Hippity Hop - Easter Will Soon be Here

 Good morning all.  I sure hope all are safe and well.  The storms have moved Eastward, causing havoc all along the way.  Prayers for everyone in their line.  If you haven't already - please check in and let us know how you are faring!!!!!

It is cold this morning - go figure.  It is in the upper 20's!  It was 80 a few days ago.  Spring weather never ceases to amaze me.  The sun is shining, so that makes things feel better (if in mind only) to start the day.

Easter is less than 2 weeks away!  Hard to believe.  Many have family get-togethers and meals for the family, many celebrate the bunny events for the younger ones in the family, and then others strictly celebrate the reverence of the day.

Whatever way you plan to spend the day - here are a few ideas that maybe you can use.

A fun and natural way to color hard boiled eggs.  Using what you have on hand and no artificial dyes.  I think it is fun to mix and match.  Coloring is also a good way to store hardboiled eggs in the frig - just to know the difference between fresh and cooked!

Easter Smore packets!  Yeah, Peeps are not the best thing to eat, but the kiddos will surely think this is cute and fun.  Little baggies all ready to make the goodies. These can be used on Easter or kept for a later date!

Making special treats for the family to enjoy, is always fun.  You can decorate cakes, cookies, cupcakes, fruit - you name it.  It doesn't have to cost anything - you can make you own goodies and create fancy toppings.  Just a fun way to increase the fun for Easter or any occasion.

Fruit pizza is always a yummy dessert, and it is pretty too.  I have done this and used a giant sugar cookie (you can make whatever kind you like).  Top with a little cream cheese with a bit of sugar added - then fruit of any type.  Yummy and always a hit.

Maybe make a centerpiece from your yard!  Cut newly budding greenery, or flowering bushes or trees and make a lovely display for the table.

I know eggs are expensive - but I hope those that want, can color a few.  There are also plastic eggs that can be filled with treats and tiny offerings or even change.  You can usually get bags full of plastic ones at the thrift stores.  You can also make Jello eggs.

You can really get creative and color/paint rocks.  Rocks are fun to paint with pictures or sayings.  They look cute in flowerpots, gardens or even on windowsills!  Just something free and fun for the whole family to make.

There are many free printables on the computer to print out for the kiddos to color.

Use baskets, totes, boxes (decorated) that you have to make Easter baskets.  I had the same one (w/Mom) from the time I was little into adulthood!!!  I looked forward to it.

Buy little gems at the dollar stores - hair accessories, crayons, little cars/trucks, socks, balls, maybe a frisbee, nail polish, puzzles, etc. to fill the basket.

Get creative on your meal and use what you have.  Go through that freezer and the pantry and make a delish meal.  Seriously, there are no rules that say you have to have this or that.  Do what you want.  Make the foods that your family likes - whatever it is.  You can make a very special meal with what you have and maybe add a fun dessert.  

Enjoy the family and celebrate the true reason for the day.  

Just remember you don't have to fall into the 'holiday' traps of spending tons of money.  It can be fun and special for nothing.

Do you have any fun and frugal ideas for celebrating, especially for the kiddos?

Have a wonderful day to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 4/6

 Hello and welcome to the Sunday blog.  I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy and hopefully DRY!

Wet is the word of the week in the mid-section of the states, north to south.  Oh my goodness, what a week.  First the storms and tornadoes - then flooding - catastrophic flooding.  So many people have homes and businesses under water.  The flooding is terrible. 

We have had almost 6" if rain in the past couple days, and that is nothing compared to others south of here.  Some have seen 8"+.  Creeks are raging rivers.  Rivers are roaring and 17'-20' over their banks, and yet to crest. 

I have flooding in the back yard and a very wet basement floor, but that is nothing.  I am dealing with that.  The dehumidifier and fans are working overtime - I just can't imagine what others are dealing with.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed that I have to face these things alone, but such is life.  We grow and learn and survive.

The next couple nights are going to get cold again.  We will be at or below freezing for a couple nights - yuck.  I sure hope it doesn't damage fruit trees.

Just a reminder to all - do NOT drive through flooded roads!!  So many have tried (even high vehicles) and have gotten stranded and some float away.  Not only is it dangerous to you and your vehicle, but it is so wrong to put rescue personal at risk for something so stupid.  Just don't - stay home if necessary.

There are violets, dandelions and tulips putting out color now.  The grass is just vivid green.  The Robins and grackles have sure been enjoying the soggy ground!  Even seeing the bunny out and about.  It sure is spring in this area.  We get the good and the bad - it is all part of the season.

