Sunday, January 14, 2024

Weekly Wrap Up 1/14

 Happy Sunday!  Oh baby, it is cold outside!!!!!  YUCKO!  I think nature has decided to have a temper tantrum!  It is -3* (F) here this morning going to a high of 6*!  It hasn't been this cold in our area since December of  '22.  The week is going to be cold all week as well.  We got a little snow last night and overnight - maybe an inch or so.  All I can say is Brrrrrrrr.
I know there are places that it is far colder, and I feel so sorry for you all and those who are being dumped on with snow.  Just stay safe - stay in.

I am so happy (more than I can express) that my kitties are inside.  They are safe and I no longer have to worry about that situation.  Blackie is truly coming out of his shell a lot.  He slept ON my bed with me ALL night on Friday!  He comes in a sleeps a while each night - but that was an all nighter!!  Bits just plays and chatters all the time - and loves looking out the windows.

                                                                             YEP
My week:
  • Well, Sunday (7th) was the family get together and it was wonderful.  So many great memories.  Shared a lot of old pictures with everyone, and that was a tremendous hit!  I think they enjoyed that more than anything.  Each one of them gave me something homemade and I also got some different items for the pantry
 
We all enjoy gifting odd ball things that maybe the receiver wouldn't buy.  It is fun and yummy.
  • I saved a bunch of tissue paper and pretty bags and boxes for use for next year
  • I had lots of leftovers and used them off and on in many ways this week.
  • I froze a lot of pulled pork in a couple containers.  Used one at the end of the week, after eating some at first of week.
  • Had a meeting with my financial guy this week - all looks good.  Have some new decisions to make as well.
  • One neighbor came by on Monday and we talked for a couple hours - nice visit
  • I got 3 invites for luncheons coming up in the next month and a half.  I may do 2 of them
  • I got the shovel out and ready, and brought some squirrel/bird supplies in in case the cans freeze shut
  • I received an nice unexpected check this week and ran to the bank to deposit.  While out I did run in the store for a bit of different kitty food and an extra gallon of milk (lol - yes I did)
  • I started on cleaning the pantry - started!  I just couldn't get into it this week.
  • I did a lot of resting up this week - as last week was so busy.  Lounging and reading and napping!
  • Did a scrubbing on my outdoor scruff-about slides (shoes).  Seems they agitated Blackie, as they smelled like outdoors and other cats!  They are cleaned and scrubbed and he is fine now.  Too funny.
  • House is all cleaned and all gifts put away.  Have 2 HUGE baskets I received - I am still figuring out how to utilize them - they are huge.  I may post this week for ideas!  I am thinking books and throws.

Meals this past week:
Get together dinner - pulled pork, beans & rice, veggie plate, meat/cheese platter, cheese dip, chips and crackers, buns & wraps
Beans & rice topped with pork and cheese dip
Mashed potatoes with pork/gravy and fresh veggies
Tomato soup and grilled 3 cheese sandwich 
Macaroni/cheese topped with taco seasoned meat
Broc/cheese soup (freezer) with added cauliflower/carrots/beef stick pieces & crackers
Pork/cheese/salsa soft tacos and fresh veggies
Snacking on fresh veggies, cheese/beef stick, fruit

So how are you?  Are you staying warm and cozy?  What is the weather like where you are?  Did you get any deals this week?  Working on any new projects?  
Hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.
***RITA are you OK?  If you are reading - please check in - you have been on my mind!!!!!

Coming this week - some more ideas on saving money - especially in the kitchen.  I have a bunch of ideas to share.

I hope you are each and everyone safe.  
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
**********************


For with God nothing will be impossible.
Luke 1:37
(I love this verse)

Lord, please guide us and hold safe this coming week.  Be with all those who are alone and homeless, that they may find shelter and friendship.  Guide us all to make the best decisions for our families and for others.  May we always hold hope and love in our hearts.  AMEN

61 comments:

  1. Aw your kitties know you are “their” person! Have a great week! Little Penpen

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    1. Thanks! I think they are loving the good life now! Spoiled rotten!
      Have a great week.

