Sunday, June 4, 2023

Weekly Wrap Up 6/4

 Hello to the first weekend in June!  Hope this finds each of you well and happy.  Amazingly we are into June - almost halfway done with the year!
Hope you are all about done getting your gardens in.  Mine is really growing - amazingly so when only in less than 2 weeks.  They cukes I planted last week as 3 times the size they were when I planted them.
It is a beautiful sunny and breezy morning here.  Quite nice and cool, considering the heat we have been having.  Looks like maybe it might cool a bit this coming week.  Still dry!
I got a jury duty summons in the mail yesterday!  Oh boy - NOT!  I guess the only good thing, is that the court is no longer downtown.  It is actually 5 minutes from my home, since they built the new court.  Hoping my number doesn't come up - but if it does, at least no driving in crazy downtown!!!!

My week:
  • Cut my hair - at first I cringed and thought it was too short (because it had gotten so long).  But now I love it.
  • Finally used the George Foreman I bought myself around Christmas - used it 3X this week instead of the oven or frying on the stove
  • Made another gallon of tea
  • Pulled tons of weeds early each day.  Dry or not they seem to thrive!!!!
  • AC only in very late afternoon - only to cool for the evening and sleeping
  • Cleaned and refilled the hummingbird feeders
  • Paid all the bills I had - including vehicle registration
  • Used up some of the sliced and frozen zucchini from the freezer - since new will be coming soon!
  • Cut lemon balm and mint to dry
  • I ran out on Friday to get myself a couple cucumbers, got a .99 bag of tomatoes as well. That was about it  
  • Whiles out I actually stopped at 3 yard sales!!!!  First in almost 2 years.  Spent a total of $2.  I got 2 inspirational books and one of those 3-tiered hanging racks for fresh fruit or veggies.
  • Just doing all the basic stuff

Meals this past week:
Grilled small steak and a salad
Loaded brats on bun and fruit
Grilled breaded pork burger and salad - Grilled made it like a fritter!!!!!! So good.
Beans and rice, toasted bagel and salad
Fried zucchini and salad
Veggie topped cheeseburger
Sauteed Brussel sprouts and ham slice

How has your week been?  Did you get any deals?  Get things planted?  Stay cool?
Love hearing from you all.
Thanks for all the nice words this week about the blog.  So happy I decided to do this years ago, it is just hard for me to believe that it is still thriving.  What a great group we have.

I hope your week ahead is healthy, safe, and happy.
Blessing from me and my humble little home to you and yours!
***********************

fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah:41:10

Dear Lord, I thank You for the reassurance, as I have needed it so, this week.  Help me and others as we struggle with trying to understand the why at times.  I cannot comprehend why bad happens and why people are so evil, but I know it must all be part of the plan.  Help us and guide us to understand and trust in the 'in Your time'.  Calm our hearts and minds.
Amen

50 comments:

  1. This is Belinda, btw. Sounds like a wonderful week, Cheryl. Your garden is coming along. These are the days when things grow fast. I like to watch Moss Family TV each evening and her green beans grew a lot just overnight! My Dad said it was 94 near Chicago the other day, which was hotter than here. Unusual for this time of year. I hope you have a terrific weekend!

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    1. It is good growing weather. We were in the 90's yesterday 0 93 I think. HOT!
      Never heard of Moss Family - sounds interesting. It does seem if you stood there long enough you would see things grow! LOL
      Have a great week.

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  2. Most of the bedding plants are in; just the petunia bed to plant. I still like the "old" plants, i.e. petunias, marigolds. I think you get a good bang for the buck altho the price of all bedding plants has gone up. A neighbor gave me 6 heritage tomato plants so that totals 18 tomato plants put in. There's been some rain this past wk & the garden is sprouting. If I could just find the rain gauge I put away last fall, I'd know how much rainfall there's been. Honestly, if I had a nickel for every 5 min I spent looking for something. I have one more planter to put together to take to the cemetery. The big corral project is done thanks to the help of my neighbor. He also helped with the stock waterer replacing a fitting. So all ready for the cows the renter will soon bring in. There was quite a bit of socializing. My neighbor came for some front porch setting. We spotted 2 bears walking across the hills. I ran into my cousin & his wife in town & we stopped for a coffee visit; a friend stopped in with her sister & we enjoyed the freshly made rhubarb jce. There was lunch out with my sister before a play date with another friend for cards & supper. It's been a rather full & fulfilling week. I'm experiencing premature ventricular contractions (PVC) that are not serious in the cardiac world with all other cardiac tests checking out OK. I need to quit checking my pulse! In the kitchen: 8 doz chocolate chip cookies with 4 doz given away already; roasted trout & lemon potatoes; smokies pasta salad; pizza. Cheryl, I'll join in with the crowd that appreciates your positive post & how you elevate homemaking.