This week wasn't all that frugal - but necessary!  That is why I do what I do the rest of the time.  Makes life less painful!

• Kept more tough ends of asparagus for making soup at some point (and kept those heavy rubber bands)
• Got the taxes done.  Yep, an expense - but all worked out wonderfully.  I was more than pleased with results.  The tax place is right across from the park - so got to enjoy just beautiful scenery as well.  Oh, the trees are so pretty.
• I picked a small bouquet of tulips and hyacinths 
• I did buy a new lawnmower.  A NEED!  I got a great price.
• Got to mow the yard before the rains started
• While out, I stopped at the hardware store and also purchased new string disks for the weed whacker.  The first I have had to purchase since I got the whacker (got pack of 3 - will last for a few years).  I also received a free bag of popped popcorn - that was good, as I was hungry!  Got me home without stopping for something!
• Visited with sis for her 94th birthday!  She is doing well.  I did stop to buy her a pretty bouquet of flowers and some of her favorite Russell Stover sugar free chocolates.  She was thrilled.  Worth every penny!!!!
• Running the dehumidifier and fan downstairs - glad to have both.  Will take the air filter/ionizer down there this week
• Using what I have on hand - no grocery shopping
• Doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Ham (freezer), mac n cheese, steamed asparagus

Smoked sausage (freezer) sandwich and small salad

Cup of lasagna soup (freezer) and fresh veggies and fruit

Beef and broccoli rice bowl

Fish tacos (soft)

Grilled ham & cheese, hardboiled egg and side salad

Fried cabbage w/bacon, and scrambled eggs

Well, how has your week been?  I know several of you live within the storm areas we had earlier in the week, and many are in the flood zones as well.  Please let us know how you are faring!!!!

Please know that I pray for all of you daily.  

Also, did you get any deals this week?  Doing spring cleaning?  Cleaning up storm mess?

I pray that each and every one of you are safe and healthy.  That you have not had to deal with big loss or damage.  I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

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

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

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am; to be content.  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.  I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Philippians 3:11-13

Dear Lord, we thank you for all that we have and for our family and friends.  We ask for help and love for those going through so many struggles at this point in time.  May we all remember that no matter what we feel we are enduring, there are so many who have far worse problems.  Help us each to be grateful for what we DO have and help us to learn to be more content in all things.  May we all be kind and caring in our words and actions, as they can affect others in ways we do not realize.  AMEN

All Good and Check In

 Good morning all.  I sure am hoping you are all safe and well.  Boy what a night we had all over the place.  The storms didn't start here until after 9PM - so after dark.  I hate that, as you can't see what is coming.

Any way we had a couple hours of crazy stuff.  Torrential rains, high winds (65-70 mph straight-line here), tornado sirens, lots of stuff going on.

I was very lucky!  A couple branches down and some water in the backyard.  Have seen lots more water in the past. 

There were tornados north of here and even some rotation just a handful of miles south of me.  Lots of damage all around the city/state, by watching the news this morning.  Semis flipped on the highway even happened due to the winds.  Only one injury reported amazingly.

The pictures of the damage are just so sad.

The lights stayed on here, never even lost power.  We faired so well in my area.

PLEASE check in and let us know how you faired through the storms.  The line of storms was so long and massive, that it hit several states.  I know many of you live in the areas.

There is a lot more rain coming from tonight through the weekend, so there will also be flood warnings.

Spring storms just stink.

So please, please check in!!!!!  I care about each of you.

Prayers for your safety and that of your families.

I hope each of you can have a wonderful weekend.

Many blessings

Don't Make it so Difficult

 Good morning to all.  I am running a little late this morning.  I sure didn't want to get out of the bed this morning, it felt so good.  Only got up a few minutes later than normal, but it was a struggle!  Bitsy even slept in.  We had quite a noisy thunder boomer come through this morning.  It rained and there was a lot of lightning and thunder.  It didn't last none too long, but it delayed my going out to feed the animals and Licorice.  When I went out, Licorice was getting ready to come around the house to wait for me!  He saw me and ran back to the deck, awaiting his breakfast!  He ate, as I did my chores and then went on a walk-about!  He sure is sweet.

There are some pretty nasty sounding storms going through a big part of the mid-section of the country this evening and into the morning.  South of me looks to be VERY, VERY bad.  There are several of the readers here that are in those areas.  I pray you are all safe and have no damage.  PLEASE take shelter - yes, it looks that bad.

