A Shopping Snow Day

After a long day yesterday it was nice to come home to check my email to find an attachment that made me *smile* from ear to ear.

"Here are two of my most favourite Rip Tail Snorter boys, Aiden & Connor."

It is really nice to have the technology we do that our Son, Paul, can snap a photo with his phone and send these moments off to me via email.  Not only did I get this photo yesterday, I got one from my Niece Joanne too ...

"Joanne had made a Winter Decor  for outside her house using a Pair of Skates she had purchased at the Thrift Store for $2.00, painting them "red", re-lacing them and tucking in some cute decor she had gotten from the Dollar Store.  What a great idea with a cost of way less then $10.00.  Aren't they cute and befitting of the Season?"

When I spoke to Joanne this morning, she had told me how nice they had looked with the snow fallen on them.  Just the "effect" she was going for I am sure.

I pretty much did absolutely nothing at all today in the way of what needs done around the house.  The only thing done was Rob driving us into Owen Sound as I needed to get some things at the Bulk Barn and stock up with some items from No Frills.  Lots of savings when going to the Big Box stores to stock up.  No Frills had Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows for $1.50/bag, and Maxwell House Coffee at $3.00 a jar, so those items were large savings themselves, never mind the other great saving items we had also gotten.

I had won a beautiful scarf, Handmade by the lovely Lena over at Frugal & Thankful, last Spring.  Today being the snowy cold day it was, I thought what better time to wear my new scarf.

"I had my Rob take the photos of me modeling it, can you tell?  I did hear about it as I wasn't suppose to be moving when I had .... oops."

"Off we went on our way to Owen Sound.  Our first real snowfall to actually speak of so far this Year."

First we went to the far side of Owen Sound to the Bulk Barn.  What a nice surprise we had when we were doing our shop there, as we ran in to my friend Toni, with an "i", picking up a few items for Christmas goodie baking herself.  I love running into friends I don't get to see often on a regular basis, don't you?

Next stop was the Dollar Store where I picked up all I "think" I will need to make a Wreath when a few of us gals from Cindy's Recipe Exchange get together for a Cookbook Swap next Sunday at Abby Miners' place over at Miners' Maple Products.  I am so excited for next Sunday to arrive, but not wishing the time away as I have much to do before next Sunday rolls around.

Then we hit the No Frills store coming away after spending $116.00.  Lots of things I won't have to worry about for awhile, as I took advantage of the sales to stock our pantry while there.  We don't do weekly shops in Owen Sound with Rob's work schedule, pretty much usually only an "on need basis" when we do drive over there.

Today had been "a shopping snow day" for us.

"Really we did pretty good with what we spent and what we got.  I think other then the necessities of bread and milk, or fresh veggies when required our pantry is looking really good for the Winter months ahead."

When in at the Dollar Store I had picked up these two characters for $2.00 each.  I know what I will be filling them with goodies for a certain two boys I just happen to know.

"I really lucked in as these were the only two left on the shelf.  Are they not adorable?"

By the time we got back to Wiarton, Rob and I were both tired and hungry.  We stopped in at our local Subway Store to have us each a Sub for our lunch.  We got home to get everything away, look after our Aussie needs then both passed out for a couple of hours .... both of us were "beat".

The weather has really been playing havoc on my Fibromyalgia, with me feeling like all my muscles from head to toe were going to "pop" out of my skin.  Pain wears a person down more then I would like to imagine or would ever want to have happen.  Tylenol 2 and Ibuprofen were the order of the day with rest.  I resent feeling like this, as I look around to see how much I could be doing ... *sigh* it won't go anywhere and will be always there waiting for me, this I do know.

"If nobody else likes the snow, there is never any fear that any one of our "Checkerboard Aussies" won't ... every one of them LOVE the snow, as you can tell by Miss Lexus here !"

