Sunday, May 28, 2023

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/28

 Happy Sunday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Hoping you are getting to enjoy some wonderful weather!   And I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.
We have had lovely weather so far this weekend.  Couple days this week we woke to temps in the 40's - but all the plants are good.  It supposed to get really much warmer this coming week.  High's in upper 80's.  No rain in sight for much of the week.

It seemed to look a lot like winter earlier in the week.  I guess it was cottonwood - but the white fluff was flying like crazy and the allergies were going!

My week:
  • My double wide blinds in the living room broke this week (very old).  It is an odd size, so will take some time to find a replacement.  I had curtain and valances on hand and put those up and they will work for now!  
  • Did replace a blind on another window (had it on hand)
  • Garden IS PLANTED!!!!!!!  Weed barrier down, plants in, and soaker hose laid!
  • Cut a couple more bouquets
  • Made new nectar for hummingbird feeders
  • Did some painting and refreshing of a few yard accents
  • My front area is now finished!!!!!!  It looks lovely.  My nephews company got the materials and his daughter and SIL did the work.  He refused any money whatsoever - said it was a gift to me!!!!!  Dang - I had no idea.  My gr. niece and her hubby will get something from me for the work.
                                                                Before - UGH!
                                                           AFTER - just lovely
Many neighbors have come by to say how much they like it.  I have looked out the door and seen neighbors on the outer walk or standing in the yard looking at it!!!  It sure looks better than dirt!!!!!  They obviously think so too!!!  LOL
  • Mowed and trimmed everything
  • Picked a bunch of rhubarb - had a few strawberries from last week and made a strawberry/rhubarb sauce with s little honey for sweetener - it was soooooo good.
  • Ran out to get bird seed.
  • Stopped at Kroger across from feed store - checked markdowns.  I got a 1/2 gal. milk for .55, a 12 pack of Kroger brand diet soda for 1.77 (will last most of summer/treat) and sour cream/dip for .55
                     This stuff is tasty - used on a baked potato this week.   Mmmmmmmmmmm


Menu this past week:
Breaded shrimp, steamed broccoli, crusty garlic rounds
Baked potato topped w/broccoli and above dip
Huge salad
Chicken tenders, broccoli
Tamales and rice
Tuna salad sandwich and fresh veggies
Pizza quesadillas
Had fruit and strawberry/rhubarb sauce for treats

I guess my most time consuming events were getting the garden in and redoing the window treatments.  The kids only took about 2 1/2 hours to get the front done - I was out there the whole time and did help pull weeds and such.  I know it would have taken me days to do that and I wouldn't have been able to move afterward!!!!!!  What a blessing.

How was your week?  Did you get your gardening done or are you doing it this weekend?  Get any deals?  Enjoying good weather?
I know many are busy this weekend, so if I don't see you guys on here I understand.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend with family, friends or just peace and quiet and reflection.
Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
****************


For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder that we are never alone.  Even in our darkest hours You are always holding us in Your protective and loving hands.  Amen



60 comments:

  1. (Little Penpen) oh I love your new garden bed area! So pretty. Our house is about 18 years old, and our blinds are starting to pop their strings, one at a time, so far. Replacing them with the cordless ones has been great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      Aren't those cordless ones great?? I have now have some of them too - I didn't think I would like them - but they are a breeze to lift and close!!!
      Mine just start having slats break from being brittle! LOL
      Have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  2. Cheryl, your front area is lovely. Enjoy! Wood splitting is complete. I would guess we got ~ 4-5 cords of wood. I'll hire some young fellows to haul it to the house. My mom is 90 yo & getting more frail. I had a call from her health care providers as she was getting weaker. This physical demise is inevitable yet challenging. I anticipate a move to the next level of care soon. I'm geographically close so the responsibility rests with me. I need to ask for help & take breaks periodically. I did that on Fri. I went to the For King & Country concert that had been postponed for 3 yrs with the pandemic. I got the balance of the bedding plants. Some of those will be potted today. Aging is inevitable. One of our good friends had a crisis at age 81; we visited with him this week & he is more stable after medical intervention. What comes next remains to be seen. I'm cognizant of the inevitable aging & think about what comes next for me almost daily. My intention is to be as proactive as possible. Baking: rhubarb crisp, banana loaf, lemon poppy seed loaf. Meals: leftovers from last wk, southwest corn dip, hamburger soup, asparagus frittata. I'm so grateful for friends & family who put the wind under my wings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      That is a lot of wood. Will be great in the cold months.
      I am sorry your mom is getting more frail. It is hard to watch - I remember those days. Bless her heart and yours. Medical decisions are sometimes hard to make.
      Yes, we all are getting older and change is bound to come. My head says 30's - my body says NOPE!
      Corn dip sounds very tasty! All you meals sound good.
      I hope you get some rest this week. Take care.
      Have a good week.

