CHEERS - Out with the OLD and In with the NEW!!!

 Well, the 2020 party is about over.  It is already over in some parts of the world.  It wasn't the best party - but you know if you are here and reading this - you survived.  That is a pretty decent party in my book!

My heart is sad for the loss and heartbreak many have had - as it is every year.

Nah, doubt if I go!!!!!  I will be asleep in my warm bed at midnight snuggled with my kitty.    Haven't stayed up to celebrate in years.

Many lessons have been learned this year.  Challenges have been met.  We made it!

I am thankful for each and everyone of you.  Thankful to have a platform to teach and learn.  Thankful for being brought up to know how to survive in bad times.  Thankful for having enough!

                                                                                 AMEN

I am wishing you all a wonderful year full of health and safety and healing.  A year that is stable financially and a year of using what you have and being a good steward.

I wish you happiness and joy.  I wish you love and family and friends.

I wish you all the absolute best.

I am looking forward to growing with each and everyone of you in the coming year.  We all have so much to share and offer.

Good-bye 2020!

Hello and cheers to 2021!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Blessings to all!

 

Lessons Learned (?)

 I have been reflecting a lot recently - as I am sure many have been.  Did you learn any lessons this past year?  Was it an awakening?  I learned and found myself being more grateful and aware of the small things.

I keep hearing people say - "I can't wait till things get back to normal."  NOT ME - I really didn't like all of 'normal'.  I see SOME things as much better now.

SURE I want people to be healthy - but there will always be disease and death.

SURE I want people to be able to get back to work and thrive - but many will just continue on with bad habits.

SURE there are things that we need to get back - church meetings, freely going about, working, socializing, HUGS, etc.

I see people have learned that they can survive on so much less than they thought

I see people have learned to cook from home

I see people have learned to have 'family time' again and sit down to dinner together and play together

I see we have learned that children can learn any where (many have home schooled for decades).

I see people are learning to garden and preserve

I see families helping one another

I see the public doing good deeds and helping others when they can

I see neighbors being kind and helping one another

I see people learning to be resourceful and recycle and getting creative

I see many employers have realized they can still provide work for people - but from their homes

I see people spending less

I see people realizing that being prepared IS important

I see people finally being grateful for all the LITTLE things (most are bigger than we think)

I really DO see a lot of positive.  I know many think I am Miss Pollyanna - well that is OK with me.  I'd rather look at the positive than negative.  I know bad stuff happens - it has happened to me too - but we can't quit.  We can't give up.  We have to keep marching forward and onward.

I will live my life in the most positive way I can to keep my mental health and the joy in my life.

You should too!

There will always be people who try their darndest to suck the joy out of the world.  Some CHOOSE to moan and groan and complain and never see good.  Those people are miserable and many are lonely.  I feel sorry for them and I pray for them.  God has this - give your worries and your concerns to Him.  YOUR job is to promote good and happiness and love upon the earth.

I hope we all choose to LIVE our best lives in the new year.

I will talk with you tomorrow!  Have a blessed day!

PS - these past couple weeks have been for reflecting and thinking about life.  Next week will back to normal!

JUST A Word

 Well, the year is almost over.  WOW!  Do you make resolutions?  I haven't done that in ages - as they were never met fully and I always felt frustrated.  Most of us resolve to do something that we should have been doing all along any way - and we didn't do it and probably still won't!!!!  Just saying 'it' doesn't make it so!!  LOL

I like to pick a word for the year.  Something that I will strive for and hopefully follow though with.  It is not a resolution - but a thought for the year.  A word to strive for each day to make life better not just for me but for others as well.

I think my word for 2021 is LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

There have been some storms this year for everyone.  We have just had to pick ourselves up and put on our big girl panties and get on with it.  That is what we do!  Make the best of a bad situation.  The choice is yours - you can continue to moan, worry and feel stressed and put life on hold OR you can dance despite the rain!!

LIVE - what do I mean?  Well, I am going to enjoy the food, enjoy the drink.  I am going to spend more time in nature and enjoy it.  I am going make my home even more of a sanctuary to be happy in.  I am going to work harder at being a good person who listens, gives, and shares.  I am going to LOVE this life I have been given.  I am going to DO more good for others.  I want to do at least one random act of kindness each week.  I want to walk, move and exercise more.  I want to be happy.

