Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Simple Pleasures

 Happy Tuesday to all.  It is a beautiful morning here.  It is the coolest it has been in a couple weeks or more.  Humidity down this morning as well.  Yesterday was pretty nice as well.  We need to enjoy it to the max, as the HOT and HUMIDITY come back big time starting tomorrow.  It is July - so to be expected.

Today I just want to tell you of some simple pleasures I have enjoyed the past few days.  It can be the simplest things that bring a smile and a giggle.  They are just moments - but they can be beautiful.

Have you ever seen a Luna moth out in the 'wild'?
This is not my pic.  They are just gorgeous and very special.  I had never seen one other than in a picture or in a controlled environment................until the other day!!!!!  I didn't get to get close, but I saw it and got a distant picture.
I was siting on my couch and looked out the window and saw white on the neighbor's bush out back.  I got the binoculars and realized what it was. This is the best picture I could get from my yard.  It stuck around about half of the day.  What a neat and rare thing to experience!!!

On decent mornings, I open the bedroom window a bit for Bitsy to get some air.  I go out to feed the critters and when I walk back up the walk, this is what I see!

There he sits and watches Momma.  He loves watching the animals as well.

I saw Bun-Bun on Sunday. (rabbit).  It played in the neighbor's yard for a couple hours in the rain.  It was having a grand time, exploring everything.  Pretty good size - so sweet.

Yesterday I went to see sis's new place.  I will say it is small - about like a really nice hotel room.  Has a kitchenette, huge bath, lots of storage area, and she has room for some of her nice things and lots of pictures and her doggy.  She has her big bed, a couple comfy chairs for sitting, and small table and chairs, and bureaus (one is a TV stand).
She has her crockpot, air fryer, microwave, toaster and coffee pot - no stoves.
They take folks to WM, Kroger or other shopping several days a week - if they want to go.

She took me on the grand tour and the place is really nice.  There is a library, nice laundry, small movie theater, dining room (w/fireplace), a bar, game rooms, a great cantina (lots of goodies for the taking) and tons of areas for family seating and visiting if you choose to use.  She and I walked all around (great therapy for her) and we even went out and sat on the beautiful patio.  The place is just full of light and cheerful, and the staff seems lovely.
She said she went to cocktail hour one night.  She loves the food in the dining room - they have a really good chef.  Her favorite is their shrimp cocktail and their onion rings!  She said she had the best Rueban of her life the other day. She is waiting for Bingo!  All the staff knew her by name.
Of course, she would be happier back at home but understands this is the season in life that things change.  People check on her a couple times a day and she has a dog walker 4X. She has had company every day!  She already has a buyer for her home.
I felt so much better after going there - she seems happy.

Last evening I was sitting on the porch, and the young man across the street came out with his little one.  She is the middle one, probably around 2 or 3.  He was showing her how to bounce a ball.  He waved - then a few minutes later she saw me and waved.  I waved and said hi - and she got so excited!  She told daddy - "she say hi!!!".  She just kept waving and saying hi!  So stickin' sweet.  They have 3 girls, and they are always dressed so cute in their little dresses.

This past week has been the first time of summer that I have heard the cicadas at night.  Just the normal sounds - we have no swarms or anything.  I find them quite calming to hear.  Still have the lightening bugs as well.
One of the crazy squirrels - they come running when they see me.  Take nuts from me.  I have seen the huge red bellied woodpecker a lot lately and J-J the bluejay yells at me every morning for peanuts!
Licorice came this morning and had breakfast - he has been MIA for 2 days - so I was happy to see him!  At least I know he is OK.

What has made you smile lately?  Take time and enjoy those simple little things in life - they aren't really that simple.  They are special moments that are gifts we get to enjoy!

Everything that is lovely is but a brief dreamy kind of delight.
W.B. Yeats


Sunday, July 20, 2025

Weekly Wrap Up 7/20

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hoping this finds you all well.  Can you believe that we have just a little over a week left in July?  How did that happen??
It is a cloudy and muggy morning - yet again.  Clouds have been keeping the temps down a little bit.  Finally had a day or two that didn't get into the 90's!  Yesterday morning had some really bad fog for a while.  Seems we get rain, for at least a while just about every day.  More expected today.

