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!

Weekly Wrap Up 5/25

 Good morning y'all!  Hope you are all well and safe this last Sunday of the month.  Hard to believe in another week it will be June.  It is a cool morn here, but nice.  Not going to complain at all!  It is a little overcast at the moment, but it looks like the day will be safe from rain.  I am sure the people at the track are hoping so.

Whatever you do today and this extended weekend, just take a few moments to remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

Yesterday I thought about going to the farm market at the park but didn't.  My fridge is full, and I have more than enough - so stayed home.  What a problem to have - huh?

Friday morning I actually turned the heat on for a couple of cycles!  It was downright 'brrrr' in here!

My frugal week:

• Mowed and trimmed yard - free exercise
• Finished planting the garden!  Yes, I did
• I picked rhubarb, lemon balm and mint
• Spent most of one day with sis, just telling stories of the past and reflecting.  Great free entertainment.  Took her rhubarb as well
• My neighbor gave me a pair of shoes!  Brand new - she got as a gift and couldn't wear; they fit me perfect.  Talk about comfy - feels like I am barefoot, yet my feet aren't cold!  The top is like stretchy elastic like material (Nautica)

• Picked more flowers - peonies and poppies are now done 😓
• I did put the soaker hose out - just in case I need it in the garden
• Started working on t-shirt blankie a little
• I did run to Kroger - got corn, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries on sale.  Got another 12 pk. of TP on sale, as I just opened one last week (didn't need more now, but replacing).  I also got a 4 pk. of lettuce on clearance.

• Meals from home and what I have - using up leftovers
• Laundry - used the dehumidifier water in a load
• Made a strawberry/rhubarb crisp.  Homegrown rhubarb.  It had been a while - goodness that has been tasty

Meals this past week:

Rustic succotash/pork mixed w/BBQ over rice

Tortilla pizza, banana milkshake

Spicey ground pork burger, fries

Breakfast - sausage, scrambled eggs and toast

Goulash

Baked potato topped with leftover goulash, fresh veggies

Chicken pieces, corn on cob and salad

Kind of quiet around here - the way I like it.  Did a bit of porch sitting the past couple of days, since weather has permitted!  I just love sitting and listening to the birds and watching the clouds!  Peaceful

How was your week?  Any good deals?  Anything exciting happening on your homestead?  I love hearing what you are all up to.  It was nice to hear from new people this week, and some that don't post often.  

I hope you all have a great weekend, no matter what you do.  BE SAFE!  Have a wonderful week, and hope you are safe and healthy.

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

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

To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 16:16

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24

Lord, thank You for all our wonderful blessings and gifts received this week.  Please help us each move through this week with kindness and caring for others.  Help us to know, that our actions and our words speak loudly to others, and we need to mind both.  Any goodness we can spread is a gracious act and it should speak of Your love and caring of us.  Please guide us each one through this upcoming week.  Amen

Summer, Holidays, Remembering

 Howdy to all.  Hope this finds you all good and well this great day.  It is a misty and chilly morning here.  55*F this morning, probably not getting much above 60*!!  Good grief.  Last night I even threw an afgan over the bed, as it was a bit chilly in here.  Boy did I sleep good.  

What an odd weather year it has been.

This weekend, a lot is going on around the country.

It has always been considered the first weekend of summer!  LOL - I think someone forgot to tell Mother Nature.

People start camping, pools open, BBQ's start happening, graduation parties, there is just a tons of things.  Around my area - it is the 500 Mile Race.  It is huge around here.  I am not a big sports fan at all - but I am always excited to see the 'missing man formation' of planes fly over.  They always end up going right over my house when they are leaving the area.  It is just an awesome sight and sound!  I find that a thrill.

It is Memorial Day this Monday - a day of remembrance of all those young men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice over the years.  I hope everyone takes a moment of silence to just remember and quietly say thanks.  I am sure many areas will have services, honoring these folks.  I remember years ago, going to my sisters' out in the country - her husband was a member of VFW, and they did services at a lot of the small older cemeteries (so no one was forgotten).   I saw many of these services and the one thing that always got to me, was the playing of TAPS.  I still cry every time I here that.

Are you getting together with family this weekend or just chilling at home and enjoying a quiet weekend?  I will probably stay home, and porch sit!  I may do some sewing as well.

Camping maybe?  We used to always go camping over the holiday weekends.  It was such fun getting with our friends.  Goodness, we did that a lot of years!

I don't need any groceries this week again.  I may however, go get a watermelon or some corn.  Both are on sale.  Not much else that I saw in the ads seemed to be much of a deal.  I hope you all find some good deals.  Usually, holidays are the time to add to the pantry - with all the seasonal deals.

Something I don't think many of us ever think about.  We will be the memories of 'what was' someday!

Have fun with your family and friends and make FANTASTIC memories together.  

Enjoy your holiday weekend and stay safe and NEVER FORGET the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

God bless!

