Museum Material

Our personal Van has not had a problem starting on the coldest days in the -25 *C this Winter.  This morning I had an event I was attending for 8 am.  Murphy's Law struck again !  as when I went to start it at 6:30 am it decided it was a "no go".

Rob came to my rescue by location the booster cables to get me up and running, while Bandit supervised in a much warmer atmosphere.  The Van did not thaw out until I had reached my destination ... brr.

The presentation by Larche digital media, a division of Larche Communications, who owns 92.3 The Dock, this morning was very enlightening and well presented.  They had a room booked at the Best Western, and also served up a lovely light breakfast for all who had attended also.  Nice touch !

Before I left Owen Sound I took advantage of stopping in at the No Frills store to pickup a few items I needed at some good prices.

Back in Wiarton I stopped into my friend Koreen's store, RAM Trophies & Sportwear.  She was on the phone so I goofed off a bit.  There is some pretty nice outwear in Koreen's store that I really like, especially on such a cold day as today was.

By the time I had arrived back home, took all the Aussies out and about, put the groceries away it had almost been lunch time.  I still had to make the bed and do up some dishes.  Not a very productive day whatsoever in the way of getting things in the house done.

There had been a recipe on Facebook that had caught my eye the other day I had been wanting to try.  Today was the day I was to try this version of Sweet & Sour Chicken.

Chicken coated & sizzling in the oil to be set on paper toweling when done, before being added to a greased bake dish and covered with sauce.  Once baked its look was very pleasing to the eye.

Not only pleasing to the eye, but equally tasty as well  it was.

Recipe please?  FOR A PRINTABLE RECIPE, PLEASE *CLICK* HERE.

On Facebook the other day I was surprised to see some old school photos from the Archives of the Bruce County Museum.  On further investigation I was more surprised to find MY Kindergarten photo among the ones in the archives.

I am the blondie with her hand across her mouth laughing at something, at the following link (copy & paste link into your browser):

http://photos.brucemuseum.ca/schools/h3BDFC019#h3bdfc019

I had been quite surprised at being included in our local Museum Material, would you not be?

The cold has also been playing havoc on my Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis with pains shooting through my body today.  A hot shower along with the electric blanket on my bed turned on will be the best medicine for the remainder of my day, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Sleep & NO Migraine Made For A Great Day !

I was the happiest girl this morning when I got out of bed at 7 pm.  I did not sleep all night, but I slept better then I have for a long time, and NO Migraine today ... whoop whoop !!!

I had to shake a leg to get a move on this morning.  I finally made it out the door landing at the door of the Wiarton Chamber office at 9:05 to attend the bi-monthly meeting.  Even though I am not a Board Member, I do enjoy sitting in on the Chamber Meetings (as any member can do so) as I find it to be a learning experience in more ways then one.

Once the meeting was over I had to run back home, as I was taking over the Wiarton "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle at 11 am while our Crabby Driver John was gone on an out-of-town run.  Before lunch I managed to head down to the Wiarton Salvation Army to meet up with Tess Hutt and Mary Millar.

The Wiarton "Crabby Cabbie" donated a Turkey for the Wiarton Salvation Army's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Winter Clothes Give Away this upcoming Saturday.  Should  you ever have the opportunity to meet Tess and Mary, I hope you find them as delightful and giving as I have always found them to be, and always more then grateful.

Tess called me later this day to let me know their needs for Turkeys have now been met, however potatoes, root vegetables and dinner rolls would still be appreciated, as well as any Winter Clothes donation.  Contact information for donations as below.

I made a couple of stops out and about Wiarton to drop off a couple Chamber membership packages, and also took a bit of time out to gaze upon a local project I favour.

The house renovation of the house on the South Hill as you head North into Wiarton has been moving right along.  They have began the reconstruction of the one part of the roof which is my most favourite ... is that not the coolest turret you have ever seen?

I later received a phone call to take one of our regular Crabby Cabbie customers shopping to the local Foodland.  While waiting for her to do her shopping my friend, Koreen, treated us to a Tim Horton's coffee, so I hung out with her for a bit today.

I am really  happy I hung out with Koreen, as Ram Trophies & Sportswear can be quite the "happening" place some days.

Here is Koreen, herself, Vicki of Explore the Bruce, Visitor, Michael Zhang, and Danielle of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.  Everyone was having fun trying on some Official Wiarton Willie Gear at Ram Trophies & Sportswear.  I was more then impressed with Vicki being able to tie a "tie" ... good job, Vicki !

