Paying It Forward !

Today was another "whirlwind" with barely any sleep under neither my, nor Rob's belts.  I think I was destined to be sleep deprived all my life through.  Actually when there is no more life there will be lots of sleep then, so I will take what I have now (except a happy balance would be kind of nice).

I was gone before 10:00, returning home only twice all day.  Once to let the Aussies out, the 2nd time to let the Aussies out and do up some dishes.  I did manage to make our bed also at some point or another, I am just not sure at what point.

Before I had left the house the first time today I had been working on a "Pay It Forward" project for The "Crabby Cabbie" trying to get it into motion today.

Please feel to SHOUT it out and share to everyone or anyone you might know in the Bruce Peninsula and/or Saugeen Shores areas.

My first stop downtown Wiarton was at the Wiarton Salvation Army where they were very helpful by contributing to the Crabby Cabbie for the Food Bank by photocopying me 50 copies of the above for me to pass out to local Wiarton Businesses to display.  Thanks Linda !

After I had a couple of other errands done, I circled back to the Wiarton Salvation Army as today was the first day Bruce Area Recycling was dropping off Food Collected for The Peninsula Community Food Bank.

Volunteers from all over were there to help the food donations from the bins to get it weighed in with it then put aside for sorting.

This is BASWR's 16th Annual Food Drive from September 16 - 27, 2013 to help support your local Food Banks. If you would like to participate in this great cause simply place an untied plastic bag of non-perishable food items next to your blue box on your collection day. To find out what day our drivers will be collecting in your area, please check your 2013 Blue Box schedule. Thank you for your assistance.

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season Holidays fast approaching the coffers at the local Food Banks will need extra food stuffs so they do not get totally depleted at such times.

"Special Thanks" to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula for lending The "Crabby Cabbie" 2 Recycle Bins for the 3 weeks we ask our Customers to donate to their local Food Bank.  It is a win, win situation since they get a $1.00 off their fare for a donation.

I also contacted the Wiarton Echo and the Shoreline Beacon newspapers asking if they will also spread the word on behalf of the Crabby Cabbie.  We have since heard back from the Wiarton Echo that they will be running it in next week's edition.  Thank YOU Wiarton Echo !!!

In-between calls today I managed to hand out all but eight of the fifty hand-outs this afternoon to local Wiarton Businesses.  Hopefully I will have more to hand out in Saugeen Shores by the end of this week.

When did I return back home today? after I had met up with my Crabby Cabbie Rob at the Wiarton Subway for some Dinner, it had been almost 8:00 pm.  It really was a busy all around day.

Over the years I have been blessed in many ways, and still am, being helped or supported in some form another, so paying it forward can come easy to me most days.  It might only be smiling at someone I pass on the street, or a good morning or hello ... it does not only have to be by giving material, Paying It Forward can also be given with only a slight gesture of kindness.

How do you find yourself "Paying it Forward"?

My eyes are burning, with me barely being able to keep them open.  I hope this post made some kind of sense this evening, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Featured Business of the Week.

WOW !  MY "Crabby Cabbie" was the Wiarton Chamber's Featured Business this week .....

Feature Business: Crabby Cabbie

Robert Roth just celebrated his one year anniversary of Crabby Cabbie last month, this event also rolled-out the expansion of his business onto the streets and roads of Wiarton. Locally owned and operated in Bruce County, Robert and his wife Cindy love being a part of the small town camaraderie that the area boasts.

Not only does this business make it easy for us to get from point A to point B, but they also work with VON (Victoria Order of Nurses) in an effort for fund-raising for the wonderful organization. What started out as a drive with 'Piggies for Pennies,' they continue to help raise money for VON by keeping those Piggies riding around town.

Here in Wiarton it is John McKay's smiling face you find behind the wheel, and should you find yourself needing a ride in the Saugeen Shores area you will be gladly greeted by Carolyn Atkinson. Crabby Cabbie welcomes out of town drives and would be happy to quote for any special event or function.

Welcome to Wiarton Crabby Cabbie, and thank you for helping keep our roads safe and getting us where we need to go safely.

Crabby Cabbie
Wiarton - 519.477.5950
Saugeen Shores - 519.373.7000

I am so proud of him, as he works hard and puts a lot of hours in every week.  Good job, honey, you will always be MY favourite Crabby Cabbie !

We had a rough go getting started in Wiarton, some even thinking we had been affiliated with the "other" cab company, Grab A Cab, but for some reason I think things might finally turn around for us.  Say a "quick" prayer for us, as we could always use one or two of them at any given time.  PS.  they are always appreciated too.

