Drum Roll Please !

A Winner was randomly chosen this morning for the Give Away I was hosting on my Blog, following a Winner being chosen for the November draw over at Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook .

"Recipe Exchange Member, Toni Vary, was the Winner of these Measuring Spoons.  Bright and Colourful are they not?  Congratulations Toni !"

"The Winner of this lovely Vintage Gift was also chosen randomly, that person being .... Drum Roll please !"

"Congratulations goes out to Toni Vary !  Hope you were sitting down Toni as you were reading this post !  please contact me to make arrangements to also get these "winnings" to you also."

Wow what a way to begin and end your day!  Could you imagine? as I wish I had been a fly on the wall to see the expression on Toni's face when she read this.  Now with all the excitement of this behind me, onto the remainder of my day, such as it was ....

First thing I made a call to our Vet's in Mildmay to find out how I could get some "strong" flea medication for our Bandit boy, as the "off the shelf" Zodiac just wasn't seemingly doing the trick, poor boy.  They were going to call the Vet here in Wiarton to see if they would dispense it to save me a 2 hour round trip on top of everything else.  I went, I bought and returned home with.

"Bandit meeting me when I came through the door, checking out things after he first had himself a "scratch".  Inspection and knock it down the stairs followed shortly thereafter."

"YIKES !  a 3 month supply was $79.00 and change.  Please pray our other 3 are "spared" the dreaded nasty little bugger of a flea!  On the flip side, I had also stopped in at our local Foodland coming away with all of this for $64.00 !  Wow lots of boneless skinless chicken thighs, along with a couple packages of Turkey all at 50% off, Bananas, apples, mushrooms and broccoli for 49 cents each, and Wheat Thins for $2.47 a box.  I do see Homemade Soup and Banana Muffins in our Future."

I haven't had an issue with fleas in my household for several years, always having more then one or two animals at any given time.  I did hear fleas were on the rampage this Year, and I not being the only one with his problem.  Fingers and toes crossed the rest of our gang does not get infected, as they are kept down in the basement with only Bandit upstairs in our living areas.  

It was quite a bit to swallow spending almost $200.00 in less then an hour.  What does a girl do when such a stressful spending spree occurs?

"This girl grabs herself a good cookbook and draws herself a hot bath.  That is my kind of relaxation !"

There are actually some pretty good sounding recipes in the Diabetic Cooking book I had picked up somewhere in my travels recently.

I had no sooner gotten out of my bath when my Cousin Suzanne and her daughter, Krista, sent me a text "could they come on over to pickup Krista's Epicure order".  Of course it had been okay, as the party had been over two weeks ago.

We had a nice little visit with each other as well as a cuppa tea.  They had to be on their way, and I carried on with my day with demands put to me by a couple of my "Checkerboard Aussies".   Once their needs were taken care of, I set out to do what I had wanted to try today.

"Yes I did get a Bread in a Jar all layered together.  Isn't this nice?  you need a jar that will hold at least 5 cups to make this happen."

I actually have a home in mind this one will be gifted to.  Would you like to try your hand on putting together a Bread in a Jar or two for gifting this Christmas Season?  Just *click* HERE for the recipe/method.

More Christmas gift ideas in a Jar?  You can find 48 Homemade Gifts in a Jar just by *clicking* HERE.  Have fun !!! and I really would love to hear what one(s) you tried out yourself?

Once again, one of my usual numerous times in a day, exiting the front door to have a walk around with one of our "four" after first coming across this before my exit.

"Our breeding specialty seems to be these Daddy Long Legs.  Thank goodness, as I really am not too fond of the fat stocky ones that are black and have hairy legs  .... ewwww.  Gives me the creeps just thinking about those ones.  And they "jump" too!"

"All fears of spiders left me once I was out side to take in the beauty of all the dandelions resurfacing all over the property.  Confused they must be, but then again they would fit right in with my lifestyle at times.  Ha !"

I actually made a Dinner for Rob and myself tonight .... *sigh* it seems like it has been a long time since I have done so.

"Thin pork loin chops smothered in Miners' Maple Products "Maple Chipolte Maple BBQ Sauce", with new potatoes and broccoli on the side.  Yummy it was good."

Dinner dishes to be done, doggies to be taken out, around and about, will take me right up until it is time I will be looking for my bed and my pillow, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

It Never Goes Away That ****

"A Vicious Circle that Never Ends !"

