Winding Down and Reflecting

 Hello all!  Hope you are all well and safe. Well, 2 days and this year is done.  Boy, is it leaving with a punch around here.  Sunday evening at about 7:30 it was 68* with rain and then thunderstorms.  Heck we were even under a tornado warning.  The southern part of the state got it worse - there was an EF1 tornado that was confirmed.  It did touch down in the town the 'kids' (my niece and nephew) live.  There was damage to some very old downtown structures, but the kids are ok.  It is a small old town, and just pretty neat - full of small family businesses.

Then from about 9PM on Sunday - by 5AM Monday morning it dropped to 20* - that was a drop of almost 50 degrees!  The wind was absolutely wicked all day on Monday.  Talk about crazy weather.

Cold this morning in the teens, but at least no wind to speak of.  We did get a dusting of snow overnight.  It flurried all day yesterday, but none of it stuck.  None of the outdoor kitties were too interested in eating this morning - just hunkering down I guess.

This year many of you have had great joys, sadness, loss, illness and adventures.  But here you are.  I think many of us are stronger than we give ourselves credit for.  Life can sure throw us some curve balls - but we have all survived our worst day ever (so far).  That is pretty remarkable.

I reconnected with a lot of older friends this year.  I have reached out from my comfort zone more.  I have got myself 'moving' for a healthier lifestyle.  I still love my home and my quiet little life.  Do I wish things were different?  There are people that I wish were still here, but NOT if they had to go through more illness.  I miss people - but I feel them with me every day.

I do not make resolutions any longer - they never really happened.  I do have some goals for the year that I would like to meet - things I would like to do - but it will be what it is.

IF you just got through this year and are still walking - well, that is OK.  If nothing major happened or you didn't do it ALL - that is OK too.  You need to stop and be thankful for what you have been through and that you are here.  Yes, that is what I meant to say.  What we go through makes us each stronger and more capable, it isn't always what we expect or want - but it makes us who we are.

You need to make sure you are doing what you SHOULD be doing.  Do what makes your life happy.  Do what makes your family happy.  It isn't always about money, things, or a career - it is about JOY in the heart.  It is about you and yours.

It isn't the biggest and fanciest house.  It isn't about the shiny baubles.  It isn't about the most pristine.  It IS about the love and the joy and the happiness in your home and your life.  It is about living the BEST life FOR YOU!

I hope you all take some time to look back and learn from mistakes, and give praise where it is due, and realize the most imperfect life is still good.

Do good, speak kindly, love deeper, have fun, forgive when needed, hug those you love tightly, appreciate everything, and give thanks for each day.

May the sun shine down on you today and may you all be blessed in all you do.

Life is truly a WONDERFUL thing!

THANK YOU for being here on this journey with me.

Weekly Wrap Up 12/28

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  Gosh, here we are at the last Sunday of the month and the year!  How this year flew by.  A few short days and we will be in a new year.

It is a warm, warm morning.  It was 55*F when I got up this morning at 5:30. It is supposed to get to the 60's, maybe 70* and then later today the rain comes.  Rain and thunderstorms are predicted and WIND!  Lots of wind. - then BOOM baby - the "free trial" of spring disappears.  In about 4 or 5 hours we are supposed to drop 40-50 degrees.  Tomorrow will be in the 20's.  It will be a colder week, and much closer to normal winter temperatures.

'Spring' has been nice while it lasted.

Gosh I went out for a short trip Friday morning first thing, and there were a ton of 'goofers' at the golf course - even though it was a constant drizzle.  Motorcycles were out.  I saw several people in shorts.  It has been enjoyable for sure.  The ice cream man (truck) even came around.

Birds have been singing and with the temps up - it really did seem like spring.  Heck last evening, I even watched a big bunny going down the alley.

We have had some beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the past week or so.

I know Christmas is over and many are glad to just getting back to normal.  I still have one more get together at some point (still not sure when).  

AGAIN - I want to thank everyone that sent me a card!  That was just so kind and thoughtful.

