Days of Old - Memories

 Hello to all and welcome to this little village.  Welcome to October as well, the month that takes at least another hour of daylight from us!!!   Grrrrrrrrr

It is starting out warm here.  68* this morning going to the 80's today.  Then rain comes in late tonight and overnight dropping the temps in highs of about 70*.

The sunrise was another spectacular sight this morning.  And I saw a hummingbird this morning!!!  Quite something for Oct. 1 around these parts.

Well, I know I am.  We can revisit in our mind, and maybe some of you can still go back to that place.  But for me memory is all I have, and pictures.  The days of playing on the porch and in the yard, helping daddy in the garden, kneeling on the couch looking out the big window waiting to hear if school was canceled for snow (usually no).  It was family get togethers, Christmas coming down the steps, the smells of momma's homemade cookies, and just listening!!!!!  I would love to stand back in a corner today and listen and watch a day of the past!!!!!!!

I did have a good time at home, I know not everyone did.  That makes me sad.  I can still close my eyes and step back in memory and just feel the love.

This was "home" all my life until Mom passed (25 years ago).  It burned down a couple years after that.  It looks large, but it wasn't.  2 attic bedrooms was it upstairs.  A living room, dining room and kitchen and bath down.  There was a big back yard and a huge garden and of course the porch I loved so much.  5 kiddos and mom and dad lived here!  I kind of laugh about it now - not sure how they ended up with a total of 6 children (one died right after birth), with so little privacy!!  I guess they were more creative than I thought!  LOL

I had a lot of quality time in life there, I had sadness there, I had laughs there, I have memories there.

I guess with the passing of Fred in the last week, it has gotten me thinking again.  I have gone through pics as the kids wanted pictures to display at the funeral.   They know I have all the old ones.  We have shared a lot of stories over the past few days.  I have talked to them and to my brother more this week, than I have in the past month or so.  Good comes from bad, I guess.

Tomorrow we will make the journey to southern IN for the funeral.  I will be riding with my brother and SIL.  Prayers for safety would be appreciated.

Life sure has a way.  We just never know what each day will bring.  There are a lot of curves in the road of life for all of us.  So grateful that God saw fit to give the ability of memory!

I love this!!!!!  We all need to preserve our memories of our life in some way.  Recipe books, journals, videos, something.  I kind of think blogging is a version of this - although it will not be around forever.  It is important to leave something behind for those coming up behind us.

Here I sit and type about things I remember and the people I miss, they are not forgotten.  Someone will be doing the same about us someday.  We will all be memories to someone in the future.  Make them good memories and maybe log the info that they may never know.

I am still contemplating writing a family book - geesh I need to get moving, don't I?  I aint getting any younger.  I just want all the family history to be remembered - not just about me, but the whole family.

Talk to your family and friends and keep in touch.  Create good memories with all.  Have fun in life.  Pass on the family history if at all possible (good or bad) - as someday it may explain a lot to others.

Love each other.

Have a special day and thank you for being here.  That means so much to me.

Have a great weekend.

Knowledge & Swapping = Saving

 Hello to all  this last day of September.  Goodness, it is hard to believe another month is done.  We are less than 90 days until Christmas folks!

65*F this morning and the first peeks of sunrise were absolutely beautiful.  God sure is a fine artist!  It has clouded up some at this point and we might get into the 80's today.  Windows open and the fans on.  Even on the chilliest nights, my house never gotten below 71*.  That makes me happy.

We have talked before about knowing different swaps we can make to keep us out of the store!  There are so many little tricks that can used in and around the kitchen that really can save money.  If you go to the store for that ONE thing - odds are that isn't all you get.  Regardless, you are spending $.

I guess back then it meant poor, today it just means smart.  9 times out of 10 this is still happening in my house today.  Unless I get some free buns, everything is served on bread!  Why not?  It is just a different shape.  I like mine lightly toasted for sandwiches.

