Happy Sunday to all. It is getting to be WINTER in my part of the world. Brrrrr! This morning is 21* and we had a very light dusting of snow. By Christmas, the temps are to drop VERY low, and we will have snow. They are predicting a winter storm, with wind, snow and cold by Thursday and Friday. YUCK! Well crud, I guess it is time and we will officially start the winter solstice cold! It is time, but I am never ready for that type of weather. I just plain don't like it!!!!!!!
This past week, we had some decent temps, rain, wind and flurries.
I want to take a moment to say thank you to Mary in NC for the lovely Christmas card! It is much appreciated!
My week:
- Dinner and gift exchange with my brother, SIL and sis last Sunday at sis's. Got a grocery GC and many food items! We had a lovely time
- Sis sent me home with leftovers, 3 magazines, and a nice fleece jacket she said was too small for her (she is short but big chested - me not so much!!)
- Had a taillight out - so bought a new one and changed that out, checked all my fluids and vacuumed out the Blazer
- Made a run to the P,O. (cards mailed) and the library
- Dropped off gifts for family I will not be seeing on the holiday (they are going to Disney World!)
- Doing more deep cleaning
- Ran to Kroger - got a few deals. Potatoes were 5 lbs. for .99, 4 lb. navel oranges 1.99 (got 2 bags and they are good!), ugly pears .99/bag on clearance (2 bags - tasty), mushrooms on clearance (will be good stuffed this week)
AND the BEST deal was this small roast for 2.99 on clearance. Could double that price and still not match the original per pound cost!!!!! Never find meat on that kind of markdown!!! YAY
- The roast went into the crockpot on Saturday. Mmmmm, mmmm good! Haven't fixed a roast in a long while.
- Used a $5 off coupon on groceries at Kroger and got 4X points on my purchase on Friday - will be great for next gas purchase!
- My neighbor sent me some Indian food over last Sunday - not a huge fan because of the spices, but the chicken was pretty tasty. Munched on it as an evening snack for a couple evenings
- Just doing all the normal stuff
Meals this past week:
Dinner at sis's - pork roast, mashed pots & gravy, corn, broc. casserole, pie
Pork (from sis), mashed potatoes, and broc. casserole
Tuna patty sandwich and chopped Brussel sprouts and corn (fried together)
Turkey (from freezer) sandwich, salad and potato bites
Ground steak, baby lima beans and fresh veggies
Smoked sausage on buns w/homemade relish and chips
Baked potato topped with cheese, shredded beef and gravy
SNACKS - Indian chicken, PB sandwich, fruit
Well in 2 more weeks we will be starting another year. One more week and it will be Christmas. I hope everyone is ready. I am as ready as I am going to be! Not sure how Christmas day will work out, depends totally on the weather. This old chick isn't taking any unnecessary risks!
Did you find any good grocery deals this week? Are you baking? I have not baked - I guess I will when the kids come up after Christmas. I don't need all that stuff - so need to make it for me!
Look forward to hearing what everyone is up to!
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
Stay safe and warm my friends!!!! Have a wonderful week!
*******************************
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.
Romans 8:8
Dear Lord, help us each one to realize that nothing we face today is to compare to our eternity. We easily forget this, as finances are strained, people are ill, and sorrow is with many. Help us understand that none of this is will last permanently, as You promise a tomorrow of joy and beauty. Please help us not to let troubles overtake us and our feelings. We ask in Your name. Amen
*******************************
Today's Christmas bit:
Sounds like you're ready for the holiday. Preparations continue here with baking, gift wrapping, gift delivery. An epoch decision was made not to put up a tree!!! There's enough holiday decor to tide me over given I'll be away for 5 days. My snow angel came twice this week to remove snow. It's made such a difference not having to clean the yard myself leaving me responsible only for the steps & pathways which is enough with the snow we've been having. A wood stove is delightful but it means going out in the cold & shoveling snow to get to the wood pile. All worth it. My mom often said the hardest part of going for a walk was putting your shoes on and stepping outside the door. There was an early morning babysitting "job" with the little neighbor & a chicken order pick up from a supplier 1 hr away. There's something so comforting about a well stocked freezer. Meals this week - black bean soup, roast chicken (sandwiches, panini) & a very sorry boxed pizza that did not compare to the pizza at a local pizzeria for lunch with friends. A brisket was cooked in the slow cooker yesterday, only the second time I've done one. I was very happy with the results. Merry Christmas, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your mom's saying, Mona. That's the truth! --Elise
DeleteMona sounds like you have some very nice people around to shovel for you. I am glad of that. Girl it appears you are very ready for the holiday. I can understand and sympathize with that saying - yep, definitely the hardest part!
