Happy Birthday Rob

Today is my husband's Birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB !  Today we barely spent any time together.  A date will be planned in the very close future for us to celebrate his Birthday together.

Rob did get to sleep in this morning.  I got all my Aussie chores done before my Niece, Joanne, came over as we had planned on going out to some of the Wiarton Willie Festival activities today.

We left about 10 am and got back home, had a cuppa tea before she left, and then I had people come see their puppy at 3:30 pm.

I am EXHAUSTED and think this will be one of my shortest posts ever in my daily online journal.

The Wiarton Willie Festival had lots of cool things going on today from Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides to how to Survive in the Wilderness demonstrations.  There had even been a Ground Hog Jog !!!

Something for everyone .... here are only a couple photos of "highlights" of the day.

Other then being so tired, it was a good day out with my Niece.  For Dinner Rob picked up a Rotisserie Chicken from the Deli.  Easy peasy I LOVE.

Another FUN DAY tomorrow for Day Two of the Wiarton Willie Festival as follows:

SUNDAY, February 1

• HOCKEY TOURNEY CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES - 10 am to 2pm - Adult Charge - Arena
• OPTIMIST KIDS FUN DAY - 11am to 3pm - Free - Bluewater Park Igloo
• WIARTON FARMERS' MARKET CHILI TASTING - 10am - Free - Bluewater Park Pavillion
• LUMBERJACK SHOW - 11am, 1pm & 3pm - $5 each or $25/family - Bluewater Park HQ
• PETTING ZOO - 12pm to 2pm - Free - Bluewater Park Pavilion
• LOCAL WILDLIFE & NATURAL HISTORY TRACKING WORKSHOPS - 11am to 12pm & 2pm to 3pm - Free - Bruce County Library Meeting Room
• OWEN SOUND ATTACK SLAPSHOT COMPETITION - 1pm to 4pm - Free - Bluewater Park Outdoor Rink
• SLIDING COMPETITION - 2pm - Free - Bluewater Park Snowhill
• GEO-CACHING "How To" - 1pm to 2pm - Free - Bluewater County Library Meeting Room
• SNOWSHOE TRIALS - 2pm to 4pm - Free - Bluewater Park HQ
• LIVE MUSIC -Angus Leahy & Friends (East Cost & Traditional Irish) - 5pm to 7pm & 9pm to 11pm - Irish Cottage Pub
• ICE SKATING - All day - Free - Bluewater Park Ice Rink (Bring your skates)
• LIVE MUSIC - All day - Free - Bluewater Park Pavilion
• YURT & EVERGREEN TROUGH BED DEMO - All day - Free - Bluewater Park Yurt
• SURVIVAL IN THE BUSH - All day - Free -  Big Igloo Bluewater Park 
• OUTDOOR COOKING WORKSHOPS - All day - Free - Bluewater Park Yurt
• ZORB RACING - All day - Free  - Bluewater Park
• SNOWHILL/SLIDING - All day - Free - Bluewater Park Snowhill
• WIARTON HOME BUILDING CENTRE SNO MINI PUTT - All day - Free - Bluewater Park

Yes I do believe I will be back out at the festival again tomorrow.

On that note, I will be soon calling it a day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Invasion Of Privacy ?

My poor Rob has gone to bed, thank goodness.  He didn't get home until 3 am this morning, and was back out to work at 7 am..  I know the days I get almost no sleep that I have a difficult time functioning (even at the best of times some days), so I most certainly can imagine what he is feeling.

When I find out and here things that don't seem just right to me I tend to hold on to them for awhile until I have had time to chew on them before I feel I can let go and spit them out.  Sometimes I know I have had things stay with me for Years, but found when I got closer to the age of 50 it was easier to let them go.

The most recent thing I have been chewing on, or one of a few that have taken priority, is finding out that one of our neighbours made a comment that his wife has a set of binoculars which she keeps an eye out on their neighbours.  We are one of those neighbours !!!  He also made the comment about what time my husband leaves every morning ... geesh I think these people are 1) weird; 2) need to get a Life of their own; 3) need to learn to mind their own damn business rather then everyone elses).

This same person took the liberty of helping themselves to a gate and fencing belonging to another of our neighbours, then mentioning after the fact that they had taken it.  OMG ! what is wrong with this picture?  this person?

I now feel every time I am out of our house I am being "watched".  As soon as dusk arrives I pull the blind in our dining room window.  Yes I now feel I am subject to an invasion of  privacy, as in my privacy or anyone who comes to visit us as well.

The next story was brought to my attention today by my niece.  Apparently her boyfriend's ex-father-in-law made a comment to his ex-wife that my niece must have children as he seen one looking out her window.  For crying out loud, my niece lives in Tara, this man resides in Owen Sound.  Is she being stalked by this man?  I sure don't know, but what I do know that she does feel it is an invasion of privacy.

