Not Mock Duck But ...

I don`t remember falling asleep last night, however I do recall Rob coming in sometime through the night before I woke up at 5 am for the day ahead.

I finally got a handle on the laundry today, if nothing else.  I could not believe how mild it has gotten, actually thinking if there hadn`t been a drizzle I could have hung the laundry on the line with the light breeze and mild temperatures today.

I also made a quick trip to town to the grocery store to pickup a few necessities.

I am not certain if I am going to put up much in the way of Christmas decor this years since it will only be Rob and I again.  Maybe just a couple of things to remind us to be in a bit of a festive mood.

I did get out the Snowman Globe which can stay out all Winter long.  I like it`s light and glitter.

This afternoon I got most of the invoicing done for the Crabby Cabbie with only a couple more to do up tomorrow sometime.  I even managed to throw together a half descent meal for Rob and myself this evening.  It was not Mock Duck but ....

.... it was Mock Shepherd`s pie made with Ground Moose Meat.  I browned the moose with onion, adding garlic, Worcestershire & Soya Sauces, then Peas as well as a Knorr Beef Stock Pot.  I then added a bit of boiled water and thickened it with some gravey mix.  Served over mashed potatoes it was a hearty dinner with lots of flavour.

Almost right after we were finished our Dinner Rob got a call to go to Owen Sound.  I went along for the ride, with us just returning home shortly before I began my daily blog entry.

It is still quite mild and rainy out.  I am okay with that as long as it does not decide to flash freeze anytime soon.  That would be a disaster.

I got a follow-up call from Apple this evening to see if I had received the new iphone 5s they replaced for me, since the one I got in January had been giving me much grief.  I had been assured the person who has been helping me all along is the highest level of Customer Service I could possibly receive from Apple, and truly the service has been beyond excellent !  I am very satisfied with Apple and their standing behind their products.

I do so have yet another busy day ahead of me tomorrow, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Santa's Helpers

Up and at it early this morning.  Aussies looked after, bed stripped and in the washer, then out the door by 8:30 am ....

... to pick up a Santa Claus Parade Committee friend to head over to Owen Sound's Bulk Barn.  We had a great time at the Bulk Barn.  The store manager was totally amazing as the staff, and the selection was SWEET !!!  We were getting candy for the Santa Claus Treat Bags to hand out after the parade for those kiddies who go see Santa Claus.

We not only had fun picking out 200 pieces of each candy treat, we were amazed at how many people we knew at Bulk Barn on a Saturday morning who were from Wiarton !!  Guess Tis in the Season ????

Check out ALL of the Candy we got !!!  The manager even gave us a box of spice bags "no charge".  Thank you Owen Sound Bulk Barn & Staff, the experience was beyond SWEET.

By the time we had left, and returned, it had taken us 2 1/2 hours to complete our mission.  This time did not include me going down to the Chamber Office and unloading all the bags of sweetness.

We will get back together Tuesday to make up the individual bags.  We got a really nice variety of candies, and I think whoever gets themselves a bag should be quite happy.

More behind the scenes of an Event that people don't ever realize what happens or how much time even the smallest events can sometimes take.  You can well imagine how much time goes on behind the scenes in preparing for the Wiarton Willie Festival, or the Pumpkinfest in Port Elgin, year after year.  All thanks to VOLUNTEERS, who are the backbone of many of a Community.

When I did finally get back home I managed to get the Kitchen and Hallway floors washed, and the bed made up, oh yes and the dishes done up that had been in the sink.  There is still way LOTS more to be done in the vicious circle of housework.

I was very weary this afternoon, recalling my Doctor reminding me this past Wednesday that I am to pace myself.  Like anything else, much easier said then done at times.

Tomorrow will be another day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Not Really

After a night of hardly any sleep, with an early start out the door this morning, and a headache that won't give up, I am almost ready now to call it a day and head to bed.

Sinus headaches are nasty with pain behind the eyes, and teeth that ache so much they make you feel like your head is going to explode !  Not really nice whatsoever, rather very nasty.

I was out the door this morning by 7 am to attend an early morning Breakfast Presentation.

The Office Manager from the Chamber, Koreen, also a director and myself attended.  It was very well presented and informative.  All three of us enjoyed each aspect of the presentation.

This afternoon I tried to relax and lay down for a bit however today that didn't work either as Portia wanted out more then usual, of course.

Mid-afternoon I headed downtown for a photo op, as the Tamblings, who owned Gilbert Shoes, downtown Wiarton, for many years were being presented a retirement plague by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula and the Wiarton Chamber of Commerce.

Beckers Shoes purchased Gilbert's Shoes, and I believe will be taking over in the New Year.  I will really miss stopping in from time to time to kibitz with Gary & Marg.  They will be missed by many at the store.

I got back home to wait for Rob to return shortly after so we could have our Dinner of leftover Roast Beef.  Leftovers "rock" !!!

On that note I am going to try some more meds for this overbearing headache, and soon call it a night, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Day Of Rest ?

A headache awoke me at 5 am taking me out to the kitchen to retrieve T-2's and water.  Back to bed to Lexus deciding it was time for her to go out (she still hasn't gotten onto the time change).

