Weekly Wrap Up 6/29

 Happy Sunday all.  Hope this finds you well and safe.  Well, here we are on the last Sunday of the month yet AGAIN!  We are halfway through the year - just absolutely amazing!  Momma was sure right, time seems to go much faster the older you get!

We have had 8 straight days of 90* or over - we'll see what today brings.  It does feel a little nicer this morning - only in the low 70's and not quite as humid.

Friday late afternoon, there was a big, windy weather system that flew threw.  Crazy winds, pouring rain and it lasted about 15 minutes.  Blew stuff over, more limbs down, raining sideways and then temps dropped about 20 degrees for a short while - then boom the humidity was back.

Yesterday a couple sprinkles, then about dinner time we got a nice downpour to water everything!  Just quick rains, but they do water stuff.

I saw the duck again yesterday morning in the drive, then it walked on down the sidewalk.  Later in the day, it was in the neighbors out back (alley).  It must be a pet to someone.

My frugal week:

• Used rain barrels a lot at the first of the week - they have pretty much refilled
• I moved a bigger birdbath from out back.  It is metal and set in the sun - never used (just too hot).  I moved it to the shade area and the birds are using it now.  They sure love the birdbaths - drinking and bathing and swimming!!!
• Changed the filter on the air/furnace exchanger - had one here
• Had to report for jury duty (got to see the new court and jail!)
• Did go out early and late to weed some
• Laundry and used up dehumidifier water
• Paid bills on phone and mailed 2
• Pickerd 3 banana peppers and one tomato - there are bunches of zucchinis growing out there 

Yep, that is my tomato!!!!!!!!!!  LOL!  A cherry tomato, about the size of a quarter - but it tasted good!

• I did go out for my month end gas fill-up.  Needed to use my discount before it expired.  Saved .40/gal.
• Stopped at Kroger (same lot as gas station).  Wanted more peaches.  I found a couple deals, 1 1/2 lb. pork roasts and OJ on clearance.  Spent very little.

                              Each little pork roast will give me a few meals - cheap eating!

• Went out on day and cleaned the bottom of mower.  I usually do each time - but last couple times it was hot, so neglected it.  Ton of grass stuck underneath.  Did it in the garage so as to stay out of sun.
• Stupidly, I did mow and trim on Friday!!  I say stupidly because first round of mowing (around 11AM) and trimming caused BAD heat exhaustion!  Yep, I had all the symptoms - so do as I say not as I do!!!  I even scared myself.   Finished it later in the day, under cloudy skies, just before the rain hit.
• Defrosted and cooked up 4 big chicken legs.  Used 2 for dinner, and the others for snacks.
• Did another limb pick-up after brief storm
• Made hummy nectar
• Just doing the normal stuff - cooking from home and using what I have on hand, cleaning, etc.

Meals this past week:

Leftover rice and some fresh veggies & apple & peanut butter

Tuna/egg salad with crackers

Open face sloppy Joe and slaw (home canned)

Big salad and grilled cheese

Teriyaki stir fry veggies over rice

Ham & cheese sandwich and side salad

Chicken legs (air fryer) and slaw & milk shake (used end of 'light' ice cream)

There you have it - nothing exciting.  Well, showing up for jury duty was a little exciting, so glad I was recused.  Heat exhaustion was not exciting, but a nasty experience, to say the least.  I am old enough to know better!  Geesh

How was your week?  Did you do anything exciting?  Get any bargains?  I have done very little shopping this month - but managed to get a couple good deals.  How are the gardens coming along?

I hope you are doing well.  Love to see you all check in.  Let us know what is going on in your neck of the woods!

Be safe and stay cool and healthy this week.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 118:1

Good Morning God!

You are ushering in another day

Untouched and freshly new

So here I come to ask You, God,

If You'll renew me, too,

Forgive the many errors

That I made yesterday

And let me try again, dear God,

To walk closer in Thy way.....

But, Father, I am well aware

I can't make it on my own

So take my hand and hold it tight

For I can't walk alone.

Helen Steiner Rice

                                AMEN

My Frugal Home

 Hello all my lovely friends.  Hope you are all well and safe today.  A bit cooler this morning at 75*, but going back to 90's.  We had rain showers a couple times yesterday - some really nice rain.  Looks like chances of rain each day for the next few!  NICE.  It cooled about ten degrees right after the rain yesterday - which was a nice perk.  It was nice to not have to water things.  I even opened the back door for a bit!

If you have been here very long, you know I am a very frugal person.  Many years ago, it started as a needed thing, now it is just a way of life - a lifestyle.  If you do things long enough, it becomes a habit and a way of everyday living.

I do lots of things to stretch items - I water down most everything.  Soaps - especially.  Many, many years ago I heard a stylist 'to the stars' talk about how damaging soap can be on hair.  They said never use it full strength, no matter the brand.  Well, I have watered it down since - and I find it gives suds even better.  I do the same with dish soap, foaming hand soap (make my own) and body wash.  I have bars of soap as well - they don't go bad, so I always have many on hand.  I use way less on laundry soap as well - remember it isn't the suds that clean, just the water, motions and a little detergent!

Shoot, I even add water to fruit juices, and they taste just as good.

I make my own iced tea, drink lots of water, and have a Soda Stream (bought @ yard sale for $15) to make sparkling water.

I do not pay full price for much - if anything.  I buy clothes (very seldom) at thrift stores, yard sales and on clearance.  Undies cost a ton today - I buy around back to school time, much cheaper on sale.

I try to figure out ways to use what I have on hand, if I need a new 'thing'.  I know when sales happen and try to stock up at those times.  I buy clearance A LOT at the grocery.  It is still good stuff.

I have been talking about buying a new couch and maybe a new chair for several years!  Yep - it will happen when I see just what I want at the right price.  For now, mine works fine.  Patience!!!

I keep things off or turned down/up as needed.  No excess lights, use rainwater and dehumidifier water for things, AC or heat higher/lower than many, shop my pantry and just try to be a good steward.

Lately, I have been going to the store very little.  I have a very good deep pantry, and I need to use it.  Having a pantry isn't a good thing if you don't use it.  Yes, we want to be prepared for emergencies always!!!  But use those items, then replace as needed.  You don't want your food to go bad and be unusable!

Lately the kitchen here, has been creative!  I have been eating a little lighter, using up odd things I have on hand and now that the garden is growing - I will have fresh produce for the summer and fall.  I don't have tons - but I will have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and onions - basics for me.  I also have basil, mint and lemon balm growing.  I trade with others as well.  Yummy summer goods!

I look forward to making this again soon and fried green tomatoes!  They call this a breakfast pie - for me it will be dinner.  It is so yummy.  Super easy, cheap and tasty. (I use less sugar)

Dinners can be as simple as this!  I do this often in the summer - it is cool and somewhat light, and it fills me up.  Dinner is what you want to eat!!!!!  NO RULES

Stir fry veggies purchased on clearance a while back with rice, will be a dinner in the next couple days.  I mean you can't get too much cheaper!  I will add soy sauce or some oriental seasoning and have a meatless dinner.  I often have meatless dinners.  I know many can't do that, as their hubbies want their meat - but just use less.  Make it a side, not a main thing!

I have used a ton of items from the fridge freezer, and now I am bringing things up from the upright.  I will always be on the outlook for deals - and will add them back in when I find them, but for now I am using what I have.

I have a lot of fruit in the crisper, and I am trying to use that up and be a little creative.  Fruit salads are always yummy, make a crisp or pie, grilling or sautéing fruit is yummy, adding to sweet breads or muffins or pancakes, add to ice cream or puddings, make freezer pops - there is always a fun way to use things up.

Living a thrifty life and having a frugal home is just normal for me.  I am not rich, but I can live how I want for the most part - and that is what I do.  I take care of my pennies and dollars, and they take care of me.  I live a very good and satisfying life - I don't feel I am missing out.

It just takes a little creative thinking and working with what you have.  You too, can have a frugal home and enjoy the good life.

**(Being frugal everyday allows you to splurge once in a while when you choose and not feel guilty!!!)

Have a great and thrifty weekend.  Stay cool and hydrated.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!!

Simple, Beauty, Cozy = Home

 Howdy all.  Another hot one here - nothing new to report on that front.  Another day, another hot and humid day!!!  Actually doesn't feel too bad this morning.

I hope this finds you all safe and well and staying cool.

HOME - what is it for you?  It can be something different for everyone.  A SIMPLE life - the same.  It means something different to us all.

I want life to be as simple as possible, as pretty as possible (in my eyes), and I want it to be cozy.

The little things in life make me happy and make my house a HOME!  

The "American" dream or the DREAM for your area - used to be the little house and the white picket fence!  Today, I believe it is whatever you make it.  As long as you like it - it is the dream.

Some need a big home, some a little one.  Some like antiques, retro, modern, cluttered, minimalistic, barn life, bohemian OR a combo of it all!  That is just fine.  You may have an expensive home or a very inexpensive one - it truly doesn't matter, as long as you are happy.  You are the one that MAKES it a home!

I have no desire to live like others or covet what they have.  I do me!!!  You don't have to like it or approve - that doesn't matter.  YOU do YOU!

NOPE - not too much to ask at all.  I am aware of daily events, but don't let it take from my joy.  I am a believer of what will be, will be.  I take care of me and mine and let others do the same.  You don't have to agree with that - I don't care.

I think we all need to slow down and savor the season we are in.  Love the spot in life that you are.  You may have children at home, or your partner, you may be alone, you may have boarders - just make the best of that situation.  Each day is a gift.

Savor the summer and the gift of fresh produce.

Savor the rain when it comes.

Savor the family get togethers - no matter how often or sparse they are.

Savor your home - you have one.

Savor life!

Everyone seems to be in a hurry today.  Slow down!  What is the worst that can happen?  Something has to wait a little longer.?  You relax a little more.

Try taking the backroads in life instead of the highway!!!!!!  This can be both a figurative statement and a true statement.  Maybe a trip (or things) takes a bit longer taking the backroads - generally the scenery is so much better!  Enjoy it.

Before moving on the next big thing - LEARN to repurpose the old thing first!

Just a reminder, that whatever you have, wherever you are in life, no matter the season - LIVE and ENJOY.  Enjoy those little ones.  Enjoy your spouse or partner.  Enjoy and embrace single life the best you can.  Make new friends, renew friendships, do things - just move forward.

No matter what type of home you have - make it yours!  It doesn't have to cost a lot - just do little things.  Add a little paint, move the furniture around, create things, re-evaluate things, keep it clean, plant a flower, grow a garden (big or little), enjoy the nature - just enjoy and make it you.

Going into a simplified life can be a little work.  Letting go of things not needed takes work and time.  Getting back to basics - needs a new mindset.  But that work, can be so rewarding in getting you a nice simple, cozy life.  You don't have to do it all at once.  Take your time.  Sit back and just chill some days - that is OK too!!!

Enjoy each day to the fullest and live a GOOD life.

Have a super day.

Old Dog - New Tricks!

 Howdy all!  Hope this finds you cool on this Tuesday morning.  It is going to be day 4 of 90*F+ here at my home.  It is more the humidity to me than the heat.  It is muggy!  It is 80* at 7:50AM as I write this.  Hoping for a few more clouds today!

Yesterday seemed like the longest day.  I feel like we are well past Tuesday already!  I had to go for jury duty!  I was hoping against it, but yep they called my number.  I went, actually sat for the preliminary part of a criminal case - rape of an unconscious woman!!!!  They told us names of all witnesses, including a medical doctor and officers, and then they questioned each one if us.  

Let us just say that the defense lawyers did NOT like my answers as we were all questioned.  (I have very strong opinions about rape - if proven).  The defendant tried staring down each woman juror as they spoke, dang if looks could kill!!!!!!  

I was excused!  As several others and I left - it seemed we all had the same opinions (men included).  It took over a half of a day to get to that point.  

It was an interesting experience, and I felt like I was in a TV show!!  

Glad that is done.  I am good for at least 2 years now!

                                                                                SMILE

Today, I want to share an idea, that this old dog JUST figured out.  I can't believe it took me so long to figure out something so very simple.  So just sharing!

It is now that time, when the sun is shining bright, to keep blinds (or curtains) closed on the sides of the home where the sun is shining brightly.  I open blinds when I first get up (I need the daylight inside).  Then as the sun is at various sides of home, I close the blinds.

I have always closed the mini blinds the same way - for some reason I did something different one day and BOOM what a difference.

My bedroom window - the normal way I have always closed the blinds.  Slats facing downward.

Same window within 45 seconds of taking the first pic.  Slats facing UPWARD!  The room is darker, the theme of the look changed, and no light coming through the slats.  My room is staying much cooler.  This is facing east!

So I have started closing the ones in the living room the same way in the afternoon (west side).

It really does keep the room darker (no hints of sun coming through).  It has helped keep the house cooler as well.  I think we all need every tip possible to stay cool and maybe save a little on those cooling bills.

This was a big DUH for me!!!!!   LOL

For sure this old dog learned a new trick.

A Tip or 2

Maybe you are making some summer salad - be it potato, tuna, egg, ham, etc.  Suddenly you realize you are out of relish.  No worries - no need to make a store run.  Do you have pickles?  Any type will do (especially sweet).  Chop them finely, maybe add just a tad of juice (if desired) and you have relish!  Use what you have.

Going to the store for just a couple things - do NOT get a cart (buggy).  For many, getting a grocery cart - is a challenge to fill it up!  LOL.  If the store has those little baskets, maybe get one of those or just carry what you went in for.  It really does save money.  You can't be tempted to buy lots of other stuff, as you can only carry so much.  I often get the smaller carts (most stores here have 2 sizes) or just the basket.  I only have room for so much.  So less spending.

ALSO - I know many use cards for buying everything - but if you go grocery shopping try taking cash.  You have X amount of cash to spend - PERIOD!  You can't just buy and buy, and you are limited to amount of cash in your pocket.

So, if you have a spending problem at the grocery (or any store) and you are trying to cut back and save some - try these tricks.  It will help you save a little in funds!

Just a reminder - do what is necessary to stay cool and hydrated.  Take care of all the animals as well.  Check on neighbors.

From The American Red Cross site:

Click on writing to enlarge for easier reading

STAY SAFE FRIENDS

Have a lovely day - and keep that sweet spark that makes you - you!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My frugal week:

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

Meals this past week:

Sausage/egg/cheese Mc Waffle sandwich (homemade)

Tacos

Chicken/cabbage eggrolls (air fryer) - homemade

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

Enchiladas (freezer) - heated in air fryer

Homemade calzone (air fryer) and salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 20:7

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

Making Choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choices!!!!!!!

Take that chance to change your situation!

Have a safe a lovely day to all.

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

Simple Joys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be joyful and sing praises for all the blessings.  

Have a beautiful day and BE HAPPY.