A Happy Birthday Indeed

A Happy Birthday indeed it was.  If Happy could get any better then it would have been better then happy!  Before I recapture my Birthday yesterday .....

"How can one not smile on their Birthday when there are four little faces looking forward to seeing you every morning?"

Once our "Gang", as well as the Fabulous Four had all been attended to, I sat down for a bit to enjoy the Tim Horton's Coffee my brother had dropped off for me first thing.  Then I got going on puttering and cleaning up the kitchen and a few other light straightening jobs around the house.  Nothing too strenuous as I didn't want to overtax myself on my Birth Day you know.  However I did have to do some "Crabby Cabbie" work for my crabby guy.  I was pretty taken aback when I heard someone come in around the lunch hour ...

"Oh my, I was not expecting my "Crabby Cabbie" to be home so early !  and with his hands full to boot !"

It just so happened Rob had a call up Wiarton way he had to do, so it all played into his hand ... more then one might imagine.

"My "Crabby Cabbie" thought he was pretty smart to score a lunch from his Birthday Girl since he had came bearing gifts.  Nothing like a bowl of homemade soup, turkey sandwich and piece of cake to put a smile and smirk on his face."

"Look at the beautiful flowers he brought me, along with a card with Scratch Tickets enclosed and a Strawberry Bar cake too !  He really did deserve the nice lunch I had made him."

"Once Rob had adorned his "Crabby Cabbie" hat and was off down the road again, I made myself  a little lunch of strawberries and whipped cream.  It was a really delish little treat, especially the whipped cream."

Early afternoon there was quite a ruckus going on by the dogs as there was someone at my door.  I was very surprised to see our Mail Lady with a huge box in her arms.  Really I was not expecting anything to come by mail.

"I had honest to goodness forgotten I was yet to receive a gift from my Secret Sister !  what perfect timing for it to have arrived on my Birthday, Julie, you could not have planned it any better, never mind how much it contributed to the happiness of my day."

I was overwhelmed and overjoyed all at once when I started pulling things from out of the box.

"There was the most beautiful sewn divided basket made by Julie herself, full of goodies which including kitchen utensils, a "to go" water/juice cup, a matching apron with 2 tea towels.  A "wee" Tupperware container with a magnet for the fridge & another strainer, along with a funnel.  There was the softness of a Bunny to go along with Lindor and Ferraro Rocher chocolates."  

"There was more !!!  the most lovely Taste of Home Cookbook and a Food Network Magazine.  Four, sewn by Julie, pot holders, along with a set of amazing oven gloves to match the apron & tea towels.  And 5 hand crocheted Kitchen clothes.  Not to mention everything Julie put such wonderful thought into included my favourite kitchen colours of Blue & Yellow !"

Julie I can not begin to tell you how delighted I am to have had you as my Secret Sister.  Please drop over to meet Julie yourself at The Domestic Grove.  Special thanks always goes to Carla of My 1/2 Dozen Daily for organizing the Secret Sister Swap for all of us gals.  Thanks Carla ! xx

The excitement of the day did not stop there ... once again the dogs got to barking so I went down to open the door to find none other then my BFF Colleen standing there with her "other" half, Barry.

"What another amazing surprise.  Colleen could not go pass the puppies without some puppy love first before we headed upstairs for coffee and a piece of Cake they had brought along for me.  Colleen busied herself with her phone as to avoid me taking her picture, which she knew I was doing ... ha, my friend is a pretty smart chick.  Colleen and Barry sang "Happy Birthday" to me while I blew out the candle on my cake.  Thanks for the "one" candle Colleen xx."

It wasn't too long after Colleen and Barry had left that my "Crabby Cabbie" arrived back home for the second time this day.  This time it was to stay and whisk me over to Owen Sound to the King's Buffet for a Birthday Dinner of Chinese Food.

The whole day was full of amazing and loving Birthday Greetings that I had posted about HERE, as well as PASS A Biscuit Please.

Really and truly I must say this was one of the very best Birthdays I can remember ever having and it was all because of YOU.  Thank you to each and every person who contributed to making my Birthday a special one.

Today? well don't get me started about today !  We have over 2 inches of snow, with more accumulating by the minute here.  The winds are high and cold.  Yech ... Winter definitely has NOT left the building, and Spring is to officially arrive tomorrow !!!

