Bring On the Sunshine, "It Is Saturday, You Know?" !

It is funny how I can go through a day with all these wonderful thoughts that absolutely just flow out of my little "trains of thoughts" on ideas and ways to word things.....and then when the time comes, here I sit, and "poof" they are all gone !!!

How does that happen?  Oh well, here I go anyhow, and I should have learned by now to write them down as soon as I have a "brain" explosion so it doesn't sit there clogging up the rest of my "brain"......to only hope it will emerge for for later use.  LOL

I was doing my weekly dusting of our bedroom Wednesday (Wednesdays are bedroom days at my house), when I was wondering what other people have on their night tables beside their beds.  At one time I used to have a really good "novel" there I was reading, however the last couple of years a "novel" has changed to "recipe" books.....

I really wonder what brings these changes to ones self (other then the women's "change").....I don't know how I went from "novels" to "cookbooks", other then thinking it had always an earlier "passion" in my life to be able to cook and/or bake.

Actually when I look back to think about how many Sundays I spent poring over cook books, or how many times I had been waiting in a Doctor's office writing out a recipe from a magazine on any slip of paper found at the bottom of my purse.  Oh by the way I absolutely "hate" when a recipe has been torn from a magazine;  not being left for the next person's pleasure of reading it !!!!  Write it out, I do......boy oh boy oh boy !

I know I have more opportunity now then I have ever had to try out new recipes or experiment myself then I ever have had in my lifetime thus far.  I must admit there are times I really enjoy it, and then there are times I am thinking I don't want to "think" what's for supper every again !!!!!  I am sure this happens to the "best" of us women !!!!

Onto what I served at my house for supper last night.  I took an old Milk Calender's recipe, for "Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken", and made it in my slow cooker.  This is the recipe I used:

http://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/honey-garlic-roasted-chicken

I used chicken thighs, which I had removed the skin from myself, and omitted the green onions since I had none at hand.  I followed the method of preparing until the point where I placed the chicken in my slow cooker, then covering it with the mixed sauce and cooking it on HIGH heat for approximately 3 hours or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce had thickened.

.....and served it along with corn mixed in with white rice and a spinach salad.

A very good supper, which Rob and I enjoyed, however poor "mother" doesn't like salad or rice so it wasn't the real deal for her at last night's evening meal.  Not a difficult meal to throw together and window of time is only 30-35 minutes in an oven, or 3 hours in the slow cooker.

Our friend, Dave, came to pickup his "old" car he Winter stores in our barn, only to get a ways down the road only to run out of "gas".  Rob thinks maybe some "gunk" was sucked up into the carburetor, plugging it up.  So here it sits in our driveway waiting for Rob & our "top" mechanic Bandit to find the time to have a look at it.

I took a picture of it with "great" intentions of having it as a topic of it going down the road and and not returning until next fall....but I am confident it will be going down the road  at a sooner date then later, as between my expertise mechanics I can't imagine it won't be taking them too long to figure out the problem !

I got a phone call last night letting me know that maybe my sweetest little Red Tricoloured Merle female puppy purchaser was maybe having "second" thoughts, and would I email some more pictures.  How could anyone refuse this sweet little girl:

She is not only "cute", she is a very placid and cuddly little girl.  Oh well, such is life, we are all "subject" to changing our minds, whether we are woman or man.  I am confident she will be placed a "good" home eventually.

My "Crabby Cabbie" is still sleeping as he didn't get home until the "wee" hours of the morning, so I have some very impatient "best friends" that need my attention so onward to see what the Wiarton Airport is saying about my day ahead "weatherwise":

Today:

Cloudy. Becoming sunny with cloudy periods this morning. High 13. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight:

Clear. Low zero except plus 4 near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Patchy frost.

I best be bringing in those "hanging flower" baskets I purchased yesterday, as I don't want any patchy frost getting on them.

I am being summoned at this very moment, so here I go off and running, once again, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

"Pooche" to the Rescue ..... What's Seems to be the Problem Dad?