Rob got up by 6 to take Lexus and Buddy out, then Portia and Bandit.  Me?  I finally got up right after to have stomach problems ... my 4th attack since I had my Gall Bladder removed.  By 7 am I was so consumed with gas that  my lungs were under extreme pressure causing pain in my shoulders, and abdomen with my breathing laboured to the point I started to panic.  The pain had been unbearable.

Rob rushed me into the Wiarton Hospital (as I laid there today I was thinking how grateful we are to have a hospital so close).  We got into emergency with the Nurse attending to us right away.  Dr. Barrett had been on duty and was there within 15 minutes or so.  Finally after throwing up I managed to stay still long enough for the Nurse to get my vitals.  They were stable with oxygen getting to me just fine, even though the pressure on my lungs from gas was telling me otherwise.

Dr. Barrett ordered an IV with a shot of morphine also for me.  It took almost an hour or more for the pain to get down to being bearable.

The new Doctor came on for Tuesday'ss shift, Dr. Ken Uffen.  I had never met him before, and he had been absolutely thorough and fabulous.  I really liked him.  When I had told him Dr. Diodati was my GP, and I loved him, he said I would have to love him too, since he had recruited him to Wiarton ... what a character.

X-rays and an ultra-sound had been ordered with nothing showing up.  Dr. Caulfield was at the Wiarton Hospital today doing procedures so Dr Uffen had consulted him, since he had been the one who had taken out my Gall Bladder.  Dr. Caulfield recommended a MRCP be ordered.

What is an MRCP?  *click* HERE to find out, as otherwise I had not known before today either.

I finally was released at 2:30 pm with instructions to call for an MRCP appt. tomorrow, and to followup with Dr. Diodati.  Hopefully the next set of tests reveal what has been going on with these severe attacks I have been getting from time to time since having my Gall Bladder removed.

Today had clearly been a day of unscheduled rest for the later part of it whether I wanted it or not.

I am tired, still with a headache, so that is a good indication to sign off for now, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Rustic Food

I was up before 6 am this morning, wishing I had slept as well as the previous two evenings, however that was not meant to be.  

I got all the dogs looked after, hopped in the shower and waited until it was almost 9 am before heading down to my Doctor's appointment at 9:15.  By the time I finished up downtown it was almost lunchtime when I got back home.

I got nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing done here today as I was back out doing more running this afternoon. ... oops I did get one little thing accomplished, that being getting our Dinner prepared and into the Crock Pot, which was a "new to me" recipe.

Today was Wiarton's 2nd Annual WHITE WEDNESDAY !!!  The following are just a handful of Shops and Stores who had some "smoking" deals happening today ... and LOTS of Gift Giving ideas too !

Also coming up this Saturday, November 29th, 2014 is Shop The Neighbourhood.  Make sure you check out who has what "specials" going on in YOUR Neighbourhood to support YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.

The participating shops & stores for Wiarton can be found by *clicking* HERE.  Check by Friday as I am certain there will be more participating stores listed by then.

Should you like rustic food, which I do and apparently Rob doesn't, although he does enjoy the Hunter's Pork Roast I make, then you will also enjoy this Slow Cooker Apple Chicken ...

I had 9 Chicken Thighs which I had to skin before proceeding with the recipe.  I find skinning chicken much easier when it is still partially frozen, which this had been.

Five hours later after being in the Crock Pot I had an amazing rustic dinner to serve over top long grain rice.

Recipe please?  For a printable recipe just *click* HERE.

After Dinner I headed back downtown Wiarton to take some more photos of the participating WHITE WEDNESDAY shops and stores, then to an "OPEN HOUSE" at the Chamber Office, back home by 8 pm.

I am truly ready for my bed shortly, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Cancellation Lists

I am astounded that I have actually had two full nights in a row sleep !!!  not sure what is going on with my body, but trust you, me, I am NOT complaining one iota !  I actually felt almost "normal" today, whatever one might consider "normal"?  I am certain there are all different opinions and descriptions on what "normal" could be described as ..... right?

This morning I had a couple of errands to do downtown.   It really screws up a day when you have to leave first thing in the morning, does it not?

I had barely arrived back home when I got a phone call from the Owen Sound Hospital.  I had been booked on the 18th of December for an MRI on my knee I had surgery on 2 x coming up 3 years ago now.  It has been giving me grief lately with almost going out on me when going down stairs.  X-rays never show anything hence the MRI.

I had called scheduling and asked to be put on the "cancellation" list for the MRI once I had received an appointment a couple of weeks ago.  Today was the day I got the appointment since there had been a cancellation.  They called me at 10:30 and the appointment was 12:15 pm.  Lots of notice.

I left here at 11:15 to give myself LOTS of extra time "just encase", you know traffic incidents, weather, deer running across my path ... those everyday kind of life things.

I was at Central Registration by 12:05, then down to the MRI waiting room where I sat until 12:45 pm.  The attendant asked why I hadn't checked into Central Registration, and I relayed I had indeed and had been sitting there for over 1/2 hour.  Not sure what happened but they had taken someone else ahead of me, hence longer the wait.  I finally got out of there sometime just after 1 pm.

I was grateful I was able to get an earlier appointment cause goodness knows what the weather will be like by the 18th of December !!!  never mind tomorrow.  I love there is Cancellation Lists !

