Happy Sunday and Happy December!!!!! How did this happen so fast? In less than a month we will be into 2024!!! WOW! Meteorological winter started on December 1, in our part of the world. Good news - it is only about 89 or 90 days until meteorological spring!!!!! LOL
I hope this finds you all well and safe!!!
Well, earlier I told you about the lady across the alley that had her back and yard bush hogged! I thought she must have gotten rid of the chickens. NOPE! There are 2 that are constantly roaming out in the alley this week. One is black and one is black and white - they are big and pretty. Sure isn't safe! They don't seem to care, nor do they fix the hole in the privacy fence. The alley is busy and at night there are racoons and opossums wondering. Sometimes dogs. It amazes me how little people care about their animals. Poor chicks.
We were above normal temps for part of the week. Had rain and it looks to rain today as well. The ground needs it! It is being reported that our area will be above normal temps through much of December. Okey-dokey!!!!!
- I have continued on the deep clean - just about have everything in the house dusted from the sanding mess! What a job. Also got rid of a couple bags to trash of papers and stuff. Still decluttering.
- Froze balance of turkey breast for future meals
- Got the wreaths up on doors and the Christmas flag out
- Worked on gift baskets - checking my list!!
- Both cats got flea meds
- Tons of laundry!!! Amazing how much I do for one person. I did everything from the bed and door rugs again, plus towels and clothes
- Paid everything and even paid ahead on a couple. I am not sure what is going on w/electric bill. I am on a budget (same every month). Usually they total out in about Sept. The past 2 months, I have been billed less than $20 per month!!!! I continue to pay the budget amount.
- I ordered the jerky and summer sausage from Walnut Creek Foods (all gifts for baskets)
- Ran out to P.O. to mail bills and got Christmas stamps
- While out - I went to Kroger, Big Lots, and Ollies. I got gas with discount for 2.57/gal. Needed less than $15 worth for the month!
- I got a few more basket items at Kroger and Big Lots. Ollies I got the last of the gifts for the littles. All I need now are a few more gift cards and I am done.
Meals this week:
Warm open face nacho cheese/turkey sandwich and fries
Hamburger goulash and salad
Made chili mac with leftover goulash (added chili beans)
Chicken breast, roasted potatoes w/cheese and small salad
Bacon/egg sandwich
Stir fry vegs & Spam chunks over rice
Fish sandwich and salad
What have you all been up to? Do you have all your gifts and shopping done? I know many of you do! Smart ladies! Decorations (if doing) up?
What kinds of deals did you all find this week at the grocery or anywhere for that matter?
Love hearing about your weeks! Debby you have been quiet lately!!!!! Hope all is OK.
I hope you all stay well and safe and healthy in this coming week. Stay warm up north! You gals have had some snow and cold!!!! Travel mercies for anyone traveling.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
**********************
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! For he satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.
Psalms 107:8-9
Dear Lord, we thank You for all our gifts each day. We are so blessed in every way, and we are thankful. Please be with those who are homeless or having troubles in this year. Help us each to reach out in some way to help another. May all have a warm bed, and a belly filled this week. Amen
Good morning, Cheryl. It sounds like you had a good and productive week. Drywall dust is the worst stuff to get rid of.
ReplyDeleteMy little Christmas tree was decorated yesterday, and all the gifts wrapped (or bagged) and are sitting under the tree or around the little table it stands on for now.
We're at or above normal temps for at least another week. I'm hoping the snow will hold off until Christmas Eve. I'm planning my drive to my daughter's for the 23rd - I'd really like clear roads.
But the farmers are already concerned about the moisture levels, especially as we had a drought in parts of the province this year. What's good for the short term will have serious repercussions if this weather continues for too long. However, it is early yet and we could very well end up with lots of snow in January and February.
Maebeme, it's supposed to be a snowier winter throughout much of North America this year, but I hope you have dry roads for your drive on the 23rd. --Elise
DeleteSounds like you have Christmas under control. I hope you have great weather to get to your daughters. I understand the moisture need - We all groan when it's wet or snowy - but it is needed. You never know - things can change tomorrow.
DeleteHave a great week.
