Just Call Me The Crazy Dog Lady

Damn, damn, triple damn, I forgot to take warm milk and cocoa before going to bed last night and it turned out to be yet another sleepless night.  Thank goodness, after I had gotten out of bed for awhile I went back to bed to a nice warm husband there to tuck my cold feet into.  They were darn cold !

"This was me today.  A bit here and a bit there, but I plugged along with nothing too exciting jumping out at me while getting 'r done."

Early this afternoon there was some very unpleasant excitement that did go on here. 

"And it all was caused by some ill mannered Buddy Boy deciding he would take a round out of mild mannered Bandit.  I make this statement not meaning Buddy is an unkind dog, but that this is what happens sometimes when two intact dogs come together, as really Buddy has a very loving nature towards us and others."

I had just came inside from being out with the girls, leaving Bandit out by himself as he is just fine on his own, while I took Buddy to put him out in the outside run, as it wasn't too bad of day until the rain started on later.

With Buddy outside in the run, I opened the side basement door to call Bandit in.... WHOOSH !!!  The wind had gotten up outside causing a vacuum effect pulling in the outside basement door to the kennel run.  While I had the door open for Bandit to come in.  I had not realized this and before the side door slammed shut behind me, out came Buddy.

I opened the door and almost had Bandit in, and was ready to get Buddy by the collar, however I was just not quick enough.  The battle began with Bandit holding back while Buddy tore into him.  It is unpleasant and terrifying to see the Nature of the Beast take over, whether it be humans or animals, however it is what it is.  The adrenaline kicked in.  I got behind Buddy and gained hold of his collar, pulling him until he finally let go his hold on the back of Bandit's neck.

I left Bandit behind as I returned Buddy inside to his crate with a scolding along the way.

I retrieved Bandit to inspect him all over.  He was fine, although shaken as I was.

Regardless of how cautious and careful a person can be sometimes "things" do happen out of one's control.  It is unfortunate but with much relief I was able to handle the situation.   I will not stand back,if I can help it, to ever allow harm to come by way of my dogs, whether towards each other or anyone or thing else that might cross our paths.

"I might be hanging a new "shingle" on my door in the very near future."

Shortly thereafter, once Bandit had the once over and de-traumatized, I took Buddy out on the lead for a walk in the back field.  He was very well behaved, listening the whole time I spoke to him ... hopefully there will not be a "next time".  Oh my shattered nerves .....

That pretty much wrapped up the excitement of my day around here, not that it is the kind of excitement one would ever go looking for (I hope not).

Do you listen the the Radio Station, 98 The Beach?  Turn on your radios tomorrow morning as there should be some SHOUT OUTS going on about the following Event this upcoming Saturday:

The Silent Auction Prizes are going to be awesome, with all the local businesses contacted chipping it without hesitation.  Hopefully I will have an updated list tomorrow on some of the cool stuff you can bid on, and who supplied it.  No ticket yet? then drop around to Cathy's Flowers and Sunset Lanes in Port Elgin to get yours prior to the Event.

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES.  Really is that not what is all about, supporting each other? I would like to think so.  I also have to look after MY "Crabby Cabbie" guy ....

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 401 Votes, 36 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

Tomorrow I have a busy day ahead of me, so I best be remember before bedtime tonight to have myself that  mug of warm milk and cocoa, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

I Do LOVE My Girls

Last night was, once again, not a very restful night of sleep for me.  Regardless I laid in bed until there was a grey light outside our bedroom window.  Finally, it was just before 6 am.  I got up.

Rob got up shortly after I did.  We had a coffee, then he headed down the highway with his "Crabby Cabbie" hat on by 6:30 am.  I got dressed then proceeded downstairs for my morning routine with Lexus, Mercedes and Buddy.  What I found to greet me this morning was one of those things you would much rather be happening to someone else.

