A Couple of Hard Acts To Follow, They Are !

Memorize something everyday

Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.
Wow where am I going with my yesterday, as the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Kevin White , of London, Ontario are both hard acts to follow, with there not being anything too spectacular having happened in my yesterday !I did spend the whole of the morning attending the second last session for the VON SMART program, down in Tara, landing back home here not until almost 1:00 p,m..Rob has still been under the weather with whatever viral thing he has had for over the past week or so.  I am still trying to be insistent he doesn't share it with me.  I have been holding my ground pretty good, but when one is so tired and turn their back for that one second, you know how these things can sneak up on you????  Neither of us were hungry, both of us were tired.  I actually think I had a half hour Cat Nap on the couch while Rob was relaxing in his lazy boy chair.  This was how our afternoon was spent until it was time for Rob to put on his "Crabby Cabbie" hat, and head out for work.  I thought to myself this is crazy, I have to pull the sluggishness from myself and get moving.  I contacted a friend, who was available to go for a walk with me.  I drove Little Mercedes and myself downtown where we met up with my friend to head out for a walk.  It was such a nice day yesterday too, what a waste it would have been not to have enjoyed it, if nothing else wasn't to be getting done anyway."This is a view overlooking Colpoy's Bay from Wiarton's Bluewater Park."

It was so calm, almost giving one the feeling of calmness for themselves while gazing across it's vastness.  Alas, I was not feeling too calm as this was the point when I had just realized the battery in my camera needed charging.  Pictureless once again, I am.  LOL.All was well, as the walk was still enjoyed, whether I stopped to take one picture or twenty pictures.  I find when having a friend to walk with, it seems the time just flys by much quicker then having just one of our "pack" out walking with me.  Don't get me wrong it is nice to have Bandit, Lexus or Mercedes as company on a walk, however it is also nice to have some Human company from time to time as well ....   At least when there is a friend walking along with you, other people aren't of the opinion how really "nuts" you appear when you are walking along talking to yourself, now do they?  LOLDogs are not our whole life, but make our lives whole ~ Roger CarasMercedes and I were almost gone two hours it was before we returned home.  Lexus and Mercedes had some playtime at this point, with Bandit coming out afterwards on his own, as he doesn't always care for all their commotion some days.  When I returned into the house, after getting the "pack" settled in, I made myself a Peanut Butter Sandwich for my supper.  Whenever at a loss, Peanut Butter is usually always in our cupboard, never letting me down when in need of something easy, but also still providing some much needed protein.  Besides Peanut Butter just tastes so darn good, does it not?After my nutritious supper, I made a few phone calls, surfed the web a little bit, gave a "wee" bit of thought to what I was going to "blog" before I called it a night, of course not until after all the "pack" had been in and out again with some hugs and kisses before their own bedtime.Not too long ago an acquaintance of mine made a post to her Facebook page, which caught not only my attention, but my interest as well.  I would like to share this .... Do you ever wonder what there is to wonder about?National GeographicOur world offers moments of inspiration and awe — and these opportunities are everywhere we look. "Visions of Earth," a new book from National Geographic, raises a curtain on the wonders of the world with amazing photography and facts about our planet in a gallery of stunning landscapes, fascinating people, amazing animals, and unexpected glimpses of the usual and unusual.

What a wonderful gift would a National Geographic "Visions of Earth"  book make for that someone "special" person(s) at Christmas time, or any time for that matter?There is a whole World out there to be explored !  Just imagine it can be explored by anyone of us, at any given time, just by moving the end of our fingertips across our keyboards ..... amazing is it not ?Far be it for me to dampen anyone spirits,but despite this unusually nice weather we have been having here in Bruce County, the reality is Winter is just around the corner.  I was just reminded of this fact again the other day when I received an email giving me some "Winter Tips".  I think this was another Hint it that it isn't too far off.  I do love sharing, so for those who need to be concerned about such things, and for those who live in other parts of the World not having to be concerned, but who maybe like to share with others who do, here they are.

Helpful Winter Tips 

Keep 

Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence & clarity. 

Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Frost on it's way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water---preventing water from freezing! 

Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel.  The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber. 

Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers 

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved! 

