CANADA WILL CELEBRATE 150 YEARS IN 2017

As the beginning of thinking about ideas on how to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, what ideas have come to mind? Well not too late to head to Home Hardware or order online from them! They have cloned a special tulip for the celebrations that looks like a Canadian flag- red and white. So buying two boxes containing  25 bulbs each and sharing with my girls- I gave 10 bulbs to each family. Most of my 30 bulbs are planted in various spots as well as large pots. I still need to find spots for the remaining 8.  Rather than just putting them all in one spot, I picked one spot under the tree in the backyard that is visible from the kitchen window.  Needing to find one or two more spots! Why make flowers pretty for neighbours when I really want to see my flowers! So planting spring bulbs in the Fall brings joy in the Spring!  A little project for the 2017 celbrations already started!

OCTOBER LEAVES, NOVEMBER ARRIVES

Denying that cold weather will arrive ends with the start of November. Days are becoming darker much sooner. With the time change next weekend, the reality will set in. How to make a dismal month with the remaining leaves leaving the trees to their bare brown branches  become a wonderful month takes passion! The remainder of yard work to be done in small doses. So being outside with fresh air is good for the soul. Thinking about the outdoor lights for Christmas can be a small project. Attending Remembrance Day services is a must. 3 family birthdays will keep us busy too. Of course Chirstmas shopping will be in full force. Orders from family members for knitted hats, scarves and even a blanket have come my way! So those moments of wanting to watch TV, I can have a little project in my hands. These are good moments. Quiet time knitting or crocheting at a leisurely pace means something is being done. With aging, the pace is a good one. No need to rush. The energy level is not the same! So sitting and doing conserves energy! Looking for photo opportunites with the change of season is a good quiet project too. The end of the month brings some parades. Heh a photo opp! Each  month brings challenges. Each month brings wonderful family time too! How to endorse the people around us can be the greatest gift of any month! What are your thoughts on November?

HALLOWEEN MARKS THE END OF OCTOBER

For children, Halloween is right up there with the celebrations of Christmas. Planning their costumes for months. Parties at home and school. Of course, treat and tricking from door to door. Getting candy or chips or some people give bookmarks. But children prefer candy. The industry around Halloween with the food, costumes and accessories is huge. Lawns decorated for Halloween become a status symbol. Some homes in the GTA go over board enticing many visitors but have a box to collect for some charity of choice.My street has changed from children to empty nesters. So I never know how many children will come to my door. I still give out a  can of pop of choice and candies. I make special bags for my grandchildren who live elsewhere as the first item in their bags. The little boy across the street who is one of the remaining children gets a special bag too. I miss the endless parade of children. Love to see their costumes and joy of just getting something. One year it was wonderful to hear copious thank yous from all the children. Manners do prevail! I am putting out little pumpkins. Decided when my girls were teenagers that carving pumpkins was work. No one here to care. So little ones will be present. So to all the children and adults that need to accompany their little ones have one ghoul time! 

END OF OCTOBER IMAGES

Some Fall images stand out. A quick picture on a country road is one of my favourites. Always liked taking pictures of fences. Especially old barn board ones.

A gazebo is so inviting, even with a Canadian flag. Think of a speech or a wedding picture or a place out of the rain. Always wanted one in by backyard but it never happened.

A fence along a road. Housed some horses. Images can be found everywhere. So my thoughts may be reflecting- don't chain me, a place to meet or dance and don't fence me in!
What images are you capturing lately?

#fallimages#fences#gazebosarebeautiful#fallinontario#lovingthefallcolours#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

WORRY CAN LEAD TO ACTION

Okay some people are just pessimistic worry warts. Not what is meant here. Our little worry voice can make us pay attention to areas of our lives. Did I pay that bill? Should I call that friend? Something comes to our attention and worry creeps in! Worry jolts us to reality. Our reality. Worry can help us be organized. For example, preparing for an event, because we worry about it can bring the needed action of getting the pieces for it done. Positive action of completed functions are good. Life comes with its share of worry. Worrying about the future may mean putting in a good retirement plan. Worrying about a job may mean doing a better job! Being aware of one's surroundings are always good. Positive action, not just knee jerk reaction really help with life. Be careful though, some worry is just useless waste of energy. Try not to worry about everything. Try to keep positive thoughts and energy so action is good.

                    Rake up your worries into one pile. So stop worrying and get going!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN LOVE HALLOWEEN

Second to Christmas, Halloween is so exciting for children. Deciding on the costume starts months in advance. Now with the huge selection, the sky is the limit. I remember as a child wearing one of Mom's old blouses. Wearing makeup was exciting. Now children can be their favourite movie or TV characters.  It still is a fun time to go door to door, escorted of course by parents for safety. Schools with their Halloween parties. Since it is on a Monday this year, there are going to be many parties this Saturday night for children and adults alike! The problem with purchasing Halloween candies too early is many people dip into the stash of little chocolates so often have to buy more for the big day! Adults shelling out at the door can dress up too. It is a fun time for all. Just a few days away!

APPLE PICKING IN CANADA

If there is an orchard near you, still time to pick apples. All kinds grow in Canada. Some are better for pies and others are good for eating. Farmers often have an orchard or two nearby for pick your own. Baskets of picked ones are available! Stored in a fridge or cold cellar apples last for months. Of course supermarkets will continue to have apples in their produce section.

Apples are such a good fruit. Eaten fresh or like many Canadians make apple pies, apple crisp and apple sauce which is good with a pork roast. Delicious, Macintosh, Sparta, Gala and Golden are some of the types grown across the country. The Okanagan, Niagara and Annapolis Valley are 3 locations. Can you name others where this lovely fruit grows? Remember an apple a day keeps the doctor away!