Wednesday 30 November 2011

I Am Positive I Do NOT Like Worry !!!

Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.
This Life Secret and Tip for the day is excellent advice for all the worriers out there, I being one of them.  Should I count the minutes, hours, days I have spent worrying about things, I might add with some things being ones I could not change, added up into dollar and cents, I would be beyond a Billionaire I am sure !!!I often wonder if worrying is a trait we learn growing up, as my Father was a worrier.  Or is it somehow genetics? I am of the opinion it is a trait we have learned in our younger years, that stays with us until we find our own way of trying to eliminate it from our lives.How true is this statement:Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens. It will strip today of its joyThis could very well be something to memorize and learn to keep close within one's thoughts should a worry arise somewhere in a day.  I find it is easier to say then do at times, as I find it difficult at times to break away from my old friend "worry" at times.  Although I must admit I have been getting better and better then I was .....  Ha,ha,ha, my Mother used to say, "Don't worry until worry worries you."  This could also be true, so be careful about that worry ....What I now do to ease my worrying ways at times, is to try and look hard at what I have been worrying about, then try to put it into a proper perspective.  Can I change it? did I cause it? is it life threatening,? is it something that will pass? is it something I am blowing out of proportion?  These are some examples .... many times there has been nothing to "worry" about, so by taking a good look at the worry in the moment, hopefully most times it can be eliminated as there was "no cause for worry in the first place"Another thing that can be derived from worrying is you were probably the only one worrying about that "one" thing nobody else was worrying over ... all that energy spent on what?Another good thing to learn is to recognize "old" negative thought processes we have used all our lives.  When they "pop" into your head, dismiss them as fast as they arrived there.  Usually many of these "old" thought processes are negative, doing more harm to us then we have maybe realized.  Recognize them for what they are and get rid them !!!  Change is not always as easy for some of us, as for others, so I try never to add more pressure on myself by trying to compare myself to others.  Should others be positive in their lives, I do however try to take an example of that.  I believe by trying to live life with positive actions and attitude, and be with other persons who are likewise positive, it will help to establish a road to take me away from most worries I  have allowed myself to entertain from time to time.With anything I am attempting, should I fall off the wagon along the way in my travels of where I am wanting to go, I always know I can pick myself up, dust off the negative and get right back on with the positive to keep heading towards where I was heading to in the first place.  That place within that I call, "Peace, Contentment & Love" for myself.Life is too short not to know its joy, so I do try to live my every day to its fullest.The Key Word, as with anything is "TRY", as there is no one in God's Earth who can fault anyone if they are "trying".This picture to the right is what I had posted yesterday to my Facebook page.  I am aware most of us know what a controversy there is now over the Christmas Tree.  As far back as I can recall, and from what History has taught me, it has always been referred to as a "Christmas Tree", so why now call it a "Holiday Tree".  I must share what my dear friend, Marilyn's comment was that she had made underneath this same picture I had posted.  Marilyn's comment being this:  "There was discussion yesterday referring to the Christmas tree as a holiday tree.  Christian traditions in general are being diluted as not to offend other faiths.  I am all for respecting differences in cultures but not to the extent that my beliefs be blurred.  Merry Christmas."I have never heard it put quite so well.  Touche' Marilyn, as I am totally of the same opinion as you in this matter.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts and voicing your opinion.Christmas in Canada as growing up as a child, most certainly is not what it has become now across the Provinces.  I will hold on to the way I have always celebrated the "Birth of our Saviour" on Christmas Day, and continue to do so.  "Merry Christmas" !!!I really don't understand politics, or really have any desire to, so I think I will just stick to what I believe and stay away from the Government Political end of things on this matter.
I had leftover Peameal Bacon from the day before, so for our Dinner I put together one of my "favorite" dishes to use ham leftovers in.  This being a "French Leek & Ham Shepherd's Pie".   It was simply "delish" as usual.The leftovers from this are also really good the next day.  This is a pretty easy dish to make and put together.  I think the most work about it, if it is considered to be "work", would be peeling the potatoes and the chopping of the leeks and onions.  Easy peasy as one-two-three .... and "oh so good".It just happened later in the day, I found evidence that someone else had also been enjoying a bit of potato themselves.



