Relevancy Years Later

 Good morning all.  Today is a beautiful crisp morning here in IN, going to get much warmer later on.  Tomorrow we may hit record highs and then it falls into fall!  Much, much cooler this weekend - high in 50's and 60's!

This is the month for winding up those harvests, getting things prepped and ready for the winter, cider, hot chocolate. pumpkins, beautiful leaves, all things FALL!  It is upon us.

As I have been going through paperwork, I have come across many old newsletters that I used to send out.  I sent those out from 2006 - 2015 (starting blog).  I originally did a newsletter at work, to give ideas to the workers on ways to take care of their money and things.  I watched daily as so many frivolously spent their paychecks, then would come and ask me to borrow money!  I tried to help and make a difference for them - not sure it helped many, but some got it.

After I quick working I started mailing newsletter to lots of people (same name as blog).

I ran across them the other day.  Oct. 2008 - some articles very relevant to today!  I will post a couple.

"PROSPERITY vs. HARD TIMES

We all go through good times and bad.  We have seen prosperity at its best in the country, and many have seen a depression.  We are now in an uncertain time, but we will persevere.  We will get through it all, and someday wonder what all the fuss was about.  In the meantime, we need to continue our frugal ways, saving anywhere we can.  Get your bills paid off ASAP - create NO new debt - be thrifty wherever possible.  This may mean giving up some of the "pleasure" items you buy, barter with others, cook from home and make it cooking from scratch, and save every penny you can.  Don't spend unnecessarily.  Remember the difference between wants and needs.  You may have to take a second job or a job you really don't like - but you need to do whatever you can.  Even in hard times, you can get by or even get ahead, with some work.  It may not be easy, but nothing work having is!!!!  Keep your chin up - things will get better."

Yep, same advice being offered today - 15 years later.  It seems as if we are going through a repeat of the past.  Those who remember around 2008 - things got pretty testy out there and times were most definitely tough.  Investments dropped, high interest where it shouldn't be, low interest where it shouldn't be, jobs hard to find, inflation sky-rocketed, etc.

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                                                                    WISE WORDS!

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Article 2

"FIND A PENNY..........PICK IT UP

That may sound silly to some people.  It is amazing how much change is dropped and never retrieved.  Pick it up.  This sounds very elementary - but it all helps.  100 pennies make a dollar, 20 nickels = $1, 10 dimes = $1 or 4 quarters = $1.  Dollars add up quickly.  All dollars help!!!!!  It is as simple as taking the time to bend over.  Once you start being aware of where you walk, you will find change all the time.  PLEASE remember, if you see a bill on the ground to look around and see if someone looks distressed - odds are it is theirs.  Don't ever take from someone else.  It could happen to you.  We have all accidentally lost money - and it is a sick feeling.  So be courteous and notice if maybe the bill belongs to someone nearby, before putting it in your pocket.  BE ON THE LOOKOUT.  It all adds up!!!!!!"

Our lives do go in cycles.  Financial problems go in cycles.  Inflation and recession goes in cycles.  Will it get better?  Who knows!  It may - odds are it levels out and we get 'used' to this 'new normal' - then in a few years it all starts over.  It kind of sucks, but that is how it goes.

We just all need to be a vigilant as we can be and as prepared as we can be.  Do whatever it takes to make things work for your family and home.

Plan your work and work your plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My Glen's favorite saying!!!!!!

Boy is it true.  

We will get through this broohaha of a mess we live in - we come from strong stock.  Our ancestors worked hard and provided a new future - we can do the same.  

It takes work and perseverance - but it CAN BE DONE!

Have a great Tuesday all!

(no politics please)

Weekly Wrap Up 10/01

 Happy Sunday to all and happy first day of October!

We have had really nice weather for most of the week - we did get rain one day - and then we have had fog and more fog in the mornings!  This week starts as summer feeling weather - then we slide into some fall type weather for the second half.  I guess it is time.

The moon has sure been big and bright - goodness even with the fog, it has been so pretty.

