Double Booked

Another not a good night's sleep for me, however even worse for Rob as he got called out at 10 pm, 2 am & 6 am, making today it a really long day for him.

I double booked appointments for myself this morning with one at 10 am in Wiarton, and the other at 11 am a 1/2 hour drive away (at full tilt) in Lion's Head with my Dentist.  I was stressing a bit about it until my Dentist's office called me when I was heading out to my first appt. to tell me she moved me back to 11:30 am.  What a sweetheart to be so considerate on contacting the other patient and switching the appts. around for me.  Gestures as such validate there are still kind and considerate people in this World, and I am very grateful to have so many of those kind of people in my Life.

Now I think about it, after living in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for over 20 years, I never had the good friends and acquaintances there that I have here.  For that very reason I am happy I did move back to Bruce County.

My first appointment went extremely well much to my relief, and I did make in on time for my Dentist appt.  I know I have said it before but once again I do LOVE my dentist, Pat Duronio.  We always end up having ourselves a bit of a visit after my appointment when my mouth isn't totally wide open.  My teeth were all good when he cleaned them, however I have been experiencing terrible pain in my lower jaw.  Pat was explaining I must be clenching my teeth when sleeping, and has suggested I get fitted for a night guard.  Next appointment I will get an impression to be fitted for one, and hopefully it will solve another one of my pain issues.

 A rare moment when our Portia was laying nicely watching me in the bathroom (she goes everywhere with me).  The niceness did not last long before she got going and proceeded to "mess up" the bathroom carpet.  Brat ! Brat ! Brat !

This afternoon when I did arrive back home I "crashed" again.  I had a wicked headache when I had awoke this morning which continued all day.  I never napped but layed still for as long as I could.

Two highlights of this day?

Reading over the Agenda for the VBS which Aiden and Connor will be attending in August was one.  Secondly was going for a walk with my friend, Lynn, and walking over 6,000 steps together bringing my total to almost my goal of 10,000 today.  I am pretty certain I did make my goal as I never had my phone on my person every moment today to count all of my steps.

I just had a Dinner of salad and watermelon.  Rob had cereal, however had himself homemade hamburgers for his lunch.  

Hopefully I can get Rob into his pant suit and dress shoes tomorrow so I can check if they will need hemmed or now, as time is beginning to run out with only 2 more weeks and a bit before the WEDDING !!!  have I mentioned yet how excited I am (and a bit nervous).  You would think it was me getting married again ! as if that will ever happen ....

And by the way, if you are looking for some uniqueness with a purpose, check out The Cluttered Cupboard, tucked away behind Wiarton's main Berford Street, on Lousia.  Even better take a "peek" now by checking out their Facebook Page by *clicking* HERE.  I think I am totally in love with the Birds on a Wire !

I think I am almost ready to call this day a wrap until tomorrow, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Behind The Scenes

I was in total SHOCK this morning as I laid in bed and my husband got up and out of bed before me.  Good thing I had already been laying down so I could not fall down.  Ha ! he had to head out down the road earlier then usual this morning.  Me?  I could have stayed in bed.

Another week away and I will be weaning the puppies at 4 weeks old, so I am trying to get my running hopefully done before then, as when that happens I will be tied down a bit more feedings.  This morning I was so grateful the Forever Home owners of one of our last year's pups came over this morning to assist me with a puppy photo shoot, as new owners have been anxious to see their bundles of joy.  You may check out all that cuteness by going HERE.

Just before my helpers arrived I stopped in next door at our neighbours as they just re-opened today for the Season.

Not only did they re-open today they did a complete indoor "face lift" of their Farm Market Store.  Heading North of Wiarton anytime? drop on in at Solways Farm Market.

Once I had a quick bite of lunch I had to head downtown Wiarton to do a few Crabby Cabbie and WDCC errands.  Once those had been done I stopped into one of my favourite New, Re-purpose & Recycle Shops that is not only Unique but Chic all at the same time.  This time I got to stop in to chat with the creative proprietors, Holly & Bill Morrow, I got a little "behind the scenes" coverage.