There they are, some old, some new, some maybe really good, some maybe really bad ... take what you will and leave the rest !  I really do wonder though how often one would have to shave their windshields, and would Rob seriously consider following through with his threat of having me "committed"?  It does make me wonder .... lol.I do not have snow or ice on my mind at the moment, as I really am hoping there will be none yet for a couple of weeks with only lots and lots of wonderful natural Vitamin D in it's natural Sunshiny state !  Let me take myself there to see if this is going to be happening for me today .....

..... and YES !!!  There it is !!!  Just think I am not going to be slowed down today, as I am going to have a "Pocketful of Sunshine" with me at all times !I must also be marking my Calendar, before I forget, as I really would like to go to the Hepworth Legion's Christmas Bazaar this upcoming Saturday.  The Bazaar will run from 10 am until 3 pm, with lunch served by the Auxiliary Ladies from 11 am until 2 pm..  Need directions how to get there?  Just "click" on the hightlighted words at anytime, as there you will find more information is always available and never no more then a "click" away.Here I am thinking about snow and Christmas again, with it being the American Thanksgiving today.  

"To All Our Friends South of the Border"I really do have more people to see and things to do today, so I best be setting myself into motion to get going on that, so here I go off and running towards another new adventure, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

More Learning & A Bruce County Mini Adventure !

I was and still am completely overwhelmed by the response I received from people with regards to my post,  "The Silent Pain Behind the Smiles".  I am joyed to hear other Voices.  There is always hope gained in this respect of hearing other Voices come together in a positive way to gain recognition for a need towards others.

This is what I had hoped for.  To have people aware of those others who are unable to use their own Voice.

Thank you to all who were already aware of Fibromyalgia, for those who have just learned about it, and to all those who are using their own Voices to spread the word for the need of compassion and understanding for others who are "Silent Behind Their Own Smiles".

I had used the Mayo Clinic's Fibromyalgia studies as they are World renowned.  I was so excited when my Cousin Vi emailed me with information about a London Ontario Doctor who had seen her years ago when Fibromyalgia was barely heard of by the Medical Professionals.  I can imagine after personally hearing how Vi went through many years suffering herself in silent pain behind her own smiles, being told her pain was "all in her head".  How demeaning, as I have had the same reaction by Medical Professionals !

Thank God the Caveman years are coming to an end in this respect !!!

Dr. Kevin White is an internationally recognized expert on Fibromyalgia.  I am now pleased to introduce him should others have had not yet met him through his interviews, published papers or otherwise, as I hadn't myself until yesterday.



Now Dr. Kevin White has been introduced I will share certain website link directing us to his website where you will also learn he is also a published Author, with his newest book "Breaking Thru The Fibro Fog" having just been released in 2010.

http://www.thefibrofog.com/

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=10458

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/fibro_friends/116328

The first link takes one directly to Dr. White's website, the other two links are Medical articles written by Dr. White.  You will notice Dr. White referring to Bob Dylan's song, "Blowing In The Wind".  This is an excerpt from one of Dr. White's articles explaining this:

How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see? --Bob Dylan, "Blowin' in the Wind" 


These immortalized words have rung true repeatedly throughout the sordid history of humankind. Yet it should seem startling that Dylan's words might apply to physicians, who recite the Hippocratic Oath, and promise to ease pain and suffering and "do no harm." Nonetheless, these words too often do apply to physicians, perhaps no more frequently than when many such physicians are asked to deal with fibromyalgia 

This is further evidence to how Fibromyalgia sufferers have been discarded over the years.

Hear hear for the "Voice" as hopefully we can now come together to gain the respect that our pain is not "just" in our heads, as is actually our reality that we having been living in ":silent pain behind our smiles" day after day ....... at times without an ounce of recognition, empathy, compassion or understanding.

Some day I will go back down memory lane to reiterate my own experiences and dealings with some Medical Professionals with respect to my own Fibromyaglia Journey, also giving thanks to those who also supported me and equipped me with the knowledge my daily Chronic pain was NOT "just in my head".

I will be making a purchase of Dr. White's book  for my own self, as well as letting my own Doctor know about Dr. White's website and his book on Fibro just incase he wasn't any more aware of this as I was in this respect.

