More To Be Thankful For ! I Am, I Am.

This morning we headed out after 8 am down the Highway South, as today we were having a Thanksgiving Gathering with Rob's Family.  I kind of feel a bit responsible, as we had not gotten together at Rob's oldest brother's for two years, and the other day I had called his sister, Delores, to ask if we were getting together this Year.  Pretty pushy on my part, was it not?  doesn't matter as they BOUGHT it and we got to go there today !!!  More to be thankful for, I am, I am ....

We had to go the round about way today, as I had something to drop off for Paul and Liz since they could not transport it home on top of Liz's little Mazda car yesterday.  I am to get "before & after" photos at a later date that I will post at that time.

The round and about way took us through Wellesley, where we spotted the Swans in the river while we crossed the bridge on our way to New Hamburg.

Once spotting us this Swan separated himself from the others to make his way towards us where we were standing on the bank.  I took off fairly quickly as memories of the Swans at Fairy Lake in Southampton were them being quite aggressive and scary, but then again maybe they had been sitting on eggs? and I had been too young to know such things.

It was however brief by the time interest in us was lost, as he made his way to maybe seek out the other three who by this time had crossed under the bridge.  Truly they are so elegant & majestic, are they not?

After we had dropped around to see Liz, we then made our way over New Dundee way to where Rob grew up at his parent's farm.

Many changes have taken place at the Home Farm since Rob had left there many years ago now, with it having changed ownership a couple times over the years.

With a bit more time on our hands before we had to be at Rob's brother's in Elmira, we made our way into New Dundee to give my long time friend a "surprise" visit at my home away from home.

Surprise, Bob ! it is us at your door .... and a lovely new door it is.

Rob had been by a few weeks ago, however it was the first I had seen evidence of the new in ground pool that was being installed.  It is HUGE !!  I can't wait until I go down next Summer for maybe an extended visit?

Tim had been sleeping, so hopefully we will get to see him next time around we are back down that way.

We made it to Rob brother, Wayne's, in record timing for a nice visit before Lunch was served.

A Ham & Scalloped Potato Dinner with all the trimmings really hit the spot.  Thank you for hostessing this family get together, Wayne & Marjorie.  It was nice to get a photo of the three eldest, Wayne, Delores and Rob.  Unfortunately Roger and Peter could not attend this day.  Thanks to Wayne & Marjorie's son, Brian, we had a group photo done.

Delores had brought along a video of a documentary on the Train they had been on when gone on their 40th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska.  I really enjoyed watching the video, as it was AMAZING ... check out what the video had been about by *clicking* HERE.

We made two stops on our way home.  One to get fuel, where the Old Order Mennonite Family had been stopped, and not to get their Horsepower fuelled up, but to use the pay phone, and then in Neustat to buy a 1/2 Bushel of eating apples, at a great price of $11.99.

By the way, all my Guinea Pigs really enjoyed the new Dessert Recipe I had tried out on them today.  The Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing had been a "hit", despite Delores asking me if I had forgotten to peel the pumpkin ... ha ! what a smartie she is.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

Am I tired? of course who would not be tired after such a great weekend spent with family members and having so much to be thankful for, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

**Please note all photos and contents of this Blog belong to the Writer.  Please request      permission before using any content, photos or otherwise.  Should permission be granted,  photo credits are to be linked back to the "Just North of Wiarton & South of the  Checkerboard" Blog and its Writer.  

Still Giving Thanks ...



.... and all in but for my shirt-tail.  It was another very busy day.

 

Once everyone was up and breakfast was out of the way, we all headed out the door by 9:15 as we were off to the 3rd Annual "Open House" at Dejong Acres Farm. 

 

The kids, both big and small, loved the laying chickens, Indian Runner Duck (she lost her partner & is seeking a new one), all wanted the Lop-Earred Bunny & gave belly runs to the Maremma (one of 14 who guard the Sheep). 



 

While everyone else was off to see the pups and sheep, I snuck into the Farm Store to have myself some time with Anita Dejong and check out all the fresh farm produce, and dry goods.  It is never a disappointment walking through the doors to see all the "goods". 

 

Rob had been out on a "call", catching up with the rest of us just before we were leaving.  We left him behind so he could have some chit chat farmer to farmer with Brian Dejong. 



Looking for some lamb, chicken, turkey, Maple Syrup, Honey or farm fresh eggs?  please contact Dejong Acres Farm anytime, as either Anita or Brian would love to help you out.  Just *click* HERE to do so.

We made our way back home to head straight out into our own garden.

There was a couple of Pie Pumpkins to be gotten for Liz to try her hand at when back at their home.  Yes the garden also has big fat dew worms too ! 



Next on the day's agenda was lunch of course.  Snacky goodness with a cheese ball, cheese/crackers, grapes, and watermelon.  Some had "huge" pieces of dessert leftover from last night. 



Bandit even got in on a bit of loving and some "treats" from Paul. 



It was well after lunchtime by the time Paul, Liz and the kids were packed up and heading South towards their home.  Rob had another call which gave me time to do some cleaning up before we headed out the door ourselves.

We met up with my friend, Toni with an "I", and her hubby, Bob.  I had a couple of things for Toni, and she a couple things for I.  We had a great visit, realizing each of us were as tired as the other.  Nice to know we are never alone, is it not?  When we got home I  found out a treat had been left out on the side deck for us.  Thanks Auntie for the Homemade Nuts & Bolts, you are the best !!!  xx 



Rob and I got back home late afternoon.  I was wishing I could  have just headed off to my bed at that point, however that was not to be since I still had one more big job on my agenda to be done this day.

I have some "New Guinea Pigs" I want to try a new recipe out on, so I had to get this Pumpkin Cake made today !  Dry meets wet alternately with milk.  Into a 350*F Oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours until tester comes out dry.



 

The Pumpkin Cake was cooling on the counter while Rob and I slipped downtown to do some banking and drop into Foodland for some Cream Cheese Icing, as I am way too tired to even think about doing up my own this evening.

 

Recipe please?  for a PRINTABLE Recipe *click* HERE.

 

Good thing we picked up the icing and I did not end up making it, as we were almost home coming around our bend when I had myself a little Asthma attack.  Rob got pulled over to the side of the road to let me out to get some air while he found my ventilator in the bottom of my purse.  I am certainly glad I had it with me.

 

My Rob was kind enough to do the Aussie's final Out & About for this evening, while I took the time to get my breathe back and finish up this here post. 

Before I sign-off for the evening I thought I would share some "park fun" from last evening we had down in Wiarton's beautiful Bluewater Park:


 

I am beginning to think Rob and I will need ourselves a Holiday after this Holiday Thanksgiving Weekend is over to get rested up, but I am still giving thanks, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

 

**Please note all photos and contents of this Blog belong to the Writer.  Please request permission before using any content, photos or otherwise.  Should permission be granted, photo credits are to be linked back to the "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard" Blog and its Writer.