My hummingbirds have gone south, I sure hate when they leave.  The New England Asters are now starting to bloom, that is my fall flower.

Sink bugs galore are flying around and clinging to things!  YUK!  It seems the excessive spider webs have slowed too.  Gosh, for a while you walked into a spider web everywhere you walked!

Well, I went to the reunion last evening and may I say there were sure a lot of 'old people' there!!!!!  LOL!  Seriously, there were some who appeared to look older than mom did when she was 90!  Others, well - I want to know what kind of secret pill they are taking, because they looked fantastic!

It was a good time - lots of fellowship.  Saw many old chums from as far back as grade school - those were fun talks.  Talked to people I haven't seen in a few decades and talked to some that I had never before met.  We had the biggest turn-out of any reunion EVER from our high school.  Pretty darn amazing.  I even sat at the same table as my childhood sweetheart (grade school)!  It sure was fun getting to catch up with people.  There was a lot of variety in education, employment, families, lifestyles, etc.  I do believe a good time was had by one and all!

This week:

• I had a virtual meeting with my insurance rep about home and car policies.  Learned some new things about the policies, which I had not known.  I did make one small change - but basically all is good.
• I cut my hair and did a root touch up
• Washed all the windows on the outside
• Had a luncheon with gals from grade school, to welcome home an old friend from CO.  That was nice
• I got 3 huge bags of things in the trash (mainly paper) for last weeks pick-up
• Working on more trash to go out this week - oh, so much paper!!!!!!!
• Still harvesting lots of tomatoes - pepper plants are doing well, and there are several small peppers hanging out there
• I did run to the store (Kroger) first of week and picked up a few specials from last weeks ad - but mainly got clearance.  I got 3 caramel apples for 1.05, 18 count eggs for .65 (spec. coupon), choc. chip granola bars for .65 box, cider was 1.99/half gal. (dang it is tasty), fresh Brussel sprouts marked 1.19/lb.  I also got flour for 2.49/5 lb.
• While out I topped off gas, so as to use up points - saved .50 gal.
• I also stopped at WM (cringe) and bought myself some new undies and a new bra.  Boy oh boy, nothing cheap anymore!
• I received a gift in the mail from LaurieS from OR - it was iris roots and a few gladiola bulbs, all from her garden!  How cool - will get them planted today!  THANK YOU!!!!
• I won a door prize at the reunion - a $30 Visa gift card!

They are starting to open!!!  The one at the back has 14 buds on it.  I doubt they all bloom, but it sure is something to see.  Thanks to the birds!

Meals this week:

Pinto beans over rice topped w/cheese

Hot dogs and a salad

Fish and fries and a side salad

Out to lunch - had a cup of cheesy potato soup and 1/2 of chicken club sandwich

Cube steak, mac n cheese and sauteed Brussel sprouts

Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Reunion buffet

I am sitting here feeling a cool breeze come through the window, the sun is shining, and I can hear "Jay" the blue jay just carrying on outside!  Things are waking up on this glorious day.

How has you week been?  It know there have been ups and downs for several of you.  I hope you got to enjoy some times too.

Any deals or bargains?  Harvests or is your garden done?

I get back to some much needed yard work this week - avoided it last week - didn't want to take a chance of getting poison ivy with the reunion coming!!!

I look forward to hearing from you all.

May you have a wonderful week and have good health and stay safe.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

John 12:46

Dear Lord, watch over and keep us in Your embrace.  Help guide us each through hardships and heartbreaks.  We know You can heal us through Your love.  Let us have understanding in the daily dilemmas we face, that we may better get through them and help guide others.  Amen

My Long and Winding Road

This week is one of those weeks where the past is coming to life again, and so many memories and good times are awakened.

I have mentioned my childhood at home was good, but I wasn't all that popular in school (especially high school).  I didn't conform to the mold that made one popular.  Not a cheerleader or jock - played the violin all through school, no name brand clothes.  I did have a lot of clothes - but I made them!!!  

