Way too ....

..... tired to blog much tonight.  I am done like dinner and all in but for my shirttail, and it isn't fun at all being this tired.

I helped my girlfriend, Shannon, this morning, our company arrived mid-afternoon, and tomorrow morning the kids all arrive, all seven of them.  I am tired thinking about all that.

Tomorrow the Wiarton Rotary Fair will be going full force at the Bluewater Park in Wiarton.  Don't miss out on the fun !!!  Sunday is "kids day" for one price bracelet..

All things WDCC, Business Members & Community Events head over to the Wiarton District Chamber of Commerce's Facebook Page to give it a "LIKE", by *clicking* HERE.

The Rotary Club of Wiarton? *click* HERE for their Facebook page.

**NOTE:  When liking a facebook page, place on the arrow beside the Like button & select "receive notifications".  This will enable you to keep abreast of any new posts from that page.

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

Beat Beat Beat

 Yes I sure am beat beat beat, as is my girlfriend, Shannon  Today we were sorting boxes of things prior to her Mother's moving day of tomorrow.  The pressure is on to meet the deadline prior to the movers arriving.

I sure don't feel after walking over 6 miles today I have lost any weight, but maybe gained as muscles weigh more then fat (so they tell me).  I walked over the amount of steps shown, as I didn't always have my Cell phone on me all day.

Back home before 9 am, I watered plants and took a moment to admire this arrangement out on our deck.

Too tired for more.  That is all she wrote, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Morning Has Broken

Yesterday morning I had left the house with Portia at 6:30 am before the heat came with the rising of the Sun.  We had walked down by Colpoy's Bay and the Wiarton Marina, with the sun on the rise and as you can tell below, morning has broken.

Which is your favourite of the three photos? I do love the Marina photo, but really do love all of them as they are "feeling good" photos, yes?

What made me laugh was the following sight; what made me want to cry is I only had my iphone deciding at the last moment not to carry my camera along (I regretted that decision).

I had the enjoyment of watching 5 otters scamper across the boardwalk along the front of where the boats were moored..  It was hilarious watching their antics.

Today had been a scorcher, however we found ways to try and cool down..

This evening I picked myself some "make me feel good" lilies from my unkempt gardens.

Two photos of things I love.  The clock I had purchased for $10. at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago, and the Boston Ferns hanging in our Gazebo out on the deck..

Other then getting our bedding washed, along with a load of darks afterwards, not too much other was accomplished this day.  Yikes ! I still have to make up our bed fresh, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Morning Has Broken

Morning have always been the best part of my days .... 

.... a nighthawk I am not too good of being, as I get up too early to last so long.  This morning I had been awake and up at 3:30 am.  Portia and I were out the door by 6:30 am for a walk, which had been perfect in every way.  I have walked well over 11,000 steps today.

Today Rob stained our side deck, and I painted the wooden planters.  That had been a big job in itself.  We had also paid for the flooring we have chosen for our bedroom.

After Dinner my girlfriend, Shannon and I head over to Sauble Beach for a swim.  It was WONDERFUL.  I have been back home in Bruce County for 12 years now, and that was the first I had been back swimming in Lake Huron..  Thanks Shannon it was much fun !

I am very tired, but will post some photos from today on tomorrow's post.  For now that is all she wrote, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Yucky Ewwwww

Today had been warm, however not too stifling.  Rob was busy pressure washing the lower deck in prep for Deckover, and waxing our car, to relax in the shade after my niece Joanne and I came back from downtown Wiarton shopping.

The beauty of our blooming Yucca, to a hot man cooling off and my silly niece fooling around..

Today there had been a putrid stench in the kitchen.  I looked over by the stove on the cupboard to find ...

... the watermelon had exploded ! and the smell was just way too nasty.  I took a photo and went back to Foodland.  I had my money refunded.

Shopping with my niece today I had picked up some Angel Cards.  I am looking forward to a daily reading.

Later this afternoon I headed over to my girlfriend, Shannon's moms  Much to my surprise...

Shannon had gotten me this beautiful Tea Pot planter, an her Mom had given me this Hurricane Lamp.  What sweethearts xoxoxox

I can barely see through my eyes, so off I go Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Spaced Out

Have you been so tired you actually feel spaced out?  I most certainly do more often then I care to admit.  Today was one of those days.

