WHO NEEDS THE GYM WHEN WE HAVE A CANADIAN SNOWSTORM

A snowstorm means lots of work to maintain the essentials. Tredging home to and from work Friday during the storm took more effort and time. Shovelling some of the 29 cm- 1 foot of accumulation in the Richmond Hill area-Vaughan where the kids live received 34 cm- took more muscle power. With some 2 foot and 3 foot drifts in the driveway, it took awhile to take off the top layers Saturday morning. The road was uncleared. We live on a corner so had a 20 foot wide and 2 foot high band across the driveway. So more tredging to the bank and stores nearby- twice gave me a workout. An emergency call to the hospital and more tredging home in the snow. Some more walking and shovelling today. So does my body feel it? Yes my biceps seem as if I did a good weight routine, my butt feels as if I did many series of squats and my legs are well toned like I have been on a treadmill running! Overall, I feel quite fit! And no membership fee! Glad I have some A5-35 handy to soothe these well worked muscles. Heh bring on the next storm!

REMEMBERING A LOVED ONE

Do you have people you miss? Someone who died? What do you do on the anniversary dates of the death, birthday, special occasions? Do you have  a special place you go? Is there a little ritual like lighting a candle, planting a new tree, buying a bouquet of flowers? No matter how long it has been when someone has left us, it can be comforting to remember, reflect and recall some of the good times so your loved one is not forgotten. We all have times when we want to remember a loved one!

NANA SAYS THE MORNING RUSH HOUR IS TOUGH

It does not mean the drive to work. As soon as a parent's feet hit the floor, there is the rush to get ready for work, breakfast, get the children ready and out the door on time. If there is bad weather, the pressure and worry, the ride to school and work can be delayed. To stay focused and calm takes lots of patience. Children sometimes want to sleep longer. Sometimes parents want to sleep longer. There can be the whining- " I can't find ........." Organization helps. Getting as many things ready the night previously and stationed by the door allows for saving time. Lunches made. Breakfast planned or snack food- a banana works- given to everyone as they leave to eat in the car. Of course, patience to allow a little mess in the car! Most day cares give the children a breakfast item on arrival. For older children, an item in their lunch box that can be eaten for breakfast or recess snack helps since many older children won't eat a prepared breakfast. Adults work out the breakfast thing for yourself! It takes strength not to yell and become impatience with the whole affair. It is a busy, stressful time but using some fun ideas too- work. Who can be ready first? Make a game of some activities. Keep score so at the end of the week-there is a weekly winner. Of course, trying to keep children relaxed in any drive helps the driver stay calm. Allow time for some morning hugs and snuggles! Especially with little children-time in a parent's arms means more than all the cleaning before leaving the house! Couples a hug or two and the kiss goodbye help to set the emotional tone of the day! Single parents do use other supports in your life to help with the day! Oh the morning rush hour- remember Saturday morning is coming soon!!

A FINAL RESTING PLACE

What an interesting story to find King Richard's remains in England after so many centuries! He will finally have a proper resting place. In family history research, cemeteries are valuable places to find facts about our ancestors. In my early genealogical pursuits, many trips were made with my children in toll to several in York Region. Now with so many databases and the transcription of most of Ontario's cemeteries it is much easier to locate names and then go to the relevant cemetery. This little cairn located on Langstaff sideroad in Vaughan honours pioneers from the 1800s. Are there places you visit?

A STAR FOR A DAY!

The star is one of those symbols seen everywhere. With its five sides, it is easy to make. ( Yes sometimes there are 6 sides.)You can be the star of a movie, a hockey team or even your own family. The star of David over Bethlehem is the most religious one. Follow the star and find your dreams. Looking at the stars in the night sky is popular once you leave the bright lights of any city. Items in star shapes such as candy dishes and platters adorn many tables on all occasions. It can be a symbol of the spirit- shining out of the darkness. Stars make us look up! Our sun is a burning star in the sky giving us life and warmth! Are stars a little mysterious? What do stars mean to you? Are you the star in your family?

GROUND HOG DAY IN CANADA

There are several locations in Canada where towns celebrate the ritual of a little ground hog trying to see his or her shadow. Here in Ontario, Wiarton in the Bruce Pennisula  has that honour.

Wiarton Willie as he is known actually has been several different ground hogs over the years. On February 2 each year people wait by his hole in the ground in the caged area in town. If he sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If not, an early Spring. I usually smile at this occurrence. Regardless there is usually lots of winter left. So in Nova Scotia-Shubenacadie Sam, Manitoba-Winnipeg Willow or Manitoba Merv, and Alberta- Balzak Bill, these other ground hogs will be predicting the arrival of Spring! Down in Pennsylvania- Punxsutawney Phil- that  American  will have his say too!

FEBRUARY-THE MONTH WITH A HEART

February is the short little month stuck in the dark months of winter. Heart and Stroke Foundation has its drive for funds. Valentines Day with all the heart symbols-especially the chocolate ones makes it fun for children and lovers. Colours of red and pink light up the dark colours that people insist on wearing. Oh February-you give us the heart to continue!