My FRUGAL week:

• Scoured all the water bowls outside for the kitties and critters.  They sure seem to love having liquid water around.  I think I am probably the only one close by that has heated bowls!
• Baked 'family' favorite cookies
• I did go out and fill up the gas tank so as to use my points.  I paid $1.75/gal!
• Ran to the feed store to stock up for the upcoming cold snap.  All set now.
• Ate my last garden tomato on 12/21!!!!!  I was so pleased they lasted so long
• Filling up my daily use containers of all sorts with things from deep pantry
• Lots of laundry - in cold and air dried
• Took a few walks - free exercise
• Changed the furnace filter with one I had
• Had a spa night at home on Christmas Eve - so relaxing
• I did get to air the house a little this week!
• NO grocery at all
• I got cards all together and cut the fronts off all (except a couple fancy ones) - will use for gift cards or list making during the year.  The backs can be used as well - NO need to throw in trash!!!!  REUSE
• Spent Christmas at brothers with his family - such fun.  Received so many lovely gifts - home canned goods, nuts, treats, GC's, candle - and lots of LOVE!  I have a gr.gr. nephew (age 11) who is always kind of stand offish.  I got him a GC for gaming (one he loves) and then made up a small goodie box of candies & snacks - man did I get hugs and thank you and I love you galore!!!!  I guess simple can be a hit!  LOL
• Got all my wonderful items put away - sure added to my pantry.
• Still using the freezer (frig) and pantry for meals.  I will soon be bringing goodies up from main freezer
• Got my new calendar out and will be marking that up with important dates today

My meals this week:

Cheesy mac w/ BBQ mini wienies added (found in freezer) and salad

l/o mac & wienies and fried breaded okra (air fryer)

Nachos

Homemade pizza (usual Christmas eve dinner)

Dinner with family at their home

Leftover pizza and salad

Broccoli/beef (freezer) gravy over rice

SNACKS - fruit, nuts, pie (brought home from brothers), cheese & crackers

Such a nice week.  I am sure going to enjoy and take advantage of today's temps and air the house a bit more.  I hope you all had a lovely week as well.  Whether it was spent with family or friends or just a quiet time alone - I hope it was special and nice for you.

Did you do any shopping this week?  Grocery or after holiday sales?

Let us know how your week went.

I wish you a week of health, happiness and safety in all you do.  May the year end on a positive note for all.  I will be back on Tuesday!

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

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

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord to lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Numbers 7:24-26

Dear Lord, as this year is coming to an end, we sure want to say thank you for getting us each through it.  There have been losses, disappointments, sadness and joy and smiles.  Many may be quite frayed around the edges, yet they are still here.  What a blessing.  I pray that as we approach a new week and a new year that we all know and feel the wonderful blessings that come forth each day.  Help us each to be appreciative and spread joy and happiness to all we meet.  Let us each live more 'Christ" like every day.

Thank You for all the gifts we receive and again, we ask for You to place Your healing hands upon all who are in need.  AMEN

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 Just a short note to wish you all a wonderous and Merry Christmas.  I hope you all get to spend time with family and friends, and if you wish to spend the day alone - I hope you do whatever makes you feel warm and cozy inside.

I say Merry "Christ"mas, as I am a devout follower of God and Jesus Christ - I know not everyone has my beliefs, so I wish you all a very blessed day if you believe something different.

                                                           My greatest gift.  AMEN

I wish for happiness, health, safety and good cheer to all who are reading this.

Cherish all that you have and everyone that you have.  Life changes quickly, and we all need to let people know that we love them.  Make your season bright and loving.

Stay safe on your travels.  I love you all and thank you for being here with me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

It's Always Something!

 Hello everyone - I hope you are all well and safe on this Tuesday before Christmas.  It is just hard to believe that this year is almost over.  This morning it is 50* already.  We get warmer each day for a few days and then by Monday of next week, it goes all whacky again and back in the 20's!!  Such is winter.

                                                Please God, this is my prayer for all.  Amen

You just never know what a day will bring.  Things change on a dime.  Yesterday I went out to get my tank filled up.  Came home, unlocked the door and came inside.  I always relock the door once inside.  Then I went out to check mail and do a couple things and Licorice showed back up acting hungry.  So, I fed him again.

