Birthday Luncheon

Rob put the heating pad in on my side of the bed yesterday, and I went to bed last night before 7 pm and was out like a light.  I heard Rob come home about 11:30 pm or so, and was gone again until about 4:30 am.  This daylight savings time will take a little adjustment for many of us, again.

This morning I could move better then yesterday.  I still feel much pain if I have to bend, crouch, or get up from sitting.  Better is much much better then how it was and that is a good thing.  Geesh if it doesn't rain it pours sometimes ... wonder if someone is trying to tell me to slow down, but really I have slowed way down the past couple of weeks.

I can not afford to be down and out much longer as I need to get the books ready for year end, and this place ready for our grandson's arrival next week.  I am way too excited about that, the boys not the books, so I darn, darn, triple darn best not be down and out for that ! or someone might have to pay.  *smile*

Today is my friend, Pari's birthday, who is also my neighbour.  I called her this morning to see if she was available to go out for Lunch, as nobody should have to spend their birthday alone, and her family is all in another Province or Country.  She was right on for going out.  I collected her at 12:30 pm and we headed down to the Green Door Cafe.

This was my third time for being at the Green Door Cafe this week, so when I walked in and seen Sarah, I said, "don't judge me", and she said, "I missed seeing you for one day".  Hahaha I told her I loved her & Tim, and Tim said the feeling was mutual so all was good.

We decided on the Lunch "special" which was a BLT with fried egg and potato pancake on a Kaiser bun with our choice of soup, fries or salad.  We both chose the salad.

Pari was thrilled with the Box of Belgian Chocolates Rob & I had gotten her, as they are her favourites.  And the gold bow was also a "hit" as Gold is her favourite colour.

The Kaiser sandwich was huge, so I had to get some shots of her attempting to eat it so she could send to her son in England.  

Hahaha ... we did have fun.

Needless to say we had been both full to the top after that amazing lunch, but no it did not stop there. Green Door Owners, Sarah & Tim, sent out a deep fried ice cream crepe Tim had made for the birthday girl and I to share.

Oh my Lord it was scrumptious.  So much for loosing weight this day.

When we were getting ready to go out for Lunch, Rob had been called out and could not go along with us.  By the time we had finished he had been coming home so I ordered him "take out" to take along home for him.

I never got him what we had for lunch, but I did get him a fully loaded Homemade Bacon Cheeseburger.  Yes he sure enjoyed it !

This afternoon Rob had a big sleep, that he sure needed.  And I rested on the couch.  We hadn't gotten back from lunch until at least after 2 pm.  I had wished my back was better since today was lovely weather and would have been a good day for a brisk walk.  Another day.

This evening it will be more rest, enjoy the daylight savings, and hopefully another good night's rest, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

One Of Rob's Favourites

I was in bed by 7 pm last night, sleeping right through most of the night.  My body was finally giving in and succumbing to the exhaustion.

Still I had been up at 4:30 with Portia, and then Rob was out with Lexus, Buddy and Bandit at 6:30 am.  It went through my mind that if it wasn't for my Aussies there would maybe be some days I would not get out of bed at all.  That is just how I feel some days.

I could not believe it that 3 of our vehicles would not start this morning at around 10 am.  Our personal vehicle probably as it hadn't ran for over a week, the Blue Crabby Cabbie vehicle the starter when in it, and the Grey one the battery had also been low.  Always a little craziness in our days in one way or another.

The WDCC staff tried to get a Pot Luck going one night last week with the Directors and their spouses, however life was just a bit too busy for most of us.  Not all was lost as today most of us had gotten together at one of my favourite restaurants, downtown Wiarton, at The Green Door Cafe.

It had been a pleasant get together with a few of us present.  Danielle, Dan, Paul Sutter, Josie, Liz, Koreen, Sue, Faroe, Halak, Grace & Paul Deacon.  It is always nice to be out and away from the office meetings and  the Business of the Chamber on occasion.

