A POSTCARD FROM WAIKIKI HAWAII

My parents received lots of postcards over the years. This one is from friends who went to Hawaii. Most folks in British Columbia go to Hawaii like those in Eastern Canada go to Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean islands.

" Feb. 5/92-Aloha-Maisie and Ellie-By now-Maisie, I hope your back is much better and you should be over here walking (slowly) with Bob. He is doing not too bad. Some days his bones ache more than other  days but he keeps on going which is good, he found a hot tub at another Outrigger so goes up to it and he feels better for it and for me , I'm doing great and must do some shopping as the next month will go by fast. Wished you were here and maybe another yr. you will come over. So take care. Love Betty and Bob"
I love Waikiki. In this card the fireworks at New Year's are featured. Diamond Head is visible in the background.

If you want a postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers and I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.

A POSTCARD FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Receiving postcards are always fun and not as frequent as years ago. The recent one  received was very special. It was from two of my grandchildren from a recent family vacation in the Dominican Republic.

A typical beach scene but sweet words from the children. Both signed their own names. Yes and typical postcard message-fun at the beach! 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.

A POSTCARD FROM PARIS FRANCE

Paris- the city of love! I found some postcards in my collection from this beautiful city.

Although many people I have known have travelled to this city. I only found one postcard from an old work colleague who went on a trip there in the 1990s.
"My dear Mukibaumers! I miss you all! Sending my best wishes from this interesting city. I have seen all that stuff on the care and more! Going to south of France tomorrow to relax-Take good care-see you soon> P.S. To my groupx XOXOXOXOXOXXX Margaret"

Although I have enjoyed my summer trips to various locations in Ontario, Paris is still high on my bucket list to visit. Eh bien- perhaps in the Springtime.
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.

A POSTCARD FROM SPAIN

Rummaging through my postcard collection, I found these two cards from Spain.

I bought this postcard at an antique market years ago. This date seems to be 17 Fe 11. Feb. 17, 1911 which would make the card over 100 years old. Not sure what the 25 means.

My second card is from a friend.

The card reads- "Dear Barb, Having a fantastic holiday. Morocco is mysterious and ancient. Spain is lively and exciting. Portugal is still to come. Weather has been fairly good. It's great to be on holidays. Call you when we return. Sophie and Ed."
The postmark is 23 May, 1975. I had just finished my Masters of Social Work and had started my first job. The reason I tell you this information is I have no clue who Sophie and Ed were! Classmates? Workmates? Neighbours? Since the card is just addressed to me, not someone known to Adolph. However, it is a nice card with a picture Spanish stamp!
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.

A POSTCARD FROM GREECE

My folks received lots of postcards over the years from friends and relatives. One of the couples they knew well travelled often. Here is their postcard from Greece.

"April 25. Dear Maisie and Elly, The time passes so quickly since we go ashore almost every day. We have enjoyed our visits to Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos and Istanbul. There has been a great deal of walking and we both have tender feet. But it is worth the effort. The ship is small and no "love boat" but the food is satisfactory. The weather good all the time, lots of sun and smooth sea. Love Kathryn and Jack"
It is impossible to read the year but probably the 1980's or 1990's as Kathryn died before Jack . They were the same age as my folks so stopped travelling much when their health changed.
Jack was an engineer and had worked not only in Canada in the Mines but in Africa. He was very bright. Kathryn had been a teacher. Mom always seemed a little envious that she had her own teacher's pension. Interesting as many women in that age group relied on their spouse and like my Mom were encouraged not to work. So Kathryn was her own woman with a pension to be able to travel.
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.

A POSTCARD FROM MAINE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

It is fun to find more postcards in various places. In my parents' collection, I found a postcard from my niece and a close friend who visited Maine. Living in New Brunswick, it is right next door on the Eastern Seaboard.

" 24/07/82- Hi y'all: Here I am at Bangor Main. Having lots of fun & wish you were both here. Love Kathryn & Monique"

Although the card and intent was from Maine, it was actually posted in Moncton, New Brunswick with a Canadian stamp. 1982- High School?

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.

A POSTCARD FROM MIRAMICHI AND AREA NEW BRUNSWICK

My brother Reed and his wife Edna live in this beautiful part of Canada. Edna sent me some postcards to include in my Postcard From series.

Ritchie Wharf, Miramichi City and Northumberland County, French Fort Cove are some of the features shown on the cards.

Edna wrote on the back of the cards. " Aug.11. Hi Barbara- Just a few words as I send this card off to you. This is where Reed & I walk sometimes. It is also the place where our Pond Hockey takes place every Feb. It is just a couple Km from our house- Edna &Reed." She also wrote about the Ritchie Wharf- This is our famous Ritchie Wharf where we go some evenings to listen to some good old down home country music. It is a great place to take the little ones to play."

