This, That & OH NO Poor Rob !

Today I thought I would try to be a bit smarter then usual (a girl can try harder, can she not?), and sit myself to make a list rather then going around all day feeling overwhelmed, to see how that would work out for me.

First thing I sat down at my, once again messy dining room table overflowing with Crabby Cabbie,  ****, that would mean Stuff, oh poop stuff has 5 letters, while my Peanut Gallery did not give me much in the way of support.

I got our bedroom all tidied, vac & dusted, as well as cleared of the, I am ashamed to say, accumulation of **** off the dog crate that had been in the hallway for wayyyyy to long.  Some of that **** landed in on the spare room bed, whilst the kennel was returned to the basement.  Why does it always seem to take a mess to clean a mess????

I did get a good start on the bathroom, but that is all it was, a "start".  Hopefully the floor in there will be washed down tomorrow.  I got sidetracked with phone calls pertaining to Crabby Cabbie ****, then HE came home HIMSELF, to sidetrack me some more.

I finally headed downtown to do a couple of errands.  I dropped around to the Wiarton Library as the Wiarton Farmer's Market is there for the 3 weeks preceding Christmas from 10 am to 2 pm.

There are some pretty sweet and amazing items there as ideas for Gift Giving.  There is my friend, Abby of Miner's Maple Products, all sweet and innocent looking with her Maple Syrup Products.  Honey, Lamb products, and every kind of amazing jam imaginable, as well as baked products and other cool stuff.  Mark your calendar to drop by next Thursday to take a peak.

I also had to drop around to speak to the Hairdresser who does Mom's Hair at Gateway Haven, also dropping around to see my girlfriend, Colleen, to give her a Christmas gift for under her tree (just incase the weather gets bad and I don't get over to see her beforehand).

One more stop and  I was on my way back home.

I had an unpleasant run-in with a person that set me back somewhat today.  You know when you can not only see, but feel how a person is by their body language, and how at times that gets your back up?  This was one of those times .... I hate feeling uncomfortable and unnecessarily on my defenses, especially when only making an innocent inquiry, then when having felt slighted, trying to defend myself ... really making me feel yechy for the most part of the day.

I spoke to this same person, once I had returned home, to see what the problem had been, and if they had felt I was a cause of their reaction by my question, and was told "no", but you know, when you know, and having that "feeling" this is was not true.  I think I am pretty good at times when it comes to my intuitions.  I think it best from here on in to avoid this person as much as possible, as I have with others possessing such a nature about themselves.

I did get back home to ....

.... find there had been Happy Mail waiting in our mailbox for me.

While I had been running errands, Rob had been putting more things away before Winter really hits, and getting a bit more prepared.  Unfortunately my poor man twisted the wrong way and wrenched his back pretty badly.

Fortunately we had a Doctor's appointment already scheduled for this day.  Late this afternoon we were Northward bound for our appointment with the Good Doctor.

Nicely set in the patient room, eyeing up how much allergy serum I had and thinking I needed to order more, my Rob, in as much pain as he was, still sat there with a Smile the size of a Cheshire Cat with his bag of drugs beside him with a $1 sign on it.  It would be moments later when he had to get himself up that same grin would be as quick to leave his face as it was put on there.

I even grimaced in pain as Dr. Loney applied the freezing into Rob's back muscle.  Oh I do hate needles.  

Unless things get worse, we are back for another regular schedule appointment in two weeks.  I am thinking if the muscle is wrenched as bad as when he tore one in his stomach the last time, we might be back to see the Good Doctor before two weeks.

I really hate when I allow a bad experience in a day to hang over me for so long.  I stopped, gave myself another shake and started reflecting on all the goodness I have in my life, and all the people I love and who love me back.

I am so happy to now have a new photo on our mantle to make me *Smile* when I need a reminder of how lucky I am ....

... who could not *smile* when you have seven wonderful SMILES smiling back at you such as these?

This really makes my heart sing !!!  I have much to be thankful for, I just need the odd reminder at times is all.