      Delete
  3. Excellent devotion! Nothing can separate us from the Father.

    The front of your house looks wonderful! So good of your family to pitch in and get the job done. Pulling and digging out weeds is quite a job. Looks like lots of stone was used on that area. Heavy lifting!

    Erin called me at 8:30 this morning and said that the traffic is already backed up at Gasoline Alley. She was supposed to go to work at 11 in Avon this morning but another manager called off so she won't have to be there until 2 this afternoon, which is better because folks will be at the track and not headed home yet. When we moved here over 25 years ago we learned not to get out during certain hours on race days. We are west of 465 but there is still a lot of traffic on Rockville Road and also on 10th Street. I saw on Instagram that Glenn Beck brought his little grandson to enjoy the festivities at the track.

    Going to work on the floors this morning. You can tell we live in this house! ha! Still have about a third of the other flower bed to finish up. Also some weeds in the front and the south side of the house. I was looking out the window by my desk at the red climbing rose and noticed a couple of thistles just about as tall as the rose. Grrr!

    Enjoy your day! A fellow we met recently is coming over for a Scripture study.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - Nothing can separate us - so very true.
      I can imagine it is crazy out that way. Rockville and 10th are main routes - so nutsy for sure. Watching 59 report from there this morning. I am anxiously awaiting the jet fly over - as it comes over my area. Love seeing it.
      Thistles never end! My roses are starting to bloom. Lovely.
      Enjoy your study session.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  4. Oh the front garden looks wonderful! How nice of your nephew and his family to do that for you. So sweet! What bargains you found at Kroger! I’m going to shop there next weekend and am looking forward to getting some bargains too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - my family is just so good to me. They sure do watch out for me!
      Hope you find some deals too!! I just roaming around Kroger to see what can be had!
      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
  5. Wow, the front area looks great! Congratulations on such a huge improvement. Without the back strain and days of recovery ;). My movers delivered all my furniture and boxes on Friday afternoon. Yep, my back is tired ;). It will take me a week or two to get sorted out enough to be able to cook and find towels…but I am finally moved . Interestingly, I drive by our old house and feel content that I have started a new chapter. I have zero interest in living there, while still having thoughts that I wish starting a new life wasn’t necessary. I think I am getting my sea legs. Still not cooking but I have the excuse of no pots and pans at the moment. Your guidance and help over the last five months were very important to me, thank you, Hilogene in Az

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - I love it.
      YAY on getting all your things to the new place. Take your time. I would say kitchen and bedroom are most important first! I am so very glad you feel you made the right decision for you. Life changes and sometimes we need to as well. It will be lovely once you get it all arranged and you will relax and be comfy!
      Kind words - thank you.
      Have a great week - take your time - don't wear yourself out!!

      Delete
  6. Thank you - it just looks finished now!
    Well JC, it was something I needed as well. Sometimes, life just grabs us by the bum and we need to remember - give it to God. He has us covered always.
    Glad the words were what you needed too. Have a blessed week.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The front of the house looks great! It always feels so good to accomplish a big task no matter how it gets done. We had our get together yesterday as my SIL and her husband were in town to celebrate her and our granddaughter’s birthday and attend a school performance of one of the grandsons. He was Charlie in Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. The performance was great and so was yesterday’s BBQ. It was a really pleasant temperature for being outside. Only in the 70’s, today and tomorrow will be a lot warmer. Today will be busy with church as I am the head barista. Because it is a holiday weekend attendance might be down but all will still want their espresso. I have been doing this at church for 20 years and am attempting to recruit some younger workers. Most of us pulling shots are over 70. We need a younger crew. Tomorrow my oldest daughter and I will quilt a quilt top that needs to be delivered by June 8th. Luckily we have a long arm machine so should get it done in one day but then will have to bind it. Nancy in Vancouver, WA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - yes, just finishing up a project is refreshing.
      Sounds like a lovely time with family!!!! I bet the performance was adorable.
      It will be 70's yet again today here. Hope you don't get too hot. That is neat that the church has that service - keeps people awake!!!! LOL
      Oh how neat on quilting the quilt. I know someone that has a long arm - they sure make quick work of things. Hope you both enjoy your time together.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  8. Oh, it looks beautiful, Cheryl... what a pretty and welcoming entry to your home! And how special of your family to do that for you!

