Info on FREE

 Just a heads up all of you in the U.S..  You can still get 'free' C19 home tests via the mail UNTIL 9/2/22. All ordering will be suspended on that day.

You get to order 8 tests and they are to be sent in packages of 4.  I sent my order the other day.  On the affirmation I received, it says I can order one more time (8 more).  I am going to do that - not for me - but in case someone I know needs a test.  (ordered the other 8).   I only ordered a set (4) once back in the winter - that may be why I can order another batch.  Not sure.

You will want to go to https://special,usps.com/testkits

Place your order now - as the offer ends in a couple days.

ANOTHER TYPE OF PREP!!

I will be out of town today - so will not be responding much.

Have a lovely day!

Holding off on Turning Heat Up

 I know it is pretty darn warm - hot - in many, many places.  Let us just say - it really will be chilly and cooler much sooner than we think.  Times flies - and fall and fall weather is just around the corner.  

Now, I really do love fall weather.  Cooler temps, windows open, sweatshirts, campfires, and pretty leaves.

THEN it gets cold very quickly.

Heat bills in all forms will be going up this year.  No matter what you heat with - increases are happening.

Today I thought I'd just mention a few ways to keep the bills lower and maybe JUST MAYBE keep the heat off as long as possible.

I always turn the AC on later than most people, and I turn the heat on later.  I have a pretty good comfort range and truthfully, I use many of these ideas and it really does save some dollars.

USE THE LIGHT

When it is sunny out - open those blinds and curtains!!!!!!  Follow the sunlight.

Not only does it make the cheery and bright - but the sun provides a lot of warmth.  Keys times to open the curtains is between 10AM - 5PM.  On the reverse - block those windows in the evening to keep that warmth inside!!

USING ACCESSORY HEAT

If you normally line dry your laundry outside - during those frigid cold months, that can be hard to do.  Oh, I remember frozen sheets on the line when I was a kid!!  LOL

Get a simple accessory to put on your drier vent.  It allows you to vent all or some of the heat from drier into your basement or home.  Now I hear a lot about it also allows moisture.  It may put off some humidity - we need that more in winter.  I have a piece of nylon hose over the open end of mine to catch any lint that may blow out.  I have no heat vent in the basement and all my pipes are in the ceiling of the basement.  Using the drier in this way (along with natural temps) is enough to keep it nice down there all winter.

ALSO - in this same vein - after baking anything - prop the oven open when done and turned off.  That allows that heat to venture into the house.  Never waste heat from anything!!  Recycle it.

ALSO - make sure you keep those furnace filters CLEAN!

BED, SNUGGLES AND BEING COZY

Add extra bedding to your bed.  Extra blankets or quilts!  Many people use and love flannel sheets.  They are much warmer.  I cannot do that - they are waaaayyy too much for me.  I am one of those crazy people that has to have cold sheets 365 days a year!!!!

Extra covers are a plus for keeping the temps lower at night.  Snuggle with your honey or your fur babies!!!  Either one can keep you warmer!

Afghans and throws are wonderful for any couch or chair.  I have a little living room - but I always have at least 3 throws in there during the colder months - easy to grab and snuggle in any chair.  Warm blankie, hot chocolate and a book - winter bliss!!!!!!!

LAYER IT UP

Wear many layers.  You can always remove clothing if you get hot - but once you are cold - it takes a while to get your body warm.

Of course you may be that person, who is still wearing shorts in December!  I am not.  I do not like being cold.  I hate shoes - but that is mandatory in this area during winter (socks too).  House shoes in the house or socks - will keep those tootsies warm.

MOVE - get outside and do yard work if at all possible.  Move around the house.  You work up a sweat sometimes.  You get fresh air and sunshine - nothing bad about it.  Even when the weather is frightful - you can do something.  I HATE to exercise - but in the dead of winter I turn on the radio to oldies some days and dance like I can!!!  LOL!  If I am watching the silly boob tube - I stand in front of the TV and do a few lunges or toe taps, or arm exercises.  Just don't sit on that BUM all day every day!!!!!

SPICE IT UP

Spicey food and drinks help the body warm.  Hearty foods stick to your ribs and make you feel full and the body feels warmer.  Chili, stews, crockpot dinners, roasted foods, casseroles - is this really a thing - or do we just THINK we are warmer.  I don't know, it may be psychological - but whatever works!!!!

Hot drinks, like hot tea, coffee, hot chocolate all help you feel warmer.

Heck, even a hot toddy now and then doesn't hurt!!!!  I only do those if feeling sick from a cold/flu.