Use your "Voice" to spread the word.  The more knowledge we own, the better equipped we are to cry out and use our "Voices".  Please do so, as there are people who will listen, as I have found them, and I truly have to believe in my own Heart there are more like them and myself.

All of the above was a bit of my beginning, middle and end of my day, but know I want to go into the really fun part of my day.  The little Mini Bruce County Adventure I also had yesterday.

"We had to take ourselves further "South of the Checkerboard" to places where the sun rising from the Eastern skies hadn't even melted the heavy dew yet from the ground."

By the time we had reached our destination at the Mildmay Veterinarian Clinic, just on the outskirts of Milday, the sun had been out in full force giving pretence to an otherwise very cold day.  Little Miss Mercedes is now over the nasty little bladder infection she had, and was ready to have her last needles.

"There was more socialization to be had this day, with Mercedes being very vocal about it and others not paying any mind to her."




With shots complete and a weight taken, by the way the little "porker" had gained 3 pounds in the past two weeks now weighing just over the 28 lb. mark, we took our leave but not first with paying our Bill.  These kids of ours seem to cost more every year ..... lol.

"After we had been on the road for just over a half hour or so, we had to come to a decision, as this wonderful newer signage gave us so many choices.  We could end up anywhere in Bruce County with all the choices we had been given on one very boldly printed easy to read sign !!!!"

"We made the decision to carry on straight through, passing on by Burgoyne.  Don't "wink" or you will miss it we used to say in days gone by ..... lol."

"Here we after just coming through the lights at Southampton's main intersection.  Not to worry, as this big guy in the picture did have a lead attached to his human.  I didn't know Southampton allowed people to walk their ponies on their Main Streets like this?"

"It sure was nice to return home back home "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard" to a bowl of Homemade Vegetable Soup."

This was how my day was with more learning and a little adventure, what possibly more could a Bruce County gal want out of life ???  Oh yes, there was more ..... a kiss and a hug from one certain "Crabby Cabbie" as he headed out the door for work this very same day.

You know I never did find out where that Wednesday went to in yesterday's forecast, but best be seeing if it is there today, as with Christmas coming I surely can't afford to loose a day out of my year !

It says TODAY  !!!  Yippee !!!  I have found the Wednesday after all.  Jeez I was starting to worry they weren't going to give it back and it wouldn't be there today.  Guess someone else decided they needed to keep the day too with Christmas just around the corner .....and just think they were also kind enough to put some YELLOW in the day for me !

I know there is always lots to be done, and forsure there are people to be seen today, so I am off and running, once again, towards a new adventure in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

By Definition ~ The Silent Pain Behind the Smiles

I am certain this banner caught the attention of many, as it did mine when I noticed Explore the Bruce posted it on their Facebook page.  Want to have a more precise countdown?  Just click on this link & the pressure will be applied ....  http://www.xmasclock.com/  .... lol.

I think I am ready for it, but still not quite sure as I still need to take out all the packages I have been squirrelling away all year in our closet to see what I have bought and for who?  Another project, but one with a deadline if I am going to be keeping a close watch on the "clock".

I am going to address something which has been heavy on my mind for some time now, waiting for a "right" feeling within myself for it to come out.  Today is that day.

I please ask anyone and everyone if they would please take the time to read what I have layed out this day, as it is not only important to me, it is important to many others out there in our World.

Just the past couple of months I have been more and more aware of some people I have personally come in to contact with having the same physical malady I have been experiencing myself for years.  This condition has and is being spoken about more all the time, however there is still so many obstacles of understanding out there yet to be conquered.

The largest obstacle I am finding to be is the lack of compassion from others who have not grasped the full understanding of this malady, with some probably never being able to until they themselves experience it (this is just how it is with some of us).

Since I have had some really "bad" months, weeks and days with my own disabilities, I thought I would address it in hopes of giving a better understanding and compassion to others who might have a close family member, friend or co-worker who is experiencing the same malady as I.  Is there a word to describe this malady?  Yes there is.  Let me spell it out F I B R O M Y A L G I A.   I was diagnosed over 3 years ago with Fibromyalgia.