Each Day is so Amazing!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are well and safe.  Dang it, more storms went through yesterday in many areas.  That is the one thing about this time of the year I don't like.  I love the rebirth of everything, just not so happy about storms.  I guess it is part of the season - but it doesn't make it feel better.

It is cool this morning, probably close to as high in temp as it will get.  It is about 61* right now.  Going to maybe mid 60's.  We had rain late last night and I heard a little thunder noise - nothing bad here.

There might be a shower or 2 today - but nothing major.

It is the time of awakening! 

So much is coming back to life, greening up, showing up and thriving.

You just never know what you might see and hear.  I do love nature (except the storms).  It is so fascinating and beautiful.  You just never know what you might see!

Sometimes it is pesky as well!!!!  It is 'ant' season around here.  Oh goodness, those pesky tiny ants!!  You can't leave a spot or crumb of anything anywhere - there will be ants.  They just appear.  I have to wash out anything that goes in the trash or wrap it up.  The cat food outside sits in a shallow bowl of water (they hate water) so the kitty can eat without ants.  The kitchen floor is washed daily.  The garbage disposal is run a lot and the sinks cleaned constantly!  Yep it is that time.

I know that ants surely do have a job on this earth, as does everything - but this week I think that job is to annoy me!!!!!  LOL

*If Bitsy sees one - Katey bar the door - he is going to eat it!  He eats about anything he sees.  He catches flies and eats them.  My little bug catcher!

I walked out Monday morning to start my work, and I hear the big woodpecker chirping/singing.  I started looking for it.  Well, I am scouring the trees to find it, and I noticed something else.  I ran in to get a camera.

What to my wondering eyes did appear - a sweet face up in the tree!

Can you see that face in the middle of the circle?  A young racoon.  That is about 30-35 foot up in the tree.  Just hanging out in the crook of the tree.  The squirrels didn't seem bothered.  If you click on the picture, you might be able to enlarge.  It was so cute!!!!  It stared down at me for a while, then I went off to work, and never saw it again.  Haven't seen since.

I guess maybe it may have been lost or just hanging out for a while.  They are working on a house and garage a few doors down across the alley, and there is a lot of shelter areas in that yard.  This was the morning after they made a bunch of noise down there.  This is the first one I have noticed in a long while.

That face!!!!!!!

I am seeing the hummers more and more.  Little flying jewels.  I keep the nectar fresh and there are lots of flowers around.  They are just the most precious little things.

I was watching the white pigeon.  He is all white with a gray stripe down his back and on his tail.  I keep saying "he".  It is obvious he is strutting and fluffing around and doing the 'dance' to impress the gals!  They seem to keep walking off and avoiding him.  I wonder if it is because he is different looking or if they just don't like him or maybe playing hard to get!  It is funny to watch them try and mate.

He is sure a pretty thing.  I need to get a pic of him.

Our world is so amazing in so many ways.  I am so grateful that we get to experience so many things.  Each thing is a miracle in my opinion - a wonder to behold.

Take time to just look and listen.  Each and every flower is different, each and every creature is different - just like each of us is so very different.  

I enjoy listening to the littles out playing and laughing, and even like smelling the grills going all around and the smell of freshly mowed grass.

Pretty darn awesome!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy every sight and sound!

LIFE IS INCREDIBLE

Show & Tell - My Frugal Kitchen Recap

 Hello all - hope this finds everyone good today.  It is a wet and chilly morning here.  Woke at 5AM to thunder.  None of that right now, just steady rain.  Temps are to drop a lot after today for a few days.  Nothing crazy cold, but chilly for May.

Kind of glad for the rain - as I am sore and tired.  Yesterday I worked outside most of the day - bending, stooping, sitting on the ground and getting back up (not easy!) - just working in general.  Got a lot done, but I am due for a rest!

I have been outside already.  Licorice came out to his covered spot to eat breakfast - then went right back in the greenhouse!  He isn't a fool.  

Needless to say, I won't have to water anything today or tomorrow!

Today I just want to share a few pics of some of the frugal and easy meals I have done over the past couple weeks.  Using up leftovers in new ways, using the air fryer and just using up what I have.  I have enjoyed each meal - they were all filling and tasty and cost very little.  I know it may not be for everyone, but maybe it will give you some ideas.

Sometimes just saying what you have isn't all that appealing - some people need to see it.

Cabbage steaks with seared peppers and leftover taco meat/rice in a street taco tortilla

Roasted cheesy potato wedges (air fryer), corn and fresh veggie bits.  No meat, but super filling

Toasted crusty bread, chicken pieces/slices, and cabbage/carrots/cukes julienned with Italian dressing.  I got this inspiration from the chicken cookbook - it was so very yummy.  Nice cold meal.

Veggie/pasta salad and jalapeno summer sausage and crackers.  Great for a hot busy day.

Pasta salad and smoked sausage on toasted bread.