The "shop" beneath the shop where all things are created ....

The newest project on the work bench.

Where was I ? where else but .....

The Cluttered Cupboard.  You may also check them out online should you have a Facebook Page by going HERE, or it not by going HERE.

I did eventually make it back home this afternoon with my dear hubby arriving not to long after I did.  I did all the Aussie detail while he got to relax a wee bit.  Lexus even got some combing out, as it is that time of year when the winter coats are shedding.  She loves being bushed out, much more then the other three.

Back inside trying to get the woodstove "fired" up to get the dampness from the house, I happened to look out the window.

All puffed up and cheeky looking.  I think I was spotted !

Since I got back in from being out last with our Aussies, I have not been able to get rid of the chill that has made claim to my whole body.  I am almost to the point of chattering.  I am really really hoping I am not coming down with a dreaded illness that has been making its way around the past week or two.

After Dinner?  Rob has already agreed to do the evening Aussie duties, the electric blanket has already been turned on, and I will be making a beeline to the warmth of my bed, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

A Full Day Of LOTS of Everything !

Since I was in my bed shortly after 6 pm last evening I had done my blog post very early in the day, so never got to share the "highlight" of my Yesterday.

I had some happy mail from my friend, Sharon ... all the way from where she is a Snow Bird in Florida.  Months ago I had sent her a pattern for some business card holders.  Sharon is a very very good sewer, and surprise surprise, I had forgotten all about them, until yesterday when I not only received these "Crabby" business card holders,  but a pouch too !   The material even has Crabby printed right on it.   I truly have some of the best friends in the whole wide World !  I also got a few Christmas Cards out to a couple of our Crabby Cabbie accounts too yesterday.

My "Crabby Cabbie" Rob also received some mail yesterday, from our very own Bruce-Grey MP, Larry Miller.  It truly had been an all around "Crabby" day yesterday.

Really it was The "Crabby Cabbie" One Year Anniversary this past May in Saugeen Shores, and will be One Year in Wiarton, if we make it there, in May of 2014.  The gesture of being acknowledged  is always appreciated.  Thank You.

Last night I had myself a half descent sleep finally, after going to bed at 6 pm, but today? full-steam ahead it was with a full day of LOTS of everything.....

First off I had stopped down to see my friend, Koreen.  I was not there very long, and when it had been time to leave I could not find my keys ... ANYWHERE !!!  I could not be stuck as I had plans to be elsewhere at 8 am.  I called our trusty Wiarton Crabby Cabbie driver to come collect me so I could go home to get the spare set of keys.  I made it in good timing almost right on the "dot" at 8 am down at The Wiarton Salvation Army on Edward Street.

Today was the day that all Fundraising for the Peninsula Community Foodbank was going to begin to pay off as ACTION was put forth this day.  Mike Mason of the Wiarton Rotary Club and Jim Howe of the Sauble Beach Lion's Club , also Sauble River Construction, met first thing before construction commenced.  First order of the day was the removal of one said tree, and a fence where the present building will be extended to house the new Perishable Food Coffers of the Foodbank.

Once I conferred with Mike, and had the pleasure of meeting Jim, I took the above pictures and continued on with my day.  My Mother had a hair appointment at 10:30, so I first went back home to collect my neighbour then down to Gateway Haven Nursing Home to collect my Mother for her appointment.

My Mother's appointment was to last about 1 1/2 hours, so my neighbour, Pari and I took in the stores downtown Wiarton.  Pari had never been to The Cluttered Cupboard before, so that was a "must" stop.

I never tire of visiting The Cluttered Cupboard as there is always something new & unique there to see.  Looking for a gift for that "special" person, you just might find it at The Cluttered Cupboard.  They also have a corner already set up for Christmas !   Again I say, a "must" stop if you live in or visit Wiarton.

After collecting Mother to return her back to her residence, I swung by the building site again about lunch time.