My friend, Lynn, is part of the Wiarton Optimist Club.  Yesterday she had posted to her Facebook page that she is doing a "fundraiser" on the behalf of raising money to go towards the Basketball Court for our local children.  This is what I have posted to my Facebook page, after reading Lynn's post:

SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY "Crochet" Friends please. My friend, Lynn Wright, who is with the Wiarton Optimist Club is doing a fundraiser and is looking some people for Crochet participation! Here is Lynn's deal: 

I'd like to do a fundraiser for our Optimist club. We support a lot of youth functions in our area. We are currently working on a basketball court and should have it completed by spring. We have also paid to send kids who can't afford it otherwise, for them to go to a summer camp, and we put on a family fun day once a year that is absolutely free for kids to attend. I'm thinking if anyone would like to donate a granny square , lets go with 4 x 4 in size, regular worsted yarn, then I can join them all together and use it as a raffle at our next event. If anyone would like to help with this please send your square to:

Lynn Wright P.O. Box 342 Wiarton, Ontario, Canada, N0H 2T0 

Thanks so much! I would love to have them all here by the end of December so that I can get them all linked together in time for our next family day event . (crocheted squares only please).

Should any of my "Crochet" readers love to contribute to this cause, I would appreciate it, as would Lynn, and the Wiarton Optimist Club.  If you do decide to participate, could you please include a note you are a reader of my blog, as I have asked Lynn to let me know should she receive any from you out there, so we can photograph and post about how it is all coming together.  I am really very excited about this !  A couple of my Relatives have already committed themselves to a "Granny Square", as has my Sister Donna, who is going to be mailing two off to Lynn, one being on my half of course *smile*.  Thank you to all in advance to who that partake in this "Fundraiser".  I do LOVE giving back whenever I am able, as I am sure most people do.

Other then being set back more then usual today, it has been nice to have my husband home for a "whole" day, even though nothing at home got accomplished.  On that note, I think I will spend some time with him, while he relaxes a bit by watching some of his favourite TV, which would be pretty much anything but Sports (lucky me).

Tomorrow will be another day, and another day means anything that didn't get done today has a "chance" of getting done then, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

MORE Christmas Bazaars !

"There looked to be a promise of Sunshine early this morning in the East, with unsettled skies in the South/West.  Brr....it was cold this morning."

I am not quite climatized for the transition from Fall to Winter yet, not that I care for Winter too much at the best of times.  It was pretty chilly and icy taking the "Checkerboard Aussies" out this morning, with really not warming up too much at all today.  The Sun had been out a bit this morning, but the winds stayed on the bitter side.

I was off and out the door like a "dirty shirt" just before 9:00 am this morning, as I was meeting up with my Niece, Joanne, to hit this November Saturday's Christmas Bazaars.  We met up for coffee at the Tim Hortons in Hepworth, then made our way up the road to the Hepworth Legion.

"First impression when entering was "wow, lots of people here" and some interesting things to be gotten with a large variety readily available for Christmas giving ideas."

"This lady reminded me so much of Mrs. Santa Claus, having no problem when I asked if I could take her photo ... both the sweater she and her husband were wearing had been made by her.  Aren't they lovely with so much loving work obviously put into them."

"These "Tooth Fairy" pillows captured my eye, as well as the beautiful baby knit outfits."

"This Vendor's wares were the most outstanding in my eyes.  Not only was the selection vast and amazing, the prices were unbelievably fantastic.  Locally owned by Janice Carter of Oliphant.  Should you be looking for some great Christmas Gift Ideas, you may contact Janice to inquire further by Email:  greasemonkey@sympatico.ca    Trust me you won't be disappointed by doing so, either by the selection she has to offer, nor her pricing."

With a couple of items purchased we took our leave and headed further down the road towards Port Elgin in Saugeen Shores.

"It got a little blustery heading into Port Elgin, but not so much that we weren't able to find our way to my Auntie Gladys' Church."

"It didn't take me long to get thru the doors, make a few purchases and sit myself down to all the goodies those Church Ladies were offering along with a cuppa tea or two.  Yes, my Cousin Vi, in the red in the bottom right hand photo had "nabbed" my camera getting an action shot of me filling my face of course.  Thanks Vi ... xx ."

