NANA SAYS MARCH BREAK IS FOR SPENDING TIME WITH GRANDCHILDREN

Taking a few days away from work to have grandchildren sleepovers is always busy. Loud, and fun, grandchildren bring a joy to life. Feeding them is non-stop. They love Nana and Granpa's snacks. The ylove being with cousins. It gives time to bond! It always amuses me that they have huge beds at home but will squish together in one or two beds. It is a time to develop a relationship. Listening to them. Disciplining them. Encouraging fun and respect. Nana sure loves her grandchildren. But when they go, the quiet is okay for awhile. Until next time!

#23 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-OUR WILDLIFE

There are just too many animals to mention in one little post about our 150th anniversary. Lots of postcards in my collection with some to share,

The Black Bear captured for a tourist's postcard.

The Fox.

Bull Elk! (Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Female Elk!

Buffalo!( Photo by Tokio Onishi)

Bear, Big Horn Rocky Mountain Sheep, Bull Moose, Bull Elk.

Snowy Owl. ( photo by Larry Halverson)

Columbian Ground Squirrel. ( photo by Larry Halveson)
The list could go on. Many coyotes and raccoons live in the wild but also urban areas. Toronto has a large population due to its wooded areas.
This Canadian has squirrels in the backyard along with many species of birds, butterflies and bugs!
Oh love the wildlife of this country.

A POSTCARD FROM TERME VARRONIANE-CASSINO LAZIO

Cassino or Cassinum in Roman times was a spot for prominent Romans to come for relaxation.
The springs of Terme Varroniane was the reason.

A quick visit during my first trip to Italy August 1991.

A lovely water location. A simple photo.

Postcards from the trip.

A kayaker on the water of this place with pure Acque Minerali/Mineral Water. Can you see the Monastery of Monte Cassino in the background? A nature lovers paradise!
To sit by the water in this quiet spot draws people today. No wonder the Romans loved it!
#TermeVarroniane#CassinoItay#NaturalSprings

A POSTCARD FROM ANCIENT ROMAN CASSINO

Cassino, my husband's hometown south of Rome has an interesting history. Due to the natural springs in the area it was an escape for prominent Romans to relax. Over the centuries a large Monastery that was built on the mountain prevailed. Monte Cassino.
At the base of the mountain near the Autostrada/ highway that enters Cassino are some significant ruins that time almost forgot.

A small Colosseum adjunct to modern Cassino.
Photos taken during my first trip to Italy in August 1991.

Taking in the scenery was enthralling.

Being able to visualize how old Cassino or as it was called Cassinum must have been.

A local farmer had his sheep grazing along the old Roman road.

Nearby was the Anfiteatro Romano! Amphitheatre! Can you picture someone walking on this ancient road? Well I walked on it!

Can you imagine a speech or some entertainment happening here!

The view from the top.

What is incredible is the fact these ruins survived at all. Throughout history there have been several invasions. The worst during World War Two- Spring 1944- when the Battle for Monte Cassino destroyed the town. The ruins at the base of the mountain survived in quite good shape as can be seen by the photos. The town was completely destroyed and was rebuilt after the war.
My regret is not returning to see what has become of this piece of history. With a digital camera, just think of all the photo opportunities that prevail.
#CassinoItaly #CassinoAntica#Italy

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Still waiting to find my first Crocus in the garden, a sure sign of Spring. However walking home yesterday I heard my first Red Wing Blackbird chirping. Heh, a sign of Spring. Now if only I could find a Robin then I would know it is around the corner. The weather report this morning was not promising for most of Canada with storms heading to several provinces but one lives in hope of the end to winter. Canadians always know the weather gives one or two more hoorays of winter weather before it is over. Besides late day precipitation put moisture on the ground that seeps into the deep roots. Farmers need it and it does help the average gardener! But I will keep checking my garden for those signs of Spring. How about You?

BE RESPONSIBLE-DON'T THROW SOMEONE UNDER THE BUS

Mistakes can be made in life. It is always easier to find someone else to blame. Not my fault. He did it. She took it. Teaching young children to confess about any mistakes made. Take ownership. Then there is the adult world. Politicians are great for this. Find something or someone else to blame. Throw them under the bus. Learning from mistakes is part of life. In the hospital culture, if a patient and family is informed about a mistake, a misunderstanding or delayed procedure, the end result is better because being kept in the loop brings trust. A transparent process always helps. Saying the buck stops with me. I did it. I will correct it. It is my fault. I will check it out for you. Taking responsibility is always the best road to go. Then there is no need to avoid any issues. So no throwing under the bus, okay?

NANA SAYS SOCIAL WORKERS HELP CHILDREN

Being Social Work Week in Ontario and across Canada, it is important to remember the impact Social Work services do for children. In school, clinics, hospitals, child welfare and family life education to name a few resources Social Workers are trained professionals that facilitate change and support in the lives of people. Children with family issues, school problems, grief situations can benefit from Social Work involvement. Child Welfare is largely composed of Social Work support. Assessments that have been carefully developed assess the risk of babies and children in situations. At school, there can be a variety of areas handled by the school social worker. Losing loved ones can bring grief and groups or individual counselling helps those children. So as the week is celebrated think about situations where children are supported. If you know someone that could benefit from counselling/therapy support, ask a Social Worker to find some resolutions in the situation.