They Are Off !!!

Sleep?  Nada again !!!  well not really as I did get 4 hours, awake at 2 am.  Off course when I had to get up, "Murphy's Law", I was ready to go to sleep at 5:45 am.  I had to be up and in Owen Sound this morning for a schedule appointment at the Hospital for 7:40 am. 

Rob drove me over to the Owen Sound Hospital, and as we were pulling in my Cell phone rang.  It was the Hospital calling to tell me the Cat Scan Machine broke down earlier this morning and would I call back later today to reschedule.  "Murphy's Law", I say .... 

Not all a loss, as I had needed a few things while in Owen Sound.  Let me tell you, 7:30 am is the time to go shopping in Walmart ... it was a breeze !!!  By the time we had arrived back home, unloaded our shopping, and took care of our 4 Aussie's needs, we headed on down the road again.

There are some pretty big rocks that come out from Bruce Peninsula, needing some pretty heavy duty trucks to transport them.  Gozzy? I wondered at what that name stood for?  and it being such a nice day there had been a few Antique vehicles out and about in our travels.  New Hamburg? why on Earth would we end up there????

2:00 pm we arrived at my Son, Paul & his girlfriend, Liz's home in New Hamburg.  Ha he hide back inside the door when he seen the camera.  Paul was shocked to see us as he had no idea we were going to be showing up.  Yes they were all packed with all the bags and knapsacks lined up ready to be loaded.

Unfortunately we did not stay barely an hour, as we needed to get back home, and they still had a few things to get done before heading out on their flight this evening to BC.  Liz's brother and his wife had their first Baby a month ago.  Paul, Liz and the kids are on their way to visit them.

The Sumac is beautiful in full colour at this time of year along Hwy. 8 heading into Kitchener.

Rob had it in his mind he was having himself a treat before heading back home at somewhere he has not been to in over 10 years and more.  The scenery going inside, and outside had been interesting while Rob was making his Lunch choice.

Lunch was served !  and oh my it was some good.  Where was lunch? at Red Lobster ... yummy, but a wee bit on the heavy side considering it was breakfast, lunch and dinner at one sitting for us both today.

For a day that had started out dark, cloudy and overcast ended up being a beautiful day.  Not only did I enjoy the colours on the way home, I also stopped and got a deal on some mini gourds just outside of Elmira.

We finally made it back home after a very long day.  Did we get a new vehicle?  nope, we left our Van for Paul and Liz so they could take one vehicle to the airport today to transport all 7 of them, so we brought Liz's car home with us to use.  We had a little traveller who must have been hanging on pretty good at over 80 km per hour.

There had even been some Happy Mail when we got home.  I had "won" a bottle of Organic Honey from Bee U Organic's Facebook page over a month ago and received it today.  Thank You, Bee U Organic, BC !

I did not only get Happy Mail in our Mailbox at the side of the road, I also had Happy Mail waiting for me in my Email Inbox too !!!

Waiting for their flight everyone had something with them to keep them amused.  Briar, Aiden, Connor and Josh, and Chloe looks like they were keeping themselves busy.

These photos absolutely "melted" my Heart ... and made my whole day.

I am so excited as it is Aiden and Connor's very first time flying, and Paul's only second time.  At 7:45 pm they were off !!!  and should be out there in 3.5 hours I believe if I recall what I was told correctly.

It has been a good day, and I was really happy we surprised my Paul, and I was able to spend some quality time with my husband.  Now it is time to call it a "night", as I have a very busy day ahead of me tomorrow, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Beware Of The Bugs !

This is how the day begin out of the Eastern Skies this morning at 7:00 am.

Unfortunately my day did not start out as beautiful as the skies, since the headache I went to bed has stayed with me since getting up today.  Not only has it been bad headaches but sweats, upset stomach and feeling downright "wrung out".  

Reports from other friends, near and dear, close and far, have been the same, similar or worse symptoms.  Be on WATCH, as there is another "BUG" in our midst.

