An Abundance Of Colour

Last night, after I had published my blog post of yesterday, I had to deal with the Turkey Stock I had made.

"While a nice cuppa "Calming" Tea was steeping in my mug, I got going on packaging up the Stock to be frozen, leaving enough to be placed back in the fridge for Soup to be made today." 

The "calming" tea must have done its magic as I feel like I slept not too badly at all last night.  It sure makes a different in the day ahead when you have slept the night before, especially since my past few days have been spent with FM flareups and severe muscle spasms thorough my neck, shoulders and arms.

It is an awful feeling, causing alarm and stress to myself, when it first started happening to me 4 years ago, still taking me aback somewhat when it happens. It does pass though so this is a "good" thing.  Not sure about FM pain? here are some explanations found by *clicking* HERE.  On these "bad" days I really try to focus on how blessed I am to not have something worse debilitating disease, truly I do, and appreciate when I do have "good" days, when my neck issues and FM are both down to a dull roar.

This morning I had my Rob home, but after coffee he had a "project" cut out for himself that was a priority.

"Rob's very first "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle had to come out of retirement when the another we had, had its transmission go.  Old Blue got to go back into retirement today, as Rob got New Blue cleaned out and set up to go for tomorrow.  I do LOVE me the colour Blue!"

"Yes he did a great job cleaning it out, even placing the Grey-Bruce VON Piggy for Pennies in her upfront and center spot."

SHOUT OUT to all Saugeen Shores and area residents, please show your support by giving The "Crabby Cabbie's"  Facebook page a "LIKE", just by dropping in there by *clicking* HERE.  Thanks for your support, truly it is hugely appreciated.

What on earth would I be doing while Rob was busy himself?  I was busying myself with adding Colours to our life.  How would I do that you might wonder ... Easy, Peasy as 1-2-3.

"First thing I gathered together all the colours I was going to use, then I got to cleaning and preparing them all, as they were going into a very colourful Turkey Vegetable Soup I was making for our Lunch.  Lots of goodness packed into that Turkey Stock with all those wonderful colours."

"The "hardy" veggies were first to go in such as turnip, carrots, onion and celery, with the chopped up turkey and broccoli  was added in near the end of the cooking time.  When would the end of cooking time be? just when veggies are fork tender when pierced."

"The flavour was "Out of this World" with "an abundance of colour" and all the goodness contained."

.... and as I said, it was as Easy Peasy as 1-2-3, using a Turkey or Chicken stock as your base soup, then adding in your favourite "colourful" veggies.

This COLOUR your soup as been linked into http://marlys-thisandthat.blogspot.ca/2013/01/foodie-friends-friday-linky-party_10.html

I received a beyond totally awesome "flattering" email this morning.  I responded to its writer, also asking if they would mind if I "shared" it here.  It is something I am proud to share, and again thank you so much again, Jo-Ann for all your kind words.

Hello Cindy,

My name is Jo-Ann and I follow you on twitter. I really enjoy reading your daily blog, and the pictures and recipes that you share along with your daily journey. When I was a young girl my grandmother lived in Wiarton and I spent a fair share of my time there. That was over 30 years ago and there are a lot of changes, progress right? Her house is still there a white 2 storey on the west side of Berford Street just before you come down the hill into Wiarton. There use to be 2 brick columns one on each side of the road with a wrought iron Wiarton sign that spanned between them. My husband and I just purchased a seasonal place near pike bay this fall and one of my favourite topics on your blog is your support and promotion of the small businesses in Wiarton. You are helping me reconnect and feel familiar in a town and area that holds so many memories. I look forward to stopping in to the Cluttered Cupboard ( I love your "winnings" from there) and having a lite bite in the Cocoa Vanilla. I like your kindness resolution, it starts with a smile, I'm for that and I'm rooting for you in your de-cluttering efforts, I've always been a little obsessed in that area. I just wanted to introduce myself, say hello and how much I enjoy your posts. All the best to you and yours "North of Wiarton."