I want to LIVE LIFE FULLY - I REFUSE to spend the year afraid of the what ifs.  (Yes I am careful and cautious around others - that doesn't mean I can't LIVE).

Living is experiencing and sharing.  

For me (just my feelings) being afraid is having less faith than I should.  I am a spiritual person and I KNOW God has this.  If I doubt God - I have nothing.  To think that I have more power over my body and soul than God does is pretty outrageous to me.  When my day comes - my day comes.  God has already assigned that day and it will happen when it is supposed to.  His will be done.

SOOOOOOO until then I want to LIVE to the fullest!!!!!!!!

That old Dr. Suess was a smart old guy!!!!  Life is never easy - it is downright hard and painful sometimes - but it SURE is worth it.  I have had a lot of loss and hurt - but I am so happy I got to have the people in my life and the experiences I had with them.  What a gift.  They were worth it all.

I know everyone may not agree with my thinking and that is OK.  You are entitled to your opinion, just as I am.  

As for me - I choose to LIVE bigger and better this coming year.  I will not let others burst my bubble.  I will not let others bring me down.  

I will LIVE and enjoy life!

Do you make resolutions or choose a word for the year?  Do you have goals for 2021?

Weekly Wrap-Up 12/27

 Happy last Sunday of 2020!  My goodness, this time next week we will all be learning to write 2021!! I am still getting used to writing 2020.  Oh such problems we have!   LOL!

We had some lovely temps this week - then we had deep frigid temps.  It dropped almost 40 degrees in one day.  We went from the low 60's to 20's.  YUK.  But on a positive note - the daylight hours will now start growing longer!

We had the coldest Christmas day in 16 years.  It didn't get out the the teens that day.  We barely had a dusting of snow - but we did have snow.  I know many got a lot of snow.  

I had a quiet holiday - had lunch with a friend on Christmas day.  The day at brother's got postponed do to someone being exposed.

Today I have a niece and her family coming in town.  I am so excited to see them.

Never really thought I would get everything I 'wanted' - but many did.  I pretty much have all I need - and appreciate it all.

This week:

• I took advantage on warm day and scrubbed all the watering holes and birdbaths outdoors. (Birdies sure are loving the heated birdbath these cold days)
• Went out and finished getting a couple little things I needed and got all wrapped
• Delivered my brother's children's/grands gifts to his house - so they could pick up and have on time
• Ran to the bank while out and got gas for the Blazer.  That is maybe 3rd or 4th time I put gas in vehicle ALL year!!  Needed less than half tank EACH time.
• Got myself a pretty new wall calendar for new year while out (kitties - go figure)
• I got a huge surprise in the mail - a refund check from the IRS w/interest (!!!) for 2018.  I still don't understand that - as Glen did those taxes and he was always correct - but it was a really nice size check for over payment.  I RAN to the bank with it!!!!!!  (I did get a notice last winter - but didn't think it was real).  You just never know what is scam and what is not any more!
• Washed the front door glass (full glass door) while it was warmer
• Moved furniture and did a deep sweep and clean (that took most of a day)
• Finally baked 2 kinds of cookies
• I received a gift in the mail from a friend across the country - so unexpected and appreciated.  My sister-in-law gave me a 'special' extra gift to bring home as well.

                    From my friend - my favorite holiday candy and warm sockies and pretties!

                       My brother and sister in law know me well!!!!!! My new nightshirt!!!!

• While out doing errands - I treated myself to a treat (my gift to me!).  I stopped at the drive thru of Long John Silver's and got take out!!!  I have been craving Long John's for a while.  2nd time for takeout ALL year!  Merry Ho-Ho to me!!!!!!
• Went to a friends for Christmas dinner.  Nice to sit and have someone to chat with.  Sent me home with some cheesecake and sliced ham!
• Got word the family wanted to come up today on Thursday - pulled out everything I needed to feed them from pantry and freezers.  Will have a nice meal and snacks - no extra expense!
• Doing all the normal things we all do - using leftovers, cooking from scratch, laundry, cleaning, etc.

