Friday - and Shop Small Saturday

Howdy doody to all this morning.  I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday.  Or maybe you are celebrating today or tomorrow or even Sunday - whatever you do ENJOY.

I had a super day with family.  It is always nice catching up with everyone.  Yesterday, I felt like a couple of barriers were broken as well.  I have a couple of nephew-in-laws that hardly ever talk to me or anyone.  Yesterday I had great talks and laughs with both.  It sure didn't go unnoticed!  

I also had a tiny gr.gr. niece that doesn't make up to hardly anyone other than mom & dad & grandparents - grab ahold and cling to me most of the day!!  She kept telling me 'I love you' and hugging and giving smooches.  We played a lot too!  LOVED IT!

It is cold this morning.  I have been out and fed all of the creatures out there.  I have a small turkey breast in the oven.  It appears I am the only one in the neighborhood that is up!  Many are gone for the weekend, and the rest have dark houses and days off today.  Surprisingly none seem to be out shopping this morning.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is considered shop small Saturday!  I hope more people take advantage of the smaller shops this season and actually, always.  Small ethnic groceries, boutiques, craft bazaars, small antique shops, indoor farm markets, bakeries, restaurants, etc. 

It is so important to those small businesses.  It is actually their bread and butter, so to speak.  They need the sales to take care of their families - not to just get richer as the huge retail shops do!

Little shops on Main Street sure do deserve your business.

For me today - it is NO SPEND Friday!!  I have no intentions of going out shopping today at all.  It is Black Friday here, tons of sales and deals - and TONS of crowds and people!  Too peopley for me!!

I will be staying in and keeping warm and working on projects.

Christmas is 26 days from now!!  Yep, it is just around the corner.  It really is hard to believe.

Are you ready?  I am not - at least not completely.  I still need a few gifts for kiddos and some items to make.  I got some ideas yesterday, for 2 or 3 kiddos that I just couldn't decide on.  Now I have a better idea.

So just help out a small business this holiday season if you possibly can.  It means so much to their families.  Let us all try to 'shop small' all year round when can.

Hope you are all warm and safe - and have a super weekend.
 

Thanksgiving and Memories

 Happy Wednesday to all.  It is Thanksgiving Eve here in the US.  Chilly morning, and we are to get rain and then a little snow later today and overnight.  Supposedly, it will be safe by travel time.  The temps are starting to cool, then boom come the weekend - cold!  Oh well, it is time.  Guess that will be December saying hello!!! We have been so fortunate in our area on warmer temps.

Many, many of us have people we have loved and lost, and that are no longer here on this earth.  It is always hard and sad, but it seems the holidays make it feel even worse.  I want to put it out there that we all need to remember the good times.  How fortunate we were to have those times and those people in our lives as long as we did.  We need to make sure they are talked about, and memories are shared - keeping them 'alive' in everyone's hearts and minds.  I am a true believer that talking about them - keeps them alive in a fashion.  Laugh at the stories.  Celebrate them.

My family is really good about this.  They are always sharing funny stories or things they remember about those gone.  We all enjoy the conversation and laugh together and sometimes we cry together (yep).

Just don't let them disappear.  It is OK to laugh, to share and to cry.  

You are making memories right now, that hopefully someday someone will be telling.  Make them fun memories.  I hope each and every one of you enjoys your family and/or friends.  If you decide to stay home - spend a day of refection and do something that brings you joy.  I know many want to be alone.  Maybe watch a good movie, watch the parade, read a good book, curl up with the pets, eat the junk, just do what you need to do.

Remember and smile!

Safe travels to all.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EACH AND EVERY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Listening to Myself!

 Happy Tuesday to all.  The days are quickly ticking by.  The end of the month will be here in a few days.  It is a cold morn (but sunny) for sure.  It is 25* colder this morning from yesterday morning!  Come the weekend, our temps aren't supposed to get above the freezing mark at all!!  Have fun Black Friday shoppers.  Boy oh boy, am I glad I don't do that anymore.  I will stay warm and cozy and safe at home that day.

He-he!  Yep, I think that may be good advice for those of us celebrating turkey day.  Lots of goodies to eat and try - and leftovers and well, usually we all eat more than usual.