My Lord, my niece works hard and owes nothing to nobody, why would someone want to know what she is doing, just because she is dating this person's ex-son-in-law, that has nothing to do with anything !!!  He was separated before my niece dated him.

Like I said, "what in the heck is wrong with some people? are they all gone crazy?"

The garden centre next to us had taken down their old green houses last Year.  Rob came home and had mentioned it to me, as I never even noticed, as I am too busy LIVING MY OWN LIFE to bother with what my neighbours, or anyone else for that matter, is doing !!!  Geesh .... there are some things just beyond my reach of understanding I suppose.

Hopefully some day these people will get a Life and quit bothering us who are trying to live ours.

Today was busy with Aussies, per usual and a few errands downtown.  I did manage to pick up a take out lunch from the Green Door Cafe for myself and a friend.  Not much of a break but still a break.

I had wanted to attend the Crowning of the King & Queen for the Willie Festival at the Gateway Haven Nursing Home, however as soon as I had pulled in I had a call from Rob to run an errand for him.

Speaking of Rob, it is his Birthday tomorrow, and I haven't even gotten him a Birthday Card, never mind making him a cake.  We will have to plan an evening sometime to go out for Chinese Food, as he will be too busy working this weekend.  Besides he is the boss, and they never get their own Birthdays off work.

Oh yes almost forgot about the horrid smell coming from somewhere in the hallway before going thru the door down in our basement.  For the life of me I could not figure out the past few days where it was coming from.  Today I couldn't stand it any longer, taking the time to investigate further, to find it was sweet onions under the staircase closet which were not only growing but had gotten rotten.  My dear husband had forgotten all about them, something I could have easily done myself.  That I would call an invasion of the nose !

This is tired old me, and some of the reasons at the side why I am and why our door has seemed like it has been revolving this past few weeks.  Festive Five puppies & Mama, our Buddy Boy as it is too cold to be in the outside run so I am walking him every two hours, and our Portia who is out every hour on the hour or more.  Yes I LOVE my Aussies ....

... and my husband very much.


Spelling errors or grammar ? sorry to dang, dang, triple dang tired to care.  On that note I think I will call it a wrap until tomorrow, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

**DISCLOSURE:  ALL PERSONAL OPINIONS WITHIN THE TEXT OF MY BLOG POSTS ARE MY OWN AND NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY GROUPS OR PERSON(S) I MIGHT BELONG TO OR VOLUNTEER FOR.  

It Comes AGAIN

Winter has not yet left the building .... it comes again.

Heading into Wiarton this morning past the Mile Inn (long renamed now, but still called this by the locals).  The roads were a little slick in some spots so it was a careful drive.

This is the Old Train Station which overlooks Colpoy's Bay, down across from the Chamber Office.  It was so blustery out on the Bay at the Noon hour you couldn't make out there was even water there.

I have found myself in a bit of a "funk" the past while, not being able to get myself into anything, never mind any kind of a routine.  This bothers me but for some reason my head doesn't want to wrap itself around anything to get myself out of it.  I am tired, and I am certain the fatigue has a big part in feeling this way.

By the time I do a revolving door most of the morning with the Aussies, feed the puppies twice a day, and clean them out, I am feeling pretty much on the weary side.  I can't believe in a couple of more weeks they will be going to their Forever Homes, all except for one who will be picked up a week later.

This upcoming week I will begin feeding the pups three times a day, rather then the two they get now, and maybe a couple less feedings from Mama Lexus.  It is all a process.

Rob is busy out working for the evening.  I am thinking it is almost time to take Buddy out for his walk, as we do not leave him in the outside kennel when the temps are in the minuses.  Then Portia will want out, and so on and so forth with Bandit and Lexus

Another early night for me in bed and probably asleep by 10 to hopefully not to wake up by 1 am like the past few nights, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

This Little Piggy ....

What a stellar weather day did we just have ???  Sure it was -20 first thing at 6 am when I was out with the Aussies, but by the time the Sunshine was in full force with a high of -4 & no wind it could have downright passed for a balmy like day.

Beautiful Sunshine all day long, and being on this side of Mother Earth, what more could a person ask for ... and I won't go there as there most certainly is always something to ask for isn't there? but for the most part there is much to be thankful, even though I have days I forget to remind myself of that.

Rob had a friend come over to help him bring in wood as the supply in our basement was dwindling from the last time he was over to give us a hand.

Yes the wood shed is also getting quite low.  I believe Rob and I might rethink how much wood we might need in next Year as we burnt much more with having 2 wood stoves burning this Winter.  Also we didn't leave the one in the basement go out since the puppies were born, as I feared one might get a draft, and I couldn't have that happen.

Speaking of puppies, this little piggy ...

Yes they are all after me as soon as they see me.  What a fuss they put up ... from left to right, Raven (Blue Merle Male), Lyric (Blue Merle Female), Izzy (Blue Merle Female), Snickers (Red Tri Female) & Jax (Black Tri Male). 