It is people like, Jo-Ann, and all you who read my daily journal,  some leaving many kind comments, either here or by email, ones who participate along in my interests and/or challenges, or those I see in my everyday life in person, that encourage me to continue on with the journey of my life here.  Sincerely it is people like you who have made my "heart" sing many times when there have been times it sure hasn't felt much like singing at all.

Hopefully a very sincere, simple "thank you" shows my huge gratitude for YOU all supporting my journey in life, here "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Onto some more Colour from my day ....

When I had Ashley and Nathan (remember our young visitor from Australia?) over before New Years, we had made plans to go see the movie The Hobbit.  Today was that day, as Rob wanted to go see it too (bonus because, other then the Drive-in, I think this is the first movie we had been to in at least 15 yrs.).

"We arrived at the Galaxy Cinemas in Owen Sound just before the 3:00 Matinee."

"Yeah, got to use the GC we had received 2 Years Christmases ago, bout time, eh?  Really there are machines now to take your money and issue you a ticket?   Wow it has been a long time since  I had been in at a Movie Theatre !  Of course there was a line-up for popcorn ... really who can NOT have popcorn at a Movie Theatre?"

"Did I mention "colour"? or was that an "abundance of colour"?  The graphics in this movie was unbelievable !"

The Hobbit had been filmed in New Zealand.  Beautiful beautiful and more beautiful  I am sure that is why I love any photos I see posted by Susan at Kamo Lady, as the photos she posts are always so lovely, green and lush looking ... New Zealand is another place on my "Bucket List" if when I win a substantial huge lottery amount (dang I keep forgetting I need to buy tickets on a regular basis if this is ever to happen).

"I had to run into the Giant Tiger store for a moment before we left the mall, coming back out to find Ashley and Nathan having themselves quite the "snowball" fight.  Really is there no snow in Australia to have so much fun, or "only in Canada" you say?  Apparently Nathan took a snowball to the head when he had "ducked",  so I would say that was one for the Girl's Team in my books.  *Smile* "

We returned back to Wiarton to drop Ashley and Nathan to their vehicle and headed it back home ourselves.  Supper was Easy Peasy with leftover Turkey Veggie Soup, along with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich .... yummy yum yum.

Before I forget, there are now twelve of us all together participating in the 52 Week Savings Challenge.  Karen, in answer to your message just right click on the schedule and "save as it" to your computer, or shoot me off an email to justnorthofwiarton@live.ca and I will email it to you.  Thanks for all who are "on board" with me, and there is still time for more to join us !

Oh man, I just looked up at the clock to realize it is 9:30 pm already !!  That day sure flew by me in seemingly a "blink of an eye".  

Should you not have seen the movie The Hobbit I would say, "definitely go for it",  and if you have not read the book that is a "must", along with reading the following 3 volumes, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.  I read them all years ago, but getting the "itch" to read them again.

I am off to almost call it a night here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

Family RULES !!!

"Family Rules cause Families do RULE ! "

What do I think of my new sign?  I LOVE it !  Where would I get such a cool "Family Rules" sign from ? especially since I am participating in a No/Low Spend Challenge for the Month of January.  I could not believe I was fortunate enough to win it in a Give Away from one of our local Wiarton Stores who is on Facebook.  What local Wiarton store would make such a unique sign for a Give Away?  one of my favourite stores that I never tire of visiting or taking anyone by to visit ..... that being The "Cluttered Cupboard".

"From the outside you are immediately drawn in ... the front entrance way is so cozy leading up the stairs to wonders from re-purposed antiques and retro items, as you see here with a pair of old skis made into a hall tree, to some items you will find to be lovely and new.  Unique you want? then further venture up the stairs .... trust me you will not be disappointed. "

"You would never leave The Cluttered Cupboard without finding something that you would not want or desire for your home.  A work shop where I had the honor of peaking into where many of The Cluttered Cupboard creations have been and are being created is below the store.  New? look at the wonderful selection and colours of yarn being offered up to tickle your own creative fancies."

"As you glance from one item to the next, you will find yourself again drawn back to look a second or third time to make sure you never missed something on the first look."

