2 Sides

 Good morning, all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  It is another lovely morning in the 60's here.  Looks like it may hit 90* today.

I read a report yesterday that the Weather Channel is predicting an above average temperature for here and many areas, for October, November and December!  I say yay!  I hate cold and nasty.

I have had so many stink bugs flying around here.  Every time I look at a window there are a couple on the outside of the screens.  Ick.  Those things are nasty and ugly.

Hummers are still here and eating!

Boy isn't this the truth!

Also, mom always said; wear clean undies, be a good person, speak nice words, do nice things for others, and have good clean fun.

I have to share a little story today.  I did run into the Kroger on Sunday.  They had a 2-day sale on cider, and I have been craving some.  So, I ran in to get that, and milk half gallons was also on sale.  Didn't really need milk but figured I might get a half gallon to have in case. 

Halves were 1.39, which equals 2.78 gallon.  Not bad.  So, I grab a half and start to put in cart and look back and the gallons were 2.39!!!!!

So, I say to myself (yet out loud) "that's just crazy" and put the half back and got a gallon.    I hear a man say, "I love when you young folks pay attention to pricing."  I turn around and there is an older gentleman, and me - no one else.  I kind of chuckle and said "sorry?"  He went on to say he thought it was great to see young folks paying attention to pricing and not falling for the tricks of the store.  I told him it was how I was raised, and I always price check.  We had a lovely little conversation.

Now I tell you this, because I had such a good chuckle as I walked through the store.  "YOUNG FOLKS"! LOL

Bless his heart - he had no way of knowing that he made this old gal's heart happy that day.  Brought a smile to my face.  We just never know how our comments or actions can change a day for someone.

I still giggle thinking of that!

Just a little story of an unexpected conversation making my heart smile.  We can all do that.

I am making this a short one as today and this evening are going to be really busy for me.  I have a luncheon with a friend I haven't seen in years.  Then late afternoon and early evening is the 70-birthday party for our graduating class.  Last we had the '69' party as everyone was turning 69 - this year everyone is pretty much 70 - so here we go again.  Dressing the part in 1970 garb is part of the fun as well!

I will try to answer comments as I can, but don't worry if it may be tomorrow before I answer.

Have a good day, STAY YOUNG AT HEART, and smile and be on the better side!!!!!

Simple & Basic is for me!

 Hello to all.  Hope this finds you all well.  Goodness golly, here we are midweek and mid-month again!  It is a lovely morning here.  It is now the season where, I must walk about with a big stick, when going down walkways or between things!  Spider webs are everywhere, and I do not cherish waling into their lairs!

It sure does for me.  I like things simple and basic.  It is the 'small' stuff that gives me joy.  

Yesterday while I was out walking, I had a moment!  I was looking around as I walked, then I just stopped and looked at everything surrounding me, and I felt soooooo small.  For a moment I felt like a miniature standing in the land of giants.  Everything looked so grand and pretty - even the little things.  It was almost like an out of body experience.  

My neighbor must have noticed me stopping, and when I finally came back up by her house, she asked me what I was looking at.  "My smallness" was my answer - she just smiled.  She got it.

We are indeed small in this world.  One of billions, like a grain of sand.  We are important to those close to us, but as the world turns, we are hardly noticed.

Yet here we are - part of God's plan and creation.

Somedays it pays to notice the simple things.  I live a very simple and basic life.  You will not see anything grand here.  I live in a basic home - nothing grand, but it is mine.  I drive a basic vehicle.  Old, but still goes.  I wear simple clothes - some many years old.  If I have a 'name' brand it is only because I got it at a yard sale and liked it - nothing to do with the label.  I have a small garden, but it gives me and others fresh produce.  

I have basic and simple decor at my home - things I love, cherish and appreciate.  Nothing big and shiny and new.

A simple basket of some of my dad's old magazines from the 60's and 70's.  Still worth the read and info is still valid.  They were daddies and he read them and touched/held them and that gives me comfort.

Simple laughter some days.