"These are the Snowmen my Auntie made for the Bazaar.  Are they not too cute? with marshmallows in the top, hot chocolate mix in the middle and mints in the bottom.  And the Rocky Road Candy my Cousin Vi  purchased was really tempting not to buy some myself."

By the time we had finished up with a lovely luncheon and tea, then saying our goodbyes to those we had known there, I then made my way over to Southampton for one more stop before heading out of Saugeen Shores.

"This is down by the old Breaker's Lodge in Southampton, 4 blocks from where I grew up, and one of the watering holes I used to swim at.  Ha ! Lake Huron really is a pretty big "watering hole", when I stop to think about it.  A little too much on the chilly side to be thinking about having a "dip" this day though."

"Here I am at Southampton Gal, Kerry Oscroft's "D'sZign".  Kerry is having a 50% off sale every weekend (I believe until Christmas).   As you can see there are even more gift giving ideas here, and all Handmade sewn by Kerry herself, I might add."

"A little bit of something for everyone can be found at D'sZign.  If I hadn't already had two aprons I had been pretty tempted to purchase one of these "retro" aprons.....only two of the Elvis ones left I might add.  Check out the "retro" toaster covers.  Too cool, Kerry.  To find out more, or to purchase something from "D'sZign", please contact Kerry at 519-797-3814 or Email:  rkoscroft@eastlink..ca .  I would personally recommend Kerry's "awesome" creations."

Once I left Kerry's, I met up with my "Crabby Cabbie", got my gas tank refueled and headed back towards home.  On my way home I did manage to briefly drop in at the Bazaar taking place at the Sauble Beach School.  I was happy to say "hello" to a couple of people there I knew, then continue on my way.

Needless to say when I did arrive home there were some pretty happy "Checkerboard Aussies", but also a very cold house as the woodstove had burned itself out ... brr.  Once I made everyone happy for the time being, got the stove "fired" up, I then got around to admiring my purchases of the day..

"The Snowman plaque I had gotten in Hepworth, along with the little Crock Pot.  The hand knit scarf and fingerless mitts I had purchased from D'sZigns, the Carrot Cake for my Rob, and the Yankee Candle I had gotten at my Auntie's Bazaar.  It got me a bit in the Christmas mood a bit, so I had to take my Old Time Santa from the display case and set him on the Side Board with a couple of my new purchases."

It was all in a day's Christmas Bazaars with one more to go next Saturday and I am done with November Christmas Bazaars 2012.

A warm welcome to Judy  of When I Get Where I Am Going, who follows my everyday out, abouts, goings on and ramblings.  Always look forward to you being here Judy.  Thank you.

Speaking of "done", I am feeling all in but for my "shirttail".  I am tired with having more then enough of being out and about all this day, but really not without enjoying it all.  It is more enjoyable when one is not so tired, but I plan on catching up with some R & R here very shortly, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The "Crabby Cabbie's" Widow

Before I forget my manners, I am happy to welcome Melissa of Readingnks and Esther of Esther Norine Designs for joining me here for my daily journal and ramblings.  Thank you for dropping in to stay girls.  Looking forward to your visits and any comments you are so inspired to leave behind.

I have seriously been giving some thought of changing the name of my blog from what it is to "The Crabby Cabbie's Widow" ... ha, as this is what I have been feeling like lately.  No worries it is all "good" and rather temporary I am sure; besides "absence does make the Heart grow fonder", does it not?

I am truly thankful my Rob is busy with his Taxi business.  Any small business takes work and dedication to get it up and going properly with a lot little bit of "trial and error" on route.  It is funny as sometimes you put faith and trust in some people, expecting them to be as communicating and honest as you, to only find out they have been deceitful and self serving from the "get go".  Sad as it is, this is just how it is with some people and you just have to pick up the pieces and carry on.

My dear Rob has been busy picking up the pieces and carrying on all by himself the past few weeks.

The poor guy had a dreadful time all happening within 24 hours.  Not only did the tires go on the one "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle the day before, but then driving it over to get a front wheel alignment it was found out the back brakes just happened to go too.  This was not to be the end of it, Rob took his "back up" vehicle to work yesterday to have the Transmission in it go, barely making it home last night in 2nd gear.  Not only a vehicle is done, he lost a whole evening of work.  The upside was we seen each other a bit more then we have lately, and he also got himself a much needed good night's sleep.

