Not A Pretty Sight

Everyone has a "bad" day every once in awhile.  If they don't I really would think they are telling a pretty huge "fiblbet".  Some of us have bad days, with some absolutely "horrendous" ones.  I just had a day that was "bad, bad, bad" ... but far from "horrendous", so that couldn't be too bad now, could it?

"It was bad enough I wanted to be permanently "Out of Order" for part of this day."

This morning went along pretty good with the usual routine with the "Checkerboard Aussies" and myself.  Then a bit of cleaning of this and that until just before the noon hour my dear sweet Rob got up for the day.

I have been waiting to finish up The "Crabby Cabbie" book work, it being the last quarter end of the Year and whatnot, however I had some questions needing  Rob to clarify a few things for me ..... trust me it was "not a pretty sight".

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing you say to each other is communicated to the other the way you want to be? of course you have.  Black should be White, but they think not.  With both of us not feeling well, with fatigue and headaches, along with the usual aches and pains ....

"... and the "stuff" needing dealt with still there to deal with until it gets dealt with."

We settled the grey areas between the black and white, finally getting the task at hand done, even though it was over 3 hours later.  *Sigh* have I ever mentioned before that I hate doing book work?  more then likely I am sure.

Oh did it get better?  NO ... the beautiful supper I had planned on didn't turn out the way I had wanted.  Nor did the Artisan Bread I had planned on trying to make, that my Blogger friend, Debby, had made with success, did not even get past a thought.

Oh man it felt like I was on a mini "bad" roller coaster ride this day.

I still managed to have a couple *smiles*.  Usually one, or another, of our "Checkerboard Aussies" put a smile or two or many more on my face every day at some point, usually regardless of how I have been feeling or how bad the day has gone.

"Buddy enjoyed himself one of the Ciabatta Buns that had gone "off" before their Best Before Day.  He was in his glory with that big chewy bun, putting a *smile* on his face."

Then the creation one of the members on Cindy's Recipe Exchange made today put a *smile* on my face when she posted the Homemade Pizza, using a Dough "from scratch" recipe another member had submitted to the Exchange.  We have such a nice little community of people in the recipe exchange, how could that not make me *smile*.

"Oh how I wished I had lived closer to Kathy this day so I could "share" with her this awesome looking Homemade Pizza she had made.  Isn't is colourful and yummy looking? "

Today I also advertised the upcoming 2013 Checkerboard Aussie litter, which has showed some promising interest already.  Really now who wouldn't want themselves a totally awesome "Checkerboard Aussie" puppy? 

Just look at all those sweet little faces ....

The "Checkerboard Aussies" are expecting their 2013 Litter of amazing Australian Shepherd puppies on or about the 6th of February 2012. Contact us to Reserve yours now. Fully socialized, vet checked, shots and deworming x4 at $550.00 each. (deposit required).

We are are on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Checkerboard-Aussies/391795127565803, as well as having our own Blog at http://checkerboardaussies.blogspot.ca/

Puppy PHOTO is of our 2012 Checkerboard Aussie Litter

I don't know about anyone else, but if we didn't have the parents of all those little sweeties, I sure would be "sold" on one after seeing and reading this advertisement.  

From left to right, Jake, Scout, Injaca, Cash, Fraff and Myles.  The "Spectacular Six" !!! do I know our pups, or what?

A big welcome to Christy who has joined along with the other 19 of us in the 52 Week Money Making Challenge, you might have noticed on the side bar of my blog.  We are now 20 strong who are taking this Challenge together !!!

I am also pretty excited that there are about nine Ontario Bloggers that have shown an interest in being "linked" up here for an Ontario Bloggers Day post !!!  Should you be an Ontario Blogger, please Email me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca to let me know should you like to be "on board" with this too.  Also any SHOUT OUTS on your blogs pointing others in this direction would be appreciated.  Hopefully we will have just a few more to make this a great "link" up and a regular upcoming event.

I am tired, still with a headache, thinking I am going to make it another early night here, to look forward to a better day tomorrow.  On a big "P" for POSITIVE that is making me positively happy at the moment, that dang, dang, triple dang "Crabby Cabbie" book work is done for the time being, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

January Thaw Has Arrived

The headache medication finally "kicked" in last night with me not hearing a thing until Rob came home after hanging his "Crabby Cabbie" hat up around 2:00 am., then back to sleep until 5:00 am.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to say the headache was gone, however it decided to be with me this day too.

I barely got anything done, needless to say, other then a few dishes, the floor swept and one load of laundry and ....

"... made up some Chicken Salad with diced leftover Chicken Breast, Celery, Red Onion, and of course Hellman's Mayo.  Chicken Salad is a favourite of mine and our Son, Paul."

Rob I left sleeping until 10:00, as he really needed himself some sleep, never seeming ever to catch up on enough of that.  I was going to make him up some sandwiches to take along with him to work only to find the Ciabatta Buns he had bought at Costco had started to mold.  I was pretty "ticked" about this as there was still 2 days to go on the Best Before Date.  He had no time to run downtown for more bread, so off he went without any Chicken Salad Sandwiches.  Damn, damn, triple damn ....

We had a pleasant visit this morning before Rob had to leave for work.  If anyone who follows me here remember not too long ago I had won an original Michelle Hogan Equine and Fine Art "drawing" wherein I had blogged about it HERE.

Michelle dropped in on her way by this morning to drop off my winnings in person.  Thanks again, Michelle.

"Michelle's original drawing of "Carefree" with no other in circulation.  I am so excited having the original, especially when I can enjoy myself to sit back and watch this young upcoming artist become famous.  Ha it might "pay off" having an original hopefully sooner then later!"

Now I will be on the search for the perfect frame that will suit this totally awesome drawing.

Not only did Michelle drop the drawing around to me, she also brought along another little surprise with her ....

"... in way of this 4 pack of Cards drawn of 4 different Bruce Peninsula scenes.  I will be offering this awesome package of cards in an up and coming Give Away within the next week or two, so please stay tuned for your chance to win them.  Thanks Michelle, as these cards are awesome, not knowing who would NOT love a set for themselves."

A "January thaw has arrived" to the Bruce Peninsula, as well as to other parts of Ontario so I have heard through the grapevine.

"Temperatures soared up to at least 12*C (53*F) at their peak today, with the plant  life sucking its warmth in as you can tell by how vibrant these Hens & Chicks look."

"Yesterday our "horseshoe" drive was a skating rink.  Today it is a soggy mushy mud path of a driveway, however much safer to drive and walk on then Yesterday."

It being so nice out today, I spent some "extra special" time with Buddy out in a soggy yard.  We had lots of hugs and kisses (more then usual, as that is just the type of "Checkerboard Aussie" he is), then he got a little bit brushed out.  I just recently purchased him a doggie  backpack that I am anxious to try out on him.  Hopefully I will be able to do this when my headaches disappear, I get caught up from everything being left this week, and the weather drys up a bit.  This will be another "story" I am sure ... *smile*.

Trying to think ahead for tomorrow with Rob home for a Dinner, I had Pork Tenderloin thawing so I could put it together this afternoon in order for it to marinade overnight.

"Tomorrow's Dinner will be Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin.  One of my most favourites and ever so easy to make."

Once you have had Pork Tenderloin this way, I am almost certain it might become one of your favourites too.  Stay tuned for the end result and recipe post tomorrow.

I haven't done too well in the January decluttering challenge,  I entered over at Carla's My 1/2 Dozen Daily,  this week, however something is better then nothing, right?

"I am putting up all these recipes for grabs on Cindy's Recipe Exchange for whoever wants them, providing they pick them up.  This is quite a bit to get rid of I am thinking, and as I said, something is better then nothing."

Rob's Business Card's did not have that The "Crabby Cabbie" is on Facebook, as he wasn't at the time we had them made.  My friend, Holly, was so kind enough to print some "Like Us On Facebook" tabs for me.

"I spent a little time cutting and pasting today onto a handful of "Crabby Cabbie" cards to hopefully get him some more "LIKES" on his Facebook page.  Really truly he can be a very "likable" guy, as mostly "Only the Name is Crabby"."

