An Adventurous Trip Into Bruce County's Sister County Of Grey

Read books

No explanation needed.Definitely NO explanation for this Life Secret & Tip for the day is right, as books open for us a whole new learning experience or enjoyment.  I hope books are never totally replaced by technology, as it wouldn't be the same if we couldn't say, "It is a good day to curl up with a good book", now could we ?

My yesterday started out not too exciting as myself and the "pack" had to be very quiet so our "Crabby Cabbie" could get some much needed sleep.  Needless to say I had to do some quiet chores, one of them being the laundry.  I am so totally grateful for the woodstove and a clotheshorse.  The clotheshorse I have is very wobbly and not too sturdy at all, but pricing out a new heavy duty one would run me almost close to $50.00-$100.00, depending on the size.  I will have to keep my eyes and ears open for a new used one, as I am not sure my wobbly one will be able to take the pressure much longer.  With it just being Rob & I, with the exception of bedding, most times the clotheshorse is all that is needed.  Clothes dryer?  That would cost hydro, and we give Hydro One more then they deserve already each  month, as far as I am concerned !After I had completed all the "quiet" chores I was going to, Rob finally emerged looking somewhat, but not totally rested.  I had a suggestion for us, which to my delight he willing agreed it was something we could do this damp, wet, dreary day yesterday was.We had decided to head over to Owen Sound to go to a couple of stores, as the grapes we had purchased last week at the No Frills store, were all gone to mold the very next day.  We also needed to return another item not needed, and pickup some dog food for the "pack" at the Walmart Store.  Once all our running around was over with, we headed over to the ....

"Where it is held every year at the ..... "

I had never been to a CFOS Christmas Fund Broadcast before, so I was really looking forward to seeing what it was all about, other then what I had heard on the 560 CFOS Radio station in past years.

We were barely there 15 minutes when we started running into lots of people from in and around the Wiarton area, such as parents of ....

 "The Wiarton School's Children Choir.  What an awesome bunch they all were !  They were  getting ready for a little "warm-up" session before it was their turn to "hit" the lights and big stage."

There were not only talented young little people there, but more talent in the way of us being able to see in person, Sarah Slater's creativity by way of her paintings being there on display throughout the Roxy's foyer ....

" "The Sarah Slater Art ~ Sky Perspectives" is so amazing to see in person; a photo does not really do complete justice in this case.  As I had mentioned in my previous "blog" post, Sarah's Art may be viewed from now until February 11th, with more information at her web link:

http://sarahslater.wordpress.com/ 

"It is well worth the viewing should you already be in the area, or if not by making the trip to the Roxy Theatre to personally view yourself.""

Rob knows, but has never heard or seen this particular friend of ours perform, so what a better time then on stage at Owen Sound's Roxy Theatre.  This same friend did not know we were going to be there either.

 "This friend, "Live on Location" was who else then our very own, Ralph & Friends.  Oh no, I think the photo below was when I had been "spotted".  Can't get too much past that Ralphy Shular guy, as I have heard he has eyes all over two more counties other then just his own of Bruce County !"

"Rob & I enjoyed listening to Ralph Shular on Guitar, Doug Sutherland on Fiddle, Bob Corp on Mandolin and Miss Brenda Sparks on Guitar, and all of the three songs they had performed and sang."

We had an awesome time at the CFOS Christmas Fund Broadcast, and stayed for one more performance before we took our leave to get ourselves some supper.

"As we were heading to our favorite little Chinese Restaurant, how could we NOT notice this fantastic light display of Santa at the Owen Sound Tourist Train Station."

Rob and I really enjoyed our time together on our adventure over in Grey County's Owen Sound, as the talent, entertainment and cause was all "wonderful".  By the time we got back into Bruce County and home, looked after all three of the "pack", watched a little TV, it was time to call it a night, which we did.

Time to look forward to a new week, so I will see what the Wiarton Weatherman first has to say about the upcoming day ahead.