DeleteI have made corned beef brisket - love them. I do mine in the crockpot.
A full pantry and freezer is juts perfect for winter. A feeling of comfort indeed.
Your meals sound lovely.
I will be back to post this week - but if you are gone visiting - have a wonderful time and be safe.
Thank you and the same to you and yours.
I love a good roast on a cold day. Sounds like you have been busy and found some deals. Love your wreath. I hope you have a blessed Sunday- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI love roast too. I am enjoying it!
DeleteThanks. My niece in law made it last year.
Have a wonderful week!
My daughter, in her shopping, found Miracle Whip on sale for 99 cents/jar! It is our family favorite that we won’t substitute (I think we all probably have 1 brand of some food that we buy even with cheaper substitutes available, don’t we?) The tag says that it was 83% less than it’s regular price! 😱😱 That means that it’s $5.83 when it’s not on sale or clearance!! Yikes! Well, I’m restocked for this coming year now! I also dehydrated the 12 pounds of blueberries I bought last weekend for 99 cents a pound and have a full half gallon mason jar vacuum sealed that held all of them!
ReplyDeleteWe leave right after Church for up north for my brother’s funeral tomorrow. We are praying for safe road conditions and we’re able to fill our gas tank yesterday for $2.58/gallon and bought FlashFood breakfast treats and roast beef/provolone sliders to eat in the car as we travel. That will save quite a bit!
Gardenpat in Ohio
So sorry for your loss, Gardenpat. Losing someone right at the holidays is a little more heartbreaking. As we're experiencing. You and your family are in my prayers. --Elise
DeleteWhat a deal on the MW. I know you like to be stocked up - and now that is one less thing to worry about. You always find the best deals.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I did not realize that your brother passed. Prayers for safe travels and huge HUGS! May you and your family find some comfort in being together.
May you find blessings in your week!
I can't say I got any bargains as good as yours. I can't even imagine finding potatoes for that price let alone a roast. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI did go looking for a chicken for Christmas dinner but haven't found one yet. That means a trip out later this week into the frigid temperatures - I won't go far. I'm sure the Co-op will have one. Every other place I stopped at had turkeys, but none of us really like turkey that much, and even a small bird is too much meat. I had thought I might make mock duck but can't find round steak anywhere. I guess it isn't a favored piece of meat here.
One more batch of shortbread to make this week, and I planning to make some sausage rolls to freeze today.
Have a great week!
The potatoes were a digital coupon item and you could get up to 5 bags! I already had some - so one bag was plenty for me.
DeleteI was floored at the markdown of the roast!
I hope you find your chicken. I have never heard of mock duck before - may have to look that up. Round steak can be found here - it is just kind of pricey! (as is all beef).
Mmmm shortbread sound tasty.
Stay warm and be safe out there.
Have a great week.
Tis the week before Christmas and all through the house... are piles of things to be wrapped! LOL! I'm so off schedule this year. Our youngest (who lives nearby) turns 30 on Wednesday; he was born on Winter Solstice. We'll do a steak dinner here with a Birthday cake. Hubs will help me do the wrapping. Thank goodness for gift bags that I've save throughout the years. I brought all of our Christmas wrapping supplies with us when we moved. Our oldest son will arrive on my birthday (the 27th) and we'll have our whole family Christmas then. We already have the spiral ham in the fridge and sides in the pantry and freezer. Not sure if BIL will be back then. He's making multiple trips back and forth.
ReplyDeleteThis past week was busy, but good. It's all going to be okay, one way or another. Our meals were simple: crock pot beef roast and baked potatoes, oven "fried" chicken strips, and bean-less beef chili + chili spaghetti with the leftovers last night. Hubs bought only sale priced items in a quick grocery run (the ham, eggs, cereal, a bag of mandarin oranges and vitamins).