Then boom I could not find my keys!  They are 3 keys on a little ring - 2 for the doors and one for garage.  I looked and looked, checked pockets, checked drawers, floor, under things, in things, outside everywhere - dozens of times.  Nothing! I then suspected maybe they hit the trash - but there they would stay if that happened, as I had cleaned out the litter box and had taken it out to bin.  I gathered up another set of keys, but it still bothered me.  I checked all afternoon, over and over everywhere.  Guess what?  I found them last evening in one of the first place I had checked (and checked) - my coat pocket!  They had somehow got caught up in the gloves and I didn't feel them.  Not the biggest deal, just aggravating - and of course it is always where you checked first!!!!!  LOL

I guess nature decided I needed a gift and an early gift.  For now, I have to take care of it.

A little momma cat and 2 babies!!!!  (Momma on left and kittens at the water bowl).  They actually showed up last week when it was so cold and have been sleeping in the insulated doghouse.  I don't want any more cats!!!!  Guess the world thinks different.  

I have to surmise that maybe Licorice is daddy!!!  Momma and babies are all black.  Off course, to his 'credit', there are a lot of black cats in our neighborhood!  He tolerates them and doesn't try to run them off.  On the coldest mornings, he even slept with them in the doghouse!  He tries to stay avoid them, as much as possible - but he is nice to them.

The kittens are just little black balls of fur.  They are a hoot to watch.

No way can I run them off this time of the year - so I guess I take care of them until they become independent.  I can't get near them or touch them - they are for sure feral - but I will provide lodging and food while it is winter.

So, if you remember the original Saturday Night Live days and Roseanna, Roseanna Danna - "it's always something"!!!!

My brother and I use that statement often.

I will be back tomorrow for a short post.  Take care and have a wonderful day.

Wishing you all the best week ever.

Weekly Wrap Up 12/21

 Hello to all and happy WINTER! (here in the northern hemisphere).  Today is the winter solstice and the shortest daylight hours of the year.  Good news that from here on out - the daylight will get a bit longer each day!!

We have had all kinds of weather this week.  Thursday morning to Friday morning we dropped 35 degrees!  That was a shock to the system and then you add in the wind and oh my!  We have had a lot of wind this month.  We are now (starting tomorrow) on an upward trend for temps.  Christmas we may actually hit a record high!  It is supposed to be in the 60's.  I know the kiddos will be sad, but we adults who drive, will be happy.  Visits without the stress of ice and snow.

Looks like no more snow for the remainder of this year and warmer temps here.  Nice ending.

I would like to thank everyone that I have received cards from.  So thoughtful and sweet.  THANK YOU

My frugal week:

• I did get the last couple of GC's I wanted
• Made and canned jelly
• My goodie bags and gifts are all bagged and wrapped
• Received a $34.66 check in the mail.  From Prudential - still not sure what it is for, but I will take it
• Paid all bills on hand over the phone
• I did spend some time watching and enjoying some old time (from my younger years) Christmas cartoons!  Yep, connected with my inner child and laughed a lot!
• NO grocery store
• Spent Friday with sis and brother and SIL for Christmas with sis.  She bought us lunch - which was wonderful.  She can't go out and shop and does nothing like that on the computer, so she bought lunch.  In the past she has always hosted lunch at her home.  The chef at her facility is excellent (she has gained over 20lbs. since living there!).  We had a lovely lunch, gave her gifts and had a great visit.
• Used the air fryer to make fries one day and also cooked up chicken for another time.

Meals this week:

l/o cream of chicken/pasta soup

Stoup (freezer) and roasted cheesy mini bagels

Waffles and patty sausage (all from freezer)

Grilled turkey (freezer)/cheese sandwich and fresh veggies

Potato cakes and smoked sausage (cooked & in freezer) and spinach

Lunch with sis

Loaded burger and fries

SNACKS - popcorn, turkey slices, cheese and crackers

It has been fairly quiet this week.  I am done with all shopping and wrapping and have just been enjoying the quiet and reflecting.  I have had a couple really neat phone calls this week as well.  I feel accomplished that all my Christmas is PAID IN FULL.  I will not go into the new year owing for any of it.  

