Happy Tuesday to all. It is a beautiful sunny morning in my neighborhood! Hoping you are all doing well.
CHANGE is one word I have never really liked! I am a boring, constant, and leave-it-be kind of person. I have now decided it time to change things up a bit. I hate spending money on myself - but I want my home to look nice. This year is going to be the season for changing that up a bit and for changing me a bit as well.
I save. For what? Well, the future of course - but why not spend a little! I have decided to do just that.
I have purchased bark for many of the back beds, and I have laid part of it. Going to work on that this week. I got new potting soil for my many pots. I will be changing out some of them as well - I have many in the shed that have never been used - so new ones coming out.
I have bids out to take care of the front area in front of the porch (where ramp was). Yep, that is still a mess - and needs landscaped. I just don't want to buy, haul, dig, move, and work that hard!!!!!! It will be a simple job for someone - just not me!
I could do it, and I am sure my neighbor would help - but NOPE, I am not doing that.
That is another change. Sometimes, it is not just about spending money - but about being happy and content in decisions, and doing what one thinks is right.
For me, I am kind of cutting ties with the neighbor/friend (?). I will be social, but no more help. He is just doing things in life that I cannot abide, and do not agree with - and I do not want to feel like I being agreeable. He has done much over the past few years to help me and I do appreciate that - but he has also, hundreds of times, said "I feel I owe Glen". Fine and good - but I am considering debt paid. He has never said he is helping by being MY friend. I have heard this enough, and I am moving forward.
Trust me this is not the thing I can't abide - there is more that I will not discuss. (nothing to me - I am safe!)
So, another thing I will go out and buy this spring is a power washer. I have used his now and then - well, I have wanted to use his - but he takes over - because I don't "do it right". Nothing is ever right. Hmmmm - good reason he is single and can't keep a lady!
So, I am buying my own - can use when I want, as long as I want, and how I want! Problem solved.
I think I may buy a couple other bigger tools to help around here as well.
I am just in the mindset to change things up. I am sure I will hear criticism (from him) about it - don't care.
My life - my money - my time - my peace of mind!
So sometimes, even at this advanced age, we can do change!!! I am ready. I am tired of thinking I 'should' depend on someone else. I am able and capable (for now), and I can spend a few dollars and not break the bank. That is why we are frugal and save - to do what we want!
SOOOOO, never feel like you can't make big changes in life. You are frugal and have saved - so you can do things. You also have the right to be happy with your decisions. Sometimes we just need to remove people from our lives. THAT is hard to do - I have thought about this for a while - but it is necessary for me.
CHANGE is the one constant in our lives! Sounds weird - but it is true. Everything and everyone changes at some point. You have to do what you need to do to stay sane and happy.
Life is getting shorter - so be happy and do YOU!
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!
Heh. I 'spect I really needed to read this! ;) Much food for thought... wonder what will come of it (in my case).
ReplyDeleteMaryB
Mary - just do what YOU need to do. Sometimes we have to do change for peace of mind and even our health. God bless you!
DeleteYea for spending hard earned $ on yourself to make life more enjoyable/less stressful. This absolutely is why we are frugal.
ReplyDeleteWe love our new paint/floor/trim/doors. Worth every penny we spent not doing it ourselves too. There's a first time for everything, right?
Cheers to a Blessed Tuesday :-)
Forgot to sign in before. Oops. Yes, Elle, it's worth every penny to have it done if you can. Trying to talk BIL into that. He said he's watched a lot of You Tube videos and thinks it won't be too hard. LOL! Over the years I've done a LOT of indoor house painting. I was much younger then. LOL!
DeleteSince the last recession, I've encouraged people that you save wherever you can on basics so you can treat yourself from time to time w/o breaking the bank or going into debt.
--Elise
Elle - I am finally getting that. G used to say it all the time, now I get it. Life is too short to spend all our time on stuff - when I can spend time enjoying!
DeleteYou are an intelligent lady. You know when it is time to cut ties to a potentially toxic person and situation. Buying things that make your life easier, efficient and more pleasant is money well spent.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous day! I have some pots to plant for the front porch, weeding to finish in back and think I'll move all the herb containers to a more convenient location to the screened porch for harvesting when cooking. It pays to think about how things are used and arrange accordingly.
Enjoy your day! Hope you get a good person to do the landscaping for you.
FOUND IT! Thanks - change is just necessary sometimes. I hope to have family do it - I am paying them if they have the time. Busy time of the year for them
DeleteYea on your plans, Cheryl! It sounds exciting! By the way, Blackie is a handsome boy. I hope there'll be more kitties in your future.