Rob and I had a quick dinner of an Omellete made with Red Pepper and Cheese, a side of bacon, and slice of toast.  He took himself to bed shortly after we ate, and I can hear snoring from down the hallway.  He needs to sleep soundly and heal, hopefully quickly.

Wow almost 8 pm.  I need to get my Aussies out and about for the last time this evening before calling it a night myself, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

How Do YOU Spend Your Dash

5 minutes before sitting down to do this post I had found it chilly in the house deciding the wood stove needed restarted.  The ashes had built up so I took the first scoop into the shovel, thinking it was secure while I opened the lids to the ash can and .... these things always seem to happen in your most tired moments, do they not? is this to test our strengths of patience and perseverance?  I do not know but they always seem to happen to me when I am beyond tired.

The ashes are cleaned up and the wood stove is "fired up", but unfortunately I am still beyond tired.  I am always really wiped after a long day of driving to and fro, but the enjoyment of seeing the kids, family and/or friends is always worth the extra fatigue, aches and pains.

On to the day at hand ....

Both Rob and I were exhausted last night, however I seemed to have gotten more sleep then he as he was called out at midnight to do a call.  With the weather being nasty it took  him almost three hours to return back home to be called back out again at 5 am for another pickup.

My poor Crabby Cabbie just got home today from a long day behind him, before 5 pm, to get called back out.  I hope he gets back home and straight to bed for hopefully a fitful nights sleep ahead for him (and myself)).

First thing this morning Rob got called out I went along for the ride as I had to drop off a few things I had picked up for my friend, Lisa, yesterday at Costco, as well as drop around to the bank.  The roads had been quite mucky and slushy, that nasty stuff that seems to pull you in.  Over Colpoy's Bay it had been still foggy with the mildness of the morning.  I was thanking God there had not been any Freezing Rain that they had a warning out for the night before, or it would have been a real mess.

Rob had to drop off one of our Crabby Cabbie vehicles to get Winter Tires on the front, as the All Seasons were not as good as he thought they would be in the guck and mush of the roads this morning.  While he did that, I dropped off a gift to my neighbour, Pari, as she has been very kind to Rob and I, deserving a little "uplift" in her Life so I thought.

Ha ! much to my surprise, Pari had also had a little something for me ... look at the lovely photo frame I have now to fill with photos of all the kids.  I can't wait to get photos to put in it and have it hung !

Today in the mail I had also received another Christmas Card from a Member of Cindy's Recipe Exchange.  Thanks Tammy ... I LOVE that you are also part of the Exchange !!! and everyone else that has made it was it is, full of Sharing & Fun.

This afternoon I headed out after 1 pm to Downs & Sons Funeral Home in Hepworth to attend a Service in Celebration of Life for my friend's Father.  Bob Vary, my friend Toni's husband, and his  sister, Kathy, lost their Father this past Saturday.  Their Mother Irene, and Father, Alvin Vary, were pillars of example in their community for many people.  I admired Irene's strength this day in believe her husband is now at Peace with his Maker.

The service was lovely.  I really enjoyed the Minister sharing the Story, "How Do You Live Your Dash?" by Linda Ellis:

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. (l900-l970)

For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars...the house...the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile... Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash?

There was much goodness remembered and said about Alvin Vary's "Dash", that gave his wife, children, family and friends that he left behind much to be proud of.

I really feel I have been living living "my Dash" better the past few years.  I am of the opinion that I would be proud of what things would be said About How I Spent My Dash.

When I returned home late this afternoon I was beyond myself with the feeling of fatigue, deciding I would brew a first pot of coffee in the Bunn Commercial Style Coffee Brewer I had purchased on Kijiji for a great price of $50.00, considering it was barely used and to buy new it would have cost me $150.00 and taxes.

The Coffee Brewer was even complimented by a can of Tim Hortons Coffee Grinds and mug my friend, Bob, had gifted me yesterday.

All was going well until I went to get myself a first cup of coffee, after following the step by step instructions on brewing a pot, to find a total mess of coffee grinds all over the pot and my counter. What a mess that was to clean up !!!  I called Bunn, who is going to send me a special sprayer required when you have a water softener, as well as advising me to buy Bunn coffee filters, and to make only up to 6 cups until I receive the new sprayer.

