The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

 Hello this last Tuesday of January.  Good golly, it is cold and messy!  I sure hope you and yours are safe and snuggled in at home (here in the northern hemisphere).  As cold as we are, the southern hemisphere is hot.  Crazy stuff.  

We ended up having snow through Sunday late afternoon (24 hours) - and ended up with 12"+ here.  I had drifts that were close to 2' deep.  Luckily a guy from down the road came and checked on me, and he moved the worst of the worst (I paid).  I have worked on the rest over 2 days.  This body is sore!  Especially my hands, just achy.  That is ok - I survived and I am in my home safe.

There are piles chest high in my front yard, and the cold isn't leaving for a good while - so there will be snow a plenty for a while.

Now that title today could mean a lot of things - BUT I am talking produce!!!!!

I know when we shop we all look for the nicest produce.  It is appealing and lovely and we think that those visuals mean BETTER!  Not really.  It also means it costs more.

Think about looking for the oddly shaped, slightly bruised, and just different looking produce.  Just because it is bruised or ugly - doesn't mean spoiled!

With people being hungry and things costing more - I can't imagine anyone throwing things away just because they don't look pretty.  Stores DO!

Get to be friends with your local produce manager at the store and see if you can get a deal.  They make a little money, instead of paying to have it taken away.  My niece is a produce manager at a WM and she says this happens in her rural area a lot - she always works with people.

There are many things you can do with the off produce.  Fruit salads, smoothies, milkshakes, cook it, dehydrate it, ferment it, jelly and jams, cobblers, pies, roast, add to soups and pasta salads, mash, puddings, freeze for later, can it, the list goes on and on.

You can ferment all kinds of veggies - just like you do with making kraut!  They are really yummy.

VEGGIE CAKES/BITES

Veggies cakes - can be made like potato cakes - use any type of veggie you have.  You can make into patties or just make bites (like tots).  So easy to make and tasty.  Great for variety.

Add veggies to stir fry, fried rice, pasta salads, rice salad - all kinds of things.  Cut up - it doesn't have to be pretty.

FRUIT - so many options.

Fried apples, or peaches, or pineapple, or pears - oh YUM!  Great on top of pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or just as a side or a dessert.

You can mash up for youngsters (or oldsters).  Add to wonderful milkshakes, smoothies, even make homemade ice cream.  Jellies and jams.

Add to sweet breads and muffins, pie, cobbler, oh my.

Use glass jar (those you might throw away from the store) to secure partials of veggies or fruits in.  Like a half an onion - no smell and keeps it fresh.  Those jars are gold - they are super for dry goods, leftovers, and partial pieces of produce.  Make salads ahead (no dressing) and store in jars - grab and go.

I am all for anything that keeps things out of the landfills.  

The jars get re-used and you don't have to trash or recycle.  The produce that may go into landfills, gets used.  It is still good.  You can then use scraps for chickens or wildlife or compost.

There used to be companies that sold misfits or ugly produce - not sure if there still is.  I think it is just a necessary today - as so many are trying to get the best prices they can and stretch the food budgets.

Stop being so picky!

What ideas do you have on the UGLY produce?  DO you try to buy the things no one else wants?

Give us your ideas.  It helps everyone stretch the budget a little.

I pray you are all safe and have electricity and are well.  Let us know how you are faring!

STAY SAFE, STAY IN, and STAY HEALTHY.

Smile a little.  The sun is shining here - so that makes me happy.  Kitties had breakfast - that makes me happy too.

Have a joyful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 1/25

 Well hello there this Sunday!  What a Sunday it is!  SNOW, COLD are the words of the day for many of us.  It is very snowy here, I have not been out yet today, but I need to soon.  Got to clear areas for food and to clear snow from away from the water bowls for the animals.  Poor babies.  There are so many outdoor cats around here.  They all show here for food and water - guess no one else has 'liquid' water available.  I feel for the squirrels and birdies as well.

Looking out the windows there are spots where it looks like an inch of snow and places there appears to be well over a foot.  I'd day right now we have a good 7.5"-8"+, more coming.  It is 10*F at the moment.

I pray you and your families are all safe and well, and that you have heat. 

It looks like it will be super cold all week long - nothing higher than teens - but there will be some sun by tomorrow.

48 years ago today we had the big blizzard of '78.  Nature sure likes to give reminders - huh?