I finally got my registration and vehicle sticker well over 2 weeks late!  I mailed it as soon as I received it, and it took forever to get it back this year.  I am sure glad I didn't get stopped when out and about!
My frugal week:
  • I did make a quick & small run to the feed store
  • I gifted a neighbor a pet 2 step stair for her little dog.  She was happy, now her baby can get on the bed by herself!  I had 2 from when Blackie got weaker - so I gave her one - something else out of the house
  • Hard boiled 6 eggs
  • Paid a couple bills over the phone
  • Made hummingbird nectar
  • Used SodaStream for fruity carbonated water
  • Raked - yep, it is that time for the tulip poplar tree to start shedding - used leaves to mulch behind shed as a weed shield
  • Cut wild stuff growing on both sides of both fences
  • Used dehumidifier water in laundry
  • Used a small mis-shaped zuke shredded in taco beef for extra nutrients
  • Mowed over a couple days and finally got to do a good trim on Friday when a bit cooler and less humid.  Amazing how quick it all grows!
  • Emptied all the change from purse - it weighs so much less!  I will never be completely broke - I have jars and containers full of change all over the place
  • I ran across the street one morning to a neighbor yard sale.  She is the one that always has pretty, good brand clothing.  I usually get a couple new pieces each summer for next to nothing.  I got 3 shirts (for nice), one summer dress (for around house) and a sweater coat (it is gorgeous) - all high quality for $20
  • No grocery
  • Picked 4 zucchini, 3 cherry toms, and 2 peppers
  • Using what I have and cooking at home
  • Working more on deep cleaning
Meals this past week:
Fish fried in browned butter and salad
Egg/cheese sandwich and salad
Meatball (freezer) sub (hotdog bun) and fries (air fryer)
Nachos
Fried okra & fried zucchini and half a ham sandwich
Chef salad
Chicken tenders (air fryer) and fried corn/onion in butter
SNACKS: popcorn, trail mix, fruit

I stuck around here most of the week and just stayed pretty darn frugal.  Got things done outside when I could - it has just been so humid and hot - have to work mornings.  I did walk a couple cooler mornings.  Talked with my siblings several times this week.  
How has your week been?  Did you get any deals?  How are those gardens doing?  
Look forward to hearing from you all.

Hope you all have a lovely week and please stay safe and healthy.  I hope you all keep all our friends and their families in your prayers.
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
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"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you."
John 14:15-17

Lord, we know You are with us in every day in everything we do, and we are so happy.  No matter what happens all around, You are with us.  We pray that all who are ill or suffering in some way, will have Your healing hands upon them.  Guide us each one to be our best and do our best to be kind and caring to all.  AMEN

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Anti-Shopping

 Howdy all.  Good to be here this morning.  Hope all are well.  It is another cloudy morning, in the 70's right now.  We had a brief 'storm' blow through last evening about 8PM.  Lots of wind and some rain - didn't last long - but we sure had a wind event whip up.  Luckily nothing damaged.  More rain today (?) maybe!

I am a list maker!  I still hand write a grocery list when needed.  I don't do it electronically.  I make lists of gifts bought at the holidays, I make lists of things I want to accomplish, I make lists for all kinds of things.  That being said - I am trying not to shop.
I have been in a anti-shopping mode lately.  I have had no need to shop - so I have stayed home!  There is a novel idea. (I did make a quick stop at the feed store).
I personally, need nothing for groceries right now and I need nothing for my house - so why go out?

I may have posted this before - I can't remember - but it sure is a great way to save some money, save some resources, and save stuff from the landfills.
I like being able to figure out a 'new' way to do things or a 'new' use for things.  I do this most with groceries, as you know.
I do like the idea of supporting small business.  You are helping on a more personal level - it is their livelihood and how they support their family - not supporting a corporate giant.
There are so many ways we can NOT shop if we choose.  Many, many options for getting creative and using what we have.  Super way to save funds if you are trying to.

If you are on track of trying to save for a certain thing, or saving an emergency fund, or paying off a debt, just short on funds - whatever the reason - think about anti-shopping!  Look around and see what you have.  I bet you have a lot more than you think - use it and get 'creative' (my word of the year).
***************

I am going to leave you today with a little laugh!
This person was strolling the neighborhood on a bright sunny day in the mid 90's just recently.  The head, face and neck were covered by the mask, a pair of cover-all's on, and gloves on hands!  Yep, he slowly strolled down our street on a Sunday afternoon, and all the surrounding streets.  A neighbor took this picture of him at the gas station down the road.  I have seen him (?) do this around Halloween before in the cooler temps - but this day was HOT!  Yep, starting early.  
I guess he must be a big Michael fan!!!
I have to admit, the first time I ever saw him, it was kind of creepy.  Now it is normal, believe it not.
You just never know what you might see out there!

