Seriously MORE Snow !

I really had expected to wake up to a roaring Blizzard outside our windows this morning, but there was nothing in the way of that happening thank goodness, not in our part of Ontario this day in other parts giving us a bit of a break for a change.

Today it was my usual routine with the folding of some laundry, among other things, then hanging out a little bit with Missy Mercedes.  There are days when the girls get yakking at each other that it even drives me nuts at times, but girls will be girls from time to time.  Today was one of those days, so I thought I would fix their little behinds and separate them, in turn giving me a little piece of mind (really they are seldom yakky on a regular basis, but as I said ... some days).

The last out, about and back in this morning, I left Bandit down with his luvie Lexus while bringing Missy Mercedes upstairs to "hang" with me for a hour or two.  It was very amusing ...

"When Mercedes wasn't being a nosy girl, I had a "shadow" the whole time she was with me."

"She did have herself some fun trying to figure out which of the three toys she would walk around with in her mouth.  We did have bit of back and forth time with the ball on our "coffee break".  The next time it was out, about and back in, Missy Mercedes settled back in with her roommate Lexus, while Bandit was happy to return as "Top Dog" upstairs with me."

Rob had headed out early this morning with his "Crabby Cabbie" hat firmly on top of his head, almost getting stuck in our driveway.  Later in the morning, he had his driver take over so he could come home to take care of our driveway which had been drifted in pretty solid throughout the evening and morning..

"Yeppers he returned home unable to drive the "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle in, having to leave it out at the end of our lane way.  He got himself geared up in warm clothes, then him and Bandit headed out towards the drive shed as .... "

"He had to bring out the "Big Boy's" Equipment to take care of these good sized drifts ! as there had been Seriously MORE Snow."

Unfortunately a bolt had broke off the PTO shaft, so I bundled up myself to go help him so he could get the shaft attached back onto the tractor to run the blower.  It really didn't take us too long whatsoever.

"First coming out the door this morning had been a little bit difficult with the amount of snow against it.  Before Rob had gotten the tractor out he had cleared a bit of it away, however I had to finish the job right, as you can tell in the photo below .. nice and neatly done."

This morning I had a call from the Optometrist's office, could I come today for my eye appointment instead of next week as there had been so many cancellations due to the weather.  I told them once we had dug ourselves out of our driveway I would call them back.  After we had dug ourselves out, I managed to get in for a 1:00 pm appointment.

Since we were on a roll with new appointments with the weather being in our favour, I called up our Doctor's office to see if both Rob and I could get in there this afternoon. YES, we also got up for him to see both of us later today.

I LOVE when we are able to "kill two birds with one stone", makes for a clear slate later on down the line at times.

That was a FULL day once again with us not returning home until just before the Dinner hour, making it very late in the day for us.  Regardless it was nice to have both appointments looked after and done with.  The good news is my eye glass prescription never changed, so no new glasses required and a payment of $89.00 was all it took to tell me this.  *Sigh* better to be checked then the chance of them having gotten worse and caring on as such was it not?

I was very pleased today to having received another lovely testimonial on the ownership from a Forever Home of one of our "Checkerboard Aussie" Spectacular Six 2012 Litter's puppies.  You are more then welcome to take a read all about it yourself by *clicking* your mouse HERE.  Really truly I am "tickled" pink to learn on how our puppies are growing and learning in each of their Forever Homes, as that is a reward in itself.

Welcome to all new followers, who have joined me here for my daily journey, as well as the odd opinion and sometime ramblings I go on about from time to time.  Thank you.

Ooops almost forgot .... Congratulations goes out to Sandra Bates who was randomly picked to win the Note Cards from Michelle Hogan Equine and Fine Art.  I am certain being a Bruce County Gal yourself Sandra, you really will enjoy the cards !

I have four "Checkerboard Aussies" who could use my attention for the last time this evening by taking them all each out, about and back in to settle for the remainder of the evening.  By the sounds that can be heard at the moment just outside my windows the weather isn't sounding very nice, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

January Thaw Has Arrived

The headache medication finally "kicked" in last night with me not hearing a thing until Rob came home after hanging his "Crabby Cabbie" hat up around 2:00 am., then back to sleep until 5:00 am.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to say the headache was gone, however it decided to be with me this day too.

I barely got anything done, needless to say, other then a few dishes, the floor swept and one load of laundry and ....

"... made up some Chicken Salad with diced leftover Chicken Breast, Celery, Red Onion, and of course Hellman's Mayo.  Chicken Salad is a favourite of mine and our Son, Paul."

Rob I left sleeping until 10:00, as he really needed himself some sleep, never seeming ever to catch up on enough of that.  I was going to make him up some sandwiches to take along with him to work only to find the Ciabatta Buns he had bought at Costco had started to mold.  I was pretty "ticked" about this as there was still 2 days to go on the Best Before Date.  He had no time to run downtown for more bread, so off he went without any Chicken Salad Sandwiches.  Damn, damn, triple damn ....

