PROTECTING OUR THOUGHTS

We all have ways to see out to the world but protect our thoughts and true feelings. There are some environments that warrant less personal information and a more professional approach. When asked personal questions, no one is obliged to answer them. Too often, there is an assumption that people must share. Well you do not! Knowing you have control of what you want to tell about yourself is rewarding in itself. Besides what is the other person going to do with your information! My approach is simple! People will tell me what they want! Besides I often wish less personal information is shared! Don't you? Are you one that likes to be private? Does it bother you when pestered for personal information?  Do you ever just want to say, mind your own Business!!

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND IN ONTARIO

A nice little break in the middle of winter! Actually it coincides with the lobbying to have a flag day. Some of us remember the debate about the new flag that replaced the old Union Jack for Canada. February 15, 1965 our new red and white maple leaf came to be. Many people did not like it. But how times have changed. It is so representative of Canada now. So family day or flag day or just an excuse to have a long weekend, who cares. Workers with a day off to spend time at home or skiing or cleaning or toboganning or snow boarding or whatever will give pleasure embrace the day! Besides it makes the next week even sweeter- a four day work week! Do you have the day off? What will you be doing? Any special plans? Or are you going to roll with whatever happens to come your way?

FLOWERS HAVE MEANING

Flowers are grown all over the world. Colombia is the country that grows the most roses for the international market. During our summer months there are lots of local roses. Did you know Richmond Hill used to be the Rose Capital of Canada due to the Ontario clay soil? Roses with individual colours have different meaning. What do you think the pink rose means?

THE IDES OF FEBRUARY

Here we are at the 15th of the month. It seems halfway but actually with February it is past that mark. With Valentine's Day with all the flowers and chocolates over, there is little excitement about the days ahead. Perhaps that is the reason for so much depression this time of year.To find activities and fun can help keep the spirits going. Although the sun is returning to us with longer days, is it the darkness that brings darkness to our lives? Winter driving and commutes are longer which leaves less time at night to do those much needed chores. Times we are just tired, right? So are there things that you can do with less energy and effort? Reading? A game with the children? Organizing a drawer- each night do one? Sometimes just getting started with something small. Work can be strenuous with more sick calls from colleagues. Sometimes more mental health days than actual sick days so covering for those away brings stress. Oh the ides of February! The month in the middle of winter so it seems but actually much closer to Spring than realized. Get out and walk in the snow! Get back to a winter activity! Make a snowman with a child or a snow angel! Pretend you really like it and before you know it, a new season will arrive! Or you can still go to bed and pull the covers over your head and hope it all goes away!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN KNOW HOW TO WASTE FOOD

The dilemma of every parent is feeding our children with nutritious food. Children always gravitate towards the sweets if available. Having well balanced meals with some of any child's favourite food helps. Two of my grandchildren love cheddar cheese so the appetizer tray always includes some cheese slices. A variety of fruit appeals to all of us, so fruit is available. Saying a cookie always goes with a glass of milk keeps some protein going for the little ones. Now with designer and vegetarian pizzas on whole wheat dough,the teenager can get some needed food requirements. Regardless, too much food does get wasted so there is the cost of the food as well as the concern of waste. Keeping portions low so there is not an expectation the child must eat everything on the plate. One trick I use with my grandchildren is to make a little platter of food always saying it is for you to share. For some reason, children like to compete on how many they take of something. If I made individual plates, I notice they do not eat as much. Exposure and perseverance do pay off. If the adults are eating well balanced meals then children are continually viewing good eating habits. However if the major of your meals are take out, take notice of the message you are conveying. It is easy to make simple meals from scratch. Even the busy working parent, can meal plan. If there is time, let the child help with planning and even some meal preparation. Having healthy choices available does make life easier. Regardless, there will be days when food makes it way into the disposal bin!

A DAY TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

One of our large corporations- Bell- has a Let's Talk day! It is a day to acknowledge, think, and act in supporting our fellow Canadians who live and experience a mental illness. It could be depression, bipolar disorder and any number of anxiety disorders. Knowing people with mental illness need support and help is the first step. If you know someone, reach out and help that person. If it is you, then know there is help available and you do not need to suffer alone. It is a wonderful initiative. Hopefully, the stigma will finally go away.

WINTER SNOW HELPS THE SPRING CROPS

Lots of winter snow helps the farmers in the Spring. There was some worry in Southern Ontario  but not any more. With the massive Eastern Seaboard snowfall and more to come the Spring crops are saved.

When the dust settles or should I say the snow, photographers have a chance for interesting winter photos. Or look out the window while staying warm in your cosy homes! With a hot beverage of course!