 "The evidence had been found, however the one responsible was displaying a "face of innocence"

LOL, as I have said many times before, the smiles our "Checkerboard Aussies" have put on my face, make up for some of the "messes" I have had to deal with along the way ..... 



"Yesterday we had lots of cold North wind after the light had gone from the skies, but only a skiff of wet snow throughout the day.  However this morning before there was any natural light, was a completely different story, so the picture below tells."

Lots of reports of snow this morning, coming in from all parts of Bruce County.  I had one over from Oliphant way, a couple out of Southampton, and one as far away as Point Clark,.  Lots of other people up at 4:00 a.m. too I noticed, other then myself.  See with Facebook, when we are alone, we really are never alone .... lol.With all this talk about "snow", I best be checking in again with my Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy, to see if he has a different "spin" on the situation.

Well we had gotten off the "hook" long enough.  It was inevitable it was going to arrive sooner then later, with  "never" being one of the choices given here in Bruce County.  I will make the best of it, by having myself a little "sing along" with who else other then the one and only, Mr. Dean Martin !


I have a very busy day ahead of myself with lots of people to be seen and a new adventure to be had, so I am off and running into my new day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Tuesday 29 November 2011

It Was Just That Kind of Girl Day for ......


The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.
Wow this Life Secret & Tip for today, is almost like Yesterday can not be changed, so go ahead into the day with the gift of the Present with no worry to what will happen tomorrow in the Future.  Which brings me to a "list" a very wonderful acquaintance of mine posted just the other day:"What a wonderful list to try and live by on a daily basis !  I think I pretty much have this list covered by myself with the exception of "write a note and mail it".  The "play a game" I wondered about, but with Bandit, Lexus & Mercedes, there is always some of that going on."This list is a personal list of Cindy Ratzlaff, co-author of the book, "Queen of Your Own Life" Grown-up Woman's Guide to Claiming Happiness and Getting the Life You Deserve".This is an excerpt from Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff's "Queen of Your Own Life" website:

Welcome to the Rest of Your Life!

Queen of Your Own Life is an attitude, a way of life and a call to action for grown up women everywhere.
We invite you to join us in celebrating life. You have absolutely nothing to lose and only great friendship, thrilling adventure, true love and deep satisfaction to gain when you declare yourself Queen of Your Own Life.
Anyone wanting to take the Queen Cindy and Queen Kathy up on their invitation may do so by dropping in on the Queen of Your Own Life website at: http://www.queenofyoyurownlife.com/or also follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter.  I love following Cindy & Kathy on my Twitter Account, as they inspire me and put all kinds of wonderful thoughts for the day in my head.Rob and I had to make "another" trip into Owen Sound yesterday, as a part for his "Crabby Cabbie" vehicle we had picked up the day before, was not the right one.  *Sigh* (something I find myself doing a lot most days, lol).  After I had finished doing the November "books" for the "Crabby Cabbie", and making a business call on behalf of the "Crabby Cabbie", the "Crabby Cabbie", himself, loaded all us gals, Lexus, Mercedes and I into the "family" vehicle, and we headed on over to the big City of Owen Sound.We first had to stop at the mechanics to pickup the vehicle part from our mechanic, which hadn't worked out in the first place.  This is where I just happened upon this guy ...."I was relieved he was perched where he was and not flying around doing business on my head.  He is pretty "proud" looking though, or so I thought as long as he kept his business to himself."