More rain?  Changing to flurries?  Oh man, sure glad I am staying home today ....  and have I "Ever Seen The Rain", of course I have, and I think I would much rather see the rain then flurries most days !

Once again I am off and running towards a brand new adventure in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

I Am Most Positive The Rain Is Coming Down; Who Will Stop It?

Think positive thoughts

When you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop it immediately by any means necessary. Slap yourself in the face, yell something positive at the top of your lungs or jump up and down. Do whatever it takes to get back to a positive mindset as such is essential for continual happiness and success.Should someone be used of always being in a "negative" frame of mind, so to speak, like anything good for us, it takes work to correct such a thought process. I believe I have always strived to be a "positive" thinking person, however there are and have been some life experiences which would make it difficult for anybody to stay wholly positive at all times, as we all fall short of being "perfect", thank God for that.  Trying to surround one's self  with "positive" people is very important.  How negative would it be hanging around someone all the time who is down on "everything" all the time.  I am sure the "negative" would eventually have its toll on everyone around such a person, including the person themselves?Like anything else, awareness is half the battle !  Should an "old" negative thought process pop into the head, shoot it out as fast as it had arrived by replacing it with something more "positive".  I believe the age old cliche', "Practice makes Perfect", holds to be true in most situations.  Now I am also aware that *smiles* do release "happy hormones", I try to keep on smiling .... who wouldn't want to strive to be "positively happy" all of their lives?Onto my Yesterday ..... yesterday there wasn't a whole lot of energy on my part.  I have this little problem about remembering to "pace" myself, and when this doesn't happen I have to "Pay the Price of the Piper", as eventually the exhaustion and pain does catch up with me.  Oh I long for the days when I used to go through my whole house and have it cleaned all in one day, the laundry caught up, with a meal planned and prepared for the same day.  *Sigh*  It is times like this when placing a "positive" thought process into effect is what needs to be done, otherwise I could find myself laying around wallowing with"negative" thought processes constantly firing off in my brain.  What good would that do but depress me.  How do I know all this?  I have lived it, however I have learned and am still learning to accept how some of my days are going to be, and make the best of them knowing there is more days ahead with stuff getting done in its own time, and people hopefully not judging should they come visiting.  Old "negative" thought patterns need to be gotten rid of, as it makes for a much more positive happy life in my opinion.On to the "positively" enjoyable part of my yesterday spent along with Rob going along with me to the Christmas Craft Show hosted by the Wiarton Propeller Club.  Our Christmas shopping is all done, however since we had to go downtown to the bank anyway, it was nice to grab a Tim Horton's coffee and browse through the Craft Show.

"It never ceases to amaze me the amount of talent people possess.  Good thing I am good at what I do, as I must admit "social butterflying" can be quite the talent, taking a lot of work, as well as energy some days.  LOL."

In the morning I had put some chicken drumsticks into the slowcooker, so by the time we arrived back home they were ready to have the greased drained from them and covered with sauce to cook for another hour.

"Served along baked potatoes the drumsticks were simply "delish" !  I do love my Slowcooker."

A couple of hours later, my "Crabby Cabbie" had to take his leave by heading out to do what he does best,  leaving me behind on the couch with a movie on.  I kept the dampness out by keeping the woodstove stoked the rest of the day.  I had planned to go down to the Wiarton Santa Clause Parade at 7:00 p.m., however the damp and drizzle of rain kept me back from doing that.  Just as well, as I was too tired, so I had taken the "pack" all out individually at 8:30 pm, and called it a night.

I was happy to find out I was still able to have a gained a little more "Christmas Spirit", even though I missed out on a couple of Santa Parades, by opening up an email this morning to find a picture of one of the floats which had been in Friday's Santa Parade in my hometown of Southampton.

"Look at all these bears !  They most certainly look like they are really into the "Christmas Spirit" swing of things with some strumming and carolling going on.  Awww, thanks so much Ralphy Shular, you know I appreciate it !"

You had better not shout, you had better not pout, you better not cry I am telling you why because as of 7:14 this morning ......