    Love the verses and prayer.

    We had a very busy week. With BIL in his own house now, we decided it was time to dedicate time/effort into getting our own house more permanently settled. We'd gotten it functional and livable last year, then slowly had hung some artwork, etc., but we burned out afterwards and left it that way. This week we moved furniture, bought and added new-to-us furniture for a LOT more (desperately needed) drawer space. Nightstands are being refinished and we'll pick those up when they're ready. In the garden, struggling shrubs were removed and new plantings added. We need also to order another truckload of gravel to finish the front 1/2 acre. Meals, then, were as little as sandwiches from homemade lunchmeats or cheese, crackers and fruit.

    In the kitchen, I roasted a small, boneless, spiral cut ham and small bottom round beef roast for sandwich meat, replaced staple storage containers with better ones that hold more and take up less space, and baked several dozen cookies for the weekend. Some for us, some to share. Also made 13 burgers from the ground round special at Basha's.

    The solar company will have someone here today or tomorrow to take *more* measurements to give us the backup power that was supposed to be included in our contract from last June. Yup. A whole year and it's still in progress.

    God bless you and everyone here this week! --Elise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      It sounds like you were busy. It will feel so good to get things just the way you want! I love you are getting new to you items - love recycling. That will be work moving all that gravel.
      Nothing wrong with simple meals - I am a sandwich lover.
      Hey, at least they haven't forgotten you and are coming to finish things up. New homes take forever to get all done!
      Have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  9. Might be easier to have a pretty shade cut instead of a blind. Home depot or a window treatment store might help. Enjoy your weekend.Barb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a good idea. I may check that out this week! Thanks.
      Have a good one.

      Delete
  10. Looks beautiful, Cheryl! Always wonderful when family gifts you, especially with time and talent. Thankful my deck planters are all completed. It really took all my energy and I did virtually nothing the next day. This afternoon, will head to my daughter's house for a BBQ for a late Mother's Day celebration, since I was away. It will give me a chance to share my pictures and stories from 2 weeks abroad, and to see their most recent projects in person. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      So happy you got your planters done! I bet that feels good, even though it was tiring!
      Have a great celebration with family. They will love seeing those pics and stories!
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  11. Your family did an absolutely beautiful job with the front area. It looks amazing. I can understand pedestrians stopping to take a look.
    Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I think they did great and in short time as well! I really l really love it.
      Have a beautiful week!

      Delete
  12. Your front stoop/entry looks very nice. Much better. :) Wonderful to have such help!

    As for those doublewide blinds... I have a set and when/if they go bad I'm going to replace them with two single width - easier to clean. My doublewides will not fit in my tub for a scrub which is what they really need.

    Thank heaven our heavy rain held off until last night - yesterday there was an outdoor afternoon event which would have been ruined in a downpour.

    Kind thoughts for veteran kinfolk and those who never came back (WW2 in my family).
    Be well, and happy week all!
    MaryB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - I have some pretty great family.
      I think I may do the same on the blinds. You are right - the double wide were basically not cleanable (like the others). I will probably either go shades or single wide blinds. I do like the versatility of blinds.
      I have some friends remembering their sons sacrifice today (and always). He was killed by a roadside bomb in the mid-east. Such a horrible time for them and others who have lost so much.
      Have a grand week!

      Delete
  13. My favorite verse is the one you picked today. Always a comfort to me to read it.
    I brought out my Mom's sewing machine ( probably manufactured in the 50's) and oiled it. Went through the process of re-remembering how it works. I learned to sew on this machine and plan on teaching the chickadees to sew on it over the summer. It has a high and low setting for the speed. The low speed was designed for beginners. My Mom was so happy with this machine because it was one of the first to include the zig zag feature! Big stuff back in the day.
    Your before and after pictures of the yard work are great. Don't be surprised if your neighbors copy it. Very nice! You could send some business to your family by telling everyone who did the work.
    Ellie
    Central Az