• If your baking calls for water to be added, think about using the end of juice, or stale pop, or even tea.  Coffee added to something chocolate really makes the flavor better
• If you have paper coffee filters, you have drainage paper for fried goods, you have disposable popcorn or snack bowls.  You have a splatter guard to put over food in the microwave.  You can get packs of paper filters for next to nothing at the dollar stores
• When cooking chicken breast (boneless) - slice each in half (like you would for butterflying), you have a thinner piece of chicken which cooks quicker and it stretches the meat further.  OR cut a breast into small chunks to add to a pasta or rice dish.  Stretch that meat
• Making a 2 crust pie - some folks have trouble w/the top crust looking nice.  Place your bottom crust, filling and for the top - just cut out small circles (like biscuit size) or even a us a cookie cutter and lay on top of the filling.  It still works and is easy, and looks cute!  OR make a galette - a rustic one crust type of pie 
• It is always good to have coconut oil on hand.  MUCH healthier than using shortening, and it is better than many oils.  It lasts well, and if you check some discount places, not too expensive.  ALSO it is great to use on dry skin and chapped lips!
• Keep buttermilk powder around for baking.  Sure, you can use milk & vinegar or lemon juice to give you that buttermilk taste - but I just love the buttermilk powder.  I keep it in the frig or freezer after opening and it lasts and lasts.  **Just a fun note - use buttermilk in mac and cheese for a very lovely, upgraded flavor!!!!!!  Great in homemade biscuits (scones) as well.

• No brown sugar for a recipe - mix together molasses and white sugar
• 3 Tbsp. of mayo = 1 egg in a recipe
• I make my own colored sugar for holiday cookies.  Regular sugar and a couple drops of food coloring and mix well.  You can make custom colors or make colors as intense as you want.
• You can replace some eggs in recipes with applesauce or bananas
• Use plain yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo in recipes - add your own flavorings
• Corn syrup is replaced with water & sugar
• 1 C of heavy cream for cooking = 1/3 C butter and 2/3 C milk heated together
• Here is an idea I saw recently.  Making brownies form scratch - no cocoa - use hot cocoa mix!  Reduce your sugar in the recipe some (cocoa mix has sugar).  3 packs equal about 1/2 C.  You end up with a more cake like consistency and they say the flavor is great.  Look for the deep sales around the after-holiday sales for the packets - you can use flavored as well.  These can be added to smoothies as well with a bit of coffee for a mocha flavored drink (milk shake).  Use to flavor homemade ice cream - all kinds of uses.  Much cheaper than cocoa at the moment.  I can buy a container of store brand cocoa mix at Kroger for about $4, and it is twice the size of cocoa - which is pricey.
• Of course, get after Halloween chocolate candy for half price - it can be stored in freezer.  Chop and use in cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. instead of chips
• When making a crisp - think about mixing different fruits together, if you don't have enough of one - most combos are so good

What tricks do you use to stay home and swap and save?

I love hearing ideas.

Take care and have a wonderful day.

Mmmmm - Old Fashioned Eats - I Love Today

 Hello to all.  Glad you stopped by and hope you are all well.  I want to say thank you for the kind words, prayers and thoughts you have given over the past couple days.  So very appreciated.

It is 55*F this morning and a little dewy.  The moon sure was big and bright this morning.  Looks to be a very nice day, and we may hit 80*F.

I have been out and fed all.  I swear my backyard looks like a little war zone - it is just full of little craters all over the yard.  Rocky has decided to try and find squirrel nuts at night (I guess).  He is not nearly as neat as they are when burying them!

Today I am going to post a few recipes and ideas from what I think of as back in the day!  I still love them all, and a couple I haven't done in a while, and they are now on my 'to do' list.

I have always loved German potato salad (served hot).  Mom made it often, and I used to as G loved it.  I haven't done this in a quite a while, and I intend to soon.  It is supposed to be a side, but it was almost always a meal for us!!!!  Sooooo stinking good.

Yummy and super easy.  Basically fry bread.  It really is so good and you can't get much easier.

Click on recipe to enlarge for easier reading.

