Calcium Pills Raise Heart Risks? Don't Women Have Enought to Deal With !

I was sitting here just "blogging" away yesterday morning, when Rob came into the room to tell me the News had just stated there had been a new study saying, "Calcium pills raise heart risks" in 15-20% of woman taking it!  I was "shocked", as my Mother and I take 1000 mg of calcium every day, along with 1000 units of Vitamin D.

As most of us well know, menopause, along with other life factors cause weakening, breakdown and/or bone loss, as we being women age, hence taking a "Calcium" supplement.

The Doctor's offices will be swamped with inquiries with woman wanting 'new' advice on this matter.  I, for one, will be asking my own Doctor at my appointment this morning.  I am thinking since the Doctors are so swamped, as well as there being a shortage of Doctors, that maybe the Ontario Health Line will have some updated, and hopefully solid, advice on this new Health issue that has just came to light! 

Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000

• In an emergency, always dial 911

Telehealth Ontario is a free service provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that allows Ontario residents to speak to a Registered Nurse with their medical questions any time of the day or night. It's designed to provide quick answers, information and advice. This could be when you're sick or injured but aren't sure if you need to see a doctor or can treat the situation at home. It may also be questions you have about an ongoing or previously diagnosed condition, or general questions about nutrition, sexual health or healthy lifestyles.

I have saved the CTV's News Video in my favorites for my own future reference, and for anyone else that might need hear the article:

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20110419/calcium-supplements-heart-110419/

My one sister has severe osteoporosis in the spine of her back, having to take a prescription Calcium supplement weekly.  This is a "very" big concern for her, as well as many of us, so I surely hope there are some alternatives to this new situation soon, answering the many questions there will be arising from this. 

The month of April doesn't only bring rain for May flowers, it also is "Cancer Awareness Month".  I know my family has been touched by Cancer, as my Mother at age 80 years, as well as her sister in her 50-60's, have both had "Mastectomies", with other family members, whether Aunts, Uncles or cousins, sufffering from the effects of cancer as well.

To show my support I have gone to the Cancer website to "click for my "Mama":

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2 

This was the "Click for My Mama" Video I found there, and I am encouraging everyone to "Click for Their Mama":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veNaqloP7Co

I have listened to this video at least 5 times since yesterday, absolutely loving it's message every time.

I was in such a "Healthy Mood" yesterday, I made some Strawberry Yogurt Muffins containing only 160 calories, 6,76 g fat & .82 g sat. fat, and they taste so so "good" !

Ingredients1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 carton (6 ounces) raspberry yogurt
1/3 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup raspberries

Method

Preheat oven to 400˚F. Spray, grease or put paper liners in 12 (2 ¾ inch) muffin cups. In medium mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients. In small bowl, beat together yogurt, oil and egg. Stir yogurt mixture and raspberries into dry mixture until almost blended. Add raspberries and stir until batter is just blended. Do not over mix. Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Bake until nicely browned, about 20 minutes.

As always I made a couple little changes. Our yogurt comes in 100g cartons, so I used two of them, as I thought the batter was a bit too stiff for me. I made 9 of each muffins (Raspberry and Strawberry). If you notice you're only using 1/3 cup of sugar, so I sprinkled around a 1/4 tsp of granulated sugar on each muffin before I put it in the oven to bake. They only took around 18 minutes, so watch the timing.

I got this recipe from Gillian Turnbull, who has just recently joined "Tammy & Cindy's Recipe Exchange" group on Facebook.  I followed Gill's notes, denoted in red, to a "T", other then the sprinkling of the sugar on top, and also substituting the raspberries with strawberries.  I agree wholeheartedly with Gill, if two 100 g containers of yogurt are not used, the batter would be extremely dry.  Gillian also has her own "Blog", under the guise of "The British Woman".  I will be checking in more often to see what other pots she dabbles her fingers in, other then baking.  Thanks Gill for sharing, as this is an "awesome Muffin recipe".