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    1. Whew girl you were busy!!!!! LOL - yep, can't say how much time I have spent looking for things I put away safely!!!!!!
      How wonderful to have spent so much time with friends and family. What a wonderful week for you.
      Hope the PVC causes no problems for you.
      Have a great week.

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  3. Cheryl,
    I bought a Forman grill at a charity shop about 4 months ago. My kids use theirs all the time so I thought I would give it a try. I love it! Found out you can use it to make a panini type sandwich with it also. My fav is turkey with a smear of cranberry sauce and avocado. Love your blog!!!
    JC

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    1. I am really liking mine. Sure makes things crispy - and tastes like grilled.
      Thank you - love you are here.
      Have a good week.

      Delete
  4. Excellent devotion! Sometimes we don't have a concrete answer why things go sideways but have to trust that the Father knows.

    Didn't know there was a new court. At least you don't have to drive downtown. That didn't use to bother me but I try to avoid driving in congested places.

    The weather is lovely this morning. We sat on the screen porch and watched the birds (my Eastern Bluebird was back) and squirrels scampering along the top of the fence. The dogs got their workout for the day.

    Everything is planted and now it's water, water, water with the hose so we don't lose anything. The water barrels were full but this dry spell has made a dent in the tubs. We sure could use a good soaking. Going on thistle patrol this morning as they pop up as soon as you knock one down. Kinda like whack-a-mole! ha! We have broccoli to pick and need to check on the strawberries also.

    The Farmer made Ree Drummond's recipe for rhubarb cobbler. It was good. He took the rest of the topping and baked it separately to use as a base for strawberry shortcake.

    Enjoy your week! See you Tuesday!

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    1. The new court is at the new correctional center/jail where Citz. Gas used to be here on the s.e. side. I guess it is a big complex - haven't been there yet.
      Beautiful this morning for sure. Been watering a bit myself.
      That sounds tasty.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  5. My silly cucumber is blooming like crazy but hasn't grown since I planted it in the container. I'll leave it be for now, but I suspect it won't do much this year. Now my onions, on the other hand, are nearly 10 inches tall. No more buying green onions for awhile. :)
    Nothing I spent money on this week was a deal. I'm off to get groceries later this morning as I'm pretty much out of fresh veg and fruit.

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    1. Wow, that is amazing. Is it a bush plant?
      Some weeks are costly - can't be helped.
      Have fun shopping.
      Have a good week.

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  6. "Calm our hearts and minds. Amen." Thank you once again for the Sunday verse and prayer, Cheryl. You may not realize it, but this little space certainly helps to calm *my* heart and mind most days.

    Yesterday's visit with the aunts and uncle was nice. I wasn't aware that one of Hub's aunts will be 80 next month. Amazing they were able to do so much to help BIL for a few days! So, we had a nice "linner" (as I call a late lunch) and cake. Other meals this week were ham with baby potatoes and mixed veg, beef roast with the same, and leftover beef and baby potatoes was combined with fresh celery, tomatoes and carrots for a pot of soup. Today will be chicken salads with cornbread.

    We got quite a lot done in the house this week. It's coming together nicely. New (cotton, lined) curtains hung, deep cleaning, more pictures hung, etc. Another 15 ton load of gravel is on order for delivery on the 15th; Hubs is hoping to get it all spread before the monsoon starts.

    Friday Frenzy specials at Safeway meant $30 and $37 "saved", I won't need hot dogs for the rest of the summer as I'll divide and freeze the pkgs., and I'll get soil into pots ASAP to plant the spring onion and celery bottom trims, as well as seeing if I can get any starts from strawberry seeds (from fruit). I have enough fresh strawberries and blueberries to make several more pints of jam. I'm going to have to hard boil some eggs for egg salad sandwiches and snacking. I have all the ingredients I need to make Arby's chicken salad sandwiches in my own kitchen. Hot days often equal sandwich dinners in my house, and a little goes a long way.

