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Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, August 28, 1996 - 3 Little tell-tale signs point to the end of another sum- mer. Yesterday afternoon we had a family get-together to celebrate Jason's twenty-third birthday. Following the bar- beque supper we engaged in some badminton frolic. Before we knew it the sun had dropped from the sky and darkness came earlier than expected. After all it is still summer! We hadn't really taken notice of the shorter daylight hours slipping into our lives. Also pointing to the end of summer is the increase in whining and declarations of "I'm bored" from children missing the daily routine of school. Grace, the six year old I have looked after for the past two years, has developed a bad case of 'bronchitis'. For the past couple weeks she has been literally bounc- ing off the walls. Grace, the queen of nagging, constantly nags me to allow her to have a friend over to play with. Then I have two kids bounc- ing off walls. And twice the mess to clean. Grace had grown tired of having to play 'nicely' with her four year old sister Megan. It had been a long summer for her. She misses her friends. Megan has heard so much over the summer about how she will board the bus with her sister and stay at school all day for a few times a week. She has fantasized all the new friends she'll make. Megan can hardly wait to take a packed lunch to school so she can eat with her friends and have playtime after. Television commercials show ecstatic parents jump- ing for joy over the approach of another school year. Kids are not the only ones missing school. Parents are looking forward to the daily routine of school bus pick- ups, packed lunches and early morning personal hygiene for their youngsters. Earlier bed times of the kids are an added bonus with the beginning of the school year. This all adds up to rou- tines. Parents and children slip back into the comfort of daily routine. Children thrive on the security of routine. With the occasional special occasion thrown into the school year - Thanksgiving, Hallowe'en, Christmas, March Break, - to break the monotony of predictable daily activities. Too many long hot days of 'there's nothing to do' can lead to sibling bickering, mis- chievous deeds, stress headaches and intense long- ing for school days to return. This week I am on holi- days, so when I retun to my position as nanny Grace will once again be boarding the school bus. A few days later Megan will join her. It will be a different routine for all of us this September. But how I love the simplic- ity of schedules. Of knowing exactly what needs to be done at what time. The end of summer is a trade-off of summertime plea- sures for the stability of a rou- tine. I can live with that! Recycle this newspaper. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I received my Orono Weekly Times yesterday, and was delighted to see the photo of my Grandfather, Father, children and me! I see that you also pub- lished Joan Ransberry's arti- cle about "Mr Tree". Thank you for using the story for your Wednesday edition. I spoke to my Grandfather in Montreal this morning and he had not yet received his subscription but expected to sec it there today. He was delighted to hear that there was a write-up and photo. Many thanks again Troy - you helped to make our spe- cial event even more memo- rable. Jennifer Ransberry Dear Editor: I recently introduced Bill C-302, "An Act to establish an oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada." If adopted, this legislation would give Canadians their own, official, oath of allegiance to our beloved maple leaf flag. The idea resulted from a letter from a constituent who believed that it would be a positive step for our country. In order to encourage Canadians to consider the importance of our flag, and all it symbolizes, the Act requires a Committee of Parliament to consult Canadians on the Oath's wording. I am writing to you to ask your readers to consider sending me their suggestions for an Oath. The Oath does not have to be long, I have received a number of sugges- tions that consist of one line. Suggestions should be sent to my Parliament Hill office, 152 Confederation Building, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA OA6. Postage is not required. At this critical time in our history, it is important for Canadians to consider the importance of the flag in our lives. An Oath could be used at schools, before meetings, or anywhere that the flag is prominent. I have already received suggestions from every part of Canada, includ- ing over 100 communities from coast to coast. I invite Canadians to par- ticipate in what I hope will be an exciting and important project in the life of our nation. I look forward to receiving the suggestions from your readers. Brenda Chamberlain, M.P. 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