The Christmas Clock Countdown is still on ... check it out by "clicking" on the following link to get a more accurate countdown time in the "now" :   http://www.xmasclock.comI am thinking I will check in with my Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy, as it was raining out there first thing this morning when I was out with little Missy Mercedes, and by the sound of it outside my window it hasn't let up.

No sunshine happening in the day ahead.  Looking for something to do on a rainy day Sunday, well pop on into Owen Sound's Roxy Theatre, or tune into the CFOS Radio Station for their 72nd Annual !

Further details and phone numbers for this event can be found on the following web link:http://www.560cfos.ca/promotion.php?PromoID=589Tune in and enjoy the "Live Performers".  I believe Bruce County's very only Ralph & Friends will be on at 5:00 p.m., so I will have my listening ears on forsure.  In the meantime right now, I am going to enjoy a little "blast from my past" to see "Who'll Stop The Rain".


Grammar and spelling errors, should there be any, please lend to forgiveness.   I am positively not going to worry myself over there being any, as I am going to be enjoying a second cup of Java before I head into a new adventure in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Lots Of "Local" Flavor & "Talent" In & Around Bruce County !

Don’t take life so seriously!

Learn to laugh at the little things and this whole “existence” thing will be a whole lot easier. Be amused by your mistakes and failures and be thankful that you learned your lesson and won’t mess up like that again. And most importantly do things that you enjoy! Life is not strictly business, it can be mixed with pleasure.
Perfect Life Secret & Tip this one is.  Since I am usually so sleep deprived I find myself laughing at myself quite frequently, I am sure for fear of crying .... LOL.  "Life" really should always have a little pleasure mixed in with business at ALL times, as I am sure ALL Business ALL the time, can't be ALL that healthy for us, now could it be ?"My yesterday began with the "sun" peeking from the clouds out of the Eastern skies."

I am so happy I did not have to seriously stay home yesterday to chase "dust bunnies" around the house all day long.  A friend of mine, Anita Dejong, who owns and operates "Sweet Things" From Dejong Acres, alongside her husband, Brian, and two daughters, Rayleen and Nicole, sent me an email yesterday morning with the attachment to it as follows:

Was I ever excited a Wiarton Christmas Farmer's Market was going on every Friday at the Old Oxeden General Store located just 5 minutes outside of Wiarton.  The "poster" alone was enticing enough to draw me there.As soon as I returned home from my weekly "jab" in the arm at Dr. Loney's office in Lion's Head, I made sure I got the "pack" all looked after, few things tidied up around the house, and as soon as my "Crabby Cabbie" got up with at least "one" coffee into him, we headed out ....." ..... just 5 minutes out of Wiarton on Frank Street was all it took before we arrived at our destination."

"The Old Oxeden General Store is far from difficult to find, as it is right on the main corner and there was lots of "bright" signage."

I was so excited, I barely could wait for Rob to get parked so I could see what was behind the door of the Old General Store.  Patience is a "virtue", so I did manage to contain my excitement, and most certainly was not one bit disappointed when I did walk through the door to ....

 ".... meet the gal behind the Oxeden General Store,  who also produces the lovely display of Homemade Goodness from Local Grains, shown below, by the "Rising Sun Bakery".  It was my understanding as well, Kelsey Carriere also organized this Christmas Wiarton Market.  All Kelsey's "Homemade Goodness" can also be found every Saturday at the Owen Sound Farmer's Market, or by calling to order at 519-534-2043."

"Pottery displayed for sale by Timothy Smith of Gleason Brook Pottery, located just around the corner from the Old Oxeden General Store.  Gleason Brook Pottery is Open All Year from 9-5, and can be contacted for further information by calling 519-534-3222.

""Canterbury's Pure Beeswax Candles", owned and operated by Lori Bumstead of Shallow Lake, Ontario.  I absolutely love "Beeswax Candles" and Honey.  More can be learned about Lori and her honey of a business by calling her at 519-372-9206 or visiting her website at www.canterburys.org ."