    Praying rain come for those who need it, and cooler temps for those who are sweltering. Be well this week. --Elise

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    1. Sound glad you had a good time with family. I bet they enjoyed it. Nice of you to have them.
      Sounds like you have been very busy.
      Yep today was a sandwich day for me. Your meals sound good.
      I would love a good soaking rain.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  7. Good morning! We had a busy week doing yard work so we took the day off yesterday and went to the coast. We had lunch with Hubby's sister and BIL We actually had a nice visit. We were talking about our 5th wheels and how we don't like the stove or oven. Well, she gave me a Nuwave induction cooktop, with the pots and pans. She said she had 2 sets so gave me one. Definitely surprised. I'm looking forward to using it.
    I see you said you cut your lemon balm and mint to dry; what do you use them for when dried? I only trim my plants as they take over. But also use them around the yard to keep mosquitos away, the lemon balm
    Anyway today is a cleaning day so gotta get to it..

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    1. Oh sound sounds like a fun day. How cool that she gave you such a nice gift. That will be great addition to the camper.
      I generally use them in tea. Lemon in cold tea brew and mint in warm tea brew.
      Don't clean too much - enjoy the day!!!!!
      Have a wonderful week!!!!!!

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  8. Oral surgery for DH, so I'm concentrating on soft foods. That and getting ready for an upcoming trip, that we aren't looking forward to. Needs must for family, but not a good environment. I haven't left and I'm already looking forward to being home. Ha! Because of said trip, I haven't put anything in the garden. Hopefully, after we're back.
    We had the chickadees first sewing lesson and each made a small pillow. They were thrilled. I was relieved. Both did great and no stray fingers under the needle. Also took them with us grocery shopping with emphasis on finding the sale items. Something neither parent does. It was rather nerve wracking with them darting around, plus singing and dancing. Gratefully most of the shoppers were gracious to us.
    Thanks for the encouragement from Scripture.
    Tired Grandma Ellie
    Central Az

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    1. I truly hate those kind of visits. I feel for you. Hope your hubs is doing ok!!
      Oh I bet grandma was tired!!!! How nice to have those special times with them.
      Have a good week!

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  9. With my husband's help I got half my garden in on Friday. There's been no rain for weeks so we watered Friday and Saturday. It's so dry. Last summer I my watering was so sporadic as it rained once a week most of the summer. But my best harvest was the year we had little rain and it was very hot. I watered several times a week. Those plants seemed to love the heat with their feet in the water!! lol

    I'll spend this week planting the other half of the garden.

    I spent last week recovering from mosquito bites. It seems I've developed skeeter syndrome. Which apparently is an allergic reaction to bites. I was bit 7 times and developed huge , painful, itchy welts. I toughed it out because I didn't want to get a steroid from the doctor. Any worse and I would have had to get a prescription. My husband isn't bothered by bites at all. But he is looking into getting the yard sprayed so I can sit outside and work in the yard.

    Hope everyone has a lovely week!
    ~margaret

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    1. Oh no on being allergic to the bites! that has to be miserable. Last week I battled poison ivy, chiggers and a bee sting!
      A once a week drenching would be nice from rain.
      Glad you have at least half of the garden planted - good luck getting to the remainder. Hopeful the spraying helps so you can enjoy outside.
      Have a good week.

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  10. Your weather sounds like ours. So hot and dry. It sprinkled just enough one day to make the Blazer look awful!
    Yum on the strawberries!! You make so many yummy things.
    Sounds like you are going to have a busy week.
    Enjoy and have a good one.

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  11. I had jury duty for one day a couple of months ago. I didn't get called for a trial, they settled out of court. I really dislike it but I did my duty and it's over. Thank goodness.
    We are down in the 70's now ...still no rain. Your flowers are beautiful.

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    1. Well it has been years since I was summoned - guess it is due. I am not happy at all - but we have to do what we have to do.
      I just answered preliminary questions the way the prosecutor wouldn't want me to - and I was dismissed!
      Thank you.
      Have a great week.

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  12. Hi, Cheryl, I got a jury summons about six months before I turned 70 (the age limit). I went down to the courthouse with the summons, told them my age, and was off the hook, forever! I think you are a year or two younger than me, but it's worth a try, especially since your courthouse is so close to you. Love your blog...my favorite!

