The 'Magic' of the Season!

 Hello all.  I hope you are all healthy and snug this Thursday.  Another cold, cold day here in my neighborhood.  It is in the 20's and probably staying in the 20's today.

Yesterday for an hour or two we got a little sunshine, that was so wonderful.  It isn't often that happens this time of the year.  Today they are saying sun!!!  YAY

Well, yesterday I figured it was time to get busy and shop some.  So off I went!  My road looked ok - but it was atrocious!  ICE!  I came really close to 'owning' the stop sign at the corner!!  I started sliding sideways (even going just a couple mph) - got stopped within inches!  Luckily there was no traffic in any direction - usually there is some idiot running the stop sign on any given day.  Well, I managed to get to the main road, and all was fine.  We have a school and post office within a couple blocks of my house.  When I returned the post office area was still horrible, the school area good.  Too much excitement for me!

I did go to Aldi and NOT for groceries.  I got a lot of neat basket stuffers and some things for kiddos.  That MIDDLE aisle is fun!!!!  I met so many happy people.

I know there is no such thing as magic - but so many things seem magical, don't they?  Many miraculous things almost seem magical.

Yesterday while shopping, I saw so many people having fun looking at all the goodies.  The oohs and aahhs!  Adults and children.  The sounds in the voices of the littles - pure joy.

I see snowflakes glistening in the snow - it looks like fairy dust - magic!  

I see the twinkling lights on the tree - looks like magic to me.

The way the snow clings to the trees and they look like flocked trees (remember those?).

Memories of being a kid and 'hearing' Santas bells on Christmas Eve.

Seeing children get so excited to see Santa and watching them look at all the lights and decorations with those big wide eyes.

The smells of the holidays - almost seem magical.  They can transport you to another time.

Being able to continue a tradition from the family to another generation - and watching them get excited.

Watching the OLD Christmas shows from childhood.  Those are the best!!!!  I like the old cartoon specials and some of the old, old movies - much better than the new stuff.

Being able to get with friends from back in the day and just laugh and have fun.  It seems as if no time has passed!

Watching the young ones seeing the radar on Christmas Eve - to see where Santa is - then leaving cookies and milk.

Being out in the snow (playing or working) and coming into a warm house and hot chocolate - almost seems magical.

                                    TONIGHT!!!!!!!  Take a step back in time!  Also, next Tuesday!

It might just be what you need to laugh a little, to remember the times as a kid, to smile and make believe a little.  I hope you watch it!

So take a few minutes or even hours or days to see MAGIC in the season.  The smiles, the joys, the beauty - yes, I know it isn't magic - but FAITH and HOPE can seem so at times.

Have a beautiful day.

Take in the moments!

Simple Meals for Simple Lives

 Howdy to all.  I hope you are all well and safe, and that you are able to find some joy today.

Oh good golly, it is feeling cold out.  The news says 20* - mine says 27*.  I like mine better!

It always amazes how 'light' it looks outside in the dead of night, after we have had snow.  It almost looks like daylight.

This is the one thing I love about snow.  It makes all the evergreens look so beautiful.  Color pictures look black & white.  This is catty-corner across the street.

Simple meals - simple living.  You know me, and most of my meals are pretty simple.  Now I know not everyone likes the same things I do, but it gives ideas on ways to simplify.  I eat good - very good.  I eat more than enough.  I eat what I really like.

I do eat ONE meal a day - it isn't because I have to or I can't afford more.  It is because it is all I want.  I do eat snacks - fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers, etc.  So sometimes the platefuls I show look like a lot of food - but being the only meal, it is probably less than others eat all day.

Now with the holidays here - remember that leftover ham and turkey make great ham salad or turkey salad.  Super for sandwiches or eat with salad and crackers.  Throw in a chopped up hardboiled egg, and you have even more protein.

Add these to soups or beans or fried rice - all easy meals and uses up all the leftovers making a hearty meal.

Yesterday - bacon, egg, cheese biscuits and fresh veggies on the side.  Super good and filling and used what I had.

