Old Dog - New Tricks!

 Howdy all!  Hope this finds you cool on this Tuesday morning.  It is going to be day 4 of 90*F+ here at my home.  It is more the humidity to me than the heat.  It is muggy!  It is 80* at 7:50AM as I write this.  Hoping for a few more clouds today!

Yesterday seemed like the longest day.  I feel like we are well past Tuesday already!  I had to go for jury duty!  I was hoping against it, but yep they called my number.  I went, actually sat for the preliminary part of a criminal case - rape of an unconscious woman!!!!  They told us names of all witnesses, including a medical doctor and officers, and then they questioned each one if us.  

Let us just say that the defense lawyers did NOT like my answers as we were all questioned.  (I have very strong opinions about rape - if proven).  The defendant tried staring down each woman juror as they spoke, dang if looks could kill!!!!!!  

I was excused!  As several others and I left - it seemed we all had the same opinions (men included).  It took over a half of a day to get to that point.  

It was an interesting experience, and I felt like I was in a TV show!!  

Glad that is done.  I am good for at least 2 years now!

                                                                                SMILE

Today, I want to share an idea, that this old dog JUST figured out.  I can't believe it took me so long to figure out something so very simple.  So just sharing!

It is now that time, when the sun is shining bright, to keep blinds (or curtains) closed on the sides of the home where the sun is shining brightly.  I open blinds when I first get up (I need the daylight inside).  Then as the sun is at various sides of home, I close the blinds.

I have always closed the mini blinds the same way - for some reason I did something different one day and BOOM what a difference.

My bedroom window - the normal way I have always closed the blinds.  Slats facing downward.

Same window within 45 seconds of taking the first pic.  Slats facing UPWARD!  The room is darker, the theme of the look changed, and no light coming through the slats.  My room is staying much cooler.  This is facing east!

So I have started closing the ones in the living room the same way in the afternoon (west side).

It really does keep the room darker (no hints of sun coming through).  It has helped keep the house cooler as well.  I think we all need every tip possible to stay cool and maybe save a little on those cooling bills.

This was a big DUH for me!!!!!   LOL

For sure this old dog learned a new trick.

A Tip or 2

Maybe you are making some summer salad - be it potato, tuna, egg, ham, etc.  Suddenly you realize you are out of relish.  No worries - no need to make a store run.  Do you have pickles?  Any type will do (especially sweet).  Chop them finely, maybe add just a tad of juice (if desired) and you have relish!  Use what you have.

Going to the store for just a couple things - do NOT get a cart (buggy).  For many, getting a grocery cart - is a challenge to fill it up!  LOL.  If the store has those little baskets, maybe get one of those or just carry what you went in for.  It really does save money.  You can't be tempted to buy lots of other stuff, as you can only carry so much.  I often get the smaller carts (most stores here have 2 sizes) or just the basket.  I only have room for so much.  So less spending.

ALSO - I know many use cards for buying everything - but if you go grocery shopping try taking cash.  You have X amount of cash to spend - PERIOD!  You can't just buy and buy, and you are limited to amount of cash in your pocket.

So, if you have a spending problem at the grocery (or any store) and you are trying to cut back and save some - try these tricks.  It will help you save a little in funds!

Just a reminder - do what is necessary to stay cool and hydrated.  Take care of all the animals as well.  Check on neighbors.

From The American Red Cross site:

Click on writing to enlarge for easier reading

STAY SAFE FRIENDS

Have a lovely day - and keep that sweet spark that makes you - you!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/22

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Goodness, this month is slipping by quickly.

Well summer came in our region and boy did it make an appearance!  Hot, hot, hot!  It brought the heat dome as soon as it started.  We look to be in 90's(F) all week long.  That wouldn't be so bad, but humidity came with it.  Very muggy.

Mornings aren't too bad so far.  Yesterday morning was just luscious - I went for a walk, sat on the porch and just enjoyed the breeze - then afternoon hit!  LOL

This is important to remember now that so many are in the heat.  BE CAREFUL.  Drink lots of 'good' fluids - no caffeine or sugary drinks.  Light weight clothing.  Nothing strenuous.  Please, even if you have no pets, leave water out for wildlife.  They need fluids too!!!!!

I didn't have to water this week - due to the rains we had.  I was talking with a neighbor and she said as of Friday, she hadn't turned on AC yet.  Dang!  She is older and it has to be warm, but she watching her $.  I told her not to try to be a hero!  I will be keeping in touch with her.