 Mama Lexus fed them, I fed them, then it was "lights out".

I did get our bedding washed, the bed remade up and dishes done today.  I also had a Dinner of Garlic Sausage, Sauerkraut & Baked Potato all by myself, as my Crabby Cabbie hubby is gone out on a call.  His has been left on "warm" for whenever he returns back home.

Today on Facebook I came across some interesting ways to use Muffin Tins that I thought was a good share at the following link:

http://mamabee.com/20-unexpected-uses-muffin-pan-make-life-easier/

A couple I thought to be a bit far fetched for me, but there were also a couple of good ideas too.

Also for those who love Kraft Dinner & Lasagna, I came upon this recipe:

http://www.kraftcanada.com/recipes/mac-cheese-lasagna-95062?cm_mmc=social-_-facebook-_-kc-_-recipe

To go to the links, just highlight across with your mouse, then right click and select "go to".

Anticipation is building in Wiarton with the Wiarton Willie Festival fast approaching this upcoming weekend.  I am hoping to get out to a couple of the Events myself, as long as the weather is good.  For all things Willie please check out the Facebook page by *clicking* HERE.

In the meantime I think I will get all our Aussies out and back in so I can put my feet up for the rest of the evening, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Baaaaaad Girl

This morning I felt like my body was carrying around rocks inside my skin, but the Aussies can't look after themselves so I dragged the rocks around to get chores done this morning.

The day went from not terribly bad to a bit worse ...

.... yes someone was very very quiet and when I was back out in the kitchen at some point I noticed the butter dish on the counter was empty, hence the "photo of shame" for the baaaaaad girl, Portia.  

What I did get accomplished was some filing set up for the New Year, heavy on the "some".  This wooden filing cabinet I had purchased a couple of months ago for a great price of I believe $30 used, and Rob brought it up from the basement for me a few days ago.

Buddy had himself lots of fun when we were out today, being the "go dog go" that he is.

By the time after lunch had arrived I had pains under my rib cage, however not as severe that I couldn't breath as previous times had left me.  The afternoon was spent on the couch.

I had to follow Rob over Sauble Beach way to drop off one of our vehicles at the garage, however I am now going to rest to see if the pain eases, while Rob takes care of my Aussie chores this evening,

Tit for Tat most certainly works for me at such times, which I am grateful for,  Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Out The Door Early

I must admit I didn't wake up until at least 4 am this morning.  Happy I got a bit more sleep then usual as I was out the door early at 7:30 am, as I had a meeting at 8:00 am.  It seemed to take forever to scrape the ice off the van, and by the time I stopped in at our bank my butt still hadn't warmed up, never mind the van.

I love mornings ....

Shortly after 8 this morning overlooking Colpoy's Bay down at Wiarton's Bluewater Park.  The clouds looked like Mountains looming over the Bay.

Once we were over our meeting at the Chamber Office I headed home to 5 very hungry puppies, and four Aussies wanting me to take them out.  All was done in order of the starvin' Marvin puppies first. They are all double trouble now as they are so alert and on the go.  When I go into the pen their little tails actually wag to see me as they now relate to me as a food and cuddle source.

Rob had been busy himself this morning, however got home by lunch time to have a little one on one time with myself and our Buddy boy.  Today was Buddy's 3rd Birthday.

Buddy will have been with us 2 years this upcoming Mother's Day, and I must say it took awhile but he has truly grown on us in his own special way.  I would miss him should we not have him with us.  He is part of our lives and routine as much as Lexus and Bandit were ever, and truly has a very loving nature.

Not only the one on one time with us, he also had a couple "extra" treats today.

This afternoon brought a couple of more errands just flying by me like the wind.  I can't believe the Wiarton Willie Festival and Groundhog day is upon us in the week ahead.

Should you be in Wiarton or not, you can always contact the Wiarton Chamber of Commerce for any information pertaining to the Festival as ...

The past few weeks, leading up to and the actually Festival Weekend the WDCC office is Central Wiarton Willie Headquarters located at 402 William Street, Wiarton ON  PH:  519-534-4545

Check our their website for all things Wiarton Willie and Wiarton by *clicking* HERE.  I heard the weather is suppose to be great this weekend I heard, however cold so get those long johns on !

Truly it is a fantastic festival with lots to do for everyone.  A couple of my favourites are the Pancake Breakfast at St. John's United Church and the Wiarton District Optimist Club's Fancy Tea.

The Optimist Club is a fantastic club whose volunteers work hard at raising money to support activities and such for the benefit of Children.  Some of the funds from the Fancy Tea will be going towards the Pioneer Kid's Club Program to Send a Kid to Camp.

Don't forget your Fancy Hat, as there will be Prizes !

The puppies are requiring more feedings, having first started out with one, then two and now today I will add the third meal to their schedule.

