Happy Sunday to all. Wishing a happy Father's Day to all the dads out there as well.
Good golly - we are already more than halfway through this month! It sure happens quickly! Time flies.
We have had lovely weather this past week. Most of the time it was very mild, and we even had very chilly mornings! We had no humidity! We got some rain early in the week - that was about it.
This coming week looks to be in the 80's and maybe some rain tomorrow. We can sure use it. The rain that comes from the heavens sure is better for the garden than the stuff coming from the faucet!
I think I only turned the AC on for a couple hours one late afternoon (yesterday) to cool of the house before time for bed. This weather has sure been good on the electric bill!
The garden is doing nicely. Growing, and everything is blooming or budding!
My week:
- I was in the mood for something sweet this week. I made a bowl of no bake cheesecake filling. I used cream cheese, low calorie frozen whipped topping and Stevia. I ate it with fresh fruit. No crust or sugar! It sure tasted good.
- Weeding - it never ends
- Mowed the front and trimmed the entire yard. Back not mowed this week.
- Found a big bag of whiting in the freezer that I needed to use. I thawed and 'grilled' it all. Used for a couple meals & snacks
- Picked lettuce
- Hard boiled 6 eggs - it has been a long while since I had done that. Tasty!
- I did go out this week. I ran to Kroger and got a few peaches and bananas. Also bought shampoo that will last for the next year or so. I actually ran out this week!!!!!
- Blackie got his flea meds (had on hand)
- Put together bottles of dish soap and shampoo (using the end of shampoo). Water, soap and a little vinegar
- Ran across the road and met a neighbor that is fairly new to the neighborhood and went to her yard sale! I got myself 3 fancy summer tops, a brand-new leather belt and a cookbook all for $9
- Noticed while out this week - that I hadn't even used a 1/4 tank of gas in the past 3 1/2 weeks. Saving more than way!
- Did a lot of porch sitting and visiting with neighbors
- Just doing all the normal stuff we all do
Meals this past week:
Mac/cheese/broccoli and meatballs
Homemade pizza (very cool day)
Pizza and salad
Fish soft tacos
Fish sandwich on bun (2)!
Grilled zucchini, hard boiled eggs and a tomato salad
Chopped steak w/fried onions and baked beans
How was your week? Did you get any deals? How are your garden plants doing?
Let us know what is going on in your area.
FRANCES - hoping all is still doing better with your hubby and that you have both gotten some rest. Please let us know! Praying!!!!
Hoping you all have a safe and healthy week. Prayers and blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
*****************************
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8
Dear Lord, Help guide in this coming week. Place your healing hands upon all who are in need - whether it be physical, mental or spiritual healing. May we be guided to do good deeds and ways and words each and every day. Thank You for Your many blessings. AMEN
Good morning, Cheryl... and everyone! Thank you for the verse and prayer. Yes, indeed. Sounds like you had a busy-ish week, Cheryl. I love that you're porch visiting with neighbors and what good deals you got at the yard sale! Can I ask, what is whiting?
ReplyDeleteWe were tired this week, but still got a lot accomplished. Yesterday youngest son and BIL helped Hubs move/spread about 1/2 of the truckload of gravel that was delivered. Weather has been hotter. Normal for here and a signal of the upcoming monsoon season. I made more jam and got more done in the house. Little grocery shopping needed, but we did take advantage of some good sale prices on produce and meat, plus stocked up on Salsa on Friday.
Our meals this week were grilled burgers with tomatoes and avocado (Sunday), tuna salad sandwiches with chips (Monday), beans & wieners over biscuits (Tuesday), roasted chicken thighs w/rice & veggies (Wednesday), chicken salad sandwiches (Thursday + Friday), and yesterday I made pulled pork in the Crock Pot. Today, at Hubs' request, it will be spaghetti and meatballs.
Spent a lot of time in prayer this week. Much to pray about. Many to pray for. I had a troubling email yesterday morning about my mom and was glad later that both sons needed help troubleshooting cooking--one by phone and one in my kitchen; it took my mind off of things. I'm glad they come to me for that (still).
May the week ahead hold more joy than troubles for us all.
