Weekly Wrap Up 6/22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My frugal week:

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

Meals this past week:

Sausage/egg/cheese Mc Waffle sandwich (homemade)

Tacos

Chicken/cabbage eggrolls (air fryer) - homemade

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

Enchiladas (freezer) - heated in air fryer

Homemade calzone (air fryer) and salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 20:7

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

Making Choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choices!!!!!!!

Take that chance to change your situation!

Have a safe a lovely day to all.

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

Simple Joys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be joyful and sing praises for all the blessings.  

Have a beautiful day and BE HAPPY.

Fun Uses for Food - and a TIP!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have fun!

Have a super day!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/15

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

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

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

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

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

It has been a fairly quiet week around here.  

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

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

Meals this past week:

Mac cheese, salad and tuna patty

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

Salad and sliced cheese/crackers

Quesadilla and salad

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

Chicken strips and fries (air fryer), fresh vegs  

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

Snacks have been fruit and salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 34:1

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

Let's Take a Walk Back!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pin curls and home perms (I hated).

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Couple Fun and Easy Ideas

 Hello to everyone!  How are you all doing?  It is another cool morning here, and I am loving it.  Windows and doors open at the moment, birds are singing, and the sun is shining.  It is a good day.

The clover is open all over the place and goodness does it smell heavenly outside.  So many honey bees a buzz as well - a wonderful sight!

Today are just a couple ideas, that basically cost nothing (or very little) and helps us out a bit.

Does anyone remember wearing scarves back in the day, tied at the back of the head/neck?  Like in the 60's and 70's.

I used to do this a lot when my hair was long.  I still like a scarf now, when working out in the yard.  It keeps hair out of eyes, keeps me cooler, and just keeps 'stuff' from getting in my hair when mowing and trimming.  I have little luck now.  My hair is short - it always wants to fall off and even with clips I have trouble.  So, I saw something on FB and gave it a try and boy does it work!!!

Hot glue your bandana to a headband - it stays right in place!  I had both on hand - so gave it a try.  Place the headband on your head - then tie the bandana behind your neck and it stays right in place.  Works perfectly for me!  Maybe you can use this as well.

I thought it was pretty clever!

Lemon is so refreshing in the summer.  I love lemon in water or iced tea.  Here is a way to make nice size cubes for your drinks with your lemon right in it!

Perfect.    You could put wedges in smaller cubes as well - but I like these big cubes

Cooking fish on the grill?  Lemon goes with fish - so here is a nifty idea for the grill.

Make a bed of lemon slices on the grill top with fish and cook.  Get the flavors of the lemon yet keeps fish from sticking to the grill grates!

And just a reminder to THINK before spending!!!!!

We can live a wonderful life, a thrifty life, and a fun life - without spending a ton of money.  Just get a little creative and have fun.  Some of my favorite things to do cost ZERO money.

Porch sitting and visiting with neighbors - or just sitting in quiet

Listening and watching nature

Gardening and taking care of my yard

Reading and "visiting" a different place! 

Being with family

Loving on my fur baby

Go to the park and enjoy the sights and the people and the quiet

Taking walks

Go out there and have a beautiful day and get a little creative today.

Many blessings to all.

Today: Public Service Reminders

 Howdy all.  Here we are in the midst of the second week of June!  It is a beautiful morning here.  It is cooler and right now there is a lot of dew on things.  As soon as it dries, I will be out working again.  Always something to do!

Just a couple things today - as reminder or new news to some, that may be quite beneficial in someone.  Hope the info helps someone out.

Michaels is helping out now that Joannes' has closed all stores.  Fabric would have been a lot harder to find.  I know I always went to Joannes. They have bought Joanne's private label and will be increasing their fabric departments.

Of course there is Hobby Lobby as well, and some WM's carry a bit pf fabric.  Hopefully this helps those that do a lot of sewing.

ALDI

Aldi is decreasing a lot of prices again this summer.  It did this last year as well, to help folks out.  I know not all areas have Aldi (sorry), but it always pays to check them out.  They are reducing pricing on over 400 items by around 33%.  That is pretty darn good.  It says seasonal - which they sell a lot of.  Many food items come out once or twice a year for a short period of time - take advantage and stock up when you get the chance.