Two very huge messes, and nothing done but our bed made today was bad when one is so tired as myself, is it ?

My Crabby Cabbie has just pulled in, so I am going to wrap up things for this day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A Wonderful Day Away !

I was ever so tired, again, last night going to bed early and watching Iron Chef (I love the Food Network), finally falling asleep after 10 pm sometime.  I awoke thinking the alarm should be going off soon?  I got up to check the clock to realize it was only 2 am !!!  Really do you think I could get back to sleep after that? of course not.

The alarm clock finally did go off at 5:50, set just in case I really did sleep in ... ha !  Up I got to ready myself and out the door to pickup my neighbour, Pari  at 7:00 am.  We were headed South to New Dundee this day.

With a coffee stop and a washroom break on the way, we arrived at my BFF home before 10 am.  Bob had been waiting for us as I had contacted him the day before.  Now that he is officially "retired" he had the day set aside for our arrival.

Since I had missed his Retirement Party a couple of weeks ago due to nasty weather, I was able to deliver his gift to him, as well as a little Christmas gift for him and Tim.

Maple Syrup to keep him fuelled with "sweetness", along with a new pair of "socks" for him to begin his journey into retirement.

Bob gave Pari a little tour of his home, my Home Away from Home, and I even got to reminisce a bit with a photo taken on my Wedding Day to Rob.

Bob had stood up with me when I married Rob.  This was the photo we had of Bob and I together before I tied the Knot with my Rob.

Bob took Pari and I into Kitchener for a shop, as I needed a few things, including a couple bags of Dog food for Bandit and Buddy.  It was not too crowded at Costco, but was a quick in and out as we had made plans to meet up with my Paul, and our Elizabeth to drop off the Christmas gifts before heading back home.

Driving back to New Dundee, Bob took us past the New Dundee Damn to show Pari how pretty the town Rob grow up in, and where he lives, is.

Once we went back to Bob's to pickup my Van, we then head off to meet Paul and Liz in New Hamburg for lunch.  By this time in the day it had been about 11:34 am.

On Bob's recommendation, and Liz's choice, we went to Meme's Cafe located downtown New Hamburg.  A cute down to Earth Bistro type cafe it is.

We had been a wee bit earlier then the kids, but ....

... they had not been long to follow after.  Yes there is my son's "look" that says, "oh Mom, stop with the camera will ya!"  When our food arrived he was quick to grab Liz's lunch away from her to display it for me to photo.... he really is a little "smart *ss", he is.  The food was very enjoyable, however the Latte Pari had ordered was cold, and the Earl Grey Tea I had left an unusual bitter taste in my mouth.  Overall, other then the beverages, I would certainly go back to Meme's Cafe in New Hamburg, as I really did enjoy the Spinach, Feta & Red Onion Quiche with their House Feta Salad, and the wraps with salad were also enjoyed, as was the Beef Teriyaki dish Bob had ordered.

Once lunch was over with we headed over to Paul and Liz's home.

Paul unloaded this huge filled (heavy I might add) box I had put together as a Family Christmas box for the seven of them.  That is right all "7" of them, being Elizabeth, Paul, Josh, Aiden, Chloe, Briar and Connor (in order of age).  The Curious George's had also been delivered but just as "fun" for the kids, and not as a gift.

We truly did have a nice visit with Bob, Paul and Elizabeth, but had to get leaving by 2:30 pm as I really do not care for driving after dark any more, or much ever for that matter.

Thanks Elizabeth for taking a photo of my friend, Pari, and I, as I enjoyed having her company all day, and she enjoyed going to places she had never been before.

Off we went heading back Northbound.  I passed by Mapleton's Organic Ice Cream, which I have been doing so for the past 10 years without ever stopping in.  We decided to turn back around to check it out today.

