What Makes 'Home Sweet Home'?

 Hello to all of you.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  

Welcome to Wednesday, and what looks like another lovely and hot day.  It is lovely out this morning, and boy oh boy, what a sunrise we had.  It was so beautiful.  Always a promise from God in my opinion.  I have been out and fed everyone, had my quiet time, washed my head, washed the kitty dishes and now it is time to write and reflect.  

Yesterday got pretty warm out.  I did go out after the dew dried and did yard work.  It was hot and I kept hydrated.  It has felt good to get outside some and work after the past week or so.  It was way too oppressive with heat and then the rains - just stayed inside a lot.

I truly believe this is true.  I don't need a lot of fancy new stuff; I just like being surrounded with the pieces and memories of the past.  Probably speaks to my age - but that is ok with me.

Home sweet home, is the place I love to be.  The place I have memories.  The place I live with my kitties.  The place that holds pieces of the past - both things and memories.  The place my heart and soul feel at peace.

What makes HOME to you?  Is it the people?  The things?  The memories?

I love old things, things that have some meaning and belonged to people I loved.  I keep those things close.  I love my pictures and have many on shelves and I have a gallery wall as well.  I can see those people (here and gone) every day and even walk by sometimes and say hello or I love you.  I often just touch a picture - kind of a connection for me.

My grandparent's old books - things they held and read.  Mom's cookbook and baking items she used all her life.  Daddies old books, that are still teaching me things.  Glen's tools, that I still use.

I am surrounded with things I use and love.  That and the people in my life is what makes a home for me.

I don't need new, I don't need fashionable or fancy, I don't need the latest and greatest, I just need the things that were loved by others and passed on to me.

Tell us what HOME is to you.  I can almost bet I know many of the answers.

Have a beautiful and fruitful day.  Blessings to you all.

Make someone smile today!!!!

Teach a Man to Garden.........

 Good day to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  

I want to thank you all for your kind words and heartfelt sympathies on my special post yesterday and on Sunday's post.  It means the world to me.  You have no idea how special it is to know so many people care.

Yes, I am sad, but I am at peace knowing where she now is and that we will see each other again.  Again, THANK YOU!

How are your gardens doing?  Whether you have an in-ground garden or pots of goodies growing, I hope they are all doing well.

I had to laugh when I read the above meme - it is so true.  I remember back in the day, everyone left their vehicles unlocked - and there would get to be a time that people would start locking them, as they had had their fill of zucchini being 'donated' by others!

Things around here are just starting to take off and produce some goodies.  Some may be ahead of the game; it all depends on when they planted.  Rain and warmth have really made things shoot up here.

I have picked one zucchini and one teeny-tiny yellow squash (well it fell off).  There are lots of blooms on the squash, but they are all male.  Fingers crossed.  I have bananas peppers and get a handful of cherry toms every couple days.  Lettuce has bolted and it is cut back and I still have green onions.  My cukes are growing and blooming like crazy.  I am so excited, I sure hope I get some this year.  I planted very old seed in a pot this year.  I haven't had any luck with cukes for several years for some reason.

There has been lemon balm, mint and basil.  Now I have started learning about and using poke.

The grapes are loaded this year.

Just one little corner of the arbor.  They are hanging thick out there.  I hope I get some before the critters get them when they ripen.  I have picked rhubarb a few times.  

It is amazing what a SINGLE seed can produce and how much we can receive from it to nourish our bodies.  Just AMAZING to me.  Think about how tiny a tomato seed is - and you get a plant that produces so much and for most of the summer.  A single zucchini seed - and all the squash you get.

The world and nature sure are awesome.

So what do you have growing at your house?  I sure hope everyone tries to garden at some point.  There is nothing like walking out into the yard and getting some of your 'grow'ceries fresh as can be.

Keep your eyes open for wild grapes, or fruit trees that no one tends or uses.  You can probably get some great free goodies.  Barter with neighbors for fresh garden goods.  They may need a yard mowed or trimmed, or maybe they would love a homemade cake, or a jar of fresh jelly.  There is always a way to barter and to glean.