Really I do support my husband LOTS behind the scenes.  I am sure everyone realizes this especially since I have linked The "Crabby Cabbie" Facebook page to his Business Card on my blog's side bar.  You so OWE me honey Rob !!! *Smile*

These headaches are a sure sign of the changing weather.  The prescription meds are not doing the job I was hoping for.  I hate taking any more then I have to as times they make me feel sick to my stomach as much as the headache sometimes.  Before bedtime tonight it will be a Gravol along with the usual.

I am so looking forward to have an Ontario Blogger Day post.  So far there are eight Ontario Bloggers interested in being "linked" in the day I decide.  I am hoping a few more join forces with us turning into something that Grow like our Ontario !!!

"I am certain this will bring back memories to many."

For those not familiar with A Place to Stand, A Place to Grow, *click* HERE to learn more about where and how it originated.

Should you be an Ontario Blogger, please *click* HERE to join along, as I am certain many would look forward to it.  

My Auntie's Church in Port Elgin, the Tolmie Memorial Presbyterian Church, on Goderich Street (the Main Street) is having their upcoming Annual Luncheon.  Mark your calendars as follows:

Really where are you going to get such an amazing Homemade lunch such as this for $7.00? and trust me I know how amazing it is as Rob and I have been to it a couple of times.  Thanks to Church Member, Lesley, for emailing me this notice.

Pssst... for all those wonderful people who take the time to leave me a comment, "thank you", as I do LOVE reading each and everyone of them.

For this day that is all she wrote, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Watch My Step So No "Oopsies" Happen

This morning for me arrived at 5:00 with my Rob out the door at 6:00 am with his "Crabby Cabbie" hat on.  Got going on my routine with my first priority being COFFEE, then onto to each and everyone of The "Checkerboard Aussie's" needs.

It was mild out first thing, but it was also pouring rain.  I suppose it could have been much much worse with it being "freezing" rain instead.  Thank goodness it wasn't or I would never have headed North of the Checkerboard to my weekly appointment with the Doctor had it been.

"This is our driveway today ... treacherous it was, even to drive on very slowwwwwwly."

I arrived to my Doctor's appointment, however there was NO Doctor this day.  I waited until almost 10:30 am, then had to leave as I was meeting someone a bit further up Hwy. 6, above Ferndale.  I am hoping the Doctor hadn't slipped off driving along a back road on his way to work ... that wouldn't be the nicest thing to happen, as Cellular phone service isn't always the greatest in some back spots up on the Bruce Peninsula.

I didn't arrive back home until close to the noon hour, by this time the dull headache I had left with had developing into one that was raging, rather then the previous annoyance it had been.  I very carefully took the girls out, one at a time, for a bit of a run.  It can be very tricky, especially if they see something and pull me I could go for a "loop" on the ice if not careful.  I usually always have my Cell phone in my pocket, just in case something does happen out of my control when I am outside.

My girlfriend asked me the other night if I was ever nervous, at night when out with the Aussies, should there be Coyotes come along to "attack".  Trust me that has crossed my mind more often then I care to think about .... really what would I do?  Bolt back towards the house if I could?  Let's pray it never happens that I have to tell the story of what I had to do, okay?

"Yes sirree Bob, I think if I seen something like this coming at me I would be "running for the hills" or to the door of our house pretty darn quickly, pulling whatever one of our Aussies I had out with me at the time along at full tilt !"

~ Photo Source ~

I can remember growing up in my hometown of Southampton, us kids walking from town through the bush following the Saugeen River all the way up to Denny's Dam.  That was quite the trek, however my point is we never had a care or fear in the World that we would ever run into any wild animal such as a Bear or Coyote.  Now I am always hearing about Coyotes being "bolder then brass" coming up to people's decks, as well as Bears doing the same.  *Sigh* I will just have to be quicker then them I suppose, so I best be getting myself in better "shape" then I am maybe?

"Violas never cease to amaze me on how hardy they are, looking at these today ... most Perennial Plants are though, although I still have managed to "kill" my share of some varieties."

