MORNING WALK ON A HOLIDAY MONDAY

 I like walking because it lets me be out and still in my head.

I observe. Listen to the birds. Observe traffic flow.

I walk through Granpa's park and give a little hand kiss to the plaque on Adolph's bench. Actually I am just checking to make sure the plaque is still there.

30 minutes with my 2lb weights.

I like this walk as it is not far from home so I could get back quickly in a pinch.

The trees are in bloom. Tulips are up. The air is fresh.

Early morning is my favourite time. Less people and traffic. Although on  a work day there are lots of cars and people at the relevant bus stops where I walk.

So exercise. Meditative thinking. 

Makes me feel like I have accomplished something for my body.

#morningwalk#exercise#theparkplaqueforAdolph#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WORK IN THE GARDEN ON THE LONG WEEKEND

 So finally with some warmer weather, I was in the mood to do some pot planting.

My garden is overgrown so does not need any more flowers.

I have three pots in the front so cleaned them out and put in some flowers. I have one pot that has lavender that is a perennial so no need to do anything but clean out the pot.

I took my veggie plants to the back where I will plant some tomato plants, peppers, rosemary and seed some pole beans. 

Honestly I do not get a wonderful crop but it is fun to have a few fresh veggies.

My backyard is a real jungle. I am waiting for some bushes and plants to grow taller so I can use my hedge trimmer and cut them in one go.

Actually no one really goes in my backyard anymore. I do not barbecue so no one comes for an outdoor meal either.

I have my chairs and a little table for the times I want to read outside and get some sun.

So garden work goes on. 

#workinginthegarden#plantingsomepots#veggiestobeplanted#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SOLO EATING GIVES AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE CUSTOMER BEHAVIOURS

 I went for a late breakfast at Sunset Grill in Vaughan after my walk and planting some pots in the front.

It was one of the last places Adolph and I went for breakfast before we didn't anymore. Since yesterday was the anniversary of my wedding, it seemed fitting to go somewhere that reminded me of him.

May 16 1971 we are on a plane to Vancouver then another plane to Hawaii for our honeymoon.

I ordered my usual- French Connection- eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage and French toast.

So as I drank my coffee and later ate my food, I made some observations.

The two women in the table near me were former staff of Mackenzie Health where I had worked for 16 years before retirement. They have aged like I have. I did not say hi as I was not sure they would remember me.

A couple sitting together both playing on their cellphones and not talking. Eventually the man put his phone down but she was still on hers. I thought a married couple not relating. Not talking. Out for a breakfast together but not really together. As a widow, I wished I had my spouse to talk to me.

The table by the wall and front window had two older men, one with a Brtiish accent and the other was American. They were discussing weather as a Meteorologist would discuss weather. They were talking about prediction and forecasts. I think the one man might be Reid from the Anglo Celtic blog I follow. He had given a webinar on weather and family history a few months ago. He was also telling the man about how Pierre Polieve got his current seat in Parliament. If the man was Canadian he would have known the story.

Since I could see out the window, I observed some customers coming to the restaurant.

My waitress Anat was sweet and attentive. 

My venture out solo was good. I was hesitant to go but I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and do more activities alone.

Sunset Grill has been a place where I have gone with Adolph, Father's day with the family and just random occasions.

It felt comfortable and I will go again.

Now my next goal is Montanas for dinner sometime.

Yes I can enjoy my own company. 

#sunsetgrillinvaughan#eatingsolo#observingotherpatronsinarestaurant#myususalfrenchconnection#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

BLUE JAYS GAME FOR MOTHER'S DAY

 Fun to see our Blue Jays play.

Rogers Centre.

With my daughter, son-in-law and four of my grandchildren.

The excitement of the crowd. The downtown atmosphere.

Taking the Go Train from Aurora.

All is all a good day with family.

#bluejaysgamewithfamily#rogerscentre#downtowntoronto#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RAPTORS GAVE IT A RIDE FOR US AND DRAKE WAS THERE

 Game 7 did not go the way all of Toronto or even Canada wanted.