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you liked the verse. It is comforting. Sometimes we just have to let go and KNOW!
      Love that you have your moms old machine and will be teaching the grands on it. How cool is that? Fancy stuff - zig-zag! I know my mom was amazed hers would do a buttonhole!!! I do believe she still did them by hand though.
      The kids will have a ball with it.
      I just love the river rock. So natural. I wondered why they didn't leave a sign. They did post my house before and after on their company FB.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  14. Looks like you had a productive week. What a relief to have the garden planted and the front yard rejuvenated. It looks great.
    Nice deals at the grocery store too! Our milk is $5.89 a gallon and is never reduced. Reduced is such a good opportunity to make cottage or ricotta cheese.
    Our weather is fine, at last. A million blossoms attracting pollinators and hummingbirds. I do not feed hummingbirds; they have to serve themselves from my flowers, which they do.
    Lots of garden work ahead but already getting plenty of asparagus and green onions. Husband and I go fishing out front whenever we want and get to eat fish often.
    It is sad to remember all those lives lost to unnecessary wars. Not just the soldiers but the innocent civilians as well. My son wanted to enlist once when he was young and at loose ends. I said I would disown him. He is now settled down in a successful career. Some of your readers may disagree with my take on the military but as a parent I continue to try to influence my children to get a good education, keep clean of drugs and no tattoos! So far so good. Have a great week, friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a relief to have some projects done. Thanks!
      5.89 a gallon - good golly!! Never been that high here. Most I think I have ever paid is 2.79 a gallon.
      How wonderful to have so many food sources for the hummers. I see them flitting around out back too - they are so neat to watch.
      Fresh fish - how wonderful. That sounds divine.
      I am not a war person either. I know there are instances that are a must - but I would prefer no one have to go fight. I guess we all dream of that!
      Sounds like mom is teaching well!!!!!
      Have a good week.

      Delete
  15. Your front area looks really nice! They did a good job.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - just looks so finished now. The dirt was just nasty looking!
      I will and you have a great weekend and week as well my friend!

      Delete
  16. Your front area looks so nice and how nice of them to do it for you. I'm slowly working on sprucing up our home room by room and it isn't as easy as it was when I was younger. lol I just spent a couple of hours outside finishing a good book, Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies. It was a really good story. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes, they are gems!
      It does take longer to do things as we get older - not as much oomph as there used to be! LOL Slow and steady!
      How nice to sit outside and enjoy your book!
      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
    2. I just put the book on hold at the library

      Delete
  17. Oh wow, your entry area looks amazing. Isn’t it so satisfying when you see your idea come to life? Your family has done a great job! How lucky you are.
    It’s been a productive week here, nothing huge, just lots of those little jobs that have been on my list for ages. Tidying, a new lick of paint, a scrub down and on a stormy day cleaned out a filing cabinet of old paperwork.
    Meals this week have mainly been out of the freezer, continuing to use up what I have. I tried a new recipe that was an abject failure, but we ate it anyway and was delicious, but looked nothing like it was supposed to. So that was a win/fail.
    I picked up some good bargains too this week, one place I called into for the loss leaders had heavily reduced turkey breast steaks and some nearly expired canned goods for 50 cents. It’s been a good while since I have found that good of a deal.
    Looking forward to reading what you post this week, Louise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Yes, getting those items marked off the list is a great feeling.
      Sounds like you were busy! Small jobs make a bigger dent in things. I love how it makes us feel.
      Heck, at least the meal was tasty - looks aside!!!! Sounds like you got some great clearance. That is nice.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  18. Your landscaping looks great! I like the nice, shady porch, too. So inviting.
    Vegetables are all planted, though it looks like the cucumber starts may not make it. I planted some cuke seeds today just to hedge my bets. I am harvesting spinach, beet greens and a few strawberries. Still need to finish planting flowers in the front flower bed after I clean the front of the house, hopefully tomorrow.
    Assembled Husband's new transport wheelchair and plan to use it for our doctor appts. Wednesday. The chair I'd bought on Craigslist is just too heavy for me to safely lift in and out of the car. His blood pressure was very high again this morning. I pray the Dr. can get it under control soon.
    Taco bowls for dinner last night and hamburger stroganoff is in the crock pot for meals this week. Keeping things easy.
    Reading the "Harmony" series by Philip Gulley. I read them years ago. Light, folksy reading with a Christian theme. My brain isn't working well enough for my usual historical fare.
    --Frances in the Trailer Park

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I have been sitting on that porch a lot more lately. Nice watching the world go by!
      I hope your cukes make it. Smart to go ahead and plant the seeds.
      I sure hope they get this blood pressure thing taken care of quickly. Have you noticed anything in particular before those high readings? Something being eaten, something he watched, something he is doing? I am sure you have been paying attention - that is just scary. I sure hope it gets taken care of!!
      Meals sound delish!!!!! I think summer months call for light reading!
      Have a blessed week.