Wow a High Hoe was there, the tree was gone, the fence was gone, and trenching had begun.  That is progress in ACTION !!!

Before beginning my blog post this evening, I made a quick call to Mike Mason, since I certainly did not want to get any details wrong, as really anyone that knows me does know I frequently do this.  That is just the way I am, is it not?  I had told Mike what time I had been around the site, and he was more then happy to send me his photos of what further progress had been made later this afternoon.

Photos Courtesy of Mike Mason:  Yes there is Jim Howe, himself, cutting up that fallen tree.  Backhoe Operator was Tom MacDonald.  Yeppers that is Jim down in the hole.  The word is out that the footings will be going in tomorrow.  Progress in ACTION ! gotta love seeing all the LOVE of such an amazing project behind the scenes, do you not?

Thanks Mike, I can not express how thrilled I truly am on being invited to follow such a project which is soon to have a huge impact on our Communities within the Bruce Peninsula.  Stay tuned Bruce County there will be more to come !!!

Yes I finally did make it back home early this afternoon.  Lots more has gone on this day for me from first loosing my keys, carrying on with fun bloopers over at Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook, to a wee bit of disappointment with finding out one of our Checkerboard Aussie pups was re-homed.  Oh yes, should I touch upon my phone call to Larry Miller's office over the matter of Police Checks being required for Taxi drivers prior to them driving for a Taxi Company.  This is a good thing, but this other matter I will have to have more time then I have now to explain it all ... that will be another time, however the reception I received  on this matter from our local MP, Larry Miller's office? was excellent and I am looking forward to hearing back from them.

I can NOT believe I actually had enough energy left this afternoon to make a double batch of Spaghetti Sauce and .... "hold my breath", remove some of those Dust Bunnies that have taken over my home !!!  One for me and zero for them dust bunnies.  *Smile* me happy about that.

*Sigh* Rob does not care for Cheese Stuffed Tortellini, so he had to have plain old pasta with NO colour for his sauce this evening.  Stuffy shirt Rob.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

The missing keys? found in my back pocket all along ... geesh.

Should there be days my journal does not make sense to another, no worries as there is lots of days my Life does not make sense to me, but it does not stop me from wanting to Live it, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Long Overdue Fun Visit

This morning was a nasty start first thing to my day.  My head felt as if it was going to explode with Sinus pain so bad I was prepared to remove my head from the rest of my body.  T-2's, Nasal Spray, and an allergy pill barely gave me any relief, or should I say no relief instantly.

I managed to get two load of laundry in the washer, and hung out on the line before my niece, Joanne, came for a long overdue visit today.  It has been difficult to get together with her work schedule and me either being busy, or not feeling well.  Despite the pain I was in first thing be damned if I was going to cancel our visit today.

By the time Joanne arrived for our "lunch date" the pain had somewhat subsided.  

"Lunch was, once again, amazing at the Green Door Cafe, downtown Wiarton.  Joanne and I both had the "special" which was a Barbecued Wrap with choice of side, we both choose a Caesar Salad.  Lunch this good for less then $10.00, tax included; who could turn such a yummy fare down.

Joanne and I did the whole downtown circuit from one store to the next.  I hadn't been in one of my most favourite stores for quite some time and thought what a good time to drop on in at ....

The "Cluttered Cupboard", located directly behind Wiarton's Main Street, up behind Sadler's Home Hardware Store.  It is a store you would not want to miss going to if you happen through Wiarton.  Uniqueness is something you will find in new, antique, or re-purposed items within the walls of The "Cluttered Cupboard".

Where to find The "Cluttered Cupboard"?  *Click* HERE, or should you have a Facebook Account, *click* HERE.  You will not be disappointed.

After ducking into stores here and there downtown Wiarton, we enjoyed a Homemade Ice Cream Cone at Lloyd's Smoke Shop, then mosied up the South Hill to "our" favourite house that is getting a long, long overdue face lift by owners who purchased it 30 years ago or so for their retirement home (hope I have that information correct).