The robins and the bluejays love to take baths in the birdbath - especially the robins.  They are sure dirty little birds!  After 2 or 3 bathe - the water is muddy looking.  I change it often.

Had the biggest hawk I have ever seen sitting out on a wire in the alley this week.  Dang, it was huge!!  Patience it had - that thing set there for a good hour - waiting! 

Heard a bunch of noise outside this morning, looked and a neighbor on the other side of alley, is having a new roof put on garage.  They were already working at 6:30AM - smart!!!

My frugal week:

• Did tons of weeding all over, but especially in the perennial bed
• Spent a half day with sis this week - fun time/good talks
• Did a lot of neighbor visiting!  Had porch talks, walk talks, fence talks.  Also had a school friend call and talk for a long while.
• Lots of storm pick-up.  Still having things fall from trees with the breezes - but all is good
• Cut my hair
• Made a fruit salad with things on hand
• I mowed on Friday evening, before the huge heat hit.  I have mowed in hotter - but it was pretty darn warm.  Probably won't happen again for the next week.
• Used air fryer a few times to avoid oven
• Paid bills by phone
• AC off as much as possible - used ceiling fans - AC as needed
• NO grocery or shopping at all
• Washed a few windows
• Took several really good walks this week - early mornings.  It sure is refreshing.
• Using food I have on hand and trying to get creative with food
• Refilling containers and baskets as needed
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Sausage/egg/cheese Mc Waffle sandwich (homemade)

Tacos

Chicken/cabbage eggrolls (air fryer) - homemade

Breaded pork burger, cauliflower/carrots steamed topped w/cheese, hard-boiled egg

Enchiladas (freezer) - heated in air fryer

Homemade calzone (air fryer) and salad

Samon (in browned butter), spicy rice and side salad

SNACKS - fruit, fruit salad, fruity milkshake, cheese sliced w/crackers

I had a surprise visit yesterday from my nephew and part of his family.  That was so nice.  We live many miles apart - so every visit is precious.

How has your week been?  Staying on the frugal track?  Finding any deals?

I sure hope you all have a means to stay cool.  I understand the southern hemisphere is now in winter, so you take care as well.  I hope all managed no damage from the storms this past week and may you all be cool and safe this week.

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

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

A righteous man who walks in his integrity - blessed are his sons after him!

Proverbs 20:7

Lord, thank You for all our many blessings and the safety of our loved ones and our friends.  Help us each one to walk that path of goodness and integrity.  May we be kind to others, non-judgmental, and helpful in every way that we can.  We are human, and we make mistakes, but we pray that You lift us up to see our misgivings and help us to be our best.  Prayers for safety and peace for all.  AMEN

Making Choices

 Hello all.  I sure do hope this finds everyone safe and sound.  There were some very scary storms blow through last evening.  Man oh man.  We had 70 mph gusts and some had 80.  Lots of damage all over the state and many thousands are still without power.  It basically went from west to east and the system covered the entire state from tip to tip according to the weatherman.  

I had a lot of limbs down - some decent size ones.  There are branches from my trees, 2 doors down!

Amazingly it hurt nothing for me.  A huge limb came down and wrapped around the handrail (I had trouble getting it loose) but hurt nothing.  (that limb had to be dragged out back, it was heavy).  Over the greenhouse and garage, over the wires - in the neighbor's yards and nothing was hurt.  I went to get a limb way out back (away from trees), standing straight up like a tree and it was a good 4" in the ground!

God sure had me covered.  I feel so blessed and lucky.  I pray all are OK!!!!!

Licorice showed up to eat, just as it was hitting.  He ran and hid under the deck and greenhouse.  After all was over the poor kitty came and ate!

This morning is much less humid feeling; it is cloudy and drizzling rain.  Should be a little cooler today - then the heat comes big time by the weekend and through next week.

Storms are the part of summer that I don't like.  A couple days and we will have summer solstice here in the north!

Boy oh boy, is this right.  It applies to about everything.

Life is all about choices and the results of those choices guide our lives.

Whether it is choosing a partner, a job, a home, or how you spend your money - all take your life in different directions.  

How you eat and what you eat and what you do can change your health.

How you spend or don't spend can change things.