That teaser of beautiful weather sure didn't last too long....almost like we are getting allotted two days out of seven on a weekly basis, does it not?  LOL.   By the look of the gray skies outside my windows it is looking like it will be another rainy day at my "house"....good thing I got all my bedding washed and dried out on the line yesterday, or I would have been "pooched" if I had left it for today.

Speaking of "pooches".....Rob also took advantage of his day "off", and the nice weather, by doing a tune-up on our "old junker", as our son, Paul, would call it (as I am sure all our "kids" would if they seen it too).  Rob was seeming a little mystified over something, by the look on his face, so Bandit jumped in to have a  look to see if he could help Rob figure out what else was wrong with the "old junker":

Here Dad, let a "real" mechanic have a look at it......

.....there since I have that all figured out for you, do you feel better now, Dad?

By the looks of Rob's face in this picture, I am not sure if he appreciated Bandit figuring out for him or not?  LOL ...so nice to have "two" backyard mechanics in the household.

It was a such a great day to be outside, I decided anything that needed done inside could wait for the next rainy day (apparently I won't have to wait long for that to happen), and to enjoy making a "dent" on some of the outside chores.  With broom and rake in hand I began with a "little" part of the "grid" starting at the deck beside our house.  Amazing how a seemingly little job really takes quite a bit of one's time and effort to get it completed it....but I puttered away at a pace I was able to manage, with a some help with Rob with anything that was heavy.

From the start of the "grid":

To the completion of the "grid":

I love doing jobs, chores, things needing done, or whatever you want to call them, in "grids", as it sure helps me to feel less overwhelmed before I begin tacking whatever it is that needs tackling !

This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet Gem Webb, Web Content Developer, for Explore the Bruce, located on Brown Street, in our local town of Wiarton, Ontario.  I love following Explore the Bruce on Facebook, and think Gem does an amazing job keeping everyone updated as to what is going on all year round in "Bruce County".

This is a picture I enjoyed seeing posted on the Explore the Bruce page, through Facebook, of fox with a water snake going to feed her kits, by Dyers Bay on the Bruce Peninsula.  Thanks to Brad Loree for posting this picture:

Should it be camping, hiking, snowmobiling, vacationing or even just day tripping, you can find it "all" here at:

http://www.explorethebruce.com/

There are unforgettable "adventures" to be had on the "Bruce Peninsula".  Just ask me, I am a born and raised "Bruce County Girl" originally from Southampton, Ontario, and I have had quite a few memorable adventures over the years in Bruce County......lol.

After I had completed my "little" outdoor grid project yesterday, took the bedding from the line and remade the beds fresh, along with a few other little chores along the way, I was tired (and glad Rob cut the front lawn, as I sure wasn't able to) I was not feeling like making a "big" supper.....so everyone made themselves a sandwich and had a piece of fruit for dessert.  Let me tell you this suited me "just fine", lol.

I might as well be the bearer of bad news and post the local Wiarton Airport's weather for today:

Today:

Cloudy with 70 percent chance of showers. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h late this morning. High 13. UV index 4 or moderate.

Tonight:

Cloudy with 70 percent chance of showers this evening. Clearing near midnight. Low zero.

Oh this weather forecast isn't isn't too bad; in my books, bad would be "flurries" along with that low of zero!!! 

It is Friday again, and Friday means another trip to the Doctors for my my weekly allergy shot.  I suppose I should get dressed and ready myself  for the day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard"

Tears Come So Easy When A "Child" Shows Their "Love"

Call me a very "emotional" person, and I suppose I really wouldn't mind, as I am.  Call me a person who "loves" her children so very much, and I would feel this to be the truth.  Call me a "sucker" for those mournful eyes of a dog looking up at me wagging it's tail, I would even own up to that.  Call me a "fill a bucket full of tears" person.....and I would say, "wouldn't you be too, if your "child" sent you a Mother's Day card that was true to your heart:

Mom ~

When I was growing up, I didn't realize how much you did for me, how hard it must of been for you sometimes.
But looking back, I can see the challenges you faced and the sacrifices you made to give me a better life. 
Most of all, looking back, I can see the love.
Thank you ~ for all you've done...for all you are...for what you'll always mean to me.

