Weekly Wrap Up 5/10

 Hello and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mommas out there.  Whether your children are human or fur - yours or someone else's that you love -have a happy day!!

It is a lovely morning, the sun is shining and it is in the mid 50's.  I went out to a neighborhood cat at the side door, kitties meowing out back (hungry) and birds yelling at me as soon as I hit the back walk.  Boy, do I have animals that are trained!

We had a lot of rain this past week - lots.  I think there is only one day predicted of rain this coming week, and the temps will finally get to May temps by the end of the week.

The roses and the clematis are covered in blooms.  Actually, had one clematis flower open yesterday.  My little flying jewels are back. The spiderwort and vinca are blooming.  The peonies and poppies are going full force.  Aahhhhh, I love it.

This week of frugal:

• Cleaned and refilled the hummingbird feeders and watering holes
• Have 2 full barrels of rainwater (110 gal.)
• Neighbor brought me some zucchini plants
• Changed out the flags and door decor
• I weed whacked the entire yard
• Picked many bouquets of peonies for the house - the house smells delish!
• Cleaned inside windows (kitty kisses) and mirrors
• Lunch with 2 old friends.  Best part was the wonderful conversation and the great tasting margarita!
• Put the tiller together
• Took neighbor a bouquet of peonies
• Walks when not raining
• I planted lettuce I had started earlier and some green onions
• Got FREE hamburger buns and 3 FREE recent Woman's World magazines at thrift store - bought a $2 box of Cheerios for future crispy bars
• Drinking sparkling fruity water (Soda Stream)
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Beef filet (freezer), potato wedges and fresh veggies

Ground beef/onion/mushrooms/gravy over rice

Beef/rice/bean nachos

Out - cheddar/bacon potato skins

Bean/rice/beef & cheese grilled wrap/burrito

Beef hotdog, potato cakes (freezer) and fruit

Swiss burger, corn on cob (freezer) and salad

I am looking forward to warmer temps and getting that garden tilled and planted!!

Fireworks have already started around here by individuals doing their yearly illegal ones!  Ugh!  They are so loud - and sure do give you a jump.  I feel for all the animals.

My nieces MIL received her blanket Friday for her 82nd birthday and they said she loved it.

Her and a few of her children and a couple grands - her in chair and my niece with hand on her shoulder. She has suffered so many medical maladies in recent years, I sure hope she gets some joy from this.

How was your week?  Do you have your garden or pots planted yet?  Planning garden?  I sure hope everyone grows something - it all helps.  Did you get any deals this week?

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and have health and safety.  Enjoy your Mother's Day.

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

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Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.  Let all you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Dear Lord we humbly come to You in thanks for all the love and wonders that we received this week.  Thank You for loving us unconditionally.  May we all go forward and show love to all we meet, and may we forgive all transgressions from others with an open heart.  Help us each one grow in faith and courage and love.  AMEN

New Day & Glow

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well and good.

Dang it, it is another chilly morning here.  Doesn't look that will end for at least a week.  So now we have April weather a little late!  I am so ready to plant without worrying about frost.

The bed felt awfully good this morning, I did not want to get up.  The house was very chilly and the bed was warm and comfy!

I was greeted outdoors this morning by 4 black balls of fir and a bluejay and a red bellied woodpecker both yelling at me.  The robins were singing and all the other birdies were here within a minute of putting out food!  Sitting here with my Bitsy cuddled up, the sun is out, so all is good.

This kind of says it all.  Every day we need to be our best selves and project all the goodness into the world that we can.

Yesterday late afternoon I met a couple old friends for a late lunch.  It was the sister and the daughter of one of the people that had a funeral last week.  All of us, including the one who passed, were camping buddies back in the day.  We sure had some good times back then.  Sitting there eating, I realized that the 3 of us, were the only ones left (other than kiddos) from that camping bunch (10 adults).  All 3 widows.

We had great times, lots of laughs, crazy moments, and a bond back then.  Boy if campfires could talk!!!

It was kind of a sad moment, to realize that.  Time flies so quickly.  We all come into new chapters of our stories and move forward in a new way.  Not that we want to - but life just makes it so.

So, we all need to make all the memories we can - to keep the good things going in our hearts and minds.

I received a funeral card at the service and thought I would share the phrase on it.  It gave no credits, so I have no idea who wrote it.