EGGS

How are prices in your area?  They have down a lot in my area.  Most prices I see are over $1 a dozen cheaper today.  Some are $1.50 cheaper.  Still higher than they were, but better.

There is a recall at the moment for August Egg Co. eggs.  It said they sell to a variety of stores including WM and Safeway for brown cage free eggs.  Not a company that I have heard of.

FRUIT

Many places are in the middle of strawberry season or just coming out of it.  It is the time to get them.

Also, from now until close to fall is stone fruit season!

It provides quit a variety of fruits.  Cherries to plums and peaches, even mango (which is generally shipped in).  Some areas got hit by late freezes this spring and that will affect those areas - but be on the lookout for fresh seasonal fruit.  Peach trucks are going to be starting in our area soon.  Cherries will be on sale soon.  It is just such an abundant season of goodness.  Get things cheaper while you can.

I love seasonal eating.  I truly enjoyed asparagus, while that was in season and cheap.  Right now is great for rhubarb, luckily, I have my own - it sure pairs with strawberries.

Greens and some smaller root crops are really thriving now.

So, shop season when you can.  Keep your eyes open and help the wallet!

Hope you all have a great day!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/8

 Hello to all - here we are at Sunday again.  I surely hope this finds you all well and safe.  Many prayers for those in the fire zones up north - praying for rain.

Rain has been something we have had a lot of this week.  Nothing hard or bad, just nice showers for the most part.  No need to water plants and they all seem to be thriving.

Between the heat and the rain, it has been so humid.  I haven't had such frizzy hair in years!

It is a damp morning here.  Muggy.  We have had rain off and on much of the week.  Humidity levels have been high, and temps got pretty darn warm too.  The AC has been used some this week.  I have it off at the moment and Bitsy is enjoying sitting in a window watching kitty TV.

This week, my sis got a real treat.  She has a favorite singer she watches every Sunday evening.  An Irish singer by the name of Daniel O'Donnell.  (she has gotten me watching).  Her youngest got her tickets to a concert in Nashville, IN (a good little drive from here).  They went Thursday evening for concert and dinner, and sis got a one on one with him!  She got to meet him, and that sweet little 94-year-old gal was thrilled.  Late night, as she got home at 1AM.  Love that she is still loving and enjoying life!

                                              Roses from the yard!  The smell!!!!!!!!!!!!

My frugal week:

• Mowed and trimmed the yard.  Did the front twice.  Free exercise
• Did some walks this week as well - getting free exercise in many ways
• Had a neighbor bring some brownies by and we sat, and porch chatted for a nice visit
• Met another neighbor on my walks - she is a widow as well.  Very nice lady
• Made hummingbird nectar
• Root touch up on hair
• Made about a 1/2 gal. of strawberry/banana ice milk
• Went to lunch with grade school friends.  Boy was that a drive in unchartered territory for me.  An area I had never been, and out in the boonies!!  Not the kind of boonies I usually think of!!!  It was a restaurant in the middle of a golf course, in the middle of an addition of Mc Mansions in the middle of nowhere!!!!  Had a lovely time, saw some beautiful homes, and got outside my comfort level.  Win-win.  It rained that day for about 20 minutes of my drive (about 45 minutes), then stopped and it didn't start again until I was a few blocks from home.  That was a blessing, as I hate driving in rain.
• Made a nice batch of bean/veggie salad to last several days.  Red beans, garbanzo beans, and about every fresh veggie I have on hand with Italian dressing.  Yum.
• Did some deep cleaning
• Worked on T-shirt blankie a bit more
• Cut flowers for inside
• I did go to Kroger.  Probably my only trip this month.  They are remodeling the store, and usually I don't like that.  This time it ACTUALLY makes sense.  They are putting things together that should have been all along!!!!  I think it will be good after done.  Any way they had a lot on clearance area - not sure if not carrying later or just package changes or what.  All had long term "best by" dates.

I got some good deals.  

Elderberry gummies - reg.14.99 - for 3.69

Cat food box of assorted meals - reg. 30.99 for 7.69

Cat food treat bowls - reg. 1.79 ea. for .39

Lickables treats (he loves) - reg. 7.99 box for 1.19 box

also 2 lbs. of fresh carrots for 1.06

Let's say I stocked up really good on cat food treats and goodies.  I got a lot.  Bits is pretty picky, so this was a huge win and a great savings.

