Not Quite Productive Enough

Almost 7 am finding myself still in bed and not wanting to get out.  Please don't tell me the weather is going to change yet again?  Yeppers I just checked the long term forecast for the remainder of the week and rain, rain, rain.  My body does not lie when it comes to rain in the forecast.

We are going from a drought last Summer, to rain this time around?  *Sigh* never a happy medium and never happy with what we get.  I best "zip-it" and be more grateful, as really there is much much worse in this World then what gets dished up to us (me).  This is one reason I never watch the News, it is way too real and depressing.

With Aussies needing out first thing, and 8 little mouths wanting fed first thing this morning I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.  I got a hold of myself by taking everyone out, about, in and fed before I set myself down to a first coffee of the morning to make myself a list.

The "To Do" LIST to be done by Friday:

Bathroom;
Bedrooms (2), as I did the other one yesterday morning;
Wash Kitchen, Bathroom and front entrance floors;
Dust/Vac living/dining rooms;
Clean Fridge (*blush* still not done);
Clean Van; **Done
Bake a dbl. Batch of Cookies;
Flower beds, if there is any time and weather permitting.

What I did today:

1 Load of Laundry, washed, hung outside, brought in, folded and put away;
Aussies out and in, 5 x so far today; played Ball with Bandit & Lexus;
Puppies Fed 2 x, and cleaned 3 x;
Bed Made;
Dishes done;
Herbs planted;
Cleaned Van;
Phoned Friends (3), Aunt, Sister.

Evidence of some of the "stuff" I did today:

Basil, Rosemary, Cilantro and Parsley planted.

First thing before getting fed and cleaned.

First time fed and cleaned.

Finally finished yesterday our refurbished deck after being without one for almost a year.

Deck problem?  I have forgotten and left Bandit out there a couple times already.  Hahaha...poor boy.

Jeez the one call I got from my friend, Gayle, who is going to go in on the vegetable garden with me this Year.  It might be another late start again this year between frost last week and a too wet garden to till yet  so far.  Fingers crossed it gets in by next week or it might be hopeless unless we have an extended Summer and fantastic Fall.

Last Year a few of us girls who went to G.C. Huston Public School together got together for Lunch at the Walkerhouse in Southampton.  We decided we would try to get together once a Year.  The date had been set for this Saturday.  I called my girlfriend, Fran, this afternoon to catch up with her.  I had commented I really could use to loose 20 pounds and iron out about 200 wrinkles or so before this Saturday.  Ha! does anyone have any quick solutions for me .... *smile*.  We did have ourselves a "chuckle" over that one concluding we would have to go the way we are, of course unless a miracle occurs for us before then.

I am pretty sure I had mentioned Rob and I joined the Wiarton's Chamber of Commerce.  As members we have a spot on Wiarton's Website, visitwiarton.ca.  It is kind of neat to see The "Crabby Cabbie" somewhere else other then on a Facebook page.  Check us out by *clicking* HERE.

I am also happy to report Wiarton now has its very own Facebook Page.  Any people who have a Facebook account and LOVE Wiarton and area, please drop in on their new page to give it a LIKE.  You will find it by *clicking* HERE.

I have joined a Twenty Ways in 20 Days to be happier challenge along with my young blogging friend, Lena over at Frugal and Thankful.  This began yesterday, so I am a bit behind in posting about it (sorry Lena). I will post one thing that I did to make myself happy, or that made me happy for the next 20 days.

June 3rd:  Seeing my Sister, Jeanne, and her husband, Cecil, yesterday, being the first time in 6 years made me very happy.

June 4th:  Picking up the phone and connecting with my girlfriend.

I was not quite productive enough today as I thought I should have been, however I am grateful for what I did get done, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Here, There And It is ALL Local

You will NOT believe it, unless of course you are experiencing yourself where you live, because I hardly can myself ....

"Yes, it is snowing like the dickens but not sticken yet.  Hello April 24th, you do realize it is only a month away from the May 24 weekend, do you not?"

"Good thing I put a "huge" pot of Big Batch Chicken Soup to cook today, as my bones will need de-chilled with this cold again weather."

"And the wood stove nice and hot to keep me warm right through."

"As there are "others" around here that really don't seem to give a care about any of it."

"Hopefully all us Country Bumpkins know this when we see it, you know everything that "Screams" LOCAL !!!  This is part of Sweet Things from Dejong Acres website that can be found HERE.  It is pretty exciting as Dejong Acres is actually supplying my new Neighbour, who recently purchased the Elliot's Farm Garden next door to us.  Announcement as follows ...."