Can you handle more Wiarton news????  

Here We Grow Again ! "The Source" will be open for business Friday June 28th .

The Staff of "Wiarton Video" and the Revell family believe "The Source" will be an asset to the community and a great fit within our existing location.  Along with a fantastic selection of movies  to rent or buy, we will now be able to provide a great assortment of product categories aimed at helping you, our customer, make your life easier while on the go.

Our product and service line-up will include the latest selection of Smartphones, TV's. Laptops, Tablets, Headphones and essentials including Batteries and Ink. Our Staff look forward to assisting you find the products you want and providing the help you need, to make the most of your electronics. 

See you soon at "Wiarton Video and The Source"  
582 Berford Street
Wiarton, ON  
519-534-0368

Yay !  A Source Store and hopefully more job creation for Wiarton residents !!!  

My day looks pretty hum drum compared to all that fantastic stuff I just posted ..... here I go anyway.

My usual Aussie and puppy duties, laundry, bathroom, vacuuming, floors washed, dishes done, .... clean, clean, clean !  I cancelled my weekly Doctor's appointment, as I have my bi-annual allergy testing coming up and no antihistamines are suppose to be used a few days prior to testing.  My glans have been swollen, eyes itchy, skin itchy, sore throat and left ear congested as the pollen has been rampant this Year.  

I did manage to slip downtown for a little bit today as I had needed some things for tomorrow's lunch.  I stopped by the Wiarton Farmer's Market ....

...and there was our "Crabby Cabbie" Wiarton vehicle.  Nice to see we are, as I had said earlier, slowly starting to gain some business out and about the Town of Wiarton.

This afternoon I cleaned the bathroom.  At 5 pm I mixed a Grandma's Apple Cinnamon Cake and got it into the oven ... I can smell it baking now.  Love the aroma.

Last night we had a simple Dinner.

I was happy to crack open 2 eggs to find double yolks.  What a bonus !

The grill is on.  Rob is grilling up some Butterball Turkey Burgers.  Once the cake is baked, and our dinner is over with I will get the laundry off the line, then get to making a Black Bean & Feta Salad for tomorrow too.

I am off to check out how those burgers are grilling and get a bit of fresh air out on our deck, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Happy Anniversary to MY Crabby Cabbie !!

Today is an extremely "special" day for Rob and I.  A year ago today we took a Step Out In Faith, after much discussion the previous weeks, and began our "Crabby Cabbie" Adventure.  A Happy Anniversary went out on the "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page, as well as my own Facebook status, with a bit of a more personal touch, as follows:

"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to MY "Crabby Cabbie" Rob. It has been quite the learning experience the past year, as it still continues to be.  I am very grateful for all those people in our lives who have lent us their support in this World of Small Business, and otherwise.  Thank goodness Rob and I have learned to "play nice" in the 20 years we have been together, as this has gotten us through the tough times now behind us and those still ahead .... LOVE your "not so Crabby wife"."

That day a year ago certainly marked a cornerstone in our lives.  Rob and I are looking forward to servicing Saugeen Shores and area for many years to come, with hopefully soon the South Bruce Peninsula, Wiarton and area as well (more on this at a later date).  Again, we can not express enough how much we appreciate the support we have received, and continue to receive, since we began The "Crabby Cabbie.  Thank YOU.

Finally Spring has sprung here on the Bruce Peninsula.  My on-line friend, Ann, was not having the same kind of Spring weather in her part of The World.  Ann lives on the Faroe Islands, and had posted photos to her Facebook of snow on the ground there this morning.  So sorry Ann, I certainly can imagine how you felt about having happened !!! as I had thought they were photos from earlier this year.

Along with the arrival of May 1st came a change in the Hydro Rates.  Please take note of the adjustments on the No-Peak, Mid-Peak and Peak rates by *clicking* HERE.  I took full advantage of the changed mid-peak rates by stripping the bedding to get it washed and out on the clothes line first thing this morning.

After I had completed my second sets of squats for the 30 Day Squat Challenge after lunch (I will be breaking the number of squats down by doing so many throughout the day then all at once) , oh yes thanks to Gill, Jane, Kat and the young lady who I have yet to learn her name over at The Quest to be Financially Abundant, for joining me in this Challenge, I headed on out to meet the Flower bed challenges.

"Truly with a huge one of my famous *sighs* I resorted myself not to become overwhelmed by beginning with a small "grid" today.  Before, after and would you look at that pile of leaves considering that much had been raked from it only a month prior to today !"