SMALLER HEAT UNITS

Think about getting or having a couple space heaters.  You can often use them to just warm a room up ENOUGH.  You don't have to keep it on for a long period, they will warm the area in need quickly and for less dollars than the furnace.  BE CAREFUL if using any type of space heater.  That is so very important.

CEILING FANS

Make sure you change the direction of those blades on the ceiling fan.  Heat rises - so pushing it back down into the room just makes since.  You don't want it just going up through the ceiling and out the roof!

NOTE - it sure helps to have insulation in those attics or ceilings.  When we had blown-in insulation added, they 'guaranteed' our heat bills would fall by half.  It did!!!!!!  It makes a huge difference.

KEEP THOSE FLUIDS FLOWING

Don't stop drinking just because it isn't hot out.  Fluid intake is important.  Warm fluids are great.  Again, hot tea, coffee, hot cider, warm OJ, warm lemonade (tasty), hot chocolate, etc.  It all helps your body feel warm.

CLEAN AND WARM

A nice hot shower is wonderful feeling on a cold day.  I love taking a 'spa day' for myself.  A candle in the bathroom, maybe a warm drink and a hot soak with some scented Epson salts in the water.  Yep, that makes me right as rain.  After having that hot bath or shower - again let that warm air flow into the house.  I do not have towel warmers or heated floors - but I do throw my towel on the floor vent until I need it (when bathing) and I have a fuzzy mat to get out on.

SO there you have it.  A few ways to stretch your heating dollars a little.  I can usually cut a month off each end of the heating season by doing most of these things.  It may not seem like a lot - but a couple months of heating bills could make or break it for some homes this winter.

So what ideas do you have to stay warm and keep that bill down a little.  We would all love some new ideas.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/28

 Hello all - hoping this finds you all well and healthy.

What a week this has been.  I have much to share.

First - basically Momma is gone.  She had a few good moments then it went downhill quickly.  Last night when I got home - she was breathing so shallow.  I didn't want her to be alone when passing - so I brought her in and held her from 7:30 PM until this morning.  Never let her down.  Held her, petted her, kissed her, talked to her, and just loved her and CRIED!  She is 99% gone.  Her pupils are dilated and fixed.  She slept all night with her eyes open.  There seems to be nothing behind those sweet eyes.  Her body is totally limp.  She doesn't seem to be aware of anything - just barely breathing.  I believe SHE is gone - and the vessel is slowly shutting down.  Just breaks my heart.

I am so lucky she chose THIS place to live and that I got to enjoy her and love her for so many years.

Coogy wasn't sure what to think.  He didn't understand why he wasn't getting all my attention last night.

He was stressed and he got sick once.  But he was very kind and respectful to her.

I have not been to bed yet (yeah, I stayed up all night) and I still have on yesterday's clothes.  What a mess I am!

Not the best pic - taken through a window and screen.  Gold finch on the echinacea eating the seed.

I found out yesterday that my 'ex' broth-in-law passed away.  He was my deceased sister's husband and the kids stepdad.  He has remarried - but we still kept in touch and talked.  

On a happy note - I got to meet Mr. Miles - my newest nephew.  Oh my goodness he is tiny!!!!!  He is the tiniest baby I have held in ages.  What an absolute sweetheart.

Got to be with family yesterday afternoon at a cookout - I needed that.

Blackie and Fluffy were weird this AM.  I went out to feed and Blackie scarfed wet food and Fluff wanted 2nds - that NEVER happens.  Blackie never wants wet food in the morning.  Just strange.  Good but strange.

MY WEEK:

• I did mow and trim everything - it looked so pretty when first done.  Now it needs it again!
• I cleaned out between drive and fence about 50' length.  Mainly stuff growing from next door - but it is all clean now
• Froze more tomatoes and okra
• Picked some grapes and froze
• NO grocery at all - didn't even look at ads
• Dehumidifier water in washer
• Made a pasta/veggie salad to take to cookout - heavy on veggies (it was a hit)
• Made new feed and refilled the hummingbird feeders.  They are really active
• Taking care of Momma

Meals this week:

Reuban sandwich and pickles

Sloppy Joe and fresh veggies

Dirty rice w/chicken and salad

Rice with beans added and sliced tomatoes

Burger

Breakfast - eggs, sausage and toast

Family cookout

How was your week?  Did you get any deals or do any frugal things?  How are those gardens?

Life sure can change on a dime - so I hope you are all enjoying life.

I pray that you each have a healthy and safe week.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures, according to their kinds; cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds."  And it was so.

Genesis 1:24

Thank you Lord for all of nature and thank you for the sweet animals we have taken in as pets and family.  I feel they make us better people and enrich our lives in every way.