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    1. I can look online and see what will get me out of it too. Hmmmm - 68 1/2 - might work!!!!!! Worth a try. Thanks.
      Thank you - love having you here.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  13. Just about to leave the lake house and head for home. It has been a great two weeks!

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    1. Safe travels. SO happy you got to enjoy time away. Sounds lovely!!!
      Have a wonderful week.

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  14. It was a very hot, dry week here also. I've had to water a bit every evening. I hope we get rain soon, we sure could use it. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

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  15. Debby in Kansas USAJune 4, 2023 at 4:24 PM

    Happy June!
    I probably won't finish this in one sitting, just so you know. I have to celebrate my finding a bag of clearance fruit!!! One bag left and it was perfect - 3 apples and 2 grapefruits. 99¢! It's always empty so I was shocked to see something there. Finally! I also got a couple of other deals. Bacon at 2.99 lb. Bought the limit of 5. A loaf of rye for $1.19. And, drumroll please....an HDTV for $17 at a garage sale!!! We continue our 'no new TVs' lifetime streak lol. Our Sony was previously our Priest's and was 15 yrs old when we got it in about 2007. May our Blinky RIP. Since Blinky was blinking nearly every 10 seconds, the timing was perfect. We were just talking about a new TV Friday night. Problem solved Sat morning when hubs and doggy went walking. I'll consider this a gift from the Lord. 😁

    ReplyDelete
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    1. He always gives us what we need!!!!!! YAY on getting the fruit. I love the .99 bags! Many times, there is nothing I want - then others I hit the jackpot!
      WOW the is wonderful on the TV. Good for you on sticking to upcycling someone else's things! Sure can't beat the price.
      You had a good week!!!!
      Have a wonderful week ahead!

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  16. That’s a lovely verse Cheryl, I have wondered many times this week “why?”
    We got a lot of stuff done this week, it’s good to be heading in the right direction.
    Meals were 80% from the freezer, I have maybe another 4 or 5 meals and then that chest freezer is gone. YAY.

    Did a lot of cleaning, not my favourite thing but had the bug, and sorting. So that feels good too.

    I didn’t find many good deals this week.
    I did buy a bag of massive apples for 50c. They looked like the type that would be all mealy and only good for horses, but surprisingly weren’t. Son took one for lunch everyday and then we had the remaining four baked last night with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Other than that fresh produce has been a killer to my budget.

    Have a great week, thanks for being here. Louise

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    1. Why - comes to my head every day!!!!
      Glad you got so much done. Sometimes that 'bug' just hits us. Nice that you are getting the freezer empty. That would really scare me!
      What a nice deal on the apples. Can't beat the price! Baked apples are so good - haven't had those in a long time.
      Have a fantastic week!

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    2. Once it would have scared me too, but I feel very comfortable in my decision to scale back my food stores. It is just a decision that is right for me and my family at this time. Life is a journey.

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    3. Oh isn't that the truth. Sometimes life just changes for whatever reason for us all. Glad you know your heart - that is so important in this world.

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  17. I've been summoned for jury duty 3 times in about 25 years. One daughter got called once but the rest of the family somehow has managed never to be called! Believe me everytime I got a summons I felt like I just got one! Lol

    The first time we had sit in a windowless room half the day with an officer. It was funny to hear people telling the officer why they couldn't be on a jury all week. I didn't get on a jury and we were dismissed for the rest of the week. We got a food voucher for the food cart in the lobby when we left.

    The 2nd time they had built a new complex and the room was huge with vending machines, large windows and individual space for personal computers. Anyone not selected for a jury that day only had to call in that evening for the next day to see if we had to go in. If on Wednesday night you weren't called in your obligation was over.

    The 3rd time I didn't even have to go in. Just call in to see if I had to. Anyone not called in by Tuesday night was dismissed. It was a pain to have to put everything on hold but I liked the new system of calling in. Our courthouse is over 30 minutes away in a less than desirable area to drive through.

    ~margaret

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    1. I understand. I had to go in the first time and we waited in an auditorium like place. It was downtown. Not easy to get parking. I went to courtroom and they didn't like my answers to the questions - so I was dismissed.
      Now you can log in the computer or call. That is pretty nice.
      I guess it is upgrading with the times!!!!!
      Have a great week.

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  18. I was told by a legal secretary that THEY are never picked as jurors. I guess because they know a lot about the legal system.