My frugal week:

• Sunday was the family gathering.  Had a wonderful time.  Lots of leftovers to use this week.  Sure glad we didn't plan it for today!
• Put away all the lovely items I received and got all paper and bags back downstairs for next year
• Froze 2 servings of stew leftover from Sunday
• Drinking tea left all week
• I did put more bedding in the greenhouse and doghouse for the kitties - but they have found their own shelter - below ground!  They are all using what has to be old groundhog/opossum dens,  Under my deck, the neighbor's deck, and the shed across the alley, have all had groundhogs over the years.  The cats are using those from what it appears (I mean it keeps wildlife safe all winter).  You can tell as they all look 'dusty'.
• I started shopping from the downstairs freezer
• I did run to the store midweek for cat food stock-up.  I am good for well over a month now.  I did also buy milk and bananas for me.  That is it.
• NO PANIC shopping for me
• Using up fresh veggies from Sunday to make salads this week
• I did walk the alley midweek to p/u trash.  During weekly trash p/u it was windy 
• My garage is not hooked to the generator - and all the heated water holes are attached to the garage.  I did get out a heavy duty extension cord to attach to house (just in case).
• I worked on the computer all day Friday trying to figure out the 'reply' problem I was having.  I got it done FINALLY.  It was frustrating, and I can understand why maybe some just give up and quit posting.  Things keep getting added to computers through updates, that aren't wanted or requested - you really have to stay on top of it.
• Made a small ham piece in the air fryer and cooked a small pot of chili
• Started reorganizing the deep overstock pantry and cleaning everything.  My hands will touch every item!  What a job.
• I did received another gift this week via the mail.  I mentioned something off the cuff on Sunday and Tuesday it was here!  A multi size jar lid vacuum sealer!! (does reg. and wide mouth)

It works great too - I have already tried it!

Meals this week:

Buffet - stew, pulled pork, meat/cheese trays, fresh veggies and all the cracker and breads, desserts

Stew and some desserts

Pork, rice, beans burritos

Pulled pork sliders and salad

Cheeseburger and fresh veggies

Chili and ham sandwich

Chili nachos

Snacked on nuts, toast and jelly, ham slices, meat & cheese, sweets

I sure do hope you are all ok.  Life can throw us some surprises and make us each understand just how blessed our normal life really is.  Prayers for all in the path of these storms - stay safe and warm.

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

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

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Dear Lord, I ask today that You keep us all safe and protected from the weather and please protect Your creatures of nature, and all the souls that are homeless.  Help us each to do our part to help those in need.

Please place Your healing hands upon those who are in need.  We thank You for the many blessings that we receive daily.  AMEN

BLOGGERS - asking a help question

 He guys - all you that blog - I have a question for ya.

Yesterday I could directly respond to each comment received.  Suddenly this morning I can't.  I can leave a comment, but it will not let me respond directly to each comment.

Any idea WHY?????  I am stumped.  I have checked what I know how to check, and I have restarted computer a couple times as well.

THANKS for any HELP!!!!

Keep Your Boundaries and Joy

 Hello to all on this Thursday.  Hope you are well and safe and warm.

As I stated in a comment - the weather is about to get frightful for much of the country!  It sounds like a doozy! 

Yesterday was in the 40's, although windy.  The sun was shining.  This morning the sunrise made the sky look beautiful.  The wind has died down some, but so have the temps.  It is low 20's at the moment and getting colder for a few hours.  The sun is out - a blessing.  

It sounds like this weekend will be awful for many.  We are kind of on the border of some and lots of snow.  It will be brutal cold with highs in single digits, low teens for a few days.  I pray everyone stays safe and indoors. 

Yes please!!!!!!  I think many of us are feeling this way about now!!!!!  I hate to wish my life away, but yes, I am ready for spring.  At least warmer temps and no snow.

Yes, this is me.  There are so many things that can set us off today.  Too many buttons to push.  So much negativity from everyday people.  I am just sick of the noise and the clammer.

I will not add to it.

My life is precious, your life is precious - don't let people bring you down.  I know it is hard to do, but we have to work on it.  I will be turning off the computer and the TV most of the time.  No, I will not be a hermit - I am very aware of what is happening around the world.  I do not need others' negativity to stay informed. 

Do your best to take care of yourself, your home and your family and your space.  That is all you have to do.

You can be prepared for anything without being a Debbie Downer to others.

Find the best of each day to ponder, love and share.  If each one does that, it will make everything nicer.

My home is my world.  I will protect it and myself - my boundaries.  I choose joy and happiness and will look for it in ALL places.

I place myself in God's protections, and I have tremendous faith that He is with me always.

I hope you can choose happiness as well.  Turn off the negative and look for good.

