Sunday, August 14, 2022

Weekly Wrap Up 8/14

 Happy Sunday all.   Here we are halfway through August.  My how time flies.
I hope this finds you all well and safe.

I had a very busy week and accomplished quite a bit - for me.  I don't usually accomplish a lot of bigger projects and this week, happily I did.
We have had some rain this week, and finally the temperatures dropped a little as did the humidity level.
It looks to be a lovely week ahead, with highs in the low 80's and low humidity.  Wonderful - especially for August!!!

I still have phlox blooming and the roses have a few blooms.  I even saw a couple blooms, again, on the clematis and the D'oro lilies.  The surprise lilies are looking sad now.  Soon the New England asters will bloom - then it will be officially fall!  The large woodpecker is back in my area - it sure is a neat thing to see.
We have had a few showers this morning - then the rest of the week looks to be dry.

My week:
  • Harvesting - tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, okra and cukes
  • Froze some tomatoes for canning later and froze okra
  • Cut more basil and thyme and dried
  • I did a lot of weed whacking!  A little around my yard - but mainly next door AGAIN!  They have been there 3 1/2 months and still no weed eater - and very little mowing as of late. (I understand many of us haven't had to mow a lot lately).  There is a spot in back they have never set foot - and it was soooo overgrown and taking over my fence.  Well, I cut and trimmed all I could from over the fence - and cleared out my fence row.  UGH.  It looks much better.  That was quite a job.  I guess we take what we get - at least they are nice and quiet.
  • Went on Sunday to Menards and got a new light for my backyard.  Also got furnace filters, a new belt, 5 lbs. of peanuts for squirrels, and salsa mix.  The mix is Mrs. Wages, and one I have not found for several years (mild).  I also found some canned cat food flavors - I haven't seen in ages.
  • Got the dusk to dawn light installed with the help of my neighbor.  It works wonderfully!!  It took us a while and it was really hot that day - but it has been worth it,
  • NO grocery store at all this - never even thought about it
  • Fixed 2 of my back steps that had loose treads
  • Doing all the normal stuff we all do.
  • The ramp is gone!!!!!  2 people - 2 days and it is done!  Wow what a job that was.  It was so much more unsafe that I had actually thought.  So much rotted wood - so happy that it was not being utilized - that could have been awful.   I kept a lot of good wood, gave away a bunch (it was all gone within 1 hour of finish on 2nd day), and there is a huge pile for burning.  Let's just say - not a splinter, smashed anything, or broken nail - but a lot of sore muscles I didn't know I had!!!!!!!!!  Dang this body is sore!  BUT the job is done, and it sure looks different.  Now to decide what I plan to do out there.  ***** By the way - there was a raised platform off of porch that was 6 x 10 and then there was a 24' ramp with side rails.  It was a real job!!!
                                             Much of the rotted wood - not all.

Meals this past week:
Fried egg, cheese and tomato sandwich
Leftover casserole (freezer) and fresh cut-up veggies
Smoked sausage, kraut and mashed potatoes
Cheesy potato cakes and sliced tomatoes
Cheese topped ravioli and tomatoes
Broccoli cheese soup (from freezer) over noodles
Chicken tamales and sliced tomatoes
SNACKS - bal. of watermelon, veggies and dip, chips and cheese dip, sandwich

I feel somewhat accomplished this week.  It was good wholesome hard work, and the Lord gave me the strength (both physically and emotionally) to do it.  I am thankful.  I really needed to be involved in the removal of the ramp system, to get my mindset in a good place.
Some weeks I DO get physical!!!  LOL
Today will be a needed day of rest.  It is wet and gloomy looking, and this body is tired - so I will hang out and maybe nap.
I must say I have slept well most nights this past week.

How was your week?  What deals have been found?  What is going on in your area?
I hope all you Arizona gals are OK - I understand there is much flooding there.  Seems like flooding has happened in so many places lately - such a dry summer - then flooding!  So sad.