There had been snow squalls leaving Owen Sound, but nothing that was staying.

When I got back into Wiarton I stopped in at the Wiarton Home Building Centre to pickup Christmas lights for the tree we are putting up in the Berford Street Parkette for the Santa Claus Parade, then one more stop at the Chamber Office to put in my receipt.

Home at 4 pm to get our dinner of Sausages, Brown Rice and Acorn Squash cooked.

Right after dinner Rob had to go out, and I sat myself to do my daily journal here early, as The "Voice" is on again tonight and I would hate to miss something I enjoy watching.

Tomorrow is WHITE WEDNESDAY in Wiarton.  I am hoping it is a great success for our Town's Small Businesses ...

All the WHITE WEDNESDAY "specials" are not listed above, however all can be found by *clicking* HERE.  Happy shopping if you are going out to the Wiarton WHITE WEDNESDAY sales !

The "Crabby Cabbie" Wiarton will be offering from 9 am until 8 pm $1.00 OFF in-town fares tomorrow for WHITE WEDNESDAY.

I am signing off now to get the Dinner dishes done up, and maybe a couple of more rows knitted on that long time project I have had on the "go", Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Blah Blah Blah

Wow I don't know what it was but last night as I sure could use more like that ... not one stab of pain woke me all night long, and I never felt a thing, that is until I woke up.  A little bit of what Heaven feels like I am sure, and definitely something I used to feel all the time a few years back.

Then that darn Lexus decided she needed out at 5 am .. silly girl is still on the "old" time for some reason.  Hopefully I will get another night like that under my belt.

Today was crazy with downpour of rain and high winds, with it still going on.  There are places around reporting hydro outages this evening.  So far so good here, touch wood.

What a difference from 5 days ago, is it not? 

Today I didn't do too much other then make up a bill and hand-deliver it, then drop into the Chamber Office to go over a few Santa Claus details.  It is amazing how some days fly right by us, does it not, and I barely lifted a hand.  It is really has been kind of a blah blah blah day.

Really I helped Rob secure the Gazebo cover somewhat a little better from the winds, got a load of laundry done, and tided up here and there (as in picking up the "chunks".

Dinner this evening was simple ...

We hadn't had French Toast for some time.  It was really good with a side of scrambled eggs.

Should anyone be up and about Wiarton they are having their 2nd Annual WHITE WEDNESDAY !  this upcoming week.

Lots of in store "specials" with many stores and shops staying OPEN until late.

Lots more listed on the website if you *click* HERE.  It should be an exciting and fun day & I pray the weather cooperates !!!!

The "Voice" is on this evening, but before then I am going to take it easy and knit a couple of rows on that long time project of the scarf I have had on the go, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Road Trip + Family

Rob got home about 1 am, I woke up at 3 am, finally getting up at 5:30 am.  Rob got up at 6:45, and we headed out the door by 7:30 am down the highway in a Northerly direction.

I was able to capture some most beautiful stunning moments along the way we were headed ....

We arrived at the Kitchener Costco Warehouse in a timely manner.  We had two items to be returned, and also wanted to stock up on some more Dog Food, as one never knows what the Winter ahead will bring, and we most certainly do not want to be caught with our "pants down", especially with the possibility of new puppies arriving the week of Christmas.

We also picked up some goodies we know our grandkids would love like a huge container of Peppermint Bark, Dill Pickles and fresh Ciabata Rolls ... a weird combination but still things I know they love.

We arrived to 5 kids being much excited over seeing Portia, never mind us ... but we did get some photos before we left to come back home.

There had to much fooling around before ....

... Grandma got the perfect shots of the perfect kids she loves so much.

I even got the "big" kids to get in on a shot.

Then Poppa & Grandma had a rare pose with the Fantastic Five !

Before we left Portia got lots more loving.  Josh definitely did not want to part with her.  Mercedes had to be put away in her crate upstairs as there had been a wee bit of jealousy on her part when Portia showed up with us.

Since we had not had lunch with the kids we stopped on the way home at one of our favourite spots just outside the Village of Clifford.  We both enjoy the Redwood Restaurant.

More then enjoy actually as I LOVE their Liver & Onions, it is fork tender !! and locally grown.  Rob had the Hot Turkey Sandwich with REAL Turkey by the way.

We both fell off the "watch what we are eating" regiment we are to be on, but we need a treat once in awhile, right?  especially when we both gave up smoking, me over 5 years, and Rob now over 6 months !  Go Rob xoxoxo

Needless to say we are both very tired now we are back home, and of course we will be calling it an early night here soon, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

This MUCH Ticked

I headed South down Hwy 6 this morning with full intentions of going to the Christmas Bazaar at my Auntie's Church in Port Elgin.  I got a call from the gal I was to meet up with in Hepworth telling me her driveway was a sheet of ice, and her vehicle was as well.  I decided to forge ahead until it started pouring buckets of rain ... the radio was saying "freezing rain", so I turned around in Hepworth and headed back home.

Before I got home I stopped at Foodland for a few things, mainly salad and salad dressing.  I was not happy with myself this past week as I slipped off by going over 3 days on my Calorie intake, resulting in gaining the four pounds I had previously lost.  I was this MUCH ticked about that first thing this morning.

