Sunday, January 7, 2024

Weekly Wrap Up 1/7

 Hello to all.  Our first Sunday of the year!  The first week in the books now.  I hope this finds everyone well.  Hoping to hear from some of you who have been missing the past few weeks.  The holidays keeps everyone busy, I know.
I kept busy this week, and I am preparing for my last family gathering today.  I am so excited to see the kids.  Even though we are in the same state, we don't get to each other very often (2 hours away).

Yesterday was the first sight of winter in our area.  Woke to a covering of white stuff!  The weather said 2" - but I had slush and a very thin layer of snow.  It was basically gone by the end of the day.  Temps this coming week will be 40's and 30's - with some mixture of precipitation.  Nothing horrible.

Kitties are doing better and better.  At 3 weeks from surgery, I noticed Blackie spitting out some stitches!  He is now back to eating more dry food (with water on it).  He likes kitty chow too.  That will be a big money saver to go back to more dry food than wet!  They have been playing and playing together.  Blackie now likes to hang out in the kitchen on the rug in there!  They are such a hoot.

My week:
  • Washed all the bedding and the rugs
  • Scoured frig and stove - cleaned frig out
  • Combined goods when possible in frig and shopped from my stock to fill in gaps
  • Scoured the bird/squirrel watering holes
  • Started a file for all my tax stuff - got my first info on the 2nd
  • Mended a bed covering (under cover)
  • Made my last batch of the season of Springerle cookies (gifting today)
  • Managed to do some big clean-up in basement/craft area on the spur of the moment.  Went looking for something and one thing led to another!!!!!
  • Have all for today's meal here at home.  Even made my own ice and tea.  Only things I bought were buns, soft street taco shells and fresh veggies to make a veggie tray with.
  • While at the store - I looked around as I wanted to get my gr.gr. nephew a little something extra.  I found this big dinosaur head that contains 30 different activities.  Normal price 49.99 - I paid 9.99!!  What a deal!  That is my only after Christmas buy!
  • Lots of dusting and vacuuming - just basic cleaning. 
  • Used crockpot to make corned beef - froze lots of the leftovers for later

My meals this past week:
Lasagna from freezer and salad
Corned beef, cabbage and black eyed peas 
Rueban - YUM
Angus/cheeseburger and salad
Dirty rice with meat added and veggies
Burrito (w/leftover rice) and fresh veggies
Chicken wraps

How was your first week of the year?  Did you after the holiday shop?  Eating what is on hand?  
I hope you all check in, missing some of you gals.
May you all have a wonderful week ahead and stay healthy and safe.  Winter weather is to hit a big section of the country this week - so please stay safe.  Stay in when possible.  Nothing is so important to go out in nasty weather.

Blessing to you and yours from my humble little home!
**************************

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health and body.
Proverbs 16:24

Dear Lord, please help us to each be a better person this new year.  Help us to mind our thoughts, actions and words that they are only used for good.  May we all be the best person we can be, and may we live the best life we can.  AMEN

67 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Cheryl! You have been busy this week! I've been using this past week to get organized in some areas too. The weather has been cold and damp here in Texas. We are wimps when it comes to cold weather :) I think we've had more rain in the past few weeks than we did all summer. I'm glad to be into the new year and in the organizing mindset for now. I keep looking out at the front yard and am looking forward to spring and all the plans in my head for flowers. But until then, I will continue to enjoy these days of cold. I basically just feel like hibernating :) Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thank you. Yes I think cleaning and hibernating are on most minds this month. Just getting back into a 'normal' mode will be nice.
      Stay warm and dry if possible. That rain will help the drought tables for sure.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  2. My first week was just great until today. I now have my husbands cold plus a few more symptoms. I hope to nip this in the bud drinking lots of hot lemon and honey in water as well as staying warm inside.

    God bless.

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    1. Hope you're both feeling better soon.

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    2. Well cruddo! Sorry you got IT! Hope your remedy works and gets lots of rest and stay warm and dry. Feel better soon.
      Have a blessed week.

