LILIES BRING HOPE AT EASTER

Easter would not be the same without Lilies. A flower that brings hope and light.

Eggs even chocolate ones are about new life and rebirth.

The message of Easter is very poignant and significant today. For those suffering in the world, to have a message of hope for a better day and life.

Enjoy your Easter!

FOREGIVENESS-HOW IT RELATES TO EASTER

Good Friday is the holy day of Jesus' sacrifice. He died so our sins could be forgiven. It made me think about forgiving and forgiving others for what they do to us. Then the thought occurred to me. Forgiving others means it is necessary to forgive ourselves first. Many good people have things done to them by not so good people. It takes courage to forgive those people. But forgiving ourselves for being duped, hurt or scammed takes more courage. Not to wallow in the hurt but to move forward. It does not mean toxic people should stay in our lives it just means that forgiving frees up so much negative energy. Easter is a time for celebration. Reflection. Being with family. Talking about the Easter message. Love. Peace and well forgiveness. So for me starting with myself. Forgiving me for not being all the things I had wanted to be. Loving what has been done. Loving the people in my life. Forgiving frees up love!

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS #4-SUSAN MCWATTERS

Susan McWatters the wife of great-great grandfather George Witheridge. She came from County Armagh, Ireland in 1864. They lived in the Durham region. The Witheridge family history goes back to the 1600s in Devon England. Her background and family have been a 34 year search. So at a local genealogical meeting for York Region last night- April 12, 2017 the talk was about British Home Children. The time frame 1869 to the early 1900s. Farm hands and domestics. So a bell went off- why not research that area. Perhaps she did not come with family to the Durham region but was one of the Home Children. Worth a shot so I will update at a later date to determine if anything came of this lead if it is one. The presenters were from the International British Home Children group.
#britishhomechildren#genealogy#mcwatters#ireland#countyarmagah

NANA SAYS SPRING IS IN THE AIR-TIME TO GO OUTDOORS

Looking forward to the Easter weekend, there will be a sleepover with the grandchildren. Time to think about outdoor play and activities. If dry enough, a little jaunt to the local park to use the play equipment. Taking the ball to try some baskets on the little court there. The walk will be good exercise for all. Of course, I take the little wagon to hold stuff as snacks are always a must for everyone. Running around the backyard works too. Of course, there will be lots of  "sticks" for play. With my granchildren I find less is more. So let's find some pinecones. What can be done with them? Let's see how many different birds we can see or hear! Let's see if anyone needs an afternoon nap! Outdoors hopefully helps to tire everyone with all that good fresh air!

SPRING FEVER

The energy picks up as the weather gets warmer. Do you notice it? Last night my husband said where are you getting all this energy. Well, changing the fall/winter clothes to spring/summer? Getting ready for the Easter weekend and family time takes days of preparation! Okay if I were not working full time them it would be done in less days! But giving myself a little job every night to be ready for the long weekend is paramount! Adolph is doing a little each day outside. The ground is still quite muddy so the paths and clipping of trees and bushes.

Pieno by pieno like they say in Italian! Little by little. I love to be very busy and energetic in the Spring. Attack the house and garden. So by mid June when the really warm or even hot weather arrives, it is time to sit back and enjoy! So get going so you can enjoy the lazy days of summer when they arrive. Nothing like rewarding yourself for all the hard Spring work!!

#27 BARB'S RELECTIVE 150- SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS EVERYWHERE

Remembering the Canadian efforts at Vimy Ridge 100 years ago, brings us forward to the present. Our Armed Forces are involved in many arenas worldwide and at home. To support all their efforts is important. They put themselves in harm's way to protect us. The First World War was to end all wars. Unfortunately it did not happen. Conflicts in the world today bring home the realization that peace always comes with a price.

#26 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-REMEMBERING VIMY RIDGE

Sunday April 9, 2017 marks the 100th anniversay of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians became of age at this famous battle. The huge monument in France honouring 11,000 who died and those who fought. Thousands will descend on France for the celebration. Our Prime Minister, Prince William and Prince Harry along with many other dignitaries and general public. France has put out a welcome mat with lots of Canadian flags.

Ernest Adolphus Ellis- grandfather to many in my family, great grandfather to several and great great grandfather to many fought in this battle and earned medals.

Men from Toronto.

More faces of men who served. Were they there that day?
Vimy Ridge Foundation is a wonderful site to peruse. Learn more about the accomplishments of the Canadian.
Vimy Ridge
2017 has many celebrations across the country. Try to join one or watch live coveage on Sunday April 9, 2017. Lest we Forget!