AMERICAN ELECTION DAY 2016

Canadians follow American politics too much. As our neighbour, their politics do affect us. Everyone does have an opinion on whom they want to win. Of all the neighbours to have I am glad they are Americans. Good people, hard working! Back to the election!  For me, my thoughts have been, out of 350 million people these were your best choices? Democracy at its best, I guess! I will miss the Obamas, I found Michele to be a classy lady. No real scandals so I guess that may have bothered some people who like dirt! So America no matter what, get out to vote! If you don't then do not complain about any elected official! As for many Canadians, we may be hauling bricks to build that wall!!

A CANADIAN SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE 2016

For the last years, I can not recall when I made it a regular November event, I have been attending the Remembrance Day service in Richmond Hill. It is always held the Sunday before Remembrance Day so this year November 6. The Cenotaph is in the old part of town in front of the Conaghy Centre that originally was a school. Built in 1923 to honour the World War One fallen from the town. The wall then moved on to include the people from World War Two. This year the little Cairn behind the wall has a new plaque for those who served in Hong Kong.

The event starts with a band, groups of Veterans, Cadets- Air and Army, the York Region police, the Knights of Columbus and members from the local Legion marching to join the crowd. The Richmond Hill High School Band plays for all the anthems and hymns. Everyone sang along to the Canadian Anthem. The hymns Abide with Me and O God Our Help in Ages Past are always sung. Reminds me of my church days. Favourite hymns for all. Readings which of course include In Flanders Fields. The Last Post, 2 Minutes of Silence, the Lament and the Rouse. It takes some time to place all the wreaths representing local places, agencies and many families who have lost loved ones in various conflicts where Canadians served throughout our history. The one that brings closer meaning is Private Dunning who died in Afghanistan. His parents and grandparents are always present laying a wreath.

The service is basically the same each year. It is the crowd that varies. Parents come to see their young cadets march taking lots of pictures. New dignitaries place the wreaths. The mood however remains the same very sombre. Most crowds or gatherings have people talking through all the speeches and events. Not so! Quiet reflection was enjoyed especially by me. I appreciate it when people are listening and cellphones turned off. Attention to the event and surroundings. 

A beautiful sunny day! I have attended in the rain, in the cold and all unpleasant conditions. But this year the perfect day! I see some people I know from various situations. One chair of the local Chamber of Commerce said it was her first time! Young people are coming out in droves too. It seems the world conflicts bring remembrance closer to them. Not isolated wars in history but modern conflicts that connect all wars. The urgency for peace everywhere! The men and women serving today were honoured and mentioned too!

A flag always carried. Lest we Forget! So snapping some pictures and walking home, it is always a good feeling to stop and honour those Canadians who lost their lives, those who served and returned home and those who are serving now. Find a service near you and try to attend. It will be worth the time spent.

A POSTCARD FROM FLANDERS FIELD

Flanders in Belgium, part of the West Flanders and East Flanders was home to several battles in World War One. The Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Passchendaele were important to Canadian War history. Honoured in war memorials throughout the country.

Flanders was made famous by the poem of John McCrae. A Lieutenant Colonel and physician/surgeon born Guelph Ontario, he served in The Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Writing his poem after the death of a close friend on the battlefield, it has become a must at most Remembrance Day services.
Poppies did grow on the battlefields as they are a hardy plant.

Poppies are on many wreaths that get laid as tributes to our service men and women.

They are a plant that is found in many gardens due to their beautiful red, So remembering can be year round.

From Flanders to Canada.
John McCrae's poem is recited annually. Flanders is an important part of Canadian history. Many of our men are buried there.

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 FAILING HANDS WE THROW
THE TORCH; BE OURS TO HOLD IT HIGH.
IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
John McCrae-May 3, 1915

NOVEMBER CANADIAN IMAGES

The Maple Leaf forever!

Pumpkins did their thing for Thanksgiving and Halloween. Time to carve some for the seeds and the pulp. Makes great pies and other baked goods.

Tomatoes to put in the freezer.

Cranberries for sauce, baking or for use in crafts.

A church window offers hope.

A quilt of remembrance and honour. Don't you just love all the Canadian flags, poppies and maple leaves. Even little Moose and Reindeer.  Canadian images abound everywhere.

A RED POPPY-SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE

Red poppies with the little black center are showing up everywhere. Coats, jackets, indoor clothes, news shows! Wearing the Poppy is our way to remember those who served for Canada over the generations. The legions across the country earn some revenue from the sales to continue their programs. Every year at Remembrance Day services, the famous poem by John McCrae- a Canadian who died in World War One- is read- IN FLANDERS FIELDS. The Poppies blow! Tell your young family members about the members in your family that served. Write down their stories! Thank a Vet! Go to a Remembrance Day service! Or if you can not watch one on TV! So are you wearing your poppy?

NANA SAYS NOVEMBER BRINGS CHANGES

Children need to bundle up once the cooler weather approaches. Time to organize all the coats, hats, mitts and scarves. Are the boots good for another season? Many homes have a spot that is a "mud" room. The season for bringing in mud, water and well you get the picture. Allowing more time to get ready. Taking a good five minutes to dress for the weather means time. Even adults find it cumbersome to get ready to go out! No longer just putting on shoes and out the door. For those without a garage for the car, cleaning off snow or frost adds time. The time change this weekend means that everyone's schedule will be off for several days. So prepare to be inconvenienced. Little children and especially babies have the hardest time. With the days becoming shorter and shorter, darkness sooner means safety and adjustments. Remind all children to be very safety minded. Teenagers waiting for early morning school buses need to be know drivers may not see you. So light clothing and be under street lights to be seen! November can bring a variety of weather conditions. So work on emergency backup plans in case of delays getting home or to the Day Care settings. Listening to news in case of bad weather to stock up on essentials. Baby stuff is different. Adults can adjust with shortages but babies need diapers, formula and their regular things. So November with all the preChristmas fun can be organized well so adjustments can be made.

NOVEMBER-THE BUSY MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS

With the days getting shorter and the time change happening this weekend, time to organize and plan for the next couple of months.Wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day is important. Planning on which service to attend to honour our Vets and current Service Men and Women is an honour. There will be parades in several locations for Remembrance Day as well as the usual Santa Claus ones. My Christmas list was organized in August. Gives time to find those bargains and items for gifts without the panic and rush of the hoopla season. Besides with out of town packages to be sent, vital to get them done. The family around the corner is a lot easier- tissue and put in a bag wrapping is a breeze. Why organize and get shopping out of the way? The season is more than gift giving. There are the events to enjoy. Deciding which events to attend takes money and time. Forgoing on the work event for some private ones will be my decision this year. Same money, two different events. Yard work continues as long as the weather cooperates. Turning to indoor stuff can be tackled. For this blogger, writing and more writing. Those genealogy stories are coming together. Promising to scan and send some big projects has to be done too. November is a shorter month with one day less. Also three very important birthdays happening with my loved family members. A 65, 40 and 3!!! Every time a new month happens, it seems it will be busy. But it is my busy. Trying to embrace life and what is meaningful to me takes some thinking and organizing. Mentioned on other posts, that the energy level has changed. When hours could be spent at tasks, it seems an hour or two is all that can be mustered. So finding those quiet, less energy activities give the feeling of accomplishment without knocking myself out. Finding time for those little cat naps to reenergize too! So as the month proceeds will keep you posted on all that is happening- quietly without all the hoopla. Taking time to embrace the little things around me and my world. So what about your world? What is important to you? How are you going to use this amazing month of November?