FAMILY DAY IN ONTARIO-2019

Yeah a Monday off for working people and especially parents. Being home over a long weekend just gives a little break to all. There is so much to do- indoors and outdoors for us in the GTA. With some more snow the hills and roads- I hear people are skiing on streets in Toronto- and trails. If unable to get to a resort, a simple walk in the snow is warranted.
Of course, movies. Saw that sweet film Upstart and it was enjoyable. One that I may want to see again or buy on a DVD.
For this Senior, looking forward to a visit from family for a couple of hours. Then just trying to decide what to have for dinner.
Being home is bittersweet as last year at this time dealing with a very stressful hospitalization of my spouse. So not complaining if not setting the world on fire. My world is just contently fine!!
Some organizing and writing underway that I will post at another time.
Happy Family Day everyone! For those in America- Happy President's Day!!

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NANA SAYS OUTDOOR WINTER PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

Children love to play in the snow. Build snowmen. Toboggan. Ski. Snow board. Being outdoors is healthy for everyone. Find spots in the neighbourhood where fun can be had. In Richmond Hill the hill by the library up the street is crowded with people on sleds or toboggans when there is snow. The Mill Pond in the centre of town has skaters all winter. A walk pulling little ones on a sled is a simple family activity. Or making snow angels! Winter can be embraced!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN LOVE WINTER

Although pretty at time, winter adds a whole big layer of work for parents. The daily dressing of coats, hats, scarves, boots and other warm layers makes leaving and arriving cumbersome. Wet floors-don't step there you'll get your socks wet. Even at school dressing children for recess uses more time in the day. The healthy outdoor activity can be delayed too if the weather is too cold. Indoor recess is not as much fun! Outdoor activities are a must however a burden they may seem. The range of physical activities can make family time easier to accomplish. A backyard skating rink so it is easier to practice the skating skills. Little hills allow for those fun sledding moments. Just a leisurely winter walk messing up any virgin snow on paths. Of course, for all children at heart-make that snowman or snowlady! Children love snow-walking in it, playing in it and using whatever fun activities come with it. One of my grandsons loves to shovel it!  If we live in a cold, winter climate, then finding ways to make the weather a challenge for fun! Many communities in Canada are starting to have Winter Carnivals! Try to get out and enjoy one! Richmond Hill has one the beginning of February at our local Mill Pond! A quick fun time for families of all ages. Maybe this Nana will join my little ones for some fun too. The outdoor activities are healthy for older people too!

EMBRACING A CANADIAN WINTER

Helps the winter to pass. Since I have started to walk to work and play with my grandchildren in the snow, I find the season passes quicker. Ice skating- on indoor rinks or outdoor ponds, skiing, snow boarding, or sledding and tobogganing down a favourite hill are activities enjoyed by young and old. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are rural necessities. One of our family members is trying to make an outdoor rink in their yard so I may even try ice skating again- but now need to buy a helmet so I am a good role model for the little ones. The garden being dormant gives time to pursue the indoor tasks. Closet cleaning, an exercise routine, writing projects and sitting reading a book or working on a craft are some of the things on my calendar. Do you find yourself trying to find enjoyable pursuits? This time of year also brings the boredom factor. The busyness from the Christmas season behind us often leaves a void. A good slap in the face from the cold can be invigorating! Needing to bundle up and embrace the season gets the juices flowing! Are you fed up with winter already? Are you trying to find ways to use the time? Remember like all the seasons it is always with us. It will pass quicker if you approach it with some enthusiasm! Now get dressed and go outside to face the cold!

NANA SAYS ENJOY THOSE SCHOOL BREAKS AT CHRISTMAS

Now that the excitement of Christmas is over and the children do not go back to school for two weeks, it can be a good time to regroup as a family. Many parents also have reduced work hours and a chance to do activities with their children. It does not mean running around and shopping. Quiet ones like playing with the new toys for the little ones or having your older children teach you about your new gadgets. My Sonya is helping me with my new RIM Playbook! Close to my home there is a good hill by the library. When there is enough snow, old and young are toboganning or using a sled! Old fashioned fun. Little backyard skating rinks help the little ones practice their skating skills or even using a patch of ice found in parks would do. For the skiers and snowboarders, a chance to go to the slopes! Playing in the snow making snowmen or snow angels is also simple! A midwinter cleanup! Filtering through unused toys or items replacing with the newly acquired things. A drive to your major city, looking at the lights before the New Year when they all come down. Crafts, cookie making, a new recipe, or just watching movies together or even going out to a movie make for fun family moments. I remember enjoying the time at Christmas as a child. The break from school gave opportunities to lounge in my new jammies, read any new books and just play. As a teenager, spending time with friends and maybe a sleepover! Listening to music and dancing in my room! When my children were little, just enjoying the days off work to be with them! It can be a time of renewel before we face the rest of the winter. It is also a chance to establish some new winter routines to help enjoy a season most of us just tolerate. Children embrace snow and the joys it brings! Perhaps we can learn from them! What are some activities you do in winter? Are you enjoying the break with your children or grandchildren? Tell me your favourite winter tale!