How to Prepare for Winter Driving in a Cold Country like Canada

Our older son now lives and works in the U.S. However he does come home every Christmas for the holidays and a couple of other times for other special occasions.

He was coming home this weekend for a special annual high school reunion  party with his friends. This reunion party is a tradition among his high school group male buddies and it has been going on for years.
My son comes home from New York every year in the middle of winter for this event. So it must be quite a special time for them! I asked my son what they did at this party, to which he replied, laughing mischievously,

 " All the guys' stuff like smoking cigar, eating, playing cards, spitting etc."

Since my son would fly in Toronto on Friday evening and immediately driving up to the cottage for his guys' party, I have been paying special attention to the weather since last week. Winter driving in Canada can be treacherous depending on the weather and road conditions.

Talking about weather is a daily topic in our lives as we are keenly aware of the impact rain, freezing rain, snow, ice, blizzard, storm, temperature, wind chill etc can have on the driving conditions. Driving in bright daylight can be difficult if there is a heavy snow fall or in a white out condition. However, driving in the night is even more difficult and dangerous because the temperature can drop and plunge down between ten to twenty degrees from day to night.

Each year, there are inevitably Canadians get stuck in traffic accidents on the highway or remote area during the cold winter days. Many are lucky enough to come out unscathed while at times some lost their lives under these unfortunate circumstances.  Being well prepared for winter driving is crucial for driver and passenger safety. The weather condition can change quickly and temperature could plummet which can drastically affect the driving condition. Therefore, it is imperative that there are emergency supplies in the vehicle if one is driving out of town or traveling for a long distance.

Since, E. would not have time to stop in Toronto long enough to prepare for his winter driving, I made sure  he has the following supplies in case of an emergency:

- Things to keep warm - a warm blanket, warm clothing, gloves, hat
-  Food - water, juice boxes, chocolate, cookies, high energy food bars
-  Safety - flash light, candles and a box of matches, orange safety vest, box of salt to melt ice, air compressor,and some tool in a tool box

I thank God that His has sent angels to protect us in our travels. Even though we have never  used these emergency supplies for the past many years, we still need to do our part and be well prepared for winter driving in Canada.

R.T.
Toronto

Getting my Writing done in My Crazy World

My younger son came home for this week. He wanted to get away from all the distractions in his own apartment in downtown Toronto so that he could have some peace and quiet for a little while. He was as good as his words, leaving his laptop behind and bringing himself only to our house.

Due to the cold weather and the long months we have to stay indoors, Canadians tend to furnish their homes with all sorts of toys and entertainment gadgets so that we could stay indoor comfortably and be entertained.
For those who can afford it,  we love to surround ourselves with 52 inch screen TV sets, video game machines, karaoke singing machines, exercising bikes, rowing machines ( though we rarely use them!) sauna, hot tubs ( though we may only use them a few times a year) etc. We have made our homes so comfortable and self sufficient that we just want to stay there, relax and enjoy ourselves.

I have the same relaxing attitude when I am home. I also find my own house too distracting as well. I can be puttering around all day in our home without getting anything accomplished. Turing on the T.V set, I would  be relaxing on the couch, sipping my tea and watching a bit of news, or I can cook up something over the stove in the kitchen, or I could re-arrange the cushions and furniture in the living room, watering the plants and deadheading them or trying on my clothes and tidying up the closets. There are so many things to keep me busy at home that I could hardly find time to write or do anything.

When I really want to write, post a blog or something, I find that I am much more efficient and productive if I work away from home. Finding a cafe close by, be it a Second Cup, Starbucks, Tim Hortons or McDonald's, I plunk my laptop down, purchase a coffee grande and start pecking on the keyboard. This is the only way I could get my writing done, away from my quiet comfortable house and seated in a restaurant or cafe with many people and activities around me!

Occasionally, I would like to get away from it all: obligations, commitments, daily chores and distractions.
Through my research, I found a couple of places.

1.  Queen of Apostle in Mississauga - www.qoa.ca, This renewal centre is about 40 minutes drive from Toronto. A calm and quiet place for people who wish to get away for a day or two to reflect and mediate in a natural beautiful setting.

2.   Marylake Monastery - 905-833-5368
 
At times when I need to get away without going too far, I will book myself and maybe my husband into this place to refocus my energy and reflect on the priorities in life.