I believe I will never in this lifetime, ever have my whole house clean at one time.  I am always behind with something or another.  Really I wish those dust bunnies could put themselves "on hold" while I am out and about trying to enjoy my life a little bit .... and that whole dog that is constantly floating around on my floors? could he just not get up and walk out the front door himself when Bandit does, with the only difference being that he stays out !  *Sigh* "it never goes away", that housework ... NEVER !

What a beautiful day with the Sun in full force, feeling almost like a warm Indian Summer.  Imagine a whole week of Indian Summer mid-November? would that not be totally "wicked"????  Maybe if I hold my breathe long enough it will happen.

Once I did up a few dishes this morning, I then got going on some Christmas Cards.  I managed to get 15 signed, addressed and stamped.

I also got together a few recipe books I don't use or want any longer to go to the Cookbook exchange/swap I will be attending on the 2nd of December.  I am pretty excited about getting together with a few girls, as I think we will also be making a Christmas Wreath each.  Anyone in the area who would like to join us, please let me know .... as you do know, the more the Merrier and Christmas is just around the corner.  Even if you have Cookbooks you no longer want, bring them along as you are not required to take any back home with you ... can't go, just let me know and I could take your unwanted Cookbooks along with me !  Just email me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca to let me know ahead of time please, or to find out more details about going along.

"Set  here with hopes I do NOT walk by them and forget to put in our Van, along with the Cards to be posted."

Three loads of laundry were done, along with the comforter and shams taken from the bed and hung on the line to "air out".  Vacuuming and dusting (always) done a bit here and there.  It is amazing as an hour later I can look behind me to see more "dust bunnies" and "a hairy dog" still following me around the house.  And around and around and around I go .... where will I end up?  hopefully not in a padded room.  Ha !

I did take a bit of "time out" to check what I am going to make up in the jars I have been collecting the past couple of weeks..  This is one I have been contemplating on doing ...

"Bread in a Bottle.  I sure wish we still had Milk come in glass bottles, like it used to when I was growing up, instead of the now plastic bags or cartons.  I found the idea for this if you should *click* HERE."

I am hoping after I get some MORE housework done tomorrow, I will have a chance to try at least one jar of the Bread in a Bottle, and to check out a couple more different ideas on Pinterest.  Are you on Pinterest? it can be quite addicting you know?  I can be found on Pinterest myself at this link by *clicking* HERE, come join me whenever you might find a minute hours to do so.

One of my blogger friends has been under the weather with a pretty bad virus bug the last few days.  I took a few minutes out of my day to call Lena on the phone to wish her and her family a "speedy" recovery.  Since we had never spoken in person before, I am certain I had also taken her by surprise.  Sickness gets a person down sometimes, so it is always nice to know there is always someone who cares when you are feeling ill and not so cheery with being under the weather, so to speak.

Sometimes it only takes a minute or two to put a little "sunshine" in someone's day..  Have you picked up the phone lately or made someone's day a little brighter lately? even by way of a *smile*?  Try it sometime, as it always seems to make me feel better too when I do so.

I had found a set of tires on one of the Swaps last week that will fit the "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle, and the people were going to be down this way today and stop around with them for us.  They arrived ... I felt terrible !  Here I had misread their ad, thinking it was $50.00 for all four tires (too good to be true, right?) with them actually being $50.00 each !  Well this lady was kind enough to give us a deal of $100.00 for all four of them on the spot.  Thank goodness there are still nice and understanding people out there.  Thanks Lisa ... the funny part is we just had found out too that my Uncle Basil, who is married to my Auntie Gladys, is her first Cousin.  The older I become, the smaller the World seems to be.

The past couple of weeks or so Rob and I haven't seen to much of each other.  This shows I am sure as I haven't really been posting too many dinners, or photos of my Rob lately either.  He is one of my best photo subjects at times you know?

Today he decided he was going to take me out for Dinner.  It almost felt a bit like a "date" as it has been so long since had spent this much time together.

"Off we went, even taking the scenic route on our way to Owen Sound.  These back roads were some Rob used to snow plow when he was a Plow Operator for Georgian Bluffs a couple years ago.  Man oh man that is one of many steep hills on these back roads.  Pretty treacherous according to Rob with some of the Winter months there had been."

"We finally arrived to our favourite Chinese Restaurant, the Twin Dragon in Owen Sound.  My plate was the top one with mostly veggies, fish and chicken on it, with the "piled high" with Chicken Wings one below being Rob's of course.  It was a really nice "treat", having dinner out and being together."