"The temparture soared above the 80*F mark today (I am so stuck between F &C, jeez).  One sweet little Primose plant had made a showing.  The Herb Garden is pretty bare but for the sage and chives that have began to take off."

Truly if I had the room for a set-up, I seriously think I would start some Herbs and Vegetables seeds indoors with the aid of a Grow Light ......

Method for Planting Indoors

Hydroponics is a way to maintain plants indoors and take care of the entire process in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are looking for nutrient additives to make your experience a success or perhaps a better selection of Grow Lights, there are tons of Grow Lights and other supplies available at The LA Shop. Hydroponics is basically growing plants without soil, but still using water and nutrients or whatever ends up being chosen. 

There are tons of helpful nutrients that you can add to your plants that will be able to help you grow more efficiently and safely. Some of the nutrients that are available include tons of different hybrid mixes and whatnot that were formulated to help with the growth and health of your plants. Some mixes are only a dollar each, which means it’s very easy to keep your plants growing and happy! Some would recommend the “Organic Feeder” which would mix nicely with most plants, no matter what you are growing. LA shop Hydroponics has been BBB accredited since 2011 and is thrilled to keep serving its thriving customer base. Specializing in garden and plant life, LA shop Hydroponics will surely help you create a garden that is easy to maintain and serves you well. Tons of indoor gardening supplies are available as well as quality grow tents and lights that will help any aspiring indoor gardener to get started. 

From organic to aeroponic and many other types of indoor gardening, you can be sure to find everything you need from LA shop. Hydroponics isn’t hard at all and anyone who is curious should read a little bit more on it and see just how easy it is! After you have all the supplies set up, it’s really only a matter of maintaining. If you want to be successful in hydroponics, all you really have to do is research a little bit and then just make sure you maintain. 

Disclosure:  I did not have LA Shop's Grow light products sent to me by the Company in renumeration for this Guest Post.  However in my own opinion, I certainly would not turn down such an item, if there had been one sent to me, and after perusing their website I am of the opinion their prices are within an excellent margin for such quality items.

Once again ....

Pssst .... here I am again, but until the 12th of May I hope I am a lovable "pain".

Because of YOUR support and daily votes we are now at 621 Votes, 30 more then two days ago.  We are averaging about 40 new daily votes.  Remember you can only vote once within a 24 hour period or the vote will not take.

Many thanks to friends who have also been sharing the link to their own personal Facebook pages, what a wonderful gesture on all your parts. 

Hardly enough when I look at some people's Small Businesses with Votes already in the high hundreds, however I still need to try my best.   Once again, please Vote daily for MY "Crabby Cabbie", until the 12th of May, here is the link:

https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=ca-en&content_id=20580

As always, and forever, Thank YOU !!!  from me and my ....

Serving Saugeen Shores & Area.  

Southampton:  519-373-7700 or Port Elgin:  519-379-7700

The Daily votes seemed to be dropping ... I might have to call on all my Blogger friends to do a few "SHOUT OUTS" for my Crabby Cabbie before the 12th of May ... YIKES we are getting down to the rubber with time here !

I am posting early today as I have laundry yet to be brought in, bed to make up fresh, supper to make for my man, and a lovely evening ahead with great weather I am planning to enjoy, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

YIKES ! There Are MORE !!!

There were two more upcoming Community April Events I had overlooked, or more like slipped my mind (something that I have noticed happens to me more frequently then naught these days).  I had thought I had better get them posted before they "slip my mind" again.  Get your "April Calendars out to Mark them again" .....

April 18th:

The Wiarton Friends of the Library are hosting a spring luncheon - a fund-raising event to support the programs at the library. Master of Ceremonies is Dave Nixon. Guest speaker is Daryl Wood, a certified life coach who lives near Tobermory. Only 120 tickets at $20 each are on sale. They are available at the Wiarton library & from Library Friends.

Thanks to Susan, who reads my blog, for bringing the Wiarton Library event to my attention.  We love our community libraries.  When our Grandsons, Aiden and Connor come visiting as they love when I take them to the Wiarton Library, especially when Mary Jane is there to greet them with her wonderful smile and undivided attention to their needs.

The next Event is for friends of myself and Rob.  Kathy, Blaine and family are friends to many in their community and surrounding areas.  Last month they lost their home to Fire.  This is an experience Rob and I have personally known ourselves when our own home in Waterloo set on fire in 1997.  Thank goodness for family members, friends and our insurance company, Tradition Mutual, who we are still with, to see us through those rough times of loosing so much, along with the stress of re-building a home and replacing all of our belongings.

