Mark Those April Calendars !

My morning was full of the usual Aussie routine and first thing household chores before I headed out the door with our "Checkerboard Aussies" Fabulous Four puppy, Lunette, in tow.  We were off to visit the Home and Community Day Away Program, located at Wiarton's Gateway Haven's Nursing Home.

This is also the home where my Mother resides, so I was hoping I would find the time for I and Lunette to see her as well.  As I made my way towards the Day Away Program's room, we were stopped by a few people who were in "awe" of little Miss Lunette.  We had actually even said hello to the gal who does the hairdressing for the residents.  I couldn't believe it when Mom showed up as it was time for her to almost get her hair done as she does so every week.

"Mom even had time before her appointment to have herself a puppy cuddle."

Once I had said my Good-byes to Mom, also assuring her I was working on getting her a new pair of sandals (noted she was walking on her own again after her fall last week, no longer needing a wheelchair, which was great to see), we were off down the hallway to see the Day Away people.

All the ladies and gentlemen loved seeing little Lunette, as did the staff members.  Staff member, Wanda, took her around to each person so they all got to have themselves a "pet" of Lunette's soft fur.  We stayed for about 1/2 hour or so before we took our leave to head back home.  I have to say I had been pretty impressed with Lunette as she never even had herself one "accident" needing papertoweling while we were there.

"Back in the Van getting ready to head back home."

Really our visit all went rather well with Lunette being very well behaved, as there was some "wearing her out" going on before we had went as you can see ....

"First out with Daddy Bandit, who was dodging Lunette every which way he could, finally with a look "did I loose her?"

Then we brought out the fun Mama.

"Lexus always has loved playing with her pups.  After a bit of romping with Mama Lexus that put a bit of wear and tear on our little gal."

Once Lunette and I had returned home it wasn't much long after we had ourselves some visitors, which can be read about HERE.  The remainder was the day was spent doing not much other then a wee bit of puttering, with nothing too overtaxing.

Time to Mark Those April Calendars, and Spread the Word !  in support of the Communities.  If we do not support our Communities ourselves, how can we expect others to come in to our Communities to show us their support.  Let us put our best foot forward first.

April 6th:

Kemble Maple Syrup Tour

Details can be found HERE.

Mine and Rob experience with the Tour last Year can be seen HERE.

~ AND ~

Bazaar at the Lion's Head Arena with Proceeds going towards the Lion's Head Daycare.

Bazaar Times:  10 am to 3 pm

April 13th:

April 25th:

Thursday, April 25, 2013.6:30pm. Wiarton Home Decor Centre

Join us for a night of food, fun & fashion!

Thursday April 25th, 2013

Doors open 6:30 pm, Fashion Show begins at 7:00 pm

Tickets are $25 each and are available at Josie's of Wiarton or the Wiarton Home Decor Centre

There will be a cash bar, live music, appetizers, Silent Auction, door prizes, and more! Just some more great reasons to come!

Proceeds to the Wiarton District Optimist Club

April 27th & May 25th:

This is an email I received from Tess at the Wiarton Salvation Army offices:

Greetings dear Cindy,

I am writing to you to let you know of two events we are working on to help provide funds to needy kids so they may go to camp.

The first is a BBQ at the end of April. On Saturday the 27th we will be at St. John's United church at noon until 2 PM. with a whole host of fun activities for kids, and of course food. We have baked goods, hot-dogs, hamburgers, juice and pop. A table of surprise items, a rummage table, a bubble area (bubble castle), duck pond, fishing hole and face painting to keep them entertained. All are welcome to attend, even the big kids.  Please come and buy and support our local children.

The second is a walk-a-thon we have planned out at Mary's farm on May 25th. The plan is to walk from the Farm down to Bass Lake and back. Food will be available to walkers after. And it is a blessing to be able to visit the many animals kept there. Horseback riding is  popular and volleyball games always seem to pop up.  Anyone wishing to donate to the Walk-a-thon should contact Tess at 519-534-0353.

Blessings,

Tess

On that note, I believe I have shown and supported my Community(ies).  I am now going to show my husband my love and support by heading out into the kitchen to heat him up a bowl of Homemade Ham and Bean Soup, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Mark Your Calendars !

Today, being Friday, is the day I head North of the Checkerboard to the Good Dr. Loney's for my weekly "shot in the arm".  