The service was not only friendly but oh so delightful, and the Ice Cream? really quite a difference from "store bought" ice cream.   Pari was enjoying a favourite flavor of hers being Cappuccino, whilst I had a Chocolate Mint, that contained NO green artificial colouring.  As soon as we had first drove in we had been greeted by a beautiful, none other then, a one blue eyed Red Merle Australian Shepherd pup, that also delighted me.

On our way towards home again the snow began South of Hanover, remaining very light until of course we arrived back in Wiarton.

Not only had it been dark when we arrived home, the snow was coming down pretty dang good with the roads becoming slippery.  At present there is a Freezing Rain Warning issued for our area, which I certainly hope does not happen as my Rob has to head out tomorrow morning on a call at 5 am down South way.

After getting all our Aussies needs looked after, and the purchases brought in, I was happy to find there was an awaiting email with a photo attached to it from Elizabeth.

Briar and Chloe had been THRILLED when they had seen the Curious Georges !  Upon a phone call to Liz, they had been trying on outfit after outfit from their clothes up in their bedroom.  Oh my ... wait until Aiden and Connor see them too, as being boys I am sure there will be more wrestling with the Georges rather then "dress up".  It is so nice to know the kids are having fun times.

Oh yes, Paul and Liz gave me a beautiful photograph of the seven (7) of them that they recently had taken.  I will "post" a photo of the photo hopefully if I remember tomorrow.  Truly we are blessed to have all seven of them in our lives.

Can I say, "a wonderful day away"? yes I most certainly can, as much as I can say, "I am tired being all in but my shirt tail", "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Do YOU Support Your Community?

I was up not too early this morning.  I think it was about 5:30 am when I first looked at the clock, but one thing for certain it was still pitch black outside our windows.

Since our hydro had been out yesterday when we had arrived home in the afternoon, and I had been too tired by the time it had came back on, I never finished the Month end "Crabby Cabbie" billing on the computer.  At 6:30 a.m., yes I was doing billing for the "Crabby Cabbie".  That part is done and over for another month (not that I am not happy we have customers to bill by any means).

Everything looks so different when one is so tired, does it not?  Rob and I have both been stretched to our limits in the "tired" department this is a fact.  This is Life for us at this time, and this is what we need to deal with, so that is that.

Rob went down the road his way this morning, while I stayed back to do the usual domestic chores, one being a bedroom that had in dire need of being dusted before there was no longer furniture to be seen.  *Sigh*, I have yet to vacuum, but there is no writing in the dust to be found for hopefully at least the next 12 hours.

I also had to make a trip downtown to hand-deliver some bills, and do a trip quick into our bank.

Today I made the decision to go down to deliver Christmas gifts to the kids tomorrow, and the Retirement Gift to my BFF, Bob, since it had stormed two weeks ago cancelling my plans to attend the party.  My neighbour has graciously accepted my offer to go along for the ride with me to keep me company, so the driving should go not too bad there and back.

Rob will stay home to hold down the fort.  He is just way too busy and tired to make it down there with me for day trip, never mind "tired" too.  I just need to go before the weather changes into snowy stormy Winter weather, getting the gifts delivered to them before Christmas Day.  We will get together with them all after Christmas has passed, maybe at the first of the New Year.

The plan is to head over to Bob's first, who will drive us into Kitchener to the Costco Store so I can pickup some dog food and a few other items.  When done there I will head over to see Paul and Liz on my way back home.

Speaking of going to a Big Box Store to shop and not shop locally ... I can't get the quality of the Dog Food I want locally at the price I can buy it for at Costco, so that is why I go there.  I LOVE the Kirkland Brand dog food, as does our Aussies.  Buddy used to pick through the Pedigree kibble we used to feed, and only eat some of it, now with the Kirkland Brand Lamb & Rice he can not get out to his food first thing in the morning fast enough to gobble it up, NEVER leaving a morsel behind.

When I was researching "switching up" our dog food my blogger buddy, Karen of Living in My Valley also highly recommended the Kirkland Brand.  Thanks again, Karen, as our four LOVE it.

Do YOU shop locally in support of YOUR Community?

