Happy Birthday Canada, you don't look a day over 145!

For years C and I have had a tradition of heading down to the beach for Canada Day celebrations. We love and cherish most times we spend together, but somehow Canada Day represents something special to us.We both realise that had my family not immigrated to Canada when I was nine, possibly our lives would have been very different. For people, possibly as unpatriotic as Canadians are, Canada Day is the one time of the year when we all stop to think about how lucky we are to live in this great country and we count our blessings and we celebrate.Our day always starts at Waterfront Park and the national anthem, (which C always needs to sing in French (12 years of French immersion school)), speeches by the mayor and by council, the parade of veterans and RCMP, bagpipes and entertainers on the central stage.A couple of days ago I said to C, "we have to get the flag and fly it." And started automatically walking to my bedroom, to the bottom drawer of my dresser, to retrieve my flag. Oops, the dresser and all the contents have been packed away (floors) and are in storage. Well, that takes care of that. So, we thought, how about we wear something red and white. Oops again, our provisional wardrobe doesn't contain any red or white clothes.Thank goodness for The Rotary Club and their supply of little Canadian flag lapel pins.Then, after ceremonies, down to the beach for a suntan and a swim.Lots of people at the beach. This is great, we love people watching and, besides, it helps to remind me that today is a day to have fun and let go of the stresses of life. A recharge day.Here is a pic of serious C at the ceremonies and serious C trying to organise her evening. Had to laugh at the new sunbathing 2013. Must have iPhone! :)It's been a glorious, wonderful morning/afternoon. Evening fireworks to come still. :) Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends. I hope you're enjoying/have enjoyed your day as much as we have ours, and Happy 4th of July coming up to all my American friends. Hope your day is filled with sunshine and family and laughter and love. :)