Happy first Sunday in September. My, how time flies!!!!
We have been getting rain and muggy feeling days. The temps are supposed to be in the lower 80's this week, but I do believe the muggy factor sticks around as well as the rain chances.
It is Labor Day weekend, here in the U.S. I hope you all have a nice weekend.
It is just another day for me - no plans at all.
This week:
- I took Momma to be cremated on Monday and got to pick her up on Friday. (sigh)
- I did some straightening in the garage and emptied the trash bin from there
- Washed all the cat bedding from the greenhouse
- I went to the feed store, bank and Lowes on an outing. I got the paint needed for my neighbor to paint my shutters.
- Ordered a total of 16 Free C-19 (2 orders) test strips (in case others need)
- Went to an out-of-town funeral with bro and SIL. Huge step for me to go out of town.
- We stopped at the Mennonite store on the way back. It was fun looking around. I didn't need anything much, so spent very little. I did buy a back of clear jell, powdered buttermilk, dehydrated marshmallows (for Christmas project), and fried peas (I love them). I also got some Mennonite/Amish noodles.
- I have been battling gnats/fruit flies/drain gnats - whatever you call them. Nothing has helped much. I put salt, baking soda and vinegar down all the drains and closed them off for a while. Then rinsed well - it helped tremendously!!!! I still have some, but no where the problem I had.
- Mowed and trimmed and did a big clean-up at the back fence row (in wild flower bed behind garden)
- Harvesting - eating and freezing
- I went around the entire base of the house and stuffed steel wool in any and every crack or space I saw in the cement block (basement wall/foundation). Getting ready to ward off ANY chance of mice getting in. Never had a problem and don't want one now. It is the season!
- Received 12 coupons from Kroger in the mail for $ savings.
- I did run to Kroger one day - I was in the mood for corn on the cob and it was on sale. I got a few more 1/2 lb. cheese packs for 1.49 ea., bread, and smoked sausage for the freezer - 14 oz. for 2.49.
Meals this past week:
Ramen soup and 2 peaches
Baked beans, hot dogs and tomatoes
Chopped steak, leftover beans and side salad
Just picked all day - also had a bowl of popcorn
Taco salad
Chili/cheese dogs and corn chips
Beef tips and corn on cob
What a week! I guess this was a good reminder that we have strength and fortitude for all things. God has the sun rise each morning and a new day begins. Prayers for you all that any problems you are facing, that you hand them to God for His strength and wisdom.
What has your week been like? Any deals? Gardening? Fall cleaning? Look forward to hearing from each of you.
Prayers you all have a safe and healthy week.
Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
************************
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Take heed to the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure.
Proverbs 4:25-26
Lord, Help us each to live as we should. To be kind and good and thoughtful. May we always follow the right path and live according to Your will. Thank You for each and every new day. Amen
The weeks fly by. I had a "girls' weekend" last w/e in the nearby city 2 hrs away. It involved visiting, eating, shopping (@ the Italian Center, a craft show, gift shops), walking in the parkland near the river. So good to be the houseguest of the hostess with the mostest and the change of scenery did me good. Came home to grass cutting, preserving 5 qts of tomatoes & 14 pts of peaches. I helped with the garage sale at the lodge where my mom lives. I think often of the things we "have to have" only to put them in a garage sale in due time. I am so done with adding things to this household. To everything there is a season...a time to keep and a time to cast away. Overripe bananas were $.45/lb so I've made 5 banana bread loaves, not to mention the toast w/ peanut butter & banana that I've eaten for bkft. I enjoyed a steak BBQ with the neighbors the other night and yesterday attended the local rodeo finals parade. Tootsie rolls are still my favorite parade candy. Nothing left to harvest from the garden but carrots, squash & onions. The 30C weather continues & the biggest job is keeping cool. Harvest is in full swing in this area.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had a great week. How nice that you got to visit with friends and all do fun things together.
DeleteHarvest and prepping sounds great. You are really doing good.
I had a nephew ask me last week about yard sales. I told him I hadn't been to one all summer. He was shocked, as he knew I used to go all the time (he does). I need nothing, so why tempt myself!!!