I would love to sit on that empty chair and have a long chat with that lady.  Oh, the things I could learn.  I would love to know what she feels about the times.  What are her ideas of the future?  What is a day like?  Probably chores and getting by.

Sometimes we really make things a lot more difficult than we need to.  Today people are all consumed about money.  That really saddens me.  I think we just make it so much more difficult that it needs to be.  ENOUGH - is my word.  There are so many more things that are important, that get put aside for making money, growing money, and spending money.  I guess I just think that when my day comes to leave this earth - none of it matters!!!!!!!  No amount of money will buy my salvation or my eternity.

Sure you need enough to pay your bills and get by.  Sometimes it does take making so changes in your lifestyle.  It really is about knowing about wants and needs.

All the worry and fretting and complaining does nothing.  It just makes you sick and anxious.  That is not good.

I know there are many people out there, that think I oversimplify things.  They don't want to hear it.  

I am a very simple person, always have been.  Don't need to impress a soul on this earth.  You don't like me - that is on you.  I don't really care.  

I believe in hard work and being a good steward of what you have.  Limiting yourself when you feel it necessary.  Learn how to stretch things, money and time.  SURE, you may have to learn some new things!  That is a good thing.  Learning is always a good thing.

The things that are so important in life all have expiration dates!  Make those things your priority.

Stop worrying so much and start enjoying.

Am I where I thought I would be at this point in life?  NOPE.  I sure never wanted to think about life as it is now - but things happen that we can't control.  They happen to all of us.  So many gals here know exactly what I am talking about.  It sucks - there I said it.

BUT saying that - doesn't mean I should give up on life.  My love would never have wanted that for me.  I bet yours wouldn't either.  I do believe they would want us to go forward and live the best we can and make them and the world proud.  That is all we can do.

Money is a tool.  That is it.  As long as you have enough to cover your daily life, you are doing good.  

Do your best and be your best.  Stop and enjoy life a bit and stop the worry and obsessing.

Try smiling more (even if you don't feel like it) it becomes a habit!  Smile and laugh and just enjoy each day you are gifted.  Don't waste them.

I know many think I ramble on, but I have learned some hard lessons and just want to share.

Have a great day.

💖😊😍

If you are so inclined, please pray for the safety of those in path of the nasty, nasty storms going through tonight.

I repeat TAKE SHELTER in those areas, don't be brave.

Changing Seasons - You Ready? Stocking Isn't Just Food

 Hello and happy April!!!  Wow, three months already done this year.  It sure is going fast.  

It is a chilly frosty morning here.  We will see 50's today and some sun!  More spring storms headed this way during the week.  Not looking forward to those.  March and April seems to bring those nasty storms to the interior of the US. 

They say April showers bring May flowers - boy, we better see a lot of flowers!!!  LOL

This was looking out my living room window to the West at about 7PM Sunday.  It got very nasty looking.  We did have very hard rain, pea size hail (just a bit), and 70 mph winds.

Looking North of me.  See that white tree?  Oh that thing is huge - probably 70'+ and it is just beautiful.

Yes, me and my neighbors are those people that stand outside and look up, instead of heeding the warnings!

We had some nasty storms come through over the weekend.  I seem to be right in the eye of the needle (luckily), as the worse missed me.  Many had wind damage, flooding, hail, and some areas had tornadoes.  We will soon be coming upon hurricane season for coastal areas.  Think fires in the driest area, earthquakes, you name it - it is that time.  Are you as ready as you can be?

We always talk about how we stock food, for the emergencies and just daily living.  What happens if you lose power for an extended time?  Maybe no power, no water, etc.

You need to have a plan just in case!!

• Do you have water?  Jugs of water to help flush, or to just wash yourself.  Water to aid in drinking or cooking?  What about bathroom use over a long period of time?  A potty chair, or a lined bucket.  Maybe a way to collect rainwater.  A way to purify water.