I arrive happily back home to happy happy Aussies, and a very happy hubby, who I made lunch for. Rob mentioned to me that the Diatomaceous (Food Grade) that we consume daily had slipped from his hands this morning and was all over the place, however he had cleaned it all up.  No worries as he had done a great job with absolutely none noticeable anywhere in the kitchen.

The rest of the day was pretty much a lazy day with the rain making us feel so inclined to be lazy, as well as playing havoc on both mine and Rob's bones.  Rob decided to go to bed for a bit of a nap as he had a late night last night.

I decided I should vacuum up some of the Aussie hair, and picked up my rechargeable vac to do so ending up with one "HELLUVA" mess  more then the dog hair on my hands .

"Somebody had used my Rechargeable Vac to clean up the Diatomaceous, which is a fine powder, finer then flour.  As soon as I had picked up the Vac it all fell out all over.  I not only had a total mess to clean up, it sticking to everything, I had to pull my vac apart to wash it the best I could.

Yes over this too I had been this MUCH ticked !

This would be the snoozing culprit and his side kick here, GUILTY AS CHARGED.

Yes I  had made it quite known I had been this MUCH ticked, four times I was told.  I got over it and all is well now *smile*.

I have had Christmas Cards on my mind this past week.  I haven't decided if I want to send any this Year or not with the price increase of stamps.  However it is so nice to get a Card in the mail, is it not?  Who of you will be sending Christmas Cards or not this Year?

My culprit has gone to work, and his side kick is now sleeping at my feet.  I am hoping to get a couple more rows knitted on a scarf I have been working on for sometime now, then put up my feet to watch a little TV and relax before it is bedtime, as being this MUCH ticked can be very exhausting you know.

That's all she wrote,  Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Mastiffs Or Sumo Wrestlers?

Do you ever have those mornings when you think to yourself "I wish I could stay in bed all day", but a pain in your body has waken you and there is no getting back to sleep regardless of how much you try.  Yes that is how this day began for  me, but then it got better when I went outside to see ...

... a pillow of clouds over in the East that made me feel if I had been closer I could almost step on them.  How beautiful they were.

I don't recall getting too much done around here today other then the dishes done up, the bed made and lunch for Rob and I.  I must admit later this afternoon I downloaded the program for our Garmins so I could update them with the most recent maps.  Rob's had him driving through fields when he had been up in Barrie last week.  Hopefully the map updates have corrected this and there will be roads there now.

I did have to go downtown Wiarton this morning to do a couple of errands.  I also stopped by the Chamber Office when I ran into the Office Manager who had the day off and was meeting up with another person to give their Dogs a play date together.  

Maybe Mastiff dogs isn't the right way to describe these two with a combined weight of around 260 lbs.  Mini Sumo Wrestlers might be a better description.  Liz's guy is the fawn coloured and is 4 years old, the other one, black, is only a pup still at 1 years old.  They sure had fun together, and it had also been fun watching them play.

I arrived back home to find Rob repairing his tractor as a sheer bolt let go yesterday, and there was still lots of snow he wanted to get moved around. 

Tomorrow it is to rain.  I am absolutely dreading the sloppy mess we are going to have with rain in the forecast the next will.  From one extreme to the next, but why complain if you have seen what Buffalo has had the past few days !!!

Also tomorrow there is the annual Christmas Bazaar at my Auntie's Presbyterian Church in Port Elgin from 10 am til 2 pm.   Two years ago my Niece Joanne and I went out for a day of Bazaars that you can check out HERE.  Always a nice Tea Table, by donation, at many of the Bazaars.

Rob is looking after a Christmas Party this evening which had been booked.  With not being certain what time he would be available for Dinner, we opted for a night out downtown at the Green Door Cafe.

Rob had Cabbage Rolls while I had my Fall Favourite being the Butternut Squash Lasagna, which is also Gluten Free since they use Rice Noodles.  Very very very good !

Rob dropped me off at home and headed back out on some more calls.

I must also mention today I received a beautiful card from Tignish, PE from a Facebook friend who sent me her sympathies.  Receiving her card truly made my day ... Thanks Anna, you are a wonderful person and a great friend to have xo .

A little bit of kindness goes a long way to make someone's day, does it not?  I hope there are many days that I am able to make someone else's day.

I am tired, what else is new, so think I will take the Portia girl out before calling it a night myself, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Bit

Today I actually got a bit in the house accomplished.  Notice I said, "a bit", as in not much, not a whole lot, but truly "a bit".  A bit is always much better then nothing is it not?  I am hoping so as "a bit" is all I got done.

Did I leave my property today? NOPE, and you know what?  I had been quite happy about that.

I did make a couple of phone calls with more planning of the upcoming Wiarton Santa Claus Parade ... it really isn't too far off now.  I also got a notice from Mom's residence, Gateway Haven, that there is a Christmas get together for residence and their family members on the evening of December 3rd.  My oldest sister, Jeanne, and my niece Joanne, will be going along with me that evening (weather permitting of course is always how you accept such an invited in Bruce County).

Now for an itty bitty little rant I have been stewing over "a bit" today

Facebook is a great social media portal for people to meet, come together with friends & family, and to share.  My blog is shared there daily, as well as on my Twitter account.  I had just recently noticed that an acquaintence had un-friended me.  I sent this same person a text message to ask if they had deleted their facebook account.  No they had not, however what they had done was un-friend me from their Facebook as they hadn't liked that I had blogged about having a trapper on our property, and my posting photos of the animal(s) he had trapped.  