Happy Mother's Day

Signed:  Mom, reading this card reminds me of you!  Just seemed right to get it!  Have a wonderful day!

Love Paul

....and the tears are still flowing down my face even as I have typed it out.

My "Paul" is one of the best parts of my being.....through all the tears, disappointments, heartaches and headaches, of him with I, and I with him.  The two of us being the true part of each others lives, from the day he was born to this very day forward.  I am sure as he now looks back he feels what this card has said for him....and this realization "melts" my heart...... not without "tears" streaming down my face.

After only three hours sleep the night before, and the same this past night....it certainly doesn't take too much to make me all swishy washy on the drop of a dime.....and if it feels "good", "swishy washy" I don't mind being.

The "Magnificent Seven" are now the "Terrific Two" !!!  The littlest and sweetest red tricoloured female, as well as the blue Merle male, with the most stunning "blue" eyes, go to their new forever homes next Thursday, after their appointment with their first needles at the Vet's.  Thanks John and Gina for referring these two amazing puppies, on my behalf, to their new "forever" homes. 

The remaining "Terrific Two" hopefully will not be feeling too left out for much longer....for they are both as equally amazing as the rest of their sisters and brothers who have already been choosen, each with their own "unique" personalities and "wonderful" dispositions.

I do realize I am partial to this breed, but truly even if I didn't own two of it's finest, I would still highly recommend this breed to any family wanting a dedicated, intelligent, loving family pet.

On a lighter note, a friend recently sent me such a very funny video.   I just "have" to share it:

"The Ultimate Dog Tease"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nGeKSiCQkPw

Omg !!!  I laughed so hard....I, once again, had tears running down my face.  I shake my head in wonderment on how people put such things together, as it is certainly beyond me.  LOL.

Since I was so sleep deprived yesterday, I had to turn down a supper invitation, which almost broke my heart, as I so look forward to going somewhere else to have supper prepared for me !!!  I hope I haven't ruined my chances, as I am sure I haven't, for a "rain check", because I don't care how tired I am I am not turning down the next invite if I can help it !

Last night's supper was very easy for me, as it turned out Rob barbequed homemade hamburgers.  They were totally "delish".  I had made them a couple of weeks ago and they were in the freezer ready to be taken out, partially thawed and cooked up for just a time like this......nothing like a "Homemade Burger" hot off the BBQ .....here is "IKE" my "Kitchen Cat" presenting the "Best Ever Lean Burger":

My burger was totally moist and full of flavor; a definite 5 Star Burger in my books.......should anyone not have gotten the recipe from one of my earlier postings, it is also posted on "Cindy's Recipe Exchange" on Facebook, or feel free by requesting it at: 

justnorthofwiarton@live.ca

My day ahead, so far, will be starting with the stripping my bedding for the wash, and individually deworming puppys, at which time after I am hoping the heavy frost has disappearred and the sun has warmed the air enough to go out to start some much needed pruning in the flower beds and of the raspberry canes.

I had best be checking this all out with the Wiarton Airport's weather forecast, as plans have been changed before based on the weather, right or wrong as it might be at times.....

Today:

           Sunny. High 14. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight:

Clear. Increasing cloudiness before morning. Low plus 3.

"Sunny" all day!!!  Just what is needed to get my day going, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The "Sounds" of Early Morning......Far From Being "Peaceful"

The first sound, after just getting back to sleep at 4:00 am, to fall upon my ears was of Lexus' demands to be let out at 5:30 am..  Most mornings this wouldn't bother me, but like this morning, I could have used a "little" bit more sleep.  Got up I did, to "drag" myself downstairs, to the sounds of very loud Puppy demands......oh my, I couldn't get outside fast enough with Lexus and Bandit at that point, as they were very very very "loud" demands, and my poor tired brain, still full of cobwebs, just couldn't handle their "demands" quite yet.