Easter weekend is almost upon us.....I have decided on having Ham & Scalloped Potatoes for our Easter Dinner.  What day I am having our dinner on it is still undecided, as our children are not coming this Easter, so it will just be Rob, Mother and myself.  Sunday is looking to be the most probable so far, so I am thinking that will be the day.  I suppose I should take the ham out of the freezer today, and place into the fridge to give it a change to thaw before Sunday.......

Oops, almost forgot the weather.....since we had such a rotten Wintry mix of weather yesterday, I am almost scared to see what the Wiarton Airport is predicting for today:

Today:

Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries this morning then a mix of sun and cloud. High 6. UV index 6 or high.

Tonight:

Clear. Becoming cloudy periods after midnight. Low minus 1.

There is "Sun" in that mix !!!!  There is hope for this day's weather after all.

I think I will have that second cup of coffee now before I make the bed and ready myself for the drive up to Lion's Head this morning, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

"Magnificent Seven" Down to The "Fabulous Five".....with One Out Working Already!

Another of the "Magnificent Seven" has been spoken for, so we are down to the "Fabulous Five", as another girl has found her way into a "new owner's heart".  The way these pups are eating and pooping lately, I am not sure what is so "magnificent or fabulous" about them at the moment other then the are sooooo terribly cute......lol.

My Mother goes to a Day Away Program at the local Nursing Home, Gateway Haven.  They called yesterday on another matter, other then puppies, and I had mentioned to Wanda, within the next couple of weeks, I could bring in a Puppy for everyone to see.  It just happened the entertainment for the day had cancelled, and could I bring one in that day?

I gave some thought to what colour would people like to see, and chose the Blue Merle Male, since the Merle is such a different colour some people don't see to often and might appreciate seeing.  I bundled him up and we were off for his very "first car ride & public appearance".  What a hit he made (good thing I snuck in the back door or I would have been stopped in the halls):

There had certainly been lots of oo's & ahs with lots of questions being asked.  When it was time for us to leave, the lady who was holding him, (a volunteer) didn't want to give him up so easily.....lol.  I thought this little Blue Merle's colouring coordinated quite nicely with the Ladies Spring outfits.

Socialize, socialize, socialize.....I can not tell people this enough when they ask about a dog's temperament!  They are no different then some people, if they don't get out into this world they won't be the most social person on the block, so get out there to socialize !!!

Needless to say, upon being returned to his litter mates, this little guy snuggled right in for a "big nap" before his supper time last night.

Since I had such a busy day with phone calls, prospective puppy buyers, Day Away Programs....I was so glad I had tried out the new recipe in my Slow Cooker for last night's supper.  I did make the "Chicken Cacciatore" dish from one of my new Crock Pot recipe books and it was delish.

Chicken Cacciatore

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 ½ to 3 pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces

1 can (28 ounces) crushed Italian-style tomatoes

2 cans (8 ounces each) Italian-style tomato sauce

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

½ teaspoon black pepper

Hot cooked spaghetti or rice

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-low heat.  Brown chicken on all sides.  Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer chicken to Crock Pot slow cooker.  Add remaining ingredients except spaghetti.  Cover; cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours.  Serve over spaghetti.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note:  For the chicken I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs; diced plum tomatoes instead of crushed. I also sprinkled Italian seasonings over top of everything while cooking, and stirred in later, as used plain tomatoes and sauce.

Rob rated this a 5 Star out of 5. He is my very bestest Guinea Pig, thanks Honey !

From beginning:

To the end:

As the pictures shows, I served it over spaghetti, however I think we would equally enjoy it served over a bed of rice.  I actually think there is enough leftover to try it with the rice.....ummmm another easy supper for me to prepare tonight.....I love leftovers !!!!

Upon getting up and out of bed this morning, while waiting for the coffee to brew, I stuck my nose out our patio doors to see what all the windy commotion was about out there....it was not only windy but very rainy and wet.  The Wiarton Airport forecast isn't looking too promising for the day ahead either:

Today:

Wet snow mixed with ice pellets ending this morning then cloudy with 60 percent chance of rain showers. Risk of freezing rain this morning. Snow and ice pellet amount 2 cm. Wind northeast 40 km/h gusting to 60 becoming light this morning. Wind becoming west 20 late this afternoon. High plus 5. UV index 4 or moderate.