You don't have to do without to have bank account or to pay something off.  Just cut back here and there, then add little amounts as often as possible - it can change your debt and can change your savings.  Concentrate on what you want to achieve and then take steps in the right direction.  Good things can happen if you choose to make changes and take the chance to move forward.  Little steps are better than no steps.  Just do something.

THINK before you spend.  Consider wants and needs.  I guarantee most of the things many of us spend money on are NOT needs!  We truly need very little to survive and thrive.  I know that goes against what most people think, but we really NEED very little considering what we seem to think.

Choices!!!!!!!

Take that chance to change your situation!

Have a safe a lovely day to all.

Please check in, if you were in line of the storms!

Simple Joys

 Hello to all, and happy mid-week.  Hoping you are all well.  Went out to feed this AM, just got done and it started grumbling outside.  Some pretty loud thunder going on and spitting a little rain right now.  It is humid as can be out there as well.

I walk out and what to my wondering eyes did appear?  THIS

In my drive!  Never have I seen a duck around here before.  It was very tame, just wondering if it is a pet to someone.  It followed me, wasn't afraid of Licorice, and it is now roaming next door!  Maybe she will find the chicken house 2 doors down!

She was talking a little, and oh how I had to laugh at those feet.  Talk about pigeon toed!!!! Sure was a pretty sight.

Indeedy do!  It is the little things in life, that make it so special for me.  Like a duck in the yard!  Nature is sure something, and I am always amazed and I just enjoy it so much.  It is better than TV in my book.  The songs I hear are always pleasant, and the chatter is always funny.

I may not be uber wealthy money wise, but I sure am rich in life.  There is so much to be thankful for every single day.  Yesterday, I had a half day visit with sis - what a joy that always is.  It is a gift for sure.  I always learn new things and here new stories.  After all these years, she and I seem much closer.  There is such an age difference, that we never just 'visited' before.  I have gained a whole new respect and love for her in recent years.  THAT is a huge gift!

My larders are full.  Yesterday I was looking in the fridge and my goodness, I need to get more creative!  I have so much fresh fruit in there, many veggies too.  My freezers are full of meat.  I am blessed.

I have a home and I am safe here.  It is a nice, comfy shelter and it is cool.

Can you see it?  The beautiful gold finch between the 2 sunflowers on the right?  This was out my front door.  The sunflowers are bird planted and approved!  

A view out in my back yard.  Tons of lilies blooming now.  They are just so old fashioned, simple and basic - but I love them.  Started from a tiny little clump taken from mom and daddies years ago.  They original plants at their home were older than me.  Dad dug them up along a country road somewhere!  Every bloom reminds me of my folks and days gone by.

There will be a lot of deadheading to do soon, but I just love them.

I am a firm believer in this.  You make your joy in this world.  We all have loss, and we all have debt at times, we all have worries and frustrations - but if you choose to just embrace every GOOD moment and thing - your life will be so much better.

I know we all need funds to survive, but we also need to remember that those funds are secondary.  They aren't going to buy us joy and happiness.  (I know someone will disagree).   That comes from within, and it comes from truly appreciating WHAT you DO have in your life.

Be joyful and sing praises for all the blessings.  

Have a beautiful day and BE HAPPY.

Fun Uses for Food - and a TIP!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  It is a muggy and wet morning here.  Currently 75*, drizzle and super humid.  We had rain last night as well - nothing heavy - but rain.  The garden plants just look as they have shot up each morning!  The weather is perfect if you're a plant!!

Sunday I was out in the perennial bed, pulling out poison that 'thrives' in our area.  If you kill it, you kill good plants as well - it is all so close together.  Well, guess what?  Yep, I have some places on my arms already that are so stinking itchy.  I tried so hard to be careful - but it happens.  Cold water and anti-itch gel are helping. (part of my summer every year)

Today, sharing a couple of fun uses for things from the kitchen.  You all know I like to change it up some - so here are a couple fun things to do.  They cost very little, they taste very good, they take very little time and IT'S DIFFERENT!

My own McGriddle!  2 sausage patties that were already cooked from the freezer, 2 eggs, and 2 small waffles (freezer).  I added a piece of cheese as well.  Talk about a filling and tasty sandwich - which made a meal for me.  

I often eat a little salad or some fresh veggies or fruit, later in the day.

The waffles were homemade, the sausage was from a markdown, and I had the eggs.  Pretty inexpensive meal!