Awwww....out into the peaceful gray morning light of dawn.  NOT !!!  As I stood waiting for Lexus and Bandit to have their morning "jaunt", a neighbour's dog from afar was "loudly" making his morning demands, cows were "mooing", some pretty loud "gobbles" were coming from a stand of trees where Wild Turkeys were making themselves known, and the mixture of birds "chirping" away, which normally sound so pleasant were far from seemingly in "tune" to my ears.

On bringing Lexus and Bandit back into the house, to the letting of Lexus in with her "demanding" brood of "Magnificent Seven", not really too "magnificent" to my ears at this moment, until finally when their Mom went in with them......then the "suckling" noises of seven little pups.  Upon my ascend up the stairs to then hear the "blasting" of Mother's TV in her room with the door wide open ......... her in the kitchen getting coffee.

At long last, or it did seem a very long time to get to this point so far this morning, I sit with the door closed "tight" with a cup of coffee; trying to rid myself of those "sounds of early morning" that almost sent me over the edge before I had a chance to have my first cup of coffee !!!!  Awwwwe.....close my eyes, take a long draw of caffeine and "breath" deeply........much better !  LOL, wow what a way to start a morning !

Now I can get on with the "task" at hand.

I managed to get the "new" Strawberry & Cream Muffin recipe that cousin, Paula Masterson, had posted on Facebook's, Cindy's Recipe Exchange, whipped together and baked before the arrival of my friend, Reenie, at around tenish yesterday morning.  I doubled the recipe which then yielded 21 medium sized muffins:

Double the recipe:

Yield ~ 21 Fresh Baked Medium Sized Muffins:

Strawberries & Cream Mini Muffins

1 cup strawberries, slightly under-ripe, diced into quarter-inch pieces
1 squeeze of lemon juice
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup sour cream (I used low fat)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 tsp powdered sugar (I didn't use)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 24 cup mini muffin tin with paper baking cups.(I made 12 large muffins).
2. Put diced strawberries into a bowl, spritz lemon juice on them and stir gently to combine.
3. In a medium-size bowl, stir together flour, sugar and baking powder.
4. In a small bowl, beat together oil, sour cream, vanilla and egg. Pour mixture over dry ingredients, stirring to combine with a wooden spoon. Fold in strawberries.
5. Divide batter evenly among the paper cups in the mini-muffin tin. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
6. Place tin on a wire rack and leave for 5 minutes. Take out the muffins and continue cooling them in the paper cups on the wire rack. When muffins are completely cool, place the powdered sugar in a small sieve.

Shake sieve lightly to dust the muffins with sugar. Serve & Enjoy!!!!

....and enjoy we did !!!  Once Reenie arrived I then had my "new" Guinea Pig in my clutches and was fully prepared to try these fresh baked muffins out on her.  I am pleased to report , as well as show you, as anyone could tell by the glint in her eye,that she enjoyed them as much as I !!! 

Oops....she hadn't tried them yet when I took this picture, so my "word" will have to be good enough.....lol.

Thanks for the recipe Paula !!!

Reenie and I had such a "fun" visit catching up on only a "little" bit in the couple of hours we spent together yesterday.  If we were to catch up on everything since our "last" visit with each other, we would need at least a "week" of visiting......at least !!!  Thanks again, Reenie, for the "Friendship" stone you gifted me (anyone that knows me can't go wrong with something for my "garden"):

....a "lovely" garden stone that will look just as lovely in one of my flower beds.

After my visit with Reenie came to an end, it was back to the reality of cleanup and puppy feedings, then the preparation of supper rolled around once again.....  I made one of our favorites for last night's supper, "Weiner Schnitzel" along with boiled potatoes and steamed cauliflower.

"Ike" my "Kitchen Cat" doing the final presentation:

After supper, I had to call our son "Paul" to tell him I had made one of his favorite meals.....it would be a toss up for him if I ever gave him the choice between a "schnitzel" or a "venison" dinner.  I suppose it is a good thing we don't live closer, or he would be over here having supper quite frequently I am sure.