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Use whatever chips you have.  Save the egg yolks for something else (I always add to eggs for scrambled).  Easy and oh so tasty.

Fall is the time for baking!  Apples and pears are plentiful.  You may have peaches or cherries or other berries you made into pie filling this summer.

I love a good crisp better than a pie.  I like the crunchy top and all the good fruit.

I love adding oats to mine - sometimes, if I have them, I even add a few chopped nuts. Mmmmmm!

Just seems like comfort food to me.

This was as close as we got to tacos at home growing up.  Mom often used chili powder, if she didn't have all the spices to mix up taco seasoning.  She also used stewed tomatoes; salsa wasn't a big thing back then.  Ok, she used Fritos as well!!  Above is my version.

It is so good, a nice one pot meal, and very comforting.  You can add what you have - nothing etched in stone.  I always serve with salad or garlic toast.

*****1 can = approx. 2 C of homemade, and I often use 1/2 lb. of meat instead of a pound.

Just a few ideas for using things in the pantry and making something a little different and maybe new to you.  It is getting to be the time for comfort food!!!!

ENJOY!!!!!

Do you have any old family favorites?

REMEMBER to click on any recipe or picture to enlarge for easier reading.

Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 9/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.

We finally had a sunny day on Saturday and actually got into the 70's.  Windows have been open for several days.  All next week looks to be in the mid 70's - darn near perfect in my opinion.

It is 50* and downright chilly out the door this morning.  The huge old moon was big and bright earlier, and now the sun is shining.

                                          Still picking lovely blossoms - these smelled so good

Have seen Chuck the groundhog all week across the alley.  That bugger is huge and all it does is eat.  Must be getting ready for winter.

Still have a hummingbird now and then, but they have sure slowed.  Guess they are going home for the winter.  

I have talked many times about my 'kids' - my sis's children, a niece and 2 nephews.  When she passed at 48, Glen & I just kind of wrapped them in our arms, and they became our children.  Last evening the eldest nephew, Fred, (age 61), lost his battle with congestive heart disease.  I feel so much loss.  If you are so persuaded, please keep his brother and sister in your thoughts, also his children and grandchildren.  Everyone sure is in shock and disbelief.  All our hearts are sad this morning.💔

My frugal week:

• Throws, throw rugs and table dressings all got laundered and some changed out for fall
• I had a super craving for something sweet (I have not had sweets for a long while) and made a butter cake - no topping
• Cleaned out my closet
• Harvest - lots of peppers, a cuke and a couple toms
• Tried my slippers from last year (that hurt my feet) and they are fine this year!!
• Did some mending
• Went out to use my gas points for the month - paid 3.09 gal. after discount
• Stopped at thrift store and got free bread - I think I will use to make dressing bread or croutons

• I did go and get MORE cat food - trying to get some every week to build stock up.  I found OJ on clearance and peroxide as well.

OJ has been so expensive - I won't pay $7 a gallon for it and I just love it.  I jumped on this

I use this for bleach - still haven't figured out why it was on clearance

• I finished up the last of the 2 huge (75 oz.) bottles of Dawn I bought at a yard sale for $3 each 5 years ago!  That lasted and lasted
• I also used the end of the milk I had open dated 9/1 - and last glass was as fresh tasting as the first
• I sliced and fried up a can of Spam (YES I DID) and froze several slices for later
• No AC or heat
• Started using fall scent melts I had on hand
• Cut back a lot of plants and bushes out back and did some raking
• Made up several odd pieces of pork (from freezer) in the crockpot & shredded and ended up freezing 2 bags of pulled pork for later
• Made a batch of hummer feed and cleaned and refilled probably the last time this year
• Shopped the upright freezer and brought several items up to the frig freezer
• Refilled baskets and jars from stock
• Still working on fall cleaning

Weekly meals on a dime:

Green beans/potatoes, pulled pork, tomatoes

Pozole soup (pork & hominy & veggies)

Day 2 of Pozole & crackers

Taco 'stoup' from freezer over rotini pasta

Baby lima beans (from dry), Spam slices, cukes & tomatoes

Smoked sausage on bun, slaw (home canned) and tomatoes

Sliced potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions and sausage all sauteed together and tomatoes

How was your week?  Did you find any deals?  Are your gardens put to bed yet, or are your still harvesting?

I wish each of you a beautiful week ahead.  Health and safety to you all and your families.  Hold them close.

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

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

Dear Lord, thank You for all our mercies, and for Your loving and kindness to each of us.  We ask that help heal hearts that are sad and fill each person with grace and hope.  May we all trust deeply, that Your will is done, and that we will one day understand.  Fill the hearts of each person with love and kindness towards others.  Thank You for walking with us each day.  AMEN

Safety Is Smart - Doesn't Have to Cost a Thing

 Hello all.  This month has sure just slipped away.  I hope all are doing well this fine day.

We have been in late October for 2 days!!!  It sure looked and felt like it - but we are rebounding and all is good.

60's this morning and looking to get to 70*F or higher today.  Maybe we will see sun!

Ladies, (and gents) we all need to be aware of our surroundings and stay safe.  I don't go out after dark (other than yard), but I know many do.  Above poster makes so much sense.  Do what you have to do before dark and get yourself back home and in the house before it gets dark out.

During the winter I have a portable charger that I take with me.  It has helped me and a couple of other ladies that needed help over the years.  I also have AAA.  I have never had a debit card - so no ATM.  I make sure I get gas in daytime.

With winter coming, make sure you have maybe some extra socks, gloves and a hat - even a wrap in the car.  I wouldn't break down anywhere, that I wouldn't be close to a well lit and busy area - but still may get feet or hands wet.  Especially if you live rural - have things in the car to stay warm.

Make sure the path to your home is cleared and well lit.  If you are coming back after dark - have either a motion light or just turn on an outside light before you leave.  Make sure bushes and trees are trimmed up, so there are no sneaky hiding places for someone to be.  Unlock - get in - and lock your doors immediately.

Keep your car LOCKED while you are in it.  Don't entertain strangers in a parking lot.  You just never know, and sadly today there are many that have evil on their minds!

Keep your doors locked.  Keep windows locked.  I open my windows during the day, and I have stops if I leave them open later after dark.  They only can go up so far, and not far enough that even a skinny person could get in!  I always have outer doors locked - even in the daytime.

My personal tip:  I always keep my keys and my phone in my pocket when out in public.  IF someone would get my purse, I would still have a phone to use, and I could still get home.

Just be safe and ALWAYS look over your shoulder.  It only takes an instant.

SMILE and STAY SAFE!!!!!!

Affordable and Easy - Let's Cook

 Hello to all and a good day to you.

Yesterday was a chilly day and breezy.

This morning is damp with drizzle, and very cool.  Weatherman says 60*, my thermometer says 65*.  Looks to be cloudy with some mist all day today and cooler.  We have warmer days coming again!

Yesterday was a day of tips on ways to get more affordable groceries and to stretch that budget.

Today just some ideas on ways to make meals for yourself or your families on less money.

You guys get a listing every week of my meals - so you know I have a variety of meals, and I keep it easy and tasty.

It isn't a 5-course meal - some have no meat - yet they all fill my body and give me nutrition.  That is what is important.

Here are some visuals that makes my mouth water.  Ideas can be anything - use what you have.  

You can mix and match things and experiment a little.  In my world there really are 'no' recipes!!!!  I just go for it.

Ideas:

Baked potatoes topped with anything

Lentil or split pea soup

ALL kinds of soups - homemade cream of soups are so easy and filling.  Hamburger (or other ground meat) vegetable soup is always a hit

Baked spaghetti is super filling

Good old wraps - a tortilla with anything you have in it, maybe a little dressing or cheese (you can use leftovers too)

Waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, burritos, eggs/biscuits

Bean and cheese enchiladas

Beans and rice

Soup beans

Chili - the way you like it

Grilled cheese and soup

Potato hash - chopped potatoes, ground meat (or chopped), carrots, onion - all fried together

Egg (toad) in a hole (eggs cooked in a bread slice).  I have eggs with a lot of meals - great protein

Pizza made with tortilla or breads

Tuna can be made into patties or croquettes, just as salmon can be.  Make it up the same way.  It has a milder taste than salmon.  I have even formed into strips (instead of patties) to make my own fish sticks!

These go along with our "semi-homemade" we were talking about yesterday. Click on the pictures to enlarge for easier reading.    There can be variations of any these, again using what you have.

Get creative.

My mom used to stretched hamburger on 'hamburger' (Saturday) night, by making her version of White Castles.  Many folks know White Castles.  Tiny thin little burgers on little buns - steamed and lots of onions.  She made them and fries and it was a treat.  Now you can buy slider buns, which are little buns.  Back in the day buns were not big like they are now.  I have made them myself.  Glen used to love them.  Great way to stretch the meat.

We always loved Swiss steak, but not the price of the beef.  I make (as did mom) hamburgers, cook, and smother with veggie soup and simmer and serve with mashed potatoes.  We called it Poor Man's Swiss steak.  I still make that; it is real comfort food for me.  I like to add a little thyme - makes it taste a little hardier and more homemade.

I also make skillet meatloaf!!  Mix up your fixings for meatloaf and make up patties like any burger - and fry.  Tastes just like meat loaf, and I don't have to make a huge amount and they freeze well after cooked.

Keep this on hand!  These small packets cost .49 or .59 at Kroger and I always try to have on hand.  It is great for making your own Rice a Roni.  Add rice and vermicelli together and some bouillon and whatever you want.  Super cheap and easy.  Make a simple broth and add some of these to give it a little bulk - think the old time Lipton chicken noodle packets!  Add some to an easy egg drop soup.  So many uses.

SIDES - steamed and/or seasoned rice, rice salad

Mashed potatoes, twice baked, fries, fried, scalloped, au gratin, roasted, potato cakes ...........potatoes a plenty!!!!!!

Steamed or roasted veggies of all sorts - veggies can be made into patties or croquettes as well - just chop up, add egg and a binder - fry up

Buttered nooodles

Cabbage (cheap) and can be fixed a multitude of ways

Corn casserole

A combo of veggies and rice w/sauce or pasta

Biscuits (scones), crackers, fresh bread, cornbread

Dressing - use up that old bread

Salads - in any combo of things you have.  Salad doesn't always mean lettuce to me - just a bowl of goodies

SWEETS = Easy and fun - Haystacks (haystax) - use whatever type of chips you have on hand to melt with oriental noodles - pretty inexpensive.  You can do pretzels and chocolate as well.

No bake oatmeal cookies

Rice Crispy (or what you have) squares.  I recently bought marshmallows 2 bags for a $1 on clearance - use a cheap version cereal and YUM.  Any cereal can be used.

Bananas are still very cheap (around here) - use to make breads, cookies, muffins, etc.  Even in pancakes.  Sweet breads are easy and use what you have around (add-ins) and they can be rustic with pumpkin, squash, etc.  They go far, and kiddos as well as adults usually love it.

You can even get marked down bananas (a little riper) and cut up and freeze and make a fun version of ice cream with them or dip in chocolate and freeze - what fun.  Smoothies

All fruit is a great snack!  Veggies and a little dip/dressing are good treats as well.

Jello and pudding - make in little cups for snacks

Heck, if you have them - even cake mixes/brownie mixes are great.  You can add things if you want or just make plain.  I always have a couple around when I see on clearance - last ones cost me .65 ea.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

There are sooooooo many ways to keep costs down in the kitchen.  Many of us have been eating tomato sandwiches this summer with our harvests.  Fried green tomatoes and squash.  Stuffed peppers.  Garden harvests have been great for the pocket book.

Get creative and use it up.  Leftovers become soup and or casseroles.  They can be lunches.  Just USE IT ALL.  Like I said recipes are suggestions - do your thing.  You may create the next huge family favorite.

Do you have a simple and easy meal that you care to pass on?

Let us know.

Have a fantastical day!!!!!!

Saving Money at the Store? It is Still Possible

 Good day to all.  I hope you are all well and safe. Thanks for being here.

It is autumn!!!!  It feels it too.  60*F this morning and going to get in the upper 60's.  Big change from last week.  We will see 70's as highs later in the week.

Monday, I woke to rain, and decent rain.  I even had to wait to go feed the kitties!  Finally, it died down to a sprinkle, so I fed most of them in the greenhouse.  Momma was home, and not happy about going in there with me, so she ate outside in the sprinkles.  Crazy cat.  They were almost 2 hours late getting their breakfast - and they were HUNGRY!  Monday was cloudy all day, and never got past about 69*F.  Heat and AC off.

I keep seeing posts and people complaining about prices - sure they are getting high - but we still have some control.  We control WHAT we buy!!!  We control HOW we use those things.

There are ways to cut back on spending and what you use.

You know me - other than pet supplies, I do NOT pay full price for anything.  I either buy on sale or clearance.  I am fortunate to have a store that has great clearance prices.  I would do the same with pet supplies if I could find them - and when I do see clearance on them - I buy all they have!

Amish, Mennonite and other ethnic type stores are good to shop if you have them around.  Discount grocers are also nice if you can find one.

We recently (in past couple years) - had a discount place open, and they have prices like no other.  I have some friends that are on very strict budgets, that buy all their fresh goods there.  I go once in a while, and I do go around the holidays for gift ideas.  They sell everything from food to patio supplies, garden tools, and toys and clothes.

You gals close around - Circle City Bargains!  (they are on FB)

Just a couple ads from earlier this month.  They have new ads every weekend.  Prices and quality can't be beat.

Buy in season.  Now is the time or close to it, for apples, pumpkins, winter squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, soon there will be turkey, cranberries, baking supplies. There will also be deals for campfire cookouts.

I like to stretch things up with potatoes, carrots, onions, pasta, rice and beans of all sorts.

Have meatless dinners or lower the amount of meat in the dinner.  Cut up chicken or pork or beef into smallish pieces and add a gravy or sauce.  A little will go a lot further.  Always use less than a recipe says!

Think semi-homemade.  Remember the cooking show with Sandra Lee - Semi Homemade?  She mixed it up a lot, so it was easier for some folks, who really didn't like cooking.  A bit of whole food and a bit of canned, frozen, or boxed.  Whatever works.

Get CREATIVE with what you have.  There are so many sites that you can visit that give you ideas - type in what you have - it gives you recipes and meal ideas.

Can't eat pasta or rice (or chose not to), spiral cut zucchini or sweet potatoes or other fall veggies .  Top chopped cauliflower or other veggies with sauces.  Make your own egg noodles.  Baked potatoes are great smothered in things.  No limit on types of potatoes you can make.

Waste nothing - use it all up in some form.

There is a You Tube channel called Ozark Family Homestead, and she has a $900/month food budget for her family of 9.  She uses that to replenish or fill in what she needs each month.  Now that may sound like a lot - but it is $100 per person per month = $25 each week per person.  It covers meat, produce, frozen and canned, H & B, cleaning and paper.  And yes, she even buys some snacks - she has 7 kiddos for goodness sakes.  She strictly sticks to the budget, watches sales and buy tons of sale and clearance items.  Not much full price.  It is pretty inspiring.

It is all about using what you have, getting sales and deals on the rest and stretching it into new and different items.

IF your budget gets stretched to the max - just try thinking outside the box.  It may seem like an inconvenience to many, but only WE can take control, and WE need to re-learn or actually learn things and skills that can help.

It can be done.  I know this isn't for everyone - but it sure is good to know when strapped.

Tomorrow I will be giving a lot of meals ideas and foody ideas that will help stretch any budget and pantry.

Have a lovely first day of autumn!!!!!