Well my opinion on this is that trapping of some animals is part of Life, also a livelihood for some, and this is what is done sometimes.  

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions, but what is not right is people wanting you to respect theirs, however not giving the same respect back.  I am of the opinion if that is not the case then "don't let the door hit your arce on the way out".

Facebook? there are things that I don't always like what I see there either, however what I do try to do is "take what I like and leave the rest".  But to unfriend every person who posts something I might "not" like or "not" agree with? that is just downright childish, in MY OPINION, which does not have to be someone else's opinion by the way.

When I did not respond to my niece's "good morning" text this morning, and responded with I am tired and already sick of Winter, she in turn "nailed" it by sending me this ....

Ha ! that pretty much sums up a few things at times does it not?  In my opinion, I think so.

On to more lighter brighter happier feelings ... 

... really now who doesn't love Neil Young, and who else would mind seeing a Roasted Chicken Dinner posted on my Facebook Page? don't think anyone who knows my Heart of Gold would mind either.

Oh yes, the Chicken Dinner ...

Good family/friends, good food and Life are things this girl LOVES, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Branding, Product Development & Marketing

I am not a huge fan of Old Man Winter unless the snow he dumps is on either side of roads that remain bare and dry.

We were hit two days in a row with yet another Winter Blast !!!

My friend Koreen and I just returned home from a Seminar with Roger Brooks speaking.  If you have not ever heard Roger Brooks speak, and you are a Business Owner I would highly recommend you do should he ever be in your area.

Roger Brooks is "electric" in his speaking about branding, product development & marketing.  Should you be interested please take a moment to check out his website by *clicking* HERE.

As I said I just arrived back home, and getting here was very tense as we drove up Hwy 6 at 30 km with 4 way flashers on.  Finally coming into Wiarton it cleared but the roads are very slippery, very far from bare and dry.

Just to give you a little idea of how it has been around here this is how Rob's day began ...

On that note I shall be calling it a day, as it is way too late for me to be still up, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Moving Forward

Honest to goodness I am certain I was sleeping by 8:30 last night, but kept getting woke up by "someone" talking to me, then the phone ringing at 9 pm.  After that got all out of the way I was "done like dinner", as in totally "zonked".  God knows I need to sleep, and actually feel the same way today, so hopefully I can do the same again tonight.  

I had quite the surprising call from a Yellow Pages Manager today.  He was appalled when I had explained to him how I had been treated by not one, but two, Yellow Page's Customer Service Reps.  Then to find out even our contact person had been telling me the "wrong" thing the past two years as well.  It even went back to the very beginning when they had first contacted Rob to sign on with Yellow Pages, who in turn told them he had to talk it over with his wife first.  Months later we had gotten a bill from them finding out they had signed us up .... contacting them, and finally being put through to a "higher" up to be told it was too bad I was upset since my husband hadn't included me in the "loop", had really sent me into a tail spin, but apparently we could not get out of the so called "agreed contract" at that point.  Pretty *sad* when my husband had not agreed to one in the first place, wasn't it?

After I had explained everything, all rather quite commonly and nicely, he called me back to tell me what I had been sold that I never agreed to in the first place was going to be cancelled, also he has guaranteed me that our monthly advertising "bundle" would not be subject to an increase come our July 2015 renewal.  I have had this all sent to me confirmed by email.  

I am very happy to have found out Yellow Pages has put a new "Client Experience Dept." into place, as well as to have learned there is a new Company "CEO" who is placing much on the Customer, not on just getting the sale through the monopoly of a product being sold.  I am confident that the Manager who contacted me today was genuinely sincere to how I have been treated by Customer Service Reps, and management employed by the Yellow Pages, and we both agreed we would be moving forward together.

I  must also note that Yellow Pages began a pilot within the GTA last November 2013, called "Shop Your Neighbourhood", which supports shopping Small Businesses in YOUR Neighbourhood.  A very exciting program for the Small Business Owners.  They have extended this program to other Communities in Ontario this Year, which I am proud to say fellow Chamber Director, Koreen Ryan, who is also Small Business Owner of RAM Trophies & Sportswear, initiated the involvement of Wiarton taking part this Year.  Very exciting indeed, with it all taking place on the 29th of November, 2014.  

Check out the YP's "Shop The Neighbourhood", whether you are a Small Business Owner, or Shopper, by *clicking* HERE.

The weather in Bruce County today has been absolutely dreadful, with white out conditions on and off all day, and still now, that you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face barely at times.  Highway 21 has been closed from Southampton to Kincardine due to weather conditions.  Not at all pleasant, especially when one considers it is only the 18th of November, 2014.

Some of us enjoy this kind of Weather while ....

... others not so much at all.   Rob actually tried to take a run on getting out of the lane way mid-afternoon ending up "stuck", then having to get the tractor out.  Thank Goodness we had the tire fixed a week ago today !!!  Poor Rob had to go get his straps to secure the Gazebo better, then go out on a call just to get stuck in the lane way.  I helped him get out as much as I could, but really I am not much help when it comes to steering and getting pulled out at the same time.