FACTS ABOUT SHOPPING LOCAL (Courtesy of kalast.com/blog):

It pays dividends to shop at small local business compared to online shopping and shopping at bigger corporations. The more money reinvested in the community, the better standard of living people will have!

Checkout the Comparisons on how you can make a better standard of living in YOUR Community, at this link:  

https://kalast.com/blog/23/#23

I normally do shop for things I need within my own Community where items are available, with the exception of a full grocery shop, which we do from time to time in Owen Sound, as our local Foodland Store can get a bit on the pricey side to buy ordinary staples at time.  For example we use Half & Half Creamer in our coffee, $3.69 locally to buy, $3.09 or less in the City where we buy 12 at a time.

Now Wiarton has a Source Store now where I can buy ink for our photocopier, which I will do rather then buy at the Staples Store in the City.  I am also buying a new Computer Mouse there this week as they are on sale this Friday.

Where my budget allows and there is the availability, I will also shop local first.

One thing I did this afternoon was get the remainder of "stuff" I had ready to go down to Paul and Liz's ....

.... the big box was already loaded by Rob and I 2 weeks ago, with me adding a couple of small packages to my van today.  I sure hope Paul has someone "strong" at the other end to help unload this box !

I still have one thing to add to a Christmas bag for Bob and Tim when I am done posting here.

I always leave home wondering if or what I have left something behind  It is not such a big thing any more if I have now that I am older.  It seemed like the "End of the World" at times when I left something behind when I was younger, which was not that long ago, right ????

Dang, dang, triple dang, our Dinner is almost ready and Rob just got called out.  Such is the life being married to a "Crabby Cabbie".

Here is something that had been posted and shared on Dr. Oz's Facebook page today, that I have read in the past, but enjoyed again (not without tears in my eyes) ...

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive
through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

We all could use a little reminder on the Virtue of Patience and Kindness at times, could we not?  I know myself, I could from time to time.

I am feeling quite exhausted at the moment, thinking I will feed us when Rob returns home, have a hot bath and call it a night, as I have a very big day ahead of me tomorrow once I leave my home, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Gone Gone Gone Is This Day

Holy Moly it seems like we were gone gone gone the whole day long.  We just arrived back home sometime after 6 pm ?

My day started out pretty good, although the dampness was taking its toll on my body I still kept moving.  I had all the Aussies looked after first thing, a shower, a load of laundry in and some Crabby Cabbie paperwork going.

My poor Crabby Cabbie had a very late night, or should I say "early morning" having not arrived home until almost the crack of dawn.  Again he was up and out the door coming to a man's rescue who called and was stranded in Owen Sound where he had stopped his vehicle off for servicing, and his friend had not shown up to collect him.  No phone book at hand, and no answer at the one Owen Sound Cab Company number I had given him when he had called.  Yes he was thankful Rob went out to collect him and deliver him to his home in Sauble Beach.  I have a good man with a big heart most days when he is not too tired otherwise to have one.

I was waiting for Rob to arrive back home as we were meeting up with our Driver in Southampton early afternoon, when the phone rang.  It was a friend who was in town at her daughter's whom wanted to drop something around to me?  Really what could Alice be coming all the way from Shelburne way to visit with her family and think to have something for me?

Here is dear thoughtful Alice with a tray of goodies in hand that she had made, with a tray in mind for me and my Rob.  You can well imagine my surprise !  Alice thought I was deserving of a treat or two for all I do in supporting my Community.  I am truly honored.  Thank you, Alice, I have consumed 2 of the marshmallow and one of the shortbread this day and ....  "Let Me Tell the World", oh so good !

Rob had pulled in shortly after Alice had arrived.  I was sorry we were not able to have much of a visit, but hopefully there will be another time.

Off we headed to Southampton where our first stop was where I got to meet Summer.

Please meet Summer.  She is a 11 year old Great Dane, one of 5 Great Danes her family has had over the years.  It is most unusual for a Great Dane to live much past 8 years, never mind 11 !  Truly she is very lovely.  One of the groups I belong to on Facebook had not long ago posted a Live Cam to an organization who trains Danes as Service Dogs.  Some might enjoy watching it by *clicking* HERE.