I also need to get off my chest another matter of how some people criticize other people who volunteer their time.  Truly should these same people think they might do better, then please step on up to the plate !  At the time I had been stewing over this my friend, Sharon, had called me from Florida for a chat, and thank you Sharon your call couldn't have came at a better time to make me feel better.  Friends can be plentiful, however TRUE friends are something to be valued, especially the ones who respect we are each individuals and have our own opinions.

I am off, but truly not running, to wait on those five very very cute Aussie Puppies, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

**DISCLOSURE:  ALL PERSONAL OPINIONS WITHIN THE TEXT OF MY BLOG POSTS ARE MY OWN AND NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY GROUPS OR PERSON(S) I MIGHT BELONG TO OR VOLUNTEER FOR.  

New Irish Pub

I awoke early to find my Crabby Cabbie was not yet home.  It was 3:30 am when I put the call into him.  He was out of town with a fare, thinking he would arrive back home by 6 am.  He arrived back home at 8 am and was bushed.

Needless to say I never got a dang thing done for fear of being too loud and waking him other then start the Wood stoves, feed puppies and have a revolving door with Aussies all morning long.  I shouldn't say nothing done, I did a few dishes up and cleaned the kitchen sinks, and that has to count for something.

As it was someone called at lunch hour and woke him anyhow.  He did get back to sleep after I had left for lunch.

There is a new restaurant downtown Wiarton, the Irish Cottage Kitchen & Alehouse.  A friend had invited me to lunch with her today as she had wanted to try it out, so off we went for a 1 pm lunch downtown.

It was the girl who served us first day there, and I must say she did an extremely excellent job, especially for one who had only worked at a McDonalds before which is completely different then waiting on tables.  The food? it was very very good.

My friend had the "special" which was a Shepherd's Pie made with Bison & Elk along with a draft beef (which was a very large glass), while I had the Lamb Burger, splurging with fries instead of a salad.  Our bill came to $44.00 which included taxes & tip, with an alcohol beverage, I thought to be very reasonable. 

The Irish Cottage Kitchen & Alehouse is located downtown Wiarton, in between Pinkerton's Auto Supply and the TD Bank.  Part of the dining area is under renovations so at present the dining room is quite small, although there is sitting room at a bar on entering the Pub.  I think I would go back to try something else off the menu again, although the Menu is limited, and no desserts were available, however portions are large and desserts truly not needed.

I did get back home a little before 3 pm getting right into the nitty gritty of things by letting Aussies out, feeding puppies and looking after loading up two wood stoves.  Yes I am tired.

For some reason kids always seem to be at their worse behaviour when one is tired.  :Puppies are no different and Portia has been driving me nuts all afternoon.

Yesterday I had put all her toys in a box to keep her amused.  This distraction did not work today.

Bandit too was a bit on the demanding side.  This was him being "cheeky" last night as he had snuck by me with a piece of ice into the house.  Yes that is a real "cheeky" Bandit *smile* you are seeing there.

Rob is out on a call.  I am going to let everyone out and in again for the umpteenth time today, and hope Rob gets home soon and feels up to taking over for me when he does, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Another Baby !

Ha !  I found Rob sleeping on the couch when I got up this morning, even though I knew he was out here through the night when I had woke up in the wee hours of the morn.  He had went to come to bed however I had cracked our bedroom window and it had been too cold for him in there so he opted for the couch.  *Sigh* what can I say, to have a good night's sleep one is to have a cool room to sleep in.

This morning Rob took me downtown to run a couple of errands.  Before we had headed home we had also stopped into Foodland to pickup a couple of things.  It was so nice to run into there again Steve and Kaeli ! a pleasure once again.

Yes it isn't too often I get  a photo of Lexus feeding her pups, only at the first week they are born.  After I have fed them their puppy mush I let her in to clean them up and have a guzzle from her.  From top to bottom & back up is Jax, Izzy, Raven, Lyric & Snickers.  Growing like bad weeds they are.

NEWS FLASH !!!  Another Baby

Snickers would love to announce the arrival of her FOREVER HOME's new baby boy, Joseph Noah. How wonderful Snickers & Joseph will be growing up together. Boy their parents sure are going to have their hands full ! 

Before I knew it the morning was gone and lunch time had arrived.

Yes Rob spoils our boy Bandit.  By his face Bandit sure didn't care much for that carrot.

Today there had been a light drizzle.  Rob thought he had best get the drifts cleaned out of the lane before it snowed and froze up again.  The snow was pretty heavy.  The Peanut Gallery had to watch every move of the tractor.

Yes it did begin to snow later this afternoon.  Yes Rob still had to go out in it to head North.  Yes Aunt Gladys Rob turned his shirt right side out, as he said he could still get another day out of it.

There is always some sort of fun Quiz or another from time to time on Facebook.  The one I had came across earlier today was "Which Song Was Written About You".  This was the the song I got after I completed the Quiz:

I do have to say, I love that song.  Good choice for me I thought.