2 Mexican pizzas.  Yep, 2 - I was extra hungry that day.  Very yummy.  Tostada shell on bottom, soft tortilla on top.  Refried beans, meat, cheese, salsa, taco sauce & chopped tomato.  Get creative and design your own.

Corn, chicken legs (air fryer) and sliced carrots.  You can have a salad or another cooked veggie or more chicken legs!

Cream cheese/veggie wraps.  Use whatever type of veggies you have - can add meat or cheese as well.  It was a hot day here and it was perfect and very filling.

Tuna salad sandwich, pickles and handful of pretzels.

Rustic succotash (red beans, chickpeas, corn) - pork roast from freezer (made Easter) and fresh veggies

Leftover pork shredded, l/o succotash with some BBQ sauce added to all & served over rice.

Easy and yummy & best 'thin crust' pizza.  Used a tortilla, so very little crust, yet a lot of crunch.  Used l/o shredded pork, bacon and various veggies I had.  Spread with some tomato paste sprinkled with Italian seasoning, then a little salsa - then toppings.  Baked in the air fryer at 400* for about 10 - 12 minutes.

Great way to use veggies that need used or leftover meats - you can do anything.  Add a salad if desired.

I had a milkshake a little after eating!!

I hope this gives some ideas to some on ways to stay frugal in the kitchen and use those 'makeovers' in new ways.  I feel I eat good, and I am always full.  I try to sprinkle veggies, protein and a few carbs around.  Remember protein doesn't HAVE to be meat.

I truly enjoy being creative with the things I have right here in my pantry and my freezer.  It is fun and always a challenge for me.  I love it!

Have fun with your food and get creative!!!

Do you have any fun and frugal meals you have made in your kitchen lately?  Let's hear them!

Have a super day.

Weekly Wrap up 5/18

 Happy Sunday to all.  I sure hope all are well and SAFE!  There was a lot of horrible weather again this past week.  We have some particularly nasty storms fly through on Friday evening.  It came hard and fast - didn't stick around long here, but it was scary none the less.  South of here was the path for a long stream of tornado damage.  The 2 towns that my niece and nephews live in both got hit.  They are all safe and sound thank God.  My niece said it was directly across the country road from their house.  Her hubs saw it and screamed take shelter.  Too close for comfort in my book.

I had a lot of stuff to pick up, but that was it.  I sure hope many of you that are in the areas of the storm are all safe.

It was really hot a couple of days (and humid).  After the storm it has cooled dramatically.  I like it.  You can work without getting so hot.  It will be cooler all this coming week as well.  Highs in 60's and low 70's.  I could handle this all summer!!!

It is hard to believe that next weekend is Memorial weekend here in the U.S. and it is one week until the 500 Mile Race.

                                              My front walk and 'sitting' porch!

My frugal week:

• Flowers all planted and some of the garden (not done yet)
• Did my final turn over of the garden and prepping it
• 'Chuck' the groundhog had decided to hang out here a LOT - didn't want that with all the tender plants going in.  I poured ammonia around the deck and shed (to simulate urine of predator w/o cost).  It didn't bother the cat, the squirrels, birds or opossum - but Chuck didn't like it and has left the AREA!  Animal urine scents are super expensive at the store - and they say they don't like the smell of pee - so gave it a try.  Must have thought some big new guy was around and left!
• Went to the bank and got my 'allowance' for the first time since October!  I made it through Christmas and several months with the last!
• Picked 3 vases of flowers.  I have picked and replaced as needed this week.  Tons of peonies (oh that smell), roses and Clematis - I love walking through the house and getting a whiff of the peonies!

Tried cutting a Clematis flower for the first time and it lasted 5 days in a vase!  They are so pretty and big.

• I got the rain barrels set up finally - day late after the mid-week downpour!  But they are out and collecting now
• Paid all the bills I had over the phone (reminder postage goes up again soon)
• Made more hummingbird nectar
• Mowed and trimmed earlier in week (needs again)
• Picked up a lot of debris from the yard (good bending exercise)
• Mower kept stopping for some reason (new one), so I checked it out and the plug wasn't making good contact - fixed that
• I did have to turn on AC on 2 afternoons for a few hours each - to remove humidity mainly.  Won't need now for over the next week.
• I got a summons for jury duty for later in June - UGH.  Hopefully they won't pick my number.  At least I wouldn't have to go downtown - as they have moved the courts very close to my home, that is a plus
• All meals from home and from what I have - using leftovers when possible.
• Had a desire for something sweet on a hot day - made a root beer float.  Had a can of root beer in frig since holiday - boy did it hit the spot!
• Pulling weeds and just doing odds and ends outside when weather permitted
• NO grocery shopping

Meals this past week:

Pasta/veggie salad and summer sausage with crackers

Pasta salad and smoked sausage sandwich

2 Mexican pizzas

Chicken legs, corn on cob and carrots sticks

Cream cheese and veggie roll-ups (wraps)

Tuna salad sandwich, pretzels, and pickles

'Rustic' succotash, pork loin (from freezer) and cukes/toms

So there you have it.  Not real exciting, just plugging along a little at a time.  I will be taking sis some rhubarb this week - as she is looking to make a strawberry/rhubarb pie for her kids for the holiday weekend.  She is doing really well.  I plan to finish the garden as well.