Meals this past week:

Leftover mac n cheese and added leftover corn and a can of tuna

Sausage gravy (from freezer) over toast

Chicken tender sandwich w/lettuce & sliced radish

Long John's

Leftovers in the frig

Dinner at friends

Grilled ham and cheese sandwich

I have the crockpot going already with BBQ meatballs and mini wienies.  Everything else is ready and just needs heated.  Made 3 lbs. of hamburger into sloppy Joe - have cheese slices and beef stick.  Crackers and chips and cheese dip.  Pickles and olives.  Tea and pop.  Have slider buns and small tortilla wraps.  Cookies and goodies.

Everyone comes and just eats all afternoon - whenever and whatever they choose.

It sure is nice to have a deep pantry and freezer!

I hope you that celebrated had a nice Christmas - whether quiet or together - we keep our loved ones in our hearts.  If you and your family are healthy - you got a blessed gift.  Our greatest gift is just knowing we have God with us each day.

I wish you all a wonderful week and will be back on Tuesday!

May you all stay healthy, safe and frugal.   Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

The new year is a good time to start at the beginning and start reading it all again!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

 A quick note to say MERRY CHRISTMAS  to each and every one of you.  May your days be safe and delightful.  

If you are having a 'different' Christmas - JUST ENJOY it to the fullest.  Be happy with what you have and who you can talk to.  Say I LOVE YOU to all.

We have all received the greatest gift ever - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Prayers for travel mercies for those in route and prayers for health for everyone.

Make the best of your holiday and be grateful and joyful of heart.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Virtual HUGS to each of you!!!!!!!

Oh Sweet Memories of Childhood

 Sharing a few pictures of days gone by and Christmas past.  I sure do miss the innocence of childhood and family gone.  It is nice sometimes to sit and look back and remember.

I hope the younger family members will be able to do the same someday and remember their Auntie fondly.

Me and my brother Dick.  I always called him Dickie Doll!!!  (Still do sometimes to tease him) LOL.  He was my hero!

My paternal Grandma and I.  There are only a couple pictures of her and I together.  Christmas at her house.

                                                     Daddy with my big Christmas bear!!!!

                         My sweetie and Momma on Christmas day at Mom's - before the rush!

                                  There was always a load of goodies at Mom's even as adults!

                                                                        Me and Santa

   

                                                     Top - me and my big old bears - oh my!!!

     My sis Linda  and I on Christmas morning.  Sure can tell it was the 50's can't you?  I miss her.

I remember those days with love.  I know not everyone had "good old days" - and I am sorry for that.  I have been blessed in life with a wonderful family and lots of wonderful memories.

💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

Todays prayer in the paper:

"O God, bless all for whom the holidays bring no joy.  Comfort the mourners; free the depressed; shelter the homeless; and protect our soldiers overseas.  Amen"

AMEN

Holiday Lore

 Well, we are just a few days from Christmas.  Yes - this year will be different, but that is OK.  Christmas isn't about food and presents, there is a much BIGGER reason for the season.  Never forget the true meaning behind Christmas.

Last night I got to see the planets align (the Christmas star) for just a couple moments in between clouds.  It was bright, but not as bright as thought it would be due to the haze.  That is OK, as the symbolism was still in my heart, thinking of that Christmas over 2000 years ago.

                                         AMEN - be so very thankful for everything and everyone

Click on this to enlarge and read.  Oh mercy - I hope there are enough pickles for everyone!!!!  Good fortune in the coming year is needed by all.

                                                                  I think this is sweet

                                                            Sweet stories to tell the kiddos

Just a sew sweet stories of old  and hopes that you SMILED!

BE MERRY AND HAPPY

Weekly Wrap-Up 12/20

 Good morning all.  Here we are the last weekend before Christmas.  Just doesn't seem possible.  We will be starting a new year in a couple weeks.  It is amazing how fast the year has gone despite staying home a lot.

This morning is a foggy and misty morning.  It is supposed to warm to the 50's by mid week - then crash for Christmas day.  It looks like it will stay in the 20's that day with a slight chance of flurries - then again warming a bit.

Tomorrow is the winter solstice and the shortest day (daylight) of the year - it is all upward from there!!!  I hope everyone gets the opportunity to see the the planets align tomorrow evening - "the Christmas star".  Hopefully the clouds will clear here.  That should be awesome to see.

Well finally this week, Blackie has decided it might be a good idea to sleep in the greenhouse some.  It got very cold and we had snow one day - and he finally decided to go in and sleep!  He is definitely an outdoor cat and probably spent most of his life (before here) outdoors.  I think he feels trapped being inside.  I worry about him - but finally realized that he IS smart enough to get out the extreme weather.  He and the girls can share as there is plenty of space in there for all!