"Ah there is Owner, Bill Morrow, making a wee adjustment to something that might not have been "just" so, as nothing should be out of place to a customer's pleasing eye."

Thank you to owner's Bill and Holly for hosting another Give Away on their Facebook page, that myself and my friend, Toni with an "i" were able to win one of your creations through, as well as giving so many others a chance to do so by just "liking" your page.

You will not want to miss out on any of The Cluttered Cupboard's newest creations and/or future Give Aways, so I would love to suggest you stop on over onto their Facebook Page to give their page a huge "LIKE" by *clicking* HERE to do so.

I heard also from an "inside" informant that there will be some new renovations within the next while at The Cluttered Cupboard.  This certainly will be cause for another excuse to go back for a visit so I can check out all the new changes in person !

Once I had enjoyed my visit at The Cluttered Cupboard, I headed on over to a friends place as I had picked up a little something for her last year that I had wanted to gift her as a combination Christmas/Birthday gift.  I just happened to "catch" my friend and her hubby as they were pulling out of their driveway.  I have since had a message from her that she had been most happy and thankful for the gift I had dropped around to her.

I am so happy I have made my Goal this year to be Kinder, as it does make me feel good to do so.  And really does it take any more effort to be kind, then not to be?

I had to drop off some of the stuff I had decluttered this week to our local Salvation Army Store, where I was able to see another of my friends who works there.  Friends really are the BEST aren't they, in any shape, form or age, as long as they are friends.  I LOVE me my friends !!!

I have yet to get some Turkey soup made from the Turkey stock I made the other day here, so when I returned home I got to skimming the fat from the top, which I was happy there wasn't too much to skim.  What I also did was strain it more to clarify it somewhat more then it was after skimming the fat from it..

"I laid a clean tea cloth in a strainer over top another pot while pouring the stock through, leaving the sentiment behind in the tea clothe as shown below."

Now I am happy to go ahead with make some Turkey Noodle Soup and freezing the remainder of the stock for another soup on another day.

I am so happy happy happy I am not alone on the 52 Week Money Saving Challenge, as of today there are a total of ten of us participating.  Don't miss out on joining along ... it is really quite the "doable" challenge to save a bit of money by the end of the Year, with all details found by *clicking* HERE.  Look forward to you joining Toni, Judy, Stacey, Michelle, Diane, Ellen, Debby, Cathy, Jean, and myself.

I think I will wrap things up here now so I can go and get that done now, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Another Down and How Many More To Go ???

The Taxi business has slowed down for a rest after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and all the excitement of anticipating the New Year of 2013. 

"My "Crabby Cabbie" came home early last night, to be smothered, watch a bit of TV, and  enjoy a plateful of one of his favourites,  leftover Turkey Dinner.  Can't get much better then all of that."

This morning brought high winds giving way to lots of drifting of snow.  I cancelled going up North of the Checkerboard, as I really didn't want to deal with heavy winds and drifts along the flats.  

I am very anxious about Winter driving since I rolled my vehicle almost two years ago now, wondering if I will truly ever get over it.  I have the greatest fear also of passing, since in my 20's we had passed someone, having a dump  truck turn in front of us, hence the severe damage to my neck today I am certain.  It was a miracle I walked away from both accidents, for this I have really truly counted all my blessings.

The change in weather this morning also brought another FM flare-up with my usual headaches.  The trick is to try and keep moving, even though staying in bed most certainly has been crossing my mind the past couple of days.  Move, move, move ... really really really. 

"I have faithfully been adding to my "one, or two, good memories" a day jar.  It is hopefully going to be jammed packed full by the end of 2013.  It will be so much fun opening and reading what good memories I had all throughout 2013."

"I thought maybe a little toast, peanut butter and flax would give me some energy this morning, so this is what I had.  I LOVE Flax ... ground flax is the thing to sprinkle on your foods in the way of sandwiches, salads, cereals."

Should you NOT be familiar with Flax, there is lots of information on it from the Flax Council of Canada just by *clicking* HERE.  Hope you will find some reasons for it to be of a benefit to you too.

