Early Mornings

The past couple of weeks I have been having myself some early mornings, leaving the house anywhere from 5:30 to 6:00 am, so I can get my daily walk in before the heat has saturated the day.

I take photos of the sunrise over Colpoy's Bay, where I walk beside pretty much each day.  I have entered a few of my photos in a #PictureOntario contest that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has on right now, so fingers crossed that at least one of my photos gets viewed.

As usual I love sharing and being shared with ..... I hope you enjoy the scenery as much as I do.

Bandit has been a great walking partner each morning.  He keeps the pace and never talks back to me or complain (not that any of my other walking companions do either, Sharon, BJ, or Lynn).

Rob and I have been enjoying our company this weekend, and the weather has been absolutely stellar for the Civic Holiday Weekend.

Portia and Bandit, especially Bandit as he is over with them all the time, have also been enjoying "Auntie" Vicki's company.  Vicki does "spoil" her own doggies, and our Aussies as well.

Things to do and places to be, so for now I am off and running, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

**Please respect the ownership of my photos, and request permission if shared with photo credit given to me.  Thank you.

Busy, Busy & Busier

Yes since I have been feeling 100% better I have been busy, busy & busier like there has been no tomorrow !

Last weekend I headed down to my Son, Paul's, where I had a great visit with them all.  Paul & I even picked up my sister Donna, and we all went shopping at Costco Kitchener together.  A short visit with my sister, but still nice to see her in person.

This week I was very happy to have lunch with my Auntie Gladys, and my first Cousin, Cindy.  They travelled up to Wiarton, and of course we had lunch at the Green Door Cafe.

What else have I been upto that has been keeping me so busy, one might ask? well I have been going 90 at trying to loose the 60 lbs I put on last year from all the meds I had been taking.

I have been trying my best to get out twice a day, however that is not always possible, but I have been usually getting out before 6 am for a morning walk averaging about 1.67 miles at a time.

I use two apps on my Iphone to track my walking throughout the day.  One is Endomondo and the other is Pacer.  Love both apps as they keep me on-track.  I also use an app called "Fitness Pal" to keep track of my 1200-1400 a day calorie intake.  

More info on Endomondo, *click* HERE, on Pacer, *click* HERE (free download app for iphone), and My Fitness Pal, *click* HERE.  All these apps have been very instrumental in my weight loss endeavours.  To date I have lost 17 lbs since February, and also some inches off my thighs, stomach and waist.  Trust, you, me, it has been a difficult journey some days, but I am persistent as I want to get back at my "normal", or "old" weight.

What else have I been up to, other then the every day humdrum of housework? well I have been back taking a few photos again ...... while out on my early morning walks along the beautiful Colpoy's Bay.

I usually take a "new" photo each morning on my walk, as it is every changing.  Really I am fortunate that we live in such a beautiful Ontario area.

This weekend is the Civic Holiday weekend.  Our friends, Vicki & Doug arrived today to visit over the weekend.  I am thinking the weather is to be amazing, so perfect for them to have a little holiday away from their home.

Speaking of friends, I think I will stroll on over to their RV to have myself a wee visit with them, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Happy Weekend

This past weekend had been a happy weekend for us as we had our youngest son, Paul, his wife, Liz, and our grandchildren, Josh, Aiden, Chloe, Briar & Connor arrive on our doorstep late Saturday afternoon.

Once they had arrived we had a bit of bbq'd hamburgers, along with potato salad, then headed on out for some fun at Berford Lake.

It only took me about 6 photos to finally get Paul to *smile*.  The kids all loved exploring the shoreline as well as swimming.

Josh was in his glory catching crayfish of all sizes !

We must not forget Missy Mercedes, who also had a fun weekend with us.

Sunday morning we at some more fun at Wiarton's Bluewater Park, then had lunch before the "family" headed back to their own home.  Thank goodness they have a van ! however I still think they could also use one of those car top carriers .... to stuff even more into.

We always love having the grandkids come up for a visit.  This is the first time they have been up since Christmas.  Rob's daughter and her two boys will be coming up soon to a cottage close by they have rented.  Hopefully we will be able to spend some "quality" time with them while they are here.

I got started back this morning on my early morning walks.  I usually head out just before 6 am.  Nice and quiet at that time in the morning.

The scenery is forever changing looking out across Colpoy's Bay.  I try to get a different photo each day.

After walking this morning I spent the day doing the usual morning routine, then adding to the day by cutting the lawn and pulling some twitch grass out of my flowerbed (lots more still to pull, dang stuff).  Other then that is has pretty much been a mundane kind of day here, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Clean Bill

I have decided for myself to go walking daily even if I do not have a walking partner to go with some days.  We all have to do for ourselves at times, or we would sometimes do nothing, yes?

A couple of years ago when I was in a manic state, I was walking at least 2 or 3 hours a day, either outside or in on my treadmill.  Trust me other then not sleeping well those days, I must admit I was physically in much better shape.  My Goal? is to get back where I was then (less the manic state).

I have been out the door before 6 am, as I have to get back to look after our Aussies by 7 am.  Also early mornings are a time to try and "beat the heat".  We most certainly are getting our share of heat the past few days, not that I am complaining as I am not the biggest fan of the Winter months.

I have been fortunate the past two mornings on capturing, what I think are, some beautiful scenes looking out over Colpoy's Bay from where I walk through Wiarton's Bluewater Park, and along by the Wiarton Marina.

