WHAT'S IN A NUMBER?

 Hard to believe in some ways but not hard in other ways to be here today.

Five years since my beloved Adolph died.

It is also the 40th anniversary of the Air India Crash. June 23, 1985. 

I think about both events. One affected me and mine personally.

The other being the worst terrorist act in Canadian history. But I also had a colleague whose son died in the crash. Arvind Aggarale. 

So a day can have so much meaning for so many people.

Does this day affect you? Is it a sad one? A happy one?

#fiveyearssinceAdolphdied#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VISITING THE AUSCHWITZ EXHIBIT AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

Walking through the Auschwitz Exhibit at ROM was very reflective and quiet. We wore earphones with a converter that let us press a number matching the item in the exhibit to hear about it.

The sign leading to the exhibit. Believe me it was not easy finding my way there.

The story and history of the rise of Nazis was well done. Mentioning and telling about the evolvement of the trenches where people were killed then the building of the gas chambers. Then how the bodies were cremated. So poignant and hard to believe the horrors of it all.

The shoes of all the people. Such a way to acknowledge the numbers.

 The sign from the camp. 

I could help but think about what is happening in the USA with rounding up so called undocumented American citizens. Having someone to blame. 

What have we learnt for history? It seems not much. People being treated as less than human- then and now.

I am glad that I went to this exhibit. It is important to acknowledge history. It is important to learn from history. 

But it was sad. The look on visitors' faces was vey subdued. One young woman started to cry at the one about children. I just gave her a little head nod. Okay to be sad. Since it was sad.

I chose not to take a lot of photos. I just wanted to have the experience.

#auschwitzexhibitatROM#ROM#royalontariomusem#avisitinTorontototheroyalontariomuseum#reflectivethoughtsbybarbaradimambro#barbaradimambro

A JUNE MORNING WALK-REFLECTIONS AND CONNECTION WITH NATURE

 My walk with my two pound weights and backwards raptors cap gave me time to think and reflect.

I prefer my Sunday walks to week day ones.

Quieter.

Less traffic.

Out in the world but more peaceful.

So I leave home on Addison street. Walk up the inclined hill that works my leg muscles.

One bunny on Addison. Then two bunnies by the library. It is said if a rabbit crosses your path it is a sign of prosperity. I wish!!

Around the library

 and down the path to Yonge and Major Mackenzie. 

Turn left along the sidewalk by the bus shelter to Atkinson than down Hoskins past the Police Station and EMS  a ambulances.

Into the Mt Pleasant Park, that in our family is called Granpa"s Park. I give a two finger kiss to the Plaque on the bench. Always picture the grandchildren playing here.

I heard a Cardinal singing. A cardinal can mean an angel is near. We all need Angels in our lives.

Down the path to Harding Blvd. Cross the road back to Addison and Home.

Gives me a chance to view the front garden.

And realize I need to trim some branches so the street number can be seen.

30 minutes of exercise and time to think. But actually get out of my head and be part of the world. world my part of the world. Actually said good morning to three different people. More social than usual. Well it is Sunday and time to be more chill.

#morningwalk#richmondhillontariocanada#centrallibrary#plaqueatthepark#reflectivethoughtsbybarbaradimambro#barbaradimambro

WHEN FRIENDSHIP ENDS AND NEW BEGINNINGS BEGIN

 Being a widow changes friendship groups.

One couple group has replaced me with another couple. I see the wives separately but not as a couple anymore. Even though Adolph and I had been part of that group for over 50 years.

Some of my friends have died.

Some have moved away. In touch by email, facebook, Christmas cards.

Groups I have joined have given me some new social contacts. People that I enjoy being around.

Women and men.

I am a social person. I like to converse with many different people. I like interesting smart people.

I miss Adolph. He was very smart. We had great conversations. We did not always agree on everything but that is what made it interesting.

So always trying to be comfortable with new beginnings. 

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbaradimambro#barbaradimambro#newbeginnings#makingnewfriends#losingoldfriendships#tryingtobeopentonewchallenges.

TROUBLED TIMES- HOW TO FIND PEACE AND SUPPORT JUSTICE

 Social Media lets us go down rabbit holes.

But staying abreast of all the political dilemmas at home and abroad are necessary for personal and national protection.

The tariff war gave us a purpose to be strong and support Canadian.

It also let us know here in Canada who our friends and yes there are enemies are.

We have Canadians who are very right wing as well. Tolerate and allow freedom of speech but not to be complacent. The Freedom Convoy a few years ago was a real wake up call about the that group.

Women's rights are under attack in many countries including the USA. 

I am glad we have the leadership we do right now. 

To be aware of constant distraction. Always look for the real agenda. Who are the people behind the scenes pulling the strings in every government.