Oh, a hot bowl or cup of egg drop soup - just hits the spot!  This can be had for a lunch or added as a side for dinner.  It is soooooo easy to make and so scrumptious.

Enchiladas that I made.  I used leftover rice and beans for the inside/stuffing. Lots of cheese inside as well.  Enchilada sauce, cheese and black olives.  Let me tell you, as crazy as it sounds the black olives made it taste super special (almost like Taco Bell).  Tortillas are super cheap and they are also easy to make.  You can stuff them with whatever you like and roll up.  Sauce can be canned or homemade (easy to do) and cheese!  Bake until cheese is golden (I used the air fryer).  The leftover rice/beans made 4 enchiladas.

A basic guide to making tortillas and hand breads!  Super easy with a nice hot griddle.  Ingredients most have on hand.

Another tasty and easy bite!  Naan bread - make or watch for sales and clearance.  I spread with cream cheese & added garlic and onion seasoning, topped with sliced tomatoes (you can top with absolutely anything you like- (like pizza), then added shredded cheddar.  Bake in air fryer for about 15 minutes at 360*.  You can use the oven as well.  Naan makes great and easy pizza - filling too.  Eat alone or add a salad.

Baked potatoes topped with whatever meat, leftovers or thick soups you have around.  Maybe add some cheese or sour cream - so filling and basically a meal.

You can do the same with sweet potatoes.  Top with hearty toppings or make them sweet.  Both can be made into fries or twice baked!

Goulash is a super easy meal - some call it Eastern Chow Mein.  I call it goulash.  Fry up some ground beef or chicken/sausage/turkey/pork, add in some onion or green pepper if you choose (optional) - add cooked pasta (macaroni) - then add tomatoes (chopped) or tomato sauce and throw on some cheese if you like it.  Season the way you like - Super easy and filling.  Serve with bread and/or salad.

Spaghetti - the basic super easy meal.  Chili is another.  Soup - another - there is absolutely no limit to soup.   Rice can be made into all kinds of meals - fried rice, stir fry (great way to use leftovers), under things, in things........... Breakfast is a good dinner.  Mac n cheese - add some meat (chopped ham, tuna, whatever you have) and maybe add a side - it is a meal!

I make of version of goulash & use rice instead and then I add large chunks of peppers - deconstructed stuffed peppers!  I do the same with cabbage - deconstructed cabbage rolls. Make on the stove top!

Easy-peasy and of so tasty.

Never forget the basic!!!!  This is a favorite wintertime meal to me.  You can add meat to sandwich as well if you choose.  Any kind of soup and sandwich makes a yummy meal.

I love any kind of Nachos or burritos. Can you tell I like Mexican food?  LOL.  The thing is, it doesn't have to be Mexican flavored - you can stuff a tortilla with anything -I like to top with a little salad and eat with a fork.  You don't have to top them.  Roll-ups are fun and easy.  Nachos can be any toppings served over some chips (or over pasta or rice) then maybe add some sour cream or dressing. Another great use for leftovers.

Think OUTSIDE the box!!!  

You can have simple meals that are very delicious and easy and economical.  Keeping things simple helps keep life simple.  I am all about that and I am trying harder each day to simplify more.

I hope this helps someone to get a few ideas using just what you have in the house.  No need to shop many times - just USE IT UP!

Have a beautiful day. No matter what you do - do it with a smile and joy in your heart.

December - The Month is Different for Everyone

 Good morning all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a cold and snowy day here.  We got close to 4" of snow to start the day!  Ugh.  It is pretty, but it means a lot of work for folks.  The news and the computer says it is in the upper 20'sF, my thermometer says 34*.  Cold, whichever!

I truly hope you all stay safe and off the roads, unless it is absolutely necessary.

As we think back to the old days and the Christmas's past - it often brings up bad or sad memories.  Not everyone gets into the celebrations of Christmas.  Truthfully that is OK.  You have to do what is right for you. I know many who read here, have lost loved ones during this time of the year, and it brings up sad feelings.  My only advice is to REMEMBER them in the good times, and that and speaking of them keeps them alive in your heart and in your mind.