Lunch was great.  I had the Chicken Bacon Clubhouse Wrap with a House Salad.  There was also Chicken Fingers with Fries, Roastared Veggie Wrap with Feta on a Pita, and their famous homemade Cheeseburger with fries.  My co-directors are quite used to me taking food photos so didn't dig into their Lunch until I had first got a picture.  Thank goodness most people "get me" ... *smile*, or should I say, "tolerate" me?

Lots of raving around town about how fantastic the Santa Claus Parade was .... this is good.  Really the number of people who took the time (and it does take lots of time) to put a float in the Parade ... a huge KUDOS to those people !   By this Friday we will have determined who won the prizes for the Float Categories and the People's Choice from the Votes we receive.  Will keep everyone in the loop.

Should you be on Facebook you can check out the parade by going HERE.

Today I also took the time to put a wee bit more Christmas decor up just to keep up our "Spirits".

This is one of my favourite Seasonal decorations.

Speaking of favourites.  I had planned on taking one of Rob's to the potluck we were to have at the Chamber Office.  Since that didn't happen Rob has patiently been waiting for me to make it.  Really there isn't too much to making it and it is ....

.... really really good.  One of Rob's Favourites at the top of his LIKE's list.

Recipe please for this Heated Cheesy Taco Dip?  PLEASE *CLICK* HERE FOR A PRINTABLE RECIPE.

This afternoon I was totally whipped.  I even had a lay down this afternoon, and ignored everything else that needs doing around here.  Now the Parade is over I will be concentrating on trying to get organized around here, as next week I am going to be busy with more appointments.

I called the specialist who I was referred to once I have the MRCP concerning the attacks I have been experiencing since having my gall bladder out in September.  Dr. Kaal's office called me back today to tell me they are not taking new bookings until 4 months away !!!  Should I keep having the attacks I am to keep going to the Hospital's Emergency.  That was that.

I just want to mention to Steve and his wife, that is certainly was my pleasure having them introduce themselves to me this past week in the parking lot of the Foodland Store.  A HUGE welcome to Bruce County once you get moved & settled in,   Hope to see you both again !

The Voice is on tonight, and I love watching it, so I am wrapping this up for the night, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Love Walking

I was up and at it well before 6:00 am this morning, however once first awake I did recall thinking I would have liked to have slept longer.  I have never in all my life remembered being one of those who could sleep into the noon hour, even as a child or teenager, as I always felt I would have slept most of my days away ... and life is most certainly too short for that to happen, is it not?

I was to be meeting up with my friend, Sharon, today, as she wanted to come up to Wiarton to the Farmer's Market and to check out Mother's Fabric for some material.  We met up at the local Tim Horton's, then did the circuit downtown Wiarton.

We first stopped at the Wiarton Farmer's Market ....

... where Grey County Tourism stopped by this week, as well as Alison from our local Wiarton Library Branch.  A new addition to the Market this week was Dejong's Acres Food Wagon where you could get something pretty yummy in the way of a hot lunch, or maybe a breakfast of fresh made waffles, fruit and "real" whipped cream.  I also contemplated buying a ticket for the Dream Draw for a chance to win a brand new Toyota car, however forgot to before I had left town.

Sharon and I also went into Wiarton's two clothing stores, Josie's of Wiarton and In Style ... oh to be slim and trim again !!!  Lots of lovely clothes I would love to have, but still it was fun.

A luncheon reservation was made for the Green Door Cafe.

We both really enjoyed the Chicken Bacon Wrap with a Garden Salad on the side, as much as I am really going to enjoy the new Key Fob  Sharon had made for me in "crabby" material !!!  I am just loving it.  Thanks again Sharon !

Sharon had went back to the Market to buy a couple of items before heading back home, and I arrived back home to a treat of a Tim Hortons Coffee my hubby had so thoughtfully picked up for me.  It was a good day.

Rob had to go out on a call after our Dinner so I got to have a little one on one time with Bandit and Lexus for a bit.

Lexus had the lead on Bandit, and of course had him also by the neck.  That poor guy sure has put up with a lot from that girl over the past 6 years.

