Peace and Joy are All We Want

 Good morning my lovelies!  So happy to be here, and happy to have you here.  Hope all are well.

It is another pretty morning here, cool and sunny.  Everything is still wet - we had a rain last evening around dinner time.  It looked and sounded nasty - but we just got a nice rain.  Actually, I was outside for most of it - shielded by the tree for some of it.  Kitties were eating.  I love standing out in the rain!  We have so few it seems anymore, that are just soft nice rains that you can stand in (the child in me). Summertime is coming back this weekend and next week with a vengeance - going back to 90's!  I guess that is how we will start September.  Better than snow - just saying!!!!!!!

I think I am making a few of these this year for gifts.  I think it is so sweet, and I will make them memory pillows.  So easy.

HOME - that special place.

Today is just a bit about each person here, and that stops by here for maybe a visit.  I want this to be a safe place for everyone, and I try very hard to keep it that way.  I want each person to feel loved.  We may not have met in person and only know each other in the virtual world - I think of so many of you as family and great friends.  I pray for everyone and I keep you in thought when you are going through things.

We have no idea what some people are going through - NONE!  People can be lonely; they can be sad or ill or depressed or filled with worry.  Life has a way of knocking us down from time to time, and hopefully we can be here to help pick each other back up!

After all, that is all we can do in this world be there for others and do good.

                                                        Isn't this what we all want?

Please know that we all (no matter where we live) want the same thing in the long run - peace and joy in life.  Good things happen and bad things happen, and we have to deal with them all - never give up.  There is always hope and there is always someone out there that loves you (even if you don't know them).

We overcome a lot in this life - even when we think we can't.  It takes time and sometimes work - but it is doable.

Just know that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!

I know that there are several of you that have started a new season in life, that you really weren't ready for.  Several of us have as well.  Sadly, it is just part of life, and we have to be strong and move forward.  Know there are others here, that will help you through the journey, if needed.

I wish you all a great day and a lovely weekend.

Whatever you do - SMILE and just enjoy the moments.
 💖💖💖

Old Ways, New Ways, My Ways = Savings

 Hello to all this fine day.  I hope you are all good and well.  It is a beautiful morning here and sunny and in the mid 60's.  Windows are open and all is good.  I spent a very leisurely morning outside with the kitties.  They are so funny.  Boy oh boy, do they love me when they see me with food!!!  LOL

I have had the local news on all morning, and there is a lot of coverage today about Dolly Parton.  Yes, she had fame and she had a fortune, but bless her, she put her money to use for so much good.  She sure did a lot of wonderful things to help others.  Things she didn't have to do, no one would have noticed, but she did them just because it was in her heart.  I hope we can all take lessons (on a smaller scale) and do good every day!

Today, just a few more ideas from back in the day and some I have done myself to just stretch resources, help my life and save a little along the way

I know I have mentioned this before, but I bought a pack of black washcloths that I use only in the kitchen.  They show no stains and work wonderfully for dish washing or cleaning up.

I often want a tad bit of soap in something that I want to soak.  I don't ever need to squirt dish soap in the item, just run water over the spout of soap.  Gives you enough to help with the soak!

I almost ALWAYS toast my bread or buns for any sandwich.  It keeps the bread from falling apart easily and it keeps it from getting soggy!

I have old fruit baskets I used to get at the orchard (closed now).  I kept them all over the years.  I use for all sorts of things.

This one gets used daily.  I use for my harvests, and I also use it to take the dishes and canned cat food out in the evening to feed everyone.  Makes it easier to carry.

I have used them for gifts many times.

Place a cloth napkin in one (gingham is cute) or a kitchen towel and then add your goodies.  Maybe fresh bread and homemade jam, sauces and pasta, fancy glasses and sparking fruit juice, etc.  Just makes a cute gift.

I make regular iced tea but sometimes want it flavored.  I am not buying those expensive bottles of tea.  I can add fruit juice, or a bit of Kool-Ade.  You can throw in a flavored tea bag (in your glass) and it will gently flavor tea and keep it from tasting watered down as ice melts.  A lemon or orange wedge is always good too.

Those plastic bread bags - can be used for lots of things.

Can use for homemade bread.  I keep to store homemade biscuits in.  You can use as a secondary wrap for items placed in the freezer - pack several in the bag.  I use to store homemade ice when having company.  I don't pay for ice, just not in me (!!), so I make it and have my own bags of ice.

I have a glass of water on the bed table at night, and in the morning, it is still cool, but not cold, so I just use it on a houseplant.  It keeps my plants watered and no waste.

