More Kid Time !

The fun continued on last night before the boys left to go back to their weekend lodgings.  Boys will be boys regardless their age.

This morning my day started as usual with my Aussies and the two remaining puppies.  After my shower the day took an unusual twist then its norm.  I had a Taxi Run set up for a 9 am pickup.  Off I went to return back home sometime around 10:30 am.  This will be a regular Sunday morning event for me I believe.  My Crabby Cabbie needs some sleep so I have to help the "odd" time if I am able.

I had just arrived home when the kids arrived.  They were going to spend some one on one time with me today.  Since Rob hadn't gotten home until 5:30 am, I thought it best to take them off premises.  I loaded all five of them into the van and headed on out to ....

.... the Bruce Caves for us to have a hike.  Hike we did.  We even found ourselves a cave.

Each and everyone had found themselves a walking stick.  Connor started out with pretending he was an OLD man using a cane.  The girls were quick to follow suit.

We all had so much fun.  On the way back they got themselves all organized for a group photo on top of a huge rock.

We had came upon another huge rock which had graffiti that was at least tastefully done.

Back home everyone was hungry after our big excursion so I got busy with a whole loaf of bread and cheese slices whipping up everyone a Grilled Cheese with leftover Birthday Cake for dessert.  My friend, Gayle, had also dropped by and was hard at it in the garden tackling the first crop of weeds.

By the time the five kids left the premises I was ready for a snooze.  Our house looks like a Tornado went through it.  It will be remaining this way for a bit, as tomorrow I might find myself busy with something else, Tuesday morning I will be at a meeting, and before I know it Wiarton Wednesday will be here and I will be busy with that.

After a wee, and I do mean wee, bit of a rest this afternoon, Rob and I headed out to fill up the Wiarton Crabby Cabbie vehicle with fuel.  When we got home it was then time to get our Dinner going.

Grilled Striploin, Baked Potato and a Side of Salad.  My steak was grilled to perfection, thanks to my Honey Rob.

The group leader and coordinator, Tess,  for the Wiarton Pioneer Club has approached me to see if anyone would be interested in doing a bit of baking for their cause of raising money to Send A Kid to Camp Program.

This is Tess's request:

We have been invited to sell baking at the Queen's Bush bluegrass event

on July 19th - 21st.  I am looking for donations of baking, squares, cookies etc. individually wrapped to sell to the campers over that weekend.  Of course all the proceeds will go to our "send a kid to camp" campaign. 

Should anyone like to donate, please contact Tess at the Wiarton Salvation Army @ 519-534-0353.  Your contributions are ALWAYS appreciated.

Dishes are done, Aussies are all waiting for their last run of the day, and then both Rob and I will be calling it a day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

My Baby Boy Is 30 Already With Lots Of Kids Fun !

Thirty years ago today I had my youngest son.  Paul-James Morelli came into this World on a not much different day then today with the heat and the humidity.  The difference 30 years ago was we remained in the hospital a week, not the 24 hours they give you if you are lucky to have that now a days.

Not only do I have Paul-James, I also have the joy of his two boys, Aiden and Connor, in my life as well.  Life in this respect has been good to me.

When I heard Paul was coming up this weekend with his friend, and their children totaling five, I asked, as I have done every year on his birthday, what would he like for his Birthday, a cake or pie.  He choose Cheesecake.  He has always loved my no-bake Cherry Cheesecake, but only the Cheesecake part, never the cherries.  He has always loved Pumpkin Pie, so what else would I choose to make him this Birthday time around other then a Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie.

Regardless of how hot it has been I set out to get the task done first thing this morning by preheating the Oven.

I was doubling the recipe, so I first prepared to Graham Cracker shells to start with.  Then I got going on the mixing of the filling.

With a few more mixes going on the filling was poured into the shells.  Forty minutes later I had two lovely looking Pumpkin Cheesecake Pies cooling on the counter.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

The kids were coming for lunch.  Prior to getting here they stopped at the Spirit Rock Conservation Area located 2 minutes south of us on Hwy. 6.

Should you travel North on Hwy 6, this would be one stop I would highly recommend.  You will see the Ruins of the once majestic Corran, travel down the Bruce Trail to where you can overlook the beautiful Colpoy's Bay.

I did catch up with the five rascals eventually.  They were all happy to stay put long enough for me to get a couple photos of them.  In the background in yellow is our Connor, and in the orange, Aiden.  Then from left to right is Chloe, Briar, and Josh.

I had a few "look at me Grandma" while we were there.

We finally returned to the house where Poppa Rob had fired up the BBQ for hot dogs and sausages.  Since I  knew the Cheesecakes were not going to be cooled enough for lunch, I had picked up a cake I was certain everyone would love.

