Happy Sunday all! Hope this finds you all well and safe. It is a cold morning here. We are riding that roller coaster again! We have gone from 70's to 20's in a few days. I am so tired of rain and wet and WIND! Geesh, it has been a windy week.
This week looks to be much of the same - rain, rain - go away! (so muddy)
March may well go out like a lion!!!!
The forsythia are out in bloom and the daffodils started blooming. They are covered right now - hoping to save the blooms. There is a huge magnolia tree about a block behind me, and it is in full bloom. I well imagine it will look much different after last nights freeze - it always happens! The grass is vividly green after all the rain. It won't be long and I will be mowing.
Forsythia is just so bright and pretty. It makes me smile!
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This week seems like a bust to me. I got to be out Monday and enjoy the beautiful weather - then it all went bust. Rain and wind came and didn't leave all week. Even had some snow flurries yesterday. Today is sunny but cold.
I didn't do a lot. It seems I took a lot of naps this week! That is just not like me. It was gloomy and ick, and well, naps seemed to be the remedy! LOL
My week:
- I did work out in the yard most of Monday. It was lovely. I did a lot of pruning (things growing where they shouldn't) and raking and cleaning
- Using up precooked things from the freezer again
- Picked a couple pretty bouquets - which are still going strong!
- I made biscuits and a butter cake - using oven once to bake 2 things
- General cleaning and sorting
- Watched some You Tube videos and caught up on a couple posters
- I did run out on Thursday to Kroger to get out of the house. I needed to see people!! I got some salad goods, milk and buns. I got a couple mark downs in meat department. I got 2 packs of marinated turkey breasts, each costing 3.49. These are perfect for me - it will definitely satisfy my turkey hankering and not be too much. Each will supply me with a few meals. I also got a 6 pack of thick center cut pork chops on clearance for $3.50. Pretty cheap for 6 meals!
- I did get to air out the house on Monday
- Hung a little laundry out
See, nothing much happening here. I just need lots of sunshine and warm temps - that so gets me motivated. I feel like a slug.
Meals this past week:
Nachos (using leftovers)
Fried chicken (freezer) and fries
Beef enchilada soup (freezer) over rice
Fish, mac n cheese and fresh veggies
Homemade pizza
Burger topped with sauteed mushrooms and peppers (peppers from freezer) and Swiss cheese and salad
Mixed greens with ham, leftover rice and biscuit
SNACKS: applesauce, cheese and crackers, pizza slice and butter cake
Quiet week and much rest gotten. I need to get busy and figure out a blankie to make for a new nephew I will be getting in May! I am thinking of using some of G's shirts for some of the fabric. I do believe his mommy would love that!
I think I will try to work on all the office stuff I have and never use anymore this week as well.
How has your week been? Keeping busy? Is your weather getting warmer and staying or are your still getting cold as well? I guess this is normal for March, so I shouldn't complain. I am just so ready for warmer temps. Did you get any deals this week?
I hope you all have a wonderful and full week, and that you all stay healthy and safe.
Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Thank you Lord for our many blessings and let us always be mindful of them and that you embrace us in your loving arms. Never let us waver in our belief nor doubt Your ways. Amen
Looks like you had a busy/productive/frugal week! You are right that we need to always be mindful of our blessings. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI am not so sure about productive - but I was graced with another week!
DeleteWe are so very blessed in so many ways.
We've had a lovely warming week here in the Northwest! Today could break records at 75 or higher. I've cleaned up all the garden beds, I did all my housework, I finished the cutting for a new donation quilt, I've read 3 books, I had a lovely walk to the library yesterday for 3 more books and I've cooked from the fridge/pantry/freezer. My last grocery jaunt was Mar 7/8. My self-challenge this year is to grocery shop once/month, to eat fresh for 3 weeks until all the freshies are gone and then the 4th week from the freezer/pantry. My love for organic produce is that it does stay fresh for 3 weeks and beyond.
ReplyDeleteNo forsythia yet but my hornbeam trees have the beginning of leaves awaiting unfolding and my stella d'ore daylilies are up a few inches as well as my sedum autumn joy.
Blessed Sunday to everyone and a fabulous spring week ahead...whatever the weather :-)
What a wonderfully productive week you had! You got a lot done.
DeleteLike your grocery challenge. It sounds like it is working.
My day lilies are poking out, D'ore as well. See some red bits poking through the ground at peonies. Tulips starting to poke out and poppies!