But the Raptors made the city and country proud.

Drake who is one of their biggest fans and always has been was there supporting the home town team.

So like we say about all our teams, next year!

I still say that about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

We do love our home teams and all the Canadian teams that make us proud.

#raptorswentoutingame7#drakeraptorsbiggestsupporter#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MAY- MY FAVOURITE MONTH

 Warmer weather.

Spring bulbs.

Trees starting to burst in greenery.

Just the beginning of garden beauty.

#springbulbs#maymyfavouritemonth#lovethegreenery#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HOW TO DEAL WITH UNSOLICITED ADVICE

 How do you deal with unsolicited advice?

Have you been somewhere and just chatting about something, and someone has to jump in suggesting a better way or a different opinion on the matter? Even insinuating that you are wrong to have done whatever it was incorrectly. 

I was at my granddaughter's volleyball tournament and was telling an acquaintance about how much fun it was. Her granddaughter also plays volleyball. Even before the words were out of my mouth she suggested you could watch on the Volleyball You tube channel. No acknowledge that being at the games must have been fun.

I honestly try to listen to what others have to say before I feel I should jump in with advice or even just a comment.

Most of us are competent individuals who have lived a little and well probably know a lot. 

I find many suggestions made are often old news. 

Or if I have done things a certain way, the person knows someone who has done it better or bigger or whatever.

It brings me to an important point. Sometimes I do not like people. I do not want to be challenged, criticized or made to feel I do not do things the right way whatever that may be.

So if I limit my social interactions then it does not need to occur. Just saying.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#barbaramaydimambro#unsolicitedadvice#notaskingforanopinion#listeningtoothers

CARING FOR MY LOVED ONE WAS A GREAT PURPOSE OF LIFE-BUT QUESTIONED BY OTHERS HAS BEEN CONFUSING

 "Well you are just a caregiver!" was a comment made to me when I was asked in my early days of retirement.

I was being with him, caring for him and just loving him. My husband Adolph was ill and needed love and support.

It was such purpose in my life. More purpose than any job, current activity or hobbies.

Yet when I still say that about the time I spent in the last years of his life, I get questioned or reminded well not everyone feels that way.

Even recently during Caregiver Awareness day or month or whatever it was, the stress of being a caregiver was emphasized. There was no acknowledgement that for many people it is so loving and purposeful.

Words like burden.

Not having a life.

Missing out.

Costing financially.

Rarely is it said that the person caring does it out of love not duty.

Yes there may be some who do it out of duty.

There may be many people who resent the care needed. There may be many people who not only are relieved when the person dies and perhaps glad.

I have a friend who knew a wife who had to help with her husband's cancer. She resented not being able to travel. So when her husband died she was glad she could travel again. She felt she had missed out on travel. I looked at my friend and did not comment. Being with Adolph was not missing out on travel, he was my life at the time. I could not care less about travel at that time.

I still feel like a boat without a rudder. Yes I have family and activities and go to events and read and write and do whatever the hell I want.. But does it give the purpose I felt when I could have my husband with me and being, caring, loving him. The relationship gone. 

So again recently when I had met up with an old workmate and was trying to explain the purpose of being there for a loved one. The answer was not everyone feels that way. And the look in her eyes of disdain like it did not mean much.

So do you care and love someone who needs you? Does it give you purpose?

#purposeofcaringforalovedone#beingthereforalovedone#missingmypurposeinlife#notjustacaregiver#caregiverisnotadirtyword#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DAY AT THE ONTARIO VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND A MARLIES GAME

Allie's team being interviewed. Fun to watch a granddaughter play with the other girls.

 Volleyball- the Ontario Volleyball Association provincial championships. So many teams from so many levels and so much noise. The cheering. The whistle blowing. 

Late lunch at Brazen Head in Liberty Village

Lots of positive words on the pavement.