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  3. I hope you have a wonderful time sat your final Christmas celebration today, Cheryl. Snow is so lovely and fun to look at anytime. I'm glad your kitties are doing well. We had our little Maisey fixed at the vet this week and she is doing well too. And yes, dry cat food is cheaper than wet food. Your dinners sound delicious as usual. We are still in grief mode here, but have a lot of decluttering of Dad's stuff and that will take a while. My brother and sister are both coming in from out of state to help, so I'm very grateful for that. I hope you have another wonderful week. :)

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    1. Thank you - I am sure we will have fun today. Thank you on the kitties and I hope your baby mends well and quickly.
      I just hold you all in prayer Belinda - so sorry you are going through this. It is tough, as you know. Take your time going through your daddy's things - they aren't going any where. I am glad your brother and sister will be there with you.
      Try and have a nice week. HUGS

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    2. Belinda, I'm so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
      --Frances

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    3. Belinda, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Hugs. Payers for you and your family.

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    4. Prayers for your family, Belinda. --ELise

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  4. I did a bit of post holiday shopping, a few gifts for birthdays or Christmas next year. January is going to be a long hard month for my family so I'm trying to focus on my own resiliency and health. A byproduct hopefully will be no mindless spending.

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    1. Will be praying for you and your family all month, SAM.

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    2. SAM so glad to see you stop by. I posted your new blog on my sidebar! Hey, you are saving money for the future. That is good. Keep your eye on the ball and you will all get through it day by day. Hugs kiddo - think of you all the time. Have a good week.

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  5. After hyping the snow storm all week, we ended up with about an inch of heavy, wet snow with a little more forecast for today. With temps in the 30s and 40s this week, it will be gone soon.

    I'm slowly recovering from last weekend's stomach virus which left me mostly very tired and brain foggy (more than usual). I visited Husband Tues-Fri but stayed home this weekend.

    Spent yesterday morning setting up my expense tracking spreadsheet for 2024 and computing the estimated taxes for 4th qtr 2023. Finished a Project Linus baby quilt and have another ready to quilt today. I'll be back at the PL workshop Monday and Wednesday this week. Need to get on the treadmill today. It's too cold and icy to walk in the street.

    After two visits, I decided to no longer see the therapist. It just wasn't a good fit. I don't plan to look for another at this time. I'm finding a lot of coping help online and in books. I'd also signed up for a grief support group (Grief Share) being held at a church. When I explained to the moderator (the pastor) that I am grieving the gradual loss of the essence of my husband to Alzheimer's, she said that she didn't think the group would be the right place for me. Hospice is starting a monthly caregiver support group, and I do plan to attend that. If I could drive at night I would have a lot more options, including dementia caregiver support groups.
    --Frances

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    1. Praying you find the right fit/right venue for grief support, Frances. Alzheimer's is about long, slow loss. Hospice is, too. Maybe that group will be good for you.

      We need to get our taxes estimated. Thankfully, we got a large rebate check from the electric company (re. solar) to deposit into savings in case we'll owe anything to the IRS. My SS kicks in next month. --Elise

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    2. Hi Frances, I'm so sorry they told you the group would not be a good fit, that stinks. I can surely understand how the therapist may not be a good fit. Our youngest went through a rough patch last year with a lad with domineering parents and the lad turned into a monster at the end, shocking. But to make a long story short, she also decided the therapist was not a good fit and decided that prayer, reading and even youtube videos on the subject was helpful along with good friends and family to talk to. So, I hear ya on all of this. The hospice group sounds nice though. : ) It is difficult with all these groups that like to meet at night, I don't feel comfortable with that either. It's like they forget about us ladies who stay home and are eating supper in the safety of our homes at their chosen meeting times. smh There is a ladies Bible study group that is like that and I'm not participating in that, (for several reasons) ; ). Won't bore you with tmd.

      Praying for you, Frances. God bless and be with you , you have been on my mind. ~Amelia

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    3. FRANCES - glad you are starting to feel better and maybe get your strength back. Glad you got to visit hubs this week - with the icy roads you are wise to stay in this weekend.
      sometimes it takes a while to get a good fit with a therapist. At least you are trying. You have a really good frame of mind right now and that is important. The hospice group sounds nice. Hoping you find just what you need. Keeping busy is a huge plus as well.
      Have a lovely week my friend.

