June is a popular month to move in Canada, especially for families of school-age children. Many feel the end of the school year is the ideal time because it allows their kids to finish one grade at their school and to get to know the new neighbourhood – and possibly new classmates - before the new school year starts.

Moving can be traumatic for both children and adults. Most of us are truly ‘creatures of habit’, so a change in our routine makes us uncomfortable. Familiarizing yourself with the new neighbourhood can ease the transition and put your worries behind you.

Try these practical and useful ways to learn about the new area you call home and the people who live there;

• Check out online maps. The maps and images of our neighbourhoods are excellent for identifying major arteries, parkland, shopping malls, industrial areas, golf courses, etc.
• Go surfing. Check the internet for recommended restaurants, grocery stores, sports facilities, libraries, etc. in your new neighbourhood.
• Pay a visit. If possible, take a bike ride or walk through the neighbourhood before your actual move date to check out the schoolyard, the streets and parks, local shops - a great way to ease children’s fears and allow grown-ups to get to know the lay of the land.
• Sign up. Enroll yourself and your children in activities that will both keep you occupied and provide an opportunity to meet new people in the area. Look for book clubs, sports teams, recreation centres, swimming pool, etc.
• Don’t miss out. Remember to notify all your ‘suppliers’ of your move; phone, newspaper, internet service, etc. so that you do not miss any of your regular services.
• Take a local tour. Most cities offer a range of walking tours, like a tour of local architecture or gardens.
• Say hello. Take all opportunities to get input from those you meet or speak with in the neighbourhood. Even if you are talking by phone with an area business owner, chances are they live in the area themselves or at least know something about it.

“Dads are stone skimmers, mud wallowers, water wallopers, ceiling swoopers, shoulder gallopers, upsy-downsy, over-and-through, round-and-about whoosers. Dads are smugglers and secret sharers.”
~ Helen Thomson

“Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.” - from Jimmy Piersal, baseball player

Happy Father's Day!

Canada turns 142 on July 1st, with towns and cities set to join in the birthday celebrations with fun activities and fireworks across the country. It’s a day to have fun, meet other ‘siblings’ of our country family, and enjoy learning about Canada and the history of Canada Day.

Did j’a know these Canada Day facts;

• A proclamation signed by the Lord Monck, Governor General of Canada on June 20, 1868, called upon Canadians to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.
• The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.
• July 1st was known as Dominion Day until October 27, 1982, because Canada was known officially as the Dominion of Canada.
• Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada's national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination.
• Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally.
• Cross-country television transmission by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation began on Canada Day in 1958.
• 10 villages in Ontario were flooded on Canada Day in 1958 to make way for the St Lawrence Seaway. The villages are now known as the ‘lost villages’.
• Colour television was first introduced to Canada on Canada Day in 1967.
• The Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour, was inaugurated on Canada Day in 1968.

Cleaning Products Not So Enviro-Friendly – Wow, this site is a real eye-opener. It talks about the impact of our choices in cleaning products and how misleading labels and information about the various solutions are and questions the need for these unnecessary chemicals.

Home Renovation Tax Credit Program Details – Planning on fixing up the homestead this summer? You have until February 1, 2010 to take advantage of the Canadian home reno tax credit program. You can get as much as $1350 back! All sorts of things are covered. Check out the details at this site.

Graduation Gift Ideas – Somehow selecting a suitable grad gift seems tougher than other occasions. Maybe it’s because graduating means different things to different people, meaning gift choice is wide open. Or perhaps it’s because we don’t buy grad gifts every year like other occasions, so it’s all new to us. Whatever the reason, this site had some good ideas. Hope you find it helpful, too.

Gift Card Ideas for Teachers – Getting something useful is always a good approach to gifts for teachers. Gift cards ensure the gift will be appreciated while still allowing you to choose the theme and store, something in line with the teacher’s hobbies and interests.

 “What is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.”
~ James Russell Lowell

Canada Day Quiz – Martin, age 9, says, “Canada turns 142 on July 1st and we are going to watch fireworks – and do other stuff, too. My mom also found this quiz. I got most of them right. Try it and see how well you do. It’s fun.”

Spot the Animals – Nina, age 8, says, “I like to play these games. You are supposed to find all the animals hidden in the picture. I found them all except the skunk. You try.”

Fishing Tips – Andrew, age 11, says, “My brother takes me fishing all the time in the summer. I’ve learned a lot from him, like how to set the hook and stuff. It makes it more fun when you know how to do it. This site has some good tips you should check out. Have fun fishing!”

Swimming Pool Games – Sasha, age 13 says, “My year end pool party is going to be so much fun! Everyone will be there. I have lots of stuff planned including these really cool pool games. Check them out.”

Save time with this tip. Enabling the Microsoft Windows XP mouse Snap To feature will automatically move your mouse cursor to the default button on any dialog box that appears on Windows. No more need to move you mouse cursor to the "Ok" button each time a dialog box appears – it’s already there.

To enable Microsoft Windows XP mouse Snap To feature;
1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Mouse icon
3. In the Mouse Properties window click the Pointer Options tab and check the "Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialog box" option.

Got a few screws loose? Screws are always a more secure and permanent choice than nails for joining wood, but even screws can fail. When vibration or stress causes screws to work their way out of the wood, simply retightening them is rarely a solution with any staying power, unless you eliminate the source of the vibration and stress.

Using a longer screw can do the job in some situations, but when that isn’t suitable, try inserting a few wooden tooth picks and a little wood glue into the hole before retightening the screw. Let it dry thoroughly before using. The tooth picks should help tighten up the hole and secure the screw.

“I tried switching to gum but I couldn't keep it lit.” ~ Anon

“Everybody pulls for David, nobody roots for Goliath.” ~ Wilt Chamberlain

“I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.” ~ Rodney Dangerfield

“Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.” ~ Bob Hope