My Facebook status included the photo of Mercedes with the "grin" and the following caption:

"Please do not laugh at my expense ... oh go ahead, as we all could use a good laugh whether it is at me or someone else.   Mercedes is due to have her litter of pups any day now. The pressure has been so extreme for her, she could not wait to be let out, whatever time through the night this happened. I have a very huge, not very solid mess to clean up before I do anything else to start my day ... phewie !!! I am having a coffee first before I attempt the dreaded mess. Show of hands who might like to come to help with a pail of hot water and vinegar ???? For the love of my Aussies xx"

Hahahaha ... you can well imagine some of the response of support that were commented on this post by my "friends".  One particular comment that stands out was from my friend, Cathy, "What a mess! Sorry about that Cindy, love to help but, er, I'm washing my hair...."   Really what would I do without all my "friends"?

I was grateful it was a lovely morning with the Sun out in full force and no sign of rain.  

Once I had take Mercedes on her morning out and about, I put her in the outside kennel run, took everyone for their morning jaunt then resolved myself to tackling the "mess".  Yes Lynn, the dustpan was a big help, as was the big pail of hot water and scrub brush.

"Here is my little Missy Mercedes all happy, loving and grateful for me to being such a wonderful Mama."

 Since I was already hard at it in the basement I thought I might as well get started on the rest of it.  I equipped myself with the Shop Vac and broom and got right at it.  With a load of laundry washed and hung out as well, I think I finished up just before the Lunch Hour.

"Lexus is such a pretty girl.  She watched on while I was busy doing the stairway."

Yes, regardless of the many ups and downs, or messes, I do LOVE my girls, as they have given me much joy and amusement from the first day each of them came home with us.  Unique and quirky, each in their own special ways.

Since I knew I was going to "tuckered" out by the time Dinner time rolled around, I put some Sirloin steaks into the Slow Cooker on top of Carrots, and topped with a sprinkle of Montreal Steak Spice, a couple of dashes of Worcestershire Sauce and Soya, then a layer of sliced onions.

"With some potatoes boiled to serve on the side, Dinner was ready to sit down to by the time Rob arrived back home.  Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 and Very Good !"

Rob had been so tired yesterday afternoon, since he had not gotten home until 3:30 am, I didn't have the heart to not let him sleep and do the job we had planned on doing.  It was all good, as after Dinner tonight we got to it.

"We had been fortunate enough to get a small end piece of flooring last week from an installer.  We were able to cut 2 pieces the size of the whelping box, putting one away for another time.   The metal edger strips were not so "cheap", costing $15.00 for 2 small pieces."

Before I helped Rob by cutting the pieces out, I took Mercedes out for a wee run.  She had just "squatted" down when a pair of sparrow flitted onto the ground right in front of her, and "snap" she had one in her mouth.  That little sparrow never had a chance.  It took me some time, but she finally dropped it and Rob disposed of it later.  Oh man I really didn't have a good time with witnessing this, even though this is life as it is.

"The flooring installed it got the "once over" from Mercedes.  I am hoping it will work out very well for all of us concerned, being Mercedes for delivering, and me for cleaning."

Pssst .... I know I am a pain, but until the 6th of May I hope I am a lovable "pain".  Because of YOUR support and daily votes we are now at 314 Votes, 44 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 6th of May, here is the link:

https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=ca-en&content_id=20580

As always, and forever, Thank YOU !!!  from me and my ....

Serving Saugeen Shores & Area.  

Southampton:  519-373-7700 or Port Elgin:  519-379-7700

More sharing in our communities for this upcoming weekend, so get your calendars back out for tomorrow's post.  

The cuteness "fix" I promised last night can be found HERE.

I am feeling pretty content that I accomplished what I did today.  Lexus, Mercedes and Bandit even got some individual "fetch" time with me this afternoon.  I have to pickup another long lead leash to start working with Buddy on "fetching".... really it has been quite the challenge having a dog that I hadn't raised from a pup.  I would never give him up for the World, however I wish I could have him off leash more..... maybe some day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Flattery Will Get Me Everywhere !

Ha ! Flattery will probably not get me everywhere, however it still made me feel pretty good to know the Best Ever Ham & Cheese Quiche, that is a favourite in my recipe collection, was featured over at Michelle's Ms.en Place: See Ya in the Gumbo, last week.  Thanks Michelle for being such a lovely hostess as always.