A sweet parkette on the way from parking to the restaurant.

First Marlies game.

A good crowd. Playing the Laval Rockets. There were fans speaking French beside us. An interesting day and night.

#volleyball#provincialchampionships#marliesgame#torontoontariocanada#brazenheadirishpub#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ARTEMIS 2 SPLASHDOWN THOUGHTS

 Does anyone else miss following the Artemis 2 mission?

I feel like a huge positive event is over.

So many wonderful moments. Like naming a crater on the moon CARROLL.

The crew were so positive and human.

Our Canadian Jeremy Hansen was well so Canadian.

I even found myself clapping on Friday when it was announced they had a visual of the ORION coming to earth.

The relief knowing they made it back to earth.

The people on the naval ship greeting them and bringing them from the capsule to the ship were thrilled.

Mission control was jubilant and excited to know they had a successful mission.

I am sure the families were glad to have their loved ones back.

In this horrible geopolitical climate, a positive event and story that put smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts.

What are your thoughts on this wonderful feat?

#artemis2#jeremyhansen#tothemoonandback#awonderfulnewsstory#houston#missioncontrol#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION JUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE

 What is wrong with our neighbour to the south?

Why are they allowing the threats to the world to prevail?

Iran and its people have a right to existence.

I always think of the children in the world. 

Children should not face war.

I can only do what I can in my area of the world.

Pray for peace.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#geopoliticalsituationjustkeepsgettingworse#prayforpeace#canadaneedstostandtallandbeitsownnation

TORONTO BLUE JAYS START THE SEASON AND IT'S BEEN 50 YEARS

 

Well I am proud of our Toronto Blue Jays.

We are winning some. Losing some. But it is just a start to the season.

I will be going to a game in May for Mother's Day.

I will get to see the remodeled Rogers Centre.

#bluejays#canada'steam#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EASTER 2026

 

Celebrating Easter with family.

A festive dinner.

11 of us eating, chatting and laughing.

Life's blessing.

#eaater2026#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#hamandpineapple#peas#lotsofveggies

MARCH WENT OUT LIKE A LION AND APRIL IS SLOWLY WARMING UP

 April is here. Birthdays in my family.

Easter to celebrate.

Hopefully will resolve some personal matters.

Some of my fence is down.

TV has some issues and may need a new one.

But life is good.

How is your April starting?

#April#easter#aprilbirthdays#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

GRIEF NEVER REALLY GOES AWAY-IT JUST CHANGES DIRECTION

 Grief does not have a time limit.

Your loved one will always be missed. 

The initial intensity goes away. Grief just changes direction.

It comes up with a song, a memory, a favourite day.

Missing someone who was loved is lifelong.

So remembering all the little things about Adolph is okay. And giving a kiss to his plaque in the park is okay.

#griefchangesdirection#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH- THE MORNING WALKS STARTED AGAIN TODAY

 I was walking as much as I could over the winter. But boots and slippery sidewalks or roads did not appeal to me.

So this morning I started my Spring walking. 30 minutes up the hill around the library through the park then along the road back to my house.

The birds were singing.

The field is flattened from the weight of the winter snow.

Not many people, just those walking their dogs that I go out of my way to avoid.

Adolph's plaque survived the winter and still on the bench.

I always give it a little kiss. I know- I am lame.

The ground is so brown but there is hope being spring that the world will liven up again.

Oh, those walks. Good exercise but better for the soul.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#morningwalks#plaqueinthepark#thebirdsweresinging

NANA SAYS LUNCH OUT AT WIMPYS IN AURORA WAS FUN WITH THE GRANDCHILDREN

 Okay two grandchildren went with me to lunch at Wimpys in Aurora.

It is an old fashioned diner.

A junk box on the table. Pictures from the 50s era with relevant music playing.

Waving to Nana, thanks for our lunch and time together.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#wimpysinaurora#50sstylediner#eatingoutwiththegrandchildren

SPRING AROUND THE CORNER BUT LET'S HOPE FOR A RESOLUTION OF THE WAR

 I want to be positive but my heart is breaking for the world.

