A New Scratch On My Kitchen Counter !

We just had the most glorious cooling off downpour of rain here that had started at around 6:15 a.m. to last about forty-five minutes.  Not only did it cool the air down a bit, but also gave the Earth another big, much needed, gulp.

I just hope prayers of rain will be answered soon for some other parts of the World that are in much more dire need of the rain then we were.

Yesterday was a beautiful Summer day here with the humidity gone from the air and sunshine in abundance.  Even last night the sky was seemingly brimming over with stars.  LOL, I should know the sky was full of stars, as I was awake for the entire duration of it with the exception of maybe a couple of hours.

I was able to get two loads of laundry done, a little bit of weeding in the vegetable garden, and a bit of tidying up here and there in the house.  Nothing too strenuous.  I did not end up going to one of the many posted Yard Sales, as Rob said the traffic was crazy downtown Wiarton, and he was even finding it difficult to get around the back streets with the cab, so I did not want to be bothered with that.

My Crabby Cabbie was so busy yesterday taking people all over the Peninsula and around, that I barely seen him.  Fortunately he had his friend and sidekick, Zoltan, take over the phone while we had the supper I had planned on having Friday night. 

It was all good though, and the Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce was a total hit with both Rob and myself. 

Marinaded, skewered and ready for the grill......

The finished product, alongside a fresh garden salad and baked new potato.

Let me tell you, it was so delish !  I would recommend the chicken be marinaded more then the recommended 20 minutes, as mine was left for almost 24 hours, so even overnight would be good.  The lettuce was fresh picked from our own garden, unfortunately it will be a bit until our own peppers, onions and potatoes are ready.  The recipe for this dish can be found on the my blog for the previous day, or at Cindys Recipe Exchange on Facebook.

After this wonderful supper was had by myself and Rob, the Crabby Cabbie returned to work, and Lexus and I headed downtown for our walk.  We really enjoyed ourselves last night.  Since it had been sometime since Lexus and I had been out walking together, she was finally getting back into the heeling part of it this second time around this week.  Made it much easier on the two of us.

I actually had a couple of comments this past week with regards to a certain new Scratch on my kitchen counter.  I was wondering when the time would come that someone would notice her.

Introducing my Kitchen Cats new Scratch.......

Here is ICE aka I C Everything .

A match made in Heaven.....I believe IKE (I Know Everything) even has a little blush going on.

LOL, I came across ICE on the July 1st Canada weekend.  I just could not resist her, and by the look of IKE, he obviously could not either !  My kitchen is now complete with my Kitchen Cat, IKE, and his new Scratch, ICE.  How better does a kitchen get then having a pair like these two to keep a watchful and encouraging eye over everything I do.  Lol, lucky me ! 

Special thanks goes to my niece, Joanne, who named ICE, in a blink of an eye I might add, before Elsie had the chance to even see her.  Elsie is the gal that had the honour of naming IKE, and so cunningly so. I must say of her.

I think now that the rain has subsided, I will check the weather for the rest of my day.

Today:

Increasing cloudiness then 60 percent chance of showers this morning and early this afternoon. Clearing this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm this morning and early this afternoon. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h this afternoon. High 29. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight:

Clear. Wind southwest 20 km/h becoming light late this evening. Low 16.

It is actually starting to clear out there now, so I am sure the day will turn out to be another beautiful summer day.

I am feeling pretty weary and tired at the moment, so I think I will wrap things up early here, head outside with Bandit and Lexus for them to have a jaunt, then try to gain a little more energy before I head into the rest of my day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

My Mother, Myself, and Our Lives For Now....

First off the bat I certainly must recognize that it is my oldest sister, Jeanne"s, birthday today, however I will not divulge her age, or she just might fly up here from their retirement home in Newfoundland on her  new and improved 747 broom, and whip my butt.....lol.

Happy Birthday, dear sister !!!!   I just called her and sang Happy Birthday, off key I am sure....not too early down there, since they are a hour and a half ahead of us (sure hope our Uncle Basil knows that now????).  I certainly would post a picture of her, but she wouldn't email me one to do so, and I don't have any recent ones of her.  I will get that girl with my trusty little camera when we see each other next that will be a sure thing......  Have a "wonderful" day sister Jeanne !!!! 

I headed North of the Checkerboard yesterday morning for my usual trip to the Doc.  Afterwards I drove into Lion's Head where something caught my eye right away.

"How could this not be an eye catcher, parked right along Main Street, and so colourful!"

"What a creative way to advertise yesterday and today's "Quilt Show"."

