Sunday, December 7, 2025

Weekly Wrap Up 12/7

 Hello to all this Sunday.  Here we are a week into December - 2 1/2 weeks it will be Christmas, and then NY!  Crazy to think about.  I hope you are all doing well and are safe on this Sunday.
It was above freezing this morning - that was a treat.  We have had sun a couple times this week and it sure changes how one feels.  Couple days in upper 30's and the sun has helped with melting some.
We will have a couple warmer days this week and then back to cold.  I did see a projection for weather on Christmas for around here, and it showed 40's - we will see.
This week I kept busy - but it kind of looks like a quiet week.  Some things I did, managed to take up most of the day - so it looks like less.

My frugal week:
  • Over last weekend I did watch a few Christmas shows - not a normal for me anymore.  They were nice.  I still haven't watched Hallmark in several years - just too many shows all the same theme.  I do like the funny shows and the old classics and do watch those each year.
  • I got several FREE channels on cable last weekend and managed to DVR some movies from those
  • Froze the leftover turkey for another time
  • Moved LOTS of snow!  That was almost a whole day - worked in shifts and got it all done.  So glad I am still able
  • I did go shopping one day - got several stuffers for Christmas baskets and a couple things for the young-ins.  That took up most of that day.
  • Lots of laundry in cold and hung most to dry in basement
  • I had a lunch day with grade school gals - that was fun.  We had a gift exchange, a cakewalk, and just a lot of laughs and fun (and a yummy meal).  It was a little drive for me - so that took up most of the day.
  • I have gone through all the things I had on hand and my list of people and trying to match everything up.  Making my list and checking it twice!
  • Had a downspout horizontal portion (at drive) that was frozen up solid.  Not good, so a little hot water poured over it and walla - I pulled out a long ice log!  All cleared now
  • Bathroom faucet was running slow again - so took apart the faucet and cleaned the filters.  I have pretty hard water.  Running good now.
  • Cleaning and doing all the normal stuff
Meals this past week:
Turkey & dumplings, biscuit and small salad
Nachos
Egg & bacon biscuits and fresh veggies
Lobster (faux) mac & cheese and small salad
Lobster mac soup (mixed l/o mac and broc. cheese soup from freezer) YUM
Out to lunch - wonderful tenderloin and steak fries
Poor man's Swiss steak w/mashed potatoes

Just trying to get ready for the holiday time.  I still have cookie baking to do and I will be making jelly this week.  I am scheduled for another (high school) luncheon this coming Friday - but I think I will pass & stay home.  A lot to do and a short time to do it.
I have been enjoying my little tree, looking at the lights each evening.  I do love holiday lights.
Are you all ready for the holiday?  Did you get any good grocery deals this week?  I didn't buy any groceries - trying to use up a lot of the older things hanging out here!

I hope you are all doing good and staying healthy.  Be safe - roads can be iffy this time of the year (as can walks and such).
Check in and let us know what is going on in your world.   Wishing all a lovely week.  Celebrate all the little things in life - they aren't really so little!
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
***************

I love thee, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalms 18:1-2

Lord, I cannot sing enough praises for thee.  I am so very grateful for Your love and Your blessings.  Help us each one through rough times, health issues, feeling of being lost, and sadness.  Lift all, to know the simple joys that exist in this world and let everyone see them and appreciate them.
Again, we say thanks for all things and each day.  Please lay Your healing hands upon all those in need.
AMEN

33 comments:

  1. God is good. Thank you for the perfect scripture and prayer. Hubster has made it through chemo #1 of the final 4 with only a 12h period of feeling beaten up 💗

    I had an aging bag of cauliflower in the fridge and I feel guilty if I waste anything (I did have to throw out a serving of greens that aged too long-above my line of vision-bad girl). I roasted it Friday evening and yesterday made mashed cauliflower with it. Ate a big pile for dinner along with the last of cooked chicken in the freezer. It's the last fresh food I had in the fridge and I'll enjoy those mashers for another 2 meals.

    Rainy weather prevails right now. We'd rather it were snow but non e in sight! Snow removal for the first time early Dec 6? Unheard of and the ski mountain needs some extra snow dancing 😉

    Wishing everyone a glorious and peaceful week ahead.

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    1. I am so glad he is doing so well with the treatments. Hopefully the rest go just as well.
      That sounds good - mashed cauliflower is very good. It is healthy too.
      It got cold and snowy quick! Most snow we have had this early in many decades according to the news. I would gladly send it to you! Have a blessed week.