I run my ceiling fans 365 days a year.  They help keep the house cool in the summer and help distribute the heat in the winter.  Just change direction.  Costs pennies to use.

Never throw away potato skins.  Use them.  A little oil, some cheese and bake those puppies for a fun treat or a great side.  We used to pay big bucks for those at restaurants back in the day!

Organize your pantry and your freezer - knowing what you have saves money.  May keep you from shopping a week or two.

Here is a simple and easy recipe for using what you have for a great bite.

They call it a breakfast cookie - which would be a treat but could be for any time!!!!  Doesn't get much easier.

Now I am going to show you a "fix" I came up with for my mower.  It seems no matter what time of the day I mow, the front grass is still wet from dew.  They can humidity is down and dew levels are down - not at my house!  When it is wet, it clogs up the blow shoot and bogs the mower down.  My mower has the shield over the shoot (for safety) - but it just clogs rapidly.  Sooooooo, I added a stick under the spring area for the shield, raising it a little.  OSHA approved - NOPE!!!!!!

Can you see the stick in above pic?  It fit perfectly in the little space and raised the shield.  Helps to keep the grass from getting stuck in the shoot with better flow.

This shows how it lifted it (looks higher than it is at this angle).  I had just got done mowing, so the mower is still grass covered.  I clean it off and clean under each time.

Again, NOT OSHA approved, and maybe not the smartest idea, but it sure has helped me.  Now the grass is not clogging up the mower and it runs well.  Use your own digression!!!  Do as you feel safe, not as I say!

That is it today.  Maybe someone will get a useful idea to use.  What great tip do you have that just seems to help you out?

Have a beautiful and blessed day and bless someone else today - even it is with just a smile!

Save $, Alternatives, Simplifying

 Hello to all this fine morning.  Hope you are all well.

It is a sunny and cool morn here.  Got up to 60*.  Windows open for now as it will get warmer today.  Enjoying this cooler time for a few days, because we will be back to 90*F this weekend.  Summer isn't done yet.

Hmm, seems I have a new cat 'bird' in the grape arbor.  Every morning now, after breakfast, Pip goes straight out and climbs up.  She stays for a few hours - guess she figures it is her quiet time from the kids.

I know I talk a lot about living a simpler life - but as the days go by, it seems more important to learn or revive some ways of old.  Things are expensive, and we all need to know ways to save here and there.  It seems that we all take more from our resources, than we ever give back!!

We need to build skills and talents and learn some control.  We learn and grow - it isn't an all now kind of thing.  It isn't about perfection.  Every home and situation is different, so we do what we can - that is OK.

WAYS TO HELP A LITTLE

Use real dishes, silverware and glasses - not paper or plastic

Try to take cloth bags to the stores.  Many places now, don't even have plastic bags (we do).  IF you get the plastic, re-use them for things - trash bags, pooper bags, some people cut in strips and crochet with them, mom used to make holiday wreaths, line leaky boots, etc.

Use glass when possible - buy things in glass jars if possible, instead of plastic - the jars can be used for all kind of things.  They are great for leftovers in the frig (you can see through them), They don't absorb smells, flavors.  Can be used to hold crafts or hardware.  Use for flowers bouquets.  Can be used for a drinking glass.  So many uses.  Many people around the world do their canning in those jars - as canning jars are hard to get and cost a fortune.

When traveling use an insulated mug or drinking vessel instead of bottles of water.  Bottled water causes a lot of plastic waste, and the water can contain nasty stuff from the plastic.  Cold or hot drinks can be had in the insulated glasses.

Here is my daily glass.  It is insulated and keeps things very cold.  As you can see in front, it came with a metal straw - I don't use it.  It just isn't for me (hurts my teeth) - yes, I use a regular straw, but it gets cleaned daily.  See that little brush?  That is a straw cleaner - and works on even very skinny straws.  I have a bigger insulated mug, that I use when working outdoors, that I keep ice water in.  No waste.

If you do get things in plastic containers - use them.  They make great storage for craft areas and garages.  They are good to send home leftovers to others in (you don't need back).  Use them for something, instead of just trashing them.

Plastic bags, foil, plastic wrap - use it until you can't use it anymore.  I clean bags and foil and re-use.  Look for alternatives to covering bowls in the frig - cloth tops (look like shower caps) can be easily made.

Old t-shirts or clothing can be cut into rags, hankies, washable TP, or scraps can be made into something special - like quilts, pillows, crafts, toys, etc.