Love Tootsie rolls!
Stay cool and happy harvest!
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's always so hard.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you took a day to do nothing. Sometimes that is necessary.
Thanks so much. I needed to re-energize my mind and body. Now time to get my bum in gear!!!!!!! Have a good one.
DeleteHappy Sunday, Cheryl. As always, LOVE the verse and prayer for today. Very timely. Our oldest son (still in CA) picked up the ashes for his beloved kitty--Winken--this week, too. I was grateful he'd long since planned a vacation before her unexpected downturn and passing. He and his best buddy have been seeing the sites in northern AZ this holiday weekend and stopped by for the afternoon yesterday. His younger brother joined us and we had a wonderful visit with a hearty meal.
ReplyDeleteThere's a grocery chain in AZ--Basha's--that had an amazing sale this week on some items. The nearest is 2 towns over; we don't get a sale flier, but hubs had a craving for their donuts one morning and called me while he was there: 85% lean ground round for $1.99 lb., top sirloin steaks for $3.97 lb., pork ribs for $1.77 lb., red seedless grapes for 88 cents lb., and all melons 4 lbs. for $1.
Home Depot marked down even more shrubs before the weekend. We loaded the back of the crossover... twice! The pots are mostly 5 gallon, so they'll establish quickly. We cleaned out their lilacs, spirea and weigela shrubs. LOL! Then I talked to the next door neighbor (who's down to just the mule and his dogs) and said if he'd bag up what he mucks from the (now bigger) corral, I'll pay $5 per large, black garbage bag for the manure to age and use in our yard. We're getting bananas every week so I can bury the peels in each (shrub) planting hole; the aged manure will be an early spring top dressing.
Mainly the start of this month has been about looking and planning ahead. For those struggling right now, remember that it's always darkest before the dawn. Something I witness every morning. No matter what, the sun always, always rises again. --Elise
Yes mam, even in our darkest hours - the sun comes up!!!
DeleteThat is neat you got to see your other sone too - sounds like a nice visit. So sorry about his kitty.
What a sale your hubby stumbled across. You need to see if they have an online presence where you can find sales. Great prices.
Boy you are going to have a jungle there! Love that you are getting so many marked down items for the yard. It will sure be pretty when it all matures and blooms!!!!!
Have a good. one
We need roots to hold the soil during monsoon season. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL!
DeleteBut seriously, all the shrubs we bought are deer resistant, can take just about any soil, and tolerate some drought. 18 shrubs in all waiting to be planted. I've done "living fences" in several gardens before. --Elise
I am so sorry for your loss. Momma Cat has left her pawprints on your heart, and I hope the happy memories will bring you some solace.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got a day to do nothing - it is a needed break from the hustle and bustle of our lives. Even when we're retired.
Thank you - indeed, we all need those days to re-energize out souls. We keep busy all the time - and somedays we just need to say no!
DeleteHave a good week
Just want to say Thank You for the posting of Sunday morning Bible verse. They always are spot on for me and just what I need.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss of Momma Kitty. It is hard, I know.
This last week has been very introspective for me, I love Autumn but don't want to rush it. I used to do loads of Autumn decor in my home but this year just don't feel the need. Going with small vignettes and using mostly naturals. I also don't feel the need to add more to my home, just appreciate so much what I have.
You are welcome. I love adding the Word, it seems to give so much to so many.
DeleteThank you.
I change my wreaths on the doors and maybe set a thing or two about the house - but no big decorating. I can look out the window and get the best decorations of all - the nature of the things!
Blessings
GM all!
ReplyDeleteAnother Sunday morning at home while this blasted cough lingers! It's not constant, so you know, but when it starts? Sometimes it can get ugly. Once a day. Spin the time wheel. Not yet ready to take the chance.
Got some fair deals, but no big scores. Trader Joe's still has eggs for $1.99. Forgot to tell you that they have a birthday wheel. Spin and win what you land on, usually a $5 value. We planned trips on both our birthdays last this year. I won a big bag of gummy bears that will be a friend's bday gift soon- she's addicted lol- and hubs won a bouquet of flowers! Fun little perks to brighten our days!