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    4. Glad you are finding support in unlikely places, Frances, pity it wasn't where you'd expect it. Totally agree about evening meetings - maybe ok in summertime! ;) Hospice will likely address any issues you're dealing with as you will not be the only one. I think you're very brave. Holding in prayer.
      MaryB

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  6. Best wishes for a wonderful day with your family, Cheryl. How special to spend time with those you don't see very often. Precious memories to make! I'm happy to read about Blackie and Bits making themselves at home inside. Jellybean (a big, black cat) loved a kitchen rug for napping, too.

    There are still big patches of snow on the ground with 4-8 inches more expected today. It's the time of year when our living room décor includes a snow shovel, broom and covered bucket of rock salt by the front door. Ah, well. Spring will be here before we know it.

    Much was accomplished this 1st week of the year. In my kitchen, a small batch of orange pulp jam--more sugar next time. Oranges were juiced making 1/2 gallon. I made a pot of Italian sausage & white bean soup with celery, carrots and spinach; we'll have the last of it today. Bought 6 lbs. apples, two boneless 1/2 pork loin roasts, and (yesterday at Dollar General) canned goods. Two big bags of dog food will last through Feb. Housecleaning happened, too. Mostly the kitchen. Thanks for the tips on the microfiber cloths and composition notebooks for planning/lists. I ordered and received 2 spiral bound Ball canning books.

    The 2nd week of the year will begin with a dentist appointment tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed for minimal pain and cost. We had a good anniversary in spite of it. Quiet. At home.

    Thanks for the verse and prayer! --Elise

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    1. Well, you can keep that snow! ICK! I have seen enough for my year! I am sure there will be more though.
      You did accomplish a lot. It always feels good to get things done. Having it all clean feels great too.
      Good luck at the dentist - hope it all goes well.
      Have a great week.

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    2. We had so much snow last year, Cheryl, that I joked I died and went to Ohio. LOL! Might as well take advantage of having to be indoors, though, and I hope to tackle one room at a time for a stretched out "spring" cleaning before spring arrives. You really do motivate me, dear lady! --Elise

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  7. Happy New Year Cheryl and readers! I putzed my way through the end of last year and relaxed my way into the New Year. 5days in the mountains (sadly very little snow), and returned to the city to walk my way through the first 6 days of 2024 with nearly 25miles "in the books" as of last night. I did a bit of housekeeping and a lot of cooking. Saturday brought our first real snowstorm depositing 2" of light fluffy stuff. So what is called for? A big pot of Chili and cornbread of course. Ratotouille from the freezer, smoked New Mex chilis (all from garden to stove, to freezer last fall). YUM!!!!
    I've also sewed my way through the week. I amassed 1000s of 2.5" squares from bits of remaining yardage. At this point, 600 have been stitched into a quilt "middle". More to come.

    Blessed Sunday to all.

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    1. Elle, I made a pot of chili early in the week. Yum! And 25 miles in 6 days is impressive!!

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    2. Praying for you Elise about that dental appointment!

      Hugs to you dear one, ~Amelia

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    3. It sounds like you ended and started the years JUST right! That is a lot of steps - good going.
      Mmmm chili sounds good. Maybe later in the week - I am sure I will have plenty of leftovers after today.
      Yay on the quilt. That will be lovely.
      Have a wonderful week.

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    4. Elle, I forgot to ask about quilting... it's been many, many years since I quilted, but have been thinking about getting some 4X or 5X flannel shirts (men's big and tall) to cut up for small quilting projects. Pot holders. Tote bags. Throw pillow covers. Blankets for littles. The men's flannel shirts are as low as $13.99 new, but I could watch thrift stores, too. Have you ever cut up clothing to use for quilting? --Elise

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  8. That verse in Proverbs is one of my favorites. I have lots of sticky notes in my Bible to make more verse cards for the little frame that displays them.

    You will enjoy your company! That's a great find on the dinosaur head.

    Glad to hear that Blackie is healing nicely. It's good that the two kitties are not out in these cold and wet conditions.