I am very fortunate to have had a quilt made for me by my sister, Jeanne, which I so cherish, as well as one made by Mother Roth and my sister-in-law, Shirley, who have both passed, and given to me by my sister-in-law, Delores, which I really appreciated so much.  This has brought to my mind, that I should be getting the one out made by Mother Roth and Shirley and displaying their talent and its loveliness on my spareroom's bed.  I think I will put that on my To Do List.

My reason to drive into Lion's Head was so I could go visit my Mother at the Golden Dawn Senor Citizen's Home there.

My Mother moved from our home on the 14th of June, and until now I have not been ready to even think about mentioning this fact, as it was a very difficult transition for all concerned.  It is a part of life that I find, now that I have experienced it myself, was as difficult as sending my own child out into the World on his own.  I can not explain how sorrowful my emotions were on that day and for many days that followed.  Even now, when I thought I was ready to be open about this, my stomach wrenches and tears come to my eyes...not an easy thing to do or to accept sometimes.

It brings to mind a quote my cousin, Paula, sent me when I was going through these changes in my life where I never thought the tears would never subside.

"Tears are a river that takes you somewhere... Tears lift your boat off the rocks, off dry ground, carrying it downriver to someplace new, someplace better"

 -Clarissa Pinkola Estes-

You know those tears have brought me to somewhere better, and are still taking me places.  As difficult as I, myself, found it was for us, as a family unit, to place our Mother into a Nursing Home, it has lifted a great worry from my mind that she has care around the clock, a regular schedule and excellent staff looking after her needs.

This visit yesterday, was my very first visit that I went on my own, and I was quite nervous about doing so.  Knowing how my Mother was quite comfortable here in our home, and I wasn't sure how she was going to react to seeing me on my own with her being placed at Golden Dawn.....I suppose I was fearful that she would be angry with me and place the blame on me. 

Despite my fears, it turned out to be a very pleasant visit, with me chatting away as I fixed a few things in and around her room for her.  We even had a few laughs about other members of our family, not to mention any siblings names as to offend them.....LOL.  When it was time for me to leave, I still found it so difficult not to breakdown, as I walked away leaving my Mother behind.  I hope over time it will get better for her being there, and easier for me to walk away with tears carrying me to dryer grounds and better places.  I can say no more, and it is done.

My Crabby Cabbie worked into the wee hours of the morning, not arriving home until 3:30 a.m., so needless to say, I will be trying to be quiet to let him sleep as long as he can. 

I had planned on trying out a new recipe for last night's supper, but his phone didn't stop ringing so there hadn't been time to cook and serve it.  Poor Rob got a quick Cheese & Veggie Omelette instead of  Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce, made with Kraft's Philidelphia Cream Cheese new "Dill"  cream cheese:  The sauce had been made and the chicken is still marinading, so it is on the menu for tonight's supper.

Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

What You Need


1/2 cup (1/2 of 250-g tub) Philadelphia Dill Cream Cheese Product
6 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 green onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup finely chopped English cucumbers


Make It


WHISK first 5 ingredients until well blended. Pour half over chicken in medium bowl; stir to evenly coat. Stir cucumbers into remaining sauce. Refrigerate both 20 min.
HEAT barbecue to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Thread chicken onto 8 skewers. Grill 8 to 10 min. or until done, turning occasionally.
SERVE with tzatziki sauce.

kraft kitchens tips

Serving Suggestion
Serve with hot cooked whole grain and your favourite vegetables.

Note
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water 30 min. before threading chicken pieces onto them. Then, wrap ends of skewers with foil before adding to barbecue to prevent them from burning as the chicken cooks

I love chicken, cream cheese, dill and cucumbers, so I am definite this recipe will really be to my liking.  Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog, as I am sure there will be pictures and comments on likes and dislikes from the Crabby Cabbie and myself.

It is a beautiful morning out there.  I sure hope the humidity is gone, as it was very warm when Bandit had his turn going for a walk with me last night.


"Okay already you have taken my picture a million of times already, can we not just get going?"

LOL, we got going right after the picture, much to Bandit's delight.  Downtown bound we headed.

"The holiday traffic was bumper to bumper heading North from the south side of Wiarton's downtown.  This was about 6:30 p.m.."

Other then being a little warm outside, we enjoyed some of the sights on our walk out and about town.

"This Yucca plant was quite stately looking."



"This elf perched out front of this house's front, almost looks like he is waiting for company to arrive....".

"I could not resist taking a picture of this Clematis as it's colour is so striking."

Bandit enjoyed our evening walk, despite the heat, to go back home to where we enjoyed a nice cool breeze out at the side of the house where he had a good romp with Lexus.