We had a pleasant visit this morning before Rob had to leave for work.  If anyone who follows me here remember not too long ago I had won an original Michelle Hogan Equine and Fine Art "drawing" wherein I had blogged about it HERE.

Michelle dropped in on her way by this morning to drop off my winnings in person.  Thanks again, Michelle.

"Michelle's original drawing of "Carefree" with no other in circulation.  I am so excited having the original, especially when I can enjoy myself to sit back and watch this young upcoming artist become famous.  Ha it might "pay off" having an original hopefully sooner then later!"

Now I will be on the search for the perfect frame that will suit this totally awesome drawing.

Not only did Michelle drop the drawing around to me, she also brought along another little surprise with her ....

"... in way of this 4 pack of Cards drawn of 4 different Bruce Peninsula scenes.  I will be offering this awesome package of cards in an up and coming Give Away within the next week or two, so please stay tuned for your chance to win them.  Thanks Michelle, as these cards are awesome, not knowing who would NOT love a set for themselves."

A "January thaw has arrived" to the Bruce Peninsula, as well as to other parts of Ontario so I have heard through the grapevine.

"Temperatures soared up to at least 12*C (53*F) at their peak today, with the plant  life sucking its warmth in as you can tell by how vibrant these Hens & Chicks look."

"Yesterday our "horseshoe" drive was a skating rink.  Today it is a soggy mushy mud path of a driveway, however much safer to drive and walk on then Yesterday."

It being so nice out today, I spent some "extra special" time with Buddy out in a soggy yard.  We had lots of hugs and kisses (more then usual, as that is just the type of "Checkerboard Aussie" he is), then he got a little bit brushed out.  I just recently purchased him a doggie  backpack that I am anxious to try out on him.  Hopefully I will be able to do this when my headaches disappear, I get caught up from everything being left this week, and the weather drys up a bit.  This will be another "story" I am sure ... *smile*.

Trying to think ahead for tomorrow with Rob home for a Dinner, I had Pork Tenderloin thawing so I could put it together this afternoon in order for it to marinade overnight.

"Tomorrow's Dinner will be Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin.  One of my most favourites and ever so easy to make."

Once you have had Pork Tenderloin this way, I am almost certain it might become one of your favourites too.  Stay tuned for the end result and recipe post tomorrow.

I haven't done too well in the January decluttering challenge,  I entered over at Carla's My 1/2 Dozen Daily,  this week, however something is better then nothing, right?

"I am putting up all these recipes for grabs on Cindy's Recipe Exchange for whoever wants them, providing they pick them up.  This is quite a bit to get rid of I am thinking, and as I said, something is better then nothing."

Rob's Business Card's did not have that The "Crabby Cabbie" is on Facebook, as he wasn't at the time we had them made.  My friend, Holly, was so kind enough to print some "Like Us On Facebook" tabs for me.

"I spent a little time cutting and pasting today onto a handful of "Crabby Cabbie" cards to hopefully get him some more "LIKES" on his Facebook page.  Really truly he can be a very "likable" guy, as mostly "Only the Name is Crabby"."

Really I do support my husband LOTS behind the scenes.  I am sure everyone realizes this especially since I have linked The "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page to his Business Card on my blog's side bar.  You so OWE me honey Rob !!! *Smile*

These headaches are a sure sign of the changing weather.  The prescription meds are not doing the job I was hoping for.  I hate taking any more then I have to as times they make me feel sick to my stomach as much as the headache sometimes.  Before bedtime tonight it will be a Gravol along with the usual.

I am so looking forward to have an Ontario Blogger Day post.  So far there are eight Ontario Bloggers interested in being "linked" in the day I decide.  I am hoping a few more join forces with us turning into something that Grow like our Ontario !!!

"I am certain this will bring back memories to many."

For those not familiar with A Place to Stand, A Place to Grow, *click* HERE to learn more about where and how it originated.

Should you be an Ontario Blogger, please *click* HERE to join along, as I am certain many would look forward to it.  

My Auntie's Church in Port Elgin, the Tolmie Memorial Presbyterian Church, on Goderich Street (the Main Street) is having their upcoming Annual Luncheon.  Mark your calendars as follows:

Really where are you going to get such an amazing Homemade lunch such as this for $7.00? and trust me I know how amazing it is as Rob and I have been to it a couple of times.  Thanks to Church Member, Lesley, for emailing me this notice.

Pssst... for all those wonderful people who take the time to leave me a comment, "thank you", as I do LOVE reading each and everyone of them.

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

I Barely Can Believe It Myself !

Last night I was tired, heading off to bed just after 9:30 pm.

"I obviously wasn't the only one tired in the house, as my Bandit boy was having himself a "head start" on me in the snoozing department."

\

I didn't get to sleep as well as I was hoping to last night, but still "some" is better then "none", is it not?  