Good morning, Cheryl. I feel like I'm playing catch-up every week. My cousin's funeral was 5 hrs away. My sister & another cousin accompanied me. I was looking forward to a slow day on Monday but the chicken order came in which meant an hour's drive for pick-up then delivery/pick-up to the 4 others who I order for. My freezer was inventoried & now well-stocked. Slow day on Tues? No! I hosted a Home Routes house concert. That means zhuzh the house in preparation for an overnight guest plus set up for the audience. And the next day, the performer awoke at 4:30AM to make his way home 2 provinces away! Yes, I went back to bed after seeing him off to wake up to the laundry & cleaning post-guests. I made chocolate fudge & cranberry snack cookies for the lodge bake/craft sale yesterday & attended a craft sale in another town. I purchased a number of odds & ends at the $ store there. A cousin retired after a 38 yr career. Oh, how I remember my own retirement 10 yrs ago. I'm still not over the slow mornings & the feeling of not punching the clock. I only got in 2 walks this week & finished 2 books this month - A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews & The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. In the kitchen: leftover sauerkraut, smoked pork chops & mashed potatoes; roast chicken w/ garlic mashed potatoes & roasted vegetables; peach crisp; Greek salad; chicken pot pie for my SIL (who is showing progress in her recovery after breaking her hip).
ReplyDeleteMona, how did you like those books? Inquiring book-a-holics would like to know! Hope this is a quieter week ahead for you.
Delete--Elise
Well I am tired just reading this!!!! My goodness, you have been busy, busy. So many different directions in your week!!!!
DeleteI guess that keeps you from getting board.
I still get up the same time everyday that I did when I was working years ago! I just wake up.
Your meals sound yummy. Glad your SIL is showing progress in recovery.
Have a calm and wonderful week!
Excellent devotion! We are so blessed with all the gifts the Father gives us.
ReplyDeleteWe needed the rain and it just might accidentally rain today. Gloomy enough to have to turn on lights. Kind of cozy actually.
Your neighbor is very irresponsible in caring for her chickens. Of course, some people are that way about their kids.
Your week of meals all sound good. There are some that we could prepare and enjoy. The Farmer has been diagnosed with NAFL which is non-alcoholic fatty liver. He has drastically altered his diet and hopes to lose about 15 pounds. "They" say that if you lose 10% of your body weight, your liver will reset itself. He is down a few pounds already. One of the worst culprits in the American diet is sugar and it does play a role in fatty liver. He should have a good ten or fifteen years ahead of him (he is 74). We may not have ten years, the Messiah may return before then.
Glad you were able to put flea medicine on Little Bit. She must be really warming up to you. I saw a clip on Instagram of a cat who demolished a pot of cat grass and made a huge mess. The cat was having a blast with that plant. Higher than a kite.
Well, I'm going to set up my ironing board, have several pieces to freshen up. Some ladies don't iron any more but I like freshly pressed clothes.
Enjoy your day. See you Tuesday!
I got my front door wreath up and found my centerpiece for the table. Not sure about a tree this year - I have this little table-top tree (it's about 60 years old now!) but with this new cat I'm not sure it would last even a day, she's into everything. Puzzle, as I love my little tree... but don't want it wrecked.
DeleteCheryl, you must be doing a great job with new kitty, to get the flea med on! Have you discovered if it's a boy or a girl? I sure would like to clip the claws on Allie, but so far no luck. Things are better though, as she is interested in snuggling on the bed in the evening, and was even thinking about getting in my lap once, but then freaked out and ran off.
I used to be on Yearly Electricity Budget Plan, but my power company did away with it. Now they readjust the bill every quarter which is hardly worthwhile for me as the winter billing adjustment will show up in spring and be very high just as taxes are due. :( Guess they are not into really budgeting for monthly expenses or they'd know there was a problem with this.
I had a gift catastrophe: ordered pecans from a place I've dealt with before, great product. The delivery was made late on Saturday, and when I checked I did not see it anywhere... but it had been found by the local bear. :( All the pecans were gone, the package torn to pieces. What a bummer. Not cheap either.
