A Thing or Idea or Two!

 Howdy to all.  Here we are at Thursday again already - the last one in July!  It is a cooler, yet sort of damp and muggy feeling morning.  We had rain yesterday - 3 times at my house.  The last rain, in the late afternoon and early evening was such a good soaking rain.  It was nice.  Things are a growing - weeds included!

Late last night - 11:30PM - I was awakened by what sounded like an explosion!  One loud, house vibrating boom.  It scared the stuffings out of me.  No idea what it was.  Never heard a siren after - so I guess an illegal firework (?).  It sure did arouse me from a nice sleep!  Nothing on the news this morning either.  It shook the house.

Just an idea or two to help in life! I love things that make life easier.

Have you seen this?

Using your canning lifter as a baggy holder.  I saw this on the computer - and was like duh!  I tried it and it does work.  Sure beats trying to keep a bag open by just holding it.

Have you heard that the recommended 10 and 2 has been advised against.  Not sure if this was universal or not - but we were always taught to hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2 (according to a clock) for safe driving.  Now my insurance company is saying we should be holding at 4 and 8!  This is to keep your hands, wrists, and arms safe from exploding air bags.  The lower point leaves less chance of your arms to fly up and back - even hitting you in the face.  It makes sense.  These points should be used even when turning (per recommendation) - keeping you safe.  As much as air bags are for safety, they can be very harmful as well.  I have been keeping my hands lower for a long time now, it takes some getting used to - but I feel a little safer.

I know I mainly use just the grating side - but a box grater can be used in many ways.  This is a standard tool in my kitchen - has been for years.  I have a very tiny one as well - it is great to use for things like nutmeg or just grating a small piece of hard cheese.

This is a basic at my house only I use regular milk.  You can leave out cocoa powder and add another type of fruit for a great milkshake. 

                                                      No cocoa and using strawberries!

 I also don't add quit so many ice cubes - but this sure gives a good starting point.  Nice and refreshing on a hot humid day!  It can be made into milkshake or firmer for an ice cream type treat - no sugar needed.

Ever used an Ulu?  We got this for Glen.  He had a hand that had fingers that just didn't want to work well - this helped so much.  When cutting up food with a knife and fork - it takes 2 good hands.  This allows you to cut with one hand.  It is very sharp.  It is a great tool for someone who has a bad hand.  I love it for cutting pizza!  I like it better than using a pizza cutter or knife.  It also works wonders on a cucumber or carrot or for handing chopping cabbage!  You just rock it back and forth and it cuts away!

They come in many sizes.  

Many hunters have larger ones for preparing their harvest.

So there you have it - just a thing or two.  Maybe you see something that makes life easier or safer.  Do you have any special tricks that you use to make life easier?  We always want to know.  Who doesn't want things easier?

Have a fantastic day and enjoy it to the fullest.  

Hoping you all have a great weekend as well!

Getting Help - Community

 Happy mid-week.  It is a nice morning - looking to maybe some rain or storms today.  We could use a nice rain.  Kitties have had breakfast and Bits has played a lot and Blackie has assumed the 'position'!  Birds are singing.  Windows open and fresh air coming in at the moment.  Owner already working at burn house - he sure works hard.  Hearing hammers means progress.  Squirrels are chasing each other.  School is starting today in one local berg, and many others next week. The summer is flying by.  AND all is good!!

I know we probably have a lot of people who read posts here that never comment.  We usually have a few hundred views a day - so many just read.  I hope we can reach and help someone that really needs some help.

Today, it seems many have job insecurity and that leads to a lot of other problems.  Inflation has also taken a toll on many.  IF you need help - please, please ask for help.  You have to take care of your family, especially those who have children or the elderly.  I know many feel too proud to ask for help.  But the help is there if you reach out.

Did you know you can call 211 in almost all areas in the U.S. and get a variety of options for help.  Whether it be help for the elderly, needing shelter, help with utilities, listings of food banks, mental health help, etc.  Calling this number can get you started in the right direction.

Consider if you have an overabundance of garden produce, to donate it to the local food pantries.  What a treat for someone in need, to get something fresh and home grown.

Today on the news I caught just the tail end of a story that 100,000 lbs. of fresh garden produce was being donated to food banks.  How wonderful!

If you need help with food, check your local churches or community organizations for help.  Never be too proud to ask.  It is there to help.  