Drop on over to Michelle's weekly, See Ya in the Gumbo, to see all the fantastic featured recipes posted over there as well as new posts below.  Here is the "go to" link:

http://msenplace.blogspot.ca/2013/04/see-ya-in-gumbo-79-potluck.html

Would you like to keep in the loop with my Foods Simply Made at North of Wiarton, please join my on my Facebook Page by *clicking* HERE, to give my page a "LIKE".  It is a place where I post the recipes I make so they are easy to find, along with their photos.

Onto my day at hand.

I was exhausted ... again? still?  It was yet another sleepless night.  I will have to get onto making my cup of Cocoa with hot milk tonight.  I didn't get out of bed this morning, I am sure until after 7:30 am.   That is almost "unheard" of for me to do such a thing.  And to think my gang allowed it to happen was another biggie !!!

Really did I get motivated once I was up, dressed, had been out, about and back in with the gang?  NO !  I am certain I didn't get any motivation going until after the lunch hour, and that probably is because I was feeling a little bit guilty about not having done anything all morning.  Oh I did call my sister, Donna, to wish her a Happy Birthday this morning, and of course I had made the bed.

"Once the "guilt" really set in I hit the books, while the Sun shone brightly outside our doors.  There was a huge rainfall last night leaving mini lakes in our back fields."

The good news was I managed to get one month on the books with only two more months to go, then we got to go out to enjoy some Sunshine for a bit later in the day.

"I had let Bandit out the front door, while Lexus came out the side basement door with me.  She was trotting along nicely then she spotted Bandit."

"One of many stand offs.  The race was on back to me.  Well, maybe a racing Lexus and a trotting along Bandit?"

"Lexus is really such a brat with Bandit putting up with way too much most days from her, and Mercedes too for that matter.  The muddy wet dogs went back into the basement, while I took Mercedes out for a turn by herself.  Buddy? he was out in the outside run as it was such a beautiful day."

 I went out to retrieve our mail.  At the end of our driveway I could see a white blob sitting out there.  I was not impressed when I got to the spot to have realized someone had pitched a dirty diaper out of their window while driving by.  How rude people are !!!  Grrr things like that upset me to no end.  I have left it there until I go back out with a double bag to pick it up and put it into our outside garbage bin.

"On my return back to the house I did a very quick survey of my side flowerbeds.   I estimate there is going to be lots of work needing done in them once things dry up with it hopefully getting a bit warmer.  My work is certainly cut out for me in these areas, never mind the vegetable garden."

``Last night's dinner was one of my favourites, however simple.  Romaine lettuce with a bit of red onion sliced into it with choice of dressing, mine being Raspberry Vinaigrette, and Rob, Caesar.  The Chicken fingers, all white meat, were done crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.  Tonight was Spaghetti, another simply good meal."

YIKES !  I almost forgot one of my Highlights of the day.  I made a call to my Blogger friend, Kat of Kat's Retirement Journey.  I met Kat when I was her substitute Secret Sister for the Secret Swap hostessed by the lovely Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily, from time to time.  Kat and I began emailing each other after she had received her gift from me.  We seemed to hit it off in our correspondence, so two phone calls later found easy and fun conversations to follow as if we have been fast friends forever.  I LOVE when that happens !

It is nice to have friends in other parts of the World.  This way I get a whole new World opened up to me through their eyes.  Look at the money I am saving by not having to travel to all these places?  Ha! like I have all that kind of cold cash hanging around, right?  *smile*

Speaking of cash.  Here I go again with the "Please cast a daily Vote" for my Crabby Cabbie's cause.  No cost to you, just a *click* on the following link and one more wee *click* to Vote.  Kat was also telling me today, it is also open for US residents to *click* their Vote, as she has been rooting by voting for my Crabby Cabbie too.   Once again, until the 6th of May, here is the link:

https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=ca-en&content_id=20580

As always, and forever, Thank YOU !!!  from me and my ....