Bitsy gets so excited every morning when I get ready to open the door.  He gets to see Licorice!  I often wonder if he things that is Blackie or if he knows he is a different kitty.  He talks and chatters and yells, until I open the door.  He loves on me and hugs me - then he sees his outdoor friend.  Once they see each other, and I give Licorice food, Bits hides behind the door, looking through the crack.  Like to say "he'll never see me"!  Every morning!!!!!  What a way to start the day!

Simple food and eating.

Meatball stuffed corn muffins.  A bit of batter in bottom, a cooked meatball, and cover with batter.  Bake as normal.  Like eating a little slider!  Served with a fresh salad - yummy and I was full.  That is what matters.

Goulash - the pizza way!  Yep, simple goulash with pizza toppings added (and pizza sauce).  It was simple, no baking like for pizza, and had the pizza taste.

Some of my best meals are just simple and basic items.  I like variety - so I experiment.  It generally works out!

I am not pretentious at all - what you see is what you get.  Don't like it - don't care.  My job is not to impress folks; it is to help and be kind.

We all tend to make life too complicated.  It sure doesn't need to be.  As the old saying goes - keep it simple silly (I changed the last word)!

We are all going to leave this world someday, when God says so.  We have a limited amount of days - and no idea how many.  Make each one count - enjoy, laugh, celebrate, help, teach, guide, appreciate.  Stop any negativity - it doesn't look pretty, nor does it help anything.

Go forward and keep the days simple and basic.  They can be the most wonderful days ever.  

The gift of life is a tremendous gift - make each moment the best.

That doesn't mean impressing a single person, just living a good life.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.

How Long? How Deep? How Cheap?

 Howdy Ho to all.  It is a lovely cool morning going up to about 90*F.  No humidity, so it will be a nice heat.  Still have flowers blooming - begonias, geraniums, roses and a few petunias.  Garden is still going strong.  Air smells good!

So, the title asks several things.

First - how long could you go without shopping in an emergency situation?

There are so many challenges going on right now - I tend to just do my own thing.  BUT many follow along.  The big one is not shopping for 6 months.  For the most part, that would be easy peasy for me (except pet supplies).

What about you?

Stores may not always be open, or product may be short, or you may not be able to shop for any number of reasons.  

How long would your goods last?

Now it may not be a balanced diet - but surviving could be doable if you have a lot of basics on hand.

I always keep a supply of flour, sugar, cornmeal, and oats on hand - so there could always be biscuits, cornbread, crusts, fritters, hand pies, pancakes, etc.

I have a nice shelf of frozen veggies in freezer, and the door contains butter and fruit.  The rest of the freezer is meat.  Protein I have.  I also keep a big container of protein powder on hand.

I have dried beans, peas and all sorts of legumes, rice, pasta of all sorts, and simple non- seasoned canned veggies and some canned meats (espec. tuna).

You need a good variety - to have balance.  If in a bad situation, just having nourishment is all that matters.

How deep can you go?

Are your pantry and freezer well stocked?  Do you have a 'deep' pantry that you can refill from?

It is time to think about these things.  Fall is a great time to stock up on some items at a good price.  Fall veggies like winter squash, pumpkin, cabbage, root veggies, apples all keep well.  You can keep them in a cool dry spot for a long time.  You can get fruit and use for jams, jellies, pie filling.  You can freeze, dehydrate, can or store in long storage.

You can often barter or glean a lot of goodies this time of the year (walnuts are falling all over)! Look around and ask.  Having extra is such a priceless gift in a moment of need!!!!!

How cheap do you eat?

I keep seeing You Tubers that talk about $50 a week for 3 or 4 adults (yes in 2025).  Meals for $5 or less.

I eat tons of fresh from the garden in the summer - and to me that is basically free food.  I have plenty on hand as well - most purchased for a very low price.

I seriously doubt that I have a $5 meal except maybe a couple times a year (at home).  Maybe a splurge for shrimp or crab, an occasional beef fillet.  Even at that - those items were purchased on sale.

A roast or large piece/package of meat - lasts for many meals for me.  So, meat (basically the highest price thing we buy) even stretches out and costs very little pr meal.

