Weekly Wrap Up 11/1

 Happy November!  Welcome here and hoping this finds you all well.  It won't be any time until this year is over.  Time is flying by!

We had time change happen here over night - so I am up extra early today.  The inner body clock just works the same for me and for the animals - no matter what the wall clock says!

We had the warmest October on record since 1947 here in my area.  Amazing and this girl was loving it.  This coming week looks to be more near normal temps.  It is in the upper 50's right now going into 60's and pretty cloudy.  The trees have finely started turning around here.  Some are void of leaves, some are still green and others have beautiful colors.  I still have petunias, geraniums, and begonias in pots that are blooming!!!

Shoot yesterday I saw motorcycle riders on the street, enjoying the weather.  I even heard and saw the ice cream truck out yesterday afternoon - that is crazy this time of the year.  I doubt that there were many, if any kiddos out last night on my street, as I only saw a couple of lights on.  I was out back until around 7:30 and heard nothing.

I am still pretty sore.  All the aches from the jolt are gone - but my upper bottom and tailbone are still fairly sore when sitting at a certain angle.  Otherwise, I am fine and have gotten yardwork done with no pain.

                                                                        I love this!

My frugal week:

• Laundry in cold and hanging to dry
• Unplugged and defrosted the mini frig I have downstairs.  It is used a lot during the holidays, and should have been defrosted earlier
• Picked single roses for a bud vase 2X this week
• Worked on cutting the frawns of pampas grass, the NE Aster plant (huge), and the climbing roses back
• Cleaned out the upstairs frig
• Made stuffed banana peppers with l/o rice mix I had and froze them
• Made mashed pots one day and used the extra for making potato cakes (froze a few)
• Still eating tomatoes and peppers from the garden - actually picked a few peppers this week!  There are tons of baby ones out there
• Cat food run!  Just a regular thing until I get a good stock myself - hard to do as they eat so much!
• Got gas while out for my monthly fill-up and got gas for the garage can as well (it will get used).  Paid 3.09/gal. with my discount.  I only drove 57 miles all month!
• Stopped by thrift store and got free bread
• Pulled a pound of farm fresh sausage (I was gifted) from the freezer - sliced and cooked up for use later on - packaged and froze
• Paid a couple bills by phone
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Budget friendly meals this past week:

Pizza rice skillet

Cheeseburger, 2 stuffed banana peppers, sliced toms

Beef Manhattan (using extra burger cooked yesterday)

Fried cabbage and smoked sausage and potato cakes

Loaded fries and salad

Taco rice bowl

French bread pizza

SNACKS - fruit, salsa and chips, yogurt

I did have a couple days I didn't do much do to the fall, but I tried to keep busy.  Just plugging along and trying to stay home and use what I have and be mindful of those things.  I didn't really get any work done this week in the basement (except the mini frig) - will be getting back to that this week.

How was your week?  What is going on in your area?  I hope you are getting to enjoy some decent weather.  Any deals this week?  I love hearing from you all.

Wishing you each a beautiful week ahead.  Stay safe and healthy.

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

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8

Dear Lord, we thank You so much for watching over us and blessing us this past week.  It is a wonderful and comforting feeling to know that You are and will always be with us, no matter what goes on in the world.  May we never lose our faith and our love of You.  Guide us each one to do the right things and help us to not be afraid or stressed.  Let us give our worries up to You.  AMEN

My daily thankful - I am so thankful for decent health, and that I can still take care of myself

I Feel Chatty

 Hello all - hope you are all well.  Today is another repeat day here in middle IN.  Highs 70's, lows 50's, and looks to be so for at least the next week or more.  It is truly amazing.  I have blooms and baby peppers growing out there, and I still have a few green toms I left out there (underneath) that are growing.  It has been dry and pretty much sunny.  It is sure saving funds - no AC and no furnace needed.  Windows get to open during middle day for fresh air - it is really a joyful thing.

This is the last post for October!  Hard to believe.

Eight Fridays to shop before Christmas!!!!!!  The ninth Friday is Christmas!  YIKES!