Yes we all know Mr. Murphy doesn't strike in one's and two's, he always makes it in three's or more, does he not?

Always "Keep the Faith" as there are always better days ahead ....

"You could imagine my surprise when my "Crabby Cabbie" came home last night sporting a really becoming haircut (difficult NOT to notice right away, it was so).  He also brought his very first  owned "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle out of storage so he would have two, since he had a new Employee start working with him today.  Welcome "on board" Brad !  just what we needed a brand new "Crabby Cabbie" to join forces with the Old one !"  

Sometimes it’s better not to assume, not to wonder, not to imagine, and not to obsess. Just breathe, do what you can, and have faith that everything will work out for the best. When you least expect it, something great will come along – something better than you could have ever planned for. 

 ~ Marc & Angel ~

Those are very good words to try to remember when you are feeling "overwhelmed" by Mr. Murphy or others, are they not?

Once I had returned back home from my weekly trip to the Good Doctors for my "shot in the arm", I was taking the pail of woodstove ashes outside to dump when I had noticed a couple of roses still blooming on their bushes at the West side of our house.

"I could not pass up the opportunity of having 2 fresh cut Roses on our mantle it being the 23rd of November, now could I ?   Lovely are they not?"

Of course on arrival home all our "Checkerboard Aussies" had to go out, around and about.  Bandit is such a good boy, he can go out all by himself.  Sometimes when he is out I get doing other things and have been known on an occasion or two to have maybe "forgotten" him for a few minutes (or more sometimes *blush*).

"Yes there is our boy patiently waiting at the front door for me to remember him.  Really he doesn't have it all that bad as you can tell by the "beside" photo.  So much relaxed my camera cord draped across his backside didn't even make him move...what a guy!"

I LOVE sending and receiving Christmas Cards the Old Fashioned way via Post.  I was happy to receive my 2nd Christmas Card today from a "Cindy's Recipe Exchange" member.

"What a simply adorable card.  Thanks Toni and Bob, I love it!"

I really didn't much of anything but take it pretty much easy here today.  I didn't clean the bathroom nor bedroom as planned.  I did do up some dishes after making my favourite Black Bean & Feta Salad.  I might do the bedroom tomorrow morning before I go out for the day, but the bathroom I decided I would wait see if my Rob would finish the window he had installed ... how long ago? by putting the trim around it maybe on Sunday, so I really don't want to clean it twice within a 24 hour time frame (no pun intended with the "frame").

What could I possibly do tomorrow with it being Saturday? if we don't have a Snow Storm, what else would I do but go to a couple more Christmas Bazaars.  November is the Month of Christmas Bazaar Saturdays !

"First stop of the day will be at the Hepworth Legion, then over to my Auntie's Church which I have been going to 4 years in a row, please *click* HERE for further details and times for it.  Then I will be stopping around to D'sZigns by Kerry Oscroft in Southampton who does Custom Sewing and has shop set up with a 50% sale on all her creations right now.  For further details on Kerry's D'sZigns Event on Facebook, please *click* HERE."

Dang, dang, triple dang that dang snow best stay away for at least tomorrow anyway, as it knows I want to get out to all these three things, as well as make a stop at the Bulk Barn in Port Elgin too !!!

Something else that is coming up in the near future is going to be going on downtown Wiarton at Karen's Creations Scrapbooking.  She is holding a Christmas Card Class for either Thurs. November 29th at 10:30 am, or Mon. December 3rd at 10:30 am or 6:00 pm.

"Can you believe a Christmas Card Class and all the materials for only $15.00 ????  I have never done scrapping in my life before but at that price I am seriously thinking about giving it a "go" !  They all look so nice."

Need to know more about Karen's Creations Scapbooking in Wiarton? please *click* HERE.

Before I go it is "last chance" to go on over to Sandi's blog, by *clicking* on the button at the top right hand of my blog page to enter in her Give Away for the most lovely items ... really they are very beautiful.

