Spring is Coming and we are Moving Forward

 Hello all - hope this finds you well.  Tomorrow will be officially spring.  YAY!!!!!  I sure hope the weather changes for the good from here on out.  It is 40* this morning, so that is a plus.  It looks like decent temps and warmer days for a bit here.

A nice bouquet from the garden before the cold weather and snow hit.  I still have some in a vase - they last and last.  One of the first signs that spring is coming - they give us cheer and hope.

I hope as the weather changes for the best - we do too.  May we all do things and say things that brightens a day for someone else.  May we all do just a little more for the world.  May we all take care of nature.

Winter is going or gone - thank goodness.  Whatever it brought is done and now spring gives hope the life returning to everything around us.  

I hope you all have a wonderful spring season.  

I am going to a late breakfast/brunch with an old friend.  I may do a bit of grocery shopping tomorrow, only to pick up some specials.  They are having customer appreciation days - and my special coupons are good only through Friday.  They have some good deals on those.  Looking forward to airing the house again and turning off heat, as it will be warming up.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Enjoy the first days of spring.

May you have lovely weather.

Nostalgic Foods from Growing Up

 Hello to all and midweek wishes for health and safety.  Yesterday we woke to a covering of snow - then it was mainly gone by the end of the day.  Had nothing to do with temps, but we had sunshine for a bit.  It is cold this morning, but no snow here (so far), and not as cold as yesterday's high!  Making our way back upwards!

I have had a couple people ask if I saw the brief post from Linda (PP) that Tommy passed.  So very sad.  I can't help but wonder what she will do now.  Such a sad situation.

Yesterday I read an article about nostalgic foods from days gone by, and that they said most don't do today.  Hmmmm - I still do some of these.  I do remember every single one - and the thing was, we just thought it was all good, we had no idea it was frugal food because we didn't have a lot of money (even though mom did)!

1.  Catsup and spaghetti - I truly don't remember mom doing this - we did have tomatoes and pasta often times.  BUT catsup and macaroni was a staple for me in my single days.  It was what I could afford.  To be honest I still do this every now and then.  I really like it - my sister does too!

2.  Sugar sandwiches - I didn't do this, but I remember hearing that my siblings did once in a while, when money and food was low

3.  Fried bologna - I was never a fan of it fried but did and do like bologna sandwiches once in a while in the summer with a big tomato sliced on it!  Glen loved fried bologna and so did my dad

4.  Peanut butter & syrup - oh golly, I loved this as a kid.  It was such a fun treat.  Mom would mix the two and I had it with crackers or bread.  I thought this was the best thing ever

5.  Hotdogs cut up in mac and cheese - remember this and have done it back in the day.  It is a great way to extend a little meat and make a simple meal out of what you have

6. Cereal with no milk - LOL - this is the only way I have ever eaten cereal!  I do not like my cereal soggy!!  I drink milk on the side, but eat cereal more like a snack and it is always dry

7.  Powdered milk - Mom may have served us powdered milk - I really do not remember.  I have never made it just to drink but have made and used in recipes.  I have extended a short gallon with it, but never made it just alone to drink

8. Cinnamon sugar toast - LOVED it and still do this for a snack sometimes.  It is easy and quick and so very tasty!!!

9.  Buttered noodles - yep, mom did these and I have too many times.  I really like buttered noodles - don't have to have fancy gravy or sauce

10.  Tuna and crackers - sure enough.  I still do this.  It may be part of a meal or just a snack.  I don't have to have tuna salad - I like plain old tuna

11.  Egg sandwiches - of course.  Still a staple for me.  Easy and fairly cheap and tummy filling

12.  Mayo sandwich - I know dad did this once in a while and I think mom did.  I have never just had mayo - but have had many a tomato or onion or cucumber sandwich with mayo.  A summer treat still today

13.  Biscuits and gravy - duh!  Not sure why this is on the list.  Are there actually people that have never had them?  I love biscuits (scones) and gravy.  Truly a favorite and comforting meal for me

14.  Rice with sugar and butter - I was never a fan - but Glen used to LOVE it.  He would ask for this many times as a breakfast meal.  I know mom served it a lot for my siblings.