I had one of my Blog readers contact me about a very big need today (thank you Marie).

This need involves a seven year old Beagle Cross who has been seeking a new FOREVER HOME for over 500 days now.  I would ask that anyone and everyone who reads my blog if they could HELP ME HELP LUCY get a NEW FOREVER HOME by Christmas !!!

Should you be a Blogger, please share on your Blog, should you have a Facebook Account, please share on your Timeline, or any group you might be part of.  Lots of information provided on Lucy thanks to Jean of My Life With the Critters, and to Lucy's Facebook Page.

Please access these sources to help you share Lucy's cause, as follows:

For Jean's Blog, please *click* HERE.

And for ....

Lucy's Facebook Page, please *click* HERE.

I was to go to Port Elgin this evening for Dinner and hear a Speaker this evening.  That, as well as many other events in Bruce County, were cancelled.  I am sure it will be put back, and I will still be attending at some point.

Despite the sleep I did manage to catch last night my whole body has been aching from head to toe today, like the flu, but more like internal bruising.  I am hoping I am afforded another good night's sleep this evening, and really hoping I can stay awake to watch The "Voice at 8 pm, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

It Never Works When ...

... both people are tired to the bone.  Rob was beyond tired today as he had a call up to be in Barrie last night at midnight, never arriving back home until 3 am.

Me?  I am worn out, but probably not quite as tired as he.

Unfortunately it never works when each other are so tired to discuss or plan or accomplish anything the next day.  I sometimes am smart enough to "close my mouth" and TRY (heavy on the try) not to say anything the whole day through.  For me this is not an easy task, but for the most part sometimes I think I do pretty good considering I am tired myself.

Today Rob still had to get up and go to work.

I had a meeting this morning at 11 am, not arriving back home until 1 pm.  Then this afternoon I walked to a neighbours who was wanting to donate a Christmas Tree to the Chamber Offices.  It turns out it would fill the whole downtown street almost it is soooo huge, but beautiful ... on to Plan B I suppose.

This afternoon I had the most two unpleasant phone calls with the Yellow Pages Group, who we advertise the Crabby Cabbie with.  I spoke with 2 different Customer Service Reps, and at near the end of the conversation with the 2nd one I totally lost my cool and swore at him !!!  *blush* .. honest to God they had my blood boiling.  The audacity when you are trying to explain what happened in a conversation when you renewed your contact to have them tell you how wrong you are and that what you were telling them never happened.  You damn tooting it hadn't happened as it was something I had never said ... finally the 2nd guy admitted it, but still said I was wrong.

Here we go with another  Class Action Proof  that Yellow Pages has the monopoly in its area, whereas Bell used to have the same until Rogers, Shaw and a few others came into play (thank goodness).   I finally spoke to the rep who renewed us back in the Summer time, 4th call about this matter..  She apologized, admitted we never had the conversation that the other two insisted I had, also saying she will note how these two treated me.  Really Yellow Pages you need to practice Customer Service Skills at all levels.

Really do these people not think we have nothing better to do with our time then be on the phone with them, especially when I was on hold waiting to get through to them in the first place for 20 minutes.

I spoke to another friend/business associate about this happening to me today.  They had Yellow Pages tell them to get back with their advertising plan on a specific date, and when doing so had gone ahead with what had previously been done saying they didn't get back to them in time !!!  Geesh they are arrogant !!!  Yellow Pages that is.

I sure hope someday someone will give them a run for their money and take the wind out from their sails !  Rob seriously does not want to renew with them next year, and believe me they are not cheap to advertise with.  There rant done, with hopefully my blood cooling down soon.

The day flew by with realizing Dinner time was upon us.  Rob requested Pork & Beans with leftover Cottage Roll, how easy was that !

I am not terribly happy with the Weather forecast tomorrow, thinking I would love to hibernate the whole of the upcoming Winter.  Check out how nasty it is to get here tomorrow by going HERE.  10 to 15 cm is not my idea of a nice day !!!!

Mistakes, grammar .. so *sad* too *bad* I am tired, and that I understand.

I think it will be a good plan for me to try and relax the rest of the evening while watching The "Voice", Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Grandma's Brooches

The past week finally took its toll on me yesterday, with a body that was beyond exhausted physically and mentally.  Last night I can actually say I slept like a "rock", and believe, you, me, it felt damn, damn, triple damn good.  

Today Rob was going to change up the fridges as he had our neighbour, Doug, coming to help him move the one we had purchased a couple of weeks ago up from the basement, and our old one downstairs, then the really really old one outside.

Hydro One has had a program of picking up and disposing of your old appliances for FREE for the past number of years.  This program is going to be ending on the 31st of December 2014.  Should you have any old appliances to be removed, now would be the time to book it with Hydro One to be done.  For more on this, please do so by *clicking* HERE.

I have a busy week ahead of me (no surprise for some who know me, right?), so I thought I best be getting up to see my Mother today.  Rob seemed to think he didn't need me to change everything over from the old fridge to the newer one, so off I went.

My Mother loves brooches.  My Auntie Gladys had given me some brooches the other day which had been my Grandmothers.  I kept the one to the right out for myself ... it is beautiful, and reminds me of my Grandmother's beautiful spirit.  Grandma Masterson had always been so kind, good and loving to me, and every memory I have of her I hold close to my Heart.  One particular memory of her tucking me in for the night on the cot in her home... so many years ago.