Since I have been walking the past few week, I had been worrying I hadn't gotten out the past couple evenings this week since my walking partner has been working a different shift.  Low and behold my friend, BJ, who I used to volunteer with at the VON SMART exercise program, had called me this morning to tell me she was available to go walking again with me.

After 7 pm she called me up and we did a 4.80 km walk in 52 minutes, burning 361 calories.  I felt much better after getting out walking.  YAY !!!

Just a reminder for those who signed up for the 52 Week Money Challenge with me this Year, this is week 27, so do not forget to put away $27.00 dollars this week !  Is everyone still in? any ideas or plans yet for your savings at the end of the Year?  I have a few ideas, one of them being a new roof for next Year (there goes the thoughts of any vacation time again).

I am a bit excited as tomorrow the 2014 Wiarton Walks "kick off" down at the Train Station in Wiarton's Bluewater Park.  Cost?  FREE !  and you learn some amazing History along the way.  I have always LOVED and been intrigued by History, so this will be up my ally, not to mention how much I love walking.

I will be attending first thing tomorrow to take photos, and hope to go on the walk itself in a couple of weeks time.

I have another busy day tomorrow, so I will be calling it a day very shortly here, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Little Shower Here & There

I am not complaining, however stating a fact, I have been freezing all day long to the point of even being tempted on "firing" up the Wood Stove.  It is the dampness.  Anyone with Arthritis issues does not care for dampness or humidity as it sets into the bones something fierce and flares up the pain.  

Regardless it has been quite dry and truly we needed the rain.  The farmers will be happy.

I have been happy as I have seen a bit of progress this Year so far.  Even though Spring cleaning never even got off the ground, we have made leaps and bounds on the priority list.  Top deck stained (done but for the railings), Gazebo put up, two new windows purchased, one for our bedroom and one for the kitchen (needing installed), and .....

.... lumber purchased for the side/ground deck which is in dire need of being replaced.  Not certain when this will get started either between Rob's very busy schedule.  Everything he has accomplished thus far has been more then appreciated.  "Team" work means everything when you are a couple.

My VON Smart Program Volunteer Buddies and I have been trying to get together for a luncheon since last year.  Thanks to Diane, it finally got to happen today.

We met at the Green Door Cafe downtown Wiarton, who I must add won an Excellence Award two years running from Trip Advisor !!!   Andrea, Chris, Diane, BJ & I had a great lunch and visit.  Why would Diane be on the floor gathering? well I brought her some White Pumpkin Seeds that BJ had originally given me, and when I tossed them to her ... you know the story from here on in.  Of course I transferred the blame to BJ in that it was her zippy bags and they were not sealed properly ... I think I could have almost gotten away with it.  Ha !

I had the Broccoli Cheese Quiche with a side Caesar Salad.  It was excellent ! and I was full.  No dessert this day, I think Yesterday might last me for a bit.

My friend, Judy, who I used to work with, not long after I had moved back up to Bruce County, at The Southampton Hotel, more commonly known as the "Bucket" had some Capris she gifted me.  Not only did I get the Capris, Judy gifted me with a jar of her Homemade Pear Jam ... what a great surprise !!!  Thanks Jude, how sweet and thoughtful of YOU !!!  and thanks for Rob for dropping around to Judy's to pick up the package for me.

Despite the dampness and the drizzle on and off, my Rob gave one of our Crabby Cabbie vehicles a tune-up.

If nothing else gets done around here, you can rest assured our Business Vehicles are all up to "snuff" always to the best of our knowledge.  This is a fact I am very proud of that we are all over the good mechanics of our vehicles.

It has been pretty quiet around here with the Extraordinary 8 puppies all gone to their Forever Homes.  All reports back have been good with each of them sleeping all night with no "accidents" in their crates.  If I ever find some extra time I will get together some photos of each of them that I have sent to me.

In the meantime I am going to finish my decal Tea and call it an early night, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Birthday & Busy Day Fun

I thought I best get over my "fear" of not knowing & start using my new Finepix SL1000 Camera bought me as an early Birthday Gift last week.  I haven't adventured further then the auto & macro settings so far, and a couple "zooms", but it was a start.

