#46 BARB'S RELECTIVE 150-WINNIPEG AND ITS RECORD MAPLE LEAF

Winnipeg is well known as the city in the middle of Canada. Manitoba can be considered west and east depending on where one lives. Winnipeg home of the Winnipeg Ballet and many other wonderful entertainment venues. On Canada Day, however, at Portage and Main, many people gathered to create the largest maple leaf- thousands. What a fun and unique way to celebrate the 150!!
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THE CANADIANS AND D-DAY-JUNE 6 1944

Todays marks the 69th anniversary of D-Day- the Allied landing at Normandy to liberate Europe. The Canadians were there in full force. A little research-as there is so much written not only about the day but the war itself-gave some needed information for this post. Juno Beach was the location of the Canadians' landing. It is 1.5 km east of Gold Beach. La Riviere in the west and of Saint-Aubin-Sur mer in the East. A beach area totalling 8 km. Did you know who were the first soldiers from Canada to land? They were the 7th Brigade- the Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment and the Regina Rifle regiment with the 8th Brigade-the Queen own Regiment and North Shore Regiment belonging to the 3rd Canadian infantry division. They were supported by the British Royal Mauve Commando 48. As the day progessed, the toll was great- 1074 soldiers were killed or wounded. The film "Saving Private Ryan" is a modern movie that depicts that day quite graphically. Of course we all have seen other movies and raw film footage over the years. History-our history in the making. For the men who served that day, the people of France and other countries are eternally grateful. For us Canadians, we say thank you for the efforts and the sacrifice! War is not remembered to glorify it but as a reminder to work for peace! To reflect on the toll taken on lives, families, countries! So the next time you see a Veteran-recognize the effort made and just say thanks! If visiting France, Juno Beach would be a stop to remember our forces and reflect!!

A POSTCARD FROM WINNIPEG MANITOBA

Winnipeg is the 7th largest municipality in Canada.Steeped in Canadian History, it is the Captial of Manitoba. As a vibrant modern city, it is full of Theatre, entertertainment, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and a magnet to many tourists. NHL hockey has returned with the Winnipeg Jets. CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has made the citizens proud. Howie Mendel and Burton Cummings to name a couple of celebrities call it home.

Located on the Assiniboine and Red River rivers a typical tourist attraction can include a boat ride. During a visit to my sister and family when she lived there in 1979, we all decided to take a ride on the M.S Paddlewheel Queen. Trying to stop one of my daughters from climbing on the rail resulted in a memorable two year old temper tantrum. The trouble with boats is it is hard to exit in a hurry. It became one of those family stories!

The postcards depicted are from the late 1970's. I am sure the city landscape has changed. I have not received a postcard from Winnipeg but I know I did send some to family at that time.

Do you have other comments to make about Winnipeg? It is also very cold in the winter and has the nickname of Winterpeg!

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.

THE LULL AFTER THE STORM

The GTA was supposed to have a blizzard this week but by Wednesday it was just a winter storm. Cleanup was good with few accidents or incidents. We Canadians love to talk about the weather. What always makes me laugh is the reaction to a downgraded storm! So many workmates were saying- it wasn't so bad, driving was okay, what was the fuss! I always think- did you really want a terrible storm? Instead of relief and being glad it was manageable- many people seemed annoyed! I prefer storm warnings so I can be prepared- get some milk, check the batteries in the house in case of a power outage, know what the kids are doing! Winter storms are okay that way- the system makes its way slowly! It's the summer storms with a tornado warning that are the surprises. When it comes to weather, we really are a fickle bunch. On the other hand, weather does give us something to discuss! Hi, how are you? Sure is cold outside! But then not as cold as other parts of Canada- look at the temperatures in Winnipeg and the Maritimes are digging out from another bad storm!

THE OLD TRUCK

Everyone likes new cars. They smell so good and give the hope of lots of good times to come. Eventually everything becomes old. When you look at this old truck in the Distillary District in Toronto, what stories do you think it brings? It is parked beside one of the buildings and seemed like an interesting picture. My cousin Roy photographed a similar picture to this one on a farm in Manitoba outside Winnipeg. What is it about old vehicles that twigs our interest? Was it moved there or did someone park and not bother to come back?

What do you think?