Holy Snow Batman !  we had such a big snowfall last night and this morning.  It was up to my boot tops when taking Portia out this morning.  The first snowfall is always so clean and pretty, is it not?

I had a really good visit with my Mom.  She had been very happy to get the brooches, thank you for your thoughtfulness Auntie Gladys !  Ha, I took a selfie of Mom and I.  When I showed it to her she had said, "what an awful picture".  She makes me laugh.  I have to try to put a Friday afternoon aside for her so I can go up and play Bingo with her.  That should be a fun afternoon for us together, especially since I am not the greatest Bingo player in the World.

After I left Mom I ran into my Cousin Suzanne.  We met up at Timmies for a coffee and it of a visit together, which really was a nice change up for me.  After that little visit I headed on back home to the reality of cleaning the old fridge, and throwing out some long overdue foods  that Rob had put back in the newer fridge.  Bless his Soul, that had been one big job ... thanks Honey I do so appreciate you.  And he responds with, "and so you should".

Yes I had lots of help in the kitchen with Portia by my side almost the whole time.  I also managed to get a box of "stuff" ready to go to the Sally Ann Store.  

Not only did I put a box of unwanted items together I had also threw a bunch of old papers to the side to burn in the wood stove.  Finally a bit of clutter rid of ... and trust me there is a lot more that will be following as soon as I find the time.  I think I will claim the Year of 2015 as the Year to totally Declutter !!!

I had a pair of Avia running shoes I had purchased back in June.  I had hardly wore them barely 3 months when the stitching had began coming apart on them.  Brooks is the company who made the shoes, who I contacted, and they replaced.  I just got the new pair the other day.  When I went to put them away today in my bedroom I realized ...

... the shoes I had bought "on sale" a couple of months ago when down in the City visiting with my Son, Paul, that they were identical to the ones I had just ordered from Brooks and received.  Well I suppose my tastes haven't changed at all in the past  couple of months since I picked out the "exact" same shoes unbeknownst to myself.  And then I had been pleasantly surprised that I had also bought myself new socks ... YAY me !!!

Rob got a call to go to Owen Sound about 10 minutes to 5:00 pm.  I decided to go along for the ride.  When we came back we had a quick Dinner of Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches.  Leftover ham is so good for sandwiches, soups and or casseroles.

Here is is almost 8 pm with me feeling a bit more then weary.  This is a good sign to soon say good-night, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

All Natural Flu Prevention

Yesterday I had been down at the Wiarton Chamber of Commerce office which is in Bluewater Park fronting onto Colpoy's Bay.  With a fresh snow it set the stage for more beauty then it already holds. 

What do you think?

With all the heavy rain and high winds some days last week I was surprised at so many leaves still on the three Maples.  A beautiful contrast I was happy to take in.

Also yesterday when I had been dropping off Santa Claus Parade posters, Holly of The Cluttered Cupboard had some of her concoction she had been telling me about ready and waiting for me to drop by.   To be quite honest, it isn't that bad and truly Buckley's tastes worse.  

Thanks for sharing, Holly ! and as you told me it has kept you Flu free for some time now, and you can't beat that.

Even though my house is still in shambles, I managed to get a couple of loads of laundry done today, and the front entrance cleaned and washed.

... now I wonder with our dear Bandit & little Portia how long it will stay clean.  Thanks to Bob & Susan Hoffman for the old towels which sure come in handy with the dogs.  Extra thanks to them for keeping us in mind by dropping around another box to us today !

Last week our local Foodland store had Sweet Pickled Cottage Rolls on for $2.99 per lb.  I had picked up a couple for the freezer as they are usually that price double and more at regular price.  We love the one pot Dinner in the Crock Pot.

One pot dinner in the Crock Pot is a Sweet Pickled Cottage Roll, Carrots, Potatoes & Cabbage.  We put the vegetables in at the last 2 hours of cooking time so they do not go to mush.

Leftovers? of course as they are the best.  The broth leftover from the water all cooked in I saved to make a Ham and Bean Soup.  Dinner tomorrow.

After travelling South two days this past week my body was feeling it today, still I was happy to have gotten done what I had, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Up In The Sky

What a day Rob and I had today !  Either of us were barely at home, with Rob gone one way with work, and I the other way with the Wiarton Santa Claus Parade this and that.

Isn't it an awesome Poster & Theme?  Koreen @ RAM Trophies & Sportswear created the posted, and Wenda @ The Painted Turtle & Balloon Headquarters & I had came up with the Theme.  We got some pretty awesome "team work" going on in the Hood !

The WDCC is still in need of Volunteers for the Parade.  Should anyone be interested please contact Wenda at 519-534-4536 (leave a message if she is not there, and tell her I sent you).

I was also pretty please that the WDCC's Wiarton Facebook page just hit 1000 Fan LIKES.  Yes indeed it was a nice Milestone to reach since I created the page on May 14th, 2013.  Another "You've Came A Long Way Baby" moment for the page.  Check it out and if you LOVE Wiarton give it a "thumbs up" with your LIKE by going HERE.

