GRAND Magazine Vol V Ed II

Stretch Out in the Shade & Read

When my husband is deployed, my parents like to step in and help. However, since they live in Ontario, we have to be creative on what that help looks like. One thing that works for us is to have them read my boys bedtime stories over the internet. My children love snuggling up on the couch and listening to my mom read to them. If you love reading with your grandchildren, here are a few new books you can try.

A current favourite for my boys is Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure, a graphic novel by

Penny and Pizza. I was not expecting a book about lint to be exciting, but after reading it 100 times in two days, I can assure you, it’s hilarious. My boys laugh from page one until the very end. The pictures and text are great. For ages 5 to 9.

Another story you might enjoy is Itzel and the Ocelot by Rachel Katstaller (Kids Can Press, 2022). In this story Itzel and her Nana are desperately waiting for rain. To pass the time, Nana tells Itzel stories, including one about the Giant Snake who brings the rain. But still no rain falls. When

of days, if you’re going to read it with your grandchildren. The story starts with Louisiana’s Granny waking her up in the middle of the night and telling her they have to leave. When Louisiana wakes up in the car hours later she learns that Granny has no intention of ever going back to their home, because it is time for them to face the curse of sundering that has plagued their family for generations. DiCamillo does an amazing job of getting into the mind of a twelveyear-old girl, and leaving us with a beautiful and sad story about love, abandonment,

Mike Shiell (Kids Can Press, 2022), which is about a little piece of lint who lives in the pocket of a pair of blue jeans. Linty enjoys cardio, sightseeing (the blue is lovely) and playing Solo Marco Polo. But one day something changes and Linty’s world is filled up with many new friends like Shelly, Sandy,

they’ve almost run out of food, Itzel decides to sneak off into the jungle to find a snake so it will rain. On her way she is joined by an Ocelot who guides her to the river. This is a sweet story with delightful images about the love shared between a grandmother and granddaughter. For ages 4 to 8.

learning who you want to be and finding your home. For ages 8 to 12.

Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria with her husband, children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com, facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg and @Christina_VanS on Twitter.

Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Caroline Hamel (Kids Can Press, 2022), explores the true-story of Franz Gsellmann. Franz wants to create something, but his family needs him to work on the farm so he isn’t able to go to school. Still, he collects items that others might see as trash and works to turn them into something magical. What? He’ll figure that out when he’s finished. Let this story inspire you to tinker and build your own phantasmagorical machine with your grandchildren. For ages 5 to 9.

The next book is Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press, 2018). You might have to break this novel down into smaller pieces and read it over a series

The final story is I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak (Walker Books, 2019), which is told from the perspective of an arthritic golden retriever who wants nothing more than to help his human brother Max. Max’s parents are fighting a lot and Max is worried that if they get divorced, he and Cosmo will be separated. So he decides to enter into a dance competition with Cosmo: the grand prize is a movie role. Max believes that if his parents see how perfect he and Cosmo are together in the film, they will have to let them stay together always. For ages 8 to 12.

Whether or not you’re able to read these books with your grandchildren or you simply gift them, I hope you are able to enjoy their company this summer. Perhaps you’ll even get to go to the beach with them, because one of the best places to read a book is lounging on the sand, listening to the sound of the ocean.

Family Reunions, Near & Far

Reunion travel has become a necessity rather than an indulgence in these post-pandemic times. It is a refreshing step back in time, as multi-generational families yearn to spend offline time together once again! After a year or more of lockdowns and Zoom calls, families finally have the chance to reconnect, and what better way than to combine it with a much-needed vacation.

Imagine lounging by the pool on the grounds of your own private villa overlooking the white sand beach and sapphire blue sea. Embedded in lush tropical gardens, your villa has lots of beautifully appointed bedrooms for everyone, and an open, airy great room with spacious seating for visiting. A well-equipped, modern galley style kitchen opens to the great room and the views. If you wish, your private chef could be creating a wonderful family meal while everyone relaxes. Deep covered verandahs with outdoor seating and dining spaces extend from the great room.

Not in the budget? You would be surprised! Destinations that provide for large, or small, multi-generational families are available close to home and around the world. Whether it is the local ski resort, dude ranch, a faraway tropical island or a rustic, centuries-old Tuscan villa in the Italian countryside. You can bring your kids, their kids and more for an unforgettable experience and new memories for the same cost as multiple hotel rooms and the time and cost in hosting a gathering.

Guided tours are also becoming more and more popular with families looking to reunite. Perhaps you want to discover more of Eastern Canada’s fall foliage, the northern lights in Yellowknife or the magnificent Rockies; explore your family heritage in Ireland, Scotland or Wales; or cross off that bucket list item like an African safari! Guided tours allow you the time to enjoy being together, while someone else does the driving, deals with the luggage and coordinates accommodations, sightseeing and meals. Guided tours can save you time, money and a lot of stress, giving you the time to create more unforgettable experiences and new memories.

Cruising is returning and offers something for everyone. Family reunion cruises are a terrific option, reducing the amount of planning time, and allowing you to easily round up loved ones for a seamless, value-packed vacation that includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities all in one confirmed upfront cost. Cruise vacations can be anything from a rented barge on the St. Lawrence, a larger river cruise on one of the many rivers around the world, to the new hybrid powered cruise ships. Accommodations vary from economical inside staterooms to ocean view verandas and family suites. Each family member can choose the accommodation to fit their budget and enjoy the many onboard amenities with the entire family, enjoy an educational excursion or find a nice quiet spot to unwind and share a conversation.