I felt so "poopy" today, I actually laid back in the recliner and drifted into a bit of a slumber until, of course via Murphy's Law, the phone woke me up.  No matter as the phone call had been good news, and good news we can never get enough of in my books !

It was going on to 4:00 pm when my "pack" started up as someone had pulled in the driveway.  Who else then no other then my Rob !  What a surprise ... he had gotten his Driver Carolyn (who he fondly calls "CCC" for Crabby Cabbie Carolyn) to cover him so he could come home to help me with a project I had really wanted done.

With all the thaw, rain, and freezing, not only was our driveway a mess, so had been the outdoor kennel run.  Since we had purchased a dog house, having had it delivered today, Rob thought this was a good time to help me de-ice the run.

"It was had been really thick, but he finally got it lifted and thrown out over the back yard.  Buddy is loving his new dog house by the way.  We had an outside shelter for the kennel, but not as well constructed as the new doghouse we purchased.  It is nice for those days for him to make sure he is out of the rain.  Nights there is no worries as our dogs are never left outside overnight, with everyone all cozy and safe inside for bedtime every night."

Once the puppies arrive, it will give them something to play in and out of as well, as the last bunch had themselves such a great time in the plastic kennel we had placed out for them.

"After a big run, Buddy was placed back inside his run.  He ran right into the new dog house to investigate ... he LOVED it !!!  Rob was glancing over just to double check Buddy was all happy happy happy.  Oops ... there is that "look" I get from people when I have my camera in hand."

Today I received a couple Bills in our Mailbox, but hooray! to lighten things up a bit I also received some HAPPY MAIL through Post Crossing.

"Look at this lovely photo of Brisbane AU .  How nice of Post Card was this for me to receive? very nice."

I was also pretty excited as when I had been googling for something or another this afternoon at some point, wherein I had came across an Ontario Blogger in the Niagara Region who I KNOW my Crafty Knitting friends will absolutely LOVE !!!!

I contacted Chris first to inquire if I could use her photo, as well as linking her up, as she has so many "free" knitting patterns I thought some of YOU out there might enjoy.

"Should you travel up on the Bruce Peninsula, I guarantee you will see an Inukshuk at some point. This is one Chris actually knitted and made ... to cute, eh?"

~ Photo Source ~

For this Inukshuk knitting project by Chris, please go visit her blog by *clicking* HERE, where I am sure you will find many knitting projects that will "strike your fancy", thanks to Chris.

Those of us who would like to learn more about What a Inukshuk IS? please *click* HERE

Manners in order, pleased to have you here with me Marlys of This and That, as well as Janet of Simple Homecraft.  Welcome and thank you for being here for my every days, as well as the occasional one, or two, or three ... opinions or rants I might have from time to time.

Please don't forget if you are a Blogger in Ontario, please read my post  HERE, and let me know if you would like to be included, as well as giving it a SHOUT OUT on your own blog.  Thanks Virna of Craftmates for the BIG SHOUT OUT you put out there today !!!

When I am out with the "pack" for the last time of the day, I best "watch my step so no "oopsies" happen".

I would love to say my headache has gotten better, but unfortunately it has gotten worse.  This being a fact to give cause to wrapping things up here with hopefully calling it an early night for myself, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Blanket Please ?

What has today brought for me?  really if I am to be honest it brought with it  low to no energy, bloating, fatigue, tears, pain searing through my lower back .... here I googled it, so I will let them give way to the "proper" description.

Need to read the more ?  *Click* HERE to do so, as there is lots more to read about PMS.

The next subject that usually follows suit is what is your PMS crutch of choice?

"I am not fussy at all as long as there is some type of carb, chocolate or salty item in the house.  What happens if there isn't?  Either stay out of my way or be prepared to run like "Hell in the other direction."

Woman sure don't always have the "slice of life" at times, now do they?  Then they get to the age where they might be "stuck" in-between PMS and Pre-Menopause or Menopause.  Isn't that just something to jump up and down in joy over?

Ladies give yourself all a "pat on the back" as if we ever plugged any of these "said symptoms" into a man, I am of the opinion they might be wiped off the face of this Earth.  Ha !