Meat should be considered a side, just like everything else.  Eat smaller portions.  If a recipe calls for a pound of ground meat - use 1/2 pound and add more of other things.

Learning to use what you have and to shop from what you have can really be a life/budget saver.  If you learn to do that now - you will be able to get through any emergency.

Learning to substitute is also a tremendous trick to know.  It only takes a little imagination.

So, what say you?

How long can you go between shopping trips and still survive well?

How deep is your pantry - can you 'shop' from it for a good period of time?

How expensive are your average meals?

Things to think about and prepare for.  Maybe start getting together recipes for those days of cheaper eating.  Ask people and maybe even work together.  Share big hauls/bulk shopping.

I want to be ready for winter - I hate going out in bad weather just to shop!

I look forward to seeing your answers.

Have a wonderful and glorious day!

Weekly Wrap Up 9/14

 Happy Sunday all.  Hoping you are all well and safe and happy.  Here we are in the middle of September!!  How the heck did that happen?  Gosh, time is flying by so quickly.

It is nice this morning, a bit damp feeling.  We DID get 3 rain showers yesterday!!  Much needed.  One happened mid-day, one late afternoon, and one evening.  Nothing huge, but it was moisture that the ground so needed.

I still have hummingbirds feeding - I saw the cutest thing the other day.  A bird was feeding and had an itch!  I saw a hummy sitting there on the feeder scratching its neck!  Never had I seen that before.

The ice cream truck is still coming through the neighborhood on the weekends.  I just love hearing the songs - takes me back a 'few' years!

I keep hearing various thoughts about the coming winter.  I have even seen opposite extremes from the Old farmer's Almanac.  But I keep seeing white wooly worms around here.  So, I think I will believe them - mild (?).

Chuck - the groundhog - is sure feeding a lot before hibernation begins.  Nothing I do keeps him away at this point, so I have stopped trying.  That is one fat and fast animal!!  He climbs the fence to get in my yard.  He is still living across the alley - so that is cool.

My week was pretty calm and quiet.

My frugal week:

• Canned 8 1/2 pints of tomato juice
• Scalding canning water on weeds
• I froze 3 quarts of tomatoes
• Did a root touch up with supplies on hand
• Cut a bunch of basil and it is drying
• I have been getting seed heads of various flowers from my neighbor.  She has some neat varieties of things in her yard - and she is the one moving.
• Made more hummy nectar - they sure are drinking it down
• Made OJ from concentrate I found in freezer
• Cut more roses for inside
• Picking produce - peppers and tomatoes - prob. about 15 lbs. of tomatoes this week (slowing)
• Made meatball stuffed cornbread muffins (nummy) - and froze 6 for later
• Received my Kroger coupon book in the mail
• NO shopping this week at all
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry and hung laundry to dry
• Went to a baby shower/brunch on Saturday
• Lots of walks
• Using what I have at home and cooking from scratch
• No AC 95% of the week

Meals this past week:

Fried green tomatoes and grilled cheese

Fish fillet, mac n cheese and fresh veggies

'Pizza' flavored goulash, sliced toms

Chicken/bean grilled burritos topped with salad fixins

Meatball cornbread muffins and salad

Loaded cheeseburger and fries

Shower brunch - egg sandwich later in the day

There you go - pretty calm and quiet.  Mornings still allow me to open windows and get fresh air.  The AC turned on a couple late afternoons - but that is it.  Bitsy is still loving sitting in the windows and getting fresh air.

I hope your days are slowing down and staying calm.  Wishing each of you a lovely week ahead.  Stay safe and healthy.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

*******************

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works...

Hebrews 10: 23-24

Lord, again we thank You for all blessings received in our lives.  We seek help each day to stand firm in our faith, and not waver for anyone or anything, and we ask for Your help to continue to spread Your word to all who will listen.  Give us strength in all we do.  Prayers for safety of all.  AMEN

We Can do Better

 Hello to all.  May you all be safe and healthy on this Thursday morning.  It is a cool and crisp morning here.  Love it.  We start getting warmer, and we may hit 90*F by Saturday.  Not going to complain at all.  Those warmer temps will be so very missed one day soon (sooner than we want).  The humidity levels are down, so things won't feel as bad.