If you are low income - just having basics can keep you going and full.  Get creative with dry beans (always can get at food pantries) they are inexpensive.  Rice is inexpensive.  Peanut butter is a good protein.  Keeping just the basics in better times (stock-up), can keep you going in the bad times.  Add whatever you can, whenever you can.

Learn to cook and cook simple healthy meals at home.  Get creative with your food.

Many farm markets now take food stamps (SNAP).  Granted that food is a bit more expensive than grocery stores, but it is fresh and wholesome.

If you find a great deal on clearance goods - consider not only stocking for yourselves, but to donate as well.

Most people think of the basic stuff when donating (a good thing), but more than spaghetti, rice, sauce, tuna, peanut butter is needed.

Feminine products of all types

Baby items - formula, food, diapers, wipes

Cleaning items - laundry soap, dish soap, cleanser

Health & beauty - soap, hair products, TP, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

School supplies of all types

Many of our local pantries, give out donated magazines or wholesome books as well (check and see)

The holidays will be here in a jiff as well.  Think about collecting small items for the kiddos.  Color books, crayons, art supplies, (now is the time to stock up) stuffed animals, card games, etc.  Some children get nothing if not for a gift gleaned at the local pantry.

Communities everywhere have people in need.  I don't care where you live, there is someone who needs a hand up.  If we can do a little to help - that is what we should do.  We are part of this big old earth and we are all here for a reason - to help one another.

If each of us did a little thing - that would be a big thing!

If you have any ideas of ways to help someone - tips on where people can reach out - please share.

Community needs to take care of its own.

Have a wonderful day all.

Change and Growth

 Happy Tuesday all.  It is a beautiful morning here.  Yesterday stayed in the 80's but a bit more humid.  We had sun and clouds - yet no rain.  There is much activity outside this morning.  Today is trash day - so hearing the trucks out and about.  The 'burn' house got a new (#4) dumpster delivered.  Birds are singing and the blackbirds are back and are everywhere! Soon I will be taking my morning walk (once trash trucks are done), to check the daily progress at the burn house!  Yeah, I am that person!!  LOL

Change happens in all our lives, it happens to someone here, every day - we have to grow and move forward.  Is it easy - nope!  Many times, it is the hardest thing in the world to do.  But it is necessary.  Change is the only constant on the earth.  It happens with everyone and everything.

Hopefully we all embrace it and grow into a better human being.

Things grow as well.  Now is the time that our yards and gardens are alive.  Things are growing, they nourish us and provide for our families.  This is such a wonderful time.  All the lovely fresh goodies, at our fingertips.

One of my tomato plants - such big tomatoes.  I have 4 cherry tomato plants that are loaded with green ones and tons of blooms.  I have 4 other tomato plants that are more regular size tomatoes and 4 of these.  If things keep going as they are - come August I will have tons of tomatoes to can and eat!!!!

The grapes are hanging thick this year.  They look like this all over the vines.  They have filled out nicely and so far, we have had enough rain.  Looks like jelly will be a go this year!  Much of it will be gifts for the holidays

I mentioned a few weeks back - finding cabbage worms and they were devouring the cabbage.  Those heads are getting huge!  I have a couple close to ready to cut.

***Reminder if you grow cabbage.  Don't pull out the plant, when harvesting.  Cut the head and leave the plant - it will continue to head with smaller heads!!!!!  The gift that keeps on giving. (same with broccoli)

Yesterday I was taking a walk down the alley, as I noticed they were pulling off the siding from the burn house.  It was sure looking like a lot of work.  I got to talking to the young man out in the yard.  I asked if they pulling off all the siding and he said yes, he wanted all new everything.  So, I asked if he owned it, and he said yes.  Then I asked if he was going to live there, and he said YES!  YAY - it will not be a rental.  So happy to hear that and to see that particular area being revived.  It gives me hope.

We have ups and downs in the neighborhood, and it seems like we are now going through a revitalization - a great thing for property values and for homeowners.

(many rentals in our area have been abused in the past - nothing against people who rent in general)

Remember the pink house?  

Well, it aint pink no more!  Just in the past few days it has received a total paint job.  I was apprehensive at first, but I like it.  From the front (I walked around the block to see), it reminds me of an big old colonial house from the East coast.  I will take a picture from the front soon.