The remainder of the evening was quiet with Bandit and Lexus getting settled in for the night by 9:00 p.m., and myself watching a little TV until I drifted off, awaking a couple of times until Rob arrived home. 

All in all, it was a good day.

Okay I heard the humidity was to leave us today, best be going to check that out right promptly.

Today:

Sunny. Fog patches dissipating early this morning. High 27. UV index 9 or very high.

Tonight:

Clear. Becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Fog patches overnight. Low 16.

The high of 27 looks inviting, and will be more so with no humidity.  Time will tell.

*Sigh* what to do with my day ahead?  I already have a load of wash in, with a second load waiting for the first to finish....and I did notice quite a few "Yard/Garage Sales" adverstised for today.  Darn where is my niece, Joanne, when I need someone to go Garage Sailing with????

Always lots to get done, but I think if I get two loads of laundry done, clean the bathroom, do some general tidying up, I think I will give myself permission to have the rest of the day off to do whatever I please, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Skies Finally Open & Prayers Have Been Answered

The weatherman at the Wiarton Airport was sooooo wrong again yesterday.  I should have done the laundry anyway, rather then listen to him, but then again it was so humid it probably would not have dried anyway.

So humid, even Lexus  and Bandit went poolside after supper

......but finally just before 4:44 a.m. this morning the skies opened up and the downpour began.


The rain has still not subsided with the countryside seemingly soaking it up as fast as it falls.

Out on our motorcycle last night, we did notice prayers had been made and now they have been answered......

....and husbands were being patient, as pictures were being had.  Thanks Honey Rob.

Phew, I sure hope the rain takes the humidity with it, instead of making it worse.  Regardless, I am happy for it as much as we had way too much rain in June, we certainly needed some now; I am hoping other parts of the World are getting some where there is a need for it as well.

My poor Rob erected a chicken run out in that humidity yesterday.  You would have sworn he had been in the shower he was so soaking with sweat. 

Another awesome job done by Rob.......

The chickens are forever in debt, with  their repayment beginning this upcoming Winter, if you get the drift.....lol.

Helloooooooo in there.............. you make sure that is exactly where you all stay.

Bandit is quite content with his new job out and about his property.

Now Lexus has just a totally different take on watching out for our chickens......

.....more like something new to chase then to have to babysit.

We will really be keeping an eye on Lexus until she learns to grow up....but then I am sure in the meantime this guy will being keeping his eye on her too.

LOL, that was pretty much all our excitement for the day, other then a drive into Owen Sound to TSC to buy the T-posts for the fencing.  I have not been out there yet this morning, so I am really really really hoping it will keep and has kept out any fox.

Last night was a pretty easy peasy supper to make with steak and baked potatoes done on the Barbecue, and a salad made up from lettuce from our own garden.

There is just a whole different flavor from vegetables out of your own garden.  I suppose maybe it is because we do not have any preservatives to wash off prior to preparing and eating.

Yummy, supper was really good.....then we went out on the motorcycle for a cool off period before it was dark.  Anything to try and beat the heat, and the bike certainly works for us on such occasions.

Now that we know it has rained for certain, let me see what the weatherman at the Wiarton Airport has to say about the rest of the day.

Today:

Showers ending late this morning then clearing. Risk of a thunderstorm this morning. Wind becoming west 20 km/h late this afternoon. High 26. UV index 6 or high.

 

Tonight:

Clear. Wind west 20 km/h becoming light late this evening. Low 17.

Look at that will you, showers ending this morning....wonder also if that will be another thunderstorm or a different one from the one we just had......guess I will have to wait to find that out.

I did peak ahead at the weather for the rest of the weekend, and it looks like the weather is suppose to be awesome for the upcoming Civic Holiday Weekend, if the weatherman is true to his forecast.  The Rotary Club has its Annual Fair in Wiarton this weekend, and most every other year I believe the first night has been wiped out with rain. 

Wow the Wiarton Rotary Village Fair is actually celebrating 70 years this year.  All here in the Owen Sound Sun Times news article:

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=988986

The Fair does begin tonight at the Bluewater Park in Wiarton.  Lots of rides and activities for the young and young at heart.  Great food at provided by the Rotary Club, so be sure to stop by for a burger or hot dog.

Here I am running behind time once again, but then again it just seems it has been that kind of week.  I had better pull the plug from under myself and get a move on into my day ahead, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Showers Are Coming, Showers Are Coming !!!

That would be rain showers, not bridal or baby showers....much needed rain showers in some areas of Ontario, and I am sure that are also much needed in other places around the World as well.