"This is the picture I took this morning of Bandit going out in the cold for me to herd Lexus up out of the Wood Shed where she was fixated on finding herself the squirrel.  The snow falling doesn't show, however the blowing snow is showing up off the pile of snow."

It is almost 11:30 here.  What have I accomplished thus far this day? let me "Tell the World" not to dang much at all other then a few dishes, make the bed, in and out with the "Gang" twice and talk to a prospective puppy buyer for our up and coming litter.  

I suppose on that note, I should get my butt in gear and get something more done then what I have already, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Shot In The Arm

No we didn't get to see Bon Jovi "Live In Concert" playing Shot In The Dark, but we did head over to the Public Health Center in Owen Sound first thing this morning.

"Look at the size of that boat docked directly behind the Public Health Center."

"Oh dear would you look at that mournful "puppy dog" look my Crabby Cabbie has all over his face."

"No Bon Jovi, but I did have MY Crabby Cabbie who took a Shot to the Arm."

Ha, ha, ha ... and the Nurse had no problem playing along which made it all the more fun !

Speaking of puppies, after we had our Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine, along with a Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine (whatever all that means, but the Nurse had said there had been an outbreak of the Whooping Cough and this was a preventative along with the Tetanus), we headed into No Frills to pickup some Puppy Food, as weaning the Fabulous Four will commence next week. 

We have decided to give the PC Dog food a try.  The puppy food impressed me when I read the first ingredient was Chicken, opposed to Pedigree's being Corn meal.  This is a good sign they as to what they are getting rather then just a "filler" in my opinion.

When we got home the first thing I had to do was the February "Crabby Cabbie" billing before Rob headed back out the door to do his "Crabby Cabbie" job.  I had it all done just after the Lunch hour, with him then good to go.

I then finally got to do up dishes that had been left in the sink, and make our bed with it well after 1:00 pm that I am sure it was.  Oh man it is never ending is it ???  and of course the "gang" all needed out, about and back in.

Mid-afternoon my "Crabby Cabbie" called me and made my day.  He had a regular Taxi customer of his tell him how pleased they have been with his service and dependability since he started our "Crabby Cabbie" Taxi Business.  They could not be more pleased as he has provided them with the best service they have ever had, is what they had told him.  Nice, really nice compliment.

It didn't end there ... a man called him to arrange fare for his wife, and had been recommended the "Crabby Cabbie" by friends, as he was told how "nice" the Crabby Cabbie owner was.  Awww, see he really isn't too "Crabby" at all with people giving him recommendations.

Wow if that didn't add some Sunshine to our day I don't know what else could !!!  but there was more Sunshine added ..... Auntie Gladys returned Rob's call of yesterday to her.  He had called and asked her if she would make him Lasagna.  The Nerve of him I can not believe !!! or can I ????  Ha... she called him today saying, "Eby's Take-Out", telling him she would make him a Lasagna next week.  OH MY GAWD what am I going to do with my MAN ????  his is a "nut bar" he is !!!  Thank God I love him, as I don't know who else would have him.  Ha !

Regardless of what a kidder, or how crabby he might be some mornings, Rob is still MY Crabby Cabbie, and there are days I love him to pieces, and then there are ... let's just say, "other" days we won't talk about.  *Smile*

Late this afternoon we had Visitors !!! we very seldom have visitors so of course Bandit and Lexus were pretty happy with this, especially having visitors two days in a row !  Wowsers !!!

"This Baby Boy, Liam, and his big Sister, Mackenzie, who came visiting today with their Mom & Dad, Linda & Mike."

"They came to visit their new puppy, Semah.  They are in love with him by the looks of how it all went.  The first time they had seen Semah, other then from photos on the "Checkerboard Aussies'" Facebook page."

"Mackenzie wanted a photo of Semah so she could take it to school to show all her friends.  She was happy with this photo."

I really enjoyed the visit with Mike, Linda, Mackenzie and Liam, even though it was Semah they came to see ... *smile*.  I used to work with Mike and Linda, and really I love seeing them, even though we have been in contact on Facebook for the past few years.

"Buddy didn't want to miss out on any of the action going on inside, so he perched himself on top of his dog house to keep an eye on what was going on.  Awww, what a sweet face he has."