Here is a picture from my drive.  It is now charcoal gray - it almost looks black.  I guess I like the gray, as I have looked at the one across the street for several years now and it has grown on me.  Once they do trim and finish up the outside it will be great.  They have added new windows and doors, a new roof and they added a roof over the patio area all across the back. (see where ladder is).  It sure beats looking at hot pink!!

Slowly they are getting things done.  The young man that bought it, has guaranteed us all that the whole place will be great when done.  So far so good.

It is fun watching the neighborhood change - for the good.  I have seen a lot of bad over the years and now we are looking upward again.  I live very close to a couple areas that are considered the new up and coming places to be!  Both have homes that just a few years ago were riddled with violence and rubbish and you didn't want to be there.  Now those areas are selling homes for $300,000 and up!

Two Chicks & A Hammer (HGTV show Good Bones) had much to do with that.  They have redeveloped homes north of me, west of me and south of me (all about 5-10 minutes away).  

So always be ready to embrace change.  It helps us grow and to develop into a better version of ourselves.  

Hoping you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/21

 Happy Sunday to all.  Here we are on the start of another new week.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is cloudy this morning but, in the 60's.  It has been nice for a few days and stayed less humid and cooler.  What a treat.  They are predicting that there will be no more 90F+ days for the remainder of July in my area!  Woohoo!!  This coming week looks to be in the lower and mid 80's with many chances for rain.  Wonderful for the garden.

                                                Love the pops of color all around the yard.

The 'surprise' lilies (naked ladies or whatever you call them) have started making their appearance.  SURPRISE!  The phlox is still going strong and smells so wonderful.  Everything in the garden is going strong.

The grapes are hanging thick and still going strong.  I love it.  Some years are good and some not so much.

The bright golden finches have been loving the sunflowers out front as well as the echinacea.  They sing so pretty.  It appears the neighbor 2 doors down has claimed the chickens as his.  They were in his yard a lot and his girls just love them - so guess what?  It appears they live there now!  They graze, and he has built shelter and cleaned areas for them.  Good for him and them! At least they are safe now.

Saw a groundhog several times again this week - it appears smaller and rougher looking than the other one.  It is staying across the alley under their shed - my bet it has been rousted from the burn house yard.

Always something to see around here!

Last night appeared to be July 4th - part 2!!!  Grrrr.  The neighbors across alley shot fireworks off for 3 straight hours last night - non-stop.  So much money blown up!  There is stuff all over the yard - which will get picked up and no longer be in MY yard.  They can have it back.  Just crazy and very frustrating.

My frugal week:

• Picked basil to dry
• Mowed finally and trimmed and trimmed some more. Finally got cool days to work outside and boy, did I work.
• Picking up tons of sticks from the wind and rainstorms
• Cleaned out parts of flower beds
• Made hard boiled eggs
• Cut hair and did a light color
• Lots of cleaning, lots of laundry and deep cleaned area rugs and floors
• Pounded stakes and staked up tomatoes - you can walk amongst them again!!
• Neighbor shared dinner one evening - she is so nice
• Trimmed bushes
• Picked one nice bell pepper and my first cherry tom!  I ate that little tom right there on the spot!  LOL
• Ran to the library to drop off and pick up
• Been getting to enjoy fresh air and AC off a ton this week

My meals this past week:

Chicken breast filet, fried smashed red pots, salad

Meat/cheese/veggie wrap, fruit

Egg salad sandwich and side salad

Green beans w/baby red pots, corn on cob and fresh veggies

Cheeseburger and salad

Small homemade pizza

Beans/rice, salmon patty (from neighbor) and fruit

It sure was nice to be able to spend time outdoors from Thursday on and not feel like I was breathing water!  So much nicer out.

It was just an overall nice week.  Did some porch sitting and visiting as well.

How was your week?  What has been going on in your world?  I hope those with any garden plants are having success.  Did you find any great deals this week?  No shopping here.

I wish you all a safe, healthy and productive week ahead.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Lord, thank You for this past week and letting us continue in this life.  Please help us to each know that all we do, we do in Your name and honor.  May we each one continue to do good works to help others.  Please watch over us and protect us in this coming week.  Amen

Just A Weekly Chat

 Happy Thursday to all.  My goodness, the week and month is flying by.  It is a gorgeous morning here in Indy.  The sky is blue, the air is cool, and the humidity is gone!  It was 63*F this morning when I got up.  Looks as if the next many days will be lovely as well.  I guess that means I need to get busy and work outside!!  The rain sure has made everything grow.