Today:

Cloudy. Showers beginning early this morning and ending this afternoon. Clearing this afternoon. High 26. UV index 6 or high.

Tonight:

A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness overnight then showers. Risk of a thunderstorm before morning. Fog patches developing late this evening. Low 19.

Now the questions at hand are, "do I believe it or not?", "should I put the load of darks into the washing machine, or not?"  Well let see, I did stick my head out the patio door, and it does feel like rain, it does smell like rain......I think I will actually believe the weatherman today and leave doing the laundry for another day.  Anyway I had stripped, washed, hung out and remade our bedding yesterday, so that part of it is complete for another week.

How did my day go yesterday with such a late start?  Exactly as I thought it would go, with not too much being accomplished at all, between not publishing my blog until 8:52 a.m., a phone call from my Cousin Suzanne, and my girlfriend, Colleen, one load of laundry hung out, play time with Bandit & Lexus and having lunch....that was that before I had to leave to be at the VON Caregiver Education Series meeting at 1:30 p.m..

Oh well, I survived as here I sit typing away recalling how it all played out, so I am sure my routine being thrown off didn't cause too much damage to myself.....lol.  Oh us creatures of habit, whether bad or good, we all do have our habits about us (hopefully more good then bad).

The VON Caregiver Support Circle meeting....um now that is another story in it's self.  Between the VON Team Leader, Jessica, and myself, that was the total in attendance.  *Sigh* Jessica was as surprised as I was....but it certainly was not a loss, as not only was there some sharing between us had, as well as a good listening ear from Jessica, we also did a bit of brain storming trying to figure out how there could be more attendance brought to these sessions.  I am sure there is a lot more people in the Bruce Peninsula's Wiarton area that are caregivers other then just little old me !

We came to the conclusion that Wednesdays might not be the best day for most people, especially with people having appointments in London and/or Toronto, as that is a day usually set aside at hospitals for treatments to be done.  There is also the fact that most caregivers, if any being in my age group, are still out in the workforce and would more then likely not be able to attend a daytime group meeting, and then we talked about how the sessions were advertised through individual mailings to local churches, advertisements taken out in the local newspapers, and through other groups such as the Alzheimer's Society.  Hopefully the brainstorming between the two of us gave Jessica some more insight of other possibilities, other then what had been thought of already.

Anyhow Jessica is the kind of gal that is more then capable of being creatively resourceful, so I am confident she will being giving it her all !

Jessica provided a "Avoiding Caregiver Burnout" handout that I think is extremely informative, and wherein one part of it really stood out to me, as follows:

Don't Do It Alone

Providing a significant amount of care is both physically and emotionally taxing.  Family members who care for their loved ones typically have no formal training, leaving them more vulnerable to the resulting stresses and strains. 

For example, a study published in the journal of Immunology reported that looking after someone with Alzheimer's disease can shorten the caregiver's life by four to eight years.  In addition, a 2007 review from the Alzheimer's Association found that over 40 per cent of caregivers experience high levels of emotional stress.  Unfortunately, many family members do not recognise early enough that the hard choices and overall respoinsibilities they take on are as much a cause of caregiver burnout as the physical tasks as bathing or dressing.

There is so much "good" information in this handout, that I wish I could type it all out this morning, but I just can't.  However if there is anyone out there that would like to read the whole "Avoiding Caregiver Burnout" handout, please let me know at justnorthofwiarton@live.com and I would be more then happy to scan and send it to you.  It also heads up on how to Beat the burnout blues, Protect your health, Make the most of "me" time, Be a joiner, Stay fit, Ask for help, Hire a helper, Watch for warning signs, and Join a support group.

Even though I was the only one in attendance yesterday, I came away with more knowledge and a better understanding then if I hadn't gone, and hopefully by sharing this it has also given insight to someone else.

I am looking forward to the next Caregiver Support Circle meeting in a month's time.

When I returned back home, Rob was cutting the lawn (good thing since it has been decided it is to rain today), so I made us a coffee and set Bandti and Lexus free outside, lol, while we had a coffee together.  I am laughing about me saying setting them free outside, as Rob always says, "When it comes to Cindy's grandchildren or dogs, there is nothing too good for them !".   I just had to have that little chuckle to myself....and anyway I don't know what his point is ?????  LOL

After our supper of homemade spahgetti, that I had taken out of the freezer and heated up, which was really good by the way, we took to our Honda Goldwing and went downtown Wiarton to the weekly "Cruise Night".

"Here it is our trusty 1984 Honda Goldwing Interstate."

"Our Goldwing was tucked safely inbetween some of these newer posh Harley Davidsons, so it wouldn't take anything away from their "glitter".....lol."