In my 'laboratory', I made dishwasher soap, toilet bombs, laundry detergent, and bathroom cleaner.
I reloaded the pantry from the overflow pantry and made lists of what I had/needed.
Did the same in the freezer. That was quite revealing. Let's just say that we're gonna be eating lots of chicken lol.
I think I may have gotten carried away by all the bird flu talk lol. I'm gonna turn into the Bubba Gump of chicken!!!!
I started a crock of chicken bone broth late yesterday and it'll be ready at about 5pm. Smells excellent! So, I'll have chicken noodle soup base ready to go when the weather turns!
Spent an hour each day putting my desk to rights after a month of COVID neglect. I'm so grateful that I immediately paid all the August bills when hubs tested positive. I figured I was next and it turned out to be a very good idea.
Had a prayer answered last night. I'm sure I've mentioned that my brother is always near homeless in Cali. Long story, I'm not a witch, and he's disabled from a near fatal car wreck at 19. I worry and pray daily for him and if there's anything I can do. Hubs and I pray together nightly with the same prayer. Occasionally, he'll ask that my brother be reminded to call us.
Hubs said that prayer Thursday night. Yup, bro called last night. My brother was not raised in church like I was and has no faith roots. But I am regularly planting seeds lol. So when I hear his voice last night, I ask him, "So, did the Lord tap you on the shoulder and tell you to call?!". He laughed and I explained the prayer. He said he was wanting to call all week but the time change kept catching him when he thought about it. Then he said, "That's the 2nd time you've prayed for that and I've called. I remember a couple of years ago. That's weird.". Anyway, when we were hanging up I told him I loved him and he should talk to God once in awhile. "He's a good guy, dude. Get to know him.". I hope that longtime prayer will eventually be answered, as well.
Wrapping up this saga,. This week we ate
Veggie loaded fried rice,
Salsa chicken tacos,
Baked ziti,
Cashew chicken wraps,
Fried cabbage with ground beef.
Books are the mostly the same as last week, but I'm on a new Felix Francis called Refusal. Just started it last night.
Well, you sure accomplished a lot even not being up to par! You got a lot done. That has sheal you too. Movement is great for helping us move forward.
DeleteWe listen, and we get things done. It was known you needed to [ay everything - glad you did.
The Lord works in mysterious ways and in His own time. Neat about your brother calling just after the prayer. You are planting seeds, indeed. One day - your brother will come to realize that he needs more.
Your meals sound tasty.
Stay well and have a good one
Good afternoon, Cheryl and others. So hard to believe we're into September, already. Sometimes we need to take a day to rest, recharge, and re-set, in order to move forward in a healthy lifestyle. Glad you took a day for yourself, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteI follow the Holiday Grand Plan cleaning program and this week was the start. I got my front porch cleaned, thoroughly cleared of spider webs and bird mess, and got my front door sidelights, transom window and storm door done, inside and out. I also fixed my doorbell, reattaching it to the door frame. I'd thought it was wireless, with the old wires just tucked in. Turns out, it was the original wired doorbell that had been attached using double-stick tape. I removed what I could and reattached it with industrial Velcro. I wanted to paint the front door, but life got in the way. And then, the weather (rain and humidity) prevented it from getting done. Still on the docket, but will have to wait for better weather.
Last night, my daughter, son-in-law, and a good friend came over and we walked to the park at the end of my block for a concert (3 bands -- Dishwalla, Spin Doctors, and Hinder). We brought our own chairs and coolers with beverages and a variety of appetizers and "small bites", and enjoyed 6 hours of music, friendship, and conversation. While it was paid admission, the cost was reasonable and well worth it.
Here's hoping for a better week ahead!
WOW, you have the cleaning thing going on! I bet the house looks lovely - just cleaning up outside makes a big difference.
DeleteHow cool on the concert. That sounds like a very enjoyable evening. I think the park up the road is doing a free concert tonight and fireworks - if no rain.
Thanks - you have a good one.
DS came and pressure washed my deck and front steps. So glad, it was like iceskating on them. Scary.