• Do you have a way to get light for your home?  Make sure you have flashlights and batteries or candles available.  Yard type solar lights work great when you bring them in.  They do give off a good amount of light.  Glow sticks might be something to have on hand - you can stick them in an old milk jug for a super nice glow of light.  Do you have ANY TYPE of generator?  They sure help to keep foods from thawing in freezers.  You do NOT need to run constantly - just a bit here and there to keep things frozen (and not open the freezer much).  Make sure freezers are full - if with nothing other than water jugs.  That keeps things cold.  Generators are good if someone needs medical devices as well (think C-Pap machines, etc.).  If you have a portable generator, you will need a supply of fuel.
• Can you cook?  Many stoves today cannot be lit without power.  Do you have a grill or know how to cook over a fire?  Maybe have a piece or two of cast iron pots.  They work great on a fire.  Do you have some foods that can be eaten just as it is?  Food that doesn't need to be cooked - think canned fruit, tuna, some veggies, peanut butter/jelly, home canned goods, etc.
• Have alcohol and/or peroxide to help clean and keep germs away.  Antibacterial wipes on hand.  Hand sanitizer.  Bleach and cleaning products just in case.
• Non-electrical devices to replace your normal way of living.  A car phone charger.  A mechanical can opener, a coffee pot that can be used on a grill or fire (or instant coffee).  Non-plastic cooking tools (that won't melt).  If storm is coming, make sure to charge up phones and any batteries.
• TP or wipes!!!  
• H & B - allergy meds (remember no AC - so windows open), cold meds, eye drops, basics for cleansing yourself (you want to feel somewhat normal)
• CASH on hand - you never know.  Odds are you won't be able to shop anywhere - as they are in the same predicament as you, but you may be able to barter with neighbors, or have someone help you
• Pet foods - you can't forget your fur babies.  They will need food and water too.
• Have your important papers and items together if you think you may be in a big storm - in case you need to flee!  Papers, meds, keys, glasses, animal carriers, etc.
• Be ready to do some work!  Odds are you may have to do clean-up of some kind, so just know you may be responsible for YOU.  Everyone will be in the same boat.

There is just a plethora of things to think about to be able to survive and survive well.  Storms come in all shapes and forms, and they happen all over the world.  If you have some of the basics lined up - you will feel a bit comforted in knowing you can survive.  Some of our own readers here, have been through this with the last hurricanes.  Many areas are still not back to normal.  It can be lasting or it can be short in time - you just need to have a plan.

I pray no one else has to go through these things, yet I can almost predict someone will, sadly.  You gals that have survived these horrible times, please feel free to offer things I didn't think of.

It just makes since to be prepared for anything.  We never know what kind of emergency we may have - it could be sickness, job loss, weather, anything!  

You may need to get rustic for a while - think about that.  Life isn't always, turning on faucets, flipping power switches, and AC or heat - it may get real basic!

Have a plan!!!

Wishing you all a lovely April day!

Weekly Wrap Up 3/30

 Hello all.  Happy Sunday.  I pray this finds you well and safe.  Here's hoping that you made it through any obstacles thrown at you this past week and did it with grace. 

It is another warmer morning here and it is very damp and gray.  Looks as if we are to get some nasty storms later in the day and evening.  Prayers said that they aren't too bad.  It will cooling a bit this coming week, but nothing too bad.

The world is sure coming back to life around here.  The grass is green and growing (as are the weeds), the trees are all budding.  You can see a haze of color around every tree - it may be shades of green, burgundy, bronze, etc.  It is something to see.  The magnolias actually got to be enjoyed this year and are still just beautiful.

It has been very lovely temp wise the past few days, but windy - oh, those spring winds!

Oh, my alley got resurfaced this week!  There was a crater at one end that seriously could eat a car (2' deep and half the width of alley & as long).  It is the 2nd time in 39 years that I have seen them do ANYTHING to the alley! It is the first time in years that there hasn't been a puddle behind my yard after rain!  It sure is nice for the time being.  We are all very thankful.

My frugal week:

• Lots of laundry and only used the dryer to fluff
• Made several hard boiled eggs
• Picked more daffodils and some hyacinths again this week - 2X
• Made a small batch of frozen fruit 'cream' - yummy (strawberry/banana)
• I did go out and do my monthly gas fill-up.  Used my points and gas was 2.47/gal.
• Received some nice coupons in the mail from Kroger - good until June
• Been refilling baskets, bins and jars with items to replace items used (from my stock)
• Did a 'sort of' mow!  Used the weed whacker out front to knock down higher weeds/grass
• Worked in a couple of flower beds, cleaning this week
• Worked on building a platform for pots out back.  Thought I was going to visit Oz!  I was carrying 6' - 2" x 6" boards and thought the wind was going to lift me up when it would catch the ends of boards!  I bet I was a sight to see.
• Got to have windows open and air house and heat has been off for several days. Friday was 80*F!  Next week will be cooler - in 50's and 60's.
• I got some walks in and talked with some neighbors doing the same
• Using leftovers and cooking from home
• Just doing all the basics

Meals this past week:

2 chicken sliders, fries and salad

Tuna melt, Au Gratin potatoes, pickles

Au Gratin pots, scrambled eggs, 2 sausage patties

Cheeseburger and salad

Broc./cheese soup (freezer) over elbow macaroni and rolls (freezer)

Chef salad (w/everything)

Fish sandwich, tots and slaw

SNACKS:  fruit, toast & peanut butter, nuts

How was your week?  Did you get any deals this week or using what you have?  Have you stayed safe from all the nasty weather?  