MaryB
Oh, Mary, I'm so sorry to hear about the pecans. Those aren't cheap! As for the yearly Electric Budget Plan being discontinued, do you have a senior services office in your area? They might be able to help you get a senior discount. Some areas in the U.S. offer them.
DeleteMy guess is if Allie is a nervous cat, the small tree would be safe on a higher space with brightly wrapped gifts (or faux gifts) all around it. You could also try a small, crinkly tree skirt... something with a foil-type finish. She will get startled by the noise if she gets too close to the tree. That's the theory, anyway. It doesn't work with dogs, so I got a very inexpensive little battery operated tree for the coffee table; we'll see how that goes. --Elise
Donna, NAFL seems to be getting more common. Does your husband take extra vitamin D every day? If not, try it. 2000 IU of D3 once per day might help. Also add more cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts to your meals if he'll eat them; all help reset the liver.
DeleteAnd YES, I'd be happy for Jesus to return any time! --Elise
I too like to "finish" the clothes by ironing. You're not alone.
DeleteEllie
DONNA - it has now been raining here since about 1PM and it is 2:30. So dreary and chilly and that stupid wind again!! I sure hope dieting works for your hubby. I have never heard of that before. Best of luck to him.
DeleteIroning board? What is that??? LOL! I don't think I even have one any more. I so seldom iron.
Lil Bit lets you do whatever if it's eating!!! Didn't even notice me putting the flea meds on!
Hope you have a great week.
MARY - I doubt if I do any kind of tree - as the cats will be housecats by Christmas - and I just am not sure how that will go! Lil Bit is doing pretty good - didn't even realize I did the flea meds - too busy chowing down! That kitty is a PIG!!!! I "think" girl - not 100% yet!!! Call me crazy.
DeleteOh no on the pecans! What a bummer!!! Wow, you have bears coming up to the house? YIKES.
That had to be a big loss. That is some 'porch pirate'!!!!
Have a lovely week.
Elise, we love the cruciferous vegs. He is faithful about taking supplements and even makes our own sambucus from elderberries. We never did eat the junk some folks do. Just have to be more diligent these days. Will do both of us good. Just trying to take care of the temple.
DeleteGood morning, happy start of Advent, and thank you (as always) for the verse and prayer. WOWZA! You've been busy!! Yes, when they were young, my boys loved those Christmas Tree cakes, too. As for the neighbor with the chickens, I have one of those, too, and he lost all his chickens to predators within 6 months of our being here. He's the one whose corral and dog fencing is 40 ft. onto our property for the whole length of the acre. But enough of that. This week...
ReplyDeleteACCOMPLISHMENTS: Physical therapy twice. Rotation of warm weather-cold weather clothing; 2 big bags of winter clothes/coats dropped of at charity thrift store. All the usual chores.
MEALS: A pork roast from Black Friday fed us for several days. Potstickers and rice was another meal, then I roasted a beef tri-tip for traditional meals with vegetables, finished off in a pot of vegetable beef soup. I also baked several dozen chocolate chunk 2-bite cookies using frozen dough. Saved some, shared some.
GROCERY DEALS: 7 lbs. chicken drumsticks, 13 lbs. beef tri-tip roasts (4 total), 6 lbs. ground round, 4 lbs. mandarins, 3 lbs. Honeycrisp apples, 3 lbs. Fuji apples, 4 jars Pace salsa, 4 cans tuna, 6 cans Libby’s green beans, 6 cans Hunt’s spaghetti sauce, 6 pkgs. American Beauty pasta (variety), 2 doz. eggs, cereal, bread, yogurt and 3 frozen juice concentrate [for jamming]. Basically, stocking up on sales. All totaled less than $150 and we saved 40 cents per gal. on gasoline using store points.
OTHER DEALS: New stand mixer with attachments for $7.44 and two new 8 X 12 glass Bake and Take sets with lids and insulated carriers for $1.60.
GRATEFUL FOR: Everyone here, spectacular sunrises, watching the dogs’ reactions to snow, the snow melting off in hours—twice! Doggie cuddles. That my pain has eased since Friday/Saturday. My youngest son brought us a boneless pork loin and cut it up into chops, vacuum sealing in batches for the freezer.