We are excited to announce our Fresh Lamb

from DeJong Acres is now available at

Solways Farm Market. (just North of Wiarton on Hwy 6, Formerly Elliotts)

There is a limited amount of fresh lamb available NOW and a freezer stocked with

frozen lamb as well.

Here is what one customer had to say about their fresh lamb chops prepared for

supper tonight, "We just finished our DELICIOUS lamb loin chops. They were sooooooo good!

(Herbes de Provence marinade, mashed potatoes, broccoli and salad) Excellent

product. "

Stop in for Boneless Shoulder Roast, Boneless Leg Roasts, Lamb Chops and

Ground Lamb. Special cuts can be ordered for pick up from Solways.

Solways have a wonderful selection of local meats, lots of produce, a large

assortment of gluton free foods, preserves, jams and jellies and wonderful baking.

It is well worth the stop!

Wondering how to prepare your lamb? Visit this site for all the information you

need! http://www.lambrecipes.ca/

Really when things get settled more a bit here for me with not being so busy (as if that will ever happen in my Lifetime), I will have to slip over and introduce myself to Mike and Cindy Soloway, and show you the changes that have been made over there at the Farm Market.  A little "birdie" told me there have been all brand new coolers and freezers installed, and I am certain there will be a few other "new" things to see to.  Mike and Cindy used to own the local Wiarton Foodland store before it was bought from them by Sobeys.

WARNING !!!  Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens Tomorrow.  Wear bright clothing if walking Trails and Fields.

Ontario Spring Wild Turkey Season Opening Soon 

OFAH and OCOA promote a safe, responsible hunt

The last week of April is what tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts have been waiting for: the
traditional start of wild turkey hunting in much of southern Ontario. This year the season opens April 25
and runs until May 31, including Sundays in those municipalities that support Sunday gun hunting. The
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(OCOA) commend everyone who will take to the field in celebration of our outdoor heritage, but remind
all hunters to put safety first, and respect private property.

“Licensed hunters across southern Ontario will be in the field for the next five weeks, hoping to harvest a
wild turkey for the table. A large percentage of us will be hunting on private property, through the
generosity of a landowner. It is important that we take time before the season starts to make clear
arrangements with them, and after the hunt, to thank them for the privilege of using their land,” said
OFAH Executive Director, Angelo Lombardo. “In addition to this, it’s extremely important to remember
that if successful, it is mandatory to report the bird by no later than noon the day after it’s harvested by
calling 1-800-288-1155. The OFAH supports mandatory reporting as it provides wildlife managers with
important information about populations, which help determine turkey hunting opportunities.”

“Trespassing is one of many complaints our officers respond to every season. We urge hunters to ensure
they know the boundaries when hunting on private property and that they always obtain permission
before entering,” said OCOA President, Joe McCambridge. “It’s also important to remember that it’s
illegal to hunt within 400 meters of where bait has been deposited and that wild turkey hunting ends at
7:00 pm each day.”

The above article was sent to me from friend, Stu Paterson, (one "t" as they couldn't afford two), which leads to me to another LOCAL talent.

"Please meet Jason Clark, pictured on the right in this photo (the big guy)."

Listen up ladies, as your hunter husbands might be interested in what Jason Clark invented and sells, if they are into Turkey Hunting that is.  Jason created and sells the Turkey Slayer Custom Calls.

Let me tell you, I used to work with Jason a few years back and I am proud this young man followed through with his passion of creating these Custom Calls.  I remember many times of Jason speaking about them, and now actually seeing it has all unfolded for him ... HIGH FIVE Jason !!!

Hope I got your hubby's interested ladies, as now I am going to direct you to Jason's website where you might want to purchase one of these sweet Turkey Slayer Custom Calls to encourage your dear husband to get out of your hair the house and do himself some hunting.  Check it out HERE.

Jason also has a Business Page for his Turkey Slayers Custom Calls on Facebook, that can be found HERE.  Please go on over and give his page a big LIKE, as he might have the thing to encourage that man of yours to go on a wee hunting trip in the next 5 weeks now that Wild Turkey Season is Open.

Thanks Jason for going forward with your Dream and Creation, as that in itself is very inspiring to myself and others.

And of course, I can not forget all about MY "Crabby Cabbie" ..... 

Pssst .... I know I am a pain, but until the 12th of May I hope I am a lovable "pain".  Because of YOUR support and daily votes we are now at 365 Votes, 27 more then yesterday.  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

What have I been doing all day? other then taking Aussie dogs in, out and about all day long in falling snow?  I have been Paying It Forward with some "cold calling" to raise donations for a Silent Auction in support of a Community Event that is going on this Saturday.  More on that tomorrow.