--Elise
I know how ya feel on your mom, mine seems to be doing so good and then I hear from one of our daughters that she was wound up about a delivery order not going well and held the delivery guy hostage! lol But really it has a tendency to make one rather nervous especially when the loved one has always been a bit high strung on certain things, it's a bit like ptsd from dealing w/it for so long since childhood for many of us. I try to focus on God giving us Peace that passeth all understanding and things that are of good report as Phillippians says, praying specifically as a little girl to her father.
DeleteI think our moms are about the same age, Amelia. Mine is 90. She got microscopic colitis a few years ago and is now roughly 90 lbs. Most recently she was diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's. She has episodes where she makes no coherent sense and can't get up, walk, use the bathroom, etc. without assistance. Once cousin who's a retired nurse thinks she's having micro strokes. At age 90, no doctors seem inclined to do much. She lives with my Sis. It's all very hard on her and her hubby; I'm about 700 miles away (maybe more) and unable to do much but listen and offer emotional support. I do pray for you, your family and your mom, because I know how it is. Hugs! --Elise
DeleteGood morning. Whiting is a type of fish. It was a large bag of fillets, so I cooked them all up before getting freezer burned.
DeleteSounds like you have both been keeping busy.
Sorry to hear about your mom. (Amelia too). It would be very difficult to be so far away, especially when things aren't going the best. All you can do is listen, offer whatever advice you can, and pray for God's assistance.
I lost my mom at 90 1/2 and still didn't feel like I had her long enough. There is never enough time to love them. My heart goes out to you.
Hoping you have a great week.
Oh my goodness Elise, 90 pounds. That must be so very, very difficult. My mom is 93, I'm 62, hubs will be 70 this fall, his mom is almost 100 this next year. My mom is now saying she doesn't feel well today because she binged on two huge bags of chips and watermelon. I will be praying Elise, it's very complicated I know and yes, most doctors have an attitude to let them do what they want which I get in some ways, we need to respect and not be a total control freak but it's very ageist in attitude and that's not good. We have a specialist in the family who used to say let them eat whatever when they are old, not balanced at all. Very little training in nutrition. But aside from that, I will pray for your family, it is tough, tough, tough. I so hear ya on all of it. God bless you Elise and be with you and give you comfort and Peace, and Lord help us all. I pray you'll have a glimmer of hope and Peace!
DeleteThank you Cheryl, I know you must sorely miss your mom, and you are so correct, all we can do is be that best friend and good daughter no matter what in most cases with most situations. Thank God our daughters help as they can too. I had one daughter about to run over there and I told her not to, they are exhausted with fixing up their home they moved from and two tots. She already binged and there's not a thing we can do except tell her to drink quite a bit of water, take her L Argenine, etc. and pray, pray, pray.
DeleteThank you for the explanation, Cheryl. I've never heard of whiting fish! I do love fish, but Hubs doesn't, so it's a rare treat (for me), usually at a restaurant. Amelia, we'd all be happy if my mom would just EAT. Period. Because she's afraid of microscopic colitis flares, she hardly eats at all and has become seriously frail and weak; she falls a lot.
DeleteContinuing to pray for you both, and others here. --Elise
It's been a relatively quiet week with >1 in of rain this week & cooler temps. The spring rush has morphed into summer maintenance. The garden is growing nicely except for the peas & lettuce that didn't germinate. I've pulled the lettuce seed out to replant when it dries up. Too hot, too dry now too wet! I stocked up on meat sales in preparation for a cousin reunion scheduled for next month. Your garage sale buys remind me that I am not a clothes shopper. I was looking at some old holiday pics & had to laugh when I saw the runners & shorts I was wearing back then. No wonder they're worn out now! But it seems like I just bought them. Peonies & cacti bloomed this past week, a feast for the eyes. Friends' daughter is a musician & played at a blues/roots festival yesterday. I was able to attend. The rain held off until her band had performed. In the kitchen: rice pudding, tortellini soup, chocolate chip cookies, zucchini coconut loaf, chicken/broccoli/rice casserole, watermelon & feta cheese w/ fresh basil. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteGlad that MOST of the garden is doing well. Some years there are just things that don't want to grow!!!!