We did eventually arrive in Owen Sound, where we also did a bit more shopping then we probably should have.  Mercedes did get a brand new "pink" collar, I got a new tempered glass cutting board to replace the one I shattered a bit ago, and we also picked up a couple of Christmas gifts for the "pack"."I had my hand on the book "The Help", but could not justify the discounted price of $12.95 Walmart was offering it for.  Although what a nice "Christmas" gift this book would also make for that "special" someone who loves to read."Upon speaking to my cousin, Suzanne, later this same day, I discovered she had a copy of this book and I can borrow it when her daughter is through reading it.  I am so happy and look at the money I saved !  Thanks Suz .....  I also learned from Suzanne this was also the Author, Kathryn Stockett's first published book.Good job as it has already made it to the "Big Screen" at the movies, and will be out on DVD in January 2012.I can't wait until I am able to read the book and watch the movie on DVD !By the time we arrived back home it was dark.  We got what we had purchased put away, along with the "pack" all having a run, before I got a simple supper of Homefries, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs and Toast together for Rob and I.  We don't eat a breakfast like this ever on the weekend mornings, so we enjoy having it occasionally as one of our main meals.  I shouldn't say, "simple", as I really didn't find having to wash two frying pans to be that simple.  What is so simple about washing pots and pans?  Bring back the Summertime BBQ weather !!!Along with so much controversy going on about keeping Christ in Christmas, there is also much going lately about keeping Muslim prayers out of Canadian public schools.  If we can NOT have Christian prayers in our schools, why would we allow Muslim prayers?  You may voice your own opinion on this matter by exercising your VOTE at the Toronto CITY TV website link as follows:http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/144877--groups-protest-muslim-prayers-at-toronto-public-schoolI am NOT prejudice, and/or it is not my intent to offend anyone, however I believe Christian prayer should have remained in OUR Canadian schools.  I am beginning to wonder what the next thing will be that we, as Canadians, will have to fight for? maybe to NOT have our Canadian Flag changed????  I should hope NOT !  Should Canadians NOT be practicing Canadian ways, should one profess to be a Canadian .... for which Canadian traits have been in place for many many years.This was pretty much the adventure I had in my yesterday, other then having a bit of fun interacting with some Exchange Members in my Facebook group, "Cindy's Recipe Exchange", after supper. What a lovely bunch that have joined together there, with sharing, helping and a little kibitzing going on here and there at any given time.  It is a pleasure having such a "fun loving bunch".  There has been lots of comments going on about a certain Apricot Cheesecake photo/recipe posted on "Cindy's Recipe Exchange" the other day.  This is the recipe to be recognized this month of November as being the "Recipe of the Month".  Many thanks to Exchange member, Marjorie, who posted the recipe, along with the photo of her cake.
Recipe Courtesy of Exchange Member ~ Marjorie Evans-Vincent
Hope everyone enjoys it.
Boil together for 20 mins:
1 1/2 cups apricot1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
Cream together:
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter,
1 250g block cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
Beat in 4 eggs one at a time
Stir in 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
Bake in tube pan for 1-1/2 hours or until knife comes out clean @ 325 degrees.
Enjoy !!!
Once again, many thanks to Marjorie for submitting her recipe and photo to "Cindy's Recipe Exchange", and I am sure it will be enjoyed by many.  Should I had a way to get myself across Canada to Marjorie's home the day she had made this, I would have been there enjoying a coffee and slice of this cheesecake myself !
Should anyone be trying out Marjorie's Apricot Cheesecake Recipe, please let us know your thoughts by emailing me at justnorthofwiarton@live.ca  as any and all comments would be appreciated.  Thank you.
Anyone wanting to drop around and join us on Facebook in "Cindy's Recipe Exchange", please feel free to do so, as the old saying goes "The More the Merrier", and I am one who is of the opinion this still holds true in the case of "Cindy's Recipe Exchange" !
When I was outside in the "wee" hours of the morning with Miss Little Mercedes it was raining.  By the sounds of it outside my window at the moment it is still raining.  I just best be checking in with my Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy to see what he has to say about all of this rain that is going on ...
Rain, more rain, and then more rain .... oh no, do I see "snow" in there somewhere tonight?  Damn, damn and triple damn .... I just hope the roads are safe and free of ice today and tonight for those of us who have to travel.
I am pretty sure it was BJ Thomas I was listening to a few days ago when there had been some rain going on, so maybe a little swooning by Burt Bacharach this time will ease the pain by setting a more pleasant mood .....
I have been swooned enough, as I need to get going with thoughts focussed on myself having another new adventure, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Monday 28 November 2011

