Talking Tuesday - This and That

 Hello to all.  Happy Tuesday!  Hope you are all well.  It is a VERY foggy morning here.  Earlier it looked like you could cut the fog with a knife.  In the 40's for today - then we go back down for a couple days and then back up!  We are playing seesaw with the weather here!  That is fine with me, nothing bad yet!  Around 4AM today, I guess there was a meteor shower here and a sonic boom - missed them both!

I have had a couple fun filled days - now it is time to getting back to being serious about the holidays.  Nice to have fun.

   Me and Santa at Santa Claus Land in the 50's.  He is still there, and it is called Holiday World now. 

I mentioned last week I went to the feed store.  I walked around hoping to find something I wanted as a gift (a kit for a terrarium).  Nothing there.  BUT as I am walking around I see what is called "PRIMITIVE PLANT HOLDER" - it was a macrame plant hanger!!!!!  Primitive???

I laughed out loud, and the gal working there, walked up and saw what I was looking at - and 'yeah, can you believe that?'.  I guess macrame is a fun thing again - but oh my goodness, the word primitive just set me to laughing.  

How many macrame things I made back in the day.  I still have a plant hanger and a belt!  I guess that means we are primitive too!!!!!  LOL

*****

I just wanted to put this out there - it might help someone else.  I have over the years been gifted 2 Himalayan salt lamps.  Never used them much, but I have one sitting on my bedside table and figured why not actually use it.  I started using it a couple weeks ago and let me tell you I have been sleeping much better and more restful, and my restless leg has quieted a LOT.  I still have it now and then - but symptoms are less and last a much shorter time.

Now I know some may think that is crazy - but it has helped me.  Supposedly they ionize the air and that helps calm us.  It sure has worked for me.  Mine has a variable brightness; I keep it very low (a soft faint pink light).  I leave it on all night long.  I may try using it a bit brighter to see if that makes a difference.  I just didn't want a light that kept me awake.  It is a very pretty light.

So, you may want to give it a try.  They sure are pretty when lit. (not my pic).  This looks just like mine.

Well, I think I am going to go out and look for the last couple things I am having trouble finding.  JoAnn's may be a good place to go.  Two youngsters asked for very specific things - and of course no one close by has anything!  I will run down to Greenwood and look around - more variety there.

I hope you all have a great day.  

Spread joy and smiles wherever you go and whatever you do.

Weekly Wrap-Up 12/8

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  It is a much warmer start to the day today.  It was warmer when I got up than most of the week got as a high!  We will be having warmer, colder and somewhere in between this week!

Two and a half weeks until Christmas!!!  Goodness, where has the time gone?

Yep, that is my tree this year!  Old school (I made years ago) and simple!  I do have a couple lit wreaths inside as well - one large and one small.

Friday was exactly 1 year since Bitsy and Blackie came inside to live their best lives!

Been enjoying the brightness of the moon and seeing Venus very clearly this week.

Sis, went home Thursday!!!!!  She is soooo happy to be there.  Friday was going to be extra special as she was getting her doggy back - after not seeing him for a little over a month!  The kids have brought her lots of food goodies, so she shouldn't have to cook for a while.

My frugal week:

• Made a small pan of cornbread - haven't had in a while
• Made some banana/chocolate muffins w/added chips and nuts
• Opened a new toothpaste!!!  LOL - It takes me a long time to go through a tube myself.
• Told you earlier about the chicken leg deal I got a Kroger, and the oranges - MY ONLY GROCERY this week
• Made a batch of apple butter and canned
• I did run to feed store for corn - I was out!
• I worked on finishing the blankie for niece.  She came and got it and loved it.  We got to sit and talk (w/no kids) for a long while.  That doesn't happen much and was truly enjoyed.  She posted on TikTok and FB a video about the blankie!!!  I think she loved it.
• Trimmed my hair
• Got out cards and will finish up today
• Ordered my jerky and summer sausage for baskets (early in week)
• Made up new bottles of shampoo and dish soap this week
• Still eating my tomatoes
• Lots of cleaning around the house
• Picked up lots of sticks and did a backyard clean-up again
• Started going through all the gifts to see just what else I may need
• Watched a couple Christmas movies - fun ones and older ones.  I can't do any of the romantic ones anymore!  Those just aren't my cup of tea - LOL

Meals this past week:

Dirty rice and red beans and cornbread

Rice, turkey and broccoli

Cheeseburger (no bread), corn on cob and side salad

Grilled burrito and salad

Pork steak, corn on cob and salad

Bacon and egg sandwich and salad

Thin chicken breast topped w/salsa and cheese, steamed broccoli and carrots

SNACKS:  cornbread and apple butter, muffins, fruit, cheese and crackers

Grilled burrito and salad.  Simple and filling meal and used leftover rice and beans in it.  Also added spicey summer sausage and salsa which I had.

How was your week?  Are you done with your holiday preparations?  I am not finished quite yet - still have a couple odd ball things to get - specific requests I am having trouble with! Baking to do.

Did you get any great deals w/ all the holiday sales?

I sure hope you are all good.  Still needing to hear from some of you - really missing your posts.  It just makes me feel better knowing everyone is OK.

May you all have a super week ahead and stay safe and healthy.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:1

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Lord, help us to open our hearts and hands to receive all the gifts and joy You have to offer us each day.  Let us go forward in communion with all that we meet.  Help us to cope with all our frustrations and circumstances and let us not to be overwhelmed.  May we each spread Your love and joy during this week.  Amen

Show and Tell - A Couple Things!

 Howdy all.  It is soooooo cold this morning.  I know I am spoiled.  Weather says it is 12*F - my thermometer says about 18*.  Windy too - but not as bad as last night.  I have several sticks to pick up at some point, and the chairs out back were all topsy turvy.  Trash blown in the yard picked up.  Surprised the yard decorations across the street are still there!  We had some 60 mph gusts last night.  Today's high - maybe 20*.  YUCK.  It is supposed to warm up this weekend for a bit - Yay.

Yesterday did finally get into low 40's and the neighbor 2 doors down was mowing about 4PM yesterday!