I did get some strawberries and grapes and cauliflower as well.  Just sale not clearance on those.

• Eating from home and using what I have in new ways (except the one day out)
• Have 2 rain barrels full now (110 gal.)
• Just doing all the things we all do

Meals this past week:

Chicken fried rice

Fried rice and chicken strips

BLT

Ham, Canadian bacon and veg wrap

Out to lunch - tenderloin sandwich and steak fries

Cheeseburger and fresh veggies

Crunchy fried okra and bean/veg salad

There you go - kind of a slow and quiet week.  It was a nice week.  At our luncheon we celebrated our music teacher that comes to these events.  She was 86 this week.  Funny, we thought she was 'old' in grade school, and she was actually in her 20's!  She is only 16 years older than us!!  Perspective.

Any way I had a nice week.  

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Do anything exciting?  Give us a shout out.

I hope you all have a safe and healthy week to come.  

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

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

Dear Lord, we send thanks for this week we have had, and for this wonderful new day.  We know that You watch over us and protect us in all ways.  All things happen in Your time and for reasons we are not aware of.  Your will be done.  Please help us each one to understand that.  We often do not understand and need help with that.  We ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN

Kindness of Others

 Hello everyone.  Hope you are all well and safe on this Thursday. It is a soggy morning here.  It has rained overnight and still is.  YAY, I am sure the garden and flowers are doing their happy dance.  I walked out there this morning, and they were standing straight and proud!  The second rain barrel is now filling with overflow from the first - all good things.

I just wanted to share a little.  Good neighbors are such a blessing for not only individuals but for the neighborhoods.  All kind gestures pay it forward in some way, and it makes all smile!  I have some of those neighbors.

In the past couple years, I have really gotten to know many of the surrounding neighbors.  It all happened when I was dealing with the scary issue next door.  It seemed that the universe just came together to protect one of its own.  I feel very blessed to know these people.

Many of us ladies, bake or cook, and share our bounty.  Seems just about every week one of us is sharing some baked goods with others or a bit of a great casserole.  It is pretty neat.  Garden harvests get shared all summer long.  We all grow different things and share.

We talk and keep an eye on things and each other.  We make sure that the neighborhood stays safe.

One of the guys is a handyman and he is now 'retired'.  This man works harder now than he ever did before.  He works at church many mornings and evenings each week.  He will help anyone out that needs help.

He was recently donated some treated lumber - as someone knew he does a lot of projects.  After gaining permission from a couple homeowners, he used that lumber to make them handrails on their steps.  Both are older and have some mobility issues.  Above you can see a couple of the handrails.  One on the lower steps and one at the upper.  These are cemented at the base and will be painted once the wood is ready.

This would have cost these ladies a chunk of change - but it all happened for free.  He spent part of 2 days doing this.

I have another neighbor that will mow or help out as needed.  He was talking with a lady up at the corner last week, and her home had become surrounded by wild trees and brush growing up on her corner lot.  It has been a true eyesore and really a safety issue.  She isn't able to manage it and makes limited funds, so it has just kept growing.  He volunteered and she said yes - and her front and the entire area of the corner is now clean and free of brush and weeds.  He mowed and trimmed too (her normal mower broke his leg), however, he never trimmed or worked on brush - it was more than he could handle as a little person.

The neighbor will work on her deck and backyard in the coming week, and another neighbor has offered to help him.  She did pay him to take the brush to the dump.

This is how community should be.  Helping those that can't help themselves.  Being kind and good to others.  Jumping in and being a solution instead of a problem.  Taking care of things and keeping the community safe and protected for others.  Sharing.  

I am glad that I have 'found' these folks.  They are just great neighbors.  Sure, we have a couple who don't manage to maintain their yards (even though quite capable), but for the most part, it is just lovely now.

Do you have that kind of community?  Do you know your neighbors?

I am off to a luncheon today.  Wish me luck.  It is a longer drive than normal, in an area I am unfamiliar with, and off the beaten path!!!  So, here's hoping I find it OK!

Have a wonderful day to all the lovely community we have here!

It's OK to be You!