I was told through a mutual friend the Fundraiser that had been sponsored by Walmart two weeks ago had raised $22,000.00 for the family.  Way to go friends and people in the Saugeen Shores and surrounding communities !!!

Tim and Sarah of the Green Door Cafe here in Wiarton have organized a Fundraising Event as well.  This Event will be as follows:

April 27th:

Mark April 27th on your calendar @ Sunset Lanes. Why? Because Sunset Lanes, Chef Tim Panchyshyn and Country Music entertainer Tommy Gilham are hosting a fundraiser at Sunset Lanes in Port Elgin for the McKenzie Family.

The McKenzie family lost their home. all their possessions, pets(including a litter of puppes) to a fire. And as we know insurance doesn't always cover everything - so all donations - both big and small - are appreciated.
Tommy Gilham and Special Guest Graham Trude are the entertainment for the day. Yeah you read that right – Recording Artist and Country music fan favourite Tommy Gilham is performing in Port Elgin. And one of Ontario's newest country talent Graham Trude is performing for this fundraiser for Blaine and Kathy too.How lucky are we - and how fortunate are Blaine and Kathy to have these entertainers giving their time and talent to the cause!

Both of these entertainers’ music and talent will keep you smilin' and your toes a tappin' (both are singer-songwriters).

As if you need another reason to attend - the lunch will be created by Chef Tim Panchyshyn. Tim is the Chef and owner of the Green Door Cafe. People drive for miles to his café in downtown Wiarton to sample his fare. Now you can try it for yourself….

Tickets are a steal at only $15! On sale right now at Sunset Lanes and Cathy's Flowers's in Port Elgin.  Here in Wiarton at Hair Solutions, Berford Street.

Phew I really hope I didn't miss any "other" upcoming April Events, as my calendar is overflowing as it is!

Also before I forget there seems to be a lot of unpleasant "Internet" thefts going on of late, and probably for quite some time.  I always "try" to credit any recipe I have used back to the original creator, or photos the same.  I had myself the most interesting and well put read this afternoon when I had came across a post shared by Jo-Anna @ A Pretty Life in the Suburbs on her Facebook Page.  

Thanks for sharing Jo-Anna, and thanks to the decorated cookie for her post on ....

"Click" HERE:   cyber-bullying… a trend that’s changing everything

Once again a very thought out and well put post.  Thank you for addressing this matter with hopes more people "share" your post.

This morning I  headed North of the Checkerboard, as today is Friday and Fridays are the day I get a shot in the arm by the Good Doctor Loney.  By the way the shot in the arm was almost painless today, with many thanks to the Good Doctor himself for this.

"Across from the doctor's office the farm fields were finally "void" of snow.  Also when one passes a Motorcycle on the Highway, this really is a sure sign of Spring, is it not???"

By the time I returned back home to let the whole "gang", plus Lunette out, about and back in, did up a pile of dishes (again), made the bed, spoke to my sister on the phone, it was the Lunch Hour !!!  Jeez another day when nothing "extra" was accomplished.  I am following way behind this year in the "accomplishment" department.  I am going to end up with a big fat "F" this Year if I don't watch myself ... oh man !!!

Oh I did sweep the Bandit dust and dirt from the floors too.

When I had gotten the mail there had been a ticket there for a package to be picked up in Wiarton.  Rob was heading home for Dinner late this afternoon, so I asked him to stop in to pick it up for me to save me going into town.  This he did and I was so excited when I seen him coming in the house with this great big package !!!

"Whoot whoot !!!  Electrolux sent me a BRAND NEW Egrorapido ultra + Cordless 2-in-1 Stick and Hand Vac !!!!  for FREE ! as there had been a recall on them.  I LOVE the new colour much better the the old one too, and it even has a LED headlight!  Thank YOU, Electrolux."

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, I LOVE me some HAPPY MAIL !!!!  who doesn't love Happy Mail ???  Really now?  I have really been getting blessed with great Customer Service experiences this Year so far....keep it comin' baby !!!

Rob and I had a homemade Spaghetti Dinner together.  He had a couple hours of being home before he had to put his "Crabby Cabbie" hat back on and head back out down the highway.

Another BLAST FROM MY PAST !!!  

Need a "cuteness" fix for the day? *click* right HERE.  We are so happy, as our Checkerboard Aussies have 103 Followers now on their Facebook Page, and 11 on their Blog !  Way to go my beauties and thank you to all who support them.