Blessings to you, Cheryl, and to all the readers here! --Elise
If no one minds, I'd like to add GOALS for the coming weeks, *if* I'm able to or can enlist the help of my guys: Making and canning homemade apple butter, apple scrap jelly, orange marmalade from mandarins, cranberry orange relish, blueberry preserves (from lbs. of summer sale bought berries in the freezer), peach jam using canned fruit, ditto pineapple jam. Some to keep, some to go into goodie gift bags for neighbors, workers, etc. with Chex Mix and cookies.
DeleteQUESTION for any canners here: Have you ever made jams or jelly using large cans of fruit and/or frozen, concentrated juice? I have plenty of low/no sugar pectin on hand.
Thank you! --Elise
I've never canned with cans of fruit or concentrate. But you can make wine jelly so I don't see why not. It would probably be the same concept.
DeleteYou got some really great deals = wow. Glad you are getting to your PT ok (and doing it!). Your meals sound great.
DeleteI have never made jelly or jam using canned fruit. I have using frozen (I always freeze my grapes and strawberries) before I ever get around to canning. I have made jelly using unsweetened 100% fruit juice as well. I would imaging you can use canned - just have to think about sugars.
That would make for some nice gifts.
Wow 2 snows already and in AZ!!! Funny how we don't think of it snowing there! LOL
Have a wonderful week.
Yup. The AZ mountains get a LOT of snow. More so in the Flagstaff area than here, but there's a ski resort less than 1/2 hour away!
DeleteHubs and son just peeled, cored and chopped pounds of apples that are in the crock pot now for apple butter. They saved the peels and cores (now in the freezer) for apple scrap jam another day. Tonight they'll learn how to fill jars and do a water bath. LOL!
Pineapple Jam from canned pineapple + sugar, recipe here:
https://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/pineapple-jam.html
Peach Preserves using canned peaches + sugar, recipe here:
https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2008/09/perfectly-easy-peach-preserves.html
Jelly from juice:
https://www.bhg.com/recipe/make-it-mine-juice-jelly/
**that last one won't work for me as it uses too much sugar, but I'll try the others adapting for low/no sugar pectin (Elise)
You go girl!
DeleteI've been deep cleaning here too and getting rid of stuff we don't use. I sent over 40 things (mostly small things) with Bailey to the Trade Day for today. It feels so good to let go of these things we are not using for someone who can use them and of course its all free for them at Trade Day, so a win win.
ReplyDeleteWe've been doing a ton of laundry this week too. Bailey is tie dying and that makes more laundry than usual. That was a great price you paid for gas. I came across a receipt in my Mother's recipe book this week. It was for a shell gas station in Westmont, Illinois for my Dad from 1968. It was $5 worth of gas, which probably filled his car up at that time. LOL
I hope you're having a great weekend. We put up a few Christmas decorations too and I'm wrapping a present or two each day so as not to get overwhelmed. I hope you are doing well, Cheryl.
It feels great to let go of things no longer used. I seem to acquire a lot of paper! Geesh. Glad you can get rid of things someone can maybe use.
DeleteI bet $5 did fill up the car. I remember when I got my first car in '72 - $3 or $4 would last all week and let me drive for having fun too!
Week is start6ing out wet, but it is nice. Getting things done already today!
Have a wonderful week.
We went to the bazaar yesterday, Wow so many vendors and people!! They were still coming in when we left. They had a lunch menu and DH and I shared; lots of food taco soup, sandwich, chips, pop and dessert all for $10. We have never had taco soup before but we decided we really like it so I will be adding this to our soup repertoire. I bought a couple of goat milk soaps from a Gal we know and I got a new Christmas table runner. DH got a couple of Veteran type signs. Oh, we decided not to go to the parade it was raining pretty good,
ReplyDelete*Today i'm probably playing catch up around here.
Laurie, if you can figure out the recipe for Taco Soup I'd sure love to try that. --Elise
DeleteI bet the bazaar was neat. I haven't been to one in so long. That is a great deal on the lunch. I love taco soup - I think everyone makes it differently, I just kind of throw things together. It is different every time.
DeleteNice buys!!!!! What a bummer you didn't get to go the parade. A friend of mine posted video last night of the parade in the burg up the road. It was pretty cute. Santa made his appearance!!!