I pray for all this weekend.  I hope everyone gets to keep their power and that your homes and cities are free of bad ice storms.  Stay in and stay safe.  Do not try to test Mother Nature!  

I hope they are wrong, and this event isn't as bad as they predict.

Do you have your eggs, milk, bread and TP?????  LOL

I ran out for a few minutes yesterday, not even thinking about this weekend, and couldn't believe how crowded the stores were!  People act like they will be stuck at home for months!  Around here, that isn't going to happen.

BE SAFE!  BE JOYFUL!  BE HAPPY!

Don't let anyone steal your joy, set your boundaries.

THIS IS A SAFE PLACE!!!!!!!

(no politics)

I Grocery Shop Differently

 Morning to all.  It is early - haven't been outside yet, it is still dark.  Just getting a headstart!  It is warmer this A.M. than past mornings.  Today will hit 40's and I am looking forward to that.  I think it is supposed to be windy as well, but dry.  It is going to get very cold and nasty this weekend for a lot of the country.  I hate that for everyone.  We are to get super cold - we are on the fringe of the weather system - we will see.

I probably (most likely) shop a LOT different than the average person.  I have always been this way.

This past year (2025) I saved just under $1,000 using my digital coupons!  I well imagine I saved close to that amount buying clearance as well.  That is a lot off the grocery bills.  That works out to a $166 savings a month.

I basically buy almost NOTHING that isn't a digital coupon item or clearance.  It is rare for me to pay a regular price - very rare.

I do not shop every week - sometimes I don't go to the store for several weeks.  I always make sure that I have enough milk on hand for a few weeks, and I seem to be able to keep fruits and veggies a good amount time.

I am not brand conscious, nor do I pay a lot of attention to 'best by' dates.

I use what I have.  I have a great and PLENTIFUL pantry, between what I grow and can to the items I get cheaply.

I do NOT waste - I use leftovers in some way.

I have meatless days every now and then.  When I do eat meat, I use less than called for in recipes.  I can add beans or mushrooms to extend meat.  I also use rice and pasta as extenders.

If I have leftovers that I don't want to eat soon - I freeze for another day.  That makes for easy meals.

I buy whole fruits and veggies and not cut up ones.  Buying the cut-up products costs more and often has been treated with something, or it goes off quicker.  I try to stay as pure as possible.

I substitute a lot.  If I am out of something - I figure out a sub.  I don't run out to buy what I am out of.

I tend to MAKE UP a lot of my cooking as I go.  I 'play' with food!!!!!!  I love trying new things and ways of putting food together.

I make most of my sauces and mixes and treats.

I do NOT buy water. (once a year only for company).  I resist pop.  I drink water or tea at home.  I am not a coffee drinker.

I always go with a list of what I really need, then I do look at clearance goods.

I don't have to shop this way - but it just makes good sense to me.  I can use my funds on other things.  I like getting the best deal I can and making things last as long as I can.

Hope this gives someone some ideas on ways to cut the grocery budget back a little.  There are ways to not spend a ton at the store.  People keep saying it can't be done - YES it can.

Be open to new ways, new ideas, new recipes and new ways of shopping.  Eyes WIDE OPEN can make a HUGE difference.

Have a beautiful day and stay safe and warm out there.

Life - Joy - Ordinary = Wonderful

 Hello to all on this Tuesday morning.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Holy Moly sweet Eskimo pies, it is cold outside!!!!  I know some of you northern gals are so used to cold, but we aren't used to this nasty cold much here in these parts!  It was 8*F this morning.  I was bundled up nicely, when I went out and it didn't feel too bad.  I think the big part was NO wind!  The wind just makes things feel brutal.  Yesterday we were in the teens and windy - oh my.   There are no clouds this morning, the sun is shining, and we have no precipitation of any sort - on the ground or in the air.  YAY 

We are to get into the twenties today (woohoo) and maybe hit 40* tomorrow!!!  We get a couple days reprieve then it is back to cold and more cold.  I know some up north are getting tons of snow and blizzard conditions - STAY SAFE!

Just to make some smile that are cold here, or colder elsewhere - 62 days until spring and 50 days until time change (more daylight hours)!!!!  It has been almost a month since Christmas and think how fast that has gone.  It won't be long.

I am not a sports fan - but I want to say a HUGE congrats to the Indiana University (IU) football team for winning the national title last night.  They made history for the school and the state.

This is just so true.  Whether it is a sunrise, a fur baby, family, a sports win, nature, etc.   JUST JOY!