I spent a lot more money this year on gifts - and it has nothing to do with prices - it was me!  There were just things I wanted to do for others and to help some folks a little.  I know it will make them happy.  It won't be a normal thing - but it just feels right this year.

How has your week been?  I know you northern gals have tons of snow and very cold temps.  I hope you are staying safe and cozy.  Are you ready for the big day?  Did anyone get any great deals this past week?

There are so many going through health challenges for themselves or with family - and I just pray that healing comes and that you will have a healthy new year.

Please take care and know we all care about each of you.  I hope you all have a beautiful holiday week.  I WILL post again before Christmas.

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

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

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 136:1

Dear Lord, as we approach the day of celebration this year, help us each to realize the gift of family and friends, and to remember the true meaning for the day and season - the birth of Jesus Christ.  The greatest gift ever to be received by anyone.  Thank You for loving us so.  Please continue to place Your healing hands upon all those in need of that healing.  Please heal hearts and souls as well.  Thank You for all our blessings and for the greatest gift of LOVE.  AMEN

The Weekend and Events

 Hello to all you wonderful folks.  Praying you are all safe and warm and healthy.  It isn't even 7AM yet, and it is 45*F.  Today is going to be in the 50's and rain (lots of rain) - then the bottom drops out for a day.  Tomorrow is going to cold, cold, cold (teens).  Hopefully it will not be icy out by late morning tomorrow, as I plan to go down and have Christmas with sis.  Brother and SIL are going too.  It is supposed to start warming up again on Saturday and there will be NO chance of a white Christmas here.

What is your upcoming weekend going to be like?  Many will be baking, some will be shopping, some will be wrapping, and some will be having family gatherings.  Some may just be enjoying the quiet and solitude of the season.

Can you believe it is just one week until Christmas Day?

Two weeks and we start a new year.  Lots of people are thinking of ideas and plans for the new year, and ways to stretch a dollar, and ways to live a simpler life.

Whatever you put your hands or heart to this weekend - I hope you spend time JUST enjoying the season a bit.

May you and yours stay warm and cozy, and SAFE!  I know many places are getting slammed with really nasty weather.  Do not go out if you don't have to, if you are in those areas.  Stay well and safe for your family.  Let us know what your plans are!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Blessings to you all - spread the gift of the season to everyday!

It's About What you HAVE Already!

 Hello to all on this Wednesday.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  It sounds like many of you northern gals are about to get slammed with a significant weather event - stay safe.  It is 40*F this morning already!  The temps were rising all night.  We get a couple of warmer days, and then lots of rain tomorrow, so the snow will all be gone.  I think we are on a tremendous roller coaster ride around here as far as weather goes!

Christmas is just days away.  I think the picture says a lot to all of us. We are all so blessed in this life, and we need to take time to just appreciate what we DO have and not worry about what we COULD have.  Take time to enjoy the moment.

Yesterday I got a call from my old boss and dear friend, that moved to CO many years back.  It was just like we hadn't missed any time apart - the conversation was lovely.  So good to hear her voice and her husbands in the background!  Old friends are gifts we need to stop and enjoy.  Those simple gifts are sometimes the best.  Take time to look at what is really in your life, I bet it is the important stuff!

I have finished up Christmas gifts - I made grape jelly the other day to put in some of the gift baskets.  Many look so forward to it.

It always looks pretty.  I tasted the 'crumbs' in the bottom of the pan and off the ladle and YUM!  It tastes like summer.  Funny, I always put off making jelly - and for some reason this year it just seemed so easy to make.  I did put off doing it, but it seemed more fun this year.  Not sure why - maybe just my frame of mind.

I have enough grapes in the freezer to do another batch - maybe after the new year.

This looked like a fun idea.  It could be for you or your spouse or the kiddos.  Use your cookie cutters as molds for pouring pancake batter.  Once it sets - remove the cutter and flip.  You could do this with all kinds of cookie cutters for any season.  Just a fun way to freshen up that morning meal!

What fun that would be on Christmas morning!

Take it slower today - do not get in a rush.  Look around and see the beauty in the world.  YES, there is beauty all around.  Take time to enjoy and smile.

If it doesn't get done - well maybe it wasn't to be.  Some things just don't matter.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!