Mostly for the children. I worry about my grandchildren. I worry about all the children of the world.

Especially the ones in the war zones. 

Darkest before the dawn.

So we stay hopeful for a better day.

And for the snow to go away.

#hopeforabetterday#springaroundthecorner#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH-IN LIKE A LION-BUT IN THE HOME STRETCH OF END OF WINTER WEATHER

 Okay. March 1 is very cold.

So in like a lion goes the saying.

Hopefully it goes out like a lamb.

So much to do in March.

Birthdays to be remembered.

Well the weather has been warm. Then another snowfall and lots of shoveling and cleaning the car.

Then the snow melts.

Then it snows again.

Oh well it is St. Patrick's Day. So maybe with the luck of the Irish it will stay warmer.

#stpatrick'sday#warnthencoldthenwarmagain#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MARCH WITH SPRING AROUND THE CORNER-ALWAYS NEW BEGINNINGS

 March is the month of change.

Warm then cold then warm again.

But I always see it as new beginnings.

Clean the house.

Prepare for Easter/

Decide on what needs to be done next.

Get organizing and ready for the next steps in my life.

#reflectivethoughsbybara#barbaradimambro#marchthemonthofnewbeginnings

WAR IN IRAN PLAYS AT MY SOUL AS A CANADIAN-I WORRY ABOUT THE CHILDREN THERE AND EVERYWHERE

 I understand we do not want nuclear war.

But the war on Iran by the United States and Israel is wrong. It is trying to drag the world into the conflict.

Not a defensive but a preemptive strike. 

We need to support Ukraine and have that war settled with peaceful and doable resolution for the Ukrainian people. Sudan needs support. I care about their children.

We have our issues and need to improve the lives of all Canadians.

I support the Canadian stand that we will not be dragged into an American conflict.

I support our stand to do what is right for the Canadian people.

We must support our workers. We must stand up against violence of all kinds.

We must get clean water for all.

We want Alberta to be a part of Canada, always. 

We want Quebec to be a part of Canada, always.

Finding new trading partners. Distancing from the United States reliance for trade and our economy.

Staying connected as they are our neighbours but knowing the trust is gone.

Allowing differences of opinions. Allowing differing political views but not at the cost of hurting anyone.

As was seen with Tumbler Ridge all political leaders showed up for the community there.

We already have a trade war with the United States. We did not ask for that war.

We support Mexico. We support Cuba. We respect their sovereignty.

We do not have a malignant Administration to try to dictate to the world. Why should less than 5% of the world's population try to control the other 95%?

I needed to state my mind today. I need to stand up for the children of the world.

What are your thoughts on the world's conflicts right now?

#IdonotagreewiththeIranAmericanIsraeliwar#protectallachildren#canadaneedstotakecareofallcanadians#Alberta#Quebec#didnotaskforthetradewar#protectingcanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barabaradimambeo

IF THAT INJURY ON MATTHEWS HAPPENED ON THE STREET IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ASSUALT CHARGE

 I have embraced more hockey in the last few years because I have grandsons who play the game.

The deliberate hit on Auston Matthews that gave him a substantial injury was just mean.

If it happened on the street to me, the police would have charged the assailant.

In hockey, it is just a 5 game suspension.

The same player also took out Crosby during the Olympic game.

Taking out star players with such force is not okay. Condoning violence should not be part of the hockey world.

Checking and allowable defense is part of the hockey world. Learning such actions is part of the hockey player's world. I get that. I see it in the younger crowd. That thump on the boards keeps us awake. 

But wanting to injure healthy players is just violence. Let's not call it clean playing.

To see Auston who is such a great player having to heal is wrong.

Always a Leaf fan. But also caring about clean hits and following some other star players to stay well.

As a retired health care worker, caring about the health and well being of people is part of my blood.