We are WOMAN & we are STRONG !!!



... but for today could I have a hot water bottle and a blanket please?

Today I did manage to get myself downtown Wiarton to do some banking, and stopped in to a couple businesses along the way, as well as stopping in to see one of my favourite people on the way back home.  Have I ever said before, " how much I LOVE me my friends ?"  Maybe just a few times, right?

I think way too much most some days, this I am positive about.  I would like to do a proposal to ALL  Ontario Bloggers out there (since I passed it by one of them already today, thanks for your input Cathy).  Share, share, share with a big SHOUT OUT about this !!!!  Let's get to know each other Ontario Bloggers !

Should you live in Ontario and happen to blog, please contact me via Email at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca , as I would LOVE to be Hostess to an Ontario Blogger Day by posting each and every one of your blog links here for a day.  Looking forward to hearing from you all !!!

Keeping good to my manners I was taught, I would love to welcome two new followers who have joined me here for my daily journal and odd opinion I might have from time to time.  Welcome Cynthia of Feeding Big and Tabitha Vos (Tabitha if you have a blog please let me know so I can come visiting).

My Rob is home from his "Crabby Cabbie" day, our Homemade Spaghetti Dinner is ready to be served up and I am looking forward to covering up sooner then later with a blanket, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

For ME & YOU

My Cousin Vi emailed me this Survival Kit just after New Year's Day.  Since I love sharing, trying to as often as I can,  thought maybe you out there could also use a Survival Kit too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR YOUR DAILY SURVIVAL KIT FOR THE NEW YEAR Today, I am giving you a DAILY SURVIVAL KIT  to help you each day............  Toothpick ... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.  Rubber band ... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.  Band-Aid ... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.  Eraser ... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.  Candy Kiss ... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.  Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & Me.  Bubble Gum ... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.  Pencil ... to remind you to list your blessings every day.  Tea Bag ... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of blessings.  This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day Wishing you love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, and warm feelings in your heart in the  year 2013. I don't know about anyone else, but I plan on keeping my Survival Kit very near and dear to me all Year through ! Another friend emailed me something that I laughed about and smiled the whole way through.  Thanks for sharing with me Marie.   I thought maybe I would also love to "share" this too .....

I hope you enjoyed both the Survival Kit and the "Beary" shares as much as I enjoyed both of them.

I had to share something nice as really my day wasn't that exciting whatsoever ....

I was pretty proud of myself yesterday of sticking pretty much to the list I had been making the past Year for when I went next to a Costco Store, yesterday being that day.

"Rice, Freezer and Sandwich Bags, Canola Oil, Parchment Paper, Pure Vanilla, Corn Starch, Socks, Razors, Batteries, Lint Rollers and Vitamin D had been on my list.  Neutrogena had not been on my list, or the bag of Ciabatta Buns Rob had picked up, however there was Black Pepper and one other item on my list that I never got, so I consider it evened up.  Grand Total was $173.43.  What I do know, I will not have to buy most of this stuff for some time, with the exception of a couple items, I am probably good for another 1 1/2 or 2 years.

Outside the many times I go with our "Checkerboard Aussies", today wasn't one of the greatest.  As my friend, Cathy, had said on her Facebook Status, what kind of footwear should she be wearing out today on her walk, Winter boots, Rain Boots, or Skates?  Ha Cathy I could not have agreed with you more as my driveway was quite the challenge for me even with my winter boots on, as I almost fell flat on my behind a few times.

Lexus and Bandit were in their glory, as they LOVE ice in any shape or form.  

"Really how I missed Lexus carrying a huge chunk of ice into her kennel was beyond me.  I did get a little grin out of her, probably in satisfaction that she had pulled the "ice" over my eyes."

Pssst ... if you didn't already know we are expecting puppies on or about the 6th of February, and The "Checkerboard Aussies" have had their very own Blog for the past few weeks.  You are more then welcome to check it out by *clicking* HERE.  They even have five of their very own followers who have "joined" them there !  

Trying not to fall on my butt on the ice was probably the most excitement I really had all day, as most of my day was spent finally tackling more "Crabby Cabbie" book work. 

