Not One But Two Hams Today !

Wowsers that most certainly was another very busy day Rob and I just had.  We have just gotten home with sitting down to a coffee now, and it is 8:30 pm.  I suppose this is why I am feeling so tired maybe?

I was up shortly after 5:00 am to begin my day.

"With a Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker and all ready to go before 9:30 am to take along down to my Aunties with us."

Rob finally got up at 8:30, as he was trying to get "caught up" on some much needed sleep.  Just after 9:30 we made our way downtown to take care of some Quarterly Year banking, before we headed over to Port Elgin.

We needed to finish up one last bit of "Crabby Cabbie" business before the beginning of our new adventure gets off to its start tomorrow.

"Saugeen Shores is the Municipality covering both the Towns of Southampton, Port Elgin and the surrounding area, where the "Crabby Cabbie" works out of."

I would like to thank everyone for their very kind and sincere well wishes for Rob and I starting out on our new "Crabby Cabbie" Adventure, as they were and are so sincerely appreciated.  Thank you.

"This was pretty much how the whole of the day was on and off with rain here and there."

We arrived over at my Auntie and Uncles to find no one at home.  Good thing I had their Cell number, as I did contact them to find my dear Auntie had been taken up to the hospital to have a "check over", as she had just had surgery the previous week.  Uncle gave us entrance instructions, so we were able to drop off the beef stew, along with a couple of other things hopefully to help them get through this minor set back in their lives.  Other then this, all is fine with them both, thank goodness.

Auntie had left a note to take some sandwiches with us that had been dropped off for them the day before, since there was way too many for the two of them.  Rob took them "ALL" !!!!  OMG, can you believe this?  Thank God, Auntie cares for him so, as I am sure nobody else could have gotten away with such an action !!!

I dropped into Millcreek Chocolates to pickup a gift for someone, and was able to see a girlfriend there who I went to school with.  I can't wait till things settle a bit for me so we can get out together for coffee, dinner, or a movie some time.

We also had to drop around to the Southampton Hospital, to attend to some "Crabby Cabbie" business before heading back home, so I was able to see Auntie to find out everything was being looked after, with her going home shortly thereafter.  I made sure I also took some sandwiches back in for poor Uncle so he was guaranteed some lunch for himself ... lol.

I was also pleased to have ran into one of my BFF's Mother, who was in at the  Hospital at the same time.  It was like a very mini homecoming at the Southampton Hospital this day ... lol.

Once we had filled up our Van with fuel at the Saugeen Gas Bar, we headed back home to Wiarton, where we stopped in to have a "wee" visit with our friend, Koreen at Ram Trophies of Wiarton, then home to check any  phone messages, as well as let each of the "pack" out for a bit of a run, before we took off "North of the Checkerboard" for Rob's 1:45 pm Doctor's appointment.

"While we were in the Doctor's waiting room, Rob snuck out to have a smelly old cigarette ... lol."

"I was found out that I had been keeping an "eye" on him."

"We made it out of the waiting room into a patient room, where Rob thought he would put on the "oh I am dying" act, prior to the good Doctor coming into the room."

It only got better from here on in, as he then talked Doctor Loney into a "play acting role" for my blogging benefit ....

"Not only was there one ham, there were two of them!!!  LOL !!!"

"My dear Rob is not only a pain in the "Arse" at times, he also had to get a shot in the "arse" this day !  Ha ! that will teach him for being so "cocky" & "funny" with me .... good thing the photo turned out a little on the fuzzy side, as we wouldn't want anyone to recognize him in Public, now would we?  LOL"

Thank goodness for those of us who still know how to have "fun" and use our "imaginations" in this life.  Where would we all be without a sense of humor???  I am afraid it would be a very sad World without any.

On a serious note though, Dr. Loney gave both Rob and I a vaccine for Whooping Cough, Diptheria and Tetanus, as apparently Whooping Cough has made a reappearance of late.  The Whooping Cough and Diptheria vaccine will last our lifetime, and the Tetanus for 10 years.  Ask your own Doctor should you be receiving this vaccine?

Thank you Rob and Dr. Loney, I thoroughly enjoyed your "Play Acting" today for my benefit ... LOL.

Once again, Rob and I returned home to check messages and let everyone out for a big run before we headed in to Owen Sound to Bell World, as Rob wanted to look into getting another "Crabbie Cabbie" business phone.  By the time we headed over there it was going on to 5:00 pm.  *Sigh*

Bell World was disappointing, as we didn't seem to see anything which would work for us at a reasonable price, so we decided to sleep on this for a bit longer.  I was pleased as Walmart is in the same plaza so I was able to get ....

