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!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 9/7

 Hello all and happy Sunday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  

It is a cool morn here.  It is 53*F right at the moment going to low 70's today.  Perfection for me!!

Never fear, hot weather will return by the end of the week.  It is supposed to be in the upper 80's by the end of week and next weekend.  Definitely a 2 season week.

I noticed Maebeme mention this week, the big hit in views on her blog.  I hadn't looked in a long time, and something has changed.  I checked mine, and in the past week or so, my views have dramatically increased.  I wonder what is causing that?  AI, changes in Microsoft or Google, being listed in more search engines?  Something has changed.  Have any of you noticed your blog having a lot more views as well?

This week, every evening and early morning the crickets are singing a chorus like crazy.  They are so loud.

The moon this morning was just so bright and full and it was gorgeous - I was in bed last night, so didn't see till morning.

My sparrows have sure been enjoying the birdbath this week.  No more robins taking over and the Jays don't seem too interested and the sparrows and fluttering and taking baths like crazy.  So cute.

I want to walk there!  Looks so pretty and quiet.

My frugal week:

• Did a bunch of walks - going for longer ones.  Free exercise
• Picked wildflowers in the alley on one of my morning walks
• I cut single roses twice for my vase
• Picked a bunch of produce again - tomatoes 35 lbs.+, and peppers
• Put together new bottles of shampoo and dish soap
• My neighbor from India, brought me over a small dish of his fried green tomatoes.  Done totally different from what I am used to - but they were very tasty
• Mowed everything this week front to back.
• Received more cukes from neighbor
• Canned pizza sauce this week (a years' worth)
• Used scalding canning water in the rock out front to kill weeds
• Worked in the basement clearing out a lot of stuff
• Laundry - used dehumidifier water in laundry and air dried
• Made homemade hot pockets (pizza).  My small batch of crust mix made 4 nice ones - 2 in freezer
• Cleaned out the refrigerator
• Thawed and cooked a pound of sausage in various forms (refroze most)
• I did do an errand day finally - bank, PO, feed, Ollies and super Kroger (all close together).  **If you have an Ollies, they have Del Monte canned veggies and fruit - reg. size - for .79 each.  (they do have all sizes). All kinds of things on buyout.  I ran to super Kroger to get baby shower gift.  They have lots of Carter brand and good things
• Did another partial day of deep pantry organization - I keep moving things!
• Made the patty pan squash I rec. a week or so ago, into stuffed squash (yum)
• Changed out ALL bedding - put a quilt on the bed to change up look
• My neighbor/friend that is going to move (they did sell), brought me a gift.  Her hubs made me a huge planter (kind like a wishing well) with hanging brackets and a solar light.  He does wonderful work.  I just need to paint.  So very kind of him to think of me.
• Made more nectar - those hummies are drinking it down like crazy!
• No AC or heat - lots of fresh air

Meals this past week:

Nachos - topped with lots of fresh veggies

Scrambled eggs and leftovers

Brat/bun, asparagus from freezer, and cuke and tom salad

Veggie fried rice

Pizza Hot Pockets (homemade)

BLT and leftover rice

Jalapeno cheeseburger, stuffed squash and cuke & tom salad

SNACKS - lots of fresh toms and cukes, fruit, apple & PB

I am so enjoying eating a lot of whole, real foods!  I just feel better.  Love this season.

What did you do this week to stay frugal?  Have you been canning or harvesting?  Any good deals?

We always look forward to hearing from you and getting new ideas.

Have a wonderful week ahead.  Stay well, safe and happy.

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

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

This seems appropriate

For everything there is a season, and a time for everything under heaven;

a time to be born, and a time to die;

 a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to read, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastics 3:1-8

Lord, please help us each cope through the different seasons of our lives.  Let us know our capabilities and our passions.  Thank You for our many blessings.  AMEN

Taking Care of Your Time

 Morning all.  Hope you are all well this morning.  It is a cool and soggy morn here.  We got some rain overnight!  It appears around a 1/2".  It was needed.  The skies are clearing at this point and it isn't going to get too warm today.  It is so refreshing outside.

Yep, that is me!

Your time is important - retired or not.  Just little things can help and keep you a little more organized.

You all know I love baskets for keeping things together around the house.  I use baskets for books, bath accessories, and small kitchen gadgets and even in the pantry for little things.

Another idea is to keep a tray or container with ideas for lunch or treats in the frig.  It keeps those things handy or organized for the kiddos or other family.  There is less waste, and open door searching!