Just a couple things - one bought and one made.  Just wanted to share.

Old time candy - I remember from childhood.  I got both of these at Ollies the last time I was there.  Just a bit of nostalgia that I will enjoy.  2.99 a bag.  They also had boxes of the thin ribbon candy.

So it can still be had!

I mentioned making a throw for my niece with baby clothes from her 3.  Well, it is complete.  I just want to say I am not calling it a quilt at all.  I know there are wonderful quilters out there and would never want to insult their work.  This is a whimsical and fun throw.

A full image.  It is backed with a super fuzzy store-bought throw.  The denim is from a pair of Uncle G's jeans, and the binding I made from a top I had.  Making the binding was almost the worst part!  (So, we are also included in their memories too.)

Lower half.  Includes a handmade bootie of one, a bow tie - even zippered items.  Tried to make it a 3-D type item.  The booties could be removed at any point if wanted - not harmed at all.

Upper half.  Part of a tutu in top left corner - another bootie in a pocket and ruffles that hang in middle.

I hated cutting up the clothes - but she said do it!  It was fun to make, but tough too.  Wanted it to be totally different than anything else I had made her.  I have lots of scraps left and have a couple ideas of plans to make her something else after the holidays.  

This sure made my back hurt.  I have very little floor space to spread something that big out.  It is heavy too (and warm).  My worktable could use some improvements (an old dining room table).  Not to mention this body isn't as young as it used to be!  LOL

She is coming this morning to get it.  I hope she loves it - I think she will.

She has asked me to make her oldest a T-shirt blankie for his grade school graduation in May.  Good thing I love these kids!!!!!

Have a warm and wonderful day.  May everything you touch turn out wonderful.

20 days until Christmas!!!!!!!

Expanding Info and Yumminess

 Howdy all.  Hope this finds all well.  Another chilly morn here.  It is warmer according to the thermometer, but it feels just as cold.  The wind is blowing, and it will get much worse tonight.  They are saying 45MPH wind gusts.  Tomorrow is to be the coldest day this season so far!  THEN it starts warming - back close to 50 this weekend!  Crazy stuff.  Heck it isn't even 'winter' yet - we are still in fall!!

Yesterday I was talking about the loaf pans.  They cost me 2.99 each at Ollie's.  Very heavy and pretty.

Lots of goodies will go in them.  I also do reusable grocery bags - you can sure get some pretty ones now a days.  And then there are the youngsters - many are old enough to want their own goodies.  They get a bag as well (although smaller).

Here is a view of the pans!  Just some items for various people that will go in holiday gift bags.  I listen to the things they say they like and supply them.  Just because I like something, doesn't mean I buy it often - others do that too.

I have a nephew in law that looks forward to his container of orange slices every year (in their bag).  A grown nephew (in his 50's) also wants & expects his Bottle Caps to be in his basket!!  LOL.  Beef sticks are a fav of the teens.  My brother loves Horehound candy, and his wife loves cream chocolates.  Crazy straws for one of the littles - along with Pop Rocks, and giant Fruit Loops!!  LOL

Mushroom growing kits will go in 4 baskets - they all love doing stuff like that and love mushrooms.  This is just a small sampling - but you can see what I do.  It is fun to find all these little items and they get excited to see what is in their bags each year.  YES, even the adults get excited.

Have fun with it.

Yesterday was apple butter day!  I cook down the apples in the crockpot, while I spent much of the day sewing.  Then I canned the apple butter.  There were some scrapings in the bottom of the pot, and I ate it warm with some cornbread.  Oh my gosh, it sure tasted good.

This was while cooking down - this was about 1 1/2 hours in.  It cooked down about half at this point.  The apples were soft at this point, but it cooked for another 3 hours on high.  So pretty and brown and yummy after.

I ended up with 8 half pints and one pint.  All sealed immediately.  All this from 5 lbs. of apples - which were already in my crisper.  All kinds mixed together.  

Noticing I need to wash down the jars!!  I added vinegar to the water - guess not enough.

Most of this will be gifts.

I did not have cardamon - so didn't add that.  I had everything else right here in the pantry.  I also did not pack the brown sugar - just to cut back a little on sugar - not that it made any difference.  I still had some cider in the frig.

It turned out yummy and couldn't be easier.

Thanks to whomever I got the recipe from!!!!

**The peels and cores went in a bag in the freezer to make jelly at some point

Peeling apples takes time, and I just used my paring knife (not the rotating peeler).  Kind of made a game of it to pass time - seeing if I could peel the apple in one piece (strand)!  It went quickly and I got pretty darn good at doing it all in one piece.  The things I do to amuse myself!

All while listening to Christmas music.  

NOTE - if you have Direct TV there are music stations.  There are a couple that are all Christmas music - 24/7.

I am off for another busy day - Santa's workshop has much to get done.

Hope you have a wonderful and magical day.  Make it fun and special!

Posts for Dec. - a Bit of This and That

 Good morning all.  I hope you are warm and safe this morning.  It is cold here.  It looks like maybe we will get above the freezing mark sometime today!  We had flurries and a dusting of snow here yesterday afternoon and evening and it stuck, because it was cold.  Many schools are on delay today, due to slick roads.  

This month, posts will be of all types.  Maybe some crafts, cooking, baking, frugal, myths, spiritual, funny and maybe a memory or two thrown in.  It will be a real potpourri of things.   Tis the season!  It is a busy month for most of us, so I hope this will give a light moment to sit back with a warm drink and reflect!

I ran out for a few minutes yesterday to Kroger.  I wanted to get navel oranges before the sale ended on Tuesday evening.  They had 4 lb. bags of navel oranges for 2.49.  I am truly an orange fiend.  I love them.  This is my best time of the year to get them.  Always look for deals on citrus around Christmas if it is something you enjoy.

While there, of course I walked around and looked.  I am not a huge chicken leg lover - but a deal is a deal - and I will have several meals cheap.