The Hamburger Cake did go over well with everyone.

After lunch we were all busy.  Connor & Chloe are infatuated with the puppies.  Those puppies had lots of kid socialization today.

After running around with the kids Missy Mercedes was one hot dog.  Paul shared his water with her.

Bikes had to be found from where they had been stored for the past Year.

Oh yes, Poppa had to bring out his bike too, with everyone wanting a ride on it as well.  Bandit? he thought he was going to the Beach with everyone with no problem hopping into the van with them.

Even one of the "big" kids got a ride on Poppa Rob's Motorcycle.  Liz loved it !

Our day did not end here.  We then took everyone downtown to Lloyd's Smoke Shop for a Homemade Ice Cream Cone before they headed over to Sauble Beach and Rob and I went for a wee cool off ride on the Motorcycle.

What is going on now?  Rob has put on his Crabby Cabbie hat and left for work, the kids are still at the beach, and I am dong this post while trying not to think how hot it is.  At least the humidity was not as heavy today so I did get a reprieve from the Sinus headaches thank goodness.

What am I going to be doing?  I am going to post this post, then head outside one by one with my Aussies to  give them each a bit of one on one attention from me, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

Humidity & Sinuses

What woke me out of an already troubled sleep first thing this morning?  a bottom jaw that pain was searing through.  This heavy humid weather we have had the past week is playing havoc on many people.  The sinus headaches and other symptoms can be unbearable at times .....

I have been trying everything possible that I know of including Tylenol 2, Antihistamine, cold wash clothes, Nasal spray, and saline rinses to no avail.  My whole left side of my head right down to my glans in my throat feel like they are going to explode.  Something I will have to ride out with hopes it does not turn into infection.

It has been a miserable past two days on top of my usual every day challenges.

Before I forget I would like to post an upcoming Event that is taking place in the Niagara Region for my friends, the Craftmates.

Attention ALL FOODIES !  This might be an event you will not want to miss out on.

Food Fight for Foodies...Who will be the Aroma Genius

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Food-Fight-for-Foodies-Festival/464846723602384?ref=hl

When: 17 August 2013, Saturday

Where: 758 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Calling for food enthusiasts to submit recipes using essential oils and key ingredients: lavender, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, orange. Cash prizes and opportunity to be published in TM magazine awaits the winners. 

Event host is Bruce Worden, Head Chef at Niagara College Benchmark Restaurant and judges include Lynn Ogryzlo, Journalist & Cookbook author and Melissa Achal of NEOB.

Festival will also have a market area for food truck, food vendors and arts & crafts.  Spots still open for food vendors.

For more details, email: aimee.events@neoblavender.com

It is too bad I am so far away, as I am certain this event would be something I might enjoy attending myself.

On with my day .....

After I had let the gang out this morning I went back to bed until 9 am.  Once up I was not moving too fast again this morning.  I did a couple Crabby Cabbie items that needed going to the bank today, and that was pretty much it.  By that time the Forever Home family of Bindi were dropping back in on their way back to Windsor from their week of Holidays up on the Bruce Peninsula.

Bandit got to see his daughter, Bindi, again, and Maddie got to see the puppies.

Bandit and Bindi had themselves a bit of play time, before Bandit thought he might like to go along with her in her Family vehicle.  Finally with him out, Bindi said her good-byes to us ... we hope we get to see you next year Bindi, but in the meantime I am sure we will get lots of photos from her Forever Family.

Around lunchtime I headed downtown Wiarton to the bank.  The air was heavy and uncomfortable.  I could stand still and sweat.  I did my business then headed across the road to the Berford Street Parkette to say hello to a couple of the Vendors at the Farmer's Market.

The newest vendors, Rayleen & Nicole Dejong, were offering Smoothies.  These young girls are obviously going to be taking after their business minded Mother, Anita, who is pictured dishing up some customers a Lamb Burger.  Below Natasha of Colpoy's Creek Farm & Bakery actually had some fresh lettuce this week.  There is Rob who was checking out the Explore the Bruce table.  I do not know how he finds me, but I am certain he must have some kind of micro radar hidden in my purse or somewhere ... geesh !  

Rob actually was headed home himself, as he too was suffering sinus headaches.  He had his driver cover for him for the afternoon.  We both did a whole lot of nothing the rest of the day.

That was all of my day pretty much in a nutshell.  My sinus headache? it is still with me enjoying itself at my expense.  Hopefully the humidity will break tomorrow taking it with it, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Over Done !