Spring is just grand for the re-birth of the earth.
Have a great one!
Good morning, Cheryl, and Happy Sunday! The last Sunday of March. May April bring you better weather.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be moving this week. Each step of the way to this point has brought curve balls. Last week it meant--days before our move--the moving company said they'd made an error with our original quote and doubled the price! It will now cost 8k to share a moving van with a Bay Area family. Grrr. Too late to hire a new mover, too.
When I discovered Goodwill, AmVets and other charities no longer pick up donations here, we decided to put some furniture items out by the street with a "free to good home" sign on them: a large sofa table and student desk + printer cart were snatched up quickly. Today we'll put out a night stand table and wooden toy chest. Our oldest son found a coworker who wanted our round oak kitchen table & chairs, plus a large (local/regional) painting. Both were picked up yesterday. All of which should bring the movers price down a bit. Also 2 carloads to the Goodwill drop off.
I'd planned well and instead of buying any groceries this month, we ate through what I had on hand. The remaining few freezer items went to our older son. Nonperishables (canned goods, etc.) will come in the car. So... blessings in spite of the most recent curve ball.
Glad you had a chance to rest up. When naps happen, I always figure my body is saying it needs them. --Elise
Maybe it's just my cynical nature but it's awfully hard for me not to see that moving company as pulling a con job.
DeleteMoving time already - wow! Heck, I think buying new stuff would be cheaper than that moving van!!! Wowza! I understand gas prices and it is a lot of miles - but just wow.
DeleteNice that you are getting rid of things and blessing others.
God works in mysterious ways - so there is a plan. Don't get too stressed. So happy you are getting to live your retirement dream!
Stay safe this week and good luck with the move!!!! Safe travels.
Anne - my first thought - but gas prices have really gone up. But I agree that is almost unrealistic in my opinion. Sure seems crazy.
DeleteAnne and Cheryl, I'm pretty sure that's what's going on, but at this late date, we're really stuck. It's impossible to find a U-Haul truck here, especially on short notice. Too many people leaving CA. And we HAVE to be out by April 1st. I know we've been ripped off, not just with the movers, but also the property management company that handles the house we've lived in the last 5 years. Honestly? I just want out of this state and am happy to let God deal with those who take advantage. --Elise
DeleteFWIW... that may sound naïve, but I'm 60 and tired.
DeleteI thought the same as Anne. When we moved from Cali to Kansas in 2004, the movers told us it was about $1 per pound. (1500 miles) You should have seen me picking up everything, "Is this worth a dollar?, two?". Our estimate was $8000, but it came in at $7400. Despite all of them being ex inmates, they were kind, efficient, and very careful. They even took my plants and they arrived safely! Nothing was missing. Remember to tip them ( $20 ea. is good ) and have bottled water. They work hard.
DeleteThank you, Debby. We'll get bottled water and go to the ATM.
DeleteGood Sunday! We have had mild temps this past week so we have gotten outside and spruced up the yard still lots of weeds out there thou. But today I'm going to concentrate on the cleaning the house since it gets neglected when we are outside. I made a big pot of baked beans yesterday for dinner, Hubby's request. Today I'm going to add some grilled chicken to the menu. I also need to get some veggies into the dehydrator before they get spoiled. I hope your weather gets better. Hope you are having a good day!
ReplyDeleteHi Laurie! I am so glad you have had nice temps and can get out in the yard. I am wishing!!!! Baked beans sound good and so does chicken.
DeleteI am betting your house isn't bad! Funny how we all think - oh my I need to clean. How bad can it get with only one or two people! LOL
Enjoy your lovely weather and send some this way!!!!!
We have had the same weather Cheryl; I believe I am north of you. Today we have a bit of sun. I don't do well when it is so grey and gloomy. I haven't left the property unless I just had to. I will have to this week and while I am out I will look for markdowns at the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
I don't do well with gloomy either. I truly need sunshine to thrive.
DeleteI need to go get taxes done this week - up the road - so maybe I will do something else while out.
Hope you get sun and joy!
We've had a couple of colder days, and this will continue into next week - maybe even snow on Tuesday. But we've had sun most days so it feels more like spring.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week!
Glad you have seen sun and dome nicer days. You get so cold and snowy there.
DeleteHave a good one
GM all!