Rob and I then headed down to the Bulk Barn to pickup some Candy Canes to be handed out at Wiarton's upcoming Santa Claus Parade on the 7th of December.  Details can be found HERE.  Then we headed out to meet our Driver, Ron, which we did, thereafter getting a call to go on a run to Owen Sound.

By the time we had arrived back in Wiarton it was late afternoon with us both being starved (or thinking we were starving).  A quick stop into Foodland solved the problem, and good thing as we got home to find our hydro was out !

Today I also was using my Crabby Cabbie Business Card holder to hand out a few cards (Sharon I LOVE my Business Card holder), while we were purchasing our "store bought" meal of Deli Chicken and salads.  

We had barely gotten settled in after eating when Rob was called back out again.  My poor Crabby Cabbie is truly "over tired" more then anything else, with most of knowing what a not nice feeling that can be.

Spelling, Grammar ... so sorry, just too tired.

I am tired, my Crabby Cabbie Rob is tired, and you got to know that can't always be a good combination, so I sit in my corner and he sits in his, all peaceful and quiet (Smile) with bedtime not too far from either of our minds, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

An Unexpected Dinner Out

It was very cold out side our home this morning.  I was glad to have new Winter Boots to wear out in the elements.

I was not the only one happy to have new boots, so was Buddy, as you can tell,  he got to go out for a big run this morning first thing.  Run, run, run .....

Despite the cold it was a beautiful day.

With Lexus already out, next up was Mercedes.  She did lots of running action too, then it was run for her right back into her crate with the "where is my breakfast" look right off the bat.  This girl could care less about getting out first thing in the morning, as she would much prefer breakfast first I am sure.  Look at the cute little nose.  She won't touch her food once I put it into her dish, as she sits first and waits until I give her the command.  Smart in more ways then one this girl is.

Other then a load of laundry, dishes done up, the bed made, all else I was able to accomplish today was some more Crabby Cabbie paperwork.  Month end this always is the case and that it is.

As of tomorrow we are seriously only 25 days away from Christmas.  Eeeekkk, I have not even had time to get my house clean all at once, never mind starting Christmas Baking !!!!  Oh woe is me, what am I ever going to do.  Truly I could use a whole week to myself with NO Aussies, and NO Crabby Cabbie, then I might make dent in it all.  But then my Life would not be complete now, would it?  without all the chaos day by day I seem to attract my way.  *Sigh*

Later on this day I had to make my way over to Southampton to fill up the Wiarton Crabby Cabbie vehicle for Rob.  I gave my friend and neighbour a call to see if she would like to go along on a quick trip there and back with me.  Off we went.

My Cousin is seeking a new home for her cat, as her allergies have gotten worse with the allergy pills not giving her relief any longer.  My friend, Pari, was thinking she would like a pet for some company for herself, so on the way back from Southampton we made a detour over to my Cousins to meet ....

Sam.  Sam is so handsome, and really a lovey.  A real gentleman too.   Pari is going to give it some thought.  She loved him, but has never had a cat before.  Should I not have such severe allergies now to cats, I would consider him myself.

Once back home, by late afternoon Rob got a call to make a delivery over to Sauble Beach.  I went along on the ride to keep him company.  Once back into Wiarton we stopped downtown at the bank, and I slipped into the Salvation Army to pickup up a few things I had came across in excellent condition for a good price.

I was very surprised when Rob said for us to slip into the Green Door Cafe for us to get a bite to eat.  Me every say "NO" to the Green Door Cafe? I would think NOT.

I had this evening's special which was Chicken Parmesan with Linguine and Garlic Bread, while Rob ordered the House Burger with Cheese from the Menu.  Service from our two favourite girls, Melissa and Britt is something also always to look forward to.

Heavy on the Garlic, but I LOVED ever bite.  Total Dinner, including Rob's coffee, taxes and tip was $25.50.  Now you can't beat a meal like we had for that price, can you?  It really was a nice treat.

Back at home Rob got the wood stove stoked up, bringing wood up from the stack in the basement that does not take long for it to go down ...