I hope those who need rain, get some.  Those who are so hot, get some relief!

I wish I could bottle days like this and send them to everyone!!

This week as I was looking for things on my past blog posts, I ran across many older blog posts talking about days with Glen, and showing pictures and telling stories of kitties that are no longer with me.  Those things bring back so many memories.  I got sad, and cried and it also made me smile - as I had all these wonderful souls in my life.  Gosh I miss Glen.  I just have a hard time believing it has been over 5 years now that he has been gone.  I miss our talking and laughing so much.  He could always make me laugh.

He is still around, as there are pictures everywhere, and even some of his things.  But it is soooo quiet and yes, lonely at times.

I sure miss all those kitties I have lost in the past 5 1/2 years.  Five of them.  Each one had a sweet personality and they all were special.

But now I have an older guy and a young buck in the house!!!  They are just so sweet.  Blackie is my bud, and he is so laid back.  So mellow and just living his best life!  Bits - well that bugger is a hoot.  He loves to play, and he loves to love on me.  I am so happy to have them in my life.  It sure keeps things interesting.  They make me smile.

The neat thing about having a blog is that it is sort of like a diary!  The story of my life.  I can look back and remember and laugh and cry and just enjoy those moments again.

I don't think I will grocery shop this week.  I just don't need a thing, and really nothing looked to appealing in the ads.  It just amazes me how often some people shop.  I often wonder why they just don't buy everything all at once - instead of daily.  My neighbor does this.  It sure would save money to go less often.  Less temptation, less gas, less time, etc.

The house on the other side of the alley that burned 3 years ago, is being worked on this week!  Amazing.  Two years ago they reroofed and put in some new wood on the roof - there was a huge hole in the roof.  I had seen inside, and the house was totally gutted and there was a huge hole in the floor into the basement!  They have filled 2 big dumpsters in the past 2 days, and I imagine a 3rd one will show up today.  I cannot even imagine for a second that all that fire smell could ever be eliminated in that house.

I mean it would be nice to have it livable again, but unless the slumlord sold it, it will never be well taken care of.  But I digress - it is being worked on and fixed - so that is a good thing!

Well, I am going to enjoy this incredible weather for a mid-July day.  I will be working and accomplishing this today OUTDOORS!  Yay!

The garden is growing and growing.  The birds are singing such sweet songs this morning.

I have already been out and fed all the critters, cleaned the watering holes, and filled the feed containers back up.  Checked the garden and all is good.

The AC is off and the windows are open filling the house with fresh air.

It is a GOOD DAY!

What is going on in your world?  Anything exciting?  Do you have any big plans for the weekend?

I plan on yard work and porch sitting!

Have a beautiful and blessed day.

Abundance - Time to Use, Gift & Get Creative

 Good morning this Wednesday!  I hope you are all well and safe.  Missing many of you - check in when possible.

It is dry this morning.  Didn't get that rain overnight.  It still feels very muggy out - the news guy lied!!  LOL.  Supposedly after today the humidity goes away for a few days and we will see sun and dry.  It will be time to get caught up outdoors!

Even though humid still, it is sunny and pretty out.

Today let us talk about the gift that keeps giving from our gardens.  Zucchini!  It is about that time for everyone.  There are just a ton of uses for it.  I have had quite the repertoire of uses and recipes for years.  Glen used to call me Bubba - as in Bubba Gump Shrimp! 

I have used squash in so many ways - including grating it and using in jam, making faux pineapple, breads, and just about every dish you can think of.  I love it, because it takes on the taste of whatever you cook it with, it is abundant, and it is cheap if purchasing.

Here are a few ideas!

Click on recipe to enlarge

Click on recipe to enlarge

These are both great vegetarian uses for zucchini.  Replacements for meat, and taste so yummy.

Click on recipe to enlarge

This is one of my favorite dishes to make in the summer.  The combo of ingredients just tastes so good together.

Click on recipe to enlarge

Love cream of zucchini soup.  I keep grated and chunked zucchini in the freezer, so I can make this during the winter as well.  You can always throw in some rice for more substance.

Grill it

Add to eggs or quiches

Bread it and fry

Add to brownies, muffins and sweet breads

Add to soups or casseroles

Great raw in salads - both veggie or pasta

Use in place of lasagna noodles in lasagna

Add grated to any dish - to add extra vitamins (you can hide from kiddos)

Zucchini boats - wonderful and you can make to suit your taste

Replace apples in pie with zucchini slices (same seasoning) for faux apple pie

Dehydrate for use in soups and casseroles in the winter

Make chips from it - tasty!

Roast it

Make zucchini rolls - kind of like rolled lasagna

Yep, there are just an unlimited amount of ways to use it.

Again, I know it truly doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own - but it does take on flavor well.  It is adding a nutrient rich veggie to the diet and can actually be hidden well from those with an affinity to the idea of squash!

Now is the time.

Gardens are growing and starting to produce.  People are leaving gifts on doorsteps and unlocked vehicles! Whether you are growing, gifting or just using - get creative.  It is a very inexpensive way to add vitamins to your diet.  Such a prolific veggie.

Get zucchy with it!

Have a fabulous day!

Maybe Lower Expectations - Living Well on Less

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

Very wet morning here.  It started raining/storming in the wee hours this morning - basically done now - but gloomy and wet out.  I haven't had to water for days - we just keep getting rain each day.  We are ready for a 'cold' front to come through tomorrow (and more rain).  It will be in the 70's and low 80's after that!  YAY!!

I have been watching some You Tube and reading some articles that just has me befuddled!  

People are saying that they need about $186,000 a year to live a comfortable life!!!!  WHAT?

Now I know location makes a big difference in the cost of things and the availability of things - but this seems outrageous.  (I would be way MORE than comfortable).

I am thinking people better figure it out quickly!  The economy isn't conducive to this!

Do people have too high of expectations? I think so.  The average household in America makes around $60,000 a year.  These are the people that think $168,000 would make life comfortable.  The higher the average income was, the more people thought they needed.  I just shake my head.

The more people make the more they spend, the more they want and then BOOM!  It all falls apart.  It only takes one thing to totally mess up THAT plan!

So many people today are VICTIMS of lifestyle!  Yes, they are.  Sure there are those that live a humble life, that have stuff happen as well - but so many have visions of grandeur in their heads and when a catastrophe happens - their bubble is popped.  Then they wonder what happened.

These items need to be remembered and practiced!

Needs and wants - many don't see a difference.  There is a HUGE difference.

It seems so many value things and money more than experiences and simple pleasures and lives.  I really do feel sorry for them.

So many want the latest new gadget and new app, the fancy big homes and cars, the nicest clothes, the fancy schools, etc.  Those things may be nice - but they mean nothing in the big scheme of things.

I guess I am not even average when it comes to all the above figures.  Now I clarify, I have a smaller PAID for home, a PAID for older vehicle that is still nice.  I have no debt - just basic stuff.  I live on about $1,000 a month!  Yes, I have property tax once a year (I pay at once, but it is low), I have property insurance once a year, and vehicle registration once a year, and car insurance 2X a year.  Add those all together - and that is only about $2,000 extra.  

I know it sounds low - but that is because I have an older vehicle and don't live in a high-income area. I live a simple life!   You know what?  I am fine with that!

P.S. - I do have a nice savings and investments - so no I am not destitute.

Could I live in a different area?  Yes.  Could I buy a fancy new car?  Yes.  Could I spend more a month?  For sure.

BUT I don't need to.  I am more than happy here and doing what I am doing.  I do without nothing - truly.  I live a very nice life.  I am comfortable and I am secure in knowing that I can do home maintenance or car maintenance, or pet maintenance or cover whatever I need in an emergency.

There is so much more to buy today than when we were growing up.  (Just in the area of tech and techy stuff - not to mention other stuff).  There are more ways to buy it and it is so easy!  THINK TWICE!  Seriously, if you want to get ahead and not feel tied down with debt - you have to stop and think and get a grip on things.

I know this is the start of Prime on Amazon.  If you are struggling - stay away from this temptation.  I have never once purchased something during this time and have no plans to.  Yes, I know I am weird!  I know people get great deals and good for them.  This is a warning for those with debt and that are struggling - not everyone.

Don't let lifestyle make you a victim.  Don't let keeping up with others make you a victim.

THINK!!  You can have a wonderful life with so much less.  You really can.  Many of us here can attest to that.  There is so much more to a happy life than stuff!

Be wise if you are trying to get it together.

We are here to help.

Have a lovely day to all.