 Good day to all and a big howdy!  What a lovely morning it is here.  It is 71* right now and going back into the 80's today.  Yesterday was in the 80's as well.  I did turn on the AC for a bit last evening, just because it felt so humid.  Right now, the windows are open, and I am enjoying the fresh air.  Maybe some rain later in the day and evening.

I worked outside yesterday morning, until it just got too hot and muggy.  After today it appears to go back to 'normal' for temps - with 70's as highs.

I really like this little chart.  I think something on it applies to each of us at some point.  I especially like the last 3 (bottom row).

I always try to be grateful for all the things in my life - big and small.  Giving thanks is just part of my life.

The last two apply to many.  Some have empty nests now, some have retired, some are changing careers or jobs, some have maybe divorced, some have become widows, some have recovered from major health issues, etc.

Be proud of what you have accomplished in your life - everyone on every day!  Things happen in each life that makes us wonder sometimes.  Have we done our best?  Have we accomplished all we could?  Maybe the answer is no - but that is OK.  You have done you along the way, and each day is a chance to start over or do it all again.

Whatever major changes that have happened in your life - be proud you are still standing tall today!

Some of us have gone through the worst day ever in our lives - yet here we are.

Yep, we survived the worst (whatever it was), and we are going forward and changing things and making a new life.  DO NOT feel guilty about making a new life.  It is OK.  It is what you need to do.  You need to go on and move forward.  It may take time - some longer than others.  That is OK as well.  Do it, in your own time frame BUT just do it.  

I just see everything on this chart as true.  Each and every comment is true.  We are all individuals and we all process life and things differently.  Just do your best, be proud, ask others when necessary, be kind and grateful and grow!

CHANGE is the one thing that is constant in life and that we all know will happen.

You got this!

Have a beautiful day!

You and Your Thrift

 Good day to all.  Hope you are all well and safe on this fine day.  We started the day in the 60's - much warmer than it has been for a while in the mornings.  We are to get back into 80's for a few days - sounds like maybe it will be AC time for a couple days.  Right now, the windows and doors are open.  It is lovely out.  Still a bit hazy.

Yesterday was a nice 'neighbor' kind of day!

Lots of people think being thrifty and frugal are 2nd class citizen problems.  Well, they would be wrong.  Thrift is wise for college students to millionaires (think Sam Walton).  It isn't about doing without; it is about having a solid foundation for your home and family.  It is about not wasting.  It is about being a good steward of everything.

Being thrifty can mean so much.  BUT it IS about money - maybe skipping the fancy lattes and growing a tomato plant or shopping your closet instead of going to the store, it is awareness - it is about taking care of what you have and saving something for a day in need!  It isn't about being afraid - fear is not a good thing for organizing your life.  It is about being prepared.

Boy if this isn't the truth!  Just because you have it today and can spend it wholeheartedly - doesn't mean it is a good decision for the future.  A deal isn't a deal, if it gives you debt that you can't get in front of.

I think in being thrifty - many people forget to be kind to others.  You can sow blessings and kindness freely, and I am a firm believer that you will reap blessings and kindness two-fold.  A win-win in my book.

Break the bonds of consumerism - it isn't always a good thing.  Learn to make things yourself and to make things do.  Reduce your footprint!  Take control over life - and you will be less vulnerable to any crisis that arises and more prepared for emergencies.  If you stay organized and thrifty and simplified, you reduce stress and emotional problems in life.  Your life will remain calm, and you will feel secure and happy, while others are all a fluster with "what shall we do".

Think about the things you can do with what you have.  Especially in the kitchen, as to avoid waste.  It surely can be fun and being creative is always a challenge and it brings a lot of good things into our lives.

Examples - you have just a couple apples left in the crisper - core them and add a bit of butter and brown sugar to the center, maybe some nuts or oats - them bake.  What an easy dessert and it uses up things without them going to waste.

Peeled potatoes for mashed - place those washed peels into a pan with seasoning and some cheese and bake (or fry) and make potato skins.  I remember years ago paying good money for those at a restaurant!  They are yummy too.

A piece of fruit - add to oatmeal or to top cereal.  Top yogurt.  Cut up and add to muffins or sweet bread.  Throw into a smoothie.

Leftover soup or casserole (or anything) - use for lunch.  OR freeze to add to another pot of something in the future.  Keep a container going for those bits to use in soup.