    The Farmer repaired the constantly dripping kitchen faucet, caulked the area around the sink and countertop and replaced an old zinc fitting under the sink. No more leaks and drips! I had to remove everything under the sink and will replace the paper I put down on the floor of the cabinet. Found some things to toss and will organize the contents better.

    We will make a broccoli and cauliflower soup today. The picture looked so good and I'm sure it will be. Definitely a good day for hot soup.

    Have fun with your company!

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    1. Thanks.
      Glad you got the dripping stopped. Little bits add up - no sense wasting your precious water.
      Your soup sounds so good. Definitely a day for soup.
      When I woke to snow the other morning, I said they same thing. So glad the kitties are in here. Bits hasn't experienced snow before.
      Have a great week.

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    2. It's just amazing what finds a home under the sink! Such variety can be hard to organize, but any bit helps. ;)
      MaryB

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  9. Hi Cheryl, Oh that does my heart so good that you are such a good great aunt! That is so wonderful that you found that activity dinosaur thing. Wonderful! And that little boy will so remember you doing that! : ) I always remember even now the great aunt and step great-grandma etc. who always thought of me. My husband remembers two little ladies who sewed him a miniature white grocer man's apron to wear at their store. They lived on top of the store at the time. Very sweet people.

    It sounds like you are doing wonderfully, I hope the meetup will be so nice for you. It sounds nice! : )

    I had a nice week, many are sick this week so Littles didn't come over but that's okay. Been taking down the glittery Christmas things that shout, Merry Christmas but leaving most of it. : ) I did get some deals at a gift store in smalltown and even made some acquaintance with the gal who owns it. it was delightful, I also found deals at Hobby Lobby. Nothing huge but little doggy ornaments and snowman ornaments, very vintage. I have the little snowmen hanging in my windows. I have a lot of gift wrap now too and some Christmas doggy and a cuple of Winnie the Pooh salad size plates that I can place cookies on next year on the table. Got a dish towel and dish drying mat with Christmas theme. Will use the drying mat all year, it's so darn cute, white background and little kitties. : )

    Love to hear about your kitties, so, so, so happy Blackie is doing so well, that just warms my heart because I soooo understand.

    Love the meme, so true and love the Bible verse and prayer, so true as well. Amen dear sister. Amen.

    I appreciate you, ~Amelia P.S. And I agree, it's smart to hunker in when weather is icky outside. I totally agree. As my dad would say...A good time to make some hot chocolate and in your case spend time with kitties. : )

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    1. Sorry you all have had sickness this week. Hope all heals wonderfully.
      The older of the 'littles' coming today (teens) are just a joy as well. They are so caring and loving and we laugh and have fun. I hope some day they remember it all as GOOD! I think they will.
      Keep what you like out and enjoy as long as you want. Why not?
      Yep, good time to stay in and stay warm.
      Have a wonderful week

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    2. Prayers everyone recovers quickly and is well soon. It's so hard when the littles are under the weather. Thank you, Amelia, for your prayers for the dentist tomorrow. It's one of those things I don't do often enough, but never really had to until a few years ago. I'm grateful I could get a quick appointment.

      I know of a lady who leaves some of her Christmas decorations out all year. She wrote an Advent devotional and says it's a reminder all year of Christ's birth. :-) I'm all for decorating a home in a way that brings you joy each day.
      (((Hug))) --Elise

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    3. P.S. I've decided to leave the gnomes out all year above the kitchen cabinets. :-)

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    4. ELISE wait till you see the gnome I show this week! It was a gift today and homemade. I told her I had to show it, so others could make them too. It is so cute

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    5. Thank you Cheryl, yes, they will remember, I'm pretty sure. : )

      I'm leaving most of everything out, in fact I think i'm putting the little star back on the top of the little tree! : )

      I agree, Why not? : D ~Amelia

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    6. Thank you Elise, actually, I do leave the It's a Wonderful Life buildings up year round...I just take the red poinsettias from it but the colors are neutral with a teensy bit of snow and I leave the winter trees up too there. I'm so glad you are leaving your gnomes up too! That is great! : ) I have little vintage snowman faces in three of our windows, I tied them up with velvet ribbon in sage green on two and cream on another...Love my snowmen! Also picked up a vintage snowman sign too on clearance. So fun!

