Adventures in being Frugal

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  All is good here.

AC is off this morning, but that will probably not last long.  It is a bit humid out and is about 71*.  Lovely morning actually.

It is going to be really hot the next few days - I guess it is to be expected in July, and I know it could be worse.

The garden is growing, it just seems a little slower than normal to me - I do believe the sun and heat is the problem.  Keeping things watered well.

Just thought I would relate a couple stories that have been on my mind recently.  You know I watched my mom and dad and learned much from them.  I think all of us kids did.  We learned how to make do and how to stretch a dollar.

Both of my sisters were frugal queens as well.  Linda had 3 kids and very little money (a single mom for a while) and she could cook and feed those children.  She was a fantastic cook, and when married had a husband that fished and hunted - which was a huge gift to the family.  They foraged and gleaned.  Her adult children still do that a lot.  She found fruit trees and canned as much as possible.  They raised a huge garden.  She worked odd jobs at times, and as the kids got to be teens, she worked at the school cafeteria.  They had a small house - but it was always sparkling and cozy.

Marcella married very young (16) and started having children within a year.  She raised 6 kiddos and they really had little money.  She lived out in the country when the kids were younger.  They gardened and raised a huge garden.  She could cook!  Talk about creative cooking - she was an original.

They lived in a huge old kind of drafty house (considered haunted by locals) - it was cheap and had rooms for all the kids.  It had a lot of land with it - and there were fruit and nut trees everywhere, and lots of hills and hollers for the kids to play on.  Their land was surrounded by corn fields, and yes, she would get corn in the summer by just walking over and picking it!!!  That always horrified mom, but sis swore they farmers said it was ok. 

The house had indoor plumbing - but it still had an outhouse (2 holer) - and due to the cost of water (according to her), the family used it most of the time!!! 

Now I say she was frugal - her kids say 'cheap'.  I laugh now - because I think they were right at some point.  She bought second hand before it was a real thing - the kids hated it.  Some of the girls got hand me downs from me and they loved it - mom made all my clothes when I was younger.

They eventually moved up here to town and lived really close by our home.  Then the kids were getting older and started working a little so they could buy nicer things to wear to school.  We went to the same junior high and high school.  

She could revamp a house on a dime - it just came natural to her.  Her hubby was not the least bit handy - so she learned how to do a lot.

Today her children have all done well.  Many had extremely good and high-paying jobs without college.  Most (except one) live in what I would call excess now!  Their formative years had something to do with that, I am sure!!!  They knew what they wanted and went for it.  

Sis, ended up in real estate after the kids were grown and she was 'retired'.  She did quite well with that but never lost her 'frugal' mindset.

Those are just back stories - I went Monday to order flowers for sis's funeral.  I know I didn't need to, I just felt like it was the last thing I could do.  The florist I have used for decades, I found has closed for good!  I was sad - they were great - reasonable - and always did a fantastic job.  Shoot if you went in to order or pay your bill, they would send you home with a couple of flowers.

I went to a new place - and holy cow were they expensive!  I was a bit dumb founded - but plodded ahead and ordered.  I got in the car and could hear sis, saying 'what is wrong with you?'  'Why did you spend so much on a bouquet of flowers?'  LOL.  I set there and laughed and had a couple tears as well.

I will never forget the effects that the women in my life have had on me.  They were all strong women, and they knew how to live frugal, yet make life good.  They have all given so many memories.

Linda's kids all live well today, but they seem a little more down to earth than many of older sis's kids.  Whenever we all get together, the stories are shared and we all add to the stories and the loving memories of them all.

I hope someday that those kinds of stories are shared about me as well.  I hope I bring thoughts, laughter, tears and maybe a few lessons to the nieces and nephews.  We learned from the past.  Hopefully we can pass those frugal mindsets on to some extent.  Maybe we can teach how to get by in a pinch.  How to stretch a dollar.  JUST MAYBE!

So, you see, it is only natural that I live frugal!!!  I was surrounded by it, by the BEST women I have ever known.

Did anyone in your life help transform your thoughts on frugal living?

Have a wonderful and blessed day!!!!

Useful Ideas on Using What You Have

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very pretty morning here.  It is around 70* to start the day and sunny.  Yesterday got warm, but it was a really nice day.  We had a lot of hefty breezes which felt awesome.  The humidity was fairly low too.  I guess the humidity is to start creeping up again this week - UGH.  Back to hot, hot temps as well.  I hope you are all managing to stay cool (or warm depending) and do you work where you are comfortable.

                   Sure seems so!!!!  As long as we can do the work - we should.  FREE exercise!

I imagine I have listed some of these ideas before - but I think they are worth mentioning.  We all look for ways to save dollars and ways to save on extra work - so here are a few ideas.  Some just help keep our homes a bit neater.