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  2. Hi Cheryl. Glad your family enjoyed the old pictures, I'm sure they brought back memories or the family learnt more of their family history.
    We are just into week two at the holiday home. It's pretty cosy as the fixed thermostat is set higher all day and night than ours at home. The guys are set to start installing the kitchen and bath at home from Monday as the pipe work took longer to move that expected.
    I have a date for my second knee replacement, 30 January eeeek, quicker that I expected.
    My sister and brother in law are coming to see us later, with coffee cake :-)
    Your meals all sound pretty yummy. I brought frozen and fresh food from home, so we have been eating well. Friday, after a walk around the lower level of a local country park, we had lunch in the restaurant very close as we had a voucher for Christmas and the venue is dog friendly and Freddie is really well behaved.
    Hope you stay warm and cost at home and have a good week.

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    1. Yes, the kids got pictures of their mom and dad an themselves when they were little. Pics of their mom and dad at younger ages. Many they had never seen. They also gram and grandpa pics.
      I am glad you are enjoying your current lodging. Hope they have your house done before you have the surgery. It sure would be grand to go HOME not to somewhere else. Once the surgery is done - you will be working on get back to 100%.
      Sounds like a nice place you are staying.
      Have a great week.

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  3. Our temps are warmer this morning... about 25 degrees (F). After snow and brutal cold, we're due for "unseasonable" weather in the next week with lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s. Meaning all the snow should melt. I'm so glad Blackie and Bits are inside and have transitioned to that nicely. How sweet to have Blackie sleep with you in the bed!

    Sounds like a wonderful time with your family. What nice gifts! Your menu sounds delicious and plenty of leftovers to enjoy (and remember the gathering) in the days to come. Your meals sound delicious as always. I'm looking forward to your money saving posts this week!

    The antibiotics finally kicked in and I slept through the night last night w/o having to get up for pills. I did get a few things done this week in spite of it all. And for "buys", I'd like to thank you for sharing awhile ago about the microfiber undies: I've ordered some at a good sale price of 40% off. At Dollar General, I got homestyle canned soup (clam chowder, which I don't make) for $1 each and a few other pantry staples. Also composition notebooks. We got a sizable check from the electric company that was deposited into savings right away.

    Have a Blessed Sunday and start to your week! --Elise

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    1. Glad to hear you will be warming up a little. Not here - not this week. Oh well, it IS winter!
      Glad the antibiotics are working and you are feeling better and got sleep. Thos unexpected checks are nice to receive!
      Have a fantastic week.

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    2. Elise, So glad the antibiotics kicked in! Hmmm....I need to check into those undies at dg. I did find a package of 3 hi cuts elance, the particular print and color was quite a savings. And I liked the print. Cheryl, my wally has similar soft fabric ones but they are perforated which is nice, but a bit pricey. I'm not in need but am keeping my eye on them. Love comfortable clothing. : )

      Glad you're doing better, Elise, I know when our daughter had particular dental work done it was a bit scary without her antibiotics the first night, she became very ill. Never again. Now she gets the antibiotics just in case.

      See you later, please stay warm and give those pups pets for me! ~Amelia

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    3. Thank you, Amelia. Blue and Poppy thank you for the pets! Two more days until the dental work is being done. Not that I'm counting. LOL! I've worn the Jockey cotton panties for almost 40 years, but they aren't made like they used to be. Remembering Cheryl's praise for her restocking of unmentionables, when I saw a good sale on the microfiber briefs (with cotton inset) I figured I'd give them a try. Just tired of the cotton ones sagging, bagging, bunching... er... you get the idea. Blush!
      (((Hug))) --Elise

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  4. It is still brutally cold here this morning, at -36 (-33F) and windchills of -48C (-54F). Not a day to be outdoors. I spent part of the day yesterday watching neighbours try to start their vehicles even though they weren't plugged in. Vehicles here are equipped with block heaters that when connected to the electrical outlet keep the oil and motor "warmish". Some people use battery blankets as well. I'm not sure what they are thinking, assuming their vehicles will start in this weather. We're fortunate to have a well insulated garage. It does have natural gas heaters but we don't use those as the vehicles stay warm enough to start.
    Your time with the family sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure they all appreciated the photos and the memories they evoked. Definitely a lovely gift!
    Blackie and Bits have learned that being indoor cats has some real perks. They're good company too.
    Stay warm!