A Good Start: Thought About It, Wrote It Down, Went & Bought It


It’s ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. I’d say those are 3 very good reasons to get in shape.
Too funny this is the "tip" today from Life Secrets & Tips, as I just literally finished reading an article by the SparkPeople on Exercising with Arthritis:  Getting Started.  The whole way through the article just confirmed pretty much everything I have been learning at the VON SMART course I have been taking for how many weeks now?  This article addressed three of the five components I have been learning about in the past several weeks.  I hope the read can be as informative to others as much as it has further validated what I am doing with the VON SMART is one of the "BEST" things we could all be doing for ourselves: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=817&ref=eBestOf11-28The VON SMART Program is available to Men and Women, 55 years plus.  VON can be contacted by locating an office across Canada through their website:  http://www.von.ca/en/locations/default.aspxNot 55 years of age, then why not contact VON engaging yourself as a Volunteer in their SMART Program, or  one of their many other programs.What a rain day yesterday, was it not?  The heavens opened up and the rains came tumbling down, or should I saying "teeming" down.My "Crabby Cabbie"  didn't arrive home yesterday morning until the "wee" hours of the morning again.  It can actually be amusing some mornings when he comes in, as I am usually wide awake chattering away to him when he walks into our bedroom.  It was "extra" special yesterday morning, as he had brought something along home for me ....."How much better does it get then a "Timmies" double cream at 4:00 a.m.; delivered at that!"

I must be doing something right some of the time to be so deserving ...... or was it a ploy to keep me quiet so he could get some much needed sleep to rid himself of his "crabbiness" ?  Will I ever know for sure???  LOLWith the "pack" all looked after, and my "Crabby Cabbie" snoring away in his getting "uncrabby" world, I sat myself down and made a list what I am going to be making for Christmas goodies this 2011.  Since it has been in my thoughts to do this, it was high time I got around to it.  This is what I came up with:1)  Easy Chocolate Walnut Fudge;2)  Chocolate Mice;3)  Holiday Pretzels (new to me);4)  Marshmallow Rolls (Rob's favorite);5)  Mom's Christmas Cookies (originally my Grandmother Masterson's Icebox cookie recipe, I believe);6)  Rocky Roads; 7)  Gooey Chocolate Cranberry Squares (new to me);8)  Lemon Bars (new to me, but my Aunties recipe);9)  Shortbread Cookies (Rob stated he did NOT like shortbread, my own favorite, until I made them last year & miraculously developed a "liking" to them).I kept everyone in mind when I came up with this selection, of the "likes" what of the "most".  I love cranberries in baking (not alongside Turkey though, as Rob does), so I thought I would try the new Gooey Chocolate Cranberry Square recipe for me.  Also I do have to admit I really loved the Salty Sweet of the Holiday Pretzels when I tasted them at the Roth Family Christmas get together, so those will be for me too, and the grandchildren maybe will "like" them with the colourful M & M's they have on top.With the Christmas goodies list complete, I then had to patiently wait until my dear "Crabby Cabbie" had lots of sleep so we could battle the crowds of the Owen Sound stores together.Speaking of Owen Sound, I just found out this weekend that CANADA AM is coming to Owen Sound this Wednesday !!!  Oh man, I will miss Jeff Hutcheson, as he has been one of my favorites from days gone by in the CKCO Kitchener days, way back when ?  as I will be at the VON SMART last course session.
Oh well, I did get to read all about it at the following link:http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111123/canadaam-owen-sound-20111123/20111123/?hub=SWOHomeKudos again to Grey-Bruce Counties, and anyone else, whose vote took home the win for the Owen Sound Salvation Army's Food Bank !!!  How nice CANADA AM is coming to Owen Sound to recognize the support of the communities coming all together !My "Crabby Cabbie" did awaken and go to Owen Sound with me where I was able to get all the supplies needed for my Christmas Goodies List."Oops, the leeks and grapes aren't part of the supplies required to make the Christmas Goodies, they have obviously just gotten an "honorable" show in this picture, as this was only part of the bags unpacked at this point."

"The "Crabby Cabbie's" vehicle will even have a Christmas Santa Claus Mascot !  I don't think I will be convincing Rob to wear the Reindeer Antlers though .... "

This was pretty much all of the "highlights" of my yesterday.  The preparing of all the Christmas Goodies will be another adventure or two, in days to come.We got back home to a roast of Peameal bacon done in the Slow-cooker, and had ourselves a meal of Peameal, boiled cabbage and our own garden grown new potatoes.  Yummy !I wonder if people who read my "blog" have noticed when I have been using the word Christmas, that Christ has been in bold.  I have joined a Facebook group, "Put Christ Back into Christmas".  This is my way of showing I have been & still am putting "Christ" back into "Christmas".  This same group can be found on Facebook, should you have a Facebook account, and found as follows:  https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6411854348 .This being my opinion, as it is my "blog", I believe as Christians in Canada, and around the World, this one more way to show where we stand in this respect.I need to get some "stuff" done inside today, so I am really not to concerned with what it is going to be too much outside today.  However if there is some sunshine it will help me by shining through my windows making it easier for me to locate the many "dust bunnies" who reside here with us all year long.