Going through the freezer I found these Naan bread I got on clearance.  I used one each for a meal - that is .70 per meal + things I had on hand.  I will be making my own Naan soon.

This one was a 3 cheese jalapeno/bacon bread.  YES, it made a meal for me.  I used cream cheese, nacho cheese and cheddar cheese - sliced jalapenos (and a small red pepper), and bacon bits (I also added a few chopped olives to add a bit of salty).  360* for 10 minutes in air fryer.  Tasted like the most elevated jalapeno popper ever! NUMMY

Naan bread pizza!  Used goodies I had around.  Olives, pepperoni, broke up a sausage patty, onion, pepper and a tomato.  Of course, a little sauce (I used an open salsa) and cheese.  Again 360* for 10 minutes in air fryer.  You could add whatever you have on hand.

I wanted tacos.  I wanted hard shelled tacos - but had no hard shells, just soft.  So, what did I do?  I gently folded them over and put in the toaster!!!  They were crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, easy to fill, kept their shape and didn't fall apart when eating!  Talk about a win!

I used the street taco size - that is what I had, and they fit perfectly in the toaster.  End result was yummy and NOT messy to eat!

I read the tip about the soft tacos on FB and decided to try it.  I will be doing that from now on.  Saves money - as I can also make my own tortillas, and nothing to break or go bad in the pantry.

**I have also heard of people laying soft shells through the grates in the oven (to make taco shape) and baking low and slow.  That would work - but the toaster is easy and didn't warm the house up.

Just a couple of new ideas to have fun and get creative with your food.  There are no limits to what we can do, and it sure helps keep things from getting boring.  Even if you don't like to cook - these are super easy and only take a few minutes to make.  Very thrifty too.

Now that the heat is on for summer, I like easy foods and things that don't heat the house yet fill me up.

Am I the only one who likes to play with their food?????  LOL

I am also a huge salad fan - all types of salads during the summer months.  Just keeping it cool and yummy here!  A meal can be anything you want - it doesn't have to be 'traditional'.

Have fun!

Have a super day!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/15

 Hello to all my sweet friends.  Goodness sakes, here we are halfway through another month.  Geesh it will be fall before we know it!  I hope this finds you all well today.

It feels a little cooler this morning, but that air - you could wear it!  It is so humid.  We did get showers off and on yesterday and Friday.  My little garden plants seem to be loving it, and they are growing.  I have a couple tiny tomatoes and lots of blooms, a couple little peppers and blooms, and plenty of blooms on the zucchini - although they all seem to be male at the moment!

It appears summer is HERE!  Looks to be 80's all week with chances of rain.

Fireworks have already started here.  Individuals have been really setting things off in the past couple weeks - last night was a big one but stopped at a decent hour.  There have even been some illegal ones again (sound like bombs) and they shake the house.  There were 4 of those yesterday!

I have a sparrow nest on the porch, and it appears they have hatched and are flying.  But I did see momma and the young-in out in the lawn yesterday, and the mom was still feeding baby.  There was that sweet birdie mouth wide open!  So sweet.

It has been a fairly quiet week around here.  

Nothing real exciting.  Just trying to be thrifty and a good steward!

• I did several walks before the heat of the days started - early
• Dead-headed loads of flowers
• Aired the house when I could (not as often as I wished)
• Weeding, mowing and trimming.  Trimmed both sides of my fence on both neighbors (Grrrr).  I went through 2 batteries for weed whacker 2 X each on one day.
• Laundry and using dehumidifier water
• I did run out to get eggs.  Kroger special 18 count - 3.49 (through this Tues.).  I got 2 cartons of 18 each.  I also got a few peaches and that was it.
• I hard boiled 7 older eggs I had to have for snacks.
• Made a gallon of raspberry tea
• Vacuumed/scrubbed all the floor surfaces really well - tile, hard wood, carpet, throw rugs and registers
• Cooking from home and using leftovers & using things I have found in freezer/fridge
• Made a small batch of fruit salad
• Dusting, cleaning and all the usual stuff

Meals this past week:

Mac cheese, salad and tuna patty

Used leftover beef/veg to make "tot"chos  (tots in air fryer)

Salad and sliced cheese/crackers

Quesadilla and salad

Naan bread pizza (air fryer), salad later in day 

Chicken strips and fries (air fryer), fresh vegs  

3 cheese, jalapeno/bacon Naan bread (air fryer) 

Snacks have been fruit and salad

Pretty quiet.  I did set out on the porch now and then, when it wasn't too muggy or raining.  I do go outside and walk the yard several times a day - and admire that the garden is growing and talk to the squirrels!  LOL

Life has been quiet lately.  Love that, no drama, and just enjoying each day with my little buddy.

