Be Careful - Don't Get Scammed

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  We are back to feeling like winter this morning.  It is about 40 degrees cooler this morning than yesterday morning!  We sure had the winds and rain yesterday, but nothing like some areas had.  There were many tornadoes that touched down north - just so sad to see all the damage.

Talk about a roller coaster of weather - we got it!  We have winds of March, April showers, summer storms and winter cold and snow - all in a few days!  It is nuts.  Sunday we may hit 70* again and by Tuesday morning they are saying lows in the teens!!  And SNOW!  It is the season of change for sure.

We have wind warnings around for late tonight and tomorrow again - I sure do love calm and pretty days!!!  I guess the nasty weather makes us really appreciate the good days.

This is the time of the year that damage starts happening due to storms.  It goes on until fall for most of us, and in different forms in different areas.

With damage the scammers come out to prey upon vulnerable folks.  It is awful.  Some folks will do anything they can in a dishonest fashion to make a buck!!  Geesh, if they would work as hard at doing good work it would be wonderful.

Whether you are having repairs made due to weather damage or just doing remodeling - take your time and check people out.  Even with storm damage - TAKE YOUR TIME to decide (I know that seems hard to do).  People are anxious and scared and worried, and they can make rash decisions. 

NEVER pay for a job up front!  You have nothing to guarantee they will be back and do the work.  Pay in increments, if necessary.  Let insurance pay when possible.

ALWAYS check the businesses out.  Call the BBB and check on them, call the attorney general, do the work - so you aren't scammed.

I like to use people that family or friends have used - word of mouth.  Put the word out and listen to people you know.  I would never use someone that just shows up at my door, soliciting business.  I love using small family-owned businesses, but I still need to know they can be trusted to do good work.

It is very sad that we have to consider things like things - but there are so many bad people out there.  Listen to your inner self and your gut.  Listen to people you know.  Don't be a victim to anything else.

Common sense is so important.

I hope you all have a lovely day and a super weekend.

Reminiscing - What I Remember and What I do!

 Hello all.  It is about to be a nasty weather day here.  I know many have already had nasty stuff going on.  It is very windy here, with a tornado watch until noon.  Storms have flown through as I type this.  Major wind gusts and lots of rain.  Skies are black!  It was72* when I got up at 6AM.  Now it is 63*.  Tomorrow morning will likely be 40* less than this morning!!!!!

I truly hope those in the affected areas are safe and stay safe.

Yesterday I watched a Vlog talking about things people used to do, that they no longer do.  I had to chuckle, as I still do them.  I live very much below my means (my choice).  I don't really care about stuff.  I do not have a fondness for travel, so I stay home a lot.  This is me - what you see and what I write is authentic.

Here we go.  Remember these are my memories, and I know not everyone grew up this way.  I was born in 1954 - the last of a family of 6 kids.  All were quite a bit older - so they and my folks truly remembered tough times.  I remember things being simple - but thought that was just how things were.  No one really had a ton of stuff (except a few).  I was happy.

• We grew a good part of our food and put it away for the winter months.  Dad also liked to fish, he wasn't a big hunter.  They did have chickens, rabbits and goats when the others were younger
• My parents had a budget, and they knew where every penny was to go.  Dad was the main bread winner - mom only had a part time job now and then.  She did sewing at home for others very often.  So, one income for the most part.
• Entertainment was pretty much free stuff.  No one shopped when they were 'bored'.  We play games, played outdoors, had homemade birthday dinners and cakes, picnics, etc.
• WHEN my parents bought something new - it was quality.  They knew it would last and not need to be replaced any time soon.  Today, everything seems to be throw away - you really need to do research to get quality.
• NO credit cards.  They didn't exist much back then.  My parents paid cash for everything.  No payday loan companies, no CC's, no shopping on a whim.  If you wanted something and didn't have enough funds - you used lay-away!  We always had a Christmas Club account for holiday spending. Mom would get a part time job sometimes, to have a little extra money for Christmas or to pay on something they were saving for.  She worked at Ayres (dept. store) downtown or worked at the bakery a couple blocks away - she would work the 4PM - midnight shift at the bakery and walk home!
• Along those same lines - they had no debt and didn't want any!  They did pay for the house on a contract ($4,800!).  If they needed a new appliance or bought a new car - they saved and paid cash.  When my parents went into business for themselves in the late 60's - they were given a line of credit, which they never used.  They paid for everything (with their little savings) to get started.  Times were lean, but they had a big goal.  I remember daddy trying to get a CC in the 70's, because they were taking a trip to Florida (a first) and wanted a little security.  He had a hard time getting it, because he always paid cash and really had no credit.
• Community was huge.  Neighbors looked out for each other - people babysat, watched out for other's kiddos, helped if someone needed something mechanical done, brought dinner when someone was really ill.........
• Fixed everything.  Shoes were repaired, clothes mended, fixed the car or the mower if it went out
• We had one car!  Mom never did learn to drive.  We would make trips downtown on the bus.  Otherwise, daddy took us when he wasn't working
• Mom cooked at home.  She pretty much made 3 meals a day every day.  Lunch was light, something simple.  We didn't go out to eat.  I remember the first-time having pizza (not homemade), was with a friend's family at a small restaurant.  It was exciting but I still remember thinking moms was better!  Maybe a couple times a summer we went to A&W for a frosty mug of root beer or stopped for an ice cream or malt at Linders - but those were treats.  I was in high school before I ever had anything from fast food.  I also remember we didn't buy pop; we had water, milk, tea or Kool-Aid.  One time a summer daddy would get a case of Nehi bottled drinks - they had to last all summer, and they were a very special treat!
• They saved back 'something' FIRST.  ALWAYS.  It may not have been a lot, but they saved.
• They spent less than they earned - just how it was.
• Took care of things themselves.  Yard work, mowing, gardens, shopping, cooking, cleaning - we never thought about hiring someone for those things
• Used the library.  You didn't have the opportunity to look things up on a computer for a school project - you went to the library and researched it
• We went to the grocery once a week - mom had a very strict budget she set for herself.  No stopping at a store whenever there was a 'desire' for something