YES, it is hard to do things so very differently, but at some point in life it happens to everyone.  Just a sad fact.

What you feel is what you feel, and it IS real!!!!!  Give yourself some grace during this time.  Your feelings are valid and they are yours.  Let no one tell you how you should feel, your feelings are real and valid.  They can just get over it!!!!!!  Don't apologize for how you feel.

I try so hard to do this.  All the little things are so important, more so now than ever before.  Watching the littles play and laugh.  To see their excitement for the holidays.  Watching the snow come down.  Seeing how anxious the outdoor animals for their food each morning.  They are happy to see me.

Curling up with your pet.  The warmth of the house.  The beauty of Christmas lights.  Food on your table.  Just seeing someone smile, even if a stranger.

Choose the joy the in those things and chose to see the beauty in everything and everyone.  Be grateful for this morning that you were given (yet again).  

I just wanted to start the month with a little encouragement.  Don't do anything you don't want to - it is your life.  You feel what you feel and you WILL be OK.  You have survived every worst day you have had so far.  That is HUGE!  

Take it slow, take it easy, and give yourself a break and some grace to get through the season.  The new year will be here in 30 days and it is a new start.  Well, actually every day and every month is a new start, but we tend to be analytical in thought sometimes!

Have a beautiful and safe day.

I am off to feed kitties outside and clean some snow.

Stay safe out there today!

Weekly Wrap Up 11/30

 Hello to all.  Hoping you are safe and well and warm!  Today we say good-bye to November.  Goodness sakes, 25 until Christmas and 31 days until a new year!  It just doesn't seem possible.  It feels it - at least in my neck of the woods.  Baby, it is cold out there.  We finally got some snow yesterday, but it wasn't until after dark - we got about 1.5 inches+ here, then we warmed overnight and it rained.  So, most of the snow is gone - just some white patches.  It is WINDY!!!!!  I really am over the windy days.  Crazy winds.  That just makes it feel so much colder.  The temps are now falling again.  It doesn't look like we will reach even the freezing mark this week.  My area really lucked out - as I know many had tons of snow.

Tomorrow starts meteorological winter here in the upper hemisphere.  I think it is here!!!  Some in the south are beginning summer! 😲

I hope all that celebrate Thanksgiving had a wonderful time with family and/or friends.    I sure did.  NO shopping at all for this gal.  I stayed home all weekend.  I did do a little decorating - not a lot, after all it is just me and Bitsy.  I don't have a lot of company - although there will be the kids coming home at some point for Christmas.  I just like my tree lights, even if the tree is teeny tiny!

My frugal week:

• I sliced and cooked up a pound of "fresh/recently harvested" sausage my nephew gifted me.  Yum - it is tasty.  I did freeze most of the fried-up slices.  I rec. 3 lbs. - the other 2 got put in freezer
• I got the spikes of the pampas grass all down.  Those things were tall - 8' to 10' tall.
• I raked the remainder of the leaves before the rain and wind hit again, earlier in the week.  Then on Friday I cleaned the drive again -- as leaves had blown and collected there again
• I got my jerky and summer sausage order on Monday.  I call them direct.  Last year I almost didn't get it in time for the holidays, they were so busy.  I ordered a couple days earlier this year and it was on my porch less than 48 hours after ordering!!! (these are gifts)
• I did go out the first of week to fill my gas tank for the month.  With the little amount I needed and my discount - I spent $6!
• While getting gas (in Kroger lot), I ran in to look for basket stuffers at the store.  Got a few things for gifts. I also found a discount bag of smaller summer squash for 1.50.    When I came home and unloaded, I had cupcakes that I did not buy!  I called and told them - they said keep them.  It was 2 containers worth $10 

