Things I love about the prairies of Canada and the people who live there…

Enjoying one of the 100,000 lakes in Manitoba

Ok, so this is coming as seen through my mixed up American/European glasses, but being  immersed once again back in my Canadian "Mennonite" home has reminded me of differences and aspects that I find refreshing and very much love about Canada and Canadians. 


So here are a few of them:

Lo……ng summer days…well, it is way up there in the north.

No mountains here, but just look at the contours of those amazing prairie skies…

They value the importance of connection and belonging to a family. 
In Phil's Mennonite heritage background, everyone seems related to everyone. You just have to find the connection.

Phil and his brothers

Cousins

Jesus, church, and fellowship are important (All you Steinbach EMCers, we love you!)

Tuning into CBC while on the road

They can laugh at themselves… If you gets a chance, listen to “This is That” on Canadian CBC radio, and you will know what I am talking about.

They take their shoes off at the front door... ( so all that snow stays out).
Sorry, no picture of this one.

Can't miss going to the MCC thrift store in Steinbach!

 
They have great thrift- and used- book stores!

My favorite!

Wholesome, healthy, homemade food around the table: farmer sausage, vrenike, and rhubarb desserts and pies! (Well, not everything can be healthy J) 

 
 Summer outdoor festivals

Ballet in the park (Winnipeg)

 







They apologize even when there is no reason to.... just because they are nice… I’ve even seen buses  say “SORRY” because they were out of service.

Ev's beautiful garden

Their gardens and their lawns are beautiful and keep them busy all summer long (which is only 3 months).

We very much enjoyed visiting the new Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg

They are very politically correct…unlike us Americans.

They welcome foreigners, without building walls ;-)

They think that their US neighbors down south have really gone nuts this last little while.

And I think most of all I love that they have “welcomed me home”...me, the sometimes outspoken, blunt, mixed up Euro-American with a first-nations background,  when I show up every other year for a much too briefvisit.

Thank you Canada.  I can’t wait to be back! .....in the summer!