                                                                  Most assuredly!

Last week, when I had lunch with the old grade school friends, there are three of us that have birthdays just a few days apart.  There was the 25th, 27th, and 29th.  We all turned 72 and were some of the first of the class to do so, as we all started school later than most.

One day this week, I was talking to one of the gals, and she mentioned something kind of cool.  We all started first grade together and went all 12 years of school together.  BUT we were all born at the same hospital, and back then moms were kept 7-10 days, so we all started life in the same nursery at the same time as well!  That is pretty amazing to me - and 72 years later, we are still hanging out together!

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TIME CHANGE - for those that have to - remember to change those clocks before going to bed Saturday night!  I hate this so bad!  It will get dark so much earlier and that sucks in my opinion.  That is the worst part.

People that have pets or farm animals don't get a break.  Those animals have no idea that the tick-tock clock changes - their internal clock doesn't.

My tip, that helps me - I do not change the clock in the bedroom for a while.  I wake up, look at the clock and get up like normal (same with going to sleep).  Now the other clocks will be different, but my sleep cycle seems to stay the same for a while, and I stay on the same schedule as the animals.

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CAT UPDATE

They are getting big!  They still look little much of the time to me, but in truth they are getting big.  Shoot McDreamy is bigger than momma Pip.  I can tell her by her long skinny legs, but he is bigger otherwise (both are all black).  They all love each other so much and goodness, do they play and play.  They sure are happy to see me in the mornings and then in the evening for they get wet food!  They have dry food out all day.

I swear they give my so much joy and happiness and make me smile no matter what.

They are all hunters - some better than others.  They love to play in the bushes out back, and somehow manage to sit on top of them!

This is Bootsy and Dusty hanging out.  Just before I clicked the camera, Boots was laying there hugging Dusty.

Smokey - oh, Smokey loves me sooooo much.  It is like a puppy, and follows me all over the place when I am outside.  If I am not petting, he reaches out and pats my arm, shoulder, whatever to get my attention!

Here is Dusty all alone - this is how it lays all the time.  Upside down!  Sure must be content. This kitty is so different in looks from all the others - looks Siamese.

There are 3 others, that I didn't get a pic of - 2 black ones - McDreamy and Bash and then there is Patches (looks like Bitsy).  Not counting Pip and of course old gal Momma.  Momma comes and eats but spends her days and nights elsewhere (unless hanging out alone on the glider).  I think she is just old and tired.

Patches, McDreamy and Smokey just love attention and want to be petted all the time.  The others are cool with pets, but do not beg for them.  Bash and Pip only let me pet when they are eating (this is new).  Momma never.

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I will not be doing Halloween this year.  I stopped a few years after Glen passed.  I just didn't feel safe being all alone.  You never know who is behind the mask, and some kiddos are big, so it just is scary for me.  I kind of miss it, as I always got enjoyment from it, the kids were always so polite.  I have noticed that hardly no one on the street turns on their lights anymore (we have a lot of elders).  Very few kiddos around either.  Have fun if you celebrate.

OK, I guess I am done being chatty.  It is now 60*, that should be the normal high for the day - here it is morning. 

Have a fun and lovely weekend, and I will post again in November!

Have a fantastic day all!!!!!!

Sometimes NO Works for Me!

 Hello all, glad to have you here.  Hope you are all doing well.

It is 52* outside this morning.  This is just so crazy.  That should almost be the high for this time of year and it was the low.  Another day in the 70's today.  Listening to the news this morning, they said we have had the warmest fall on record.  This month we have had like 24 days in the 70's, and more to come!

We do have color all around now.

I have been out and fed all this morning and just settling down with my morning drink.  This morning was uneventful, thank goodness.  Yesterday not so much.  I am like the world's biggest clutz!  Seriously - I have always been the one to trip over my feet or run into a wall that has been there forever.  Yesterday while getting ready to feed (not full daylight yet), my feet got tangled and down I went off the deck!  It is about 4" above the sidewalk.  I went backwards and just kept saying out loud "no, no, no".  I hit the walk on my butt, luckily my head didn't hit anything.  My shoes went flying, my glasses went flying, and the cats went flying!  My elbow is scuffed up w/ a knot (through 3 layers of shirts).  Oh, my bottom hurts (muscle not bone), but luckily nothing hurt too bad, except my pride!  This is why I always keep a phone on me.  I was in a spot that no one would have seen me.  I must have good bones, and God surely had me in His hands.