AFTERGLOW

I'd like the memory of me

To be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles

When life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering

Softly down the ways.

Oh happy times and laughing times

And bright sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those that grieve,

To dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

YEP - that pretty much says it.  Do what you can today to make the memories of tomorrow good ones.  Someday, all we have is memories of someone.  Speak their names - that keeps them alive.  Smile at the memories, they stay in your heart.

Whether it is a stranger or friends or family - be kind to others.

We have NO idea, what a simple little gesture like a smile, a hello, a helping hand can do to change a day for someone.

Be the afterglow!!!!!!

Farm markets are starting in many places (here last weekend) - so maybe get out an take a walk through one - they are usually happy places.  Take a walk, do some yardwork, just sit in the sun - have a lovely weekend.

Enjoy and be blessed.

Our Food - Our Preferences

 Hello all.  Here we are in the middle of another week.  Our days sure do pass quickly.  I hope you are all doing good.

It is another chilly morning here, in the upper 40's.  This week will be cooler than what normal should be for this time of the year.  We had rain yesterday and last night AND MORE RAIN!!!!  Once it started, it just wouldn't stop.  Just a small lake in the backyard this morning, I thought it would be larger.

Goodness, the choir outside is amazing this morning.  It was almost loud out there, with all the different birds singing.  So many could be distinguished, others just brought up the chorus.  Amazing.

This sure seems to be true, especially when you watch all the commercials.  Truly, I do not see commercials for much that 'should' be considered food.

I prefer home cooking and as many natural ingredients as possible.  I am not a fan of packaged food or restaurant food.  I KNOW this is not for everyone.  Convenience makes many people happy - as they just don't like cooking.  Remember - you do you and I do me.  No problems.

Now that is not to say that I don't buy some occasional 'junk'.  I do like a chip now and then, and I love yeast donuts!  I do try to limit those things, however.

I guess I am wondering - what do you prefer that is NOT homemade vs. what is?  What store bought item do you just love to buy and eat?  I am curious.

There isn't much that I can think of for me.

I love Mexican food.  I could probably eat about every day.  I do prefer my own.

Whether it is tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos - I just think mine have more flavors than restaurant fare.  I can add more spice or take away.  I can add any toppings I want, and surprise, no extra charge!!!!

Stir fry and oriental dishes are also preferred here.  I can add the flavors I prefer and delete the ones I don't like.  There is absolutely no limit to what I can throw together - using things on hand and throwing in leftovers and I can make a fine meal.

It is simple ingredients and I know exactly what is in it.

Pizza - goodness, I like pizza.  I had some pizza when at the birthday party Saturday - and may I say - I was not impressed.  It was flat and lifeless and virtually tasteless.  I want a pizza with substance!  I want a pizza with about everything but the kitchen sink.  A slice or two with a side salad is a meal kind of pizza.  Whether a flat bread, tortilla, Italian bread or a regular crust - it is all good to me.

I just love the options I have - ANYTHING I HAVE ON HAND!  Those are my options!  As little or much as I prefer.  Cost virtually pennies.  

My niece purchased 4 pizzas at the party, and it was almost $120!!!!!!!!!!  That is just insane (they weren't huge either).  Then you had to purchase drinks separately - don't get me started on that.  They also had to buy token cards for kids to play and bring in their own cake.  2 hours cost her about $400.  I will stay home and save my money and my sanity.  The last pizza I ordered years ago and had delivered was over $30. Crazy!  I will eat it just the way I want it, and in comfort.

I did mention I love a good donut.  Now that doesn't happen often - but I do splurge now and then.  I think donuts and brownies are probably my favorite goodies.  Of course, at the holidays there are all the special cookies, candies and goodies that are made.

But then again - I can make them just the way I want.  I know what is in them - and can use natural ingredients if I choose.

INGREDIENTS are my preference.  I do love knowing that whatever I eat is really food, and not things that my grandma wouldn't have had a clue about.  I love the ingredients that I can pronounce and ingredients that I actually know what they are.

There is not much that I can say I prefer store bought over homemade.

I truly do like the flavors of homemade over store bought.  You can make it all taste so good.

I am genuinely interested to hear what store-bought items or restaurant items you LOVE!   It often pays to have pre-made things on hand for emergencies or those special times no one wants to cook.  I would like to know the best things and options, that I could keep here.

What say you??  

Have a super day - smile and be kind.

Learning to Make Do - My Way!

 Hello all, and happy Cinco de Mayo!  Funny how it fell on taco Tuesday as well!  LOL!

I hope you are all well and safe.

It is a cool morning and damp.  We had rain over night, and I heard some thunder a couple times.  We are expecting more rain later on today and tonight.  Things sure are green and growing.  A couple of the peonies started popping open yesterday.  Sunday, I had my first hummingbird of this season!

It is 59* at the moment and the sun is peeking out.  Not going to get a whole lot warmer today.

I have always tried to make do and use things in new ways.  Lately I have had a couple of successes I thought I would share.

I put up my May and summer patriotic door decor and flags.  We have Memorial Day this month and the in a short while it will be July 4th - Independence Day.  So, I have been doing some patriotic decor.

I had purchased a large front door decoration last fall and was trying to figure out how to attach to door.

My door is black wrought iron and the frame on the decor was black as well.  Well, I had nothing black to attach it.

I only had white zip ties long enough to attached and they just glared white!

I attached with them - then I got the permanent marker out and colored the ties!  It worked.  You can see then slightly up close - but not from any distance.  If there is a will there is a way.

My older hummingbird feeder had lost a feeding flower - it fell off and broke when cleaning last fall.  Feeders are not cheap, even simple ones!  I had one for the kitchen window/stoop and I put one on the porch as well.  The birds know where they are every year.  So, for the one on the porch, I improvised.  I didn't want ants or bees getting in it - so I just covered that one feeding port with black electrical tape.  There are 3 other ports to eat from.

You can see on the right side - no flower, but tape.  There are other places to feed, and all is good for another year!  (I like this one because they can land and sit)

After making the t-shirt blankie for my niece, I had a lot of scraps left.  I used nice sections of the fronts and most backs for the blanket - but still had a lot of pieces.  I cut those into squares and will add to my hanky basket.  They would also have made great cleaning rags.  I just couldn't throw away useful material!

I leave dry food out back for the kitties all day. It is under a little table to keep rain off of it.  Well, if you have ever had food out long, you know it attracts ants - no fun for eating.  I tried several methods people had mentioned and none really worked.  I came up with my own.  I put down a foil pie pan, add some water and set their food dish in it.  The food dish is just a bit smaller than the bottom of the pan.  (feeds multiple cats).  Ants do not cross the water!!!!  It works perfectly.  I also have a smaller dish in the drive for other cats, and I do the same with it.  It sits in a dish of water a bit bigger than the feed dish.  I change the water every morning, as it accumulates crumbs and bits.

No ants!

Just a couple ideas on making do.  When you don't want to go out and buy something new or don't want/need to make a trip out to just do a simple task - get creative.

Hope it gives someone incentive to just get a little creative and make do.

Have you done any creative fixes lately?  I just love hearing the things people do to save money and things.

Have a fantastic day!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 5/3

 Hello all and happy May to everyone!  Hard to believe it is already May.  I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy and well.

We have had a couple very chilly mornings - we had a frost advisory, but luckily, we didn't get any here (lots of dew).  I am sure they did up north of here.  We have had cooler days, and it looks like this coming week will be a bit cooler as well.

Took this pic a couple days ago - there are so many more poppies blooming now.  That row behind is all peonies and they are loaded with buds!  I bet they will start popping open this coming week.  There sure are a lot of different types of lilies.

The dandelions and the violets are about done and now there is clover all over.  The tulip poplar tree has started blooming and boy it is messy.  It is one messy tree most of the year - but it is old and big and provides a lot of shade.

My frugal week:

• Raked and cleaned up all under the squirrel feeders early on - placed all the 'falls' out in the woodsy part of the alley for other critters to get
• Did a good 2 weeks' worth of laundry, plus all the furniture throws, bedding and throw rugs.  Used dehumidifier water in laundry 2X - used cold water - and hung most to dry
• Finally finished up my last t-shirt blanket - it is actually a twin size but covered the top of my queen bed.  My niece will deliver to her MIL this coming Friday for her birthday. These were all shirts from vacations for MIL.

• Made a big bowl of pasta and veggie salad using up all kinds of veggies & items from frig
• Made a 1/2 gallon of banana ice cream - used 4 bananas (needed using), can of evap. milk, orange juice and a bit of stevia - tasty treat
• Had 2 funerals to attend and one I didn't get to
• Mowed the yard, front to back
• Had a birthday party for a 5-year-old to attend at Chuckie Cheese!  What a sensory experience!!  It was my first time there
• Did stop and get gas while out one day to use my points before expiring.  Gas at that time was cheaper at Kroger than anywhere by a good .75/gal.  I got .80/gal. additional off with points.  Paid 3.29/gal. after discount.  Yay me!
• Of course, I ran in Kroger (I was there) to look around.  I got 6 indiv. Greek/fruit yogurts for .48 ea., 3 lbs. seedless grapes for 1.50, and 2lbs (8 burgers) Laura's Lean ground beef for 5.91
• Heat off most of the week - a couple mornings needed a cycle.  No AC
• Airing house as much as possible
• Just doing all the normal things and eating from what I have at home

Meals this past week:

Grilled goulash 'burritos' w/extra cheese

Grilled cheese sandwich and pasta/veg salad

Meatball sub and pasta/veg salad

Fish fillets and pasta/veg salad

Cheeseburger and fruit

Loaded baked potato

Pizza at party

SNACKS - frozen yogurt bars, fruit, cheese & crackers and homemade ice cream

There you go - that is my week in a nutshell.  Seemed like I was on the move a lot.  This coming week I need to leave to vote and then I have a lunch scheduled - otherwise I plan on staying put!

How was your week?  What is going on in your area and on your little homestead?

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

FYI - Weeks ago - I had sent Linda (PP) an email asking if she was ok.  Then she made her little post about Tommy.  Thursday, I got an answer on the email that simply said "Tommy died.  Thanks for checking".  So, she is still alive (I was worried).  For some reason after I read it - it just disappeared!  I have no idea how that happened.

I hope you all have a great week head and that things are warming up for you and that 'maybe' you can get some outdoor work done or garden things planted.  Stay safe and healthy.

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

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

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Lord we come forth bringing thanks this morning for all our blessings.  It is a beautiful day, and we have been given the gift of life yet again.  No matter what happens in life, I pray we see all the gifts we receive each day and give thanks.  You are always with us, even in our bleakest moments and You lift us and get us through it all.  You give us strength in all things.  Thank You for every little moment.  AMEN

SIMPLE - Means Different Things to Different People

 Hello all.  Hope you are going to enjoy this last day of April.  We have had one of the warmest Aprils in history, and now the temps are to drop!  We will start May in the cool.  The next 7 days or so look to have highs in the 50's and 60's.  This morning it is in the low 40's and chilly outside, but it is bright and sunny.  Very damp from dew out there.

                                                        I love this - I think it says so much!

I know many talk about having a simpler life.  I think for each of us, it means something different.  No, I don't THINK - I know it does.  It sure means something different to me than many others.

I am not knocking the people that do or have the following - it is all a choice, but to me it just means more dependence, not independence.

You don't have to touch a vacuum to have clean floors.  You can have someone shop for you.  Have your shopping excursions delivered.  You can shop in your PJ's sitting on your couch for anything.  Cameras take pictures of just about your every move.  Want fast food or restaurant food - it comes to your door now.  People communicate through text instead of in person.

LOTS of people do these things - but they do come at a cost.  Nothing seems to be free.

I know this "simplifies" many people's lives.  At least they think so.

I personally see it as instant gratification.  Easy access.  No delays.

I don't find that something I want at this point in life - not for me. (maybe someday)

I was raised to look at things as - anticipation is far greater than the realization.  For me that is still true.  Things I have to wait on and think about, and plan all seem to mean more to me.

DOING things myself gives me so much satisfaction.  I will enjoy a good home cooked meal much more than anything I can buy out or have delivered.  Picking out those special items at the grocery store and getting those special deals (I can only get by spying them) means a ton.  A little hard work and planning, means I accomplished it on my own.  Talking to someone in person gives me a feeling of companionship.  If I can grow some of my groceries or get them locally from people like me, I know they are fresh and healthy.

I guess I look at things in a different way - maybe an old-fashioned way.

I think every new skill we learn is an investment in our lives.  It is also an investment in the lives to people that watch us!  They learn new things and see you accomplish things on your own, and it shows them what can be done.

If everything goes to 'hell in a hand basket' - you HAVE skills!  You can do things.  You can succeed.  You can still live a decent life.

I don't see 'simplifying life' as doing less and having more convenience.  I see it as doing the basics myself and having a freedom from what people think 'normal' society does.

I don't want to be a victim of the digital world.  It is everywhere and involved in everything - and I don't like it.

I want to blaze my own trail in life - I want to have self-satisfaction!  I want to be a 'teacher' of old ways to others.

Again, I am not knocking anyone that does the stuff mentioned above - we all make our own choices.  

I am just saying it ISN'T for me.  I go to the beat of a different drummer.

Here is hoping that your May starts out lovely and fresh.  A new month, and a new beginning.

Don't sweat the small stuff - just be happy to have another day.

Blessings to all.

Tips from the Church Ladies!

 Hello to everyone.  I hope this finds you well and safe.  There has been a lot of nasty weather events of late - hope all are safe.  It is a cool and wet morning here.  We are having some light rain, nothing bad (no storms).  Seems this rarely happens anymore, that we get a nice rain and no storms - it usually is an 'event'.  It is going to be a cooler week here.  That is fine - it is spring and weather varies.  Today will be a get things done inside day.  I have plenty to keep me busy.

Today I am going to share some tips that I have read from the "church ladies".  I have this little cookbook from an area church, and they always have the best tips and recipes in them.  Just things that 'normal' people do and use on a daily basis.  I love church cookbooks.

• In a shaker, combine 6 parts salt and 1 part pepper for a quick seasoning.  **You can combine and use whatever you like to use and keep it handy right at the stove
• Next time you need a quick ice pack - grab a bag of frozen veggies from the freezer.  **I keep cold packs that come from ordering my summer sausage in the fall and stick them in the freezer for just in case
• To avoid teary eyes when cutting onions, cut them under cold running water or briefly place them in the freezer before cutting
• Add a few grains of rice to a saltshaker to keep salt free flowing (absorbs any moisture)
• Purchase a coffee grinder and mark it spices - it can be used to grind most spices.  Clean after each use.  **I have 2 (ea. cost a $1 at garage sale) - one is for nuts and mild things, the other is marked spices (like peppers and such)
• Keep bags from store bought bread and buns and use for homemade breads, muffins and rolls
• Unbaked cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated for a day and frozen can be kept in airtight container for up to 9 months.  **I always place some cookie balls in the freezer when baking - to bake at a later time for a treat - can bake just a couple if you desire (when baking something else)
• To make self-rising flour at home, mix 4 cups of flour, 2 tsp. salt and 2 tbsp. baking powder - mix thoroughly and store tightly covered.
• One tbsp. of bulk yeast = on packet of dry yeast
• When baking in a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25*
• Dust cookie cutters with flour to prevent sticking or use powdered sugar **(I like using the powdered sugar)
• Over-ripe bananas can be frozen for baking or using in malts, smoothies or ice cream
• It is easier to slice meat if it is partially frozen
• Adding tomatoes to roasts helps to naturally tenderize the meat.  Tomatoes contain acid that works well to break down meats
• One pound of boneless chicken = approx. 3 cups of cubed meat
• Instant potatoes make a great thickener for soups and stews   **(I always use this)
• The ratio for a vinaigrette is typically 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar
• Chill serving plates to keep salad crisp at the table
• Drop a leaf of lettuce in a pot of soup to absorb grease from the top.  Remove the lettuce and serve
• Use fruit juice like pineapple or orange with a little oil and some honey and maybe a little nutmeg/cinnamon to make a sweet dressing
• To add flavor to a cup of hot tea add a lemon drop or hard mint.  They melt quickly
• If making fresh fruit juice - remember; 1 lemon yields about 1/4 C juice, and 1 orange yields about 1/3 cup   **(don't forget to use those peels for something else as well)
• Cook pasta for salads al dente (slightly chewy to the bite).  This allows the pasta to absorb the dressing without getting mushy

EASY HOMEMADE WHITE CASTLES - sloppy Joe style

1 lb. ground beef'

1 can French onion soup

Brown the ground beef, crumbled.  Drain and then add the soup (add no water) and simmer.  Lightly place the buns on top of mixture to steam quickly.

**Never thought of this before and I will definitely be trying it soon!  Sounds yummy!

**Cheryl's comments

There you go - fun ideas and ways to help out around the kitchen.  Do you have any fun tip to share?  We all look for easy and new ways to do things.

Have a great day!!!!!!