These are just some of the main things I remember, and many/most I still do.  I absolutely hate debt.  With buying our small home and buying our first and only new vehicle - we paid them off as quickly as possible.  We both came into the marriage with some debt (stupid stuff) and paid it off and vowed to keep debt minimal from then on.  We concentrated on saving for a time in life that we kind of knew was inevitable (Glen being unable to work).  We neither one made a lot of money, we just managed what we had well.  That is still serving me well.

We had fun, just not expensive fun.  We had friends we did things with, we camped, had get togethers, wondered Indiana, just spent quality time together.  That was all that was truly important.

Do you still do any of the lifestyle that your parents did or that your grandparents did?

Do you have other memories, that bring a smile to your face?

Let us take a trip down memory lane!

Have a blessed day!

A This and That Tuesday

 Good day to you all.  Hoping this finds all well and safe.

Spring is in the air!  It is already 66* here this morning and cloudy.  Looks to be dry for most of the day, but getting to mid 70's.  Yesterday was a glorious day here in the neighborhood.

I had windows open yesterday, flip flops on, and of course no heat.  Today should be much of the same.

I still am not used to this time change thing.  It will take a while.  Not sleeping the greatest and then I have been having weird and bad dreams.  Not sure I am totally enjoying the change in daylight hours yet - seems too soon.

Tonight, again overnight, we have storms coming in and some could be strong.  rain most of tomorrow as well.  UGH.  Wish I could send it to you who are so dry right now.

Now mind you - here in Indiana weather can flip on a dime.  Near 80 and a couple days later below freezing.  Rain, sun, thunderstorms, threats of nasty weather, and a chance of snow flurries!  Yep, all of that is in store for this week!!!!  

I have a daffie almost open this morning and the forsythia is just starting to flower.  Birds are singing and the day is good.

Now that spring is at hand here in the US - it is the time of the year that gleaning can begin.  I know there are many who will turn their noses up and say eeewww - to this, but there are so many edibles just growing out there wild AND in your yards.  You should not go hungry!

I pick purslane often and use in salads and chop for scrambled eggs, I have made jelly from dandelions, violets and clover.  My mom used to make dandelion greens.  I need to use other 'weeds' (free food) as well.  This may be my year of trying.

You just want to make sure your yard and probably the neighbor's yard isn't sprayed with chemicals.

It will soon be morel mushroom season as well!!!!  Oh my gosh they so yummy.  They are my pick of best mushroom.  I don't get the opportunity around here to hunt them - they generally grow in the woods - this rainy damp season will be great for them.

Do you have any edibles that you can/do glean in your area?

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We have talked about 'shrinkflation' some in the past weeks.  We all know that items are shrinking and the price doesn't.  I noticed something very subtle this week.  Of course, we know TP has less sheets per roll.  I had pretty much used the end of my older stash and got out some of the newer inventory - and one thing I readily noticed was the actual cardboard roll (in the center) is now bigger!  Not a lot, but it is bigger.  I guess that is why you can have less sheets and no one really pays attention.  Now you wouldn't see that or notice when purchasing because of the packaging - subtle.