I know we are all ready for spring and planting and heck, even mowing.  Some of our friends up north are still getting frigid temps and snow - sure hope spring comes to you soon!

Prayers for all the people involved in the horrible earthquakes on the other side of the world.  That is just so sad.

May you all have a lovely week ahead and may you all be safe and healthy.  Life throws us some curve balls on a regular basis, but with faith and perseverance we can get through.  May you keep going and be successful in whatever you do.

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

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

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.  Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful.

1 Peter 5:6-8

Dear Lord, again we say grateful thanks for all our blessings.  We ask that You please be with each person that is suffering anxieties and insecurities, to let them know that You are in control.  May we all have the faith needed to live a happy and restful life in the love of Your arms and teachings.  We know You have the ultimate control, so please calm our hearts and minds.  AMEN

A Sturdy Foundation is Always Needed

 Hello to all.  Hope you are all well and safe on this pretty morning.  It is cool, but very pretty at the moment.  I am looking forward to a couple warmer days this weekend.

I will sure be glad when this basketball stuff is over!  That is all that is on the TV around here lately.  I don't watch a lot of new shows that are out there, I watch older TV programs when I watch, and those channels have been basketball!  Time to turn it off and read!

Just a little talk about having a good foundation in all we do today.  Your home, shed, garage, etc. needs to built on a good foundation.  Many of us believe that a good foundation is needed in our spiritual life.  Well, our financial lives need that as well.

We all need to work to have our budgets, money, finances, whatever you call it in order.  If you haven't done so already - you need to start.  You can start small and do lots of little things and it all helps.

'Finance' sounds intimidating.  'Thrift' sounds more attainable.  They are both about your money and they go hand in hand.  With the first we often think stocks, 401K, the trading floor.  With the second we think of cooking at home, thrift stores and gardening.  Well, actually we need some of both.

Your thrifty house still needs a good foundation.

You need to be aware but not consumed!!!

Newton taught us that what goes up always comes down.  Such is our financial life as well.  There will be good times and there will be bad times.  Do not PANIC - just keep on going forward.  Do not make hasty decisions.  Stuff happens in life - job loss, inflation, sickness, emergencies, etc.  If you have a stable foundation, you will manage to get through it.  You can't just sweep your debt under the rug - you have to take care of it.  Get rid of your debt as soon as you can - life will feel so much better and freeing.

FEAR is never a good organizing principle - nor is it a good way to live.  So now is the time, if you haven't done so before, to sweep out the cobwebs, open your eyes and get your home and wallet in order.  You will be able to make smart choices and not hasty ones.  You will be able to face whatever comes your way with confidence.  

Learn different ways to do things, learns old ways (they are really smart ways), stop waste in all aspects of life, and don't despair!  

Small changes in life, can make a big difference when added up.  

This is a huge thing to remember.  Getting that sale or clearance means nothing, if you don't need it or won't use it.  Buy what you use and use what you buy.  Common sense way to live!!!!!

We talk about so many things and ways to save here, I just hope they help some folks out.  Don't let your self-image be stuff!  Let it be a calm and happy lifestyle.  Let it be a simpler way.  Let it be joy and not constant worry.  When you live that way, reality can happen and not throw you off your foundation.

The more YOU control your life, the less vulnerable you will be in a crisis or emergency.

ONLY you can reduce your stress levels and emotional turmoil, thus being a bit healthier as well.  Life is short folks, so do each day as best you can - PLEASE don't spend it in a panic.

You are NOT living a second-class life by living a frugal or thrifty lifestyle.  You will be living a good life.  Thrift is good for the person with money and the person on a tight budget.  

Do not feel sorry for yourself.  Know you are surviving and doing your best.  Your life is what some people strive for in this world - we tend to forget just how much we DO have.

You can do it.  Baby steps, slow and steady - any of the old cliche's sum it up.  Don't panic, don't be hasty, think and plan, and just keep on trucking!!!

Today is a gift - make it good.

Have a wonderful and blessed day and weekend.

(you all know my rules!)