Speaking of Aussies it is that time of night to be out, about and back in for the last time this day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Happy Easter Sunday

First off I hope everyone had themselves a Blessed Easter Sunday spent with a loved one, family or friends, or even with their own company, which I don't mind spending time with myself most times, or even with a loved pet, or two.

This morning was not as I remember when growing up as a child in Southampton.  My few memories, one in particular, was of skipping down Victoria Street towards the United Church at Victoria and High Streets.  The Sun was shining and I was so happy as I had a hat with a ribbon around it, a light blue coat on, shiny new black shoes with straps and white ankle socks.  That was as far as my memory of Easter Sunday went, but it feels like it was a "good" memory I have often felt good reflecting on.

This morning was quite different, especially quiet with the usual morning chores with our four Aussies, plus one extra puppy.  Outside was very grey and bleak with a light rain falling from the skies.  Rob was sleeping, needing more sleep then he ever manages to get himself.  I turning, a rare occasion, on the furnace as it was very damp and chilly in the house.  

Rob did arise later in the morning being a great help to me by getting wood in and starting the wood stove up.  Finally the damp was gone.  There is just something about the wood heat that warms my bones much better then a gas or propane furnace will ever accomplish.  Rob also took over the remainder of the Aussie out, abouts and back ins while I got going on our Easter Dinner preparations.  There was only the two of us, however I was setting out to make a full Dinner, as why should we not have one for ourselves I could not imagine.

I decided I would make Rob's favourite pie for him today.  It couldn't get much easier then making a ...

" ... Lemon Meringue Pie.  I am really loving the great big see thru window on my Oven."

With the Pie cooling on the counter and the oven still warm, I took on the next task right away of making ...

"... our Grandson Aiden's favourite biscuit, even though he couldn't be here with us today both he and Connor were in my thoughts.  Wet ingredients gathered and mixed, met up with dry, then patted out to be shaped and cut out.  Onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper they went right after."

"Fifteen minutes later and lots of cheesy goodness was fresh out of the oven."

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

This was not the time to stop ....

"Roux was made, potatoes and onions, peeled and sliced.  Before I new it there was a cheesy thick sauce ready to meet up with layers of potatoes and red onion.  These were covered and popped into the Oven along with the foil wrapped Ham Shank."

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

"I am really seeking some honesty here with these photos.  Am I the only one who has such a mess when doing preparations for a meal????"

"Surely this looks much better after the baking was done, and Dinner preps finished with it cooking in the Oven."

"Rob's "Crabby Cabbie" driver, Carolyn, gave us each a Kinder Egg for Easter.  I dug out my Egg Cup from when I was a little girl to display it on the Buffet.  Then I went into the kitchen to find Rob swooping the Lemon Pie from the counter; it did not take long  for him to place it back where it belonged once he had been "found out".  Then I got the table set, as I decided we would have dinner buffet style from the kitchen counter to make things easier."

All the work and time put into our Easter Dinner was well worth the effort as ....

"... it was all Simply Delish and well enjoyed by both of us.  Not only was our Dinner enjoyed, it was wonderful to have the time we had to spend together, since most days that is very rare."

Rob did have two work related calls he had to go out on today, but the time he has been home was pleasant and not stressed since we enjoyed each others company making it truly a "special" day.  All the humdrum of the business and paperwork was set aside and we took the day "off" from it.  As Rob said, "the paperwork can wait one more day".

Oh yes, before I forget to share, my friend Carla shared a BC comic as her Facebook post this morning, which I borrowed and posted to the "Crabby Cabbie's" Facebook Page.  I LOVED it ...

Should anyone want to show my "Crabby Cabbie" support of his Facebook page, we would LOVE to have your LIKE by going to his page HERE.  Thank you to any and all in advance.  Even if you live out of the area and come up to the Southampton, Port Elgin and Sauble Beach areas for Summer vacation we would love to be your "get around" Cabbie, or just because you would LOVE to show us your support.

Dishes are done up, the "Checkerboard Aussies" Blog post is done and can be viewed HERE.  Rob is gone out on another call.  The Aussies have all been out, about and in, with only one more outing to go before we call it a night.

On that note I think I will get the kettle on to make myself a nice hot cuppa Earl Grey Tea, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Ho Hum Day

When one is woken out of what they thought was a not too bad sleep just after 4 am, and before that around midnight with a wrong number, it makes for a very long day ahead.  Lexus needed out and was very vocal about it.  Lexus, since a puppy, has had a very small bladder and with any amount of water after dinner time she just can not make it through a night.  Poor girl, and she isn't even close to being my age yet in doggie years !