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I also noticed something that really got me to thinking.  I have been trying to pay more things over the phone (still not totally trusting computer).  Now I put in the utility company acct. number or the last 4 digits (only) of my CC#.  Then they ask me to prove who I am.

Now mind you I did not put in the whole CC# - no one can use my utility acct. - so why?  Is someone trying to pay my bill for me?  If so - LET THEM!!!!  You can only get balance and pay on these phone numbers (no buying).  I just do not understand all the silly things that go on anymore.  I guess I am old fashioned and not technically smart.

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Yesterday I did yard work - it was such a glorious day.  It seems each year - I get tired a lot quicker!  Go figure!!  My poor hands are so sore this morning.  I was pulling, cutting  and grabbing things.

I do find it amazing how just a few little things done, can make such a difference.  I wish more people would do bits here and there - golly, things would look so much prettier all over.

Even just walking and picking up any trash they see.  I noticed the last time I was out in the car; how much trash accumulates in greenery close to the roads.  I can't imagine throwing something out the window - yet people do it daily.  So sad and really nasty.

What goes on that makes you go hmmmmmmm?

My head is just all over the place today - no method to my madness!  

I hope you all have a lovely day and storm damage or problems.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/8

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

Are you all spung forward????  I sure wish we would pick a time zone and stick with it!

It has been a wet and warm few days around here.  Lots and lots of rain.  Just as the back yard 'pond' was about gone - then more rain yesterday.  It smells so wormy out there!  The robins are loving it - a major buffet for them.  The squirrels have been gathering leaves and rebuilding and building nests.  Yesterday I saw my first red-winged blackbirds of the season.

The grass is getting greener, the daffies are about 6" high, poppies and lilies are popping up, spring is at hand.  Yes, we will have more cold weather, but for now it is a lovely change.

Friday, we set records for the warmest March day!  Later in the week, we may have flurries!  You never know.

My frugal week:

• Made a pot of chili and used the last of the taco lentils (freezer) in it.  It was so good, some of the best chili I have made in ages
• Did a lot of walks - free exercise
• Messed with my other sewing machines (I have 3 total).  Haven't used those 2 in ages, and one doesn't have a manual, so I did some You Tube research and got them all going and functioning well.
• Did more sewing (blankie)
• Trying to use some older items from the pantry
• I unplugged all the watering holes this week - at least for a while
• Super cleaned the storm drain - first went out and just pulled back a bunch of debris with a stake.  Went out later and cleaned and shoveled all the gunk away from the drain - it flowed and flowed for hours.  People had sump pumps draining out front and it was just sitting in street, until the drain was cleaned
• Picked up sticks that blew down in the winds
• Heat off and windows open for a few days - refreshing the house
• Made some sugar free instant pudding with an older clearance mix I ran across in the pantry - tasty snack
• Cut up more cukes and placed in pickle juice for flavor (great use for older cukes)
• Ran to Kroger - I had a couple coupons that were about to expire.  FREE ice cream (48 oz) and nice dollars off on dry cat food.  They had brisket on sale this week (last week was Aldi) and I got one more for the freezer (3.99 lb.).  Also had a .65 off gal. of milk to use as well
• I stopped at the thrift store on the way back home - got bread (free) and I bought some fantastic tasting dip.  I got a jar the last time I was in to try, and it is yummy - so I got more (I couldn't make as cheaply)

FREE BREAD

                     Enchilada flavored dip for $1 a jar!  Still not even close to use by date

• Froze 2 containers of chili for later
• Doing all the normal things and general house keeping
• Visits - sis and with neighbors

Meals this past week:

Chili & crackers

Chili cheese fries

Chicken & noodles (freezer) and sauteed zucchini

Sauteed green beans/corn/onions and a Swiss burger

Mac & cheese w/broc. and faux lobster added

l/o mac & cheese and salad

Grilled 3 cheese sandwich and a cup of potato soup (freezer)

SNACKS - pudding, popcorn, Eng. muffins toasted, fruit

I am so over rain, but more is coming mid-week.  It is so muddy outside - almost impossible to not get your shoes muddy.  I wash the soles of shoes after feeding critters each day - only way to get rid of the mud and not track in! (they come off at door)

I shouldn't complain - earlier in the week when we had 4 1/2" of rain in a couple days - let us just say I was so thankful it was NOT snow - that would have been a ton.

I know I have several people here, who were in line of the rain and storms - I sure hope you did not get flooded or have any damage.  I have been seeing a lot of sad pictures.

