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?
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
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.
*************************
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
Worked on Christmas cards here. Almost done. Need to send the overseas ones *now* or they'll not get there in time.
ReplyDeleteToday I'm making potato soup using up the remains of the Thanksgiving ham. Already did ham stock for the freezer, but the potato soup will have bits of ham. Your meals sound tasty. I had grits with ham and cheese twice and that was yummy.
Yes, the horrid cold snap went away, so I plan to work outside this afternoon. There is still *so much* to do! And I don't like working out there in the freezing cold, so maybe much of the job will wait until spring.
I think the Christmas gifts are about finished up. Need to make donations for the littles' college funds, and deliver some local gifts, but that's all.... I think! Unfortunately I often find I've overlooked something or someone and then *GUILT*! Lists are a great help for me: last year's card list, last year's gift list. Am I losing my mind? ;)
Yes, Sing unto the Lord!
MaryB
Potato soup sounds great! So many things one can use ham for!
DeleteI am glad to see the cold gone too - for a few days. Oh, it will be back, I am sure. What you don't get done outside can wait. Truthfully spring will be here before we know it!
I always try to keep a list from last year and a current one - so I don't forget or duplicate! Lists are our friends.
Have a blessed week.
Good news on your sister's progress, Cheryl. Weather report: temps are mild hovering ~0C. Nice but unseasonal. There was freezing rain overnight, the worst conditions IMO. I'm thankful to be staying at home today. Your pictures brought reminders of the ceramic tree my paternal grandma had & my mom had the same Corelle dinner plates. I attended the 4th craft fair (& the last) of the season. My purchases all told: Christmas print pillowcases, cabbage rolls, prune buns, hand woven kitchen towels. Christmas baking for gifting this past week: cranberry/wht chocolate oatmeal cookies, peanut butter confetti squares, coconut macaroons (using my grandma's recipe), decorated sugar cookies. Delivered the thank you/Christmas gift box to the caregivers at the nursing home. It was the first time I've returned since mom's passing 3 mos ago. It was nice to see the residents & staff again. It contributes to resolution as does the Coping with Grief at the Holidays session that I attended this past wk. Walked 4 mi. Enjoyed a night out with an old work group. In the kitchen: lentil soup; bruschetta chicken; spaghetti squash using up the last of the garden tomatoes; chicken caesar salad; liver pate on crackers. Another good week.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hate freezing rain - just do not like slippery conditions.
DeleteFunny - I just like old things. I made the tree for my MIL, and when she passed I got it back. The plates - I have 2 of those - they are just light weight. My other dishes are heavy.
I want to be at your house - it all sounds good. The baking and the meals. Yum.
Thant was nice of you to take the goodies to your mom's former place. Sometimes, the littlest thing helps with some closure/resolution of things.
Have a lovely week.
I finished decorating and my Christmas cards. I have most of the presents bought and wrapped. I still need something small for my two 20 something nephew. I'm thinking of a bar of Harry's soap and a chocolate bar. We are hosting my husband's side of the family on Dec. 23rd. We are doing a pot luck. I'm planning on making French Dip Sandwiches, deviled eggs, meat and cheese plate, and a Texas sheet cake. Paula
ReplyDeletePaula it sounds like you are about ready. That sounds like a perfect gift for the young man. The pot luck sounds good, and French dip sandwiches sound so yummy! Good idea.
DeleteHave a great week.
We've done all the decorating we plan to do...and it is way overboard but it certainly makes the house look pretty.
ReplyDeleteChristmas gifts have been purchased or homemade finished. Wrapping will happen, hopefully, sometime this week. We won't put the gifts under the tree as there is a curious 7 year old and a couple of cats. I'll box up the ones for my brother and family to take with me to the city on the 28th.
Baking is on-going. I hope to make the gingerbread cake between bouts of shovelling snow today. It has slowed down and we'll head out for the first round shortly.
My daughter picked up a beef roast for our Christmas dinner. There will be potatoes and gravy, a veg or two, homemade buns, and a box of Stovetop stuffing (her favorite).
Over board is just fine, especially when you have a youngster there! I bet he loves it. Good for you on being done. I use a lot of pretty bags - and baskets - so wrapping is pretty easy.
DeleteGlad the snow is slowing down a bit - you need a rest from it.
Sounds like dinner will be yummy at your house. Is your son coming there for Christmas Day?
Have a super week. Stay safe!
Love your devotional and prayer..."let us not be overwhelmed". 2 Chronicles 7 was my morning study. Shlomo prayed to Adonai and His spirit filled the Temple, so much so that the cohanim could not enter. I cannot imagine a communication so powerful that the Spirit of the Father would supernaturally respond in such a way. Sometimes I am guilty of "drive-by" prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that your sister is coming home! It's wonderful that she has loved ones who will care for her as she continues to heal.
Bits looks like he is in deep thought. Maybe he sees something out the window and pondering if he should attack it.
Your meals always sound so good. It would be too easy to not make nutritious and delicious for one's self. We are having burgers smothered in mushroom gravy, with a pan of roasted cauliflower, onion, broccoli and delicata squash.
Today will be a perfect day to work outside. The weather is psycho. Can't make up it's mind. I'll take more of the mild days, thank you so much.
"let us not be overwhelmed" should be everyone's mantra!!
DeleteShe came home last Thursday so she is happy. She has a great system of love surrounding her.
Yes, he is probably looking for Licorice - he loves watching for that cat, and running the course of windows around the house to follow him! They talk through the doors.
I like to eat - so try to fix something. Even if it is remade 'planned overs'.
I went out and raked this morning and then went out with a friend this afternoon. It is gorgeous out. I will gladly take more of this weather.