"My favorite Kraft "crunchy" Peanut Butter on sale for $2.00 per jar.  YAY !  Peanut Butter prices have gone crazy the past 6 months, so this was a fantastic savings."

Rob also took me out for dinner for Chinese at the King's Buffet, since our little restaurant, The Twin Dragon, is closed on Mondays.

"Rob then took me to the Giant Tiger to buy me a new Oster Blender which has metal, not plastic gears, so hopefully I will not be able to strip this one.  Not as good as $5.00, but pretty reasonable at $24.99."

Oh yes, I forgot to also mention the other day ....

"Here is the 700g of Cocoa my friend had picked up for me at Costco for $8.00, and the one I had to buy locally as I need some at $4.29 for 250 g (1cup).  What a difference at the big box stores in price !"

PS.  Marie, you are very welcome for the recipes I sent you.  Anytime, as it was my pleasure.

Here is is now almost 9:30 pm, with me being, once again, extremely tired, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The Crabby Cabbie Saga Continues !

Our most usual morning activities got underway at the early hour of 5:30 am today.  After my "fix" of Timmies Double Cream coffee my "Crabby Cabbie" had brought home for me, I took advantage of being up so early by catching up on most of the emails/Facebook correspondences I had received yesterday.  Very time consuming some days, this is why I ask people emailing me to please be "selective" on what they email me in way of "jokes" and "funnies", as I just do not have time for them.

I also got caught up on on a couple of phone calls, one which was with our Grandson, Aiden.  He was totally excited when he learned Lexus had puppies again.  I told him I would email him puppy pictures, however he also wanted me to send along pictures of Bandit, Lexus and Mercedes as well, since he "had not seen them in some time and could maybe have forgotten what they looked like".  LOL ... I love our grandboys !

Rob had to arise by 9:00 am this morning, even though he hadn't gotten in until 4:00 am, as we had an appointment with Al Hopkins of Sign Quest.  It was a very important appointment, as today was the day  ....

"New logos were being installed on the "Crabby Cabbie's" vehicle."

"As the "Crabby Cabby" himself looks on."

"As of the 1st of May 2012, the "Crabby Cabbie" officially has his very own business.  The "Crabby Cabbie" horizons have broadened !"

I am so very proud of my husband, as he is the very best "Crabby Cabbie" guy I will ever know in my lifetime.  We have taken a step out in Faith with a New Beginning and Chapter in our Lives together.

There has been quite a bit background preparation leading up to this day arriving, along with a few laughs, mixed in with a little bit lots of stress at times, a few "I am sorrys" thrown in, and lots of "I love You's".  I am confident, we will make a great Team on our new life choice, as remember there is always a "NOT SO CRABBY WIFE, BEHIND HER "CRABBY CABBIE" HUSBAND".  LOL

Congratdulatons my Dear Rob, if anyone will work it and make it work, it will be you !!!

Rob and I would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement we have received up to this point from our Family and Friends.  We look forward to it continuing, as I am sure we will still need all we can get along the way on our "Crabby Cabbie" journey.

Also we would like to thank, Russ Ewing, Facebook Page, "Stinky Dog", who created the "Crabby Cabbie" logo, Koreen Ryan of Ram Trophies Wiarton, who created the "Crabby Cabbie" patch for hats/shirts,  Al Hopkins of Signquest Signs who created the "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle signage.  A really "huge" thank you to both of our Mechanics who have been looking after the "Crabby Cabbie" vehicles to ensure our customers safety.   Not only do these people possess wonderful gifts in their way of talent, we have found it to be an amazing pleasure to deal with them on a personal level as well.  Thank you everyone for contributing your talents to help us make the "Crabby Cabbie" our true life reality !

Once our meeting with Al was finished with the logo installed, Rob and I made a mini road trip over by Cobble Beach, on Georgian Bay, just outside of the Owen Sound area.

"Is it not beautiful overlooking Georgian Bay?"

"Here is Rob with my friend, Diane, who has so graciously given her no longer required "treadmill" up for my sister, Donna."

"I was so laughing here, as I had realized Diane had picked up "my" camera and was taking my picture .... lol."

"Since Diane's home is on "rock", she has this arrangement for a plant and vine she acquired from "someone" she has known over the past year.  LOL."