How was your week?  Any deals?  How is your weather?  Reach out and say hello and let us know how you are faring.  I keep you all in prayer - I know so many are going a lot right now.

I hope you all have a safe and healthy week ahead.  

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

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Blessed is the man who endures trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the sea.

James 1:5-6

Dear Lord, thank You for this past week and for the many gifts that we have received.  

As we each go through our own different grief and frustrations, help us to each know that we are able to find bits of joy in the smallest things and even in our hardships if we look.  Help us each to understand "thy will be done", as we most often do not.  Help us to live Your will and not ours.  Give us strength to endure all things and faith to know the love that You have for us.  AMEN

Sunrays, Smiles and Comfort

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well this soggy day.  

Rain and more rain in these parts.  Oh, my have we had more than our share.  Since Tuesday morning, we have had over 4" of rain.  Flooding is happening all over, including my backyard!  Lots of water in the neighbor's backyards as well.   Our drought seems to be no more at this point.  I am so thankful it hasn't been snow!!!  Gosh, that would have been a ton of snow.  Today should be in the 60's and tomorrow they are predicting near 80*.  I know we will have more cold weather - we just started March, so there will be more.  But this little reprieve is nice.  I will be enjoying each soggy, muddy, warm moment!!!

Don't forget that this weekend there is a time change for many of us.  Sunday at 2AM is the official time to move those clocks forward.

A little smile this AM.  Bitsy laying here the other afternoon, enjoying a sunray that was sneaking its way to his chair/bed.  So content.

Thought I would share a fix I made this week.  I have used the same house shoes for a couple years - but the bottoms (vinyl) started to crack, and they were getting caught on throw rugs.  I had a new pair of slippers in the closet, that I got before Big Lots went out.  They are very sturdy slippers and Dearfoams - they have memory foam on the inside.  Sounded perfect.

I have been using these for a couple weeks and they have kept my feet warm - but then I started having problems with my feet.  The balls of my feet and my toes were hurting and cramping.  Very uncomfortable.  It dawned on me that it didn't happen until I started wearing these.

Well, I had kept the old ones, and I got them out.  I decided to "fix" the soles.  Used duct tape - LOL.  White was the color I had - so what I used.  I wear them only in the house and I am alone, so they don't need to be pretty.  So much better are my feet.

Placed the tape over cracks and now I am wearing again.  I can't believe the difference.  My tootsies are thankful.  Pretty no - comfy yes.  Will get me through the rest of this season.

I guess next stop to donate at the thrift store, they will get a pair of slippers.  

Just because something says it is better and more comfy - doesn't mean that it works for all.  Keep that in mind when buying new wearables.

When starting new things, don't be quick to get rid of the older.  Make sure things will work out.  Mini repairs may need to be done - so be it.  Make yourself and your body comfy.

Just my little tidbit for today!!!!

I sure hope you all have a great weekend.  Hopefully it is warming up some in your area and maybe you can avoid snow (sorry northern gals).

Change those clocks.

Have a fantastic weekend and know that you are each one in my prayers and my thoughts.

SMILES

More Affordable Groceries and Eats

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

Well, it isn't raining this morning (yet or still).  Boy did we have rain yesterday.  All day and aaallllll night!!!  We had storms and tons of rain over 2 1/2"yesterday).  Quite a bit more coming later on today.  UGH!  I have a lake in the back 40 as do the neighbors.  I went out this AM and cleared the street drain - it was completely clogged - nowhere for the water to go.  It sure looked like a river flowing when I cleared.  I wish people would be careful with leaves and debris.

Today more words on affordable grocery shopping and good eats.  I know I talk a lot about this, and maybe repeat a few things, but new people read every day and we all need to know these things.  Now is the time to really be careful and stretch those dollars.

Here is a fun way to use stale bread.  I used to not like it, because what I had was really wet.  Once I had a hardier version that was drier in consistency - it was wonderful.  This is a basic recipe - think about adding fruit, nuts, anything that sounds good or needs to be used.  Can be used for a side, a dessert, breakfast, lunch - sure a great way to fill a belly and stretch things.