I had a few good friends and that was it.  But that was fine to me.  I still don't conform a lot and still have those same few friends from back then - although I have added more over the years that were not from school!!!

I mentioned going to lunch yesterday.  That was with gals from high school who also happened to be grade school chums as well.  It was all to welcome 'home' an old friend from Colorado that we hadn't seen in years and years.  It was a great time and lots of laughing and chatter.  

I got to visit with another gal I hadn't seen since graduation!  There is a story here!!!!! (below)

My word I looked up and realized they had placed other people in our little room - and I felt so sorry for them.  No quiet relaxing lunch for them!!!!

This weekend is the 50 year high school reunion.  How in the world did that happen?????  Seems like yesterday we were just kiddos running amuck in a world of carefree fun.

I belong to a group on FB for our graduating class and another for all alum - and there have been so many posts this week with pictures, memories, a memoriam and activities.  A lot of people are coming back from all over the country for this one - and it will be the biggest one we have ever had.

I graduated with close to a 1,000 other kids, so there is no way we all knew each other.  Each reunion is meeting new people!  That is just crazy.

I got to thinking yesterday after I came home - so much has happened over all the years.

There were marriages, divorces, deaths, children, grandchildren.  There are hearing aids, eye surgeries, white hair, balding heads, canes and walkers!  Many, many are no longer on this earth with us.  We have lost over 10%.

And good golly - we are all approaching that 70 mark in the near future!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The story I mentioned above:  This gal and I were decent friends back then.  She had a cousin away at IN State University and I had a boyfriend there.  We decided one weekend to go make a visit.  We rode the bus from Indy to Terre Haute (about 75 mi. or so) - there and back (at night).  We stayed with her cousin overnight while there.  Our parents allowed that!!!!!!!  This was around '72 - in my junior year.  I cannot imagine allowing a young woman to do that today or even a gal wanting to.  Times were sure different back than, and never once were we worried, running all over campus and having a ball, talking to strangers and not having a care in the world.  

Side note:  That weekend my crazy boyfriend decided to come and surprise me!!!!!!!  It was not his scheduled weekend to come home.  We both got a huge surprise!!!!!!  LOL

It all seems like a lifetime ago.  I guess it was.

It sure has been a long and winding road from childhood to now.  Many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and life just happening.

What a week of looking back.  I kind of am looking forward to Saturday evening and seeing many old chums, strangers and maybe making some new chums.  I guess we are never too old for that.

It should be an experience - 50 years!

Anyone else done this yet?

I hope you all have a great weekend, having a wonderful time with family and/or friends.

Here's looking to the future!!!!!
 

Mid-Week - You are Wonderful!

 Happy Wednesday to all.  A dreary morning here, but cool and otherwise great.  I hope you are all going to have a wonderful day.  I am having lunch today, with some old friends.  That will be nice.

Hoping we get a little more rain - we got a tiny bit yesterday - but need so much more.  getting a few drizzles at the moment!

                                For SMILES!!!!!!  Not my picture - but just sooooooo sweet!!!

                                                 How can you not smile seeing that?????

Yep - something each and everyone needs to hear from time to time!  

Be you and don't let others change you.  Go for what you want in life - and if you aren't sure - explore!

Don't let people push your buttons - try as they might.

Beauty isn't just on the outside - it is an inward quality as well.  Be kind, be just, be calm and go forward.  Glow from the inside out!!!!!!!

Be the beautiful human you were made to be.

Love you all.  Have a fantastic day!!!!!!

It Will Soon be Here!!!!!!

 One more week and it will be October.  Many of us are still harvesting 'something' and canning and freezing and dehydrating.  But the time is coming to a close pretty soon.  This year has flown by - we all feel it.  SO - think how fast the remainder of the year will go!

One more month and it will be Halloween time.  Two months is Thanksgiving here in U.S.  Canada Day will be soon upon us.  Christmas is 3 months from yesterday!!!!!  YIKES

Is anyone getting ready or thinking about things?