Have a wonderful day and stay cool!
Make the most of this day!

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Some Summer Goodies & Fun

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well.   It is a cloudy morning here - the air feels like you are wearing it!  We had a nice downpour yesterday afternoon, and it appears it rained overnight as well.  I didn't hear it - but everything is still wet this morning.  May gets some more today.
Things are growing like crazy, including weeds!
It is getting close to school being back in session here.  A couple weeks and the kiddos start back at it.  Just doesn't seem right to me.  But that being said, there is still a lot of summer to be had.  Kiddos still need treats and goodies (adults too).  There will still be pool times, picnics and parks and just plain playing around.  After school treats will be nice to have around and today let's talk about some things we can make at home with things we have around.  It is also time for all those good and healthy meals from garden goodies.  There are some things that just scream summer to me.

Cookie bowls are fun and can be filled with ice cream, pudding, yogurt - easy to make a just plain old fun!
Healthy and yummy brownies.  I have made these and they are tasty.  It says 12-15 minutes - may take a bit longer, depending on consistency.

Think about making popsicles with Kool-aid, pudding or yogurt.  Always refreshing.  You can use popsicle molds or use ice cube trays.  A nice cool and refreshing treat. Don't forget about rice krispy bars or no bake cookies too - the youngsters love them.

How yummy?  Makes more than one - so one person isn't getting all that sugar.  Do you remember getting an Orange Julius at the mall?  I do - they were so good.  Gosh, that was a long time ago - I don't think we even have those places around today.
A nice healthy and refreshing snack.  I have used regular milk before - as I don't buy almond milk.  
Did you have one of these?  I did!!!  There are still types of snow cone machines around.  Many people have ice makers than make grated ice - add flavors (Kool-aid) or fruit juice and you have a wonderful fun snow cone!
Make some homemade ice cream.  Not only is it good, but it can be a fun activity for the kiddos.  There are many ways to make ice cream or ice milk.  Do a search and find different easy recipes and ways to make it.  I have a small ice cream maker (you freeze the interior) and churn - then empty and freeze.  I have made with the mixer as well.  Have fun with flavors.
*********
Some of my favorite summer meals are plain simple and just say 'good old fashioned summer food' to me.
Nothing better - well, except maybe fried zucchini or fried green tomatoes!!!!
My favorite salad of summer.  It is so stinking refreshing and light.  Mom used to make it, I make it and still love it today!!

Do you have a favorite summer treat or summer meal that just makes your day?  Some things just take me back to a day in time that all in life was easy and fun for me.  
We often had a 'picnic' on the front porch of pbj sandwiches or bologna sandwiches and Kooli-aid.  My friends and I would sit out there and enjoy and then run off to play.  Momma always had some kind of homemade treats made.
We had a huge garden, so many (most) of our meals came straight from the garden, especially in the summer.  I loved them.  I think that is why I love them so much today.

Just some fun ideas to make for yourself or the kiddos.  Enjoy these days of summer - even though they are hot.  Before you know it, it will be frigid outside again.

Have a lovely and fun day.
Make a treat!!!!!






Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Take Advantage of Abundance

 Hello and good day to all on this Tuesday!  Hoping you are all well and safe.
It is 75 this morning and not too bad feeling.  I plan to do a little yard work after writing and before the heat of the day.  We have shower chances at some point too.  I think there are shower chances just about every day.
It seems that after the garden - we spend a lot of time in our kitchens this time of the year - with preserving and canning and cooking the great abundance we get from those gardens.

We are in the time of the year when there is abundance everywhere!  Isn't that grand?  Gardens and patio gardens are thriving or starting to, and farm markets are plentiful.  Folks are cleaning out freezers of last year's surplus, to have room for fresh.  We are truly blessed.
Now while we have it - we sure need to use it and enjoy it.  Last week I told you I was picking zucchini like crazy - this week is a slower week.  I gifted some and have been using them.  So many ways to prepare and save for later.
Abundance of zucchini or summer squash - here are some ideas.