Tonight:

Cloudy. 60 percent chance of rain showers early this evening. A few flurries beginning this evening. Local snowfall amount 2 cm. Wind west 20 km/h. Low zero

I am thinking "filling up the wood box" will be a definite on Rob's "Honey-Do List" today by the looks of this predication.

Now that I have planned part of my Honey's day, I  am going to have that second cup of Java to mull over what I am going to do with my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Turkey Tom Gobbling Right in Our Backyard....Where's the Shotgun?

First off I think I am going to try enjoying the weather today, as the next few days ahead do not look too promising.  I really thought yesterday had turned out quite lovely even though the wind was cool, there was no flurries or freezing rain !

Today:

Sunny with cloudy periods. Becoming cloudy with sunny periods near noon. Rain beginning late this afternoon. Wind becoming east 30 km/h late this afternoon. High 6. UV index 5 or moderate.

 Tonight:

Rain. Risk of freezing rain overnight. Wind east 30 km/h. Low plus 1

When we start getting hot, humid days this Summer, I must remember back to some of these nasty weather days to remind me how wonderful warm really is........

Yesterday morning around 8:00 AM when Rob was looking out the back window, low and behold there was a huge wild "Tom" Turkey, all by his lonesome pecking away.  He was huge!  He was so big, I don't think he would have fit into my roasting pan even after being dressed.......since I only have my "old" camera now, I have no 'zoom' so this picture will have to do:



....to bad we didn't have a shotgun handy, as Turkey Tom would have been just fine for Easter Dinner, as I haven't seen any "Ham" passing through our backyard lately.  Darn, another missed opportunity........

I felt like I was ran off my feet yesterday (not really since I was able to get out of bed this morning), between three loads of laundry, preparing dinner, a visitor, puppy feeding, puppy viewing, returning puppy inquiries, telephone calls, and all the regular everyday living stuff inbetween.  I have to be honest, after watching this video, I am so happy I am able to everything I am able to do......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lfaSmDxVZQ&feature=player_embedded

I do not know why, however with these videos dear family members having been emailing to me these past few days, I think there must be a very big message in the mist, if nothing but showing gratitude for my everyday life.  When I start feeling a wall in front of myself, I will surely try to remember these other people breaking through their walls with such "faith & gusto".  It really is, "making the best of what life offers us".

I must say, I was very very impressed with the "So Simple Supper" that I, or should I say the Slow Cooker cooked, for us.  Now, now, now.....I did do all the prep, serving and cleanup!

The combination of the three gravy mixes gave the whole dish a wonderful flavor.  I didn't have a shoulder chuck roast, but had used a boneless blade roast.  I put it in the crock from frozen using the "high" heat setting for the first 4 hours; added the baby carrots, celery, quartered onions & potatoes with the setting still on "high" for two more hours, then turned to "low" for a further 2 more hours or so of cooking time.   I would highly recommend this "So Simple Supper".

.....and for dessert !  Rob and I had attended a Church Bazaar at my Aunt's Church, I think sometime at the end of last November, where Rob purchased a "Homemade Pecan Pie" (he always purchases dessert).  At the time we had so much other stuff at home to be eaten, I popped it into a large freezer bag and into the freezer.  Well I took it out of the freezer the other day and let it thaw on the counter.  Viola !!!  Dessert in a jiffy, and it tasted like it had just been made with it's filling rich & smooth and the crust being nice & flaky:

The supper and dessert menu wasn't too difficult for me to decide on yesterday with it all being as easy as it was.

 Lots of puppy inquires came in yesterday.  We had people come see the 'girls' yesterday, have more coming today, and someone coming on this upcoming weekend.  Busy, busy, busy.....oh if I had the energy to type out some of the "very strange" replies we have had to our online Puppy Ad.  Okay, here is just one example:

"can I reserve the Male Blue Merle"

That was it !  No, where are you located, can I book a time to view the pups........nothing but what I have typed above.  I responded with, "should you want to reserve a pup, a deposit will be required".  Response back, 

"I would like to come see the puppy before making a deposit".

