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! I 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.

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!

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!

Memorial Day - and Any Day - Bubbles - Just for the Fun of It!

Today I'm happy to share with you a link to  Country Woman Magazine with another link to the blog How Does She . . . all these links led to really simple, inexpensive and fun directions for making amazing bubbles! I thought this would be a great idea to try with your grandchild(ren) this Memorial Day, so take a moment to check this link and get ready to amaze and delight your grandchild(ren) by showing them how to make these incredible bubbles! 

Today is Devil's Food Chocolate Cake Day

  

Nationaltoday.com says, "Devil’s food cake is not your ordinary chocolate cake. It’s a unique mix of ingredients that brings out the chocolate. Recipes often call for boiling water, instead of milk, and some even add coffee to bring out the chocolate flavor! Mixing science with desserts, the cake gets its darker color from its higher pH levels due to the added baking soda. The cake uses cocoa instead of chocolate squares, making it even fluffier! Some say the cake gets its name to distinctly contrast from the Angel’s food cake, which is much lighter in comparison. As more and more types of cakes have been created over the years, “devil’s food cake” is often used as a catch all name for a super-chocolatey cake that doesn’t have nuts."

Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" about Banff National Park

One of the things I have found to be wonderful about the USA are the National Parks - especially Lassen National Park. The National Parks belong to the people and give us the opportunity to see and experience amazing places and incredible beauty. So, this "Lost Canadian" is very happy to learn Canada also has National Parks, so over the coming days, I am very happy to let you know about these places of wonder throughout Canada, starting with Banff National Park in Alberta -

grandma's cookbook - No-Bake Cookies!

Around my house there is a cookie which whenever I make them, never stays around for long . . . the no-bake cookie! And, since today is going to be hot - in the 80s and humid - a no-bake cookie is definitely the kind of cookie to make if you are making cookies today! Try my grandma's recipe with your grandchildren . . . it is sure to become a family favorite!