      Delete
  19. Beautiful prayer, such a sweet, sweet reminder, oh how we all need that! Wonderful scripture verse too..an equally good reminder! Love both!

    Your yard looks so adorable! You must be having so much fun sitting out there with such a pretty area there now! My flower beds soooo need help. I have flowers but weeds are having a party! lol

    You take care now, I have that 40s movie, 'Best Years of Our Lives' (1946) I was telling you about on my blog with a pic of my mom and dad when they were young, I thought you might like to see a pic of my dad since I just wrote about him and my mom too. I also have a *beautiful* song that just really hit my heart this morning, it or something that sounded just like it, it was playing on our Christian radio...It's men singing 'God of Our Fathers' ...don't mean to sound redundant but it reminded me of my dad...

    Ya know? Curtains don't sound so bad especially if you can easily take them down and wash them. The blinds get so dusty. Big baked potato with all that goodness..broccoli and toppings. That is always a comfort food for me! : )

    You're a gem. : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I love the little area. The front yard is postage stamp size really - I have also added a couple more colorful items since taking the picture. The porch is nice and shaded.
      I will go and check out your blog. Last time I looked it was an older post. I would love to see the picture!!! I get it! My daddy was my hero! He taught me so much. Mom did too, but I think many of us were daddy girls!
      The curtains are different, and I kind of like them for a change. I haven't had any curtains up in years! Just blinds and valances.
      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
    2. Amelia, I definitely agree with you on the curtains v blinds. In out previous home removing the blinds was a three person job, then carrying them outside all dusty, it was a catch 22, the longer I left them the dustier they got. It was a nightmare. Eventually one broke, was unable to get a matching replacement, and replacing the lot was way out of my budget. I bought curtains as a stop gap, but just enjoyed the ease of cleaning and the ability to change looks with different curtains for different seasons, and didn’t ever replace the blinds. A happy accident. Louise

      Delete
    3. Cheryl...Yes, I think you're right. A Daddy's girl. : ) A few years before all of what happened to my dad he told me I was his sweetheart.

      Delete
    4. Yes, Louise, I am seriously thinking of gradually replacing some of mine. They have some smart looking curtains at places like Walmart, very reasonable ones too that are in that white linen look. You make good points! : ) It is a pain even trying to vacuum the blinds I have recently found, my poor blinds! lol I could even make some simple ones actually especially with the simple looks I've seen. But it's a bit involved because of soooo much fabric to deal with. Thanks Louise!

      Delete
    5. Amelia, I will have to check out those curtains, they sound good.
      And can I also add as a disclaimer, please no one take any decorating advice from me. At best my style is eclectic, at worst it’s erratic. Louise

      Delete
    6. Hey - I resemble eclectic!!!!!!! That is me through and through!!!! LOL

      Delete
  20. Debby in Kansas USAMay 28, 2023 at 7:13 PM

    It's already evening again! We have been so so busy for 3 days. We spent Friday running 300,000 errands lol. Everything absolutely needed doing, no exceptions. Thankfully it was a sorta weekday and places were less crowded. Saturday was spent in the yard all day, literally 7-8 hrs. We weeded, planted flowers, mowed, edged, and did a little trimming. I could barely move this morning!! And today we were moving slow, but had church and a couple of extra stops.

    I will never cease to be amazed at how such a small section of yardwork makes such a difference! Your new front bed is a perfect example. You know it'll look better, but then you realize its impact is YOWZA! It turned out great. Is that your real mailbox? It looks so good there. Most of us love neighbors that care for their homes because it truly improves the whole block. It also seems to encourage others to do their own improvements.

    My market receipt was correct for the third week in a row lol! I had planned to get a $3.99 watermelon, but they were GONE. I did find some cherries for $3.99#, the only fruit I'll pay that much for. They were from California and absolutely tasteless. I'll wait until Michigan sends theirs. The Cali rain must've washed away all the flavor!

    Tonight we watch the Memorial Day concert on PBS. They do such an amazing job and we love it. Makes us truly appreciate the sacrifice that some make for all oF us, including the idiots too self absorbed to realize it!

    Don't forget to fly the flag! Ours has been up since Friday morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have been a busy girl!!!!! I bet you were aching this morning - goodness. Yard work is back breaking but like you said - so satisfying. Yes, a little project makes a big difference. I kind of expect a couple of others to do a few things - they usually follow suit!! LOL
      Yep, that is my real mailbox. It needs a bath and I am thinking of painting it when I paint the inside door a contrasting color.
      YAY on the receipt!!! What a bummer on the cherries - after paying that much for them.
      Yes some gave all for ALL of us - including the idiots!!!!!
      Have a good week.