Just a "little" bit of YELLOW peeking out from behind that cloud cover, but nothing too promising.  Guess I am just going to have to check out the regular "dust bunny" haunts to see if I can get me some there ...I wonder what my adventure will end up being in my day ahead, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Sunday 27 November 2011

A Christmas Bazaar, An Apple & A Wasp ?????


...so that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves. Then repeat the name in your head a number of times until you are sure you have it. Continue to use their name in conversation as much as possible to remove any chance of forgetting it. If you’re still having trouble, make up a rhyme about their name: “Dan the Man” or “Natalie flatters me.”
Wow, this was a good tip of the day !  I really appreciate when someone remembers my name, as it tells me I have left an impression on that person, and hopefully a good one !  I am hoping someone else is benefiting from these 50 Life Secrets & Tips, I have been posting at the beginning of my "blogs, as much as I am hoping to benefit myself, as there are 46 more of them to go ...... LOL


"This is how the sky looked before I headed into Wiarton yesterday morning with hopes of the clouds clearing so the  three loads of laundry I had hung out of the clothes line would dry this day."



By the time I had returned from doing my errands, the sun had came out in full force !  Yay !!!  One of those errands downtown was to check if the Wiarton Video store had a copy of "The Help" to rent.  I found out it is still playing at theatres in Toronto, and it won't be released on DVD until January.  I hope I remember this by the time January rolls around, as I really want to watch it.  I also heard the book is awesome too, so that might also be a good Christmas gift idea for someone to give to someone who reads?Rob had been waiting for me to come back home, as he was going along with me to the Hepworth Shallow Lake Legion Christmas Bazaar.  This is exactly what we did, as I love attending these local Bazaars, since usually the people I meet at them are local people themselves, and have hand-crafted the wares they so proudly display.
 "This lady had a wonderful assortment of knitted and crocheted dishclothes & some really nice hand towels displayed.  Her brother makes the Lazy Susans & the Flower Pot stands.  It wasn't in my budget to buy a Lazy Susan this day, however I did take Karl's phone number as he only lives as far away from us as Owen Sound.  These hand-crafted wood items were reasonably priced anywhere from $15.00 to $35.00.  More great Christmas gift ideas.  Karl can be reached at 519-372-1485."


 "This wonderful display of jam, jellies, sauces & specialty items are from "Pinestone Preserves", locally made in Sauble Beach.  I have a price list & can testify to the fact Laurel's prices are more then reasonable.  More great Christmas gift ideas for that hard to buy for person who loves preserves.  Laurel can be contacted by calling 519-422-0766 or by email at pinestone@live.ca." 


"I love scarves, however I have how many I don't wear any more, but I was most certainly tempted by these uniquely designed ones created by Cheryl McKay, of "shaggychic scarves".  Cheryl was attending another show elsewhere, so Cindy, who is shown in this picture, was so kind enough to give me Cheryl's information should anyone "love" to purchase a scarf from the "shaggychic" herself, by calling 519-534-3779 or by email at: mckcher9@hotmail.com.  Cheryl is located just outside of Wiarton.
Rob and I not only got to look at some creative hand-crafted items, we also met some "wonderful" people, with also having time to have a little visit with Rob's Cousin, Joyce, as she is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Hepworth Shallow Legion.  We had to high-tail it back home as Rob had to have some Dinner before putting on his "Crabby Cabbie" hat and heading out for work.  A big bowl of "Big Batch Chicken Soup" & a grilled cheese sandwich did the trick....yummy !Coming into our driveway, I had  to chuckle when I looked over at the apple tree....."..... to see this one "lone" apple still dangling from it's stem."
.It wasn't too funny when not too long after I went to move a couple of planter baskets back to the compost when I almost grabbed more then a handle...."... to having noticed just in time this "Wasp" who was out & about seemly enjoying the day as much as I."