Yes I am on the Low/No Spend and Declutter Challenge for the Month of January, but when I seen two items on the Swap that would fit the Grand Boys, how could I refuse.

"Two Spring Jackets made in Vancouver BC, lightly lined and water proof, the exact perfect sizes for Aiden and Connor.  How could I go wrong for the Low Spend amount of $5.00 each?  I couldn't that is for dang certain."

Day 4 into the Challenge, and I have only spend $12.00.  I think I am doing pretty triple dang good, especially when both these jackets are like "brand new".  Oh the $2.00? that was for my coffee yesterday when I had met up with my Cousin Suzanne.

It took me until after lunch to get going at anything.  I am ashamed to say I sure didn't get too much done other then our bed made, some Crabby Cabbie book work business sorted around and ....

" ... got going on decluttering the front and side of the fridge.  This has been bugging me for some time.  All the clutter was moved over to the Dining room table to be sorted once I had washed the outside of the fridge.  You know it always takes a mess to clean a mess !"

"I am very pleased with the "after".  I do so look at the photos I keep on the fridge, and then there are three important business cards, our mechanics and the vets, along with on the side of the fridge is recycling days, along with a couple of conversion charts.  This are all very very important things in my life *smile*.  Besides I am not sure if I would like my home too much if it couldn't be used what it is for ... to "live" in it."

"The wood stove was happy today, as it got a different variety fed to it today."

I can't believe how long a job like decluttering the outside of a fridge can take.  Sometimes those, what seem like piddly jobs, can be quite time consuming.... more so when I am having one of my "off" days.

Another "decluter" down, and how many more to go????  quite a few I am afraid to admit, but a another dent has been made !!!  Hooray !!!

When Bandit and I were outside this afternoon, I retrieved the mail to find there some more Happy Mail for me !!!

"We got a Christmas Card from my Great Niece, her other half and a Santa Claus photo with my dear sweet Great Great Niece Deja in it.  I would love to kiss those sweet chubby cheekies of hers, but alas they live way out in a Western province of Canada.  Maybe they will be back to visit Ontario again this Summer?"

I had nicely gotten my photos all ready for today's blog post when the phone rang around 6:20 pm.  It was my dear "Crabby Cabbie" to tell me he was up in our Neck of the Woods with a taxi fare and would drop on home in 20 minutes time.  Holy Crap Batman, he hadn't taken a lunch today, so I was certain he was starving.  I had to think fast, or as fast as I had all day to get something prepared for him.

"Leftover turkey, celery, carrot, red onion, broccoli, frozen mushrooms and our own garden peas, along with some Philadelphia Cooking Creme and leftover Turkey Gravey was put into motion.   By the way, I do so LOVE my new Paderno Ceramic Fry pan I got myself not too long ago."

"Once the veggies had sauteed with the chopped Turkey added, in went the Cooking Creme, then the Turkey gravey along with cooked egg noodles."

After Rob had his second bowl he asked me if I came up with Dinner "out of my head", which I replied "yes" to.... he said dinners were much better out of my head.  I think I will take that as a very big compliment from my very satisfied and full hubby.

I had a small bowl myself, being very pleased with my "throw together" creation myself.  It was the first time I had tried the Herb & Garlic Cooking Creme (thanks Toni), however on its own I wasn't too fussy when I had a sample, however after the Turkey gravey had been added it was really good.  Maybe just a case of taste buds is all.

Since it is Friday in my part of the World, I decided to begin the 52 Week Money Challenge and put my savings amount away today, instead of waiting until tomorrow.  I have an e-account under my online banking, so I will just transfer the required amount into that account each week.  I am pleased to say there are 8 of us "on board" for this Challenge.  It is still not too late to come "on board" yourself.  Check it out by giving a *click* to my post of yesterday HERE.  The more the merrier, right ?

I will be posting reminders every so often to make sure everyone is on track with the Challenge, and to remind us all a wee bit if we haven't been ... *smile*.

Oops, almost forgot to extend a huge welcome to another new follower !  Welcome Deb at Cooking on the Front Burner.  I am so happy you have joined me here for my daily journey and my many sometime rants and raves.  Thank you.