15. (adding this one myself) - Cornbread or crackers crumbled up and eaten in milk.  This was a big thing with dad - he loved it.  I remember my siblings saying this was a breakfast or lunch many times, when things were tight.  My brother still does this but uses buttermilk.  Oh, I shudder!!!!!  LOL

Do you remember some of the odd ones?  Have you had any or all of them in years past?  Do you still eat any of them today?

It is always fun to go back and think about the ways food got stretched when the budgets were low and food needed to used up and nothing wasted.  People found a way to eat what they had.  I know there are people today that would just cringe to think of some of these things.  Hey, you ate what you had, so as not to be hungry.  Many of these were what we considered 'fast' food!!!!!  Quick, easy, cheap and used it up!

Have a great day everyone.  

Spring will soon be here!!

Finding Our Enough

 Hello all and Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Boy, has there been some weather to end our winter around these parts.  Blizzards in many areas, cold in areas that don't usually get too cold and winds!  We went from 70's on Sunday (windy) and windows open, taking walks, and picking flowers - to snow covering the ground this morning and very cold!  Good golly.

I am so ready for warmer days!

I would like to talk for a moment about finding our ENOUGH!

We can have very little, just enough and too much (in my opinion).  What s enough?  I guess we all have a different view of that.  For me it is basic - a roof over my head, food for my belly and warmth.

Movies, TV, magazines, media - it all tries to tell us that we need more and that we aren't good enough as we are.  Don't fall for it.

I think knowing how to survive on less than the norm is a blessing.  It could possibly serve us well someday.  It lets us live and enjoy the small things and have pleasure in different ways.

It is about having what you need to get to point B.  I mean you can't take the leftovers with you!

It means less stress.

A smaller home gives you shelter as good as (or better) than a McMansion.  It is easier to take care of as well.  A WM watch tells time as well as a Rolex.  Basic, healthy and natural foods are better for you than all the caviar.  Secondhand clothes keep you warm probably better than designer clothes.

It isn't about the stuff for most of us.

The old saying 'he who dies with the most toys, wins" - is ridiculous!  Not sure how that is winning anything.

The money trap can be like jail - it traps you, and it is hard to break free.

Give me memories and daily simple joys over millions.

It is freeing to not worry about making tremendous wealth.  It is freeing to just love life and take it slower and enjoy all the small pieces.

It is freeing to release stuff and have a cleaner, less cluttered life.

I am really working on this.

Wealth should be what is in our hearts and how we share that with others.

THAT is golden.

Have you found your ENOUGH?  What does it mean to you.

Have a lovely St. Patty's Day.

Many blessings to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/15

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.

It has been a crazy weather week all around.  Friday, we had winds that didn't seem to cease!  I was out actually 'catching' trash as it blew! Powerful winds.

They are coming back again today, with thunderstorms coming late tonight.  Some areas north of here are predicted to have blizzards!!  Winter isn't done yet!

Trees are budding all over, and flowers and bushes are popping out and being pretty.  The magnolias are just starting to bloom, but will be DONE within the next 24-48 hours, as we are to get in the teens once more.  We will have the coldest St. Patrick's Day in nearly a century!!!!  Crazy stuff.  I hope all getting winds, storms and lots of snow stay safe.

My Licorice cat has been MIA for 2 weeks now.  Within 2 days of him not coming to eat his usual treats - I was out scouring the roads.  I walked our entire street, the street behind us, the cross streets, and the alley - no signs of a hit kitty.  I looked at all the yards as well - no Licorice.  I have not given up total hope yet, I sure miss that feller.  He has been a mainstay around my house for a couple years now - and lived across the street before that.  There are many black cats around, so I may have seen him and not known it, but he hasn't been 'begging' at the door as usual.  He has a funky ear, which is how I can pick him out - but at a distance I can't tell.  I sure hope he returns at some point, I just hate not knowing.