I love "How To" videos.  Here is a "link" to a very good video of "How to Prepare & Cook Weiner Schnitzel":

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/513-prepare-and-cook-weiner-schnitzel

My schnitzel certainly doesn't look as nice and golden brown at the guy's schnitzel, in the video, does.  Must be the "poor" quality of frying pan I use....lol.  I ensure you mine tasted very good, or Rob would not have ate "two large pieces".

After supper was over with, cleaned up, puppies attended to, a "couple" of phone calls received and made, I finally got to put my feet up to watch my "new" favorite TV show, "The Voice" which had it's second airing last night from 9:00 until 11:00 pm..

Let's see what the Wiarton Airport has in store, weather wise, for my day ahead:

Today:

Sunny with cloudy periods. Wind becoming north 20 km/h this afternoon. High 11. UV index 6 or high.

Tonight:

Cloudy periods. Becoming clear near midnight. Low zero.

I can't believe my eyes !!!  There is actually no "rain" mentioned at all in today's forecast !!!  Wow, how wonderful is that ????

Now that the "cobwebs" have been partially cleared away from my brain, I think I will drag myself back out into the kitchen for another cup of Java and to capture a "little" more sanity, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Lots of "New" Stuff to Be Experienced With !

The "Magnificent Seven" are outside already this morning having their "breakfast".  With the weather slowly (and I do mean slowly) improving, they are able to be outside in the very large "pen" getting lots of exercise and play.  Any sign of rain, or that dreaded word "flurries" which we hopefully won't have to see until after Christmas this year, in they all come to stay dry and warm in their inside pen.

I am enjoying the "Seven" being all outside, as it is easier to be on "poop" detail with a shovel and garden hose then picking up soiled newspaper layers !!!  Ha, ha, ha.....one of the "joys" of having puppies.  Actually I really don't mind.....even when they are in the outside pen I go out at least 4 times a day for a half hour each time to spend some "quality" time with them, as socialization is very very very (I can't stress this to people enough) important when you have a "puppy". 

Socialization prepares this "puppy" for that big "new" world out there, which you will be wanting to take them out along with you .....and you most certainly don't want them to be skittish or shy.  An intimated dog can easily become a "biter" if it is fearful of people or it's surroundings.  So my opinion is one that the more you socialize a "puppy" the less fearful or intimitated it will be.

I suppose my sister, Donna, was right when she said I will "miss" these "Magnificent Seven" when they have all left the "nest"......what will I talk about then????  LOL, for those who know me, I am sure you know I will surely always have something or other "new" to "talk" about......

I know one thing for sure once the weather gets really nice again, Bandit, Lexus and I will be resumming our outdoor daily walks, so I will be "talking" about that.  I am definite they have been missing them as much as I have been, even though Bandit and I have been able to sneak one or two in the past two weeks.

While still on the subject of my "beloved" pets, my girlfriend, Vicki, made a "new" doggie biscut this past Sunday, and has shared it with me, as well as providing a "visual" by way of an emailed picture:

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Cookies

2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour 2T peanut butter
2 eggs 1/2 salt
1/2 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
350 F oven

*whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, p. butter, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed (I didn't add much) to make dough workable, but still dry and stiff. Roll to 1/2 and cut into shapes. Bake 40 minutes or till hard.

Dropped one and Jack had it before it hit the floor! My guys love them. Wanted to take a pic of Jack with cookies, but he tried to eat them all.

NOTE:  "Jack" is Vicki's one Dashund who would steal and eat anything.  I believe he is on a "diet" at the moment.....poor Jack.

A little "Doggie "Wit & Wisdom" from Vicki:

*The pumpkin is great fibre. Hint: Keep some pumpkin in the freezer for when your dog has the runs..a tablespoon works every time. Not pumpkin pie mix.

Yummy, they do look like they could be quite "human" editable, do they not?  I will have to try one out the next time Vicki comes up to "camp out" at our place.  Thanks girlfriend for sharing !!!