Once Semah's new family left for home, we all had another out, about and back in before I returned upstairs to return a couple of phone calls from messages people had left.  One of the messages had been someone inquiring as to whether I provide Stud services with any of my dogs.  Once we had established, yes I would be interested in doing so, their choice was Bandit, who they had also seen on their "Checkerboard Aussies" Facebook Page.  I am telling you, our Bandit has been quite the sought after boy ... there isn't many a person who has met him that wouldn't like to take him home for their own.  Ha ! fat chance of that ever happening !  

I had a lovely comment again left by my Secret Sister, Susan at the Food Chronicles that she had posted on her blog the box of goodies I had sent off to her that she had received Wednesday.  Drop on over to see what goodies she got by *clicking* HERE.  Do you not just LOVE surprising and making people HAPPY???  I DO !!!

Holy Crap Batman it is almost 9 pm and I am still sitting here typing away like there is no tomorrow !!! that is going to end very shortly as I still have to take the "gang" out one more time before I get to call it a night, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Quantities Down Prices Up

A certain girl had my attention very early this morning.  This girl being Lexus with her demands of wanting out immediately.  I hurried myself to get dressed, leaving behind a half finished coffee ... the trials and tribulations of being a Mama to four Australian Shepherd Dogs some days.

"Still bleak before 7 am, I was surprised at the amount of snow that had fallen again through the night.  I am certain there was another 3 inches on the ground."

After I had attended everyone's needs, along with their food requirements, I finished up finally getting back to my coffee.  Once Rob had gotten up, we had decided we would make a trip into Owen Sound as there were a few things I had wanted to pick up today that I could not purchase locally in Wiarton.

"Road Trip !  not without first stopping for a Large dbl cream and a triple triple, yes that is right a triple triple.  Really any ideas how I can "wean" my man from so much sugar, as I have even tried to "shame" him into it to no avail.  Check out the awesome new coffee cozies the sweet Virna at Craftmates handmade for my "Crabby Cabbie" and I.  And the height of those snowbanks along the highway!"

Shopping can be at its best exhausting some days.  First stop was Walmart, second stop over to the Dollarama, then the final stop was Bell World where we ducked in for a moment for me to look at a new "heavy duty" cell phone, the Sonim XP5520 BOLT PTT.  I have to admit after looking at the online specs for this phone, I have to agree with Rob that it does look pretty durable and attractive with a 3 year guarantee backing it.  Check it out yourself should you be looking for such a phone by *clicking* HERE.

It was going on to 1 pm by the time we had finished up with the shopping we had wanted to do.  Before we had left the house I had asked Rob if he would like me to make up some breakfast, which of course this never happened as he wanted to leave right then and there.  I was famished at this point.  Rob took us around to our favourite little Chinese Restaurant the Twin Dragon in Owen Sound for a buffet lunch.  It was very good especially at the price of $22.00 and change which included a $2.00 tip.

We had to buy dog food.  I can not begin to express at, once again, how disappointed I am with rising prices of everything but "incomes".

"Not sure what happened with Walmart's Roll Back the Price on this item, nor what is up with Pedigree with them having decreased the size of bag from 18kg down to 16kg.  Two months ago we paid $26.00 and change for a 18kg bag at Walmart, which is no longer available.  Today a 16kg bag cost $29.00 plus change.  That is a very huge difference, is it not???  Once again people "quantities have been decreased while prices have increased" !"

How anyone is suppose to cut any more out of their every day living with prices of everything constantly on the rise, is beyond my understanding.  There is going to be no room left for enjoying any part of life in the way of having an odd meal out, extra activities, and any hobbies, or much else for that matter.

When I was at Walmart I had some photos printed out, since I had bought a frame well before Christmas that I have been wanting to get filled.

"Four of my favourite photos of four of my favourite "Checkerboard Aussies".  I can not wait now to get it hung, but where I still am working out."

This afternoon I also finished up putting together my Secret Sister gift.

"I could not find a suitable box to mail it in  when out shopping today so a Christmas Box will have to do.  Just a little "peek" inside ... okay that is enough."

I am so excited about getting my Secret Sister package off into the mail tomorrow.

This is the third Secret Sister Swap I have participating in since Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily had created and began hosting them last Spring.  Thanks again, Carla, as you know how much I LOVE this swap ! Hugsssss.