"Always some "serious" discussions going on.  Oh there is Hermy, Rob and Lyle having one now !"

"....and here is "Laurie" !!!  I always look forward to seeing him at these shows, as he is never shy about having his picture taken !"

"On to a couple of vehicles that stood out...... a '55 Mercury."

"Most everyone's favorite, a 1973 VW Convertible."

"...and one of my most favorites a Thunderbird Convertible."

"Always a 50-50 draw put on by the local hospital's volunteers.  Oh look there, that is Ralphy Shular ! "

Just this morning, I had the question, once again, put to me, "could you explain the "South of the Checkerboard," piece of your title," when you get a chance as I don't know where or what that is", by Gill, "The British Woman" (I follow her blog).  Well Gill, the very best explaination I have found with regards to "North of the Checkerboard" is posted on The Stoke's Bay General Store's website, and by reading it, you will see why I came up with "South of the Checkerboard" so easily, and not just because we really do live "just" south of the checkerboard. 

Please go to the following link to read, "Just One of the Stories Behind "North of the Checkerboard":

http://www.stokesbaygeneralstore.ca/behind.htm

If anyone knows of any better explanation then this one, I sure would love to know.....LOL.

I really have no idea as to what my day ahead holds for me, as I haven't made any plans or have had any plans made for me for it as of yet.....but we all know that is subject to change at any given minute, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Wow Really Really Behind My Schedule Today !

I am really off to a late start this morning, sure hope that is not going to be any indication on how the rest of my day is going to go.......

It all started off with a phone call at 6:36 a.m., when I was just sitting down to prepare my brain into doing my daily blog.  Now who on earth would be up as early as I am in the mornings, other then my son, Paul, who would be at work or on his way to work, my sister, Jeanne, who lives in Nfld., and is a hour and twenty minutes ahead of us here in Ontario, or my sister, Donna, who wouldn't think to call me at that hour.....oh yes, my brother, Allan, who else????  LOL.... he wanted to know if I wanted to go to Timmie's for a coffee; how could I refuse a Timmie's coffee?  NOT.

We picked Rob up a coffee to, as I suppose we had to since he gave me money before I left the house, and he paid for the coffees anyhow (wonder if he has figured that out yet, since he got so little change back out of a $10.00 bill?) , and came back to drink them here.


"Needless to say, Al and Rob got right into talking about vehicles, so I was out of the loop... lol."

Al brought their German Shepherd, Gator along with him this morning, as Gator usually goes everywhere with them.  Wow, Bandit got to see another of his cousins all within a month of each other, what a lucky dog !


"I can almost imagine Bandit thinking, "Okay Gator, he was my Uncle before your Dad, so I have first dibs on him"; lol, Bandit does love his Uncle Al that is for certain."

As Al has said about Bandit, "he is on me like a skin rash"........


"Gator is quite stately looking when he isn't doing the puppy romp; he is only just two years old."

"Boys will be boys, here they go out into the field to check things out."

"Now back to some more fun......"

"You can try and get it, Gator, but I think I am faster then you."

"Closing in.....but it just isn't happening, as Bandit still has the upper "paw" in this game."

"Time to go home.....come back again, Gator, we will do this again sometime."

Ha,ha, ha.....Al is thinking Gator will be worn out the rest of the day and sleep, giving them a rest....ummm, but he is only two years old, I am not too sure that is going to happen???  LOL.

Good thing Al and Gator came over this morning, or I wouldn't have had any pictures to post today, as I had such a "normal" kind of day yesterday with cleaning our bedroom, bathroom and doing some general straightening up after Aiden's visit.  Just a rather ho hum kind of day here on the farm.

Oh I almost forgot, I did take one picture to send to my niece, Joanne's friend, Russ.  Since he didn't come along this past Saturday when Joanne stopped in for a wee visit, he had made the comment to her something like, "Yeah and Cindy will probably be making something good and I won't be there to have any, and it is too hot for you to bring any back for me anyway".  So I did take a picture of what was left yesterday, so I could email it to him, which I still have to do here shortly.

"Yes, Russ I did make something really good.  Just thought I would email you what is still left so you can maybe make arrangements for the 2 1/2 hour drive up here to have some before it is all gone."

Ha,ha,ha.......just too funny.  Russ doesn't have to worry, as if Joanne brings him along on another visit, I will try to make something "special" for him then.

I was so proud of myself, as I actually got out on another walk yesterday, this time taking Bandit for his turn.  We started out at Bluewater Park, down past the Wiarton Marina to the Water Treatment Plant, and then back up to the Marina, where Rob picked us up.  It was a nice leisurely 3 km walk. 

