Bounce Or Break ?

Some people have bad days, others have bad weeks, and there are times I really believe I am having a whole bad Year, even though I know this not to be true, but ..... there are some days where staying bed would definitely be the best choice.

The Sun was out, it was a lovely crisp morning.  First thing I lost an email with the Crabby Cabbie payroll attached to it.  An easy fix by making a phone call to ask if it could be resent.  Rob reminded me yesterday I had better get the pot off the deck that my Auntie had given me.  It didn't go well.  Bandit was let in without getting his feet wiped as dry any more then then could be.  It didn't go well.

I have been up since 2 am (again), so off course nothing seems to go well when you have had not much sleep, right?

Yesterday I learned of an acquaintance loosing her Son.  This is not how Life is to be, to loose a child before you yourself live out your own life, is it?  I made a call to her this morning to see if I could be of any help. Truly I do not know if I helped much by spending a good part of the phone call in tears myself, however I like to think I have.  She is an amazing lady I have gotten to know recently and do love the chats we have had together.  I am happy to have made her acquaintance, so wholeheartingly feeling her loss, although not the experience of her loss.

I carried on with my day the best I could, thinking what could make things better then a pot of Homemade Big Batch Chicken Soup.

Today seemed to be pretty much a total write-off to me in the respect of being productive.

As it was put to me earlier today ....

Not having a good day, a good week, or maybe not a good year? what matters most is how you bounce back !

My allergies are in full force.  I cannot hear out of my left ear at the moment, and have a Chamber Meeting to attend to this evening.  Wish me lots of bounce, as otherwise I  fear I could bounce too hard and break ....

...no worries I still have a *smile* on my face, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Full Day Of LOTS of Everything !

Since I was in my bed shortly after 6 pm last evening I had done my blog post very early in the day, so never got to share the "highlight" of my Yesterday.

I had some happy mail from my friend, Sharon ... all the way from where she is a Snow Bird in Florida.  Months ago I had sent her a pattern for some business card holders.  Sharon is a very very good sewer, and surprise surprise, I had forgotten all about them, until yesterday when I not only received these "Crabby" business card holders,  but a pouch too !   The material even has Crabby printed right on it.   I truly have some of the best friends in the whole wide World !  I also got a few Christmas Cards out to a couple of our Crabby Cabbie accounts too yesterday.

My "Crabby Cabbie" Rob also received some mail yesterday, from our very own Bruce-Grey MP, Larry Miller.  It truly had been an all around "Crabby" day yesterday.

Really it was The "Crabby Cabbie" One Year Anniversary this past May in Saugeen Shores, and will be One Year in Wiarton, if we make it there, in May of 2014.  The gesture of being acknowledged  is always appreciated.  Thank You.

Last night I had myself a half descent sleep finally, after going to bed at 6 pm, but today? full-steam ahead it was with a full day of LOTS of everything.....

First off I had stopped down to see my friend, Koreen.  I was not there very long, and when it had been time to leave I could not find my keys ... ANYWHERE !!!  I could not be stuck as I had plans to be elsewhere at 8 am.  I called our trusty Wiarton Crabby Cabbie driver to come collect me so I could go home to get the spare set of keys.  I made it in good timing almost right on the "dot" at 8 am down at The Wiarton Salvation Army on Edward Street.

Today was the day that all Fundraising for the Peninsula Community Foodbank was going to begin to pay off as ACTION was put forth this day.  Mike Mason of the Wiarton Rotary Club and Jim Howe of the Sauble Beach Lion's Club , also Sauble River Construction, met first thing before construction commenced.  First order of the day was the removal of one said tree, and a fence where the present building will be extended to house the new Perishable Food Coffers of the Foodbank.

Once I conferred with Mike, and had the pleasure of meeting Jim, I took the above pictures and continued on with my day.  My Mother had a hair appointment at 10:30, so I first went back home to collect my neighbour then down to Gateway Haven Nursing Home to collect my Mother for her appointment.

My Mother's appointment was to last about 1 1/2 hours, so my neighbour, Pari and I took in the stores downtown Wiarton.  Pari had never been to The Cluttered Cupboard before, so that was a "must" stop.

I never tire of visiting The Cluttered Cupboard as there is always something new & unique there to see.  Looking for a gift for that "special" person, you just might find it at The Cluttered Cupboard.  They also have a corner already set up for Christmas !   Again I say, a "must" stop if you live in or visit Wiarton.

After collecting Mother to return her back to her residence, I swung by the building site again about lunch time.

Wow a High Hoe was there, the tree was gone, the fence was gone, and trenching had begun.  That is progress in ACTION !!!

Before beginning my blog post this evening, I made a quick call to Mike Mason, since I certainly did not want to get any details wrong, as really anyone that knows me does know I frequently do this.  That is just the way I am, is it not?  I had told Mike what time I had been around the site, and he was more then happy to send me his photos of what further progress had been made later this afternoon.

Photos Courtesy of Mike Mason:  Yes there is Jim Howe, himself, cutting up that fallen tree.  Backhoe Operator was Tom MacDonald.  Yeppers that is Jim down in the hole.  The word is out that the footings will be going in tomorrow.  Progress in ACTION ! gotta love seeing all the LOVE of such an amazing project behind the scenes, do you not?

Thanks Mike, I can not express how thrilled I truly am on being invited to follow such a project which is soon to have a huge impact on our Communities within the Bruce Peninsula.  Stay tuned Bruce County there will be more to come !!!

Yes I finally did make it back home early this afternoon.  Lots more has gone on this day for me from first loosing my keys, carrying on with fun bloopers over at Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook, to a wee bit of disappointment with finding out one of our Checkerboard Aussie pups was re-homed.  Oh yes, should I touch upon my phone call to Larry Miller's office over the matter of Police Checks being required for Taxi drivers prior to them driving for a Taxi Company.  This is a good thing, but this other matter I will have to have more time then I have now to explain it all ... that will be another time, however the reception I received  on this matter from our local MP, Larry Miller's office? was excellent and I am looking forward to hearing back from them.

I can NOT believe I actually had enough energy left this afternoon to make a double batch of Spaghetti Sauce and .... "hold my breath", remove some of those Dust Bunnies that have taken over my home !!!  One for me and zero for them dust bunnies.  *Smile* me happy about that.

*Sigh* Rob does not care for Cheese Stuffed Tortellini, so he had to have plain old pasta with NO colour for his sauce this evening.  Stuffy shirt Rob.

Recipe please?  PRINTABLE RECIPE *CLICK* HERE.

The missing keys? found in my back pocket all along ... geesh.

Should there be days my journal does not make sense to another, no worries as there is lots of days my Life does not make sense to me, but it does not stop me from wanting to Live it, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The Values Of Life

Free ? you just gotta love free as there isn't much left in this World that is free anymore, or for that matter that holds up for long.  Unfortunately it has become a "throw away" World with many expecting it to be all about them.

This worries me, as I worry about my grandchildren learning values.  Values of worth, not something with a big price tag that has no meaning to be cast away at a whim when something else fancies the eye.  *Sigh* I am afraid it is a sad, sad World with it not getting much better unless our children start standing up to the plate to make a stand on teaching their children the differences.

Prayers ... lots of prayers in these areas are needed BADLY !

Our Churches, and Services Clubs are going to be nothing soon should there not be some direction.  Who will be there within each Community to lend a helping hand and to share should this happen.  Pray and educate our grandchildren and children as often and gently as we can, praying something "sticks" in their heads and within their hearts.

Back to free, and the simple things in Life, I was very pleased to come across a link from Betty Crocker offering a FREE Soup/Stew Cookbook to be either viewed online, or if you would like to spend some money on ink, downloaded.  I personally will be saving the link to my favourites and printing off the recipes I will be wanting to try.

Here is the link for you to peruse yourself:  http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gm/soups/

Thanks again to Facebook, Today's Free Stuff, and Betty Crocker.

Do you ever feel you have all the knowledge, and the tools at your finger tips to get started on something, however just do not have the inner strength to go forward?  This is where I am at the moment.  Between being in so much pain and so terribly tired all the time, I sometimes run out of "umpf or will power" it seems.

There is so much to be done .... soooo much it is overwhelming most days.

I have been having quite the battle within myself to get over this hump, per say ... hoping this too will pass sooner then later, before it becomes too much to seemingly overcome that it never takes any positive direction.  This I will need to work on more ... but geez it is difficult when pain and no energy keeps baring down.

I will persevere somehow, as I do not want to see myself as a quitter or a failure in areas I want to excel at within myself.

Really truly now I think about it, maybe I am coming down with a bad head cold.  The one my poor hubby had himself for the past two weeks.  He is getting over it, so do I have the Joy of now receiving it?   I am tired, my left ear hurts and my eyes are runny; did I mention my whole body hurts too, but in a different way then the every day norm.

My friend just called and asked how I was.  I said could you bend your ear for some whining ... what are friends for? and besides it does help when you have a friend to vent to, does it not?

Friendships, now that is something I value with all my heart, don't you?

3:53 pm.  I am tired.  I am patiently wishing my life away until my hubby arrives home so I can go to bed, hence my early early blog post this day.  Sick and tired makes for a negative outlook, I best be pulling up my socks and ridding myself of this right shortly, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

Bad Case of the Blahs ....

This could not say it any better on how I am feeling this day.

All I did today was deliver my car back to the mechanics again as the brakes still weren't up to par, deliver a package to my "Crabby Cabbie", and

... do a few Christmas Cards, and update my 52 Week Money Challenge (how is everyone doing at their end on the Challenge?).

One thing I would LOVE to share that touched me  is something I recently came across I believe on Facebook,  but cannot recall from who or where, but to leave some with thought, here it is ...

BY A 15 yr. OLD SCHOOL KID
who got an A+ for this entry
(TOTALLY AWESOME)!
The Lord's Prayer
Is not allowed in most
Public schools anymore
Because the word 'God' is mentioned.....
A kid wrote the attached

NEW School prayer:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all..
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the Province.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong..
We can get our condoms and birth controls, 
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles...
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, 
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this, Please pass this on..
Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'

I also did a post on the Checkerboard Aussies' Blog, for whoever might want to stop in to see HERE, but other then that it has been a really really blah, blah, blah day for me where I just feel like being in my bed with the covers pulled up over my head, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Lest We Forget

I might have been awake this morning, however my body was telling me to stay put.  Oh I wish I could have but there were Aussies needing me and things to be done.  

A Facebook friend had posted an interesting article on Fibromyalgia to my page yesterday, that I thought I would put out there to share with anyone and everyone should they also be interested:

Fibromyalgia Breakthrough, Treat the Causes Not Just the Symptoms: 

 http://www.envita.com/lyme-disease/finally-one-link-established-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs-lupus-fibromyalgia-autoimmune-disease-chronic-lyme-disease

NOTE:  It is my opinion from having FM myself the above symptoms are affected by some, however not limited to any just one.  There is also more to it at times then what the cartoon displays.  Like anything else, the more we know the more we learn, and are more aware.  Not all is for one person, but take what you will for yourself and leave behind the rest.

I got a load of laundry in the washer, after my Aussies chores and my coffees this morning.  I then dragged the wooden clothes horses from the closet to hang everything to dry.

I took inventory of the purchases I had made yesterday.  Albert Weber Summer Sausage for Rob, Multi-Grain Crackers for US (love these crackers), and a new leather wallet for ME !

Later this morning we decided to make a quick trip over to Owen Sound as I had  wanted to get a couple copies of photographs printed off.  We made a stop in Shallow Lake to pickup a box of jars that friends no longer required.  Thanks Pam & Randy, so nice to see you both.  Randy & I grew up together in Southampton, it was nice to see him again, however briefly, and to meet his lovely wife, Pam.  Hopefully a bit longer visit next time I am flying through that way?

On our way back from Owen Sound we swung around to Dejong Acres Farm, as Anita's Mom had left something there for me (thanks for the cassettes, Alice), and I needed a couple dozen eggs.

The Dejong Portable Grill Cart is parked for the Season, however there are lots of things to be had within the walls of the store.  Still a couple lovely Sheepskins to be purchased at a cost of $100.00 each (hope I quoted that price correctly, but I apologize if I have not).

It was another cold breezy day ... brr.  Back home with our purchases put away I could not get the chill from my bones.  That meant we needed the wood stove light, and Rob needed to go out to retrieve some wood from the shed.

Out Rob went with our Red Wagon and Lexus to help him.  Bandit was at the window watching their every move.  His turn out was next.

When I had seen Paul yesterday, he had given me two envelopes ....

Rob and I got two amazing photo cards.  One was a Thank You Card, for sending them the van to take them all to the airport when they had gone out West, with Josh, Aiden, Briar, Chole and Connor all in the photo.  The next was our very first Christmas Card made up of photo collages of this and that ... a card that shall be framed and kept hopefully forever.  Thank YOU all ... xo

"Lest We Forget"

A MAN AT THE CENOTAPH

He comes here often, not just once a year,

to honour those whose names are,

and those whose names are yet to be written

on the stone erected here.

And as he stands with head bowed low,

its notes ringing clear upon the air, 

and when he looks, there is no one there.

Then bows his head in silent prayer

and perhaps sheds a silent tear.

HE REMEMBERS THEM.

Written by Basil Eby (my Uncle Basil)

Gone for the whole day yesterday truly had drained me.  I am ready for my bed already at 6:34 pm, is that not awful, but really I am cold, tired and feeling like a limp wet washcloth at the moment, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard."

A Road Trip & A Surprise

I was up by 5 am, showered, ready and out the door by 7:00 off to pickup my Niece, Joanne, who was going  to go along on my planned "Road Trip" this day.

I LOVE Snowmen, so it was no problem to check out this handsome looking dude coming into Chesley, as we had to make a "pit stop" at the money stop before heading on down the road.

A couple of hours later brought us to the St. Jacob's Market, around 9 am I would think.  They are erecting a new building in place of the one that had burned down a couple of months ago.  Not certain if a 2nd floor will be going into this one or not?  Joanne and I had fun browsing through the market.  We both bought a new wallet each, and I also bought an Albert Weber's Summer Sausage, as requested by my Rob.

Next door to the Market was the Antique Store we really enjoyed browsing through, although we both had a bit of problem with our allergies since it had been a bit musty with some of the older items.  "Magic" caught my eye as soon as we walked through the front door.  Is she not lovely?

Heading up King Street, towards Kitchener, we spotted a "Yard Sale" of new Gift items.  This house was not far from Country Squire Road, where Rob and I lived 10 years ago now, which has held  this sale annually.  Joanne and I did a bit of shopping for ourselves and others at this stop too.  It was so much fun.

Next stop was Costco, as I needed to replenish our Dog Food coffers, and pick up a few other select items here.  My Son, Paul, and his boys, Aiden and Connor, came to meet up with us here.

Grandma always come bearing "homemade" treats for her boys.  They enjoyed the Pumpkin Muffins I had made, although like myself, Connor does not care for raisins either.  Aiden got "extra" raisins along with his muffin passed over to him.

After lots of fun and walking (lots of walking) through Costco, with Joanne and I going back in for couple other items once the boys had left, we then head off to my nephew, Jody's home as today he and his wife, Lauren, were hosting a surprise in store for someone "special"  ...

Look at all the lovely food our lovely niece Jennifer had prepared.  Oh yum baked Raspberry and Chocolate Cheesecakes too.

Here is Jennifer's husband, Rich, overseeing the food ???  and trying to avoid me taking his photo.  Rich is a very talented person with a very unusual and unique talent all of his own.  Take a look at what Rich puts his hand at ..... by *clicking* into his World HERE.

Should you have a Facebook Account, Rich also has a Facebook Page you may find HERE.  Give his page a big LIKE, as I am certain you will enjoy follow his work as much as I do.  Tell him I sent you over, as that he would also enjoy hearing.

It is nice when family members get together to "catch up" with each other.  Two brothers, Wayne, and Roger, were there this day, however Rob and the younger brother, Peter, we unable to make it.

Today was a gathering of family to celebrate my Sister-in-Law, Delores's 65th Surprise Birthday Party.  And truly surprised she was when she came through the door, as she called there on quite a different pretence.   Family members, children, grandchildren and siblings made the day for Delores.  Happy Birthday Delores and many many more may your future hold for you. xx

Joanne and I returned home driving along dark rainy roads.  I could not have been more happier then I was after a very long day to come home to my husband, who surprised me with having a lovely Roast Beef Dinner waiting for me on my arrival.  Thanks honey, I very much appreciated your thoughtfulness, especially when you are still feeling very sick and down with a Cold.  xx

I do LOVE Snowmen, and was very happy on my "find" at Costco of .....

An LED Snowman Globe.  It is beautiful.  Once you turn it one it lights up and snows on a timer for 5 minutes.  I delighted I got this for "moi".

Spelling or Grammar errors within this post ... so sad, too bad, as I am way soooo tired to be bothered.  xx

I had a most wonderful day spent with my Niece, Joanne, who I love very dearly, time with my Son, and Grandsons, Family time with my SIL, Delores and her family, and very much happy to come back to my loving husband, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Give Me A Church Turkey Supper Anytime !

I am praying I do not come down with whatever Rob is beginning to get over with.  I did not sleep worth a dang last night, again, getting up before 6:00 am.  Honest to goodness something came over me and I had to go back to bed just before 8:00 am, finally forcing myself to get back up to make ready for an appointment I had downtown this morning.

Once motivated and out the door, I shook it off for the time I was otherwise occupied.  

Before my appointment I had a couple of stops to make.  First to see my friend, Gayle, who had been away helping her daughter the past two weeks.  I also needed to find a very large cardboard box, so the next stop was at Rankin River Trading Company.  I was very happy to have dropped in there as I realized they had their Paderno Sale running again.  I LOVE my Paderno Eco Ceramic Fry pan I bought pre-Christmas for myself last Year (on sale at an excellent price I might add, at Rankin's).

Truly so many great Kitchen items to choose from.  Should I have lots of money, and a huge Country Kitchen I have always dreamed of having all my life, I would surely equip it with one of everything from these Paderno Kitchen items displayed.

Paderno is also ALL Canadian Made.  Check them out, should you not be familiar by *clicking* HERE. 

Rankin River Trading Company? check them out by *clicking* HERE.

Once my downtown errands and meeting had been finished up, homeward bound I was ... this was not to last too long, as my dear "Crabby Cabbie" called to ask would I mind going to Owen Sound for him.  How could I say "no" to him, as a business will only be as good as what is put into it, and this I have to support always.

I gave my neighbour, Pari, a call to see if she would travel along with me to keep me company.  I was happy Pari agreed to go with me as by this time in the day I had such head, neck and shoulder pain I needed company to divert my attention.  Not only that, Pari also had a couple ibuprofen that helped me make the trip as well. 

By the time I had dropped off Pari to her home, and made it home myself, it was not long before Rob arrived home himself.  That did not last long as he got called out to do a trip to Owen Sound himself.

Thank goodness he made it back just in time to collect me, go next door to collect Pari, then head downtown Wiarton to meet up with my Auntie Gladys, and her good friend, Liz, who were meeting us at the St. John's United Church for a Turkey Supper at the pre-arranged time of 5:00.  I think we were 10 minutes late.

Auntie and Liz were kind enough to wait inside the foyer for us until we arrived so we could all go into the Church hall together.  Oh my what a Dinner it was !!!  Turkey, Stuffing, Turnip, Corn, Peas, Gravy and a fresh Dinner Roll, with Apple & Tomato juices on the table.  The turkey had been prepared locally by Sullivan's Meat Shop, Downtown Wiarton, while all the trimmings and desserts were prepared by the Ladies of the Church.  (PS the dinner roll on my plate, I passed over to Rob's place, otherwise there would not have been any room left for Dessert).

Auntie and Liz both had Dutch Apple Pie, Rob had Apple Pie, Pari had Pecan Pie, and I had Elderberry Pie.  There was not a complaint about anything .... it was ALL so very very good.  I was very impressed with attending our very first Wiarton Church Dinner.  It is not that we would not go in the past 10 years we have lived here, it was just we never had the opportunity to go in the past before now.  Looking forward to the next one we will be attending.

I was excited to find Rob had brought a sample home of what our stairs are going to be re-done with.  The stair we have are just awful in both material and how they had been built.  Not one of the steps are the same size as another.

The lighting was not too good this late in the day, however the Maple replacement will be much nicer then what is there now.  What was there before the pine steps?  then had been covered in Pink Carpet (as still is the stair gong further down to the basement)  The whole house had been pretty much "pink" ... we are slowly, very slowly, getting a few things changed up one by one, hopefully with our bedroom next on the list after this as it is in dire need of repair and change.

I am all in but for my "shirt tail" at the moment.  A couple of ibuprofen, a nice warm bed, and the TV tuned into MasterChef Junior is the order of the evening for this gal, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".