This home certainly must have been, and will be again, quite magnificent.  The South half of the roof has been re-done in Cedar shakes, as well as the Turret.  I would LOVE to have a tour inside this home, before and after the renovations.  Wouldn't that be something?  I think I will do some digging to see maybe if this could happen.

Walking back North way down the hill towards where my Van was parked in front of the Pet Store, how could we not go in?

Beside the "rescue" kittens, the store has some new Lop Ear Bunnies.  The Brown/White one is a female and is expecting some baby bunnies soon.  I will have to drop around again when she has them to see how sweet they are.

It was a wonderful fun filled afternoon today.  Joanne left back for her home after 5 pm.  Our Dinner has long been over with, the laundry has been collected from the clothes line, and now I wait until it is time to tuck myself into my bed with hopes this dreaded Sinus headache that has returned will leave me again soon, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

An Amazing Luncheon Date

Late yesterday morning I got a call from the Owen Sound Hospital's MRI department that they had a cancellation, no surprise with the blustery Winter weather going on here, could I come in for it at 2:00 pm.  I called up my "Crabby Cabbie" to see if he could have his gal cover for him so he could drive me in.  It was a go !!!

"By the time Rob arrived home to collect me I had a lunch made of a Turkey Sandwich & Homemade Oatmeal Orange cookies for him to go.  The roads were really not too bad, with only a few spots here and there."

The MRI only took about a 1/2 hour or so.  I am hoping the results will be up at my Doctor's this Friday when I go for my regular weekly appointment.  It is unplanned days like this when I am really grateful there are leftovers in the fridge to throw together to make something that is easy and tastes great for our Dinner when in a "pinch".  When we got back home I got going on making up a ....

"Turkey Vegetable Noodle dinner for us.  Easy? prepare a few veggies, throw them in a skillet until fork tender, stir in some leftover gravey, or cream of chicken soup, and serve over Egg Noodles.  Season with lots of Pepper and just a wee dash of salt.  Yummy !"

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

I still have not manage to get out of this nasty "funk" feel I have been buried in the past couple months.  It is really beginning to get to me with not sleeping well, nor getting much of anything accomplished around here which seems to bother me even more.  The new pain pills do not seem to be doing their "magic" I was hoping for.  Energy is a big thing, and no sleep does not help in that department either.

I am managing to go through the motions with our Aussies, puppies included.  Thank goodness they keep me moving and somewhat limber lately, or I could really be in "big" trouble.  

Today I did however have a another little "boost" which made me happy.  My Cousin Suzanne's daughter, Krista, had invited me out to lunch today.  Her Mom, Suzanne, and sister, Paige, also were able to join us.

Where did we meet? somewhere not one of us four had ever been for a meal yet, which was The Cocoa Vanilla downtown Wiarton.  Suzanne and I had met up there back in January for a coffee, where you can see and read lots more about the Cocoa Vanilla by *clicking* HERE.  

Once we all got settled in, we finally did go up to the counter to order Lunch and some beverages.  Suzanne had her usual beverage of coffee, while Krista and I ordered ourselves each a Chai Tea, and of course there is someone who has to be "right out" there and order something out of the ordinary ....

"That would have been our Paige girl ordering up not a regular Chai Tea, but a "dirty" Chai Tea.  Hahaha ... Krista and I actually had a taste of it, and thought we had obviously ordered the "wrong" tea for ourselves.  Paige won out and it was really "yummy" !

"Lunch was equally "yummy" and "amazing".  Suzanne, Krista & I order the lunch "trio" combo, which was 1/2 Panini Sandwich, Salad & side of soup.  From a nice selection of sandwiches, we ordered Chicken & Cranberry Chutney Sauce for two of us, and the third was a Turkey Club.  All with a side of Greek Salad and the Butternut Squash Soup.  Oh my these Combo Trio were not only "out of this World" good, but only $10.00 each per person !!!  Paige, once again having to be "different", ordered a thin crust Grilled Chicken, Tomato, Pesto and Cheese pizza.  She had LOTS to take home for her supper and more.  I think the Pizza was about $15.00, and would have been enough lunch to serve 2 to 3 people."