"Baby quilts and children's hand knitted items made by Betty.  What I found to be most interesting was to learn about the "tie-dye" items also displayed in this photo, that unbeknownst to me, another local "talent" has been operating right in Bruce Peninsula's own backyard.  Take a tour of "Kind Hands" by visiting their website as follows: http://www.kindhands.com/about-us/  I was totally in "awe" of what has been going on the past ten years, just North of the Checkerboard."

"Anita Dejong was in attendance with lots of lovely ideas for the Christmas Season by "Epicure Selections".  To learn more, please do so by contacting Anita personally at 519-534-1211, or by first seeing what it is all about by  visiting the website at ww.epicureselections.com  Not to forget lots of chicken, duck and lamb products, home grown by Dejong Acres, can also be purchased by contacting Anita."

"I am sorry to say I have absolutely no information on the person responsible for these totally delectable looking creations.  This is all the more reason to mark the calendar for one of the three upcoming Fridays to find out yourself  by taking an enjoyable drive out to the Wiarton Christmas Farmer's Market at the Old Oxeden General Store, anytime between the hours of  10 am to 5 pm."Rob and I both enjoyed ourselves this morning at the Market, and then on our way home, Rob thought he would "treat" us to a Tim Horton's coffee."Obviously, like Rob & myself, the people in the vehicle ahead of us at the Tim Horton's drive-thru, must enjoy their Motorcycle as much.  Great bumper stickers !" 

Since I had taken homemade Chili out of the freezer for Rob and my Dinner ....".... how appropriate was it Rob had purchased a loaf of "healthy" bread made by the "Rising Sun Bakery"?  Oh yes, it was very very good ! "

Later this same afternoon, my "Crabby Cabbie" did take leave for work, leaving me to tackle a job that needed tackling sooner then later.
"I am pretty certain our bedroom closet has more room in it now I have everything under wrap."

Since I am so excited about all of this "local" talent in and around Bruce County, now would be a perfect time to introduce a young lady who does amazing "artwork" of one of my most favorite views.

More can be learned about this up and coming young artist and her paintings by "clicking" on Sarah's web link as follows:

http://sarahslater.wordpress.com/

I am sure there will be no disappointment with seeing more of Sarah's talent displayed across a canvas, as she truly does possess a gift to be able to create such amazing paintings.  

*Sigh*  What a wonderful day I spent by "wholly enjoying my existence", ending last night by having an enjoyable vigorous walk downtown Wiarton with my girl, Lexus.  

Lots to do today, as a little bird put a "bug" in my ear there is a Christmas Craft show being held today at the Wiarton Propeller Club, that I just might have to check out before I tackle any Christmas Baking.  As per usual, I must first check in with my Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy.

Looks like it will be a good day to spend indoors at a Craft Show, and to stay home to get some Christmas Baking started.  I am hoping it is not raining later at 7 pm when the Wiarton Christmas Parade is happening.

I am weary before I go further, but with the thought of beginning a new adventure in my day ahead has me,  once again, off and running, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Excellent Customer Service Is Still Alive & Well !!!