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    1. Maebeme, I have a cousin in Alaska and her detached garage has its own wood stove. When we lived in Wisconsin, most garages had heaters of some kind, even if just a small dairy heater. Otherwise just getting INTO the car can be a project. After my grandfather's funeral, having parked outside of the hotel, I couldn't get the doors open to get in to head home. They'd iced shut. My cousin arrived with a hand held heater thing to get the doors de-iced. Also, in those very cold climates, you'd best run the car awhile to get the engine heated before trying to drive off or you may not get very far. Your comment brings back lots of memories!
      Stay safe and warm. --Elise

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    2. Dang, that is cold! Guess I will quit complaining. Mam oh man.
      G used to have a heater thing he attached to his truck engine - he was always on call in inclement weather working for the street dept. So he had to get up and just go.
      I would never want to live in such cold climates. Not my thing at all.
      Yes, the kitties are great company and we all love cuddle time!
      Have a warm and cozy week!

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  5. The devotional is timely. I think of all the homeless and feral animals who have no place to get warm. Erin said she saw a homeless man with his dog at a gas station last winter and the dog looked at her, begging for help. I doubt that the man would have surrendered his dog for someone else to care for it. I thought of your kitties this morning and am so glad (as I'm sure they are) that they are nice and cozy in the house.

    You got some great gifts! Old pictures are always a big hit with family.

    Blackie was probably recognizing the scents on your shoes. "I know that guy and he is mean!". We don't think about things like that but animals are very sensitive to smells.

    You have a lot going on. Stay warm!

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    1. Donna, Blue was a starving stray dog who showed up here just before Halloween in 2022. We took her in. A week later the first snow of that winter arrived. I was so grateful she came here, to us, as I was sure she'd have died otherwise. And yes, all animals are very sensitive to smell. --Elise

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    2. I always worry so much about the homeless. There are warming centers every where, but they all stop at 8PM. The coldest part of the day is overnight. I am sure the shelters are full. I have seen stray cats leave the 'dog' house a couple times this week. The greenhouse is available too.
      You are probably right about Blackie. There were a couple mean cats that showed up (one leaving the dog house) and I bet he smelled them. Remedied that problem.
      Yes the pictures were a big hit.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  6. Minus 7 here this morning. I did not go out Friday or Saturday. We got plenty of snow on Friday. I cancelled my plans for Saturday as it just didn't seem like good idea to go out. I spent Friday and Saturday cleaning my sewing room from Christmas projects as it was a disaster with stuff everywhere! And then I spent time getting fabrics ready for upcoming projects and reorganizing some things to make the space work better for me. I also did some sewing. It was a very enjoyable time. I don't usually get that long of time in there. I'm usually grabbing a hour here and there.

    ~margaret

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    1. Brrrrr. I am with you - no reason to go anywhere. I did run out to feed the critters - but I bundled up.
      Sounds like a good way to spend time indoors. I bet you found things you forgot about too. Happy sewing and get lots of pretties made!
      Have a great week.

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  7. Cheryl, I'm so glad your kitties are inside with you. No more going outside to feed them.
    *We are at 43* this morning and rain today.
    *I love the cocktail mix you got', "Just Add Vodka" gave me a chuckle.

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    1. Oh you lucky dog! 43 would seem balmy!!!! LOL
      I still go out and feed the critters - but only once a day and I can do at my leisure.
      YES, the cocktail mix - has dried fruit and some flavors in it - you add vodka and let it sit for a couple weeks to absorb the flavor, strain it - then use in drinks! I bet it will be tasty!
      I will let you know!
      Have a blessed week!

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  8. I am so glad the kitties are getting used to being in the house. I know that with the cold you feel much better with those fur babies inside.

    I am just trying to use things up and get a few projects completed this week while it is almost as cold as Siberia... Heck for all I know Siberia is warmer right now.

    God bless.

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    1. Thanks - I am so happy they are inside as well. Such peace of mind.
      Good going using what you have. It may well be warmer in Siberia!!!! LOL. A couple years ago when we had these temps - Alaska was warmer than us. Go figure!
      Have a wonderful week.