ReplyDeleteAlso he removed the dark tinting from my front car windows - second-hand that car came with tinted windows, so dark they were hard to see out of! That should be a real plus, although with the slanted sunlight in fall and winter I'll probably miss that dark tinting until I get used to it. :)
My Covid cough is mostly gone, but boy am I tired and sleepy!
Be well, all!
MaryB in NC
Hope you continue to mend each and every day!!!!
DeletePower washing makes things looks so nice. Hope you get used to the window quickly. Keep those sunglasses handy.
Take care.
I’m so sorry about Momma kitty. I know how much it hurts to lose one. 😢 I love going to the Mennonite dry goods stores. The closest one to us is a long way away from here, so it is a rare treat, but such fun. I hear you on the rain and humidity, the ir is thick with it. I hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThank you - it sure is.
DeleteThose stores are really neat - so much to look at. I did great this time!
Yes, the humidity is like wearing it!
Have a good one
One last thing... sorry, then I'll shut up!!
ReplyDeleteMagic Potion for the shower! 1/4 cup of white vinegar heated for 30 seconds. Stir in 1/4 cup blue Dawn.
(I do this in a 1 cup Pyrex and use the measurements on it.). Stir. In a SEPARATE cup, ilespoons of
Baking soda. Take both and a stirring spoon to shower. Over the shower floor, stir in baking soda. Then quickly get it onto shower walls. (I use the spoon to sorta flick it all over!) Spread all over and let sit overnight or for several hours. Rinse well with hot water.
This stuff is amazing and I don't remember who to credit for it. I have a fiberglass shower. I bought a long handled deck brush from Menard's that I use to spread it and scrub the little bottom anti slip bumpies. If it's actually dirty or neglected (like after being sick for a month lol), I'll give the bottom an extra scrub every time I use the loo. When I do it weekly, it rarely needs much. I use a hand brush on the jobs and soap lips. The stuff left in the Pyrex? It's great to rinse in the sink to keep those drains fresh smelling.
I used to dread cleaning showers and tubs until I got this recipe. With the deck brush, there's no kneeling which is ideal for those of us that aren't 30 anymore!!! I hope you like it as much as I do!!
How much baking soda?
DeleteThanks,
Frances in the Trailer Park
I have seen that before. I have never used it. Thanks for the info - may give it a try.
DeleteSorry, Frances! That's 2 Tablespoons of baking soda.
ReplyDeleteAlso, heat vinegar in the microwave. (I can safely rule out a late life career in printing instructions lolol!!!!)
DeleteThanks! I put a deck brush on my HD list, don't know why I never thought of that. My tub is the old enamel over metal with a textured bottom. Cleaning the tub is my absolutely least favorite household chore!
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Finished painting the trim around the doors. Cut and painted a board to serve as a threshold for the front storm door and will install it this week. Replaced the screen in the back door (been torn for years). Used rubbing alcohol and a scraper to soften and remove dirty, dried-on caulk from the trim around the carport door (another thing that has needed to be done for years). Hung a new window blind in the sewing room (hardware on the old one has been broken for years). Started thinking about projects to renew the bathroom (which has looked very bad for years). See a pattern here?
ReplyDeleteThe impetus for some of this home refreshing is learning that my mother, who will be 85 this month and lives 1000 miles away with no kids near her, is moving to an assisted living facility. I had told her that if Husband (who is 6 years older than she) died first, I would move in with her and take care of her. However, my siblings and I all agreed with her that assisted living now was the best thing to do. So I won't be moving to KS at all and will be staying in my mobile home. Which needs lots of work. Not only am I doing projects that need to be done, but some of them are going to be just to freshen things up and please me. I did a lot of work to this place from 2005-2007, but had to do it on the cheap. Things look dated and dingy. Since I'm going to be here for the foreseeable future, I think the investment of time and $$ is worth it. So...you'll be hearing about more of my projects as time goes on.
Mowed and weed whacked yesterday before the rain moved in. Been picking so many tomatoes I'm running out of neighbors to give them to. Still picking zukes (have 5 on one plant!). Pulled out the cukes and harvested onions. Wish I knew how to grow nice big onions. Some of them weren't worth the effort.
Made a special trip to Aldi for peaches, cantaloupe, and other sale produce. Also a library run yesterday. Had worked so hard Wed & Thurs that I had a very bad migraine Thurs night into Friday and essentially took Friday off. Napped, read, did a couple loads of laundry and fixed leftovers for supper. I don't get migraines very often any more (thanks menopause!), but this was the worst in a long time.
Zuke casserole for dinner this week. Was given some Granny Smith apples and will make apple crisp tomorrow. An Aldi run on Wed for our regular perishables. More quilting and reading (finishing the "Anne of Green Gables" series and starting some books by Conrad Richter).
--Frances in the Trailer Park
You have most definitely been ambitious on house chores. I do it in spirts - please send some of your energy!!! LOL It makes sense to fix it up for yourself. As long as we can do it ourselves, all the better. I have many projects slated and really need to get in gear and get them done. I plan on staying here as well - so need to make it look nice for me.
DeleteYour garden is going great - how wonderful.
See we all need a day off now and then to rewind! Hope the headache left quickly.
Zuke casserole - yum!
Have a good week.
Sounds like you needed a chilled day yesterday after an emotional week. We were busy a couple of mornings clearing plants and weeds on our allotment garden and yesterday morning we took everything out of the shed there, had a good sort out and took several bags of rubbish to 'the dump'.
ReplyDeleteWednesday morning we drive a couple of hours to see The Prince of Wales aircraft carrier which was anchored off the Isle of Wight. (UK) My husband was in the Navy for 30 years so had a great time with the binoculars out watching the shipping in the channel, sat on the beach while I read a book in the sun. While we were there we had a picnic and an ice cream. Think the weather is on the turn, Autumn (Fall) is almost with us.
Our eldest granddaughter is house sitting locally so her little dog came for a sleep over last night, I enjoyed a lovely cuddle and greeting this morning. He is only the size of a small cat. Our son sent us a picture, our youngest grandson (7) played his first game of football (soccer) today for a local team and was 'man of the match' for their side, so was most happy.
Hardly any shopping needed this week and as we have plenty of home grown veg, I made chocolate and beetroot brownies this afternoon.
Hope you have a better week Cheryl.
First thank you - I needed a rest for sure. I hope this week will be better as well.
DeleteLove hearing about your weekend trip - that sounds pretty darn lovely. I bet your hubs truly enjoyed that and a nice beach retreat sounds great as well.
Sounds like you accomplished a lot. with the plot and garden shed.
Aaahhh, puppy sitting. I bet that was sweet for you to wake up to. I love being awakened each morning by a little fur baby! Sounds like your grandson is a natural!!!!
Your brownies sound tasty.
Have a wonderful week.
Cheryl, I think Blogger is holding my (ahem) rather lengthy post. I posted as Anonymous with my name at the end.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Got ya!
DeleteHi Cheryl, I had a couple of days with grandbabies, one of my little three year old grandsons, he is a sweet sensitive little soul, loves playing ball with me, we kick it to each other in the kitchen. He likes frozen banana slices I make for him. I made some healthy brownies one afternoon with almond flour and stevia. I made a really good split pea soup Italian style with some Marinara sauce in the broth. It was so good, it also had potatoes in it along with seasonings. I served it with brown rice. ...I rested too, trying to take care of myself. I listened to the little podcast on sitting with a dying pet I describe in the next paragraph here.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I have the very recent, most poignant broadcast posted at my little blog at My Forest Cathedral blog spot. It's under 30 minute broadcast by Todd Herman posted entitled "Sitting With a Dying Pet"...It is poignant but some very sweet and wise words...He also believes that there are pets in heaven. : ) Not only did he sit with his little dog, but his friend's adult son had passed away the same day. The broadcast made me tear up with furrowed brow but it is so worth listening to.
I just thought as I was typing what I did this week that you might just really like that podcast, he understands the pain and oh the way he talks about his pet and his friend's son... He really gets things right on this broadcast.
God bless you Cheryl, hope this week is restful and hopeful. : )
Glad you got to spend time with the grands - that is so special. Your goodies all sound yummy - bet the kids enjoyed everything.
DeleteThank you - I will have to listen to that. I think some people think we are crazy so much for our pets - but in my eyes they are family. I like animals better than some people!!!!
Appreciate you reaching out.
Have a good one.
Cheryl, my daddy used to have a bumper sticker on his truck...It said: 'The more people I meet the more I love my dogs'...(something like that!) It could read pets too, any of our little animal babies are dear to our hearts, and oh how true on hoomans...oh how true...I agree with you. : )
DeleteYep - and the thing is, our babies can truly read people - so they know who is good and bad. If they don't like you - probably a good reason. Yep, our pets are the best!
DeleteP.S. The podcast is recent, this just happened to him too.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Scripture and prayer! We are admonished to love one another as ourselves. So many problems would be solved if we all did that.
ReplyDeleteYup, it is a bit muggy but the mornings have been nice. There are quite a few leaves down in the front yard from the sweet gum trees.
Fresh Thyme had the 10 for 10 grass fed and finished hamburger patties so we made smash burgers with them on the griddle. Sure is nice to have the mess outside. I'm fixing salmon patties and will do the same thing. We've been harvesting potatoes and will harvest some carrots and will make a fry up from those.
I pray that the Father will ease your heart from your recent losses.
Yep muggy - but will be glad to have that someday soon instead of cold!!
DeleteGood going on the garden produce - it all adds up and saves money.
Thank you - He is with me.
Have a good week,
Cheryl, I sure must seem a heartless weenie for not mentioning your loss. This is one of those things that I prefer nobody mention after the initial experience. Like you, my pets are family and I grieve fiercely and for a long time. If it's talked about, especially immediately, I just fall to pieces. It's so embarrassing in public!! So, I am usually the one who tries to steer the conversation away from the loss in hopes of giving the griever a bit of distraction, if only for a few minutes while I ramble on about something else!! So, there you have it!
ReplyDeleteYou are fine and I appreciate it. Thanks. You are not heartless at all. We all handle things differently - understood.
DeleteSorry for your loss - our fur babies are a big part of our lives and it's so hard to loose one. I really miss the sense of being needed and another living thing depending on me. You and your blog are a great resource and I enjoy reading it - so maybe your Readers can help me with a question. I noticed someone using manure on their garden. I'm a city girl and know nothing except how to read a bus schedule, but our local Children's Zoo has advertised free manure if we pick it up (not on the bus 🤦♀️) Would it be good for roses? Will it loose its potency if I cure it all Winter / Will it burn my plants if I spread it now? Any cautions? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, they are a huge part of our lives. Mine give me purpose every day on top of love.
DeleteThat would be great for your roses. IF it is fresh - yes, most definitely cure it over the winter. Might not be a bad idea any way. Fresh will burn plants up and you want it to be dried and cured. I wouldn't use it now - odds are they haven't had it sitting around for a year or so, so probably pretty fresh. You might ask them if fresh or not. Don't over do it - when using. Manure is usually good on all kinds of plants - it really supplements the soil. But again, be careful about the freshness!!!! Hope that helps some. If anyone else has anything to add - jump in!!!!!
Have a good week.
Youngest son came for a visit on this holiday weekend. He fixed my computer (lost the internet for some reason), set up our outdoor Bluetooth speakers and cooked the supper on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteRight now my entire province is in shock over the mass stabbing event that took place north of here. One of the suspects was found dead, but the other is still at large. Then today there was an Alert province wide of a shooting incident at another reserve and all 4 suspects are at large. The world is becoming more and more dangerous each day.
God bless.
What a wonderful time you got to have with your son. Cherish those family moments - so special.
DeleteThat is so sad what happened there. I saw that on the news. Sadly the world seems to have more and more meanness. I know some parts of the world see little violence, but for many of us, it has gotten to be a normal part of the morning news.
Such a very sad state of affairs.
Prayers you and yours stay in and safe and prayers for all others.
Have a nice day.