I am certain it was double this amount last week.  Rob said he would be going to replenish this tomorrow from our other shed.

My "Crabby Cabbie" is out on another call as I sit here typing my daily post.  The Aussies still all need Out, About and In again for one last time this evening.  What will I do with the remainder of my evening?  a hot shower and a couple more rows of knitting added to the scarf I have been working on for a very long time might be most enjoyable, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Frosty Is Beautiful !

Yes first thing mornings brings Aussie duties, including Out, About, Back in and...

.... breakfast time.  Have I ever mentioned our Aussies being food driven, of course I have.  Some have no patience at all by trying to get into another's bag of food, then when told NO, gives me the LOOK !  Bratty girl our Lexus is.

I LOVE frosty mornings.  They are some of the most beautiful mornings of the Year all seemingly covered in diamonds and glitter.  The transformations are amazing once everything has been bathed in frost.

Later this morning I met up with my brother, Allan, downtown as Greyfair Furniture & Carpet has their NO HST sale on, and Mother could use a new rocker swivel chair.  We picked out pretty much the same one as we had picked out 3 years ago.  Delivery will be tomorrow.  I am certain she will be surprised when Allan shows up with a new chair for her !  Aren't surprises wonderful ???  as I know I LOVE them, and really who wouldn't?

Today was also spent organizing the Crabby Cabbie paperwork to make ready for it to be entered on the books.  I truly am attempting NOT to leave everything to the last minute for less pressure.  Beside I have to get more organized as it is almost time to start Christmas baking, is it not ...

Some of the members in Cindy's Recipe Exchange on Facebook decided for a second year running to also exchange Christmas Cards with each other.  I recently just received three more lovely cards that also included recipes ... bonus.

This one was from my blogging friend, Lynn of Turnips 2 Tangerines.  I LOVE drooling over her blog posts on a regular basis.  Wonder how she knows how much I LOVE Chocolate & Cherries?  Hmmm.....

More Cherries .... thanks Kathy.

... and from longtime childhood school friend, Leona.  Who doesn't LOVE turtles ????  

Turtles, turtles, yah, yah, yah .... I LOVE TURTLES !

Between calls this afternoon, my Crabby Cabbie Rob took me down to the Bank.  While I was in the bank I told him to head over to Gilbert's Shoes to go bug Marg there until I was done.  He loves bugging Marg, or anybody he thinks he can get away with bugging.  

I walked in to retrieve him to find him at the till paying Marg for a purchase he had obviously made.  He went ahead and bought me the pair of Winter boots I had been in looking at the day before.  A nice warm pair of high boots made by Baffin and graded for -40 C*.  I certainly will be a good candidate to try them out as my feet are usually always cold in the Winter months outside (and sometimes inside).  This is the first new pair of  "real" Winter Boots I have had for many years; so long ago I think it was a pair of Sorrels when Kaufman Shoes were closing down their factory in Kitchener almost 20 years ago?

Oops forgot my Camera had still been on Black & White from some of the "frost" photos, so Gilbert's Shoes did not get to go "full colour" this day.  Really if you have not shopped for footwear ever at Gilbert's Shoes in Wiarton, I would recommend you do.  The selection and staff are beyond accommodating.  Thanks girls.  PS:  and right now they have a 20% Off Sale Storewide !

The new Winter Boots were pretty much the "highlight" of my day, as when I returned home it was to do billing for the Crabby Cabbie ... exciting?  NOT ! but pretty much half done and on the back burner now until Sunday or Monday comes to finish up the rest.

Sometime between being in, out and about this day, I did manage to throw some stew beef in the Crock Pot with some leftover beef drippings I had in the freezer.

With some of this and some of that chopped, along with a can of diced tomatoes and a can of mixed beans, a wholesome stew was created.  Yes comfort food it was, meaty and full of vegetable goodness.  LOVE those Colour My Plate meals, don't you?

Look the time ... 9:06 pm already.  A late dinner with our driver, John, popping in for a bit before he and my Crabby Cabbie Rob left for the evening.  Almost past my bedtime, it is, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".