THE CIVIC HOLIDAY IN CANADA

Not every province celebrates the civic weekend. Here in the Toronto area we are celebrating Lord Simcoe who helped to create Yonge Street. Regardless of the reason for other provinces, it is just fun to have the Monday off. Enjoy!

A POSTCARD FROM LONDON ENGLAND

I had the fortune in my youth to visit London three times. But others I have known have been there too.

It is an amazing city especially with the recent Royal Wedding. The shopping,the people and now with the Summer Olympics only a year away what time to reflect on such a wonderful International city.
Family friends visited in the 60"s- " Dear May & Ellie-Arrived. Ok weather, really nice so far. We've done a lot of walking and Garry is already pooped. We leave in a day or so to the south coast and Wales by car- for which Garry is grateful. The family were really shocked at the size of the kids but they are fine. They meet the rest of them tomorrow probably a whing ding. See you soon. Amy, Jack & kids" July 18, 1963.

My first trip ever outside Canada was to England in 1967. I wrote a card to my boyfriend Adolph.
"Hi Love, Thought I'ld send you a card since my letters are so dull. I miss you. Bye now. Love, Barb"

My friend Denise went to England in 1980- "Dear Barbara & Adolph- Over here for 2 weeks- going to Stonehenge today-travelled down from Scotland yesterday and off to London tomorrow for a couple of days then home. Cheers! Denise"

My daughter Sonya and husband Andrew went on an European trip in 2007. Their first stop was London. " Hi Mom & Dad! We're in our 2nd day here in London and loving it! Spent a full day sightseeing today- Big Ben, Buckingham, Picadilly Circus, Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral. Had a nice dinner in a ritzy part of town tonight. One more full day here, then off to Italia! Love you very much Sonya & Andrew XOXO"
Well London and England has been a special location for many in my life. Have you been to London? Isn't it a fabulous place. Like they say London swings! Do you love London?
If you want your postcard featured here, email me at abdm@rogers.com, I will send you my address so you can send me your postcard.

THE HOLLYHOCK

Is a happy flower to have in the garden. It blooms early summer and can stay until the snow flies. I have several plants with a variety of colours. My little granddaughter loves them. 

They need to be pruned especially the leaves which can obtain rust. Do you have hollyhocks in your garden? Do you like how tall and majestic they become?

I even noticed the bees like the flower. I wonder if there is a hollyhock honey flavour. What do you think?

RISK TAKING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE

Sometimes the younger generation looks at their parents or other adults in their lives thinking "they are so boring and set in their ways!" Don't take any risks! Bungee jumping is not a big risk taker for me- it is just something I would never do. Does getting married while still in university with no money but student loans count? First four years of my marriage, I was at school. Paid off the loans and proceeded to save for the house. Then when the second child was born, Adolph bought into a business- from two incomes to an income and  a quarter plus the business loan. Two children, house, job and helping in the businesses- risk- you better believe it. The average commuter driving in rush hour traffic takes a risk everyday. Travelling to a foreign country- well it is a risk! To me going into avalanche country is actually life threatening! There are many things I do not want to do. Not because I am afraid, it is just I feel I have taken many risks in my life. Going for a new job is a risk for many people. Dare devil risks are insensitive to the people in your life! Stating your opinion while no one agrees with you is a huge risk. Would you swim across a lake without a spotter in a boat beside you? Risk can come with safety features. Backup plans! Change can occur at any time so it may be necessary to take a risk to keep going. To face the change. To face grief. To face a new diagnosis. Are you a risk taker? Have you had enough risk taking in your life? Do you crave for some stability? Tell me your stories. You can comment!

NANA SAYS YOUNG VOLUNTEERS ARE OUR FUTURE

We have many student volunteers ( 15- 21 years) at the hospital. When I was young they were called Candy Stripers because they wore a uniform that looked like a Red and White Candy Cane! Now just wear green. Our High Schools have a community service credit that requires volunteering. Volunteers are a win-win. The young people get a chance to experience a community service and the service has a "workforce" to provide service to our patients. A wheelchair and ride to the door for a patient being discharged; taking cultures to the Lab; delivering flowers or mail to hospitalized patients and any number of small jobs are essential for good patient satisfaction. Other agencies in my region as well as the province benefit from our young volunteers. As employees it is our obligation to be supportive to them. To get into Graduate School, I needed so many community hours to demonstrate I had some experience. For this generation, the requirement has not changed. It does feel good to be assisting with the foundation for the future. How do you use young people in your workplace? Do you find they are a benefit? Do you have a story about one?

A BRIDGE LINKS US

From one point to another. Bridges comes in various sizes and locations. Over roadways, rivers, large gorges, they enable us to travel or find a new path. People in our lives can be like bridges.

Sometimes an extended hand is a bridge for help. "Here let me give you a hand!" A bridge can help anchor us from one event in our lives to the next. If the bridge is out a new route must be found. Who are the bridges in your life? Are you a bridge to someone? Do you have some real concrete bridges where you live? Do you like the view from your bridge?

ALONG A COUNTRY ROAD

A drive along a country road reveals nature at its best. The farms are providing crops that will last throughout the year. Cattle will be fed as many farmers have one crop of feed done and are growing another. I love a drive in the country any time of the year. But summer brings the satisfaction of home grown fruit and vegetables! Do you love your local scene? What brings joy to you? Are there favourite roads and favourite farms?