Okay here it is going on to 10:00 pm.  No wonder I am tired, still with headache pushing my eyes near close.  Really I think I should take the "hint" my achy body is telling me by heading it off to a warm comfy bed very shortly, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Hello Cocoa Vanilla Wiarton

... I have heard you have had your doors open for the past few months now, and I have been missing out all this time.

Not no more !  Last night my Cousin Suzanne send me off a text, "would you like to meet for coffee tomorrow at the Cocoa Vanilla?"  Since I had been in to meet Owner, Jeff Leonard, just before Christmas saying I would be back, what a better time then today to do so.

Let me carry on with the excitement of the day, and leave the hum drum daily stuff of my life until the last, will I?  of course I will.

"Main Street Wiarton, there it is ... Cocoa Vanilla.  Inside I venture with no other then my Cousin Suzanne all settled in and comfy like already in a very inviting atmosphere."

"Suzanne had a "take out" menu in front of her that she had been perusing, with her Vanilla Cafe shortly served up to her by wonderful smiling male, who just happens to be Proprietor Jeff Leonard.  Um, Suzanne you are to go up and order your beverages, how did you manage to wangle the owner into delivering yours?  no mind as he is so nice, he even delivered my double cream coffee over to me too !  Service with a *smile*, it doesn't get much better then that now does it?"

"Not only is there lots of comfy places to seat yourself with a beverage or food item(s) of your choice from an selective menu, along with some good reading material, you will find there is also a corner spot in the Cocoa Vanilla for some entertainment in the way of blues, jazz and/or a bit of unplugged music.  Nice, very nice ... never mind how warm the decor makes you feel."

"I like the "chalkboard" style.  You also might be tempted by some homemade goodies once you have approached the counter to order, so beware of the impeding temptations upon entering."

"Cocoa Vanilla has WiFi service "free" for their customers.  Now really who would not want to go have a beverage, grab some great food and be able to read the "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard" Blog?  Really anyone ?  I think NOT. "

"The Mosaic ~Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle in Grey-Bruce, did an amazing article on the Cocoa Vanilla.  I am really excited to have found out through their article that Jeff's daughter, Victoria,  was in London's 2010 Iron Cupcake Challenge,  now the baker and chef for Cocoa Vanilla.  Being an admirer of cooking and baking myself I can not wait to meet her in person !!!  Wow !  I am excited to go back just to meet  Victoria."

I LOVE Cocoa Vanilla !!!  I am sure anyone would love it as well, and can find way more about it being a Family run business, as well as being able to peruse their menus by checking out their Website by *clicking*  HERE.

Are you a Facebook Account user? link up with Cocoa Vanilla by *clicking* HERE.  

As I said, I am very excited about returning, much sooner then later as it seems I had been so busy talking I had forgot to pay for my coffee *blush*.  I will be back Jeff !!!

Okay I don't know how I am going to follow that act with how the rest of my day went, but my "Crabby Cabbie" can ....

"Rob had to drop by someone who had taken the "Crabby Cabbie" New Year's Eve.  They had also handwritten him a "note".   It is really nice to know when you are appreciated and people realize "only the Name is Crabby"."

The "Crabby Cabbie" really appreciates all the "LIKES" he is getting from friends and customers on his Facebook page.  Should you have a Facebook Account he would LOVE your "LIKE" on his page by *clicking* HERE.

I never did get too much done around here today, except make up the one spare bedroom with fresh bedding.  I never did get my Turkey Soup made, but what I did do was ....

" ... some more decluttering !!!  YAY  "me" !!! "

Just a lil' bit, but any bit is better then no bit *smile*..

Is anyone up to a Money Challenge with me???? the first contribution is coming up the end of this week.  How Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 is this Challenge?

"... and really can it be that hard to do? the end results are amazing and just for YOU, or you and him, or her and him, or you and a friend .... the combination of possibilities are endless !"

Up for the Challenge?  leave me a comment on my Blog and/or email me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca , and I will compile a list of persons who are in on this challenge with me.  I will periodically do a post, checking up on how well we are all doing on this, with a finale at Year end.  May the best women/men make it too the end !!!

Here is a little trivia to end today's post.  Did you know when Charles Schulz retired the Peanuts Gang?

Who didn't love Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang?  I can imagine no one.

A huge welcome to Tracy Boone of Life, Cupcakes and Life, who has recently started following me here for my daily journal and ramblings.  Thanks Tracy !

Things to do, "Checkerboard Aussie's" needing my attention, so here I go, once again, off and running, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Turkey Soup & Declutter Day

Holy yawning and tears streaming down the face ... does yawning cause your tear ducts to open, or what?  I am feeling totally exhausted.  I didn't think I exerted myself that much today, however my brain seems to be thinking otherwise.

Going through the usual routine first thing this morning, it continued on, not without at least consuming two cups, or was that three, of java.  I do need me my coffee first thing.  

The Taxi business is kind of slow at the first of the New Year, so Rob wasn't planning on going in to work until late this morning.  Instead he took me downtown on some errands; the usual, banking, check the Lottery ticket (when I remember to buy me one), stop at the mechanics to see when he can check why my engine light as it is lite up like the 4th of July, drop around to pickup a parcel waiting for me .... 

"What a way to begin the New Year with some HAPPY MAIL right off the bat !!!  This is the Recipe Book I won through a Virtual Cookie Exchange over at Author Steena Holmes website, Pop on over to have a "look see" at Steena's website yourself  HERE.  Watch out there will be some new  cookies baking in the "North of Wiarton" kitchen come Christmas 2013 !"

Once we had all our running around and errands done, we hightailed it back home so Rob could get himself ready to take off into his "Crabby Cabbie" world.

"Before I know it all that leftover Turkey will have magically disappeared into the vastness of a "Crabby Cabbie" guy I just happen to know.  Lots of concentration, as you can tell by this photo, goes into the "art" of making one self a Turkey sandwich or two or three."

With Rob off to work, I got going a pot of Turkey Soup started by first getting a stock together to simmer for a couple hours or so on the stove top.

"Turkey carcass into the stock pot covered with cold water.  Veggies gathered on the counter top while I went outside to snip some Rosemary from just above the snow.  All into the pot it went to simmer the afternoon away."

"Later in the afternoon the stock was strained of carcass and veggies.  Look at the rich dark Turkey stock I gained .... a whole Dutch Oven full to sit overnight in the fridge for the fat to gel so I can skim it easily off the top.  Tomorrow the Turkey Soup adventure continues .... stay tuned."

While the Turkey stock was simmering the afternoon away, I couldn't possibly do the same (or could had I?).   I got myself busy with the dusting and cleaning of our bedroom, it is Wednesday you know.  Carla at My 1/2 Dozen Daily has put forth the mini-challenges for the first week of the January Challenge, so I thought I best comply to what she had set out:

Financial Goal Week One: Instead of buying something you need this week, find a way to "make do". Do you grab a coffee each day on the way to work? can you brew at home & use a travel mug? Run out of an ingredient for a recipe? Can you find a substitution? There are many ways to "make do" each & every day... track how much you would have spent.

I am going to make "do" by drinking coffee we have at home, not allowing having asked Rob not to buy us any Tim Horton's coffee this week, even though we need crave it..

Decluttering Goal Week One: What "thing" clutters up your home the most? Is it clothes? Toys? Books/magazines? Kitchen Stuff? Knick-Knacks? Find a way to get rid of some of these items! Be sure to snap a pic of your declutter!

This second one I got to after I had cleaned our bedroom, since I was already in there anyway.

"Three bags full ... one for my Master, one for my Dame, one for the hopefully somebody else that lives far away from my lane !  Clothes, belts, a couple of DVDs, books ... oh man why do I keep this stuff for so long !"