So an injure Matthews hurts my soul. He deserves health and well being.

I do hope his knee heals as well as it can. I do hope the medical team around him do a great job. Like I always hope the health care teams around everyone who needs care gets it.

So what do you think. Is it assault? Or is it just hockey?

#austonmatthews#kneeinjury#assaultorjusthockety#checkinginhockeyokay#learningtoplaycleanly#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE, THEN SAY NOTHING AT ALL

 How many times have you been tempted to retort sarcastically or say something mean then you stop yourself?

It is not a bad thing.

It just makes the world a better place. Changing harsh words with less harsh words helps.

I find not responding to the negativity on Social Media is good. If I don't like something, I just write BOT? I do think so many of the long winded comments are BOTS or TROLLS so why respond.

Making compliments. Be courteous. Listen before reacting.

Making the world a better place starts with being better.

Not to be a pushover or a wimp or afraid is not what I am saying.

But not being one of the bad guys or gals is what I am saying.

Also- limit how much socializing is needed in your life.

If I am not around negative people then I do not need to respond.

How about you? Any thoughts?

#saysomethingniceornotatall#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS ATTENDING SPORTS EVENTS ARE SO MUCH FUN-GRANDSONS' HGH SCHOOL HOCKEY FINALS

 Okay being at a arena with High School students rooting for their team was so much fun.

Aurora High School had a first final game at the ACC-Aurora Community Centre March 3, 2026 against the team from Keswick.

The crowd of students with horns and loud cheers would stand behind the goalie to distract him. When they changed ends, the whole crowd would go to the opposite end to continue.

It was fun to sit and watch the game. More fun to see young people cheering and just having fun.

#grandsonsplayhockeyfortheirschool#aurorahighschool#youngpeoplecheeringfortheirteam#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS-HOCKEY PLAYERS STANDING BEHIND THE PRESIDENT SAYS IT ALL

 I understand he is the President. You laughed at his joke- misogyny at its best. In the boys will be boys locker room

But the picture of all the "boys" smiling behind him sends a clear message.

You support him. You are a Trumper. You are Maga.

Please don't say we are athletes, we do not do politics. 

Yes you do, it is politics. Always and forever.

The players returning to Canadian NHL teams are tainted in my eyes.

Our Toronto Maple Leafs with our America first captain- Auston Matthews is tainted in my eyes now.

He made it very clear. He can be proud to be American. No problem. 

I am a proud Canadian.

But to say he is not political. Well in my eyes you are Maga and a Trumper now.

You supported him.

A pedophile.

A convicted felon.

An administration that wants women to return to the kitchen.

An administration that wants to take the vote from women.

An administration that threatens other countries sovereignty especially Canada and Greenland.

Not political. But no little crumb to validate how Canadians may be feeling.

What is very sad, however, is the fact the President used the team for his own gain, not really celebrating the team but himself.

Ottawa Senators with its American players. How do you feel?

The world geopolitical climate has been thrown on its head. As players you had a chance to support the feelings of the world. 

Being a proud American but also supporting how others are feeling would have been nice.

What I am seeing is many men who had remained silent speaking up and supporting all the women and yes men in their lives. 

Men who are tired of misogyny and being thrown in the bath water with all those men

Thank you for speaking up. Thank your for partnering with women. We are partners in life. Supporting all that is good.

I know it is just Hockey. But the picture counts. Young men supporting him.

I am disappointed as it is the year 2026.

As Canadians, well maybe we will be less supportive of the America only players on our teams. Just saying. 

#torontomapleleafs#austonmatthews#ottawsenators#nationalhockeyleague#supportingtrumpinavisualphotowithhim#misogynyatitsbest#womenareoffended#Iamdisappointedasitistheyear2026#sureitisjusthockeybutnotpolitical#okaytobeaproudamericanorcanadian#supportingapedophile#supportingaconvictedfelon#canadaisasovereignnatarion#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

2026 OLYMPICS REFLECTIONS

 Canada came home with 21 medals. Loved all our athletes regardless of a medal win.