Michael is Owner/Chief Consultant of Michael Cultural Communication.  Michael is will be speaking at a Bruce County Tourism Workshop here in Wiarton tomorrow.  He will be addressing the topic of Understanding Chinese Tourists and Marketing to them.

I had an invite to the Workshop tomorrow morning, however unfortunately I have other commitments and will have to pass up on this one.  Dang it all !

By the time I picked back up my fare from Foodland to deposit her back at home it was 6 pm. Home again to have a coffee with my hubby, and a chat up about this and that with our Wiarton driver, before I knew it, it was 7:00 pm.

Rob just got a phone call now at 8:12 that our "gang" just landed back home at the Kitchener Airport !!!  Whoot hoot, can't wait to see them all again.  I am even happier to have received a phone call they are all safe and sound.

YIKES !  there sits Rob after making himself a hot dog, or two, with me still having to think about my own Dinner, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The Race Is Almost On !

Today was another extremely busy day with me feeling a bit overwhelmed throughout most of it.  No matter how overwhelmed we might feel some days, we always manage somehow to get to the end of the day still all in one piece physically, but maybe a little "off" mentally some days.

This morning was spent trying to get a bit organized with more Crabby Cabbie paperwork, after I had been downtown to setup the Crabby Cabbie draw for Wiarton Wednesdays.  Once I had accomplished a wee bit of this and that I headed back downtown around lunchtime to have lunch with my friend, and hand out Wiarton Wednesday flyers for about 1/2 hour beforehand.

This afternoon?  a wee bit of cleaning and decluttering some (more) paperwork.  Paperwork really can get overwhelming in itself some days, never mind the rest to go along with it.

Late afternoon I headed back downtown Wiarton to take some photos for the Wiarton Facebook page.

Before packing up the Crabby Cabbie draw, it was brought to my attention the Peninsula MultiSport Race is going to be happening this upcoming weekend.  This will be its 3rd Annual, and it has grown in leaps and bounds since its very first Race, according to organizer, Leigh Grigg of Grigg Sport Strategies.

Here is Leigh checking out the Race Participant's shirts done by Wiarton RAM Trophies & Sportswear, and supplied by its Sponsors.  It was Size XL, so it was great Dr. Barker happened by to model one for us.  Such a good "sport".

This will be the Event to follow this weekend.  Check it all out by *clicking* HERE.

I am happy today is done, as my allergies have been flaring a bit today effecting my breathing and my left ear being congested to the point I can barely hear out of it.  On the flip side it turned out to be a beautiful weather day with the 80% Thunderstorms they had predicted not happening !

Tomorrow is a new day ahead that I am happily looking forward to, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Friend, Lunch and Relaxation All Go Together

This morning I was awake at 4 am AGAIN !  It was chilly in here with a damp drizzle going on outside our windows.  Dampness that chills the bones.  First things first was getting the wood stove going.

When I went down to the basement to get kindling, I was sure I had witnessed Mercedes inspecting her back end, this being a sure sign puppies were going to be coming soon.  WRONG !  No puppies, or everyone would have known loud and clear by now if there had been.  I called Rob to tell him he will have to come home to give Mercedes a bit of "shake down" to loosen those babies up a bit to help them along .... *smile*.

I was not really too productive this morning as I was tired ... being the good Canadian I am, this of course I blamed on being the fault of the damp drizzle first thing this morning.  I puttered with a bit of cleaning was all and out, about and in with my Aussies three times before I headed out to meet my friend, Koreen, for a luncheon we had planned over 2 weeks ago.

"I apparently have an addition to coats and jackets.  I am certain everyone must have something, and mine are coats, jackets and shoes/boots.  I counted 16 in our hall closet that belonged to ME ! I had to do something about this, so I made myself purge five of them.  I personally think this was a very good start."

I was then off to meet up to meet Koreen's at her place of business, Ram Trophies and Sportswear in Wiarton. 

"While waiting for Koreen I couldn't help but admire all the Wiarton Willie pins on display from 1978 until 2013.  I also was thinking how the Wiarton Willie stuffy was so cute with its little pink nose.  Koreen not only does custom embroidery and trophies, she is also the Official Depot for Wiarton Willie Gear."

We walked up to the Cocoa Vanilla to where we had decided on to lunch today.  I treated Koreen this time, so it will be her choice when she treats next.  We ordered the Luncheon Trio which gives a selection of 3, your choice of 1/2 Panini Sandwich, Cup of Soup, and a Salad.