I hope to enjoy the porch too with the cooler weather!

So how was your week?  Did you get any good deals?  Have you got all your plantings in?  Give us a shout out and let us know that you are OK from storms as well!!!!

Wishing each of you a pleasant and prosperous week ahead - stay healthy and safe.

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

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

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.

Galatians 5:25-26

Lord again we thank you so much for all our many blessings and our strengths.  Please help us each to mind ourselves and to be kind to all others and not provoke or cause harm in any way.  Let us each know that our words can be swords and can cut and hurt, may we all be kind and helpful.

AMEN

Use it Up!

 Hello all.  It is a much better morning today - sunshine and no rain.  Looks to get pretty warm today (they say 87*F) and then it appears there will be a near perfect weekend!  The water out back is 'mostly' gone - but there is still standing water in places.  Yesterday at one spot it was over ankle deep! (ask me how I know - lol).  Today may (probably) be the day that the AC gets a trial use!!!  All that moisture out there and high temps - me thinks it will be humid!  I can do heat - just don't handle humidity well.

It took me a few minutes to get started this morning, as Bitsy had to have a snuggle session.  He got on the couch with me and needed a lot of hugs, kisses and loving!  Sometimes he just snuggles up to my side and wants to be loved on - not often, but I love it.

Isn't this cute?  A great way to use old hubcaps!  I would love to do this to my shed.  This isn't my picture - but it sure is cute.  I have an old washstand that belonged to grandma (without tubs).  I do have 2 portable tubs on stands out back (all metal) to use for planting!

There are so many ways to use things up and it isn't just about food.  Yes, it seems food items is a big one - but we can use things up in other areas as well.

• Citrus peels - make sure you grate the peels and freeze for future use in recipes.  They are just something that gets throw out - may as well use.  You can also use to make cleaners, or to make extracts....
• Meat bits - beef, chicken, ham, or whatever you have - chop and place in a blender with a little mayo and some pickle relish or pickles and blend to make a sandwich filling.  May be just enough for a lunch!
• I saw the other day a post on FB about keeping the oil from roasted tomatoes or peppers and use it to make homemade (flavored) mayo.  You can also use to make salad dressing.  It is a seasoned oil - so use it.
• Coffee grounds, tea bags, banana peels (chop up), eggshells, etc. are great for your garden and roses.  You can also compost
• Pickle juice - never throw that away.  I drink dill juice to help with restless leg.  I also like to use with salads as a little dressing.  It can be used as a marinade.  I love dill pickle juice in tomato juice.  Sweet pickle juice can be used in all types of salads to flavor.
• Leftovers - makeovers - planned overs -- use to make stir fry, fried rice, lunches, soups, burritos, pizza, calzones or hand pies, dips..........
• Ends of Romaine heads and the bottom end of celery can be rooted and planted to regrow!
• Have some older OJ (or other juice) - that kind of seems to be fermenting!!  Don't throw it out.  Freeze in cubes to use in recipes or to flavor drinks.  Add some champagne and make a mimosa!!!!!!
• Bits left in jars of all kinds - dressings, salsa, mayo, catsup, mustard, sauces, etc.  add oil, vinegar, milk, whatever matches up and shake - use every bit!

Don't forget those tomato skins this summer when canning.  Dry them, grind up, and put in a glass jar to use as tomato seasoning this winter - in soups and such.

Got old cups, teapots, dishes, etc.?  Maybe a broken handle or a crack - it doesn't have to be trash.  Look at these cute flower containers.  You can use anything - makes a great conversation piece. (not my pic).  They make cute birdfeeders as well.

As Cookie mentioned the other day - she is using up scraps of fabric to make cute and useful Christmas gifts.  Material can be made into quilts as well.  Piece together a bunch of fabrics (to make a new piece of fabric) and then make pillows.  I am doing that this Christmas for the littles - I will be making bears from scraps of the fabric left from their blankies I made.

Keep glass jars!  They make great storage for all types of things.  Great for the kitchen for spices, leftovers, seasoning, pasta, rice, etc.  Can use small ones in the garage for bits and pieces.  Craft room to hold utensils............

No pots for gardening - use old plastic bottles/milk jugs as planters.  Ask around and have family, neighbors and friends save them for you!

Cardboard or newspapers can be used as a weed guard in gardens and under mulch.  It eventually returns to the earth.  Shredded paper can be used in compost.

The list of things that we can use and upgrade and recycle is never ending really.  Most everything can be re-created.  As I have been saying all year - you need to get creative!!