It was freezing in here at that time of the morning, as the wood stove was coals and ashes, even colder outside it was.  I tried going back to sleep but could not even begin to drift off, with getting back up to start the wood stove and have a coffee.  Let me "tell the World" not too much got accomplished around here today other then me going through the motions.  For those who know me well, my bed got made if nothing else !

I had a couple of errands downtown to run first thing, so off to Foodland, the Post Office, and the South Bruce Peninsula Town Hall.  Jeez errands are time consuming.  More then half my morning was gone by the time I got back home.

By the time everyone was let out, about and back in it was Lunch time, then I had to put the few things I had bought away.  This morning it was -12*C so Buddy, nor Mercedes were going into the outside run, however by lunch time it wasn't too bad so I had put Mercedes out for a couple of hours.  The part I miss about there being a late litter of puppies is them also being outside in the kennel run; more room for them, easier cleanup and it gets them socialized to a different environment.  Oh well should Mercedes breeding have "taken", it will be nice enough hopefully for her puppies to be outside by that time.

Since it was so cold I thought it the perfect day to put together a big pot of Hamburg Soup.

"This soup has been added to my "favourites" as it is full of colour, easy to make and makes a big batch so there is lots leftover to freeze for at least 4 more lunches for the two of us another day.  I LOVE A "COLOUR Me Soup" choice."

I switched up the recipe just a "wee" bit today, as I usually don't make them the same every time after I have followed the recipe to a "tee" the very first time in making it.  Today I used fresh mushrooms, less celery and more carrot as my pantry afforded me.  A savoy cabbage was used as it was on the discount rack for 49 cents, as were the fresh steak mushrooms for 99 cents the package.  Can not go wrong on those "steal of a deals" on savings.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE HERE.

This afternoon I had a friend stop in to see the Fabulous Four.  Angie took some photos of them, had some cuddles, then had a cuppa tea with me before having to leave.  Drop in if you need yourself a "cuteness fix" by *clicking* HERE.

The mailbox held some more HAPPY MAIL for me today !!!  Hooray !!!

"I loved when I seen the envelope addressed to "Aunt Cindy".  Very cute Joanne!  A card from my niece, and my Auntie Gladys.  Love them both. xx, oh and the cards too *smile*."

Rob left the house this morning with no breakfast, lunch, or supper ... AGAIN !  He was on a run into Owen Sound this afternoon, so I made him up a hot thermos of Hamburg Soup and met him half way with it.  Jeez where is that man's head some days !  please do not attempt to answer this for me, as I am certain I have long list of answers to that question already.

But really truly, not only do I love him every day, I like him most days, and pretty proud of him some days ...

"The local Saugeen Shores newspaper, the Shoreline Beacon, covered my "Crabby Cabbie's" support of Grey Bruce VON (a Canadian non-profit organization).  I am truly proud of him, with us both being grateful of his patron's contributions, and continuing support in doing so since the VON Piggy & Crabby Cabbie are to remain partnered !!! "

Yeah, Rob !!!  aka MY "Crabby Cabbie" !  We would LOVE your support by giving Rob his Facebook "Crabby Cabbie" Page a "LIKE" if you are able to, by *clicking* HERE !  Thanks in advance to all who can and do.

I really don't know what is going on weather wise in anyone else's "neck of the woods", but I do know our Weatherman has pretty much told us we are going to have a big dump of the white fluffy stuff beginning tonight, right up to Sunday.  Booooooooo !!!!

Jeez I almost forgot about the newest email SCAM I received in the Checkerboard Aussie's INBOX this morning ...

You know what I have to say to that .....

Beware people.  We know Canada Revenue does not contact us through our email accounts, and especially email accounts that belong to our Pets !!!  Oh man do these SCAMMERS ever get tired of putting this garbage together and sending it?  I really do wonder about this.

Tomorrow is Friday already !  with today having been a "ho hum day" with not too much accomplished.  I can not believe how another week has flown by me once again, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Welcome To Facebook

I was up and at it in the wee hours of 5 am this morning.  Dishes done up, bed made and all my social networking done by at least 7 am.

Now the broken fan has been replaced in the Freezer yesterday by Rob, I thought today would be a great day to sort and transfer everything back in there.  It never happened.

The phone rang before 8 am.  My brother wondered if I could pick our Mother up to take to the Hairdressers for her hair colour, and he would pick her up.  I got myself dressed, took care of everyone, then was out the door just after 9 am, as her appointment was at 10.