"We took our leave to make our way back home, but not before Diane made sure we had a snack to take along of Homemade Peanut Butter cookies she had made.  Oh and my Dear Rob complained since he thought I got the two biggest ones !"

We almost made it back into Wiarton, but before we did we happened along ....

"My very first "Yard Sale" of the 2012 !"

Oh yah, and look what we "scored" for a total of $15 bucks .....

"An "Angel" for Rob's pond area."

"And a little "Crackle" stand for our newly redone spare bedroom.  The colour matched up perfect!"

I really wish I could say we were able to call it a day at this point, but "nope" that wasn't happening.

"Rob had to tarp this and put it under cover for when it gets picked up some year day, hopefully not too far off."

"Rob got out the riding lawn tractor, cutting our whole lawn for the first time this Year, while I hung out a load of laundry on the line, cut the little bit of backyard with the push mower and cleaned out this one flower bed, as well as the bed where the Herbs will be again this Year."

When that was all done, there was still the clothes to be brought in and supper to be made ....

"I made up a Potato & Egg Salad and an Easy Peasy Coleslaw."

"While Rob barbecued us the juiciest and most tasty Chicken Breast for each of us.  Oh man, what a great Supper it was."

After I had done up the dishes, and Rob had taken out each of the "pack", I can now honestly say we are both sitting, each with a coffee beside us, while Rob is taking a bit of TV in while I sit with my Laptop here in front of me.

The day wouldn't be complete without showing off the "Spectacular Six", now would it?

"I can well imagine there is lots of "growing" pains going on here."

One more time in and out with the "pack" yet this evening, and we can then call it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

What A Day Trip That Was !

I am pretty sure it was around the 4:00 am hour this morning when my "Crabby Cabby" arrived home, with me laying in bed until I finally gave no more thought to getting any further sleep, with finally arising around 5:30 am. 

Once Bandit, Lexus, Mercedes and I had our morning outing, I had my Java double cream and got ready for the day ahead.

"The "Spectacular Six" were having their breakfast just after 7:00 am this morning."

"Does morning breakfast get any more comfortable then this?  Really now?"

"Cya later "Home" be back atcha' later"

I headed out further South of the Checkerboard, taking myself downtown to the Wiarton Tim Hortons to enjoy a second Java with double cream before heading out down the long stretch of highway at 8:00 am ...

"Finally us travelers, my First Cousin, Suzanne, her daughter, Krista, and myself arrived at my BFF, Bob's home."

Then my Niece, Jo-Anne, and her daughter, Erika, showed up not too much longer after we had arrived.  We were all so busy chit chatting, as my daughter-in-law, Holly, was already there waiting for me to arrive, and I never got barely any photos at all !  Silly chatty Cathy I was, along with the rest of them .... lol.

"Awww, there is my Lizzie cat, who I had gifted Bob & Tim last year, as my allergies were getting too bad to keep her.  She has the greatest home, not that she hadn't been spoiled here, but she is "extremely" spoiled there and has Bob now trained purfectly to entertain to her every whim !"

"Then we all got down to the business at hand, one by one, we all made our way in to get a "reading" done by one of the most wonderful gentlemen Psychic I have ever known, dear Alex.  Here is my "petrified" Cousin, as she had never been before, but she did come away no worse for the wear ... lol."

While we all respectfully awaited our turns, there was lots of chatting, laughs and a few goodies too ...

"Homemade Mascarpone Banana Flax Nut Bread and Black Bean Brownies I had made for us to "nibble" on .... they were very very good, if I do say myself."

We had a fantastic time all together, however I am sure it must have been well after the 4:00 pm hour before we took our leave from the Village of New Dundee to head on back home.  New Dundee just happens be where my dear Rob also grew up on his Family farm just on the outskirts of the Village.

On our drive home, Suzanne, Krista and I did get to take in some pretty awesome sights.

"The fields being worked, planted and sprayed."

"Two more teams of four waiting beyond before they begin their pass through the field.  Pretty awesome "Team Work" taking place here."

We were going to stop at the Tim Hortons in Harriston for a coffee, however decided we needed some "real food" in our tummies and made a beeline for the Redwood Restaurant in Clifford, for some Supper.  I am never disappointed with a meal there; the Liver & Onions were awesome, Suzanne thoroughly enjoyed her Hot Beef Dinner, as did Krista her Salisbury Steak smothered in Onions and Mushrooms.  Just what the three of us needed !