I love this time of the year for all the FRESH goodies to be had.

Don't forget about local farmers - often times, farmers set up stands and charge less than one might get at a farm market.

I would love to be out mowing the back right now, but it is so dewy out there.  Everything is just so damp.  It is cooler this morning and just lovely.  I have been out to feed the babes and spent some quiet time outdoors.  I just love the quiet and calm of mornings.  

It is going to get in the mid 80's again today - not bad.  Humidity is still around.

Right now, fresh air is coming in the house and cleansing my air!  I love the windows open.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and thank you for being my friend!

In Memory of my Sis

 Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.  My sis passed yesterday afternoon at around 4:30PM.  It was quiet and peaceful.  From what I understand she never awoke after I was there.  So, I am even more grateful for the eyes opening and her saying "my sissy".

She is at peace now and is healthy and with all our loved ones gone before and the Lord.

We talked with my nephew about 5PM and he said, I sure would love to see what she is seeing now!

This is her (center) and 'part' of her brood!!!  Not everyone made it to this gathering.  She had 6 children, and truly I have lost count of how many grands, greats and great-greats!

Me, Marcella and Linda - both sisters are gone now.  This was back in the 70's if you couldn't tell by my do!!!!  I have 2 sisters in heaven and 2 brothers (one I never knew), and now it is just me and my brother, Richard.

So many fun memories and fun times.  In the past few years, she and I have gotten closer.  She always lived far away when I was younger.  She told me she could tell me things and discuss 'private' stuff that she just couldn't or wouldn't talk to her daughters about!!  I will miss that for sure.

Love you MARCELLA, see you again someday.

4/5/31 - 7/5/26

Made it to 95 years young!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/5

 Hello to all and welcome to my little world.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Yesterday was Independence Day in the U.S. and there were many celebrations which I imagine will continue into today.  We had rain last night, but it did not deter people.  Still lots of noise out there, maybe just not quite as loud!  I was surprised that it ended earlier than in the past - so that was good.

It is a dreary and foggy morning here, feels damp.  It is actually cooler this morning than it has been in a week, and I even opened a couple windows for some fresh air.  Bitsy is loving that!  We may have some showers today and off and on all week, but it looks like we are out of the 90's for now!  YAY! 

Yesterday I spent most of the days at my sisters.  Things with her took a sudden and dramatic change this week, and it appears her journey and adventure on this earth is just about over.  She is not good at all.  She is at her little place, but it is apparent this is the end. She has a DNR and wants no external means at all to keep her alive.  She hasn't taken in food for a few days, and very little fluid.  I spent time there talking to her and saying my good-byes.  She opened her eyes for a moment and saw me when I first got there, and very quietly whispered "my sissy".  So, she knew me, but that was it.  Her blood pressure is about nil (doctors are amazed she is still here), and her breathing so slow and shallow.  All she does is sleep.  One of her children, are staying there all the time, and taking shifts.  She is soooo ready (has been), we are ready for her, it is now in God's hands.  If you are inclined, please say a little prayer that she doesn't have to linger like this much longer and gets to go to her eternity 'home' very soon.

My frugal week:

• I went to a birthday party on last Sunday for 2 gr.gr. nieces (6 &7) - it was a lovely family day
• I got sent home some pizza from the party - which I jazzed up later for a meal
• Changed the filter on the furnace (had one here), since using the AC so much this week
• I did run to Kroger the first of the week, just to get out.  I found 16 pre-made 1/4 lb. burgers for a total of $10.80 on clearance.  That is 2.70lb. or .67 a burger!
• Picked and cooked poke - YUM (amazingly surprised how good it was)
• Made a big bowl of pasta/veggie salad with things on hand
• Made half dozen hard boiled eggs
• I am getting 2 - 3 gallons of dehumidifier water a day - using in laundry and to water plants.  Amazing that comes from the air we breathe!  Even with the AC on
• Used the soaker hose a couple times on garden, otherwise using rain barrels and dehumid. water
• After last nights rain, the rain barrels are full again
• Had a squirrel feeding coming down, so I do go out and fix that
• Bought stamps for the future while out - before increase on 7/12
• Gnats have started again - UGH.  Got out my Zevo base from last year and set it up with the inserts - had on hand (they really do work)
• My neighbor came over and brought a little gift she made me.  A little cup and saucer with a nest and birdie in it.  So sweet.
• My neighbors that moved to KY came for a visit on Friday.  It was good to see them.
• Staying in and just cleaning and piddling around the house this week
• All meals from home and from what I have
• Picked a handful of cherry toms, 1 zucchini, and another banana pepper & poke