Yesterday, before we left to come back home from Kitchener, I had given Liz and Paul some sunglasses that the grandkids had left in one of our vehicles.  They thought they would have a bit of fun by modelling them for me ....

Action shots for a new James Bond movie maybe?  Hahahaha, I would think NOT but still pretty cute just the same.

Yesterday there was lots up in the sky to view.

On the way down to Kitchener Rob had spotted a building being lifted off of its foundation and being moved by a crane.

Really this was quite the "eye catcher" when driving down the highway.

I love Clouds and how beautiful they appear, taking photos of the skies filled with them on any given day.

What do you see in cloud formations?  faces, animals? so many with your imagination running away at times.  They are so fluffy and pretty how could you not think you could walk right into all of that fluffiness.

After a busy day of running here and there leftovers of pork tenderloin accompanied by Brown Rice and Rosebud Beets made for and easy Dinner.  I can not imagine why people do not care for leftovers, as I LOVE them, don't you?

Tomorrow I am hoping to get some much needed housework done (I hate stating this as I feel I might jinx myself by doing so).  Regardless tomorrow is another day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Emotional Day

This morning Rob and I headed South towards Kitchener.  We first stopped in Clifford where we met up with my Aunt Gladys who travelled at that point along with us.

Today we congregated with Family and Friends of my nephew, Chadwick Wilson Masterson.  My niece, his sister Stacey, had done a beyond amazing tribute to Chad with photo collegages, photo albums and a DVD of photos playing.

The Chapel Service was beyond touching with a heartfelt euology by Stacey.

Yes Chad was vibrant in Life, witty, funny and a hard worker.  Addiction extinguished his "spark", but will never extinguish the good memories of those who knew and loved him, holding these same memories for their Lifetime(s).

Rest in Peace now Dear Nephew as you have touched my life with many good memories.  You were loved by many whose lives you touched at one time or another in your short life.

Chadwick Wilson Masterson
September 30th, 1974 ~ November 7th, 2014

The end of the Service Chad would have him smiling down from Heaven with the Song his family choose knowing he would have loved it ...

It had been an emotional day.  I pray I never have to experience what my Brother, Chad's Mother and  his siblings had to today with saying their final good-byes to someone they hold fast in their Hearts.

The Minister reminded us how short Life is, how certain death is, and to put materials aside with reminders also to say, "I forgive", "I am sorry", "Please forgive me", and many times, "I love You".  

I hope I have practiced these same reminders many times throughout my Life.  I can not tell the people in my Life how much I love them enough.

This is all she wrote, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Guess I Should Have

.... wrote it down.  I had this great thought of what part of my blog was going to say for me earlier today, and it just ain't happening as I guess I should have wrote it down.  This happens quite frequently.  I remember this happening when I was in my 20's with fears of how I would be when I got older.

Guess what? older is here, and it ain't much better.

Never mind all that, I was happy today with what I got done, not what I didn't accomplish.  I even said "the heck with it all" and met up with the WDCC office manager to discuss Chamber Business over a coffee at Timmies, rather then over email, phone or in the office.  The break away from the hectic "norm" probably did us both good, even though it had been only for a mere 1/2 hour.

I even covered more of the Wiarton Santa Claus Parade ... bonus !

Rob & I had some errands in town this morning, then we headed out towards Oxeden way to have our Crabby Cabbie Vehicles Winter Serviced.

There were a few squalls on the way out to where we were getting our vehicles undercoated with oil, and Winter tires installed.  Stephens Auto Wreckers did a great job on the undercoating, a must do with the amount of salt put on our roads in the Winter months.  Back in town we were pretty surprised to see motorcycles out and about, and yes those are very large snowflakes in the photo.

We have had a bit more ill fortune in the way of a vehicle problem.  A bigger vehicle ...

When we had arrived home McArthur Tire of Owen Sound had just arrived before us, the service call we had arranged yesterday.  Yes tractor tires are NOT cheap to replace by the time you purchase the tire, tube, calcium to fill it, labour and service call.  Hopefully the other side will see us for a bit yet before it goes, as it is a huge expense I cringed at.

The tractor is a necessity with the size of our driveway and the harshness of our Winters, especially if we have more ahead like last Year.  *Sigh* what more is there to say on that subject ...

I had a Pork Tenderloin I had wanted to cook Yesterday, which never happened.  I was tickled pink I had time, or made time, to cook it today, and more so tickled pink I was actually cooking us a "normal" meal for a change (something I used to do in my past Life for those who know me.  Past Life as in maybe a Year ago? or less).

I made a simple Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Maple Butternut Squash and Basmati  Rice.  Dinner was terrific !!!  with Rob and I both ecstatic with what a great Dinner we had.  

Recipes please?  

The Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe may be found by *clicking* HERE.

The Maple Butternut Squash I was inspired by the recipe I had found HERE, with me steaming & mashing it then adding Maple Syrup and Butter (Rob doesn't like squash and loved it, hence the Maple Syrup paying off).  For the amount of Squash I had steamed I had only added 1 Tbsp each of Butter & Maple Syrup making it "just right".

Believe it or not I am exhausted.  Me? I believe it.  Mistakes, grammar? so *sad* too *bad* .. *smile*.

On that note I will call my day almost a wrap, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.