With the weather being so cooperative, my three loads of laundry had dryed without a "hitch".

"The fresh air smell in the bathroom was amazing from the towels that had been brought in from the clothes line."


"With all these Christmas Bazaars I have been attending to the past couple of weeks, it has started to "spark" the mood a bit, so I thought it time to get a little decorating started to keep the "mood" going."


"There were a couple in my Kitchen who didn't want to be left out of any of the fun, so they got themselves into the Christmas mood too, as there hopefully will be some Christmas baking going on in there soon!""Ike & Ice had to join in on getting in the "Christmas Mood" fun, along with their three Wise Snowmen."

Mercedes and I even had a little "Jingle Bells" dance together around the kitchen, but alas nobody was there to video us ...... thank goodness, lol.I started my Christmas baking goodies list last night, as I realized ....

http://www.xmasclock.com/This was pretty much my yesterday, and now I am thinking of everything I want to do with my Present. Before I get anything started, I had better check in with my Wiarton Airport Weather guy.
There it is, rain, rain and more rain, with no YELLOW in it.  This is "okay", as I am not saying snow, snow, snow ..... but there "Ain't No Sunshine" in a "Blast from my Past" in 1971 either !


Although many other Song Artists have performed "Ain't No Sunshine", Bill Withers is the song's original Artist.

Another "Thought for the Day" to remember:

 "You become more authentically yourself as you get older."
~ Betty Freidan ~

With this thought to remember, I think I will head off towards my present day to see what kind of adventure comes with it, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Saturday 26 November 2011

Bruce County Weather Tricking Its Plant Life But NOT Me !


Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?

It is so difficult to believe Winter is peeking out at us just around the corner here in Bruce County, but there is other evidence to the contrary .....

"One of our Clematis has decided to come back to life by making headway up its trellis."


"A Snap Dragon appears out from underneath leaves long dropped from the tree now crisp and browned."


Truly amazing how some plant life can be "tricked" out from their slumber to make one last display of colour before the Winter comes to permanently make claim to them.

I have to admit, I really enjoyed the warmth and sunshine yesterday brought with it, by also having my bedding dry outside on the clothes line.  What a "treat" crawling into the freshness of my bedding last night!  I LOVE it !!!!

Still I have not been tricked by the weather's little bursts of warmth and sunshine, as I well remember the wrath of the Winter months from last year, along with the length it decided to stay with us first beginning in the month of November and staying until we thought there would be no Spring ......

"I started arming myself with some "goodness" in anticipation of Winter's arrival, as yesterday I set myself to making a pot of "Big Batch Chicken" soup."


                                                                                  



"This soup has to be up there with one of my most favorites along with Best Ever Potato Leek Soup.  It truly is a meal in itself as it's aroma and flavor gives warmth and nutrition to both the body and soul."





I know I have shared this recipe before, but it is too good not to share again, so I have copied it from "Cindy's Recipe Exchange" on Facebook to do so.

Recipe Compliments of Maxine Cameron who is the wife of my High School Principal Mr. Cameron.  Mrs. Cameron is also a member of my Aunt Gladys' Church, and had this recipe in the Church's 150th Anniversary Cookbook 2011.

A real favorite of mine, and it does mean "Big Batch" !  A wholesome full bodied soup that is a meal in itself.

Big Batch Chicken

8-10 chicken drumsticks (skin removed), or any chicken with bone (skin removed)
12 mushrooms sliced
4 stalks of celery, diced
4 leeks (white & light green part only), chopped
4 carrots, chopped
3 large tomatoes (chopped) or a can of diced tomatoes (I used 2-28 (lg) cans of diced tomatoes)
1 large onion chopped
1 can (5 1/2 oz) tomato paste
10 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt, Pepper, dried thyme, and sage to taste (I omitted the sage & added some seasoning salt)

In large pot saute in 1 Tblsp oil heat over medium heat add celery, leeks, carrot & mushrooms; then add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes or longer until chicken is cooked. Remove chicken (before falling off the bones), debone chicken & return to saucepan. Simmer until all is cooked.

Yields 20 - 1 cup servings.


This is also an excellent soup to freeze.