At 4 pm my Lexus needed out, so away we went.

"Check out that sky over in the East.  Looked pretty unsettled to me, however  it had been very mild  today.  It almost looks as if Lexus was peering up at the sky as well, however her mind was more on the squirrel who is presently inhabiting our wood shed.  She is fixated on it, she is."

There is not a day goes by without me having myself some "puppy love" ....

"I had myself some love with the now squiggly balls of fur.  I can not believe what a heavy weight Bindi has become, nor how cute that little tongue of Spite's sticking out is.  Semah and Lunette? sleep sleep sleep !  Way too much cuteness."

Trust me I am enjoying every moment of their restricted mobility, as before you know it they will be four weeks old, next week already, with sharp little teeth and the beginning of the weaning process.

Another day has gone by in a *blink* of the eye so it seems, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Happy Family Day

Holy moly it was friggin' cold and crispy out there again this morning.  Never mind about outside, it was brr in here with the wood stove having gone out.  It took a bit, but by 6:30 am I had it going.

Yesterday I was feeling a bit on the grumpy side, not crabby like Rob, just plain grumpy.  I hate feeling this way, always feeling bad about it when I do, but some days not able to control this feeling.  *Sigh* I sure wish sometimes I could control these feelings, or at least not feel bad about having them.  Does this happen to everybody, or just to some of us "select" few I wonder.  Trust me when the grumpy feeling passes I sure feel much better it has left ...

Since it was a Holiday today, it being Family Day, I decided to take advantage of the lower Hydro rates by getting laundry done up.  I even splurged and used my clothes dryer, something I might do five times a Year !  I was tired, and feeling sluggish with some dusting and lots of Bandit hair to clean up from the floors today.

Happy Family Day to all my Family and Friends, and Happy President's to all my Family and Friends South of the Border.

"This morning Rob had the Van we had bought around Christmas time picked up to go over to our Mechanics, as he believed the starter needed replacing...never ending it seems to be in the way of problems or expenses of some sort or another around here.  *Sigh*.  Do not let that Sunshine deceive anyone, as it was really crispy cold."

"Family Day means hanging out with your Family.  Yes part of my family were together and hanging out together .... "

".... while this gal got a brunch of Peameal Bacon, Scrambled Eggs and Rye Toast together."

"I am so excited as Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily has organized a third Secret Sister Swap.  I just received the Name and information for my Sister via email from Carla this morning.  I can't wait to start putting a package together to get sent off to her.  Check out the very first Secret Sister Swap I had participated in and what I had received HERE.  And the one I had more recently been involved in over at one of my Secret Sister, Kat's, HERE.  It is SOOO much fun, thank you Carla for being such a wonderful Hostess and Creator of the Secret Sister Swap."

There had been mail delivery today.  I was surprised at that.

"I was shocked to have gotten our Hydro Bill especially when it was $25..00 plus more then what it usually has been !  They increase the rates after the fact giving you notice they already had; OMG when is there ever going to be a "cap" on this stuff.  The $78.91 is the amount we have to pay for Delivery, more then what Hydro we actual used.  Shame for shame how they charge these rates.  On the other hand  to lift my spirits a bit I also had gotten a really neat Cheese Magazine from Sobey's with some pretty appetizing ideas in it."

Since I had used up the Peameal Bacon which had thawed in the freeze disaster, there was still the matter of some Chicken Thighs still to be used up.  I put my old standby "Honey Garlic" recipe from the Milk Calendar aside in favor of trying a "new to me" method.

"Very simply using Basil, Garlic, Honey, Ketchup, Soya Sauce and Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.  Ingredients mixed to make a sauce, chicken into the Slow Cooker, sauce poured over top, heat set to LOW for 6 hours, and that was that !  Easy Peasy as 1-2-3, right up my alley !"

"Sliced carrot, red onion, garden fresh peas, leftover Basmati Rice and Corn from last night, stirred fried together with a splash of Soy Sauce was ready in minutes."

"Dinner was not only quick and easy to put on the table, it was very good too !  Double bonus."

Recipe please?  For PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

The "Crabby Cabbie's" Facebook page also celebrated Family Day ....

... as did The "Checkerboard Aussies" on their Facebook Page, keeping it ALL IN THE FAMILY.

All in all it was a pretty good day, and I wasn't feeling "grumpy", "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".