Darn, how could there only be photos of Paige, Krista and myself? how did Suzanne manage to wiggle out of that one?  Thanks again for lunch, Krista, it was so much fun to get together again.  You made my day.  xx

How would us four gals rate our lunch at the Cocoa Vanilla?  A definite 10 * plus in my books, and I am pretty sure I am safe to voice this as being the other girls opinions too.

Driving up for a weekend to the Bruce Peninsula?  some Saturday to take in The "Cluttered Cupboard" , which is located right behind Sadler's Home Hardware Store, or some of Wiarton's other little shops, drop in for a beverage or some food fare at the Cocoa Vanilla while you are in town.

When I returned home just a bit after 3 pm I busied myself with Puppy Clean-Up duty and getting everyone else out, about and back in again.

The weaning process has been going amazing well with their very first feed of hard kibble puppy food today. They all seemed to LOVE it, with Bindi even taking to laying across the dish while she ate from it.  Of course I did not have my camera with me for that shot, but I did get a great shot of Sprite having her very last suckle from Mama Lexus which you can see by *clicking* HERE.

I was also very excited to learn my friend, Carla of My 1/2 Dozen Daily, has put up her very own Facebook Page, Carla's Creations.  Carla does "custom" sewing orders that are beautiful in handiwork, pop with colour and give to a variety you could only imagine by going to her Facebook page and giving it a really big "LIKE" by *clicking* HERE.

Pssst ... while you are at it, maybe a great big "LIKE" would be loved by my "Crabby Cabbie" HERE, or our "Checkerboard Aussies" HERE.  Trust, you and me, your support and love is always appreciated.  And really? who couldn't use a whole lots of loving most days?

I always find it is most easy to give support for those we LOVE, who show us the same LOVE back, don't you?

A little feeling good music with one of my favourite "Blast from the Past" bands ....

Pssst again, don't tell anyone but I am calling it an early night here before I fall over, "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".

Family RULES !!!

"Family Rules cause Families do RULE ! "

What do I think of my new sign?  I LOVE it !  Where would I get such a cool "Family Rules" sign from ? especially since I am participating in a No/Low Spend Challenge for the Month of January.  I could not believe I was fortunate enough to win it in a Give Away from one of our local Wiarton Stores who is on Facebook.  What local Wiarton store would make such a unique sign for a Give Away?  one of my favourite stores that I never tire of visiting or taking anyone by to visit ..... that being The "Cluttered Cupboard".

"From the outside you are immediately drawn in ... the front entrance way is so cozy leading up the stairs to wonders from re-purposed antiques and retro items, as you see here with a pair of old skis made into a hall tree, to some items you will find to be lovely and new.  Unique you want? then further venture up the stairs .... trust me you will not be disappointed. "

"You would never leave The Cluttered Cupboard without finding something that you would not want or desire for your home.  A work shop where I had the honor of peaking into where many of The Cluttered Cupboard creations have been and are being created is below the store.  New? look at the wonderful selection and colours of yarn being offered up to tickle your own creative fancies."

"As you glance from one item to the next, you will find yourself again drawn back to look a second or third time to make sure you never missed something on the first look."

"Ah there is Owner, Bill Morrow, making a wee adjustment to something that might not have been "just" so, as nothing should be out of place to a customer's pleasing eye."

Thank you to owner's Bill and Holly for hosting another Give Away on their Facebook page, that myself and my friend, Toni with an "i" were able to win one of your creations through, as well as giving so many others a chance to do so by just "liking" your page.

You will not want to miss out on any of The Cluttered Cupboard's newest creations and/or future Give Aways, so I would love to suggest you stop on over onto their Facebook Page to give their page a huge "LIKE" by *clicking* HERE to do so.