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  2. It's very cold at 32 degrees here this morning. That is wild about the downspout being frozen, but very typical for up there. My brother washed his car one Christmas day and the door was frozen shut afterwards. Your meals sound good, breakfast for dinner is a favorite of mine too. I'm making your egg roll in a bowl for dinner today. We love that recipe. I'm glad you're still able to move the snow too, that is a real workout! You probably got way more than 10,000 steps in that day. I'm busy getting the last little bit I need to for the holidays as well. It will be here before we know it!

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    1. That is cold for there. Oh I don't even think about washing the car until temps are much warmer.
      I really like the eggroll bowl too - need to do that soon.
      I am glad I can MOVE after all that. It actually took a couple days for me to feel a little sore - so that was nice. It is a workout for sure.
      I am trying to finish up gifts this week.
      Have a super week.

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  3. I finally remembered to silicone spray the car door gaskets to help them not freeze shut. Also need to readjust where we park the cars in the driveway so that early morning sun hits the windshields. Did remember to readjust my bloodpressure meds to reflect the cold weather. :)

    Yesterday we did some hymn singing at a historic site during their openhouse. We were in the chapel, a lovely space, all wood, and the sound was good. Getting to it was a bit of a challenge - on the 3rd floor of the old house, up tiny narrow attic stairs! Up was fine but steep, down was a bit tricky for old folks but nobody fell. :)

    I've assembled the ingredients for nutbread. It's been a long time since I made that. Sis -in-law gave me the recipe years ago. I'd rather do that than yet another batch of cookies, but I may have to do both.

    Love your devotional today, it just hits the spot. Thanks so much!

    MaryB

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    1. Oh the sun helps thaw the vehicles so much! I was frozen shut day after the snow - so I poured a little alcohol over the crack of door and bingo it opened.
      Sounds like a neat place, but yes, they should be more conscious of the older folks.
      Nut bread sounds good -and will be enjoyed. It Christmas - do both!! LOL
      Welcome. Have a lovely week.

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  4. Good morning, Cheryl. -18C, an inch of snow overnight so snow removal will be on the agenda today awa Christmas correspondence. I still like sending & receiving cards. I admit to emailing some as well. It's been a week of holiday preparations with baking, shopping, attending a craft show, supper & cards at a friend's. I attended a Dealing with Grief at the Holidays workshop. The fellowship was comforting. I drove an elderly neighbor to a medical appointment 1.5 hrs away. In the kitchen: roasted chicken; roasted carrots & beets w/ a homemade catalina dressing; Greek lemon rice soup; eatmore bars, butterscotch confetti squares, shortbread cookies for gifting.

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    1. Be careful out there - the cold and snow are tricky!
      I like cards too - I send fewer, but still send some. You did have a busy week. I am glad you have a group to go to. Very kind to help the neighbor.
      Mmmm - all that cooking sounds good.
      Have a good week.

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  5. I really appreciate my garage when it gets cold. The days of scraping windows would be hard for me now. I too shovel my snow as a way to get it exercise and just keep up with things while I'm able.

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    1. I wish I could fit my car in the garage. These houses are old (40's) and garages were much smaller then. My vehicle would never fit in it. So scraping I do! Snow removal is good exercise, but just do it slowly - don't want to get hurt.
      Have a great week.

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    2. Our garage is so narrow that if I get my car in, I can’t open the door to get out of m6 car!so it makes a great mudroom. You always touch our hearts with just the right scripture that we need, a gift from God. Thank you for all your work and your faith.

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    3. Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful week.

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  6. Outstanding devotional! Yehovah shows us His love and blessings daily.

    The weather is waffling back and forth. Just so it doesn't get much worse! We have watched the weather all over the world and some of it isn't pleasant. The days will start getting longer around the 20nd-21st of the month.

    Good job melting the ice in the downspout and getting rid of the ice! Indianapolis does have very hard water. I am constantly battling calcium deposits and soap scum due to the water. Ah well, at least we have hot and cold running water. Some folks have to carry water for miles. Always another way to look at things.

    Enjoy your day! I'm off to start some laundry and finish a couple little projects.

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    1. Thank you.
      It is weird - the weather just keeps changing. I like to think that the days will go back to getting longer again after the 20th!!!!
      I got the ice and snow away from the spout but saw ice hanging out. So used the hot water and dang I pulled out a long chunk! Yep, the water causes a lot of build-up. I do this a couple times a year. Oh, I appreciate having clean water so much!
      Have fun! I did a bit of shopping early before crowds hit.
      Have a lovely week.

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  7. Baba ghanoush, deviled eggs, spinach dip, cream winter soup (pumpkin , carrots and potatoes), lemon chicken, tuna salad, potato salad… ok I have cooked this weekend for the week. lol. It will be cool, high this week in 50’s to warming up to low 60’s a couple of days with rain then. Cindy in the South

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    1. Num - that all sounds yummy! You are very creative. Oh I would love 50's and rain!
      Have a beautiful week.