To compete on the world stage with the best of the best.

Our Dance team with their bronze. Wonderful for Piper Gilles who came back from cancer to compete so well. Paul Poirier her partner and great supporter.

Our hockey teams with their silver medals after a hard fought battles.

McDavid, Spooner, Phillip-Poulin, Marner, Crosby and the list goes on.

Silver lining with golden hearts.

Our speed skaters. Our skiers. Our curlers.

Those who did their personal best. Love them all.

#2026olympics#hockey#curling#sking#speedskating#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

TUMBLER RIDGE AND SOME REFLECTIONS

 Weeks have passed since the horrible tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

I offered online condolences. Supported some charities to help the people on the ground.

My thoughts go to the sweet girl Maya fighting for her life and some semblance of normality for her family.

Parents, families, community grieving.

Our leaders came together in solidarity for the community.

A school shooting. Children and teachers and staff should not go to a school and be unsafe.

Canada is safe but we do have our flaws as has been seen by this terrible event,.

To remember the lives lost. To remember the wounded both physically and emotionally will be a new Canadian tradition.

Remember Tumbler Ridge.

#tumberridge#aterriblecanadiantragedy#supportingthefamilyandcommunityoftumblerridge#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CANADA'S WOMEN HOCKEY TEAM ROCK-SO PROUD OF THEM AND THEIR SILVER LINING

 So they lost the game by a goal.

They played with soul 

So close and yet so far.

Silver is amazing. They are amazing.

They played their hearts out. 

They made Canada proud. 

We love you women's hockey. Such a role model for young girls and women everywhere.

#womenshockey#theyplayedwithsoul#canadarocks#canadianwomenrock#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WIDOW-NO I DO NOT WANT TO JOIN THE WIDOWS CLUB

 Widowers are not grouped into groups. If you are a widower you get invited to couples events and people try to set you up.

Widows on the other hand are encouraged to join other widows in groups or settings. They must want to be together.

Not.

I am not interested in being around just other widows.

Couples, singles, divorcee-male and female. But not the widowed club.

Why do people including friends think I have so much in common with only widows?

Told- I have a friend that travels with other widows. My other widowed friend does this or that. Who cares?

No thank you. Often I would rather just be alone in social settings. I do not need to travel in groups nor entertain in groups.

Simply put. I miss my husband Adolph every day. I will always miss him every day. Hanging out with only widows does not change that feeling.

In social settings I like a variety of people.

Even my couple friends only see me alone and not with their spouses anymore. Even though we were couple friends. I have been replaced by a cousin and wife so the three couples does not include me anymore.

So how about you? Are you a widow that finds yourself left out of events or social situations? As a widower does the same apply to you? Probably not!!

#widows#notjoiningthewidowsclub#widowersaretreatedifferently#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

MILANO OLYMPICS AND THE CANADIANS GET A ROUSING OVATION AS THEY ENTER THE STADIUM

 I love the Olympics.

I love my Canadian athletes.

Watching the opening ceremonies was so much fun.

But when Canada entered and got one of the loudest ovation it said something about our place on the world stage.

We are loved.

So Carney's speech and standing up for world peace and middle strength countries has given us such a voice.

Crowds do what they do. Other countries were booed. Individuals have the right to express their feelings.

Thank you Milan for the support and love.

VIVA ITALIA! FORZA BENE!

Now let's go and compete in a respectful way.

#olympics#gamesbegin#canadagetsagreatovation#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FEBRUARY-THAT SHORT WINTER MONTH

 I have plans for February. To get the activities done that did not get done in January.

Photos organized.

Clean clutter corners.

Work on future planning and trying to resolve one major issue that is taking just too long.

More social events.

Flowers and chocolates for me for Valentines.

Working, Exercising. Reading. Writing. Just keeping busy as I have been a little too complacent and not doing much.

So how about you? Do you have plans?

