Ways I Learned

I think back about how I learned to do different things.  There were a lot of influences, but I guess my biggest ones were Mom and Daddy.   I learned so very much from these people about everything.
Cooking, sewing, baking, gardening, landscape, business, hard work, helping community, confidence, being frugal, being creative, being a decent person, etc.
My greatest lessons in life came from them.
I didn't really have grands to learn from.  I only had one grandparent growing up and she lived far away, so my parents were my huge influence.

However that was not the only learning in my life.  I took Home Economics in Junior High school and truly enjoyed that.  I don't know that I really leaned about cooking and sewing (as Momma had already taught me) but I did learn about working with others and encouraging others in life.  It was a fun experience.  There was also shop class, mechanics, wood working, and many other 'real world' classes that were available.  There was a vocational school that was available for afternoon classes - it was a different building - but credits counted for high school.  You could study just about anything there.

I took economics and learned a lot about finance.  I took typing and business and learned much about the working world.  I even took a blue print reading class (in conjunction with a job) at an adult night class.  I was working at a major building/hardware business at the time - and that was a way to expand my knowledge.
I did go to college (didn't finish - life happened) as well.  I studied education and sociology as I really wanted to work with at risk kids.  I learned so much from those classes about people and humanity.  I even took criminal justice classes.

Another neat learning institution for me was 4-H.  I don't think that 4-H is worldwide.  I know it is big in the U.S. and I believe Canada - not sure about other places.  I started in 4-H in the 3rd grade (the earliest I could) and participated through junior high/early high school.  I entered projects in sewing and baking each year.  I always did really well.  My greatest joy was the year we had to make angel food cakes - oh my did we eat a lot of cake that summer!  My big win was winning GRAND CHAMPION at the county level and getting to go to the state fair and display.  That was huge and everyone wanted to win a grand champion ribbon (only one given in each category per county).  More cakes baked until I made one that pleased me and off to the state fair and a blue ribbon there!  What a year that was.  That was my highlight in my 4-H journey!!!!

4-H was more than the projects to me.    It taught hard work, community, service, dedication, helping and so much more.  Those were some of the great lessons I got from it.  I still remember our motto and pledge.

I pledge

My Head to clearer thinking,

My Heart to greater loyalty,

My Hands to larger service, and

My Health to better living, for

My club, my community  and my country.

(Words we should all live by every day)

I lived in what would be considered the suburbs, so it wasn't just for kids in rural areas and still isn't.  I think youth today could learn so much from this organization.  Not only could you work on and display projects on just about anything, but you learned great lessons in life.  It is definitely a community for youngsters to learn and share ideas.  It teaches responsibility.

So many push for college educations and that is wonderful.  I just hope people today realize that there are so many other learning institutions that actually teach "life" and not academia.  There are many vocations today that a person can earn a great living and not need a college education.  There is nothing at all wrong with the trades!!!!!  College is not for everyone.

My husband worked for many years as a teen/young man with his uncle learning the plumbing trade.  It helped much in life in so many ways.  He then went on to work as an apprentice in auto mechanics and that became his career until he retired.  He could problem solve about anything and he was smart at so many things. 

I studied all kinds of things over the years.  First I will say that I hated math in school!!!!  

My first job was working for my parents at their lawn and garden business.  I learned so much there.  People skills, business, landscaping, gardening, horticulture, etc.

I went to work for the building service for a couple years in the office and then I went on to become an accounting specialist  for over 30 years!  I still find that hilarious.  I was really good at what I did, but had you told me in high that I would work with numbers I would have laughed my bum off.  Math is now a very strong suit of mine! (go figure)

We both had good careers in life and made decent money.  No college required.
My parents both completed schooling at the 8th grade.  They went on to have a very successful business of their own.  Daddy was a mathematical and word genius in my opinion.  He could do any math problem you gave him (in his head) and he know words and their meanings that I will never know.

I guess my point is, there are so many ways that we have learned over our lifetimes.  We have learned from so many people and experiences.  Some of those lessons were also lessons on what NOT to do!!!!!

Always look at every day and every adventure in life as the "school" of life.  Daddy used to ask "what did you learn today" (he asked every day!).  Today I still try to learn something new each day.  If we are not learning we are getting stagnant.  I want to keep my mind active and learning is never a bad thing.

What/who were some of your greatest TEACHERS in life?  Parents, grands, schools, experiences, etc. ???

LIVE TO LEARN and LEARN TO LIVE!

Frugal is What You Decide

We all like being frugal to some extent.  What is frugal?  It is different for everyone.  It truly is.
DO NOT  feel bad if you do things differently than others.  We are all individuals and we all do things differently.

I see things on FB at times and think - seriously?  You are trying to say you are frugal?  People going into huge debt for big fancy houses, then being unhappy with how it looks and changing it all.  Saying they are not spending  this year, yet you see a post of shopping trips almost every day.
Canning for the future and for saving.  Yet buying all kinds of food to can that they would not buy as normal - not to mention buying tons of jars and supplies (yes I know they are re-usable).
My mind just explodes some days - BUT you know what?  Who cares.  IF they think they are being frugal and doing things that make them happy - that is ALL that is important!!!!  My opinion does not matter.
I am sure I do things that others don't understand as well.  We all do.

I guess I am saying that frugal is different for everyone.  Some find it necessary to water down things, find new uses for things, not waste leftovers, eat from home, saving money wherever we can, use it up, make it last, do without, etc. (ME).  But I will also spend a ton of money to feed nature, care for my fur babies, or help someone in need.  My priorities are MINE!
You may save for vacations, or for that big house, or for a new car, or to eat out once a week.  That is OK too.  Your priorities are YOURS!

I don't do anything that I do because it pleases others.  If my ways and myself are accepted by others - GREAT.  If not - I don't really care.  Our lives should be lived in being able to live and share - that is freedom.  We all evolve over the years and our ways change.  

Just let your spirit and your heart reach out - either others accept you or they don't.

Don't live in fear, let God have control.  The world and our lives change - and in 10 years things will be totally different than they are today - so make each day count.

THRIVE not SURVIVE!  This is something I am trying to learn.  When life changes drastically, we tend to hit a brick wall.  Life was the same forever - and then it's not.  We have GOT to adjust and grow and move forward.  (so difficult, but necessary).

If we don't do something new - we will become stagnant.  

Figuring out the path to take is the hard part.  With faith in God, I feel that will come for each of us.  We all need to listen!!!!!!!

So whether you live in a huge house or a tiny home, water down the shampoo or buy the most expensive, eat out or cook from scratch, simply have transportation or a status car, do without so you can help the animals or others, grow a garden or go to the farm market - you are being you.

Do what makes you happy.

Now in saying that - DO IT - BUT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS AND DECISIONS.  Don't get yourself in a bind and expect others to bail you out.  Your choices are yours - that is your freedom.

We each chose our own freedom.

I know we each learn from each other on here.  We learn new ways.  We learn from others mistakes.  We learn new ways of thinking.  We learn life is different for us all.  We learn that as different as we all are - we are the same.  We want happiness.

Enjoy the life you are living instead of just living the life you are given.

 

Weekly Wrap-Up for last week

First, let me say thank you for all the sweet comments, hugs, prayers and blessings you have sent concerning the loss of my beautiful Lilly.  It means so much to me to have people that understand and care.  THANK YOU

We have had a very wet January this year.  I think they said the wettest in 15 years.  Very little snow, but lots of rain.
It is hard to believe that this month is almost over.  We have more daylight hours now.  It doesn't get really dark until after 6PM now - instead of 5PM.  Mornings have light before 8AM instead of about 8:30AM.  Spring is only 50+ days away.

This past week:

• I did go to the feed store and got squirrel corn.  Odd they had no bird seed or peanuts!  None.  Strange for a feed store - said it was due to holiday schedules.  I have lots of other places I can get seed.
• My Blazer door was frozen the first of week.  I finally got it open, then the mechanism wouldn't release to close the door.  WD40 and a heavy duty screw driver and it was working again!  When there is a will........
• I received a copy of Country Woman  FREE in the mail.  They are trying to lure me back
• Cleaned out the sock and undie drawer.  Found new of both that I had forgotten about
• Threw out and set aside for donation a lot more than my 20 pcs. from the drawer cleanout and added some other items from around the house 
• I did run out to find different treats and canned food that Lilly might like - to no avail.  Not frugal - but it will be used by the others
• While out I stopped at Dollar General - as I had heard most had any leftover Christmas stuff for .25.  I got 3 -  6 packs of 6.5" x 8.5" gift bags and cookie bags (6 bags) for .25 each pack.

• Tons of laundry
• All the normal stuff
• Friday got in upper 40's - so I turned off heat and aired the house for a while. - I know I am crazy.  The kitties loved it though!

Meals last week:

Chicken stir fry over rice

Ham/cheese bagels

Deconstructed tacos

Salsa chicken (from freezer) and cheese roll-up and carrots/dip

Small Mexican type pizza

Baked potato and salad

Nothing - Saturday

Last week sure didn't end the way I would have ever expected.  The emergency vet was a God send for me.  They were pricey, but that didn't matter.  My poor baby.  My heart just hurts.

Coogy keeps walking around looking.  He sure is staying close to me - much more than usual.

How was your week?  Did you stay on the frugal track?  How is your 20 challenge going?

Give us a shout out.

Blessings to you all.  May you and yours stay healthy and safe.  Hug everyone and love them.  Remember to enjoy the smaller things in life - because they are the big things!

Blessings from my humble little home to yours

A rare moment when Lilly and Coogy shared the love seat together!  Usually it was one or the other.

                                                                      My kitty loves

No Wrap Up Today - Just Sad

I won't be doing the weekly wrap up today, I am just not in the mood.
Yesterday was such a sad day.  My sweet beautiful baby (8 yrs) Lilly crossed the rainbow bridge.

She had been being very picky the past couple weeks about her food.  Nothing, including tuna, was satisfying.  She was not eating much, wet or dry.
I went this week and bought every type of treat I could find and several different kinds of wet food, to no avail.
She continued being her sweet self - playing with Coogy and her toys, jumping up on couch and bed, wanting combed, talking and talking - just normal, except not eating much.
Finally Saturday morning when I got up, she didn't jump up and run in to me.  I petted her and talked to her and then she finally got up.  She hadn't ate for almost 2 days.
I called the Vet and of course they weren't open.  I took her to the emergency vet service.

They ran every test they could - not good.  I had no idea she had so many medical issues.  She never displayed them.  Hugely enlarged liver, partially collapsed lung, asthma, pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, super low white cell count, and heart failure.
She just didn't want to eat - otherwise she acted normal every day.  I was so shocked.

They said they could poke, prod, tube, and perhaps surgery - but probably could do nothing to help, due to liver and heart problems.  NO!  I could not do that to her.  Poor baby.
I told them no and she passed right then in my arms.
I sat and cuddled her for about 2 hours in the vets office while waiting on results.  In 8 years she had NEVER EVER let us cuddle her like that, so I knew she was ill at that point.  I got to talk to her, hold her, and love her one on one - it was special.
They let me sit with her as long as I needed.  They were very kind people - all so sweet.

Coogy keeps walking around looking for her.  Every noise he hears - he looks up and around.  He sure snuggled a lot with me last night.  This morning he woke me with tons of kisses, soft pats on the face and hugs (more than usual).

Lilly mourned Glen for so long and so hard, I have to think she is with him now in heaven.  Yes, I do believe animals go to heaven - God made us all.
I will sure miss her.  Her short little legs, her tiny head and big chubby body and curly belly.  Her talking to me all the time - I swear we had conversations.  She used intonations that sounded like she was truly answering me.  Her begging to get combed.  Her racing me into the kitchen every morning for breakfast.  Her loving to get under my bed covers.  Watching her lay in the sunshine in the front door and her watching and chattering to birds and squirrels.  She would get so excited.
She loved everyone and wanted to know them and love on them.

I will miss you my little short stuff.  You were such a good baby girl.  I love you so much.
My tears are flowing - so I will close for now.


Tomorrow I will do wrap up.
Blessings to each of you.  Love your family and your babies.

My Mind - It Does Wonder

I told you the other day that I get to reminiscing a lot during the winter.  January especially - it is just a nasty month for me - always has been.
I heard on the news the other day that the two middle weeks of January are the worst of the year for both humans and animals - emotionally and physically.  They said we feel worse during those times and everything changes - mood, eating habits, motivation, activity level, etc.
This past Monday was the 3rd Monday of January and supposedly the worst day of the year!
I believe it.  Even my kitties are acting different - very different.
The world affects us in ways we can never imagine.

So as my mind wonders I have been thinking about frugal living.  Back in the day, people SAVED for new things, fancy things, important things, even every day things.  Not so much today.  People want and expect immediate satisfaction!!!!  That is what gets people in trouble.  I remember my parents saving and saving for something and the delayed satisfaction they got was enormous.  They were so proud of what they accomplished.  It wasn't just I WANT therefore I BUY.  I really don't think people today truly appreciate the things the get and the things they experience.
My Daddy always told me "the anticipation is always far greater than the realization" and that is true.  So very true.
I remember wanting a bread machine years ago (and spent a chunk on one) and then realized I probably wouldn't use it that much. AND DIDN'T.  Yes, I still have it, and I threaten to use it - but don't.  I just HAD to have it - my reality, well...…………..
I am sure each of us have had those moments.

I know people who work themselves to the bone just to have that fancy address, or that fancy car, or that membership to ________, or the designer labels.   The things become all important and the life that they were given is driven totally by wants, work and greed.  They become so in debt for things that won't even matter one day soon, they work their fingers to the bone - for what?  IMMEDIATE SATISFACTION.

If I could tell any young person (including my younger self) anything that would stick in the brain - it would slow down, enjoy life's moments (every one of them), think before you spend and DELAY that satisfaction of "stuff" for a while.  You will realize it isn't all that important.

We are so perfectly imperfect that is takes many of us a lifetime to see what is so simple and wonderful.

MAKE A LIFE THAT MATTERS.  Stuff DOESN'T matter.

Take time to enjoy the simple and lovely moments.  Enjoy laughter, friends, family, getting up each day, nature, the taste of ice cream, the feel of a warm blanket, the cuddles of your pets, companionship, the smell of a rose...….......enjoy the simple things and enjoy them thoroughly.  

As the saying goes "the little things are actually the biggest things and the ones that matter."

Just my brain ramblings for the day!

Have a blessed day.

A Tale and a Treat From the Past

These gloomy long days of winter get me to reminiscing.  I got to thinking back to childhood the other day (I do that a lot).  I had a good childhood, and I realize not everyone did.  I am so sorry for those who didn't.

We had a small grocery store just a couple blocks from my home and it was called Slick's Market (the owners last name).  We would walk there whenever we had the chance in the summer and many times, we would get off the school bus (junior high and high school) there and then walk home.  I walked to school the first 6 years - so I didn't ride a bus till junior high.

Now let me explain when I say a couple blocks away.  The area was originally  rural and farm land.  I have copies of the plat maps and the ownership lineage of my family home and the entire area that date back to 1828.  Over time, more homes were added and streets were added.  So the north/south block we walked would be equivalent to probably at least 3 blocks today - then we turned and walked down the east/west road (the old sheep farm) that was probably the same.  NO ONE ever worried about us doing this.  Neighbors watched out for neighbors.

Slicks's had a candy counter.  The big glass front, multi shelved counter FULL of penny candy.  It was just as you walked in the door!  In front of  that (at your back when looking at candy) was a deep freeze with cold (ice cream) type goodies.  It was a child's delight!  Now they did sell groceries and had a meat market that went all the way across the back of the store.  We didn't buy groceries there very often, as Mom said they were too expensive!  Once in a great while Mom would send me for something.
BUT, that candy counter always enticed us kids and we walked there any chance we got.

The counter at Slick's was probably twice as wide as the one in this picture and had more shelves.  We would stand there for what seemed forever trying to decide how to spend a nickel or a dime.  You always seemed to leave with a little bag full of goodies.  Some items were even 2/.01.  I do say this is a favorite memory of mine.
Poor Mrs. Slick would stand there (looking much like the fellow in the picture) waiting for us to decide.
Once in a great while Mom and Daddy would give me a nickel - which seemed like a lot then (I guess it was).  IF I was truly lucky - I would find pennies or a nickel while out playing (in gravel on the side of road) or walking to a friends house.  Once in a blue moon - you might find a glass pop bottle tossed at the side of the road and we would take those and cash them in!
My aunt and uncle always gave me money for my little pocketbook when they visited too!!!!!!

I remember going to the circus a time or two and going to the zoo.  It was always fun to see the animals, but my favorite thing was getting rock candy!!!!!  Oh how I loved that stuff.  Sometimes it came in chunks and sometimes it was all crystalized on a stick or string.  Believe it or not - I still have a box with crystal type rock candy in my hutch.  My Mom had saved it (why I didn't eat it was a wonder) and I got it when clearing out the family house.  It sits proudly in my corner hutch!!  It says it was made in Antwerp Belgium!  Crazy.

I still love rock candy to this day.  It is really easy to make and you can add all kinds of flavors.

I think rock candy would be a fun treat for Valentine's Day.  You could make up a couple different flavors - crack - wrap and gift.    How cute it would be wrapped in a small brown paper bag with jute or raffia tie.  Simple and fun.  Just an old fashioned  fun treat!

YUM!!!!!!  I think the plain candy and cinnamon were my favorites and still are.

So there you have a memory from my childhood and a fun treat you can make and make a memory for someone else!

ENJOY!

(anyone else remember the old candy counters?)

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/19

Good morning all.  Oh baby, it is cold outside.  Feels like winter for sure.
Yesterday was in the 40's and lots of wind and rain.  This morning it was 11* when I got up!!!!  High today is to be 18*.   Brrrrr.
There was a lake in the back yard again yesterday.  It was so saturated from last weekend, and no where for it to go.  This morning I have an ice rink!!
I finally started getting cabin fever and went out for a bit one day this week.  I am outside many times each day, but needed to get out and see people!
My neighbor did come over one afternoon and we had a nice visit.  It seems everyone stays inside during the colder weather, and we just don't see each other much.  It was nice to have 'human' conversation.

It was a quiet week again.

• I found a series I have been watching on YouTube that is kind of interesting.  It is out of Canada.  Young man owns an antique store and he is always on the look for treasures.  He bought a 'hoarder' house.  It was quite a journey.  Eventually changed name of series to "Potter" house - as the lady was a very famous potter.  He has videos on all sorts of other buildings and lots of things he has purchased.  I really have been enjoying this.  He is called Curiosity Incorporated.  I know it was time I didn't accomplish anything - but I enjoyed it - and that is what matters!  If it makes me happy - I am doing it!!  My new motto.
• I have been cleaning out drawers and doing a lot more de-cluttering
• Took 3 more boxes of items (way more than 20 items) to the church thrift store.
• While at church store I got a pack pita bread, bagels and a 2 lb. bag of split peas for FREE

• Ran to Kroger just because!  I got a 2 lb. box of mushrooms for 1.99, a bag of 4 pears, 5 apples, and 3 grapefruit for .99 a bag and got 6 packs of neutral (can use all the time) tissue paper marked to .30 pack.  I also got a gallon of milk for 2.19.  

• Chopped and froze the mushrooms
• Cleaned all the bedding including all bed pillows and pillow covers
• Doing all the normal stuff.  Eating from home and using up leftovers.  Drinking water and Kool-Aid.
• Sent my neighbor home with a couple cans of cinnamon rolls (to bake) and some gravy mix for when his grandsons visit over the weekend.

Meals this past week:

Tostadas (used leftover skillet enchilada mix)

Grilled ham, egg and cheese sandwich and slaw (leftover in jar of home canned)

Cheesy potato soup (from freezer) served over Ramen noodles - topped w/sour cream

Red beans and rice w/ground beef 2X

Made layered refried bean dip and ate with Pita bread

Veg. soup (canned condensed - no water added) with pasta added - threw in balance of bean dip

This is the month that I think I tend to just veg out every year.  It is usually the gloomiest month and usually the coldest.  Not necessarily the coldest this year (until today).  The daylight hours are extending a bit in the evenings, but it is pretty cloudy most of the time.  So boring and ho-hum.

I plan on doing more de-clutter this week.  My plan is to take 2 - 3 boxes or bags to the church store every week.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Did you stay on track with low spend?

DID you do the 20 CHALLENGE on anything this week? I look forward to hearing what everyone is doing?  It gives us all that needed boost.

So thankful to hear that our friends in Australia are getting some much needed rain!  Hope the fires  are doused completely very soon.  Prayers to those in the North with all the snow.  I saw pictures of a part of Canada this morning - OH WOW!  They had a ton of snow (blizzard).

May you all have a safe, healthy and frugal week.  May we all keep our distant friends in our prayers.

Stay busy and stay frugal.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.