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  8. Good for you, Cheryl, for clearing the snow and getting the ice out of the downspout! It’s rainy weather here and we need it. Torrential downpour last night and expected again today.

    I’m usually a procrastinator with Christmas cards but I wrote most of them yesterday and will finish today. I’m using cards leftover from previous years and last year I bought an extra book of Christmas stamps so I was prepared. My motive for finishing my cards is to clear off the table so I can start one of the larger Christmas jigsaw puzzles which I had stored in a bin in the garage.

    My 3-year-old countertop microwave conked out, sadly. (I use it a lot but still, only 3 years!!) I ordered a new one and it was delivered yesterday and I have it set up. Getting rid of the defunct microwave will be a chore because my trash company has become so picky about what they accept.

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    1. I am just happy I can still do it. I know many people much younger than me that can't.
      I plan on doing my cards in the next couple days. I actually bought a couple boxes this week - have been using leftovers for several years now! Enjoy the puzzle.
      That isn't long for a microwave. Sorry. Merry Christmas to you!!! You got yourself a gift!
      Have an awesome week.

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  9. Finished my shopping yesterday. Mostly gift cards to go along with a small homemade gift.
    Your week sounds pretty busy. Enjoy your preparations.
    It's very cold here and now snowing. My daughter and grandson should be here soon and we'll head home this afternoon.

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    1. I am glad you made it home safely from AZ. Enjoy your time with family. Good for you to be done! I am getting close.
      Stay warm and safe out there.
      Have a good week.

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  10. You are a very resourceful lady.

    I think I'm done with all my Christmas shopping except stocking stuffers and taking the kids to pick out something for their dad. Now I just need to get started on wrapping.

    I love going out to look at Christmas lights, but there doesn't seem to be as many people doing it these days. The state park in the next county does a big light display and my brother treated us to it. The little one also got to see Santa and the Grinch while we were there, but there were so many people he didn't enjoy that part (he gets extremely anxious in groups of people).

    I got five packages of ground turkey marked down at Kroger for $2.25 a pound. Fixed some, froze some. A few good online deals, but I didn't do much shopping. My youngest and I had free dinner at my great nieces birthday party with a very well liked gift I got super cheap a while back. I cashed out about $25 from various rebate apps/survey sites.

    The homemade donuts I made for Thanksgiving were a huge hit and I've had two people wanting to pay me to make them some for a co-worker and pastor. I'm supposed to let them know how much, but I don't know how to price them. I guess it would make me a few dollars though.

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    1. Thanks - when it is me, myself and I - you have to get resourceful!
      I love gift bags and most of mine will be done that way. I do not like wrapping. I agree, there are hardly any homes around my neighborhood with lights - doesn't even look t=like trees up. I will do that as long as I can.
      Nice to go to the light display.
      Good deal on ground meat. Good for you.
      I wouldn't know how to price - but how cool that people want them. Nice way to make some extra cash.
      Have a super week.

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  11. Cheryl, well done cleaning out the ice log jam! When I read your day of snow removal, I was thinking how lovely a big snowfall can be…from a distance ;). All okay here, almost done unpacking, six boxes left to go. Have a good week! Hilogene in Az

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    1. LOL - yes from a distance. If I didn't have to move it or go out - it would be OK. Good for you, you have been busy. You should be all settled before the holiday officially gets here.
      Have a blessed week.

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  12. Happy Winter, Cheryl! Safe travels to the city.

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  13. Coincidence.... we also had a blocked drain pipe this week. Turns out it was a bird nest and them a whole heap of autumn leaves backed up the pipe.
    I picked up a great deal on pork loin at Aldi this week. It wasn't advertised and tucked away in a random spot, but it jumped into my cart pretty quick.
    I'm feeling much better about being prepared for upcoming onslaught. I did discover I do need some more pillowcases, so am looking about for those.
    Your week sounds industrious and social at the same time, it is the season for it isn't it?
    Take care, Louise.

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    1. Nests and leaves can sure clog up a drain quickly. It really is important that we all check the gutters and keep them clean.
      Good for you - glad that pork jumped in your cart!!!
      Glad you are feeling better about things. I hope you got all your back cleaning done and things organized.
      Yes mam, it is the season. There is always something going on and preparing for.
      Have a super week.

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  14. We got more snow today, and still more will be arriving over the next few days as well. I think we may just have a White Christmas again this year. Actually may even have more snow than last year.
    You had a full week and got lots completed.

    God bless.

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    1. I do not envy you on the snow. I don't like cold, but I can handle that a lot better than snow and ice. Stay safe!!!!!
      Have a fantastic and productive week.

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  15. Lovely prayer Cheryl. xxoo Cindy/WV

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