R.T.
Toronto  

Exercising at the Gym but Forgot to Eat Breakfast

I was so darn busy this morning! I am leading a retirement life but I am as busy as ever. In order to keep up with my computer skills and my mind sharp, I took up a consultant job at one of the high tech companies and with the agreement that I only work there one day a week. However, this is enough to keep me hopping around as I have also agreed to work more hours when the company needs me in special situations.

This morning, I rushed to the company for a meeting and did not have time for breakfast. I realized that was not good for me as I was going to a session with Joyce at 11:30am. Instead of cancelling the training session, I told Joyce, my personal trainer, that I would not be able to do strenuous exercises such as weight lifting as I did not eat much breakfast except for a cup of coffee with sugar and a glass of orange juice.

A pro is a pro!!! Joyce did not get upset at me, she understood my busy schedule and considered my physical condition and came up with an alternative group of exercises for me so that I would not waste my time coming to the gym. ( Neither did she want to see me fainting from low blood sugar while doing my training!)

I enjoyed these exercises and they were effective in reducing the pain in my hamstrings. Today's exercises included:

1. Body weight squat- 12 times, a warm up exercise, no problem   for me!

Mid hang Clean Press

2. Mid hang clean press - This was a new exercise for me and it took me sometime to get the sequences of this exercise. It is an excellent exercise as it combines three exercises into one:

The squat, weight lifting and and hand and grip strength

I like this exercise as I could feel I am gaining strength in my hands!






3. Step up
4. Step up with weight ( 15 lb dumb bell) on my shoulders

Getting Ready for the V Boat Pose

V Boat

5. V Boat - The V Boat works your core and lower back.
It looked easy but when I tried it, I could only hold my body in this pose for a maximum of 48 seconds. I hope to improve in this exercise.

Froggie Leaps

 6. Froggie leaps - This is a cardio exercise and I could really feel it after I did my first set of 10 times.

I finished my previous year's training sessions and because they helped me so much in building up my strength and reducing pains that I have just signed up for another year of training with a personal trainer. Joyce L. really rocks! She is the best trainer anyone could have from the Goodlife Gym!

Thanks, Joyce for motivating me and keep me on track in my fitness program and keeping me healthy!!!

Retired Boomer, Toronto
February 20, 2013
p.s. All Pictures in this entry are from Google Images

Salute to the World's First Armless Certified Air Pilot!

I was at my friends' party, when her one year old son was trying to climb up the stair to get to the second floor of the house. This little kid was quite careful, pressing on each step firmly with his two hands. After he placed his hands on the step, then he raised one leg, placed it on the lower step, then the next leg.  When he achieved stability on one step, he proceeded to the next step with his two hands again. I was watching him admiring his determination to climb these steps

All of a sudden, his mom came screaming, telling him to stop, picked him up and carried him away saying that this was too dangerous for him.  I have parents lamented to me on numerous occasions about their kids  not strong enough to do certain things and would not allow them to go on camping trips.

This same protective attitude repeats itself many times on  playgrounds, in schools and even throughout the lives of some university students. I heard of those parents who cooked, packed and labelled all the meals for their university aged sons/ daughters to take back for the following week when they come home for the weekend from university. Some even drive and deliver these meals every weekend to them at the university campus. Small wonder why some of these university graduates could not do things or find jobs for themselves upon graduation because some parents would not allow their grown children to find a job outside of their home city.

This parental overprotective attitude contrasts sharply with the young woman reported on news last weekend.

Jessica Cox - an armless woman, caught my attention as I listened to the BBC news in our kitchen. Jessica, born in Arizona, USA, made history last weekend as she became the first armless certified pilot in the world!

It was amazing watching her performing all the daily tasks with her feet such as combing her  hair, getting dressed, playing piano, eating with chopsticks, driving etc. It seemed that there was nothing Jessica cannot do for herself.

It would have been so easy for Jessica to simply give up, do nothing, sit and complain all day about how unlucky and unfair life has dealt her. Instead, she accepts the disabilities in her life, works hard to overcome difficult barriers and seeks alternative ways to carry out her daily chores.

Though armless, Jessica leads an independent and productive live. Refusing to be held back by her physical disabilities,  Jessica has a very positive and determined attitude towards life. She appears to enjoy life to the fullest, taking part in various sports and is having fun while doing it.