I love "batch" cooking, as I have found as a working Mom, doing the "juggling" of everyday living it was so nice to do up a batch of meals for the freezer in preparation for those days I didn't have time to throw something "good" together.

I still frequently batch cook in ways of soups, chili and stews,  in preparation of maybe unexpected company giving short notice of a visit (children & grandchildren usually), for a day when I feel I have been busy with not enough time to prepare something, or maybe for a day when I am just "under the weather" and can make it easy by pulling a container from the freezer that will go right into the pot to be ready to go in no time at all.

Batch cooking can be another solution for those of us who are now only cooking for two, as myself and Rob, or only cooking for one, but still wanting to enjoy making a "pot" of one of their favorites, as most foods already having been prepared usually freeze well.

I do believe if Winter has not yet arrived in Bruce County, the Flu/Cold Season most certainly has.  The Golden Dawn retirement/nursing home in Lion's Head, where my Mother resides, has been shut-down as there has been a Flu outbreak there.  "Shut-down" meaning no outside visitors until the virus has made its course throughout the home.

I am hoping the "outbreak" runs its course and is done by the time Christmas has arrived.  How awful if residents were not able to see their families at Christmas time.

I just recently read an article on how one's immune system can be boosted with foods, which I am of the opinion this is true.  The article was done by RealAge ~ Live Life to the Youngest, and can be found at the following link, should you enjoy such a read, as I have:

http://www.realage.com/health-tips/5-foods-that-boost-your-immune-system?eid=1010654796&memberid=50405953&cbr=therm_pr

After their Point 5, there is another link to a recipe for a Chicken Soup Recipe, which I have not yet tried but intend to do so as I have added it to the Recipe Exchange.

Lately in my travels, I have been hearing so much about a Movie called "The Help".  Of course everything now at our fingertips should we have a keyboard beneath them, a screen in front of us and a PC at our side, so what would be the excuse not to find something out?????  I googled the trailer for the movie, enjoying it...




....so much I can't wait to find out where I can rent it to watch the whole movie !!!  I will be on a mission now to see if it can be rented from the Wiarton Video, where else located then of course downtown Wiarton.

There is so much going on today with Christmas / Santa Claus Parades , a Christmas Bazaar at the Hepworth Legion and also Dejong Farms out at Lake Charles having their Christmas Open House from 2-4 with more information regarding directions, Epicure Products available, or the ordering of Christmas Ducks  being obtained by calling Anita Dejong at 519-534-1211.

I had best be checking in with my favorite Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy to see what he has to say about the weather in my day ahead.


Wow, 10 degrees with YELLOW peeking out at me all day long ..... I will keep it, so please pack it up and make sure you deliver Mr. Weatherman guy !

As always there is lots to do and hopefully people to see in my new adventure as I go further into my today, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".

Friday 25 November 2011

I Am Officially Stamped, Certified & Ready To Compress You !


Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.
I am tired and have been sitting here now for I don't know how many minutes wondering where to begin with my yesterday, but I am having a difficult time getting it squeezed out  to the point where it should start it flowing .....Okay the "pack" were all in, out and fed first thing.  I did the dishes.  Mercedes and I were as quiet as we could be to allow our "Crabby Cabbie" his de-crabby himself in the way of sleep.  I checked my emails.  Oh that is it !  Ding, ding, ding .... brain on and hopefully going forward now, with cobwebs still hanging off, but to  the sidelines now.When "Wednesday" was missing from this week's weather forecast, I took it upon myself to go looking for it.  We all know we can not afford to have a day go missing from our lives, now don't we?  Especially with Christmas just around the corner !  I sent off an email to Environment Canada, extremely delighted to receive a reply back from them yesterday morning.  Here is an explanation as to where the missing Wednesday was:Hello Cindy, Thank you for sending your message to Environment Canada. The situation of a day missing in the forecast happens early in the morning when the long range forecast is issued before the regular forecast. Here's what is happening: the new long range for days 3-4-5-6-7 is displayed but since the new forecast for days 1 and 2 (today and tomorrow) has not been issued yet, what is displayed is a forecast for last night and today (day 1) then days 3-4-5-6-7. There is one day missing: tomorrow (day 2). This situation of a missing day in the forecast gets resolved as soon as the regular forecast is issued.Yours truly, Luc Lamontagne
The message I am getting from Luc Lamontagne's response is that I was up too early at 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. trying to get the Weather forecast for that same day !  Well, I was just relieved to find out we didn't have a day taken from our already busy lives, especially right before Christmas, as who could afford that !Regardless, if anyone knows me, I did have to respond by sending Luc a "Thank You" for his response and explanation:Thank you for your kind response in this matter.  I do a daily blog, at the end using Environment Canada's weather forecast for Wiarton Ontario.  Indeed the missing day added some humor to my ending this day, as I really thought I might have been "shorted" a day before Christmas, and we know how well that would NOT go over with the general female population, now don't we?  LOL

