Guess I Should Have

.... wrote it down.  I had this great thought of what part of my blog was going to say for me earlier today, and it just ain't happening as I guess I should have wrote it down.  This happens quite frequently.  I remember this happening when I was in my 20's with fears of how I would be when I got older.

Guess what? older is here, and it ain't much better.

Never mind all that, I was happy today with what I got done, not what I didn't accomplish.  I even said "the heck with it all" and met up with the WDCC office manager to discuss Chamber Business over a coffee at Timmies, rather then over email, phone or in the office.  The break away from the hectic "norm" probably did us both good, even though it had been only for a mere 1/2 hour.

I even covered more of the Wiarton Santa Claus Parade ... bonus !

Rob & I had some errands in town this morning, then we headed out towards Oxeden way to have our Crabby Cabbie Vehicles Winter Serviced.

There were a few squalls on the way out to where we were getting our vehicles undercoated with oil, and Winter tires installed.  Stephens Auto Wreckers did a great job on the undercoating, a must do with the amount of salt put on our roads in the Winter months.  Back in town we were pretty surprised to see motorcycles out and about, and yes those are very large snowflakes in the photo.

We have had a bit more ill fortune in the way of a vehicle problem.  A bigger vehicle ...

When we had arrived home McArthur Tire of Owen Sound had just arrived before us, the service call we had arranged yesterday.  Yes tractor tires are NOT cheap to replace by the time you purchase the tire, tube, calcium to fill it, labour and service call.  Hopefully the other side will see us for a bit yet before it goes, as it is a huge expense I cringed at.

The tractor is a necessity with the size of our driveway and the harshness of our Winters, especially if we have more ahead like last Year.  *Sigh* what more is there to say on that subject ...

I had a Pork Tenderloin I had wanted to cook Yesterday, which never happened.  I was tickled pink I had time, or made time, to cook it today, and more so tickled pink I was actually cooking us a "normal" meal for a change (something I used to do in my past Life for those who know me.  Past Life as in maybe a Year ago? or less).

I made a simple Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Maple Butternut Squash and Basmati  Rice.  Dinner was terrific !!!  with Rob and I both ecstatic with what a great Dinner we had.  

Recipes please?  

The Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe may be found by *clicking* HERE.

The Maple Butternut Squash I was inspired by the recipe I had found HERE, with me steaming & mashing it then adding Maple Syrup and Butter (Rob doesn't like squash and loved it, hence the Maple Syrup paying off).  For the amount of Squash I had steamed I had only added 1 Tbsp each of Butter & Maple Syrup making it "just right".

Believe it or not I am exhausted.  Me? I believe it.  Mistakes, grammar? so *sad* too *bad* .. *smile*.

On that note I will call my day almost a wrap, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Oops ! Messed Those Up.

I was tired last night after all that slaving over a hot oven making those way too yummy Peanut Butter Cookies (*smile*)   I heard Rob come in sometime through the wee hours of the morning.  Before I knew it there was somewhat of a grey light outside my window.  Checking the clock it was 6 am, time to get up.

I had packaged up the cookies for delivery before I made my usual Saturday morning "Crabby Cabbie" run.  After stopping in with a package of cookies for my friend, I stopped off the rest to the Wiarton District Optimist Club's Yard Sale downtown Wiarton.

8:30 am with lots of setting up still going on.  I never got back down there until around Lunch time to find the crowds had increased.  I really hope they did well since they do so much for the Youth in the Community.

Could anyone imagine me going to a "yard sale" and walking away from it empty handed?  I think not.  With Mom's Birthday coming up, I found a few things (that belonged to my friend, Lynn) that she is just going to absolutely LOVE !!!  As everyone knows when one resides in a Nursing Home their needs are limited, but I do know what my Mom loves and was grateful to be there early to make such a great find for her.

The last Saturday of every month the Wiarton Salvation Army's Thrift Store has a $4.00 Bag Sale. You fill a bag of clothing for $4.00, with every thing else in the store 1/2 price.  Since I was so close I also had to go over there to give them my support as well.

I got 4 blouses for Mom, one blouse and 2 pair of  jeans for myself.  All for $4.00, can you believe that !!!  The nose ? that is absolutely "priceless" is it not?

Rob had gone out on a call while I had been downtown, so he didn't get back home until late afternoon around 3'ish.  He had himself a much needed "snooze" until I called him for Dinner.

Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with a side of Garden Fresh Yellow Beans & Beets.  Rob really enjoys when I do the Pork Tenderloin like this ... so tender and moist.