                                                                 (sell date was for the 4th)

I got a pack of really large legs on clearance for 2.59.  It has 14 legs.  I packaged them 2 per bag.  So IF I do eat both per meal that would be .37 per meal!!!!  If I eat one and save the other for another day - it would be less!  Sure can't beat that price.

So, keep your eyes open and get those deals when you can.  Your wallet will thank you later on!

I think this is a cute idea for neighbors, office staff, teachers, bus drivers, etc.

I am going to do something similar for a couple neighbors - maybe in a coffee mug.  Just different goodies (a little sampler), then I will wrap in saran wrap.  There is no limit to what you could include.

I am also doing a snack thing for some of the nieces and nephews (adults).  I got red and green non-stick loaf pans, very cheaply (looks like stoneware) and I am filling with a lot of snack packs and goodies for their family.  It would be a good treat for a movie evening.

There are a lot of fun ideas for gifts.  You can add something useful and then fun goodies - and it is a neat gift.  Just use a little imagination.

I wish I could say I am chilling out today - but I have plans to keep plenty busy with fun things for the holiday.  I will show and tell later in the week!

Have a wonderful day.

Whatever you put your hands to today, do it with joy and love.

Weekly Wrap Up 12/1

 Happy Sunday.  Happy December.  Well gang, 3 1/2 weeks until Christmas!  Oh my!!

Oh baby, it is cold outside.  I know those way north of here are much colder - but we went from a lovely warm fall to cold overnight!    I guess the southern part of the state got snow yesterday afternoon, but I got nothing.  Happy of that!

Donna - I wanted to say thank you for the lovely card - I did get it before Thanksgiving, I just kept forgetting to mention it.💗

Well now that Thanksgiving is done - it is forward to Christmas.  I still have much to do - not huge things, but lots of small stuff.

                                                                           YES!!!!!

My frugal week:

• Visits with sis
• Stopped at Menards again last weekend and got one new metal trash can for critter feed - one of the old ones finally gave out
• Got gas for 1.99/gal. with Kroger points
• I told you about the meat deal at Kroger and the fruit clearance
• Still have and using tomatoes I brought in from garden end - they slowly turn red!
• Neighbor brought me some bananas - he works his church food pantry - and they got cases - and couldn't give them all away. So he brought me some, as well as other neighbors
• Gave myself a pedi
• I put up the outdoor wreaths and holiday flag while it was warmer at the first of week
• Tons of laundry - all furniture throws and bedding
• Baked a small boneless turkey breast I had
• Got a pack of really good Kroger coupons in the mail
• Have had free movie channels all weekend and have recorded some movies for later.  The Secret Garden (original) got recorded.  I love watching that every year - such a good show.
• Have been working on sewing a lot (nieces quilt/throw)
• I did a little indoor decorating yesterday - pretty simple - but enough for me
• NO other shopping for me this week
• Making my lists and checking them twice!

Meals this past week:

Tuna patty and leftover mashed pots and gravy

Taco rice bowl topped with fresh veggies

Cheesy/ranch fries, pork chop sandwich, small salad

Cup of broccoli cheese soup (freezer), and grilled cheese

Thanksgiving w/family

Leftover sides sent home from T-Day and cold turkey sandwich (my fav)

'Alice Springs' turkey, steamed baby broccoli spears and tomatoes

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving (those that celebrate).  Some of the neighbors have now lit their houses for Christmas - many decorated w/lights while warm.

Did you get any deals this week or did you stay home from stores?  Any Black Friday deals?  Have you started or finished your decorating?

I really am missing some of you guys.  Sure would like to know that all are well - please check in and say hello!

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead - stay safe, healthy and warm.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home, as I sit here with 2 kitties all curled up and sleeping! 

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Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.

Psalms 145:3

May we sing praises to our Lord, through good and bad times, which He helps us through.  May we keep our minds set on Him.  His love is steadfast and endures all.  We know He is beside us always.

Thank You for our every blessing.

Help us to practice kindness, listen to our hearts, and to let go of what we cannot control and just to live our best lives.  AMEN

Friday - and Shop Small Saturday

Howdy doody to all this morning.  I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday.  Or maybe you are celebrating today or tomorrow or even Sunday - whatever you do ENJOY.

I had a super day with family.  It is always nice catching up with everyone.  Yesterday, I felt like a couple of barriers were broken as well.  I have a couple of nephew-in-laws that hardly ever talk to me or anyone.  Yesterday I had great talks and laughs with both.  It sure didn't go unnoticed!  

I also had a tiny gr.gr. niece that doesn't make up to hardly anyone other than mom & dad & grandparents - grab ahold and cling to me most of the day!!  She kept telling me 'I love you' and hugging and giving smooches.  We played a lot too!  LOVED IT!

It is cold this morning.  I have been out and fed all of the creatures out there.  I have a small turkey breast in the oven.  It appears I am the only one in the neighborhood that is up!  Many are gone for the weekend, and the rest have dark houses and days off today.  Surprisingly none seem to be out shopping this morning.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is considered shop small Saturday!  I hope more people take advantage of the smaller shops this season and actually, always.  Small ethnic groceries, boutiques, craft bazaars, small antique shops, indoor farm markets, bakeries, restaurants, etc. 

It is so important to those small businesses.  It is actually their bread and butter, so to speak.  They need the sales to take care of their families - not to just get richer as the huge retail shops do!

Little shops on Main Street sure do deserve your business.

For me today - it is NO SPEND Friday!!  I have no intentions of going out shopping today at all.  It is Black Friday here, tons of sales and deals - and TONS of crowds and people!  Too peopley for me!!

I will be staying in and keeping warm and working on projects.

Christmas is 26 days from now!!  Yep, it is just around the corner.  It really is hard to believe.

Are you ready?  I am not - at least not completely.  I still need a few gifts for kiddos and some items to make.  I got some ideas yesterday, for 2 or 3 kiddos that I just couldn't decide on.  Now I have a better idea.

So just help out a small business this holiday season if you possibly can.  It means so much to their families.  Let us all try to 'shop small' all year round when can.

Hope you are all warm and safe - and have a super weekend.
 