A few Ibuprofen and I am pretty good. Just jarred and shaken.  Too much excitement for this old lady!

So there you have my scary event of the week - hoping that is it!

Sometimes I just have to tell myself NO!  I am not a big shopper, but I do love a grocery store.  I keep thinking about going to Aldi, as I haven't been in a while.  I had plans to go this week, and I have talked myself out of it.  I don't NEED a thing!

I will go sometime in the next month, but I have to ask myself, "why go, if you need nothing".  If I go, I will NOT walk out empty handed!  I will buy.

I have a freezer full of food.  My frig is full.  My pantry is more than full.  The only thing I might need to buy are items for Christmas baskets - which will happen soon.

As I have been organizing and cleaning in the basement, I have realized just how much home canned stuff I still have and that I need to use.  It used to all be stored down there, and now I am working on getting it all upstairs (carefully!).  Heck, I came across 2 quart jars of dehydrated mushrooms, I forgot about.  I thought I was about out.  I have a cart down there with lots of honey and flavored vinegars, and vanilla.

I am good to go.

My only thing that needs to be done on a regular basis is - you guessed it - cat food!  I plan on purchasing that each week or so, and I also plan on making a good Chewy order, soon.

Do you find yourself just going and buying each week?  Is anyone else like me - you just love the grocery?  I love finding deals and clearance, but I have to look at what I have and know when enough is enough.  At least for a while.

What do you have to stop and say NO to?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Have a lovely day my friends.

Don't Love Cooking? It's OK! Do What You Want

 Hello and happy Tuesday to all that have found their way here.  Hope you are all well.  It was 54* when I got up this morning!  So above average.  Another day to be in the mid 70's.  This is so great.  It is just about perfect in my view.  All above normal for sure.  Sunrise was lovely and there was also that big old full moon still hanging out!

It is great to be given nice days and evenings for being outside, doing yard work and just sitting.  The cats LOVE it; they stay out and play and play.

Ok, let's get to it.  I know for ages, I have said homemade is the best.  I like homemade, and I try to cook often.  I like cooking.  I still think that using basic ingredients is probably healthier - but not everyone LIKES to cook.  I understand!  I get it.

Do what works for you!!!!!!!

As I get older, I am starting to realize that we don't like to 'cook' the same.  I realize that cooking means different things to different people.  I also realize that many just don't like to cook.  No problem.  Do you!  It is just fine.

If you want to buy premade meals and can afford to - do it.  It is your kitchen, you can do what you like.

Maybe some might do better with some premade items that just make cooking a little easier.

Lately I have had questions about easy meals, that don't require standing at the stove a lot, maybe using a crockpot.  There are lots of things you can do.

There are many items that can be purchased that makes it easier - sort of semi-homemade.  

I ran across a You Tube station the other day call Stacey's Simple Meals - and there was an episode called Crockpot Cooking for One - you might want to look it up.  Great ideas.

Think about having a meal of simple things (my favorite): I am a big one pot fan.

Baked potatoes - all loaded up with whatever you have.  Chef salads.  Pancakes, waffles or breakfast foods.  Sausage gravy can be served over toast.  Omelets, eggs with whatever you have left added.  

                                          Scrambled eggs cooked with diced potatoes.  YUM

Pasta - with sauce (can be jarred) or in a salad with cut up veggies or meat.  Wraps or rollups - with fresh items or leftovers add some cheese and sauce and yum.  Tuna salad, egg salad.   Eggs over toast.  Add meat or veggies to mac and cheese.  Tacos, grilled burritos.