I again responded with, " We are located in Wiarton Ontario, which is 2 1/2 hours north of Kitchener-Waterloo, 20 minutes from Sauble Beach, 40 minutes from Owen Sound. Would you like to contact me by telephone to make further arrangements? Our phone number and email address were both located at the bottom of the ad. 519-534-1254 & rothrob@live.com".

I have not yet heard back yet again, however needless to say, I have been quite amused by some of the responses we are receiving to the "Puppies for sale Ad".  LOL.....

I am planning to try another new Crock Pot recipe today. made with chicken, out of my "new Crock Pot Chicken" recipe book.  I will post the recipe, and my thoughts on it, on tomorrow's "blog", along with some meal planning thoughts I I have for our upcoming Easter dinner.

As usual, there is always lots to do on the home front, so here I go off & running, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

A "Honey Do List" You Say? I Say "NOT" ......

Monday morning seems to roll around like the speed of lightning at times, especially if one hasn't completed all that was to be accomplished and crammed into a two day weekend.  That stuff needing done that is put on what some people call "The Honey Do List".

I have never really found a "Honey Do List" to be very useful in my household.  Usually there has been a, "Honey we need to get this done", then a "Honey,could we get this done this week", then a "Honey I have asked you umpteen times if you could do this".......on and on an on with quite some different frazes, too many to mention.  Then 2 years later........ "It only took you two years to get around to it, do you think you could finish it now?"  A "Honey Do List"?  Maybe a "Time Management" course would be more effective?  LOL

Seriously, there is always that one job I always want to put off to the last possible moment.  I have found, by past experiences, it has always been more beneficial to my well being to tackle that "nasty job" to get it over and done with.  The day gets much better once the nasty business is over with, or it seems to in my mind....after all these years, do I really think I can convince my "better half:" that this is true?  LOL.

Well, "The Magnificent Seven" are four weeks old today!  As of yesterday, the Red Merle girl has found herself a new home.  Her "new" parents had posted her and her sibling's photo on Facebook, a poll was conducted, and she was the "top pup" in the poll !  Wow, there must have been quite a bit of input with a Facebook poll being conducted, but then again that would depend on the amount of Friends one would have.

After the potential buyers came, made their choice, placed a deposit in my hand, decided a date of finalization, they left and the "Magnificent Seven" and I got onto more important things at hand, like the beginning of the "weaning" process.

"Weaning" puppies can be looked at in two ways, one that is can be very messy, or the other that it can be very funny.  I choose the "very funny", then I have no problem overlooking the "very messy".  These pups were the easiest litter of pups I have ever had take to a dish of "mush".  They were all naturals; just like little piggies all around a trough, with only one walking through.

"Sharing" will probably be the next lesson they will be learning in their journey of life..................

Lexus should be relieved in a couple of weeks time when these "Seven" will be eating dry food and drinking water all on their own.  Amazing how fast they develop after only four weeks time.

I think I will be trying a recipe out of one of my "brand new Crock Pot" books today.  I have chosen a recipe very similar to what I already do, with the envelope of au jus gravy and mushroom gravy mixes making the difference, as well as the amount of water.

So Simple Supper

1 beef chuck shoulder roast (3 to 4 pounds)
1 envelope (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix
1 envelope (1 ounce) onion soup mix
1 envelope (1 ounce) mushroom gravy mix
3 cups water
Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions and celery)

1.  Place roast in slow cooker.  combine soup and gravy mixes and water in large bowl.  Pour mixture over      roast.  Cover; cook on LOW 4 hours.

2.  Add vegetables.  Cover; cook 4 hours more or until meat and vegetables are tender.

It certainly does sound "simple" enough.  I will give it a "whirl" today, as we haven't had a roast beef for over a week or so.

There it is.....all in a "Monday morning's Nutshell", from Honey Do Lists, to Puppies, to Slow Cooker Roast Beef, and now for the "Grand Finale" the Wiarton Weather Report !!! 

Today:

Cloudy. 30 percent chance of flurries early this morning. Clearing near noon. High plus 3. UV index 6 or high.