Meals for the past week:

Party - had pizza, bread sticks and cookie cake and ice cream

Jazzed up pizza I brought home

Cheeseburger and poke greens

Ham and cuke sandwich and pasta salad

Fried zucchini and pasta salad

Mushroom topped chopped steak, pasta salad

Cheesy brats and fries and sliced cukes & cherry toms

It appears the extreme heat wave has finally left, although it will still be hot, just not as hot.  Looks to be damp this week, so hoping to get to cut grass and trim maybe Tuesday - appears to be the one dry day.

Emotions have been all over the place this week, but I have really been putting my faith to work, and that has gotten me through.

How was your week?  Are you doing well?  How about your gardens and plants?  Any deals?

Some of you have been quiet for a while - please check in.  You are missed.

I sure hope you all have a safe, healthy and happy week.  Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; thy are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness, "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Lamentations 3:22-24

Dear Lord, thank You for all our blessings this week.  Please help all heal our hearts and to not be petty, but to love and hope in all things.  Our greatest hope and peace and freedoms are in You.  You give us all eternal freedom when we come to You with our love and faith.  Please place Your loving and healing hands upon all in need and guide us each one through this week.  AMEN

Heat, Holiday, Question and This and That

 Hello everyone.  I sure hope you are all well and staying cool.  It has been a scorcher around these parts.  79* this morning and going to mid 90's again.  Super high humidity.  There are so many areas being affected by the heat.  I sure hope all are finding ways to stay cool and hydrated.  PLEASE make sure you leave some water outside for any animals passing through.  Wild or domestic - it is just too hot to not be able to get water.

This weekend we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country.  We have endured so much in that time and here we are still standing strong.  Not being political at all, I am just a proud American.  My ancestors were here before this was the United States - they came in 1736 because of religious persecution - so I have a long history of family here.  In some branches there has been marriage with indigenous people as well.  There has been someone from the family in every conflict as ordered - some lived and some died.

Regardless of your political views or thoughts of anyone in charge - this is still your country.  Do all you can to be a good American and show grace to others.

Spread kindness ONLY.

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I have much to do outside, but it will all wait.  The tiger lilies are all done now, and there are hundreds of stems out there to be deadheaded - they will wait.  I need to get out the power washer and take care of some things - it will wait (although that might feel good!).  Weeds to pull - waiting!

It is just to dang hot out there.

The cats are staying out of the sun and trying to stay cool.  Lots of fresh water available for them and other birds and animals.  Mainly they have been spending the hottest part of the day under the shed.  Smart kitties.

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Just a NOTE - as of July 12 - postage stamps increase in price again.  They will go from .78 to .82.  Now is the time to get Forever stamps for the long haul.  They won't go bad and will be able to be used forever!

I know we all get tired of increases, but I still find that a deal.  I can mail a payment, much cheaper than I could visit an office.  I can send a card to cheer someone - for a good price.  I know there is the Internet - but sometimes we just need to do something a bit more personal.  

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$$$$$$ - Let me know what kind of posts you want to see.  I know in the summer and around holidays views and comments drop some - so I just want to keep those reading entertained and informed.

$$$$$$ - Anything special you want to see?  Let me know.  I will try!!!

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Have a lovely weekend, no matter where you live.  Stay safe and healthy.

Donna - I hope you and yours are ok.  It is extremely unusual for you not to comment daily.

Be blessed all - and celebrate responsibly and safely.

Have a wonderful day!

Less Really Can be More!