Tortillas can be purchased for next to nothing - fill with leftover meat, cheese, rice, beans, cheese - whatever - roll and slightly grill on a non-stick pan or gridle.  Easy and filling.

Mixes can be used.  It makes soup making so easy.  They can be found in lots of different stores, for various pricing.  I get several every year in my Christmas basket from nephew, and I use them.  Use as they are or add things yourself to jazz them up.  The rice mixes can be added to broth and made into soup as well.  I have done that several times.  These are super easy to make and very tasty.  Just get a little creative with a mix and you can have a fun and tasty, easy meal!  Usually all you need is water - broth works too.

If you like using the crockpot - there are lots of fun things to make.  Yummy too.

You may want a smaller pot is cooking for one.

One thing I like is pork loin - it is meaty (little fat), and I can fix in numerous ways.  I often find these little ones marked down and I get several when I see them.  They are about 1 1/2 lbs. and make a few meals.  Can cook in the crockpot, add some veggies and you have a meal(s).  Cook with BBQ and you can make pulled pork.  Cook alone with seasoning and you can do anything you want with it.  If I don't like the flavor they have available, I just wash it off and add my own seasoning.

Click on above to enlarge for easier reading

Use some frozen meatballs and add some sauce for any pasta dinner.  Meatballs and BBQ or seasoning for sub sandwiches with some fresh veggies an/or cheese.

Cook up some ground beef with onion (if you like), then add a drained can of sliced or diced potatoes and cook it up together.

Leftover mashed potatoes - add a little flour and an egg and make potato cakes.

You can add fresh veggies to a crockpot (with a bit of liquid) and have a nice fresh dish.  A little cooked sausage/meatballs and sauce and cheese w/acorn squash and yum!

There is just no end to quick, easy and delish dishes you can do at home.  You can have one pot meals and do fine.  They do NOT have to be handmade!!!!!!  Hey, I have had my share of frozen lasagna, deli chicken, pot pies, and store-bought pizza (I love Aldi & WM fresh).

There is NO shame in doing what you want to do and what you can afford to do.  NONE!

When I suddenly became a one-person household, when I did eat, it was cold cut sandwiches and maybe salad (prepackaged).  That was basically it.  It took a long while to get back into cooking.  I do enjoy cooking, and when I do have company, I want to be able to still cook good things.  So, I kind of keep in practice.  Plus, I really love food!

No one person has all the answers.  No two people have to do things the same.  We are each very different and unique and wonderful individuals, and we all have our own ways.  I am so glad we are all different - as life would be pretty boring if we weren't.

So happy eating.  Eat what you want, what you like and what you can afford.  Do you, it is your kitchen.

Any easy ideas you have to offer for others?  Have you found any premade items you love?

Have a fantastic day.

Weekly Wrap Up 10/25

 Hello to all and welcome, on this last Sunday of October!  Hoping you are all well and safe.  Next Sunday will be November.  Goodness sakes this year has flown by.

It is 47*F this morning and it looks like another week on repeat.  All week is predicted to be in the mid 70's here, with lows around 50*.  Incredible!  

The sunrises and sunsets have sure been pretty.  Last evening it was stripes of pink, purple, orange and blue - it reminded me of the taffy strips we got as a child!

We are a week out to Halloween, and I am already seeing Christmas commercials on TV!  I would love it if we could have one holiday at a time.  I guess I am guilty too though, as I have posted ideas for gifts already.

My frugal week:

• The week started with a neighbor bringing me a bag of homemade Chex Mix.  It sure was tasty
• I went to lunch with grade school friends.  I had a cousin I haven't seen in years show up as well - such a nice visit and mini reunion.
• After the lunch - went next door to the CCB (closeout store).  I got a big head of cauliflower for 1.50, and I bought myself a black sweater, for times I need something nice and in a dark color.  It was $5!  Teardrop opening in front with a little gold chain closure

• Cleaned the ceiling fans
• Had an old friend from school call to check on me and see if I needed help with anything.  He calls every so often
• I have been going through the last of home canned items in basement (used to keep it all there).  Sorting and bringing the balance up and putting older in front - need to use it
• I did a cat food run, found a gallon of milk for 1.18 (dated 11/2), 6 large baking potatoes - 1.50 (that's .25/meal), and 2 packs of 4 ea. yogurt for 1.75 ea.
• Made a big pot of chili and froze some for future meals
• Using what I have
• Laundry in cold and hung to dry
• Phoned in a couple bills instead of mailing
• Got to air house some.  Still no AC or furnace - just little heater when needed
• Trimmed the grape arbor
• Scoured all the watering holes for animals
• Been raking, cutting and doing general fall yard work
• Picked 6 more green tomatoes that I had missed
• Working more in the basement

Budget friendly meals this past week:

Cheese dip and crackers and fresh veggies (was plenty & filling)

Out with friends

Chili and crackers

Chili w/cheese and sour cream

Cheesy tuna mac and salad

Loaded baked potato and salad

BBQ shredded pork(freezer)/cheese open face sandwich, steamed cauliflower w/Yum-Yum sauce, sliced tomatoes

Just enjoying the lovely weather around here and trying to take advantage.  I hope you are getting decent weather as well.

How was your week?  Any deals or bargains?  Anything exciting around your area?

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Wishing you all a super lovely week ahead and hoping you all stay safe and healthy.

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

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Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!

Psalms 66:1-2

Lord, thank You for all our blessings.  You are our Saviour and our Redeemer and we praise You at every turn.  Please lay Your healing and protective hands upon this earth.  AMEN

                                                                                AMEN

Weekend Coming

 Hello and happy Thursday to all.  Hoping you are all doing well.  Here we are coming into another weekend and soon the last week of the month!  Where did it go????

It was 48* upon my rising this morning outdoors and 70* in the house.  Not too snaggy!  We have been on repeat most of this week and will continue to be for many days.  The weather here is just lovely.

I saw on the news this morning that Arizona is having rain and hail, and lots of it.  Hope all you gals out that way are safe and don't get any damage.

Yes indeed.  Acquiring much, as in money can make you rich dollar wise - but you may lose a lot of other things.  Free time, serenity, no stress, family time, etc.  Desiring less lets us have less debt, perhaps work a little less, joy and happiness, no stress (about $), more family time, etc.  I like the trade off - so I am happy living a lifestyle without abundance of stuff.

However, I do have an abundance of other things, that means more than money.  Seems good to me.

The weekend is coming up, and in the fall, there are usually fun things to do that cost very little.  Of course, we all have yard work, and final harvests, and house cleaning.  But there are festivals, and nature walks, and pumpkins fields to go to, orchards, just all kinds of things that can be done for very little.  Hoping everyone has some decent weather and can get out and enjoy it some.

I think I may do some porch sitting this weekend too!

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

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Hey, I just want to put this out here, for those that have Aldi in their areas.  Thanksgiving is coming up here in the U.S. and I am sure some are wondering how they can afford it.

Aldi has all the fixings for a smaller group for $39!  Click on above to enlarge to read easily.

Now you DON'T have to get exactly what they mention - it is not a pre-packaged deal.  You can substitute things for others - this is just a basic guideline.  Don't like peas - get corn or green beans.   Making your own stuffing from bread you have - get something to replace the stuffing mix.  

Having a lot of people - get this deal at Aldi - then have other people bring a dish and BOOM you have tons of food.

Did a cat food run yesterday - and noticed Kroger had eggs 1.39 doz. regular price now.  Couple weeks ago, I got 18 packs of eggs for 2.19 (large).  Also notice many canned veggies were lowered in price as was pasta.

Start shopping now if you are having a big family meal for the holiday.  Look for the bargains and get things from clearance.

ALSO remember there is nothing etched in stone that says you have to have a traditional holiday meal!!!

A big pot of soup, chili, lasagna, spaghetti, pork, chicken, anything at all is fine!  It should never be about the food - but family, friends and neighbors and being THANKFUL!

So there is my public service announcement for the day!!!!!!!  LOL

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and get to enjoy some good weather.  Make some memories and have a little fun.  It doesn't have to cost anything, just have fun.  Farm markets will be ending soon for most areas, so maybe go and walk around one and just look and people watch - FREE!  Have lunch at the park!  Play in the leaves!  Just ENJOY!

Have a beautiful day!

Taking Control - My Story

 Hello to all.  Happy Wednesday.  Hoping you are all well today.

It is about 45* right now (still dark) outside and it is 69* in the house.  The bed sure did feel good this morning, as it has the last few days.  I guess my body likes being all snuggled up under the covers lately!  Bitsy likes the throw I have on the bed as well - it is kind of like sheepskin, and he sure loves laying on it and making 'biscuits' on it.

It looks to be another wonderful day in my area.  Sunlight and 70's.

A good chart of different types of apples.  I love apples and eat them all year long, as well as citrus.  They are my favorite snacks.  You know the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".

Today I just want to talk a bit about taking control of your life and your health and doing all you can to stay healthy or healthier.  Staying healthy is one of the best 'frugal' things you can do.  Staying away from doctors and meds (when you can) saves money.

This is my story of the summer.  I know it isn't for everyone, nor would it work for all.  

I was a sickly child - rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, anemic...that was me.  I had a couple bad years.  I had my appendix out at 4 and my tonsils out at 8.  I used to get strep throat every year, spring and fall, until I met Glen.  Then it stopped.  At 17 I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia - I was really supposed to watch my sugars.  Yeah, that didn't last long!

Years and years ago I smoked - I stopped that cold turkey.  I have an occasional cocktail, but that is it.  (that wasn't always the case when younger).  I abused my body in my younger years - now I know so much better.

You all know I hate doctors and do not take any meds.  I take my vitamins (when I think about it) and try to just do the right things.

This summer I made a lot of changes.  I seemed to always feel tired and wanted to nap a lot.  I lacked energy.  My restless leg was awful at nights.  I had constant headaches.  I mean every single day - I can't tell you how many over the counter pain relievers I took!!  It was crazy.  I was actually thinking something bad was really wrong, and I was contemplating going to doctor.  Now those that know me, know that is a huge thought!  

I changed the time of the day I eat my main meal (yes I eat one), then I have a snack later on.  I never eat anything after 5PM.  I changed up WHAT I eat a lot.  I have pretty much cut out all sugar.  I do have an occasional sweet treat, but nothing I like I did.  I love sweets, so that was a biggy.  I am trying to eat more real food and not processed.  I have had absolutely no fast food.  I have done lots of walking this year.

With those changes I have lost 20 lbs.

I have energy, hardly ever nap, and haven't had a headache in months (since end of June).  Hardly ever have a restless leg bout anymore - and something I discovered just this week - I can sleep on my stomach again!  I love laying on my stomach, but it hurt my neck so bad - so I quit trying.  This week I rolled over and fell asleep on my tummy for 2 hours, and my neck didn't hurt when I woke up!

I have waaaaayyy fewer aches and pains.  Sure, if I overdo it, I hurt some, then it is done.  I am not hurting all the time now.  Even my feet were hurting last winter, and now they are not.

Now you can call me crazy or think I am just imagining this - but it is very real in my life.  I feel better today than I have in years, and I will soon be 72.

WHY?  Just a few simple changes in diet and activity.

I know this is totally my experience and would not necessarily work for everyone.  BUT stop and look at ways you can change things up some in your health journey - it may make a difference - a big difference.

We all want to take control of our finances, our pantries, our homes, etc.  Well, take control of your health too - that is so very important.  Diet and exercise can make such a HUGE difference in our lives.  We are what we put in our bodies.  I have always known this, but this summer it finally really clicked and now I am feeling that difference.

**You know it all started by accident too!!!!!  I didn't set out to make changes, life just kind of happened and then I saw the positive change occurring.

So, as you go forward, think about some little things you can do to change up your life.  I know there are many things that are bad that are affecting people, and I hate that.  But if a tiny, miniscule change can be made that may help, it would surely be worth it.

Just thought I would share my journey.

Have a fantastic day my friends!