#february#feburarythatshortwintermonth#watichingmyfavouriteshows#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

"CANADA THRIVES BECAUSE WE ARE CANADIAN"-MARK CARNEY

 What an amazing response to the rhetoric from our southern neighbour.

It is a rallying cry for all of us.

Canadians can agree to disagree. We are not a cult. We are not robots.

But we do respect each other. We can tolerate regional differences.

The west hates the east. But those of us in Ontario love the west. So there. Just saying.

We help others as needed and are helped.

Forest fires have crews crossing borders and even oceans to help each other.

Our hydro crews have helped other provinces as needed. They have gone south to help as needed.

So Prime Minister Carney, keep it up. We do thrive because we care.

Canada thrives because we are Canadian.

#canadathrivesbecausewearecanadian#markcarney#tiredofsouthernrhetoric#canadianssupportingcanadians#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#keepbeingcanadian#supportourcanadianathletes#beingproud#strongandfree

WHY MARK CARNEY'S SPEECH RESONATED WITH NOT ONLY CANADIANS BUT THE WORLD

 So as a Canadian I felt so proud of our PM on the world stage.

You don't have to vote for him in the next election but be proud of what he said.

As Canadians we can have our differences and can agree to disagree.

But when push comes to shove we must stand our ground.

So let the negative Canadians come forward with their thoughts.

Conservative- You can't eat a speech. A little jealous Pierre. Why not just say it was good for Canada to shine on the world stage. Up there with Zelensky.

Australia liked it and invited the PM to visit.

So Students memorize his speech. It was a good one.

#carney'sspeech#thejealousyofconservatives#mostcanadiansloveditandaresosproud#soproudtobecanadian#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE- MORE THAN JUST GUN OWNERS

With the geopolitical climate heating up, Canadians can not be complacent that no one especially our neighbour to south would not invade us.

History has shown us that the average person can take part in protecting their nation, their community, their family.

With Carney's speech at DAVOS, it really is a call to arms. To be ready.

It will be tough before it is peaceful again.

So Finland is an example of how they resisted the Russians in World War Two.

Guerilla warfare. Learn about it and how it works.

Resistance during World War Two throughout Europe. When the Allies arrived, the plan was there from the Resistance movements in France, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark and other countries.

Viet Nam. Afghanistan. Examples of wars America did not win.

Look at the resistance in the Ukraine. Russia thought they would take it in two weeks.

Canada has Rangers in the North. We have a military base in Alert.

We are tech savvy. We have the population that would resist.

Look at the small movement of buying Canadian. Avoiding travel to USA. Supporting Mexico.

The Kentucky Bourbon industry has been hurt.

There are some sarcastic tweets that what would we use- NERF guns. Silly people.

Women are here. Canadian women that are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and more than willing to protect our own. 

New trade alliances. New partners. Reinforcing the old partners.

NATO. British Commonwealth of Nations. Pacific nations. We have friends and alliances.

So what do you think? What ideas do you have? BOTS please stay away with your negativity. So let us keep our eyes and ears to the ground. What do you need us to do?

#carney'sspeech#newtradealliances#Canada'scivildefenceforce#protectingourpeopleandcountry#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

SO DOES THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR PETE HOEKSTRA TO CANADA UNDERSTAND WHY CANADIANS FEEL THE WAY WE DO

 Recently the American Ambassador to Canada- Pete Hoekstra- was disappointed that Canadians are not embracing and welcoming a close relationship with the USA.

It was like a parent or teacher or preacher telling us we were bad people. Like how dumb are we to reject American alliances.

He seemed to scoff at the idea that Canadians are still upset over the 51st state rhetoric.

Well sir look at the meme map by your President January 20, 2026 of an American map over Canada, Greenland, Venezula and Cuba looking like the USA owns all of us.

Leave Greenland alone.

Leave Cuba alone.

Leave Canada alone.

Stay in your lane.

Leave the EU alone.