• Make recipes and meals with simple ingredients.  There are tons of things that can be had.
• Count your pieces in bagged produce!  Seriously!!  Those are servings.  A bag of oranges may have 7 pieces or it may have 10 - supposedly the same weight.  Well, a serving is important to stretch it out
• Weigh those bags of produce.  May be advertised as 5lbs for a price - some may weigh more and some less
• Make friends with dept. managers to get a heads up on when they mark things down
• Check every dept. for markdowns!  Maybe the store has a central clearance section - look and use it.  I hardly ever pay full price for anything - either sales or clearance
• Beef is high in price.  Ground beef is high - look for markdowns or use ground pork, chicken, etc.  Add beef bouillon to give it more of a beef taste.
• Think about getting pork loins when they go on special for .99 or 1.99 a pound and have the meat dept. grind it for you!!!  Heck of a lot cheaper than ground beef.
• Add oats or bread/crackers crumbs to ground beef to stretch it further.  You can add cooked lentils as well - great protein and stretches it.  Lentils take on taste of what it is cooked with.  I add beans a lot for tacos.  Make bean burgers or lentil burgers - you may be amazed at the taste.
• DON'T feel bad to use food pantries if needed.  They are there to be used and help out
• Ask your/or neighborhood church for help if necessary
• Add bread or biscuits to meals - it is filling and you use less of the main course
• Keep basics on hand - sugar, flour, dry milk, pasta, rice, canned tuna, oats, peanut butter, crackers, canned tomatoes, corn meal, dry beans and lentils - you can make all kinds of meals with basic ingredients
• If you can't buy fresh veggies cheaply - buy frozen.  Closest to fresh taste, no added ingredients (buy plain) and keep well
• Fresh - carrots, potatoes, apples, cabbage, bananas, celery - all pretty cheap
• If need be - get hot dogs and add to meals.  I know many don't like that idea - but you get what you can in a pinch, and it is filling.  Same with Spam or mini canned hams.  Used tuna
• Remember tortillas are super cheap (and so easy to make at home) - they can be made into chips as well as having many uses soft
• Use leftovers in new ways or for lunches or breakfast (you can always add an egg!
• Use up what you have in new ways.  Add to soups and casseroles and pizzas - new combos can make for a tasty meal
• Things getting old?  Use them up.  Older apples - fried, baked, sauce.  Oranges - juice or use in a sweet & sour Asian meal, use in a shake.  Carrots or celery limp?  Place in ice cold water to replenish or cut up and use in soup.  A few sprouts on potatoes?  Cut them off and use.  USE THEM UP!

Pizza made from scratch last week - everything I had around.  2 types of olives, onions, peppers, small tomatoes, mushrooms, some pepperoni - chopped, homemade sauce (use tom. sauce & seasoning if all you have), cheese/or not.  Leftover veggies, meats, mac & cheese, anything you have can be added and be yummy!

In my opinion there is no recipe for soup - just throw things together, and I bet you won't be sorry.  It sure can stretch fewer ingredients into several meals.  Add some pasta or rice and it stretches even further.

Think about shopping less often.  Maybe start going every other week and using YOUR pantry/freezer in between.  Stretch that food - yes shop at home first.  Then maybe you can go three weeks - it is all about what you get used to.  I have found for me, the less often I go, the less I spend a month.  I learn to use other things and substitute and figure out new things to cook.  Get creative - you knew I had to say it!!!

Small changes can make big differences in funds.  IF you don't need to worry about that - fantastic.

Today many do need to worry about money.  Do the work!!!!!  You have to do the work.

Keep it simple and keep it affordable and make good eats.

Have fun all - give us your tips!!!!!

Have a blessed day to all.

When Life Happens - Hugs

 Hello to all this Tuesday morning.  Here we are in March, just seems surreal to be here already.  

Yesterday we woke to snow and had about 2" of that white stuff.  It was gone by the end of the day, and this morning it was 40* when I got up.  40's today and rain.  Looks like it will be soggy for a few days, very soggy.  Mud season is here!  But the temps will be warming up by the end of the week to about 70*.

I have been out to feed the cats and critters. The birds were singing.  It is gloomy and cloudy, but we have another day!

Today I have some sad news to share with everyone.

Yesterday I got an email from our sweet friend and longtime member here (and card maker extraordinaire) Cookie.  She let me know her sweet husband Bill passed away peacefully and at home yesterday morning.

Bill has been battling cancer for a good while and had many ups and downs.  She said she felt honored to get to take care of him and keep him at home, as he wished.

I have kept in touch with her during this difficult time, and I just can't say how sad it makes me for her.

She gave me permission to share this news and said she will be back here at some point.  She does read when she can.

We have many others here going through a lot with their loved ones and themselves.  Sometimes we just have no idea what others may be going through on a daily basis.  Not just family and friends, but strangers we meet each day.  THIS is one good reason to always be kind to others.  You may be the sweet, soft touch that they need on that day.

So, as you go about your week, BE KIND!

Many prayers for all of you going through illness and tough times, for yourself or your loved ones.

Many gentle hugs to you all.