"Here is owner, Jeff, serving Koreen and my lunches up to us.  Service with a *smile*? you can not go wrong with that, nor the relaxing atmosphere shared with a friend."

"My Turkey Spinach Soup was amazing, as was my Turkey Club Panini, and Greek Salad.  Koreen gave me a taste of her Apple Squash Soup which was also very very good.  After lunch Jeff had been handing out to all the customers each a sample of Chocolate Nut Brownies and an Apple Carmel Smoothie (pictured below).  Nice touch ... "

My cousins had taken me to the Cocoa Vanilla for my Birthday luncheon, so I was very happy to go back to enjoy their food and relaxing atmosphere yet again for a second time.  Koreen and I had ourselves a wonderful two hour lunch, and relaxing chit chat.

Once Koreen went back to work, I headed home to my Aussie gang, and still NO puppies.  I did have myself some puppy cuteness yesterday that I would LOVE to share if you were to *click* HERE.

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 554 Votes, 44 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 Homemade Spaghetti Sauce I planned on making a double batch of today never did get started, as when I got home at almost 3 pm, I was busy with "Crabby Cabbie" business AGAIN.  I am not going anywhere until Thursday now, so it should not be a problem getting the sauce cooked up tomorrow, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

An All Around GOOD Day

Before I get going on everything else in my life and forget, Health and Living, or Living Life Healthy, should be foremost in our lives.    Wiarton and area residents there is an Event going on in Wiarton this upcoming Saturday, so mark your calendars as follows:

Health and Living Event

Wiarton Fitness Center

from 1:00pm- 4pm

 

Participants:

• Arbonne
• Steeped
• Epicure
• Soul Searching Tree - Indian Head Massages - 10 mins - $10
• Reiki
• Body By Vi
• Custom Art Work - Jenny Lee Learn
• Chiropractor - Dr. Ian Quist
• Vicki's Kitchen
• Astrology - Alex Wilson
• Complete Wellness Spa

Thanks to Janet Schnurr of Soul Searching Tree for passing this information on to me.

Okay now onto my yesterday morning from when I left the house at 8:30 am to return back at 2:00 pm.  I had gone to have a "reading" done by a Psychic who is located about an hour away over in Meaford.  Not everyone entertains believing God has gifted certain people, however I do.  I do not expect anyone to believe what I do, and I try to respect others for what they believe without judgement, with me expecting the same respect returned.  Jeez did that all make sense to someone other then me???  I hope. 

I felt very enlightened after visiting with Laurel.  She even validated the past two years I have enslaved myself to my pain and resorted myself to accepting this.  This I was grateful for as it was another push for me to move forward with trying to begin living life once again with ME controlling the Pain, rather then it controlling my Life.  I need to start being active in exercising as I had been two years ago before I had the two surgeries within the same Year to repair a torn meniscus each time.  Not that they were huge surgeries by any means, but it's pain having experienced twice I was not something I wanted to experience a third time.  

I have decided I have to put that fear of chancing another such injury aside again, to slowly try to get back into my old routine of walking and exercising daily.  Even with the routine I had 2 years ago, I still  had pain, but I felt better when I was more active and more in control of my life.  Also exercise is good for menopause.   It was not easy and will  not be again, but I have to start somewhere and I need to do this for myself.

I also felt Laurel gave me some insight into some things I have been stressing over the past three months or more now, which made me feel better.  With now needing to start healing myself through eating well and exercise, I will also attempt to further keep myself away from "negative" people and situations, even though to some of us at times if feels like they come seeking us out.  I am grateful for the positive supportive people I do have in my life, as it does ease the pain when there are some most unpleasant people giving us grief from time to time.

Laurel had also been the one who had suggested hot milk with pure cocoa to assist with sleep.  It worked well last night, but then again I had been exhausted from not sleeping the night before, so I will see how it works for me again this evening.  Fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed on that one, as lack of sleep contributes to pain levels, so I am of the opinion.

I am looking forward to having some sense of "balance" return to my Life.

Should anyone be in the area who would be serious about contacting Laurel themselves for a personal reading, please contact me via email and I will respond with her phone number.  You may email me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca   NO Hecklers, Judgemental or Negative people need apply please ... *smile*.

Today?  after a really good night's sleep I tried to keep focused on one thing at a time as to try and not to overwhelm myself with everything in my "head" I wanted to have all done yesterday.  Ha ! figure of speech, never a reality.

I did some paperwork and filing, then headed downtown to run a few errands.  All this in-between the out, about and ins with my Aussie "gang".

I also wanted to get going on making Soup today since I had the Navy Beans soaking in water since last night.

"The Ham bone was large and meaty.  Ham bone covered with water with Navy Beans added and put on to boil together.  Veggies diced, sliced and chopped to be added later.  Don't you LOVE "Colour Soups"???"

"Bone removed to cool before stripping off the meat.  Veggies added with ham.  Dinner was served with lots of Colour and Goodness."

After I had set the ham and beans to cooking, I took a minute to clean a space that had been bothering me (one of many, but I have to start somewhere, one thing at a time).

"A messy "before" on the left, turned into a clean and more organized "after" look to the right.  One little piece off that mental list of many."

I had just gotten the veggies in the soup simmering nicely when the phone rang.  My friend, BJ and her husband, Paul, had just returned from their 3 month away in Arizona.  Would I like to go for coffee?  you darn tooting I took BJ up on that offer as I hadn't had much of break up until this time today and it was already 3 pm.  Off I went to BJ and Paul's house in Wiarton, where I left the van and BJ and I walked down to Tim Hortons for a "catch-up" along with a coffee.  Thanks BJ I really enjoyed our time together, and Rob has been eyeing up that bag of Trader Joe's Popcorn you had sent along with me.  Low calorie snacking I might add.

When I got home from coffee with BJ, Rob arrived home shortly afterwards.  Rob LOVED this Ham and Bean Soup I made today.  This made me happy.  What else that made me happy was to be surprised when Rob suggested we go for a walk after Dinner.  You can well imagine my "shock" as this has not happened for a long long, every long time.

We headed downtown, but before heading off for a walk we stopped in to see our friend, Koreen, owner/operator of Ram Trophies and Sportswear.

"Koreen was busy with the embroidery machines going "full tilt" on some shirts, with 200 hats   next in line to be done.  Quite the interesting operation this gal keeps herself busy at.  Looking for some "custom" embroidery logos to be put on shirts, hats, jackets, aprons, etc ... check with Koreen as she will help you out by calling 519-534-0000.  Always Service with a Smile when you deal with Koreen, and really how could anyone resist such a beautiful smile? or the amazing job she has done on my "Crabby Cabbie's" attire?"

Off to Bluewater Park Rob and I headed with Bandit having us in tow.

"The "look", then the okay I will lay down and wait, then the "there he is, let's check this guy out".  I was brought up with Beagles, so I really thought this guy was quite the cutie."

"How beautiful it is living in Wiarton at the edge of Colpoy's Bay?  From where our home is, we are only about 1/2 hour or so walk from the other side of the bay which I zoomed in on the bottom photo at the Government Dock."

"We carried on with out walk until Rob's attention was caught by the exercise equipment in the Park.  Jeez Honey don't overdo it all in the first night !  Good Boy Bandit, you are so patient of your Master."

"The exercise equipment was short-lived and walking was resumed once again.  We even passed a gentleman who was doing Tai Chi.  I tried this once last Year and really enjoyed it."

That was my day in a "nut shell", and I have to say it was a pretty good all around day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

February 1 ST GIVE AWAY

My day started again at 3:00 am.  This is three days in a row, no wonder I feel so tired and my eyes are blurry.  Once I had a coffee part way into me, I had to do up a "Crabby Cabbie" invoice so Rob could be out the door before 6:30 am.  He was out the door with me following shortly after with giving each of the "Checkerboard Aussies" their first out and about to start the day.

The remainder of my morning was spend getting a few things prepped and ready for ..... The "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page, as well as a couple other Facebook media resources.

"The "Crabby Cabbie" Taxi will be servicing Wiarton & Area for the Wiarton Willie Festival from 6 pm Friday Feb 1 until Sunday Feb 3 at 6 pm. Business Number to call for South Bruce Peninsula is 519-477-5950. See you out there in Willie Country!"

Many thanks to Karen Lancaster of Karen's Creations & Scrapbooking for setting up a template for The "Crabby Cabbie" Wiarton Business Cards.  A huge thank you to Holly Morrow of The "Cluttered Cupboard" for making us up a QR Code, linking it it to  The "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page.  Another big thank you to Koreen Ryan of RAM Trophies and Sportswear for issuing Rob's "Crabby Cabby" logo on his shirts, hats and jacket.  I can't say enough how much I admire the talent these three wonderful ladies possess.