Serving Saugeen Shores & Area.  

Southampton:  519-373-7700 or Port Elgin:  519-379-7700

Am I still tired? of course I am.  I am going to get that milk heated up, add that dark cocoa powder, a quarter teaspoon of sugar, and hopefully it does it "magic" by bringing me a good nights sleep, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerobard."

I Really Did Nail It !

 Sunday ! what does Sunday mean to me?  It means my Rob is home for almost a whole day, in the day time, with me !!!  Whoo hooo ... and I certainly took full advantage of him being home today.

I have been patiently waiting for it to work out that Rob could help me with two our our "Checkerboard Aussies", as sometimes there are a couple things I need help with where they are concerned.

Lexus was number one up on the "to do" help list.  Yesterday I had brushed almost two whole doggies out of her, but when doing her "feathers" on her back end she kept sitting down on me.  This I needed someone to hold her while I got her back end.  I always need help with this part of the brushing out with all our Aussies.

"Lexus was in her happy place as she was having herself some fun with Rob before I got to her.  Finally with most of her undercoat all brushed out, she sat nice and pretty for the last photo.  Yes that is one pile of hair and not snow laying at the bottom of the photo.  You should have seen the pile that was brushed from her yesterday!"

Number two on my "to do" list was our Buddy boy.  I had him pretty much brushed out last week, however there was a matter of some matting behind his ears that I could not manage to hold him and remove at the same time.  He is quite the "handful" some days.  Lots of "ham" photos from today can be found over at The "Checkerboard Aussies" blog, found HERE.

"Here is is all settled down with a mess of matting removed.  I am sure he feels much better that tightness is gone from behind his ears."

I did get more cleaning done today, along with the patio doors all sparkly with a film of wood stove smoke hopefully all removed for the time being.

Rob drove me over to pick up my van from the mechanics as the oil change was done.  It will have to go back once the parts come in for a manifold gasket.  *Sigh* that should be another couple hundred dollars out the door when that gets done.  After that is done I will have to try to come up with some more "shekels" to replace the rocker panels on it.  Oh man ... then there will be something else once all that gets done I am sure.

When we got back home, I tackled some more house chores, while Rob attempted a bit of cleaning up in the basement.  I really think we need more then a Month of Sundays to make a dent down there.  When time is a commodity everything seems to get dumped and put on the back burner.  In the meantime everything I manage to get my hands on I am trying to deal with it by either finding a place for it, or sending it on its way out the door.

Finally around 4:30 pm I thought I best be getting some Dinner thrown together.  I was beyond happy with the Dinner I had made us tonight ...

"A few fresh veggies diced up, along with some dehydrated mushrooms from a jar and frozen peas from the freezer, leftover Basmati Rice, a bit of Soy Sauce added with a bit of egg thrown in ... and a side dish is ready to be served up."

"Thin boneless loin chops, dipped in flour seasoned with pepper and garlic powder, egg, Panko crumbs, and then set into a bit of Olive Oil in a hot fry pan.  Before you know it a very delicious entree is done to perfection."

"I really did "NAIL" it !"

Was Dinner good? you can bet your bottom dollar it was good !  I do not know why but with Rob working so much all the time, and us always trying to catch up with everything in the few hours we do have together throughout the week, it doesn't seem like I get to cook like I used to or want to.  I was happy with taking a bit of time out to cook something we both enjoyed today.

My "Crabby Cabbie" and I sincerely appreciate anyone who takes a moment out to *click* the following link to give us their daily Vote until the 6th of May.  I hope I am not going to totally drive everyone "Nuts" with this reminder every day until the the cut off date, but I try to put my "ALL" into something that means a lot to me.  My husband and his business do mean the World to me.

Thank you for your daily Votes at the following link:

https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=ca-en&content_id=20580

I love supporting our communities with hopes they support us back, along with close family members and friends, online and in person.  Thank you.

I think that pretty much wraps up a somewhat productive day, and one that just also happened to have a sky full of Sunshine for a change, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Really Does It Ever End ?