Needless to say, my day was not productive one iota, unless you count in and out with the Aussies, vacuuming up Bandit from the floors x 2, doing up a few dishes, and making our Dinner, and picking up two of our Crabby Cabbie vehicles from our mechanics, which I do not count as productive at all, but the necessities of the moment.

I can not believe that not one vehicle, but seemingly two vehicles break down at the same time, every time !  Yesterday the Serpentine Belt went in one, then the barrings and muffler in another. 

Both vehicles were not only repaired today, thanks to our very understanding and considerate mechanic, who we love, knowing we need our vehicles.  While they were there they both also had the oil undercoating for the Winter done too.

Pre-Dinner, Bandit had himself a little treat of a stale Bakery Bun.  It took him a bit to get settled with it as it was quite the mouthful.  Last time I believe it had been Buddy's turn at the stale bread/bun.

With leftover Chicken from yesterdays Crock Pot Chicken, I had my heart set on Chicken & Cheese Lasagna Roll-ups.  Noodles boiled to soften, filling put together, then before I knew it I was topping each with a bit of Mozzarella Cheese, then covering all with Sauce and popping it in the Oven.

Forty minutes later and it was all ready to be served up.  I was far from disappointed, as this is one of my favourite ways to use up leftover Chicken.

Rob had wanted a side of Carrots but did not want to wait another half hour for me to cook them.  Solution?  into the Pressure Cooker, and 5 minutes later ... Presto they were cooked to perfection.  Loving my Pressure Cooker !!!

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

Before signing off here is a little interesting Health News regarding Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars that my friend, Toni with an "i" had posted to Facebook this morning:

http://www.southwesthealthline.ca/displayarticle.aspx?id=2487

I most certainly hope I sleep this evening, as I have a 7:40 am appointment with a Cat Scan tomorrow morning in Owen Sound, and I want to be bright eyes and bushy tailed while driving into the Hospital at that time of the morning.

On that note, I am off for the evening to a warm bed and my husband who I do not have home at this time of night for too many evenings throughout the week, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Out & About, This & That

This morning I could have been very pro-active, but I choose not to this day as I was too darn tired and decided I just would not do much of anything.  

What I did have to do though is make a trip downtown Wiarton to our bank.  I thought I would call up a friend to see if she could join me on my jaunt downtown.  

Indeed she was able  to join me so I had scooped her up on my way by and we headed first over to the Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift store as today was their $4.00 Bag Day Sale.  This Bag Day Sale occurs at the last Saturday of every month, wherein you can fill a bag of clothes for the cost of $4.00.  All other items in the store are half price.  I did well today by getting myself a much needed new rain slicker, a pair of pants, and Rob a brand new long sleeve shirt.  Pay Dirt !  I had also picked up four 3" Binders for the Wiarton Chamber.  All of this cost me less then $7.00.

Then we headed into the Berford Street Tea Room where I had a Raspberry Tea, whilst my friend had a Lemon Tea along with a Homemade Strawberry Scone with Homemade Jam.  My friend, who lived in England most of her life was reminded of the Tea Shops she used to frequent back then.  Next stop was the Wiarton Chamber offices, then a hop, skip and a jump over to the Old Train Station in Bluewater Park, which is not only quaint and full of History, it also houses the Wiarton Tourism Information Centre.  Last stop was up the North Hill on our way back home where we stopped in at the Spirit Rock Outpost & Lodge where we went in to admire the Antiques and treat ourselves to a Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Cone.  I had never had this flavour before, and really it was very Delish.

Really my friend and I could have spent the whole day going Out & About, doing This & That, but I did have a guilty twinge that I should be back home cutting the lawn.  Off I went after depositing my friend to her home first.

I was happy that Rob had jumped on the other lawn tractor to help me get the lawn cut this afternoon.

I was even happier I had put a Chicken in the Crock Pot this morning.

After the lawn had been cut, Rob and I headed down to our local grocery store to pickup a salad to go along with our Chicken for Dinner.

Our very first Green Pepper from our own Veggie Garden that the frost had not yet made claim to, sliced to go along with our Chicken and Greek Salad.  Dinner was a hit.

No there was no dessert, not that I needed any since I had splurged by having that Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Cone, however speaking of desserts with Thanksgiving just around the corner ....

... should you not feel like Baking for this upcoming Thanksgiving, take advantage of the Wiarton District Optimist Club's Pie Fundraiser.  Get your order in Early so you do not miss out.

Also DeJong Acres Farm Store is having their 3rd Annual Thanksgiving "Open House".  Another event you might not want to miss out on.  I am hoping the weather is beautiful those days, as I will be going out to pick out Halloween Pumpkins for my Grandchildren, which I try to buy for them every year, which also supports the Wiarton Kid's Den.

Yes I had attended the very first and second Thanksgiving Open Houses at DeJong Acres Farm, HERE & HERE respectfully.

My dear "Crabby Cabbie" Rob has left for work, and I sit thinking how I dislike it getting dark outside so early now.  I dread when the Clocks go back an hour, as I will really not like that.

My neck is in frightful pain this evening with a slight headache making itself known.  I am going to take my Aussies out and about one more time this day, then a hot shower for myself before calling it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

What A Gorgeous Day !

Today's weather was an absolute gorgeous day that nobody could ask for better.  It must have been in the mid-teens or low twenties ... so very comfortable.

Can I say, "busy"? never mind saying it, I was "busy" all day long.

Aussies done x2 this morning, bed stripped, 2 loads of laundry down and hung out, downtown to the bank and to complete a couple of other errands.  This almost all done before the Noon hour.

I had to rush home from my errands downtown as there had been Happy Mail that I had picked up from the Mail Depot at Rankin River Trading Post.

What a wonderful surprise when I had opened up the box from my Blogger Friend, Lynn of Turnips2 Tangerines to find 4 packages of Hershey Cinnamon Chips and a pair of Orange Pumpkin Socks.  I can not begin to express how thrilled I am !  Thanks Lynn, you really are one of the BEST !!! xx  Lots of Apple Cinnamon Chip Muffins coming up this Thanksgiving for the Grandchildren.

 

I headed out this afternoon to head down to Saugeen Shores where in Southampton I had to finish handing out the "Crabby Cabbie" Food Bank Drive.

 

I took a little more time here at the Home & Gift Essentials.  This is only one of the stores I had dropped in at today that I would love to go back to revisit and take my time, on my time and not The "Crabby Cabbie" time.

 



 

Once I had finished the "other" side of the street I had not got to on Wednesday, I headed on over to Port Elgin.

 

Look at this beautiful Butternut Squash I had bought at Hi-Berry Farm when dropping them around a flyer.  Lots of Farm Fresh Produce here at their own farm to be had.

 

 

Once I started my trek uptown Port Elgin, of course my first stop had to be in at Millcreek Chocolates.

 

I really had a difficult time to tear myself away from here.  All the goodies ready for Thanksgiving and Halloween.  Oh yum, yum, yum, says my sweet tooth.

 



 

I could not believe how time flew while I went from Business to Business downtown Port Elgin.

Before I knew it Rob was calling me to meet up with him to fill up our van with fuel before heading back home.  I had only gotten half of the businesses covered on the Main Street there.  Another trip I suppose next week.

 

Barbetta Orchards are back with their  Apples again this Year in Hepworth at Duffy's Farm Gate Market in Hepworth.  I picked up a 5 lb bag of Galas (my new choice of apple) for $7.00.  Love me a Gala Apple !

 





 

Finally back home, again around 5 pm, I got the laundry off the clothes line, our bed made up fresh, made it out to the garden to pick and clean some beets, then got going on making our Dinner.

 

Fresh Garden Beets set to cook in the Pressure Cooker, Schnitzel dipped in flour, egg, then Panko Crumbs before hitting the hot pan of Canola Oil.  Dinner was fork tender, with sides of Apple Sauce and Cooked Beets.

 



Now that this busy day is over, I can honestly say I am tired and looking forward to a good night's sleep ahead of me, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Pulled ? Or A ?

I most certainly was not moving too quick this morning when I finally got out of bed just before 8 am.  I can not believe I was in bed until that time of the morning, nor that I did not want to get out.  I am beat, Rob is beat, and I am wondering are we just getting run down or what. 

I do not know how we can get run down when I am thinking I do not see any progress getting done around here.  Then again, when one is out trying to scratch out a living for themselves, who has time for the other details that used to be looked after when we had been making a living for someone else.

It was early in the morning when Rob had called me from work.  He was in pain, he sounded like he was in pain, and he had not let on for the past three days, but finally did today as it was getting too much for him to bear.  Hmmm ... that is my answer why he was a bit on the crabby grumpy last night.  Nobody is in a good mood when they are in too much pain, are they?

I called the Good Doctor's office in Lion's Head.  The doctor's receptionist had an opening for us this morning at 10:30 am.  I called Rob, who after getting a driver cover for him, headed home to collect me then head on up to the Doctor's.

The pains are on his left side between his groin and belt line.  It is suspected that after he had been pulling and pushing two lawn tractors on and off a trailer this past Monday, then lift a tank onto a trailer with my Cousin last night, that he has pulled a muscle or has the beginning of a hernia.  We are hoping for the latter. 

Dr. Loney gave him freezing where the pain was, a prescription for pain medication, ordered an Ultra Sound, and told him to go home to rest. 

I am thinking Rob maybe only got a couple of hours of sleep this afternoon as the rest of the day ...

 

.... was spent watching a bit of TV with Bandit, and then going out to put a Taxi top on one of the Taxis.  Geez does he not know the meaning of "rest" ?  

Why is it people want to rest when there are things to be done, and do not rest when they are suppose to?  Another baffling question that never seems to have an answer.

This afternoon I went down to Wiarton to the pharmacy to pickup our prescriptions.  I had also had one there for myself too for a new Brand of Migraine medication.

When I opened the bag containing the Axert, then read the receipt, I almost had a heart attack.  $15.56 per pill !  What do these drug companies put in these drugs?  Gold????  all I have to say is I hope these work, as the Zomig I used to take never worked and they cost each $1.00 more then these ones.

 



Really I shake my head about such things as it is ludicrous and insane to charge people such prices.

Our Dinner was simply a BBQ'd Hamburger for Rob and a BBQ'd Turkey Burger for me tonight.   I thankfully only have a couple plates and utensils to wash up yet.

Tomorrow I will be covering for one of our Crabby Cabbie drivers, so really do I expect to be productive here?  I doubt it, but hopefully at least I can get the bed stripped, washed and hung out on the line.

Even though I did not sleep through the night last night, it had been an early night, which I will be also projecting for again this night, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Naturally Natural

20 NATURAL PAINKILLERS IN YOUR KITCHEN 

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight. A natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anaesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker.This simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain.

Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds. Garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulphur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

If you’re struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache. Anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin.

Fight tummy troubles with fish

If your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. For the best results, look for salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University . “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University .

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University .

Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating. That's because pineapple is naturally packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? What to do? Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half.

Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn't just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs). That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection.

Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear. Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues.

Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days.

Source for Above:  https://www.facebook.com/IntelligentLiving

I always love reading "Natural" cures and/or remedies.  However like everything else, keep in mind what might work for one person might not work for another.

On to my day at hand, after yet another sleepless night, and Yes, I have tried the Cherry Juice, and No, it did not work.

After I managed to have one cup of coffee this morning, and have a long overdue phone call with my Sister, Donna (having had spoken to my Sister, Jeanne, the other night), while multi-tasking by taking out Mercedes at the same time, I then got onto more important tasks like dusting the bedroom and having myself a shower.

I had a few errands that needed done this morning downtown, before I headed over to Southampton to "Spread the Word about Crabby Cabbie 3 week Food Bank Drive".

I copied and cut before leaving the house.  I was happy to check out all the businesses on the one-side of the street in my Hometown of Southampton, as I dropped off flyers to each.  So many changes since I was a young girl growing up.  I was very happy to meet the owner of Bliss who is a Crabby Cabbie Facebook Fan.  What a fantastic store it is.  I look forward to a time in the future that I might be able to explore more.

Bliss can also be found on Facebook HERE.  

I left the Crabby Cabbie vehicle I had drove down to Southampton there, and drove home with Rob.  Our own personal van was ready to be picked up from our mechanics as it had been in getting the front manifold gasket replaced (not a little job by no means, and our mechanic, Jim, is more then appreciated by us).

We both arrived back home at 5 pm to find my Cousin Todd waiting for us, as he and Rob had planned to meet up.  Me?  I let all the Aussies out then headed into the house to find out the Wiarton Chamber event I was planning on attending at 6:00 pm had been cancelled for tonight.

Quite honestly I was happy it had been cancelled since that meant Rob and I could have a nice Dinner together and an early night.

Our Dinner of BBQ'd Steak, pan-fried mushrooms and new potatoes"hit" the spot.

More changes to my Hometown of Southampton were released this past September 23rd.

The Walker House, owned by the Mahon family as long as I can remember, has acquired new Owners.  That news can be found HERE.  Yes I do remember Earl Putman, who, if my memory serves me correctly, was from Kitchener, with their Summer home located just up the street from the Walker House, many years ago ....

It is now only 8:00 pm, so I think my plans of an early evening might transpire afterall, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Road Trip With My Hubby

Rob and I were both very happy last night that "The Voice" is back on again for another Season, as it has become one of our favourite TV shows to watch together.  The Judges are all back to the original from two years ago when it first aired.  Lots of great talent out there in this World.

This morning Rob and I were happy to go on another "Road Trip" together, however short it was it was still time spend with each other.

It was a perfect day to be travelling down the road, alongside the brown corn fields and horsepower.

Rob and I always have fun with lots of kibitzing back and forth on our Road Trips, always putting a smile on our faces ....

Really, trade me in?  I think not, as who else would put up with all that goofiness?  xx

The purpose of our Road Trip this day?

The "older" John Deere Rob had loaded up the other day was being towed down the road behind us (not the one he & our Friend, Bob, had just fixed).  It was being traded up this day on something Rob had found in his travels last week.

Yes we had came home with another Lawn Tractor.  One in better shape then first went down the road with us this morning.  Trust me buying a new to us toy was guaranteed to get my man put it to use, until the newness and novelty has worn off (it was good for only 1/2 the front lawn until I had to take over).

Since Rob and I had not gotten home until late this afternoon, it did not seem long until I  headed back out again as this evening I had wanted to attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting from 6 until 8 pm., not arriving back home until after 8:30 pm.

Needless to say, it has been a long day.

Oh how I love my friends, especially my friend, Toni with an "i" when she sends me things on my Facebook page that I know she has been thinking about me ....

On that note I should take my exhausted self to bed, so I can look forward to getting up tomorrow morning, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Paying It Forward !

Today was another "whirlwind" with barely any sleep under neither my, nor Rob's belts.  I think I was destined to be sleep deprived all my life through.  Actually when there is no more life there will be lots of sleep then, so I will take what I have now (except a happy balance would be kind of nice).

I was gone before 10:00, returning home only twice all day.  Once to let the Aussies out, the 2nd time to let the Aussies out and do up some dishes.  I did manage to make our bed also at some point or another, I am just not sure at what point.

Before I had left the house the first time today I had been working on a "Pay It Forward" project for The "Crabby Cabbie" trying to get it into motion today.

Please feel to SHOUT it out and share to everyone or anyone you might know in the Bruce Peninsula and/or Saugeen Shores areas.

My first stop downtown Wiarton was at the Wiarton Salvation Army where they were very helpful by contributing to the Crabby Cabbie for the Food Bank by photocopying me 50 copies of the above for me to pass out to local Wiarton Businesses to display.  Thanks Linda !

After I had a couple of other errands done, I circled back to the Wiarton Salvation Army as today was the first day Bruce Area Recycling was dropping off Food Collected for The Peninsula Community Food Bank.

Volunteers from all over were there to help the food donations from the bins to get it weighed in with it then put aside for sorting.

This is BASWR's 16th Annual Food Drive from September 16 - 27, 2013 to help support your local Food Banks. If you would like to participate in this great cause simply place an untied plastic bag of non-perishable food items next to your blue box on your collection day. To find out what day our drivers will be collecting in your area, please check your 2013 Blue Box schedule. Thank you for your assistance.

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season Holidays fast approaching the coffers at the local Food Banks will need extra food stuffs so they do not get totally depleted at such times.

"Special Thanks" to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula for lending The "Crabby Cabbie" 2 Recycle Bins for the 3 weeks we ask our Customers to donate to their local Food Bank.  It is a win, win situation since they get a $1.00 off their fare for a donation.

I also contacted the Wiarton Echo and the Shoreline Beacon newspapers asking if they will also spread the word on behalf of the Crabby Cabbie.  We have since heard back from the Wiarton Echo that they will be running it in next week's edition.  Thank YOU Wiarton Echo !!!

In-between calls today I managed to hand out all but eight of the fifty hand-outs this afternoon to local Wiarton Businesses.  Hopefully I will have more to hand out in Saugeen Shores by the end of this week.

When did I return back home today? after I had met up with my Crabby Cabbie Rob at the Wiarton Subway for some Dinner, it had been almost 8:00 pm.  It really was a busy all around day.

Over the years I have been blessed in many ways, and still am, being helped or supported in some form another, so paying it forward can come easy to me most days.  It might only be smiling at someone I pass on the street, or a good morning or hello ... it does not only have to be by giving material, Paying It Forward can also be given with only a slight gesture of kindness.

How do you find yourself "Paying it Forward"?

My eyes are burning, with me barely being able to keep them open.  I hope this post made some kind of sense this evening, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

First Day of Fall 2013: The Autumnal Equinox

Photo Credit:  Myself and thanks to the bird who dropped the seed.

Happy Fall 2013.  It was a typical Fall day, however a bit on the cool side with a High of 10*C outside our door.  A little too chilly for my liking, however maybe I still need to climatize myself. Still I find myself wanting to lite the Woodstove.

I was awoken by the phone at Midnight, without seemingly ever getting back to sleep.  My Crabby Cabbie arrived home at 4 am.  By 7 am when I could have fallen into a slumber it had been time for me to get up to start my day.

I was out the door by 8:30 am, not returning back home until after 10:00 am.  My Rob was awake by the time I arrived home, why I have no idea as he should have still been sleeping, but then again there were things he wanted to get done today.

Rob was busy moving stuff (lots of stuff) around in the barn today, to get at this old John Deere Lawn Tractor that is heading down the road this week.  He also had to move some other "stuff" around the property.  There is always something that needs doing with either no time, no money, or no energy to get 'r done most days it seems.  There are some things that just HAVE to get done though no matter how we feel.

I did manage to drag Rob away from what HAD to be done this day, to take our annual photo out in the Veggie Garden.

I always like using Rob as a gauge to show how high the Sunflowers get from Year to Year.  Since he is 6 feet tall it gives us a good idea on how tall they have gotten without having to get out the ladder and a measuring tape.  I also took the time to survey the garden (and all the weeds) to find the frost last week did not claim everything out there.  Thank goodness as I really need tomatoes to can for Stewed Tomatoes, and I have not even yielded a 3 litre basket from the 20 plants as of yet.  Hopefully there will be more to be got then these before another Frost.

One lonely little Bronze Sunflower was way off to the edge of the field all by itself.  A single seed must have been dropped from the beak of a bird.  I love this colour, now wondering why I hadn't planted them again this Year.  Hopefully I will remember next Year.

Fall also causes hair to fall from our four Aussies (more then usual).  I also took the time out of my day to have some one on one Aussie time and play that you can see for yourself by *clicking* HERE.

Here is a handy website one of Cindy's Recipe Exchange Members shared in the group today, for those who might have questions regarding "How long will it keep on the shelf" or other inquiries regarding food stuffs:  http://www.stilltasty.com/searchitems/search_page

It is only 5:34 at the moment here.  My poor Rob has gone to bed already as he is exhausted.  Me?  I really wish I could follow suit, but alas I best get the dishes done up from the Bacon and Eggs we had for our Dinner, and then have a couple more out and abouts with the Aussies before I call it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Horses & Buckboards

Just after my "Crabby Cabbie" Rob arrived home around 4 am, I was up an hour later at 5 am.  I decided to go back to our warm bed and lay there until it was a half normal time to really get up for the day.

Once the morning Aussie chores had been accomplished I headed out on my weekly Saturday morning trip to Owen Sound.  I usually arrive back home before 10:30 am, but which time this morning Rob had been up when I had.

The Wiarton Fall Fair Parade for Ages 12 and under was to take place down in Wiarton's Bluewater Park this morning at 11:00 am.  I had wanted to go down to take some photos, but by that time the rain was coming down by the bucket full.  Really it had not been nice enough for man, nor beast to be out in that mess.  I hope they managed somehow to have enough room in the arena to judge who won the Bicycle that had been donated by the Purple Valley Ladies Institute.

Later on this afternoon, once the skies had cleared, I headed on downtown Wiarton once again.  I had a couple of errands to do, but had also dropped around to the Wiarton Chamber of Commerce's office to ask if the parade had been or not, since the offices are right in the park.   No as it had also been raining buckets in Wiarton.

As I was leaving the Chamber's office, low and behold out front had been ....

Young Kyle Gilbert with his Paint hitched up to the buckboard heading over to the Horse Show across the way in the Park.  Handsome pair that horse and young man make, do they not? they had even picked up a couple of young gals on their way.

Heading back up towards Wiarton's Main Street the traffic seemed to be going a tad slower then usual ....

The reason for that was Kyle Gilbert's dad, Robert, had his team of Painted Percherons out for a walk around the block before heading down to Bluewater Park themselves.  Lovely team the are too.

Part of the Wiarton's Fall Fair was horse pulls and such this afternoon, which I never got to take in. However I did so manage to finish up my errands and head it back home for a second time this day.

Almost to the front door I noticed this little guy, up close and center.  Funny the closer I got the more he seemed to show off by stretching himself right out.  He never tried once to "hop" away all the time I was taking his picture.

The remainder of my afternoon was spent out and in with the Aussies a couple of times, getting our bed made, putting together the payroll our Bookkeeper had emailed to me, and booking some fares for my Crabby Cabbie.  A little of this, and a bit of that kind of day it had been.

When talking to Rob about 5 pm, when he had been on his way home, we decided we would meet up downtown Wiarton for a Dinner date   To him it would be dinner, to me it would be a dinner date ... *smile*.

While I had been waiting for Rob to get into town I browsed around in at the Rankin River Trading Co..Post.  Just inside the door is this humongous Rooster.  I LOVE Roosters, but you would have to have the perfect spot to have this big guy displayed to get his full effect, would you not?

Rob did meet up with me about 5:45.  Right next door we headed into a very very busy Green Door Restaurant (reservations are always recommended).

Rob not usually the adventurous once, choose the Curry Beef Lentil Soup, Cabbage Rolls and a side of Caesar Salad.  Lemon Meringue Pie is always a "given" when it comes to Rob.

I had noticed the change in the Menu, being told by our waitress, Brit, that it was only newly updated a week ago.  I happily choose, after first consulting the girls to find Melissa (the other fantastic waitress) loved the choice I was going to make.  I ventured to try the Butternut Squash Lasagna.  Oh my ... I am already looking forward to going back again to have it, or even attempting to make on myself it was sooooo beyond GOOD !

With our Dinner Date over, we headed  back home, Rob in his Crabby Cabbie mobile, while I headed across the street to get our personal van.

My morning began with the overcast sky to the left, and ended with a touch of Sun but still lots of cloud cover this day.

Really tomorrow will already be the first day of Autumn.  Fall 2013 will begin throughout our World, as well as in my little World here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".