The wind is howling outside my windows, the "Checkerboard Aussies" are all quiet, and here it is not even 7:00 pm here yet, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Very Constructive Day It Was

"First thing this morning zooming in towards our bush line to see the Fall colours beginning to show off their beauty.  A sure sign Summer is soon going to be behind us."

Rob and I had a very busy "constructive" day today.  We have been in need of one of those for quite some time, however find it difficult to get ourselves on the same "page".  Today we managed to be in "sync" with each other on the productive end of things.

"Looking up from where I was sitting the other day, I noticed a few dark cobwebs atop our living room draperies.  Time to get them in the wash, along with the removal of those nasty cobwebs."

"Rob helped me first thing to get them disassembled."

It was a gorgeous day today.  While I was busy getting the drapes washed and hung on the line, along with some other indoor stuff needing done, Rob was out getting our forever growing lawn cut again.  At least it isn't burned brown like it had been a  few weeks this Summer.  I much prefer the fresh green look.

I also managed to get a couple of things done that have been "bugging" me, such as ....

"Getting a couple wicker storage pieces vacuumed and washed.  Perfect day for drying off outside."

"The inside of the screen side door washed from all the muck and doggie dirt.  Looking 100% better, with me feeling a lot better it is done."

Mind you there are many more things needing done that "bug my craw", but they will get done when they get done .... you know that old old saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? well neither are all those "craw bugging things" getting done in a day either.

"I then got a Black Bean & Feta Salad made up for Company coming."

Today my Niece, Joanne and her friend, Russ, were coming over.  Russ was up visiting from the City and had promised Rob he would give him a hand with our "rotting & unsafe" deck.

"Yes I am pretty certain this deck must be as old as the house, which would be around 23 or 24 years now.  Rob replaced a few pieces last year, however it just wasn't "safe" enough anymore to be trustworthy."

"Here is Russ getting a handle on things before it all got started."

"Barbecue removed, side rails removed, next goes the decking."

"Yep Russ I think it is looking pretty rotten from this end of things."

"I got going on getting the ham and scalloped potatoes ready for the barbecue."

"With the Black Bean & Feta Salad done and in the fridge, I then carried on with making a cucumber salad next."

"I had a mess made of some yarn sitting around for quite some time.  While I was getting dinner preparations done, Joanne was untangling the mess for me.  It took her a bit a time, and boy was I grateful for her doing it for me."

"Another thing "bugging" me accomplished.  Thanks Jo !"

"Here is Russ putting on his "shy" act.  Too big of a guy I am thinking  to be "bashful"....hahaha."

Dinner was served ....

"The Ham was literally falling off the bone."

"My favourite way to do Scalloped Potato, recipe from my friend, Tim."

"My favourite Black Bean & Feta Salad recipe from What's Cooking America."

"A new Cucumber Salad recipe/method from my friend, Bob."

Recipes please?  Sorry I am to dang, dang and triple dang tired tonight, so I will be sharing them on tomorrow's post.

Needless to say, dinner went off without a a "hitch" and was pretty darn "yummy" to.  No dessert this day, I had been too busy otherwise to make any.  Once we all had a hot beverage afterwards, Joanne and Russ headed on out, with Rob heading out to do a "Crabby Cabbie" call, and I left to look after all our "pack" for the last time this day.

"Hey Buddy, Mama can see you now."

I was pretty happy at all we accomplished today.  It was a good day.

It was pretty nice sitting down to begin my blog this evening, knowing I live in the beauty of the Bruce Peninsula, as I listened to the traffic outside our windows heading South from cottages and camping grounds back towards their own homes.  

A little on the weary side I am thinking it is time to call it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Around The Block & Home Again

My poor tired "Crabby Cabbie" never got home until 4:30 am this morning.  I, myself, had gotten to bed around midnight only to have the phone ring at 1:30 am.  That did it there for me between the pain going through the whole of my body and being woken up, I couldn't get back to sleep.   I had still been wide awake when my dear Rob came to bed.  *Sigh*  I finally drifted off just after 5:00 am sometime to awake again shortly after 7:00 am, as our "pack" had slept all night and needed some attention by then.

These are nights we could all use "less" or "more" of, however this is just the way the "cookie crumbles" sometimes.

"This should read 14x happy, as they left Children/Grandchildren and Pets out of the equation."

Our grandson, Aiden, is turning 8 years old this month on the 12th.  I always like to get Birthday Cards in the mail a little earlier then when the person's birthday actually is so they can enjoy the card a little longer.

"I had gotten Aiden's Birthday Card all ready this morning so Poppa could get it in the Mail today."

I must remember to get his gift all packaged up and ready for when they come up to see us next, or hopefully if we get down that way beforehand.  Something I had best be putting my never ending "to do" list.

Rob did get up around 11:00 am, showered and took off for work again.  Really in my opinion he should have stayed "put" in bed, the poor guy.  I spent some time doing some "Crabby Cabbie" bookwork since it was the month end again.

"Paperwork and invoicing took a little bit of almost two hours today, with still the July and August books needing done.  Ho hum, never done."

With the all the paperwork I was going to be doing today done, I spent some time outside with each of our Aussies, then got a load of towels washed and hung out on the clothes line to dry.  What a gorgeous day it has been.

Rob called me to say there was no business going on in the way of taxi business and he was heading on home.  Yippee !!!  I contacted our friends, Doug and Vicki, who were up visiting other friends over Owen Sound way to let them know we could get together with them today after all.

The game plan was to have a bit of a tour out and about on our bikes and lunch together, not necessarily in that order.

"The whole crew landed in the driveway all about the same time.  Why is it the guys make no time at all at separating themselves from the Women I wonder?  Please guys, don't answer that question."

My girlfriend, Vicki, reads my daily blog, most days I am sure.  She did read the one when Rob and I had tried out the "Hungry Bear" located over by Sauble Falls.  This is where we had decided a week ago we were all going to go to have our lunch this day.

"First order of the ride was to get ourselves right on over to the "Hungry Bear" as we were all hungry as Bears."

I had asked owner, Val, if her and Bob had received the link to my blog on the day I had first posted about the "Hungry Bear", just a week ago HERE.  She had told me "yes" it was over on the inside table and people had been reading all about it.

"Let me "Tell the World", it is a pretty weird feeling seeing something I had wrote sitting in full colour out in the "real" World right under my own eyes.   Val and Bob had printed off what I had blogged about their "Hungry Bear" and displayed it for all their customers to see.  Wowsers .... this "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard" gal is really getting herself "out there"."

Let's just have a glance around while our six orders of "Hungry Bear" Fish and Chips are being prepared by owners, Val and Bob, themselves.

"This Bear here is both my and Rob's favorite.  Any idea who "chainsawed" this Bear? none other the Bruce County's "Chainsaw" gal, Bobbi Switzer of Switzer Studios.  Care for your own personal "chainsaw" piece of art, just *click" on the highlights and you can contact Bobbi yourself to do so."

"I am sure everyone looks towards this window frequently, as this is where the "Hungry Bear" Fish & Chips come out from."

"Outside seating taking in a view not far from Sauble Falls."

The moment we have all been waiting for ....

"The "Hungry Bear" Fish & Chips.  Hungry bears both Rob and I were, we ordered two pieces of fish each.  These were my pieces of fish."

"These were Rob's.  Huge, eh?" 

Nobody could believe I ate both those huge pieces of fish..  Owners, Val and Bob couldn't even believe I packed that all back.  Well when one meal a day is going to be all your having, a gal has to make good of it when she can ... Ha !  I showed them all I could do it !

"This would be Owner, Valerie.  Sorry I never got a photo of Bob, maybe next May 24 when they re-open I can capture him behind the scenes."

The "Hungry Bear" Fish & Chips is open annually from May 24 until September 3rd; Contact Phone No 519-422-0169.  Well worth the drive to Sauble Falls.  Vicki, Doug, their friends, Paul and Linda, were not disappointed one iota, as either were Rob, nor I, being our second time around within a week.  Thanks Val and Bob, we will be back again along with our "Hungry Bear" appetites.

"Sauble Falls Provincial Park happens to be located right beside the beautiful Sauble Falls."

"We began our "Around the Block" Tour by heading back through Oliphant way."

"I do so LOVE touring on the back of our Goldwing snug as a bug settled behind my Best Forever Friend and Hubby, Rob."

"Hey there is my friend, Reenie's house.  Hey Reenie, that was us who honked !"

"There goes Wildwood Lodge.  This is where I had  my first job in their Kitchen when I returned to live back in Bruce County.  I weeded that front flower bed that same Spring."

"Just coming into Red Bay."

"The Bruce Peninsula has many beautiful and quaint B & B's to stay at while visiting the Peninsula."

"There is the Red Bay Campgrounds.  Always seems to be a very busy place any time we have driven by here."

"There is Joyce & Earl's place.  Joyce is Rob's first Cousin, retired up here now 18 years.  Hey you two, hope you had a wonderful Sunday !"

"Left turn at Howdenvale, heading towards Pike Bay."

"Rob brought me up to "By The Bay Resort" for a bike ride and a Poutine a couple of years back now.  Yummy yum yum, was their Poutine."

After driving through Pike Bay we headed back up towards Highway 6 North.

"A, what Rob and I call, "another broken down barn"."

"Even though this weekend has been a Holiday for some us, the farmer still has to "Make Hay While the Sun Shines."

"Here we have arrived at Ferndale.  This is where I turn right to head over to the Good Doctors in Lion's Head every Friday for my "shot in the arm"."

"We stopped here so Rob could gas up the Goldwing and everyone else could get an ice cream cone.  Rob and I had just eaten two pieces of "Hungry Bear" Fish each, how could I have possibly managed a cone, especially one of this size !  Vicki is demonstrating her ice cream eating techniques here for Rob.  Ha ! and this was a "small" cone."

"Awww how nice of you girlfriend to share with your Doug a taste.  Can you imagine one of these small cones for only a cost of $3.00 ?  that was a lot of ice cream."

"Next time I don't have my belly so full, I am going to try an ice cream myself at the "Chill Out" in Ferndale.  Lunch next Friday anyone?"

"... and so many flavours to choose from.  Where would a girl begin?  I believe they allow you to mix and match."

"Rob and I are bringing up the tail end.  Oh and there is a Ponytail directly in front of us!"

"My home away from home every Friday morning.  Hail Lion's Head."

"There it is as "big as life", a genuine Bruce County Tail gate party going on in the middle of a field.  A "Fact", not "Fiction" people ... hahaha."

"Hellooooo Barrow Bay."

"Another "broken down" farm."

"Grieg's Caves is a very popular place to take in on the Bruce Peninsula."

"Let's take a little detour down this way...."

"... is this not simply beautiful?  The Gateway to Hope Bay."

Before we moved up to live on the Bruce Peninsula, we took to camping at Hope Bay.  One of our son, Paul, my and Rob's favourite "to go" places.  All three of us still cherish our camping memories from staying here.

"Is that a "why are you taking my picture" look my girlfriend, Vicki, would be giving me here?  Nah, she lets me take her picture all the time ! "

"Speaking of Hope Bay Memories.  Rob and Paul still laugh about when we went hiking up on that escarpment way over there Yonder with me being in tears as we were up so high, and I so terrified of heights.  Oh man it was always those two against poor me back in the day."

"Way further up along Bruce Road 9, we are now in sight of Colpoy's Bay."

"... and its Government Dock."

"Look at here, will ya, "Home Sweet Home", Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

We made it "Around the Block and Home Again", safe and sound.

By the time we gathered up a few veggies from the garden to send back home with Doug and Vicki the time had gotten onto almost 6:00 pm.  Rob is exhausted from his work the past couple of days and has been sleeping since 8:00 pm, poor guy.  I have spent a bit of time catching up with a few people, given allotted time to each our our Aussies and here I am almost finished up with today's post.

It has been a wonderful day.  I am truly blessed to have such a great husband and friends.  On that note, I believe I will call it a night myself as that was one big "block" I covered today, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".