Thanksgiving and Memories

 Happy Wednesday to all.  It is Thanksgiving Eve here in the US.  Chilly morning, and we are to get rain and then a little snow later today and overnight.  Supposedly, it will be safe by travel time.  The temps are starting to cool, then boom come the weekend - cold!  Oh well, it is time.  Guess that will be December saying hello!!! We have been so fortunate in our area on warmer temps.

Many, many of us have people we have loved and lost, and that are no longer here on this earth.  It is always hard and sad, but it seems the holidays make it feel even worse.  I want to put it out there that we all need to remember the good times.  How fortunate we were to have those times and those people in our lives as long as we did.  We need to make sure they are talked about, and memories are shared - keeping them 'alive' in everyone's hearts and minds.  I am a true believer that talking about them - keeps them alive in a fashion.  Laugh at the stories.  Celebrate them.

My family is really good about this.  They are always sharing funny stories or things they remember about those gone.  We all enjoy the conversation and laugh together and sometimes we cry together (yep).

Just don't let them disappear.  It is OK to laugh, to share and to cry.  

You are making memories right now, that hopefully someday someone will be telling.  Make them fun memories.  I hope each and every one of you enjoys your family and/or friends.  If you decide to stay home - spend a day of refection and do something that brings you joy.  I know many want to be alone.  Maybe watch a good movie, watch the parade, read a good book, curl up with the pets, eat the junk, just do what you need to do.

Remember and smile!

Safe travels to all.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EACH AND EVERY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Listening to Myself!

 Happy Tuesday to all.  The days are quickly ticking by.  The end of the month will be here in a few days.  It is a cold morn (but sunny) for sure.  It is 25* colder this morning from yesterday morning!  Come the weekend, our temps aren't supposed to get above the freezing mark at all!!  Have fun Black Friday shoppers.  Boy oh boy, am I glad I don't do that anymore.  I will stay warm and cozy and safe at home that day.

He-he!  Yep, I think that may be good advice for those of us celebrating turkey day.  Lots of goodies to eat and try - and leftovers and well, usually we all eat more than usual.

I went out Sunday to visit sis.  By the way, she is doing much better each week.  They say maybe a couple weeks before she goes home.  I really hope it is a little longer, so she gains more strength.  But I digress, she does get to go out for Thanksgiving!  She will be going to her daughter's and all her kids and most of her grands will be there.  I love that for her. (the boys will go get her)

It was quite nice by the time I left her, so I decided I best make use of the day.  I stopped to do my monthly gas tank fill-up.  I needed to use my points before they expire at end of month to get a discount.  After the discount, I paid 1.99/gallon!  WOO-HOO.  That is the best price I have paid in a few years.

Well, I was at Turkey Hill gas station - Kroger's gas station.  It sits right in front of Kroger.

Let's see - I said stay out of stores this week!  Yeah, well the lot was about empty, so I ran in to see what I might find.  I got 2 nice grapefruit (red) in the clearance for .99/2.  Then I walked to meat department.  I got 3 1lb. packs of pork/angus mix ground for 1.75/lb.  I had to get it - 1.75/lb. meat is basically unheard of now days.  So many uses.

It's sell date was 3 days out.  Repackaged and in the freezer.  I really had no plans to get anything - but when you find a deal - well, you get it.  Sometimes, I believe we are moved to go places or check things.  I love it when I am put in the right spot at the right time.

So no, I didn't follow my own advice, but there was no crowd at all - the store was basically empty.  Maybe because it was a Sunday morning.  

I am now home for the duration, as far as shopping or driving myself somewhere.  I will go out with family for Thanksgiving.

Yesterday turned out to be such a warm day - although cloudy.  I walked over the neighbor's house - they were having a tree cut down - and we talked for a while.  Windows actually got opened for a bit.

I imagine many of you are readying the house and all the goodies for the holiday.  Tomorrow, I have a small boneless turkey breast I will remove from the freezer - I will bake it Friday - got to have my leftovers!

Thanks for being here.  Hoping you all have a good day.

I will post something tomorrow as well.

Blessings to all.

Weekly Wrap Up 11/24

 Hello to all.  Happy Sunday.  Goodness, here we are at the last Sunday of November!  One month from today is Christmas Eve!!!  Time flies when you're having fun!  So they say.

I hope this finds everyone well and safe.

It is cool this morning, maybe going into the 50's.  Looks to be the best day of the week.  Come Tuesday, temps start to fall, and it will get much colder for Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

We finally got our first freeze of the season this past week.  They said it had been 229 days since the last freeze!  We got snow on Thursday, maybe an inch or two - then Friday morning it was gone.  Yep, it warmed up overnight and it was all gone.  I can do that kind of snow!

My frugal week:

• First of the week was warm- so I put the garden all to bed for the season.  Soakers put away, and garden weed shield removed.  I did leave a couple cabbage plants in - just to see what happens!
• Raked all the leaves again, and got those and the previously raked leaves all on the garden
• Rain barrels emptied and put away
• I did get out the cords for the heated water bowls and the snow shovel out
• Cleaned the filter of the kitchen faucet as mentioned earlier in week
• I cut 4 roses on Sunday, and they lasted almost all week.  So sweet smelling
• I mowed the entire yard one more time
• Put extra bedding in the greenhouse for Licorice
• I did run to Ollie's to use my 15% coupon on entire purchase.  Got some basket stuffers, a couple things for kiddos.
• Made a small pot of chicken, noodle & veggie soup
• Changed out handbag
• Doing a lot of cleaning - moving some things in the kitchen around
• Had 3 days that I got open windows for fresh air
• Made a nice fruit milkshake for a treat one day
• Working on some sewing

Meals this past week:

Roast & veggies

Pasta w/sauce, pork schnitzel, toms & cukes

Homemade rice a roni, fried green tomatoes

Leftover rice and salad

Soup - homemade

Cup of soup and a tomato sandwich

'Poor man's' Swiss steak and mashed potatoes

I want to say a special thank you to Mary B and Cookie for the lovely cards I received this week.  So thoughtful of you.

How was your week?  Is the nasty weather of winter in your area?  I guess it is time - it held out here past normal time. Have you done any crafting or shopping for the holidays.