DeleteI am not a clothes shopper either. I truly have nothing much fancy or really nice for luncheons out or any special events. Those tops will be my go to now!
The music festival sounds neat. There is one going on up the road at the park all weekend here. Too many people for me!
Your food all sounds yummy.
Have a great week.
Hi Cheryl, I love eggs like that, I usually keep a good supply of them! I usually bake mine in shell at 350 for 30 minutes or instant pot for 3 minutes with 1 1/2 c. water. It's so great to be able to just munch on those and put on salads too.
ReplyDeletePorch sitting. Oh that sounds so very nice! : ) I wish there was more of that around here.
Last night we had lentil burgers with lettuce and tomatoes accompanied with oven baked squash slices from the garden and a handful of unsalted chips. Watermelon too later. Then we started watching: "My Friend Flicka"...Oh my heart, such a sweet movie, can't wait to finish it.
Your healthier sweet dessert sounds so good! Our youngest daughter is enjoying xylitol too for sweetening but just keep it away from pets. : )
It's hot and humid over here...Staying in the shade! lol
Scripture and prayer is so right on.
Take care sweet Cheryl, I may not be online much this coming week just FYI. :) Hugs!
Would you mind sharing your lentil burger recipe, Amelia? It's not vegan (of course), but I always have homemade meat broth on hand--4 cups from yesterday's pulled pork in the fridge to be fat skimmed--and I'd think that would make lentils taste more like meat for burgers. Hubs might be more willing to try them if I cook the lentils in broth and then make burgers from them. Thanks in advance. --Elise
DeleteYes, that is a sweet movie. I remember it well. Interested in your lentil burger recipe as well. Nice to have alternatives - just in case.
DeleteIt has been nice sitting on the porch and just chatting with the neighbors. This is the most I have done that.
I hope all is well with you and nothing is wrong (since you won't be online as much). Take good care.
Have a wonderful week.
Hi gals, Here is the recipe I use: https://underthemedian.com/how-to-make-incredibly-inexpensive-lentil-burgers/ I bet you could put an egg in it too if you like. This lady has some good recipes, her husband is very kind and has had heart issues, they are Christians, which is nice now-a-days.
DeleteCheryl, I'll just be out of pocket this week away from my pc for the mostpart, I appreciate you being concerned, that is soooo sweet, and means the world.
DeleteThank you, Amelia, for the link to the recipe. --Elise
DeleteSounds like you had a pretty nice week. The weather here was about the same and I LOVED it. The gardens here are all doing well. We could use a bit of rain though. Hopefully today or tomorrow we will get some. Have a great Sunday and a peaceful week Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice. The weather is just about perfect. Yep, a little more rain would be great - should get some here tomorrow.
DeleteThank you. Wishing you a wonderful week as well!
Despite delays in the construction and yard work, I had a wonderful week too. It cooled down here slightly, which meant the house cooled off at night, so the a/c didn't run much. I'm hoping for a bit of rain today, as we've got thunderstorms in the forecast. The upcoming week looks very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteAs for the weeds, I guess we can say they are reliable. :)
I sure hope you get things done quickly. I know you have had many delays. Cool nights are the best. Makes sleeping more comfortable.
DeleteNope those weeds will never let us down!!!!! LOL
Have a great week.
Husband and I are hanging in there. We slept from sheer exhaustion Friday night, but not so well last night. He had an incident of weakness this morning, but he had been standing for 20 minutes (brushing/flossing teeth).
ReplyDeleteHe is wearing a heart monitor for the weekend. It has to go back to the cardiology dept. Monday. I don't know how I'm going to handle this. I really don't want to leave him home alone for the 1-1/2 hrs that it will take to drive to the hospital and return it, but he is adamant that he won't allow a neighbor to come watch him. His daughter lives 30 miles away, and her car is currently in the shop. I understand his fears; we don't really know who we can actually trust around here. I may have to take him with me, and he doesn't want that either (and neither do I).
My anxiety is through the roof most of the time, and the nausea is bad, though I did learn that peppermint essential oil can help with that. I don't have a diffuser, but just sniffing the closed bottle helps. Lots of praying and doing my anxiety calming practices, too.
