Weekly Wrap-Up 10/3

 Happy October to all!  

It is amazing to me that it is already October.  A few short months and we will be in a new year again!

I hope this finds you well and safe.

We started the month warm!  It has been rainy yesterday and will be again today.  Temps in the low 70's.  Trees are just now starting to get some color - not the big burst of fall yet - but starting!

As you might have read, on my special Update post - Adi is home and doing so much better.  Yesterday afternoon I got to go (in spite of rain) to my brothers and had a cookout with them.  I got LOTS of cuddle time with the 3 youngest baby girls in the family.  Layla - 6 months, Remi and Adi!  It was wonderful - nothing like baby snuggles.  Adi is kind of stand-offish with most and she and I had a grand time.  Lots of bouncy horsey knee rides - Auntie making lots of noises and Adi laughing the whole time.  She kept trying to 'feed' me her fingers!!!  LOL  Then she snuggled against my chest with her ba-ba for a good hour or more.  Remi had a ball collecting things from grandpas garden to feed the bunnies who live under her place house at home!  She would come over and show me what she and gpa had collected and jabbering up a storm!    Layla let me hold her for a good half hour before she decided she wanted Mommy.

It was a wonderful afternoon with family.  Adi's Mommy and Daddy said to send their unending THANKS for all the prayers.

I have a bunch of volunteer cherry tomato plants coming up in pots!!!  Some have gotten to about 18" tall this week.  Crazy.  I have tried to winter tomatoes before and never had luck - so it is a shame they came up now.  My impatient plants are still gorgeous.

The New England aster started blooming.

I am not sure what to think about the squirrels and birds.  Usually they would be eating tons this time of the year.  Not this year!  Wonder if there is another big source of food.  I know the squirrels are eating walnuts - they bring them here to de-shell!  Whatever, it is saving me a little money for now.

My very quiet week:

•  I made a batch of "mounds" brownies and gave half away
• Stayed home all week - no shopping
• Picked about 15 more tomatoes and 2 cucumbers!
• Aired out the house a lot this week.  Only used AC on 2 afternoons for an hour or so
• Cooking from what I have on hand.
• Did a bunch of yard work:  Cut back the grape arbor, cut back all 'out of control' climbing roses, deadheaded lots of flowers, pulling weeds....................
• Doing all the normal stuff we all do
• Cut a bouquet of asters and a rose

               This rose is from my oldest plant (here over 35 years) and the smell is heavenly!

Meals this past week:

Beef Manhattan

Leftover mashed potatoes and beef with a salad

Tuna patty, mac n cheese and salad

Spicy chili beans with hotdog added and potato puffs

Taco bowl

Sausage/egg/cheese sandwich and sliced tomatoes

Brother's cookout

SNACKS - brownies, apples

How was your week?  Did you all get any deals?  Getting your fall on?  Give us a shout out and let what you are up to.  We get so many ideas from each other!

I pray you and yours stay healthy and safe.  Again thank you for keeping my family members in your prayers.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:2

AMEN

UPDATE

 I just wanted to give you all an update on our precious Adi.

Monday night was bad - very bad.  No one (including her parents) really thought she would see morning.  It appeared she had just given up.  All here stats were super low - no crying - no fussing - bad color - just bad.

Tuesday morning the doctors and the nurses came in and were blown away.  There was a 'different' child  in that bed!  She was smiling and happy.  Stats were great.  Color good.

The doctors all said they had NO IDEA what could have possibly caused the difference.  They had done nothing different and that there was absolutely NO reason what so ever for that miraculous change.

UUMMMMM - YES THERE WAS!  PRAYER - AMBUNDANT PRAYER

SHE IS HOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is still an ill child - but nothing like she was.  Some of the conditions that she was diagnosed with here in Indy and in Cincy have disappeared!  She is off several meds.  She had blood clots at pic lines and they were gone (she will take meds for that just in case).

They removed the tubes down her throat and nose - she just has her feed tube in belly now.  Any water she drinks has had thickeners in it - NO more thickeners - no more water.  She gets Pedialyte  now and she loves it!!!!!! (with a preemie nipple).  Still no real food - but hoping that will progress in the future.

My brother went to see her yesterday and she was laughing, playing and being the sweet little pixie she always was with her sister!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't help but think that I asked for prayer on Sunday (which was Monday in parts of the world).  And many didn't see post till Monday - and she was at her worse on Monday.  Everything changed over night.  My brothers church has been praying and their missionaries over seas as well.  SO many people have been praying all over the world - and there was an abundance of prayer at the first of the week.

NO ONE will ever convince me of anything different.

GOD IS GREAT!

Even the doctors said it HAD to be a miracle - because there was no medical reason for the change.

Adi is on the left and Remi is on right.  They almost look like twins - but are a year apart.  Both still have many medical issues and battles to get through - but today they are happy and at home together with Mommy and Daddy and big brother and sister!

I thought you might want to see their sweet faces!  

I just love those faces!!!!

If you have it in your heart to keep them on your prayer list - please do.  I pray that they both get past these battles and have a long and healthy life.  I do believe God has something very special instore for them!

THANK YOU is not even enough.  You all helped and made a difference and I am indebted to you all.  God heard each of you!

My family is forever grateful for all the prayers.

May God bless each of you and your families.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday This and That

 My goodness, here we are at the end of September.  Crazy!!!  October is for sure the beginning of fall for me.  Campfires, leaves falling, cooler temps, sweatshirts............

I really do like this time of the year.  I think Spring is my favorite followed up with fall.

We had a conversation Tuesday about not having power or being without lights.  I noticed something the other day with a new neighbor.  Remember that yard I showed a while back with the full dump truck in the backyard?  (Oh that place was awful).  Well it has been cleaned up and there is a small family living there.  She obviously does not have a dryer and there is no clothes line - but that doesn't stop her!  She has figured a way to dry her clothes.  No power needed!!!!

She uses the fence rows!  Both sides.  Almost any day that is nice - you see her 'hanging' her laundry out there.  Bless her heart - she has a need and she figured out a solution until something better comes along.  So we all need to remember - "where there is a will, there is a way".  Being creative works.

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I think of different foods when cooler weather comes along.  I am a seasonal type person.  I can't wait for a pot of chili!!!!

There are some inexpensive food that can be had this time of the year to stretch that budget.  Now ids cabbage time and many farm markets have it and it is usually a cheaper ingredient.  I love chopped and fried cabbage (in bacon grease).  Mmmmmm!

Another favorite is sauteed cabbage with a little ham or smoked sausage or chopped Spam with rice added.  It is so good and comforting - and very filling and frugal.

                                                                 Comfort food!              

Smores are also a fall favorite - remember you don't have to buy all kinds of ingredients.  Just keep it simple  and you can even enjoy them in the house!!!!!!

Yep, store brand fudge striped cookies and marshmallows is all you need.  Roast the marshmallows over a gas flame (on stove) or heck - even with a lighter!!!!  LOL

FRIED CORN OR HOMINY

If you haven't tried this you need to.

1 can corn or hominy - drained

chopped peppers and chopped onion

Fry all together in butter or bacon grease (yes) until the peppers and onion are tender and corn or hominy has a lightly golden color.

A favorite of mine.  Makes for a nice side dish and something different.

EASY GLAZED CARROTS

1 pkg. baby carrots (16 oz.)

1/4 C apple cider

1/4 C apple jelly

1 1/2 tsp. dijon-style mustard

Place carrots and cider in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Simmer until carrots are tender and liquid is pretty well gone.  Add jelly and mustard.  Jelly melts and glazes.

These are so easy and tasty.

Now is the time to think about adding new and different dishes to your meal plan.  Keeps things fun and you don't get bored and your family tries new things.

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Now is the time to start looking for the ingredients to make up jar recipes - whether meal or spices - coffees or teas or chocolate - so many great ideas to be had.  I will do some posts of jar recipes in coming days.  They are nice to have on the pantry shelves and they are nice to have for gifts.  Jar recipes make great gift baskets.

Super nice to have on the shelf in case that unexpected person drops by around the holidays and you want to give them something.  Makes nice hostess gifts as well.

Coming soon!!!

Now is orchard time - apples, cider and pumpkins and gourds!  I love apples and cider!  The orchard I go to has a sales building that has a huge fireplace - on a cold day a fire will be roaring!  That is their only heat and it is just so fun to go in.  

Fall is in the air!

What are your favorite fall ideas?  Favorite foods or traditions?

So Different - So the Same

I had a post ready for today and changed my mind at the last minute.  I don't know why I do that except that something moves me.

I get so tired of negative stuff and drama in the world.  All the negative posts we make and all the garbage we drum up isn't going to change a thing!  EVER!

I am so humbled to have so many lovely people following along on this little journey of a blog.  You guys are the best.  

We are all different - we come from different countries - we are different ethnicities - we have different religious or spiritual beliefs - some came from money - some from extreme poverty - we are ALL different!

YET - we all have things in common.  We care, we love, we share, we try - we are one.

We each take time out of our day to visit and to share.  We take time to care about one another and to pray and send good thoughts.

Will we change the world?  Maybe not - but like the pic above says - we may change it for one person!  If we all change the world for one person - well, that would make big difference.  Wouldn't that be lovely?

We can't stop the world happenings.  Stuff is going to happen as the powers that be have a plan. 

We CAN however change the world in bits and pieces.   Do good,  Be positive.  Have faith.  Spread only positive and not hate or fear or panic.  

We each have a place in this cosmic thing - and how we respond matters.  

BE WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thank you all for coming along on this journey with me.  I love you all and admire you all.  You have no idea how many MOMENTS you have helped me get through.  I love how we seem to be one big EXTENDED family. 

Wishing you all a blessed day and week!

PS - Your continued thoughts and prayers for Adi seem to be working.  Please don't stop!!!  Thank you.

Don't Get Caught in the Dark

 Today is about many options we all have or could have if we had to be without power for an extended time.  It could happen and has happened for various reasons.  Weather is always a huge cause of power outages - but it could be anything.

I think we have probably ALL been without power for short periods and survived.  A long outage could be different.

Not only heat and AC - many have to worry about freezers and health issues.  

Today are just a few ideas to keep in mind should you be caught in this situation.

LIGHTS

Lights for me, wouldn't be a big problem.  I have candles - lots of candles.  I have solar lights outside - that I could bring in.  Otherwise I would be OK.   I wouldn't have to have lights at night - I would just go to bed or sit outside.   

Candles are always a good bet - scented or plain.  Cheap solar lights (like dollar store) would be great.  They absorb light all day and bring them in and you have light at night.  I have even seen pics where you can really radiate their light by placing a plastic  (like milk) jug over them.  Oil lamps are a great source of light.  Make sure you have oil that is OK for inside and soot free.

Flashlights of course.  Big and small - they work.  Make sure you keep batteries on hand.

I have 2 or 3 battery operated candles for a nice glow.

Even something as simple as glow sticks would help and maybe make it not as scary for young-ins.

I have a couple of head lamps as well.  They would work if you just had to read or sew or do something close up.

 I also have a battery powered weather radio - and a battery powered regular radio (so music would be an option!).

POWER

There are several options.  None are super cheap, but they are things that you can get that would make life easier.

The one thing that is a great help is a generator.  A generator can help keep a freezer going, AC/fan on for a while, heat, cooking, medical aids, etc.

You could always plug in small heaters to help with cold - it may be difficult to hard wire your furnace.  Your freezer could be plugged in for a few hours every day or two - to keep things frozen.  Perhaps you would need to run a sump pump - a generator would help.  Now granted, you have to have fuel to keep it going.  Something else to think about.  But at least it would help for short periods of time to keep life somewhat normal and perhaps keep you alive.

If it is winter - you could always transfer frozen or refrigerated items to coolers in garage or outside - barring you have no major critter problem.

This is a whole house generator.  No they aren't cheap - but they are always there and ready to go.  This is directly tied into our gas line and then tied into the electrical box.  If the power goes out - this turns on within seconds.  Sure it would be expensive on the gas bill to run a household for a long period of time - but I would have power.  I would not use things as normal - like I would keep AC off unless absolutely necessary.  Heat would be kept low - most lights off.  But I WOULD have heat and my freezer would still be good!  

We invested in this to make sure that G would always be comfortable and to make sure our freezer always had power.

Now if the gas suddenly quits flowing - I have to revert to plans C, D and ..... oh crap!!!!!!!!!!

There are less expensive options as well for short periods of time.

This device sure came in handy before we had the generator.  Glen used a Bi-Pap almost ALL the time to easily breath.  This thing worked wonderfully.  It gave us 8 - 10 hours of power for his medical device.  NOTE:  we were also on the power company register for medical emergencies.  Our power pole/area would be attended quickly.  Look into that if you have extreme medical needs at your home.!!!!

If I remember correctly - this cost less than $200 back when we purchased it.  Not sure about now.  It was literally a life saver.  You keep it plugged in to keep charged and then when the need arises you have a small power station.  Like I said it worked his Bi-Pap for a good 8-10 hours, it would power a cook plate or crockpot, maybe the coffee pot or  fan or a small heater.  Many uses.

On another note - it also will jump the batteries in your vehicle!!!!  Indeed!!!  This has saved me so many times - dead of winter - no one around - Blazer needed jumped.  I did it all by myself.  I have even taken it with me in the car - when having battery problems in severe cold.  

A very good multi use gadget to have.

This is a converter that G installed in the Blazer.  It turns the vehicle power into electric power while the vehicle is running.  I use this to charge my cell phone if I notice it is low while I am out.  G installed it to actually power his Bi-Pap and still be able to go places.  We loved to wonder the back roads and this gave him the ability to be away from home for a while and still be comfortable.  (where there is a will there is a way!)

You could use it to power anything not too large for a short period.

This is the side view - where the electric plug-in is.  It is about the size of my hand out stretched and fits on the center console.  I believe it was around $50.

COOKING

I have a gas stove that is electronic spark start.  Generally I can light it with a lighter, just by turning on the gas knob and lighting.

If you have any kind of generator - big or small odds are you could power a crockpot or insta-pot or a heat plate.  Think about having a way to cook that isn't power driven.  Gas or charcoal grills, fire in the back yard with a grate.  Solar oven.  Shoot, you can even cook little things or warm them on a hot sunny day in a closed vehicle (yep it gets that hot).  You could have a rocket stove or even a clay pot over a candle - can heat items up.

Have a coffee pot that doesn't require power and could be used on the grill or over a campfire.    Your home canned goods COULD be eaten from the jar!  So could many store bought items.  It may not be as good cold (not heated) - but you would have food.

IF you have a well and it requires power for a pump - think about an alternate way.  Do you have a hand pump?  Do you have water stored?  You could use a generator for periods of time to get a days worth of water.  Have alternatives.

I keep plenty of warm clothing around - generally it isn't needed - but I have it.  I NEVER get rid of blankets, quilts or comforters.  If I wouldn't need them for staying warm, perhaps a neighbor might and even my animals. (don't forget about your pets).  One could also wrap their canned (non freezer) type food in blankets or quilts to keep it warmer and not freeze.  You could cover windows and doors to prevent drafts.  You could wrap your pipes.

Lots of things to think about.  Do you have alternative sources for power?  Do you have ways or know a way to cook?  Would you stay warm (fireplace or wood stove maybe).

There are ways to survive about anything.  Some don't cost a thing and others can be a bit costly.  Start thinking about what you would do IF caught in the dark!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/26

 Happy Sunday my friends.  Hoping this finds you well and happy.

I have been in quite the mood this week.  I didn't seem to accomplish a lot - I slept a lot - just in a funk.  It was gloomy, wet and grey this week.  I was sad, prayerful, nostalgic, and worried. 

 

I have a gr.gr. niece who is just one - and she is a sick, sick baby.  She and her sister (age 2) have many gastro/intestinal issues and poor little Adi is really not doing well.  She was in our best children's hospital and then they sent her to Cincinnati.  Mom, Dad and Adi are there and other family is home with grandpa.  She is such a precious innocent baby - if you feel it - please say a prayer for her healing and for the doctors and nurses and researchers knowledge.  Every test comes back normal - but something is seriously wrong.

She did do a little upturn yesterday  - but still no answers.  They have said this could take weeks or longer to figure out - but they aren't giving up.  Poor baby is such a little trooper. 

We had a ton of rain this week.  It rained for 30 hours straight!  It has turned chilly.  Nights are in the 40's and 50's - but no heat on yet!!!  Days are getting back to 70's - so that is lovely.  The leaves haven't really changed yet.  Everything is still green - just a blush of color here and there.

Saw Rocky racoon again on Friday.  Dang that thing is huge and waaayyyy too friendly.  I stayed out while the cats ate that morning and then brought their food dishes in for a while.  I finally thought about setting the live trap - and by then Rocky had decided to leave!  LOL

I wouldn't worry if it weren't for the cats.

My hummingbirds have finally left the area.  No views at all this week.  So sad - I sure miss those little jewels.

My quiet week:

• I remade crab salad into a hot dip
• I picked a few more tomatoes and some thyme
• Been using the soda stream for some bubbly drinks
• I thawed some sausage and used some for a meal and then cooked a re-froze the balance
• I did clean the back gutter - it looked like it might have a bunch of stuff in it - but wasn't bad.  A couple twigs was what I was seeing.  It is under a tree - so better safe than sorry
• I cleaned leaves from deck, back patio area and cleaned the floor of the garage.  Did just a tiny bit of yard work - just couldn't get into it!
• I did bring in my one houseplant from outside before it got too chilly
• I ran to Pet Smart for more flea meds for all the kitties for the next several months
• Stopped at Kroger on the way home as they had tuna on sale for .69/can.  I got 10 to add to stock.  I also bought a few apples and bananas.  I found a head of  cauliflower for .99
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do every day  - nothing exciting
• Been using my melt pots and scraps of favorite candles for fall scent in the house

                       Some hardy stalks of thyme.  I love that stuff - I have it air drying.

Meals this past week:

Hot cheesy/jalapeno/crab dip and crackers

Baked potato topped w/bal, of crab dip and a cuke & tomato salad

Sausage gravy over toast

Green beans w/potatoes and smoked sausage - sliced tomatoes

Small homemade pizza

Leftover day - a bit of this and that

Oven baked fish, mac n cheese and sliced toms

SNACKS  fruit, apples & peanut butter, cheese & crackers

What have you all been up to?  How is the weather in your part of the world?  Are you still gardening or finding any deals?

Hey - you know we are now less than 90 days until Christmas?!  My how time flies.

I know I need to get my bum in gear this week and get busy outside.  So much to take care of and to clean up and out!

I hope you are your families are all well and safe.  Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

I need to remember this.  God is in control.  All things happen in His time.  We are His children and He loves us.  Lord I raise my worries up to You and ask for Your guidance, directions and loving presence in my life.  Thank You for each and every blessing and moment I receive each and every day.  AMEN

GOALS - Homemade vs. Store Bought

 I think we all have this goal - at least most of us do.  YES, I have cans of veggies and soups in the pantry - you may as well.  I consider them convenience foods now.  In a hurry - they are there and available.  I have lots of frozen veggies - they are more like fresh to me.

I know not everyone cans.  That is OK.  

I know people often think buying fresh is too expensive.  It really isn't if you consider health into it.  Fresh and frozen are so much healthier.  No added ingredients!

YES - making things from scratch takes a little more time - but oh my, the taste is just so much better and the expense is really not increased.  It sure is cheaper making scratch and staying home than eating out!!!!!!

SNACKS 

Think about making popcorn at home (not that packaged microwave stuff).  You can make you own microwave popcorn if desired!  Make cookies, cakes, brownies, muffins, sweet breads, cinnamon toast, popcorn balls, etc.  Even potato chips are pretty darn easy to make.  Roast chickpeas!  Oh what a yummy and healthy crunchy snack.

IF you desire to have store bought chips - quit buying those little bags.  Buy family sized packs and repackage yourself.  Then when GONE they are GONE until next family shopping day!! (no special trips!)

BREAKFAST

Yes, we probably all have a few boxes of cereal around.  I do, only because I have gotten them on clearance and I use them for snacks.  I do NOT eat as basic cereal for breakfast.  I also like using cereals in making trail mix type treats.

Think about making oatmeal (if you like it).  Hot rice with butter and sweetener.  Homemade granola.  Homemade pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos (all can be made ahead and froze).  French toast.  SO many choices for a cheap and healthy breakfast.  Make ahead goodies and pop in the toaster or microwave for a quick heat and eat morning!

Actually I was always the person (as was Glen) who could eat whatever for breakfast.  Soup, pizza, leftovers - it didn't matter.  Who says it has to be breakfast food?  We eat breakfast food for dinner!

                              Homemade granola is easy and fun - you can add whatever you want.

LUNCH

Leftovers make great lunch options.  Homemade soup, chili, casserole, food remade (like potato cakes, corn fritters, leftovers turned into fried rice).  Sandwiches can be made cheaply at home.  Nothing like a yummy grilled cheese and soup.

Make your own lunch-ables if you take lunch to work.  Going out to eat everyday is expensive.  Even if you just just spend $5 a day for lunch - that is $25-$30 a week that can be spent on other things like bills, debt, or stocking up.

Use what you have.  You know what is in your food.  Think about making up some tuna salad, egg salad,  chicken salad from home.  It will last over a few days.  Make pasta salad, potato salad, fried rice, etc.  So many options.

                                  Seriously - so much healthier than the crap you buy out!

DINNER

Use up all those leftovers in new ways.  Turn them into casseroles or soups.  Stretch your meat options with more veggies, whole grains and beans and pasta and rice.

AVOID eating out.  Having dinner out is NOT cheap at all!!!!!!

Get creative with your cooking.  Hopefully you can find yummy and inexpensive one pot meals that are easy to make for the entire family (I try listing them for you!).  Add bread, biscuits, tortillas, crackers and maybe a salad and you have dinner.

There is NO limit to the options you have to make dinner at home.  Utilize that crockpot or insta-pot.  That makes life so much easier.  Crockpot dinners are ready when you get home from work or after you have had a big day of working around the house.  Insta-pot dinners take no time.

Chop that leftover meat and use in stir fry, rice, pasta, soup, stew casseroles, etc.  Add veggies that left to soups and casseroles.  Add in some pasta or rice and maybe a little cheese and BOOM you are good to go and NO WASTE!

DRINKS

Well, what can I say?  Pop is not good for us.  I do love a fountain drink and I keep some pop on hand (mainly for company).  Water is basically free (for me).  I don't buy water - EVER.  I filter my water and use tap.  I refill bottles I have on hand.  I keep a jug of cold water in the frig.  I can add a little lemon or fruit juice to jazz it up.  I drink iced tea.  You can make tea -- hot or cold, coffee, or cold coffee, flavored water, juice for pennies.  I have a soda stream machine that makes carbonated water - and I can add flavors and it is like having a pop!  I only have this because I got it for $15 NEW at a yard sale many years back.  Once in a while I will splurge and by their flavoring - but usually I just add fruit juice or those little individual water flavor packs.

You can also make Kool-Aid for the kids or yourself.  You control the sweetness and the type of sweetener used.  There are many options other than buying pop, bottled cold brew coffees, or going out for that morning coffee.

Learn how to make your own morning coffee and add flavorings to make it special.  A store bought cup of coffee can be $5 up!  That is just CRAZY!!!!!!!

We can save so much money by just cooking at home and staying out of restaurants and buying all the junk!  

You NEED to save money for whatever your reason?  Well, rethink your spending.  We all spend on so many unnecessary things.  Just because you WANT it - doesn't mean you should BUY it!!!!!!  Seriously.

Think about your goals - your future - what is REALLY important.

I would think having an emergency fund, being debt free, and having a stocked pantry in case of whatever emergency - would be more important than instant gratification on eating out or that expensive morning coffee!!!!!!!!!

Think about it.

Your health and the welfare of your family should come first.

GET CREATIVE AND SAVE