Are you ready for turkey day here in the US?

I will post on Tuesday, probably something light on Wed. - most people will be getting ready for Thanksgiving and not looking to read blogs!  No Thursday blog - then maybe a Friday one!

If you are so busy this week that you don't make it back - have a great holiday with family and/or friends.  Safe travels to all.

Prayers for all that you may stay safe, healthy and warm this coming week.  

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Dear Lord, as we enter this week of thanks for all that we have, we humbly ask that You hold each one tight and keep them safe and healthy.  May each person take time to say thank you for all the wonderful gifts received in life, as we are so blessed.  May we all be thankful every day, not just this week.  Thank you for all the beauty of the seasons and joys of families and friends.  AMEN

Thankful Thursday

 Morning all.  Well, our streak of good weather came to a screeching halt!  I woke up to 60'sF two days ago, and today it was 32F.  The grass is white!!!  Well crud, I guess I knew it had to happen sooner than later!

Now playing in my neighborhood - "it's beginning to look like Christmas".

We set a record of not having a freeze yet this late in November of 100 years!  Well, so much for records.

At least the snow is only on the grass right now.  Streets and sidewalks look clear.

More snow tonight - but none of this will last too long, as it warms some this weekend.

I had a couple posts in mind for today - one on stretching food, the other on being happy where you live, but have decided to just take a day to be thankful.

So many people have gone through so much this year and have lost much - if not everything.  I cannot fathom.  We all have lost people over the years, but here we are - OUR job isn't done!

So many little things that we just never think about and take for granted - flip and switch and have light.  Turn a knob and have hot water.  A place to lay our heads at night (inside).  Food, no matter how simple it may be, to eat.  A snuggle from a pet.  Friends and family to love and love us back.  Money to pay our bills.

I look out my window this morning, and it looks pretty.  The white of the snow and my neighbor has a bright yellow tree that looks to be glowing.  Where I sit at the moment, that is what I see.  That one burst of color!  Do I like snow?  Not really - but is part of nature and it is all necessary and to be expected.

I went out to feed the birds and squirrels this morning and Licorice too!  He didn't seem happy!  He has lived his whole life outside and should be used to it.  The neighbors have insulated boxes for the kitties, but I think Licorice must feel he hit the lottery!  After eating a bit ((under car out of the snow) he went to the greenhouse and curled up in his blankies - no wind or snow in there (and no one to share with)!!!  I snuck the rest of his food through the kitty door.  He knows a good thing when he sees it!!!!  LOL

No matter what you put your hands to today, take time to be thankful for everything - big and small.  Whether you sit in a cozy place like above with a cup of coffee, or you bake, or you sew, or you just curl up and read - do it with a thankful heart.

Stay safe everyone.  I know snow is hitting many areas.  Stay warm and stay the wonderful folks you are.  I am thankful to have you in my life.

Have a blessed day.

Don't Stress - Tis the Season

 Hello on this midweek day!  Hope you are all well.  A cool morning here, just waiting on rain to move through this morning.  It's funny, we went all October dry as a bone - now we get rain and more rain.  We need it though.  Tomorrow looks to get much cooler here with snow later in the day.

We are now in that busy time of the year for many people.  Holiday gatherings, gifts to buy and wrap, plays and musicals, office parties, you name it.

Many thrive during this time and others really prefer to hibernate.  I can understand that, as it can all be overwhelming.  Some just feel that there are too many expectations to be met and to many people to see, and for some it is just a sad time.

However you handle it - know IT IS OK!!!!!!!  If you don't want to do - don't do!  Take care of you.

If indulging in the events of the holidays - just remember a few things that will help make things a bit easier.

• Make you list and check it twice or three or four times.  I am a huge list maker - it helps
• Check for sales and loss leaders at the grocery stores and get the deals for meals.  Most things we all serve will be discounted at some point during the holiday time
• Stay OUT of the grocery store the week of a holiday!!!!!  Generally, the people in the stores the week of - are panic shopping and things get crazy and lines get long, and peoples tempers flare
• Make sure you have everything for your baking needs - so as not to make lots of emergency store runs
• Maybe bake fewer things.  2 or 3 favorites is all people need - not dozens
• Prep what you can ahead.  Chop veggies, dry bread, bake what you can and freeze - do whatever you need to - to make your holiday easier
• Consider having others pitch-in some of the dishes - it is cheaper and easier when everyone does their part
• When it comes to cleaning - dust and vacuum, clean the bathroom and call it a day!  Don't worry about the closets, behind the beds, etc.  Some folks about kill themselves doing a deep clean.  If people are being nosey - they aren't your people!  I do the basics and that is it.  People should be socializing not inspecting!!!!!
• Simplify the gifting!  The holidays should be about the people and NOT the stuff
• DO NOT go in debt to buy gifts for others!!!!!!!  No sale, no deal is worth going into debt for.  PLEASE don't be one of those people that are paying off charge cards for months all because of one day.
• If you have extra gatherings (other than main meals) - consider doing things buffet style.  Finger foods, appetizers, a common drink - use crockpots to keep things warm.  Keep it simple.  I have a gathering every year - that I utilize a couple crockpots, a nice charcuterie board and maybe some chips, crackers and dips.  A few homemade sweet goodies and it's done.  We snack all afternoon and just enjoy each other!!!!!  

Whatever you do - don't let this time of the year get you down.  If you need to avoid people and gatherings - then do it.

Simplify what you can and don't feel bad about it.  As we age, it seems to make more sense to simplify, as we truly know what is important.

Pass on stories from your childhood and from family now gone to those that will listen.  I like to think that as I speak of those not here anymore - it is keeping them alive within the family.  Laugh and enjoy memories - they are important.

MAKE new memories!!!!!

So as the song says - "Don't worry - be happy"!

I hope as we enter this holiday season - that everyone will take care of their mental health and reach out to someone if they need help coping.  Be well and do what is best for you.

Have a super day everyone!