I pray each of you is safe and healthy.  Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
Have a wonderful week!
***************************

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15

Dear Lord, help us to know who to listen to and follow.  Not all we hear is good - help us to be able to discern.  Help us all realize that we need to follow You and Your lessons, not man's lessons, and we will be fine.  Lord, we thank You for all our many blessings and the gifts we receive each and every day.  AMEN


43 comments:

  1. Good job on all the hard work and the bargains!

    What is "salsa mix"?

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    1. It is a blend of spices that you use when making salsa. I just love the flavor - it is better than any I have added my own spices to. Thanks!

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  2. The Scripture you selected and your prayer is very timely. It is unknown to us what is in the future but the Father knows.

    Glad you got the ramp down without any injury! That was a big job.

    Today is the Urban Farmer's 73rd birthday. Erin will come by and eat lunch with us before she goes to work.

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    1. Happy Birthday to the Urban Farmer!

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    2. Yes, God knows - we just have to have faith.
      Happy birthday to your hubs!!!!!!!! Enjoy your day!
      Thanks

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    3. Thanks for the birthday wishes! Our lunch was good and them we went to Culver's for a dish of custard instead of a cake. Yummy!

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  3. Hi, we live in Phoenix and had rain this past week, 2 inches in our yard! Have seen some debris in the road, power lines down etc but nothing too big. Then again, I have stopped watching the news so I might have missed something. At least our house was safe and no roof leaks! My week wasn’t that productive, but I managed all the usual house stuff. Grocery ads were awful, nothing worth while…so I just bought the fresh veggies and fruit and called it a day. Glad you got the ramp removed and without mishaps or splinters! And thank you for your blog, I look forward to each writing and find useful tips and ideas. While I have been frugal for a while, there is always more to learn and I am thankful you are covering the bases for newcomers to our world ;) Hilogene in Az

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    1. We have a lot of family in the Phoenix area, mostly Cave Creek. I'm glad you're okay w/o any damage, Hilogene.
      --Elise

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    2. That is a lot of water in your yard! Glad that you, the house and the roof are all OK. It sure has been something this year. I didn't even look at the ads, so not sure if there were good sales or not here. Sometimes, we just get what we need and be done with it.
      Thank you for your sweet words. I look at it like, we are all learning. Stay safe.

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  4. You were a busy hard working gal this week, Cheryl. Good for you. The body fuels the mind as the old saying goes. It’s surprising how much rotted wood there is when you tear down an old wooden structure like that. Our back porch was the same way when it was torn down. I love woodpeckers! They are so neat to watch. I hope this next week is another good one for you.

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    1. The ramp system was 10 years old - and treated wood at the time - but it sure was a mess. Thanks - it felt good doing some physical labor. I love woodpeckers too. They are so majestic.
      Thanks

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  5. You've sure had a BUSY week, Cheryl! You were in my prayers, and that looks to have been a huge job dismantling the ramp.

    All is well on our little, wooded acre in AZ. This monsoon season has been exceptional (we're told), but most storms this week skirted us. It gave Hubby a chance to finish the large, paver patio (12 X 16 ft) that matches the walkway he built before we moved in. He's meticulous, so it should last many years.

    Not sure if I mentioned, but we'd planted D'oro yellow and purple daylilies along his walkway. Yesterday I nabbed 10 more potted yellow D'oros for $1 each on clearance at Walmart. Also picked up 5 large, potted lilac bushes to plant by the drive near the house. To help with drainage, we'll transplant small native shrubs under the Cedar and Juniper trees along the front "yard" (septic leach field), which will eventually be covered with rock. And I found a baby pine tree that can be relocated to a better spot!

    Busy week in the kitchen prepping sale priced meats for the chest freezer. It's a start. When our power went out (common here) one night, we went to Denny's and had breakfast for dinner. Brought home the hash browns, which I used as a "crust" for quiche afterwards. Works like a charm!

    Thank you--as always--for the timely verse and prayer. Blessings to you and everyone reading in the coming week! --Elise

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    1. Oops... the native shrubs are under the Cedar and Juniper trees now. We'll dig them out and relocate them. Along with the baby pine tree.

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    2. Glad you are OK and no major problems at your place. All the flowers and plants sound like it will be beautiful when all in bloom. You have sure accomplished a lot in your short time there.
      Yay on using the hash browns for a new purpose - that had to be so good.
      Don't over work this week!