I do not think I have ever cooked a Turkey "over done" the way I felt when I got up this morning.  First of all it was a long day yesterday, next thing I did not sleep with a darn last night, and lastly my neck/shoulders and the rest of my body had felt like a Mac Truck had rolled on over it.

Every dang time I put in a long day without resting in-between I pay the price.  However I am starting to think I would rather pay the price of living my life to the fullest I possibly can rather then have my pain live my life for me.  So take that pain .... stuff it in your pipe and smoke it.

I took the Gang all out then headed back to bed.  I finally got motivated to get myself moving around 11 am. Downtown I had to head to the bank, a couple of more errands, then back home.  Nothing, other then my bed was made here today (it is a "must" my bed is made if nothing else).

The Crabby Cabbie Draw we had for Wiarton Wednesdays yesterday went over pretty good.  Rob drew a winner last night, who contacted us today to claim her prize.

Marg is from Kincardine, who also has a cottage in Pike Bay, was our first Give Away Winner.  She was very happy with winning the cooler bag, as she had told me she seldom has ever won anything.  They are planning to use it tomorrow when they take their granddaughter out on a day trip to Old Woman River tomorrow.  

We had another Crabby Cabbie vehicle break-down this afternoon.  It was fortunate we had bought another vehicle a week ago this past Monday.  Rob had to change everything up from the other van to to this one today.

Rob had purchased some new Crabby Cabbie signage he put on this new  vehicle.  I like it.

Bandit had been out helping Rob with the van.

I went out to check on them and got the nicest look from our boy ....

Before I forget, when downtown I ran into a gal I know.    Kris, who is an Epicure Representative, along with her own two young daughters were going around from Wiarton Business to Business handing out flyers to raise money for a young local girl in Hepworth who requires Cancer Treatments.   This is her story.

I am organizing a fundraiser for Emma West from Hepworth. She is 7 years old and was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. I am sending this out to businesses in Wiarton, Hepworth, Sauble and Shallow Lake, but if any of you wonderful people are interested in participating I would be over the moon! You don't have to be a business, just get together a dozen friends to purchase a case. However, I do need to know asap as the order is going in the end of next week at the latest. I know I can always count on my amazing customers!

Dear Business Owner, 

I am contacting you as a Business Owner in hopes of raising funds to help this local family. As you may know, Emma West is a local girl that has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. Along with just getting through day to day activities, there is a huge financial burden to the family as well. This is a unique ask. Epicure Selections has a package of three of Epicure’s top selling spices: 3 onion, lemon dilly and cheese, chives and bacon which together make an incredible hot dip or can be used as individual dips or in cooking. I am asking each business to purchase at least ONE BOX EACH to sell in your business. This would be an upfront cost for your Business of $240, however the plus side of this fundraiser is that you then sell your bags of fundraisers to your customers which will ensure you get your money back! You sell the packages for $20 per bag and $5 from each bag will go directly to Emma West to cover the many costs, OR if you have 12 or more people in your Company please ask each of them to buy a bag for $20 and see how many boxes of 12 you can sell within your Company! 

Money is due up front for the box of fundraisers: $240, cheques made payable to Kris Dawson or credit card or cash please. The order for the packages will then be placed. They should arrive within a week of the order being placed on the deadline date given (no later that Friday June 12, 2013). I will deliver them to you all set and ready to sell.

Of the $240 that you give to Kris Dawson, $60 will go direct to the family from each business! At the time of purchase your donation has technically already been given to the family, therefore when you sell each bag for $20 you recoup the initial cost of $240. You will be provided with a poster to display which acknowledges your participation in this initiative and helps solicit support.

My hope is that at least 75 cases are purchased which would give the family $4500. 

There are so many businesses in The Town of South Bruce Peninsula that we should easily be able to raise these funds for this local family. I am reaching out to all local businesses to support us if you can. If you don’t want to sell your bags then you have the perfect client gifts to give for Christmas!

Please contact me asap to let me know of your participation or decline of this fundraiser. Money must be collected by Friday July 12, 2013

Thank you for your support

It is difficult to imagine going through this with anyone, never mind a child.  Prayers going out to Emma and her family.  Should anyone like to contribute to Emma's Fund, or require Kris's contact info, please email me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca or Contact Kris directly at 519-935-2320

I am waiting another 40 minutes until 8 pm to take the gang all out and about for the last time this day, then call it a night myself with hopefully a healing good night's sleep ahead of me, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Wiarton Wednesdays ~ Week 1

I am exhausted.  How many times have I told myself this or felt this way? many, and there will be many more in my future I am certain.  On a happy note, it was a good tired.

Today was Week 1 of Wiarton Wednesdays, wherein the Crabby Cabbie was participating.  Crabby Cabbie as in "moi", not Rob.  The purpose of Wiarton Wednesdays is for the participating businesses to stay open late til eight and usually offer some extra "perk", "discount", "give away" or "discount" to promote themselves and our beautiful Town of Wiarton.

Thanks to my friend, Koreen of Ram Trophies & Sportswear, who offered us her store front as our base for Wiarton Wednesdays.  What was the Crabby Cabbie doing? we were giving away Water and offering a Draw for a Cooler Bag.

We got to meet a few new people who were happy to fill out a ballot for this cooler bag which included a disposable hibachi set.  Cold water went over well too on such a hot and humid day.

Koreen of Ram Trophies & Sportswear made up Wiarton Willie T-Shirts for children to colour in.  This was so much fun, not only for the children but for us too !

Lots of happy faces with the creative colouring skills too.

The Dock 92.3 was downtown Wiarton this afternoon advertising the Wiarton Wednesdays and what was going on this day.

These were a few Wiarton Businesses who were taking part of Wiarton Wednesdays.  The Home Hardware Building Centere, The Painted Turtle, Northern Confections, Unforetable Petz, Karen's Creations & Scrapbooking.

The Wiarton Farmer's Market also had some of their Vendors participating.  Mary Queen of Tarts was displaying freshly baked fruit scones (there was much more however I was there when they were just setting up).

Josie's of Wiarton was participating by having a Fashion Show.  I caught the very start of this event ... how nice were all these models looking in Red & White?

It was also nice to see our Wiarton Crabby Cabbie Driver, John, was out and about working Wiarton.

Next Wednesday there will be more entertainment, a Farmer's Market, a Car Show down in Bluewater Park, Wiarton Stores staying open Late til Eight and hopefully something for YOU when you come out to Wiarton Wednesdays.  See you there !

I got back home after eight to check phone calls, have a quick coffee, attend to some puppies and the rest of the gang, organize the photos of the day and .....

.... now this exhausted gal is off not running too quickly to her bed very shortly, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Wiarton Wednesdays

I could barely get my achy body out of bed this morning.  When I did it had not been until 7 pm.  I was grateful our gang allowed me to stay there as long as they had.

Our company rolled out this morning, while I headed out to drop off one of our Crabby Cabbie vehicles over to our mechanic.  Our Crabby Cabbie Driver, John, came to collect me to bring me back home.  One of the benefits of having a Taxi in Wiarton I suppose.

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning with so much to be done in respect of the month end accounts to be billed out, the 2nd quarter to be figured out once the books are caught up from the last 2 months (yes I am behind again, but better 2 months then 3).

I tackled doing the accounts, then headed on out to hand deliver one and complete some errands downtown Wiarton after I had done so.  Tomorrow is Wiarton Wednesday, wherein the Crabby Cabbie will be participating, so I needed to pick up a few things.

Here is the low down on Wiarton Wednesdays, which will be running the next 8 Wednesdays, so come on out to have some FUN !!!

July 3rd we have a great line-up of activities, the Dock will be on site and on air in the Pinkerton's parking lot alongside our musician of the evening Bruce Worthington. Bobbi Switzer from Edwards Outpost will also be downtown highlighting her renowned wood carvings.

And Shhh, we have a surprise that will be found in front of Givens Auto Marine ... Bring your appetite!

That being said if food is your thing the Wiarton Inn & Restaurant will feature a 2 can dine for $12.99 special from 4-6pm and have a gift card giveaway as well. The Green Door will be open late with all of our menu favourites and Cocoa Vanilla will have music to drink your coffee to. After indulging you can wear off calories at Lloyd's Smoke Shop and play unlimited pool for a flat-rate.

The Farmer's Market begins at 5pm, and at 7pm Josie's models will strut downtown in summer styles.

Bring your kids so they can get a balloon at the Great Canadian Dollar Store, colour their own 'Willie' Great T-Shirt at RAM Trophies and Sportswear, pick up a water bottle from Crabbie Cabby and then head to Northern Confections for some candy making demos and face painting.

You can tap into your Etsy side and learn something new at Karen's Scrapbooking with a feature workshop on 'layouts' or take a stroll to the Painted Turtle for a jewellery workshop ... you might even get to use an anvil!

You'll find promos, sales and features at Complete Wellness, The Cluttered Cupboard, Wiarton Home Building Centre, and the Source. I've been told you can even dig for discounts at Rankin River Trading Co. With what you save on Wednesday you might just feel in the giving mood and treat yourself to handmade jewellery at Unfurgettable Petz where a portion of proceeds go to their local Rescue Fund.

Thinking about a vacation, Bluewater Travel will have a representative on site from Hanover Travel featuring local getaways.

