RMEMBRANCE DAY SUNDAY- A TIME TO REFLECT

Each town and city across Canada will be having a Remembrance Day service this week. Many places had one today- like a Sunday Service. Today in Richmond Hill, I attended along with other community members and politicians. The crowd seemed a little larger than other years. Perhaps connecting with recent events of losing two military personnel on our own soil. Remembering and honouring those from many different conflicts that allow us as Canadians to have the freedoms we enjoy today. So on Tuesday wherever we are there will be two minutes of silence to reflect and remember. Where will you be??

Lest we forget!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

Yesterday a special garden was opened in England to commemorate Flanders Fields in Belguim. Apparently bags of soil from Flanders Fields were transported from Belguin with reverence. They were brought to help to create the garden. Other gardens will be created throughout the world as a gift from the Belgians to those who fought on their land in World War One. For Canadians, John McCrae wrote a very famous poem that is read each Remembrance Day at services and ceremonies.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW
BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW ON ROW
THAT MARK OUR PLACE; AND IN THE SKY
THE LARKS,STILL BRAVELY SINGING FLY
SCARCE HEARD AMID THE GUNS BELOW

WE ARE THE DEAD, SHORT DAYS AGO
WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW SUNSET GLOW
LOVED AND WERE LOVED, AND NOW WE LIE
IN FLANDERS FIELDS

TAKE UP OUR QUARREL WITH THE FOE;
TO YOU, FROM FLAILING HANDS WE THROW
THE TORCH; BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH.
IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
John McCrae

He was one of many Canadians that did not survive the war. He did not survive the battles at Flanders Fields.

It is a very poignant poem. Short and simple. It could be applied to other conflicts and battles. So as Remembrance Day approaches, it is a time to reflect on the past but also to think about the present hoping the current conflicts will be short lived and hope for peace and prosperity for earth's children.

REFLECTIONS GIVES US QUIET MOMENTS TO FIND OURSELVES

A quiet place to think and reflect about life! We all need one. Connecting with elements of nature keep us grounded to the past, being in the present and to plan for a future. Being near water or trees or rocks from the earth, the basic human  feelings we all have can be tapped.

So finding your favourite spot and going there physically or in your mind can bring tranquillity.

 

A bench by the library near fragrant roses.

 

 

 

For some a place of worship can bring answers to prayers.









Quieting one's thoughts away from all gadgets is necessary to listen to who we are. The noise of the world silenced for brief times during the day is good- really good for the soul!

NANA SAYS COLDER WEATHER NEEDS PREPARATION

Advice to put on snow tires brings the realization that colder weather is around the corner. With children big and small, checking out the coats, boots, hats, mitts and scarves is the task of the day if not already done. Even putting some cold weather clothes on that famous Christmas list given to grandparents and other family members can bring in some warm outfits. Preparing mentally is important too. It takes longer for all of us to get out the door when bundling up in those clothes and boots. So- start to think about leaving home earlier rather than the nagging to get children all ready at the regular time. Children do take their time and lacing boots or putting on warm socks just take longer. As for mitts, have several pairs the same. Everyone loses a mitt or misplaces one- hopefully it will be found in the lost and found box at school. Think too about that emergency kit in the car. I always put some scarves, mitts and a couple of blankets- go over knees on those cold days before the car really warms up- in the car!! A little snow shovel  in the trunk in case it is necessary to dig out of a snow bank!! Warm clothes are good for the fun times that can be had playing outside in the colder weather. Healthy for children and adults as well. If needed there may be a  relative that loves to knit or crochet a scarf or hat for you. Just ask!

SQUASH-HOW CANADIAN EH!

Squash family have many varieties. A wonderful Fall and Winter vegetable thanks to our First Nations people. When the white man settled in Canada, learning to eat and grow the food that was indigenous to the land was often necessary. Squash can stand the first frost and store well in a cold cellar or back basement as well as the fridge. It is a very healthy food too. Tasty- each kind has its own distinct flavour.  Add it to the list of foods that Canadians love and eat!  Can you name the variety seen in the picture??

LIFE NEEDS A PORCH

A front porch is very inviting. Shields us from the rain. A place to sit and watch the world. Or hang a swinging hammock and have a snooze. Reminds us of the depression days in Canada where the poor folks that owned the farm would see the guy from the bank coming to take it. Some modern homes have little porches- room for one outdoor chair. A porch let's us have an outdoor room. There is always the safety of returning inside, locking the door and shutting the curtains to the world. Porches are a fun place for children to play within the safe range of mother's hearing. Or mother can join! And father too! At night, look up at the stars. In some parts of the country using lots of bug spray would help to make the moment pleasurable. How many first kisses happen on a porch? Proposals? Other significant announcements? The lowly porch! Or is it?

NOVEMBER-A LITTLE BREATHER BEFORE DECEMBER

November-the month to finish outdoors raking and really say good-bye to the garden before the snow flies. Time to make the garage ready for the car over the next few months. No need to scrap ice off the windows making the start to the day shorter. Time to get rid of the stuff that went from the basement to the front hall to the garage. Even walked to the mall yesterday in my new Sorel winter boots- waterproof and all. Since I walk in the winter decided to invest in a good pair of boots. So they were comfortable and no aching feet afterwards. It is good to walk to a mall- can only buy what can be carried home. Two birthdays to celebrate this month so there will be cake. Yes I even resisted buying Halloween candy that was on sale at Shoppers. With all the little chocolate bars and other goodies available last week at work, I do not think I can look those candies in the eyes! Well if they had eyes. Time to cut back and make room for good eating near Christmas. With the outdoor raking of leaves and garage cleaning, it was enough exercise for a Sunday. My intentions to do some computer work and other indoor activities were put on hold for a much deserved Sunday nap! Preparation for the work week is about all I could muster. So November the darker month- less sunlight which can be depressing for many people. So turn on some lights and read a book or phone a friend. Yes, Christmas preparations will begin with hanging outdoor lights in a couple of weeks, buying presents gradually especially with many sales that will start, of course the wonderful online shopping and a special theme for this Christmas that family members may like or  not. November without all the pressure of September and December. A little breather so to speak. For many Canadians looking forward to the outdoor sports when the snow flies. Or it is just another month!