158. Today I am grateful that the weather forcast was wrong

The weather forecast predicted cold temperatures today but instead we had abnormally warm weather. In fact Environment Canada issued an apology for predicting colder than normal temperatures for this winter when it has been one of the mildest on record, despite a few freezing cold days here and there. That`s ok, we forgive you. J

157. Today I am grateful for a soup exchange

Earlier this month a few coworkers and I decided to have a soup exchange which we had today. Each or us made a pot of soup and placed into four containers to share with the others in the group. Now I have four containers of delicious soup, including a few containers of the Sweet potato and butternut squash soup I made as I went a bit overboard. I think it`s a great (and healthier) alternative to the traditional cookie and square exchange. I am looking forward to yummy bowls of warm soup to enjoy over the winter.

156. Today I am grateful to be Canadian

I saved the best for last! J I am grateful to be Canadian! I love being Canadian and everything that being Canadian stands for! I love that we are seen worldwide as a country of peacemakers. I also love the diversity that we have in Canada, it is truly part of the promised land of the America`s. My Mom, Grandpa and a set of 2^nd Great grandparents and a 3^rd great grandmother saw Canada as a land of opportunity and I am grateful for that as it became the country of my birth and the land that I love.

 I love seeing Canada`s flag wave and hearing our national anthem! ``God Keep our land Glorious and Free``!

155. Today I am grateful to be German

I love the fact that I am exactly half British and half German, with both grandmothers of German descent and both grandfathers were British. However, it feels a little strange to say that I am grateful to be German or proud of my German ancestry because of Germany’s role in the world wars ... but I am grateful to be German and proud of my German ancestors. My grandma has often talked about her father’s hatred for Hitler, how her brother refused to fight and was put into a consecration camp, and that her boyfriend at the time did fight and was killed. It was not a good time in history to be German as German’s in North America, such as my other grandmother’s family, also endured persecution so they mainly kept to themselves in their secluded communities. However, some, including my Great Grandmother’s husband, fought in the war on Canada’s side.

I am grateful to see Germany become tough on hate crimes and to see forgiveness among countries that have seen much turmoil. I love to see friendships develop between Germans and Polish, Ukrainians, etc. My grandma also told me how her sister’s daughter went missing when the family was forced to leave their home as Poland had claimed the land. Sometime later her sister returned to the home to look for her daughter and found that she was being cared for by a Polish family. Great love and friendship developed between them. I love inspirational stories like that!

I am also grateful to have Germany to cheer for during the Olympics and world Football tournaments when Canada is not competing.

154. Today I am grateful to be Irish

Continuing with the theme of being grateful for the various ethnicities that make up who I am, I am also grateful to be Irish. My 3^rd Great Grandparents Robert Burrows and Margaret Henderson were both born in Ireland and came to Scotland with their families. Both came from Co. Tyrone, part of present day Northern Ireland. So far my genealogy research ends at both of their parents who were also born in Ireland. However, I think that with the exception of one ancestor, the others families somewhere back came to Ireland from either Scotland or England. However, I will claim the Irish heritage, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. When I see the colour green, clovers and rainbows, I think of Ireland. When I hear of leprechauns or a pot of gold I think of Ireland. I hope to learn more about my ancestry in Ireland and would love to visit someday!

153. Today I am grateful to be English

My last name, Johnson, is English so I also identify strongly with my English heritage. In 2001 my whole family travelled to Britain which was a really fun trip! Everyone flew to Glasgow except for me and my Dad; we flew to London and spent a few days there before taking the train up to Dumbarton. It was fun to see all the world famous sites such as Buckingham palace, the tower of London and the London Bridge.

However my favourite was driving through the countryside on our way to Binfield in Berkshire which is the village where my Johnson ancestors come from. It did seem like I was stepping back in time, especially when I went to the little Old Saints Church that my ancestors attended, where their babies were baptized, where they married and where a few are buried including my 3^rd and 4^th great grandparents. It’s one thing to see names, dates and places on a microfilm or a piece of paper but a whole new experience to stand where those events took place. I was also able to see the grave of my great grandfather who died during the first World War and where my grandpa's ashes were laid. I am especially grateful for these experiences. It was also wonderful to meet a great aunt and one of my Dad’s cousins.

What are some English things I love? I’ll say British candy again ....Jelly babies, galaxy chocolate, Mr. Kipling cakes ... sooooo good! I also love HP sauce and Yorkshire pudding; those are the “English items” I grew up with. I am also really excited for the London Olympics this summer!

During the hoopla of the recent royal wedding I thought it would be neat to trace my connection to the Queen. As far as I can tell, Queen Elizabeth is the 10^th cousin 12 times removed of the husband of my 1^stcousin 14 times removed. Therefore, there is no blood relation.

Britain's National anthem: God Save the Queen:

152. Today I am grateful to be Scottish

Today is Robbie Burns’s day which celebrates the birth of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. One of the most well known is Auld Lang Syne. Typically the traditional “Burns supper” consists of haggis and alcohol, both things that I have no intention of ever trying. It’s also an evening to celebrate Scottish traditions for those in Scotland and abroad.

I thought it would be a good idea to also share my gratitude for each of my ethnicities. Growing up I feel that I was most influenced by Scottish culture, likely because my mom is from Scotland. Here are some things I love about Scotland: Music (including the bagpipes, I especially love amazing grace that includes the bagpipes, I also love the Loch Lomond song), kilts, dancing, shortbread, I love British sweeties. I know there is more that I am missing. I am also grateful for the opportunities that I have had to go to Scotland (6 times, although I only remember going 4 of those times). It is interesting to note that I spent my 9th and 19th birthday in Scotland and went soon after my 29th birthday. I think that is a tradition that I should stay with.

I also love the beauty of Scotland!  The Highlands are one of those most beautiful places I have seen. There is so much history there and it is neat to know that some of my ancestors are part of that history.  

Click on the video below to listen to Scotlands unoffical National anthem, "Flower of Scotland":