Usually after I have "overdone" something I pay the price dearly for the next day or two afterwards.  After my being gone for a couple days with the long drives and activities of going going going all day long, yesterday and today I paid the price of pain and headaches.  Going to bed last night I found sleep right away, however that only lasted 2 hours before I was awake the most the rest of the night with neck pain and everywhere else pain shooting here and there throughout my body parts, the kind that you get when you have a bad case of the flu, and then some.  

I hate letting "pain" get me down, and truly laying around not being active is not the best thing either, so today I had to carry on, as I had plans for the day ahead, and I was not going to be held back from them.

My friend, Pari, was celebrating her Birthday today.  Her son, and other immediate family members are all in other parts of Canada or the World so she would have been spending it by herself, and that I could not let happen when I am so fortunate to have so many friends and close family members, not to mention a wonderful husband.

I left the house at 8:30 am with my arms full of gifts I had put together for her before we headed out for the day.

The joy on her face was worth everything to me ... she absolutely every little thing I had gotten her.  Sometimes all the little things in the World can make your Heart feel the largest at times.

Pari and I headed on down the Highway through Southampton, as we made our way over to my Aunt and Uncle's home in Port Elgin.  The snow still there is almost unbelievable if you didn't see it for yourself ...

Crazy is it not? and the past couple of days have been a bit milder so I am certain these banks have gone down a bit from the proceeding days.

I gave Auntie Gladys a hand with her Computer and Photos, before we had the pleasure of her serving up tea and her famous "Gumdrop" loaf.

I LOVE tea cups.  Did  you ever notice tea tastes different in a Tea Cup then served up in a Mug? and also it is much nicer when the Tea Pot has been heated prior to making the tea?

Aunt Gladys has been sorting through some of my Great Aunt Lizzie's photos, etc the past week or so.  The first photo is of the original Hepworth Furniture Factory in Hepworth ON, long before it had moved down to Southampton.  This factory had been just up the road from my maternal Great Grandfather's Blacksmith/Buggy Shop.  The middle photo is of a homemade Christmas Card from many years gone by, and the third was a Post Card made out of a piece of soft leather.  I LOVE this stuff ! and the history it holds.

Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality Auntie Gladys, Pari and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  xx

Rob had made reservations for 12:30 pm at the Green Door Cafe in Wiarton.  I am happy we had reservations (always recommended), as it was a busy little spot today.

Pari and I ordered the Lamb Burger, Pari with a side of Fries, and I with a Caesar Salad.  Rob had a Turkey Burger, but scrapped off the Avocado sauce from its top because it was "green".  Dessert?  Pari & I passed, however Rob had himself a Chocolate Fudge Brownie which he seemed to really enjoy.  

Once we had enjoyed our lunch, Rob headed on home, while Pari and I toured a couple of the downtown Wiarton stores and shops.  We went to Josie's of Wiarton, The Thrift Shop, and Rankin River Trading Co..  Afterwards we stopped at the local Foodland store for each of us to pickup some Yogurt.  We are both Yogurt girls as it is very good for you, as I am sure most people know.

After depositing Pari safely back to her home, I arrived back at my home after 4 pm.  It has been a very busy week this past week, or for that matter what week isn't busy.  How can some people possibly be bored with their lives, there is so much to do !!! in my life there seems to be always something to do or needing done.

Tomorrow I have to do the Crabby Cabbie bookwork for January and February, laundry, and get some dust swept up around here, as that never goes away, as does the "spare" dog that Bandit also leaves behind from time to time.

On that note, I am off for another evening, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

An Unexpected Dinner Out

It was very cold out side our home this morning.  I was glad to have new Winter Boots to wear out in the elements.

I was not the only one happy to have new boots, so was Buddy, as you can tell,  he got to go out for a big run this morning first thing.  Run, run, run .....

Despite the cold it was a beautiful day.