I went out Sunday to visit sis.  By the way, she is doing much better each week.  They say maybe a couple weeks before she goes home.  I really hope it is a little longer, so she gains more strength.  But I digress, she does get to go out for Thanksgiving!  She will be going to her daughter's and all her kids and most of her grands will be there.  I love that for her. (the boys will go get her)

It was quite nice by the time I left her, so I decided I best make use of the day.  I stopped to do my monthly gas tank fill-up.  I needed to use my points before they expire at end of month to get a discount.  After the discount, I paid 1.99/gallon!  WOO-HOO.  That is the best price I have paid in a few years.

Well, I was at Turkey Hill gas station - Kroger's gas station.  It sits right in front of Kroger.

Let's see - I said stay out of stores this week!  Yeah, well the lot was about empty, so I ran in to see what I might find.  I got 2 nice grapefruit (red) in the clearance for .99/2.  Then I walked to meat department.  I got 3 1lb. packs of pork/angus mix ground for 1.75/lb.  I had to get it - 1.75/lb. meat is basically unheard of now days.  So many uses.

It's sell date was 3 days out.  Repackaged and in the freezer.  I really had no plans to get anything - but when you find a deal - well, you get it.  Sometimes, I believe we are moved to go places or check things.  I love it when I am put in the right spot at the right time.

So no, I didn't follow my own advice, but there was no crowd at all - the store was basically empty.  Maybe because it was a Sunday morning.  

I am now home for the duration, as far as shopping or driving myself somewhere.  I will go out with family for Thanksgiving.

Yesterday turned out to be such a warm day - although cloudy.  I walked over the neighbor's house - they were having a tree cut down - and we talked for a while.  Windows actually got opened for a bit.

I imagine many of you are readying the house and all the goodies for the holiday.  Tomorrow, I have a small boneless turkey breast I will remove from the freezer - I will bake it Friday - got to have my leftovers!

Thanks for being here.  Hoping you all have a good day.

I will post something tomorrow as well.

Blessings to all.

Weekly Wrap Up 11/24

 Hello to all.  Happy Sunday.  Goodness, here we are at the last Sunday of November!  One month from today is Christmas Eve!!!  Time flies when you're having fun!  So they say.

I hope this finds everyone well and safe.

It is cool this morning, maybe going into the 50's.  Looks to be the best day of the week.  Come Tuesday, temps start to fall, and it will get much colder for Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

We finally got our first freeze of the season this past week.  They said it had been 229 days since the last freeze!  We got snow on Thursday, maybe an inch or two - then Friday morning it was gone.  Yep, it warmed up overnight and it was all gone.  I can do that kind of snow!

My frugal week:

• First of the week was warm- so I put the garden all to bed for the season.  Soakers put away, and garden weed shield removed.  I did leave a couple cabbage plants in - just to see what happens!
• Raked all the leaves again, and got those and the previously raked leaves all on the garden
• Rain barrels emptied and put away
• I did get out the cords for the heated water bowls and the snow shovel out
• Cleaned the filter of the kitchen faucet as mentioned earlier in week
• I cut 4 roses on Sunday, and they lasted almost all week.  So sweet smelling
• I mowed the entire yard one more time
• Put extra bedding in the greenhouse for Licorice
• I did run to Ollie's to use my 15% coupon on entire purchase.  Got some basket stuffers, a couple things for kiddos.
• Made a small pot of chicken, noodle & veggie soup
• Changed out handbag
• Doing a lot of cleaning - moving some things in the kitchen around
• Had 3 days that I got open windows for fresh air
• Made a nice fruit milkshake for a treat one day
• Working on some sewing

Meals this past week:

Roast & veggies

Pasta w/sauce, pork schnitzel, toms & cukes

Homemade rice a roni, fried green tomatoes

Leftover rice and salad

Soup - homemade

Cup of soup and a tomato sandwich

'Poor man's' Swiss steak and mashed potatoes

I want to say a special thank you to Mary B and Cookie for the lovely cards I received this week.  So thoughtful of you.

How was your week?  Is the nasty weather of winter in your area?  I guess it is time - it held out here past normal time. Have you done any crafting or shopping for the holidays.

Are you ready for turkey day here in the US?

I will post on Tuesday, probably something light on Wed. - most people will be getting ready for Thanksgiving and not looking to read blogs!  No Thursday blog - then maybe a Friday one!