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    7. Also, for anyone who needs a toy set for your gift stash for little boys, Sam's Wholesale Club has their own Members Mark brand of a 4 piece set of the large action figures $10.00 off, for $9.98. They remind me of GI Joe dolls from the 60s, that large size with changeable helmets and accessories. A firefighter, astronaut etc. I picked up two online for part of two of our littles b-days. They'll have fun changing helmets and things. : )

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  10. Christmas is a season, not a day. I was invited to my neighbors yesterday for dinner in celebration of the Julian calendar Christmas. The traditional meal is made of meatless dishes: Kutia (unground wheat, rice, barley or oats with the addition of sweet ingredients like honey, jam, dried fruits, etc.), Borsch, Mushroom gravy, Varenyky (pierogies), Holubtsi (cabbage rolls), Herring, Marinated mushrooms, Ukrainian Christmas Bread Recipe. There were many Ukrainian settlers in this community. My dad always enjoyed pickled herring at Christmas. January 6 is also known as Little Christmas or Women's Christmas, an Irish tradition when men took on the traditional female role giving the woman of the house a rest. So many traditions around the world. The Christmas tree will come down today. It was a brown Christmas, very unusual for NE Alberta. There's been a snowfall in the night. I'm making a wheat salad (recipe on Allrecipes.com) today, a dessert with cream cheese, pineapple, vanilla pudding, whipped cream. Leftovers made up the menu this week.

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    1. I agree that it is a season not a day. I also believe we should keep it in our hearts 365 days a year! sounds like you have been enjoying yourself. What fun and all that interesting food!
      Enjoy the snowfall! Have a blessed week.

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    2. Interesting fact about 6 January being Women's Christmas in Ireland. My late MIL was Irish. I asked my husband of that happened in his house, he laughed and said he had never heard of it :-)

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  11. I'm pretty much over my cold, but I'm still taking it easy this weekend. We had more snow yesterday but it's ended now. Cold weather is on its way. To be expected, but not really welcome.
    I'm so happy to hear the kittens are doing so well indoors.

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    1. Glad you are recuperating. Yep, cold and snow are bound to show up here too - it IS winter! I don't have to like it either - but it will happen regardless.
      Thanks! Have a good week.

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  12. Hi Cheryl. Enjoy your family Christmas celebration today!! I'm sure you'll make lots of memories.
    I'm glad to hear the cats are still enjoying being inside and that Blackie continues to heal. Cats are just the best.

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    1. i was a blast today - so much fun and so many memories shared and new ones made!
      I love kitties!
      Have a lovely week.

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  13. So good to hear about Blackie and Bits! My Alice is doing ok, but I sure wish she'd let me clip her claws. Unfortunately she is *not* a lap cat at all, so it's tough to get a good grip on her without her hissing and clawing and struggling. I can't clip claws with all that going on. Sure don't want to clip off her toes! My next purchase will be a horizontal scratch pad as she seems to want to claw the rugs.
    MaryB

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    1. I have a good scratch post - but Blackie got his nails trimmed at the vet. They do a complementary clip with any procedure.
      I can't imagine trying it myself either.
      She will come around eventually!
      Have a good week.

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  14. Cheryl,
    I hope you have a most wonderful time at your gathering.
    We have a bit of snow again this morning. I don't enjoy winter in any of its forms ...so ick. But I am blessed with a warm home, plenty to eat and family close by. I want to remember all of my blessings every day because there are many people that aren't blessed with the same.
    So glad your kitties are doing so well.
    JC

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    1. Thank you - it was wonderful. I had 10 here, so a good crowd.
      Yes, I am with you on not liking winter. I guess it is great necessary, to kill bugs and stuff - but I would like to not have it! We are blessed to have so many comforts and get to stay in.
      Have a fantastic week.

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  15. My husband and I started the new year with a cold. I had mine all of 3 days, he is better but was still a bit congested this morning. Last week I did a bit of cleaning out of cupboards. I am attempting to re-arrange my pantry so I can find things easier. My husband loves to shop but we need to eat some of the stuff we already have. I found some very old crackers that were no longer good to eat. I hate waste but they were behind other items and had been lost in the great abyss. This next week more cleaning. I had time for this because my pc that runs my long-arm stopped working I had to send it in to see if it can be repaired. It is always something. If it can’t be fixed I will need to upgrade. I have to many quilt tops to not be quilting. Guess I will just have to clean and sew more tops this next week. We have very cold weather in next weekends forecast with possible snow. I will definitely stay home if that happens. Nancy in Vancouver WA.