How has your week been?  What have you all been up to?  Any good deals this week?

I haven't heard from some of you in a while - missing you.  

I love we had so much chatter this week on 'looking back'.

I hope you each have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe and healthy.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalms 34:1

Dear Lord, again we thank You for all the blessings in our lives and the joys we get to experience.  Help us each one to spread Your word and love, no matter what is happening in the world or in our lives.  Let us each one make the day a bit brighter somehow for someone.  May goodness follow us all.  Amen

Let's Take a Walk Back!

 Hello and happy Thursday all.  A lovely morning here.  It is going to be a warm but gorgeous day.  I hope to get some things done outside again.  Trying to spend time out every day with something - work never ends.

I was watching fireflies (lightening bugs) the other night and got to thinking about being a kiddo.  Used to get an old jar, poke holes in the lid and catch those little buggers.  What fun we had back then.  Simple fun.

As a matter of fact we had a lot of simple fun.

We played hopscotch, Jaxs, baby dolls, jump rope, then we had badminton and croquet.  Sometimes we would sit on the porch swing and play "I spy" games or count cars!!  LOL.  A big old box was so many different worlds - a store, house, hospital, etc.  In grade school I got a little record player, and we played those 45 rpm records!  Had a hula hoop and got good at that and rode bikes.  Gosh we had some fun - and it was all simple.

We had this kind of mower for quite a while.  I still have dad's old one in the garage.  It is in a couple pieces, but could be put back together and used if necessary.  Probably not by me, dang that was work!

Who had one of these?  Ours was yellow and gray.  I loved that big old table.  Our kitchen was painted with glossy bright yellow paint, white open face cabinets, a huge farm sink with a built-in drainer and this big old table.  Sure had a lot of good food and fun times around that table.  

These were some of my favorites as a kid.  I love those little bottles!  And the wax lips!  Oh goodness, we thought they were something.

This was what we used most of the time.  They kept stuff so cold.  I do have a set of several glasses and a pitcher still.  I think they are so pretty.

Made many a "gifts" with this.  I have a metal one still.  A few years ago, I found the loops at Hobby Lobby and bought a bag.  I have made a couple.

YES we did!!!!!  I would love to have one of these today.  They sure got laundry clean.  It was a lot of work, no doubt, but we used one until I was in junior high.  Of course, when we had this, we had no dryer, so clothes were always hung outdoors or in the house in the winter (by the heat stove).

You remember these folks and animals?  I don't know if they get used today, but I sure enjoyed learning to read with them.

I had a neat metal doll house.  I kept it until Glen & I married, then I gave it to my gr. niece.  She still has it.  Spent many a winter day playing with this and rearranging furniture!

I remember many hours looking at the Sears 'wish book' as well.  Watching cartoons, getting excited that Lassie was coming on.  Disney on Sunday evening.  I even remember the old Ma & Pa kettle shows.  I watched one a couple weeks ago!!

There were milk boxes out on the porch and the milk man came every week.  The Avon lady came by - she always smelled good to me - and usually gave me a little sample lipstick!!!  I can see her to this day if I close my eyes (and her bright red nails).

We all had a pretty box of 'dusting' powder (talcum) in the bathroom.  Then there were the futuristic looking hair driers - looking like we had a huge balloon on our heads!

Pin curls and home perms (I hated).

This was such a treat on a hot summer day!  Frosty mugs and all.  What a big day that always was to me.

Lightening bugs made me start thinking and look where I went!!!!!  Down the rabbit hole! LOL

Do you have any fun and special memories from back in the day?

I know many of us remember these things, and then we probably have younger gals who don't know the joy these all brought to us.  I am so glad I grew up during this time of no cell phones and no technology - we used our minds and had a ton of just plain old simple fun!  Dark was the indicator to be home.  Our social network were our friends playing together, and the neighborhood moms all watching out for us (though we didn't realize that).

I truly would be in my element to go back in time!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the remainder of your week!