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  9. After a brown Christmas & mild temps, we Albertans were reminded of what a prairie winter is like when temps plummeted to -30/-40C the past few days. I'm so grateful for a wood stove. The furnace still kicks in but not so frequently. Such a good back-up in the event of a power outage which there were warnings for given the demand on the power grid. The car wouldn't start yesterday in spite of being plugged in with a trickle charger. I'll tend to it tomorrow when the temps are supposed to be warmer (-20C). The neighbor came by with the little yesterday for a change of scenery. Playing with her kept my mind off the cold & its challenges. I can always get a ride with them if I need to go somewhere & Jim will help me with the car. So it's been floor exercises, tai chi chih, turkey/rice soup, monster cookies. Before the cold settled in, a friend had 3 of us in for cross crib & a meal. I got my hair cut on Thursday. There are 2 books on the go: Never by Ken Follett & When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate. There were many post-holiday phone calls from friends & family. I relish the post holiday lull of January & the increasing daylight is heartening.

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    1. Brrr you Canadians come from hearty stock! A wood stove is great to have, back up or not. Hope you get the care started. I won't even try for a couple more days. Neighbor chats are always nice - and a good way to catch up in the winter.
      mmmm - monster cookies!
      Daylight gradually getting longer!
      Have a beautiful and warm week.

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  10. We are at -4 and a wind chill of -27, just staying in the house as much as possible. Wood is brought in and keeping the stove fed and house warm. I have sourdough bread baked and cooling now. I am trying to get back into the sourdough cookery, I do make regular yeast bread also. Sourdough is interesting to work with.

    Found chicken breast on a good sale this last week, so chicken fingers figured into meals.
    French toast and homemade maple syrup for lunches. I cannot make myself eat breakfast.
    Because of this bitter cold, have been staying close to home and getting some mending and clothes altering done.
    I have also done some cleaning of sterling silver jewelry.
    Cleaned some brass candleholders also, I like candlelight on dreary days.
    Happy about the days getting longer but really do not like cold weather... the wind is just awful.
    JC

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    1. You are cold too. So many are. It is just so widespread!
      Sourdough bread sounds yummy. I am not a breakfast eater either - I can do it later in the day, but just not in the morning.
      Sounds like you are keeping busy and warm. Good plan to stay in.
      Yes, the wind is just nuts!
      Have a lovely week.

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  11. -8 here. I'll be out just to get the dogs relieved, but hopefully they'll do what they need and want back in. That means the young dog will have lots of pent up energy so I'll need to get him chasing a ball up and down the stairs a bit.

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    1. Cold, cold, cold. Seems that is the name of the game. Poor babes - I would sure hate to have to go out and do my business! LOL! Thankful for indoor plumbing.
      Play and have fun. Stay in and stay safe. Have a great week.

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  12. Hmm. What happened to Global Warming? We could use some later this week! Not sure I'll be able to go to work, get the car started, etc.

    Today is lovely - in the 50s and full sun. That's going to change a lot tonight.
    MaryB

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    1. Mary, I'm pretty sure all the "polar vortex" winter storms are why it's changed to climate change vs. global warming. ;-)
      --Elise

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    2. Mary, I say that a lot.
      Oh 50's you lucky lady. Yep, when it changes it changes fast. We went from upper 40's to this in about 24 hours.
      I hope you can get your car started later on. Staying in sounds like the best idea.
      Have a good week.

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  13. It is very cold here too, propane getting used at an alarming rate to keep us warm. But we are grateful for the warmth and the ability to buy more propane. XXXXX Maureen in MO

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    1. Yes mam, we are fortunate to have heat and to be able to buy more goods. Very fortunate. Stay in and stay warm - bundle up if need be.
      Have a good week.

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  14. Winter has arrived here as well. I haven't left the house since Friday but will have to tomorrow to go to work.
    I'm so glad you had a loved family Christmas with family. Photo's do always bring everyone together, don't they?
    I had a beef and veggie stew cooking in the crock pot for tonight. I'll serve it over egg noodles with a nice slice of the crispy bread I made yesterday.
    I hope you have a wonderful week of joys. Stay warm and enjoy the company of lil Bit and Blackie. Cats are the best!!

