NANA SAYS VETERANS WEEK CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT OUR HISTORY

Veterans week gives a great opportunity to connect our children with the history of our country. Not to glorify war and world conflicts but to show how another generation fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Taking children to war memorials and placing wreaths is an easy activity. Going to a Remembrance Day service connects with many generations. Schools often have talks and assemblies for Remembrance day. There are student groups now going to places in Europe like Vimy Ridge to demonstrate Canada's role and sacrifice for peace. New immigrants should be invited along to learn about our country's history. Learning and reciting a poem like " In Flanders Field" not tells us about a Canadian poet but is good literature. The War Museum in Ottawa gives centuries of our history. There are some amazing paintings as well. Not all history gets captured on a cell phone! Get a poppy and have your child wear one. In our busy schedules, slow down and stop to reflect on where we are today and who brought us there! Work on peaceful ways to settle conflicts. Support our troops in their peacekeeping missions. Teach your children that Canadians play a role on the world stage. Keep it simple! Depending on the child's age, monitor the information they need to know. My Dad gave a talk for grade schoolers one time. He concentrated on the planes he flew and generally what he did. As a Vet he did not want to scare the children! If you have a veteran in your family, give them a hug!

LESSONS FROM THE WAR OF 1812

The War of 1812 continues to be celebrated since it actually lasted until 1814. Toronto has Fort York which still can be visited as a historical site. Recently Adolph and I visited Fort George in the Niagara area. Last year we saw Fort Henry in Kingston. Reading about an event then visiting a place where the action occurred brings history alive.

Although we like to think rustic in the early 1800s, the officers actually lived in style. The British soldiers brought many amenities from England. The fine china and tablecloths seemed to be opulent. Of course, the mess hall for the regulars was quite different.

There are always many reenactments of soldiers performing drills, raising the flag and playing the flute and drumming. Actually gives a face to the lives lived. Learning Canadian history can be a real hands on experience that people of all ages can enjoy. Yes Canada does say it won the War of 1812.

A POSTCARD FROM FORT GEORGE-NIAGARA AREA

Historic Fort George located in the Niagara area was a significant fort during the War of 1812. It was the home of Brock. Captured by the Americans in 1813, it was recaptured by the British. According to the staff about 300 visitors or more explore the fort daily. During the Bicentennial celebrations in 2012, there were over a million visitors. As a tourist attraction it has become more appealing due to the celebrations of the War of 1812 which actually ended in 1814. Both the Americans and the Canadians claimed victory.

A Canadian history lesson is always welcome. Adolph and I enjoyed visiting the site on one of the hottest days of the summer. He kept inside the air conditioned buildings while I walked around taking photos. It was rather amusing when we had bought our tickets when a staff person asked me if I had visited Fort George previously. I replied-yes! What I did not tell her was how long ago. It was during a Grade 8 class trip when I was 14! The thing with historical sites is they do not change! It is a time that stands still!
The Niagara area is rich in history. It is very easy to visit with all the monuments and historical plaques and signs. Exposing young children to their past helps with understanding the present!
If you want a postcard featured here email me at abdm@rogers.com and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

ST. JACOBS FARMERS' MARKET-KITCHENER-WATERLOO AREA

Capturing photos for my husband's blog- http://granpalovestocook.blogspot.com has been a fun activity. I have food pictures from many years that now can be used since he only starting blogging in January 2012. I am enjoying watching him enjoy all the activities that exploring food in various venues brings to our lives. St. Jacobs is a small community just west of Toronto in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. There is a blend of small city life and country living side by side with modern Canadians and the old Mennonite community. Cars and buggies with horses are seen on many roads.

The town has many trendy stores which I visited previously with freinds. Adolph and I concentrated on the Farmers' Market outside of town nestled amongst big box stores, an antique market and other modern businesses.

From the farm,

to the stall

at the market.

From the Bakery,

to many purchases, one of  the best parts of my day was enjoying the huge cinnamon bun made by two young Mennonite women at one of the small booths inside the market.

Reviewing the day with a hot coffee in hand it was quite delicious! My love of history has kicked in as well. I started some more research on the Mennonite community in Ontario. It could be the fodder for a post in the future!

CANADIAN CITY NEW-EUROPEAN CITY OLD

I love cities to visit and explore. As you know one of my favourite cities is Rome. In my youth I visited London England several times. What always impressed me was one street could have buildings and sculptures from many different periods in history. If we look closely at our own Canadian cities, we can find some contrasts as well.

Front Street where the St. Lawrence Market is located has this beautiful backdrop with the Gooderham Building in front with modern downtown skyscrapers behind. It is one of the most photographed building in Toronto. Modern cars and even a garbage truck let us know it is 2012!

Front Street is one of the first streets in Toronto with lots of history. The St Lawrence Market is housed in the old telegraph building that originated from the 1840s. Not old by European standards but considering many Canadian developers often tore down whole city blocks to put up their modern building, it is a testament to Canadians desiring to perserve their history while accomodating the new!

It works as every street does not need the tallest buildings or condos.

Row buildings typical of places like London but it is Toronto.

Thought the plaque would give a little history of the building for you to see. Front Street is a longer street across Toronto. Perhaps it deserves a little scrutiny from this writer with camera in hand. Even revisiting this area in the Fall when the trees are in full colour might bring some interesting photos and thoughts!  Have you explored your city and community lately? History ties us to our past, let's us enjoy our present and think about what to leave the future generations.
One street anywhere can reveal history but much more- stories about people!

REMEMBERING OUR HISTORY

History tells us who we are as a people. In Canada we fought several wars to define ourselves. We are a kind nation with many humanitarian causes. Today as mentioned in yesterday's post, it is the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. There are many social aspects to the story. Soldiers lived with their wives and families. Where did they come from? What did they eat? Were there letters or stories? The Laura Secord story is always an interesting one. Learn about this important part of Canadian history and along the way you may learn something about yourself.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE APPEARS EVERYWHERE

The beaver is such a symbol of Canada. While on a day trip Sunday I saw a beaver in Lake Scugog but was unable to capture its picture. So here is an artist's interpretation from the Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto. Our nickle- 5 cents- has a wonderful beaver on it. Spending time outdoors and rediscovering our natural wildlife is so therapeutic to me. I remember as a child canoeing in Algonkian Park in Ontario and following beaver in the river. Do you have some stories about the beaver? If you have property they can be destructive to new trees. Sometime I will write about the significance of the beaver and the early history of Canada. For now, enjoy the art!