With Lexus already out, next up was Mercedes.  She did lots of running action too, then it was run for her right back into her crate with the "where is my breakfast" look right off the bat.  This girl could care less about getting out first thing in the morning, as she would much prefer breakfast first I am sure.  Look at the cute little nose.  She won't touch her food once I put it into her dish, as she sits first and waits until I give her the command.  Smart in more ways then one this girl is.

Other then a load of laundry, dishes done up, the bed made, all else I was able to accomplish today was some more Crabby Cabbie paperwork.  Month end this always is the case and that it is.

As of tomorrow we are seriously only 25 days away from Christmas.  Eeeekkk, I have not even had time to get my house clean all at once, never mind starting Christmas Baking !!!!  Oh woe is me, what am I ever going to do.  Truly I could use a whole week to myself with NO Aussies, and NO Crabby Cabbie, then I might make dent in it all.  But then my Life would not be complete now, would it?  without all the chaos day by day I seem to attract my way.  *Sigh*

Later on this day I had to make my way over to Southampton to fill up the Wiarton Crabby Cabbie vehicle for Rob.  I gave my friend and neighbour a call to see if she would like to go along on a quick trip there and back with me.  Off we went.

My Cousin is seeking a new home for her cat, as her allergies have gotten worse with the allergy pills not giving her relief any longer.  My friend, Pari, was thinking she would like a pet for some company for herself, so on the way back from Southampton we made a detour over to my Cousins to meet ....

Sam.  Sam is so handsome, and really a lovey.  A real gentleman too.   Pari is going to give it some thought.  She loved him, but has never had a cat before.  Should I not have such severe allergies now to cats, I would consider him myself.

Once back home, by late afternoon Rob got a call to make a delivery over to Sauble Beach.  I went along on the ride to keep him company.  Once back into Wiarton we stopped downtown at the bank, and I slipped into the Salvation Army to pickup up a few things I had came across in excellent condition for a good price.

I was very surprised when Rob said for us to slip into the Green Door Cafe for us to get a bite to eat.  Me every say "NO" to the Green Door Cafe? I would think NOT.

I had this evening's special which was Chicken Parmesan with Linguine and Garlic Bread, while Rob ordered the House Burger with Cheese from the Menu.  Service from our two favourite girls, Melissa and Britt is something also always to look forward to.

Heavy on the Garlic, but I LOVED ever bite.  Total Dinner, including Rob's coffee, taxes and tip was $25.50.  Now you can't beat a meal like we had for that price, can you?  It really was a nice treat.

Back at home Rob got the wood stove stoked up, bringing wood up from the stack in the basement that does not take long for it to go down ...

I am certain it was double this amount last week.  Rob said he would be going to replenish this tomorrow from our other shed.

My "Crabby Cabbie" is out on another call as I sit here typing my daily post.  The Aussies still all need Out, About and In again for one last time this evening.  What will I do with the remainder of my evening?  a hot shower and a couple more rows of knitting added to the scarf I have been working on for a very long time might be most enjoyable, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Can I Say EXCITED ????

Reflecting back on last evening before my Crabby Cabbie Rob left for work.

The sky darkened in the North with the Sun still shining in the West, and a Rainbow faintly appearing in the East, while .....

.... my Rob was over in the South with our Buddy Boy Australian Shepherd dog.  Oops I was spotted by Buddy before he got himself some loving from the Master.

I was so tired last night I do not remember going to sleep once my head hit the pillow.  I woke up at 2 am to Rob watching TV in the livingroom waiting to go out for a scheduled 3:30 am pickup with the Cab.  I barely remembering him returning home; he had been there beside me when I got up at 6:30 am.  

Our driver, John, arrived at 7:00 am this morning with a Timmies coffee for each of us in hand, and a breakfast sandwich.  At that time of the morning it was a good thing he came bearing gifts ... *smile*.

Our kettle was pooched and had been leaking water from the bottom.  This was not good at all, as surely I could not leave for the East Coast without making sure my dearest did not have a new kettle.  God forbid he have to take a pot out and heat water up on top of the stove !  Off I went downtown Wiarton to get us a new kettle.