I absolutely "LOVE" when people share with me and I am able to share with people!  Gives me a warm fluttery feeling in my tummy.

I am saddened to report my friend, Tammy, has opted out of our recipe exchange group on Facebook, as she has other things to attend to in her life right now, but will be remaining in "touch" .  Tammy has changed the name of the group to "Cindy's Recipe Exchange", for those of you who are already a member, or for those of you who might like to join through your Facebook account.  Thanks Diane for joining and becoming a "new" member, I will look forward to any comments you might have for the Recipe Exchange.

I tried out a recipe last night that was "new" to me, however one that was submitted by my Aunt Gerry  in the "Masterson Family Reunion" 2005 Cookbook,  a "Zippy Beef Casserole".

Zippy Beef Casserole

1 lb. hamburger
4 oz (1/2 cup) uncooked macaroni
1 - 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp. chopped onion
1 cup crushed potato chips

Cook hamburger until brown; drain off fat. Cook macaroni; drain. Mix all ingredients except potato chips, in an ungreased casserole dish, cover and bake at 350* F oven for 40 minutes; sprinkle crushed potato chips baking on top; bake a further 5 mins.

My dearest darling Guinea Pig, Rob, gave this "new" dish a 2 Star out of a 0-5, 5 being the highest star rating.  This will not be one of my most favorite dishes, however one that was worth trying out.  That is the 'beauty' of us all having different "likes" and "dislikes" in this World.

NEWS FLASH !!!  It appears it is going to pour rain outside here, so Rob had to go bring the "Seven" all back inside.  Oh well, they got to have their breakfast in the 'great' outdoors' anyhow.  Thanks Rob.

I have a friend, whom I haven't seen for sometime, dropping over this morning for a "visit".  I surely wouldn't want one of our "visits" recorded, since we always have such a variety of topics that we manage to cover in such short peiords of time when we do get together.....lol.  The funny thing about it, all our conversations always somehow end up coming back to the subject of "food".  LOL, and it has always been like that between the two of us!  Crazy women that we are !

I am going to try a out a "new" to me muffin recipe out on her.  I am so "delighted" to have a "new" Guinea pig to give me a "new" opinion on a "new" to me recipe !  I even think I will break out the "new" dessert plates to serve it on, since I feel "so inclined" to do so:

It must be just a "new" kind of day, as I am going to be watching the "new" TV show tonight "The Voice" for the second week running.  Do you just love "new" things too?  LOL

Onto to the weather towards the "new" day ahead:

Today:

Cloudy. 60 percent chance of showers this afternoon. High 8. UV index 3 or moderate.

Tonight:

Cloudy. 60 percent chance of showers. Low plus 3.

Yep, rain in the forecast again.  They just never seem to listen to me when I keep requesting "sunshine"....

I had better "dangle" to get ready for my "old" friend's arrival and get that "new" recipe baked before she does arrive "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Two Big "Media" History Moments Within A Week of Each Other !!!

Wow, last week ending with a "Royal Wedding" and this week beginning with the death of a "World Terrorist" !  I must say I am equally delighted with both these news breaking media headlines, with trying not to sound too "heartless" or "disrepectful" towards the second headline.

There have been so many false past reports in the past that Osama bin Laden had been captured, it had to be a "world wide relief" to hear President Obama state,

"I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children."

And what a "statement" that was ! (big sigh)  I can only imagine what a frenzy the media is experiencing, not to mention the exhaustion, of dealing with two World Wide History events within days of each other......

Onto lighter events in life......"mine", as there have been some hectic news breaking days right here "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

For instance, my cousin's Brad & Paula's daughter, Erin, emailed me pictures of the "Magnificent Seven" she had taken on Saturday, and once I had posted them on Facebook last night there was an "frenzy" of postings from people almost instantly !!!  I suppose I should also share a couple of those pictures that created such a momentary frenzy on my facebook page:

"Let us out !!!  We won't run away in every direction, honest !"