This morning I had the pleasure of reading an article written by Nathan Patrick Reyolds-Furry of Yass, Australia, which warmed my Heart to get my day off to a wonderful start.  I would love to share his blog post of his own hand.  My response is below in Bold, directly above the link to his post.

Corresponding whether local or abroad gives way to opening many new wonderful doors.. Take up pen and paper, or other means such as email correspondence to open your own door way. There is a whole new person with wonderful opinions and a different life, as you might know life to be, to share theirs with yours. Broaden your horizons through a pen pal.

Talking-Point - The Archives: A Generation without Borderstalking-pt.blogspot.com.au

"Click" on the above link.

Thank you Nathan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your "take" on taking up a pen and bringing down the Borders.  More so I am forever indebted to you for your kindness of representing me on my behalf.  

I got me some more HAPPY MAIL !!!

"Hahaha ... check out the card I got from my friend, Abby of Miners' Maple Products.  I LOVE me some Humor !!!"

Not only did I get me some more HAPPY MAIL yesterday, I WON me another draw this morning !!!  "I Barely Can Believe It Myself !!! "

"I won this "original" drawing by Michelle Hogan of Michelle Hogan Equine & Fine Art.  This original is titled "Carefree".  With no other true prints,  it is a "one & only" that will be framed and hanging proudly on one of my walls here "Just North of Wiarton"."

Michelle Hogan is one of many talents you will find on the Bruce Peninsula.  A young inspiring artist with an amazing love for horses.  Michelle, I hope some day in the New Year, will do a Guest Post for us here.  In the meantime Michelle does commission work, has artwork available for sale, with more of her work available by going onto her Website by *clicking* HERE.  

Michelle is also hosting some Mini Contests until her Facebook  reaches 1,000 "LIKES".  To be eligible to win one of Michelle's "Limited Edition" prints please check out the details by *clicking* HERE.

"In need of some Gift Giving ideas?  Michelle also has these Note Card sets available for $5.00 per set.  Interested in a set, please Email to inquire further by contacting Michelle at crazypupy@hotmail.com  ."

All that excitement first thing this morning got me off to a "sure fired" start, once I had at least a second third cup of coffee.  As well as looking after all the "Checkerboard Aussies" throughout the day, making the bed, washing and hanging a load of laundry out on the clothes line (yes it was that nice out today), and finishing it up later today in the dryer, I got myself going on ....

Phase 3 ~ Homemade Chocolates:

"The Homemade Chocolates had "set" in the fridge overnight after coating them in chocolate yesterday.  Today I got them all packaged up, after sampling at least one, or had that been two?  They really are "yummy", honest to goodness cross my Heart !"

Once that job was done and out of the way I went full steam ahead with my next "to do" on my Christmas Goodies List.

"Yes an order for Marshmallow Rolls, aka "Stained Glass Windows", had been put in both by my Rob and Paul.  Everything lined up and ready to go with no problems in the melting chocolate department today."

"Icing Sugar meets well beaten eggs; chocolate then added in to be mixed with nuts and marshmallows following thereafter."

"I LOVE me some Waxed Paper, as it makes life so much easier with goodie projects such as these.  Mixed up and ready to roll in the Coconut (yech), then wrapped to set in the fridge.  What a disaster my Kitchen was in with this, that and whatever going on !  My Mascot usually laying in the hallway decided to come in so I could have something to "step over" every now and again along with everything else I had going on ... jeez Bandit !"

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

"When cleaning up from the Marshmallow Rolls there had been a little incident with the Chalkboard and the butter ... oopsie, notice the bearded buttered smiley face?  Once that got looked after it was then onto the next "to do" off the Goodies List, "Mom's Christmas Cookies"."

"All set, ready, go .... sugars and margarine meet up with eggs and vanilla.  Thank goodness for my Braun Mini Processor to chop those cherries up."

"Dry met wet, then by the teaspoonful, batter meets cookie tray ... before I knew it, how many trays later, there was 114 of my Mom's Christmas Cookies at my fingertips ... I think I had myself, one, two, three ... was that count up to six???"

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

There are many Christmas memories attached to Mom's Christmas Cookies for my siblings and I.  Our Mother used to make tins upon tins of these.  Through the night, when we thought Mom and Dad had been sleeping, we would "sneak" down the steps to grab handfuls to greedily consume back in our beds.  Ha ... with the age difference between us all, it is funny how each our account of these cookies escapades are so similar !  They really truly are one, "yummy" old fashioned very much so "tried, tested & true" throughout the Years by our family, Cookie.

"Could I interest anyone in a "treat" or two?"

My kitchen is semi-back to normal, with 2 sink fulls of dishes done, and one more yet to go; one side of the counter cleaned off with the other side still a clutter.  My laundry is dry, folded and put away.  I have just taken 1 1/2 hours to complete this blog post, including photos and recipes.  I have officially ran out of "steam".

On that note, I believe I will be having myself a cup of Java, take out my "Checkerboard Aussies" for their last time tonight in the next hour or so, have myself a nice hot bath and say "goodnight", "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".