My frugal week:

• Lots and lots of walks - free exercise
• Spent some time doing yard clean-up, raking, bagging, cutting and pulling - and moving some things around
• Picked a big bouquet of daffodils - since they will be gone after tomorrow.  Probably need to pick more today (70* today)
• Aired the house out and had furnace off for a good bit of the week
• Used the air fryer and the crockpot this week to avoid the oven
• Lots of laundry in cold and hung to dry
• Fixed a spot on the awning out front that had a loose piece of metal that banged like crazy Friday in the wind - that was fun being on a step ladder in the wind!
• Refilled all the feeder bins with feed on hand
• Had to plug in the watering holes again - when not raining as cold coming back
• Using what I have on hand and making new meals from leftovers
• Pulled out a mini pork loin from freezer and cooked in the crockpot (will give 3 meals)
• One day I was chilly and I also wanted something sweet - so I made a big mug of hot chocolate w/lots of marshmallows - so nummy
• Did a little sewing
• NO grocery shopping
• Doing all the normal stuff

Nothing exciting here!

Meals this past week:

Baked potato topped w/chili, cheese and sour cream

Chicken strips, brussel sprouts, and sauteed carrots strips

Dirty rice (homemade spicey rice) and fried cabbage

Bean, rice, cheese enchiladas (done on stove top)

Fish sandwich, mixed greens cooked and carrot sticks

Pork loin w/carrots and potatoes

BBQ shredded pork sandwich topped with shredded cabbage and l/o greens as side

SNACKS: toast, fruit, nuts

There you have it.  Nothing real exciting here.  Counting down the days until it gets warmer and stays!  

How has your week been?  What kind of weather are you getting?  Any good deals this week?

Let us know what is going on in your life.

I hope you are all safe and stay safe with all the weird weather that is happening this weekend.  

Prayers for your health and safety.

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

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

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Psalms 7:17

Dear Lord, thank you again for all the many blessings that we have had this week.  Help us each one see the light that comes from our darkest moments, and the joy in little things.  There are many things in life that are sad and depressing and worrisome, but with You we can get through all.  Prayers for all our family and friends, and prayers for all everywhere.  Help us to remember that things happen as part of Your plan, and we need to have faith.  AMEN

 

Be Careful - Don't Get Scammed

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  We are back to feeling like winter this morning.  It is about 40 degrees cooler this morning than yesterday morning!  We sure had the winds and rain yesterday, but nothing like some areas had.  There were many tornadoes that touched down north - just so sad to see all the damage.

Talk about a roller coaster of weather - we got it!  We have winds of March, April showers, summer storms and winter cold and snow - all in a few days!  It is nuts.  Sunday we may hit 70* again and by Tuesday morning they are saying lows in the teens!!  And SNOW!  It is the season of change for sure.

We have wind warnings around for late tonight and tomorrow again - I sure do love calm and pretty days!!!  I guess the nasty weather makes us really appreciate the good days.

This is the time of the year that damage starts happening due to storms.  It goes on until fall for most of us, and in different forms in different areas.

With damage the scammers come out to prey upon vulnerable folks.  It is awful.  Some folks will do anything they can in a dishonest fashion to make a buck!!  Geesh, if they would work as hard at doing good work it would be wonderful.

Whether you are having repairs made due to weather damage or just doing remodeling - take your time and check people out.  Even with storm damage - TAKE YOUR TIME to decide (I know that seems hard to do).  People are anxious and scared and worried, and they can make rash decisions. 

NEVER pay for a job up front!  You have nothing to guarantee they will be back and do the work.  Pay in increments, if necessary.  Let insurance pay when possible.

ALWAYS check the businesses out.  Call the BBB and check on them, call the attorney general, do the work - so you aren't scammed.

I like to use people that family or friends have used - word of mouth.  Put the word out and listen to people you know.  I would never use someone that just shows up at my door, soliciting business.  I love using small family-owned businesses, but I still need to know they can be trusted to do good work.

It is very sad that we have to consider things like things - but there are so many bad people out there.  Listen to your inner self and your gut.  Listen to people you know.  Don't be a victim to anything else.

Common sense is so important.

I hope you all have a lovely day and a super weekend.

Reminiscing - What I Remember and What I do!

 Hello all.  It is about to be a nasty weather day here.  I know many have already had nasty stuff going on.  It is very windy here, with a tornado watch until noon.  Storms have flown through as I type this.  Major wind gusts and lots of rain.  Skies are black!  It was72* when I got up at 6AM.  Now it is 63*.  Tomorrow morning will likely be 40* less than this morning!!!!!