I made a stop on my way at the Sears outlet to pick up a Spring catalogue, as I want to get some new nighties ordered for Mom, then I headed over to Gateway to collect her.  I had her dropped off and settled in at the Hairdresser right on time.

I thought I would take a little stroll downtown to see what my friend, Gayle, was up to as she had asked me over a week ago if I would take some photos of the store she manages, since they had just recently set up a Facebook Page for it.

Yes Gayle had been there, and yes, I took some photos for their Facebook Page ...

" Welcome to Facebook Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift Store ! "

The Wiarton Sally Ann does an Auction that is Theme based, I believe every month or so.  This Month's Theme is everything that has to do with "Music".  There is a book you can place your bid on each individual item(s).  The highest bidder on each individual item(s) is then contacted at the end of the Auction.  It really is fun, with myself having participated a few times.

Lots of pretty neat items are available for this Music themed auction:

"These are only a few of the items up for Auction that I was able to capture with my camera."

 

 

You can keep up with future Auctions and special at the Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift Store by going into your Facebook Account and giving their Page a really big LIKE,  just a *click* away HERE.

Now do not forget it is a very new Facebook page, and new to everyone, even to its administrator, so be patient as it will be looking "top notch" before you know it, so just give it a bit of time.  In the meantime drop on in at the Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift Store on Bedford Street (Main Street) and get your bids placed in the book for some of the neat musical things they have now displayed in their window.

I was tickled pink though as I did splurge a bit on myself by buying "me" a couple of Vintage items today.

"I love Oil Lamps.  Look at this cool old one I snagged.  Then there was this little Vintage Easter Basket with the two cute little Salt & Pepper Bunnies inside.  I though they would make a perfect gift for someone, don't you think they would?"

By the time I had returned home it was about the lunch hour.  My plans never were accomplished today, but this is okay as I really wasn't feeling up to doing anything much anyhow as yesterday first thing in the morning my feet had went out from under me on the ice and I landed straight down on my backside.  My back has been killing me all day, never mind that I am feeling a little "under the once a month" weather to top it all of !  Tomorrow is another new day ....

What I did get done was to arrange some advertising and PR for my "Crabby Cabbie" and set up some other things for him.  Really this was a bit time consuming so it wasn't like I never accomplished anything, I just never got the freezer put back together this day, nor any much needed housework done either.

I am really pleased that the "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page is growing with 86 people giving it a great big LIKE by following him, as well as our "Checkerboard Aussie" Facebook page having already climbed up to 78 followers.

We would appreciate any and all support from Saugeen Shores, Southampton, Port Elgin and area, for the "Crabby Cabbie".  Also support shown for the love of the Australian Shepherd Dog towards our "Checkerboard Aussies".  Thank you to all, and anytime I can show support on your Facebook page or otherwise, please drop me a line to let me know.


It never fails how badly I might feel in a day, there is always one or another of my "Checkerboard Aussies" to put a smile on my face.

"My Bandit never lets me down with one of his famous *smiles*, or two, or three, even more continuously some days."

This is an earlier post then usual.  I am going to take out all the "gang", then hopefully soak my back in a hot tub (once the Hydro Rates go down at 7 pm).  Relax a bit before taking the "gang" out and about for one more last time, then call it an early night for myself, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Wasn't It A "PARTY"

"Wasn't it a party?"  Could have been the whiskey, could have been the Gin, look at the mess I'm in.  My oh my it was the "Ontario's Blogger's Day" !!!  and check out all the new friends I made.

~  Snoopy on Facebook ~

Thanks everyone who participated and joined it !  I for one thoroughly enjoyed myself by dropping around to visit everyone's blog posts and reading all the "wicked" comments everyone left.  It was nice to see all the SHOUT OUTS and support of each other.  I am already looking forward to the next one, with hopefully seeing everyone again and meeting more new Ontario Bloggers along the way. 

Stay tuned ..... for the next future "Ontario Blogger's Day".

As everyone knows after such a great party we all have to return to reality, now don't we?   That's okay as I have had some fun reality the past few days that I really have no complaints about.  Let's see now where did reality set back in ....

"Tuesday night before the party was pretty "special".  Once I returned home from the "Bruce County "Walkabout" I put a lovely boneless Lamb Shoulder Roast into the Oven for my Rob and I.  I know I have never mentioned before how much I LOVE ME SOME LAMB ... my mouth is still watering remembering how good it was."

This lamb had not been from New Zealand, nor Australia, it was Ontario Spring Lamb purchased right in my own backyard from Dejong Acres Farm.  With Spring approaching at a steady pace, give them a call to place your order...how to do so? just *click* on their name which will take you right on over to their website.  Enjoy the Tour.

