The months seem to just fly by. It seems like August just started and we are now well on the way toward the end of September. We had a small family gathering to celebrate my birthday, and did ribs on my almost new smoker. They were wonderful, so nice and tender. I also did my favourite chicken-drumsticks on the barbecue. I have a stand they hang on to cook. For the last few minutes of cooking, I put on barbecue sauce. Nice and juicy. We also had twice-baked potatoes and a few salads. I was very lucky to receive so many wonderful gifts. My family knows me well. Along with wine, I received all sorts of chocolate, including a couple Cadburys Fruit and Nut bars, and several boxes of turtles and chocolate covered almonds. I also was lucky enough to get a few things for my garden. I always feel so spoiled when my birthday comes around. I am a very lucky person.

Life is getting very interesting as the kids return back to school. There are different opinions on what is the right thing to do. I’m glad I don’t have to decide. What bothers me is the negativity from teachers unions which seems to have been passed on to the teachers. Now the teachers are complaining about the new Math program. They knew it was coming. From way back when I was a teacher, I seem to remember that each time we had a change of government, we had a new Math program. The programs came with someone talking to us about the changes for a couple of hours, and then that was it, we went ahead and did it. It wasn’t rocket science. Maybe Math is now!

Once again, the Toronto Maple Leafs were out of contention early in the playoffs. Have they forgotten how to win? How many times will our hearts be broken? At least old ladies like me can remember when they won the Stanley Cup. I still have my black and white pictures of one of their victory parades. I hope my memories don’t fade before the Leafs win their next Lord Stanley’s Cup!

One thing that has come out of the pandemic is that we have become more conscious of buying Canadian. So many commercials now mention that their food is grown in Canada, and made in Canada. The Canadian Maple Leaf label is showing up on more products. I think many of us are checking labels to see where things come from. I hope we keep that up even if/when the pandemic is over.

Enjoy upcoming fall, and try to forget that it leads into winter!


About the Author

Linda Calder is a retired teacher. She likes to write and enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys going on cruises, taking pictures and scrapbooking.