I was so dang mad though, as I hadn't taken my camera, and sure enough I missed out on a couple of really good pictures........damn, damn and double damn.  Actually the one I missed out on that I had really wanted, and I was saying, "shite", something my Grandma Masterson, who I might add never ever swore, did say on occasion. 

Oh one other thing I did find yesterday was a Raspberry site I was looking for yesterday to post, and couldn't find then.  I found it to be a very good site, and also where I had taken the recipe from when I made the Raspberry Pie on Saturday.  Now found, here it is with some really really good Raspberry Recipes:

http://www.lakeview-farms.com/RaspberryRecipes.htm

If anyone out there tries any of the other recipes on this site, other then the pie recipe, I would love to know the results.  Please let me know by posting under the comments of my blog, or emailing me at  justnorthofwiarton@live.ca . 

What to do now with the rest of my morning?  Let's see there certainly isn't a lack of anything to do, as I most certainly have a wide selection of activities at hand, lol.  I think I should first make our bed and unload the dishwasher before I even think about anything else.  Maybe I should strip the bed and wash/hang the sheets today, since it is such a lovely day out there. 

Almost forgot the Wiarton Airport local forecast again.

Today:

Sunny. Increasing cloudiness this afternoon. High 27. UV index 10 or very high.

Tonight:

Cloudy. Showers beginning after midnight. Risk of a thunderstorm overnight. Wind becoming south 20 km/h after midnight. Low 17.

Looking good....also rain for later tonight, how perfect would that be????  Just what I ordered, daily sunshine with a kiss of rain throughout the night !!!  Wow, imagine that !

Okay, I do know I have an afternoon followup meeting from the VON Caregiver Education and Learning Series that I attended last month, so I had better get done what I plan on doing very shortly or it just won't be happening today !

.....and here I go, once again, off and running, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Raspberry Season Is Upon Us !

I absolutely love Summer, even though Fall is my favorite season, as all the local vegetables and fruits are available throughout the whole Summer Season. 

I have been certainly getting my fill of cherries the past couple of days; I could eat them by the bag.

Raspberries have started ripening on my bushes, so I have even been having a few of them, here and there.  Since my raspberry canes are so young, I never get enough all at once to make anything with, but let me tell you I try to get some for myself before Bandit and Lexus get to them first !

I absolutely can't wait for the Freestone Peaches to arrive.....um mm, fresh peach pie right out of the oven.

Since raspberries are coming around so quickly, and actually at a peak in some Ontario areas, I have been on a raspberry recipe search spree.  Here is a couple links I found that hold some, which I think there to be, very interesting raspberry recipes for desserts:

First of all this link provides some very useful facts on raspberries, as I didn't know 1/2 pint equalled 1 1/3 cups, and a couple of recipes:

http://www.spruce.ca/food/raspberry_season.htm

Here is the link to Just Berry Recipes, who boasts 724 berry recipes:

http://www.justberryrecipes.com/inxras.html

I am sure out of 724 recipes there has to be one good recipe for raspberries in there to try out.

It was a slow start for me yesterday morning, but I finally managed to get my act together, with almost a relapse of total fatigue by the afternoon.  I slept a bit better last night, so hopefully that will be a bonus for my day ahead.

Once I got going, I managed to get the towels and area rugs downstairs to the washing machine, the dishwasher unloaded, our bed made, and have a shower.


"The removal of boats, fish, fishing gear and sharks was most necessary before I even thought about having a shower....."

Ha,ha,ha....the aftermath of Aiden, Number One Rip Tail Snorter being here.  All gear removed and placed into the sink to air dry before putting away, so it will all be in good condition for the next fishing excursion.

Once all cleaned up, I decided it was cool enough outside with a lovely breeze not only to hang out the load of laundry I had done, but also to take advantage and weed between the plants in the vegetable garden, since Rob had newly tilled it the other day.  Much to my delight, Rob was able to help me, as it would have been a few days before I got through it at the rate of a row or two per day.  He even raked out the weeds from the rows after we had picked them out !!!  What a guy, let me tell you, always surprising me in some way or another.....lol.

"Finally it is starting to look like a vegetable garden !"

There are actually zucchini coming on the plants now.  I love grilled zucchini !  The lettuce is to be picked, so I am sure that will be on the menu for tonight's supper.

After lunch I did up the dishes along with washing up the two planters I got on the roadside Sunday.


"I think they are a "perfect" fit for what I wanted them for."