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    1. Auto correct really did a job on my comment.

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    2. Stew sounds yummy. Comfort food.
      I was amazed at how much they loved the pictures. All wanting them - so sharing and copying and making sure they all get them. It was fun to watch and listen to all their memories.
      Thank you. Yes, kitties are the bestest!
      Have a safe and lovely week.

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  15. I am so glad your kitties are safe with you inside. What a life they have !!!! They are surely two lucky duck cats.
    On Friday we drove two hours to attend a property auction. Roads were not too bad, but we had already decided to stay overnight to avoid evening driving in this weather. We were the only potential buyers to turn up so got the property and the realtor took us out for a meal. Turns out he and my partner were both at the same boys home, although at different times. What a very small world.
    The verse you have chosen today is one of my favourites, simple and true. Thank you for choosing it today.
    Take care everyone, Louise.

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    1. Yes, they are lucky duck cats!
      Congrats on the auction and the property. Smart staying overnight to be safe. It is a small world isn't it. So many times it seems it just gets smaller and smaller.
      I love that verse as well - yes simple and to the point. Thank you.
      Have a lovely week.

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  16. Brrrr on your very cold weather! It's cold here, but not that cold. My sister is driving back to Michigan today and they had a lot of snow up there while she was down here with us this weekend.

    I love that your kitties are safe and sound in your warm home and that they like sleeping with you. Mine like to sleep with me some at night and other times in the hallway. LOL

    My sister and I went through family photos this weekend too. That is always such a fun activity. I'm glad you got to do that with your family this week. And what very nice gifts they gave to you.

    We finally got our Christmas stuff put away this week before the family came.

    Grilled Cheese and tomato soup sound so good. I pulled chili out of the freezer one day this week and some mystery meat, which turned out to be a pork roast. I just love having ready made meals in the freezer.

    I hope you have a great week, Cheryl and stay warm! :)

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    1. I sure hope your sis has a safe trip back - it is nasty up that way. I am glad you all got to go through some things and pictures sure do bring back memories.
      The kitties are safe a secure, love them sleeping with me - although last night neither did - so they do they thing.
      Chili sounds yummy to me. I do love having things to pull out and make life a little easier some days.
      Have a blessed week.

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  17. Cheryl, how wonderful both cats are now inside and happy! Congratulations indeed! Since we are past Dec 21, I am happy the days are getting longer, finally. Here in Phoenix, we got down to freezing and everyone was fairly hysterical ;). Cub reporters on the news breathlessly reporting on the precautions to take ;). I think the Alberta lady who commented above would roll her eyes if she ever saw these nitwits talking about the dangers of 30 degrees Fahrenheit….

    On the home front, the tile floors are finally installed in my condo! Woohoo. Next I get the rest of the furniture out of storage and by the end of January I can call it complete “enough”. I sure like the results, thankfully. Happy January everyone, stay safe. Hilogene in Az

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    1. Thanks - I wondered how well it would work for a few days - but it is lovely now.
      I know, the weather people act like we have never had snow or cold before. Pretty crazy considering there are places where it IS REALLY cold. LOL
      So happy your floors are done - YAY!!!!!! I am so happy you get to finish finally moving in and can get back to somewhat 'normal'! So glad you like them.
      Happy January to you and have a great week!

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    2. Woo-hoo in the tile installation, Hilogene! You'll have is all squared away and homey in no time! --Elise

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  18. Your gifts look wonderful! So glad you got to enjoy some family time! I am also so happy your kitty babies are safe and warm inside with you! This weather is awful!!

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    1. Thanks - it was a wonderful time. Nice memories made.
      The kitties are sure enjoying their indoors! Momma too.
      Oh the weather sure does stink. We got too used to decent weather.
      Have a lovely week.

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  19. So glad it was a fun time for all! That sounds really nice...But that meme though... YES. : D I love the description of your kitties, oh that sounds so nice and cozy! Just like the meme! Love that, and love the kitties are safe and sound now. So fun.