I had to make at least 3 phone calls to my BFF, Vicki.  I surely don't know what I would do without her as she is my "go to for everything guru".  I am certain there are days when she sees it is me calling she thinks, "not again" !  Thanks Vick xx

That was pretty much the highlights of my day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Caught Surfing The Net

I, once again, took 2 pills to see if they would help assist me to sleep last night.  Not the greatest but still better then the previous weeks.  I also forgot to pickup a Word Find puzzle today for the times I am awake to bore me back to sleep.

I know my sister and a couple of friends have suggested Melatonin.  The sheets my Doctor gave me on Insomnia said this about Melatonin:

It is a hormone that is normally produced by a gland in the brain.  Melatonin does not appear to be helpful in most people who have insomnia, expect in people with delayed sleep phase syndrome.

Melatonin appears to be safe when used for less than three months.  However, melatonin is marketed as a dietary supplement; the ingredients, does, and purity of dietary supplements are not regulated.

I will give my Doctor's suggestions of no coffee, regular bed times & boring Word Find Puzzles if I wake up a go to see how I do.

Can anyone figure what these three photos equal in the next few weeks ahead in my Life?  Busy, busy & busier ....

I had been at the Dining Room table addressing some cards when I looked over to catch our Bandit boy surfing the net, along with his young sidekick, Portia.  They both immediately got down after they had been discovered ... tisk, tisk, and never the less in MY spot !

I was delighted Rob had brought the wooden file cabinet I had bought 2nd hand back in the Fall, as I am hoping I will make the time to get our filing system changed up into it.  I had also received a scraper mitt from the Fridgestock program (now ended) from when they had came to collect our old fridge and dehumidifier.  I have to admit since that old fridge has been gone our Hydro bill has dropped at least $15 per month.

I had called my Auntie Gladys this morning as I hadn't spoken to her in some time.  She was telling me her and Uncle were going to take a drive up to Wiarton today to have some lunch at the Green Door Cafe.  I had asked if she would mind if Rob and I would join them.  Of course we could.

Yum ...Uncle had the Reuben Sandwich with a side Caesar Salad, while I had the Chicken Bacon Caesar with a House Salad, and Auntie hers with a bowl of soup, while Rob had a single Fish & Chips.

Oh look Aunt Gerry & Uncle Reg, here are the Lovebirds all *smiles*.

It was nice to have a bit of visit with each other, and the lunch was good.  Uncle said he would be back for another Reuben.

I am going to try for another early night with some TV first, as I can barely keep my eyes open.  Doctor's sheets also said "no naps", and I am trying my dangest to keep them open.  Maybe some toothpicks would be in order, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Too Tired

I have been way too tired to put much effort in much of anything with another night behind me with poor sleep.  Another early day with an even longer day ahead.

Thank goodness there had been Homemade 9 Bean Soup in the freezer, along with a Grilled Cheese sandwich that is exactly what we had for Dinner.  Easy peasy.

This morning I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Caulfield, the surgeon who performed both my Colonoscopy and the Gall Bladder removal.  He will see me again in 2 years, and if all is clear again at that time, again in 5 years.  For a gal who has been avoiding these procedures for over 5 years I sure made up with it by having three procedures within a Year.  Geesh they caught up with me all at once.

I left the Wiarton Hospital and walked across the way to the building where my GP is for my appt. with him.  I am scheduled for another MRI the first of February on my Liver.  I then travelled back across to the Hospital to have more blood work done.  I have been gone over almost from top to bottom it seems, however I feel very confident I am in good caring hands with Dr. Diodati.

The insomnia?  I am to not have any coffee after the hour of Noon.  Should I wake up and be laying their for a length of time I am to get up to read something boring or do a "Word Find" puzzle, then attempt sleep again.  I will give it a go, as I am good to try anything once.

I think if I could get into a regular routine again, with a daily walk at the same time of day, this would be a surmountable benefit.  However my Life at this time does not afford a regular routine so I will do what I always have done in my Life, do the best I can with what I have, and if it works I will be very happy.

Today I also dealt with a couple of follow-up matters from our recent Chamber Meeting, and got out to take some photographs at a couple of places today.

My friend had a "makeover" done to her business, RAM Trophies & Sportswear this past Fall, so I had to get a photo of it prior to the 2015  Wiarton Willie Festival kicking off, since she is the Official place to go to for "Wiarton Willie" Gear.

Should you be in Wiarton drop around to see Koreen at RAM Trophies & Sportswear, located at the North end of Berford St. (main street).  She is open daily, except for Sundays & Mondays.  Koreen does the embroidery on the "Crabby Cabbie" hats & shirts for us.

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

Puppy Visitors

Yes I awoke at 1:30 am again, but this time gave into it by turning on the TV to watch some International House Hunters (my new I love to watch evening show, & Bryan's House in the Country).