With many itineraries, ships—large and small—there is a wide range of choices. All you need to decide is when to meet for dinner! How great is that?

Coordinating a trip with family near and far requires some advanced planning and lots of coordination, which is resulting in a renewed demand for travel advisors. Professional planners can help travelers navigate any travel restrictions, changes in entry requirements, visas, flights, accommodation, activities and backup plans. If you enjoy the planning process yourself, the most important objective is to just do it! Start the conversation with your family to reconnect and make new memories.

As co-owner of Departures Travel Sidney, Cathy Larsen is passionate about sharing her love of travel—even after 35 years of experience in the industry. She enjoys life and sees travel as more than a stamp in their passport! departurestravel.com, facebook.com/DeparturesTravelSidney, linkedin.com/in/cathylarsen

Simple Snacks for Picnics & Hikes

It’s handy to have a few snacks that are quick to prepare and easy to take along to picnics at the beach or hikes in the woods.

Here are a few healthy go-to snacks to have on hand in your fridge or pantry.

• Snacking vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, peppers

• Fruit

• Nuts and seeds

• Pretzels and crackers

Quick snacks are great, depending on how long you’re heading out for; it’s also nice to bring along more substantial fare. So whatever your adventure, here are a few hearty snacks to sustain you.

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com

Egg & Cheese Bites

These two-bite egg and cheese quiches can be served hot or cold. Perfect for a simple snack, breakfast-on-the-go, or serve them as part of a larger meal. Fill them with your favourite vegetables: broccoli, mushrooms, coloured pepper or tomatoes. Don’t have time to prep vegetables? Use mixed frozen vegetables instead!

12 eggs

1⁄2 tsp salt, to taste

1⁄4 onion

1 cup of finely chopped vegetables

3⁄4 cup of grated cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Whisk together the eggs, salt and onion in a large bowl.

3. Divide the egg mixture between the 12 muffin cups, roughly 1⁄2 way up.

4. Divide the vegetables between the muffin cups then top with grated cheese.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the eggs are firmly set.

6. Allow the eggs to cool slightly before transferring them to an air-tight storage container. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 4 days.

Pizza Puffs

These tiny pizzas are made from puff pastry. They are super simple to put together and are delicious both hot and cold. Best of all, everyone loves them! This recipe includes olives, however, feel free to swap the olives for your favourite pizza topping. Finely diced bell pepper or a slice of pepperoni both work well, too.

1 package of puff pastry

1 can of pizza sauce

4 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced 20 black olives, thinly sliced 8 oz of pizza cheese, grated

1. Defrost the puff pastry ahead of time following the directions on the package.

2. Preheat the oven to 425˚F.

3. Roll out the puff pastry until it is 3mm thick. Cut the pastry into roughly 20 squares.

4. Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet before assembling the pizzas.

5. Using the back of a spoon, spread 1 tsp of pizza sauce on each square of pastry.

6. Decorate the pizza puff with slices of tomato and olives. Then top with cheese.

7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the puff pastry is browning.

Create a Legacy & Let Your Love Live On

You have the power to make a lasting difference and help children and adults with disabilities through some of life’s most difficult challenges. After you’ve provided for your loved ones, please consider a gift in your Will for Easter Seals BC & Yukon. No matter the size, every gift helps. Please call or email Emma at 604-873-1865 ext. 423 or eliffen@eastersealsbcy.ca to learn how your gift can make a difference.

Create your legacy now, and change lives in years to come.

Gone are the days of rocking chairs and recliners. Today’s grandparents are more likely to be rock climbing or going for a run than they are to be rocking or reclining.

We’re an active and diverse group—an engaged, evolving and powerful force. We’re mentors, nurturers, keepers of secrets. We’re caregivers, child care providers, dessert-before-dinner defenders. We’re historians, spiritual guides and the holders of family stories.

GRAND celebrates who you are as a grandparent and who you are as an individual. You love spending time with your grandchildren and you’re happy in your other roles: at work, in the community and on your own. GRAND acknowledges that you are not “one or the other”—an “either/or” version of yourself—you are many different things to many different people. And to yourself.

With an Island perspective that speaks to an international readership, GRAND is the source for on-the-go grandparents of up-to-the-minute and thought-provoking information and ideas—on everything from having fun, staying fit and things to do to travel, leisure, health and technology. Think of GRAND as a trusted friend who happily shares those “senior moments” (in the best sense of the words!) and keeps you informed and connected to the issues and ideas that really matter. After reading an issue of GRAND, you should feel inspired, up-to-date and informed.

We’re here for you: from helping you figure out where you fit in to tackling your most perplexing questions, sharing your greatest discoveries and celebrating your deepest joys.

GRAND features articles on topics ranging from the importance of storytelling, cooking with your grandkids and community superheroes, to photographing your grandkids, gift-giving and grandparenting from afar. There are ideas and inspiration to help keep you in-the-know and connected, there’s a guide to investing in your grandchildren’s future and there’s tech support that will help you face your fears and embrace the cloud.

GRAND is as diverse and engaged as you are. Together, we’re a powerful and positive force—in our grandchildren’s lives and in our communities.