Drink water

Hydration is tremendously important for overall health. Soda has absolutely ZERO nutritional content; it’s like pouring a punch of sugar and syrup into your cup. Instead, fill it with life-replenishing water. It may taste plain at first if you’re coming off of a heavy soda-drinking streak, but you’ll soon find yourself addicted to it. 10 glasses per day is optimal, how many have you been getting lately?
Phhh, something I often think about doing, but seldom ever do is drink lots of water.  I am really not too fond of water, but I must admit I have been giving it my "best" shot by trying to drink more then I used to.  I don't think I have ever drank 10 glasses in a day ever, with the exception of "having to" in preparation for an ultrasound on my bladder?  Another point well taken which I should take example from by trying to drink more water on a daily basis.Water can begin in my Present day ahead, but for the moment I will go back into my yesterday ......Yesterday I spent a wonderful morning with the Wiarton VON SMART exercise group.  The ladies there, who come week after week, are all wonderful and a delight to mentor.  I can't recall ever hearing any grumbles or complaints the past few weeks I have been there; always seeing lots of fun and smiles going on, as they go through the 1 hour program. We had a little Christmas celebration after class with a few goodies, Punch and coffee and a little bit of ladyship going on, opposed to fellowship ..... as there had been no fellows present. The group has now dispersed, not to return until the Winter Session begins on the 19th of January, 2012.  The VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) program is available to both men and woman ages 55+ at a very minimal cost.  Lots of time for anyone to get themselves registered for the Winter and Spring sessions, by contacting a VON Canada office in your area through their website:  http://www.von.ca/en/home/default.aspxNot arriving back home until after the lunch time, and Rob having already having left for work this day to go in early, my three darling "Aussies" were all happy to see me.  Once they had been given runs and kisses, I got right to cleaning up the dishes and the kitchen, then went on to getting some "dust bunnies" rounded up from our bedroom.  A never ending circle, as around and around we go .....My "Crabby Cabbie" did end up working the morning, coming back home for some lunch and bit of a rest for a couple hours, before he went back to work on his regular shift.  I was glad there was a piece of Leek & Ham Shepherd's Pie leftover for him to have for his lunch, it would have otherwise made for some very meager pickings.It just comes to mind now, the past couple of days I have been dealing with the Bell Store in Owen Sound, a Blackberry Call Centre in California, and the RIM (Research In Motion) trying to get a Blackberry Curve phone added to my Bell Mobility plan.  What an adventure this has been, let me tell the World !  It all began when my son, Paul, had given me this phone he had bought privately to replace my very old Samsung cell phone.I took it myself to the Bell Store where the staff had it all programmed and ready to go, however then were unable to connect it to the Bell Network.  They ended up telling me I would have to call Blackberry, as there seemed to be a problem with the phone itself.Well I am sure the day before yesterday I had been on the phone with a Carlos at the Blackberry Call Centre, in California, for at least over an hour.  After giving him the phone's PIN, he was eventually able to determine the phone had originally been sold as a pre-paid Cricket (Cricket is another network provider, as Bell is) through a Best Buy Store.  Great detective work I might add !  Carlos told me the only thing I could do is contact Cricket to purchase one of their plans or go online to somehow try to buy an "unlock" code for the phone, so I could hook into a Bell network.  Oh man !!!  I wasn't having any of that !My next plan of action was to place a call to RIM themselves, who are located in Waterloo, Ontario, not far from where we used to live.  I just received a phone call back from them yesterday.The short and the long of the story, I stated to Nicole of RIM, I was of the opinion that any Cellular telephone that is purchased at a cost of hundreds of dollars, should not be "bound" to just one provider's plan, ie Cricket.  If I buy a telephone for $369.00 +, and am not happy with that particular cellular phone provider after any length of time, I want to be able to have the choice of taking my phone to whatever cellular phone provider I so then choose.  Beware people, it obviously doesn't always work out to be that way, so be careful when purchasing a Cellular phone from a "particular" plan provider, as you just might be "stuck" with them, until death of the phone, or death do you part, whichever comes first.The Samsung I have had now for years,I have never being happy with it from day one, but I am sure I could have changed cellular phone providers at any given time. Patience and perseverance I am obviously blessed with in situations as these, as Nicole said she would get back to me on this matter by next Tuesday.I must say from George at the Owen Sound Bell store, to Carlos at the Blackberry Call Centre, and lastly Nicole at RIM, I can not say how pleased I was with the understanding, knowledge and resources of these said persons.  It is wonderful to finally see there is still some "exceptional" Customer Service out there, and  to believe I had three great Customer Service Representatives in a row?  Almost unheard of in this day and age, is it not?I will not NOT give up hope we will be returned to days of old, when Customer Service really was a "Virtue".Once that was all out of the way for the day, I thought I best be getting a few things in place in the "Spirit of Christmas".  "Christmas Greetings by way of cards, signed, sealed, stamped and delivered out to the Mailbox."

"The front foyer ready to greet any Holiday visitors.  Um, I am sure it was only a couple of weeks ago I put away the Spring arrangement, putting the Fall arrangement in its place?"