It is so windy today - the porch awning keeps rattling. I have been busy inside.
Have a blessed week.
Good Morning!! We are barreling towards Christmas, aren't we? I love this time of year so much. Sounds like you had a lovely week. Sad about the chickens. I just don't understand how someone can be so irresponsible for their animals. It's heartbreaking to me. I hope this next week is just a productive and fun for you. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI should have known she still had them - although I wasn't hearing them. They were obviously living in that mess back there. Just pitiful.
DeleteYes mam, barreling is a good word for it!
I have already started getting my busy on today - not worth a hoot outside! I have been out to feed (kitties are holed up in the greenhouse). They will become house kitties this week!!
Have a great week ahead!
Ribbon Candy! How fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd tasty too!!!!!!
DeleteHave a good week.
Husband is changing from day to day. We have a good day or two followed by not-so-good days. Thursday and Friday he started coughing while eating (he has swallowing problems and is on pureed food), and coughed up a great deal of white mucus. His congestive heart failure appears to be getting worse, as the mucus is a symptom, and he is still quite swollen (edema) from the waist down. He is now taking his meals in a special needs dining room where an aide can watch him. The hospice nurse checked him both days and told me that nothing is to be done but to keep him as comfortable as possible.
ReplyDeleteYesterday was a good day. Husband and I went to a Christmas carol sing-along at the assisted living facility. A group of elderly ladies from a local Catholic church led the singing, and a large number of residents attended. We had a great time, and I even got Husband to sing some of the songs he remembered.
After the sing-along, an aide led one of the ladies who is in the memory care unit out to the middle of the room. This resident then sang "Ave Maria" in an absolutely beautiful, professionally trained voice! I wept into my handkerchief unashamedly. "Ave Maria" was sung at my grandmother's funeral, and I have been feeling especially close to my grandmother recently, asking for guidance from her and God as Husband transitions through hospice care and prepares for heaven. I have no doubt in my mind that this rendition of "Ave Maria" by a women with the mind and pure heart of a small child was my grandmother's way of letting me know that everything will be all right and as God wants it. I am at emotionally at peace with my decision to place Husband in hospice care.
Today Husband was tired and less lucid. I brought in our CD player and some soothing, relaxing classical music CDs. He sat in his wheelchair, and we held hands and listened to the music. A special moment was when he was nodding his head to the beat of Pachelbel's "Canon". Another gift from God! When I left this afternoon, the aides had put him in bed for a nap until dinner. Tomorrow, I plan to go to the Project Linus workshop for a couple of hours and then visit him in the afternoon. I will probably stay home and catch up with laundry, grocery shopping, etc. on Tuesday, since his hospice aide will be there and other hospice staff/volunteers may visit, too.
I am emotionally in a better place than I have been. I'm getting a better perspective on things and am trying to just be there at his side and let things unfold as they will without me trying to control them. Very hard for this life-long control freak!
Wishing everyone a good week full of the things that are most important in life!
--Frances
I can't imagine what you're going through right now but I firmly believe that your Grandmother had a hand in the song being sung and that it is a sign from her. I'm happy to hear you in a better place emotionally and I love that you said you have to let things unfold as they will without trying to control them. That is a reminder we probably all need to hear. Prayers going up for you and your dear husband.
DeleteFRANCES - Oh my goodness, this just about had me in tears! I do believe in signs. I had that happen to me twice on Saturday - and I know my Glen was letting me know he is watching over me.
DeleteYou have gained so much perspective in the past week or so. I am glad you are in a better mental place. As hard as it will be to let go when that day happens, you know where he will be and whom he will be greeted by! I do believe you grandma was letting you know she is helping you and she will be waiting for him one day.
Say everything you need to and enjoy every moment. I believe you are being given a gift many don't get - knowing!!!!
You are both in my prayers every day. Sending huge hugs to you both. May you continue to keep the peace in your heart.
I hope you both have a very blessed week.