I was up and at it by 6:30 am.  Rob never arrived home until 3:30 am so I was trying to be as quiet as possible.  This is not always the easiest to do when you have one Aussie more impatient then the other some mornings making it a competition on who is going to be taken out first.

Bandit is pretty flexible, as is Buddy, but jeez those girls can make mornings pretty noisy most days.  Poor Rob.  All I can say is I am happy he sleeps through most of the ruckus much better then I could ever do.

Once everyone was taken care of, I got caught up first thing with the Social Media updates to the "Crabby Cabbie" and The "Checkerboard Aussies" Facebook pages, as well as trying to catch up on a few Blogger friend's posts while having my first coffee of the day.

Once the coffee was drained, I truthfully went for a second cup thinking it would help further clear the cobwebs which had apparently formed in my head.  Rob did not sleep too long this morning.  Once he had himself a coffee we headed over to our Mechanics to drop off a vehicle, this time it was our personal van for an oil change.

Good news? I think not.  The engine service light had been on, so that had been checked out.  We are looking at either a bad Spark plug, wire or a coil needing replaced, as well as there being a leak in the exhaust manifold.  Really though I am certain it could be much worse then this, but jeez whiz I had just put $900.00 into it last October !

 It is very frustrating that many auto parts barely last past the one year mark anymore.  The car I had before the van had a brand new part put in that needed replacing within two weeks.  This is totally unacceptable, as this was not the first time this had happened to us.  It was under warranty, but what the heck ???? where in the heck has Quality Control gone? obviously down the drain along with everything else in this "throw away" World we now live in.

There that should cover my one big rant for the day.

"When I had dropped off our Van to the Mechanics my "Crabby Cabbie" collected me to take me back home, and didn't even charge me a fare !  but I did make him a lovely breakfast of Homefries, Bacon, Toast and Eggs Over Easy which was apparently payment enough."

Rob headed out to work with his "Crabby Cabbie" hat firmly set upon his head a bit after the lunch hour.  Yes that is snow coming down in the photo of him in his "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle.  It snowed most of the day, with it turning to rain late in the afternoon, melting what snow there had been on the ground.

The "Crabby Cabbie" has been entered to receive a Small Business Wish through the Intuit Small Business Wish Grant.  15 Small businesses who receive the most Votes will qualify to have their wish granted.  One Vote may be cast each and every day until the 6th of May.  We would appreciate you supporting us by casting your Vote by *clicking* on the following link:

https://www.loveourlocalbusiness.com/base/lolb2desktop?region_id=ca-en&content_id=20580

We can not tell who votes, however your daily vote is more then appreciated by myself and Rob, my "Crabby Cabbie".  Thank you to all who are able to lend their support for our Small Business endeavours.

Back to the vicious circle of trying to keep on top of domestic chores and armies of dust bunnies, I got going on cleaning the kitchen this afternoon.

"Once the Kitchen had been tidied up, I tackled a "grid" in the Dining room area.  I can not believe how time consuming one little corner can be some times.  Hopefully the Vinegar/Water solution I used to clean the window doesn't leave any streaks behind.  I will tackle the patio doors tomorrow.".

"It always seems I make a mess to clean a mess.   I finally got it clean and sparkly again, until the wood chips and ashes land where they fall the next time loading up the stove, as the dust flies again."

I also was busy for a wee bit today on the phone with another prospective puppy buyer.  I am pleased to say, to date there are now three puppies from Mercedes and Buddy's upcoming litter that is due on or about the 28th of April, have now been spoken for.

Do not forget, should you like to join in the fun on the Puppy Pool to guess how many will be born, check it out on The "Checkerboard Aussies" Blog which will direct you to their Facebook page.  So far we have had 18 people cast their guesses from anywhere from 3 to 7 puppies.

I was speaking to our son, Paul, today who was telling me how tired he was feeling.  Rob and I both are feeling like this too.  Good Canadians, like the three of us are, we are sticking to our story that it is the weather that is causing us to feel so tired.

On that note, I am going to head out to the kitchen to make myself a cuppa Earl Grey, put my feet up and call it an early night, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."