ReplyDeleteThere's been quite a bit of change in our lives over the past couple of years, and especially the past year. I'd hoped it would start to settle down. Still waiting on that. A GOOD upcoming change is BIL's house should close escrow next week. He wants to paint and re-carpet before moving in. Hubs is encouraging him to move in ASAP to have more time to paint (he sleeps in until 10 am daily) and to save on gas; it's about 20 minutes from us. His place is farther out in the country and I expect there'll be a lot of serious growing up going on, because it's necessary when you're very rural. Common sense and flexibility are essential.
Today Poppy goes to the vet's for her shots and deworming. We'll get a weight and age estimate. Animal Control took only the loose puppies next door. We now buy eggs and goat milk from the neighbor on the other side of him, and she said they feed his dogs sometimes. We're all ready for that house to go up for sale. It's good to have GOOD neighbors; best to keep a distance from and pray for the not-so-good ones. In my humble opinion.
Happy Tuesday to all! --Elise
Elise, I love the name you gave your fur baby! What kind of breed did you say she is?
DeleteLaurie, she's a Blue Heeler mix. The neighbor's male Blue Heeler is the father. We're grateful to Elle for the name suggestion, as Hub's loves it and it just fits her. --Elise
DeleteElise - I would think moving in and then doing the work would be so much easier! I would do that.
DeleteYep, good neighbors are hard to find - really good ones. When you have them - appreciate them.
Hope all goes well with Poppy at the vet. I hope all goes well with the neighbor as well.
Hubs and I had a talk yesterday when I almost lost it over BIL. We have a gas stove. Had I not seen the puddle of oil by the burner before turning it on we'd have had a grease fire. I also had to clean dried, raw egg of the counter. BIL is now arranging all sorts of projects that "have to be done" before he moves in. His big brother (Hubs) will be having a talk with him privately and setting a hard move-out date once escrow has closed. --Elise
DeleteThere are so many things we can do on our own, and then there are things that are better left to other because of the time, effort, or brute strength required. My example would be the door casings and baseboards in the basement. I ought to have spent the money to have the work done right away but decided I could do it myself. It took me nearly a year (and I know they aren't done as well as they would have been) because of procrastination.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the changes you are making!
The older I get, the more willing I am to hand off those big projects. Hubs? Less so. LOL! --Elise
DeleteMaebeme you are so right. There are things I can do - but they just won't look as good and well, heck I don't want to break my back doing them! It is all about give and take.
DeleteFor everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1.
ReplyDeleteThis I need to pay more attention to.
Thank you, Laurie, for that verse. Before our move last year I focused a lot on it and read a book/study of Ecclesiastes. It's "Ecclesiastes: Life in a Fallen World" by Benjamin Shaw. Excellent book. --Elise
DeleteAint that the truth Laurie. I need to pay more attention too. I have known for a while that I needed to make some changes, but had to pray on them and think on them...... Finally concluding what I already knew.
DeleteI love that verse. Thank you!
I think that's gonna be a beautiful bed when it's finished. It appears to be front and center so that's a great one to invest a little extra in.
ReplyDeleteAs for your neighbor, sometimes you just need to get that space. When someone is toxic to you, it's really necessary. I have done that on several occasions, including relatives. It was due to their behavior, nothing to me directly, but something that virtually boiled my blood. I've had enough toxicity in my life and I'm done. It turned out to be a very healthy decision. I wish you the same, Cheryl.
I get it, Debby. So much. There's been a lot of substance abuse in my family. Mostly alcohol. Sometimes drugs. There's also been just plain abuse... physical and otherwise. From the time we were married, I did my best to shield my husband, and later our sons, from all of that. Hugs to you!
Delete--Elise
I have done it easier with family - but I had to really pray on this. Maybe because of Glen's relationship with him. I even talked with G, and I think he guided me. He would be furious with him now as well.
DeleteYes, I think I want it to be pretty and nice and just showcase the front. Thank you.
Sounds like you have it together (as usual). The most freeing word is "no". No more crap and no explanation needed. Your garden plans are good; nice to spruce up where you find your pleasure. I also finally learned (late) to buy the tools you need and save yourself WORK. My poor husband split all our firewood by hand for years before we bought a woodsplitter with a bit of the money we'd been hoarding. You're going to be pressure washing everything! have fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yep, no is a hard word to say - but freeing.
DeleteTools are wise. A log splitter is great. Splitting wood by hand is a young man's game.
I know - I have a list of all the cleaning I want to do!
Change isn't always bad. It can be exciting and refreshing as well. I'm so glad to hear you're ready to give things a good spruce. Yes, that is part of what we save for. Good for you on cutting the cord with your neighbor. It's a hard thing to do but when it's time, it's time. I know what that is like. No one needs to have people in their lives that bring them down. Have a wonderful day and enjoy this awesome weather.
ReplyDeleteI will be civil to him - I just can't do the damsel crap anymore. I feel he is holding hands with the devil, and I just want no part of it. I know he has no belief in God, and I do pray for him daily. Sometimes we just have to move forward. It is so lovely today!