A couple broken cookies or crumbs - great on ice cream or pudding or yogurt

Crumbs from chips - topping to a baked potato or a casserole

There is no limit to what you can do.

I know these things sound little and simple - but you start small, and it grows!

Make your own snacks.  Shop the clearance that are in the produce dept.  That stuff can be frozen or canned for later use.  Check the clearance of all depts. at the store.  Stock up when you find super good sales.  Maybe grow something - anything.  Use basic ingredients to make home cooked meals.  Eat with the seasons. NEVER feel food insecurity!!!!!!

There is just an endless way to save a little here and there and to be thrifty.  Nothing 2nd class about it - I see it as first-class, worry-free living!!!!

Make your own GATORADE

1 pack unsweetened Kool-Aid

1/2 C sugar or sweetener equivalent

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix together and chill.  You can use any flavor you have or want.

Good thing to have during the summer and it costs pennies.  I like it better than store bought - I always have ingredients on hand.

Remember that a journey of a thousand miles, starts with a single step!

Make a little progress each week or month and you will be on your way to being thrifty and living well!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy it to the fullest!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/1

 Hello all.  Happy June!  It is now meteorological summer here in the northern hemisphere!  Hard to believe it is winter in the southern hemisphere!  I always have a hard time wrapping my head around that one.  It is chilly this morning at 47*.  I sure did not want to get out of bed this morning - it felt so cozy.

The big old sun ball is out - but it sure is hazy looking!  Yesterday was a sunny day, yet it was hazy, everything looked hazy, and it smelled too.  It is coming from the fires up north in Canada.  I was sitting on the porch yesterday, and just looking at the trees that were a couple blocks away looked as if it were foggy.

It is supposed to get pretty warm for a couple days this week, then back to normal.  All good.

My frugal week:

• I mentioned earlier that I needed to make little cages around my garden plants.  That seems to have worked.  I had the wire in the shed already.  I also put 3 pinwheels out there that I had.  Not only are they kind of pretty, but they move, which seems to keep critters away
• Mowed and trimmed everything again - free exercise
• Did manage to get a few more peonies cut for inside, also cut roses and clematis flowers (I love fresh flowers)
• My neighbor brought me over a BIG helping of her corn pudding (YUM)
• Made a batch of biscuits
• Deep cleaning kitchen - and moved some things around for easier use in the summer.  Got the G. Foreman handy to use for summer
• Made up bottles of shampoo and dish soap
• Made a dozen cookies from dough I had in freezer
• Used leftovers in new ways.  I had some baked beans left - so I blended them until smooth w/salsa and taco seasoning for refried beans (tasty).  Used rice and beans (and refried) to make enchiladas.  Ate 2 enchiladas and froze 2 for later
• Cooked up some sausage to use and then made several sausage patties (fried) and then froze
• Ever weeding - it doesn't end
• Went to get gas for the month for Blazer and filled the gas can, needed to use my points.  Good for the summer on mower gas now.  Paid 2.49/gal. after my discount
• Finally cut up the watermelon I bought last week
• I did run in Kroger while getting gas (same parking lot).  I got 3 heirloom tomatoes in a .99/bag, a bag of shredded cabbage (slaw mix) for .50 on manager deal and a big container of seasoning on clearance (that is it)

                                                        original price says 9.89

• Meals from home and cooking from scratch and using what I have
• No heat or AC - aired house a lot
• Filling containers and pulling out stock from deep pantry (shop at home)

Meals this past week:

Beans & rice, corn pudding and biscuit

Baked beans, corn on cob, burger (no bun)

Enchiladas

Sausage gravy and biscuits

Mashed potatoes with leftover saus. gravy, fried corn with peppers

Loaded cheeseburger and fresh veggies

Chef salad

Nothing exciting here this week.  Just a calm, cooler week.  We did get some rain a couple days, which was nice - it was a nice soft rain.  Did porch sitting when I could.  I think I am back on schedule now, after the holiday.  

How was your week?  Did you do anything exciting last weekend?  Get any deals?

I wish you all a great start to June, may you all be safe and healthy.  

Check in and say hello!