Lots of follow-up appts. to schedule: cardiologist, neurologist, PCP, OT/PT, speech therapist.
So right now, I'm just in a whirlwind. I am sure things will start falling into place later this week as we learn new routines.
forgot to add my name: Frances in the Trailer Park
DeleteAh shucks hon. SO sorry you are going through all this. I wish I were closer - I would come and take it back for you. Dang it. Hoping with all the appointments, they finally get this all figured out and things go back to normal. You are both in my prayers. Thank you for letting us know what is going on. Please keep in touch when you can - I understand things are busy and stressful. Take care of you too!!!! He needs you! Huge hugs.
DeleteTry to have a good week.
I'm praying Frances, I know you must feel so overwhelmed! Peppermint oil is good. I would like to hear one day what you do for anxiety and calming. God be with you, and I so get not knowing who to trust! Even some nutritionists will just send people to a cardiologist who in turn will want to do something that the family and nutritionist don't even agree with! I feel your pain on that. Praying for exact peaceful God given direction for you and your husband!
DeleteStill praying, Frances. While getting the heart monitor back presents a challenge for you, I'm so glad they've given him one. It really can help them better help him. As Cheryl said, if I were in PA I'd return it for you to ease the stress. BTW, I've had issues with stress/anxiety off and on for many years. Different things work for different people, but one thing that's worked well for me (at times) is a kind of Lamaze breathing. It can be done anytime, anywhere. I'm also known to play soothing music on the stereo. No lyrics. Just instrumental. Low volume. Hugs to you both. --Elise
DeleteThank you, everyone, for the prayers and support. I gave him a shower this morning, we returned the heart monitor this afternoon, and he is snoozing in his recliner as I type. (and this is a man who does. not. nap.) Sleep is necessary for healing.
DeleteHe was referred to Concordia Visiting Nurses, but only for PT, even though we also need an in-home evaluation from an OT, and he needs speech therapy. I contacted the Stroke Coordinator at the hospital, and she is sending info on another provider. I am very UNimpressed with Concordia, having talked to their scheduling dept and read a number of poor reviews. Apparently our PCP can provide the necessary referrals.
Thank you also for all the suggestions about dealing with stress and anxiety. I say a lot of prayers, the one most often lately being, "Lord, take my hand and lead me where I need to go." for clarity in sorting out the muddle of things that need to be done. Peppermint essential oil has mostly relieved my nausea, and I'm eating again. Soft music is good, too. Light reading in the evenings help take my mind off things before bed. Amelia, the book my Dr. recommended ("Feeling Good" by Dr. David D. Burns) has a number of techniques for pushing back against the anxiety-producing voices in my mind. ("Feeling Great" by the same author is also very good.) These techniques help me rationally see that I am in no danger and there is no reason to be anxious. Diet and exercise help, though my beloved walks on the trail are no more. The treadmill will have to do, even though I hate doing it and Husband hates listening to it LOL!
--Frances
Sleep and rest is essential for healing!!!!!! His body knows what it needs. I am just so glad he is home with you.
DeletePT and voice therapy are important. I hope you get matched up with just the right therapists. Not everyone seems to care as much as they should.
Please continue to take care of yourself as well - it sounds like you have a good handle on it.
HUGE HUGS and continued prayers.
Hi Cheryl. Sounds like you have had a productive week. I was fine for 8 days after my knee operation and then last Sunday went down with gastroenteritis. I have really been struggling feeling so ill. Thank God for our medical services who have been great. I suppose the only positive thing is losing 14 pounds! It's been very hot all week, granddaughter Poppy brought me her fan to borrow.
ReplyDeleteHubbie has been busy watering the shrubs and flowers in our garden, the lawn is white and dry. Parts of the UK have a hose pipe ban already. He has been busy at the allotment too. Today he picked 7 green zucchini, 4 cucumber and 4 large lettuce. He gave some to our lovely neighbour, some to our daughter, the rest he left in a box outside his Dad's house for anyone to help themselves. The thought of food makes me feel quite sick.