• Did a root touch up
• Put out holiday door decor and flags while warmer - then yesterday I put up a few things indoor
• Froze 2 bananas that were looking sad
• Baked up my turkey breast - it turned out so juicy and tender.  Enjoying it for meals and sandwiches!
• Plugged back in the mini frig downstairs to store the jerky and any extra supplies for the holiday
• Brought home several delicious sides from my nieces.  She sure cooks a ton of food!
• I did a fix on the toilet - the flapper chain broke
• Washed out 2 - 1 gallon bags niece sent things home in.  I never buy those so nice to have around!
• Made a batch of biscuits
• Paid everything I had 

Meals this past week:  (easy)

Chimichanga (freezer) and Mex. fried rice

Chili (freezer)/cheese topped baked potato, fruit

Pizza (freezer) and salad

Stoup (freezer) and crackers

Thanksgiving w/family

Turkey and leftovers 

Biscuits with turkey gravy and sliced turkey, salad

That is my week in a nutshell!  Nothing big or exciting, just doing what needs done.  Crazy to think that last Sunday and Monday I got to air the house a little in the afternoons and now it is so cold.  It sure changes quickly.  We had so much wind and rain earlier in the week.  The outdoor kitties were not happy!

I still have shopping to do - but this year it will be simpler.  I also have to make jelly - that just dawned on me today! Time to get busy!

I hope you all are safe - so many places got a lot of snow.  Stay in if possible if in those areas.

How was your week?  Did you enjoy your holiday and a long weekend?  Did you do any shopping this weekend?  Any great deals at the grocery?

Give us a shout out.  Always look forward to hearing from everyone.  It has been fun seeing 'new' folks post this week!

Have a safe and healthy week ahead.  

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

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"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."

Isaiah 12:2

Lord, as we approach the holiday season and the celebrations of Jesus, I do know many people are alone and they are sad for various reasons.  Please hold them all close and let them know they are loved so much and they need to put their faith into You.  Heal those in need - in body and soul.

Help us to all be kinder and fuller of love for all others.  Let kindness rain over all.

Thank You for our many blessings and for each and every day we have.  May we celebrate each day and all experiences.  AMEN

Now we Count Down!

 Hello all.  Hope everyone is well and safe.  Hope you all full bellies, and tons of gratitude in your heart.  Well, Thanksgiving Day is over (for most).  I know some may not celebrate until later this weekend.  It is a cold morning, yet bright and sunny.  Been out to feed the animals and have a small turkey breast already in the oven.  Staying home!!!

So much food, so much family and friends, so many memories.  Love it.

Before leaving yesterday, I watched (again) The Secret Garden, probably my favorite old movie.  I watch it every year and never tire of it.

My niece did another bang-up job this year.  Looked like she was feeding the entire neighborhood!  AND it was all so tasty and wonderful. (she had been up all night).

Got to meet my newest gr.gr. niece - baby Bella, who is just a month old.  Oh, my goodness, what a precious little soul.  I snagged her up as soon as they came in and held her for the longest time!  She is probably the last one for a good while.

All the littles were wired, to say the least!  They were having a ball.

A fun day had by all.

It sure is starting to feel like Christmas is near.  It looks to be cold for the foreseeable future.  Snow is predicted tomorrow afternoon into Sunday.  I really don't think my area will get that much - but it will be what it is.

Are you planning on getting your holiday decor out this weekend?  Or have you already done that?

I have been watching the news this morning and they are showing the malls and such - it really doesn't look that crazy out there.

Just a few weeks until Christmas, then the end of the year - it just doesn't seem possible.  The countdown has begun.  You ready?

I know I will be quite content staying in today.  I guess it is time to get the snow shovel out - just in case, so I will do that.  I will be filling up the portable containers of critter feed.  Maybe some decor for the holiday - not sure.

This is the remainder of my tomatoes from the garden!  I figured I would make it to Thanksgiving with them - and it looks like I will be eating them until Dec.1 at least!!!!  They still taste good - better than the grocery store stuff.  How cool is that?

Wednesday was a crazy windy day.  It seemed like that wouldn't end.  We had 50+ mph wind gusts and steady heavy wind.  It was gloomy and we had a few flurries.  Then came sundown and my gosh it was just amazing.  The sun had popped out, and we had another fantastic sunset.  The wind started to settle some after dark.  Yesterday ended up being a nice, but chilly day.

The above pic is through the window and doesn't do the sky justice.  It looked to be on fire - and the brightest pinks.

As you can see, not a leaf to be seen on the trees after that wind.  They are ALL down now!

Sunrises and sunsets just absolutely amaze me - the beauty of God's hand.

Well, I am going to jump off here and try to maybe accomplish something other than baking a turkey.  It is starting to smell good!

I hope you have a great weekend, no matter what you do.  Whether eating, shopping, decorating, movie watching or just snuggling - ENJOY it thoroughly!!!

Blessings to all.

THANK YOU - SO BLESSED

 Good morning all.  I hope this finds you all safe and healthy my friends.

It is a windy, windy day here.  We reached our high around midnight - will be in the 30's all day.  That looks to be the normal temps for at least the next week - yeah, winter is here!

It will be a busy travel time this week, and I hope you all stay safe and have a wonderful time.

I am so grateful for my health and for my family and friends and fur babies.  

I am thankful for all the things I have.  My home and a warm bed and food for my table.

I am blessed in so many ways, that I cannot mention them all.  Blessed in every way.

Thank you, God.

I am grateful for each of you.  So many are so loyal and are here every day.  I am not sure how that happened, nor how people found their way here.  

I am so thankful that you all did.

I am grateful for all the kind words, friendships, love and help that everyone offers, not just to me, but to others.

THANK YOU - we are 'family'.

Enjoy your holiday.

Just Doing the Stuff!

 Hello all.  Here we are in U.S. 2 days out until Thanksgiving.  We are now exactly a month from Christmas, and about 5 weeks from a new year!!!  YIKES

Weren't we just celebrating all these things a couple months ago???  Sure seems so.

It is a wet, wet morning here.  Temps are the 50's and rain.  No outside kitties yet this morning!  Smart kitties.  That has upset Bitsy, as he like to greet them each morning (and yell at them) at the door.  So, he had breakfast and is now curled up with me.

Well, it looks like the weather is going to change up in a day or so.  We will be colder and windy.  It is almost December, so I guess it is to be expected.

I have been doing the things one doesn't want to do in the rain, nor in the cold.  Outdoor stuff been getting done, more each day. Things plugged in.  

Things being hung, to avoid the cold.  You all know I am not a fan of cold!

I have been making the lists and checking them twice.  Trying to figure out what I do have for gifts so far, and what needs to be gotten.  Placing the order for yearly gifts that all look forward to.  So glad to get that done.

I did run out for a few errands yesterday morning (early).  I got my monthly gas - a whole 1/4 tank (actually less) and used my points.  I was in the Kroger lot at that point, so I did run in to look for a few basket stuffers.  Got a couple things sis said she really like for her gift bag in the way of snacks, got a couple other odd ball gifts.  It was early, so no real traffic in the store!  In and out.

Got kitty litter at WM market on the way home.  Good for several weeks now.

Trying to eat up things that are easy this week!  Using freezer meals and stuff from frig.  Keeping it simple - looking forward to that turkey!!!!  I will do a turkey breast here on Friday. 

I will NOT be going out on Black Friday at all.  I am thinking about going to a craft/holiday bazaar close by on Saturday.  I guess it depends on the weather - they keep talking rain/snow conditions.  If I do, I do.  If I don't, no big deal.

It is "Shop Small" Saturday - so if you get the opportunity, shop those bazaars or small family-owned businesses.  You are helping folks in your community - not corporations.

What is everyone up to?  You getting that bird (or whatever) and the kitchen ready for the big day?

Do you shop on Good Friday?  Be careful if you do!!!  The bad people will be out too.

Just DO the stuff - whatever it may be!!!!

Have a beautiful and blessed day!