Okay now that I have written another whole book today, I think I will call it a wrap, "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".

Battle of the Paper !

It was an early 5:00 am morning again.  What a surprise to find a skiff of snow, along with a brisk cold wind after the double digit high temps we had the preceding few days.  I believe the January thaw might have came to an abrupt end.

Since last week was a "write-off" in my eyes, between a day trip to Kitchener-Waterloo, "Crabby Cabbie" book work, then an onslaught of migraine headaches, I decided today I was not going to let the day escape me.

I still had to finish up the book work by figuring out the HST for the last quarter of 2012, so I tackled that first off before anything.  Once that was done I decided to go at things one at a time, as not to overwhelm myself.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed when one has not been able to keep up on a regular daily basis, ending up accomplishing nothing much when this happens.  Focus is needed to achieve accomplishment.  Focus I did. 

It became a "Battle of the Paper" this morning.  I organized and did all the filing for the "Crabby Cabbie", then proceeded onto the desk.

"I had been so "focused" on getting things done I forgot to take "before" photos, however I am very happy with the "after" photos."

"The next thing I did was reclaim my dining room table and buffet from a mess of papers !  See that pile of paper, this is what I cleared from the desk and after sorting through what to file and what not to file."

 The Wood Stove was very very happy after I had fed it a huge breakfast of Paper !!!  Another declutter job done for the Month of January !

Mission accomplished until the next "Battle of the Paper".  Once done I got everything gathered to make the trip downtown Wiarton to our bank to make a Mafia Government Pay-off, and do a couple of other little errands.

Before I left I had to try on a Backpack we had picked up for our "Checkerboard Aussies".  Who would be the perfect cooperative "model" then no other then our ....

" ... Bandit Boy.  Not too sure if he was impressed, but he did cooperate as he is the bestest boy in the whole wide World !"

I actually bought the Back Pack for Buddy and Mercedes, or maybe Bandit too (from one of the Swaps for an awesome price of $10.00) when I start taking them off property walking again.  

Interested in a Doggie Back Pack for your dog?  *Click* HERE for 10 Reasons to Buy One.

I really hope to get back into a routine of daily walking again after two years of doing so to  doing nothing.  After having torn my Meniscus within three months of knee surgery, it tore again ! with a second surgery to follow within the same year, it really set me back from walking on a daily basis.  I have decided if it is going to tear again, so be it as I felt better when I was walking or on my treadmill daily then how I have been feeling since I ceased doing so.  Now to get myself back going on that will be the next accomplishment.

After Bandit modeled the Pack Pack for me to satisfy my curiosity, I headed further South of the Checkerboard to downtown Wiarton.  

RBC Bank - check (paid our dues)

Drug Store - check (prescription not ready)

Gilbert Shoes - check (a "hello" drop in)

Salvation Army Store - check (oops spent a wee little bit of money here)

Post Office - check (stamps) purchased

YIKES !!!  put the brakes on !!!  The price of a Stamp went up today !!! I believe about by five cents in Canada, as well as Postage to the USA and International.  Really was there not just an increase last Year???  Need to see the new prices that were implemented today? just *click* HERE.  Scroll part way down the page to see the stamp increases for Letter mail 

I had taken Bandit and Lexus along for the ride since Rob had left the two crates in the Van from our day trip last week.  They were happy campers, or should I say "passengers".  They LOVE going for rides in the Van ... and are totally awesome travellers.  Since Rob and I do not have doggie sitters when we go away for a day, they have to be excellent travellers to go along with us when need be.

It was at least 2:30 pm by the time I returned back home to let everyone have a big old run out in the brisk cold wind ... brr.  Needless to say the wood stove was "fired" up today again.

I got to thinking (what else is new) that I have been feeling out of sort the past few months since I have not had myself much of a regular routine anymore.  You know when you cook a meal for someone every day?  This has definitely not happening with my Rob working so many hours at being The "Crabby Cabbie".  As much work at times, or a bother at others, it might seem, I do miss cooking on a regular basis as it gave me a feeling of routine, never mind how much I enjoy cooking.  We need stability and routine in our lives do we not? I think so ... or at least it seems I do, as I really believe this is what I have been missing.  Oh yes, of course I have also been missing my Rob on a regular basis too, what kind of a "soul mate" and "wife" would I be if I didn't.  *Smile*

True love is what I know I have, as we are always able to make it through those up and downs to be there for each other.  To bare witness to another true love, take a moment to drop on over to Lena's Blog post of today by *clicking* HERE.  It brought tears to my eyes this day.

Since Monday evenings Rob has never worked I got to planning our meal earlier this morning by taking Back Ribs out of the freezer to thaw.  This afternoon I got going on the Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 preparation of the ribs.

"I mixed a rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and tomato powder (homemade) into the ribs, then placed them into the Slow Cooker."

"After the ribs had cooked on HIGH for 3 1/2 hours, I drained off the grease.  Even at this stage they look totally ready to go ... but not until I drizzled Miners' Maple Products Maple Chipolte BBQ sauce over them and left them on HIGH for another 1/2 hour while I cooked up a fry pan of leftover boiled potatoes and red onion.  I don't know about anyone else when they were growing up, but in our house we all went for the crispy crisp bottom from the fry pan ... yummy love crispy brown fried potatoes."

"Believe me, Rob and I really really enjoyed our Dinner tonight.  The company was good and the food was unbelievably good !"

This post has been shared over at Jaimes Love Bakes Good Cakes @ http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/2013/01/all-my-bloggy-friends-29.html

A new friend I have had the honor of meeting in person over Christmas, resides down in Florida every Winter.  Along with the photo she posted tonight she wrote ....

"A Crabby for the Cabbie all the way from La Belle, Florida", on The "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook Page.  Rob responded with, "Thanks Sharon, I needed a few more Crabby Friends !"  Hahahaha ... I LOVE ME some friends, even if they might be a little on the Crabby side."

 Thanks Sharon, Rob would LOVE all the "Crabby" company !!! but more so in person shell he thinks.

Oh man look at me ramble !!!  I didn't even feel like doing much of a post tonight and look at me go.

Before I forget my manners, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lenetta of Life According to Lenetta for joining me here on my daily journey, and sometime or not rants or opinions.  Welcome !

Also welcome Alice for making us 21 who are "on board" for the 52 Week Money Challenge.  Out of 21 of us, Alice was quick to point out that Week 49 isn't adding up as it should ... ha ! I am so happy one of us read the whole chart ... Hahaha, thanks Alice for being "quick to point" that out now as by the time I got to Week 49 I could have been "stumped" I am sure !  and for those ones who are putting the weeks in a weekly draw, don't panic as it still adds up to what it should be at the end of the 52 Weeks !

I am also pretty pumped and excited about all the interest I have been getting on having an Ontario Blogger Day ... stay tuned it is now just around the corner..  Interested in being "linked" up for this, please give a SHOUT OUT on your blog and read more about it HERE.

I have a huge day planned ahead for tomorrow.  I really need to have a good night's sleep for be ready for it, so off I go to do just that, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

An Abundance Of Colour

Last night, after I had published my blog post of yesterday, I had to deal with the Turkey Stock I had made.

"While a nice cuppa "Calming" Tea was steeping in my mug, I got going on packaging up the Stock to be frozen, leaving enough to be placed back in the fridge for Soup to be made today." 

The "calming" tea must have done its magic as I feel like I slept not too badly at all last night.  It sure makes a different in the day ahead when you have slept the night before, especially since my past few days have been spent with FM flareups and severe muscle spasms thorough my neck, shoulders and arms.

It is an awful feeling, causing alarm and stress to myself, when it first started happening to me 4 years ago, still taking me aback somewhat when it happens. It does pass though so this is a "good" thing.  Not sure about FM pain? here are some explanations found by *clicking* HERE.  On these "bad" days I really try to focus on how blessed I am to not have something worse debilitating disease, truly I do, and appreciate when I do have "good" days, when my neck issues and FM are both down to a dull roar.

This morning I had my Rob home, but after coffee he had a "project" cut out for himself that was a priority.

"Rob's very first "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle had to come out of retirement when the another we had, had its transmission go.  Old Blue got to go back into retirement today, as Rob got New Blue cleaned out and set up to go for tomorrow.  I do LOVE me the colour Blue!"

"Yes he did a great job cleaning it out, even placing the Grey-Bruce VON Piggy for Pennies in her upfront and center spot."

SHOUT OUT to all Saugeen Shores and area residents, please show your support by giving The "Crabby Cabbie's"  Facebook page a "LIKE", just by dropping in there by *clicking* HERE.  Thanks for your support, truly it is hugely appreciated.

What on earth would I be doing while Rob was busy himself?  I was busying myself with adding Colours to our life.  How would I do that you might wonder ... Easy, Peasy as 1-2-3.

"First thing I gathered together all the colours I was going to use, then I got to cleaning and preparing them all, as they were going into a very colourful Turkey Vegetable Soup I was making for our Lunch.  Lots of goodness packed into that Turkey Stock with all those wonderful colours."

"The "hardy" veggies were first to go in such as turnip, carrots, onion and celery, with the chopped up turkey and broccoli  was added in near the end of the cooking time.  When would the end of cooking time be? just when veggies are fork tender when pierced."