Here is a stack of my hankies.  I do have real hankies, but most are just cut up old t-shirts which are very soft and absorbent.  They also make good lens cleaners for glasses - soft and no lint.  Just a hint - if using for your glasses - do not put through the dryer.  Let them air dry, as you don't want any fabric softener on them. 

If you get a homemade hankie all messed up, no great loss.  I haven't purchased Kleenex in years.  If I have a bad congestion problem, I will use TP.

It isn't just things, but food.  We all know we can make leftovers into new things.  We can compost.  Skins and peels of fruit can be made into jelly, syrup and juices.  Other peels can be used to help flavor homemade broth.  Bones can be used to make broth.

I know it sounds like work - but it isn't really.  It saves a little money, and it helps save resources.  Think about how many resources of all types it takes to make many of the things we use daily!!!

Don't go and just start throwing things away - that totally defeats the purpose, and they still end up being in landfills.  Use the stuff if you have and use it until it cannot be used anymore - then toss and replace with another and good alternative.  You can also donate - let someone else get use of it.

We all hope our lives can be meaningful in some way - it helps by giving back in so many ways - big and small.  Don't just buy to buy, think about your choices.  We may all have setbacks and failures in doing things - that is ok and normal, just keep trying.  

We all need to learn to reduce, recycle, reuse and rot!  Every little action gives back to the earth.

Save a little, learn a little, simplify a little, and find little alternatives.

It is called helping and giving back.

Just some ideas to get you started and to get you to thinking.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/23

Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Can you believe there is just a week left in this month?  Then we will be in the 'ber' months - I know many look forward to those!  This week is starting on a lovely note here weatherwise.  That is a wonderful thing - it hasn't happened lately to have a week start out so nice.  It looks like the approaching week will nice as well.  Much appreciated.

I started writing a little late this morning, I was watching the babies playing.  They are such a hoot.  Running and playing and jumping and zoomies!  Morning smiles!

I remember this well.  Company coming for dinner, badminton or horseshoes in the backyard, and front porch sitting.  If you didn't have something, you did without until Monday.  The peace.

My frugal week:

• Sunday was just a day of all kinds of little projects - too many to mention and just lots of catch up of odds and ends
• HARVEST - has been good.  Lots of peppers and tomatoes and other goodies as well
• Got to finally mow and trim everything.  It took 2 days due to all the moisture from dew.  I trimmed both sides of my fences (my side and the neighbor's sides).  I had to rake and blow grass as well, as it was so clumpy - just amazed how much it grew in a week
• I worked in the front bed as well - pulled out all the done sunflowers and the spiderwort and some ivy - cleared the glass block window in front of ivy - basement is brighter!
• Made hummingbird feed
• I discovered a leak in my kitchen ceiling.  It happened twice when we had the huge downpours.  Right over my solid wood cabinets!!!!  My neighbor came over and checked it out and found some shingles loose at that spot - told me what I needed - I went to hardware and got it - and he sealed everything for me.  Fingers crossed that it did the trick!!!!  (no rain since).  He wouldn't charge me a thing or let me pay him
• I picked a few pounds of grapes - destemmed and cleaned and froze for making jelly later on
• I did some porch sitting and reading on Saturday - such a nice morning
• Gave neighbor some tomatoes - he was happy.  It has been slow to get things really ripened
• I did a lot of general cleaning around the house
• I did run to the grocery (cat food of course) and I bought several non-edible items for the fall and winter prep.  I did find a few deals as well

Combo beef/pork ground - 2 lb. pack for 4.80, Lobster cakes (a nice treat) 2.45/4, and yogurt at .45 container - got a total of 14

Bounty 6.37 (will last me forever), banana chips (4/27) for holiday baskets 5 @ 1.47 ea. and FREE bread

I also got broccoli and corn on the cob and mandarins on clearance - not pictured.

My budget friendly meals this past week:

Eggrolls (homemade from freezer), chicken bites and fresh veggies

Grilled ham & cheese and fresh veggies

Tuna salad and crackers and veggies & yogurt

Grilled zucchini steaks, corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes & cukes

Beef fajita style (gr. beef, peppers, onions) mix over rice

Smoked sausage on bun and salad and yogurt

Broccoli & cheese, corn on the cob and sliced toms

Grilled zucchini 'steaks'.  Meal cost me about .35!  That was for the corn.  

I do not have to meat for every meal - I just love fresh veggies and I enjoy them as I can in the summer.