You all know I had my last Christmas gathering with family Sunday.  It was so wonderful to see everyone.  We laughed, we cried, we enjoyed and just had the best time together.  I wish it happened more often.  I made a big buffet of all sorts of things, and it was enjoyed.

On top of just loving family, I got so many neat things.  From homemade bread, to candles, smell pretties, socks, goodies, gardening things, etc.

I want to share some pictures of 3 things I got, just in case some of you might be interested in finding them as well.  I know I will be sharing ideas from my book and cards I got.

These were neat gifts and you may want to try and find for yourself or for gifts.

This book is all natural homemade remedies for just about everything you can think of.  I am all about natural living (I take no meds) - so this is just so neat.

It has colored pictures of each item you can make, easy to read instructions, what all you might need to make, etc.  I am sure there will be some things I will share with others, for those who are interested.

Also got this pack of 50 cards - 50 Plants That Heal - tells about herbs and natural items.  How to grow, where they grow best, which part to use and how to use it.

My niece and I had a conversation Sunday about the journals (about 15) I have from Mom.  She had no idea.  I told her that after over 24 years I still haven't been able to get through much, because I just start crying (ugly crying) - they are so personal.  She and I cried and hugged.

I open her gifts and here is this book!!!!  It is a journal that asks about all stages of life from where born - growing up, teen years, loves, religion, thoughts on things, etc.  She told me she wants this back someday to keep.

I show it because, they were all talking and several have gotten one of these - they make them for grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and who knows who else.  Just such a little booklet, that just talks about life.  Full of personal thoughts and memories.  I think anyone interested in family history would love to give and get these.

A neat legacy to leave.

Yesterday I was just beat.  I did get most things put away.  You can't tell anyone was here on Sunday, let alone a crowd, all is straight.  But I did nothing else than put things away.  I ate good food and took a nap.  Sunday night I went in to lay on the bed and turned on the TV - and I was asleep at 8:30!!

Today, I will get back to normal (I think).

I have lots of yummy leftovers to eat up in some form, and nothing super rushing to do, nowhere to go.  Life is good!

Simple ordinary things make for JOY in life.

Fed my outdoor animals - Licorice, Mommy, and babies all came out of the insulated doghouse!  They were all snuggled together - so sweet.  Bitsy is laying here sleeping and I am just happy for this day.

LIFE IS GOOD.

Stay warm, stay safe and have a blessed day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/18

 Hello to all and happy Sunday!  I hope you are all safe and healthy and warm. 

We are now half past the midway mark of the month - it is flying by.

It is a cold morning here.  In the teens and only going into the 20's today - but dry.

I was looking at a weather calendar for this month, and it doesn't look too bad, until the very end of the month - and then it looks terribly frigid!  I hope that all changes before then.

This week has been a 'just doing' kind of week.  Taking care of the home has been my job.

My frugal week:

• I met with my financial guy here at the house.  Things are good
• I cut my hair here at home
• Did several little repairs
• I did get to work outside in the yard a little over 2 days
• I waxed the cabinets and all the wooden furniture
• Did a bit of baking - cookies that go in the holiday bags for kids, and baked goods for today's gathering
• Paid all bills I had over the phone
• Pretty much finished the 'deep' cleaning of the main floor (basement is another world!)
• I did run to the store for slider buns and street taco tortillas this week.  I also got a few fresh veggies - that is it

Meals this past week: (kept it simple)

L/O mac & cheese in a quesadilla and a salad

Big omelet in a tortilla wrap and sausage patties

Smoked sausage sandwich and veggies

Big salad, l/o rice

Baked spaghetti (made in air fryer), veggies

Baked spaghetti, fruit

Steamed broc./cauliflower, smoked sausage

There you go.  Just getting my home in order as I can.  I need to get busy on that basement after a few days of rest.  Also need to work on the extended pantry and reorganize and clean it all.

Lots of indoor work can be done during the winter, so that we stay productive and active.

Today is my family gathering here with my niece and nephews.  I so look forward to it.  Everything is ready - spent a lot of time yesterday getting food started or made.

I may not be back on to answer comments until tomorrow - depends on how tired I am tonight!

I wish you each a safe week and please stay healthy and warm.  If you are getting bad winter weather stay safe.

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

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

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Lord, I pray that we are thankful for all that we receive each and every day.  That we realize what gifts You present us daily.  Thank You.  Please continue to lay healing upon each person that is need. So many need Your healing touch in so many ways.  Prayers for our country and our world.  AMEN