It had been a crispy -16 without the wind chill this morning.  I think we only have had one day of January thaw so far.  I have always been by nature a morning person, as I never have wanted to miss any part of the day time.  When else would you catch such early morning beauty ...

The Sun barely awake over above Colpoy's Bay & Wiarton.

Almost a fully awakened Sun in the cold crispness of the morn with yet no warmth to sustain it.

The Wiarton Willie Festival is only around the corner now, and everyone anticipates good weather with fingers crossed.  Cold and Snow on the ground is good, stormy weather not so good.  Check out the upcoming 2015 Wiarton Willie Festival by *clicking* HERE.

Also check out when I had attended the Festival last Year by going HERE & HERE.

People have no idea the planning that goes behind such huge events, and this is small compared to some World Events such as the Olympics !  Amazing how much planning and endless Volunteer works goes into them.

Once I had all my Aussie chores done first thing, then the Festive Five puppies all fed I had two meetings to attend this morning taking me up to well after the Lunch Hour.  I had just finished up my last meeting when my sister, Jeanne, had texted me to see what I was up to as her and Cecil were in town and would like to come see the puppies.  As it was the timing could not have worked out more perfect to have puppy visitors.

The little female pup being held by Cecil was thinking his beard was Mama and had other things on her mind other then cuddles.  We had a good laugh over that one.

I sure was tired today, but go going on getting a small chicken in the oven to roast for our Dinner this evening.

I don't think many could pass up a Roasted Chicken Dinner with a side of Brown Rice and Turnips.  It was delish as usual.

Oh yes last evening we had our Chamber of Commerce meeting held at The Berford Lake Tennis Club, who is owned by one of our Directors, and in operation for 24 Years.

It was held in his quite impressive Wine Cellar, and the spread was very welcome by all in attendance.

I passed on trying a bit of wine which had been set out, as I was so tired I am certain I would have landed flat on my butt had I and attempted to get up out of my chair.  Best enough to be left alone when already in a state of mindlessness is it not?

This, once again, almost mindless with fatigue gal is not going to be long off from doing her last Aussie chores for the evening then putting her feet up to watch a bit of TV thereafter, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Frosted Beauty

I have been awake since 1:30 am, out with our sweet Lexus at 5:30 am, and out the door shortly for a meeting this evening, as Rob holds down the fort.  

Tired and busy, however I so enjoyed the beauty the Frost had painted this morning outside my door.

First thing this morning.

Mid-Morning.

This was overlooking Colpoy's Bay just before Gateway Haven on Frank St. in Wiarton, late morning.

Lexus & I had some "us" time this morning out of doors despite the cold.

... and of course I always need my Checkerboard Aussie puppy fix each day (more then once now I they are weaning and I am cleaning up after them).  

A much better photo of the Festive Five with my camera rather then my Iphone.

From left front to right, Lyric (Blue Merle Female), Izzy (Blue Merle Female), Jax (Black Tri Male), Snickers (Red Tri Female) & Raven (Blue Merle Male).

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

Always Getting "LIP"

Yes I was up at 4 am, and could have slept otherwise forever, but Lexus needed out.  She always seems to go through these times prior to whelping her pups and afterwards.  Once I get the pups fully weaned hopefully everything goes back to the "normal" 6 am.  It is bad enough not being able to sleep most nights never mind having to actually have to get up and go downstairs in the wee hours of the morn, but this is what one does when they commit to something they love.

The weather changed to cold in the minus temps again.  Both Rob and I woke with vicious headaches, which I chalked up to these weather changes.  As it was when the Sun came out in full force later on the day truly turned out to be a gorgeous day after all with light snow on and off throughout.

Winter as I like it, with light snow and bare roads.

Yes as I had mentioned, with our Festive Five puppies now 4 weeks old and the progress of weaning begun, the work is now cut out for me.

Lots of newspapers are being used up, as well as old towels donated from friends.  I am grateful that they make the "extra" large construction garbage bags, as it sure doesn't take me long to fill one up now.  Summer months are easier as I can make it out to the burn barrel to burn the soiled papers, not so easy now through 3 feet of snow.  Thank goodness newspaper, as well as other substances, compost naturally. 

I kept myself pretty much on the go around here.  With our door seemingly one that revolves with me out and in with our Aussies on quite a frequent basis, the days fly by ... with today a floor also getting swept, a bit of dusting done, and much clutter still needing addressed.  Where did I ever find time to volunteer the months prior to Christmas?  I didn't have puppies in the basement, nor did much else get done I suppose.  That is hopefully going to change back the way it used to be with some order back in my home slow and steady, day by day ... the way is was so long ago.

Then there is the matter of always getting "lip" my way.

The looks I get some times are really something else, don't you think? 