"Really I am not hurting her"

"I want to have this 'head' shot added to my puppy portfolio"

"Pleazzzzz Lady take me home, I promise you lots of kisses".

"I have had quite enough of all this media coverage".

"Okay kids, it's a wrap....take a break".

Ha, ha, ha.....thanks Erin, you took some really "fantastic" shots of the "Magnificent Seven".

For the next "news breaking" story I have to report the "Tree Swallows" have returned to nest in the birdhouse beside our pond in the backyard.  I was absolutely thrilled to see this pair back, as I so enjoyed watching them all last summer.  They actually got so used of me being there in the garden around the pond, it never bothered them to come and go.  The metallic like blue is very striking....  I am hoping to capture them in some pictures this summer, but in the meantime this website gave me some details about the "Tree Swallow" itself:

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/188/overview/Tree_Swallow.aspx

I had no idea what kind of bird this was, until I had found out through "Whatbird.com".  I knew it was blue and swallow like, however knew it wasn't a barn swallow or a Purple Martin.  I am also patiently waiting to see if our "Blue Heron" also returns to our property this year.

The "final" news breaking story would be the winner who got the most votes for their suggestions on choosing a name for my nameless "Kitchen Cat".  May I present to you........

"IKE" the "Kitchen Cat, aka "I Know Everything"

The winner is "Miss Elsie Paynter" of Newfoundland, Canada.   "Ike" and I will be sending Miss Paynter a personal thank you note, along with the prize of a virtual "Strawberry Rhubarb Pie" which she had previously requested, since she went canvassing for votes and was so sure of her victory,  LOL....I am sure glad we all got to have a "little" fun with this.....as with our lives going in all different directions at times, it is good for us to take some time out for that "little bit" of fun. 

Thanks to everyone who did participate in this "little" bit of fun, and I will be sure to post a picture of Elsie's "fresh" Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, once the rhubarb in my garden has came up more then it already has.

I can't believe the weather yesterday !!!  Three weather predictions gone bad ...... The Old Farmer's Almanac, the Wiarton Airport, and the most important one, "Mine" !!!  I can't believe it didn't rain, as it was so threatening.....with high winds and angry looking clouds!  There you go, even the best of the best can be wrong......LOL.  Let's go back to my usual "Wiarton Airport" forecast to see what they have to say for today:

Today:

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of showers this morning. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon. High 10. UV index 6 or high

Tonight:

Cloudy periods. Becoming cloudy after midnight. Low plus 2.

I am reading "40 percent showers" but until I see it I am not buying it !!!!  LOL

I certainly hope that was enough "News Breaking" stories for everyone, as all that information has put my brain on overload here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

"May" Has Arrived So Stop Already With The Rainshowers ??????

Upon rising and looking out my bedroom window this morning, it is looking very overcast and windy.  I am thinking the last day of April has gone out like the "Lamb", with maybe May coming in like a "Lion", by the looks of those clouds.  Let's hope my predication is wrong by checking in with the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Sunday:
Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 61F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

Sunday night:

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low around 40F. WSW winds at 10 to 20 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

....and comparing it with my usual Wiarton Airport.

Today:

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of showers. Wind south 30 km/h. High 16. UV index 3 or moderate.

Tonight:

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of showers early this evening. Showers beginning after midnight. Wind south 30 km/h becoming light after midnight. Low plus 4.

Now with these two comparisons at hand, I am pretty sure my predication of rain is looking pretty accurate for the 1st of May 2011.

Since we had a very busy day yesterday with Cousins dropping in to see "puppies", the one male red tricolour "puppy" being the one Erin had chosen through an emailed photo, and a trip into the big "City of Owen Sound" to do a bit of shopping (puppy and dog food staples being the number one purchases), there is things that could be done around here today, should we be bound to stay inside by the predicated rain.

Speaking of being so busy yesterday, by the time we got home from Owen Sound shopping, it was pretty late in the day to even think about starting up the BBQ for burgers.