Recipe please ... PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

What did I possible mess up today? well see those Garden Fresh Yellow Beans on my plate? they look really good, right? well they would have tasted much better if they would have been cooked.  Yes, I am very tired, yes I did not barely have the beans on long enough for them to be cooked.  Did my husband complain? not once.  We will try again tomorrow night, as there is the 2nd Pork Tenderloin leftover for then that some Garden Fresh Yellow Beans would be nice cooked up to serve alongside it.

Rob was commented why we both are feeling tired all the time.  Me?  I think most of mine is from not ever sleeping fitful enough each night due to the Chronic Pain.  Rob? he works too much and needs a week of solid sleep I am sure.  Are we happy? for the most part, yes I believe we are.  Would I like changes? of course I would but that might all fall into place some day for us, in the meantime we are fed, warm and safe with some great family and a few really good friends, so what more can one ask for? I would think not too much more then that.

I am tired, as I am rambling ...

I had a very nice compliment from another local Business Owner this morning.  They had been telling someone how fair I was with promoting everyone in the Community and not picking or choosing the same ones, but trying to support everyone.  I believe in supporting the Communities we work and live in, and if I can do that by giving them a SHOUT OUT whenever I am able, then that is what I do.  The compliment? I was flattered.

Speaking of SHOUT OUTS, the Wiarton District Optimist Club is seeking Volunteers, so please contact them should you be interested.  Also The Wiarton Salvation Army Thrift Store is in great need of Clothing Item donations.  Donations can be made any day at the rear of the Berford Street Store.

Oops almost forgot about the Puppy update phone call I received today.  Oliver from the Everything 8 Litter, puppy belonging to Mercedes and Buddy, had his last Vet Visit this Year.  Need a "cuteness fix"? just *click* HERE.

Okay that is about it for my day today, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Wild And Windy

 This morning we awoke to a wild and windy day.  It was one of those blustery Winnie-the-Pooh days.

"It was a good day to hit the dreaded "Crabby Cabbie" book work.  Yech !  with January and February behind me I still had March to look forward to, and before I know it, it will be the end of April and that will be hanging over my head."

"At least I had a distraction with looking outside the dining room window from time to time to see this chipper Robin huddling on a branch.  In front of me I had the Telus Calendar with a pair of Owls that put a smile on my face.  I do love getting the Telus Calendar every year."

"Of course there were lots of breaks in-between since my four awesome Aussies needed out, about and in at least a few times while I was doing the dreaded books.  Much cooler today then the High of almost 20*C we had yesterday.  The rain was pretty much gone by lunch time with lots of puddles and small ponds on the property.  Oh there are two partners in crime, speaking of Aussies ... Lexus and Bandit giving me the "eye"."

"I stayed out longer then I should have with Mercedes, but then again I figure I needed a longer break and it won't be much longer that she will be tied down herself with her first litter.  This is the very first time I had really gotten that much of a real noticeable *smile* from this girl ... she really is quite the little doll.  A Roly poly doll at the moment.  We even had a game of throw the stick, but she didn't last as long as she normally would have.  The time is close."

"I am most times always amused with our Buddy's energy and antics.  He is quite the "Ham" I must say.  We had been at the West side of the house, with both of us almost blown away a couple times today."

I managed to get those "dreaded" books done today, but it took me some time to get through the mess.  I claimed back our dining room table if nothing else got done today.  Of course I had to get it cleared as where else would I have my Dinner.

"With some tortilla wraps to be used up, I scrambled some egg, added marble cheese, a bit of red onion and romaine lettuce to make myself a very filling Dinner.  Served with it was a bowl of torn romaine lettuce leaves and red onion, topped with Raspberry Vinaigrette.  A very satisfying Dinner it was."

I had a wonderful surprise last night !  My "Crabby Cabbie" came home, so I did not have to have the Dinner I had planned alone.  Mind you it was a late Dinner going on to 8 pm.  Still it was not enjoyed alone, and that was worth it in itself, especially when it was the very first time I had made this meal ....

"Rosemary-Crusted Pork Tenderloin.  It was wonderful !"

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

Pssst ... I got to see not only some cuteness this morning, also some smartness.  I would love to share this with everyone, so just *click* HERE.

I know I am a pain, but until the 6th of May I hope I am a lovable "pain".  Because of YOUR support and daily votes we are now at 208 Votes.  

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 6th 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

Guess what? it is still windy and blustery out there.  Guess what? they are calling for snow tomorrow.  Guess what? I don't care as I still have my wood stove going and am quite nice and cozy with no book work on my dining room table for the time being, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".