"Then I made myself a nice cuppa tea.  I have a lovely variety I have been enjoying from what my friend BJ had gifted me a while back.  A tea for almost every time of the day there is.  I do LOVE me my new Tea Tin I had bought myself last week too, is it not the "cutest"? "

With Tea time over it was "Checkerboard Aussie" time.  I  bundled up and headed on downstairs to take each on out one at at time (as the girls get fighting sometimes too much, and I just don't like it).  Looking at Missy Mercedes in her kennel, I wondered what was on the floor of it.

"It didn't take me long to figure out that this is all that was left of the collar that had once been around her neck.  Jeez that girl will be pooping out material once again.  Since she has been a puppy she has eaten socks, or any type of material within her reach, such as rugs, etc ... this is the second collar.  Think it might be time for a metal choker next time around."

Warning to all Pet Lovers, should your dog consume any materials, as my sweet little Missy Mercedes does from time to time, please if you should see any come out the "other end", do NOT pull it out !!!  as it could be wrapped around something internally.  Let it come out naturally.  Should your pet consume such materials and has not passed it in a few days, along with showing signs of stress, please contact your Vet immediately.

Really as a Pet Owner, our parenting skills are not to be left on the counter to collect dust at anytime.

Ha ... when I was scanning through my Facebook page earlier today, I happened along Lucy and Snoopy, who reminds me of my own Lexus and myself exactly to a "t".

"My Lexus girl makes no bones about "smacking" me with a big kiss right on my nose at any given time."

I think a lot, probably some days too much to the point it is probably unhealthy for me to do so, but that is just me.  Yesterday I had made my New Year's Goal to try and be more kinder all year through.  Last week someone had made a, what I thought to be a unkindly comment, on someones Facebook post.  I never commented but it made me think.  This was my thoughts ....

We all have to walk in our own shoes, not knowing what is happening in another's walk of life. Please take care in your comments towards judging others when they have to make a decision concerning their life circumstances. We all have had to make difficult decisions at one time or another concerning, I am sure a number of different, life choices, hoping not to be judged by another. Be kind, as you enjoy kindness towards yourself. ~ By "Just Me"

... and this is what I had also posted as my Facebook Status not too long ago this day.

I have been adding a "good" thing to my "Memories with Love" jar every day so far.  My best memory for today will be from my young male friend in Ireland who just received my Christmas package today.  This was my friend's thanks to me ....

Cindy thank you so so much for the package, I'm so used to just getting bills it was such a treat,the cookies were fantastic just as i knew they would be, I even managed to save a few for after my dinner this evening....I wont return the favour and send you something I baked until a time comes that you might want to poison a family member :)...thanks again xx

That is my friend ... to the point and very sentimental, can't you tell?  Ha !  Really Dave? really ? you get bills too?  How could we get them to stopping sending them to us ... don't they know how allergic we are !!!

I LOVE  me all my friends !!! in person or otherwise.  Thanks for being one of them.

Did I mention how exhausted I was feeling today?  I think maybe I should bundle up and get myself out with a "Checkerboard Aussie" or two for some fresh air, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

HAPPY NEW 2013 Year !!!

" 2013 is here !  it wasn't waiting for anyone to catch up to it, so if you weren't ready for it yesterday, you best  had been ready for it today.  I was happy to replace my 2012 Lang Calendar with the new 2013 one my Son bought me for Christmas."

I shocked myself by staying up until 2:30 am this morning watching TV !  that is the first that had happened in YEARS.  

"Some of us weren't able to even think about making it to the New Year ... I did  eventually wake them both up after midnight to send them off to their designated sleeping areas."

My "Crabby Cabbie" didn't arrive home until  5:30 am.; poor guy was beyond tired when his head "hit the pillow".  I am sure he barely was able to say two words to me.  I stayed in bed just before 8:00, then our "Checkerboard Aussies" needed my attention.

The day was cold when I went out, just below -12 C (10*F).  Even the girls were holding their paws up it was so cold ... brrr.  The morning progressed into a beautiful day with the sun coming out in full force.  What  a perfect day to start the 2013 New Year off.

"Paul packed his gear up to head out early back to his home, but not first  without gushing good-byes between himself and Bandit.  What a pair the two of them are."

"Umm.... -12 and shorts?  Really Paul?  Really ????   Off he goes heading South, hopefully with it being a bit warmer in that direction for his sake."