Make some piles or have an area - for KEEP, DONATE, RECYCLE, TRASH as you clean and de-clutter.  Hopefully the trash pile will be the smallest of all of them!

Just a few ideas to use it up and SAVE MONEY!  Can't beat saving things from the landfill and saving a bit of cash!

Have fun with it.

Give some of your best ideas!!!!

Have a blessed day.

The Best Medicine

 Hello all.  Boy, oh boy, what a wet morning we have here.  It poured like crazy during the early morning hours - did I say poured?!!!!  The back part of the yard is a lake again.  That happened in like 2-3 hours.  There won't be any garden work for a couple days!  Don't need to water flowers today!

For now, it looks like the rain has moved east.  OOPS - Spoke too soon, it is raining again as I type this!!!

Rain this time of the year, gets many around here all in a fluster.  The track is open, and practice is starting for the 500 Mile race.  People don't appreciate their track attendance being messed with! LOL

My sleep was weird - with some very strange dreams!  Not sure what brought those on.  Nothing disturbing, just strange.

Been out to feed the birdies and squirrels - Licorice hasn't come yet this morning.  He wasn't in the greenhouse, so must have been caught out roaming when the rain started.

Isn't this the truth?  These are the things we should be trying to improve.

Life flies by, as we notice each day and month.  We each one need to leave a legacy that is POSITIVE!!  Being the best we can be, will surely help that!

If we work on those things each day, we make not only ourselves better, but the entire world!

Maybe unplug a bit - turn off the negative - live in the moment.  That doesn't mean not being aware - it just means not dwelling on things.  Your life is going to go on just the same.

Oh how I believe this!  I know many need to take medications for various medical issues.  I am not knocking anyone that does.  BUT for ME - this is medicine.  It is the only medicine I take each day.

There is so much to be said about the natural and the gifts we are given.

The other evening, I was sitting out on the porch.  It has a covering, but the sun was in the west and shining on my glider.  My neighbor came home and asked if I was trying to get a tan.  My answer, "Nope, just getting my daily dose of vitamins".  He laughed, but I meant it!

I love the fresh air and sunshine - it truly lifts my soul and heals my body.

I have been working in the yard a lot (exercise) and trying to walk more.  I am so grateful for all the wonders in my daily life.  Wonderful family and friends.  Good food for my body.  Blessings galore.

Now that the weather is improving for most, let us take time each day to take advantage of the wonders of the great outdoors.  It sure helps!  Work on being a better you each day.  That makes for a better family, neighborhood, city, state, world!  Sounds crazy - but it is true.

Let us be the best we can be.

Have a super day - and enjoy no matter what you are doing!

Sometimes 'I Quit' is the Answer

 Hello and happy Tuesday. This month is flying right along - good grief, time flies.  It is a lovely morning here.  It is in the mid 60's, dewy and getting more humid.  Kind of cloudy at the moment, which is fine with me - it keeps it from feeling so hot.  We will get rain later today.  Yesterday had a couple of rain showers - I went out to mow early, and only got the front done.  It started lightly raining on me as I finished.

My first peony opened yesterday!  Many, many more to come.  Poppies are glorious. 

I am at that point of saying "I quit".  No panic - my quitting is all about shopping!

I think we all get to a point sometime in life where we need to quit something.  It may be a hated job, or a toxic relationship, or just unplugging, or always being the 'yes' person, buying stuff.............. whatever it is, if you feel you need to quit, then think about it and do it.  NO is still an answer!

My point is reached with grocery shopping.  I know lots of people are panicking about buying this or that to have for whatever reason.  I am past that.  I have ENOUGH!

For that I am so grateful.

I have an upright freezer packed full, my fridge freezer is packed again, and I have a pantry and deep pantry that are full of all kinds of goodies.

Being a deal shopper, and person who has always tried to be prepared for anything - has paid off.  I have bought so many deals and have gotten so many wonderful deals that my home is more than stocked.  I bet if you priced what I have, it would be worth more than 2X what I have paid.

I even have months' worth of TP, laundry soap, and dish soap, and stuff like that. 

I have plenty of dry food for the cat/cats, may concentrate on getting more wet food.

I have been using my goods.  I know many of you are doing the same thing.  That is great.  YES, buying things in the future will maybe cost more than what we have now.  BUT, if you have it and don't use it, it does no one any good, it is just wasted money.  You have to use and when the time comes, think about replacing with deals.

The garden will be producing in a couple months - so fresh goods will be wonderful and as simple to have as walking out the door and picking!!!

I will continue to buy milk, and any fresh produce I may need - but that is it!

Now, I know you and I both chuckle - thinking well, if there is a deal that 'can't be passed up' - hmmmm.

I am sure going to try and resist.  Maybe if it is that good - I will get for someone else!

We are blessed - we truly are.  I mean, what a problem to have.  I am a firm believer of enough is enough and I have more than enough!