Fried zucchini - one of my favorites.  You can fry them in rounds or 'fries'.
Zucchini skillet is a family favorite that mom used to fix.  Zucchini, rice, sausage (or ground beef) and sauce all cooked together - top with cheese and sliced tomatoes and simmer.  YUM!  It is a very good flavor combination.

Dehydrate zucchini slices for use in soups later in the year.  They are also good as simply 'chips'.

Grill zucchini steaks - these are so flavorful.  Slice a little thicker than for frying and grill with seasoning.
Stuffed zucchini is also a favorite for me.  Scoop out seeds in center after halving - then add chili, meat and rice, beans, cheese mixes w/jalapenos - whatever you have or like - top with cheese and bake.  Such a nutritious meal.
Fritters are always good and a great side or a fun meal for breakfast or lunch
Zucchini meatballs a great dish for vegetarians.  Could also make into burgers.

Think about slicing thinly (lengthwise), attempt to remove moisture and use as noodles in lasagna.  Make into soup - I really enjoy cream of zucchini soup - I always freeze some chunks of zucchini to make this in the winter.  It is very comforting.

You of course can shred and use in zucchini bread, muffins or pancakes/waffles.  There is absolutely no end to the ways to use this summer abundance!  You don't have to get bored with it - just too many uses.
Another fun favorite for me - is fresh and sliced or chunked in a salad.  I cut up with tomatoes and onion (instead of cukes) and add dressings and have a very refreshing salad.
The nice thing about summer squash is it really doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own - it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking it with!!!
I have even finely shredded and added to hot pepper jellies to make them more jam like!
You can turn them into pickles and relish as well!  Super good.

Lori mentioned she has an abundance of basil, and she is making and freezing pesto.  Jackie and others have talked about clearing out freezers of tomatoes and fruit from last summer and making into sauces and jellies and jams.  Herbs are growing nicely this time of the year - you can dehydrate for winter use.
Cherries and strawberries have been plentiful, and many are making wonderful pie fillings and jams.
Tomatoes will be plentiful here in a while.  I look at the small ones out there and the hundreds of blooms and it all comes together - oh my!  There will be a plethora of goodies to be made and to share.
Tomatoes are kind of like squash - just a ton of uses.  I will do another post in a week or so about toms!

So, whatever your abundance is - get creative and use it!!!  You may even have an abundance of some canned or dry goods - use it.  It saves us money, and all the freshness is so very good for us.  We have a limited time to get all the fresh goodies - I sure hope you all take advantage.

Whether, carrots, beets, squash, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peas, fruit - whatever - use it, preserve it if possible and just ENJOY it!!!!!  Find and create new recipes and ideas.
ABUNDANCE - what a blessing and what a pleasure and gift!!!

Have a fantastic day.


Sunday, July 13, 2025

Weekly Wrap-Up 7/13

 Hello all.  Happy Sunday!  Hope you are all well and safe this lovely day.
It is fairly overcast and a little foggy here to start this AM - basically because of rain yesterday.  We had downpours 2 times yesterday.  I sat on the porch for part of the first one - then the wind came in and started blowing the rain under the overhang.  Second one - was hard and windy for sure.  I know many sure appreciated the rain.  Some areas got rain, and others didn't - nature sure is odd.

Garden is growing - tomatoes get taller every day!  I saw my first Monarch butterfly this week. What a beauty.  
It looks like we might get out of the 90's this week - but still high 80's and humid.  Chance of rain about every day.
My frugal week:
  • Finally got all of the day lilies deadheaded.  That looks so much better
  • Took down the sunflower plants out front.  Bird planted, squirrel and finch eaten and done.  So the plants had no more blooms on them - down they came
  • I defrosted and unplugged the mini fridge I have downstairs.  I use it for overflow of holiday goodies and summer sausage storage- cleaned until fall.
  • Picked 7 zucchini this week and a couple peppers
  • I received a rebate check from my secondary insurance
  • Cleaning and consolidating and moving food stuffs.  Trying to declutter
  • Mowed & trimmed the front grass - back was still good
  • Used air fryer this week - instead of oven
  • Fixed a squirrel feed that 'Rocky' the racoon decided to take apart!
  • NO groceries bought
  • I did run up the street one day to P.O. and got stamps before the increase (only outing of the week)
  • Cut more weeds and wild stuff growing in Pampas grass and in back fence row - it never ends
  • More hummy nectar made
  • Rain barrels are now both filled to the tippy top!
  • Cooking from home and using what I have - doing all the normal stuff
Meals this past week:
Tacos
Zucchini skillet dinner
Leftover zucchini skillet and smoked sausage
Fresh zucchini salad and roasted stuffed mini peppers (cream cheese, bacon, jalapeno)
Roasted chunks of potato/zucchini w/cheese and sausage
Lean burger (no bun) w/sauteed onion and peppers & corn on the cob
Cheesy red bean & mac and fried zucchini