Allergies have kicked in this week - must be from all the tree and grass pollen, and the moisture around.  I did a face plant this week as well - I did a stupid, and I knew better, but I did it and I fell face first on my hardwood floors!  What hits first - your nose.  Thank God it didn't break but I did get a cut on the bridge of it from glasses.  It is still tender - but all is good.  Seems every week I am reminded of things that I can no longer do!!!!!!!  Grateful for learning a lesson and not getting hurt badly.  Geesh!

How was your week?  Are you getting harvests in or getting goodies from the farm stands?  Doing canning?  Drying out?  Did you find any deals?  Give us a shout out.

I hope this finds you all well and safe.  May you all have a lovely week ahead.

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

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

O Lord my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me.

Psalms 30:2

Dear Lord, we send thanks for all our many, many blessings.  Help each one realize that for every teardrop shed and every sleepless night and for every anxious moment, You will be there.  You send Your angels to watch over us and to lead us to You.  Your blessings get us through every situation, and You help us to get through everything we must face.  Thank You for loving us so much.

AMEN

Plans for the Weekend?

 Howdy all.  Hope you are safe and well.  If you haven't yet this week, please check in.  I miss hearing from all you regulars and need to know you are ok.  I am worried considering all the weather events this past week or so.

It is a gray morning, and damp.  We got a big rain over night, not needed, but we got it anyway! Just a little water out back this morning.

I am glad I got a ton of the yard work done the past couple days.  It was harder work than normal, because everything had just grown so much in the past week!  It was tough mowing, and then it took raking and blowing as well - do to the clumping.  The weed whacker just wears me out as well.

Fortunate, I can still do it all.  

Please note:  I don't mean to sound gripey - so many have such huge worries right now, and this for me is nothing in comparrsion.

So what kind of plans do you all have for the weekend?  Going to be on the go?  Farm markets?  Canning?  Yard work?  Playing?

Whatever you do, I hope it is the best.

I may end up mowing again by Sunday, just to keep a handle on things.  This rain has just been something for making the grass and weeds grow.  I don't want to be in achy mode I am now, again in a few days!  Dang things I didn't even realize I had, hurts!!!!!!  LOL

I think I will make a version of this as well.

It just sounds so good to me.  I love all kinds of salads, but especially those that last for a few days.  I will be making with cans, not cups.  Super healthy sounding.

Maybe some porch sitting and reading this weekend as well.  A nice relaxing time sounds good.

Let us know what you have planned.

Please know I wish you all the best, and I truly hope none were involved in the extreme flooding or the fires.  I worry about you all.

Take care and have a fantastic day and weekend.

Old Ways - Are Still Normal for Many

 Hello to each of you.  Thank you for stopping by for a visit.  Hope this finds you all well.

Kind of a cloudy morn here - we did have a pretty sunrise however.  We are supposed to have some rain yet again later on.  UGH.

Right now, the windows are open, and I have just come in from feeding everyone, and trying to keep Rocky racoon away from the kitty food.  I do love animals, but I am not paying to feed the racoon.   I know, I feed squirrels and birds - but they don't mess with my kitty's food.

Some of you will be happy to know, that I am finally seeing mosquitos!  Just in the last week, after all the rains.

I am really tired this morning, so I am keeping the post easy.  I worked my bum off yesterday outside, and I am hoping to get back out and finish up a couple jobs before rain hits.  The heat and rains really put us all behind and things have become so overgown.  I sure am happy that my body can still move and take care of things - even though it gets tired a lot easier and quicker.

I love these charts.  I have had every one of these and still make many of them (most).  These are just ideas to eat and get full and not spend a lot of money.  I have never felt deprived eating any of these.

(click on image to enlarge to read easier)

Think I have done most of these as well.  I never have had to fetch coal or firewood, although I do remember mom and dad heating the house with coal.  My watch and clocks are all battery, so no winding.  Until a few years ago I did have a coo-coo clock on my wall, and it had to be adjusted every day.  I have made butter and my own ice cream.  You know there are so many little ways to save money, instead of buying or replacing.  Just slow down a little and keep things simple.

Absolutely!  Every one of these are $$$$ wasters.  I try very hard to do all these things.  I run errands at one time and stay home much of the week.  I try not to waste anything.  I am very mindful of my utilities.  We can do with higher and lower temps than we think and still be comfortable.  Don't use lighting a lot.  When making a purchase, buy something that is good quality and not a cheap knock off, it will save money in the long run.