I truly hope those in the affected areas are safe and stay safe.

Yesterday I watched a Vlog talking about things people used to do, that they no longer do.  I had to chuckle, as I still do them.  I live very much below my means (my choice).  I don't really care about stuff.  I do not have a fondness for travel, so I stay home a lot.  This is me - what you see and what I write is authentic.

Here we go.  Remember these are my memories, and I know not everyone grew up this way.  I was born in 1954 - the last of a family of 6 kids.  All were quite a bit older - so they and my folks truly remembered tough times.  I remember things being simple - but thought that was just how things were.  No one really had a ton of stuff (except a few).  I was happy.

• We grew a good part of our food and put it away for the winter months.  Dad also liked to fish, he wasn't a big hunter.  They did have chickens, rabbits and goats when the others were younger
• My parents had a budget, and they knew where every penny was to go.  Dad was the main bread winner - mom only had a part time job now and then.  She did sewing at home for others very often.  So, one income for the most part.
• Entertainment was pretty much free stuff.  No one shopped when they were 'bored'.  We play games, played outdoors, had homemade birthday dinners and cakes, picnics, etc.
• WHEN my parents bought something new - it was quality.  They knew it would last and not need to be replaced any time soon.  Today, everything seems to be throw away - you really need to do research to get quality.
• NO credit cards.  They didn't exist much back then.  My parents paid cash for everything.  No payday loan companies, no CC's, no shopping on a whim.  If you wanted something and didn't have enough funds - you used lay-away!  We always had a Christmas Club account for holiday spending. Mom would get a part time job sometimes, to have a little extra money for Christmas or to pay on something they were saving for.  She worked at Ayres (dept. store) downtown or worked at the bakery a couple blocks away - she would work the 4PM - midnight shift at the bakery and walk home!
• Along those same lines - they had no debt and didn't want any!  They did pay for the house on a contract ($4,800!).  If they needed a new appliance or bought a new car - they saved and paid cash.  When my parents went into business for themselves in the late 60's - they were given a line of credit, which they never used.  They paid for everything (with their little savings) to get started.  Times were lean, but they had a big goal.  I remember daddy trying to get a CC in the 70's, because they were taking a trip to Florida (a first) and wanted a little security.  He had a hard time getting it, because he always paid cash and really had no credit.
• Community was huge.  Neighbors looked out for each other - people babysat, watched out for other's kiddos, helped if someone needed something mechanical done, brought dinner when someone was really ill.........
• Fixed everything.  Shoes were repaired, clothes mended, fixed the car or the mower if it went out
• We had one car!  Mom never did learn to drive.  We would make trips downtown on the bus.  Otherwise, daddy took us when he wasn't working
• Mom cooked at home.  She pretty much made 3 meals a day every day.  Lunch was light, something simple.  We didn't go out to eat.  I remember the first-time having pizza (not homemade), was with a friend's family at a small restaurant.  It was exciting but I still remember thinking moms was better!  Maybe a couple times a summer we went to A&W for a frosty mug of root beer or stopped for an ice cream or malt at Linders - but those were treats.  I was in high school before I ever had anything from fast food.  I also remember we didn't buy pop; we had water, milk, tea or Kool-Aid.  One time a summer daddy would get a case of Nehi bottled drinks - they had to last all summer, and they were a very special treat!
• They saved back 'something' FIRST.  ALWAYS.  It may not have been a lot, but they saved.
• They spent less than they earned - just how it was.
• Took care of things themselves.  Yard work, mowing, gardens, shopping, cooking, cleaning - we never thought about hiring someone for those things
• Used the library.  You didn't have the opportunity to look things up on a computer for a school project - you went to the library and researched it
• We went to the grocery once a week - mom had a very strict budget she set for herself.  No stopping at a store whenever there was a 'desire' for something

These are just some of the main things I remember, and many/most I still do.  I absolutely hate debt.  With buying our small home and buying our first and only new vehicle - we paid them off as quickly as possible.  We both came into the marriage with some debt (stupid stuff) and paid it off and vowed to keep debt minimal from then on.  We concentrated on saving for a time in life that we kind of knew was inevitable (Glen being unable to work).  We neither one made a lot of money, we just managed what we had well.  That is still serving me well.