I am trying to be creative.  There is that word again!  My word of the year!!  It is something we all need to do.

I will post some fun ideas for using things I have in different ways and enjoying them - soon.

So give it a thought!  Maybe you can quit too for a while.  Take the summer off.  Enjoy the freshness that summer will bring.  Do NOT panic, do NOT fret, things work out.  Another post soon will be about all the things we have available to eat - that most never even think about!

Let's have fun and get creative.  If we share ideas and encourage each other - we will all do great.

Have a fantastical kind of day!!

Weekly Wrap Up 5/11

 Good morning and happy Sunday.  Happy Mom's Day to all the moms out there, whether it is to a human or a furry!  I hope you all enjoy your day.

It is a beautiful morning here in the city.  Yesterday while sitting on the porch, it dawned on me, that you can't even tell we had winter!  Everything is so pretty and full of life.  Flowers are blooming, trees and grass are green, birds are singing, and all the critters are out and scampering around.  Not a single sign of winter.

I have clematis starting to bloom, there are just thousands of buds amongst the 3 climbing rose bushes.  That will be a sight for sure.  I got to observe the Grosbeak again for a few minutes this week, and I saw a white pigeon!  It had a grey stripe down it's back, and it sure was pretty.  While on the porch yesterday, I saw my first hummingbird of the season.  It came within 5' of me to feed!!!

The tulip poplar tree is starting to bloom - which means a mess.  They fall and are covered in little ants.  But the squirrels sure enjoy eating those flowers (must be sweet).  My allergies are in full force!!!

It looks to be a good week ahead, weather wise.  Maybe in the upper 80's by the end of the week!!

I am just enjoying all the gifts of spring and the beauty of nature.  It sure is a wonderful gift.

My frugal week:

• The house on my west side has yet to trim anything, and I can't stand it!  LOL.  I hung over the fence and trimmed that entire side of their yard/fence out back - so it won't keep growing through my fence.  I also trimmed the section of their front fence and the side of their house that I see looking out my living room window.  I guarantee that they didn't even notice.
• I mowed and trimmed my yard
• Got the garden entirely weeded and turned over by hand
• Cleaned the back fence row of all things not flowers!
• Made another bowl of fruit salad to use up a banana and some strawberries that needed used.
• Have been doing lots of laundry - washing all bedding, throw rugs, furniture covers, etc.
• I ran out to feed/plant store and got my plants.  I think I have plenty of everything (enough!)
• I received $15 in coupons from feed store to use in Aug. on anything!
• I randomly stopped at a yard sale while out - first of season.  I spent a whole .50.  I bought 9 new various size new Christmas gift bags for .25 and a holiday apron (gnomes) for .25
• Did the BIG trim of ALL the bushes out back.  They got their first major haircut!
• Trying to groundhog 'proof' my yard.  There are 2 this year roaming around.  I had one visiting a couple days - didn't seem to find anything it liked to eat in my yard (yay).  Using mothballs around the shed and deck right now.  So far so good.
• Gave another neighbor my old electric weed whacker.  One more thing out of garage
• Cooking meals from what I have and using leftovers
• Doing all the normal things 

Meals this past week:

Tuna patty, mac n cheese, and cucumber slices

Grilled burritos (used leftover rice/meat)

Cabbage 'steak' with peppers and last of taco meat/rice in a soft wrap

Loaded omelette

Cheeseburger and side salad

Cheesy roasted potato wedges, corn on cob, fresh veggies

Open face chicken and shredded veggie sandwich (yum)

Lots of free exercise this week working outside.  Boy these muscles are out of shape after the winter.  Each day gets better though.  I am just grateful that I can keep doing all these things at my age.  Feeling pretty darned blessed.

How was your week?  Have you got your garden/bedding plants out yet?  My garden goes in this coming week.  Did you get any good deals?  Give us a shout out and let us know how you are doing.

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead. May you all stay safe and healthy.

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

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"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:29-31

Dear Lord, again we give thanks for all that we have, all that we can do, and all that has blessed us each one this week.  Help these ladies all go forth and be their best selves.  Women and moms tend to keep the homes going on a daily basis, and they deserve praise for that.  Give each one strength to face all the adverse things that pops up in her way, and a clear head to think and plan.  Give us all strength and perseverance.  We ask these things in Jesus' name, AMEN

Happy Thursday - Life is Busy

 Hello all.  How is it going for everyone?  Lovely morning here.  It is going to be a little cooler today and maybe tomorrow - then back to warm days again.  I love it all.  It seems spring is here in full force now.

Everything is green, early flowers are starting to bloom, buds cover everything, weeds are growing like........well, weeds!

Cute pic - not mine.

So what are you doing this fine week?  What do you have going for the weekend?  