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  6. Sounds like a wonderful week at the place. I know you are happy to get the ramp down and out of the way. Nice that you had help with the ramp and the new light installation. I also would like to know more about the salsa mix. Is it for use in guacamole or added to your home grown tomatos, onions, etc, like a pico de gallo?

    The peanuts for the squirrels, are they just raw peanuts in the shell?
    I like to leave out treats for the squirrels, they love some fruit when I put some out for them.

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    1. It was a good week. I have some great friends.
      The mix is all the spices needed to add to tomatoes to make slsa. I like the mild, but it comes in medium and hot as well. I like it better than adding my own spice mixture. I have not known anyone to use int in guacamole. I think Mrs. Wages (brand) makes one just for that. One packet of salsa mix and my tomatoes, etc. lets me can about 6 pints of salsa.

      Yes, the peanuts were like %5.99 for 5LBS. They were actually roasted - but not salted. They eat them all the same!!! And it cheaper than the raw I get at feed store.
      Thanks

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  7. Good job done with dismantling the ramp. I have a ramp at my house. My dad was a bilateral amputee. There were tears in his eyes the first day he entered my new home. Now, my friend with MS uses that ramp when she visits in the summer. I use it all winter to bring in wood in the wheelbarrow. I made 4 pans of lazy beet leaf holupchi. I attended a local farmers' market to see a $20CAD price tag per pan. I'm in the wrong business! I've been eating the roasted young beets with a black cherry balsamic vinegar & feta cheese awa another meal of creamed garden veggies - beans, peas, carrots, potatoes. Love how you say grow-ceries. A roasted chicken was turned into chicken noodle soup & will make numerous meals of one sort and another. I took soup & homemade chocolate chip cookies to an older cousin who fell & hurt herself; spent a few hours helping her with some kitchen stuff. She gifted me with zucchini that has been shredded for the freezer & muffins/loaves/soup in the winter. I also prepared some basil pesto for the first time. I used peanuts vs pine nuts & love the flavor. Both yards were trimmed & mowed this week; it's almost time to do mine again. The weather has been hot & humid with nighttime thunder storms so there's no end to grass cutting this year. I'm working on weeding the perennial bed & clearing weeds form the rock paths. Another highlight of the week was visiting a friend who relocated to a downtown city condo 2 hrs away. I came away wondering if I could make such a move; I'm so not a city girl. The peace & quiet of where I live is such a contrast to the city landscape & noise.

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    1. A lot of people used the ramp over the years - but it just became too dangerous. Someday I may have to do something again, as we never know what our health will be - but odds are if that time comes, I may move.
      You sure had a great food week. That all sounds yummy and so frugal all those wonderful goods up.
      I need to mow this week as well - the rain has finally helped the grass grow!
      Sounds like you had some nice visits. I can understand not wanting to move.

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  8. You've definitely had a busy week Cheryl. I'm glad you got things done you wanted/needed done. But it doesn't sound fair you're cleaning up after the neighbours. Hopefully they get the idea and start doing their fair share.

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    1. It was busy - but it was good as well.
      I agree - it really irks me that they don't take care of things. On that side, for some reason I have never had neighbors do the job they should! It gets old - but I want my fence clear.
      They do work a lot - but still! Oh well, it is what it is.

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  9. I am glad you safely got the ramp down and the light installed. It was a productive week here, as well. The weather moderated at the end of the week, and I got the new-to-me front door and homemade jamb installed and the jamb and trim primed. Also primed the interior of the door to the carport (exterior needs some major sanding). I need to get a qt. of exterior paint to finish them. Didn't have to buy anything except the threshold, though I first bought a threshold that wouldn't fit and didn't realize it until I had cut it and couldn't return it. Oh well. Like you, I am rather sore and found muscles I didn't know I had!
    It's in the upper 60sF today with showers moving in, so I mowed and wacked this morning. 70s the rest of the week. Still picking cukes and zukes, but the cuke plants look distressed. Tomatoes are ripening very well. Strawberries have a few blooms, roses are blooming again, mexican sunflowers need to be topped before the get too tall.
    Husband's annual dermatologist visit went well; no cancers found. That appt always stresses us. I have to drive the parkway and interstate, which I don't do often enough any more to be comfortable doing it.
    I spent all day Wed in the sewing room happily sewing and then selecting pieces from my binding scraps to make pieced bindings for 16 more quilts. When I cut out a quilt, any fabric smaller than 5-1/2in square is cut down to 2-1/4in strips and bagged by color. I waste almost no fabric. I also made a curtain (from an old sheet) for the storage space in the top of the closet in our utility/storage room, which is our entry from the carport. Hung it on a shower curtain tension rod from the shed. Pays to be a packrat!
    Last week at the local grocery I splurged and bought ice cream (on sale) for husband, Lactaid ice cream for me, hot fudge sauce (on sale), and a pie crust for today's chicken pot pie dinner. This week is Aldi, Costco for prescriptions, and maybe WM for prune juice. We'll see what Aldi is out of this week. I read today that there is a shortage of potatoes in Idaho of all places! This Irish girl needs her potatoes!
    I have neighbors who are slobs, too. I just figure their weeds and junk make my place look better by comparison, tho I do wish I didn't have to look at it.

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    1. FIRST - I checked behind the scenes and there was your comment - so I told it to post. Weird!!!
      So happy you got all the door done. It feels so good to get those big projects off your shoulders.
      YAY - for hubby!
      You accomplished a lot in that sewing room. I love that you make the blankets for others.
      Good shopping - I was thinking about making an Aldi run this week. I have heard about potatoes for a while now. I guess we may need to stock dry hash browns or potato buds or even canned. I really like potatoes as well. We will survive!!!

      Yeah, they seem to live in their own world and it is aggravating. I guess it could be a lot worse! So I just do what I can. You are right though, does make ours look better!!!!

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    2. Thanks for getting my comment out of limbo. I think it has to do with the length of the post. Maybe it thinks it is spam and holds it for review. I do tend to be a little long-winded at times. ;-)
      --Frances in the Trailer Park

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    3. No problem - It did ask me if it was Spam and I said no to post. I have no problems with anyone posting a long post - fine with me. Just let me know if it happens - and I will take care of it!!!!! Glad it wasn't lost!!

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  10. I am happy to hear that the ramp came down without and injury but that was quite a job. Our across the street neighbors have not mowed a single time in five years. They only have a strip of grass about 8 feet wide all around the street but it is an eyesore. They don't own a mower and about once a year they make a stab at it with a weed eater.

    We canned 7 quarts of pork stew, one pint of green beans and one pint of carrots leftover from what I chopped for the stew. Pork loin we used was 1.49 a pound. After using the big canner we decided that we will not do it again. It was really a trial for my husband's brain injury. Then on Friday I saw smart canners were down to $199 on Amazon and grabbed one quick with my Swagbucks gift cards so technically free. I listed both big canners on Facebook Marketplace. The smart canner is so much quieter that it does not cause trouble and with two I have all the canning capacity I need. Hopefully I will sell the big canners and have gotten most of my money back.

    We shopped at the discount stores on Wednesday. Not much to be found but we did get two little quarter hams for 2.99 each and Jimmy Dean roll sausage for 1.99. Also a 30 pack of Jimmy Dean precooked sausage patties that must be for restaurants for 4.99. We will use those for homemade breakfast sandwiched. There were some crazy coffee deals and we bought 4 bags for .99 each. We wanted breaded chicken but did not find that. The next morning I saw some crazy produce deals at one of them but we were involved in other chores so we did not drop everything and go back. Now I kind of wish we had.

    Have a good week!

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    1. Same as Frances - it showed up behind the scenes and I told it to post. I don't understand all this nonsense!!!!

      I would call the city on them if I were you. Here if 50% of your yard is over a foot tall - the city sends a warning or they come and cut it and charge you. That is crazy they haven't mowed. What jerks.
      Yay on the new canner. I hope that is easier for you both. I am sure you can get good money for the bugger one.
      I wish we had grocery outlets like you. Man you get some great deals. That is fantastic on the hams and sausage and the COFFEE!!! Wow.
      We need to listen to those little voices in our heads - when they say go - go!!!!!!
      Thanks

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    2. Thanks for rescuing my comment. I sold the big canner for $100 so one to go!

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  11. I typed in a long comment which seems to have disappeared. :(

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    1. I did, too.
      ---Frances in the Trailer Park

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    2. I am sorry guys - I don't understand that!

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  12. I am no longer getting the column in my email...not sure why. But I just type in your blog into the search bar and get it that way. Same thing has happened with "if you do stuff..." blog.

    Good job on getting the ramp down...bittersweet for sure. I agree...doing hard physical work is good for the body and soul.

    I love and appreciate your column, I truly do. Thanks for all your efforts...Jane in Florida

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    1. Hi Jane.
      I don't understand what is going on - Blogger has changed so many things over the past year and things don't work the same. It kind of ticks me off - sorry for the difficulties to EVERYONE!
      Thanks - yes, bittersweet for sure.
      Thank you so much.

      'If you do stuff' blog is on my blog list at right - you can hit that and get it there as well. I have some others I save in my favorites

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  13. So good to see that you were able to get the ramp down safely. And good for you, getting at least some of the eyesore weeds down. Hopefully your neighbors take notice and start caring for their lawn. This week was a "help your neighbor" time here, too. My canning buddy and I went and got tomatoes, and then put up 9 quarts for him. And, I made a batch of peach jam for another friend. She wants to pay me for it and we agreed (I think) that I'd swap for a case of Ball jars she has stashed in her garage. She didn't remember what size they are, just that they're taller than what jam comes in. It would be nice if they are wide mouth 16 oz., which I cannot find anymore. I stayed away from the grocery store, other than when my buddy was looking for quart jars. Mentioned that I needed to grab some lemon juice, and he picked it up and paid for it. And, when he used the last of my quart ziplock bags to take about 10 fresh romas home, he dropped off a new box of 40 for me. Thank you, one more item crossed off my shopping list! Now, I just need to get all these jars of goodies off my counters and dining room table.

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    1. Well, I tell you I am not holding my breath on the neighbors taking care of the yard! I guess I could have worse problems.
      Aren't friends great????
      Sounds like you and your canning buddy had a nice week of it. How kind of him to be the giver of some things to help out. I have never had a canning buddy. I did have a garden buddy years ago - he was so much fun. We shared and bounced things off each other all the time. He is another that left my life too soon.
      Yay on wide mouth jars - I love them. They are my favorite. Hope this coming week goes as well.

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  14. Repairing the treads on the steps is a major contribution to your continuing well-being.

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  15. Tommy has an aluminum ramp. The neighbor across the street had it for his wife until she died, then he gave it to a neighbor two doors down for his mother. When his mother died, he just came over and put it up for Tommy when he was gone one day. It looks like it might outlast Tommy and I. Maybe if you need one anytime, an aluminum one might work.

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    1. That was nice of the neighbors. Ramps are expensive. It would be pretty expensive to have an aluminum one built to be officially ADA certified. That is why ours was so big, the incline is supposed to be a certain ratio of inches per feet.

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  16. Cheryl, well we had very high temps all the past week. We are not used to it here in Ireland. Today we have rain.
    Last week I was dog sitting for my son’s dog. It was like me and my shadow. People say to me I should get a dog for company. No Thanks 😆
    You have been busy all week.
    Sylvia

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    1. Rain I can imagine in Ireland - hot temps not so much. I bet that has been something. I have heard many stories about the heat in Europe and even dry weather.
      I bet the doggy was a wonderful companion temporarily!!!!!! Pets do love to be where people are.
      Tired - yet busy. The list doesn't seem to lessen.
      Good to see you!

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  17. Wow that is quite the project, and no boo boos, you were very lucky!

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    1. Indeed I was. Pretty proud to have gotten it all done and safely!

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  18. I am glad that ramp is down...and doesn't it feel good to really work and get something done? I seldom feel like I accomplish much. But it sure feels good when I do. And it is good for me mentally.

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