We had fun, just not expensive fun.  We had friends we did things with, we camped, had get togethers, wondered Indiana, just spent quality time together.  That was all that was truly important.

Do you still do any of the lifestyle that your parents did or that your grandparents did?

Do you have other memories, that bring a smile to your face?

Let us take a trip down memory lane!

Have a blessed day!

A This and That Tuesday

 Good day to you all.  Hoping this finds all well and safe.

Spring is in the air!  It is already 66* here this morning and cloudy.  Looks to be dry for most of the day, but getting to mid 70's.  Yesterday was a glorious day here in the neighborhood.

I had windows open yesterday, flip flops on, and of course no heat.  Today should be much of the same.

I still am not used to this time change thing.  It will take a while.  Not sleeping the greatest and then I have been having weird and bad dreams.  Not sure I am totally enjoying the change in daylight hours yet - seems too soon.

Tonight, again overnight, we have storms coming in and some could be strong.  rain most of tomorrow as well.  UGH.  Wish I could send it to you who are so dry right now.

Now mind you - here in Indiana weather can flip on a dime.  Near 80 and a couple days later below freezing.  Rain, sun, thunderstorms, threats of nasty weather, and a chance of snow flurries!  Yep, all of that is in store for this week!!!!  

I have a daffie almost open this morning and the forsythia is just starting to flower.  Birds are singing and the day is good.

Now that spring is at hand here in the US - it is the time of the year that gleaning can begin.  I know there are many who will turn their noses up and say eeewww - to this, but there are so many edibles just growing out there wild AND in your yards.  You should not go hungry!

I pick purslane often and use in salads and chop for scrambled eggs, I have made jelly from dandelions, violets and clover.  My mom used to make dandelion greens.  I need to use other 'weeds' (free food) as well.  This may be my year of trying.

You just want to make sure your yard and probably the neighbor's yard isn't sprayed with chemicals.

It will soon be morel mushroom season as well!!!!  Oh my gosh they so yummy.  They are my pick of best mushroom.  I don't get the opportunity around here to hunt them - they generally grow in the woods - this rainy damp season will be great for them.

Do you have any edibles that you can/do glean in your area?

***********

We have talked about 'shrinkflation' some in the past weeks.  We all know that items are shrinking and the price doesn't.  I noticed something very subtle this week.  Of course, we know TP has less sheets per roll.  I had pretty much used the end of my older stash and got out some of the newer inventory - and one thing I readily noticed was the actual cardboard roll (in the center) is now bigger!  Not a lot, but it is bigger.  I guess that is why you can have less sheets and no one really pays attention.  Now you wouldn't see that or notice when purchasing because of the packaging - subtle.

***********

I also noticed something that really got me to thinking.  I have been trying to pay more things over the phone (still not totally trusting computer).  Now I put in the utility company acct. number or the last 4 digits (only) of my CC#.  Then they ask me to prove who I am.

Now mind you I did not put in the whole CC# - no one can use my utility acct. - so why?  Is someone trying to pay my bill for me?  If so - LET THEM!!!!  You can only get balance and pay on these phone numbers (no buying).  I just do not understand all the silly things that go on anymore.  I guess I am old fashioned and not technically smart.

**********

Yesterday I did yard work - it was such a glorious day.  It seems each year - I get tired a lot quicker!  Go figure!!  My poor hands are so sore this morning.  I was pulling, cutting  and grabbing things.

I do find it amazing how just a few little things done, can make such a difference.  I wish more people would do bits here and there - golly, things would look so much prettier all over.

Even just walking and picking up any trash they see.  I noticed the last time I was out in the car; how much trash accumulates in greenery close to the roads.  I can't imagine throwing something out the window - yet people do it daily.  So sad and really nasty.

What goes on that makes you go hmmmmmmm?

My head is just all over the place today - no method to my madness!  

I hope you all have a lovely day and storm damage or problems.