Ontario Blogger's Day ~ 2nd Annual

Today is Celebration of the 2nd Annual Ontario Blogger's Day.  The talent is amazing throughout the World, however I am amazed how much so here in my very own Province of Ontario.

Blogging for me has really opened up the World, with meeting so many wonderful new friends along the way.

I decided I would reserve this day once a Year to recognize Ontario Bloggers, as myself, who are scattered about this Province I have lived my whole life in.  Before I introduce those who have joined me here this day, let me tell you a little more about where I live, even though most of you know it is "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard". 

Should anyone be a long time visitor to the Bruce Peninsula, they might know what "North of the Checkerboard" means ... you do not know?  Just *click* HERE for the best explanation going in my "Neck of the Woods".  Not to many months ago Wiarton had been renamed the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, but for many of us we will always be Wiarton. 

What has put Wiarton on the Map of Ontario to make it "shine" every February 2nd?  Let me tell you, should you not have already met the little guy responsible.

I am pleased to introduce you to Wiarton Willie, up close and "almost" in person.  Not only a Celebrity in his own right, but a real cutie too !  Wiarton Willie even has his very own Facebook Page, check it out HERE.

~ Photo Credit Mandy Sebok ~

You also will find in Wiarton's  Bluewater Park a Monument in Memory of all the Willies who made Wiarton Proud since 1956.

You can not Celebrate at the Wiarton Willie Festival without some Official Wiarton Willie Gear !  A must stop  would be to see Koreen at RAM Trophies and Sports downtown Wiarton, who would be pleased to "fit" you up.  RAM Trophies & Sports can also be found on Facebook HERE.

RAM also is the only place the Crabby Cabbie ever goes to have his logo professionally done on his Crabby Gear.

The whole town of Wiarton has been decked out in anticipation of the Wiarton Willie Festival, which will be launched the weekend beginning January 31st, 2014 (which just happens to be my dear Rob's Birthday, so this day I could never forget).

My Crabby Cabbie will also be zipping around town on the Wiarton Willie Festival Weekend, so if you need a Taxi give him a call !!!  Looking for a list of Events and Schedule for the 2014 Wiarton Willie Festival?  please do so at the Official Wiarton Willie Facebook Page HERE, or the website HERE.

Personally I am truly looking forward to the Wiarton Willie Experience myself this upcoming Year.  I have been invited this day to do the Photography for the Social Media Press Release (a further post on this fun hub bub will follow), so hence the early post this day.

Truly I love living on the Bruce Peninsula.  There is much much more being offered by living here then the Wiarton Willie Festival, even though that is a highlight in itself.  Here is another glimpse of my World that is located a hop skip and a jump from where I live ...

Lovely isn't it ? one of my Son, Paul's favourite spots to go when he comes home to visit.

For a little History on "NORTH OF THE CHECKERBOARD" , who do not already know, to find out please *click* HERE.

We all having something to bring to the "Plate of Life" and I am proud to introduce you to some Ontario Blogger's who bring a little bit of something themselves, contributed through their personal blogs..  Take a minute to *click* on each highlighted link beside their names, as you will also be taken into a very wonderful World, as I have been myself, through the eyes of some very talented and giving of themselves "Ontario Bloggers " ....

Carla  ~ My 1/2 Dozen Daily

Karen ~ Living In My Valley

Jane ~ The Maple Syrup Mob  & if you check on Jane's Side Bar you will see The REAL Mob's Blog !

Elaine ~ Woods Country Cove

Elaine ~ K & E Photography

The Furry Gnome ~ Seasons in the Valley

Eboo ~ Eboo Saves

William Kendall ~ Ottawa Daily Photo

Aimee, Bebsy, Virna & Irm ~ Craftmates 

Jane ~ When Life Hands You Lemons

Gillian ~ That British Woman

Bandit, Lexus, Missy Mercedes & Buddy ~ The "Checkerboard Aussies"

To each Ontario Blogger who has participated I can not begin to tell you how pleased I am that each of you were here to partake in such an amazing day of coming together.  Please each take the time to introduce yourselves to each other on your Blogs, hopefully even "joining as a follower"  as a gesture of your support.

I truly do enjoy what each and everyone had to contribute to this day, and I am looking forward to hosting another Ontario Blogger's Day next January 17th 2015.

Remember when stopping in to visit at anyone's blog, "take what you will from it and leave the rest", as an individual's blog post is their own personal journey, not to be judged or criticized by another.  

And by the way ....

What Neck of the Woods Are YOU From ????  

Until we meet again that is all she wrote, "Just North of Wiarton & South of The Checkerboard".

Sleep & NO Migraine Made For A Great Day !

I was the happiest girl this morning when I got out of bed at 7 pm.  I did not sleep all night, but I slept better then I have for a long time, and NO Migraine today ... whoop whoop !!!

I had to shake a leg to get a move on this morning.  I finally made it out the door landing at the door of the Wiarton Chamber office at 9:05 to attend the bi-monthly meeting.  Even though I am not a Board Member, I do enjoy sitting in on the Chamber Meetings (as any member can do so) as I find it to be a learning experience in more ways then one.