Never mind Bandit's "lip", there is always my husband I have also to contend with day in and day out.  We all have our pet peeves right? well I have really been getting tired, of not only a coat hanging over one of the dining room chairs, but the hat and gloves on the chair as well.  

Yes as soon as Rob comes up the stairs he heads over to dining room area where lands his coat, hat & gloves.  Bringing this to his attention today that it "bothers" me, I got LIP from him too !  Geesh a girl gets to the point where some days she feels a little bit outnumbered by all the LIP she takes from some around here, whether it be from man or beast.

Never mind this girl got her way as I did notice the next time my Rob went out and returned home, his belongings had been hung downstairs where they are suppose to be.  As far as Bandit goes?  I love not only his "lip" but every *smile* he sends my way.  I had to laugh the other day when someone came to see their puppy, not knowing Bandit's smiles they naturally thought he was pulling his lips back in a "growl".  They were happy to know he was smiling and then loved them too.

This afternoon one of our 2013 puppy's Forever Home humans came to visit the puppies.  We had ourselves a mini photo session ....

A whole bunch of cuteness coming right at you.

My niece, Joanne, called me today wondering if she could come up as she had something for me and I for her.  I had made another Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, along with fried potatoes and mashed Butternut Squash for dinner.  Since there was lots she agreed to stay and have Dinner with us.

It was a nice change up for all of us.  Never fails though as soon as Dinner was coming to the table, Rob's phone rang and he was called out.  This would happen even if we would have our Dinner at 3 pm.  Murphy's Law.

Dishes have been done, Aussies to go out one more time before bedtime, and then I can sit back, put my feet up and relax the rest of the evening, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

First Mushy Meal

I went to bed way early last night.  I am pretty sure I must have been asleep before 10 pm, but awake at 4 am.  Yep that is 6 hours.

I was very quiet while Rob slept until almost 11 this morning.  This was good for him, being an hour longer then usual.  Even the Aussies had been fairly quiet ... good for them.  I even made a run downtown on an errand and everyone had still been quiet.

When Rob did get up he got called out right away not returning home until almost 1:30 pm.  While he was gone one of the Forever Home puppy owners stopped in to see their little girl.  So exciting !

The Festive Five have been getting a little noisier then usual, as they now need more in the food department since Mama Lexus has begun the weaning process at four weeks of age.  That is where I come in with beginning them on solid food, then introducing water in a couple of days from now.

Today was the day the Festive Five had their very first mushy meal ....

Portia was more then willing to help me with the preparation with hopes of a morsel or two falling in her direction.

The Festive Five were naturals.  They hadn't even needed me to help them by pushing their little noses in the mush to get them started off.  After cleaning up every morsel they had themselves a swig from Mama Lexus.

Yes our Aussies are much work at times but I have always been passionate about finding a breed of choice and breeding them since I can remember.  The only reason I think  Rob wants us to have dogs is because of  ....

... the foot massages he gets from every dog we have ever had.  He really soaks them up and makes sure both socks come off.  

No I do not let Portia lick my face should anyone have had that thought go through their head ... ewwwwwww.

Has anyone ever burned their lip?  I gave myself a dosser this morning after re-heating the Tim Horton Coffee Rob had brought home for me last night.  My lip as a blister that is very nasty.  Guess I shouldn't be so much in a hurry for that first sip of java in the morning until it has cooled a bit.

The weather has been a bit on the January thaw side today first beginning with rain, now ending off with a heavy wet snow.  Very slushy and slippery to walk or drive in.  Rob had said the roads were slippery when he had been back out this afternoon.

Tomorrow there will be one more chore on my has to get done "to do" list with the making and feeding more mushy meals, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Thank You to ALL

Where has time gotten to? we are into week three already of the 52 Week Money Challenge !  I also have an up-to-date list of all of us who are "on board" together in the Challenge as follows:

Marilyn, Sugar Mama, Barry & Alice, Christy, Kaeli, Wanda, Joyce, Shannon, Eleanor, Margaret & myself.  Have you all been planning on what you might be spending your Challenge Savings on yet? as I sure have been pondering on a Dyson Vacuum Cleaner.  Any Pros or Cons anyone would like to offer I would appreciate.  My niece absolutely loves hers.

This time around I am attempting to do the Challenge backwards.  It has been tense but a girl has to pay herself first, does she not?  and look at all those great meals I make my hubby all throughout the Year?

Today I puttered a bit with this and that but unfortunately got no serious deep cleaning done.  I had wanted to go for a walk today however it just seemed too cold to even think about that.

Other then the puttering I know I was out and in much more then usual with the Aussies ... I have no idea what is going on with Lexus but she can not seem to be settled what so ever.  I go out with her to do her business, bring her back in, head up the stairs and she is demanding again.  She is getting lots to eat, has lots of water throughout the day, but is not feeling content for some reason or another.  She has been feeding her babies as they are getting as pudgy as ever, but maybe is getting a bit tired of them already at 4 weeks of age.  I shall try them on some mush tomorrow to see how that goes.