I heard also from an "inside" informant that there will be some new renovations within the next while at The Cluttered Cupboard.  This certainly will be cause for another excuse to go back for a visit so I can check out all the new changes in person !

Once I had enjoyed my visit at The Cluttered Cupboard, I headed on over to a friends place as I had picked up a little something for her last year that I had wanted to gift her as a combination Christmas/Birthday gift.  I just happened to "catch" my friend and her hubby as they were pulling out of their driveway.  I have since had a message from her that she had been most happy and thankful for the gift I had dropped around to her.

I am so happy I have made my Goal this year to be Kinder, as it does make me feel good to do so.  And really does it take any more effort to be kind, then not to be?

I had to drop off some of the stuff I had decluttered this week to our local Salvation Army Store, where I was able to see another of my friends who works there.  Friends really are the BEST aren't they, in any shape, form or age, as long as they are friends.  I LOVE me my friends !!!

I have yet to get some Turkey soup made from the Turkey stock I made the other day here, so when I returned home I got to skimming the fat from the top, which I was happy there wasn't too much to skim.  What I also did was strain it more to clarify it somewhat more then it was after skimming the fat from it..

"I laid a clean tea cloth in a strainer over top another pot while pouring the stock through, leaving the sentiment behind in the tea clothe as shown below."

Now I am happy to go ahead with make some Turkey Noodle Soup and freezing the remainder of the stock for another soup on another day.

I am so happy happy happy I am not alone on the 52 Week Money Saving Challenge, as of today there are a total of ten of us participating.  Don't miss out on joining along ... it is really quite the "doable" challenge to save a bit of money by the end of the Year, with all details found by *clicking* HERE.  Look forward to you joining Toni, Judy, Stacey, Michelle, Diane, Ellen, Debby, Cathy, Jean, and myself.

I think I will wrap things up here now so I can go and get that done now, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

When Is It NOT Busy !

"My Day was off to its usual very early start.  Laundry was hung out on the line before 7:30 am."

I can't believe how anybody can not keep themselves busy, as I feel like I am "all the time", whether is is cleaning, cooking, googling, seeing friends, looking after our "Checkerboard Aussies", seeing friends, speaking to family or friends on the phone .... "Living Life" to the fullest and trying to enjoy every minute of it, and then some !  "When is it NOT Busy?" 

"I received the Kraft What's Cooking mag days ago and have barely glanced through it yet.  That is so unlike me, but when you are busy with other things, what is one to do?  I took time out to take a photo of it, so maybe this will remind me to take "time out" to read it?"

"At 8:30 am I had a lady come to the door to drop off ALL of this Yarn for me.  I had advertised on the Facebook Swaps that I was looking for Yarn at a reasonable price or free, as my Sister  does crocheted projects for her daughter's Church.  These crocheted items are then sent in the way of hats and such to Third World Countries.  Well this Yarn was offered to me for the price of $1.00 per skein.  Needless to say, my Sister Donna is very very happy with me."

My "Crabby Cabbie" had left in such a rush this morning he had forgotten to take a lunch.  The good wife I am, I packed him up one, and he met up with me half way to retrieve it.  That is time consuming in itself, however it had been necessary with a caring touch.

On my way back home I stopped in at the Wiarton OPP station.  As a business transporting Seniors and Children at any given time, the Township requires Taxi drivers to have a Police Check done once a year.  We had someone stop in to apply for one the other day, in turn telling my "Crabby Cabbie" how nice and helpful the lady who attended to them had been.

Since we have dealt with this very same lady ourselves from time to time, I took a few minutes out of my day to stop around to relay the compliment she had unknowingly received.  Well "Let Me Tell The World" she had such a wonderful *smile* on her face after I told her, hardly believing I had stopped in just to tell her this.  She told me I had "made her day".