 

Tonight:

Increasing cloudiness early this evening. Low minus 4

 

There is that "flurries" word again......hopefull that will be soon out of any future forecasts "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Tears One Morning; Tears Almost Two Mornings !!!

When I first go onto my computer on a typical morning before I "blog", I usually check my emails.  I was delighted yesterday morning to see my niece, Joanne, had sent me one, so it was the first to be opened and viewed.  The tears were flowing down my face:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU

I couldn't imagine one not shedding a tear once watching this video.  The "Power of Words", it doesn't get much simpler then one to be so quiet, but able to speak so loud.

Then here I am getting up this morning, to look out the window with the sound of wind howling outside the windows and "snow" fluttering around in the air!!!  Now wouldn't that almost bring tears to anyone's eyes after the long Winter we just had?  LOL .....nothing too serious, but I must say the Wiarton Airport Weather was right on the money this time around.....I am almost fretful to see what the rest of the week will bring:

Today:

Flurries. Local amount 5 cm. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60. Temperature steady near plus 1.

Tonight:

Flurries ending this evening then cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60 diminishing to 20 after midnight. Temperature steady near minus 2.

Ummm....5 cm that would be approximately 2 inches.  With the gusting wind there shouldn't even be a smidgen to shovel.  No big deal other then to keep the woodstove stoked up.

What a 'wonderful' Birthday Party my sister, Donna, had yesterday!  A houseful of people, lots of food, a beautiful cake, and most importantly "lots and lots of presents"!  LOL. 

Donna seemed to be having a "most wonderful" time.  She was enjoying her guests, the preparation and serving not being done by her, the fact there were no calories in the food being served (or so she had told me, lol), and the surprise of guests she never expected to be there (as she had also told me she had suspected a party in the making).

"I will keep my eyes closed, and they will never guess my true age"

This cake was made by Donna's daughter, Jodi's friend.  Amazing talent.

"....and the culprit that initiated the party."

What a fantastic way to spend one's 60th Birthday.  I am sure Donna had a very "Happy Birthday".  I will be talking to her later this week to find out how the party transpired after we regretfully had to leave, since we had a 2 1/2 hour trek back home.

Once we got to Donna & Wayne's home, I also got a Birthday Present from Donna, since she hadn't seen me prior to my Birthday.  My present was two fungi for a house planter and three "Brand New" Crock Pot recipe books (or almost new, as I am pretty sure she had told me a couple recipes had been copied before I got them, lol). 

Watch out Rob you will be on the "Guinea Pig" hit list big time with all these new recipes on hand !!!!

What a nice way to spend a day away.  We certainly all need one of those from time to time to break up the everyday humdrum of work, whether at home or away.  I certainly enjoyed having a "Day Away"....

I had best get on with my day, as people are coming to once again view "The Magnificent Seven" this morning.  Reality check here.....make bed (me), run a vacuum downstairs (Rob), bring wood in (Rob)....delegate, delegate, delegate....watch out Rob here I come!  LOL. 

Off and delegating "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard"........

Did That Say "Rain Turning To Flurries"? Crazinesssssssssss I Say !

It is feeling very damp and cool here first thing this morning, so I thought I would take a peak at the Weather forecast first thing, and I certainly don't care for what it reads:

Today:

Rain at times heavy. Amount 15 to 25 mm. Wind east 30 km/h gusting to 50. High 8.

Tonight:

Rain showers changing to flurries before morning. Wind southeast 30 km/h becoming southwest 30 gusting to 60 after midnight. Low plus 1

Okay, I get the rain part, "April showers bring May flowers", but I am really stumped on the "flurries before morning" part.  What kind of flowers are flurries going to bring in May?  Snowdrops?  LOL.



"Snowdrops" are such a very pretty little Spring flower, especially in a clump.  Actually I have seen them out in bloom then be dumped on with a blast of cold and snow only to survive it all.  Nature without a doubt is amazing.

I suppose this is nothing to get myself too upset over yet, since I have in years past since there has been snow in May and June months.  Also why get upset when I still have so much inside Spring cleaning to finish I shouldn't even attempt to be thinking about the outside Spring cleaning!