There is something for everyone, to do, to buy or to see ... Just remember 'We Got It In Wiarton!'

Just a little correction on behalf of the Crabby Cabbie.  We will be giving away water for those who hopefully be wandering over to see us, and have a thirst on, as well as having a weekly draw for a Summer Item (photos will follow tomorrow you can be sure).

After my errands downtown were finished I returned home to give my Gang some of my undivided attention and have a bit of lunch.  

How did I spend the rest of my day .... cutting the lawn, which seems to take half a day at the best of times.

Supper tonight was very yummy, as well as Easy Peasy to make.  We had leftover pork tenderloin, so what else to do with it but ....

Caramelize Onions, add your favourite BBQ Sauce, throw in the leftover chopped pork, heat thoroughly then serve up on a fresh sliced Egg Bun alongside Homemade Potato and Egg Salad.

Was it good ... extremely good !

Here it is only 6:31 pm, what could I possible do once I have posted this entry.  Ah the back part of our yard still needs cut.  A coffee is going to come first, then I am off and running again, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.

Happy Canada Day 2013 !

Happy Canada Day !

There was never a doubt in the mind of anyone that Stompin Tom Connors was anything but a devoted Canadian, especially through his music.  An Icon who is very missed by many.

Today our day began as usual, then on to other matters.

Since Rob rarely gets a day off, I did not want to ask him to do too much this morning, especially since we also had company.

However there was something that had been bugging me for the past week or so, that being one very huge Queen Annes Lace, or Wild Carrot, that had found its way into one of our flower beds.  Armed with lots of help, Rob got to the root of the matter for me.  Now was that a big weed or what !!!  Next thing bugging me ... ponds needing cleaned out and pumps going.  *Sigh* maybe by the time the end of  Summer rolls around.

This morning Vicki and I thought we would introduce her 10 month old Dachshund, Beaner, to the remaining two Aussie pups.

That Wiener Beaner guy is Wild !  maybe he will not get me up here.  Wrong ! he found me.  Okay let us go two against one Beaner to see if that works ...

Ha ! that had been very amusing until we had company drop in on us for a bit.

Company just happened to be our Forever 4 pup, Bindi.  Her Forever Family and her were on their way camping at Cyprus Lake.  Is she not one beautiful girl ... or so I think her to be, but then again I am quite partial when it comes to our Aussies.

Last year Doug, Vicki, Rob and I had attended the Canada Day festivities put on by the Wiarton Optimist Club at the Wiarton Bluewater Park, so why would this year be any different for us.  After Bindi and her Forever Family had left, off the four of us went on our motorcycles, downtown Wiarton.

Lots of people at the grounds, with a Horseshoe Tournament going on ... oh that just happens to be my Brother, who does not even see us, but he had earlier and waved when we had first arrived.  There was even a Firecracker in the midst of the Park ... imagine that.  Hopefully Joyce-Lynn was able to raise some more money to help towards the evenings Fireworks.  With that winning smile I am certain she did.

Lots of Vendors.  Some familiar faces, and some with my favourite treats were there.  Abby & Russell of Miners Maple Products and Natasha of Colpys Creek Farm & Bakery.

There were French Fries (really good ones too I might add), Strawberry Shortcake, and there is another favourite one of my Goodie people, who other then Cathy of Cathys Confections.  Yes, both Rob and Vicki had made a purchase of Cathys Pecan Butter Tarts.  Truly Yummy !

We stopped for a beverage at Tim Hortons before heading up the hill back home, as Rob had realized we needed some air put in the back shock of our bike.  We were happy we were heading North, and not South ... check out all that traffic heading home this afternoon.

When we had stopped in at the house for air, Vicki let Beaner the Wiener out ... oops he spotted me.

We headed out North for our drive up Colpoys Bay, Road # 9, to take in the Scenic Route.  There is the Government Dock where we will go later tonight to take in the Fireworks from across the Bay at the Bluewater Park.

At Lions Head we drove down by the Marina before heading out of town back towards Hwy. 6.

Hwy. 6 is not as Scenic as Bruce Road #9, however on Bruce Road #9 I do not think you see as many OPP ... ha ! sure happy that was that guy pulled over and not us.

Before we had left for the day I had put Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker.  I was trying a recipe I had just found last night and was pretty sceptical about trying out with fear it would dry out the tenderloin.  Much to my surprise it was amazing ! with every one of us four enjoying it, and the guys even having 2nd helpings.

Recipe please ... PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

Pssst... the Rhubarb Custard Pie I made yesterday was very good, as we had it for dessert.

On that note I will be signing off this post, as I think we will be off to see Fireworks later this evening, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard.