Friday, May 22, 2026

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Bruce Peninsula National Park

Growing up in Michigan, Canada has been a close neighbor - particularly Ontario, so I was very happy to learn about Bruce Peninsula National Park - one of Canada's largest protected areas in Ontario. It looks like a place I would love to visit!

crafting with grandma - Eclectic Purse with a Sense of Whimsy and Fun!!!

I enjoy getting a new purse. I enjoy crocheting. I enjoy an eclectic "sense" of things matching or going together, yet not matching (for example, my dishes match because they are all Fiesta Square Plates, but they do not match because they each are different colors!) I enjoy a sense of "whimsy" and "fun"! So . . . when I was browsing on Pinterest  and saw a purse which fit all these things, I was inspired to try and make one of my own!!!

crafting with grandma . . . Sock Monster Puppet!!

I found a tutorial for making the cutest sock monster puppet on Pinterest several years ago . . . it would certainly make a fun Children's Day gift (which is on June 14th) - or the supplies so the children you love can make their own! Just follow the link and you'll find a tutorial with five simple steps to make your own "monster" . . . it is a great idea for all those extra socks when the dryer "eats" one and you are left with miss-matched socks!

crafting with grandma - Father's Day Photo of Love!

 

If you are looking for ideas, other than a tie :-), which you could help your grandchild give to their dad for Father's Day, check out this wonderful idea I found on Pinterest for more than just a photo . . . a Photo of Love!!!

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Auyuittuq National Park

As I've written, I am so happy to learn Canada values their National Parks and while some countries are trying to reduce their National Parks and the protections those areas have historically had in place, Canada is not only continuing to protect their National Parks, but they are increasing them as well. I have been learning about these amazing places across Canada and today I'm writing about Auyuittuq National Park, which is a national park located on Baffin Island's Cumberland Peninsula, in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. 

crafting with grandma - Crayon Hearts

 

I found a wonderful idea on Pinterest . . . crayon hearts! You can make these from bits and pieces of old, broken crayons . . . rather than throw those old crayons away! It is very simple and fun - a great craft for you to make with your grandchildren!

grandma's cookbook - Apple-Cinnamon Pull-Apart Loaf

   

I live in West Michigan - in the heart of apple country. There are apple orchards all around this area - one is just down the street from where I live. So it is no wonder we tend to enjoy apples around here!

Pair Eyewear - The Glistening Threads!

Yes, I have another new topper for my glasses from Pair Eyewear  - The Glistening Threads! While I would have liked to be able to see the purple "threads" better, and wouldn't mind if there were more blue "threads", I do really love the colorful and unique look of this top!

Pair says, "The colorful lines motif featured in The Glistening Threads Top Frame and Glisten's logo represents intersecting identities and the connection between members of the LGBTQ+ community." I love this new topper - the colors, the design, everything about it - including how it is part of the Pride Collection for this year.  Since 2022, Pair has been a proud partner of @glistencommunity– an incredible organization which creates inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ youth. A portion of the sales from this collection goes to Glisten's mission.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Aulavik National Park

I believe it says a lot about a country for them to set aside land to be preserved as a National Park - and Canada has 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, covering an area of approximately 343,377 km2 (132,579 sq mi), or about 3.3% of the total land area of Canada, and representing 31 of its 39 natural regions. I've written so far about Banff and Akami− Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains - today I'm writing about another, Aulavik in the Northwest Territories . . . 

Summer Outdoor Fun!

  

As I browsed on Pinterest one day, I noticed the plans for making giant outdoor games . . . so I took a closer look! The games look like they would be great fun for a family to play on a warm summer day! Set them up on a deck, driveway, sidewalk . . . and then have fun all summer long!

grandma's cookbook - Oreo & Fudge Ice Cream Cake

Summer is almost upon us, so I thought I'd get you ready by sharing a recipe I found as I browsed the Kraft recipes - I came across a recipe which left me with only one word I could say . . . WOW!!!!! Chocolate pudding, Cool Whip (although I think you could easily substitute real whipping cream in this recipe), Oreos, Chocolate Fudge topping and Ice Cream Sandwiches . . . mix all together and you have a dessert which will leave everyone who eats it saying, "WOW!!!!"

More Summer Fun . . . Water Balloon Pinatas!!!

Okay, if you want to be prepared for the upcoming hot summer days when the children you love are at your house, what could possibly sound more fun than making - and  breaking - water balloon pinatas???!!! Just think of all the fun you could have with your grandchildren and a bag of balloons!!! I found this idea on  Pinterest and then bought a bag of balloons, because as much as my grands love to play in and with water, I knew this was something they were sure to LOVE - and they did!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" about Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve

I am very happy today to let you know about a truly beautiful place in the Labrador region of Newfoundland and Labrador. This National Park has been a park for eleven years and is in the Labrador region of Newfoundland and Labrador. I absolutely LOVE how Canada is still protecting their land by making National Parks - this says so much about Canada as a country! So, lets take a look at  Akami−Uapishkᵘ −KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve . . .

A Simple, Meaningful and Personal Father's Day Craft . . .

 

If you are looking for an idea for Father's Day - which is four weeks away, check this one I found on Pinterest! I love how personal it is and how it gives you a way to involve even your youngest grandchildren!