Then I got to putting together the vase and fishes my niece, Joanne, had given me.  Funny thing is that years ago when I was at her place I had so admired the way she had arranged her one plant, and here I am now doing the same thing.....life is just too funny sometimes.

"The new dining room table arrangement complete."

"Honest, there are fishes in there, just take a look and see."

LOL, I can imagine the reaction this is going to get the next time the Rip Tail Snorters come to visit Grandma and Poppa.

I must not leave Rob out, as he was also so pleased with his find, on Sunday, of the hub caps.  I must admit, I was pleased too as it saved us $50.00 at the Canadian Tire Store, where he had just priced them out that same Sunday morning.

"....and presenting the shiny new, and no cost to us, hub caps !"

I suppose I should say hub cap, since they are all installed, I was not able to take a picture of all four.

Since I was so tired yesterday I was certainly happy that I had placed two turkey thighs into the slow cooker, along with some chicken broth (dang forgot I had the turkey stock in the freezer, just thought of it now) and a package of Club House Onion Gravy Mix.  I had found this method online:

Slow-Cooked Turkey Dinner
6 small red potatoes (about 2-1/2 inches in diameter) unpeeled, and quartered
2 cups sliced carrots
1-1/2 lbs turkey thighs, skinned
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp dry onion soup mix
1/3 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Place potatoes and carrots in 3-1/2 quart or 4-quart crock-pot/slow cooker. Place turkey thighs over vegetables.

In medium bowl, combine flour and remaining ingredients; blend well. Pour over turkey. Cover; cook on High for 30 minutes.

Reduce setting to Low; cook at least 7 hours or until turkey is fork tender, its juices run clear and vegetables are tender

Since I had broccoli to be steamed and leftover potato salad from the day before, I didn't need to do the vegetables along with the turkey.  Rob really enjoyed the gravy that derived from it.  This will be a definite favorite of mine for any future cooking of turkey pieces.

After supper, I couldn't believe I dragged my and Lexus's sorry butts down to Mallory beach for a 2 Km walk.  We had an enjoyable walk until the mosquitos started coming out in full force at around the 8:00 p.m. hour.  Still it was good for the both of us; hopefully Bandit and I can get out after supper tonight.  They do have to take turns, you know.  Not sure why, but Rob never seems to want his turn when I go walking???  LOL, what's up with that?

I was happy to get out and walking even though it was slow going, it was a start.  Yeah !!!  Maybe I now get going on my old routine of a daily walk or two again !

Much to my delight when I got up this morning, we had apparently a bit more then just a "kiss" of rain, since there were puddles in our driveway.

"Everything is so nice and fresh in the morning after it has rained throughout the night."

Puddles, can you imagine?  The perfect summer day, followed by a gentle steady rainfall through the night and kissed by the sun, once again, the following the morning.....I love being dreamy sometimes.

Let me take a look see at what the weatherman has in store for the day ahead.

Today:

A few showers ending early this morning then a mix of sun and cloud with 40 percent chance of showers. Clearing this afternoon. Risk of a thunderstorm early this morning. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning. High 24. UV index 8 or very high.

Tonight:

Clear. Low 15.

It is looking like is is going to be another beautiful summer day.

I have no plans for my day ahead, other then staying home to try and get caught up with regular stuff, as it had all been left to the sidelines when Aiden was visiting last week.  Which it should be, as housework can come in second when there is quality time is to be had with our grandchildren and/or children.  I am happy with myself that I am able to let go and enjoy more at times.

Wow, I am ahead of my game this morning.  It is amazing what more then a couple of hours sleep can do for a person.  Signing off, but not running this morning, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Rip Tail Snorter Number One Is Now Gone From The Building !

Not sure how well the grammar and spelling is going to go this morning, as I am so tired from being awake since before 2:00 a.m., my eyeballs are having a problem adjusting and the cobwebs have, once again, wrapped themselves around my brain.  Here goes the gibber jabber....

The great outdoors Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard experienced a "kiss" of rain early last evening, but with only a show of lightning throughout the night.  Still this morning, the grass and it's surroundings I am sure are sighing their relief at what was proportioned out to them, and if I listened closely enough I am sure I could hear it drinking up the moisture.

What a day was had by us yesterday from depositing the Rip Tail Snorter Number One, Aiden, back off with his Mother and the Rip Tail Snorter Number Two, his brother Connor, until punching the hole of our Explore the Bruce Passport at Stop No. 3.

Thank goodness for my little digital Fujifilm camera, as here I go.......

"Off to a good start with the Rip Tail Snorter locked in and ready to start out be returned to his rightful owners, "The Family"."