I had just happened to hear through the "grapevine" that my "Crabby Cabbie" had his very first local (or first of any kind for that matter) newspaper debut !  I had Rob bring me a copy home.  

Wow Rob you and the Grey-Bruce VON Piggy for Pennies are looking pretty good.  Oh yes, the lady sitting on the far side of my "Crabby Cabbie" Rob is Carolyn, who Rob is very pleased that he now has such a nice lady now working for and with him.  Thanks for joining the "Crabby Cabbie" team Carolyn !!!

"Should you see the "Crabby Cabbie" vehicles out and about, please be sure to feed the VON Piggy with Pennies (or dimes, nickels, loonies and toonies) !  Special thanks to the "Shoreline Beacon" for the BIG SHOUT OUT !!!

Should you happen to be on Facebook?  my "Crabby Cabby" sure would LOVE if you dropped on by his Facebook page to give it a big old LIKE, by going to it via HERE.  Thanks in advance for all your kindness and support.

My poor sweet Rob really never got too much sleep this morning at all.  Between the two of us, we got a bit of the last Quarter paper work begun by completing the December billing.  Poor guy had been barely up when he had a call to go out,  so go on back out he did.  While he was gone I got going on putting our Christmas Dinner into motion by stuffing the Turkey, and getting the veggies ready to be cooked.

Finally back home, Rob helped me with one thing that had been on my mind to get done for the past 2 weeks or so, however it was something I needed his help with.

"Christmas 2012 Photo Shoot had not been done with Buddy; it had to be a Winter 2013 Photo Shoot instead.  Here he is all ready and unsuspecting, hehehehe ... okay Mom whatcha think you are going to be doing with those things?  Big grin now for Dad ... see I just know I am styling now."

"Wow it all is a blur to me, what is going on here ????  Oh there that is much better.  Dad get them off please, get them off !!!"

"Okay let's get this over with if she is going to insist.  Okay this is the very very "Best" I got for ya Mom !!!  Happy New Year Everyone !!! from "Checkerboard Aussie" Buddy."

We no sooner finished up with the pictures and had Buddy for a big run when the "Crabby Cabbie" phone rang and he was off and gone on another call.  I had lots to do by getting a little more prepared for our Turkey dinner ... oh why were we having Turkey on New Year's Day, you might wonder? well I had a flu bug on Christmas Day, so we had missed out on it that day, making do with leftover Ham and Scalloped potatoes.  Thank God we had been blessed with leftovers that day !!!

Rob gave me a call when he was on his way back and not far from home so I would have a "head's up" to get going on the final preparations.

"This 8 pounder is going to be keeping us happy for a few more days this week.  Rob LOVES himself some Turkey leftovers."

"With the Turnip and Potatoes all cooked, I got going on getting the gravey made by using the water drained from the veggies.  I used Cornstarch to thicken my gravey.  When in a "pinch" I have used flour as my own Mother used to use, but prefer Cornstarch way much better."

"Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 it was putting it all together, and YES that Turkey was very moist and full of good Turkey flavour, let me "Tell the World"."

Do you make New Year's resolutions?  I have found over the Years the one that work the best for me to make is "My New Year's Resolution is NOT to make any, so that way I won't break any".  This way it  is pretty much a "win win" situation for me.  

However one thing I would like to make as one of my Goals for the whole of 2013 is to try and be more "kinder", as I really don't think there is such a thing as being "too kind" is there?  and besides .....

Now is that the truth !  Who would like to join along with me on the Goal of being "kinder" this Year..  I really don't think it should to difficult a Goal for anyone NOT to keep, and I certainly would LOVE the extra company.

Minding my manners, I would love to extend a warm welcome to my newest follower,  LuAnn of Back Porchervations.  Thank you for joining me here for my daily journey in life, and the odd opinion or two or three or .... I feel I might have to vent about from time to time.

Do you know what?  I really think I will be keeping my middle name of "tired" for the whole 2013 Year, as this is how I am feeling, "a little bit" here", "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".