Wednesday morning brought with it the beginning of a new VON SMART Exercise Program Session.  Not only had a new session begun, we also had a new location to go along with it.

"The Wiarton VON SMART Exercise Program now takes place at the upstairs of the Wiarton Community Centre.  It is so roomy and bright, really making you want to get moving and fit ! "

Throughout part of the exercise program one of my fellow volunteers had asked if anyone had made any New Year's Resolutions.  I had answered that mine was to be "kinder".  She in turn said, "Cindy, how could I possibly be kinder then you already are".  That made my heart "sing".  Thanks Cathy, how so very kind of you to say such a wonderful thing.

Would you like to learn more about a VON SMART Exercise program?  Please *click* HERE to find a VON office to inquire about participating or being a SMART Volunteer in your area.  Maybe some would like to know what SMART means?  Well that is an easy question for me to answer, as it means...

 "SENIORS MAINTAINING ACTIVE ROLES TOGETHER".

The remainder of my Wednesday had been spent ... I think preparing for the Ontario Blogger's Day???

"I do know for a fact I made Rob and myself, my "healthy" version of Hamburger helper.  The Hamburger Helper in the box is just plain "GROSS" !  with me trying to wean Rob off of it (I sure don't buy it, so guess who does?)  This version is just as easy with some browned lean ground beef and the preparation of a few fresh vegetables you will be well on your way  to .... "

This recipe has been shared @ http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.ca/2013/01/foodie-friends-friday-linky-party_17.html 

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *click* HERE.

This takes me up to Thursday.  Everyone knows I was having myself  a PARTEEEEEH on Thursday.

Where was I? oh yes I am here and here now would be Friday.

"Everyone knows my "Crabby Cabbie" has been hanging out with the VON Piggy for Pennies, don't they?

"Well to date between The "Crabby Cabbie" and the "VON Piggy for Pennies" they have raised all this for Grey-Bruce VON.  Yes that scale reads "forty-two" pounds !  That sure is a lot of pennies."

It would take ME "forever" to roll up all those pennies, so I had to enlist myself some help. 

"I had to import the help all the way from YASS, NSW !!!  Can you believe that ????  Thank goodness I didn't have to wait too long for him to get here, since he is visiting just over at the other side of Colpoy's Bay from me."

"Our young visiting friend, Nathan, was so kind enough to come spend the day to help me with the rolling of the Pennies for VON."

"Bandit was thrilled he had a new friend.  Now would you think this could be classified as the "height" of nosiness?  Bandit almost could have jumped right into my camera getting himself that close."

Nathan and I never managed to get all the pennies rolled, but I would think we got more then half of them done.  A very good "dent" in the situation this is for certain.  We had a wonderful time visiting as we did this together, also enjoying a great lunch of Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup along with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  I was pleased Nathan enjoyed my Homemade Soup as much as he did to have himself seconds.

Not too long after lunch, Nathan was collected by my young friend, Ashley, gone back to her home where he has been visiting.   I carried on with my day by doing up the dishes, being in and out in some rather unruly cold snowy weather with the "Checkerboard Aussies", and then spent some time trying to figure out what to do about this week's challenge from ....

"Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily"

This week it is :

Decluttering Challenge: Choose a closet, any closet, and clean it out!! Pick 2 closets if you're feeling really energetic & determined!! Take before & after photos so you can awe & inspire everyone else participating in my challenges as well! ;) lol!

Financial Challenge: Give. Find a way in your budget to "give" financially somehow... It doesn't have to be grand, you don't have to go hungry. I just want you to go that 'extra mile' for someone else. Buy a coffee for the person in line behind you at the coffee shop, hand a $5.00 bill to a homeless person on the way to work, throw a little extra into the collection plate at church, toss your change into the charity box in front of the register at the grocery store, etc... simply give.

I thought to myself I have been so busy this week, with yet another busy week ahead of me, how am I going to swing this?  I needed to somehow fit it in, so I put the "pedal to the metal" by applying some pressure to myself  ....

"I emptied out the whole bathroom closet this afternoon, piling it into the one spare bedroom.  Tomorrow morning I will get the laundry started then clean the closet from top to bottom, then force myself to begin sorting and decluttering everything that had been in it before putting only what is required back in."

Wish me stamina and luck, as for some reason I think I am going to be needing LOTS of both by tomorrow.

I am feeling pretty tired at the moment.  Guess I just can't party like I used to, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".