"The flavour was "Out of this World" with "an abundance of colour" and all the goodness contained."

.... and as I said, it was as Easy Peasy as 1-2-3, using a Turkey or Chicken stock as your base soup, then adding in your favourite "colourful" veggies.

This COLOUR your soup as been linked into http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.ca/2013/01/foodie-friends-friday-linky-party_10.html

I received a beyond totally awesome "flattering" email this morning.  I responded to its writer, also asking if they would mind if I "shared" it here.  It is something I am proud to share, and again thank you so much again, Jo-Ann for all your kind words.

Hello Cindy,

My name is Jo-Ann and I follow you on twitter. I really enjoy reading your daily blog, and the pictures and recipes that you share along with your daily journey. When I was a young girl my grandmother lived in Wiarton and I spent a fair share of my time there. That was over 30 years ago and there are a lot of changes, progress right? Her house is still there a white 2 storey on the west side of Berford Street just before you come down the hill into Wiarton. There use to be 2 brick columns one on each side of the road with a wrought iron Wiarton sign that spanned between them. My husband and I just purchased a seasonal place near pike bay this fall and one of my favourite topics on your blog is your support and promotion of the small businesses in Wiarton. You are helping me reconnect and feel familiar in a town and area that holds so many memories. I look forward to stopping in to the Cluttered Cupboard ( I love your "winnings" from there) and having a lite bite in the Cocoa Vanilla. I like your kindness resolution, it starts with a smile, I'm for that and I'm rooting for you in your de-cluttering efforts, I've always been a little obsessed in that area. I just wanted to introduce myself, say hello and how much I enjoy your posts. All the best to you and yours "North of Wiarton."

It is people like, Jo-Ann, and all you who read my daily journal,  some leaving many kind comments, either here or by email, ones who participate along in my interests and/or challenges, or those I see in my everyday life in person, that encourage me to continue on with the journey of my life here.  Sincerely it is people like you who have made my "heart" sing many times when there have been times it sure hasn't felt much like singing at all.

Hopefully a very sincere, simple "thank you" shows my huge gratitude for YOU all supporting my journey in life, here "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Onto some more Colour from my day ....

When I had Ashley and Nathan (remember our young visitor from Australia?) over before New Years, we had made plans to go see the movie The Hobbit.  Today was that day, as Rob wanted to go see it too (bonus because, other then the Drive-in, I think this is the first movie we had been to in at least 15 yrs.).

"We arrived at the Galaxy Cinemas in Owen Sound just before the 3:00 Matinee."

"Yeah, got to use the GC we had received 2 Years Christmases ago, bout time, eh?  Really there are machines now to take your money and issue you a ticket?   Wow it has been a long time since  I had been in at a Movie Theatre !  Of course there was a line-up for popcorn ... really who can NOT have popcorn at a Movie Theatre?"

"Did I mention "colour"? or was that an "abundance of colour"?  The graphics in this movie was unbelievable !"

The Hobbit had been filmed in New Zealand.  Beautiful beautiful and more beautiful  I am sure that is why I love any photos I see posted by Susan at Kamo Lady, as the photos she posts are always so lovely, green and lush looking ... New Zealand is another place on my "Bucket List" if when I win a substantial huge lottery amount (dang I keep forgetting I need to buy tickets on a regular basis if this is ever to happen).

"I had to run into the Giant Tiger store for a moment before we left the mall, coming back out to find Ashley and Nathan having themselves quite the "snowball" fight.  Really is there no snow in Australia to have so much fun, or "only in Canada" you say?  Apparently Nathan took a snowball to the head when he had "ducked",  so I would say that was one for the Girl's Team in my books.  *Smile* "

We returned back to Wiarton to drop Ashley and Nathan to their vehicle and headed it back home ourselves.  Supper was Easy Peasy with leftover Turkey Veggie Soup, along with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich .... yummy yum yum.

Before I forget, there are now twelve of us all together participating in the 52 Week Savings Challenge.  Karen, in answer to your message just right click on the schedule and "save as it" to your computer, or shoot me off an email to justnorthofwiarton@live.ca and I will email it to you.  Thanks for all who are "on board" with me, and there is still time for more to join us !

Oh man, I just looked up at the clock to realize it is 9:30 pm already !!  That day sure flew by me in seemingly a "blink of an eye".  

Should you not have seen the movie The Hobbit I would say, "definitely go for it",  and if you have not read the book that is a "must", along with reading the following 3 volumes, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.  I read them all years ago, but getting the "itch" to read them again.

I am off to almost call it a night here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."