I know to some this will not be a fun and one of my cutesier blog posts today, but to me it is important for people to understand the "silent pain behind the smiles", as there are many many days it hides behind my own smiles.

Just because a person does not show a physical disability, does not mean there is NOT one present.  This is where empathy and compassion should come in on the part of others, if they are aware of a person suffering with this type of malady.

I will now refer to the studies and online posts put together by the Mayo Clinic Staff, which I believe to have wonderful merit.  My own words again, after the Mayo Clinc's Coping and Support Section.

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures also may help.

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Tender points

The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by additional pain when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of your body, called tender points. Tender point locations include:

• Back of the head
• Between shoulder blades
• Top of shoulders
• Front sides of neck
• Upper chest
• Outer elbows
• Upper hips
• Sides of hips
• Inner knees

Fatigue and sleep disturbancesPeople with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Sleep is frequently disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea, that further worsen symptoms.

Coexisting conditionsMany people who have fibromyalgia also may have:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Endometriosis
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Doctors don't know what causes fibromyalgia, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:

• Genetics. Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that may make you more susceptible to developing the disorder.
• Infections. Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
• Physical or emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been linked to fibromyalgia.

Why does it hurt?Current thinking centers around a theory called central sensitization. This theory states that people with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold for pain because of increased sensitivity in the brain to pain signals.

Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals

Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staff

Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

• Your sex. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men. Female reproductive hormones may play a part in how women experience pain.
• Family history. You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative also has the condition.
• Rheumatic disease. If you have a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Fibromyalgia generally doesn't lead to other conditions or diseases. But the pain and lack of sleep associated with fibromyalgia can interfere with your ability to function at home or on the job. The frustration of dealing with an often-misunderstood condition also can result in depression and health-related anxiety.

These are some other important links pertitent to FIBROMYALGIA.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-appointment

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=alternative-medicine

Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Besides dealing with the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, you may also have to deal with the frustration of having a condition that's often misunderstood. In addition to educating yourself about fibromyalgia, you may find it helpful to provide your family, friends and co-workers with information.

It's also helpful to know that you're not alone. Organizations such as the National Fibromyalgia Association and the American Chronic Pain Association can help put you in touch with others who have had similar experiences and can understand what you're going through.

This should give the average person a good grasp on understanding a "general" overview of Fibromyalgia, however on a personal level, that is what it is "personal".  


Personally for me there are days where the fatigue, pain and feelings of being inadequate get the best of me.  There the many days of having the feeling of "being in a fog".  This expression I can also testify as to being true.


I also find it to be exhausting by trying to hide how I feel, as I don't want to come across as "complaining & whining" all the time, as this is how the average person would LABEL it as being.


The drugs, now that is a whole different subject all of its own.  Do you know the side effects of all the drugs you take?  I have had an Occupational Therapist be so kind as to do some research, on my behalf, on some of the drugs I had been and am now taking.  The side effects aren't all that too pretty, let me tell you.  Drugs can also lead to further complications from mood to physical side effects.


No two people are alike, or are their pain levels.  We should NOT be LABELLING persons, as many times we tend to.  When there is black and white Medical evidence a person has a certain malady, whether it can be seen by the human eye or not, we should not be judging.  If someone told you they had Cancer, would you question that, as Cancer can not always be seen?  So I please ask people DO NOT judge someone who says they have Fibromyalgia.  Trust you, me, it is real, as I have been living it daily for over the past 4 years (if not more, as it now explains much from my younger years).


What I find frustrating for myself is not being able to keep up to "speed" in my life as I used to, as there are days the pain does hold me back.  My biggest challenge over the past couple of years is learning to pace myself.  I have a very difficult time some days "pacing" myself.  If I do NOT pace myself  I have found myself sometimes paying dearly for the next couple of days, with some days unable to do much of anything.  

Now in my case, it is not only the Fibromyalgia, it is also degenerative disc disease in my neck with Section C2 to C7 diagnosed as being  severe to moderate. I am NOT a candidate for surgery, as the Orthopedic Surgeon, who was the Head of the Orthopedic Department in Barrie, Ontario, at the time I was there, stated to me I could come away worse from surgery  then I am now.  I really don't want anyone messing around with my neck anyhow.