Thinking about your readers going through difficult times. Have a good week.
Oh goodness Heather. Sorry to hear you have been so sick. Bless your heart. Going through surgery was enough, then to have that happen. I sure hope you get better soon.
DeleteI am glad your hubby is keeping up other things for you.
Take good care of yourself. Keep in tough.
Hoping you have a good week.
Oh, Heather, I've had gastroenteritis many times. NOT fun. If possible, it's best to go about 24 hours with nothing but water, but you've probably already done that. Praying you get well soon! --Elise
DeleteHello, all!
ReplyDeleteGeesh, this week passed so quickly. Growing up in Cali, we got out of school in late June and went back after Labor Day. Kickoff to summer was Independence Day and halfway point was end of July, Here, it's out 8n early May and back in early August. So, July 4th is midpoint. My point being that it's so strange to already see signs of back to school popping up!! I say it every year. Labor Day starts the crazy time coaster...I go to sleep on that Monday night and suddenly it's January!!! When did time start going soooo fast!?
Found some great deals this weekend. Hubs needed a new backpack. His college pack croaked after a mere 40 years lol. I found one at the store on a rack with 6 identical ones. Tag read $16.99. That was good because most were priced over $60. It was a brand I never heard of... Columbia...so I assumed it was crapola. But, he decided to take a chance. It rang up at $65!!! Mgr. went back to confirm our find and gave it to us for $16.99! We couldn't believe it and told us it was a very good brand. Then I had a couple of coupons from Bath & Body works. I found body cream for 75% off, plus they applied my coupons. I left with 3 big tubes of cream and a small lotion for $10.24. Cheapo lotion is more than that. And today we got a 13# slab of brisket for $14.14. Eggs were 18/1.49.
Last season premiere of Endeavour on PBS is on tonight. We're sure gonna miss this when it's gone. The show we're most looking forward to is season 2 of World on Fire. We both loved the first season, then there was a loooong COVID hiatus.
I hope you catch a break, Frances. Caretaking is a tough job I remember all too well. There simply wasn't enough me to go around.
We got another inch of rain last night. Yippee!
Yes, we always got out of school right before Memorial Day and never went back until after Labor Day. Nice summers. Uh, time started going faster as we have aged!!!!!! Momma always said it - I didn't believe it. Welp - look at me now!
DeleteYou got some good deals. Kroger had eggs on sale and brisket this week as well. Great price on the backpack.
Enjoy your show!
Nice on the rain.
Have a great week.
Debby,
DeleteColumbia is a great brand!
I second the thumbs up on the Columbia backpack. Made in Oregon product.
DeleteThe verses from Proverbs are vital to our everyday lives.
ReplyDeleteYou have had a busy week! Today was pretty nice weather and I'm hoping we will get some rain here and there. We harvested the dinosaur kale and used it in a skillet meal. The broccoli was spent so the Farmer cleaned up the raised bed and planted more green beans. Tomatoes and peppers are blooming. I need to pick red raspberries tomorrow.
I wondered if your only kitty is lonely after having companions. Enjoy your week!
We could sure use some rain.
DeleteYou don't let the broccoli re-grow? I used to always let mine get smaller secondary heady - it was all good. Nice to see those blooms.
Happy raspberry picking.
Kitty stays real close to home. Follows me around when I am out and we sit together on the porch a lot in the evening. Then he goes roaming! He is such a sweet boy.
Have a good week.
Debby, when is World on Fire supposed to start? Is it on PBS? I loved the first season also.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, so nice you are enjoying your porch sitting---I think it is due to the beautiful new landscaping on your front, and it is a joy for you to be out there now! :)
Frances, and your hubby, and Heather---hope you are well, soon. You are in my thoughts...
We got our checking account changed after the fraud incident. Now waiting to see if direct deposits and withdrawals go as they should. Very time consuming to fix all this. We have 2 kids with anniversaries in June, and we usually send them a check in the mail. No more. One couple got a gift card to Cracker Barrel, and the other an Amazon gift card. Mind you---not cards in the mail, but an email gift card. (can be stolen out of the mail).