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

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"Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Matthew 6:34

Dear Lord, again we thank You for all our blessings and gifts received.  Please help us each one to live for the day and to not worry about what "might" be.  Help us to be prepared for whatever comes our way but keep our minds happy and free of worry.  Let those that stress about the what ifs know they are worrying a good day away.  Help us each to stay healthy and happy.  May we all make our todays great days.  Amen

Success or Failure

 Hello to all on this last Thursday of May.  This month has sure flown by.

My thermometer says 62* right now, and it is a wee bit foggy around here.  It must have rained a little over night, as there were some new puddles on the drive.  Yesterday we had a nice soft rain for a few hours.  I am sure the garden just loved it!  Those are the kinds of rains I like.  Staying cool again today - but things will surely change for next week!

I have been reading a book about what a simple life and abundance means to someone, and it really did sit right with me.

What do you consider a successful life?

Some definitions are - favorable or desired outcome, positive results, the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence.

I guess everyone has a different idea.  In MY opinion it has nothing to do with fame or fortune.  Some people think it is about the paycheck, or the title or the stuff attained.  

I think that being successful means being able to live a good life in your own way.  Having decent health.  Having family and friends to love.  Having enough.  Living in a good way and doing good and kindness to help others.  Peace of mind.  Quality of family life.  Being happy!

That is a success to me.

Failure - defined as lack of success, the action or state of not functioning, deficiency, inability to perform normal functions well enough.

Well, I guess I can agree somewhat - but MY biggest thought is that failure is never having tried!!!

If you never try again after something goes wrong, that could be a failure.  Always try again and do your best!

I really don't like the word failure.  It is just so negative.

People think that because a situation turns out in a certain way - you failed.

Example:  I have a divorce in my life.  Was I a failure at that?  Some say yes, I don't think so.  I tried really hard, I did the work, I loved, and it just wasn't meant to be.  I LEARNED a lot!  I don't see that as failure.

I took that learning and those lessons and used them to make life better.

Some people think you will never know success if you never know failure.  Interesting thought.

I know we all have down-falls in life.  We all have had disappointments.  We have all had to start over at times.  Life doesn't always turn out as planned!!!!!  Boy is that a fact.  

The meme above is so very true.  No matter what we are in life, no matter what our age or our opportunities - we can change things.  Get up each day with the attitude that life today is going to be great.  Make it happen.

It may be totally different that you had planned for your life (stuff happens), but it can still be good.  It can still be successful.

Irish playwright Samuel Beckett once said, "Ever tried?  Ever failed?  No matter.  Try again.  Fail again.  Fail better."  I like that!

If you aren't 'successful at something' then 'fail' with a lot of grace, style and class - and be successful at being a better person!  Hold your head high, try and try again, think positive, look at yourself in the mirror and know you are really somebody important, go after what you want with gusto!  You know what?  That makes you successful in my eyes!

Never give up!

What are your thoughts?  

I look forward to reading.

Be happy and have a great day.  Make yourself and someone else smile today!

This is New to Me!!!!

 Happy hump day all.  It is a 60* morning here and a little cloudy.  Still haven't had rain - more chances today.  My plants would love it!  We need to enjoy these next few cooler days - as we are to get hot by next week.  June will start in a very warm way! Close to 90* by Tuesday.

Seems we can go from running a furnace for a few minutes to needing AC in a week or so!

We have had a new restaurant open up close by.  They sent out flyers.  You can order and have delivered, or you can pick-up.  From where it is located, I don't think there is any restaurant seating (it is a tiny store front in not a great area).

There were things on the menu - I have never seen before.

If you click on pics they will open and enlarge for easier reading.  There is a PREP FEE!  What they heck is that?  It shows anything from $1 - $5.  The shrimp just says prep fee and doesn't even tell you how much.   This is new to me.

Are they charging for cooking/frying the food or are they charging to package it?  This isn't even a delivery fee or tip!  DANG!

Most of the food is being fried - so is it to just throw the food in the fryer?

I looked at the kid's meal.  You get one of those main things and a few fries and a can of pop for 7.99 plus $1 prep fee.

Now mind you, I can buy a whole roasted chicken every day at WM or Sam's for a lot less than that!

4 wings - 8.99 +1.00 with a few fries!!!!!  Seriously?  I would still be hungry!