      Delete
  21. Your front yard looks great. I am still trying to recover. we have done nothing but grocery shop. I checked the ads and circled things and Tommy shopped.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Just take it easy and get well.
      Have a good week.

      Delete
  22. Your landscaping looks amazing, what a great place to sit and look out now. Happy holiday Monday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. It is nice to sit and watch the world go by.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  23. What a wonderful gift from your nephew and family! Your yard looks beautiful.
    It was my 60th birthday on Saturday and on Sunday my kids had a celebration for me. They spoiled me. I'm so very grateful for the family God gave me.
    My husband and I washed my car inside and out. It looks new again.
    I found strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for 99 cents for each package. I always try to load up on them when it is berry season as they are our favorite fruits. We eat some fresh but also freeze some for later.
    Remembering those today who sacrificed their lives for us. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.
      Happiest of birthday to you! How great you got to spend time with family. We are blessed with our families aren't we?
      My car needs a bath again. Thanks for the reminder.
      Great deal on berries. Not only are they good, but they are good for you too!
      Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
  24. Hi Cheryl~. I have odd sized windows, too. At Home Depot if you buy the blinds they will cut them to the proper size for you for no charge. I wait until they have sales on to do that. Your front area looks beautiful!!!! xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that advice - good to know. Thank you so much.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  25. Cheryl, your landscaping looks beautiful. As planned, we have been busy planting the garden. Not quite finished yet, still a few more containers to do. The sweet potato slips we grew are ready to be planted. We had great luck with them in containers last year and will put them in containers again this year. Tuesday we went grocery shopping and only found a very few bargains. The store we like, which is in another town, has come out with their own brand of gluten free pasta, which was so much less expensive than the brand we'd been using so I stocked up. The ingredients were the same so I figured it was possibly produced by the same company. $2 a pound of pasta, versus $4.99 for 12 ounces was a deal to me. Regular pasta was 99 cents a pound box so we got a few of those as well for when we make meals for others. The price for flour and sugar remained stable since the last time we shopped (3 weeks ago) so I added 5lbs of each to my stash. Frozen veggies were still on special for 99 cent so we bought more. I made 4 pints of no'mato sauce and 8 dozen cowboy cookies for hubs. We watched the Memorial Day concert at the Capitol and remembered years ago when hubby was detailed there and I got to be back stage and watch the show. This year's show seemed to be especially poignant for us.
    Meals this week were: Chicken, broccoli, baked sweet potato and cherry cobbler; pasta salad with chicken, bacon, veggies and pesto; meatloaf, baked potato and kale; pork chops, asparagus, apple sauce and salad; stir fry with all the leftovers and homemade fried rice; sandwiches and homemade chips. Cookie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!
      My goodness you have been busy. Love that you are finding deals. It is encouraging for all of us when folks share that things are stable in price and they are finding good sales and clearance. That is an awesome deal on the gluten free pasta.
      What is no'mato sauce????? I am curious. You may have said before - but my brain is worn out today!
      How neat to have been part of the concert before. A privilege for sure.
      Every food item you listed sounds yummy!
      Have a great week.

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately I cannot eat tomatoes due to their high histamine level so I make no'mato sauce. It's made with 2 cups of cooked carrots, 1/3 cup of cooked beets, one mediium sized onion sauteed in a little bacon grease or oil with about 4 cloves of chopped fresh garlic,all the herbs and spices one would put in regular spaghetti sauce, a couple of TBSP or lemon juice or open a capsule of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) if citrus can't be tolerated for the tartness, 1 cup of bone broth. Place in a high speed blender and puree. Add more broth of you like a thinner sauce. I just jar it up and freeze unless it's being used that night. I use it for anything that calls for tomato sauce
      including chili. I've also made cream of no'mato soup out of it by adding cream or coconut cream. It's great for a pizza sauce. I make it from scratch with fresh veggies, but it can also be made using canned ones. Cookie

      Delete
    3. Thank you - a wonderful thing to know! I have people who can't do tomatoes and this will help them.
      Love knowing these options!!!!!!! I love that we can make basics from all kinds of veggies and fun things.

      Delete
    4. Thank you for the sauce recipe

      Delete
  26. The front garden looks absolutely marvelous. Your family did a great job.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I think so too.
      Have a blessed week.

      Delete