Another One Bites the Dust!

 It is Thursday.  It is the end of yet another month.  We are approaching Christmas at record speed!!!! In a month we will be celebrating the end of yet another year.  Good golly Miss Molly - it sure seems impossible.

The sunrise this morning was incredibly beautiful!  The moon was full and bright.  It is warming some today - the sun is shining.  Nice way to end the month.

What plans do you have for the weekend?  Are you ready to start the holiday decorating?  Shopping or baking?  Chill-axing and staying warm?

I am going out today to get my monthly gasoline.  I don't want to lose my points for the month - and they end after today.  I will probably stop at Kroger and look around - need a couple things for baskets.  Hmmm - maybe Big Lots too - it is just a block from Kroger.

I will probably make my first batch of cookies this weekend.  I have some crafting to do as well.

I am not doing a lot of decorating inside this year.  Just not into it!

Whatever you plan to do - have fun with it!!!!!  We all need more fun in life.  We need to laugh more and enjoy every day - no matter what it throws at us.

I wish each of you a splendid December!

December isn't for Everyone!

 Good day to all.  Here we are mid-week again.  Today I just want to add a few words of encouragement to all - my mind has been going the past couple days.

There is so much going on in people's lives.  Many have spouses that are ill and going through much.  Many have lost loved ones or pets in the past months and year.  Some are battling illness themselves.

December and the holidays are not for everyone!  THAT IS OK!!!!!!!

I know I post a lot of Christmas things and memories.  I had a great childhood and have good memories.  I think sometimes they help others to go back to a better time.  I don't ever intend for them to make someone sad.  Those memories make me smile and bring me a little joy - and I hope they do for you as well.

I understand going through the holidays without those special someone's is awful. Over the years I have lost siblings, both parents, cousins, friends and my very special beloved husband.  The FIRST is always the worst.  They all hurt, but with love of family and friends the pain becomes a bit less.  But there will always be a hole in the season.

I guess my advice is to just do what feels right for you.  Don't let chaos take over - regain and control your life - turn chaos into calm.

Don't worry about the presents.  It isn't about the presents - it is about the presence of love and hope in our lives.  There truly is hope.

Grief and sadness are a given in this life on earth.  It cannot be avoided.  Yet, we can control how we let it affect us.  If you do not want to celebrate - then don't.  Don't be bullied into it either.

I choose to remember!  Those memories take me back in time, if for just a moment, and to those dear loved ones that are gone.  I feel like remembering and sharing keeps their light shining and alive.

I know not everyone is spiritual, and that is your private choice.  I am - so I speak of God and faith often.  I just feel I have something special in my life that no one take away, it is mine.

Christmas is much more to me than celebrations and gifts.

I also believe we should live the goodness and kindness each and every day.  NOT just once a year.

I hope you feel like you can share here.  I hope you each feel a bit of love and cared for here. 

I wish goodness and happiness for all.  If you feel sadness - reach out.

No matter how you spend December - try to make it a good month. 

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Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill.... is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Calvin Coolidge

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire; it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

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I hope you all feel at home here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day.

Nostalgia, Simplicity and Memories

 Happy Tuesday all!  It is a COLD and blustery morning here.  Our coldest since March!!!!!  It was 18* this morning, with a high of only 30* today.  ICK!!!!!  Tomorrow, we get back to warmer and more seasonal temps - thank goodness.  I saw on the weather that the next 2 weeks will be above normal here!  Can you see me jumping up and down??!!  LOL

I have been thinking about holidays past a lot lately.  I tend to do that this time of the year.

I saw this little item and thought what a great idea.

What a cute idea!!!!!!!  Get out that button box and make up some cute gift tags!  Tags and cards could be used with this method all year long!  Simple, old fashioned looking, and using what you have around the house.  Neat way to get creative.

I make gift tags from all the card fronts that I keep from year to year.  They are pretty and FREE!  You can cut into designs or use as is!

Who remembers these????  Oh my gosh, I remember seeing them in the stores as a kid, and I always wanted one!  I mean they were just filled with cheap junk and very little candy - but I wanted one!  Mom would always tell me to just wait - because Santa would bring me something much better!!!!!! 

He always did - never failed!

There would be an orange in the toe - then there were nuts in shells, wrapped candies, trinkets like hair accessories, bubble bath, little hand games, crayons, etc.  Such fun to see all the goodies!

LOVE this!  I remember having a candy dish full of these every year.  The filled raspberries were my favorites!    Good old-fashioned candy, some filled some not.  I can still find canisters of these at Big Lots and sometimes at drug stores or places like Ollies.  I don't have mom's neat, covered candy dish - but I keep mine in a wide mouth quart jar. A canister lasts me a long while, so the jar keeps them well (and it is pretty to look at!).  I sure need to get some for this year.  It just doesn't seem like Christmas without the pretty hard candies!

Just a memory or two!  I am so thankful for memories.  I can sit and smile (or laugh) thinking about things.  I will put on some Christmas music today and I plan on getting some crafts done, I need to start putting baskets together (to see what else I need), and then on to jelly making and cookie making later this week!  Oh, I got the cards out and ready to address as well!!!!