I love hearing inspirational stories such as this and I admire brave people like Jessica. They are our real hero in society. While so many people complain about what they don't have in life and are dissatisfied with what they have, Jessica inspires us with her positive can do attitude. Next time, if your friend grumbles about the misfortune life has given him/ her, tell her about Jessica and how she has made a wonderful life for herself!

For parents who are afraid to let their children do anything on their own, please look at what Jessica could do for herself! Never underestimate what children/ people can do when they are determined to do so!

R.T. Toronto 

The Greatest Gifts Parents Could Give to Their Children

I was sad to learn of the passing of Tod's father. Last Saturday Joseph and I went to the Grace Church in New Market to attend his father's memorial service.

The service started at 10:30a.m. and we got there around 10:12a.m. By then, the church was almost packed. It was a big church with traditional wood paneled ceiling. But instead of long wooden pews fixed on the ground, there were padded chairs arranged in rows in the sanctuary.

I had never met Todd's wife or his family members. As the service progressed, I got to know most of the family members and the senior Mr. Rodman after family members went up to the altar and took part in the program to honour him .

It was a beautiful meaningful service as Todd and his brother shared what they remembered about their beloved dad. Todss's brother wrote a poem to express his feelings while Todd shared with us his thoughts eloquently.

Todd remembered three things about his father:

1 .His dad taught him how to build things with his hands
2. His dad instilled in him the value of doing his best in everything he did which helped Todd develop his good work ethnics later on in life.
3. His dad always put other people first and lived out Jesus' love. Todd recalled how much his dad loved his mom and would do everything for her. Todd acknowledged that he learned how to love his wife from his father.

It was a touching ceremony and I was deeply touched by what Todd said about his father and the things he had learned from him. As a parent, I reflected on what Todd said about his father.

To me, there is no greatest gift which parents could give to their children than teaching them the words of God and helping them to build a strong faith in Christ. Parents ( and friends) leave us eventually no matter how much they love us . However, if our children believe In God, they could always turn to Him.

Have I done a good job like Todd's father did? Todd's father has left indelible marks on his two sons' lives and made significant and positive impact in the development of their spiritual lives. Have I helped my two sons to know God and build their faith? Would my sons be able to follow God and have such strong faith in Him?  Can my two adult sons see Jesus' love through my daily live and be compassionate and caring to others like Christ?   Have I done my best and be great parents to them?

I admit that I made many mistakes in child rearing and my biggest regret was not reading and teaching God's words to them when they were young. Now that our sons have grown up and live away from home, I pray that God would give us opportunities to share His words and pray with them whenever they come home to visit.

I would consider we have given our sons the greatest gift if they could see and learn the love of Christ from our lives just like Todd has from his dad;  they would do their best in everything they do and be compassionate and helpful to those who are less fortunate than they.

May God help us and parents everywhere!

R.T. Toronto

Tired of Winter? Try Ice Fishing !

Canada has a long winter but it does not mean that Canadians are staying  indoor all the time.

There are many winter activities we can enjoy outside. For those lucky few who live in the countryside, close to a lake, there are many fun things people can do once the lakes are frozen over, usually in January ad February.

A Winter Farm Scene - Keswick, Ontario

Today we visited a small lakeside town, Keswick, about fifty km  north of Toronto  People young and old were out there in the middle of the frozen lake doing different winter activities.

Snowmobiling - A Favorite Winter Sport in Canada

It was a beautiful winter day with crisp fresh air caressing our faces. The temperatures were around minus 7, but we were dressed for our winter walk - boots, long warm winter pants, gloves, hats, scarves and layers of clothing which kept us toasty warm.



For those who enjoy the thrill of speed, snowmobiling is a favorite sport for them.

 As we were walking towards the lake, three snowmobiles sped by us.

Having Fun on the Frozen Lake!

With the lake frozen over, there is a complete different landscape on the lake.

Dotting the surface of the frozen Lake Simco were numerous snowmobilers racing across the lake as well as small ice fishing huts with die hard fishermen in them huddling over the ice fishing openings.

Ice Fishing Hut in Keswick, Ontario

Each ice fishing hut is registered and labelled clearly with a number above its door and the huts have to be removed off the lake by a certain date.

Ice fishing is a winter sport many Canadians enjoy in our long winter season.

Drilling a Hole for Ice Fishing

In Keswick, you'll need a fishing license to fish regardless whether it is summer or winter.  With the purchase of a fishing license,we were told that you could catch up to 50 fish a day!