Yes, I strongly believe in signs too, I have had them from my dad and my step dad, even a kind priest from when I was little who appeared in a vision telling me how to get up when I hurt my back...And yes, my grandma. Our youngest daughter had a crisp vision of my dad appearing to her in a dream, he was wearing what many wear in their loved ones vision from Heaven, he came in and smiled at her as she washed dishes. It's interesting that we will have them on our minds too. I believe God allows this...And works in mysterious ways. That is very touching, Frances, it so touched my heart. God be with you, breaks my heart what you are going through but so thankful God is there with you and that Great Cloud of Witnesses. You and your husband are in my prayers, Frances.
DeleteFrances, I don't comment often...but I have been regularly praying for you and your husband! God provides what we need. He is there as well.as your loved ones seeing you through this hard time. Hugs !
DeleteFrances, as Cheryl said, this nearly brought me to tears. I believe in angels, in loved ones long passed letting us know things will be okay, and God at work in the hardest of times. You sound in a better emotional place, Hubs sounds like he's in a good care home, and those are answered prayers. Will continue to pray for you both every day. --Elise
DeleteHi Cheryl, happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThose chicks need to be in their own fence, you never know when a dog has hunting instinct. One of our dogs does so we have to be very careful, our chicken pets are in an electrified fenced area with their coop up high inside the fence with motion detecting bright light too. We only let the chicks out when our hound is in the house locked in, dog door closed and latched. So daily our chickens free-range and hound girl is in. We just have to manage it. It works. : ) I wonder if those chick parents understand how dangerous that is for their chick pets? Some people really don't get that if they've never had chicks before. Chickens are very intelligent and wonderful pets, ours stoop down so we will pet them and sometimes pick them up.
So far my presents are pretty much wrapped except for our single adult daughter here, she's the only one who gets wrapped gifts since she lives here. I tell her the allotted money I give to siblings and husbands, she tells me what she likes, even orders it, for that amount and I wrap. She loves doing it that way and I don't mind...I usually throw in one little surprise gift wrapped.
I put the ornaments on my little big tree and my library breakfast area tree too. My ornaments on my little big tree are pale pink round non breakable from $tree, the ones that come in a tube and little dogs and cats with an elephant too. Old fashioned icicles are a must, a little $tree star on top. White lights. Yay! I use the same ever year. I even saved my icicles from last year putting them around cardboard and into a baggy, it worked! Our adult daughter surprised us with a small live tree last night, so she'll decorate that one. It smells good! Ya know? It was funny, I was listening to these two young ladies on tube, they were very nice but it tickled me that one actually thought she was really doing something by buying "quality" ornaments and using the same ones every year, and she acted like it was something to be able to use them even for ten years. Well....My little dollar store ones are very pretty and good quality and they don't break! And I guarantee that little gal they will last a lot longer than ten years. Oh well, I'm from the old school. *big smile* Beware I speak the truth! lol
Kitties around? Just put a little tree up and put those unbreakable ornaments from dollar tree up. Works great. Even Walmart has some cards of unbreakables too. Or just lights are pretty too. That's my two cents, but I'm no expert. We have three kitties and so far so good. : )
Ribbon candies! Oh my, so old fashioned, a definite remembrance from my childhood. Nice...
I would love to see your gift baskets, Cheryl. : ) Just got back from the store, got some little potatoes to bake in butter. Got some big baking potatoes to stuff with bean chili.
I put up my black and white framed prints from two scenes from Wonderful Life behind one of my Wonderful Life little town scenes...(I just have to get a pic of that!)
Take care now, enjoyed reading what you are up to as always, friend. Thinking of you this time of year, God be with you in a mighty way this Christmas season. ~Amelia
Yes those chicks need be in their fenced yard and in their hoop area. There are many dogs that get out and I think about wild critters. They have had chickens for a good year and a half - so they should know better. SHOULD!!!! Obviously they don't.
DeleteThat is neat how you handle your daughters Christmas. Nothing wrong with that!
I will have to take pictures of the baskets when all put together. I had roasted potatoes this week and they were the little ones - so good.
I do have a salt lamp going in my living room, it has a rotating color wheel in it. That is giving pretty colors at night (kind of like the old silver tree lights). I did put out my large nutcracker prince and a snow globe today. I have a big wreath inside too. A little here and there.
Have a wonderful week.