I have worked my rear end off the past 3 days - last night I was so achy and fell into bed - then I couldn't sleep.  UGH I hate it when that happens.  I think I was too sore and tired to really get comfy.  Finally got to sleep about 2AM.  Hopefully tonight will be a good sleeping night - it will be cooler as well.

I have some things I want to accomplish today, but nothing that will task these sore muscles!!  LOL

Yesterday evening I was out front picking little weeds out of the rock, when a neighbor stopped over.  We set on the edge of the porch and talked a few minutes.  Another fellow walked by and told me how much he admired my front flower bed - he said it always makes him smile when he walks by.  How nice!  He said not many have flowers and keep things up like that, and he admired that.  Sure is nice to hear things like that.  Makes the work worth it all.

Do you all have plans for Mother's Day?  I hope those that celebrate have a lovely day with family.

I sure miss my momma.  I always bought her flowers for her porch boxes and planters - so she could enjoy them all summer long.  I wish I could that again for her.  Maybe I will plant a few 'posies' here in her honor!

I came across this picture in my memories the other day.  Not sure where this is - but wouldn't that be lovely to have a privacy fence painted with flowers?  Any type of flowers!  I would love to be so artistic - I just love this idea.  Maybe one day!!

Well, I am off to get busy on this fine day.  I am going to go in and change the bedding out and probably put a different spread on the bed as well.  Then laundry and a little gardening and weeding.  Nothing strenuous!  

Have a wonderful day and enjoy every little moment and every little thing you are shown and given.

Life is beautiful!

Do You Spring Clean Your Pantry?

 Howdy all.  Hope everyone is doing good this midweek day!  I woke to 57*F outside and 71* in the house.  Pretty darn perfect.  It may get into the 70's today.  I plan to be outside and working, so I will enjoy the temps.  Just saw that in Colorado the mountain areas could get a foot of snow today!!!!  YIKES!  They can keep it.

I have been out to feed already.  I saw Chucky the groundhog!  It has been out a lot the past couple days.  It sure is big, considering it has just come out of hibernation!  Luckily, I haven't seen it in my yard yet.  I watched it this morning, and it was trying to find a way out of the neighbor's yard, walking my fence, and it gave up and turned the other way!  Maybe the cat has something to do with that (marking territory)!!!  I think it was looking for a shortcut - as it gets in their yard the same place every time - way out back!

Today, let us talk about pantry and freezer clean-out.  Do you do a spring clean of those areas too?

There has been a lot of talk by many, that you are trying to use up the older items and maybe clean-out the older from the freezer.   That is great!

It pays to know what you have, to use it, and to keep it organized.  It is sooooooo easy to come home from the store and just stick stuff in either place, because we are busy.  In no time, it is all disorganized again!

Here are a few ideas that could help us all.

IF you are doing a thorough clean of the pantry or freezer - take everything out.  Clean off the shelves, defrost, and wipe down shelves, cans and jars.

Decide what you are going to keep.  If there are things you know you won't use (shouldn't have anyway), if they are still within 'date' - donate.  Now remember those dates mean really nothing to our daily use, but donations generally have to be within dates.  This weekend is donate to the Post Office Day in many places.  You can leave a bag of food out for the postman to pick up, to help others.

If you find partially used and stale items, either trash or compost, or figure out another use.

When placing back in the pantry/freezer - organize!!!

Group like items together - baking items, canned fruits and veggies, soups, cereals and breakfast foods, paper good, pasta and grains, sauces, snacks, meat types, etc.

Think about how you can make your pantry easier to maneuver.

Airtight containers, baskets, racks, spice organizer, hooks, light, tiered shelves, pull-outs, etc.  Also a step stool if needed.

For the freezer think about bins (maybe different colors) for different types of meat

Don't put heavy bulk items up high, place the heaviest items closer to the bottom.  Be safe.

Make sure you have things facing forward, so labels are easy to read.  Maybe label your shelves.  ROTATE regularly - as you bring new items in, place them to the back, and bring the older items forward.  That way nothing gets lost.

Think about cleaning out every 6 months or so.  It helps you stay up on things.

Most IMPORTANT - use what you have!!!!!!!  As you use, you can replace when needed, so you don't run out.  But it is very important to USE IT!

I am all about stocking for emergencies or for the future, but it does me no good if it doesn't get used and goes to waste.  Not only is that just wrong to waste, but you are also wasting money.  No deal is a good deal if the items aren't used.

Do you have any special technique for organizing your areas?  How often do you do it?

As gardens will be growing soon and farm markets are starting, there will be so many yummies available, and hopefully you can enjoy them, freeze them and maybe can them.  It is so lovely to have those things available in the winter.  Start thinking ahead.

Have a fantastic day to you all.

Winner, winner - Chicken Dinner

 Good morning all.  Hope this finds everyone well.  It is a lovely morning.  Around 50* and dry!  There is a lot of dew on the grass right now, but I plan on mowing after it dries.  Been outside and fed everyone.  I woke to this, this morning.