When my husband, Rob, says I am a "pain in the neck", he really is stating a known fact !

The days I "blog" mostly seem all wonderful and cheery?  For those who love me and know me, they are the ones who can "read" between the lines.  They are the ones who know my pain and frustration.  They are the ones who know how many times I sit to rest between my daily chores.  They are the ones who know I overdo myself and pay later.  They are the people who are delighted as much as I, when I have a "good" day.

These are the people in my Life who do love me, who do understand and who are there for me on a daily basis.  I must also mention my Doctor, Dr. Loney, has been one of my biggest supporters as well,  never without understanding and compassion towards my pain levels and feelings.

My biggest support person is my husband, Rob, as he deals with his own pain on a daily basis, he also deals with mine with total understanding of love for me for being me, and this I thank God for every day we are together.  There are lots of ups and downs between us some days, but we always manage to work them out together and keep the love we share kindled.  We truly do.

I am really not looking for sympathy, just for people to have more consideration of the feelings of those people with Fibromyalga, and a greater understanding of what Fibromyalgia is for some people.  Some persons have a bout with it never returning, some have it return sporadically, for some people it might never return, and then there are some people, as myself, who live with it daily. 


There is a "Silent Pain behind the Smiles",. for those who suffer with Fibromyalgia, so please show love and compassion, when able, as these are two very big emotions we could all gift to others more then we do some times.  


Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about my thoughts and opinion on a malady that is very real to myself and others.  I hope I have done not only myself a service by putting myself out there, but to those others who also suffer in "Silent Pain behind their Own Smiles".


*Sigh*  Wow I am finding this to be more emotional then I thought it would be, but I will shake that off now, as I am curious as to whether or not there is going to be some Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows in my day ahead.


Let me go check that out with my favorite Wiarton Weatherman guy right now.

There it is !  YELLOW, one of my most favorite weather colours.  Wait a minute here, there is something wrong with this picture????  Where did Wednesday go?  OMG !  It is gone !!!  I need that extra day before Christmas, who ever would I contact about putting it back??????

Putting the Wednesday back into the week might be a whole new adventure opening up for me in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Goodbye Bruce County, Hello Family Christmas Party !

Rob and I had a fantastic "adventure" together yesterday.  It was spent by travelling South out of Bruce County to have a Christmas get-together with the Roth side of the family.  We had not seen some family members, who were there, since over two years ago.

"We first had to head South by going down Wiarton's North hill to begin our journey to our appointed destination."

"Rob wasn't going anywhere until he got our dirty van washed first.  As I was waiting for him to do so, I amused myself by watching this cat's goings on.  Trust me there is a "cat" in this picture."

We finally made it to our destination at Rob's niece & her husband's home in Drayton.  What a wonderful gesture on their part to have such a large group of family members there all at once.  I am hoping I thanked both Heather and Tim a couple of times for their kindness of opening their home to all of us.

For some reason, more then likely to the delight of most of Family members, my camera was not taking such good pictures yesterday.  I am sure it was the "operator", as she was feeling a little weary this day.

"Though I did mange to get a "good" picture of our boy, Paul, our girl, Sarah, and the guy they should be looking up to as their Father, out having themselves a little smoking session.  I suppose this was one way for the three of them to have some "quality" time together.  LOL  I am sure glad I kicked that "habit" as it was a bit chilly out there. "

"The "pot luck" main course was totally awesome, but never seems to be quite as popular as all the goodies served afterwards, now is it?"

"Our kids left early, as the younger grandsons had been tired out.  This was pretty much all the rest of us after we had enjoyed such a wonderful meal together.  Lots of contentment going on here, or shall I say, lots of "contented full tummies"? "

How handy was that clock hanging there in Heather & Tim's Great Room, as now I know what time it was before Rob and I headed out for home ourselves.  Must have been just before 3:00 p.m..

Bandit and Lexus both came from a Kennel, which is located on our way back home, so we thought we would drop in for a wee visit to see the new pups I knew were now there.

"This is "Mia".  Mia is our very own Lexus' Mother."