 Hello to all this midweek and July 1!  Wow, isn't that something?   I hope you are all doing well this fine day.  It is going to be another hot one - same old, same old - as it is in a lot of places!

The air was just soupy this morning.  Absolutely everything outside was dripping wet from the dew. It is currently 81* going up to about 93*.  There is supposed to be a nice breeze later - not sure if that will help or not.

This morning I spent time watching over the cats while eating, as 'Rocksy' the racoon showed up.  I won't leave their food out there, while the racoon is visiting.  So I kept chasing it off, while they ate.  UGH.  Haven't seen it for a while and thought it had moved on.

Good question.

I quite chasing decades ago.  I have found that life is just more peaceful and happier.

It truly is true that "less is more".  I believe that with my whole heart.

When you stop chasing the corporate ladder and live a simpler life, you will gain peace.  I know people have to work, but do you NEED all the stuff you spend money on or that you have???  That is the real question.

Do you need the newest smart phone?  Do your kiddos need those fancy phones or fancy I-pads?  Do you NEED more than one car or such a new and fancy one?  Do you NEED all the junk food you buy?  Do you NEED the big fancy house? (that you have to heat and cool).  Do you NEED lots of name brand clothes?  Maybe, just maybe IF you realize you don't NEED those things - you can work less.

I could go on and on.

If you answer YES - well you either need to really re-evaluate or just get used to not having a lot of money and work a lot of hours!  More power to you and good luck.

I do not begrudge anyone of anything that they have - I just don't want to hear about how in debt you are either, because of what you spend on.

We all get the opportunity to make choices.  Some make choices to have perfection!  That is fine for them.  I will forgo perfection, to have a less hectic life.  Perfection costs money and time.

I prefer to porch sit, make some odd meals with foods I have on hand, play with kitties, fend off racoons, tend the flowers and enjoy them, listen to the birds, and be totally content with what I have!!!  

I can pay for everything I do and have just fine, and I could pay for basically anything that I may want.  I just don't WANT a lot!  I am totally happy with what I have.

Smaller house (old), older vehicle, not a clothes horse, prefer simple and homemade food, enjoy the yard and garden, love free things, AND peace and quiet!  NO stress!

I guess going through a period of life in the past, of owing, stressing and wondering how the heck I was going to pay the bills - did a number on me.  I wanted it all, I wanted to do it all, I just couldn't afford to (but I did it anyway).  Weeeellllll - that took a while to pay for.  I learned a huge lessons.  One I already knew - because it was how I was raised - but I thought I knew better and that I was the exception.  I wanted it all - but I sure wasn't happy!

I know some who are now alone for the first time in life - and they have gone crazy buying and spending.  They are searching for something - and yet, they still aren't finding it.  It is sad, as even their families have tried to get them to see what is happening, but they won't listen.  Buying things, and going everywhere, spending money, isn't going to make them feel whole.  Only some deep searching inward is going to do that.  Money can't buy happiness!

The less we own the less we have to take care of. The less we have to clean.  The less we owe.

Less really IS more!  More time, more peace, more happiness, more freedom.

Take time to evaluate your life.  Hopefully you find that your family and friends are truly what you NEED!  If necessary, make some changes to get back on track - slow and steady.

Be blessed - STAY COOL!

Know that YOU are enough!

Leaves of the Yard and What Uses They Have - Extracts & More

 Hello to all on this last day of June!  Hope you are all well and safe.  Hope everyone is staying cool!!  There have been so many storms lately, dust storms and fires.  I have friends in CO that have raging fires in their county.  I hope that the fact that they high in the mountains keep them protected.  It is all so sad.

The heat is on for a lot of Europe and for about half of the U.S.  It was 79*F when I got up this morning.  Looks to be going into the 90's.  I don't mind the heat, it is the humidity that makes things uncomfortable for me.

I have already been out to feed the animals, and I cleaned all the water holes and placed clean water in all.  It is SO needed by all creatures.  

It felt like you could wear the air this morning, then after I was out a bit, I felt a 'tiny' breeze and that actually felt nice.

Many asked about my extracts that I was making, and I had a question about grape leaves.  So today that is the conversation.