Those crows were back this week.  My goodness they are big - the size of chickens!  If one were starving........well just saying! LOL!   Big bird (hawk) was around a lot this week.  I saw it several times - just sitting and watching and waiting by the bushes out back.  Grrrr - leave my little birdies alone!

It has been real quiet here this week.  I still haven't done baking - as I am waiting to know what might be going on for the holidays.  No need to bake just me, as I don't need it.

My week:

• I ordered my jerky and summer sausage I get every year as Christmas gifts on Monday.  It comes from Walnut Grove, OH and it has to be cold before they ship meat products.  Surprisingly it was delivered Saturday.  YAY!  I was afraid to leave all week as I didn't know when it would come.
• I got my cards all addressed and mailed.  It was kind of sad going through the address book.  So many people are no longer here and many others have just gone their own way.   I definitely need to make a new book!
• I cut my hair and colored it a bit from product I have on hand.  No longer looking like Mrs. Claus!!!!
• Used all my leftovers in some new way or packaged and froze for later
• I got to talk to a friend from the other side of the country this week.  I also talk with an old chum from high school.  I love getting to catch up with people.
• Been doing all the normal stuff - using what I have, meals from home, cleaning and sorting
• NO grocery shopping at all again this week - only time I left was to drop cards at mail box up the street (it was so cold - I didn't want to walk)
• Cleaned out the frig and washed it all down
• Watching a new 'series' on YouTube - of Curiosity Inc.  It is a channel from Canada - and he has purchased contents of 'another' hoarder house - he is calling this one the Musicians house.  She was a very wealthy woman in her life and they have estimated that there is over a million dollars worth of clothes and accessories in the house!  It sure makes you look at your own stuff differently!!!  Watching other You Tube videos as well - love getting new ideas and perspectives on things

Meals this past week:

Taco salad

Beans and rice (with leftover taco meat added) and corn muffins from the freezer

Burritos using beans/rice and fresh veggies on the side

Turkey bowl - mashed pots, gravy, turkey topped with corn (like KFC chicken bowls)

French bread pizza - 2X -  made with bread found in freezer and ingredients on hand

Oven fish and mac n cheese with peas added

                                                                          Taco salad

                                                                             Turkey bowl

                                                                        French bread pizza

Just using things from the freezer and pantry.  It all tastes good and nothing goes to waste.

I suppose everyone is ready for Christmas (?).  I know many celebrations will be small or delayed.  It is OK - just let others know you love them.  That is a huge gift - especially for those who are alone.

Christmas day festivities are my 2nd 'on hold' event this season.  Two have been exposed - and for the sake of our 2 immune deficient babies in family - we will wait.  It is all good - we are all well,  Gifts will wait.

This coming week will not be regular type posts as many may be too busy to participate.  I will still post - but it will be pictures/stories or fun facts of Christmas.  Hopefully little things to make you smile.😻

I am wishing you all a safe and healthy holiday.  Hold Christmas in you heart and bare in mind the reason of the season - it isn't about gifts and fancy get togethers.

In case you are off line this week - MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 119:105

Labels - Keeping it Simple

 Well I would like to say that I do fancy labels and make my pantry look all pretty - but I do not.  I would love to open my pantry and cabinets and see the beautiful labels that some make.  I salivate every time I see all the pretty things that Annabel shows over at the Bluebirds (she has such talent).  I am sure I have the time to do those lovely things, but I keep it simple.

It seems that some regions are more in-tune to doing the pretty labels and fancy wrappings.  I notice it more in posts I see from other countries.  

I love it - I love seeing it - I just aint doing it!!!!!!  LOL

I am a simple kind of gal.  I just want to know what is in my jar - so I do things simply.  That is OK.  We don't all have to have those beautiful pantries and shelves.  Keep things neat and orderly and tidy, mark things in a way you know what is in it, use first in, rotate - and all is good!!!

I opened a box of dry milk to use in a jar recipe and had plenty left.  I made a couple jars up and I simply cut he label off the front of the box & the mixing instructions.  I made  scan of both and printed it out.  I now have a label for both jars and inside the jar there is a paper with mixing instructions.  Easy.