We are in south Florida, west coast, and have been missed by rain for many weeks. Today was glorious...rained off and on all day! I do not have a veg. garden, but do have flowers :)
Glad you got everything taken care of - what a mess. How do you pay bills? Do you do all that electronically? I still pay bills with checks and go to post office to mail. I never put in my mail box.
DeleteGlad you got some needed rain. I bet your flowers are loving it.
Have a great week.
My name did not pop up---I am Lejmom (Jane)
ReplyDeleteIt has rained here all week and will rain for the next week, too. Rats! My dozen blackberries are going to make. I was afraid they would fall off...lol. I don't know why I thought that.
ReplyDeleteRain all week? Wow. We are lucky to get any once a week. I doubt they fall off - but the birds may get them.
DeleteHave a good week.
Sounds like you had a great week Cheryl, and those of your readers that haven’t had the best of weeks, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAfter having a very lean week on the bargain front last week, this week I have found heaps. It’s been great to restock without spending a fortune.
This weekend I made the funnel cakes and also Elise’s chicken salad recipe, both were hits with the family, so thanks ladies. Louise.
How nice that you found so many bargains! It sure does help when restocking. That is great.
DeleteHow neat that you made both of the recipes. Glad they were a hit.
Have a lovely week.
I actually got some packets of chicken thigh with the bone still in and wasn’t sure what to do with them, but at $2 a pack I couldn’t leave them on the shelf at Aldi.
DeleteSo while Elise suggested breast, I used thigh. Aldi usually do a thigh fillet, I’m thinking the bone left in put people off and so they were left to be marked down. Louise
So glad your family liked it, Louise. I made some last week using leftover (bone in) chicken thighs. They charge almost $7 for one sandwich by itself at Arby's!!! I was glad I could figure out what's in it. Now I have to try the funnel cakes! I'm so curious about them. --Elise
DeleteQuestion--to anyone--about celery. You know how a recipe calls for only a small amount, but you have to buy the whole (large) bunch? I've tried freezing cut/chopped celery many times, but it seems to yellow in the freezer and go off taste. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. --Elise
ReplyDeleteElise, this tip comes from my friend Linda....she recommends putting the entire bunch in a tall vase with a small amount of water which needs to be replenished often. The celery often grows roots but will keep for weeks, and then can be replanted. Alternatively you can store individual stalks in water in the refrigerator.
DeleteThanks again for the salad recipe,
Louise
Elise, I wrap my celery in foil per Cheryl. It keeps for quite a while. Also it dries very well and is easy to reconstitute.
DeleteYep - I do the foil trick too. It keeps a long, long time that way. Just wrap tightly. LaurieS is right - it is so easy to dehydrate. I always have a jar around - plus I freeze some as well.
DeleteThank you, everyone. I'll try that. Celery isn't expensive, but it can take me a month to get through a whole package. I have to watch my fiber intake (U.C.), so can't eat a lot at a time.
DeleteBUSY day today. The solar company sent 2 guys out (again), 2 weeks late, to get all the measurements, etc. as before. I fed them berry pie and sent them off with brownie bites. It's a 2 hr. trip one way for them. Also got the sage planted in pots. Russian sage is supposed to repel deer, rabbits, yellow jackets and wasps. Potted grow-ceries will be next up. --Elise
P.S. Ordered some Vionic sneakers that came today (try before you buy) and they work!!! Less overall pain.
Our garden is coming along, but we are needing to water as no rain. We got a few drops today (Monday) but need much more.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Glad it is growing. We didn't get the rain they said today either! Bummer. Guess we just have to keep watering ourselves.
DeleteHave a great week.
Jackie, we're having to water, too. Hot and dry lately with a lot of wind.
DeleteCheryl, I pay bills electronically through my bank...it is a credit union, and they call the process "Bill Pay". Some (most) bills receive the $ next day (EFT) and others, like the lawn guy, get sent a check from the bank and that takes about a week. I put my letters inside the post office building in the secure mail slot. It was an obvious "inside job"...
ReplyDeleteWell I am glad you have a secure way to now pay everything. That is so sad that someone working there would do something like that. You would sure think that they would have a better system.
Delete