Coming up in the next couple of months HOPEFULLY there will be some deals on baking goods, candy (chocolate) and gift ideas.  Many foods are seasonal and it will time to stock up on those as well.  Yams, potatoes, turkey, ham, bread and stuffing goods, apples, cranberries, pumpkins............

It will be the time to take advantage to stock up for the winter months.  Get items as cheaply as possible and be ready for winter.  

Lots of things are on clearance now as well.  Nothing says Christmas gifts have to be winter related.  Think about clothes, pool items, fishing goods, camping/hiking, gardening items, etc.  Get a little creative!

I plan on doing the gift/goody bags for adults again this year.  Everyone loves them and expects them.

I usually include homemade salsa, jelly, relish, summer sausage, cookies (their special grandma cookies), and any special items that they may love.  Some it is special olives, cheeses, soups, canned products, sauces, trail mixes, nuts, rice & soup mixes - you get it, all sorts of yummies.

This year I have no baby blankets to make - all the babies have been covered!!!  My niece still wants one done eventually with the baby clothes - but that isn't Christmas.

Any teens now get money or a gift card, plus a small goody bag of fun stuff of their own.  Fuzzy socks, maybe jammies, candy and special items they like, etc.

The littles - well, there is where I will need to get creative this year.  One is really into crafty stuff and loves being artistic (he is 4 1/2).  I got a couple plain birdhouses the other day for him and will get other items to paint and all the paints.  He gets excited with everything!

Maybe baby doll blankets for the little girls or books or art stuff.  Most of the littles get so much stuff these days - it gets tough to come up with something.  Hmmm - maybe cute hats and gloves - but not real exciting when you are little!!!!

Are you all making any plans yet?  Are you thinking about all the goodies you need to stock for the upcoming holidays and/or winter?

I saw my first Christmas commercial on TV Sunday evening.  It was a Glade commercial.  My goodness, they do rush the seasons.  Every place has stuff for sale!

It would be nice to do one thing at a time - you know, like the good old days!!!!!!!!!!!

But money speaks today!

But yes, even me - here doing a post about the upcoming holidays - it has bit us all!!  I do know with holiday gifts - it does take time and effort and some money - so people plan ahead for that.

You got any great ideas to share with us all this year?  I would love some new thoughts.

Have a great FALL day to everyone!

Weekly Wrap Up 9/24

 Happy Sunday to you all.  Happy official fall!!!!  Seems like we just said happy spring!  

It is still pretty green here on the trees.  Our peak season for fall foliage is generally around mid-October.  It is pretty darn dry - so that may affect the pretty colors this year.  I have had the usual leaves fall - but that has more to do with the tree than fall.

I have been seeing a little bunny around for most of the week.  Oh goodness it is sweet.  I walk out front to fill the feeder the other day and looked down the road (about 4 houses) and there was a chicken roaming around the front yard!  Only chickens I know are behind me a house or 2 down the alley - and it is surrounded by a tall fence.  I had to chuckle.

I have seen tons of preying mantis, grasshoppers and butterflies lately.  

The last rain we got was a couple of showers last Sunday and that has been it.

It looks like this week will be nice with highs around 80* all week, possibly some rain mid-week.

Today would have been Mr. Hunky Man's (Glen) birthday.  I sure do miss him.  He was just so funny and I miss the companionship.  I always teased him and said - well you caught up with me (I was 11 mo. older), and he would joke - you are still a cougar!!!!  LOL!  I happy to know he is healthy and with the Lord.  That soothes my soul.