Chaos leadership.

Distraction.

Diversion.

Rich people just want to be richer. But some do care about social and human rights issues. 

I always question what can I do as an individual. How do I protect my grandchildren and hope for a decent future for them.

There are real concrete issues. 

The wild fires.

The homeless.

Health care for all. People need a family doctor.

Education. Education. Education. 

Finding and picking a cause to concentrate my efforts gives meaning.

I can not change the wars in the world. I can support justice.

I can make my voice heard when I can and where it is most effective.

I can live and be respectful of people I encounter.

I can try to be at peace and find ways to support those around me.

How about you? Do the current times seem troubling? Do you wonder who to trust in your life? Do you worry about the future for your grandchildren?

troubledtimes#justiceforall#peaceandsupportingjustice#findingawayinthesetroubledtime#reflectivethoughtsbybarbaradimambro#barbaradimambro

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- WORKING ON THE ALTON-HARKER-CORNEILLE LINES

 My Alton binder needed some organizing and review.

The Alton, Harker, Corneille lines has so much information.

I want to declutter and make it clear for family.

So I will be making smaller duotang folders for family histories.

I forgot how much information I had on the Palatine history in Germany and the lines that went to Ireland before coming to Canada.

I belong to the Irish Palatine Group through OGS so I may write something for the newsletter.

I have lots of duplication and information I double checked when more census and databases were added.

I will probably include some of that information here online so it will not get lost when I can no longer take care of the information.

So back to organizing.

#organizinggenealogylines#alton#harker#corneille#makingitclearforfamily#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MY BACKYARD IS LIKE A JUNGLE THEN I SAW THE BEAUTIFUL YELLOW BUTTERFLY

 My flower beds along the paths in my backyard are very overgrown.

No one really goes in my yard anymore so I like it a little bit wild.

I try to keep the paths clear.

In a few weeks I will start to trim the edges of the paths in a plan to cut back everything over the summer.

But today sitting in my family room and looking out the sliding door I saw a beautiful yellow butterfly going from on purple flower to the next.

Quiet.

Unassuming.

Nature at its best.

Some people try to smell the roses. I stop and watch the butterflies.

#butterflies#smelltheroses#mygardenisajungle#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JUNE 6 1944 WILL ALWAYS BE A DAY IN HISTORY TO REMEMBER- JUNO BEACH FOR CANADIANS

 June 6, 1944. DDAY.

Will always be thankful for the sacrifice of all Canadians that day. And the Allied Forces who were there.

Remember them. Say their names.

#dday#june6#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

STAYING POSITIVE IN THIS GEOPOLITICAL CLIMATE

 Canadians have rallied behind Canadians.

But the Tariff War imposed from the south gives us all angst.

We are getting our act together. Then something stupid is on the news. Another threat about our sovereignty. Why should Canadians have to justify why they want to be Canadians?

Are other countries in the world having to defend their nationality?

NO.

So what to do to stay positive.

I find writing positive ideas.

Looking for Canadian products and those of our cherished allies.

Supporting all things Canadian. Hoping the Oilers will bring the Stanley Cup home to Canada.

                                                               ( creater unkown )

Looking for humour in life and embracing it.

What are you doing to stay positive in these geopolitical times?

#stayingpositiveinthesegeopoliticaltimes#goilersasthelastCanadianteamstillstanding##reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JUNE- THE ENDINGS AND THE BEGINNINGS

 With May just over, June comes roaring in cooler than usual.

I always feel the start of a month gives me so much potential to do something.

So June has birthdays. A commencement for Sonya as she finishes her Bachelor of Education degree.

Meetings.

Opportunities for outdoor photos.

Reading in the front at my little table with chairs. My quiet spot that I can watch the street but people walking can hardly see me. I do have a little pile of books to read.

Easton's soccer game to go see.

June that second month with the longest days of summer. May went just too fast for me.

#june#maymyfavouritemonth#junebirthdays#commencementforSonya#timetogetoutandenjoytheday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

LANGSTAFF LADIES LUNCH 2025

 A small group from Langstaff Secondary School get together annually for a lunch.

Today there were 9 of us.

Third time at Moxies. 

I had a simple cheese burger with fries and a coffee.

The server took photos on my camera and Rhonda's phone.

Not bad for a bunch of older ladies.

My camera. Sitting left to right- Joan, Rhonda, Brenda, Jodi, Sue, Winnifred. Back left to right Michelle, Eleanor, Barb.

Rhonda's phone.

We will do it again next year. Good chats and time to touch base and catch up with the group.

#langstaffladieslunchjune12025#moxiesforthethirdyear#funtogooutandeat#adaybytheairport#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO REUNION BROUGHT A GOOD TIME IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE

 Attending my 50th University of Toronto reunion brought me downtown.

