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!

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!