    It will probably be in the 30s tomorrow, the next couple of days I think will be in the 20s and below. We have the woodburning stove on, yesterday it was concerning our electricity went out til around 7pm. They say equipment failure and there was also a branch or more that had fallen on lines, the poor crew was working until midnight cutting branches. Our daughter down the road said she heard chainsaws at midnight. They have done a great job back in the fall but apparently had missed a few. I told hubs, I guess they figure better now then later when it gets very cold and icie, thank God they are responsible and we didn't have things shut off tomorrow or the next day.

    Last week I made a good Italian soup, tomato based with spinach, asparagus and lentils over pasta. It turned out very good and was soothing and cozy. I wouldn't mind doing a minestrone tomorrow, I love soup. : ) ...But don't have freezer room so we sha'll see. Maybe I'll finish sewing a belt to one of my skirts, a Susan Winget, 'barn and horse Christmas' design fabric I purchased at Hobby Lobby on clearance, I even have enough for a matching apron, so we sha'll see.

    I sure like that scripture and prayer. Amen. We've been praying for animals everywhere that their owners will be kind and let them in, in the warmth.

    Praying for all, stay warm and safe! ~Amelia

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    1. That is pretty darn cold for you area. I don't think most people are used to the cold temps. We had such lovely weather for so long, we got spoiled. We aren't to get above freezing all week.
      The kitties are just precious. They have had breakfast this morning, and now they are wrestling like a couple of crazy cats! BOTH of them - they are having fun. Makes me laugh.
      Your skirt and the material sounds lovely.
      I feel so sorry for the electric workers in the winter. They work so hard in the cold and freezing temps so people have power.
      I know, I worry about all the animals outside and the PEOPLE. My goodness, I just cry when I think about the homeless. I sure hope people and animals find warmth.
      Have a blessed week.

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    2. Thank God, Salvation Army and Star of Hope have shelters and food for homeless and have vans driving around the city, they give them a blanket pack with two blankets in each pack at the shelter so that makes me feel much better about the homeless. I think some of the churches are opening their doors too thank God. : ) I know what ya mean though...I worry about all of the above.

      I LOVE hearing about those kitties! So cute! Oh yes, that would make me laugh too!

      Stay warm, sweet gal ~Amelia

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  20. P.S. Our chickens even have a heating panel in their coop, hubs put plexie glass over main windows and big giant bedspread over the coop to cover top smaller windows but allow ventilation. So they should be nice and comfortable too! : )

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    1. Sounds good - they should stay warmer that way. Water is a big thing too. The birds have been flocking to my water bowls outside - it is the only liquid water around! It has to feel good to drink - so much warmer than the real temps out.

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    2. Yes, our birdbath is a popular place! I bought a little bit of a little but bigger bird feeder yesterday instead of just my teacup one. The birds still love that teacup though, I think the saucer part is larger for them to stand on. We're covering the pipes too that lead to the chicken water cups. We have a plastic pail that acts as a toilet in the way that it's re-supplying the water to the cups constantly so the pipes running to that need to be covered and the drinking cups covered...and I'm thinking crank the panel up on heat too. Right now the chicks are free-ranging having a ball! Haha! Your kitties must be in hog-heaven as they say here! : )

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  21. We are going down to 12F one night and 17F the other. Days are high 20sF and I think 50s once, so not too bad. We are going out tomorrow for potatoes, carrots, apples, and milk. Then, when there is precipitation or low temps or both, we will be inside!

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    1. A high in the 20's would feel good here right now. I know that is pretty darn cold for your region. It is just such a mess out there all over the place. Stay in and be safe if the nasty stuff shows up.
      Have a great week.

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  22. Not much going on here. We're also getting the frigid weather. Snow is forecast for every couple of days, making it difficult to plan when to visit Husband. The staff tell me that he lives for my visits, but I have to balance my safety driving major highways in snow vs. his (and my) loneliness. Haven't been there since Thursday, but I will be seeing him today, as well as going to the Project Linus workshop for a couple of hours. More snow tonight, so I hope I make it to the caregiver support group meeting tomorrow.
    --Frances

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    1. Sorry that the weather is making it difficult for you to visit hubs. That stinks. BUT you have to stay safe and well, he needs you safe. You need you safe!
      I hope you both have a wonderful visit today. Enjoy the workshop, and hope you get to the meeting tomorrow. Stay safe out there.
      Have a good week.