Thank you for blessing us with all of nature.  Amen

UPDATE on Momma

 Well, yesterday was much to do about nothing!   I could get NO help whatsoever!  To say I am p**sed is an understatement.  This would be a great city to have Vets that actually do what they pledged to do.

I called 6 different vets yesterday - all I got was "we are 2 weeks out", "end of Sept.", and "no new patients".  Then go 'to the emergency vet'.  We have 2 - one I will ever go to again (they killed a cat of mine years ago - yes they did).  The other was at least a "6 hour wait to be seen" per them!!!!  Then you are there for 3 - 4 hours.  One vet on duty.  I can't see to drive at night - and it would have been late coming home from there.

Seriously!!!!!!!

I got testy with the last of 6 that I spoke with.  I said Indy would be a great place to have a vet clinic.  She said - they are everywhere.  I said well, they all appear to useless as crap!!!!!  

I used to call and could get in my regular vet anytime.  They would squeeze you in for an emergency.  Not anymore.

I truly don't understand why things like this have not gotten back to normal.

SO, this Mom is taking care of her baby herself.  I learned how to take care of her glands on the Internet (you can find anything).  I did that - doesn't seem to be a problem.

I think she may not be pooing as much, since she is eating less.  She is drinking and urinating, that is good.

She has had hip problems for a long time (being a big girl) and she is 13+ years old.  That is substantial for an outdoor cat.  Monday she quit meeting me at the back door.  She jumps up on a trash can - then over the fence to a table - then jumps down to drive.  I think she acts like she is just hurting in her back end more (her stride is a little different).  We have been through this before.  I have given her a little pain med, increased CBD, and yesterday just to be sure - a dose of milk of magnesium.

Yesterday morning - she wasn't even outside when I went out in AM.  This morning she was waiting at the gate.  She only ate a couple bites of wet food - but appears to be eating some dry. Not losing weight.

She is resting a lot.

I will take care of her and make her comfortable as can be.  She seems to be responding slowly.

I will make an appointment for Sept. to have her checked.

Thank you for your kind thoughts - please continue to send good vibes for her.

One Thing or Another

 I like to have each day 'sort of' planned out the night before.  I kind of make a plan of what needs done, then go forward.  Well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans!!!!!

Not sure at all how today will play out.

                                                                    Hanging in there

I do believe I am going to have to take Momma kitty to the Vet today.  She has seemed different for a couple days, and yesterday I noticed her trying to poo several times with no success.  I gave her some mineral oil - but she still seems off this AM.

Hopefully it is an easy fix - expression or enema - but one never knows.  She is probably over 13 years old - so I hate to see her sweet self be uncomfortable or feeling bad.

So, I have no clue what the day will bring.  Please send good thoughts!!!!!!

I guess that is a good thing about being retired - plans change and nothing is etched in stone.

So today is going to be one of those, by the seat of my pants kind of days.

I hope you all have a great day!!!

Looking at Things From a New Perspective (when shopping)

 We all have our tricks and ways to save money at the grocery.  I have done a lot of posts about those many things.  Today let us talk about a few different things to think about.

When you buy less, you waste less!

I know we are all on a binge to stock-up, but think about some other things.

Don't get more fresh produce than you can reasonably use before the next store visit.  Eat it, freeze it or can it - DON'T waste it!

There is no good reason to dump food in the trash.  Keep those frigs organized and cleaned out - so you know what you have and make sure it is used!

                                                                                TRUTH

Most cheap food is unhealthy - yet a lot of healthy food is cheap

I can still find some healthy foods for a decent price.  Often the produce department has markdowns and Kroger has their .99/bags.  Sometimes the items are even organic.  I like places like Fresh Thyme - as they have some great weekly specials on sale fresh and real food.

Keep you eye on those kinds of places - Trader Joes, Fresh Thyme, any whole earth markets or farm stands or farm markets (even barter).  I know many farm markets are costly - they have transportation to get there and things just cost a little more (but they are super fresh).  It all depends on what is important to you!!!!

Fresh and healthy food - or buying packaged goods and chemical laden items.

Have a cultural experience.

Look at shopping at ethnic stores.  You can get so many items cheaper than a normal grocery.  There is usually less expensive produce and variety!  Many new things to try.  Beans and rice of all types.  Pasta's that are different.  Spices galore. 

Make it an adventure.  Learn something new, try something new and get some great prices!

Just because the item is a great price - doesn't mean it is a great buy!

Don't buy things just BECAUSE it is cheap.  Remember that saying - buy what you use and use what you buy!!!!!!!!