Just doing what I can in the early parts of the day outside.  Once it gets past 10AM - it is really hot.  The other morning at about 9AM - I was sweating big time - oh that humidity! Using the food I have here.
Doing what I can to make my home a little 'lighter' on stuff and using the food I have here.  Trying to simplify a little more.
How was your week?  Are you anywhere close to where the flooding has happened (so many places)?  Did you get any good deals this week?  How are those gardens doing?  Love hearing from you all.  Check in a say hello!

Wishing all a great week ahead.  May you all be safe and healthy.  Hoping you look into your homes and find things that can be useful and not waste.  Continued prayers for all the flooded areas.  
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
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but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, and they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

A Prayer of Patience
God, teach us to be patient
Teach me to go slow
Teach me how to wait on You
When my way I do not know
Teach me sweet forbearance
When things do not go right
So I remain unruffled
When others grow uptight
Teach me how to quiet
My racing, rising heart
So I may hear the answer
You are trying to impart
Teach me to let go, dear God,
And pray undisturbed until
My heart is filled with inner peace
And I learn to know Your will!
                                                              AMEN
Helen Steiner Rice

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Buy It, Grow It, Store It - Use It

 Howdy Ho all!!!  It is a glorious morning here in my area.  Cool, sun is shining, little humidity, and the birds are singing!  It kind of looks a little hazy, but that will burn off as it heats up.  We got a nice steady rain yesterday morning - I swear it looks like the tomato plants grew a foot!!!
All are fed, and right now Bitsy is getting a treat - a window open and sitting in the fresh air!
I hope you are all well this morning.

Now that we are approaching growing and harvest time - here is a reminder to use what we have.  Both grown and bought.  Summer is a good time of the year to get so much freshness and all the nutrients in our diets.
As cleaning and sorting in the last week - I have been reminded (by myself) that we need to use what we have!!!  Use it or lose it!  The items we have in our freezers, refrigerators and pantries is MONEY.  Yep, you spent good money to have those items - make sure you use it.  The things you have grown and preserved took time and labor - you don't want to waste those either.
Try to come up with as many ways you can to use what you have.  Make it a game.  Get the family involved.  This prevents throwing away good food and money.  Once you start using what you have, just watch sales and clearance and restock as needed.

Make sure to learn to use those leftovers.  It doesn't have to be the same thing day after day.  It can be re-invented into a new dish or a casserole or soup.  Eat them for lunch or breakfast.  Just eat them!  Don't stick them in the fridge to become the next great science project!  LOL

Plan your menus around what you have.  ALWAYS shop your home first before going to the store!  It truly helps to reduce that grocery budget.  Groceries are the one discretionary item in our budget.  We can choose how to spend and what to spend on.  That isn't always true with the remainder of our bills.
When you do shop - make a list!  Along that note - always check clearance as well - you never know what you may find.  That is when you add things not on that list.  Check ads before going out and buy sale items only if at all possible.
Never shop hungry!

Right now, gardens are starting to thrive and within the month we should all be harvesting lots of goodies.  Whether it is tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, herbs, onions, carrots, etc. USE it!  Find new ways to use that item in your menu.  Enjoy this time of the year - it ends all too soon.
If you don't grow - think about farm markets or roadside stands.  Many folks set up 'honesty' stands - where you can get produce and leave the money for it in a slotted box.  Lots of times homeowners or farmers do this around here.

Be smart, be thrifty and use what you have and get CREATIVE.  Enjoy the wonders of the season to the fullest.

Have a lovely day - smile - and enjoy the little 'glimmers'.