MY FIRST SNOW

When the first real snow arrives, it is always a bit of a surprise and shock. Preparation starts weeks in advance with winter tires, buying the salt and putting the shovels and snow blower where they can be retrieved easily. The scarves, mitts and hats are in the front hall closet and the boots are by the the door. Physically we are ready, but emotionally it takes it toll. Adults think of all the hazzle of getting around in the winter. Children want to play in the snow. Explore! Mess up the clean paths! Make a snowman! Of course, there are many parts of Canada that have had their first snow weeks ago. For us in the GTA-Greater Toronto Area- the end of November or first week of December is usually the norm. The snow often does not stay. So the ugly Fall brown is in our face!
For those that want to ski or snowboard there are areas not far away where it can occur! Sledding is always fun! There is a small hill by the Richmond Hill Central Library-just a little dusting and it is full of children and adults sliding down! Funny with all the technology and computer savy kids- sliding down a hill is as much fun in 2013 as it was 200 years ago! The white stuff brings out the kid in many of us- as long as we do not have to drive in it! One of my favourite things about the snow is looking down a street at night with some snow and Christmas lights shining! It makes such a Christmas card scene! No matter what the end of fall and start of winter is occuring! As Canadians the white stuff is part of our conscienceness! I know many snowbirds head south to avoid it! Good for them! For most of us, finding a way to accept it and actually enjoy it can be an annual challenge! Luckily, as a grandparent  I dress warmly and frolic in the snow with my grandchildren! If being outside is not your thing, a hot beverage of choice sitting by a window reading a book and observing the outside works just as well! What does the word snow evoke in you?

NEWSPAPER READING-ONE OF LIFE'S PLEASURES

In my busy work life there is not always time to peruse the local newspapers. In the Greater Toronto Area there are 4 papers- The Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun, The National Post and The Globe and Mail. One of my pleasures when I have the time is to sit and peruse all the local papers. The ones I have missed during the week are also given a read! Different articles may catch my eye. The synopsis of a new study gives some new learning. I like to jot notes as I read as well as write out words. I actually came up with some post ideas from my reading. Yes it is possible to get breaking news online and to watch the news on TV but there is something very real about looking through a newspaper and finding articles that are inviting. The best sellers, craft ideas, different viewpoints on a current event and just the sundry and positive items to gain some new knowledge. It was a good venture as it helps to jolt the senses to bring some new and fresh ideas to this blog. Sundays or vacation days or babysitting the grandchildren when they are asleep are opportune times to search the newspapers for interesting reflections. Do you like to read the newspaper in your area? Daily? Weekly? Does it meet a different need than reading online? There is the smell of the paper that makes it worthwhile. Of course, you may get some newsprint on your fingers!

BLACK FRIDAY FRENZY

Are you a shopper? All the hype about the bargains today! What is Black Friday? A little history- the day after Thanksgiving in the United States that starts the real shopping for Christmas and helps those businesses that were in the red to sell enough that their sales would now be in the black! Many Canadians go across the border to pick up the great sales. In the GTA, many people go to New York state, especially the malls and stores in Buffalo! Well, Canadian businesses have  embraced the idea and want us to stay home to try and get some good buys here. My email account has been full of great bargains to buy  at home and I can even order online. Stores like The Bay and Sears have their own Black Friday sales. There is one idea- if you are a great bargain shopper, there are always lots of sales in January at great reductions too! End of season sales- like buying the children next year's snowsuits in April! However, there is something about a bargain and bragging how much you paid for an item! If you don't like crowds, sitting at your computer in your jammies getting your bargains and free shipping is quite appealing! There is a human element though. Are we still just hunters and gatherers at heart? Has anything changed? Shopping has become a full time activity! Running for a sale does give us a little much needed exercise! What will you be doing today? Oh to shop or not to shop, that is the question?

OUT LIKE A LION- A CANADIAN MARCH

What an unusual month- cold then one of the warmest on record then back to cold and chance of snow flurries today. It seems different but I recall other years with snow storms in the middle of April. My Sonya was born April 4th and on her arrival to the world a horrendous Ice storm and cold weather prevailed for the next week here in the GTA. Spring is never warm or good enough! Funny we always want to go from Parkas to shorts but it really does not work that way, does it! As with most northern countries, we always have a sweater handy. Dress in layers- layer up and layer down. Does weather help determine the nature of its people- I think so! We Canadians must be flexible, accept change-as it can occur daily, and find creative ways to stay warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Hardy- don't forget hardy! Just the vastness of this great nation, means that a sunny day can occur on one coast and a tornado on another one! Are you having a sunny day? Is there snow in your forecast? Whatever you are facing? The good news is a new month is about to start. That will change everything!

GROUND HOG DAY CANADIAN STYLE

In Ontario it is Wiarton Willie. Manitoba and Alberta have their own little ground hog that tries to predict how much longer winter will last. This year is deceiving since it has been quite unseasonally warm weather.

One wonders how the traditon really originated. Were people just bored with winter?

Regardless, whether he sees his shadow or not, there will probably be 6 more weeks of winter. For those of you reading from outside Canada, Wiarton is north-west of Toronto. A pretty country town on the Bruce Pennisula. If in Canada, go visit, especially like our friends who have a cottage there sailing is prolific.So bring your sailboat! There is  a good harbour for calm sailing. Do you think the Canadian groundhogs will see their shadow? Wonder what the one in Pennsylvannia will see?

A LITTLE COUNTRY IN THE CITY

On a recent jaunt to downtown Toronto, I discovered these sculptured cows in a little parkette. To be surrounded by tall buildings and the hustle of city business, they were an interesting contrast. Do they belong or are they out of place? What do you think?

BLACK FRIDAY-ARE YOU SHOPPING?

Shopping has become a value in our society! Generations have always shopped for a bargain. Why not? Bigger bang for your buck! Here in the GTA many people head to Buffalo for the bargains! But wait-many local stores and online shopping have Black Friday right at home! For the diehard the trip south with the lineups at the border and the duty tax on items on the return home, I am told is worth the effort. Perhaps for the large ticket items but I have never worried about the $8.00 T-shirts being worth the effort. Clearance racks, shopping mid-season and having emails sent to my home with the Wednesday specials have landed me some good bargains- with little effort. If I spend enough online shopping, no shipping charges and it comes right to my door. Actually books are great to buy that way as the trip to the bookstore to find an obscure clinical text is avoided. For me bookstore visits should be to browse and take my time when I am not in a hurry. Or do I just not like to shop with crowds anymore! I am the one if the store opens at 7:00 a.m. in the holiday season to be the first there and finished by 7:30 a.m. I never mind waiting for the door to open- arrive early! Bring a coffee! People watch! So what are you doing Black Friday? Did you find a local bargain or have you travelled south? Hope you found all the bargains you were hoping to find? No matter where you shop today- the economy has a boost!