Amelia I meant to say I love the old silver icicles too. I did that on a small tree one year and when I went to clean the litter box - there was a poop with an icicle clean through it! Kind of scared me. I wonder they could eat that doesn't come out. I would hate for it to get caught up inside. Just saying!!
DeleteOh no! That is a bit scary, I try to be super careful on the bottom tier of icicles so none 'drip' off the bottom branches on that one tree- it's the one also up on my childhood coffee table, I kind of patrol around that particular tree for any stray icicles in case for some strange reason they made it to the floor, for our grandbabies too, I need to be careful about that. But it is the only tree with the icicles on it, so pretty easy to patrol, the little tree skirt on the coffee table it sits on is a green felt and that helps any strays too, but so far so good, I just put a little bit to give it that full look and sparkle. Thank you for the helpful reminder! : ) I appreciate it. : )
DeleteOh, and the reason I save the icicles, it's because they are so hard to find in stores now-a-days... Your home sounds lovely the way you are decorating. Very cozy. : )
Amelia, your decorations sound beautiful. I look forward to pictures on your blog. Hint, hint. ;-)
Delete--Elise
Amelia,
DeleteYour hens do not stoop to be petted. They are submitting to the provider of food, just like they would a rooster. They are steadying themselves to be mounted.
Please clarify, Linda. I know our little hens love to be petted and we have no roosters. I'm sure mother-nature has her ways but our hens are used to being petted and being pets too.
DeleteLinda, I just read your comment to my husband, he is wondering where you get your information? He said we raised these hens from little baby chicks in our home, holding them and petting them and so forth and trust me, they know us.
DeleteElise, thank you friend, I do need to get some photos up very soon! : ) Thank you for the reminder! ~Amelia
DeleteGot my trees up and decorated. Did a bit of decorating upstairs. Now I am trying to get the baking/candy making accomplished.
ReplyDeleteWow, those chickens need to be locked up at night to keep them safe.
God bless.
YAY - I bet you are feeling more festive. I need to work on some baking this week.
DeleteYes, they do need locked up - poor things. Really ticks me off.
Have a great week. Happy baking!
THEY DID IT! Woo-hoo! Hubs and our son made 4 pints of crock pot apple butter today (with supervision). The jars are coming out of the water bath now. Both really got into the whole process, working together. Tomorrow I'll make apple scrap jelly. --Elise
ReplyDeleteGood job!
DeleteCranberry-Orange preserves are in my crock pot today. If my foot/leg cooperates (big IF) I may do apple scrap jelly on the stove.
ReplyDeleteThe surveyor just left. Answer to prayer, there ARE markers, so we didn't have to pay the extra $500 for that. Neighbor was home and the surveyor showed him the markers and told him he's encroaching 40 ft. onto our property... illegally. Neighbor told Hubs he'll "try to get the fencing moved this weekend," but now we can get code enforcement involved. He also told Hubs he worked out a 1 year extension for sale of his house with his ex. At least now there's no question of the property line.
To Amelia... when that same neighbor had free range chickens, before they were taken by predators, they'd follow me around outside. And they liked to be petted, talked to, or if I sat down on the steps, one or two wanted to try to get in my lap. I don't know a thing about chickens, but tame ones seem to be very pet-like, as you said.
--Elise
YAY on the survey of the land!!!! So happy that is done and the point is mute! I sure hope he comes through this weekend and starts moving the line. IF NOT - do what you have to do!!!!
DeleteThe preserves sound good!
Code enforcement will be here on the 8th. Then it's between him and them. :-D
DeleteThank you Elise....(((hugs))) Yes, ours have different personalities and really are very pet-like. : ) Thank you so much. Our one little Henrietta...She was the lone survivor of the coyote attack almost a year ago. She had always wanted to be by herself and I worried about her grazing by herself like that away from the flock...And sure enough she was in the coop by herself during the attack. It's interesting because now, she's just part of the flock enjoying life.
DeleteOh those little chickens sound so sweet Elise! I bet it broke your heart when predators got them!
I'm glad those markers are already there, that will be a nice savings, Elise.
You're a Gem. I appreciate you.
Glad things are starting to really come together for you, Elise!
