Wow, another month with so much to talk about.
I continue to watch what is happening in Ukraine. So much horror, violence and destruction and yet the Ukrainian spirit is still strong in spite of all of this. There have been so many senseless deaths including children. Millions have fled their own country as places are no longer habitable. One can only hope that this terrible regime under Vladimir Putin will end soon. It will take Billions to rebuild these towns and cities. Who knows the psychological effects on this and future generations will be. I hope that Putin is held criminally responsible for war crimes. When I lived in Ukraine I purchased a beautiful display of framed wildflowers. I look at this daily with hope for the future. It brings me a little ray of sunshine in these horrific times.
I was up to see my Grandchildren Charli and Kennedy for March break. I took a break from all the media as well. I felt like I could breathe again. Seeing your son, daughter-in-law and the Grands really put things in perspective. We had so much fun. We played numerous games together. We met with some friends again. So many awesome meals were enjoyed both at a restaurant and at home. We made almond crescents together. These were a hit at Christmas and both the girls helped me this time. They didn’t come out as crescents, but it didn’t matter as they all tasted the same. We made a double batch which were over half gone before I left. I also made meatloaf and rice pudding for one meal. The rice pudding is my mother’s recipe made with carnation milk. It is a slow bake that thickens over time and almost has a caramel flavour. The girls were not too excited about it, so it left more for Jay and I. Bonus.
I also met my fellow classmate Barb at Tim’s to go over plans for our 50th+1 anniversary from Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. It is so hard to believe that we have been nurses for 51 years now. We have reservations for Fern Resort in the Fall. We will be right on the lake in their cabins. We always have a fun-filled three days with plenty of activities including swimming in the pool and the Lake. The food is always amazing. The best part is catching up to all our classmates. I think there are only one or two still working. I remember being a student nurse and thinking that 50 years was a long time and that wouldn’t the nurses be old. Well here I am now and I am older, but don’t feel old yet!
We have been planning for some time in our trailer. We will take our little Bella camping in May to see how she does. We have the Grands coming from Barrie to stay with us in our driveway for a week in July. They love camping out in our trailer. They will get to meet our puppy too. Also in July, I will head out East to visit with family, including my four Grandchildren. We hope to visit P.E.I. while there. In August we will again visit Barrie’s KOA for a fun-filled weekend with the Barrie Grands. There are so many things to look forward to this year.
While I was in Barrie my classmate Barb gave me my second booster shot as I am still on prednisone for PMR. It was pretty awesome to get it from her.
We have been back to Forest City Toastmasters in person for two weeks now. As well, we have been doing this online on Zoom. We purchased Owl Pro which makes it easy to connect with those in-person and online. It shows in person members to Zoomers in 360 Degrees. The eyes of the Owl follow you around as you move to the lectern. This all makes it easier for those members who have moved away or indeed want to join us from other locations in Canada or abroad. This has been so exciting for us all. It also seemed to be a very simple setup for us.
Next week I start teaching again with Ontario Health one day a week for 6 weeks. This course is called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. This is the first course I took in person and then signed up to be a volunteer co-leader. I love teaching and seeing members learn and grow.
Many ups and downs have happened this past month. I try to stay optimistic for the most part. I went to the Spring Market on Kellogg’s Lane and tied a ribbon to a frame after making a wish. I am sure you can guess my wish! What a beautiful art display this will be. Finished ones are already gracing the walls.
My daughter had Covid recently, as have many of my friends who were all vaccinated. Thank goodness it was a milder reaction for all as the health care system continues to struggle. One thing I appreciate is the fact that they are fast-tracking foreign nurses and Doctors. Some good does come out of all this!
May you stay well as Spring finally lets go of winter.
Take care and always be kind not only to others but to yourselves.
Yours in health.
Sue