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    1. Glad you are both recovering. Nasty way to start the year. Oh, the pantry!!! I hear you on that. Mine needs a good workover this week too.
      I hate waste too, and sometimes things just slip throw the cracks. I guess it happens.
      You sound like a busy lady. I admire those that do quilting. Long-arms are quite a nice piece of equipment! Hope the other computer can be repaired for minimal cost.
      Stay warm this week - it looks to be cold there.
      Have a great week.

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  16. It feels like forever since I commented here. This first week has been a blessing for me, providing an opportunity to clear my head, recharge the batteries, and get Christmas put away. All of the running back and forth to Michigan for my Mom's surgery literally wiped me out! I've been sleeping extra well most nights, and have spent lots of time getting Christmas packed up, moved downstairs, and stowed in the garage. Still a few more things to get put away, but most of it is done. Whew!!!! It's been a whirlwind. Here's to hoping you enjoyed your time celebrating Christmas once again!

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  17. Hope you enjoyed time with your family, wow 10, fun times and good food no doubt.
    We are in the Holliday home about 6 miles from our house as the guys are starting the bathroom and kitchen refit. It's on the outskirts of a small village, no street lighting and muddy roads for walking the dog. It's Freddie's 1st gotcha day today, we adopted him a year ago.
    The UK has had lots of rain and flooding in parts, the fields driving here are like lakes, good job the roads are slightly higher. This morning was a sharp frost and granddaughter came across 2 car accidents caused by black ice on her way to work.
    Glad to hear the cats have settled down well. What did they think of a house full?

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    1. Thanks. The kitties stayed hidden from the company. I figured as much. They are just settling in with me and the house thing - so strangers were a no.
      I am sorry you have flooding. SO many places have been in drought - so hoping it helps the water tables. How lovely that you have a nice place to stay while the work is being done. Oh, I bet that will just so lovely when all done! That is a huge project.
      Stay safe and warm. Hope you have a lovely week.

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  18. Debby in Kansas USAJanuary 8, 2024 at 9:08 AM

    Good Monday morning! ☀️

    I should've used a storm cloud as we woke to pouring rain. ☔. No complaints, we need it. As long as my yard horseshoe moves it around the house and out, it's all good!

    I did take advantage of Hobby Lobby and Michaels clearance. For yard decor. Hubs loves doing the outside so I put away my hairy Grinch feet and help lol. We found some of those giant ornaments to hang in the trees. We also found some mini red ball ornaments and red outside bows. We hang a wreath over the garage carriage lights so there's 3. The wreaths are fine, but the balls and bows are shot. So, they'll get spiffed up for about $1.50 each. I decorate for January so it's a great time to buy snowmen and flake items. Didn't find anything new this year except for a string of mini blue lights. I wound those around the 6' pine length on the mantel. And tucked in all my gourd snowmen. They're quite cheerful.

    An odd discovery over the weekend....I was googling an old school friend and it led me to a Facebook page of memorials from my HS. We lost 11 people in a host of ways between JH and HS, but I was not even close to prepared to see how many have since passed. And young! I mean, I'm 60ish, but many didn't even make it to 50. I was just blown away. Some were 2-3 siblings in near years that I grew up with. Mind boggling, really. There was even an unsolved murder.

    Onto brighter things. You know I read 4 books at a time lol, but my night read is so enjoyable that I wanted to share. By Julie Klassen.
    Early 1800s in Britain. The Sisters of Sea View . Id compare it to a British Little Women on the Devonshire shore! There's 2 in the series now and I'm on the 2nd one...the name eludes me....