If you are so busy this week that you don't make it back - have a great holiday with family and/or friends.  Safe travels to all.

Prayers for all that you may stay safe, healthy and warm this coming week.  

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

************************

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Dear Lord, as we enter this week of thanks for all that we have, we humbly ask that You hold each one tight and keep them safe and healthy.  May each person take time to say thank you for all the wonderful gifts received in life, as we are so blessed.  May we all be thankful every day, not just this week.  Thank you for all the beauty of the seasons and joys of families and friends.  AMEN

Thankful Thursday

 Morning all.  Well, our streak of good weather came to a screeching halt!  I woke up to 60'sF two days ago, and today it was 32F.  The grass is white!!!  Well crud, I guess I knew it had to happen sooner than later!

Now playing in my neighborhood - "it's beginning to look like Christmas".

We set a record of not having a freeze yet this late in November of 100 years!  Well, so much for records.

At least the snow is only on the grass right now.  Streets and sidewalks look clear.

More snow tonight - but none of this will last too long, as it warms some this weekend.

I had a couple posts in mind for today - one on stretching food, the other on being happy where you live, but have decided to just take a day to be thankful.

So many people have gone through so much this year and have lost much - if not everything.  I cannot fathom.  We all have lost people over the years, but here we are - OUR job isn't done!

So many little things that we just never think about and take for granted - flip and switch and have light.  Turn a knob and have hot water.  A place to lay our heads at night (inside).  Food, no matter how simple it may be, to eat.  A snuggle from a pet.  Friends and family to love and love us back.  Money to pay our bills.

I look out my window this morning, and it looks pretty.  The white of the snow and my neighbor has a bright yellow tree that looks to be glowing.  Where I sit at the moment, that is what I see.  That one burst of color!  Do I like snow?  Not really - but is part of nature and it is all necessary and to be expected.

I went out to feed the birds and squirrels this morning and Licorice too!  He didn't seem happy!  He has lived his whole life outside and should be used to it.  The neighbors have insulated boxes for the kitties, but I think Licorice must feel he hit the lottery!  After eating a bit ((under car out of the snow) he went to the greenhouse and curled up in his blankies - no wind or snow in there (and no one to share with)!!!  I snuck the rest of his food through the kitty door.  He knows a good thing when he sees it!!!!  LOL

No matter what you put your hands to today, take time to be thankful for everything - big and small.  Whether you sit in a cozy place like above with a cup of coffee, or you bake, or you sew, or you just curl up and read - do it with a thankful heart.

Stay safe everyone.  I know snow is hitting many areas.  Stay warm and stay the wonderful folks you are.  I am thankful to have you in my life.

Have a blessed day.

Don't Stress - Tis the Season

 Hello on this midweek day!  Hope you are all well.  A cool morning here, just waiting on rain to move through this morning.  It's funny, we went all October dry as a bone - now we get rain and more rain.  We need it though.  Tomorrow looks to get much cooler here with snow later in the day.

We are now in that busy time of the year for many people.  Holiday gatherings, gifts to buy and wrap, plays and musicals, office parties, you name it.

Many thrive during this time and others really prefer to hibernate.  I can understand that, as it can all be overwhelming.  Some just feel that there are too many expectations to be met and to many people to see, and for some it is just a sad time.

However you handle it - know IT IS OK!!!!!!!  If you don't want to do - don't do!  Take care of you.

If indulging in the events of the holidays - just remember a few things that will help make things a bit easier.