Have a good week.
I'm plugging along on the gifts. I made strawberry jam (from strawberries I bought for 99c last summer). I'll be making peanut butter to go with it later today. Also made dark chocolate cashew butter with cashews I got a good deal on and delicious chocolate I got earlier in the year for $1.69/lb. Also working on jar mixes and various sewing projects. Today my daughter and I will be baking at my house.
ReplyDeleteHow do you cut your own hair? Mine is long & straight. I can't imagine ever getting it right if I tried that.
All your homemade gifts sound wonderful!!!! Homemade peanut butter - that is neat. The chocolate cashew butter sounds divine. You have been a busy bee.
DeleteMy hair is short - so I just basically cut it the same length all over. Use my comb as a guide. That is the reason it is short!
Maybe you can find a trusted friend or family member to help you get a nice straight cut.
Have a super week.
Glad your sister is doing well. Go for my second chemo tomorrow. My checkup on Friday was good. Turns out I have a rare tcell lymphoma. Will have 6 treatments then if I go into remission depending how long I may have to travel for other treatment. Right now things are hopeful, unfortunately losing my hair was expected. But it is traumatizing . They told me first treatment is the worse we will see. Hoping you all have a good week. Joyce pa
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyce. I sure hate you are having to go through all of this. I hope the remission happens and you will be done with the treatments after the 6. Pretty hats or scarves will keep you warm for a while - it would be traumatizing - I can see that. Huge hugs to you. I hope you have a good support group around you. Stay positive and know you are in my prayers nightly!
DeleteHave a good week.
Yes, prayers for you. At least it is winter and winter hats are a good camouflage for lost hair. I hope that's the worst reaction.
DeleteMaryB
Prayers and good thoughts for you Joyce. And remember, bald is both brave and beautiful. Louise
DeletePrayers for you Get a cheap wig from Paula Young I love mine Cindy/WV
DeleteThat sure is great news about your sister!!!! Take care, Louise
ReplyDeleteThank you - I thought so too. Now to keep her upright!!!!!
DeleteHave a lovely week.
Great news that your sister is home. How wonderful. Finished baking today (well I hope) and will finish up a couple of things over the next week.
ReplyDeleteI made the exact same tree many years ago and always put it out at Christmas.
God bless.
Thanks.
DeleteOh gosh, you are finished? I haven't even started!
I think those little trees were real popular back in the day - and now they are coming back in style. All things old are new again!
Have a blessed week.
Happy Cattiversary In The House to Bitsy and Blackie! ♥️ I know they bring you so much joy! I love your tree! Hubby and I have discussed having something similar in a few years.
ReplyDeleteThanks - yes, I have such sweet babies. They do give me a lot of joy and laughs.
DeleteSimple is now my motto! I kind of like old school.
Have a super week.
bonjour à toutes
ReplyDeleteje suis bloquée par la neige je n'ai pas fini mes cadeaux de noel et aujourd'hui je rate un rendez vous à l'hopital j'espère que tout va s'arranger dans les jours à venir
bonne journée à toutes
Someone - anyone translation please.
DeleteGoogle Translate is your friend!
DeleteHello everyone I'm stuck by the snow, I haven't finished my Christmas presents and today I'm missing an appointment at the hospital, I hope everything will be sorted out in the coming days Have a good day to all
MaryB
Thank you Mary - I will have to check that out.
DeleteLUCETTE - I am sorry you have so much snow, that it is stopping you from getting things done. I hope things get sorted out as well.
Have a wonderful week.
Finally decorated yesterday! I love it. Just trees, little trees and no bigger than 5 foot. all sizes. I have a little forest in my living room. I wrapped all my presents and did Christmas cards too! The usual cleaning of the house, baked bread and dishes, always dishes. I don;t use my dish washer because it is only me and I don't make THAT big of a mess.
ReplyDeleteGoing today for one more big grocery run until next year. Getting a few things at Trader Joe's also. Working on a plan to not do much grocery shopping in 2025. Let's see how well I do.
I am in Florida so we are having beautiful weather here right now. My electric bill is so much nicer in the winter than the summer, that is for sure.
Have a wonderful week all!
I bet the decorating looks so cute! I like that idea with the trees.
DeleteYou have it going on gal. WOW, so much done - I wish I was that accomplished.
BEST OF LUCK to you on your 2025 challenge to yourself. I hope you can keep grocery prices low. I hope to really stay out of stores come January - I see no reason really to go.
Glad you have mild weather - it sure helps when we have those nice days.
Have a super week - have fun stocking up!
Your tree is perfect! If it were just me here that is exactly what I would do too. I’m so happy for your sister to have gone home. Your meals sound so good. I like the grilled burrito. It just like Taco Bell, only better at home. I’m expecting a couple of packages today, which I’ll need to wrap for Christmas. I’m also thinking of making some glazed nuts as I have so many nuts on hand and they would make good additions for Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it is all I need. I still have the lights at night, plus I have a lit wreath (2) inside. So lots of lights to enjoy.
DeleteI am sure glad sis is home.
Yes, just like Taco Bell, but much better. So easy to make.
Glazed nuts sound so good - I haven't done that in years. I always plan to, then don't.
Have a super week.
Love that tree! Mine is small as well. The rest of my decorations are blocked in by snow machines and stuff in the garage. This happened last year as well. Today they are going to work on getting it out. I hope to organize more next year so this doesn't happen.
ReplyDeleteI bet you miss your sis.
Thans - a little tree is all I need. Easy to put away too.
DeleteI figure the less we get out, the less we have to put away.
I will be getting to her house this week, we do talk often. She is just so happy to be home now.
Have a great week.