the park.

Of course, I gave a little kiss to the memorial plaque for Adolph as I always do. Grandpa's park. So many memories there.

Although my walk is a reflective exercise, I always try to pay attention to the world around me. I want to keep my observation skills honed.

Oh those quiet Sunday walks.

#quietsundaywalk#richmondhill#cardinals#honingmyobservationskills#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#grandpa'spark

RICHMOND HILL- FIRE SAFETY EVENT OCTOBER 4 2025

 

So trying to attend as many local events this year to experience the community, I attended the 2025 Fire Safety Event at 191 Mackenzie Drive Fire Hall.

Well planned out with an event schedule, it let me know what was happening. 

I try to take some photos to have as a record.

The 10 AM Auto Extrication demonstration was interesting with fireman doing the demonstration while a supervisor explained the process. It showed how a car would be taken apart to extract a person trapped in the vehicle. Safety measures used were stated. I wanted to laugh when a door was taken off for example and the crowd responded with oohs and awes. It was difficult taking good pictures as usual the tall big men stood at the very front of the barrier so short people like I am had trouble seeing the procedures. I moved around to try different angles.

So I saw a Fireman who looked like a boss standing and approached him to ask him a question. I wanted to know if there was a person in the car would a blanket be placed on him/her. He was very informative explaining the process. It was very similar to Crisis Intervention counselling that I knew well. When I asked him if he had ever performed an auto extrication he reflected an event he had performed. He shared how Dads of girls always take care of their girls. Sweet. I also told my story of the day Adolph was unable to be aroused Feb. 11 2018 and while the paramedics were getting him on the stretcher, two firemen were shoveling a path to the ambulance. He said maybe he was the one doing it. Remembering that day always touches my heart. I thanked him for talking with me.

I continued around the event taking some random photos.

Two fire trucks ready for action.

I am always looking for images to use at a later time.

The old vintage fire truck I have seen at many events.

I did not take many photos of booths.

However when I saw this group I decided to get some group shots.

Richmond Hill Professional Fire Fighters Local 1957. Cooperative weren't they!!

I spent about an hour at the event. Walked home.

I reflected on how our community is well supported by hard working first responders. I know we can rely on them.

For me, it was good to be out and about on a warm October day. 

#richmondhillprofessionalfirefighterslocal1957#richmondhillfireandemergencyservices#paramedics#autoextricationdemostration#richmondhillontariocanada#191majormackenziedrive#wellsupportedbyfirstrespndersinourcommunity#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#2025openhouseevent#firefightersintherichmondhillcommunity