My Great Niece, Erica, was married this morning ....

Friday she had Henna done, this morning her hair was done, and by this afternoon she was ready to be a Bride.  She looks like a beautiful China Doll in the last photo.  Congratulations Erica ! xoxoxo  Sorry I was not able to be there, but I am more then certain my Niece, her Mother, Joanne will fill me in on all the festivities of the day.

I wasn't home too long before heading back downtown again, as I had made arrangements with my Auntie Gladys to take her for lunch today, as she is always so GOOD to me, and to her "conniving for treats" nephew-in-law.

We went to my favourite little restaurant, The Green Door Cafe where I had the Loaded Chicken with a side Caesar Salad and Auntie had the Quiche Lorraine with a side of Tomato Basil Soup.  I really enjoyed our lunch together.

The Rankin River Trading Company was our next stop, as they had their women's clothing on sale for 40% off.  I thought Auntie would be able to find something there for herself.  Indeed she had found herself a lovely pair of black capri she had wanted for a very good price.

It just so happened our Wiarton Crabby Cabbie driver, John's wife works at Rankin.

When sitting in at Green Door I happened to see him go past with a take-out bag in hand, knowing he was going to have lunch with his wife.  I snuck downstairs to the lunch room at Rankin and ....

" ... snapped these photos.  Hahaha ... I got him good as he never expected to see me there.  I told him I was going to turn him into the Boss that he was slacking on the job, but didn't have to go far since I am his boss.  Ha ! had some fun with this one.  

After shopping, Auntie and I went to Lloyd's Smoke Shop to have ourselves a Homemade Ice Cream Cone for desssert.  I had Triple Chocolate and she had a Maple Walnut.  Funny thing is Maple Walnut was my dad's favourite, who was her brother.

Around 2 pm Auntie and I said our good-byes to each other and headed back to our respective homes.

When I had gotten home Rob had just gotten up from finally a fitful sleep, thank goodness.  I got going on making up some Dinner for him before he had to go back to work.  I got going on making him one of his favourites, Layered Baked Enchilada.

I got my Homemade Black Bean & Corn Salsa out and started putting it all together.

Layered and oven ready, after 40 minutes baking and 5 minutes sitting time to allow it to set it was ready to serve up.  Really? it is as good as it looks.

Recipe please?  FOR PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

Rob enjoyed his Dinner, three pieces later.  I passed since I had such a big lunch.  After a rest he gave me a Kiss and a Hug promising if he wasn't home before I left at 4 am tomorrow morning, he would call me.  I am feeling a little bit strange now at the thoughts of leaving him for a few days, as in 19 years I have only been away from him for 1 week, and that was when my friend Tim had both knees replaced two years ago, and I had gone to look after him when he had gotten home.

Despite missing Rob, can I say EXCITED???  I most certainly can, and it is starting to feel pretty surreal to me all at the same time, but I am pretty sure it is real that I will be heading out with my friend Toni with an "i" tomorrow on a jet plane, Eastward bound.

3:30 am is going to arrive early, so I am going to try to get to sleep (hopefully asleep) early myself.  I will be back posting hopefully tomorrow from Lawerencetown Beach, Nova Scotia, and not my home, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Fully Zonked !

The dreaded job of the 2nd Quarter of the Crabby Cabbie books is DONE again !!!  Thank goodness ... have I ever mentioned how much I do not care for doing book work?  I didn't think so, *smile*.

That and two loads of laundry and not much other then that was done today .... I was wasted and in a "fog" the rest of the day after I had finished the banking and a couple of other downtown errands needed doing.

Before I had really got started with the day I did take time out to admire some beauty at the side of our house ....

The morning dew was like miniature diamonds coating the roses.

Before I had tackled the books the appliance store repair man showed up to check out my convection oven temperatures as some things I have been baking the past couple of months always take longer to bake through then the recommended temperature times.  He assured me it was all working  as it should and that the convection does not always cut back on the time of baking, however promotes more even baking.  Okay that I will have to be satisfied.