A Pretty, A Fun, A Creative

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope you are all well and doing good.  It is a wet morning here.  We had rain overnight and it is still misting out.  The temps when getting up were still in the 60'sF.  It will get close to 70 today, then it appears that temps will be slowly dropping the next few days.  I guess it is time. Sigh!!

I am so tired this morning.  I slept last night, but starting at about 2AM I managed to wake and look at the clock EVERY half hour!  I went right back to sleep, but each time I slept I dreamed some of the craziest dreams.  I dreamt of people I haven't even thought about in decades and just weird things.   My mind was very active, for sure.  The covers were a mess this morning, so I must have moved a lot too.  I do believe today may be a short nap day!  You ever have one of those nights?

This was Sunday evening at sunset.  So pretty - but look at that cloud formation in the center.  It really was strange looking, which is why I took the picture.  I looked out and saw that 'funnel' looking cloud and had to grab the camera.  Last night was gorgeous as well - it looked like mountains with pinks and oranges behind them.  Yeah, we don't have mountains nor hills where I am!  Such beauty - the best art right outside.

Click on the picture to see it larger.

This is my kitchen clock.  I 'inherited' this from a neighbor that passed a couple years back.  This summer her BIL was finally letting go of her things and he knew what a cat lover I am.  What you can't see is that the tongue moves back and forth every second.  It is such a fun addition and a reminder of Rosemary.  Isn't it fun?

It reminds me of the old Felix the cat clocks!!!

I told you in Sunday wrap-up about cleaning the filter in the bathroom faucet.  Well, for a long time the kitchen sink seemed to have low pressure.  I couldn't understand as nothing has been changed underneath the sink.  I decided to try and remove the filter from it - NOPE, that wasn't happening.  So, I got a little creative.  I took a small juice glass and put vinegar in it.  Then I place a rubber band over faucet and wrapped it a time or two - then placed the little glass over the end of the faucet (to cover the filter part on spicket) and wrapped the rubber band around it.  Clear as mud now?  LOL.  I forgot to take a picture.

Anyway, I left it that way for about 3 hours while I worked outside.  Came in and removed and turned on the water - after a few sputters I had full flow of water again!  My pressure at least doubled.  I guess it was really clogged up as well.  

Sometimes we may think things are all messed up - and just a little creative thinking can remedy the problem with NO money spent!

Have you got any FREE fixes that worked for you around the house that saved having to hire help or buy something new??  Inquiring minds need to know!!

Well, I guess I need to get busy.  I truly need to sew - I keep talking myself out if it!  Sometimes I can be such a procrastinator - that is one of the things about me I need to work on!

Wishing you all a great day.  Stay safe and stay healthy and be productive!

SMILE

Weekly Wrap Up Nov. 17

 Hello to all and happy Sunday.  Hope this finds all well and safe.

It is a cool morning here.  My goodness, what a big old full moon we had glowing in a misty looking sky - it sure looked like fall/winter.  This morning the sunrise was just glorious with all the pinks and oranges.

It looks to be a somewhat dreary week ahead - with many chances of rain and much cooler temps by the end of the week - even with talk of flurries!

We had rain and cloudy skies a lot of last week, with the sun finally showing itself yesterday afternoon.

I do not like these darker days and the shorter sunlight hours at all.  It really plays with my mood and motivation!  Counting down the days to the days getting a minute or two lighter each day!

My frugal week:

• Used my air fryer and crockpot this week
• Worked outside when I could - pulled out the remainder of the garden plants and did some other yard work
• I did find a few more small green tomatoes while pulling out plants - so brought them in (we still haven't had a freeze here) - they will probably be cut in half and fried!
• Still eating lots of tomatoes from the garden
• Had some old eggroll wraps in frig that needed to be used - so made up a fun meal.  Used mini sweet peppers and stuffed with Mex. chicken (from freezer), cream cheese and then wrapped.  Air fried and they sure were tasty.  
• I used more of the Mex/ chicken for a meal and made a quesadilla for the freezer with it.
• Visits to sis - she is slowly moving.  Finally walking a bit - but it is tough.  She has finally resigned herself of probably not being home for Thanksgiving :( - but she is slowly improving.
• Stopped at Meijer this week when done with a sis visit.  Hadn't been in ages.  Won't make that mistake again.  I couldn't believe how expensive that store has gotten on EVERYTHING (except turkey).  I used to shop there a lot.  I will stick to my Kroger and Aldi - shoot even WM is better than going there.  I was pretty dumbstruck.  My Menard's visit the week before was a much better experience.
• I ran to a Holiday Bazaar at my old high school yesterday.  It was not huge - but it gave me some ideas and helped put me in the mood a little.  Only bought a couple snacks for myself!
• Had my bathroom sink appear to be leaking.  I took off the filter and boy was it clogged!  I cleaned it really well and put back on.  The 'leak' was just water trying to flow out and taking a minute!  The stream is better too.
• Have been working on cleaning, recycling and decluttering a lot.  Cleaning off /out different areas
• NO groceries this week
• Using what I have and cooking from home
• Used crockpot to make a very small beef roast and veggies
• Changed out the bed comforter to change up the look

Meals this past week:

Home fries, chicken strips and tomatoes

Mex. chicken tostadas

Stuffed pepper 'eggrolls' and salad

Homemade pizza

Cup of chili (freezer) and a small slice of pizza

Fried fish sandwich and tomatoes and cukes

Roast and potatoes and carrots

SNACKS - cut up tomatoes, cheese on crackers, fruit

Really a pretty quiet week.  I just didn't have the oomph I needed to get a lot done - the dark days have played on me!!

How was your week?  Did you do any holiday shopping/crafting?  Are you gals in the US ready for Thanksgiving?  Have you started decorating for Christmas?  I will wait until after Thanksgiving to do what little I do.

Look forward to hearing from you all.  A thank you to all this week for answering questions and helping others out.  I love the sharing.

May you all have a super week ahead and please stay safe and healthy.

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

***********

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:4-5

Dear Lord, again we send up thanks for all the blessings we each received this week.  There are many unspoken prayers by those we know, and we ask that You lay healing hands upon bodies and hearts.  Let us each be thankful for every wonderful little thing that happens in our lives.  Amen

Fun Stuff - Subs and Making Your Own!