You know those sayings - when it rains it pours and one thing leads to another!  Well, that sums my week!!!  LOL

My week:

• I finally decided on blinds for the dbl. window in the living room.  I decided to get 2 instead of one.  Easier to replace if needed.  I went out and got them.  I also found 2 unfinished birdhouses while out - for my gr.gr. nephew for Christmas.  He loves crafts - so I will get paint too.
• I ran to the local family-owned hardware while out - got some spackling compound.  I always enjoy talking with the guy there - just friendly and knowledgeable.
• Mowed the entire yard for the first time in 2 weeks - only certain places looked kind of bad - but it all got done (it looks so nice right after mowing)
• Did a bunch of pulling and weeding on the big bed - it is a mess! (heat & dry have taken a toll)
• Pulled pounds more tomatoes - not huge ones, but still good
• Watered pots and plants with rain barrel water
• Pulled out ground pork from freezer.  Made up several breaded pork burgers and fried.  Several in freezer for future use.
• Got the blinds up and installed
• Putting up blinds - met with repainting all that trim around those windows.  Then cleaning out the window wells - oh the dust and crud.  Then washing those windows - inside and out.  Then changing out from the curtains to lace valances (I had).  It looks lovely - brighter.  The climbing, reaching and bending sure does get to an old body!!!!!!
• I then decided to change valances in bedroom.  I needed 2 tension rods for those.  I had one the right size and 2 that were too short.  Well, I was dirty and tired and didn't want to go out - so I took apart one little rod and added a piece to the other and made one that fits!  I used some clear packing tape to adhere the extra piece and it can't be seen and it works perfectly!  I love the look of the new (I had) valances in there.
• I called one day to get the Internet upgraded.  Got a letter that stated it would not be useful after Nov. 3 - so I had to upgrade (to fiber optics).  I called and they said they would be here next day!  WHAT?  That was fast.  Well, things needed moved and cleaned.  TV cabinet got moved and cleaned behind and under (where equip. is) - oh my gosh!  I could have made a whole bunch of rabbits with the huge dust bunnies! Well, I got all new from the pole in the alley to the house and new equipment - which meant he had to go into spaces (in basement) no man has gone in years!!!!!!!!  Oh good golly, I was embarrassed.  The stuff, the dust, the spider webs - ICK!  So lots of moving and assisting him on my part.  It is done - I was mortified and now I have NEW incentive to clean out that darn basement!!!!!!!!!  IT IS HAPPENING THIS TIME!!!!!!!
• Did lots of laundry and mopped the floors
• NO grocery this week
• AC has been off biggest part of the week

Meals this past week:

Loaded baked potato

Chicken strips, lima beans and salad

Tamales over rice

Grilled cheese and salad

Breaded pork burger and salad

Cold cut sandwich and salad

BLT and side of scrambled eggs

What a week.  My poor back feels it.  I don't think I have reached, climbed and moved that much in a long while!!!!  I survived - got new incentives - have new things to look at - and I will keep moving forward.

How was your week?  What has everyone been up to?  Any deals?  How about the gardens?  Are they still producing?  Do you have lovely fall weather yet?  This year is sure flying - another week or so and it will be October!!!!!  Three months till Christmas!  YIKES

I hope this finds each of you well and safe and healthy.  I look forward to hearing from you all.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:17-18

Dear Lord, Help us each to be better citizens of this earth and to be kinder and more mindful of our thoughts and actions.  We pray for peace amongst all beings of the earth.  Amen

Oh Yes, the Simple Things

 This morning, the sunrise was absolutely beautiful - what a work of art.  The colors were just glorious.  I was standing outside, and I saw 3 robins in the yard - and it dawned on me I had not seen any for a few weeks.  That made me smile.  The bunny that has been visiting daily.  The birds were all lined up to eat and drink this morning, taking their turns as the squirrels scurried around.  Blackie was so loveable this morning and giving kisses.  I thought the hummies may have left - but I saw them this morning.

Brought a smile to my neighbor, when I gave him a baggy of small tomatoes for his and his girlfriend's enjoyment for lunch at work today.

Fresh cool air streaming through my windows this AM - wonderful.

These are the simple and wonderful things I am loving this morning.

I just love this poem.  I think it says it all - such joy!

What simple things are bringing you joy on this lovely day?

I wish you each and every one a glorious day - and hope that you take some time to truly enjoy the many simple joys that come our way!

Have a blessed day my friends!!!!