To do ice fishing, one will need to drill a hole through the frozen lake.    Using an auger,  the ice fisher drills a hole about 8 inch in diameter through the frozen ice to get to the water below.

The drilling takes about five minutes before the auger reaches the water.

Getting the Ice out of the Opening

A large ladle is used to remove the ice pieces a few times from the new opening. Voila! the opening is ready and a fishing line can be dropped into the opening to catch the fish.

Setting Up a Tent on the Frozen Lake

 Instead of renting and paying for a ice fishing hut on the lake, there is another option.

Some people prefer to bring their own tents and set it up right on the lake.

Protected from the Elements in the Tent

With the tent set up, the little ones ( and the big fellows alike) can take a rest,  be sheltered from the cold temperatures and enjoy the fun activities our Canadian winter has to offer!

Having Fun on a Frozen Lake - Flying a Kite on Skies

The most interesting winter sport we saw today out on the lake was a couple of people on skies and flying a colourful kit at the same time.

( Not sure what it is called - ski kiting, maybe? I'll need to look that up.)

Add caption

If you are tired of winter and staying in your comfortable house, why not come out and enjoy one of the many winter sports?

Once you have experienced the beauty of the winter scenery and the refreshing outdoor air, you will enjoy and look forward to our winter!

R.T.  Keswick, Ontario, Canada

Celebrating the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year Dinner at the Mandarin Buffet Restaurant

The Lunar New Year! A time for families to get together and millions around the world to celebrate this weekend! Our family is no exception as we all got together and celebrated the Lunar New Year with all the members of the extended families as well.

New Year - A Time for Family Get Together

Mom treated everyone to the Lnuar New Year dinner at the Mandarin Restaurant on Steeles and Woodbine Ave. in Richmond Hill. We all decided on the Mandarin as our families are multicultural with different races and diverse eaters such as vegetarians and vegans. We wanted everyone's dietary needs be accommodated.  With its buffet style and wide variety of food choices, why not?

We were told that there would be two seatings. One at 5:30pm and the other at 8:00pm. We chose the 5:30pm seating since there were a few little ones attending. Though expensive, the restaurant was busy! Many families were there for their Chinese New Year Eve dinner too.

 This yearly family reunion dinner is an important Chinese tradition. It was reported on BBC news that China has the largest migration in the past week as 200 million Chinese were trying to get back home for the family New Year Eve dinner.

Married Relatives Getting Ready to Give Out the Red Pockets

There are many interesting Chinese New Year traditions such as cleaning one's house really well before the New Year, buying and wearing new clothes on the day, decorating the house with flowers and seasonal writings and every kid's favorite - the giving of the Red Pocket to children and the unmarried people.

On Christmas Day in North America, families receive and open presents whereas on Chinese New Year's Day, Chinese kids and unmarried people will receive Red Pocket from their parents and married relatives.

Receiving the Red Pockets from Married Relatives

Red Pockets are envelopes with money in them. According to tradition, only married people can give them out. The contents of these red pockets could be from 25 cents to $10, $20 or any amount, depending on the giver's generosity and his/her affordability. It is important that the receiver does not open the red pocket in front of the giver as not to embarrass the giver if the amount is small.)

In our family, we don't let the people receive the red pocket without making an effort for it. Each receiver needs to go up to wish the giving relative with a new year greeting in Chinese!

Sally\s First Red Pocket!

It could be a challenging task if one does not know the language. Each kid and adult knows to practice a few sayings before heading to the New Year Dinner.

Kids are usually all dressed up in red or in their new year clothes for the Chinese New Year Dinner and are excited and look forward to receiving these red pockets!

Look at all the Red Pockets I got!

Look at my grandniece's take from just one dinner!

As for me,I always love family dinners. I am also glad that I have a second chance to make my New Year resolutions!

I might have broken the resolutions made on January 1, but each year, I can have another opportunity to make them again during the Lunar New Year. I just pray that I would be able to keep them and achieve my goals!

R.T. Toronto

A New Canadian Citizen is Born!

Saif - Celebrating with Tim Horton's

Feb.4, 2013

"I am now a Canadian!" with two boxes of Tim Horton donuts in his hands, Saif said excitedly as he entered the company's lunch room this afternoon.