Now, I know things have gone up - but this is crazy to me.  I do go out to eat at decent restaurants every couple months and usually don't pay these prices for a nice meal.

How do people do this?  How do they feed a family?

Even so called 'fast food' is crazy expensive now.

A simple cheese nacho - is a total of $10.99.  Mac n Cheese poppers are a total 5.69.  A garden salad is 7.99.

I make nachos all the time - and basically it costs very little.  You can get a whole lot of servings from a bag of chips.  A little cheese and a couple toppings, boom - you have nachos!

Mac n cheese is so easy and cheap to make - you can even make a boxed mac for much less than a $1 - then make little balls and fry.  I can buy a lot of veggies and feed many with salad for 7.99.

It just amazes me.

Every day I hear how tough times are and people can't afford this or that.  Every day around here, you can drive by dozens of restaurants, and they all have full parking lots.  New ones are opening all the time.  Well, that speaks volumes to me.  Priorities!!!!

I know not everyone will agree with me, but dang, this is crazy.  I know people can spend the way they want (no nasty comments) - but I just don't understand this kind of spending.

So anyway, all that being said - have you ever seen 'prep fees' on a menu?  This is a first for me.  I am curious what it is for.  I always thought 'daily operations' were just included in the price of my meal.

Guess that is what I get for thinking.

As for me - I prefer my home cooking 99% of the time.  It is so much cheaper and fresher and it just plain tastes better.  I know how it is prepared and the 'cleanliness of the cook and kitchen'!

YEP!

So that is my two cents! 

Have a great day all.

So it Begins

 Howdy Ho all.  Gosh, here it is Tuesday - you know me, I am still a day behind.  Always am on a holiday.  It seems like Monday - as the neighbors were all home from work yesterday!  Usually Tuesday is my trash pick-up day - not this week due to the holiday.  We will be a day behind.  So yep, I am off!

It is 60* this morning and probably won't get out of the 60's today.  Cool again this week - not complaining, as it will be hot all too soon.

The warmth is to come back starting on next Sunday - a way to start June.  Summer is here.

We may get some showers today or tomorrow - that would be appreciated.

Aren't these neat looking?  A basket of petunias I have.  They look like they were splashed with bleach!  They are very deep purple with the white spots.  The picture doesn't do them justice.

So, I told you Sunday I got the garden all planted last week.  Well, one tomato plant is completely gone and 2 other plants were out on the ground.  I think I am able to save those.  Squirrels!!!!!  Darn them.  I guess they figured it was easy digging for planting their goodies!  Maybe they wanted to plant a garden too!

Anyway, I had to go out and make little wire cages around each plant.  That seems to have worked.  So, tragedy averted.  I have plenty of plants, so I am not going to fret about one.

Sunday I was digging through the closet, to declutter some more.  At the very back, I came across a pair of bibbers (bid overalls) I had forgotten about.  I have had these for probably over 30 years and haven't worn them in several years.  Well, I put them on, and they fit and talk about comfy.  I am in love!  I had forgotten what a comfy fit they truly were.  They are now in my yard working routine of clothing!

Daddy would be proud!

I got to see the flyover on Sunday.  That was pretty awesome.  I almost think it is the sound more than anything.  You can sure hear them coming, the roar is amazing.  We got a few sprinkles Sunday - but nothing much.  I do believe everyone had a good day for their cookouts and such.  Just cloudy.

Yesterday, I heard a chain saw going - and noticed a HUGE pine tree being cut down a few doors down in the alley.  That tree was huge when we moved here almost 40 years ago - so it is very old.  It still looked nice.  It made me sad to see it go, especially because it was such old growth.  Also, years ago, I rescued Fluffy kitty (gone now) from that tree!  She went missing as a little one, and Momma kept walking down that way and looking back at me.  So, I followed. Talked with the homeowner and he allowed me to bring my ladder down to get her.  I had a 10' ladder; I was standing on the top piece (the one you aren't supposed to stand on) and barely reached her!  Mommy recused her - she never did that again!  It sure made me think back, miss her and Momma, and just a sweet memory of that big old tree.

So many things in life change every day.  I hate seeing the old go - but that is the way of the world.  Life changes, and we have to change sometimes too.  Good or bad - it is what it is.

Have a good week and a great day all.

Summer has begun in the northern hemisphere!