 Howdy all.  It is a dreary and wet morning here.  My thermometer says 57*, and it won't get much warmer today.  At least no snow!  It looks to stay this way temp wise for the next week.  Fine with me!

We got a lot of rain last evening and overnight, sure is helping to rid us of drought warnings.  October was basically bone dry.

Yep!  This is kind of what we were talking about yesterday.  Having 'enough' is often quite fine.  As we get older, we worry about having more to take care of ourselves during older age - but young folks need to know that they can still have a good life on less.  Think ahead for emergencies and unforeseen events in life and save for those.  Even if it is a small amount - it all adds up.

Along with living with a little less, means often not running to the store at every moment when we run out of things.  Most times we don't just get what we went for, but more - plus we are spending gas and time.  Knowing substitutes is fun and works to save a little bit of money. 

You can still cook and bake with subs!

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading

Use 5 Tbsp. of this to equal one packet on store bought.  So easy to make and nice to have on hand.

It is that time that many people use cream of soups in cooking.  Make your own!!!  Super easy and it tastes good.  You can sub chicken bouillon for beef or whatever you have to make different flavors.

It is nice to have on hand, even for just adding to your own soup to thicken things up a bit.

Take time to think for a minute, if you are missing an ingredient.  Do a moment of research and you can almost always find an alternative.  Sure does save money - not running out for one item, and it really can taste better too.

Hope you all have a great weekend.  It is time to maybe get those outdoor decorations out while the weather is still decent, or get the pantries in order, or work on the canning or crafts.  Just enjoy whatever you do.

Have a lovely day!!!!

Living on Less - Things You Can do!

 Good day to all.  Here we are mid-week again!  It is a lovely morning here.  We expect rain tonight, so need to do things outdoors today.  Hope you are all well.

There are many ways to live on less, if one has the right mindset.  You have to be willing to change a few things, and you have to be willing to TRY!  Sure, some things only save a few pennies or dollars - but we all know it adds up.  It can really add up quickly.  Pennies make dollars.

Many want to quit working and are so afraid that there will not be enough money.  Really, staying home can save $$$.

If not working, you spend less on gas.  Less wear and tear on your vehicle.  You don't need as many clothes.  You can often get your car insurance rate lowered (I did and so did G).  No lunches out.  If you have children, no day care!  Less laundry.  The benefits go on and on.

You need to use what you have.  If you keep things - use them.  Wear the clothes you keep.  Use the pantry you have.  Use the lawn equipment and do your own lawn work IF you are able.  

Eat it, wear it, use it - things serve NO purpose in a closet!!!

You have time to fix things or maintain them.  That leaky faucet - easy fix.  Air around the door - work on draft dodgers.  A room needs painted - do it.  There are many, many things that are simple and we can do them ourselves.

Cook at home.  Use the pantry, try new things, look up recipes.  Make your drinks at home - no daily coffees out.  Make tea at home.  Don't waste things!

Think of ways to conserve energy - extra blankets on the bed, electric blankets/flannel sheets, maybe a space heater instead of furnace, open/close blinds for sun to heat house, windows for fresh air, work outside/or walk for exercise and fresh air, be conscious of water/light/heat usage (you have time now).

You will have less stress - which generally means better health and well-being!  A good mindset is a huge benefit.  

You will have time to grow things IF you so desire or IF you are allowed where you live.  Otherwise, you will have more time to watch for deals or go to farm stands.

THINK about purchases.  You have time to plan and not make binge purchases.  No quick decisions.  You can look around and buy quality instead of quantity.  You can even eliminate fast food - by thinking about your purchases.  Make sure your purchases are really going to make a difference in your life and are needed.

Along that vein of thought - know the difference between wants and needs!!!  Not only is this important of your dollars but your time.  Before maybe you had to go to events, that you may not have wanted to go to.  Now you can decide what you want to attend.  Make it something you really will enjoy - not just a 'have to go' thing.

You no longer have to be on someone else's schedule - you can make your own.  Do things when you want and how you want.  It is so freeing!

So, if you are wanting to retire or even be a stay-at-home mom - sit down and think about the things you can do that will save you dollars.  Make a list.  Think about everything and really work on that budget.  There may be many, many more things you can stop or not spend on - each person is different.  These are just the general things most of us can do.

YOU CAN DO IT - IF you really want to!

Plan your work and work your plan!!!!!

I read this quote yesterday and think it is fitting.  This was from a fellow in China who came from nothing - made a fortune - and lost it all.  

I think it says it all!!

"The happy man is someone who has purpose, something to do each day.  The value of money is about how you spend it, not how much you make or how much you have."

Im Chae-moo

Have a beautiful day!

Finding Frugal Fresh Foods in the Fall

 Good day to all my friends.  It is a chilly morn here.  Going to be a cooler day.  We are getting deep into the fall season, and today we talk about finding some very frugal finds for our frig and pantries.

Now is the time to start watching those holiday and fall sales for fresh goodies at the store.  I know that it all comes to location, location, location.  Here in the US we are close to celebrating Thanksgiving, which is always a great time to find inexpensive deals on food.  This may not hold up in other locales - but still it is the season for much produce to be harvested in other areas and hopefully prices will be better.  

IF you find the deals - get them and if you can, preserve some for later.

WINTER SQUASH - there are tons of types of winter squash to be had and just as many ways to fix them.  They are hearty and filling and very healthy for you.  I am seeing many being sold for much cheaper prices than normal.  Easy to store for later.

CARROTS - are getting much cheaper here right now.  You can generally fond a 2# bag for under $2 now.  Carrots are such a healthy food item.  They can be used in so many ways.  Medallions, stir fry, mashed, roasted and even in sweets - like carrot cake or muffins!

Buy whole carrots not 'baby' carrots if at all possible.  'Baby' carrots are generated and have been treated.

POTATOES - regular and sweet.  Holiday season brings good prices on this fall harvest.  I cannot begin to count the ways potatoes can be used.  You name it you can do it!  They also make a super inexpensive meal all alone.  A nice baked potato or sweet potato can be so filling!  