Use a small timer to do chores.  Play 'beat the clock'.  It makes doing chores less stressful, as you do them in smaller time periods.  Maybe 15 minutes - ding, and on to something else.  You can get a lot done in a few minutes.

Keep a calendar with important dates.  I have one in the kitchen - to keep track of birthdays or other important dates.  At the end of the year - get a new one and mark it up with those birthdays and anniversaries!

Screen calls!  I do not answer calls if I do not know the number.  The answering machine picks it up.  If it is important, I will call it back.  Otherwise, I don't have to be bothered with all those 'crank' calls.

Keep a tape measure of some sort in your handbag.  I have a small one I got years ago from a craft store, that is with me always.  Comes in handy when shopping - especially at a thrift store or yard sale.

Keep blank paper in your car.  I always have paper and a pen in the car glove compartment, in case I need to write important info down.  See a wreck - write down a plate number.  See a place you 'need' to visit sometime - write down the name.  Have a great idea while driving - write it down.  I know many have their phones for that - this old-fashioned gal does not!

I keep note paper around the house.  I have some in a drawer by the kitchen phone, I keep note paper in the table next to my couch, and even some in the bedroom.  It is nice to have a paper to jot something down on when needed.  Most of my 'paper' is not paper - but card fronts - cut down, from old cards I have received.  I love recycling them!

Learn to say NO.  You don't have to say yes to everything and everyone.  It can be stressful.  IF you don't want to do something or it cramps your time, NO without explanation is enough.

I keep chain on one line of my clothesline - metal or plastic will work.  It is great to hang laundry with a hanger and not have them blow away!  It is on the hanger, dries nicely, and ready to hang in the closet.  Save a step or two!

Use your crockpot!  It saves using the heated stove or oven, and lets you go about your day while cooking dinner.  You can also wrap bread in foil, place on top of the crockpot lid (turned over) and you will have warm bread for dinner!

Have a designated place for mail, as it comes in.  Nothing gets lost.  Also have a special place to keep receipts and paperwork for newly purchased items or gifts.

Keep a basket of rags or non-paper towels in the kitchen.  You can keep on the counter if you have space or under the sink.  Saves money and recycles (use cut-up old t-shirts and flannel items)

Keep leftovers all on one shelf in the fridge.  They don't get lost that way and are handy to use up.

Goodness, there are so many things that you can do to save your time.  Your time really is valuable.  I always have time available for family and friends, but I do value my private time.  Peace and quiet is a luxury.

Whether others believe it or not - your time is yours and it is valuable.

What are your tips for saving time?  I know you guys have some good ideas.  

Have a super day and weekend.

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

He is the happiest, be he peasant or king, who finds peace at home.

Amish Proverb

The Changing of the Seasons - for People!

 Midweek already!  Hello to all and hoping this finds you well.  It is a lovely morning.  I am sleepy - didn't sleep well last night for some reason.  I had a couple walks, got yard work done, other things done and no nap yesterday - so should have slept well.  Nope.

It will get a little warmer today (85), so may need the AC late in the day.  It looks like we will get rain over night - very much needed.  Things are dry and it is dusty.

I think sometimes we all come into a new season of life, for various reasons.  It could be anything that causes it - sometimes we just get tired!  As the outside seasons change - we change as well.  I am ready for a bit of a change for me.

I really life a simple and calm life - but I hate having to hurry and stress about things.  I just like peace and quiet!

Come fall, yes there are many things to get done outside and things to finish up before it gets too cold.  Canning, gardening, raking, mowing, decluttering, etc.  I am not going to stress over it this year.  What gets done, gets done.  I find that I have slowed a lot over the years - maybe that is intentional or maybe it is just listening to my body.  What I did in a few hours many years ago, now I spread over a day or two.

You know what?  That is OK!!!!!!

I love this poem.  It is so true for me.  My quiet morning walks, seeing how things in nature are changing.  My porch sits.  The breeze coming in the window and watching my kitty enjoy it.  A snuggle from my kitty.  A good bite of food.  Flowers in a vase.  Looking at the room when you finished cleaning and smiling.  The smell of a yummy candle.  Reading a book that I enjoy.  Watching nature.  My wonderful garden and being able to go out and pick 'grow'ceries.  Great neighbors.  Good friends.  Family.

I could go on and on.  These all seem like simple things to many people, and they are - but they give me so much joy.