Do you take time here and there out of your day on occasion to "Make Someone's Day"?  it is most certainly is a good feeling to do so.  Take the Challenge by getting out there to make someone *SMILE* !  I *smile* at people who I don't know whatsoever, and you know what ?  I usually get a *smile* back most times.

Heading through town I thought I would drop around at one of my favourite downtown "go to" store, as a little birdie had told me they were up and ready for any early Christmas shoppers that might happen their way ....

"Here I was at the entrance way of "The Cluttered Cupboard".  Does it not say to you, "come on in?", as it never fails to appear inviting to me."

"I could stand there for many many minutes taking it all in ... so delightful, beautiful, and intriguing ... all of it."

"Traditional, Old Christmas, New Christmas ... it is all here."

"Many unique choices for gift giving.  Even the wares needed to make your own Handmade gift from fully stocked shelves of Yarns."

I never tire of browsing everything "The Cluttered Cupboard" has to offer.  You may find them at their Page on Facbook HERE .

After stopping there, I went on to have a "wee" visit with my friend, Koreen Ryan of Ram Sports & Trophies.  I always feel good when I see Koreen ... we always have such fabulous conversations together.

*Sigh* then I had to come back home to all my happy happy "Aussies".  With them I will always know someone will be home and excited to see me, even though they just want something from me.  Ha !

This afternoon I did manage to review the VON SMART Exercise training CD, but that was short lived as I had to go out on another "last minute" call.

*Sigh*...something I find myself doing on a most regular basis some days is running here or running there.  It really worked out in my favour having to go back out again ... since I was back downtown Wiarton again, I thought I would take a minute to have a quick look see at the Salvation Army Thrift shop.

"Yikes !!!  I "scored" this Little Dipper Crock-Pot for $2.00 !!!  Perfect to heat up those Epicure Dips I am going to be making over the Christmas Holidays."

 "Right next store I dropped in to Rankin Trading Post.  I am lusting over the thoughts of having one of these Ceramic frying pans from Paderno ...the "Sale Prices" are unbelievable !  really, can I justify spending money on a "frying pan"?  could I consider it an early Christmas gift to myself?  Ummm...will have to think on this one some more, hopefully before they are all sold out."

I finally did return back home for the second time this day.  By the time this happened it was time to think about getting some Supper ready for myself and my "Crabby Cabbie".  It was going to be Homemade Cauliflower Soup with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

"I skipped making Soup the "creamy" way, opting for a more "lighter" version this time around.  I also used the Homemade Vegetable Soup base my friend Toni had left for me this past Sunday.  It was absolutely "Yummy" through and through."

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE HERE

Speaking of food, Kraft Canada is again having a "Kraft Food For Families" for Local Food banks across Canada, at no cost to us, just a Vote for the Foodbank of our choice.  A Vote a Day can put money towards your choice of a Foodbank where in Canada close to where you might reside.  It only takes a moment or two to make a choice, please do so at the following link:

 http://www.kraftfoodforfamilies.ca/default.aspx?p=c_fff_home

There is lots of upcoming Events happening out there in this Month of November.  So much I could have my Calendar filled in no time.  Get your Pen ready ....

"This is one Event I would LOVE to go to.  Why? because my friends over at Craftmates will be there, and it will be their very first Craft Show.  How exciting will this be for them !!!  Drop on over to have a visit at Craftmates to meet Virna, Aimee, Bebsy and Irma by *clicking* your mouse HERE , they are all so refreshing, lovely and of course, Crafty."

There is LOTS of time to get in on this next Event happening right here in Bruce County.  If not in the way of a booth, then just to drop on in to see what goodies you can get yourself or for someone else maybe?

"I have been at this one 2 years running.  It is on the same day as my Auntie's Christmas Bazaar at her Church in Port Elgin, so I get two  Events wrapped up in one day !"

Phew I am tired, but then again, what else is new?  I am pleased that after two weeks of early mornings at 2 or 3 am, I finally had a pretty good nights sleep last night !  Whoohooo !!!  I surely hope it is good to go for another one like that tonight, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".