Late this afternoon I sat myself back at the laundry stoop to take time out to throw a stick to Mercedes first, and then Lexus afterwards.  I was too zonked to manage anything but throwing a stick.

Rob got home at 5:30 pm.  I can't believe I could not even drag myself up enough energy to make Dinner for us tonight.  I was very happy he took me up on my suggestion of the Green Door Cafe downtown Wiarton.

Rob had Fish & Chips, while I had one of my favourites, the Loaded Chicken with a side Caesar Salad.  I am not only zonked, I am now very full & zonked !

My girlfriend had shared a link on her Facebook page at some point today.  I know I have heard each and everyone of these sounds.  Thinking my Sons have not, or my Grandchildren every will.  Have you? check out the following link:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/29230/11-sounds-your-kids-have-probably-never-heard

The awesome contrast of the two varieties of Clematis at the other side of our house.  Love it.

I still have the two loads of laundry to bring in, dishes in the sink needing done, and our Aussie gang to be taken care of tonight.  It is only 7:13 pm and I can barely wait until I can move my zonked body into my bed, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

This This AND THAT

This, this and THAT went on today, however THAT is what I had not been planning on doing.  What on Earth would THAT be?  THAT would be heading out after 8 am this morning to Walkerton to look a a prospective "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle.

THAT had been very time consuming.  THAT caused us not to get back home until 11:30.  

Then it was time to clean and feed 8 hungry puppies; walk 3 "happy to see me" Aussies; dust and tidy our bedroom, then get ready to meet up with my Cousins at 1:00 pm.  

Before leaving for Lunch I stopped to admire the beautiful Chinese Poppies that had bloomed in our garden.

I absolutely LOVE these poppies.  They are so huge, but delicate looking.

Then I had myself some chuckles at Buddy's expense....

Handsome boy, right ear out, left ear out .... okay getting bored with his photo being taken.

I left for downtown Wiarton a 1/2 hour early then our scheduled meeting at 1 pm.  Taking advantage of the 1/2 hour window I stopped into a few businesses to drop off some Wiarton Crabby Cabbie business card.  Always working behind the scenes ... hum, wonder if MY "Crabby Cabbie" knows how much time I do put into him.  *sigh*, after 20 years I think it won't be changing anytime soon.

I got to the Green Door Cafe to meet up with my Cousins, just as my Cousin Suzanne was arriving.  She is usually notoriously late, and for her to be on time, it was wonderful !  Her daughter, Krista, was already seated at our table, and her youngest daughter, Paige, arrived shortly after.

Lunch at the Green Door Cafe for me? never a disappointment.

I changed it up today from my usual "loaded Chicken" or "Chicken Caesar Wrap" to have something that is now my new Favourite Lunch choice .... a Orange ginger chicken salad with green leaf lettuce, assorted fruit and a raspberry poppy seed dressing topping with a breast of chicken warm in an orange ginger sauce $9.99 .  Truly the flavours were amazing !!!

Other lunch choices had been the White Fish, and Quiche of the Day special, as well as ....

.... the Curried Chicken on a bed of Rice with a side of Garlic Bread.  Another great choice according to Krista.

Lunch was fun and delicious, as usual.  We parted ways, however there is new Ladies Store downtown Wiarton that had just happened to open today.  Suzanne and I took some time to go check it out.

"In Style" Owner, Linda, had been very gracious in showing us around.  The selections and colours were welcoming  when walking through the doors.  The prices were very reasonable considering the quality of clothing.

Once we had been done with this, I went on to my friends store to give her Mom, who was covering the store for her today, a bit of a break before I headed back home.

Back home I was very busy again with our "gang" and the 8 busy puppies.

Dinner had been easy peasy and quick when Rob came home.  I am soon off to do the last shift of the day with the "gang" and the 8 puppies.

That was pretty much my day of This, This and THAT, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Breakfast For Dinner Anyone

Up and at it first thing this morning.  YIKES ! I could barely get out of bed as my muscles did not want to cooperate but I made them.  After Aussie chores and coffee I got myself ready to head up to my weekly Doctors appointment North of the Checkerboard. My sister went along for the ride.