This was pretty much my Yesterday ......


I am feeling pretty sleepy at the present, as another sleep deprived night has made claim to my being, but onward I go as I am wanting to see what my Wiarton Airport Weather guy has in store for my day ahead.

There is certainly no yellow happening in this day's forecast unless the weather guy is wrong, as he has known to be in days gone by  There is always that "hope" of a little sunshine making an appearance.

No plans for tonight being the start to a beginning of a weekend?  Drop in here, as I am sure there is a Bruce County event that might catch your eye:

http://www.explorethebruce.com/events-in-bruce-county.php

Need a little heart melting and a smile to get the day started?  I did, so I just popped into this site to get my "fix" ..... drop on in to get your own "fix', as it is only a "click" away .....

http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/50-adorable-animals-to-melt-your-heart/

Other then a trip North of the Checkerboard to my Doctor's for my weekly shot in the arm, I am pretty sure I will be having a chase the "dust bunnies" around adventure in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Hello Snow & Goodbye November 2011 !!!

Smile more often

Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day. It is a very powerful tool that is utilized less and less as we grow older and need happiness more than ever. Just remember that while happiness leads to smiles, smiles also lead to happiness.
There is is in black and white .... "smile more often".  I could not agree more wholeheartedly, however I am thinking yesterday morning after I had posted my blog with this photo embedded in same ....".....when I had first looked out our patio doors to seeing only this."

"...then to look out my patio doors 3 hours later to this !"

"..... then having to deal with this."

".....while trying to do this."

"..... however really enjoying the beauty of this."

.... there had to be a "smile" or two inbetween all of that somewhere.

Of course this was the day for the very last session of the VON SMART program's course to be held, once again, down at the Legion in Tara.  With the roads the way they were at this time in the morning, my friend, Cathy came to the conclusion we would wait until about 10:00 a.m. before we left.  Which we did.

"We got on our way to Tara, but not without first stopping for a coffee infusion by going through the Tim Horton's drive-thru in Hepworth."

 "Since Cathy was driving I got to take in a bit of the scenery along the way."

"I even got to do a little co-piloting by giving directions when we made it to the lights further on down the Grey-Bruce Line."

"Along bumpy iced roads we finally made it to River Road, which took us directly to the Tara Legion.  What a change from when I had been "Tarrying Awhile in Tara" the past few weeks."

"We hadn't missed out on too much of what our SMART Coordinator, Cathy McDowell had planned to review on this day with all of us.  It was very SMART of us, as we were also there early enough NOT to miss out on the fantastic lunch the Auxiliary Ladies had made for all us.  Most of us all know "food" is one of my favorite subjects, and to miss out on a homemade Legion luncheon, I think NOT !"

 "After lunch was over with, Dororthy Embacher, the "Guru" of the VON SMART program, or what we love to refer to her as being, had arrived to review some of the Practical components of the VON SMART program with all of us."

"This day ended with Cathy McDowell not only being an awesome VON SMART Course Material Instructor through and through, but  also a lady with a "heart of gold, as well.  How thoughtful of gifting each of us, along with a personal note, a pair of exercise socks, some chocolate for energy and a "Star" to remind each of us that we are.  Many thanks & blessings to you Cathy !"How SMART am I now?  Pretty VON SMART, I would think !  This day wasn't only a whole day, it was a whole day full of "smiles" sprinkled throughout it.  I, for one, most certainly had lots of natural "happy hormones" going on within myself !My "Hello Snow & Goodbye November 2011"  turned out to be a most wonderful adventure, I was able to enjoy with others !  However my adventure of Yesterday is now a wonderful memory, as I sit here in my gift of the Present, as I think about what the Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy has to say about the weather ahead in my Future ....

There is YELLOW !!!!  I am totally happy with any amount of YELLOW I can get, as it does make me feel good ....


Despite how weary I am feeling this morning, I think I will just put a "smile" on my face and have one more cup of Java before I head into a new adventure in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".