After the puppies were fed, Lexus and Bandit attended to, and the shopping purchases all put away, I heated Mother up some leftovers and whipped Rob and I up an Omelet (too bad Mom doesn't like Omelets, as she doesn't know what she is missing out on, since she only likes fried eggs "hard cooked" with "NO" veggies cooked in them).

I am a "big" fan of omelets since they are easy to make and can have an endless possibility of "fillings" if you so choose.  Since my favorite fillings are mushrooms, ham, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, or cheese, one or more of these are usually in an omelet I make for Rob and myself. 

Ham & cooked mushrooms added:

Folded together and topped with shredded cheddar cheese:

Voila !!!  The "Kitchen Cat" and myself (and Rob) have an "Omelet":

Served along with sliced tomatoes and "Dempster's" Light Rye bread slightly toasted.

I can remember many years ago, probably around 32 years to be more exact, when I was living in Kitchener, one of my childhood girlfriends, Ruth Anne Reading, came to visit me for a weekend and showed my how to cook an Omelet (as I really loved Omelets and still do).  For those of us who have never made an omelet, I have found a wonderful "How To" website:

http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-an-Omelette

This website even provides a "How To Video".  I certainly did not have these tools on hand to use 32 years ago !!!  I think it is "wonderful" for anything I might now want to know "How To".

After supper was finished up with and the kitchen cleaned up, I was able to have coffee, post some recipe information on "Tammy & Cindy's Recipe Exhange" on Facebook, have a "chat" on the phone with a couple of friends, then snuggle under my comforter to watch the last of some "Royal Wedding"  coverage on TV. 

Should anybody have missed any of the Royal Wedding's Highlights, not to worry as has all been done on a video via the Internet and provided by MSN, as well as many others  (patiently let the mini advertising play itself out first):

http://video.ca.msn.com/watch/video/royal-wedding-highlights/16a12cdwt?from=en-ca-hpquad

You can certainly not say there has been a "lack of media coverage" for this history making event.  Poor William and Kate, I hope they found a very secluded place away from all the media mongols.  I would think their "honeymoon" was well planned in advance to avoid the "paparazzi".

My girlfriend, Vicki, whom I was speaking with last night, was telling me about the Dr. Oz salad dressing she now uses, and how "good" it is for us.  It is very quite simple, so I might give it a "try out" sometime, as I do love "Easy & Simple".

2/3 cup of Extra Virgin Oil
1/3 cup of Balsamic Vinegar
2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard

Mix it all together and drizzle over your salad fixings.  Can't be any more "easier or simpler" then that.

I also had to ask Vicki, again, the difference of "Extra Virgin" and just plain old Olive Oil.  Apparently "Extra Virgin" is used for salads, and the plain old "Olive Oil" is just suitable for cooking.  There a little "Wit & Wisdom" from my friend, Vicki !!!  Thanks Vicki!

I received one more name suggestion for my "Nameless Kitchen Cat", that being "Sir Snacks Alot".  So far "IKE", aka "I Know Everything", has taken the lead with 3 votes.

I know there are some people who do follow my "blog", however are not listed as a "Follower"; in turn they are not able to leave a "comment", should they wish to do so from time to time.  I received a comment on Facebook, just this past week, on how much my "blog" and "recipes" was being enjoyed by one person (thanks Sheree), and three comments via my email address (thanks Jessica, Dianne & Elsie).  I really do enjoy hearing people's feedback on my "Blog", as it really makes my day....and I do appreciate hearing from people, since I am such a "social butterfly" or so my husband, Rob thinks.

I also appreciate knowing people enjoy my "sense of humor", along with all my spelling and grammar mistakes !!!  LOL

For those who have not joined as a "follower", and would like to contact me from time to time, I have setup an email address for my "blog", as follows:

justnorthofwiarton@live.ca

I would welcome and look forward to old or new friendships anytime, along with any comments you might have.  No "hecklers" need respond..... so Rob or Paul, please don't be giving "me" a hard time or all that "good cooking" & "making of treats" will just have to come to an end !!!

Now hopefully my biggest decision for the day will only be, What to make for Sunday dinner?, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".