• Make you list and check it twice or three or four times.  I am a huge list maker - it helps
• Check for sales and loss leaders at the grocery stores and get the deals for meals.  Most things we all serve will be discounted at some point during the holiday time
• Stay OUT of the grocery store the week of a holiday!!!!!  Generally, the people in the stores the week of - are panic shopping and things get crazy and lines get long, and peoples tempers flare
• Make sure you have everything for your baking needs - so as not to make lots of emergency store runs
• Maybe bake fewer things.  2 or 3 favorites is all people need - not dozens
• Prep what you can ahead.  Chop veggies, dry bread, bake what you can and freeze - do whatever you need to - to make your holiday easier
• Consider having others pitch-in some of the dishes - it is cheaper and easier when everyone does their part
• When it comes to cleaning - dust and vacuum, clean the bathroom and call it a day!  Don't worry about the closets, behind the beds, etc.  Some folks about kill themselves doing a deep clean.  If people are being nosey - they aren't your people!  I do the basics and that is it.  People should be socializing not inspecting!!!!!
• Simplify the gifting!  The holidays should be about the people and NOT the stuff
• DO NOT go in debt to buy gifts for others!!!!!!!  No sale, no deal is worth going into debt for.  PLEASE don't be one of those people that are paying off charge cards for months all because of one day.
• If you have extra gatherings (other than main meals) - consider doing things buffet style.  Finger foods, appetizers, a common drink - use crockpots to keep things warm.  Keep it simple.  I have a gathering every year - that I utilize a couple crockpots, a nice charcuterie board and maybe some chips, crackers and dips.  A few homemade sweet goodies and it's done.  We snack all afternoon and just enjoy each other!!!!!  

Whatever you do - don't let this time of the year get you down.  If you need to avoid people and gatherings - then do it.

Simplify what you can and don't feel bad about it.  As we age, it seems to make more sense to simplify, as we truly know what is important.

Pass on stories from your childhood and from family now gone to those that will listen.  I like to think that as I speak of those not here anymore - it is keeping them alive within the family.  Laugh and enjoy memories - they are important.

MAKE new memories!!!!!

So as the song says - "Don't worry - be happy"!

I hope as we enter this holiday season - that everyone will take care of their mental health and reach out to someone if they need help coping.  Be well and do what is best for you.

Have a super day everyone!

A Pretty, A Fun, A Creative

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope you are all well and doing good.  It is a wet morning here.  We had rain overnight and it is still misting out.  The temps when getting up were still in the 60'sF.  It will get close to 70 today, then it appears that temps will be slowly dropping the next few days.  I guess it is time. Sigh!!

I am so tired this morning.  I slept last night, but starting at about 2AM I managed to wake and look at the clock EVERY half hour!  I went right back to sleep, but each time I slept I dreamed some of the craziest dreams.  I dreamt of people I haven't even thought about in decades and just weird things.   My mind was very active, for sure.  The covers were a mess this morning, so I must have moved a lot too.  I do believe today may be a short nap day!  You ever have one of those nights?

This was Sunday evening at sunset.  So pretty - but look at that cloud formation in the center.  It really was strange looking, which is why I took the picture.  I looked out and saw that 'funnel' looking cloud and had to grab the camera.  Last night was gorgeous as well - it looked like mountains with pinks and oranges behind them.  Yeah, we don't have mountains nor hills where I am!  Such beauty - the best art right outside.

Click on the picture to see it larger.

This is my kitchen clock.  I 'inherited' this from a neighbor that passed a couple years back.  This summer her BIL was finally letting go of her things and he knew what a cat lover I am.  What you can't see is that the tongue moves back and forth every second.  It is such a fun addition and a reminder of Rosemary.  Isn't it fun?

It reminds me of the old Felix the cat clocks!!!

I told you in Sunday wrap-up about cleaning the filter in the bathroom faucet.  Well, for a long time the kitchen sink seemed to have low pressure.  I couldn't understand as nothing has been changed underneath the sink.  I decided to try and remove the filter from it - NOPE, that wasn't happening.  So, I got a little creative.  I took a small juice glass and put vinegar in it.  Then I place a rubber band over faucet and wrapped it a time or two - then placed the little glass over the end of the faucet (to cover the filter part on spicket) and wrapped the rubber band around it.  Clear as mud now?  LOL.  I forgot to take a picture.

Anyway, I left it that way for about 3 hours while I worked outside.  Came in and removed and turned on the water - after a few sputters I had full flow of water again!  My pressure at least doubled.  I guess it was really clogged up as well.  

Sometimes we may think things are all messed up - and just a little creative thinking can remedy the problem with NO money spent!

Have you got any FREE fixes that worked for you around the house that saved having to hire help or buy something new??  Inquiring minds need to know!!

Well, I guess I need to get busy.  I truly need to sew - I keep talking myself out if it!  Sometimes I can be such a procrastinator - that is one of the things about me I need to work on!

Wishing you all a great day.  Stay safe and stay healthy and be productive!

SMILE