This Santa's helper will be busy for the next few weeks.  That is a good thing - because it keeps me busy and keeps my mind occupied!!  We all know this can also be a sad time of the year for many reasons for many people.

What are you up to today?  Are you working on any Christmas items or plans?  Shopping?  Crafting?

We all need some new ideas - come on, give us a shout!!!!!

Can't wait to hear from you all.

PS - FRANCES - hope all is OK.  Hope you can check in and update!  HUGS!

Weekly Wrap Up 11/26

 Happy Sunday to all.  Here we are the last Sunday of the month - and a month from today the 'party' will be over!!!!!  Gosh golly - it is just amazing.

I hope today finds you well and safe.

I hope all that celebrated Thanksgiving had a good day!  Maybe some of you are still celebrating.

It is a cold and dreary morning here.  Expecting some showers and maybe a flurry or two.  The next couple of days will be COLD (highs in 30's), then it gets back to 40's and 50's by the end of the month/week.

Thanksgiving Day was glorious and sunny and in the 50's!  The next day was chilly and breezy.

I had robins at the birdbath again this week.  That is just amazing me to pieces.  I have never had robins this late.

Lil Bit is growing - I swear it has grown so much.  Purring a lot now and loves to play!  Oh goodness. any leaf or stick is prey!!!!  Such a nut and sweety.  Getting much friendlier with me. Hope to update a pic soon.

         Sure are words to live by - huh?  The world would just be so different if all did this.

Sorry this is a bit blurry.  It was through the window at 5:30 AM this morning.  That is how bright the moon was!    Full and bright!

My week:

• I got the last rain barrel emptied and put away
• Lots of laundry
• Root touchup
• Blackie went to Vet for shots and dewormer (mine wasn't doing the job).  He was such a good boy - more to this story I will relate later!
• Still working on all the dusting and deep cleaning 
• Changed the furnace filter and turned furnace to humidifier mode
• Made a small turkey breast on Friday and baked some biscuits (got to have my leftovers)
• Got the wreaths out (2) for doors and the Christmas flag.  Will get those out in the next couple days.

It was really a quiet week here.  Just leading to the holiday and I took it kind of easy.  Time to get serious on Christmas now.  My first gathering is on the 10th!!!  It is going to be a busy month in many ways.

My meals this past week:

Made a small pot of soup with leftover rice and beef - added cheese - YUM

Chili dogs and fries

Pork (from freezer), steamed broccoli, and cheesy garlic toast

Chili cheeseburger and salad

Dinner at families' home - THANKSGIVING

Turkey, mashed pots and gravy and biscuits

Turkey, cheese, tomato melt and leftover mashed and gravy

                                                                    Grilled turkey melt

Had biscuits with meal, made a cold turkey sandwich w/biscuit, biscuits with butter and jelly (snack) - ALL GOOD!  Still some left.

How was your holiday?  Did you all eat too much too!!!  Oh my gosh, there was so much food at my nieces - and I think I tried most everything!  It was all so good.  The kiddos were a blast - her littles have always been bashful w/me and they were so sweet and friendly.  I got BIG hugs and kisses!!!!  Loved it.

Did anyone shop this weekend?  I did NOT!  Not anything!

Did anyone get any good deals at the grocery this week?  Are you ready for Christmas?  I am not!!!!!  Not yet!  How did it get here so quickly????  LOL

I hope this finds each and every one safe and healthy.  Please check in and let us know what is going on in your world.  I am missing some of you!!!!!

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!  Give thanks to him, bless his name!

Psalm 100:4

Dear Lord, we thank You for the gifts we received this week of fellowship, friendship and family.  Thank You for providing warm food for our bellies, and for those who spent the day feeding and helping others.  May we each and every one go forth and do good this month and spread cheer and joy all around.  Please lay your healing hands upon those in need of Your healing touch.  AMEN

Keeping Small, Simple and Fun!

 Happy Friday to all.  I hope all those in US had a great Thanksgiving yesterday.  Maybe some haven't had family get togethers yet!  It seems to be a weekend of fun and SHOPPING!

No shopping for me.  I used to do the crazy 'Black Friday' madness, but not for years now!  Want nothing to do with all that mess.  This is my weekend to just chill, relax, maybe decorate a little and EAT!

Just wanted to throw out a couple reminders and ideas for fun.  Many of you are completely done with your Christmas gifts.  Many of us are part way done.  Many haven't started!  It's all good.  Just remember that Christmas Eve is a month from today!!!!!!  YIKES

SHOP SMALL business if at all possible!  Mom and pop shops, private owned, thrift shops, ethnic stores, crafty places, small bakeries, etc.  These people are paying for their families with any purchases you make - this is there life and income.  Box stores make millions of dollars and could (in general) not give a patoot about their employees or you!  They act like they are giving you deals - but they are just luring you in to spend more.  Keep it small as much as you can this year.

Keeping things simple and fun is wonderful too.  You know I love homemade gifts and gifts of food.  I have been doing this for years and it has really caught on in my family - we all do it in some way.