I forced myself to go for a walk at 7 am with our Buddy, and do a couple of loads of laundry.

Late this morning I headed to Owen Sound with a girlfriend, thanks Lynn, to go to Bulk Barn to get Pinatas and candy for the Masterson Family Reunion upcoming in August.  We also stopped in at Sears, as it was the last day to get 40% off on red tag sale prices if you used your Sears Card.

Lynn did awesome getting 3 tops, a skirt, 2 bras and a bathing suit cover up all for $70.00.  I got a $50.00 pr of Jeans for $12.00 and a $39.00 top for $6.00, along with a reg. camisole for a total of $30.00.  Needless to say we were both very happy shoppers !

Paul sent me photos of the boys from Saturday ...

Aiden & Connor had gotten to go to the job site with Daddy and sit in a piece of "fun" equipment.

I also received photos of Mrs.Paul Morelli this morning ...

... after she had worked 2 twelve hour night shifts.  Tonight is another one for her until she gets a couple of days off.  Poor girlie.

Rob & I are in the market for an Elliptical Trainer in EUC.  So if anyone has one they no longer need, at a reasonable price, please let me know.  Thanks in advance.

I am barely able to keep my peepers open, so off to bed I am going to take them, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Fill In The Blanks

I just sat down from a 12,000 + step day, according to my Pacer App on my Iphone, and needless to say I am tired.  Thanks to my friend, Lynn, for walking with me tonight. 

Just to help me along please fill in the blanks .....

When Aiden & Connor were visiting last week I took them to the Painted Turtle & Balloon Headquarters to _____________________.

Last Sunday we had brought home 6 ducklings we had purchased only to find after a week a ________________________.

I picked out new paint colours for our _____________, taking out the Vintage Lamps and purchasing two newer ones.

The day kids ride all day for one price is the _____________.

I am now headed off to _____________ , Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Lots To Say

I am pretty certain I have lots to say, however I am way too tired to barely begin.  It has been another long day for both myself and Rob.

We just arrived home from an unhealthy meal at the Frosty Freeze downtown Wiarton.  I am far from used to eating french fries anymore, never mind poutine !  Rob the same, along with a Banquet Burger and a Root Beer Float.

I had been up early to make a cheese tray to go to my girlfriend for after her Father's Memorial Service and burial today, and bought a fruit tray to go along with it.

Rob and I headed on down to New Hamburg to drop some things off for the kids, then stopped at K&K Liquidation in Wellesley on the way back home.

We arrived back home at 6 pm..  Rob went his way on a call, while I headed over to help my Nephew get online to a form he wanted to fill out.  After 7 pm we had headed out for something to eat.

By the way how is everyone doing on the 52 Week Money Challenge.  Only 21 more weeks to go, and oh man that also means CHRISTMAS !!!  ewwwwwww not that soon.  I have so many things I want to spend the challenge money on, but can not decide.  What about you????

On that note, think I am going to call it an evening here, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Whipped

It has been a very busy day, and no surprise I am very tired, but then again so is Rob.  Two peas in a pod.  Rob has been busy working, and I have been busy helping out my girlfriend of many many years, Shannon.

Unfortunately Shannon's father fell sick over the winter months and passed on as a cause of complications.  She has been not only busy making arrangements for a graveside service which is taking place tomorrow, she has also been helping her Mom get her house in order as it sold a couple of weeks ago.

Yes if I have thought my life to be hectic at the time being, I must think again should I step into my friend's shoes.

I had my Doctor's appointment today.  I only have a small spot of arthritis in my right thumb, however my Fibro has been raging !!!  *Sigh* a life without pain must be like afloat on a bed of roses, would you think?  More tests in the near future I am certain.  I have certainly been through a battery of them since last year.

Tomorrow is another day with going forward, as we all well know time will not stop to wait while we stop to smell the roses, or rotten eggs for that matter, whichever life decides to dish out at us at the time.

Ha ! Rob's phone went down today, my Internet went down, and Shannon forgot to bring along some paperwork we dealt with today .... crazy 3's !!! never mind crazy 8's thank goodness.

She is whipped, so this is all she wrote, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Another Round ....

.... of tests were done this afternoon.  I had x-rays done on my wrists, fingers, ankles and feet, checking for arthritis.  I bet my bottom dollar it is going to show up somehow, especially when I have to walk down our five steps sideways most mornings until I get unstiffened.