"Two months down and one more to go, along with a few phone calls that had also to be made today ... boring !   Dinner wasn't so boring but was rather Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 to make.  Chicken and Rice in one dish cooked in the Oven.  Rob loves this Dinner."

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

That was just the kind of day I had here.  I can't wait until Rob gets home as I am thinking I would LOVE to have myself a Candy Kiss from him, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

There & Back Home Again

Some mornings arrive earlier then we want them to arrive some days.  Mine arrived at 2:00 am.  Not sure if it was in anticipation of the Road Trip we were taking this day or not, but what I do know not is that I am very tired with a capital "T" at the moment, as is Rob.

It was not only very early, it was also very dark when we left our home North of Wiarton when we headed South down the highway. 

" Then morning broke ..... "

" .... and it was beautiful. "

We had a couple of meetings this day down in the Kitchener-Waterloo area where I lived for 20+ years of my life.  Our Son, Paul, lives in New Hamburg now, Rob's old stomping grounds when he was young, as he was raised on his parent's farm just outside of New Dundee.  

The countryside in Waterloo Region and areas are beautiful.

After our first meeting when we had first arrived in K-W, we then headed out to meet up with Paul.

"We met at the Old Country Restaurant in New Hamburg for breakfast.  Yep there are the two Men in my life, the "smokers" and yes that is shorts my boy Paul is wearing and yes that is snow on the ground.  Brrr ... that really gives a new meaning to "cool" I suppose."

We had some time to put in before our early afternoon meeting.  I had been planning some time to go to the Costco Store as I had a list started for there months ago, since we seldom get down to the City.  We also had the girls with us, as we don't like leaving them so long behind at home.  Since the PetSmart is very close to the Costco store, and Missy Mercedes just happened to need a new collar we stopped there first.

"Lexus got to go in with us, as we had only brought one lead along.  She went up the whole raw hide bone aisle stopping at the end to pick out the "smallest" bone in the row."

"We also got Missy Mercedes a bone too, but what I got from her was a "look" of "why didn't I get to go in too" .  Oh those eyes of hers looking into mine .... "

I was surprised to find out this PetSmart location will be closing at the end of this month after 16 years.  The girl had told me with the other locations in the area this one wasn't as busy as it had been, and with the Lease coming due they had decided it would be closing.  I was surprised with the Costco right there that it hadn't remained busy.

"Then it was follow the leader as we followed behind Paul over to the Costco store.  There sure is lots to look at in this big box store.  Check out the outside dog kennel ... nice, but again so was the price tag of close to $400.00.  Rows of cookbooks ... it is okay, I was strong and kept going !  Then there was that "kid" with shorts again !!! "

We had a really good day together the three of us.  I was happy my two men didn't gang up on me too much for a change ... *smile*, nor did I "bug" either of them too much on the same token.  Once our time with each other was done, we said our "goodbyes" to Paul and made our way back home bound towards the North.

"We first had to stop by where our home was in Woolwich Twp. on the Woolwich/Waterloo Twp. line.  Lots of memories driving down this hill and past the pond."

"This was the home we had built ourselves overlooking the Grand River.  Down the hill was our barn on the River flats of the Grand River.  I miss this home we built, but do not miss the City having grown so much that it was almost on top of us."

"The Mennonite School up the road from where we lived, our friend, Amsey's Dairy Farm, and the Sugar Shack where just beyond we used to ride our horse down by the Conestogo River back to where the Grand River both met."

It was unfortunate we had been so busy this trip that we didn't have time to drop in for a visit with my Sister, nor Rob's Sister, as we were "there & back home again".  Another time it will have to be .... hopefully not too far off into the future.

I would like to welcome my newest followers here on my every day journey, and some time ramblings.  Welcome to Terri of Artful Affirmations, and to Wanda Ann of Memories by the Miles, I am so happy you have joined me here.

We left about 6:30 am, not arriving back home until around 5:30 pm.  Rob and I are both tired, thinking we both won't be far from our heads hitting our pillows tonight, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Few "B" Moments Today

Before I get going on what my today has been spent doing, I must note how many wonderful gals have came along"on board" with me for the 52 Week Money Savings Challenge, which the link to can be found at the side bar of my blog.

