CANADIANS LOVE THE WATER AND ITS MANY OPPORTUNITIES

Water fun includes sailboats for many Canadian families.

Boats can be found everywhere.

Showboats for lake cruises.

Sailing in the Toronto harbour.

Canoes and kayaks of all shapes and colours can be found in so many locations for water fun!

Some small house boats for those living on the water.

Ferry boats to take us from the mainland to islands.

Boat reflections always make interesting pictures.
Canada surrounded by 3 oceans. Its many lakes, rivers, streams and major waterways, Canadians embrace water from swimming to water skiing or tubing to boating to fishing to just sitting on a beach and watching the waves roll in! Smalll towns and large cities have so many opportunities to go boating.

A BOAT CRUISE

A slow cruise on the water-whether a lake, river or ocean allows us to enjoy one of earth's elements in a different way. Water sustains us of course. But using water for a recreational vehicle brings a calming connection with nature. I have been on a cruise for days in the Carribean and a short cruise in the Toronto harbour. Paddling a canoe, rowing a boat or clipping along in a motor boat bring enjoyment and create memories. Would I like to be on a boat right now-yes! To escape the troubles of the day! Of course take some bug spray as dusk does bring out the little critters! Do you like boats? Do you have a special memory of cruising?

NANA SAYS JUNE IS STRESSFUL FOR PARENTS

The end of the school year can be so stressful with all the graduations- Kindergarten to Grade 1, Grade 8 to High School, leaving High School and finalizing where post-High School studies will occur. The social functions- school events- fun days, parent-teacher meetings, pot luck get togethers and if there are children's birthdys in the mix- busy, busy times. Of course, all the dance recitals, pictures, preparation and then the big night for the dancers. Signing up for the summer sports- baseball, soceer, swimming. Can we car pool? Who do we know?If a summer vacation, trip, camp is being planned then where, when, who and for how long. What should be a joyful preparation for the relaxing summer ahead seems more stressful for many than the Christmas season. The pressure to have children in academic endeavors over the summer weighs heavily on parents' heads. Nana says less is more. Creative play is good for children's souls as well as parents. Spending time together with real dialogue works. Getting through the activities of June with some enjoyment should be the goal as we all head into the summer. Did you ever go out in a boat- canoe, rowboat, motorboat, sailboat- with a parent as a child and just relax, talk? Lots of supplies at home to supplement the organized camps and learning opportunites helps. I remember reading and doing things at my own speed. We camped in Algonquin Park so days of swimming, canoeing, exploring. As you organize your children's time, remember to organize down time. Experts say children lose skills over the summer-should you be fearful if the little one does not do structured math for two months well buy some activity books to take to the cottage, car rides and keep those experts at bay! My children took swimming lessons during the year so the summer was a time to go to the beach, pool and consolidate the skills learnt. If all activities are not planned by the middle of June, why not plan to see how the summer will evolve and flow with some creative in the moment planning. Are you enjoying the June activities? Are you feeling the pressure of the end of the school year? Go into child mode and have activities that can be enjoyed by all. Remember whose need is it to run from activity to activity! And remember grandparents can be a big help with sleepovers and taking children to some events.

BIRCH TREES

Birch trees are such beautiful trees. They are grown locally and in many countries around the world. Native Canadians made canoes, bowls and wigwams from this prolific tree due to the light weight and flexibility. Unlike most trees its bark is white and can be peeled in layers. A little research revealed the Hughes H-4 Hercules is made mostly from birch wood and that's why it is called " The Spruce Goose." Many homes have a birch as the front yard tree. When moving to our current home, we planted one with four distinctive trunks. Unfortunately, it became diseased and eventually died. Do you have a beautiful birch on your property?