I also had an ultrasound of the clavicle area above my left breast.  Unusual swelling has been occurring the past month.  A mystery, saith, Dr. VanDorp.  We will see as tomorrow I am hoping the radiologist report will be done and able to be accessed by my GP, Dr. Diodati, at my appointment tomorrow.  The suspense, of maybe nothing, holds me captive.

It was yet another busy day for both Rob & I.  No surprise there I suppose.

I absolutely love living outside a small town, still having the benefits of the small town.  Today I had forgotten my purse and seen a few things I needed at the Sally Ann.  I went two doors up to the Green Door Cafe, where I got some loot from Owner, Sarah, to carry me over until later today.  Love living daily life in the "hood".

Plans for the update to our bedroom are coming together:

- paint purchased and paint colours chosen:  Teal (feature wall); soft Dove Gray (remaining walls); white for baseboards and door casements,and doors;
- laminate flooring chosen (grey), but not purchased;
- 2 lamps (grey with specks of Teal), which I found at the Sally Ann for $12.00 each;
- grey duvet cover and shams (purchased in the Spring).

Still needed:

- two Teal decorator pillows;
- area runners for bedside;
- find and decide on new curtains or blinds;
- new baseboards.

We probably won't get to any of the work until Fall, but will have most everything purchased and ready to go.

I was happy to go for a drive down one of my very favourite roads this evening.  Thanks Honey.

Rankin River Road, which runs off the Sauble Beach Pkwy. beside Sauble Falls on the Sauble River.

I can always feel the peace of this Forest when driving through.  Good energy from these trees.

Tomorrow? another busy day I am certain for both Rob and I, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Here, There & There

When I had came home from New Hamburg on this past Saturday I stopped at a Garage Sale where I "scored" this really nice clock for $10.00.  I LOVE it !!!  Our Granddaughter. Chloe, had her Birthday Party, which I sadly could not stay for.  Her party theme had been Dill Pickles, which she passionately loves.  Mom Liz made her a "green" Birthday Cake, and lucky party girls got fruit pancakes for breakfast the next morning after the sleepover.  The 10 year old girls had much fun.

Also Saturday the Farmer who has bought our standing hay the past couple years came to cut it again.  Hope it gets bailed and gone soon, but not before the Aussies have some playtime with it.

Yesterday morning I headed up to see my Mother, as I had brought  along home some Red Glads on Saturday.

Mom had been surprised.  Red Glads have always been her favourite.  My Dad used to buy them for her.

Monday also brought Indian River Citrus to town.  I picked up a 1/2 bushel of Georgia Peaches from my friend, Brenda, and also got a box I split with my friend, Lisa.  They are very very very GOOD !

Love me my Clematis beauties.

Now if only the rest of my house was as nice as the front stoop and back deck with the Gazebo, I would be one very happy girl.  Guess I would have to completely quit volunteer work, as well as stop helping my hubby.

Never does a day go by without one of our Aussies putting a *smile* on my face.

 Here, there & there is all she wrote this day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

I LOVE QUILTS

Yesterday I headed up the road and down Jenny Street until I came to Rural Rootz to where the 3rd Annual Quilt Show was happening.  Yes, regardless of my lack of talent, I love quilts, and do so admire all the hard work and hours which have gone into them.

More on Rural Rootz? please *click* with your mouse HERE.

All about the Quilt Show, please *click* with your mouse HERE.

The middle quilt is an "Award Winning" piece.  The work put into is is amazing !

The Baby Quilt was my youngest son's, made in 1982 by a neighbour of mine in Kitchener at that time.  The middle quilt was made by my Mother-in-law, Olivia Roth, and Sister-in-law, Shirley Leis, both deceased.  The pansies were hand painted on the quilt by Shirley.  The last photo is of Koona Sutter, and the quilt she has been working on for sometime was one of my favourites..

Take a leisurely drive just on the outskirts of Wiarton to explore the beauty of Rural Rootz yourself ... who does not enjoy "Beauty"?  I hope none.

I am off heading towards my bed very shortly here.  The rain we had has cooled the evening off quite nicely, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

All Done

Yes I am all done in. The past few days have caught up with me.

I couldn't keep my eyes open past 6 pm tonight. I am going back to bed again as my eyes are very heavy, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Crazy Fun Days

The Grandboys, Aiden & Connor, were returned back home to their Father's & Liz's on Thursday, as this weekend was their visiting weekend.  We had a great week together, and still another 3 great days while I was with everyone in New Hamburg.

Thursday night I made Dinner for us, as Liz & Paul never got home from work until 8 pm..  Fruit Salad? I LOVE it and really should make it more often at home.

Thursday til Saturday we did LOTS of shopping and LOTS of walks together as a family.

More really good food with the Quesadillas Liz made .... one of my favs !

MORE fun & shopping.

A little bit of serious business going on with a Snail House being built in the middle of the driveway.

We had three crazy fun days.  This was one of the best weekends away from home I think I have ever had.  I was not only having fun, I was so comfortable with my new daughter-in-law.  Not an ounce of tension or misunderstanding once.  And my Son, Paul, a great time when I seen him as he was either working or out Friday night at his friend's Stag.

I got home about 2 pm today, after first stopping to see where one of my pups had been rehomed 2 months ago; great home and photos to follow.  By the time I had unloaded my car, did a load of laundry, planted some potted plants and a few other sods and odds it had been 6 pm/

Rob made us a beautiful dinner of BBQ'd steak, new baby red potatoes and steamed green beans, then we went for a leisurely walk together.

A muggy day is sure has been ... my hair has been drenched with sweat all day this day.

Am I tired? what a silly question I put to myself, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

No Photos Today

No photos today on my post, however I did take photos on my iphone, but the cord I brought will not upload them to my laptop.  Guess there will be lots to come Sunday, and maybe a few Saturday as I am BEAT !!!

Why or why am I so beat? cause .....

- up most of the night;
- out the door at 7 am with the kids for a walk around the block;
- dropped off some Calla Lilies & a little something to my sister, Donna;
- went to Ren's Pet Store on Victoria Street as they had a HUGE tent sale !;
- headed the to Costco... the 4 children LOVE sampling;
- off to Sears then across and up the road to the Dollarama and Food Basics;
- back to New Hamburg where Liz cooked us a Dinner of yummy Quesadillas (my fav);
- we all went for a walk and just now sat down.

Liz is going to do my nails, then I will be off to bed after they dry.

I have so been enjoying my time with my Daughter-in-law, Liz, and the 5 grandkids, Josh, Chloe, Aiden, Briar and Connor, and my Son, Paul, too !  I am very very HAPPY !

Homeward bound tomorrow Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Whirlwind

Today has been nothing less then a whirlwind .... maybe I will be less tired to blog more & add photos tomorrow as I was ...

....awake at 3 am, exhausted and in pain the whole day, but still I managed to accomplish, much to my own surprise & delight:

- cleaning the kitchen;
- organizing paperwork off dining room table;
- packing up the car, with Rob's help;
- load of laundry washed, dryed & folded;
- errands downtown;
- fed boys breakfast & lunch;
- headed down the highway;
- arrived at son's & daughter-in-laws after shopping for dinner;
- prepared dinner, did up dishes;
- walked with boys to Dollar Store;
- dinner with the family;
- walk around the block.

... and now? off to bed I go away from home, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Lions, Tigers & Bears ....

.... OH MY !

We seen Lions & Tigers, but no Bears today, but oh my the Lions and Tigers were majestic !

The "boys", all 3 had their fierce looks on to conquer the Jungle.

More on Elmvale Zoo can be found by *clicking* HERE.  Savings for the Zoo may be found by *clicking* HERE.

Madagascar Lemurs? totally adorable.

Remember Dexter from the movie, "A Night At the Museum"?  Hilariously cute.

Hey you ! ya you down there with the yellow shirt, got any food?

Ya well hand it over chump, a gal needs to get her nutritional values you know?

Really? and I thought I had bad hair days.

Alpacas ... sweet.

Gibbon Monkey are so entertaining.

 Colours galore with the variety of Macaws.

Connor was trying to make friends with the Peacock.

Miniature goats were "hands on" for petting.

Anti-sociable would  you also think so?

One of my favourites at the Zoo were the big Cats.  Majestic doesn't say it all about this beauty and strength.

... and Mrs. Lioness.

 The tigers, or jaguars? they will be posted tomorrow, along with maybe a few others from this gal, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.