I am pretty excited to find out what everybody will be deciding what to do with their savings at the end of 52 weeks.  Be prepared to "share" this Toni, Judy, Stacey, Michelle, Diane, Ellen, Debby, Cathy, Jean, Karen, Elsie, Gill, Darlene, Vicki, Abby and Marg.  I will be posting a reminder at least once a month to see that everyone is still "on board" with the Challenge... if you have decided to drop out, please let me know so I can keep "tabs" on who is still in !  May all of us see the end of 52 weeks with a little bit fatter account for whatever "special" item or event we each decide on for ourselves.

I am so excited about the prospect of having $1,378.00 saved by the end of this Year, the possibilities of what I could spend this amount of money are unbelievable !!!  Could it be towards a vacation we haven't had for at least 3 years? a home renovation? a pay down on the mortgage ???? Endless I say, endless !!!  Can you tell I am "over the moon" excited about this Challenge?

Yes there were "a few "B" moments today", here and there, and actually pretty much throughout my whole day now I stop to think about it.  The second "b" moment was making my "bed", as usually the first "b"  moment includes ....

"Bandit.  After coming in from being outside with the girls I get one of many many *smiles*.  He then sits back to get his photo taken "handsomely" before he moves in further to get me with a "nose" moment ! "

After a bit of this and that this day in the way of the most usual humdrum "have to get done" things, it was on to my third "b" of the day .....

"There were some bananas on our counter top that required my undivided attention this afternoon that paired up with a can of crushed pineapple.  Dry ingredients first mixed."

"Pineapple well drained through a mesh strainer then mixed with the remaining "wet" ingredient.  Wet meets Dry to be folded together until "just" moist, then before you know it there are three pans all oven ready."

"There were a few more "b" Bandit moments while the "b's" of baking Banana Pineapple Bread was going on.  What a good Boy, our Bandit is while balancing his treat on his nose ... not certain if the girls would be this good, but then again the don't have "b" names either, and they definitely  are not boys."

Really I think I am being quite silly today.  This happens when one is feeling tired now doesn't it?

"Bravo !!! before I knew it the Banana Pineapple Bread was done.  Oh it is ever so good, it really really is."

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE recipe just *click* HERE.

On his way home tonight Rob dropped his "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle off to our mechanics for an oil change.  On our way home, after I had picked him up from there, we had one more stop to make after the Pharmacy, at my friend Lynn's place.

"Thanks Lynn, for donating the pennies you had been saving to the Grey-Bruce VON Piggy for Pennies.  And even volunteering to come help me when it is time to roll all the change my "Crabby Cabbie" has collected from her being fed in his Cab?  How sweet is that !"

Honestly there is a whole plastic juice container almost full right to the brim with pennies and other change needing "rolled" up before we deliver it to the Grey-Bruce VON offices in February.  I will be doing a big SHOUT OUT for helping hands before February rolls around, so keep your ears open for that time.

When I am tired and not in the mood for making a big meal, I always have the versatile egg on standby to help me out .....

"How Easy Peasy as 1-2-3 is it to throw a really good  cheese and veggie omelet together with whatever you happen to have on hand?  Tonight it was sweet red peppers, red onion and Cheddar cheese, along with a pan of home fried potatoes.  There was no complaints from either Rob or I when we sat down to enjoy this Dinner together this evening."

Not sure if anyone noticed or not, but I got me a new Badge up in the right hand corner of my page.  I really am a Proud Canadian Blogger !  Isn't it lovely.  I went looking for one after I had seen Gill had one on her Blog.

I have duly noted two new followers who have joined me here for my daily journey in life, along with the odd opinion or two, or three, and rant or rave, I might have from time to time.  Welcome Mama G of the Frazzled Shell, and  Diana of Diana Rambles.  Thank you for being here with me.

Had I mentioned earlier how tired I was today? of course I did.  Spelling or Grammar errors, so sad, to bad, so sorry, too tired.....on that note I believe I will tie up some loose ends with shortly calling it an early night here, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".