I hope they are enjoyed by more then myself, so I have shared them on my Facebook page and here.

Hashtag: #PictureOntario

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is running a Photo Contest with a chance to win $300 for an Ontario Park.  I have entered the first photo, please wish me luck, as if I ever won it would be the very first time I entered one of my photos into a contest.  Thanks in advance for everyone's vote of confidence !

Rob and I very seldom have our photo taken together, and my Cousin Vi was kind enough to take our photo at our Cousin's Wedding reception a couple of weeks ago and give us a copy.

Hopefully not too bad of a looking couple.  Just a little older and a little heavier, but still with *smiles* on our faces, so this is a GOOD thing.

Last month at my Doctor's he changed me up from seeing him every two weeks to once a month.

Today was my once a month appointment with him.  I am pleased to say I do not have to go back again for another month as I am doing so well.  I still have the odd anxiety issue, however so far I have been able to deal with them and get them under control.  My overspending that I had been experiencing last Summer in my Bipolar depression state has came to a halt (thank goodness).  I had my Doctor laughing about that, as I told him I had just found a brand new bra in a drawer that I had bought last year, but had been quite delighted to find it as it had saved me by going out to buy a new one this Year !   Ha ! it is a good thing we can laugh at ourselves, as well as give someone else a good laugh.

Anyhow my blood pressure is great, I have lost 17.5 lbs (still on the decline), and my Bipolar is quite under control, much to my delight to be out of that dark area in my head, thanks to the Lamotragine.  Yes it was nice to walk out of my Doctor's office with a clean bill.

I know I have thanked all in my life who have stood by me throughout my known illness the past Year, however I really can't express enough how really grateful I am for the support.  Thank you to Everyone, as I so appreciate all the kindness and understanding I have received from so many. It was this kindness that gave me just enough thread of hope to keep going.  Once again, thank you.

Since the heat wave has hit us, we have been keeping all the doors and windows in the house closed up and all the fans going full speed.  How has everyone else been beating the heat?

Anyhow on the note of beating the heat, I think I will keep myself plunked on my couch for awhile and enjoy a nice glass of Pure Leaf Iced Tea, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Birthday Celebrations

I had a pretty busy week last week.  I headed down to New Hamburg on the Wednesday, July 6th, as it was my youngest son's birthday, and I wanted to surprise him.  Yes I did surprise him.

As it happened a truck had broke down at his work, resulting in him getting the day off which was perfect !  It was also our granddaughter, Chloe's birthday on the 8th of July.  Lots of birthday celebrations on my visit.

Chloe turned 11 years old.  She loves the BBQ sauce from Miner's Maple Products, so I had my friend, Abby, make a 1 litre bottle for her.  She was one happy camper when she got it (and she will be sharing all of that with the rest of the family).

We all had a fun day with Paul at home for his 33rd Birthday !  The five kids, Josh, Aiden, Chloe, Briar & Connor made him a super huge "candy" card.

It is nice that I am able to go down to visit every once in awhile, as Rob is so very good to hold down the fort while I am gone.

When I had returned back home my Clematis have been coming into full bloom.  I so enjoy the three different varieties.

I have finally gotten back to walking more again, and strive to do so on a daily basis.  My friend, BJ and I, walked almost 4 miles the other day, and this morning I did 1.66 miles.  Walking the past few months with my friend, Sharon, really helped me build my stamina again.  Thank goodness for friends !!!

On our walk BJ and I had been fortunate to see Wiarton Willie out, and then came upon a red headed woodpecker, who had been very intent on whatever he had been after.  I could not believe the woodpecker never even budged as we passed by him.  Yes VERY INTENT.

Ha ! I suppose I should think about blogging again every day, or at least every second day, since I have a difficult time some days remembering what I did !

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

Great Canada Day Weekend !

Other then some much needed rain most of Canada Day, it was a great Canada Day Weekend !

Our friends, Vicki & Doug, arrived Thursday to beat the traffic, and stayed until Monday morning to avoid the Holiday traffic again.

Our hay was cut last week, and was all picked up Friday morning before the rain began.  The farmer who took it off our fields this year meant business and got r' done.  Hoping he will be interested in it again next year as we like that kind of person.

Bandit got into the Canada Day celebrations, and Rob? he was thrilled as he had gotten his bike back from being painted and all spiffed up this past Winter.  Looks good does it not? we got out for a quick ride around the big block after he had brought it home Thursday.

Had a great time with Vicki, as we usually do when they come up.  We hit a couple of garage sales on Saturday.  The Friday night we had headed into Owen Sound for Chinese food, and then Sunday we had a late lunch of Fish & Chips at Hungry Bear at Sauble Falls (excellent fish & chips!).  Read more about Hungry Bear by *clicking* HERE.

Vicki & I had also went up the road to our neighbours, Bruce Beckons.  Should you ever be up North of Wiarton check it out.  Location? just *click* HERE.

The past couple of days I got caught up on a bit of laundry and housework.  Rob was busy doing a bit of work around our property.  I did manage to get out for a walk on the beach at Sauble Beach last night with a couple of friends.  Always nice to have some relaxation along with all the work.

Check out the root on this burdock Rob pulled out !  Holy root !!!!  My blogger friend, Karen, told me you could eat Burdock Root.  Has anyone tried it?  More info on that by *clicking* HERE.

Yes it has been busy the past week and weekend, but all is good.

Heading out tomorrow for another adventure, so stay tuned at a later date for more from, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.