GETTING THROUGH ADVERSITY

The old phrase one day at a time is so relevant when faced with life's crisises. Sometimes being in the trenches blocks the light. It can seem dark and hopeless.
Then just get through the day. Promise yourself you can do it. One more day.
Get up the next morning with optimism you can make it. Put two feet on the floor then take one step at a time.The day will give what it will give.
Be prepared to do what can be done. Try not to focus on the negative. Okay to feel sad or mad. But then just continue to fight and do what you can.
Everyone faces adversity from time to time. Just remember other times where you have coped and survived.
#adverstiy#onedayatatime#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#beoptimistic#focusonthepostive#takeonestepatatime#adayatatime

BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS- WORK CONTINUES ON THE BALL POINT STORY

Several essays on the family property on Lake Scugog- Ball Point Mariposa Township have been written on my blog.
I have not put the Introduction nor the misc facts on this blog yet. I am continuing to work on the mountain of notes and references from years of work.
The trouble with genealogical notes is they are like little treasures. It is hard to throw out duplicates or neatly written notes.
So the process has been slower than it should be.They represent research and a creative process of finding the right information.
Sometimes I wish I had decided to get a Masters in history as I have enough information for a good thesis. Alas I did not.
So I want to focus on finishing the story. I do have lots of pictures to incorporate into any post.
June may be the month to get it done.
Stay tuned for more of my writing.
#ballpointstory#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#finishingtheballpointstory#usinglotsofphotosinthestory#familyhistorycontinuesatthepoint

SOME CRAFT PROJECTS READY FOR MARKET

I like to make my knitted and crocheted items without finishing them. Then I will sit down and blitz sewing the ends and finishing the projects.
Using my misc. wool I made 6 hats, 5 scarves and 4 blankets. The blankets were medium size not for a full bed. But ideal for a crib.
It feels good to have that little pile finished and ready for market or as gifts. I never know where my items will go but it is always good to have an available stash.
Currently I am working on a knitted top for me and pieces for a larger bed comforter.
Always good to keep one's hands busy.
#knitteditems#crocheteditems#hatsandscarves#blanketsfromscraps#finsihingprojects#maywasatimetofinishprojects#keepingbusywithcrafts#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A TRIP TO THE GREENHOUSE

Adolph's cousins have run their greenhouses Valley View Gardens for over 50 years. A trip there to buy some house plants was a fun day for me.

Valley View Gardens

Rows and rows of annuals, perennials and lots of house plants.

I loved the cactus display so bought several for home.
I have two new plants for various rooms.

Rita one of Adolph's cousins gave him a tomato plant for the porch.

He can see it from his chair in the family room. He literally will be able to watch his tomaotes grow.
#valleyviewgardens#houseplants#tomatoplantforthegarden#cactusforthehouse#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#growingaporchgarden#lovegardening#plantsforwellness

A MEMORIAL PEAR TREE

When we bought our property from our mother Concetta in 1986, it came with a pear tree. Pears were her favourite fruit so she had two trees in her yard.
I love trees so of course it would stay. Even when she passed away in 1998, I brought her some pears from her tree.
So seeing all the beautiful blossoms this year it seems it is a reminder of her.

It is visible from the kitchen and family room. Something for Adolph to enjoy. And maybe there will be lots of pears to eat.
#peartree#mama'speartree#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#eatingpearsthissummer#lovethespringblossoms

MAY WITH ITS BLOSSOMS AND FOR SOME ALLERGIES

As I drive or walk and admire the trees in their spring green and the flowers, I am in heaven. Then those that have allergies they are in hell!!
A different perspective! So how to balance both. There are some good medications and remedies for those with allergies so can be used.
Many people do not know until later in life they actually have environmental allergies. I have some to touching certain bushes so wear gloves and long sleeves. But thankfully not when I breathe.
So do you have allergies? What do you do to help with them?
My daughter posted on her blog about such a subject.
House of Kerrs
She had some interesting responses and help for her allergies.
#allergies#maycanbringonallergies#maythatwonderfulmonthoftreesandflowers#doyouhaveallergiesandwhatdoyoudoaboutthem#helpingthosewithallergiesinthespring#doyouhaveenvironmentalallergies#dealingwithallergiesinthespring

BARB'S BUTTER TART ADVENTURE- FIRST STOP NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

I love the two Butter tart tours in Ontario- Wellington Trail and Kawartha Tour. I made a decision that wherever I go this summer I would buy butter tarts. So on a day trip to Niagara on the Lake and visiting wineries I had the opportunity to buy some tarts.

A stop at Niagara Home Bakery on Queen Street was a must.
Bought the tarts and some apple strudel.

Although there are several varieties, I decided on the ones with pecans.
Yummy. Even good for freezing to enjoy another day.
 It does not mean I will not try the other two tours if the opportunities arise. But doing my own little independent one is rather fun too!!
#buttertarttour#niagaraonthelake#applestrudel#niagarahomebakery#goodforfreezing#lovethosebuttertarts#buttertartsaresocanadian#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro