An Unexpected Dinner Out

It was very cold out side our home this morning.  I was glad to have new Winter Boots to wear out in the elements.

I was not the only one happy to have new boots, so was Buddy, as you can tell,  he got to go out for a big run this morning first thing.  Run, run, run .....

Despite the cold it was a beautiful day.

With Lexus already out, next up was Mercedes.  She did lots of running action too, then it was run for her right back into her crate with the "where is my breakfast" look right off the bat.  This girl could care less about getting out first thing in the morning, as she would much prefer breakfast first I am sure.  Look at the cute little nose.  She won't touch her food once I put it into her dish, as she sits first and waits until I give her the command.  Smart in more ways then one this girl is.

Other then a load of laundry, dishes done up, the bed made, all else I was able to accomplish today was some more Crabby Cabbie paperwork.  Month end this always is the case and that it is.

As of tomorrow we are seriously only 25 days away from Christmas.  Eeeekkk, I have not even had time to get my house clean all at once, never mind starting Christmas Baking !!!!  Oh woe is me, what am I ever going to do.  Truly I could use a whole week to myself with NO Aussies, and NO Crabby Cabbie, then I might make dent in it all.  But then my Life would not be complete now, would it?  without all the chaos day by day I seem to attract my way.  *Sigh*

Later on this day I had to make my way over to Southampton to fill up the Wiarton Crabby Cabbie vehicle for Rob.  I gave my friend and neighbour a call to see if she would like to go along on a quick trip there and back with me.  Off we went.

My Cousin is seeking a new home for her cat, as her allergies have gotten worse with the allergy pills not giving her relief any longer.  My friend, Pari, was thinking she would like a pet for some company for herself, so on the way back from Southampton we made a detour over to my Cousins to meet ....

Sam.  Sam is so handsome, and really a lovey.  A real gentleman too.   Pari is going to give it some thought.  She loved him, but has never had a cat before.  Should I not have such severe allergies now to cats, I would consider him myself.

Once back home, by late afternoon Rob got a call to make a delivery over to Sauble Beach.  I went along on the ride to keep him company.  Once back into Wiarton we stopped downtown at the bank, and I slipped into the Salvation Army to pickup up a few things I had came across in excellent condition for a good price.

I was very surprised when Rob said for us to slip into the Green Door Cafe for us to get a bite to eat.  Me every say "NO" to the Green Door Cafe? I would think NOT.

I had this evening's special which was Chicken Parmesan with Linguine and Garlic Bread, while Rob ordered the House Burger with Cheese from the Menu.  Service from our two favourite girls, Melissa and Britt is something also always to look forward to.

Heavy on the Garlic, but I LOVED ever bite.  Total Dinner, including Rob's coffee, taxes and tip was $25.50.  Now you can't beat a meal like we had for that price, can you?  It really was a nice treat.

Back at home Rob got the wood stove stoked up, bringing wood up from the stack in the basement that does not take long for it to go down ...

I am certain it was double this amount last week.  Rob said he would be going to replenish this tomorrow from our other shed.

My "Crabby Cabbie" is out on another call as I sit here typing my daily post.  The Aussies still all need Out, About and In again for one last time this evening.  What will I do with the remainder of my evening?  a hot shower and a couple more rows of knitting added to the scarf I have been working on for a very long time might be most enjoyable, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Frosty Is Beautiful !

Yes first thing mornings brings Aussie duties, including Out, About, Back in and...

.... breakfast time.  Have I ever mentioned our Aussies being food driven, of course I have.  Some have no patience at all by trying to get into another's bag of food, then when told NO, gives me the LOOK !  Bratty girl our Lexus is.

I LOVE frosty mornings.  They are some of the most beautiful mornings of the Year all seemingly covered in diamonds and glitter.  The transformations are amazing once everything has been bathed in frost.

Later this morning I met up with my brother, Allan, downtown as Greyfair Furniture & Carpet has their NO HST sale on, and Mother could use a new rocker swivel chair.  We picked out pretty much the same one as we had picked out 3 years ago.  Delivery will be tomorrow.  I am certain she will be surprised when Allan shows up with a new chair for her !  Aren't surprises wonderful ???  as I know I LOVE them, and really who wouldn't?

Today was also spent organizing the Crabby Cabbie paperwork to make ready for it to be entered on the books.  I truly am attempting NOT to leave everything to the last minute for less pressure.  Beside I have to get more organized as it is almost time to start Christmas baking, is it not ...

Some of the members in Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook decided for a second year running to also exchange Christmas Cards with each other.  I recently just received three more lovely cards that also included recipes ... bonus.

This one was from my blogging friend, Lynn of Turnips 2 Tangerines.  I LOVE drooling over her blog posts on a regular basis.  Wonder how she knows how much I LOVE Chocolate & Cherries?  Hmmm.....

More Cherries .... thanks Kathy.

... and from longtime childhood school friend, Leona.  Who doesn't LOVE turtles ????  

Turtles, turtles, yah, yah, yah .... I LOVE TURTLES !

Between calls this afternoon, my Crabby Cabbie Rob took me down to the Bank.  While I was in the bank I told him to head over to Gilbert's Shoes to go bug Marg there until I was done.  He loves bugging Marg, or anybody he thinks he can get away with bugging.  

I walked in to retrieve him to find him at the till paying Marg for a purchase he had obviously made.  He went ahead and bought me the pair of Winter boots I had been in looking at the day before.  A nice warm pair of high boots made by Baffin and graded for -40 C*.  I certainly will be a good candidate to try them out as my feet are usually always cold in the Winter months outside (and sometimes inside).  This is the first new pair of  "real" Winter Boots I have had for many years; so long ago I think it was a pair of Sorrels when Kaufman Shoes were closing down their factory in Kitchener almost 20 years ago?

Oops forgot my Camera had still been on Black & White from some of the "frost" photos, so Gilbert's Shoes did not get to go "full colour" this day.  Really if you have not shopped for footwear ever at Gilbert's Shoes in Wiarton, I would recommend you do.  The selection and staff are beyond accommodating.  Thanks girls.  PS:  and right now they have a 20% Off Sale Storewide !

The new Winter Boots were pretty much the "highlight" of my day, as when I returned home it was to do billing for the Crabby Cabbie ... exciting?  NOT ! but pretty much half done and on the back burner now until Sunday or Monday comes to finish up the rest.

Sometime between being in, out and about this day, I did manage to throw some stew beef in the Crock Pot with some leftover beef drippings I had in the freezer.

With some of this and some of that chopped, along with a can of diced tomatoes and a can of mixed beans, a wholesome stew was created.  Yes comfort food it was, meaty and full of vegetable goodness.  LOVE those Colour My Plate meals, don't you?

Look the time ... 9:06 pm already.  A late dinner with our driver, John, popping in for a bit before he and my Crabby Cabbie Rob left for the evening.  Almost past my bedtime, it is, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Beauty Every Where

Last evening brought more snow with it throughout the night. Still today the Sun was shining, and that nobody on Gods Green Earth can find fault with that I hope.

I had to drop off a parcel for an acquaintance this morning which took me out by Bass Lake.

The Snow fall brings a Winter Wonderland with it, as I drove up North Bass Lake Road, then later down by the Bluewater Park at the Train Station.  We really do have beauty surrounding us everywhere, even within, we just need to open our eyes more at times and look.

I am under the weather somewhat today with swollen glands, a sore throat, and a usual headache and pains I normally have daily.  I am chilled to the bone and can not seem to get myself warm.

Rob has headed up to do a call to Lions Head way, with me hoping he will (and I am sure he will) look after all our Aussies needs when he returns home for the evening.  I am heading off to bed, regardless it is not yet 5:30 pm.

I love sharing, as does my Auntie Gladys, who send me her famous Gumdrop Cake recipe via email just the other day.  This will be my and her share for this day.

One of Aunties Gumdrop Cakes is what I was happy to be gifted last Year at our annual Christmas luncheon with her and a few cousins.

Recipe please .... FOR A PRINTABLE RECIPE PLEASE *CLICK* HERE.  Definitely a great Christmas Gift for anyone to receive.

Not running, but I am signing off for the day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Long, Good & Happy To Be Home Day

Brrr ... another cold day North of Wiarton when I arose this morning.  It did not take long for Rob to get the wood stove stoked up and going.  

Another day I was not as productive as I had on my mind to be where the housework was concerned.  Still I managed to complete one chore, and that was part of the bathroom cleaned.  At least one third of it was done, which is much better then no thirds completed.

My sister, Donna, had cut me some Hydrangeas from her garden this Fall that I had dried.  I found the perfect spot for them on my window covering, such as it is, in the bathroom.  Its effect suited my tastes just fine.  (my poor little Jade is not doing as well as usual, so I must give it a shot of something soon I think).

I had to do a couple of errands downtown Wiarton.  I thought I would pop into the Painted Turtle & Balloon Headquarters to see how they were making out on the very first Annual WHITE WEDNESDAY. 

It was reported to me that they were having a GREAT day !!!

Truly I need to take a day when I am not just stopping in, as I would love to take the time to stick my nose in every one of the many nook and crannies within this very unique store.

It was not too much later when I had to also make a trip into Owen Sound on a couple of errands there too.  Last week we had the snow tires put on our personal vehicle, as I had mentioned yesterday.  A funny thing happened when driving through a part of Owen Sound when I got a really bad shimmy in the front end of the Van.  The first thing I thought of was maybe some of the lugs had came loose, as this has been known to happen.

Trying hard not to PANIC (difficult for me at the best of times NOT to do), I made my way down the East hill towards McArthur Tire.

No worries if I had been stranded as I had a pair of the brand new warm socks on my feet that my Rob had bought out of the blue for me yesterday.  I was barely in the front door of McArthur tire when a guy at the front heard my concern and was out lickety split with a wrench to give each lug nut on each of my four tires a turn to make sure they were all fine.  They had been.

NO CHARGE ! and a compliment that I was a smart person to think it might have been a loose tire and have them all checked.  I was very impressed with this nice guy that came out to help me without a moments hesitation.  THANK YOU Owen Sound MccArthur Tire !!!

The shimmy in the front end we think could have been caused from ice caught up in the rim.  Possible, but still not a good feeling the way it had been at the time.

It was late in the day by the time I got home.  Dinner was put together fairly quickly with a fresh salad, turnip done in the pressure cooker, and White Chicken tenders baked in the Oven.  Once that was over with Rob dropped me off downtown to the Wiarton Chamber of Commerce offices.  

This evening the Wiarton Chamber was hosting an After Five get together for local businesses and everyone in the Community.  A few had begun to gather shortly after I had arrived, refreshments and goodies were set out for all, and I even had Chamber Administration, Mandy, pose with a Bluewater Park Willie (she is such a good sport).  Before I knew it my ride was back to collect me and sweep me back home in his Crabby Cabbie vehicle.

It was a long day, it was a good day, and I am now happy I am home day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Is YOUR Vehicle WINTER Ready ?

My day did not go as well as my Yesterday unfortunately, but having one really "good" day once in awhile is not only a bonus, but a real treat.  

My Crabby Cabbie was out to his first call before 7:20 am this morning leaving me behind with my Aussie morning duties, and whatever else the day held for me ahead.

When I walked out into a damp day, that plays havoc on people with arthritis as we all know, I did have good thoughts go through my mind on how fortunate I am that my husband makes sure any vehicle we have has good tires on it.  I remember times when I was much younger we could not always afford the luxury of having really good tires on some of our vehicles .. *Sigh*, young and brave, or young and stupid, in those days we were in our struggles with life and its financial strife (now I think about it, are we still not experiencing some of these same struggles now at this stage of the game; what is wrong with this picture.  

Ha ! this I still have to figure out)

Our Wiarton Crabby Cabbie vehicle Rob just had new Winter tires put on it yesterday, and our personal vehicle had Winter tires installed on it over a week ago.  With already drifts of snow to go through and icy roads we have had the past few weeks, good snow tires are needed for the expected long Winter ahead off us.

Rob had to go up Hwy 6, North of the Checkerboard, this morning, calling to say once he had passed Pike Bay Road, before Lion's Head, that the roads were horrific and a vehicle was already in the ditch with the OPP close at hand at the scene.  Not only good tires are required, but lower speeds help as well if only some people would realize this too.

I came across a Globe & Mail article by a Rob MacGregor November 15, 2010 on "Get Your Car Ready for Winter".  It is a good article that some should heed:

Seems like just yesterday I was lying on the beach trying to make the most of a difficult decision: Do I want lemon or lime in my libation? Love the dog days...

As the old adage goes; there's not much we can do about the weather. However, we can lessen some of the stress and worry by at least getting our cars ready for the onslaught of the most wonderful time of the year.

For many, winterizing a vehicle can be a daunting task and in most cases it is a daunting task because let's face it, as humans we do two things very well:

1. We've turned procrastination into a science, and

2. We rely too much on the technologies built into the modern vehicle.

To make the winterizing process as painless as possible, I've compiled a list if essentials for fully winterizing your car.

What you should keep in your car

• Emergency kit. This can always be tailored to each individual situation and should be dictated by the expected driving conditions, but at least should consist of:

• Blanket, gloves, spare coat, safety triangle or flares, flashlight, spare engine fluids such as oil, pre-mixed coolant (see coolants below) and windshield fluid, boots, ice scraper, battery jumper cables, light weight shovel, first aid kit, tire chains, granola bars, bottled water, paper towels, etc.

• Dress for the weather. So may of us dash to the car, start up the engine, crank up the heat and turn on the seat heaters thinking we're good to go. What happens if you find yourself in an emergency, low on fuel and having to wait for help? Dressing warm will lessen the need to run the engine to stay warm and if you have to venture outside the vehicle, you will at least be dress somewhat appropriately.

Vehicle fluids

• Engine coolant. Have the condition as well as strength checked out. If the coolant is more than two years old, it's time to have it replaced. A word of caution; modern engines are very picky as to which coolant should be used. Nowadays, there are three types of coolant available. Do not be fooled into thinking you can tell the difference by the colour of coolants. Read that little dust-covered book buried deep in the glove box - your owner's manual.

Coolants and anti-freeze needs to be mixed with water in a 50 per cent solution and if you live in an area that has a high mineral content in the tap water, use a jug of distilled water. This is very cheap insurance considering the possibility of expensive repairs caused by the interaction of the minerals against the different metals used in a modern day engine.

• Engine oil - get it changed if you can't remember the last time it was changed. Check owner's manual for cold weather viscosity options.

• Top up the windshield washer fluid and keep the excess jug in the trunk. The liquid makes a great de-icer for frozen wipers.

• Keep the gas tank full for two very good reasons:

• You may find yourself idling in traffic for extended periods of time. How comforting to know that you won't be a feature on the evening news because you caused the biggest traffic tie-up of the season.

• Finding yourself in a ditch on a lonely stretch of road can be frightening. Having enough fuel to run the engine for 10 minutes every half hour to keep warm is always a good thing.

Hardware

• Wiper blades - If you can't remember the last time you replaced your wiper blades - now's the time. An easy rule to remember is to replace the blades at each Daylight Savings/Standard time change. If you live in Saskatchewan or North Eastern British Columbia, you're on your own to remember to change the blades in the fall and the spring. I suggest a winter blade replacement in the fall and a normal blade replacement in the spring. If a heavy snowfall is expected, pull the wiper arms off the windshield. Snow can be heavy and the weight bearing on wiper arms can damage their mechanisms.

• Exhaust system integrity. A leaking exhaust is another recipe for disaster. Much more time is spent idling in the winter than in the summer. With the doors closed and windows rolled up, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning is very real with leaking exhaust pipes or mufflers.

• Check the battery. Batteries are good for three to five years of service in a perfect world, and unless you live in Arizona or another hot locales, plan on three so you won't be left stranded.

• Get the brakes checked. Poor braking performance is dangerous enough in the summer - imagine how much worse things can get if you throw in snow, rain and ice.

• Install four new-tech winter tires as opposed to the old fashioned "snow tires." The new compounds are amazing in adverse conditions but a word of advice: don't install them too soon. The compounds are soft and the tread wears out much more quickly on dry pavement than summer or regular all-season tires.

• Check your tire inflation pressures. Pressures drop drastically in the cold causing the sidewalls to collapse and pinch the tread together as it comes in contact with the road. This lessens the "bite-ability" of the tire.

• Check the air pressure in the spare tire - is there a spare tire and do you have tire changing equipment on board?

• Make sure that all your running lights work - especially the four-way flashers.

• Inspect engine drive belts and hoses. What may have worked well enough in the summer may not work well in cold adverse conditions. Old rubber components harden quickly in the cold, losing their flexibility which can lead to failure.

• Have an air conditioning performance check done. I've mentioned this before - the A/C system is used in most vehicles during the defrost mode and aids in the de-humidifying of the cabin.

Tips and tricks

• Keep a container of lock de-icer handy. It not only helps unfreeze a frozen lock, it works on frozen wipers and window rubbers.

• Power antenna - clear away ice that may have formed over night around the base of the antenna. Last year my wife learned the hard way. After turning on the radio, she noticed a loud grinding noise coming from the front fender - where the power antenna is located. This spring I replaced the antenna mast drive.

• Don't try to pull open a frozen door. You could damage the latch and/or hurt your hand. Instead, push on the door with your hip or shoulder. The inward force will break away the ice that may have formed around the weatherstrip.

• Don't add weight to the trunk of a FWD car. You could actually make front-drive traction worse. With a rear wheel drive, consider using bags of salt if you feel that adding weight is an advantage in your particular situation. It doubles as a quick fix for a slippery surface.

• Clear all the snow off your car. Blowing snow can blind the driversbehind you, and the added weight of the snow, especially on the roof, will adversely affect the handling of the vehicle.

• If you own an SUV, test the AWD or 4WD system now before you end up in an emergency. Discover the operating dynamics AND limitations of the AWD/4WD system, and please remember that all the AWD/4WD systems in the word will not make your vehicle corner or brake better than a two-wheel drive vehicle. Although you may be able to accelerate more effectively, braking and cornering are still a function of tire grip.

• Slow down.

• And finally - if all else fails - keep your cell phone charged and handy.

Procrastinate no more - prepare early before the most wonderful time of the year catches you off guard...and good luck out there!

I thought it to be a good article, hoping others do as well.

My afternoon, I was busy running downtown Wiarton attending to some Chamber Business in helping get ready for tomorrow's WHITE WEDNESDAY. Like any other Event, people have no idea the work that goes on behind the scenes leading up to, the day of, and usually after these events.

There is much in the way of planning, advertising, putting the miles on by foot at times ... much much time going into Events that goes unnoticed usually to the ordinary eye.

Chamber business does not go forward with out a good staff behind its Events, nor solid Members sitting on its Board.  There is usually something always going on in the way of planning or organizing at some level at the Chamber Office for the Businesses of Wiarton who are part of the Wiarton & District Chamber of Commerce.

With the WHITE WEDNESDAY going on tomorrow in Wiarton, each business who is participating receives a Ballot Box in their store. Once a Consumer makes a purchase in that store they are eligible to fill in a Ballot for $100.00 Gift Certificate in BIA BUCKS to be spent in Downtown Wiarton.

The Crabby Cabbie will have a Ballot Box in the Wiarton vehicle tomorrow giving everyone a chance to enter this draw, also participating in WHITE WEDNESDAY by giving Wiarton Customers $1.00 off each Fare for this Event.

Should I be a Consumer shopping WHITE WEDNESDAY in Wiarton, I would be pretty happy to be entered into a draw for $100.00 GC for Wiarton shops. Bring it on please !!! but alas I can not participate, but I can tell everyone else about it. Check out what stores are participating tomorrow by *clicking* HERE.

Anyhow, where I was going with this other then plugging for Wiarton, was that I did my Community Duty this afternoon by delivering 14 of these Ballot Boxes to various downtown Wiarton Businesses.

My Rob today? well he was "let loose" while waiting for a fare, taking it upon himself to go shopping. What on Earth did he buy? I would never have guessed in a Million Years ... SOCKS ! he bought me 7 pairs of socks. Why? because I need to keep my feet warm (I just bought myself 4 pairs of socks 2 weeks ago), and because 3 pairs were Christmasy. I am grateful for the socks, and I will leave it at that.

Leftovers was the name of the game for our Dinner tonight. I am tired ....

Rob and Bandit are tired.

And we are all going to be in bed before we know it very shortly, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Considerate, Patient & Funny

I was so HAPPY today !  I actually felt like I had a little piece of my old life back wherein I thought I used to be half way organized.  I got to stay home almost the whole day, and hardly one thing was Crabby Cabbie related in the way of paperwork, or otherwise !!!  

My most CONSIDERATE husband brought me home a Coffee from Tim Hortons for a treat this morning.  It really must have given me incentive to get going on things needing done.  I was happy I actually got one whole room in our house clean and organized today.... hooray !

Later in the morning Rob had a call out to go over Sauble Beach way, asking if I would like to join him for the ride.  No problem as I had to go downtown to post a couple of items, so after that was done off we went.

Rob took us the "back" way down one of my most favourite roads in our area, the Rankin Bridge Road.  I love this road all 4 Seasons of the Year.

The bush becomes less narrow and more open when it comes out to the Rankin Bridge itself going over the Sauble River.  It is very beautiful.  There my very PATIENT husband waiting for me to finish up with the picture taking I enjoy doing so much.

Once Rob had finished up at where he was going, I had mentioned to him that my friend, Lynn, had been posted onto her Facebook page last night that she had been doing some baking.  That was her first mistake to post it !  I took it upon myself to text her to say we were headed her way ...

Yes arriving at Lynn's place was no problem as she was ready for us.  There was Rob waving at her through the window as I was coming back out with a container of warmed and buttered Banana White Chocolate Chip Muffins.  Oh my goodness Missy Lynn, they were AWESOME ... Thank YOU ! xx  Always some kind of goodie waiting over at Lynn's house, there is so.

This afternoon I finished puttering up a bit more, then did some posting on the upcoming Wiarton Event on the Wiarton Facebook page.  Lots of Wiarton Businesses will be participating this upcoming Wednesday downtown Wiarton for the WHITE WEDNESDAY Event.  Check it out HERE.

Late afternoon I kept Rob company as he drove over to the Saugeen Gas Bar over at Saugeen First Nation, Southampton to fill up our one vehicle with fuel.  It is nice to have company to go along some days.  By the time we got back home it had been after 6:00 pm, and time to think about getting our Dinner made.

I had leftover slow cooked Pork Loin from the night before.

Warning, the first photo is a good reason why veggies are to be thoroughly washed before using.  All the veggies were diced up, with the dehydrated mushrooms covered with some boiled water to first soften them up.  Olive Oil heated in the ceramic pan with veggies thrown in to be sauteed.

More veggies added in the way of sweet pepper and garden fresh peas, along with diced leftover pork loin.  After all was nicely done, then in went the leftover Basmati rice along with some Soya Sauce.

It was a really great Stir Fry with my very FUNNY husband making me laugh once again with his antics.

I am a pretty lucky girl wherein my husband is Considerate, Patient and Funny all in the same day, am I not?

It was a really good day where I was left feeling I had accomplished something.  I am hoping I get a few more good days like this ahead of me, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Colour ME Pink !

I just finished a Quiz HERE, and my Aura was Pink:

Your Aura is Pink!

Personality: Pink is one of the most interesting auras, yet also the rarest. A pink aura is a mixture of several auras put together. Pink has the bubbly personality of yellow, the passionate attitude of red, orange’s weirdness, and purples gracefulness.Pink Aura people are by nature loving and giving. They love to be loved too. Because of this they gather around them close friends and family at every opportunity. They like to host family events and are very generous of their time. They have a high regard for their health and will look after their bodies with good diet, nutrition and exercise. The Pink Aura individual is a natural healer, highly sensitive to the needs of others and has strong psychic abilities. They also have very creative ideas and strong imaginations. Because of these personality traits the Pink Aura person makes great writers of novels, poetry or song lyrics.The Pink Aura individual hates injustice, poverty and conflicts. They strive always to make the world a better place and will make personal sacrifices in the pursuit of this ideal. Pink Aura people are strong willed and highly disciplined and will expect high standards from others. They have strong values and morals and seldom deviate from them. Because of their honesty and likable nature they are valued as employees but also make excellent employers because of their sense of fairness.Pink is one of the coolest auras out there….you are very lucky! 

Love Life:  Pink Aura people are very romantic and once they have found their soul mate will stay faithful, loving and loyal for life. .

I believe my Aura suited me just fine, and my Love Life couldn't have been further from the truth.  Right Rob?  

I also just recently viewed a video I thoroughly enjoyed, awed at the beauty of the Red Fox at the same time of being amazed.  Thought I would share this as well for any who have not had the opportunity to come across it yet:

Pretty cool was it not?   I also am impressed with the person(s) who set these types of documentaries up as well.  

Something else I was to learn about today was the Sequel to the Hobbit will be out in Theatres this December.  I am SO EXCITED !!!  I told Rob, and he said he wasn't allowed to go.  Why is Rob not allowed? because he spent at least $30.00 on one pop and one bag of popcorn at the first sequel we went to see in January !  Highway Robbery it is.  

No worries honey, we will just make certain you have yourself a good filling meal before we go see the Sequel.  Check it out .... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1170358/

It is playing in Owen Sound on the 12th of December, details HERE.  It is a Thursday night, and Rob is usually too tired or too busy, but maybe he will make an exception and have a Date night with me, I just know he will.

On to the day at hand.  Rob was out on a Taxi Run this afternoon, and I had to go meet up part way with him.

The plows were winging back the Highway, it was a crisp cold, but sunny day, and I took along some company with me.

Lexus has to be the very best travelling companion of all four of our Aussies.  Since she first came home and was set beside me in a vehicle she just "sat" nicely and went along for the ride.  She was happy to look over and recognize it was our Rob we were meeting up with.

Bandit is a good traveller, unless he sees something and barks, also barking at people when we are parked.  Mercedes isn't too bad, but still jumps around quite a bit, and Buddy? well his is just a Mad Dog jumping all over the vehicle, so he gets a lead attached to him and really enjoys going along for a ride.

When we returned home everyone of the Aussies were settled back in while I thought about something being prepared for our Dinner.

I had taken a Pork Loin out of the freezer earlier, so this is what it was going to be today.  I first made a Rub for it before placing it into the Crock Pot to be slow cooked.  I just lifted the lid to have a close up look at it as it shows in the picture to the right, and the smell that came out was very appealing to my senses.

The Rub I put together was as follows:

1 tsp. Dry Mustard
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Cayenne (powdered)
1 tsp Onion Salt (dehydrated)
1/2 tsp Thyme

I will have to post tomorrow on how we liked it, as I just threw it together at the last moment not giving it too much thought at the time.

The remainder of my afternoon was spent not doing much of anything, but I did vacuum the couch real good, as it had been bugging me that it had needed done.  A "I NEED to DO" project it was.  Lots to do but tomorrow is another day.

I was happy happy that Elizabeth emailed me a photo of the five kids later today as well.  They had put up the Christmas tree today !

Briar, Josh, Connor, Aiden & Chloe.  5 Christmas Hams by the look of how they are all having fun.  And for the final Ham ....

Here is our Boy, Paul !  We really do love this big Ham. xx

Truly I am so grateful that I get photos sent to me on a pretty much regular basis, or when I ask, as this is something I didn't get too much before.  It is especially nice since I do not see them as often as I used to at one time, with Aiden spending more time in past years with me, and most recently both Aiden and Connor. 

Thanks Elizabeth !! xx

Oh yes I almost forgot, I just finished watching Santa Claus with his Reindeer, you might like to see them too?  Just go HERE to do so.

The potatoes are almost cooked, and the slow cooked pork loin is smelling really good.  Dinner time isn't to far off now, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Two Kinds Of Being Sick?

My morning did not begin too well waking up to look outside and seeing the condition of the roads, then checking out the forecast for tonight and tomorrow.  With a heavy heart I made the decision to cancel my trip down to my friend, Bob's Retirement party in New Dundee this evening.  Secondly this meant I also missed out on seeing my Grandsons, who live very close to there.

Weather stresses me out and makes me sick, more so since I had the accident upcoming 3 years ago that I can still not manage to shake the paranoia of winter driving from my thoughts.  *Sigh*

First photo was taken about 6:30 am this morning, then the next three about an hour later.  The Crabby Cabbie vehicle Rob was taking to pickup a fare in by 8:30 am was being "warmed" up for him to go.  When he left the roads had been slick and very slippery.  My vehicle sat untouched loaded with Christmas gifts to be delivered and a Retirement gift that will be given after the party has been.

Once Rob had arrived back home later this morning, he needed to make a trip down to Saugeen Gas Bar, and asked if I would like to go along and then stop in to have a quick look at the Christmas Bazaar at the Sauble Beach Zion United Church.  I really think he was trying to lift my spirits by tempting me with something he knows I like doing.

Off we went about 11 am heading South down Hwy. 6.  Going on to the Noon hour and the plows were just coming out then.  Down through Wiarton we headed, driving into more blustery weather further South.

We filled up the Crabby Cabbie vehicle with fuel then made our way back towards Sauble Beach, where indeed we did have time to stop in.

On entering there had been some very cool Windchimes made by a chap locally from Hepworth.  See this Rose? can you believe it was made by a dried apple? beautiful is it not?  and I even knew the lady who makes them.  The stained glass was absolutely lovely, and I am kicking myself I did not buy a ticket on it.

We even ran into a couple of people (always) we knew.  There is my friend, BJ with her friend, Julie (wave Paul, lol).  Rob and I had the luncheon of Ham with Scalloped Potatoes and a Cabbage Salad with Roll.  Truly I could not believe the turn out considering the squalls coming off Lake Huron at the Beach.  The lunch was the draw I am sure, if not the dessert most certainly was.

It really was a quick stop at the Bazaar with lunch the main focus as there was not much time to look at "stuff" with Rob having to be back in Wiarton for a 2 pm pickup.

Heading towards Hepworth it was very blustery.  The first photo was about the same spot where I hit black ice with my vehicle rolling end for end 3 times.  Finally back on Hwy. 6 towards Wiarton it had somewhat cleared, and the Sun actually appeared coming down the South hill in Wiarton.

When we got home, Rob dropped me off.  After bundling up from the cold I spent some time outside with each and everyone of our Aussies.  All four of them enjoyed the snow.  Sure glad someone in our household likes snow.  Really I do not mind snow, I just prefer it parts down each side of the roadways is all.  Oh for a perfect World in Bruce County, right?  *Smile*

I forgot to post our Bandit's photo on yesterday's post.  He got to enjoy some leftover turnip when we were done our dinner.  Another Turnip fan in the family.  Our grandson, Aiden, was happy to hear this when I spoke to him last night.

Once getting unbundled and back inside the house my throat had started to ache, along with a headache that seems like I have forever, with feet that would not get warm and a sore throat.  I was feeling sick, thinking a cold is on its way to invade my body.  It does not surprise me with Rob having it for 2 weeks it was inevitable I would get something from it.  Once this set in I then realized this was the reason I was maybe not meant to go today, or maybe for other reasons unknown.

Late this afternoon I sat down to begin this blog post when my phone rang.  It was our young friend, Nathan, calling from Australia.  We had a lovely chat that did somewhat further brighten my disappointment of the day.  

After our telephone conversation was over, Nathan posted a comment to this photo for me on Facebook, "Does this capture your thoughts of today Cindy Masterson-Roth ?"   Yes this pretty much summed up the day for me ... thanks Nathan for putting a *smile* on my face. xx

Not to long after I had another two *smiles* put on my face.  One was from Rob's thoughtfulness of bringing me a package of Halls and my favourite kind of apples home for me, and of my Son, Paul's girlfriend sending me a photo of them at Bob's Retirement Party.  I am *sad* I am not there, but happy I was in their thoughts.

Here is my "cute" youngest Son, Paul, with his very pretty girlfriend, Elizabeth.

My poor Paul, we told him if something ever, God forbid, came between himself and Liz, we were going to keep Liz.  Hmmm wonder if that will be incentive for a relationship of a lifetime? *Smile*

A friend of mine posted that Hwy. #21 was closed between Port Elgin and Kincardine this afternoon due to multiple vehicle collisions.  I did not have a good feeling about this, but never called our Driver John, who I knew was down in Tiverton for his Family Christmas Dinner today.  Rob later called him to find out he was at the Hospital as his daughter, husband and 3 children had their vehicle go off the road and roll.  They were all at the Kincardine Hospital, and at that point all the children had checked out as being fine.  Hopefully this is the case with the parents as well.  Prayers going out to their family, and we will definitely be following up with another phone call yet this evening.

Everyday I need to remember to "count my blessings", as I do have many regardless of how down or otherwise I might feel any given day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Laughing IS Good Medicine For The SOUL

What ever am I going to journal about this day .... I am feeling "stuck" as where to start, but give me a minute and hopefully I will get going.  Yes I know, everyone that knows me knows I never have absolutely "nothing" to say, or if I don't you know there would be something terribly wrong.  Right?

Oh I know what I was going to start with now (or what I had in my mind this morning to start with), as it is all coming back to me ....

Last night my friend, Toni with an "i" had posted a cartoon of three elderly woman on her Facebook status as she had been amused by the cartoon and wanted to share with all of her friends.  WELL let me tell you, the cartoon she posted JUMPED right out at me and I couldn't stop laughing for the longest time, still chuckling over it.  What do you think?

Yes, I called "Shot Gun" for the wheelchair !  My hair is still light, and my legs are winter ready warm, and I do like the colour Yellow.  Abby with a Raccoon? after our day together yesterday that should be a "mink", should it not? and Toni? well she has two cats, not just one, so whupsup with the one pussy?

  Yes me and my buddies, "Till Gravity Do Us Apart".

Shortly after 8 am this morning Rob calls me.  Apparently part way to where he was picking up he had looked back into his rear mirror to realize he had two unpaid fares keeping him company.

The two Curious George dudes had been left behind in the Crabby Cabbie vehicle last night, and were still in for the ride.  I don't think the condition they had been in yesterday had much improved this morning from what Rob reported back to me.

I am telling you I had the biggest belly laugh last thing last night and first thing this morning that I had for a long long time ..... it set for a great mood for the remainder of the day.  The Georges? they have been removed from the Crabby Cabbie vehicle and transferred over to our personal vehicle.  I will have some company for a wee bit longer it seems.

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning with my mind going 50 miles a minute and my body not cooperating by keeping up.  Time did not stop and wait for me to "catch up" so forward the day went.  I juggled a phone call with my Auntie while dividing the hamburger I had purchased on sale.  Then I headed on downtown to do a couple of errands.

I have not been too pleased with the news I have been hearing about nasty Winter weather coming our way through the night for the next couple of days in Southern Ontario.  Not happy at all as that will mess up my plans I have had for this upcoming weekend.  Not a happy camper at all.

Regardless about how I felt about this unsettling weather forecast, this day went forward ....

While the dinner I had prepared was cooking, I finally got around to making some treats.  Old Fashioned ...

.... Rice Krispie Squares with some Christmas Colours.  Truly I was "stuffed" after our Dinner, but it didn't stop me from trying out a square.  Oh I do LOVE these even though it is one of the oldest treats in the Book !  YUM !!!

Truly can you get an easier yummy treat then melting 3 tablespoons of margarine, adding 4 cups of miniature marshmallow, then 6 cups of rice krispie cereal, then pressing all in a greased 9x13 pan?  I think not.

Rob volunteered to make the Basmati Rice to go along with the Slow Cooked meal I prepared earlier today for our Dinner.  Yep, ROB MADE THE RICE, not ME !  but truly it was done, just a little bit more then required was all.  My hubby really does make me laugh.

The Dinner in the Crock Pot I threw together today around 1 pm turned out really good.

Recipe please?  FOR PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.  Lots leftover to package up and freeze for a couple future meals, just the way I like it.

I also received an email from my Best Friend, Bob, so for the final Belly Laugh of the day ....

SIPPING VODKA  

Finally, a chain letter that I don't mind forwarding.  But I do NOT do chain letters, so I am just sharing and not expecting anyone to pass on, "or else" will happen to them.  Here it goes ....

A new Priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass he asked the Monsignor how he had done.  

The Monsignor replied, "When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip."  

So next Sunday he took the Monsignor's advice. At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink. He proceeded to talk up a storm. 

Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:  

1) Sip the vodka, don't gulp.

2) There are 10 commandments, not 12.

3) There are 12 disciples, not 10.

4) Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.

5) Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.

6) We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C..

7) The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Daddy, Junior and the Spook.

8) David slew Goliath; he did not kick the shit out of him..

9) When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass.

10) We do not refer to the cross as the 'Big T.'

11) When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said, "Take this and eat it for this is my body." He did not say,"Eat me."

12) The Virgin Mary is not called 'Mary with the Cherry'.

13) The recommended grace before a meal is not: Rub-A-Dub-Dub thanks for the grub, Yeah God.

14) Next Sunday there will be a taffy pulling contest at St. Peter's not a peter pulling contest at St. Taffy's.  

  

I have read this one in the past, but it did not stop me from having yet another belly laugh again.  

Laughing is GOOD MEDICINE FOR THE SOUL, try to laugh as much as you can, as it is much better to do then some of the alternatives, is it not?

Should anyone have plans to travel in Southern Ontario in the next couple of days, keep abreast of the weather reports as there have been Snow Squall Warnings issued:  http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/?prov=son

Okay the belly laughs are now behind me, and a not too amusing a sink full of dishes are ahead of me, and that is NO laughing matter, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".