It almost seemed to be glowing!  Standing tall and beautiful, the first of many.  Look at all those buds!  I love them, they are so cheerful, I just wish they lasted longer.  Seems the flowers I love early in the blooming season, don't last long.  Poppies and peonies!

Every day on FB I see someone make a post similar to - 'I have chicken (or whatever), give me some ideas.  I am tired of fixing it the same old way.'

That magazine I got last week is all about chicken.

It says 125 weeknight recipes!!!  That sure is a lot for just chicken.  Now if you look at the pictures of the opening pages it shows all kinds of ideas and recipes.

Soups and stews, sandwiches and tacos, dinner salads, skillet meals, pasta & grains, grilled, baked........

This is all in just ONE magazine!!!  It goes from spicey to mild, colorful and full of veggies, to somewhat basic.

The thing that got me, was it listed none of the basic recipes that we might all make.  Chicken and noodles or dumplings, chicken pot pie, or just plain old chicken and noodle or rice soup!  Guess they figure we all have those down pat.

Now the thing that is neat, in my thoughts, all of these could be made with any meat!  Turkey, pork, or beef, not just chicken.  That would equal 500 meals, each a little different than the other.

Now this is just one recipe book.  There are hundreds of magazines and cookbooks available online or in book form - the variations of meals are astounding.  Boy, do we get in a rut!

Then you think about all the different types of sides that can be served with meat dishes - my goodness.  Why is anyone stumped?  This magazine shows 32 different 'sides', many that never entered my head!

Some of the things they list as a side, makes a meal for me.

So the next time, you think 'I am so tired of the same old thing' - checkout your cookbooks or look online and get a lot of inspiration!  There are many, many dishes that are quite simple - just different.  Add a different spice/herb or sauce and you can change things all up.

Get inspired - get creative - and never be bored.  It doesn't have to take a lot of time.

Have fun and play with your food!

Have a wonderful day to all.

Weekly Wrap Up 5/4

 Good morning this first weekend of May.  I hope you are all well and safe.

It is a very chilly and WET morning here in central IN.  Rain and more rain has been the order of the last month and surely starts the month of May.  The next few days will be chilly for May.  This morning feels more like March than May.  I have been out to feed.  Licorice was in the greenhouse - he came out to his little covered area - ate and went back inside!  LOL!  Usually he goes on walk-about after breakfast, not today.  

Saw my first Grosbeak of the season this week.  Goodness that is one pretty bird.

                                                                         Fun facts!

This has been a week of this and that:

• Worked on weeding the beds some
• Cut and chopped wild onions for freezer
• Went to a birthday party for a 4-year-old and had dinner there (taco bar)
• Ran to store for milk and strawberries early on and found meat clearance and ice cream (showed earlier this week) on clearance
• Mowed and trimmed early in week - sure needs it again
• Took apart an old bench I had and set parts out back in alley - someone took all the metal - wood is now stacked out back for someone
• I dragged a big glider I have from back of house to the deck and behind the greenhouse.  That was a big job - but got it done
• No heat this week and hardly any lights needed - aired house a lot
• Made nectar and put up the hummingbird feeders
• Paid everything I had including the property tax for the year
• Got orders for 2 more T-shirt blankies - got the shirts for one already
• Ran up the street to WM family market for kitty litter (my cheapest place) - found deli whole chicken on clearance (deli is right at the door).  Bought 2 and came home and broke them down and froze and put bones in freezer to make broth later

• While out I ran to the thrift store around the block from WM and got a new Food Network magazine - 14.99 value (can you believe people pay that?) for .50 and some decorator re-usable straws for .50 (fun for company).  Got a FREE pack of fresh rolls as well.

• Cleaned out the finch feeder and refilled and scoured the birdbath and watering holes.  The robins love the birdbath and after a couple baths it looks muddy!!  Dirty little birds
• Doing all the normal stuff we all do

Meals this past week:

Meatless 'taco' salad (used leftover rice & beans)

Cheese & crackers and nice salad

Taco bar at party

Grilled chicken & cheese sandwich (yum) and homemade fruit salad

Philly cheesesteak style burger (no bread) and fries

Homemade breaded pork fritter and fried corn w/salsa

'Taco' chicken & veggie rice bowl

Small bowl of fruit salad - eaten over a couple days.  Used what I had on hand.

There you have it - just doing all the spring things when the raindrops aren't falling!

How was your week?  What has been going on in your household and yard?  Love hearing from you all.

Hope you all have a great week ahead.  May you all be productive and successful in all you do.  Stay safe and healthy and happy this week.

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

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Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua1:9

Lord, we thank You for this week and thank You for getting us through it.  Let us keep goodness and joy in our hearts and know that no matter what we face that You are there with us each and every day.  Guide us to be the best children of the Lord that we can be.  Please lay Your healing hands on all that are in need to give them healing and peace.  AMEN