Spring does bring, more of an abundance, one of my favorite types of vegetables into the grocery stores, it being Asparagus.  I love asparagus!  Of course anyone would know that since I really enjoyed the new recipe I tried, "Bow-tie Asparagus" from Kraft's "What's Cooking" Spring recipe magazine. 

If you can get the tender skinny spears, they can almost be eaten raw they are so "tender", almost like some sweet corn.  This is a vegetable you don't want to be overcooked, or there will be a whole pot of limp green mush before you. 

Canadian Living has a very good article with some useful tips and facts on Asparagus (or what I think are useful tips to me):

http://www.canadianliving.com/food/menus_and_collections/asparagus_cooking_cleaning_and_storing_asparagus_plus_10_new_asparagus_recipes.php

There are even some recipe links within this link I think I will be checking out once Asparagus comes into to Season in my locality.  Since both Rob & I love Asparagus, I could eat a whole bunch myself without barely thinking about sharing with him.  Thank goodness Mom doesn't care for it at all, as that means more for "me" !

Wow today is my sister, Donna's, Surprise 60th Birthday Party!!!!  I am so excited about her being surprised, as I absolutely go nuts to play practical jokes on her, so to see her get a surprise Birthday Party is right up my alley !  When I spoke to her on the phone yesterday, I told her to call to remind me to call and wish her a Happy Birthday.  How could she suspect a thing when I have said that?  LOL

I have known about this party for some time, and let me tell you it has been very, very difficult for me not to blurt out something when I have been talking to her over these past few weeks!  I really really can keep a secret !!!!  LOL

I have gotten a double batch of chili ready to take along, as well as her gifts (one being quite funny; I am surprised I didn't take a picture before I wrapped it up, not to worry I will once she opens it).  My niece, and Donna's eldest daughter, Jodi Lynn, has taken care of the cake, and Donna's husband, Wayne, has taken care of the rest of the party details.  Now everybody just  has to show up from 2:00 pm on......

Yesterday for me was most uneventful, as I had a "migraine headache" and spent the afternoon in bed with the drapes drawn.  A 'normal' headache is bad enough without having a 'migraine' headache.  Should anyone tell me they have a headache, regular or migraine, I sure know what they are talking about and my sympathy goes out to them.  I am actually thinking since the weather is being so unpredictable that most certainly the change in barometric pressure has something to do with the onslaught of headaches.  One never knows......

My "Miss Yacky Lexus" is being quite verbal at the moment,  obviously letting me know she would like to be taken outside.  I suppose I should wrap things up here so I can be off and running into the start of my day, "Just North of Wiarton & South of The Checkerboard".

Made It To Friday Without a Hitch, Or Not Too Much of One !

La, la, la, la, la, la, la.....Friday has arrived.  I am going to try enjoying the sunshine today as the weekend ahead is looking pretty wet with rain in the forecast.

Today:

         Sunny. Wind becoming east 30 km/h late this morning. High 7. UV index 6 or high.

Tonight:

A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness near midnight then rain beginning before morning. Wind east 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low plus 2.

The temperature had to have really dropped last night as Rob is getting the upstairs woodstove going; brrrrr, it is cold in here this morning.  I have my moccasins on my feet and housecoat wrapped tightly around myself to keep the body heat locked in to keep warm.  Once the sun is in full force and the stove is fired up it doesn't take too long to "thaw" out.

I am "pained" to say, I never got another dint completed in the walk-in basement yesterday.  LOL.  I had a much more pleasant task I had to attend to then that. 

I invited the Auntie Gladys & Uncle Basil up to see the "Magnificent Seven" in the morning, and Rob invited them for a BBQ'd lunch.  I made a trip to our local grocery store to purchase burgers, buns and salad fixings.  I still had Zucchini Muffins, so I thought they would do for dessert along with a cup of tea.

Upon their arrival an inspection was done of the "Magnificent Seven".  Every puppy was awake and making quite the commotion expecting, I suppose, for their Mommy to be in there feeding them.  Auntie and Uncle thought them to be quite the "bunch" of cuties and couldn't believe how much they had grown since the last pictures I had emailed them.  Uncle Basil said they needed tails as they weren't going to be able to counterbalance themselves when they walked.....whatever !!!  LOL.