Once the meeting was over I had to run back home, as I was taking over the Wiarton "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle at 11 am while our Crabby Driver John was gone on an out-of-town run.  Before lunch I managed to head down to the Wiarton Salvation Army to meet up with Tess Hutt and Mary Millar.

The Wiarton "Crabby Cabbie" donated a Turkey for the Wiarton Salvation Army's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Winter Clothes Give Away this upcoming Saturday.  Should  you ever have the opportunity to meet Tess and Mary, I hope you find them as delightful and giving as I have always found them to be, and always more then grateful.

Tess called me later this day to let me know their needs for Turkeys have now been met, however potatoes, root vegetables and dinner rolls would still be appreciated, as well as any Winter Clothes donation.  Contact information for donations as below.

I made a couple of stops out and about Wiarton to drop off a couple Chamber membership packages, and also took a bit of time out to gaze upon a local project I favour.

The house renovation of the house on the South Hill as you head North into Wiarton has been moving right along.  They have began the reconstruction of the one part of the roof which is my most favourite ... is that not the coolest turret you have ever seen?

I later received a phone call to take one of our regular Crabby Cabbie customers shopping to the local Foodland.  While waiting for her to do her shopping my friend, Koreen, treated us to a Tim Horton's coffee, so I hung out with her for a bit today.

I am really  happy I hung out with Koreen, as Ram Trophies & Sportswear can be quite the "happening" place some days.

Here is Koreen, herself, Vicki of Explore the Bruce, Visitor, Michael Zhang, and Danielle of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.  Everyone was having fun trying on some Official Wiarton Willie Gear at Ram Trophies & Sportswear.  I was more then impressed with Vicki being able to tie a "tie" ... good job, Vicki !

Michael is Owner/Chief Consultant of Michael Cultural Communication.  Michael is will be speaking at a Bruce County Tourism Workshop here in Wiarton tomorrow.  He will be addressing the topic of Understanding Chinese Tourists and Marketing to them.

I had an invite to the Workshop tomorrow morning, however unfortunately I have other commitments and will have to pass up on this one.  Dang it all !

By the time I picked back up my fare from Foodland to deposit her back at home it was 6 pm. Home again to have a coffee with my hubby, and a chat up about this and that with our Wiarton driver, before I knew it, it was 7:00 pm.

Rob just got a phone call now at 8:12 that our "gang" just landed back home at the Kitchener Airport !!!  Whoot hoot, can't wait to see them all again.  I am even happier to have received a phone call they are all safe and sound.

YIKES !  there sits Rob after making himself a hot dog, or two, with me still having to think about my own Dinner, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Out & About Town

Last night's Dinner, then it was out the door and off to .....

.... our "once a Year" trip to the Owen Sound Drive-in, where we watched:

 http://werethemillers.warnerbros.com/#home

Rob and I could only take in We're The Millers, as that didn't finish until almost 11 pm, and we both needed to get home for our beauty sleep, so we never got to see 2 Guns.

Our morning today began early at 5:30 am, as that was pretty much the time we both got up.  

Rob headed out down to Saugeen Shores with his Crabby Cabbie hat firmly set upon his head, while I stayed back with my Crabby Cabbie *smile* to give our Wiarton driver a day off.  I had not too bad of a day, and obviously a much better one then Rob did as he informed me when I had called him later that morning.

The Transmission hose had blown in one of our Crabby Cabbie vehicles, which ensued a tow to where we were fortunate to have it repaired today.  Thanks Jeff !!!  Another expense we could well afford NOT to have.  On the "flip side" it was better to happen today with somewhere that had been open, and not on the upcoming Holiday Weekend when it is one of our busier times.

How did this damage happen?  Our Saugeen Shores driver had a run in with a very large raccoon last night.  These things do happen with the critters out and about after dark, and I am talking about those 4 legged hairy ones.

I did not get anything done today, other then the dishes as between being Out & About Town all day long, I was on the phone dealing with, yes again, more Crabby Cabbie business.

I did manage to stop to take a couple of photos for the Wiarton Facebook page, and after Dinner stop on the Oxeden Road to enjoy watching the sailboats out on Colpoy's Bay.  What a beautiful sight, is it not?

Early evening I found myself downtown Wiarton taking in the entertainment for the very last Wiarton Wednesday of the Summer.  The Night Train Blues Band was enjoyable and had my toe tapping.  The Video I took of them still hasn't finished uploading, so that will be on tomorrow's post.

I spoke to my Auntie Gladys today.  Uncle Basil has began Rehab on his right leg and ankle this day.  All your prayers for a Speedy Recovery were more then appreciated, by myself as well as my Auntie.  Thank YOU all.

Tomorrow I am hoping I have not too many interruptions so I can carry on where I left off with the much needed cleaning of our house.  I also need to get some baking done to donate for the Wiarton Optimist Club's Yard Sale this upcoming Saturday.  What am I going to make?  I am thinking Banana Bread, Zucchini Pineapple Bread and maybe some Peanut Butter Cookies, oh yes and maybe I will experiment with some Peach Cakes?

On that note I am off and running, not too quickly, towards my comfy bed to take in an episode of MasterChef, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".