The most kindest regards, Luc.  I will be sure to "blog" your most wonderful explanation of the missing "Wednesday" !

This was how my yesterday began.  It is ALL starting to come back to me ...... LOL.

I also had a phone call returned to me by Dr. Kevin White, of London, Ontario, regarding his book "Breaking Thru the Fog" on Fibromyalgia.  I was extremely happy Dr. White took the time out of his day to have a "chat" with me.  A pleasant and further informative "chat" it was.

I had emailed Dr. White the links to the days I had blogged Fibromyalgia, which he read and responded back by email:

Thank you, Cindy, for mentioning me on your blog.  I need others like you to help me spread the word.

Kevin

Here is Dr. White putting it out there  as well, the fact we need more "Voices" concerning Fibromyalgia with regards tothe impact is has had and still is having on people, like myself and others.  As my Cousin Vi has stated to me, "It (fibromyalgia) is being recognized more now then twenty years ago when they thought us to be lazy and the pain to be "just in our heads".  Hear hear progress has been and is being made !

That was pretty much my yesterday morning, then I went on to an afternoon of not only learning, but one of "fun" to !  It all began with leaving home with the decision of taking the "back" way from Wiarton into Owen Sound ....







"Half way to Owen Sound, at least I was able to tell which way the "wind" was blowing ..... maybe?"






LOL.  There certainly some "weird" stuff we see from time to time out and about Grey-Bruce Counties, so much so there even is a group who has a Facebook page,  "Weird Sh*T You See In Grey & Bruce" , that I belong to.  I posted this photo there this morning as well ..... lol.I made it to the Owen Sound Salvation Army Building to where I was attending to take a CPR Course, which is required as part of the VON SMART Course I am taking.  There was a great group of gals there, and our instructor from Heart & Stroke, Elaine Lang, was absolutely the "best".  Elaine is not only a great CPR instructor, she also made the learning more then informative and fun for those of us there.*Phew*  see between all the fun I had I did learn it all !  & if you just happen to "choke", I have got your back covered there too !
"I am not the only one who could have your back.  There is a "whole" bunch of us from the "VON SMART CPR Graduating Class of 24-11-11", who I am sure could "pull" at your heart strings & take a "choke" from your throat anytime, as we are all a great bunch of gals !"
I had an absolutely "fun" afternoon spent with these gals, and our instructor, Elaine Lang.  See "learning" and "fun" do go together if the mix is just right, and yesterday the "mix" was perfect.Should there be anybody out there in need of a CPR/First Aid Course, you may contact the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario to do so at their website as follows:http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.3581763/k.6/Heart_Disease_8211_CPR_courses.htmThat was pretty much my yesterday all "flowed" out as it should be.Oh yes, just a little something else that could be pretty important this time of year, which would be "Santa Claus Parades" !  I suppose other people call them "Christmas Parades" too.  Bruce County's "Explore The Bruce" so thoughtfully has put together a Parade schedule of such  for us, so if you are looking for a parade happening in your area, then here is where to "click" for locations and times:http://www.explorethebruce.com/bruce_county_christmas_parades.phpI am hoping to be able to attend the Wiarton's Santa Claus Parade, and I do know it will be on the 4th of December.Okay with yesterday having finally flowed out, and Santa taken care of, it is time to check in with my Wiarton Airport Weatherman guy.

Love him, love him, love him ..... who wouldn't love him with all that YELLOW going on in the picture for today !  You can "Lay a Little Sunshine" on me anytime .....






I think I will take whatever sunshine I can fit in my pocket for myself today, and head out into a new adventure, "Just North of Wiarton & South of the Checkerboard".
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