Auntie got to hold the Red Merle female, whilst Uncle took a picture.  Well this little pup was making some pretty loud yipping outbursts, so Auntie started shaking it up and down trying to quiet her.  I had the biggest laugh over that one, asking "if  all that shaking going on was all coming back naturally to quiet that baby up".  Too bad I didn't have a video camera to capture that moment, lol!

We all got washed up, then was having a little visit while I prepared the salad and Rob went out to fire up the BBQ.  Time went by with the salad being made, table set and no mention of burgers going on the BBQ.  A new burner replacement done a day ago, and Rob just wasn't getting this old BBQ going no how, it was just too old and worn out I suppose.

Thank goodness for the old fashion way of doing things on the broiler pan in the oven under the broiler.  Once I got it fired up we finally got lunch on the table in no time at all.  It was worth the wait, as those Angus burger were delish !  We had a few laughs over Rob inviting them for lunch & no BBQ working, but it all turned out good in the end with nobody walking away hungry.

After lunch with everyone gone, I did up the lunch dishes, took Bandit and Lexus outside for a good run, and came back it feeling too exhausted to attempt another round at the walk-in basement, so I am sure it kept for me to get at sometime today.  I did manage to dust and vacuum our bedroom though!

Supper was very easy last night, since we had such a 'big' lunch, everyone was on their own to make themselves a sandwich or whatever.  I choose to have my favorite "peanut butter" sandwich, along with a zucchini muffin later.  Mother got to have leftover spaghetti heated up for her supper.....yummy.  Rob?  Not too sure what he had, but I can't see it being much as he had two whopping big burgers for lunch!

Here is a little "Wit & Wisdom" I came across yesterday from the Old Farmer's Almanac:

A pinch of baking soda in the cooking water keeps spinach, and asparagus greener.

I didn't know that and thought it was quite an interesting fact.

Realage also sends me emails with different articles and tips within the body of the email.  One article I thought might hold some good tips was the "Lose Extra Weight with 3 Easy Tricks".  Even though I believe weight loss is only going to be achieved by a lifestyle healthy diet and exercise, I will not turn my nose up on any extra ways of trying to keep trim and healthy:

http://www.realage.com/tips/lose-extra-weight-with-3-easy-tricks?eid=1098945007&memberid=13934568

There is one tip within the body of this link stating, "work your way to a 100-pound (or more) weight loss with this plan".  Don't think I will be using this plan as it isn't applicable to me yet, however I think I will check out the one that states, "this targeted plan can take two inches off your waist in two weeks".  I really like the idea of losing two inches from my waist, especially in two weeks !!!   I don't think this would be a realistic goal for myself, however I would be happy to loose two inches in two to six months maybe?

This is the thing, we have to keep our goals within reach of our own limitations.  I know myself if I set an unrealistic goal for myself I would be setting myself up for disappointment when the time came around and I hadn't reached it.  Any goal I set for myself I have to think hard about my circumstances and the time frame, as I certainly don't want to discourage myself and totally give up. 

We all need encouragement in so many aspects of our lives.  Find a friend, family member, or someone who has a similar goal to give encouragement and support when needed.  We all need that occasional pat on the back or word of encouragement, as I know I sure do, as it helps to keep me on track and focused on those bumpy uneven days I experience.

Dont' worry about falling off the wagon, I just did myself last night & helped myself to about six Oreo cookies, packed full of useless calories, but I didn't care as I needed a fix and had them !  LOL.  However this is something I don't do on a daily basis, so today I am back on the Bandwagon, not to mention the bag of Oreos are now all gone........ha, ha, ha, ha!

Whoopee, Paul McDonald got voted off American Idol last night with the last two girls remaining in the competition.  Way to go girls !  And way to go James, as you are my Number 1 American Idol choice.  Rock on James !  There is so much good talent on the show this Season so  I am sure the Judges have had some difficult choices themselves to make.

Look at the time !!!  I have to be gone to get my allergy shot at my Doctor's in less then a hour's time.  I had better get myself dressed and ready myself pronto!  Off and running, once again, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".......