Tomorrow I will be drawing for the Give Away ...

"... for these 3 lovely Vintage Notebooks and 2 lovely Ornaments, and announcing the Winner of all.  Details on the Give Away can be found HERE."

Speaking of a Give Away, if you will notice up in the right hand corner of my Blog there is a Give Away going on over at Sandi's Rose Chintz Cottage.  Just *click* on it to see what wonderful things she has to offer for her Give Away.  Thank you Sandi for also joining me here.

A warm welcome also to 4rya for following my daily roaming and rantings here from time to time.  I do enjoy knowing there are new people in my midst from time to time, and always enjoy the ones who are here daily with me.  Thank you.

I am going to take the opportunity of calling it an "early" night by wrapping things up here, taking my four "Aussies" out and about for their last time today, before I call it a night myself, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Behind The Scenes Of A Church Bazaar

Our day got off in its most usual fashion, but with Buddy starting his day off a little bit better then the other three "Checkerboard Aussies",.

"Since the other three had a Homemade Peanut Butter Treat yesterday from Aimee, it was Buddy's turn to have a couple this morning at 6:30 am. before we went  out on our property walkabout.  He did LOVE himself those Peanut Butter treats too.... thanks again, Aimee of Craftmates !"

Today being the VON SMART exercise program in Wiarton, I got all our Aussies looked after, then myself ready and out the door by 9:00 am.  People to see and a workout to be done.  Our VON SMART Guru Coordinator, Dorothy Embacher, was going to be there "checking" all us SMARTIE Volunteers out ... ha, not really as she was just helping with some "new" guests this day.

Should anyone never seen when I have "blogged" about Dorothy before, I can't begin to tell you what a "wonderful" person she is, and way LOTS OF FUN.  You can tell  how much FUN she is when we did our First Aid Course last month ....

"As Dorothy made a "model" First Aid Victim."

"Oops, think I was "caught" pointing my camera again."

Really, truly we all had such a "fun" time together this day in October, and honest to goodness we all did REALLY WELL with the CPR and First Aid Training .... HONEST !!!

After exercise today a few of us gals met up at Timmies for a coffee and a bit of socializing.  This is also nice to get together on more of a personal level.  I had then to rush home to take care of my Aussie dogs before I went to go see a bit of what "Behind the Scenes of a Church Bazaar" looks like ....

One of the ladies of the St. John's Church had invited me to her house this afternoon to check out all the "Flower Power" that has been going on there for the past couple of weeks or so ....

"... by way of the Art of Prodded Hooking, by Gene Shepherd.  The runner to the right was made by this very same lady would had invited me, and displayed on her cabinet.  It is so beautiful ! is it not?"

"I even had a little demonstration on the Art of Prodded Hooking."

"Flower Power there was to be seen in the way of amazing hand bags, hair clips, scarf clips and even flower pins !  Absolutely wonderful ... all of them !  Prices are from $5. $7 & $15.00."

"All proceeds raised at the Christmas Bazaar this Saturday from all these Prodded Hooked Creations will go to The United Church of Canada's "Gifts with Vision"."

I will be attending to this Christmas Bazaar Event with my friend this Saturday as well as this other one going on the same day ...

Mrs. Claus "One Stop Shop"

Looks like every Saturday this month is going to be filling my Calendar with all these Christmas Bazaars going on .... I will be missing out on a couple, as there is just way too many all at once ! and on the same days !

While I was downtown the second time today, after I had stopped in to check out all the Flower Power, I stopped into Saddler's Home Hardware in Wiarton as they had an item on for 1/2 price I wanted for myself.

"This Oster Hand Blender was on for 1/2 price at $10.97 !  With the "W" season fast approaching it will be time for lots of Creamed Soups with this helping to do the "trick" with some of the preparation.  Also I went popping in quickly to the Salvation Army's Thrift Store, I was able to "score" another glass Christmas jar.  Bonus x 2  now!"

"The remainder of my afternoon was spent doing up some packages I want to get into the mail tomorrow.  All done and ready to "roll" for tomorrow."

Once having read my blog post of yesterday, a friend sent me a really great link that I am sharing here.  Thanks Ellen.

This Video and web link gives to further understanding for some of us who need more.  Thanks for taking the time out to "check out" this video and this link (just copy & paste the link into your browser please):

http://www.envita.com/lyme-disease/finally-one-link-established-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs-lupus-fibromyalgia-autoimmune-disease-chronic-lyme-disease/




There is no such thing as "too much" information on something that effects one's self or another you care deeply about, is there?