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    1. Hmmm - that makes since. If you know too much - they probably would want to avoid you!
      Have a good week!

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  19. Oh my, that is a beautiful scripture and prayer Cheryl. Amen, amen, amen. Perfect for this week for sure.

    I'm glad the courthouse is close, that is helpful but oh man...

    You've been busy indeed, three garage sales sounds like fun!

    I've been busy too, cooking from scratch to be careful of sodium. I made some breaded cauliflower with almond flour but I think I like the plain baked cauliflower pieces in olive oil and garlic powder. Doing some mending too. Finding some new places to shop at, at this time. Ordering from Sam's and independent vendors has been good, and our local independent grocery stores too are always fun, went to one today in a farming community, it was kind of a treat actually.

    Tomorrow I'll probably make a large pot of cucuzza squash-like veggie (not sure of the classification, it's technically not a squash) from our garden, it will be in tomato gravy, a lighter gravy and served over spaghetti. Old world Italians call pasta sauce, gravy. My grandparents and mom never called it sauce! lol

    You take care now, I appreciate you, will be praying and covet your prayers as well. Pray I'll learn to cast my cares on Him on certain things concerning my mom. My heart starts turning flip flops sometimes!

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    1. All the food sounds so yummy. You are very creative. Driving to farm country sounds nice.
      Prayers for your peace with your mom and for her. Life hands us some great frustrations at times.
      Have a good week.

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  20. P.S. I'll also be making my mom and I some almond flour crackers with no salt this week. I found a recipe with rosemary and thyme, they're pretty good too!

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  21. Wonderful scripture for me this week. Thank you.
    With regards to your call to jury duty it brought back a funny memory. I spent most of my career as a court stenographer. I was reminded of one day that happened during jury selection. In my state practically no one was exempt from being called. A friend of mine, another court steno was called. During the questioning process she had a negative answer for everything including that the defendant's attorney owed her money for a deposition(which was true). This didn't get her excused. It went on and on with the questioning and finally the Judge stopped the attorneys and asked her if she be impartial hearing the defendant's side of the case? Her answer was "You mean the guilty party over there?" Needless to say, she was excused.

    It was a busy week this week. We did get all the clothes changed over for the summer and had a nice amount to take to the rescue mission. We're almost finished planting. Most of what we'd planted the week before was up. I made no roll crackers and 3 dozen English muffins for hubby. I did get to watch some youtube videos and learned the skill of making journals from greeting cards either new or old and also custom note pads, storage envelopes. Cleaned the craft room. Meals this week were: Steak, salad and asparagus; Greek style roast chicken and potatoes, swiss chard; Chipotle style salads; lamb chops, caulimash and green beans; turkey wraps, carrot sticks and chips; stir fry and fried rice. Cookie

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    1. Oh that is a funny story. Good for her. If you don't want to go - you don't want to go!!!
      Your meals all sound good. You sure were busy. Homemade English muffins sounds cool.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  22. Are those flowers at your house? I got a pot of pink and one of yellow, put them in one pot, and now they look like those. It got to 91F here, but we run the ac all the time. So, we are never hot!

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    1. Yes those are mine. I have 2 baskets like that. I love them, they are so pretty.
      It is starting to cool some here - I love it.
      Have a good week.

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  23. I have never been called for jury duty but sat through a whole trial for someone I know...a long week. Your flowers are beautiful. You are dong a good job staying on track with your ways of saving money. I don't know why people are evil either but not everyone has God in their life--that leaves them open to other entities and I do believe that evil is a force. Someday we will understand. Have a blessed week- xo Diana

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    1. Now that may interesting - to sit and just watch a trial.
      Thanks. I guess I am at the point where I am not as concerned about saving it as much as not wasting it.
      I agree with you 100% - Evil does exist. I agree with needing God as well. I guess we will understand someday!
      Have a wonderful week.

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  24. "fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
    Isaiah:41:10"


    Amen

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    1. AMEN! Learning this more and more every day!!!!!!
      Thank you.
      Have a blessed day

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  25. Sounds like you had a great week. Lots of savings and the garden growing by leaps and bounds is wonderful.

    Harvey got a summons last year for jury duty, but because he is over 70 could opt out with permission.

    God bless.

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    1. It was a pretty decent week. love seeing all the garden grow.
      I think they must definitely use age. Makes you wonder why they send them to older folks to start with.
      Have a wonderful week.

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