THE SANTA CLAUS PARADE

In every corner in this country, cities and towns have their own version of the Santa Claus Parade. Sometimes the word Christmas is used, go figure it's about Christmas. Sometimes to be culturally sensitive it is the Holiday parade. But really for the children it is about Santa. Our parade occurred today in Richmond Hill, there was another one in Vaughan. The Toronto Santa Claus parade is next Sunday. It used to be called the Eaton's Christmas Santa Claus parade for years-it was the one I attended as a little girl in Toronto. Years ago it became too costly so other funding was found and continues to be a Toronto tradition. Back to our little local parade. Politicians ride in open vehicles. Floats are quite hand done, not too sophisticated.Many activities are represented such as local business, charity organizations, schools, Guides and Brownies, Baton Club. The local High School played on a float- a little out of key as High School bands tend to be. The Local Police has a good Bag Pipe Band-kilts and all. The Salvation Army Band is another regular participant. Different groups will give out a flyer and the children receive lots of candy canes. Our local hospital had a float this year and I took lots of pictures for the gang- well it is where I work. There was some rain but not too cold. Do you attend your local parade? Do you even like parades? Have you ever been in a parade? Isn't it about a little girl with innocence waving at her favourite person- Santa Claus?

AN HOUR AT THE MALL

Ater completing some errands, decided to go to a Department Store for the specials I wanted. The store did not open for another half hour so went to a coffee bar- ordered a coffee and a small muffin. Rarely do I sit and drink a coffee in the Mall ( Hillcrest Mall- Richmond Hill). The other night on Grey's Anatomy, one scene had two doctors at the Mall and commenting on the "Mall People". So today I observed some Mall People. I have always liked to people watch as it helps to establish good observation skills and to be aware of the environment. The ladies that run the Coffee Bar have some regular customers that sat at the tables and chairs where I was located. There are the Mall walkers. Some walked briskly, some saunter along while two ladies walked in the opposite direction. Some people are very intense with their arm gadgets that measure their heart rate. In Canada, malls are great places to walk in bad weather, do not need to worry about the cold or falling on the ice. Some people were annoyed the Mall was not open yet. Actually most of us should have been at church. It was good to sit and observe, write some notes for about four blogs to come. However, it was one of the longest half hours I have spent. Then another half hour to shop then home. I know now why I am not a Mall person, just a shopper. I would rather be doing other things. When I shop, I have a list, may do some window shopping or browsing in stores but usually with a short time limit to be done quickly. Are you a Mall person or shopper? Do you even like Malls? The small ones do not have the selection whereas the larger ones have greater variety but it takes longer to find your car. What are your thoughts? The malls are very pretty on special occasions especially the Christmas Season. In a modern world can not live without them!

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?

SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE CHILD

Many people have thought this biblical quotation means spanking or hitting your child is okay. I have always believed the rod means discipline. Children need guidance, routines, structure, boundaries and love-which helps them to grow emotionally. The discipline in a home does not have to be strict. Being able to say no when necessary, yes when necessary and to bend the rules sometimes like special occasions allows a child to know he/she is safe. There are many strategies as we all know to keeping order in a home. Children fall into their own routines at a young age. Their sleeping and eating patterns get established individually. Every parent knows when their little one needs to eat or sleep. Bedtime rituals like the bath, the reading of the book while cuddling on the bed gives a strong sense of comfort not just to the child but the adult. When my children no longer wanted storytime, the realization a new phase in their life had started was met with some sadness. Do you have thoughts about discipline? Do you try not to spank? Trying to be patient and not yell takes some much discipline. Do you have it? What are your thoughts?

LEST WE FORGET

On this Remembrance Day, may we all reflect on those who have served our countries. May their efforts to bring peace to the world be part of our daily mission. To those in my family- Ernie Ellis in World War One, Dad and Uncle Norman in World War two and most recently- Jim in Afghanistan. Thank you. When you have your moment of silence is there someone you always think about? What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Is on a bumper sticker on my car. Every year for the past 19 years since the First Gulf War, I write a cheery letter for the Christmas season and send a copy to all the locations where our Armed Forces are serving. The current addresses are available on The National Defence of Canada website. There is also an email address for those who prefer to email. My reward is receiving one or two letters each year from one of those locations. I have those precious letters in my Special Binder. The cutest letter from years ago had a picture of one of our service men pointing to a Christmas decoration I had sent in a package. Since 2001, only postcards or letters- I fold mine and tape them so they can be easier to assess and sent- to any personnel are allowed. If you know someone as family then you are allowed to send a package. I am sure everything gets checked through the common address in Belleville, Ontario. I like to think my letter helps fill a wall or a string of letters and cards received and may bring some joy to those who can not be home for the holiday season- just knowing the folks back home care! Do you like this idea? Is there something you can do for our troops or those from your own country? Can we all send a collective prayer, wish for all to stay out of harm's way? Can we all hope the little children there are safe?

A WEEK TO REMEMBER

Across Canada and across the world, people will be gathering at the various war memorials to remember. As you view one of the memorials pictured here in Toronto, take a few moments to reflect on what the week means to you. Does it have special meaning in your family?