Today is a somber day for America.  It is the 24th anniversary of   9/11.  I remember that day like it was yesterday.  So many senseless deaths and such destruction.  I remember going to moms after work to be with her that evening (she was so very ill at that time).  My sis was there, and the TV was on.  As ill as momma was, she sat there silently and then looked at us and "what is wrong with the world?"  

Here we are 24 years later and still pondering about that question.

This has nothing to do with politics (DON'T go there), it has everything to do with decency and love.

Life is short, and it is truly fragile.  Things can change in an instant.  I just want us all to be the best that we can be.  

Any of you that have lost a loved one in life, know.  They sure wouldn't want any of us to act ugly to others.  They would want us to go out in this world and do good.  They would want us to be pleasant and say a kind word.

Yep - it sure is.  As you sit and remember someone that is no longer in this world, or someone you haven't seen in ages - whatever the reason - and SMILE, be that kind of person.  That is what kind of person I want to be.  Someday when I am not here, I want people to smile when they speak or think of me.  I don't want to be remembered as that grouchy, hateful, negative person - but a happy one.

Leave a good mark in this world!

I thought long and hard about today's post - I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about.  Then I sat down this morning at the computer and this is what came out.  I do believe God moves us in a direction that we should go.

I want you to all smile today.  Remember someone not around.  Make someone else smile.

Go forward and be a positive impact on this world.  Go the GENTLER WAY!

Thank you for all being here.  You all make me smile!

Have a blessed day.

Smiles, Happiness and Joys (Mine)

 Morning to you all.  Midweek post and hoping all are doing well.  It is around 60* this morning and kind of cloudy.  It will clear I imagine, and it is going to start getting warmer.  It sure has been nice to have the AC off and not needing heat.

Today, nothing exciting - but just a post about the things that give my joy and happiness and make me smile.  They are all very simple - kind of like me!

We tend to over complicate life today (my opinion).  I think life can be simple and enjoyable.  Turn off the negative and tune in to the positive.

*****Of course the main things are family and friends and pets ALWAYS******

Growing food, and preserving it and sharing it

Buying second hand when at all possible

Not shopping online

Cooking from scratch

Finding new uses for things I have

Being a clearance/salvage shopper

Experimenting with and creating with food

Nature

Learning new things

Teaching the older ways - and listening to nieces and nephews tell me how much they have learned

Using my pantry and freezers for supplies

Not being reliant totally on the 'system' for my basic needs

Having enough

Being healthy

These things are just who I am.  They are not something that I 'work' at - it is just me.  I learned a lot over the years from others - I had my moment in the sun that was bleak and spendy - then I resumed my true ways.  

I know everyone looks at things differently and has different things that bring joy.  I do believe most of us have the 'big' things in common - family, friends, health and pets.

I guess an important one not listed above is being at peace with myself now in life.  That is so important.  That one took a while.

I know so many people who are just bitter and angry with about everything and everyone.  They project it as well.  That truly helps no one.  

Being happy and appreciative spills over to others.  Spread that stuff around!

What small things make you smile or gives you joy?

I love knowing what people find joyful.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy even the smallest wonder!

Fun Fall Food

 Howdy all!  Here we are into another week already.  I surely hope you are all safe and well. 

It is another cool morning - so refreshing out.  The moon was bright and full again this morning when I got up.  Fed the critters and the cats already.  Licorice ate outside and then he went exploring the yard, and then to the greenhouse for a snug bed nappy!  Bitsy is still going from door to door and window to window!  These sweeties sure keep me amused.

                    Some wildflowers picked with mallow, and a backdrop of tomatoes galore!

Today let's talk about fall foods!  It is that time when we think about all things fall.  Candles, leaves, comfy beds, throws, sweatshirts, football, yummy foods and snacks.  I think about comfort food!  I love comfort food!  Don't get me wrong, I do love all the summer goodies - but by the time fall gets here, I really am craving comfort food.  I am one of those seasonal eaters!

You can use your pantry and freezers and make all kinds of fun eats for little or nothing.  Just take a moment or two to creative.