I also like experiences for those who have everything (espec. kiddos).  It can be movie passes, a trip to the zoo or museum, a hiking trip, a fishing date with pawpaw, you name it.  Make it fun.

Homemade can be fun and inexpensive.  Kiddos like projects they can do - and they also like something that they can make and give to a grown up!  Maybe a piece of 'artwork' framed and gifted to grandma or auntie.  Little things can be meaningful and fun. 

Yesterday I was asking some of the littles what they wanted (these kids have everything).  They said craft projects they can do together, friendship bracelet supplies, fake jewelry and make-up (4 yr old), dress-up stuff.  I was amazed at the simple things!!!!!!!

Here is a cute idea for school mates, office workers, teachers, etc.  A candy bar wrapped in white paper and an all-size pair of gloves for the hat!  Doesn't cost hardly anything and so cute.

Kiddy stuff - color book, small toys, markers, candy, etc. - you could do the same for adults!

A fun family gift of yummies or fun treats for a movie night at home.

Homemade play dough for the young ones!  Lots of fun and NOT toxic!!!!!!

ROCKS to paint!  This was requested yesterday as well from one of the young ones.  You can find the rocks yourself if you choose.  Big, little, medium size - they are all fun.  You can buy some paints and a few brushes - add rocks and let the kiddos have a ball.  They can paint anything on them - words, animals, bugs, butterflies, flowers, etc.  Fun project for ADULTS as well!!!!!!!

I would LOVE to receive a painted rock as a gift from one of the littles! (even from an adult).  They pretty up gardens and pots.  Super fun and easy.

So just a few things to think about.  Please support as many small businesses as you can - everyday!!!!  We are the life blood of those small shops.  Have fun and keep things simple.  Great gifts do not have to be expensive or complicated.

Have a great day!!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 Just taking a moment to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you each get to spend time with those you love and just being together.  May your bodies be blessed with great nourishment.

Wishing you a splendid day and remember those who are not with this on this day by speaking of them and including their memory into the festivities!

I am so thankful for so many things in this world, and you are all included.

Thank you so much for being friends and extended family and supporting me in my adventures.

Have a wonderful day!

Perks Can be Helpful!

 Happy Tuesday all.  Hoping you are all well and safe.  Wishing all those traveling this week - many safe travels.

I know many of you use Kroger or have affiliates of it in your area.  Yes, they can be more expensive than some other stores, such as Aldi, or dent stores.  BUT, there can be perks as well.

I am one that shops according to the sales, clearance and perks!  I rarely buy anything at regular price - I don't need things that badly.  I have a good stock - and look for deals only now.

Anyone else get this perk from Kroger?  It is so nice!  There are lots of recipes and tips and ideas to help stretch the budget.  There are also personalized coupons!!!  YES!  Coupons for things I tend to buy.

Yes, I know they are tracking my purchases - but other than paying cash and getting no store discounts - there isn't much way to not be tracked these days.

IF you don't get this or their monthly coupon packets - you might visit their site and contact them and tell them you are interested.  The coupons in the magazine are similar to the monthly coupons I get (a few extras) - but they are good through the end of January!!!!!!  My monthly packet is good for just the month.

Maybe try the email of:  ReaderThoughts@mymagazine.us

My monthly packet! 

If I am going to be spending my money on things, I want the best deals.  Coupons help.  I also am registered to get digital coupons for weekly specials.  On the digital deals there are often coupons I can download for 'good customer' or 'special deals'.

I get points that I can use for money off on gas. 100 points = .10 per gallon discount.  You get a point for each dollar spent on groceries.  Many times (almost weekly) there are special days (w/digital) you can get 2X the points on your purchase.  You can get 2X points on certain GC purchases. This is very helpful.

Last month because of 2X points for purchase and GC purchases (for gifts) - I got a $1 off per gallon of gasoline.  That was my best ever discount.

So yes, I do shop other places now and then - but I do get some nice perks at Kroger stores.  I also love their .99 clearance produce section!

It is worth going sometimes just to get the deals and then leave.

I do have several store cards - for all kinds of stores for discounts.  Again, you are tracked.  I can purchase something at say Big Lots and by the afternoon, there will be an add on my computer about that product.  Seriously!!!!!!!  

It is crazy, but it is the way of the world today.  

I can also just make some inquiries about something I want to learn about on the computer - BOOM - ads!

The truly scary thing for me - call me paranoid - is I can sit here by myself working on the computer and be THINKING of something (never utter or type a word) and within no time there is an ad!  How the heck does that happen???????

I can mention something on here on the blog and in no time there is an ad on my computer!  Yep, they monitor everything we do.

I DO now keep my camera lens covered on the computer.  Black tape works wonders!!!

BUT, I digress!  LOL

Take advantage of the perks when you can.  They can make a visit worthwhile.  Use those super coupons and only those.  Check with your affiliate to see if you can get the magazine and monthly coupons - they are really nice.  I found a jar recipe for cookies - that I am adding to brother and sis's basket this year.

Have a great day to each of you!!!!!