Using my Presto card I swiped on at Metropolitan Vaughan subway station in York Region.

Getting off at the Queen's Park Circle subway stop.

University and College.

Queen's Park in the background.

There is always some street art to discover.

Spirit of Discovery

A tribute to Francophones. Notre Place.

I got myself in the photo.

Old building with new glass towers in the background on College Street.

Steward Building on the South side of College Street.

University of Toronto sign.

I wish I had captured more photos but not bad for one day. It just makes me want to go downtown again. Now that I can easily get into the city by subway.

Of course you know why they call it University Avenue because it is beside the University. 

#toronto#torontoontario#universityoftoronto#queen'spark#universityave#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

50TH UNIVERSITY REUNION AT UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

 I graduated with my Masters of Social Work June 12th 1975,

I had not attended any reunion events over the years. 

It just seemed special.

Convocation Hall- University of Toronto

Adolph was always proud of me.

So being invited to a 50th reunion on May 30 2025 was too hard to pass up.

The campus has changed. No cars are allowed in King's College Circle now. It has become a green zone.

There was a ceremony with all attendees receiving a 50th Reunion pin.

I take terrible selfies but I tried. So seeing some modern students I asked if they would help with a first photo.

King's road into the compus by the Alumni sign. Photo on my phone.

Photo on my camera.

Taking some building photos I asked another reunion person if she could take a photo of me. And I took some of them on their phone cameras.

In the same spots where I stood 50 years ago.

Convocation Hall in the background.

Signs as we walked into the Hall.

Different crowd scene as we had some refreshments after the ceremony outside. Luckily it was a beautiful sunny day.

One last photo of me by Convocation Hall.

I didn't know anybody until after the ceremony I saw someone with whom I went to High School.

I was the only one from the Master of Social Work class so I wondered did I miss a special class invite by the School.

All in all I loved being downtown in the heart of the City. Inspired me to go again.

#50threunion#universityofToronto#june1975graduation#may302025reunion#masterofsocialwork#torontouniversityreunion#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A GOOD EDUCATION SHOULD TEACH AND SUPPORT CRITICAL THINKING AS WELL AS COMPASSION

 Anyone else tired of seeing the MAGA cult leaders who are educated not acting as if they can think critically. They focus on the right wing rhetoric They denounce as liberal or compassionate thinking as Leftist, far left.

So feeding the poor or support Food insecure people with food stamps, food banks is what too far left.

Proper health care and supporting the needs of all people.

Even with our Conservatives in Canada to support the vulnerable seems too left.

What is left anyway?

So to analyze and think critically needs some compassion as well. 

Take day care. By supporting parents with affordable day care money is actually saved in the long run.

Two parents working full time pay taxes. Children are in day care for such a short time of their lives.

Home care to chronically ill saves money as well. Having a person supported at home is less expensive than any short hospital visit.

Being able to reflect on different points of view helps to obtain a broader perspective.

Be a critical thinker with compassion attached.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#criticalthinking#havecompassion#criticalthinkingwithcompassion

RICHMOND HILL SPRING FAIR 2025 WAS A GOOD TIME

 I represented two groups at the Spring Fair.

The Richmond Hill Arts Council and The Richmond Hill Historical Society.

I had Damiano there to help with the event so he could earn the remainder of his student community hours.

I take lots of crowd pictures and people from the various groups. This photograph of drums in a row is the most artistic photo I captured.

#springfair#richmondhillhistoricalsociety#richmondhillartscouncil#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RESILIENCE-HELPS TO HAVE A GOOD LIFE

 Resilience.

The ability to get back up and keep going.

Or do we really have a choice.

The alternative is to lay down and die. Or endless depression.

Whatever life throws at us does not have to be liked. Tolerated. It can suck big time.

But getting back up and standing on our own two feet makes for a good life.

#resilience#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#gettingbackupandfacinglife#barbaradimambro

THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS LOST- BUT I WILL ALWAYS BELEAF

 Disappointing.

Depressing.

Sad ending to a good season.

But I will always be a Leaf fan.

Just saying!

#torontomapleleafs#mapleleafs#torontoontariocanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SPRING 2025-TIME TO EMBRACE THE TULIPS

 Over the years I have photographed so many tulip captures.

2025 is no different.

                   In my front garden.

                           Hyacinths at the David Dunlop Observatory.

Tulips by the Richmond Hill Center for Performing Arts.

Tulips at the Richmond Hill Central Library.

I find myself loving all the tulips. Especially the ones that are clustered together.

#tulips2025#photosoftulipsaroundthecity#lotsofbeautifulspringflowers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro