A Cousin Here & Cousin There !

 This morning was another "tidy up" morning, but in all honesty there wasn't too much that got tidied up other then a few dishes done, and the bed made.  Truly where does the time go to some days? as I seem to be loosing it more often then naught this last Year.

I was to meet up with my first Cousin Suzanne for a pre-arranged luncheon, since last March was the last time we had gotten together, or so we had thought.  But again who knows, and truly I am too tired to dwell on it any further.

I gave Suzie "Q" the choice of meeting for lunch at the Green Door Cafe, or the Berford StreetTea Room.  She chose the Green Door Cafe.  Who but another of our first Cousins did we see there with his wife, Marlene.  Yes our Cousin Bob from Southampton was there also having lunch.  Ha ! what were the chances of that happening? pretty darn good in Bruce County some days I am sure.

The Lunch "special" was a Clubhouse Melt on a Pita, choice side of soup, salad or fries.  Goodness knows after having fried yesterday I sure didn't need any today, so Caesar Salad was my choice, while Suzanne's had been the soup.

We had our lunch and also did a bit of "catching up".  Truly it is nice to have two first Cousins, Suzanne, and Vi,  to always know I have the support and understanding if every need be, as they are also both sufferers of Fibromyalgia.  Suzanne always asks how I am feeling and coping with it every day.  Not only that I have Marie, Karen & "Buttons", who I met through blogging, who also suffer, understanding and are all awesome support for me too !  Then there are those close friends, and family, who "get it", and that also is very much appreciated.

Not familiar with Fibromyalgia? please take a moment to read a bit about it HERE.  Knowledge lends to greater understanding of something you can NOT see, but what is REAL to others.

After we wrapped up Lunch, I took Suzanne across the road to The Berford Street Tea Room.  She remembered owner, Debby, from when they had the Memories Store in Southampton, which used to be Plante's Pool Hall on High Street.  Small World it is at times.  It was then and there decided we would be having lunch at the Berford Street Tea Room next time around.  Truly it is a lovely spot, and everything is Homemade by the owner, Debby.

Time had once flown by again, with us going our separate ways until the next time we meet up again.  Usually Suzanne, Vi, Auntie and I get together for a Christmas Luncheon every Year, so maybe then?

Before going back home I made a couple of Courtesy calls in Wiarton on behalf of my "Crabby Cabbie" to hopefully drum up some business for us.  Nothing like cold calling up front and in person, is there?  I also made a couple of phone calls when I did return home.

Once back home I also called up the Good Doctor to get my Rob in since he has not been feeling well for over 3 weeks now.   His headaches have remained severe and not subsided much.  Now if that was me I would not be too concerned since I live with headaches day in and day out, but my Rob ..... no way.  Our appointment today was set for 3:30 pm.

When we got into Rob's Doctor's appointment we covered a few points, then Rob's Blood Pressure was taken .... WOW ! that was not a good reading, as it was HIGH, and he takes Blood Pressure pills daily too.  And from his last report his Triglyceride levels were up as well .... we are scheduled for another appointment with the Good Doctor again next week.  

Being older, less active and eating the same as we did when we were younger and more active does not produce the same results as when we were "under the age of 50".  There will have to be changes, and not only for Rob.  I am going to have to give up the fear of injury to my knee again and start walking sooner then later.  I just need to find the time and get into a routine of doing it.  Wish me luck as I have been trying to get back into this program for the past year now with no success of doing so up until now.

"The "Crabby Cabbie" had a couple of passengers, one looking a little bit more under the weather then the other, don't you think?

Ha ! I had gotten these two Curious Georges off the Lion's Head Swap for "FREE".  I though the kids would have a bit of fun with them wrestling with them.

I have been invited to "This Shining Night" here in Wiarton at the St. John's United Church.  Advanced Tickets available now at Josies of Wiarton, so get yours now !

I think it might be a fun afternoon out, thinking it will sell out pretty quickly.  And a NEW piece by our own local Rob Ritchie too !!!

Another "Jam Packed" day ahead of me again tomorrow.  I sure hope I get something done around here, as truly there has been much lacking in the housework department of late, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Is There A Doctor In The House?

Last night's Dinner ended up being French Toast & Bacon with "real" Ontario Maple Syrup poured over all of it.  Truly it was really "yummy", something I had not made for the past 2 years.

Today was the day my girlfriends and I were going to meet up for coffee, lunch and whatever the rest of the day brought on.  Toni with an "i", Maple Abby, and I all met up over in Owen Sound at the Mall for coffee.

Once we had settled in, it had not been long before Toni's Sister-in-Law and MIL had also came to join us.  It was nice to see them both again, especially having had driven all the way back from Nova Scotia with Kathy with a "K" a couple of months ago.  We also had, Carolyn Marriat, who is a Pampered Chef Representative join us, as I had bought one of their products (used) and had a problem with it.  Carolyn is going to see if the company will stand behind it for me.

I am pretty sure it was going on after 1 pm when both Abby and I began making noises about being hungry.  Kathy and her Mom had other plans, so they were on their way as was Carolyn.

Someone Kathy had known put this kiddie chair in her car.  When we were leaving, she took advantage of opening up the hatch in my Van and depositing it there.  Very funny Kathy ... how will I get you back? I will surely be thinking about who might have the last laugh, as you and your Mom sat safely in your vehicle have a "laugh" ... Ha !

It didn't take us too long for the three of to agree on going to the Swiss Chalet, as it was not too far up the road from the Mall we had been at.

Toni and I pulled into Swiss Chalet no problem, but where did that Maple Abby get to? oh there she is, wayyyyy over there.  Come on girl !

Both Abby and I were thrilled Swiss Chalet had their Festive Special on, and both order it.  

We enjoyed the Festive meal, while Toni had a Poutine with Chicken.

It didn't stop there ....

 Hot Fudge Brownies Sundae and Sticky Toffee Pudding.  Abby talked Toni and I into dessert, as we were both really really reluctant to have any more to eat.

Yes I rolled myself out of Swiss Chalet for Toni to then suggest we head on over to the Value Village Store.  What a "hoot" that was .... first of all when Abby was looking for us, Toni and I made ourselves "invisible" for a little bit of time.

She found us and had a Mink Stole as "show & tell".  The tell was "check out the real feet, Cindy" ... hahahaha, I am pretty certain there was a real nose on the other end of it too.  But this was not only one mink, it was at least a couple sewn together.  Really ????

Way down at the other end of the store Abby found a scarf, a really special scarf ...

... a scarf with Balls that one could swing around and play with, why even use it as a scarf when you could have so much fun otherwise ????   then at the "check out" there was a really special Santa Claus that Abby just had to show Toni.  Nope not to Toni's taste, so it was left behind.

All checked out and ready to go our separate ways, Toni attempted a Group photo, but somehow was left out of it herself.

Here is Maple Abby and I, with Toni with an "i" way over on the other side of Abby.

It was a great day out with the girls, exactly what the Doctor would have ordered for anyone needing a fun day out.  Oh and why do I call Abby, Maple Abby? cause she and her hubby, Russell, own Miners' Maple Products, is why, and she is sweet too.  *smile*

I am happy to be back home, as I now unfortunately pay the price of having myself such a great day with a severe headache and pains in every joint and muscle I thing I own within my body.  The headache?  I think Toni posted a cure for it on her Facebook page this morning that maybe she thought that I should try out?

Anything is worth a try once, is it not?  Is there a Doctor in the house?

I think I will pass on giving this method and Doctor a go at it, as I might not lose a headache, but my whole head, and that I can do on some of my better days all by myself.

Some of the members belonging to Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook decided to do a Christmas Card Exchange, and today I received my very first Christmas card of the Season.

Thanks to Joyce, I also have a new recipe to try out too.

Wow 7:00 pm already.  The day has flown by.  Dinner for me? not a chance after that huge lunch I had, but Rob got something made for him shortly after I had arrived home.  I think I will probably call it an early night as today was another big day for me, and there is lots to be done again tomorrow, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Something Always Costs US Money !

I was positively exhausted today, more then likely having something to do with me being up, again, at 3:00 am.  I take great comfort as I lay awake, or choose to get up, in knowing that I am not by myself in these wee hours of the morning, and there are many many other individuals also awake.

When I have a few nights like this, some days it does not make for very productive days at home.  However when there is much to do, there is usually one thing that stands out the most to me that really needs doing, or it will drive me "around the bend", more so then I already am.

Today it happened to be my favourite "catch all" spot, or one of two of them I should say as the Deacon's Bench by the front door is another designated spot.  This area shows up quite frequently throughout the Year as a "spot light" area on my blog posts.  Once I got to getting it all cleaned off, I re-loaded it with much less "stuff", but then I had to add just a few more items as really it must have looked way to bare in my eyes.

Truly I also got a bit of other dusting done, and some never ending Crabby Cabbie paperwork as well.  Rob called me from where he was in Owen Sound and told me his Driver's License Renewal was $95.00 this time around.  I took a look at it from where it had been placed as a reminder it needed looked after, to see it was not only a Renewal but also some sort of test as well.

Rob took the time to go check it out, calling back much later to tell me it was a test to re-do his Z Endorsement on his License, and he passed without a problem.  No warning, studying, or anything ... I sure wish I was that Smart.  I am, but in different ways that have to be why at times we compliment each other (if we keep telling each other this I am sure it will be true some day *smile*).

Out to retrieve the mail, what else would be there but yet more money to be paid out.

A cool $200.00 was dropped within hours.  Hydro and Rob's Drivers License Renewal, and this hydro bill was an unusual one.  The same old story everything goes up but the paychecks, right?

When I was out having a bit of fresh air with Bandit, I could not help but notice how hardy some garden plants are for mid-November.

A fern and the Chicks & Hens still look pretty lively considering the bed of snow surrounding them.

Also would anyone need "lots" of doggie fur  to knit a sweater maybe?  Mine? says Lexus, how could all that be mine?  And truly there is a garbage bag full I am sure when each Aussie comes shedding time.

I am ashamed to admit I have been so busy with this, that and the business of "Crabby Cabbie" that I forgot to post our dear Lexus's Birthday last week.

She is a very pretty girl, is she not?  and we LOVE her kisses to our noses when she jumps straight up to do so.

Would it not be a miracle if any of us could have a whole Month free of payments of something once a Year?  Very soon I will be doing my annual "Buy NO Meat" until most of the freezer is cleaned out.  This will be the third Year in a row I have done this, and it sure gets your spending and using previous purchased used up.

Another "Blast from my Past" with some Pink Floyd ....

My Rob has just returned home, so I best think about throwing something together for our Dinner, since I was too tired today to even plan this far ahead.  Shame on me.  Let's see, scrambled eggs, or french toast with a side of bacon comes to my mind, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

The BIG Box Is Full !

The alarm went off at 5:30 am.  We went back to sleep, this I am sure of as the Crabby Cabby phone went off right after to awake us again.  I was up and out the door with Rob right at my heels at 5:45 am.  Who did we find pulling in our driveway at the same time was our Crabby Cabbie driver, John.

I headed North to Lion's Head, Rob and John headed South to Saugeen Shores, Southampton & Port Elgin.

This is the GBHS ~ Lion's Head in the wee hours of Morning.  When I delivered the parcel to the GBHS ~ Wiarton, the Nurse there looked very tired after what I am sure was a 12 hour shift.

Of course when I arrived in Lion's Head it started raining.  Turning on my wipers I realized only the passenger side worked.  This was not good but with the wipers being wide enough I could see fine down the middle and the rain had not been torrents, only lasting for a little bit of time.  Rob on the other had pulled out down the highway to have the muffler come apart on the vehicle he had been driving.  Let's see what else happened? when he got back home to take the other vehicle out, it had needed boosting !  Really truly, does it ever end? really truly I try to remain optmistic, but really truly there are some days it is very difficult.

I *sigh* alot ... having a *sigh* for every situation I am certain.

We had been out to return some car parts we did not require, enjoying ourselves by watching these Muscovy Ducks.  Not fearful at all were they.  I truly kind of like them.  I am certain our Aussies would love rounding up a couple of them too.

The remainder of the day went pretty smooth.  By the time we had gotten all our running done this morning by the time we finally both stopped it had been 1 pm..  Poor Rob still feeling under the weather went to bed for the afternoon, while I covered the "fort" so to speak.

Rob put together the "BIG" box I had gotten from a retailer downtown Wiarton, so I could fill it with Christmas Gifts.  Since Paul, Liz and the 5 kids make "seven", I decided to do gifts on a Family Basis.  I am truly happy everything is now in the box instead of all over the spare room bed, as it was a pain hiding it all if they were coming to visit.

Packing the "BIG" box, then straightening up the bed somewhat took up a good part of the day, but at least it was something accomplished if nothing else.  Man oh man, when I was talking to my Auntie today I was saying I can never keep caught up, as I just can't manage to be here, there and everywhere all at once, and after I have been there and everywhere, I am too tired to get anything done here.  Did that all make sense to anyone out there ????

Last night there was a Wind Warning, and I certainly do not understand why there wasn't one out for today and tonight.  I got pelted pretty good with Hail while out retrieving the Mail this afternoon.

I got called back out about 5:30 pm.  Trust me coming back from Hepworth thru to Clavering the snow was a driving force.  I am afraid to say, "Winter is well on its way whether we want it or not".

Since I had taken steaks out yesterday, with Rob thinking it was too windy to go out and BBQ, today I could not leave them go.  The Crock Pot to my rescue as usual.

Carrots on the bottom, Prime Rib Steak on top smeared with a Knorr Homestyle Stock pot and Montreal Steak Spice, with Potatoes and Cauliflower placed in on top.  Oh my was it good ... very fall in your mouth full of flavour good.

How are Rob and I feeling now? full and tired.  No surprise there after a good meal and a nice warm Wood stove to keep us warm from the outside elements.

If I had not been called out at 5:30, I might have had Dinner over with earlier with my feet up and maybe a couple rows of knitting that has been left for months undone.  That never happened, however I do have my feet up, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Feeling Grumpy & Weird Thoughts???

It is amazing how much better one feels when they get a good night's sleep, but why was I feeling grumpy all day long ?  There are some of Life's mysteries we will never be able to figure out EVER !  

I got going on stripping the bed and getting the laundry done.  I went downtown Wiarton to do a bank deposit and drop into our local Foodland to take advantage of the Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts on sale for $3.97/lb, as well as pick up a few other things.  I took a bit of time spend outside in 15*F weather giving our Lexus girl a good brushing out.  

The Weather Network had issued warnings for High Winds up to 100km and Severe Thunderstorms.  As I type, I do hear the winds have increased and it is raining at the moment, so time will tell.  Here is the link for the Weather Watch for Southern Ontario:  http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/?prov=son

.... and my poor sick Rob didn't get anything done today much as he is still under the weather, sorry about the pun, but what he did do was peel 4 turnips.

I took over by cutting them up, and blanching them in my Pressure Cooker for 2 minutes of perfection.  Have I ever mentioned, now that I have almost gotten over my fear of it, how much I LOVE my Lagostina Brava Pressure Cooker?  Truly I do.  I have yet to experiment cooking a full meal, such as  Roast Beef dinner in it yet.

Four small turnips yielded us four medium freezer bags of prepared turnip  for the freezer.  Lots more turnip to go in the 50 lb box we had bought for $10.00, but really we do LOVE turnip.

The afternoon was pretty much consumed by the Turnip and a couple of phone calls with my BFF, two of them anyhow.  Rob did not want to go out onto the windy and raining evening to BBQ the two steaks I had taken out for dinner, which was just as well with me feeling a bit on the grumpy side, so he took us to Subway each for a $5.00 Sub.

Back home, after our Dinner of Subs, I made our bed back up front.  Okay here comes the Weird thought .... as I am calmly making our bed I begin thinking, "what if I died and could hear what everyone was saying about me, then came back to Life to speak to those same people".  Okay did I get too much sleep last night? am I too grumpy today?

WHAT ON EARTH CAUSES ME TO HAVE SUCH WEIRD THOUGHTS SOMETIMES ????

Truly it made me laugh, but still this is not the first time I have such weird thoughts.  Does anyone else have such WEIRD thoughts also that they care to admit too?  or I am the only weirdo (in a fun way, as truly I don't want to attract really scary weirdos) out there? *Smile*

By the way, how is everyone who "signed on" for the 52 Week Money Challenge doing?  the end is almost here, with the balance saved to date being $1,128.00.  I still haven't decided what I will be doing with the end result of $1,378.00.  The possibilities are countless ... repair our stairs, update our bedroom, repair eaves troughs, do the front part of the roof at the front of our house, buy wood for the winter, pay down our mortgage, buy myself a new camera, or a new Dyson Vacuum cleaner for the house, hire someone to shed me of 20 pounds and iron out my wrinkles?  Truly an endless list in my eyes, endless .....

This could have proved to been very scary ...

http://www.goforyourraise.com/funcorner/xgqexgoxzmq-elk-vs-photographer/

And "just for fun" ...



Here is to another good night's sleep, and a tomorrow with no grumpy feelings or weird thoughts, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

BEWARE ! It Does Not Get YOU

My one and only brother, Allan, called me this morning just before 8 am wondering if I was up and at it.  Ha! yes since the wee wee hours of the morning being around 4 am.  If I am not up and at it before 5 or 6 am any morning, you definitely know something is wrong with me.

Regardless I was getting a visit and he not only brought me a Tim Horton's Coffee, he also brought us two packages of Venison and one of Moose.  Allan always shares a bit of what his "share" is from any hunting party he had been with each Year when they get something.  I was happy I finally gave him his Birthday Gift I had for him from last Year ... geesh, I had to dust it off before giving it to him.

Bandit most certainly loves his Uncle Allan.  You can well imagine the reception he got when he arrived at our door, just by all the kissing he got when he got sitting.

Once my coffee visit was over I got going on a bit of this and that of tidying up here and there in the house, as well as doing up two loads of laundry.  Also when I went into the filing cabinet to get some labels I was surprised when I found ....

... this in a folder marked Recipes that I had forgotten about.  21 Delicious Healthy Recipes? can't wait until I am reminded what was considered "healthy" in the Year 2000.

I had plans to go to the Zion Church Bazaar in Sauble Beach with my girlfriend, Colleen, as it it had been this weekend last Year when I had gone.  Well that sure did not happen as Colleen's husband called to tell me there was no action around the Church this morning (they live almost beside the Church).  Darn it all, it is scheduled this Year for next weekend !  I am still going to miss it as I have a Retirement Party for my best friend I am attending to that same day (depending on weather of course).

Since I didn't get over to Sauble Beach today, we decided to get a couple much needed things done before the snow really hits us to stay for Winter.  With all the hours Rob puts in, and being sick with a head cold the last couple of weeks the poor guy just never gets a break to do anything around the house.  Something always seems to get neglected at home when you have your own business, especially with irregular hours of Taxi business.

However today the patio furniture was lowered down from the upper deck and now has been safely stored in the barn until next Year.  Rob also filled up the wood spot in the basement.  It is a small start, but at least a start.

This afternoon I had a funeral to go to at Wiarton's St. John's United Church.  It truly was a sad day for the family, as it is really not to be to have a child pass before a Parent, is it? and so young at 49 was this young man who has left this World.

The service was so moving, and I had forgot to put tissues in my purse.  The Minster's sermon was amazing and very moving.  I was raised United Church while growing up in Southampton, then going to Anglican, and later to Faith Missionary Mennonite Church in Kitchener when my boys were small, both being baptized there.  My point being, I really enjoyed the fellowship after the service, but then again I am far from not being a social person.

By the time I arrived back home it had been late afternoon around 4:30 pm.  My poor Rob was done, done, done ... I am afraid the Cold virus of two weeks has now progressed into a Flu.  He is very much under the weather.

Rob Flu sick, and I with another rotten Sinus Headache.  What a pair we make.  Rob had had himself a hot bath, and I am going to be running one for myself very shortly before calling it an early night..  Beware it does not get YOU, as this Flu bug has been going around.

I have been hearing rumblings that there is some nasty weather coming the next few days in the way of high winds, thunderstorms and snow? more then likely the culprit of my Sinus woes again.  We have no plans for tomorrow, even though there is lots to be done,  I am hoping there will be whole day of doing NOTHING for my Rob and I, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Getting Things Done, Or NOT

Awake and up at my usual early hours of the morn sitting here minding my own business thinking I had lots of time to get this done and that done.  I suppose this is what they mean by being leisurely, would that be it?

I then went down to have the Aussies out, in, then had food rations to distribute.  Lexus giving me a kiss on the nose, Buddy getting a belly rub when it was his turn, and Mercedes? well she is just a brat that is totally food driven, so she wasn't out long before wanting back in for her breakfast.  My thoughts were on the kitchen floor being washed that I never did get to yesterday when that train of thought was broken faster then it was processed .... my "Crabby Cabbie" called to disrupt the day.  

What on Earth would I do without that man of mine?  could I please go take care of something for him, and could I do it by 8:30 am?.  *Sigh* there are days when you hold it all in, is there not?  Of course, business is business and off I went, returning back home around 11:00 am.

I do not know about anyone else, but if I leave the house in the morning by the time I get back home I have lost the "mood" of wanting to get anything accomplished.  Why is that?   Upon talking to other friends about this, apparently I am not alone feeling this way.

Barely back home to get settled in with the Aussie "gang" all out again, I had another call back out.  All was good as I had to drop into the Wiarton Chamber to find out some computer stuff anyhow.

I also did my "Good Samaritan" Deed for the day by rounding up some of the Signs from the various downtown Wiarton businesses to be returned to the Chamber for the Winter months.  Thank goodness when I arrived at the Chamber office, Mandy helped me get them in as they are made way beyond sturdy !  

Again I returned back home where I took care of another Chamber duty I had yet to complete by email, then the phone was going off again.  Off I went back to Wiarton.  Truly it is difficult some days when I have to "cover" for my Crabby Cabbie to get anything going and finished all at the same time some days.  Murphy's Law, should I sit and wait for a call, you know there would not be one all day long .... dang that Murphy guy.

Rob was home from his shift shortly after I had once again returned home for the 3rd time.  By this time it was 3:30 pm.  He still is not feeling well with a head cold that just will not give up after 3 weeks now.  I heated up some Homemade Chicken Soup, served along with a sandwich for him.

Finally with Rob and Bandit safely together on their chair together in front of the TV, I was able to get, not only the kitchen floor washed, also the paw prints going through most of the house wiped up as well.

Paw prints from my upsetting day of yesterday have all been looked after.  For the time being, until the NEXT time.

Hooray !!!  finally something in the house done other then two sink loads of dishes, and the bed made.  What an exciting life I lead, is it not.

I was really happy to have received some photos from one of the Checkerboard Aussies' Forever Homes yesterday.  I LOVE getting updated photos of our pups ... check it out by *clicking* HERE.  What a face that Oliver boy has ... totally lovable.

There is a CD presentation going on in Wiarton this evening at St. John's United Church "Head Lining" Wiarton's very own, Rob Ritchie.  Earlier this Fall I had been invited out to this Event, but truly with the Sinus headache behind my eyes at the moment I need to realize I can't do everything, even though this is something I would have enjoyed going to do.

My tomorrow is pretty full at the moment.  My girlfriend, Colleen and I are going to the Church Bazaar in Sauble Beach tomorrow morning, as well as having the luncheon they are offering.  This luncheon was amazing last Year, as you can see HERE.  At 2 pm I will be back in Wiarton attending a Funeral Service.

I think I will pretty much try to get myself rested up for tomorrow and take it easy for the remainder of the evening, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".