The extracts are soooooo very easy to make!  I have started lemon balm and mint.

Each one takes about a cup (give or take) of leaves and liquor - vodka or rum, either one will work.  For those thinking 'shame on me' - REAL vanilla extract purchased is made with alcohol!  If you use these in cooking or baking, the alcohol dissipates and the alcohol flavor is virtually nil.

I used vodka on the lemon and rum on the mint (I actually used spiced rum, as that is what I had) - I didn't have enough of one to use on both.

I pick my stems - bring them in a rinse well.  I kind of wrap for a bit in a cloth towel to absorb the water.  I them pull leaves off - I just pull from the top to bottom of stem.  It kind of tears some and bruises them, which is good.  Place about a cup of leaves in a pint jar - then add liquor to cover the leaves.  Lid and let them sit in a cooler space out of sun for about 6 weeks or so.

Drain the liquid and keep in a darker kind of bottle (if you have it) or place in a dark cabinet.  

It is great to use in flavoring baking, or a few drops in hot chocolate, hot tea, water, or in anything you would like flavored lemon or mint.  It lasts and lasts.  JUST THAT EASY!

Mine are now setting and infusing into the liquor.

Remember you can use the leaves in water to infuse flavor into it.  I mentioned placing lemon balm leaves in a gallon of water in frig a couple weeks ago - it tastes so refreshing and 'clean' when cold.  I love keeping that in hand.  I drink more water that way.

Many people grow basil - I have opal basil.  It is a perennial that comes back every year and has for years.

I used this to make flavored vinegar.  You can used any aromatic herb that you have and like.  It is basically the same procedure as above only using cider vinegar.  I cleaned, then pulled off leaves, make sure they are bruised of torn some (releases flavor) and put about a cup in a jar, add vinegar.  I put in the frig to marinate - for a few weeks.  It is great to use in flavoring in dressings or over a salad, or anything you want.

(I always dry plenty to use later as well)

Laurie asked about grape leaves - oh heck yes, you can use those for all kinds of things.  You basically want young and tender leaves.  You can dry them and add to water for herbal tea.  The leaves have a lot of antioxidants - so many people keep on hand for a hot tea mix when feeling like something is coming on (cold).

I use the leaves in anything that I pickle.  Instead of buying expensive bottles of items to help keep pickles crisp - use grape leaves.  I always put a couple in the jar first then add veggies and liquid for pickling, and process as normal.

Young leaves are great to add shredded to salads, especially Mediterranean type salads.

They can be used to wrap or stuff.  Great with various meats, great with fish and any rice dishes.  My little neighbor that used to live next door (she was German/Greek descent) loved to make a dish with them that she baked, it was kind of like cabbage rolls in a tomato sauce.  She used wild grape leaves - they pop up around the area - and she would let some grow just for her cooking.

There is kind of a peppery taste.

I am thinking about going out this week and harvesting some young poke to cook.  I know it takes time and patience, as you have to cook a few times, to get rid of tannins that are in it (they would taste bitter if you didn't do this).  It is hot out, and I will be inside, so no reason not to try it this week!  My brother was saying on Sunday, that they have made it a few times this year so far.  It is kind of like any other greens when cooked.

You pick younger leaves, clean and place in water - boil, until water turns color - dump and do it again, and probably again.  You want the water to be clear - before adding your seasoning.  Poke has been eaten for centuries in many locales.

Nature provides us to many items that we can use and that actually add many vitamins and minerals to our bodies.

I eat purslane leaves in salads.  I may try pickling some this year, if I pickle anything else.  I have heard that is great that way in salads too.  When pickling you leave the leaves on the stems and pickle it all.

I LOVE nature.

God provides what we need.  He gave us all that we need naturally to provide nourishment for our bodies.

Even many medicinal items have been originally derived from nature and plants.

Indigenous people have used plants for remedies for centuries, as have many other cultures.  My Amish ancestors use a lot of natural items.

We need to look back and take a page from our ancestors!

Have a great day to all.

STAY COOL!  STAY HYDRATED!