ReplyDeleteSo much for cooperating weather!! It was too chilly to go out and clean windows. Maybe next weekend. We ended up going to the market and handling some annoying little bits and bobs around here. We're on the same crazy weather pattern. It's supposed to be almost 80 on Tuesday and 50 the next day! I have seen the robins out getting territorial. Hubs laughs when I holler at them, "HEY!! No fighting!! This is a peaceable kingdom!!"
That forsythia is gorgeous! I'm gonna look at some when we go to the nursery next month. I love the color. We got a burning bush two years ago and that red in fall is dazzling! I also planted a clematis that I really hope will come back. It's not looking so hot.
Great deal on meat! My friend reminded me that with bird flu going around, to look out for stocking up on good chicken and egg deals. I need to learn how to freeze eggs.
Let's see, meals last week...
Chicken pot pie soup
Baked ziti
Tuna melts
Turkey wraps
Barely beef stew (I used a little piece of roast and leftover beef broth turned into near gravy and lots of veggies. It was delicious!)
Chili from the freezer
Last Sunday.....oh, grilled cheese and carrots/celery. Not a real cooking day!
In order to save a little more money and take advantage of bulk buying, Im switching to an even more standard menu. I'm hoping I can also switch to once a month shopping, for the most part. This will be week one. I'll revisit this in a few weeks to see how it's going. I think it'll make my life easier, too. We can wing it on Saturdays to fill a craving or eat leftovers. Tonight will be soup.
Toodles! (Anyone else love Sally Field as Gidget?!)
I am laughing too at you yelling at the birds. My, I thought I was the only one that talked to nature! I have conversations with the squirrels!!!!
DeleteI bet your clematis makes it. Mine is not showing signs of life yet either. It will. Burning bushes are so pretty.
Good idea on your meal and grocery plan. Makes since. I keep it pretty darn basic and simple and I eat well. Tougher times call for people to make some changes. Not a thing we can do about prices, except change our shopping!!!!
Your meals sound good.
Freezing eggs is easy. I figured I would get the turkey while the getting is good. You just don't know what is in store in the coming year.
I used to love watching Gidget!!
Toodles
The forsythia is beautiful. We always had one back when I was growing up and it was beautiful every year. The magnolia tree blooms are beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteYour meals sound delicious. Nachos are some of our favorites.
I’ve been busy with Mom, but wanted to pop in and say hi. I hope you have a great week, Cheryl.
I just love all the springs blossoms!
DeleteI sure hope all is going well with your Mom and that she continues to heal!
Take care.
Yes, the wind has been roaring around the house and all the trees are whipping around like crazy. We are hoping they all keep their roots in the ground because it is very wet.
ReplyDeleteThe wind has really been something. My maple tree is setting its buds and the other morning I went out and there were buds all over the drive - not even close to the tree!
DeleteI guess this is all part of March - but I am sick of it! LOL
Wind and snow here today. Daffodils are just ready to bloom. I hope they survive the temps in the teens that we're to have the next two nights. I covered the strawberries since new plants were starting to come up. No forsythia blooming here yet.
ReplyDeleteA nice, slow week here. Haven't been out since Tuesday. Lots of blanket-making prep, reading, and genealogy. Husband has a routine Dr. appt. Wednesday, and I'll have to get some produce and dairy at Aldi later in the week.
Received a package of Indian flat bread in the Tuesday box last week and made the best personal pizzas for dinner last night. Meatloaf in the crockpot for this week (and for the freezer). Baked oatmeal raisin cookies from a new recipe with vanilla pudding in the mix. Very moist and chewy.
You got a good deal on the meat. I need to clean out the freezer and inventory again before I buy much more. The Tuesday box has been providing some sort of meat nearly every week, so I just have to match it to a recipe and can plan ahead.
If it gets in the teens I bet you lose the buds of the daffodils.
DeleteGlad you had a quiet one too. I guess I should enjoy those, as soon it will be busy again.
Flat bread makes great pizzas. My sis in law always uses vanilla pudding mix in her cookies and they are wonderful.
I am so glad you are getting so many needed items in your box of goodies. That is just great.
Stay safe and warm.
My mother, who was from IN, loved forsythia! She said it was a harbinger of better days. The first thing I planted in my yard when I moved back to NM was forsythia and when it blooms, I can hear my mother's voice. Lynn
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memory!!!! I do believe she was right too! It won't be long - it is all in God's plan. I just need to be patient!!!
DeleteI think forsythia is so lovely. I had a huge shrub when I lived in Southern Indiana. It's too cold here where I live now in Wisconsin for forsythia to survive the winters. Having slow days with naps is perfect for the weather you've been having! Celie
ReplyDeleteThanks. What a shame you can't grow it there. It just smiles sunshine!
DeleteI guess it must have been good for naps - I must have needed them.
That is quite a magnolia tree! I would love to have some forsythia but don't know where it would go.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Scripture...we all need to lean on the Everlasting Arms and gain our strength from Him.
It's been daggone cold! Looks like Wednesday will be warm and then back to more seasonal temps.
It is a huge tree - there are several around this area. They sure are pretty when they bloom.
DeleteThanks - God is my everything.
It is too flipping cold! I am ready for steady 60's and 70's!!!!!
We are in the middle of about ten days of dry weather with only one night each week with rain. So, it is pretty dry and warm, 70s and one day it is supposed to be 80.
ReplyDeleteI have to envy your weather! How nice. I look forward to those temps.
DeleteI am in SW Florida, so our days have been high 80'sand 90's---and no rain at all. Drought-dry right now. I almost didn't contribute as you all are still suffering with cold and gloomy---I remember it well when we lived in Illinois. (moved here 36 years ago.)
ReplyDeleteWe had a glorious forsythia there an I loved it.
Have had a lot of northern company the last few weeks. My freezer now has a tiny bit of space to add meat if I find deals. Our main grocery (Publix) never has mark-downs. Rarely, I do find them at Aldi. Spring is coming for you!
That is OK - I don't envy 90's and drought - so we can be miserable together! LOL
DeleteGlad you got to have some company. Back to the routine now!
Hope you find some deals soon!!!
The weeks seem to pass so quickly. Spring has sprung here with temps above freezing. I've seen geese and pussy willows, true harbingers of spring. One can't get too excited though; the majority of the snowfall is said to occur in Mar/Apr in this neck of the woods. Sure enough, there's fresh snowfall on the bare spots this morning. Menu items included salad with roasted chicken, pizza made on naan bread, chicken noodle soup. The last of the saskatoons were made into pies and tarts. I was able to gift a pie to the neighbors. I managed to walk 7.5 miles this past week, one of those walks with a friend. I got to travel 4hrs to see my son's family and celebrate my granddaughter's birthday. There are a few paint touch ups to be completed after painting the main bathroom > 1 week ago & those painting supplies can be put away. I managed to get some shopping done for my mom; now it remains to be seen if she will wear the new clothes! Tax prep is done and ready to go to the accountants. And I managed to connect with a cousin and sister. These weekly recaps make me realize that "nothing" is not a good response to the question - what have you been doing.
ReplyDeleteSure not a 'nothing' week for you! My goodness you were busy. That keeps us young and motivated. Your meals sound tasty.
DeleteGood going on all the exercise.
I hope you mom likes her items. You are getting me motivated to move more! Thanks!!
Yesterday was Mothering Sunday here in NI.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest daughter has covid so didnt get out for lunch on Saturday. Went to my son's yesterday for dinner.
Come Friday, God Willing i am going to my son's house in Dundee for four night.
We have had the most beautiful weather this past week. I got lots done in the garden. Sure keeps you fit.
Sylvia
Sorry your daughter is ill. Hope she mends quickly. Glad you got to see go to your son. Sounds like a fun trip coming up.
DeleteNature has a way of keeping us in shape!
It was 74 here and so nice yesterday, and today RAINY. But grateful for the rain.
ReplyDeleteWe have sun today - but just 40's. We have had rain and more rain. I would be more than happy to share a little with some of you gals.
DeleteWednesday they say 70 here - then back down and guess what - more rain!!
Still cold here! I'm with you; I start getting antsy in March for warmer weather. Sadly, as I live in the Midwest, we could have another two months until things warm up. Doing my best to be patient!
ReplyDeleteDeals: I got a large bag of bananas for a dollar; they'll get chopped up and frozen for smoothies. I also got a few pounds of tomatoes for a dollar (the bags of produce on the marked-down rack are all a dollar!), which I roasted and turned into a lovely spaghetti sauce. :)
And I had waaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy more than my share of naps this past week. Must be the thing to do this time of year, while we wait for the warmer weather! :)
Yes, we still have plenty of time for cold - so yep, getting antsy here too. Patience is a virtue!!!!
DeleteWhat good deals you got. Nice.
It must be nap time! I had waaaaayyyy more than my share as well! Hey, we deserve them!!!!