My "Crabby Cabbie" brought me home some books last night that a friend was giving away, so I was quite happy to take them off her hands.  Thanks Sheila !

"A Better Homes "Limited Edition" 75th Anniversary Cookbook (really I needed another Cookbook), and the "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trilogy , which I  have heard both bad and good reviews about.  I will see so myself, hopefully getting to them in the New Year."

For those who "missed" my post of Yesterday, check out my Give Away HERE.  There are 8 entries to date, and would love if YOU were to also enter for a "chance to win".

Once again darkness has swept over the day bringing it to the hour of just after 8 pm.  I am off to tend to my "pack", and hopefully have myself a wee bit of relaxation all to myself before I call it a night, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Give Away Is Happening !

Another evening of almost "no" sleep here dang it all.  I am thinking a cold is also coming on and I will be paying for not pacing myself the past while.  I find it very difficult to "pace" myself when there is so much I want to see and do some times

Regardless, today I did a bit of cleaning here and there then took it really "easy" this afternoon, as the headaches I experience on a daily basis got the best of me along with total body aches today, more intent then usual.

An acquaintance of mine who also suffers from Fibromyalgia made the comment the other day, "Thank you Fibromyalgia for being a friend I don't need".  Boy oh boy did she nail that one straight on with the hammer !

"Any or All of these Symptoms Can be Present in a Fibromyalgia Sufferer on any Given Day."

~Courtesy of West Clare Fibromyalgia Awareness's Facebook Page~

As with any other illness, anyone with Fibromyalgia does not "ask" to have it.  There can be "good" days and/or "bad" days.  Some can have more severe symptoms then others.  There is never any rhyme or reason to any of it at times.  

People who suffer from Fibromyalgia are still entitled to "live" so please do not be "judgmental" of them.  

This is something my Niece had posted just the other day on her Facebook page, which I had told her I would be "sharing" ....

"REMEMBER THIS TRUTH: We often compare our 'insides' to someone else's 'outsides'. In other words, we see someone who appears to be confident and composed and we feel inadequate because we compare ourselves and our inner turmoil to their external appearance. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle so be kinder then you think you need to be!" - Katie McClelland.

Much "truth" in those words, is there not?  Kindness and Understanding goes a long way for someone who suffers Chronic Pain or otherwise on a daily basis.  

On a much lighter and fun note, where I would rather be any old day, I took the time out this afternoon to put some thought into having another Give Away.  Here is what I have for you ....

"Three lovely Vintage Notebooks along with two lovely Christmas Tree Ornaments."

How could you be eligible to "win" this nice little gift package?  Let me tell you ....

1)  Should you have a "blog", please post my Give Away within one of your Blog Posts, linking it back here, then leaving me a comment on this post that you have done so;

2)  No Blog?  Please share this blog link on your Facebook page, and/or with a friend or two via Email, by copying and pasting my link,  then leaving me a comment on this post that you have done so.

I am so looking forward to YOU participating in the Give Away !

A winner will be randomly picked and posted next Monday, the 19th of November.  I am so excited as I absolutely LOVE Give Aways, do you LOVE them too?  

I have begun a monthly Give Away over at Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook.  It is so much fun and a nice way to encourage members to post "new" recipes they have  "tried, tested and made true" for themselves!  With Christmas not too far away, it has been nice to see a few new Christmas Recipe favourites come to surface too.

I had some really nice "happy moments" to brighten my day when the new owner of Blondie (yesterdays post) dropped on in on their way home with Blondie to her brand new Forever Home.

"Doesn't Blondie look the picture of happiness ???"

"Here is Blondie with her new Human, who just happens to be my first Cousin Jim's gal, Marti."

I am thrilled to death as Blondie is going to have a super super "wonderful" new home with Marti, and Cousin Jim when he is home on the weekends.  Two very happy girls went out from my driveway this day!  

Congratulations Blondie and Marti, I wish you both many years of happiness ahead together !!! xoxoxo

The nice thing about knowing who has given Blondie her new FOREVER HOME, is that I will get updates about how she is doing ... nice, eh?

That is pretty much how my day was, nothing more or nothing less, just what it was.  I am going to make sure I have another early night here with a cuppa tea, a hot Epsom Salt bath and my bed at an early hour, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".