CABBAGE - I am starting to see some great prices on cabbage around here.  This generally continues into the new year.  Such a versatile and healthy item.  Fried, steamed, boiled, baked, rolls, in soups and stews..........and on and on.

TURNIPS - RADISH - both are inexpensive right now.  I know a lot of people turn their noses up at turnips.  I am not a fan of cooked ones, but I like them raw and sliced in salads or just alone with a little salt.  YUM.  I am also a radish nut!!  I use them in a lot of salads and alone.  They are also good pickled and I have fried as well.  Both are easy to keep on hand for a while.

ONION, CELERY - it is becoming dressing/stuffing time, and these items are needed.  They are both good in soups.  Also pair with your carrots and make 'trinity' for cooking.  I freeze both celery and onions in baggies all the time.  Both are easy to dehydrate as well.

GREENS - there are many greens being harvested now as well.  From collards, kale, chard, and lettuces.  These can be used in and on many meals.  Many can be cooked alone and used as a side dish. If you are finding a deal on leaf lettuce - think about wilted lettuce as well as fresh for salads.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS, CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI - are getting cheaper right now.  All are great in so many types of dishes or just alone.  Great for roasting and in soups.  Easily frozen.  

TURKEY - not a garden item - but they are cheap this time of the year, especially in the US.  If you live in our neighboring country to the north - if you get a chance to cross into US, maybe you can take advantage of the wonderful sales.  I am seeing ads for .39 lb. - .69 lb. at just about every store.  Next week will be even cheaper I suppose.  Tis the season!!!

Truly the best meat deal ever available.

CRANBERRIES - it isn't a regionally grown item for me, but they are a staple in many holiday celebrations.  They are starting to show up fresh in stores at a cheaper price.  Not only can they be used in meals, they can also be made easily into juice and canned.  Also watch after the holidays - as they get really marked down on clearance.  Not as healthy at all - but even the canned cranberry sauces are much cheaper now.

Don't forget about PUMPKINS and APPLES and PEARS - oh my!  There are some great deals to be found on these items as well.  Now that Halloween is over, many places are almost giving pumpkins away (some are).  Apples are plentiful and pears as well.  All can be saved for later if properly stored and can be frozen, canned or dehydrated.

So if you live in a location that is celebrating fall and Thanksgiving - be on the lookout!  You can get a lot of healthy food for a frugal price.  Buying in season is just always smart.

There are so many ways to preserve and so many ways to cook these items.

Get the good stuff while you can for a price you can afford!

Have a wonderful day to all.

Weekly Wrap Up - Nov. 10

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a gloomy start to the week here, and it is still drizzling rain.  We had about 1/2" of rain over night - much needed.  It is around 56*F this morning.  According to predictions it will be above average through Thanksgiving at the end of the month for my area!  No snow here for a while!!  I am good with that.

Speaking of the S word - Christmas is just a mere 45 days away!!!  OH MY!

Sis, is in rehab as of this week.  She is slowly working to improve and be able to function again on her own.  She still hurts a LOT - but she is determined!  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts.

This sure looks like fall and holidays.  I do love the fall decorations.  I have been seeing tons of Christmas commercials this week.  Seems here in US we don't even pause for Thanksgiving anymore.  Halloween to Christmas.

One year ago today this little booger butt showed up in my drive!  He was so tiny (fit in hand small) and so afraid of everything.  Blackie watched over him and took care of him, until I got to where I could pet and pick him up.  It took us a while - then they came indoors!  My how my life changed, and my love grew!!  He is spoiled to the hilt and just loves hanging out with his buddy and momma.  Looks like he kind of likes his life now, doesn't it?  LOL.  My sweet Bitsy such a stinker!

My frugal week:

• Still eating garden tomatoes, a lot
• Cut a beautiful rose this week - oh it smelled so sweet.  Lasted almost all week.  I still have many pretty flowers blooming
• Rehab visits with sis
• Stopped at Menards while visiting sis.  Got some fun add-ins for holiday baskets (mushroom growing kits), things for kiddos and some things I had trouble finding for gardening this year - all set for next year
• Froze leftovers I had or used in a new way
• Cleaned out refrigerator and consolidated many jars and bottles
• Made 14 pints of salsa & canned - most will be gifts.  I have plenty from past for my needs & cooking
• Washed lots of freezer bags (from tomatoes) to use again
• I raked a ton of leaves and have a big pile ready to put on garden once it is totally empty
• I mowed the entire yard - the rigged-up wheel worked just fine!
• Cut the last little cabbages from garden
• Used the scalding canning water on the still thriving weeds out front in the rock!
• Did some mending
• Made OJ from concentrate
• Hard boiled several eggs for snacks
• Meals from home and using what I have on hand
• Got to punch a new hole in my belt!  WOOHOO

Meals this past week:

Chili and crackers

Baked potato w/cheese/sour cream and side salad

Sausage/egg biscuit and sliced toms

Nachos - using chili as well as cheese

Pepperoni/cheese calzone (hand pie) and pan seared brussel sprouts

Grilled fish (used G. Foreman grill) and salad 

Beef chunks/peppers/onions over pasta with a little homemade salsa (left from canning)

SNACKS - fruit, pickles, cheese & crackers, cup of chili

There you have it.  Lots of little things - but I guess it adds up.  How was your week?  What have you been up to?  Crafting, canning, freezing, cleaning, etc.?

Tis the season that many will be busy getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

Let us know what you are up to?  Check in if has been a while!  PLEASE

Continued prayers for those who suffered much loss with storms.  Hoping everyone is well, safe and healthy in this coming week. 

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

**************************

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Lord, we thank You for allowing us to be here another week.  Help us each to know that Your will be done, and that may not be what we have asked for.  Your will is the way always.  We ask and seek, but we cannot know what the answers should be.  We ask for peace and understanding amongst all people of earth.  Thank You for all our many blessings and help us to see and realize that there ARE blessings each day, in spite of what we think.  AMEN