We finally land back in Wiarton around 8:00 pm, with me at home just before 8:30 to three very happy Aussies, barely being able to contain themselves once I walked through our door.  LOL, it is nice to know I am loved by so many !

It is has been a very enjoyable, however long day from 4:00 am until now just before 10:00 pm, so I really think I will call it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Three Months Gone Gone Gone !

"The morning began with Bandit, Lexus and I out for our usual bout of morning fresh air.  The greenhouses over yonder are at our Neighbours, Elliott's Garden Center, which is a great place by the way to make a point of stopping in on your way before heading any further up the Bruce Peninsula."

"Lexus is so "pretty", but then again I am a bit partial, am I not?"

"One would never know she just gave birth to six puppies a week ago."

Once Mercedes was also attended to I got myself ready to head on out "North of the Checkerboard" for my weekly shot in the arm, as well as to drop in on our Bookkeeper to make sure I was doing things right with the "Crabby Cabbie's" books.

I really am sure it wan't until at least 10:30 or so by the time I had returned back home with lots on my plate in the way of .....

"... finishing up the first Quarter of the Year on the "Crabby Cabbie's" books.  Joy, joy, joy ... does that convince everyone how "joyful" I was about getting this done today?  LOL"

What gets me is where did the first quarter of the Year go to already?  GONE, GONE GONE ... is where it went, and so quickly !  I suppose this is a good reason why we should stop "smell the roses" and "enjoy living" our "every day" now isn't it?  I sincerely believe I do try my very best at doing this, however there are some days we all have our "ups & downs", since this can only be human not to.

LOL... Rob and I were having a "wee" bit of a disagreement the other day.  I looked down and there is little Missy Mercedes laying down on the floor looking up at the two of us.  I started laughing and said to her, "I am sorry Mercedes, you are living with a dysfunctional family, and if we aren't careful someone will take you from us and place you with your Auntie Donna !"   Ha, ha, ha, ha ... this sure lightened up the "mood" !

Friends, family members, spouses, siblings, we all have our ups and downs, however the important part is to remember to "communicate".  There have been times I have had a bad day, where I have had to say, "I am sorry I was having a bad day", or "I shouldn't have done that".  Once the "mood" has passed, sometimes we come to realize what needs to be said to make up for the time we were unable to.  I am fortunate, as Rob and I have many times had, and still do have our "ups & downs", but the nicest part about it all is knowing it will pass and that we do LOVE EACH OTHER.

Wow, I really must be tired, I am getting pretty sentimental here now aren't I ?

Anyhow, I didn't get those dang "Crabby Cabbie" books and the first quarter all sorted out until 1:00 PM, then had to get us our lunch together.  Thank goodness for leftovers on days like these !

After lunch was done and over with, there was more work in progress ....

"First we measure where it is going to be placed, then we hammer in the hanger for it."

"Next step is getting it hung and centered properly."

"Then I get to stand back and admire it, *sigh* and say it is finally ALL DONE !  Yay, the spare bedroom is now finished !"

Shortly after the picture hanging had been done, Rob had to put back on his "Crabby Cabbie" hat and leave for what he does best and hopefully that is being the very bestest "Crabby Cabbie" in the whole wide World !  

I got some puttering done with our bed made, the kitchen tidied, a bit of dusting and vacuuming done, you know all those usual every day mundane things that have to be done at least "once a month" or "quarterly per Year" ...lol.  Of course in between all of this, there is always a few in and outs with Bandit, Lexus and Mercedes.

I put Lexus out into her pen so I could have a bit of one on one "cuddle" time with the "Spectacular Six".  Not that Lexus doesn't mind, but she usually wants me to give her all of my attention, not caring for me to share it.

"They all seem to be a pretty content bunch of puppies, but for some reason there is always one in every crowd .... "

".... and it just so happens to be this little guy here.  Let me tell you, I can hear him sometimes from where I am upstairs.  He has to be the biggest little "whiner" in the whole bunch.  LOL, but he is truly so adorable."

The lady who is possibly interested in the Red Merle Female puppy emailed me a video this morning.  I really enjoyed it, as did Rob, so I, of course, want to share it with everyone else, so here it is:

Only 7 months old !  I am totally impressed, now I want someone to teach me "how to do all these tricks".  Not for me !!!  to teach my "pack" ....lol.

I really am tired, I really really need to have a hot cup of Java, and I think I am going to really really wrap things up here shortly, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".