"This is where I usually spend every Friday morning, with Dr. Loney, and his two assistants, Maureen & Cara.  Cara is being a wee bit on the "shy" side here, but really she is a very young and outgoing girl !"

My Doctor's appointment ran a bit longer this morning since we had to go over the results of my MRI.  The good news is nothing has gotten worse in 4 years time since my last MRI.  There is still osteoarthitis, and advanced degenerative disc disease with canal narrowing as well.  More so on my left side of my neck.

We also touch upon the points of me not sleeping fitfully, and being quite overwhelmed with the amount of stress I have been dealing with the past 3 months or so.  I am so not a fan of taking drugs, however Dr. Loney convinced me this morning to look upon trying a couple of prescriptions to see if they get me "across the bridge" I am needing help to cross.  I relented saying I will give it an honest try.  Wish me luck, as I really can't deal with these overwhelming feelings of stress I have been having of late.  

I must remember that admitting to what we think of a weakness, is actually not a weakness at all, just a break from being a "strong" person all the time.  I came across this today, which inspired me:

“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and 

get excited about the privileges of simply being human.”   Tim Hansel

Once I returned home, took care of my "Aussie Gang" chores before heading down to Mackenzie's Pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions.

"I love the Drug Store in Wiarton, as it puts you at ease when you walk in and see so many delightful things.  I could almost make you forget what you are there in the first place at times.   Yes, the three new bottles to the right have been added to my "Drug Supply" of T-2's, Ibuprofen, Vitamin D, and Water Pills.  Oops my "puffers" are missing from the picture.  Nothing too heavy duty can be found in our drug cupboard."

"I popped down to take a "boo" in at the Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Mark your calendar as their next "$4.00 Bag Day" Sale is being held on the 30th of March.  You buy a grocery bag for $4.00 and can will it with clothing items.  It can be quite profitable some times, if you can handle the "shoulder to shoulder" of people in there on this day.  All other items are marked down to 1/2 price."

One other stop I had to make was to my bank, the RBC.  The girls at my RBC Wiarton Branch are fundraising for the Cancer.  This year, RBC is selling bracelets by jeweler Eliza Ray, labeled “The Many Colours of Cancer.” The bracelets, which sell for $10, connect 23 different coloured stones, each symbolizing a strain of cancer.  Since there is a One Stop Easter Hop tomorrow at the Wiarton Arena, I asked if any of my friends would put the RBC Cancer Braclets at their booth to sell and raise money for their Cause.

"When you attend to the One Stop Easter Hop tomorrow, please look for my friend, Wanda Hoath-Gates (the blonde pictured below) at her Body for Visalus Sciences booth, as the RBC Bracelets for Cancer will be there.   I have known Wanda for the past of couple years personally, and I have been witness to her amazing healthy transformation since she has been using the Body for Vi products.  Not that Wanda wasn't beautiful inside and out in my eyes before all her weight loss, but she is just a more HEALTHY beautiful now.  Please do stop by not only to buy a bracelet but to have a chat with Wanda as she truly is a sweetheart."

Do not stop marking your calendars yet ....

"The RBC is also sponsoring a Spring Fundraiser Dance on the 13th of April.  Stop in to a local RBC Branch to pre-purchase your tickets now.  Psssst... I heard it was a great turn-out and sold out last Year ! so hurray to get your tickets now."

Surely you haven't put your calendar away after marking the Spring Dance on it, have you?  

"My favourite local farm is having their Easter Open House on the 29th of March.  Looking for a Family Outing, or a drive in the Country?  then stop on over to the Dejong Acres Farm while you are out and about to pick up some Easter Goodies.  Directions?  Just go to there website at Dejong Acres Farm."

Surly by now your calendars are getting pretty full, as I know mine is especially three years running I will be attending .....

Should you be a Caregiver for a Family member, or a good friend, then give yourself a much need break by taking a day off to attend the 3rd Annual VON Grey-Bruce Care for the Caregiver Day.  I have yet to be disappointed in this event.  I was even a Guest Speaker last year, as you can see HERE.

It is okay, you can put your calendar away now.  Just don't be like me and forget to refer to it from time to time !  Daily would be a good idea in my case, but for some reason that doesn't always happen for me.

Yesterday the "Checkerboard Aussies" had a wee bit of a "parte-eh" going on for themselves, sorry you missed out on the invite, but drop in to see what was going on down HERE.

Speaking of puppies, I am thinking I am on "clean-up" duty again always, so between that and looking after the rest the of "pack" I best get a move on, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."