We just need to use things up, make things do, and repair and think creatively.  These things aren't for everyone - but you know, if money is really tight, they sure will help out.  They also help just to be a good steward of what you and the earth has.

Do you do any of these or think that you could if needed?

Have a wonderful day and make it the best no matter the situation.

I'm off to work!

Just a Morning Chat

 Hello all.  I hope you are well and safe.  It is a sunny morning here!!!!!!  Haven't had one of those in a while and NO threat of rain!  What a thing to appreciate - but boy oh boy, it sure is appreciated by many.

It is going to be a bit cooler all week, love that as well.  We do have a couple chances of rain in upcoming days, but fractions of inches instead multiple inches.

I have windows open this morning, as it is in the 60's at the moment.  Glorious.

I hope to get out and do yardwork today, but the dew is super heavy this morning.  The grass is just sopping wet at the moment.

It has been a bazaar morning.  I went to get on the computer, and I had to sign into everything.  I don't sign out of most things, so I can just go and check whenever I want.  I had to sign into regular email, g-mail, blogger, and FB.  I have never had that happen before with everything at one time.  I got two notices that I had tried to log in from another device.  NOPE not me!  Sounds like someone was trying to get into my computer.  That is why I do not put important stuff on it.  Scary stuff.

Today, just a couple stories.

I know the flooding has been an issue in IN and other places.  As I said Sunday some have called it a 100-year flood, some a 1,000-year flood, other words used - historical, Biblical.  Entire towns under water - I can't imagine the feelings these people must be having.  Some places were flooded up to ceilings.  Several historical towns have flooded, and that is just so sad, all the history and memorabilia gone.

This is a view of a town just 59 miles due East on me.  There are only 1,700 people that live there - so not a big place - I just wonder if they will ever get back.  Our worst flood in Indiana happened in 1913, and it was horrible.   I actually have an article from the newspaper that my grandmother kept on that flood.

Life sure has a way of humbling us.  

There are many resources now available to help those in need - people helping people, even those that are struggling are helping - that is love.  There are also scammers out there already - those people just make me sick.  Anyone that needs to cheat someone in such dire need, is despicable.

52 of our 92 counties have been declared a disaster.  Over half of the state.  So sad.

I was reminded the other day of a situation that happened 14 years ago last week.  It is state fair time here, and that is where a horrible disaster happened 14 years ago.

There was an event planned at the fair, a Sugarland concert.  My nephew and his friends had come into town to be there.  Rain was predicted and there were emergency exists set up, and it was expected to hit at a certain time.  Well, 45 minutes earlier than predicted - a huge storm and terrific wind hit and the entire stage collapsed.  Luckily the band was not out yet.  My nephew was in row 2 center stage.

7 people ended up being killed, all from up front, and dozens were hurt.  If you look at this picture, see the blue arrow on the left, that is my nephew.  He didn't get hurt thank goodness, and he helped to rescue others.  I was so proud of him.

All the pictures that were taken, and he happened to be in one.  It is sure something that he will never forget.

Now for a tidbit that I haven't mentioned to you yet!  You know about Momma and Pip (little mom) and Pip's babies - but a couple weeks ago, I was donated, gifted, had dropped off - 3 more kittens!!!!  They just appeared one day!  Yep, there are 6 young-ins.

Two little black ones, and one charcoal colored one - about 2 weeks or so older than Pip's babies.  Hers are now just 3 months, and these appear just a tad bit older.  In the pic above, you can see all.  The blue dots are Mom and Pip - the blue lines show where the others are.  One by Pip, 2 others on the walk, 1 on handrail, and 2 on deck - Bits checking them out from the window!

Now let me tell you, come breakfast and dinner time, I am one popular lady!  They have dry food to eat all day but get wet food 2X a day.

They kittens all get along wonderfully and play and play.  Talk about zoomies!!!!  Oh goodness, they are a hoot.  Pip, bless her heart is still nursing hers some (even though they eat food) and she lets the others nurse too if they want. They seemed to be weaned, but now and then still want to be babies too.  Momma kitty keeps an eye on them and helps keep them in line.  She even cuddles with them and gives them bathes.  One big happy family.  

Yep, lots of work to do to get all fixed and safe.  I have my hands full!

Just call me the cat lady!!!!!

Well, that is it today.  Life can sure be interesting, and we just never know where it is going to take us.

Lots of twists and turns.  Some better than others - yet we get through them and we are blessed.

I do hope you are all safe and dry from the flooding.

Take care and hoping you are all dry and safe.

APPRECIATE your day, no matter what gets thrown your way.