Do you understand why we are not laughing or taking the knee to your current Administration?

We can and will protect our own country. We will protect our Artic frontier. We will stand strong and free.

As a sovereign nation along with many other sovereign nations in the world, we are tired of the rhetoric.

Your nation's love of Putin and what he is doing to Ukraine is so pitiful.

Our current Prime Minister- Mark Carney said it all. The old world order is over. We have moved on to supporting and enhancing our own nation's support of our people. We are making new alliances and making old ones stronger.

Canada is not a perfect nation. We have regional differences. We agree to disagree. We support each other.

We will find new partners on the world table. Maybe we will still invite you to a meal or not. I just wish we were not your neighbours.

#canadaisasovereignnation#notlaughingattherhetoric#petehoekstra#leavegreenlandalone#leavecanadaalone#leavecubaalone#leavevenezulaalone#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

 

Early morning with its eerie look.

The sun comes out and the world looks better.

so hang in there. And wait for the light in your world.

#darkestbeforethedawn#waitforthelight#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

2026 WITH A TERRIBLE START IN OUR GEOPOLITICAL WORLD CLIMATE

 Venezuela invasion.

Threats to Greenland. Canada established a Consulate. Germany is sending a military ship.

Threats to Cuba.

Threats to Columbia.

 Escalation in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Iran protests.

ICE increasing their threats on domestic people. One death.

The administration is operating under chaos theory. Have many stokes in the fire to distract from ulterior motive. Keep everyone looking everywhere.

Canadians more concerned about the US threats to our life.

I just feel our peaceful but not perfect nation is under fire. 

We did not ask for this fight with our southern neighbour but we will be ready.

What to do? Pick one issue. Pick one conflict. Get each of your 20 friends or people you know to pick one conflict. Get a team for that conflict. Share results.. So instead of looking everywhere and becoming dizzy, the focus is concentrated with your own results. And what you can do. Every small effort combined with other efforts gives us a fighting chance.

So are you ready?

I know I will be. How about you?

#2026startedwithturmoilfortheworld#toomanyconflictsintheworld#beingreadyforafight#canadian'speaceisatstake#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#beingreadyinwhateversmallwayyoucanbe

2026-TIME FOR HOPE FOR A BETTER YEAR FOR ALL CANADIANS

 2025 brought so many political challenges.

It brought a solidarity across the country to buy Canadian which is continuing. Hopeful.

New world allies. 

Not travelling to USA in droves. Yes some people have a Florida residence so feel compelled to go there. I am glad I do not have any property there.

So being aware of defending our sovereign nation from one major foe that used to be a friend.

We need our own foreign policy. We need to make the Artic more defendable. 

Being kinder to all Canadians. Embracing Social Justice. Yes I am fine being Woke as it means I believe in Social Justice.

Go Juniors in the Hockey Tournament.

Looking forward to the Olympics. Looking forward to World Cup games in Toronto.

Canada coast to coast to coast.

So if we stand up for Canada in the world, we also stand up for the world.

So let's hope that Canada will stand up to all the challenges presented. One Canadian at a time.

#wokeforsocialjustice#socialjustice#canadaembracingcanadians#weareasovereignnature#defendingcanadafromcoasttocoasttocoast#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FAVOURITE IMAGES OF 2025-JUST COUNTING THE BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE

 One of the biggest highlights was the COLDPLAY concert last July. My granddaughter and I were on one side of the stadium. Sonya, Andrew, Brody and Tyler were on the other side.

Sonya took this photo of us.

The other side of the stadium.

50th Reunion of graduating from the University of Toronto in 1975.

January was my 75th birthday.

Grandsons playing hockey.

Terry Fox Ride of Hope through Richmond Hill.

McMichael Collection in Kleinburg. Became a member so I plan to attend more shows and outings.

Grandson playing soccer.

I need to hunt for more photos.

#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#favouriteimagesof 2025#hockey#mcmichaelcollection#soceer#rideforhopeforterryfox