A Comfort Food Day

Of all the "Cracks", pardon the pun, about Toronto's Mayor, Rob Ford, this is the best I have seen so far.

Yes and another one "bites the dust".  Senators, Mayors .... Men apparently leading our Cities.  *Sad* indeed.  How does their Resumes make it the top? beyond me, but then again I seldom watch TV, never the News, and not very interested in Politics, as it is something that I do not understand, nor have bothered to understand, but what I have read on Facebook, this was funny to me.

I was a Happy Camper today, as I got to not only put together an Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole in the Crock Pot today, I also got to bake !  I looked around our house thinking there is not a single room that doesn't have some amount of clutter that needs cleaning up, and said to myself, "it is the first day I don't have to do something Crabby Cabbie, so the heck with it all I am doing something I want to do".

With "fresh" pumpkin puree in my fridge that hadn't yet made it to the freezer, I thought it appropriate to make something "pumpkin".  Pumpkin Muffins it was.

What a "yummy" muffin that was much to my liking by not being too sweet, especially since I omitted the brown sugar sprinkle on top.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

While I was slaving over a hot oven, two of my favourite boys were hard at it ....

.... sawing logs on their favourite chair together.  My poor Rob has been  down sick with a bad cold the past few days and has been wiped right out.  I left him to sleep this afternoon as much as he could.  Bandit? he was the security doggie.

Eventually Rob did have to get up as we had a scheduled appointment with the Good Doctor late this afternoon.  It went well with me getting my allergy serum shot in my arm, and Rob getting his Flu Shot in his arm.

Rob came away from the Doctor's with an apple, as did I as well, leftovers set out from Halloween.   I had a bonus with being lent the new People's Magazine so I could read up about Royal Baby George's Christening.  You may view by *clicking* HERE.

Almost back home we made a quick trip into Wiarton to hit up the Pharmacy before coming home to Dinner all ready for us.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Dinner done that I had put together earlier today in the Crock Pot.  Truly it was good.

I adapted my Dinner from this recipe HERE.  Truly it is very easy with me browning 1 lb. of lean ground beef, draining well before adding chopped onion and garlic, then sprinkling with Italian Seasoning.  Shred half a small cabbage placing on bottom of Crock Pot; add Tomato Sauce and large can of diced tomatoes with juice, sprinkle with 1/2 to 1 cup uncooked rice, top with the remaining 1/2 of cabbage shredded.  Cook on LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours.  (cooking time varies between Slow Cooker brands).

I have to admit I did end up doing a wee bit of Crabby Cabbie paperwork today, or maybe a little more then a wee bit.  Really though if I don't do it, who else will?

A comfort food day it was with a bowl of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll dinner, and a Pumpkin Muffin which has left me feeling quite full, if not more then I should be.  Maybe the muffin could have waited for tomorrow, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Just A Wet & Rainy Day It Was

Trooper Allan H Lehman. M4 Sherman Tank Driver. Canadian Army. France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp. 8 Sept 1943 to May 1946. Lest we Forget Papa

This photo was posted by my 1st Cousin, Wendy`s, Daughter, who in turn had posted it from her first Cousin, my Uncle`s Grandson, Gary.  Allan Lehman is my Uncle, and my Mother`s "One & Only" Brother, who has passed on some years now.  It is fantastic that there is photos still out there.  I still have a photo of my Father, Fritz (Harold Masterson), and his best friend, while they were posted out West prior to being shipped out.  My father could not go overseas as he came down sick.  That apparently very upsetting for him not to go off with his friends.

This was the Day here Just North of Wiarton ... all Day long.  Very rainy and wet, with driving winds at times.  Why did this make me happy? because it was not SNOW !!!  The Gold of the Tamarack trees in our bush are beautiful with their golden colour.

My day was interrupted enough today really not to begin anything major with four trips downtown Wiarton, and one to Owen Sound.  How can anything worth while really get started when it is always on one's mind it might be stopped any minute and left.  *Sigh*  I am thinking I might have a break tomorrow, as I really need to get some serious housework done around here, instead of the piece work here and there.

Downtown Wiarton had a bit of street repairs going on at each end of town today.  I am sorry to say I will be missing out on attending the Frank Street Church Bazaar this upcoming Saturday.  I have attended the previous two years, however I have had an invited to "go behind the scenes" when the ladies are setting it up this Friday.  That will be fun !

Once I finally got back home with my day finished up I did sit back with my feet up for a wee bit before getting a bit of dinner ready for Rob and I.  

I could not have been happier to received a couple of emails from our Elizabeth attaching photos of Paul and Aiden.  Hopefully I will get a couple of him and Connor later.

Yeppers that is my boys ! (two of them anyway).  Oh man I used to be able to touch my nose with my tongue ... it was one of my favourite pastimes I am sure.

What else did I do today?  I bought Rob and I a Tim Horton's Coffee Maker, barely used, for a grand total of ....

... take a guess?  Rob breaks it up tomorrow.  Retail Price? $129.95.  The lady who I am purchasing it from guarantees it brews hot, as I have found other coffee makers I have had brew lukewarm, and I prefer my coffee "hot".  Bunn Coffee Makers are however known to be a good brand, so I hope this to hold true with this coffee maker.

It is still windy and rainy outside our home.  Inside the wood stove is nice and toasty warm.  I am going to have myself a hot leisurely shower and say "hello" to my comfy bed giving myself an early night, since it has been a very long day as I have been awake since the wee hours of 3 am this morning, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Poem Worth Reading

Thanks to my Auntie who emailed this to me today.  I also shared it to The "Crabby Cabbie's" Facebook page, as really I thought it definitely "A Poem Worth Reading" 

.... to all the Unsung Heroes who are our Veterans.

A POEM WORTH READING (Author Unknown)

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbours
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Veteran died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Veteran,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever-waffling stand?

Or would you want a Veteran
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Veteran,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Veteran,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY."

PLEASE pass On The Patriotism! YOU can make a difference.

That really "speaks" out, does it not, especially with Rememberance Day upcoming on the 11th of November.

My day this day?  I had to be over in Owen Sound for an appointment with a Throat, Ear and Nose Specialist, Dr. Michael Chater, who is at Dr. McKenna's offices for the month.  I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this young Doctor looking after me this morning. 

He was very thorough with excellent bedside manner skills.

After asking me a few questions about my history regarding Sinuses, headaches and allergies, he proceeded to freeze my nose/throat.  I was warned it was an awful terrible taste (as they had practised with it on each other when in school).  Next was the "light" up the nose and down the throat, not too pleasant, however we know there are much worse things in Life.  

I told Dr. Chater he made me cry, however he told me he was that close to the tear ducts the pressure made me cry .... really????  *Smile* ... so I told him I would not tell anyone he made me cry.

Prognosis?  I have allergies (which I know); headaches (this I know as I have these daily); and collapsed external nasal valves (this I didn't know, but makes perfect sense to me now I do know).

Headaches? daily I have headaches, but they are not only caused by allergies, sinuses, but also from Neck problems as well as Fibromyalgia.  A combination, not a "one cure all" unfortunately.

Course of Action:  Use my prescription Nose Spray 2 x a day for 1 week, then 1 x  every day for the next 7 weeks thereafter.  Try using nose inserts at night time to allow for better breathing, if this does not seem to work or give relief, then surgery is the next option (I HATE surgery, NO WAY I hope).  Should the nasal spray not work, a Headache Specialist might be another option.

The GOOD News?  I do not have any apparent Sinus Disease ... hooray !!!

I hope to remember to faithfully take the nasal spray for the next couple of months with seeing some good results.  If not I am sure there will be further discussion at my next scheduled appointment in January of the New Year.

Once back in Wiarton I had a couple of errands to make before heading home, one stopping in to see my Mother, then stopping at the Hairdressers to make her an appointment to get her hair coloured next week (I best be marking that on the BIG Calendar)

That was my morning spent, with the exception of making one last stop before heading home to pickup a cookbook my friend, Lynn, was lending me that I had to retrieve from her mailbox.

Yeppers could not get near the place, Lynnie, with your "Watch Levi" putting out the bark on me, getting Dixie to join in.  Mouthy Levi is, but look at that little cutie face will you? 

My afternoon was spent doing up dishes, making a couple of phone calls, organizing a few "Crabby Cabbie" files, and catching up with some emails.  Of course there was some Aussie time in there always.

My poor Rob has been sick the past few days ... fluish sick.  I was happy he was home at a rather descent hour today. 

Dinner was simple with Homemade Hamburger Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and a Salad.

I think both Rob and I will be having ourselves an early night this evening with our bed not too far away from either of us, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Pumpkin, Feathers & Oil ????

Today was not a very eventful day, unless you count running vehicles back and forth to our mechanics all day long to have them undercoated with OIL before the Salt and Sand hits the roads heavy in Bruce County, and surrounding areas.

Our Wiarton driver was down in Saugeen Shores again helping out my "Crabby Cabbie" Rob, so that left me all by my lonesome with that, dogs, pumpkins and running 3 vehicles back and forth today all day long.

I had a call first thing this morning which took me out of the house by 8 am, not returning for about an hour later.  I thought it high time I tackled the two remaining pumpkins on my kitchen counter.

It is times like these wherein I am happy to have two Crock Pots.

After the pumpkin was put on LOW heat for the day, I then turned my attention to a bit of "Crabby Cabbie" paperwork, something there is never a shortage of.  In-between having the 2nd vehicle dropped off to be oiled I had two more calls today, one right after the other which was kind of nice.

Back home I was all ready to take the third vehicle down to switch it up with the already oiled on, when I turned the key to find the battery had decided to take a vacation.  I called up Lisa, who is our mechanics ever faithful right hand wife, who as always, came to my rescue.

Oh where did the Feathers come into play, in the Pumpkin, Feathers & Oil? when Lisa and I had seen this little guy hopping around the yard at her place.  Does anyone know what kind of birdie this little one is? looked like a baby Morning Dove to me, but is way too late in the Seasons for that? or so I thought it to be.  

And later today back at my place with a "dead" battery, my dear Lisa came to my rescue to get me boosted so I could finally change up the 3rd vehicle to have it oiled.

What would I have done without that girl this day? never mind me, I truly would not know what Jim would do without her at his side any day !!!   You GO Lisa Girl as you "ROCK" !

Today I also spoke to my Auntie, who LOVES Turkey Dinners as much as my Rob does.  It was decided that we would all meet this upcoming Friday to have ourselves one at the St  John's United Church.  Details as follows, and tickets to be purchased at the door.

I was speaking to my friend, Bob, via text, the other day.  He just recently got over a "bug" that was flu like.  By the sound of how Rob was feeling today with headache, sore neck, shoulders and aches everywhere, as well as nausea, I fear he might be coming down with something.  Me?  I can't tell until I have the flu full-blown, as that is how I feel most every day, minus the nausea..

Beware as the "bugs" are out and on the move, so keep warm and well if you can.

I hear snoring coming from the back of the house.  This is a good thing as it means Rob is getting some much needed sleep earlier then later this evening.

Old time it would be 9:08 at the minute, but since we are on Fall Back time now, it is only 8:08.  A few more days might bring me around to not thinking like that any longer I hope ... these things take time, do they not?

Tomorrow morning I have to not only be up at my usual early time, but out the door and in Owen Sound for an 8 am appt. with a Nose/Ear/Throat Specialist to see what is going on with the abnormalities in my nose that showed up on my Cat Scan.  Maybe that is part of my problem with my Sinuses, and headaches?  Surely I will find out then..

Tired? of course I am.  When I spoke to my Sister, Donna, this morning, she wonders how I go, go and go without my mind ever having a rest.  I told her it was going to have lots of rest when I leave this World as we know it, so I have to get all the living in I can possibly get in now, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Merry "Crabby" Christmas Dinner

Wondering how many enjoyed an "extra" hour of sleep this morning.  Alas, I did not, but what was different was having my husband home with me all night long.  That was really different !!! 

Last evening had been a slow night for the "Taxi Business", and after Rob worked all day long our two drivers had last night covered.  It was a nice break, and trust me had very much been needed since Rob was in bed by 8 pm .

Later today Rob decided to give the little car he bought from Uncle a once over before we headed back behind the barn to investigate the damage to the Willow Tree caused by the high winds this past Friday.  Yes this tree is certainly has seen its day.

Brr, it was really cold today.  Despite the cold I love admiring the ice formations as you can find some pretty cool looking ones at times.

Today I felt bone tired for some reason..  Very bone tired and weary.  Still I managed to do a load of laundry to hang out on the line.  It was a cold day, but there still was sunshine most all day through.

Late this afternoon Rob and I headed out ...

.... dusk was setting in, with the Sun setting in the West over top of Lake Huron as we headed towards Sauble Beach.  By the time we were going over the Bridge in Southampton the Sun had almost disappeared.  By the time we arrived in Port Elgin at 5:50 it was dark.

Today was our "Crabby Cabbie" Christmas dinner out with our Drivers.  We had thought we best be having our dinner together at the first of November since from here on in the Christmas parties for other companies will be starting.  We all met for Chinese Buffet at the Altantic Restaurant in Port Elgin.

Here are our "Crabby Cabbie" drivers, both born and raised Bruce County boys, Ron Martindale of Southampton (Yeah for my hometown), and John McKay of Tiverton.  I think they were enjoying reading their cards more then the Maple Syrup and pair of socks in their Christmas bags.  The card was signed, "Syrup to keep you Sweet, and Socks to keep you Warm",  The "Crabby Cabbie" Rob, & his "Not so Crabby Wife", Cindy."

Truly we could not be more blessed then to have John and Ron working for us, for their personalities and utmost honesty, two characteristics that seem to be hard to find much anymore in employees these days, especially in this type of business.  Honesty is a big thing in my books, as there are two things I detest and that would be a liar and/or a thief, which I think not too many others would care for either..

Fiblets? now those are what I used to call "White Lies".  Those are something I am pretty sure most of us have had to tell from time to time in our lives to protect someone or something that would cause no harm to another, right?  Key Word:  Harmless.

Along with Ron and John's wives, we had a fun evening all together, and hopefully come next Summer we can all get together again some Sunday for a BBQ potluck.  I am already thinking this far head.

This day had a wonderful ending.  Me? I am still bone tired.  Rob? he is in bed already, since it is now after 9:00 pm, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Fall Back I Say, Fall Back !

Day 2 of November and that is exactly how I am feeling ...... GOOD GRIEF is right, Snoopy!  and to top it all off I have to remember to turn back all my clocks tonight, and there is a few of them to be turned back.

Fall back, Fall back, I say ....

Giving this some thought, I really wonder if I would want to turn my clock back to when I was 20?  I would not know life as I know it today, and really I do not know if I would want to change having the husband I have now, the family members who I am close to, or the friends I also love dearly.  I think I will keep all that the way I have it now.

Today I only returned home at 5:30 pm, since being gone from 11:30 on.

First thing this morning I was on my way to Owen Sound, not returning home until after 10:30.  I am pretty sure I got my bed made, entertained someone at our front door for a bit, had all the Aussies in and out, made arrangements with my neighbour to pick her up to go downtown to the Inter-Church Bazaar at the Salvation Army, when the phone rang with Rob on the other end asking if I would make another trip back to Owen Sound for him ...

Before any of this took place I was behind the scenes at the Inter-Church Bazaar before they got going at their scheduled day of 9 am until 2 pm

The room was set up lovely by the four participating local Churches.  The Salvation Army, United , Presbyterian, and Anglican Churches (I hope I got that all right as that really took some brain storming to remember all four on my part).

There were plenty of Homemade Goodies and Handicrafts that would tempt anyone to purchase as they were so original or unique.

.... to continue on from where I got sidetracked, I picked up my neighbour who was happy to keep me company back to Owen Sound.  We did return just before the Interchurch Bazaar was over at 2:00 pm, however we had missed out on the luncheon.

After Pari had made a couple of purchases at the Bazaar we headed downtown were we decided to have ourselves some lunch at the Green Door Cafe.  Who other then my darling husband called me to find out where we were, and joined us there.  It was a lovely lunch with the three of us that my friend "treated" us to, bless her Heart.

Pari and I thought we would stop into our favourite store before we headed back to our respective homes, The Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Pari got herself a couple of things while I picked up not only one, but two Tea Cups, one that had caught my eye earlier on this week that I had passed up then, but the second time it spoke to me today, I thought I had better not pass again.

The first cup and saucer caught my eye because of its Yellow.  The second was the one which spoke to me for the 2nd time, as the emblem on it definitely has a distinct meaning to it I am sure and it intrigued me for this very reason.  Does anyone out there know what it would represent?  it is stamped OE8, Royal Stafford Bone China Made in England (of course made in England being Royal Stafford).

Rob went his way, and we went ours.  We were about to head home when Rob called to ask if I would head back to Owen Sound for him.  Off we went again.

Once I had finished up in Owen Sound, for the third time this day, I had said to Pari, "do you realize how much we accomplished from when I picked you up before lunch time and it is now only 4:30 pm?"  That was some spent afternoon I would say.

November is not on the beginning of Christmas Bazaars, and Time Changes, it also means Winter Pricing has also came into effect.

What time could it possibly be now? 7:18 present time, tomorrow at this time it will be only 6:18 pm.  I will do that for a couple of weeks until it passes and I have finally adjusted to the Fall Back times again, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Thank YOU Wiarton Chamber

What a "wicked" blustery day it has been here.  High winds and pouring raining all day long.  Had it been snow it would have been a treacherous day this day.  Thank God it hadn't been, that will come all too soon enough without any wishful thinking on anyone's part who likes the "white" stuff (William Kendall, you come easily to mind on how many times you mention that *S* word).

First thing this morning, trying to ignore what was going on outside while I enjoyed a coffee, I heard a huge "bang".  I thought I best investigate.

Apparently our BBQ was not as fortunate as Piglet being grounded by Pooh Bear.  It remains where it is until Rob gives me a hand to right it.

We were not the only one to have damage by resulting high winds.  Before heading out to Owen Sound at 9:30 am, the hydro had gone out shortly before 10:00.

I had just passed Clavering to see some Arcing going on atop the hydro lines.  A tree had fallen on them.  I pulled over to call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department, or whatever authority could arrange for Hydro to take care of it.  Later in the day on my way back out this time towards Southampton, Hydro workers were on scene.  

Hydro at our house was probably out approxmately 4 hours I would estimate.

Down in Southampton briefly today, I was told the hydro had been going off and on all day due to the high winds.

Before leaving Southampton I took a drive down to the Centotaph to take in the breakers out on Lake Huron.  I do so miss this part of my hometown with the Lake so close at hand.

Once again back through Wiarton I made my way to return home.  Yeah ! the hydro was on so I was able to check out my email.  There in my "inbox" was an E-Blast from the Wiarton & District Chamber of Commerce.

Oh my, what a welcome !  Thank YOU WDCC for such a huge welcome.

Welcome Cindy Masterson -Roth Our newest board member to the Wiarton & District Chamber of Commerce!

We are pleased to announce the addition of Cindy to the WDCC board. Cindy has been active with the Chamber since this past May, keeping us up to date & in the loop via our Wiarton Facebook page. She has also spent countless hours helping recruit new membership, and actively promotes local events.

Keep an eye out for her smiling face around town, snapping photos and possibly getting you from A to B with Crabby Cabbie! We look forward to all the great ideas and insight Cindy will bring to the table to assist in enhancing the WDCC. Cheers to building and growing both our brand and community.

That most certainly was an unexpected email, and E-Blast !  Also "special thanks" to Mandy Sebok, Administrative Assistant to the WDCC, for doing up such a flattering write up.

This afternoon was spent doing a bit more "Crabby Cabbie" paperwork, since yesterday was the end of October with at new month upon us already.  Hello November 2013 !  what a start with the blustery windy rain day we have been having.

I actually took a breather while preparing our Dinner to actually admire the one part of my Kitchen Counter I managed to declutter and clean thoroughly this week.  It was a dent, however small of one.

Since our Wiarton driver is otherwise occupied, I have a call to go out on at 8:30 pm yet this evening.  I am hoping it does not take me too late as I am looking forward to a hot shower and the comfort of my bed this evening, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".