I have been guilty in the past of this - saw a super price and bought many.  Not necessarily something I would use - and didn't.  Shoot, if we do this, we might as well just drive down the street and throw money out the car window!!  Make sure those deals are things you will use.

Being frugal takes too much time!

Eeeeekkk!!!  I hate when folks say that.  Is your hard earned money not worth a little work to save it???

Think about it.  All good things are worth waiting for.  I find that spending a little extra time reading the ads, looking for the clearance and deals well worth the few minutes it might take.  Once you get into a habit of looking for deals - it becomes much easier.  Saving your hard earned dollars is never a waste of time!

Try the cupboard special!!!!

Yep - go through that pantry thoroughly.  Clean that freezer.  Find those things that have been pushed to the back and the bottom and USE THEM.  You may be amazed at the amount of time between shopping trips if you use what you have!!!  Don't let things go to waste.

Use it up, use it all, get creative and have meals without spending a penny!

Just a couple of things to think about.  We all know the basics, sometimes the obvious just seem to be ignored.  There are so many options to save a dollar or two at the grocery.  Excuses are not on the list!!!!!  Get creative and pay attention.  Know your priorities and have fun.

What creative ways do you use to find a bargain and save?

Eggs - Get the Most for Your Money

 I know eggs have gone up in price all around.  I am still getting a dozen large eggs for less than $2.  I know that many are paying much more.  I would pay more, especially if I could get farm fresh eggs.  I like eggs, although I don't eat every day.  I will continue to buy them.  In my opinion there are a few things that I will keep buying regardless of the cost.  For me - milk, eggs and cheese are must haves!

                                                                        not my picture

There are ways to stretch the use.  You can substitute other things for part of the eggs in baking goods.

I think many of us have heard about using applesauce to sub for an egg.  Actually, most fruit sauces will work, and add flavor as well.  Below is a chart of some other subs - click on the picture to enlarge for easier reading.

You can stretch eggs when scrambling by adding crushed crackers.  We used to do this all the time when we went camping.  There were always lots of mouths to feed (we did group meals), so we needed to stretch things.  We would beat up the eggs, add a bit of crushed crackers (flavored can be used too) and add a bit of water - and then scramble.  You could never tell there were crackers.  They were light and fluffy.

*Another tip I have learned and use now - don't use milk, when making scrambled eggs - use water.  You will end up with fluffier eggs and they won't be wet and hard to cook.

**I ALWAYS buy large or extra large eggs.  I can use one instead of 2 when baking - I always do that.  Buy the bigger eggs if you can.  Get the most for your money.

If you find a good deal on eggs - stock up!!!!!  You can freeze eggs easily.  I have done this many, many times.  Then I have eggs for cooking, when I might not have fresh or they are hard to find at store.  I freeze in muffin tins - one egg peer hole.  Pop out when frozen and put on freezers bags.  You can fry or bake with these. (I grease the tins first - but if difficult to remove - just set the bottom of pan in warm water for a moment - boom out they pop).

I know people use the float method to determine the freshness of eggs.  Honestly, I have only had 2 eggs that were bad in my entire life!!!!!!  I don't do the float test - never have.  I crack over a separate dish (just in case).  My counter and sink in right next to a window - so each time I get ready to use an egg - I simply hold it up to the light of the window.  IF it were icky inside - it will be dark.  Otherwise it will look light.  This hasn't failed me yet!!!!!!

                                                      In case you are interested.

You can also cook your eggs (scramble the best) and freeze, so all you have to do is re-heat and many people dehydrate cooked eggs.  I have not tried that yet.

I see lots of people who water glass eggs to preserve on the shelf.  Mixing fresh (unwashed) eggs with water and lime.  Another thing I have never tried - as I do not have fresh eggs.

You can fry eggs and make biscuits, sandwiches or burritos for quick and easy meals or breakfasts.  Wrap separately and simply warm when ready to eat.  Fast food from home!!!!

You can buy egg replacer for baking.  It is not really an egg product (vegans often use).  It is purchased in the baking aisle of the store.  I always have this on hand as well.  It lasts a long time on the shelf and it only takes a little to bake with. 

If you know someone who has chickens - maybe work out a deal to get eggs from them.  You may be able to barter other goods for eggs.  Fresh is wonderful.  It is also helping a local economy if you buy from a local person.

Eggs are full of protein, and if you are able to (or choose to) eat them, they provide nutrition for your body.  Use them wisely and substitute now and them and you can stretch your egg dollars a little more.

Have an EGG-cellent day!!!!!!!