Saif, a young man in his twenty's, one of our colleagues at the company where I now work part time, was away this morning. I was wondering if he was sick or away on a business trip for the company.

He came bouncing in, full of energy, excitement and happiness. I have worked with Saif for the past couple of years and I haven't seen him this excited! He is also about to get married so this might explain why he was in such high spirit this afternoon.

Saif Showing off his Maple Leaf Pin

" I went to the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony this morning.  I got sworn in before a judge with many other new Canadians. My family was there to see me and they took pictures. The judge gave me my citizen certificate, shook my hands and congratulated me afterwards." Saif shared his joyful experience of becoming a Canadian as he showed off his brand new Canadian maple leaf pin to us.

It is exciting for new immigrants to take part in the Citizen Ceremony and become a Canadian. Being a citizen of Canada - is something we are very proud of. Canada, a country of freedom, opportunities and equality. With so many parts of the world in turmoil politically and economically, Canada is viewed as the heaven and refuge for many around the world. Yes, as Canadians,  we enjoy many benefits of what this great country has to offer, namely freedom, democracy, high standard of living and free universal health care. But Canadians also have our responsibilities to live up to - paying taxes, which, many are not happy about.

I am upset whenever I go shopping and hear some shoppers bargain with shopkeepers saying, " Give it to me cheaper, I don't want to pay any taxes." Recently, we had some annual maintenance work performed on our home heating system. Upon completing his work, this employee asked me to pay him cash so that I could save on paying taxes to the government. I recognized this employee because he was here doing the same service call and he asked me the same question last year. I was speechless !!! How could a proper Canadian company blatantly asked and encouraged its customers not to pay taxes!!!

I was visibly shocked by his questions and the intent to evade taxes which pay to support the many services and benefits Canadians enjoy. I took out my cheque book and told him that I would pay taxes because I support Canada and believe in our tax system. I was upset enough that I called this company and complained to the management about this. I have not heard back from the management yet. But I intend to follow up on this issue.

Being Canadians have many benefits and resposibilites. I enjoy this great country and I intend to honour my responsibilities!

R.T. Toronto

In the Midst of a Serious Snow Storm in Toronto

My Car Stuck on the Driveway today

It has been snowing really heavily since last night! We have over 23 cm of snow in a day. I did not go anywhere today. I am still in my nice warm housecoat since this morning. Why bother changing into regular clothes as I would not be going anywhere today?

My car is stuck in our drive way. The snow is so high that I would not be able to drive it out on the road. So I decided to just stay in our house today instead of going out.

Glad I was Inside today instead of driving in the snow storm!

I made myself some coffee and warm toasts. Sitting in front of the living room window and looking out, I saw a beautiful winter wonderland picture:

Everything is covered in clean white snow including the bird houses, tree stumps in my garden to trees, branches and benches to the few cars moving slowly on the street, while snow flakes dancing around and winds whirling. I love it!

Our Bird Houses Blanketed with Snow

With a cup of hot coffee warming my hands, a beautiful winter scenery outside, and my laptop computer, I am enjoying the quietness and beauty of a Canadian winter in the middle of February!

While I am singing and enjoying this beautiful scenery, I thought to myself that I sure am glad that I am not the one driving on the roads or traveling anywhere by plane because it has been messy on the roads, traffic congestion everywhere with some major exits blocked on the highway.

A Picture of Calm and Tranquility - from My Perspective

It has been more than five years since southern Ontario has seen so much snow. Many school buses cancelled and go buses delayed. Some schools have been closed and there have been flight and bus cancellations.

Ontario, along with other places in the U.S.: New York, New Jersey and Maine are in the path of this snow blizzard. It has been a travesty walking or driving on the roads. The temperature currently is - 11degree, with winter snow storm warning and very low visibility.

Enjoying the Winter Wonderland Scene from Our Living Room Window

This tranquil snow scenery I am admiring from my living room window contrasts sharply with the road conditions elsewhere which makes me realize one thing: We all have different perspectives on what happens in life from where we are. What I see is a beautiful winter wonderland picture from the warmth and comfort of my home is a nightmare for travelers, drivers and passengers out on the roads. I thank God for reminding me that next time when I hear people complaining about certain things which I don't agree with, I need to take time and see things from their perspectives  because what I think is wonderful could be really ugly and miserable for others.

R.T. Toronto, Canada
In the middle of a severe snow storm