Pssst .... got a minute?  *Click* on the above business names and give them a BIG old "LIKE" on their Facebook Page, and tell them I sent you around (this will be a surprise to them, believe you, me ... *smile*).

Another huge thank you goes out to the Explore the Bruce Team for posting the above SHOUT OUT on their Facebook page, as that was a big help to get the word out at the last minute for us.

Nice to know there is such "awesome" teamwork and support within our Community.

Actions like these are why I LOVE supporting the Communities and the Small Businesses who Support them and Each Other !  HOORAY !!!!

Speaking of talent, some of you will remember not too long ago I won an original drawing from local Bruce Peninsula Artist, Michelle Hogan Equine & Fine Art.

"This is the drawing, "Carefree".  Read all about it over HERE."

When Michelle had been down my way to drop off my "Carefree" to me, she had also dropped around a beautiful package of her Gift Cards, you can read more about that HERE.

"Today is the day I am offering theses same Michelle Hogan Equine & Fine Art Gift Cards in a Give Away."

Rules to Qualify for this February 1st, Give Away:

1)  You must be a FOLLOWER of my Blog, by a) Joining As a Follower, b) Through Subscribing Via Email   Both these options are available at the sidebar of my blog;

2)  You must leave me a comment that you do follow my Blog and how you follow it, either in the Comment section below, or via Email at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca

3)  Go to Michelle Hogan's Facebook Page HERE,  to "LIKE" it, leaving me a comment you have done so.  Should you not have a Facebook Account, go to her website HERE and leave a comment for me here, or via email on which one of the three photos on Michelle's Contact page you liked the most.  (I expect full honesty on the Facebook Acct, please).

A winner will randomly be drawn one week from now on the 8th of February, 2013.

Please note I do not receive any remuneration from any of these businesses I have mentioned in my post.  I believe we support each other, as I LOVE doing so,wishing many more would think this way. or as people in general should as well.

Okay now for the January No/Low Spend and Declutter Challenge update I had entered in over at the lovely Carla's at My 1/2 Dozen Daily.

The following is what I am going to try and attempt to do, when and if I am able:

Declutter Challenge:

1)  Declutter and clean the whole portion of the basement where the dogs reside; DONE

2)  Declutter and clean the downstairs bathroom;

3)  Declutter and clean the bottom stair area; DONE

4)  Declutter and clean the kitchen cupboards.

Trust me there is more to do, but I have to begin somewhere, and this is enough at the moment.

The Declutter Challenge I think I did amazingly well considering I had a lot of other personal things going on in the Month of January.  I had also decluttered the Bathroom Linen Closet, cleaned the Fridge from top to bottom, and decluttered some more from our Bedroom Closet.  

Low/No Spend Challenge:

1)  Spend absolutely no money at the grocery store, making an exception for milk and bread;

2)  Having 6 out of 7 "no spend" days per week; 

3)  No eating out for the month, with the one exception outlined below (good thing we had King's Buffet today, is it not?);  DONE

JANUARY SPENDING:  

Groceries:     $  104..56  (went beyond the milk & bread);

Misc:               $    63.50  

Canada Post:  $   16.78  (this was part of the "giving" to someone else, making me happy too)

Even with the pre-planned trip to Costco, my total spending this month was only $378.16.  

Not sure about what Carla will think, but I am thinking I might not get an A+ this Challenge, but I most certainly should get a big E+ for the Effort !

Now for the 5 week "Check In" on the 52 Week Money Challenge, Toni, Judy, Stacey, Michelle, Diane, Ellen, Debby, Cathy, Jean, Karen, Elsie, Gill, Darlene, Vicki, Abby, Marg, Janet, Farmgirl Files, Christy, Alice, Monica & Kathy.  

Hoping everyone is still "on board"?  realizing, of course, everyone is doing the Challenge what their own budget allows with the end result being the same.   I will do another update with this Challenge in another month's time.

My Rob would LOVE to extend a really big Thank You for all the Birthday Wishes you all sent his way.  It sure put another *smile* on his face, other then the one when he was going to dig into his piece of Carrot Cake of course.

Psst ... check out the amazing recommendation my "Checkerboard Aussies" got yesterday by *clicking* HERE.  I am so proud !!!

That was a really big day !  Would you believe me if I told you I was tired? of course you would, friends always believe each other.  I am signing off and heading into my evening here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".