Delete--Frances
Having some GOOD days, which make the bad ones less... I don't know... discouraging? Tiring? The good days are indeed gifts to be cherished.
DeleteToday I managed--on the stove--4 pints of apple scrap jelly. In the crock pot I made 5 half pints of cranberry-orange jam, which are in a water bath right now. Slow and steady. Lots of breaks. And a nice conversation with Sis and Mom tonight on the phone. Laughter is also a gift to be cherished.
--Elise
I would like to give a Praise Report! My mom called and she sounded back to her sweet self, just like a very good day from when she was young. She tells me she is trying to get things fixed around the house there not only for her but for us when she leaves us one day. She tells me she is not afraid of going to Heaven, I reminded her of loved ones that have gone before us and she said that is a good part! I told her though...We are not ready for you to go anywhere! She laughed and agreed she's not going anywhere any time soon.
ReplyDeleteLast week was very difficult, we had sent workers there for her to fix her sheetrock and I'm seeing when she is nerved up she is just another person. My mil was being very difficult with my husband last week but that is an ongoing thing, very much so. She did not take kindly to hubs telling her Christmas will be here at our house with our own family and she needs to have her large gathering another day. Their family is large and there are no gifts for my grandchildren there or for anyone for that matter (it's a thoughtless and most strange thing), and after 43 years I want my family here with us (Mimi and Popo) having a normal, sweet and giving Christmas night with each other, not relatives who feel like strangers. Mimi and Popo have put our foot down.
So PRAISE THE LORD! for my mom being good today, like a younger mom in a good, wise mood and also for my husband taking a stand against something that has needed correcting for years but no one was courageous enough. Even if mil decides to have hers on Christmas it will not keep us from having our own sweet Christmas. Praise the Lord!
I needed the encouragement very much this morning after much prayer. : ) I feel it's worthy of a huge PRAISE THE LORD IN PRINT HERE.
Please continue to pray dear sisters in the Lord, I covet your continued prayers. I appreciate it so, so, so very much! ~Amelia
That is wonderful your mom was in good humor today!!!! Sometimes we just have no idea how a day will be, and it turns out glorious.
DeleteI wouldn't mention anything to MIL again - let her have her stuffy gathering if she chooses. You do yours and enjoy it to the fullest. It is time and due!!!
I love the good news posts!!!!!!! You are God's child and He proves He loves you every day!
Thank you Cheryl, so, so much! (((((supertight hugs))))) Yes...A very good reminder that yes, God proves His love every day! *sigh* I needed that... *tears*
DeleteThe good days are definitely gifts from God!
ReplyDelete--Frances
oops, that was supposed to be in response to Amelia
Delete--Frances
They sure are gifts!!!!! I love each one of those! Hope you are having a good day!
DeleteYes, Frances. They sure are...Thank God for His mercies! I hope you are doing good today, Frances. ~Amelia
DeleteI had a very good day today! Went to the Project Linus workshop and saw a lot of people I hadn't seen since before C*vid. I also happened to be there for their Christmas luncheon. We all had a very good time.
DeleteScheduled an appt. for Friday with the therapist I contacted last week.
I got an important document from the doctor regarding Husband's legal incompetence. This will enable me to access his IRAs with power of attorney.
Had a good talk with the director of the assisted living facility and addressed a couple of concerns regarding his care on weekends (part-time staff).
Husband was having a pretty good day today, though he kept asking for my phone number, forgetting that he doesn't have a phone because he can't remember how to use one.
Even the little things were going my way. Traffic going in this morning had been snarled due to road construction. When I got to the same place coming home, the workers were removing the last of the barriers and traffic was flowing freely.
A very good day indeed!
--Frances
Frances it sounds like a lovely day. Glad you got out wit others and enjoyed the luncheon. I am sure you needed that! Sounds like things are working right for you at the moment. That is wonderful!!!!! Hope today is another good one.
DeleteSo glad you had a GOOD day, Francis, and you, too, Amelia!
ReplyDeletePraying you both have more good days from bad... always.
--Elise
Just to add, the best gifts ever are the ones you can't wrap in paper and tie up with a bow. The best gifts don't cost a dime. --Elise
ReplyDelete