DeleteOh wow Cheryl. Yikes.
DeleteQuick question about Goat Milk (and goat yogurt)... BIL drinks goat milk, but won't drink the neighbor's because it's fresh, not pasteurized. Hubs grew up with goat milk and doesn't care for it. Me? I'm not picky. And I can always use it for baking. Since I give Blue a tablespoon of yogurt twice a day, I was wondering if you need a container of goat yogurt to make more of it, or if I can use cow milk yogurt as a starter for goat yogurt. Does anyone know?
ReplyDelete--Elise
You are very blessed to have unpasteurized goat's milk. Our daughter drives almost an hour to buy unpasteurized cow's milk, I believe it's A2. I know you have an answer here, but I would like to get our daughter's opinion too just to see what she says! : ) She's taking a rest right now, but I'll ask her in a bit. She's very savvy on nutrition etc. I thought I was too until our daughter started learning. Haha. I do love my instantpot and do not normally like gadgets. One nice feature is they keep the food warm until you can get to it. This same daughter uses it for pots of things and doesn't have to rush downstairs to keep it from getting cold or burning either one. I use mine for eggs in the shell too.
DeleteYes, she agreed with Ellie too of course, I hope I didn't come off as a doubting Thomas on that. I just honestly didn't know and didn't read Ellie's comment fully. : ) I've read you can also use a heating pad to make yogurt, our daughter has a yogurt maker, never used, but our instant pot has the yogurt button and she's anxious to try that.
DeleteThank you, Amelia. Thanks to your daughter, too. --Elise
DeleteCows milk is fine. I make my yogurt in my instant pot and make homemade lemon curd to go with. It's tops! Biggest thing is not introducing a new bacteria to the mix. Keep everything you're working with clean. Bring your milk to a boil, ( don't let it scorch) cool it to temperature, add your starter. Add some milk powder, if it comes out runny or "cure" it longer.
ReplyDeleteAnd you don't need any fancy yogurt maker. If you have a good quality ice chest, you can put your yogurt in there with a couple bottles of hot water and seal the ice chest. You are basically attempting to create an environment where you keep the temperature steady. With that said, the Instant Pot couldn't be easier, if you buy one with the yogurt setting. You put the milk in, press the button and come back when it has cooled. You don't have to stand over it and stir. Add the starter, push another button for the number of hours you want it to cook. It signals you when its done.
Hope this helps
Ellie
Central Az
Thank you, Ellie. I'll look into an Instapot with a yogurt feature.
Delete:-) Elise
Yesterday the pressure tank for the well pump went out. Ouch on the price. It was a two strong men type job to remove the old one. SO, this is the reason to save. Who knows when a major something will give up the ghost. I'm grateful me and Hubs didn't HAVE to somehow manhandle that thing out. Plus they hauled away the old dead one. We are finding it isn't always easy to find someone to take the big broken things. There are all variety of environmental laws and transport charges. Sigh!
ReplyDeleteEllie
Central Az
Thanks for helping Elise. Yep, stuff happens, and it sure pays to have some funds set back in case! Sorry about the pump. Guess, at least you are good to go now for a long time.
DeleteYep, it is just easier on some things to have others involved.
Glad it is all fixed.
Sorry to hear about the pressure tank, but so glad you were able to get it fixed. --Elise
DeleteOne thing about pressure washers: my husband got one with an over the shoulder sling to be portable… It is too heavy to be really useful.
DeleteAnd… If you’re looking for a really useful tool, we bought a rechargeable tire pressure gauge from Home Depot, you connect it, set the pressure, and it will automatically fill the tire to the pressure you set. We liked it so much we bought each daughter one for her birthday this year. Very cool gadget.
My son bought a used pressure washer at Habitat for Humanity store and he's washed my deck with it! What a great tool, took all the moldy slime right off. No more skating around after a rain. :)
DeleteHe also gave me a Digital (tire) Inflator for my car and it has been most useful. I live out from town, so if there's a tire with a slow leak I can get to town (to the tire service) after pumping up the tire. Very cool.
MaryB
I won't be getting a shoulder sling one for sure. Just a regular old pressure washer. I have used them and love them to pieces. They can sure make quick work of cleaning things up!
DeleteI totally agree with you buying your own. I have all my own tools and I think that is best.
ReplyDeleteChange is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own reasons for being frugal, mine is so I have more choices. You are now choosing to spend money on things that will improve your life, and that’s your choice, no one else’s.
I think it’s always difficult when friends change, and life paths steer off in different directions, but once again, change is good.
I look forward to seeing your garden progress. I have just laid 8 bags of wood chip over an area and filled it with ground cover plants ( then we had three very windy days, so may have lost a few)
It’s made a world of difference to an area that was rocky, uneven, struggled to grow grass, an eyesore really. It makes me happy to look at it, change is a good thing. Louise
I have not had a friendship change like this one before. I guess, I thought 'friend' - but maybe it wasn't. I just know I can't approve of what he is doing. Funny, I didn't really like him years ago when we first met, then it kind of changed. I guess I should always follow my gut and my first impressions!
DeleteLittle things can make the yard look so nice. Bark covers a menagerie of things!!!! Glad you got some things done too.
Have a good day.
That is me! Not sure why it went anonymous! LOL
DeleteSome men of a certain age can a bit chauvinist, I try and keep it perspective, and feel a little sorry for them if they doubt that women aren’t strong and capable.
DeleteI do have a power cleaner, but I also purchased from Aldi a while ago an attachment that fits on the end of your garden hose. It’s great for those in between jobs, where you don’t need blasting power, just directed force. It saves getting out the whole set up for just a small job. I’m pretty sure it was under $10, it might be worth keeping an eye out for one. Louise.
Poppy passed her vet appointment with flying colors. She's 7-8 weeks old, 4 lbs., 8 oz., and healthy. Both the vet tech and vet commented about her sweet disposition. While we were there, the neighbor with the chickens and goats texted Hubs saying, "Guess who showed up?" She included pictures of another of the pups. At least Poppy is with us now, healthy and happy. --Elise
ReplyDeleteSo great, Poppy is doing so good and so very loved. : ) Praying for the other little puppies too...
DeleteGlad she passed!!!!! Lucky baby. They should have just taken all the dogs from that jerk. He doesn't deserve them.
DeleteCheryl, I think it's great you are purchasing some tools to be independent. We just bought a Kenmore (orange color) Rotator, pets and hepa filter with very good reviews, it paid to do my homework. I'm kind of enjoying going around vacuuming everything little by little. Make sure you get straps and all of that stuff that you may need. That is hard Cheryl, having a neighbor like that, he sounds nice but can be a pain? I don't like being pressured by people either, I don't blame you for getting out there and doing your own thing. Nothing wrong with hiring it out either if you find a good person.
ReplyDeleteAwww.... Gotta love that Blackie, so koot! (cute) ; ) He's beautiful. Looks like a nice size too.
I'll be praying for you that everything goes smoothly and no more stress from overbearing neighbors. I know I do *not* like any kind of controlling person like that. Maybe he's not controlling but you are not being made to feel comfortable it sounds like.
Sometimes the only person who can make us happy is the person in the mirror right? (In a healthy way of course) besides from the Lord. : )
Peace be with you Cheryl, a happy hug, ~Amelia
Glad you like your new toy! Sounds pretty cool.
DeleteHe is just always right! You know the type. But that isn't it so much - just doing things that are plain wrong and disgusting in my book. His yard, his business - I just don't have to approve.
Yep, need to love the man (or woman) in the mirror first. I just keep praying for him and asking God to let him see the light.
Thanks
We bought a power washer a few years ago and love it. We always use non ethanol gas in it as it helps the carbonator stay cleaner. We have had no trouble with it and it has lasted at least 8 years. Or course we always empty the fuel out in the fall also. Gas is an organic material that can break down. Non ethanol gas is really hard to find in our area and expensive (5.99 a gallon) but worth it when it extends the life of your equipment.
ReplyDeleteNancy in Vancouver Wa
When I had a gas one - it just ran out of gas soooooo fast! I could never finish a project without re-fueling. I didn't like how it started either. I have used the neighbors elec. one and loved it. I think for me being alone, that is what I will get.
DeleteElectric and water - go figure!!!!!! Thanks.
Cheryl, I just did this fun oldies from the 50s 15 minute gentle low impact safe workout, I thought some of the ladies here would love it. I couldn't walk today outside, it's raining so found this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OYll73ubdg
ReplyDeleteI'm wearing a tshirt today that says: "Underestimate me. That'll be fun." *big smile* I thought it was appropriate for your post today! lol
Thanks for the info! Love the t-shirt saying. Yep, that would be me today!!!!!
DeleteThanks for the link Amelia. I recently discovered her too. I did enjoy these. I also found exercises by Denise Austin on Youtube. I used to do those everyday when she had her TV program. Then after a few years it went off air. Now She's back!!!
DeleteGood for you Cheryl. This is called "taking the bull by the horns" ! xo Cindy/WV
ReplyDeleteChange is always good (from someone who fights change or at least big change). Sounds as if you have a plan in place and that is always good.
ReplyDeleteIt started out sunny and then rain came and now the sun is out again.
God bless.
Well, the best laid plans...... I do hope things work out and I can move forward in a positive way.
DeleteNice you got a little rain and sun!
(Little Penpen) Yes! Girl! I love this post! Never underestimate the power of a strong and independent woman! I’m proud of you.
ReplyDelete