• I wash out all cans, jars, bottles and meat trays before placing in the trash.  I know that may sound like over kill, but it sure keeps down the risk of getting gnats and in the summer it keeps things from smelling
• I never leave small appliances plugged in.  The only thing that stays plugged here is the microwave, because the plug isn't easy to get to.  Years ago, we heard a lot about small appliances catching fire when people were away from home.  My mindset hasn't changed.  Just an extra precaution
• Keep your sinks and drains clean all the time!  Gnat problems often derive from sink drains - keep them flushed with water and soap and/or vinegar.
• I have a Swifter dry dust mop - I don't buy those refill pads.  I use an old sock or footie, or a rag or microfiber cloth - they can all be washed if desired.

• Fresh and canned fruit can be used together to stretch it into a fresh tasting summer salad.  It is ok to mix them up - not wasting anything and adds variety
• Learn to fry or saute' veggies for something different.  So many things can be fried.  I love fried corn or hominy - add some peppers and onions and fry in a little butter - YUM.  Battered green beans are wonderful fried.  Bean fries!  Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, summer squash, etc.  can all be battered and fried - I usually use a little butter or bacon grease for frying and flavor
• I always add frozen peas to my tuna salad when I make it.  My mom always did this.  It gives a little brightness and a bit of veggie.  Frozen peas hold form and aren't squishy
• 
  
  
  Make your own crab Rangoon's!  Super easy to make and taste so yummy for a treat with fried rice or homemade lo mien.  I have made these in the air fryer as well - so no heating the kitchen.
• Keep bread bags - great for storing homemade bread, muffins, biscuits.  Wash well and use to store homemade ice for gatherings - I never buy ice.  You can use to store fresh garden produce as well.  Wrap premade burritos, egg rolls, breakfast biscuits/burritos, waffles, pancakes, etc. in them
• When making chili - I use half chili powder and half taco seasoning.  I get rave reviews!
• Make refreshing ice.  Add lemon, limes, cukes, orange slices - whatever you want.  Make a cold beverage a little tastier.  You can also make 'tea' cubes to use in ice tea, so it doesn't get watered down.  Same with fruit juices

                                 The larger cubes keep things cold longer and they are fun!

• If you have extra fruit getting to the end of its life or need to use from freezer - make some syrup.  You may not want to warm the oven baking, or may not want to make jelly/jam - so make a wonderfully flavored syrup for pancakes, waffles, ice cream etc.  Super easy to do on the stove.  Fruit and a little sugar (maybe a touch of water) and let it cook down.
• You can also use the fruit in smoothies, shakes, or homemade ice cream
• Have bits and pieces of this and that in the frig or freezer?  Turn them into fried rice, stir fry or quiche.  Super easy and it makes an entirely different type of meal.  Check those crispers for things getting down to the wire, check the frig and freezer - use up those odds and ends. 
• If you can turn off AC for a while and still want to keep air moving - just turn on the FAN only on the thermostat control.  I do this often.  I am only using the fan, not the big compressor on the AC- so it saves money on electricity.  I also keep ceiling fans going all the time
• Make your own little snack trays - great for snacking for yourself or for kiddos - portion control

Gives variety and you can add dip or syrup as well.  I know you can just place things on a plate - but this makes it kind of fun for the young ones.

• Don't forget about freezing seedless grapes in the summer - oh what a treat.  They are so refreshing and so good - I swear it makes them taste sweeter 

Just a few ideas for making summer a little more fun!  Having a clean and sweet-smelling home is on everyone's list - so simple tricks can help.  Food can be fun and refreshing.  So many options in the summer with fresh produce.  If you purchase produce - ALWAYS make sure you clean it well (I use vinegar and water) - you just don't know what it has come in contact with.

Have fun around your house and with your food.  You know my saying "get creative".

Have fun with things - it spices life up a little and it saves money.

Give us your fun and useful ideas!

Have a great day - SMILE

Weekly Wrap Up 7/12

 Hello to all and happy Sunday.  I hope you are all well and safe.  

It is a balmy 71* here this morning.  Looks to be in the 80's range and probably dry.  Yesterday was anything but dry here!  Goodness sakes did my area get hit with rain.  Got about 3" in about an hour and a half.  Boy, did it come down hard.  I did get a couple of trickles in the basement this time - nothing bad - but that hasn't happened in a long time.  Dehumidifier going and a fan going - and just about dry this morning.

Looks like another hot week coming up - in the 90's, but they say the humidity will not be as bad this time.  Looks like no more chances of rain for a good while.  I kind of hope for cloudy days - that always helps a bit.

My sister's funeral has been set and will be Thursday.  So many people were out of state and had to wait for them.  I keep wanting to call her and talk!  Funny how that works.

Look closely and you can see 2 bright yellow gold finches on the flowers (upper and lower).  They are so beautiful.  Enjoying nature's bounty!