I made a few batches of cinnamon spiced mixed nut mix from 9 lbs. of walnuts, pecans, almonds and peanuts, bought at under $13 total. I also baked cookies, some of which were for the vet's office. Blue has an upper respiratory infection. Our lows have been in single digits. She's got meds now. I'm grateful for pet medical insurance!
There was a lot of snow and cold while BIL was here, which is GOOD, because he got a solid look at winter here. He's a Southern California boy, California born and raised. This is all going to be a huge adjustment for him. Prayers are always much appreciated. He'll be without a home of his own in 2-3 weeks, but (as we told him) he won't be "homeless."
LOVE the verse and prayer, Cheryl, as always. Very fitting in my little corner of the world. My wish for you this week... and for every reader here... whatever your plans... "Peace be with you!"
--Elise
Yes you have been busy. Oh how I love pretty bags and boxes - they complete my world!!!! LOL. I used to love to wrap - not so much any more.
DeleteYour meals all sound so wonderful and comforting. I am sure that gave your BIL a major taste of winter! I hope he realizes how lucky he is to have you all as his family!
Hope Blue is feeling better. That was a nice deal on the price of nuts - they are expensive. I love spiced nuts.
Thank you dear and peace be with you and yours as well.
Have a great week.
Just had to add that Hubs surprised me today. While I was taking a nap, he put up a little Christmas tree on the coffee table. It's the littlest one of ours, and he got some small scale tinsel and ornaments at Dollar General. We have a Christmas tree this year after all. What a sweetie. --Elise
DeleteYou got some great deals. Merry Christmas! Nancy
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy - good to see you. It has been ages!
DeleteThank you and Merry Christmas to you as well.
Have a good week.
Cold here too, we got down to -9C and are forecast for an ice storm today. They are rare here, I have certainly never see one and am seriously hoping that it doesn't materialise! Anyway, it's costing me a small fortune to heat one, tiny room to a tropical (!) 14C.
ReplyDeleteI am almost ready for Christmas, I am going to my daughter's on Christmas day itself so I am buying in no extra food I don't need. I still need to block and wrap a hand knitted scarf for her mother in law. But, I have finally learned, this year that no matter how early I start Christmas gift shopping, something ALWAYS jinxes it, without fail.
Stay warm people!
I can't imagine being able to heat to only 57F. I truly feel sorry for what you and other Europeans are going through.
DeleteI hope you do not get the nasty storm either. Ice storms are the worse. Prayers that you can keep things warm, it is awful that you are having such problems to deal with as far as heat. That makes me so sad.
DeleteIt never fails - something comes up in the gifting area. I hope you have a very safe trip to visit with your daughter. Stay warm and safe my friend.
Have a great week.
Our weather is to be like yours, and we're to get over 7in. of snow starting Wed. night. It's been very gloomy here, which does nothing for my mood. Woke up to 1/2in of snow this morning.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great bargains at Kroger! I went to WM Monday for prune juice and a few other things I can't get anywhere else. Lots of empty food shelves and things they don't appear to even carry any more, but tons of Xmas stuff. No bargains for me.
Frugalities of the week included: moving some money into a CD, since rates went up after the Fed made their announcement. Dried laundry in the house. Cleaned out an empty Metamucil container to store macaroni in. Used a pencil to make a perch so cardinals can use my new peanut feeder. Tagged almost 40 books in Libby on my tablet so I can check them out from the library to read w/o leaving the house.
Meatloaf in the crockpot for this week's main meal. Going to Aldi tomorrow to stock up before the storm.
Husband is getting two teeth pulled Tuesday. He's been waiting almost 2-1/2 months to see the oral surgeon. Another large piece of the shattered tooth broke off today. He'll then have to wait 4 weeks for all to heal before he gets a bridge/crown (very expensive) in January. I'm at a loss as to what he will be able to eat until then. The teeth they're pulling are right in the middle in the bottom front and are teeth he normally chews with (no molars meet in back). I have applesauce, yogurt, malt-o-meal, broth, mashed potatoes, and am hoping he can eat meatloaf later in the week. Any suggestions are welcome!
Frances, I had a dear friend who had all of her teeth pulled and she also ate scrambled eggs, cream of soups (including pureed split pea soup), puddings and mashed bananas. After the 1st week or so, she just mashed up most everything until she got dentures. Hope your husband has no complications and heals quickly! --Elise
DeleteChilli, soup, custard (though please, not all together!), Scrambled eggs, maybe even an omelette. Rice pudding and if truly desperate those high calorie meal replacements. I hope he's ok, and you too.
DeleteThere are many in a far worse situation than I am, there are some truly desperate tales being told and no end in sight to it all. It feels like we've gone back to the 1800's.
Frances - it sounds like you are getting creative. I love it. I sure hope we don't get that much snow - not a fan.
DeleteFor your hubs - my brother has been 2 months now with any teeth and has a couple months left to go before he gets his final ones. He eats lots, of soups, crushed soup beans, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, oats, soaks biscuits with gravy, he is a fan of cornbread in milk. He gets pudding and ice cream and shakes.
Stay warm and safe. I hope he mends quickly.
Have a good week.
Su the situation is really awful for many Europeans from what I hear. It is such a sad situation. It has to be humbling. I hope that all learn creative and safe ways to keep warm.
DeleteFrances, One good nourishing thing to do is drop a raw egg into the hot malt o' meal to cook, drop a raw egg in soup broth, and of course mashed potatoes with butter. If you like broccoli /cauliflower you can cook it in water til mushy and add butter, garlic powder and seasonings and maybe a little almond milk to make a nice soup with that too. God bless you! This is a terrible time of year for this to happen right? My youngest daughter has had horrible problems with her teeth and is now seeing a good nutritionist to see what is the cause since she is such a purist in her eating. May the good Lord lead and guide!
DeleteFrances, Also, Kerrygold or pasture raised butter is the most nutritious butter and humanely raised too. : )
DeleteThat is a beautiful Christmas wreath!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love it, as I can use it for most of the winter - not just Christmas. It is really large. She did a beautiful job.
DeleteHave a fantastic week!
Yes, we're expecting very cold just a day or so before Christmas, with a low of 6F. I hope I'll make it to my son's house on The Day, as I'd like to be with family and see the littles open their gifts.
ReplyDeleteI *think* everything is bought and ready, although as mentioned above, often something needs doing at the very last minute. Last year (I think it was) we had Christmas a day or so late because of ice on the road, no way to travel.
Heat is on bare minimum and warm blankets and sweaters are out, warm fuzzy slippers, hot drinks. And if that 6F shows up, the woodstove will be lit, first time this season.
For the toothless one, yes, all sorts of foods can be prepared and will go down without trouble. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, apple sauce, stewed prunes - just to name a few.
Be well everyone, and safe travels!
MaryB in NC
Mary - I think next Saturday our high is supposed to be 13*! Oh my!!!! We have had late get togethers too - some from illness and some from weather. I sure hope you get to spend the day with family.
DeleteWarm clothes and socks and blankets are the ticket. I dug out my under leggings this morning - for under my jeans. I do believe I will need them. The cats are very lucky to have their heated beds and greenhouse - because they have no desire to come in. Silly buggers!!!!
You are doing good, if you haven't used the wood stove yet.
Stay warm and cozy. Have a great week.
You scored some great deals! We are working on our prep for the kids coming list day by day. Now they are calling for snow on the 23rd. That won't bother the ones who are coming home thank goodness. We are supposed to have lows as far down as 11 later in the week which is stupid cold for SC!
ReplyDeleteNice to do bits and bobs a little at a time. Good job. Glad the kids will still be able to make it home.
DeleteWe are being told high of 13* on Saturday! Brrrr!!!!!!!
I know you aren't used to those temps that far south. Bundle up and have fun!
Have a fantastic week - don't work too hard.
You got some great deals. I hope I can find a few when I go out shopping this coming week. We tested negative this morning, and I will be wearing my mask while out and about.
ReplyDeleteAlmost ready here, still have some baking to do, but I hope to get most of that done by Thursday so I can rest on Friday and Saturday.
God bless.
Glad to hear you were negative!!!!!!! Great news. I hope you find some wonderful deals.
DeleteGood idea to get things over and done and just rest up for the big day!
Have a wonderful week.
The cold temps are flippin’ unbelievable! I’ve been living in my Cuddl Duds under everything. We’re expecting some low lows here in OK this week also. I hadn’t heard of the situation in Europe; those poor dears.
ReplyDeleteWe’re listening to Lawrence Welk play Hoagie Carmichael tunes. I didn’t know he was from your state. Great music.
Your wreath is beautiful 😻 and those mushrooms are beautes! They’ll be delicious stuffed.
Keep warm and have a great week to all~
Mary
The cold is almost too much. I am not looking forward to the weekend. Decent before and after - but not the weekend.
DeleteI am anxious to make the mushrooms. Mmmm
You stay warm and safe. Have a good week.
Oh dear Cheryl, it's gonna be COLD! Even here in Texas! I need to go get my insulated long underwear freshened up to put under my normal clothes. We're trying to get a newer and bigger wood burning stove in this week, talk a bout a scramble! Of all times to decide to change it out!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading of your deals! Wow. Those potatoes! My goodness, what a bargain! Your menu is always such a homie comfort to read, how sweet of your neighbor! That's neat. Chopped brussel sprouts and corn...That sounds like a good combo!
Keep us reminded on what to prep for the cold! You are so good at things like that!
Hugs!
Yes, it looks like it is going to COLD everywhere! It doesn't seem many will miss this event. I guess for my area, the only good thing, is that is will only last a few days then go up some.
DeleteI am surprised you found a stove at this time. Hope the installation goes quickly and well.
The potatoes were a digital coupon, and you ould get 5 bags! Deal of the month!! The Brussels and corn combo was real tasty - all sauteed in butter. YUM
Thanks! Wishing you a great week.
I'll have to tell one of my daughters about those digital coupons, she likes to get deals at Kroger too. Yes, hubs and his friend are going to try to get the new woodburning stove in tomorrow, thank the Lord we ordered it the beginning of November and just received it a couple of weeks ago. My daughter just ordered one yesterday, they sold one from under her after she paid for it, : ( but the one she ordered won't come in til after December. That veggie combo sure sounds good with butter...Yummo!
DeleteThe Scripture from Romans is one of my favorites! So many people (I'm looking at you, politicians) have no idea where they will spend eternity.
ReplyDeleteYour roast has to be the bargain of the year! So many menu ideas come to mind.
Brrr it is going to be cold. I looked up McKinney TX weather, which is where the oldest daughter and her family live. 8* Thursday night. We were bound to have cold weather here. We counted our blessings that the temps were as warm as long as they were.
That is a beautiful holiday wreath! I finally took the fall one down but haven't replaced it with anything.
I agree - there are going to be many people who are going to have MANY regrets at the end!!!!!
DeleteI was thrilled to find that roast. I have had 2 meals already - another today.
Yes, the cold is coming - even if just for a few days. I am ready for spring!!! I sure hope Texas is ready - last year I believe (not sure) they had such a bad time of it. We have been very blessed indeed with our cold weather staying away until now.
Have a great week.
I have not found potatoes that price for years! That is a good deal on the roast. I bet it was delicious. It is going to be frigid here over the weekend, about a day later than your forecast.
ReplyDeleteKroger has a special every now an then with potatoes for that price. I just love their special deals.
DeleteStay warm - yes, I believe everyone is going to get hit with the cold.
Have a good week.
Need last minute gifts? I've been making a nut mix that's really good. For each batch, you'll need:
ReplyDelete2 cups walnuts
2 cups pecans
2 cups almonds
2 cups peanuts
2 T. oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. salt (I'm using ground sea salt)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Measure all the nuts into a large bowl, drizzle with oil and toss. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and salt, pour over nuts and toss well. Place mixture on foil lined cookie sheets or in a foil lined 9 X 11 baking dish, slide into oven, stir well after 10 minutes, return to oven for 10 minutes, remove and stir again a few times wile cooling. Once cooled, transfer to tins or jars for gifting. Makes 8 cups.
YUMMO!!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
DeleteWe are going to make cookies to gift to our nieces, but other than that we are not doing much baking this year because I do not need it. What a great deal on the roast at Kroger! And potatoes for 99 cents is wonderful! Stay safe and warm this week. It’s a good idea to take presents to your brothers home just in case.
ReplyDeleteI am not doing much baking until I know the kids are coming in town. I don't need it either!
DeleteKroger has the potatoes on again this week for .99/5 lb. bag with digital coupon! Deal in time for the holidays!!
I think I will be dropping the gifts off today - just in case.