"Headed further south on Hwy. 6, with a look of "here we go again", from the "Crabby Cabbie's Mascot" that my niece, Joanne, had purchased for him."

"We pass by fields with bales of hay ready to be taken in......"

"....until we come to our first "pit stop" where we fuel the Rip Tail Snorter with food and energy."

"He is looking totally fueled and refreshed to continue on....."

"As we continue on towards his awaiting family, we pass the rolling fields and dales."

"Alas, we finally make it to our final destination where eye contact is made with the Rip Tail Snorter Number Two......"

"The family reunited and packing up to take home what is rightfully theirs....."

"Locked in and ready to head out, our job of Grandma and Poppa is complete, until a future return of the Rip Tail Snorter or Snorters......."

After our deposit of Aiden to his family, and lots of kisses and hugs between myself and Connor, we made our way back to Wiarton where we stopped in to have a quick chat with our friend, and his dog, River.

He was telling us they had some young boys out fishing the day before, and had caught a few perch.  I was kind of wondering what his cat was upto as I was standing there.....


"Ummm, do you think I am invisible and nobody can see me?"

"Let's see, one, two, three...........four perch !!!"

This picture was a little fuzzy, but I think I was laughing at the cat as I was taking the picture.

Once we got back home to "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard", we attended to what needed attending to and took our leave for some "Rob & Cindy" time.

"Off we went into the coolness of the breeze as we parted our way up the roads to our new destination and our first rest stop."

"We had made our way to the other side Georgian Bay, to the Village of Leith."

"Here we also found a Scottish Church nestled in the front of a cemetary on the way into Leith."

"As Rob found out, the pump is in good running order, but was not the tastiess water he has ever had."

"Inside we go to the foyer of the Church......"

"Past the foyer and into the main Church."

The lady that was in attendance at this Church, explained to us the pews had doors on them, as way back in the day, the Scotsman took their dogs to Church with them, so this keep them from going out into the isles.  I hope they were all of a common and gentle breed, as I am sure there could have been some disagreement over top of the pews......lol.

She also explained the Church is only open on Sundays, however does support three concerts a year.  The fist website link will direct you to the "Leith Church", and the second will provide all necessary information with regards to their "Summer Festival":

http://www.leithchurch.ca/

http://www.leithfestival.ca/

Another interesting piece of History this lady also informed us of was that Tom Thompson, the famous painter, was raised and buried in Leith.

It is amazing what one can find out when they go off the beaten track on a beautiful summer day.  For those of us who are not familiar with the life and story behind Tom Thompson, you made read about it at the following link as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Thomson

We took our leave of Tom Thomson's graveside and the Village of Leith, to travel back through Owen Sound and up the other side of Georgian Bay on the scenic route towards home.  We did manage to find some really good deals on our way there though.....with a few rest stops here and there.

"Good thing we had some bungie cords packed in the bike, as they sure came in handy."



Once back home to unload our "treasures", we headed up the back way to end up at the Pike Bay, at the "By The Bay" Store where we punched our "Explore the Bruce Passport", and actually had a bite to eat.  Great place to stop into to if you are out touring around, being my first time there I would highly recommend it to be a "rest stop".  Rob used to deliver ice to the owner, Brad, there and always enjoyed delivering to this store.

Need the know how to get there?  follow this link:

http://www.bythebay.on.ca/

Phew, I am more tired then when I first started out doing this mornings "blog"; I must have been all the reliving our day as I have been typing....lol.

We finally made it home for the last time this day to set ourselves down, but not until there was some play time with the Bandit boy, and the Lexus girl, before we settled ourselves in for the night.  Now I really thought after having such a "big" day I would have slept like a log, with no such luck.  Oh well, I will just have to be more tired for bedtime when this evening rolls around.

Since that wasn't more then a "spit" of rain we recieved last night, I will check out if there will be another spit or two arriving today.

Today:

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of showers early this morning with risk of a thunderstorm. Clearing this afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h late this afternoon. High 25. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight:

Clear. Increasing cloudiness near midnight with 60 percent chance of showers overnight. Risk of a thunderstorm overnight. Wind northwest 20 km/h becoming light late this evening. Low 17.

Yeppers, there is is, a 40 percent chance of more spit this morning and the possibility of another lightning show.

The house is silent with Aiden now gone back home, and Rob gone back to work this morning.  Bandit and Lexus have already had a morning jaunt, with breakfast served right after, so they too are both content at the moment.

I suppose I will go into my kitchen and make myself that second cup of Java, so I can spend a few leisurely moments to myself while I collect my thoughts as to what I shall plan to get done in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."