Edna also pointed out the New Brunswick bird is the Chikadee and the flower is the Purple Violet- if it is purple I will love it! The Miscou Lighthouse is a wonderful landmark.

Of course if it is in Canada- the people are really friendly. Miramichi- Some Good!

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.

A POSTCARD FROM OUR ARMED FORCES

Since 1991, I have been writing our members of our Armed Forces wherever they are serving in the world. After September 11th, only postcards- not closed letters or parcels were allowed to any Canadian Services members. Families, of course, could send their gifts to their loved ones.

I find the locations through the National Defense site. All mail goes to the Canadian address before it is shipped overseas. My letters printed on festive paper with the address of the location is folded in half and taped so they can be scrutinized.
Over the years the responses from some of the personnel are my treasures. Our family is always thanked and often a little personal information is shared. Knowing first hand what the mission entails is always very interesting.
From Bosnia to Timor to Afghanistan to Golan Heights to Sierra Leone to Haiti- to name a few- messages and greetings have been exchanged. Sometimes a picture is even sent. Lots of school children now send letters so their correspondence is usually answered.

Sometimes our family letter is answered because the person lived in Barrie or East York, feeling a connection to us. There is still time to send an email to our troops. Just go into the National Defense site and follow the links. If not raise a glass on Christmas Day, to honour them!
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.

A POSTCARD FROM NASSAU BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is one of those southern destinations that is very poplular with people from the GTA. Accessible and affordable.

Adolph and I had the opportunity to visit Bahamas on two occasions. In 1982, we went to Freeport, Bahamas and again in 1988 as one of our cruise ship stops to Nassau. Lots of good shopping, dependable weather although not as hot as other southern destinations. Great to relax!

In 1975, a friend visited Nassau and sent a postcard. " Hi! Guess who's in Nassau. I'm having a great time. The island & people are beautiful The guys are friendly & plenty! I'm here for 8 days. The weather is fantastic. 85 degrees & sunny & hot. See you. Les."
My sister, Marilee visited Nassau in Feb.,1988. She wrote. " Dear Barbie & Adolph: Have seen the cruise ships in harbour- they look fantastic. I love this place-everyone is so nice. Ran into a "revival" meeting in straw market- have lots of funny stories to tell. Every day is an adventure. Our suite has mirrors everywhere-that's an adventure too! Love, Mare, Mike & boys"

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.

A POSTCARD FROM SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is one European country tourists rave about. Known for not only its banking, chocolates and skiing, it is supposedly extremely clean. It is on my bucket list to visit one day. My daughter Sonya visited when she was an exchange student in Milan, Italy in 1991.
Oct. 27/01"Hi Family! I'm enjoying the day here in Lugano, Switzerland. The weather is great, but it's a little chilly by the water. It's beautiful here. You'ld love all the gardens, Mommy. We plan to go buy lots of Chocolate before we leave. I hope there will be some left to give to you guys when I get back! Miss you and love you all lots.-Sonya xoxo"

My sister Marilee visited the mother of a friend staying in a small town one summer. It was an interesting experience for her as she really did not do much touring. July 14, 1994-" Dear Barb, Adolph & girls. Yes another card from me while I wait in the Village Centre for the stores to open again after lunch(12-2PM). It's been an experience in many ways! But in a few days I'll be on my way home & will fill you in. It has been a very "restful" holiday & I'm looking forward to being more energetic when I get back. Will see you soon. Love, Mare xo"
Although Marilee wrote the card in July, we did not receive it until 3 months later! Lost in the mail! Never was explained. Staying with an older person was very different as anyone can believe if you have had the same experience. The pace can be dreadfully slow!!
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.

A POSTCARD FROM FLORIDA

Several trips to Florida when the children were younger were manageable on a tight budget. During the trip of 1988, we stayed on the west coast at St. Peterberg, visited Busch Gardens, travelled to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World. The girls were younger and the big thrill for them was the pool at the hotels.

Florida has great beaches, wonderful for collecting shells and of course, the oranges, tangerines, grapefruit. A drive through the central region is so delightful as the smell of the fruit permeates the air.
During the 1988 trip, Sonya wrote a postcard to her Nana and Grandpa- " Dear NaNa & Grandpa, We'r having a great time in florida. every day we go on the beach and collect shells. We whent to basch gardens and whent on rides and looked at the animals. Love Sonya." Dated March 9, 1988.

Walt Disney World and Epcot Centre were so interesting. My mother-in-law Concetta that travelled with us really enjoyed everything too. Canadians, travel to Florida in great numbers. Many people have properties there spending the winter months and returning to Canada in the Spring- called the "Snowbirds". Of course many children and grandchildren will join their folks for an easy affordable vacation. Without a doubt, the pink flamingos that are such an interesting bird and very photogenic are so amazing to see live.

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.