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    1. Sounds like you have future decorating all in the bag! Good job. Sounds like you found some nice things. Redoing the wreaths is sure cheaper than getting 3 new wreaths.
      Rain is a blessing for all the drought areas. We are supposed to get an inch or so tomorrow.
      I hear you on deaths. We have had over 100 from high school that they knew of. Many people have just vanished and no one knows about them - so I suspect the total to be much higher. Many were very young.
      I have trouble with one book - wow, 4 at a time! Thanks for the review.
      Have a good week.

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  19. Wow, 10 people! That sounds like good times.
    * We had snow the other day but it melted by evening. But they say we are expecting more as the week goes on. So I'll be going out to the store today. It's pretty cold here today.

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    1. It was a lovely time. So many memories shared and lots of laughs.
      I saw it was supposed to get real cold that way. Yuck. We have rain/snow this week - but nothing a lot to speak of. I think we get those cold temps by weekend.
      Stay warm and dry and have a blessed week.

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  20. Debby in Kansas USAJanuary 8, 2024 at 4:39 PM

    I have always been a reader. I'm sure it's from living with my grands. They were not TV watchers. My Grandpa loved to read his mysteries so I read, too. I was also that kid reading under my blankets with a flashlight. Reading 4 books might sound impressive and/or lazy, it's not as much time as you'd think. Maybe 2 hrs. per day total. But consider that I only watch the morning news on TV. Zero regular shows or anything. My lunch book is a murder mystery, I read a bible study book, I listen to a CD book about CIA spy stuff, and a gentle read before bed. There's no confusing such different stories. Maybe a half hour each. The CD is while I'm working in my craft room so it varies.

    Anyone else notice how big and juicy the pomegranates were this year? YUM!!

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    1. We didn't watch much TV either. My parents would put classical music records on the stereo, and they and I would read. I still like to read to the accompaniment of classical music. As a child, I also read under the covers with a flashlight LOL!
      My current reading selections include books about Husband's conditions or dealing with my emotions. Currently reading the latest revision of "Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie. I read it over 20 years ago but gave away my copy a few years ago. Definitely need to read it again as my inner control freak keeps torturing me by trying to control the uncontrollable.
      My late evening reads the past couple of months are cozy mysteries. Currently reading the "Knit & Nibble" mystery series by Peggy Ehrhart. Sally Goldenbaum also wrote a couple of series. Not mysteries, but I especially enjoyed the "Dearest Dorothy" series by Charlene Ann Baumbich. Nothing too taxing or thought provoking so I don't keep myself awake at night.
      Also doing a chapter a day of "Just One Thing: developing a Buddha brain one simple practice at a time" (by Rick Hanson) to work on mindfulness and calming my hyperactive brain.
      --Frances

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    2. I love cozy mysteries and relaxing reads, Frances. Thanks for sharing! --Elise

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    3. I do read a lot of cookbooks and kind of self-help books. I haven't "joy" read for a while - I need to do that again. I have so many books in my little library. Might as well start with what I have hear.
      So nice that you both enjoy your reading. Much better than TV.

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  21. There was enough snow yesterday to require closing streets in town and all mountain highways, but the plows got out and roads were open today. LOVE the new dentist. A young gal. Very thorough. I have 2 cavities to be drilled and filled on the 17th. The best part? Aside from NOT having an abscess? It was $64 today for x-rays and exam. Obviously the fillings will be more, but not astronomical.
    --Elise

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    1. WOW - closing the streets in the town? Amazing. So happy to hear the dentist visit was a good one. Glad you got a good price too. Always nice to find a new doctor.

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  22. I've not done after Christmas shopping other than regular things. I need to get back to my thrifty week posts. I do so much better and get so much more done!

    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura

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    1. I think the holidays throws a wrench in all our frugalness! It is time to get back to taking care of our finances.
      Have a lovely week.

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  23. Cheryl,
    I did do after Christmas shopping. I got the Ziploc freezer and storage bags with Christmas designs on them. I don't care what is on the bags when I use them. Cheap is my concern. Of course, as prices go to 75% and 90%, I will buy more. We eating what is here, buying produce. I did find bscb for $1.99, so got $10 of that. I can never have too much bscb.
    Today was spendy day...all on my blog.
    Practical Parsimony

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  24. I have done that in years past for baggies. I am with you - who cares about the design. I would love to find some here.
    Good buys.
    Have a great day.

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