I have always enjoyed these things, but in the past there were other joys.  Just spending time with my hubby was a tremendous joy - we laughed and talked and shared so much.  Yes, I miss that so much - but things changed.  Now I have a different season in my life, and I need to make the most of it.  We all should as life changes.  It isn't easy - but it is life.  It took me quite a while, to find myself again.  I think I am still discovering ME.  

I hope you each try to discover new things.  Let yourself explore and learn, no matter your age.  It makes life interesting.  Enjoy every moment.  And please remember - it is perfectly FINE to go slower and just smell the flowers and feel the breeze and take the nap!

As you go into a new season of your life - make it good.

Make September a time of change for a lovely, slower life.

Have a super day and breathe in all the goodness!

New Month, New Week Chat

 Hello all and happy September!  It just doesn't seem possible.  No pumpkin spice month for me!  I am not a pumpkin spice kind of gal - unless it is a candle!!  I am messed up on days again - no surprise.  You would think being retired it would make no difference.  Yet, the neighbors being home from work, just messes me up!  LOL

It is a lovely morning again.  Cool and clear.  The past couple days the skies have been so blue and clear and the weather has been perfect.  Everything is still very green.

I have been out and fed the birds, squirrels and Licorice.  Walked out to the garden to look, and well, Chuck (groundhog) was in the garden, eating a tomato.  Grrrrr.  I guess it is trying to get all it needs for winter hibernation.  It still lives across the alley, but right now my best efforts aren't working on keeping it at bay.  The cat could care less if it sees it.  This morning, I finally ran it off, over the fence and back to the hidey hole!  They sure can climb!!!  I threw the tomato he was eating across the alley.  Generally, he eats clover and flowers and certain greenery - I suppose he is stocking up for winter too!

I guess I shouldn't complain, as I have plenty, but still!

This weekend, each day, after walks, I sat out on the porch for a while.  I did that a couple times each day.  I sat out there and read a lot yesterday.

It sure took me back about 60+ years.  It was so quiet, the breeze was nice, the sky blue and just so relaxing.  I thought about sitting on the porch swing at mom and daddies on Sundays.  I remember coming home from Sunday school or Church and setting out there until mid-day dinner was done.  Waiting for company to show up - there was always company on Sunday noon meal.  Watching for cars to go by, there were hardly any.  Listening to the birds and petting my kitty (who always got on the swing with me).  Just the lazy days of summer.  Lots of memories this weekend.

Yesterday on my walk, I talked with a gal down the street, and she was talking about how she wished life was simple again.  Mine kind of is.  Being retired, I can do what I want, when I want, or NOT if I want!  I like that kind of simple living.

I sure miss my long-ago home.

The hummingbirds are just so very, very active.  I bet it won't be long before they take off for the south.  They just drink and drink and come many, many times an hour.  Haven't seen them active all summer.

That makes me sad, I sure do appreciate those tiny little treasures.

I mentioned Sunday, about picking lots more tomatoes last week.  I forgot to tell you about the jumbo tomato I got!  Its weight - 1 lb. and 11 oz.!!!!!  Oh my gosh - I am just awestruck!  This has sure been a good year for tomatoes in my area.

                                              That is it on a dinner plate!  It is so huge.

I really have had a great year for tomatoes!  Blessed for sure.  I have given so many away, I have been canning and EATING every single day!!!!!!!  

I have 3 or 4 more out there (green) that are close to this size.  So many green tomatoes out there.

OK, guys, I saw my first Christmas commercial on Friday evening!  YEP!!!!

It was a holiday commercial for Disney World.  So, the onslaught has started - there will be more and more now that we are in September.

I haven't watched Hallmark in years, but I notice on the cable guide that just about all they show is holiday movies - all year long!  What is with that?  There is a time for that, and all year isn't it in my opinion. 

We just aren't allowed to enjoy the various holidays and seasons anymore.  It seems everything is rushed.  I like to celebrate the fall, with apples and pumpkins and mums.  Then I want to enjoy and celebrate Thanksgiving in all its glory - THEN Christmas.

Sure, I think about Christmas, and I know many of us are already working on gifts and ideas.  I even share ideas on here early in the seasons, as many make things ahead.  I know.  But as far as decorations and such, I just want each thing to have its time.  I guess I am out of it today!

OK, that is my morning chat.  I am going to go walk a bit and enjoy this morning, then I have much to do around here.

I hope you have a wonderful month ahead and get to enjoy September and all its beauty.

Have a super enjoyable day!