Besides that Bandit and Portia keep me amused throughout the day.

This is Portia's idea of playing tug of war with Bandit as he pulls her around on their dog bed.  Geesh .... #lazypuppy

I did get to speak to the Grandsons today, Aiden & Connor, very briefly as it is Paul's weekend to have them, but they were too very busy playing to talk much to Grandma.  I am afraid I will never see or hear from them once they hit the dating age !

Zehrs has Blackberries & Blueberries on sale 3 for $5 for 170 g containers.  My thoughtful hubby bought me some when he had been over in Owen Sound yesterday.  Truthfully I could eat them until I looked turned Black and Blue... oh so yummy.  He bought me 2 more containers today at Foodland but theirs are 2 for $5, not such a good deal as Zehrs.

I was thinking today what life would feel like if I was totally rested each day from the night before.  Would it not be Grand? not that I am not thankful for my Life, just a little more sleep in it would be wonderful.  I suppose when I get much older then I already am there will be more time for sleeping and feeling rested then ... I will take what I have now.

I must say I could not be more grateful for the close friends who are in my life and have stayed in my life, including Family members. 

I would also have to admit those fair weather friends, who called themselves friends & were in my life for a short time until my friendship was no further use to them, also had a purpose as stepping stones in my life getting me where I find myself now.

And then there are those unique friend acquaintances who fill in the gaps and make life more pleasurable from time to time, including the wonderful friendships I have made here on Facebook.

Not forgetting the totally awesome friends I have made from Blogging too, who are absolutely wonderful.

Thank YOU to ALL.

I feel it is important from time to time to make it known you are thankful for those people in your life who make it "special" by just being there, don't you?

I am feeling a bit weary so it would be time to close here for another day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Bit Fishy

With a little help I actually slept from 8 pm until 4 am this morning.  Rob had been called out at 11 pm, and back home at 1 am, and I never heard him leave or come back as I had been "out like a light".

Today I had felt much better then yesterday, other then very tired, until this afternoon I felt a bit on the ill side again, however thank goodness it was short lived.

I managed to get some laundry put away, the dogs swept up from the floor, and out & about with the Aussies numerous times on this very cold Sunny day.  Thank goodness for the Sunshine.

Rob had been in Owen Sound all morning, returning with a treat for me.  Zehrs have Blackberries & Blueberries on sale at 3/ $5.00.  He picked me up three of each, and I could eat them until the Cows came home as I LOVE them !  I would much rather eat them then a chocolate bar to be quite honest, but I don't think I would turn down a dark chocolate made my Lindt though.

There are lots of Aussie antics going on around at our house, especially now the Festive Five litter on are the move.  I will be extra busy starting this weekend once I start weaning them onto solid puppy food.  Lots of newspapers will be required.

Isn't the photo of "Snickers" cute?  it almost looks like she is asking where those people got to that came to cuddle her yesterday.

I had been so tired I actually layed down and had a very small nap this afternoon on the couch.  It didn't last long but it was better then none.  Rob was also called back out and had to go over to Owen Sound again this afternoon.  He called me when he was almost home so I could get our Dinner on the go.

This evening we had pan-fried Whitefish for Dinner.  It was excellent.  I am hoping to add fish to our weekly diet once every week or two weeks.

Pan-fried Whitefish is so easy to make.  I peppered and salted the side without the skin, dredged it in flour and pan-fried it about 2 tsp of Olive Oil on med-high heat until cooked through and flaky.

Full from Dinner and still tired I am going to hit the sack early to enjoy some International House Hunters on TV.  I have been rather enjoying seeing different parts of the World through this show.

Tomorrow I have lots to do here, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Blehhhhh Bad Good & Ugly (AGAIN)

Yes today I was feeling a bit bleh and under the weather.  I woke up with a nasty headache and from there it got ugly with a churning stomach and my breakfast deciding it wouldn't stay down.

The bad, needless to say, once again, nothing much got done around here.\

The good ?  this morning I had a call about the interested party for the Black Tri Male Puppy.  He now has a FOREVER HOME, and his name is "Jax".  I also had someone contact me about the Red Tri Female.  They came to see her this afternoon.  Her name is now "Snickers".

Izzy (Blue Merle Female), Lyric (Blue Merle Female), Raven (Blue Merle Male), Jax (Black Tri Male) & Snickers (Red Tri Female).  All heading off to their new FOREVER HOMES in 4 weeks time.

I took a Gravol earlier today which really helped my tummy, enough so that I was able to eat some of the Rotisserie Chicken Rob brought home & a Garden Salad.  My stomach is churning still a bit, but I won't take another Gravol as they were 12 hours ones.

I am of the opinion that I might go to bed a wee bit earlier then usual with hopes my dear Rob will take care of the evening rounds with the Aussies, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.