I mentioned that I made hot pockets last week.  They were so easy.

This was what I had for dinner - and I made 2 others (bigger) for the freezer for another time.  Makes for a quick meal in the future.  I did mine with pizza fixings, but you can use anything.  Pizza, chili, stew, shredded leftover meat, veggies, mac n cheese (even fruit) - stuff them with whatever you have!!!  I made pizza dough, rolled it out thin.  I cut in pieces and put filling on half and then crimped edges, add a few vent holes.  The other 2 are more square and a little bigger (I will use one of them w/salad).  I used the air fryer for 10-15 minutes (turned over once) at 350*. 

Now you could make them much smaller - as in 'bites' for a quick snack after school or after work.

How fun and my goodness - tasty!

My little stuffed patty pan squash!  The squash itself is about the size of a fist - so a half piece is not big.  Great as a side for dinner, or again, as a snack when coming home (eat just 1).  I cut in half, de-seeded, steamed for about 3 minutes in microwave, and then added cream cheese, cheddar shredded, chopped onion, garlic powder and baked in air fryer.  350* for about 10 minutes.  They taste so good. 

Again use what you have.  Top with chili and cheese, taco meat and cheese, stuffing like stuffed peppers, whatever cheese you have, use leftover mac n cheese - the toppings are endless.

You could do this with about any type of squash.

MINI S'MORES

Use vanilla wafers or pieces of graham crackers - top with mini chips and mini marshmallows (3 or 4 of each) whatever fit and add another cookie or wafer on top.  Microwave until marshmallows puff - about 5-10 seconds.  Let them set for a minute - they are hot - then devore a yummy snack!

** I have a gas stove and have been known to stick a large marshmallow on the end of a fork and roast over the burner!  Hey, when there is a will there is a way!  LOL

EASY APPLE CRISP

6 nice apples, cored, peeled and sliced

1/3 C butter, melted

3/4 C brown sugar, packed

3/4 C quick oats (uncooked)

1/2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place sliced apples in a buttered 11 x7 pan.  Combine other ingredients and then sprinkle over the apples.  Bake 350* until apples are soft (about 35 minute).

Super easy and tasty.  Great and sort of healthy snack or a super dessert.

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

8 oz. pack of cream cheese (softened)

3/4 C brown sugar (packed)

1/2 C butter (melted)

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all the ingredients together and mix thoroughly.  Refrigerate for about 2 hours.  Makes about 2 cups.

Serve with sliced apples or any type of fruit you have.  I am thinking pears, strawberries, apples, peaches, bananas, oh my!!!!!!  Also yummy with graham crackers or sugar cookies.

Treats don't have to be complicated or fussy.  Homemade cookies, brownies, sweet breads, biscuits with butter and jelly.  Shoot, even makes up a bunch of small pancakes - when ready to eat them - warm and add a little jelly or chocolate or fruit.

I remember getting a snack once in a while as a kiddo of cinnamon/sugar toast!  I still do that once in a while now!  Mom would also mix peanut and syrup together and I would have on saltines.  NUMMY

I still love PB and sliced apples!  I do that fairly often.

Popcorn is also a great, cheap snack.  You can make it plain or add any type of flavorings you want to change it up.

I am so ready for homemade soups, chili, and stew!  Those are my huge comfort foods!  Cooler days really get my mind going.  I am a foody - nothing fancy - but I do love food.

I am on my continuing endeavor to use up things I have had around for a while.  I really doubt that I will need the grocery this month, except maybe wet cat food and litter.

I have plenty of milk, eggs, and cheese.  I am still eating fresh produce from the garden and that should continue for quite a bit.  I have a freezer full and a big pantry and I am set.

It is amazing how well you can eat if you just look around and use up what you have.

Get outside yourself and your normal ways of eating and get creative.  Make it your mission to not shop for a good couple week (or longer) and use some of the things you have in a new and creative way.

Have fun with making fun fall foods.

There are tons of things to do - I will give more ideas as the temps change more.

What are your favorite fall bites????

Have a superb day and enjoy it for all its wonderful glory!!!!!