"Here are all the new babies !  They are so sweet.  The one little guy in the center is quite the Roley Poley out of the whole bunch."

"Seeing these Puppies most certainly brought back memories of the Bandit & Lexus' "Magnificent Seven" bunch last Spring."

"Four of the litter have already been sold.  One will actually be flown all the way out to Newfoundland; what a little traveller she or he will be?  These pups shown here are two of the three still available for sale.  Was this a "Please lady, take us home, we promise we will be good & love you." look or what?"

Should anyone be interested in having an Australian Shepherd as a lifelong companion, please feel free to contact John & Gina Fuller at their website:   http://www.fullhousestables.ca/ , to make arrangements for the purchase of one of these "outstanding" pups.  As everyone should know, I can testify to the fact all the love, loyalties and enjoyment there is to be gained from the ownership of such a wonderful Breed of Dog as the Australian Shepherd.


My own Bandit & Lexus will not be having their next litter until Spring 2012, so please keep this in mind should you be looking to purchase an "Aussie" at that time.  In the meantime, if you were thinking of an "Aussie" now, please contact John and Gina, at their website link above, as they will never lead one astray regarding any one of their dogs, standing behind each and every puppy they have raised.

That was pretty much our "Out of Bruce County" adventure for the day.  By the time we got home just after 5 p.m., both Rob and I were wearier.  Would that be something to do with us getting older, or maybe just because we ate too much good food?  That's it, it was the good food.

Speaking of food, my favorite subject, I found a method to the Sweet & Salty Christmas treats, our niece, Lauren, had brought along to the party with her.  Here it is:

Recipe Source:  familyfun.go.com

Salty pretzels combine with sweet chocolate for these fun treats that make a yummy gift few can resist. (In fact, you may want to make some extras for yourself!)

Ingredients

• Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels
• Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug

• M&M's candy

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.
2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.
3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons

These were so good I am sure I had at least five of them, keeping in mind they were small pretzels ..... lol.  Easy Peasy to make as One-Two-Three, and something that would add some nice variation to a Christmas Tray of Goodies.

My other favorite there was a Shortbread Square,  made by Heather, our Hostess.  I love Shortbread, and these are going to be one of the first I make and add to my Christmas Baking List this year, as Heather had messaged the recipe when I had gotten back home, at my request of course .... lol.  Here it is:  

Recipe Courtesy of Rob's Niece, Heather Martin

Made in a 10x15" pan

Bottom Layer

1 Cup plus 4 table spoons of butter 

1/2 cup of Sugar

2 1/2 cup flour

crumble all ingredients well. Pack into ungreased pan and Bake at 350 for 20 min.

Second Layer

1 cup butter

1 Cup brown Sugar

4 table spoons of Corn Syrup 

1 Can Sweeten condensed milk

Boil alll ingredients together. for 5 min stiring constantly. Pour over bottom layer. Cool.

Third Layer

24 Oz. semi sweet chocolate chips. Melt over low Heat and poor over second layer.

Chill. Cut into 36 squares.

These recipes and more can be found on Facebook, at "Cindy's Recipe Exchange".  Anytime you are enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, feel free to look us up and drop on in to see what else we have been up to there.  Should you try either, please let me know, as I love to hear other people's take on a recipe.

Some very good information I received yesterday from my one sister-in-law via email, is regarding "unwanted Telepmarkerter Phone Calls".  This was the email I recieved:

I have already registered my phone numbers, including my land base number.  Thanks for the tip, Nancy, as this is something everyone should have the option of knowing about.

We encountered just a wee little bit of drizzle on our drive home yesterday.  I heard a rumour the weather is suppose to be beautiful this week, so I will be taking that up with the Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy.

I am seeing a bit of YELLOW peeking out from behind those clouds.  If there even is some peeking out at me sun, I am taking it !

Should there be any spelling or grammar errors, as I know there can quite often be at any given time, they will have to be excused, as they aren't bothering me one bit this morning.  This does happen when one is feeling a little on the weary side, with being my "norm" on most days.

I do need to get the cobwebs cleared from my head at some point here, as I think there is going to be a "Get some Housework Done", along with a "Bookkeeping" adventure in my day ahead, Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".