Before we had left, I heard one of the puppies being very loud.  It had not been a playing loud, as it had been a stressed loud.  Straight downstairs to inspect I found the one little guy with his head through the kennel run wiring.  Geez do you think I could get his head pushed back out to the other side... of course not what when through did not come out as easy.  I was feeling a bit of panic for him as I could not hold the wire open wide enough while pushing his head back.  Jeanne got Cecil to come down.  I went in the other side to get the other puppies away, and while he pulled the wire a bit, his head was out without a problem.  

No worries as the little guy was not hurt one bit, but was stressed as he could not go anywhere.  He had been very happy when he first seen me and had stopped his screaming then, so there was no pain involved thank goodness.  Just like having 8 children around at times.  What a lot of work that gets to be some days, as it keeps me on my toes.

Finally we made it up to my Doctors in Lions Head.  I did not only get an allergy shot, I also got a shot of B12.  Energy I am always lacking and welcome anything that will help give me more then warranted to me most times.

Once back home we all got ready to meet my niece downtown Wiarton, as we were going to go to the Friday Farmers Market.

We stopped by Miners Maple Products to pickup the bottles of Maple Syrup we had ordered for Jeanne and Joanne.  

Yes that is Abby Miners bootlegging her Maple Syrup.  Nastasha of Colopy Creek Farm & Bakery is right beside the Maple Syrup with all of her baked temptations, and there is Anita of Dejong Acres having herself some Rhubarb Strawberry pastry goodness.  Anita was selling their homegrown lamb and eggs.  Drool ... lamb is so good.

Before Joanne had to head out to full-fill the rest of her day, Jeanne and Cecil took us girls out for an early lunch at the Green Door Cafe.

Oh my you must try the Green Door Cafes Loaded Chicken, as it is not only loaded it is really good loaded !  We all had the same, however Joanne and I shared our fries and salad with each other instead of ordering the same sides.

When we got back home my friend, Gayle, was there finishing off the planting of the garden.

Gayle and I had the biggest laugh at this last row on how crooked she had made it.  I am to tell Rob the Row of Sunflowers will add creative character to the garden.  Sounded good to us.

Later in the afternoon Cecil needed to go back downtown for his lottery tickets.  He needed an excuse to go other then just for the tickets so Jeanne suggested we go for ice cream.  Shame for shame on us, ice cream two days in a row !

The Wiarton Rotary Club has their annual Dream Draw on.  You can find them in front of the Royal Bank every Friday, and at the Foodland Store every Wednesday.  What a nice Kia vehicle to have a chance to win by purchasing a ticket.

Ice cream Cecil did treat us to.  I had a Triple Chocolate as you can see.  Sinfully good it was.  Bruces Best Homemade Ice Cream at Lloyds Smoke Shop .... YES YES YES, I totally agree with the sign in their window.  I will be going back to sample more at a hopefully much later date then tomorrow.

I needed a bit of a rest when we returned back home for the ..... 3rd time today.  Once I got a bit of a second wind I went to clean out the Everything 8 puppies.  Boy oh boy those puppies do not care where they do their business one bit.  Then it was off to take Bandit, Lexus, Mercedes and Buddy for a run about before Rob got home for Dinner.

Breakfast for Dinner Anyone.....  Cecil and Rob had Eggs over Easy, while Jeanne and I each had a toasted Bacon, Egg and Cheeses Sandwich.  I really do love breakfast for dinner some evenings.

It did not take long for the clock to be after 8 pm by the time I cleaned up the kitchen and sat down to download my photos for this evenings blog post.  Rob left for work, and the company is watching Canadian Pickers on TV.

What am I happy for today ... that I spent a great day with my sister, Jeanne, and BIL, Cecil, and my Niece, Joanne, got to spend some of the time with us.

I still have 8 puppies to get put to bed for the evening, as well as 4 adult Aussies out and about for the last time before I call it a night myself, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.