The taller bottles in back say salt and pepper - well I know better!  They both contain dried tomato peels to use in soups/cooking.  Front left - dry ham base (bouillon) with simple mixing instruction written on top.  Front left - onion soup/dip mix - ordered in bulk and they sent a few labels.  I use what works.

I showed this picture earlier.  Jars have labels cut from packages - some hand written.  I often place instructions on how to prepare on/in things I don't use every day.  

Split peas - needs no label - but I do have the instructions cut out and placed in the jar for an easy resource

              Pasta needs no explanation.  Lima beans - instructions on preparing placed in the jar.

I cut original labeling off packages and adhere to bottles.  I write out my own labels freehand.  I sometimes write on the lids with permanent marker (or jar).  I do whatever hits me at the moment.  I keep and clean many of the flats I used for my home canning.  They are great for using on dry goods when you are using mason jars.  You can write on them - if you want to use for something else simply use a Magic Eraser to clean the wording and you are ready for another use.  I hate to throw those things away - I will use over and over.

Little computer labels work too.  Even fill up a canning box with all the same product and label box with a postcard.  Whatever works!

Just a few ideas that might help you.  Don't feel bad if you keep it simple too!!!!  Yep, it is all pretty - but I am just a simple, simple kind of gal and I have no regrets for not being all fancy smancy with my labels.

I admire those that keep pretty shelves and I love to look at them.

As for me - give me scissors, tape or a permanent marker and call me done!

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Old Fashioned - Easy - Frugal

 Oh the weather outside is frightful...........  LOL - not frightful yet - but I did awake to our first snow.  We have about 2" on the ground right now and maybe another inch coming.  I know there are a bunch of folks east of our state that are supposed to get hammered with snow.  I am so sorry!!!!!!

People here act like they have never seen snow before - on the first snowfall of the year.  Wrecks and panic bread and milk shopping!  CRAZY.

It will be gone in a couple days, so I think we will survive here.  If the weather is nasty - well my suggestion is have some fun indoors.  BAKE!!!

Here are a few old timey recipes that are both easy and pretty frugal.  Most can be handled with what you have in the pantry.  Stay warm and have fun.

Mix sugar and cocoa in a large saucepan.  Add milk and butter.  Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Boil for 1 1/2 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper or parchment.

Delish and so very easy.  The first cookie I ever made all by myself!!!  I learned about these in 4-H.  Still a favorite today!

No limit to what you can make with this recipe.  ANY type cake mix - add any type chips or nuts - Mmmm

One of the basic old fashioned cookies Mom used to make.  They are always a hit.  Super easy to make - if you don't have a cookie press that is OK.  Make small balls and flatten with a fork or fancy bottom of a glass.  Little bites of love!!!!!

(click on picture to enlarge for better reading)

Doesn't get much easier than this!  I know pralines have pecans - but use what you have.  Nothing could taste bad!

Super easy and super yummy dessert!  Put together in a jiff. (Make your own buttermilk-so as not to make a special trip out)  Use whatever canned fruit you have.

For those who will be getting slammed with snow - make merry and make ice cream.  The weather may be nasty - no reason not to have a little fun!  I remember making this so many times and what a treat it always was!!!!!

So frightful weather or not - have fun.  I love easy and old time recipes.  They bring back a bit of childhood - and that is magical to me.

We are just a little over a week out on Christmas - so let's get baking.  Share with a neighbor or a friend or family.  

Stay safe and warm and MAKE MERRY!!!!

Change - Just Go With It

 Change - people seem to hate it.  It is the one thing in life that we know will be constant.  Everything changes and always will.

I know people have hated this year in so many ways.

I guess I am more of glass half full kind of person.  I haven't minded staying home - I am kind of a loner anyway.  I still shopped some  and took little drives.  I work in my yard and around my house.  I take care of my animals.  I talk with family and friends.  I am OK.

I think people fail to look at the positive things.  Families have now been having meals together in the evening again.  Parents and kids are getting closer again.  People have learned to garden and can/freeze.  People have been learning to prep/stock (or hoard!).  Some have realized that they can get by on less.  Many have gotten a breather from work stress by working from home.  People seem to be getting more in touch with their religious and spiritual beliefs.  Many are being more helpful of others.  Folks are just enjoying that they got another day.  I think many are enjoying the simpler things in life again.

YES - I know lots of negative things have happened too - but I chose to focus on good.

Disappointments have happened - but so has promise.

I mentioned not seeing any Salvation Army buckets the other day (so glad many of you are).  After I originally noticed that - I got a post of FB from my high school group about helping the community.  There is a fellow who graduated a couple years before me - that has been doing a lot.  I found out the other day - he has been going strong to feed and help in any way possible for ages, but especially this year.  What I didn't know about him (and it doesn't matter) is that he has been paralyzed from the waste down and in a chair for years.  He goes all the time and helps so many in the community.  So inspiring.  

Well, I figured I would help the local area this year and helped him and his cause.  

He makes sure people get food every week (they have drive through food p/u's), he gives gift cards when he can, and gives clothes and toys for Christmas.  

He is that LIGHT I needed when I felt disappointment about the bell ringers being gone.

We can all do something for others and I truly believe we get more out of it than the recipient does.

You don't even have to leave your house - just reach out and do a little bit.

Be the LIGHT that someone else needs.

I found out my eldest sibling (sis) tested positive for the virus.  She is doing pretty good so far.  She is pretty healthy except for "old arthur" for being 89 years young.  Needless to say our sibling Christmas get together is being postponed from this coming Sunday to next month  sometime. (there would have just been 4 of us there).

Sure I was disappointed - but I will get over that.  It doesn't matter when we sit and break bread and share a gift or two - it just matters that we can talk to each other and say 'I love you'.  The LIGHT.

I am having my second Christmas without Glen.  Sure, I miss him terribly and I am lonely.  BUT - I know where he is and that he is healthy and happy.  I also know he would want me to go forward and do things to honor him and our life together.  That is what I intend on doing.

I want to honor his LIGHT in my life.

Life deals us so many disappointments and so much sadness and many stressful moments - but it also deals us happiness, birth and joy and beauty.  We just need to be observant.  Look around - listen - pay attention - take in all the tiny things as well as the big ones.

I choose to look at 2020 as the YEAR OF CHANGE.  Some good and some bad.  I look forward to see what next year has to offer.  You know so much of what WILL happen or COULD happen is strictly UP TO YOU AND ME!!!!!!!!!

We decide how to react - how to live - how to slow down - how to have fun - how to observe our faith - how to love one another.

Make sure you decide to LIVE - maybe differently - BUT LIVE TO THE FULLEST!

You woke this morning - you received a gift.  The best gift.

Honor that gift each and every day the best way that you can.  

You have the choice - make it good.  Be the LIGHT.

Blessings to you all!

Weekly Wrap-up 12/13

 Happy Sunday all!

Goodness, here we are less than 2 weeks out to Christmas.  How did that happen?  

I had a good week here in my area.  There was actually a couple days that sun came out and we had 60* or higher.  Loved that.  Yesterday was rain and even some sleet and a bit windy.  Temps are starting to lower and we will be in 30's and 40's this week (more normal temps).

It seems every few days I notice more and more lights on houses on my street.  There are more decorated homes than I ever remember.  I guess some people just feel the need to add some fun and beauty to the world.  I love looking out my living room window (or standing on the porch) and seeing all the pretty lights.

I wish I had a recording device (some day).  The other morning I went outside for the second time of the morning to pick up the cat food dishes to wash (wet food) and it was a frosty morn - the sky was bright pink in the East as the sun was just coming up and there was a chorus of birds singing away.  It was just lovely.  I could hear so many birds - it almost reminded me of a spring day (except it was frosty!).

First time out that morning was dark - but the moon was bright and the silence was blissful.

I made a trip to run errands this week and it happened to dawn on me that there were NO Salvation Army red buckets any where.  So sad.  I always made a point of dropping  money at each one I came to.  It may not have been a lot (sometimes change) but I always left something at each one.  Funny how something so simple can change the feeling of the holidays.  I loved hearing the bell ringers and always enjoyed their presence.

My week:

• Finished up the jar recipes and made labels for them with instructions
• Got all my 'goodie' bags together with what I have so far - I am always adding something!
• On my run this week - I dropped off mail at P.O., took books back to library outdoor deposit drawer, and stopped and got ALL the G.C.'s I wanted to give (gas cards, WM and Kroger cards)
• Actually got to open back door and a couple windows 2 days this week to air the house!  How wonderful to do that in December!!!
• Made 2 batches of grape jelly (8 pints and 4 half pints) - mainly for gifting (grapes from freezer).  Shucks, one didn't seal, so I guess I get to use that one - LOL

• Made up a batch of trail mix
• Doing all the basic things - meals from home, using what I have, brought up more gallon glass jars to fill, NO grocery shopping, just cleaning and working around the house

My meals this past week:

Last of leftover fried rice and scrambled eggs and toast

Pizza pasta skillet - 2X  -- pasta with all the other fixings of pizza

Beef bits (from freezer) with gravy and mashed potatoes

Oven fried fish and fries  (been craving fish)

Chicken/rice/broccoli

Diced potatoes fried with smoked sausage topped w/cheese and a side of sweet/sour red cabbage 

Potatoes and onion with smoked sausage topped with shredded cheese.  Tasty for sure.  I mean it had cheese - how could it not be tasty?  LOL

             Found at the back of the pantry when cleaning and straightening.  Pretty tasty stuff.

FIRST - I want to say THANK YOU to all who commented on what to do with blog in 2021!  I am truly humbled by all the wonderful responses - you have no idea.  I guess I just keep trucking along and doing what I do and maybe add some surprises here and there - like Santa!!  LOL  Thank you all - you guys are awesome.

How was your week?  Have you started or finished your baking yet?  Good grief I haven't even started that!  Are you all ready for the holiday?

Has anyone been out driving and looking at lights?  I really miss doing that.  I don't see well at night driving - so I miss a lot of the pretties.

Have you been frugal this week?

I pray for each of you and hope that you are safe and well.  May you have a wonderful week ahead.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

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

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.  John 3: 16-17

Amen

Help - What Say You?????

 Today I am asking for everyone's help.  We will be staring a new year in three weeks.  A new year brings lots of new things - some good and some not so good (as we saw this year).  All we know for sure is that with life comes CHANGE.  We sure don't have to like it - but that is one constant - life changes.

I am searching for fresh ideas for the blog.  I have been doing this a fair amount of years, and enjoy it so much.  I just don't want to become dull and boring.

I have never really wanted to be the person who just uses the blog as a daily diary.  I guess that is what blogging is in a way - but you aren't going to get excited about "I did A. B and C today" over and over.  I want things to be fun and fresh.

My question is - What do you want to see in 2021?

Do you want more financial and budgeting?  Recipes?  Health and home?  Gardening?  Personal?  Natural living?  Hints and tips?

WHAT SAY YOU???????

I will go through the next three weeks as normal.  I would love to have some sort of plan for the new year.  Tell me what you are interested in and what you may like to see.

I have always been a planner.  I just sometimes need a path - or maybe a new path.  

Give me your best ideas.  I look forward to reading them and hearing from you.  

This is, after all a group endeavor.  We all support, help and care about one another.

Thank you!!!!!

Refreshing Some Ideas From Christmas Past

 We are drawing closer by the day to Christmas.  Gifts are being bought and goodies are being made.  Then there are those of us who haven't baked a thing yet!  It will happen - eventually.

Today I will post a few ideas from years past that you might want to try and some that just makes life easier.  Oh they taste good too!

COOKIE BARS

Super easy and yummy.  Use any type of chips you want.  You could even add colorful sprinkles on top!

EASY CHEESY CRACK DIP

Super easy dip!  I like to add chopped jalapeno to mine.  Great with any type of cracker or chip.  Mix and have on hand for any occasion.  Great appetizer as well.  (I have made it and topped baked potatoes with it as well)  

AMISH SPREAD

I posted this recipe last year and it was a hit with several readers.  If you have not tried Amish peanut butter or spread - you are missing out.  It is so stinking good.  It makes a great gift and it is just a comfort food for anytime.  NO it isn't diet by any means!!!!!  LOL

It sure is tasty.

Muffins that taste like pecan pie - oh my.  What a great breakfast bite or just a treat.  These are so tasty.

NOT FOOD - but it may be the most appreciated gift you could give!!!!!  LOL  This was a hit last year and WHO KNEW - TP would become  such a hoarded commodity????  Not only would this be a funny gift to give to family or friends - BUT useful as well!!!!

Wrap a roll and add a funny card - maybe make up a verse that reflects 2020!

There you go - refreshed ideas from the past.  Maybe you will find something fun to make or share with others.  It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive to be fun and tasty.

Have fun and enjoy.