Halloween

Well, the hype is well underway - it's Halloween again!

I drove by a popular costume store and the parking lot was jammed. I hate to say it, but I'm a little relieved that I don't have to go through that anymore. My kids are 17 & 21; well past the trick or treating age.

Having said that, I'll still give out treats at the door. I love seeing the little angels, ghosts, witches, and Harry Potters. I don't even mind the older ones; you know, the teenagers who should have given it up years ago, but just want the free candy bars.

Do you have kids who will be trick or treating?

Will you give out treats at the door?

What will you being doing on Halloween?

Snow!

I can't believe it! I woke up this morning, looked out the window, and saw the trees, roads, sidewalks, and cars covered with a thick coating of snow!

And, it's not even Halloween!

Then, after much inner denial, I resigned myself to the fact that winter is actually coming (ug). And then, something weird happened - slowly, I began to realize that it's actually pretty; almost beautiful.

It's something I struggle with every fall. I know winter is coming, and I try to embrace it, in all it's shining, white glory (I live in ski country, just north of Toronto), but I can't help it, I love the fall & spring; summer & winter, not so much. Summer is just too hot & humid here, and winter, well, it's just too cold. My favorite season is fall - with its colorful, falling leaves, crisp mornings, and sunny, warm afternoons - it's just right (I know, sounds like Goldilocks, right?).

So, I start getting ready for work, I begin to resign myself - I can't actually do anything about it, short of getting a green card, and moving to Florida (I wish!), so I'll try to embrace it . . . let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Did it snow last night where you live?

What are your thoughts on snow - love it, or hate it?

Ontario Public Library Week

Ontario Library Week 2010 is October 17th - 23th.

An annual fall event, Ontario Public Library Week was first announced by the province in 1985, and has since become the focus for promoting public library services in Ontario, Canada.

A strong library system is the cornerstone of a strong community. Ontario Public Library Week recognizes the important contribution Ontario's public libraries make to education, literacy and life-long learning in Ontario communities.

With more than 1,100 service points throughout Ontario, public libraries’ patrons make over 66 million visits to local libraries across Ontario annually. And now, virtually every library branch in the province also provides access to electronic information through the Internet.

Public libraries, dedicated librarians, and devoted volunteers across the province are planning special activities to mark Ontario Public Library Week, and many public libraries are also celebrating Canadian Library Month.

So, check-out your local library, and read!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving. I've often wondered why Canadian and American Thanksgivings are at different times.

Thanksgiving in Canada did not have a fixed date until the late 19th Century, when it was typically held on November 6th. After the end of World War I, Thanksgiving Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies were usually held during the same week. To avoid the two holidays from clashing with one another, in 1957, Canadian Parliament proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on its present date.

Thanksgiving in the United States had typically been observed on different dates throughout history; by the beginning of the 20th Century, the final Thursday in November had become the standard day of Thanksgiving in most U.S. States. It would not be until December 26th, 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, after pushing to move the date earlier to give the county an economic boost, signed a bill into law making Thanksgiving a national holiday fixed to its current date.

Today, Thanksgiving is held on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States of America, and the second Monday of October in Canada.

Every year, around the dining room table, as my family proceeds to eat a bountiful feast (usually turkey with stuffing and gravy; fresh, regional vegetables; and a decadent dessert!) Everyone recounts what they're thankful for. What will I say this year? What am I thankful for? Well, of course, I'm thankful that I'm still here; alive and well, surrounded by my loved ones - my children, my pets. I'm also thankful for being independent; for being able afford all that wonderful food (so many people can't). But, I'm thankful for the gift of writing - I love it so much, and have made many new friends through sharing this gift.

So, tell me, whether you're Canadian and celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, or whether you're American, and celebrating in November, what are you thankful for?

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Have a great weekend!