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    2. Frances, I know that must be so hard, stay safe and take care of yourself first, so you can be there for your husband as you know. But I know it must hurt your heart especially when you know he lives for your visits...it just can't be helped though. God bless and be with you!

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    3. Oh Frances, how challenging! :( I hope you make it to the visit, the meeting, and all with no trouble on the roads. At least Monday is a holiday and if your area is like mine, there is less traffic than usual.

      MaryB

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    4. You're both still in our prayers, Frances. I have a few quick questions that don't need to be answered publicly:
      --Does the nursing home have daily activities your husband can participate in?
      --Are there any friends/family/neighbors you could contact to visit him on days you can't get there?
      I'm so glad you're back to Project Linus and hope you're able to make it to the support group meeting. (((Hug))) --Elise

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  23. Cheryl, this note is for you, but I have no email for you, so:

    There's a shapenote hymn singing Saturday March 23:
    "The Darrell Swarens Memorial All Day Singing will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal church, 6050 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Singing will begin at 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from both the 1991 revision The Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony, with dinner on the grounds at noon."

    There will be books to borrow and you don't have to sing a note, but you sit with the singers and are part of the group. You can come or leave at your convenience, no problem at all. I knew the man for whom the singing is named, he was *so* nice!

    MaryB

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    1. Thank you for the information. There are others from my area on here as well.

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  24. Hey Cheryl! Thanks for the shout out; sorry I've been AWOL. There is so little going on here and I did not have much to add to the conversations.
    Incredibly, it's colder where you are than here; I don't think we've gone below 6 F at night yet. Weeks of overcast days but finally, today it was sunny and about 20F. I try to get out for a walk every day; about a half mile to and from the mailbox. The air felt fresh and invigorating.
    It pleases me to hear about your happy cats and I think of you three as a little family supporting each other. Your extended family is pretty great too. What a whirlwind of activities over the holidays. I can see why the little cabin with light spilling out the window appeals to you. That is my situation, only picture a lake instead of the field.
    We are staying off the lake. There have been two fatalities near by; one was a lady who went to rescue her dog and fell through. Dog survived but not her. Another fellow went skating as the lakes were frozen but bare; He also went through.
    With all the mention of unmentionables, I'd like to suggest to those ladies who sew that you can make very comfortable and long wearing undies from cotton T shirts. Make a pattern from your most comfortable pair and away you go. I made about ten pair last summer when I purged some T shirts that I'd bought for .25 each at the thrift store. These were basically new T's with some kind of logo that no one wanted to wear more than once. You only need elastic for the waist as the legs are edged with a fabric binding made from the T. I made a pair from each shirt... so comfy.
    I hope that everyone stays warm and well as the winter deepens; please mask and sanitize when out in public as there are several viruses about.

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    1. Hey you!!!! So glad to hear from you. I was really getting worried. Wow, warmer there! It is 5* here this morning. It warmed up!! LOL
      I am just loving having the cats in and yes, I have a pretty great family. I wish many were closer in proximity.
      That is awful - those poor people. It just didn't get real cold for so long, I bet that happened more than we know. Thin ice is so dangerous. Living by a lake would me nice for swimming and fishing, but they can be scary too. I bet you have a lovely view.
      Thanks for the idea on panty making. That is a good idea. Really would be pretty simple. Love the idea of re-using too.
      Stay well and warm and please check in from time to time.
      Glad to hear from you.
      Have a great week.

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  25. Oh what fun you had! I love that you got all the wrappings. You know it's a good idea to have the party this past weekend -January is cold and boring sometimes!
    It's very cold here and the schools are closed because of it. -20 windchill is enough to call it off. The busses had a hard time yesterday getting started and then the kids were left waiting in the subzero cold for a long time so they couldn't chance it today.
    Granddaughter and I will be making a cake today if she gets a chance to come over. That will help heat the house too.
    Hope you are staying warm.

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