My frugal week:

• I did run out and buy a watermelon on sale - it sure has been good.  Only time I went out this week
• Deadheaded the lilies out back and cleaned the fence row
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard
• Cleaned up leaves and the squirrel fall under feeders
• Paid a couple bills by phone
• Another day - finished deadheading all the lilies in the perennial bed and cleaned weeds
• Staked a couple of tomato plants - and weeded between rows some
• Laundry using dehumidifier water and hung to dry
• AC off as much as possible - usually mornings
• Made more hummer feed
• I made several bean and rice burritos and put in freezer
• Thawed and cooked a pound of sausage into patties and froze many of them
• Rain barrels are full again!
• Cleaned out the storm drain again 2 doors down.  No one else seems to worry about it, but it needs cleaned to let water flow off street
• Picked more cherry tomatoes and banana peppers.  Had 2 smaller green tomatoes fall of during the storm yesterday - so will be using them for fried!

Meals this past week:

Beef/broccoli w/gravy over rice

l/o over beef and broc. and l/o pasta salad

Grilled bean/rice burritos and salad

BLT, fruit

Cheesy tots, BBQ smokies and sliced cuke

Eggs, sausage and fruit

Dbl. cheeseburger and chunky veg salad and hard-boiled eggs

Nothing exciting, just keeping busy.  It was nice to get outside and work some.  Also working seems to help relieve some stress.  That was needed this week.

How has your week been?  Any good deals or garden harvest?

I surely hope you and yours are all well.  Hope you all have a good week ahead.

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

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

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.

James 4:10

Dear Lord, thank You for all our blessings and thank You for loving us.  Help us each get through our trials and sadness in things that happen and help us each to stay close to You and do Your will.  Prayers for healing for all that are in need, whether physical, spiritual or mental.  May we each go forward and reflect Your love in all we do.  AMEN

The Trials and Joys of a Simple Life

Hello to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  I really am missing some of you - you need to check in!

It is a lovely morning here.  At the moment the temps are just blissful!  Probably isn't going to last too many more days.  Next week is supposed to be in the 90's again, and according to the projected outlook the week after will be even hotter.

I have spent the morning feeding the cats and getting the squirrel and birdies food out.  I also spent time wrangling racoons out of the yard while the younger cats ate.  Mom and Pip take no stuff from the racoons and hiss and get in their faces; the younger ones don't know to do that yet.  So, they ate, and the food has come back in for the time being.  The racoons only seem to want the cat food - they couldn't care less about corn or peanuts!!!  The racoons will honker down after it gets warmer - then the food will go back out.  You would think I live in the country!!!  LOL

Just call me the 'racoon wrangler'!

I have been very nostalgic this week, as you can imagine.  It dawned on me that I am the last blood Auntie from this branch of the nieces and nephews' family.  My brother the last Uncle.  Somehow that seems to hold some responsibility - doesn't it?  I can't believe that I am now the eldest female in the family!  I am an elder!!!!  WOW

I have managed to work outside a lot the past couple days - it felt good to be out in the fresh air, and somehow the exercise and sweating help release tension.  I was out weed whacking the other day and decided to clear an area that had some weeds poking through.  I have a skid (pallet) sitting out back on 4 x 4's and use it for pots and such - and the cats like to sunbathe there (on cooler days).  Well weeds were coming up through it, so I lifted it and rested it against the fence - and as I bent over the dang thing fell.  I put my hand up and it hit the end of my thumb (not my head).  Holy cow that hurt.  I had bleeding under the nail, and I thought maybe it was broken.  Amazingly it didn't break the nail, which is a nice longer nail - lol.  Well, the thumb isn't broken, but it sure is sore and swollen.  Just a spit second - Geesh!!!!

I have been enjoying watching bright yellow gold finches out front on the volunteer sunflowers!  They are the color of the flowers and they are so beautiful.  The sit the on the younger flowers eating the seeds.  I also have lots of echinacea blooming for them as well.

I have enjoyed having windows open some this week and fresh air coming in.  Yesterday afternoon I sat down and had an ice-cold glass of milk - goodness that tasted good.  I love milk.  It seems to calm me.  I have been reading some this week.  Just chilling in between yard work. 

I ran out Monday and bought a watermelon before the sale price ended.  Goodness golly, it is good.  Probably the best one I have had in years.  It is amazing to me that something that is basically flavored water - can taste so yummy.  

Watching all the nature around and eating all the wonderful summer foods - such joys.  The cherry tomatoes have been tasting so good.  I actually have some tiny little cukes out there on the vine - I am so excited.  I planted some old seeds very late - eek!  It has been years - so I am hoping!!!!  Can't wait for a regular tomato!!!!!!

I am thankful for AC - it sure is a blessing.  I can't imagine that some places really don't have it like we do here.  It is such a gift.

I have lost weight again this summer.  Seems to be a pattern.  Lose weight in the summer and gain it back in the winter!  Not a lot, but enough to notice a difference (for me).  No one else would probably know - but I do and it feels good.  Moving, sweating and more healthy eating can make a difference.

Well, I guess I have gabbed enough about the good and trials in my quiet and simple life.  

It is funny how we seem to notice smaller things that bring joy and sadness, when our life is simple.  I think that is neat - the little things are wonderful and they count.

What are some of the small things that grab your attention?

Have a special day, be happy, and be kind.

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!