Simplifying - Starts with You

 Hello, this last day of July!  It has been raining since the wee hours of the morning.  Seems to have stopped at the moment.  This front is to bring in a cooler front of weather - YAY!  It is actually cooler outside than inside right now.  That hasn't happened all month!  At least we start August a little cooler and getting to air out the house.  Look forward to getting outside and doing yardwork in the next couple days.  I hope you are going to get some COOL as well!

Boy oh boy, aren't these truth?  All of these things shape what we think, how we act, how we feel, etc.

It is amazing that everything in some way shapes us.  Every experience and every thought.  We need to work really hard on making the influences in life positive ones.

Click on words to enlarge for easier reading

I agree to all these things.  If you go about your day, doing little things, it all adds up to a big and more positive day.

I truly do most of these.  I get up, get my drink together, feed the cat and get dressed - then make my bed.  I let it air for a short bit before making.  I need to drink more water - but I do drinks tea or something all day long.

Probably my biggest distraction is the computer.  I need to limit my time.  I also need to get rid of the super negative people on FB.  I guess it is kind of like a train wreck - you just feel you need to look, then you are upset!

We need to take care of ourselves, especially as we get older.  Life is short, and we don't need the negative.  We need to work at being happy and routines seem to help regulate our time and that SIMPLIFIES!

I do love to get up early, and most assuredly have a routine.  I say my gratitude list and prayers first thing and lastly each day (and often many times in between).

I like 12!  Smile when answering the phone. I never really thought about it, but I do.  I do not answer the phone unless it is a number or name I know - so WHEN I do answer - I know who it is, and I always smile!

So read the lists (yes reading in on both) and think about them.  They truly can help you get a nice simple routine in order, and I guarantee if you do that - like will be more pleasant.

Wishing you all a beautiful day and weekend.

Hoping you get to harvest some yummy food or buy at a farm market.

Eat healthy!

Have a super one!!!!!
  

Can we go Back? I Think we Can!

 Good morning to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Thinking about so many of you that are going through so much.

Wash, rinse and repeat!!!!  LOL!  That is the weather - same old thing.  Although this morning did not feel quite as bad outside to me.  It will change.  Hot again today.  It is just what it is.

Yesterday there was conversation about teaching some of the older ways and sharing recipes and ideas to the younger ones.  It is amazing how far away from healthy eating that we come in just our lifetimes!  Seriously, the worst thing I remember having that wasn't REAL food was Kool-Aid now and then.  That was a treat.  Usually we drank milk, water or iced tea.  Mom made all our treats, dad grew a garden, mom canned and froze, meat was a side (not a main course).  She cooked from scratch.  Basically, at the grocery store, she purchased baking items, and meat.  We didn't have convenience food.

Dad grew a huge garden, and he was pretty much ahead of his time.  It was all natural, no chemicals.  He had a huge compost pile, and he would get horse manure from a place down the road, once a year.

We knew exactly what our FOOD was - it was 'real' food.

Before me they had chickens, for meat and eggs.  They also had goats, as my older brother couldn't drink regular milk as a youngster.  I remember daddy going rabbit hunting and he fished a lot.

We always had "ingredients" that became our meals and snacks.

Mom 'taught' me how to cook.  I say taught - but really, I just observed and learned.  Did that with canning as well.  Learned from daddy the gardening part.  She showed me how to take care of a home.  Washing, ironing (which I no longer do), mending, cleaning, cooking, baking, etc.

I was lucky.

I know many of you that are younger, maybe didn't have that, as both parents may have worked when you were younger.  My mom didn't work until I was in Junior High - except a part-time job at night (at a bakery) or around Christmas (at Ayres), when my sister could watch me.  She did sewing and alterations for lots of the neighbors, and I remember her telling stories of doing laundry for others, before I came along.

Yep, my folks did all of these.  We didn't have a lot of money, but they could sure stretch it.  AND we never knew we didn't have a lot.  So many pretty clothes and such, as mom made them.    I have to laugh at #1!  Back in the day, a person would never be seen with holes in jeans.  That didn't start until I was late in high school.  The hippy years!  Now people spend big money to get holey jeans.  I still can't stand it.  A hole in the knee, just drives me crazy and is so uncomfortable.  I mend jeans!

There was no GMO stuff, daddy saved seeds from heirloom things.  If it grew, it grew - if it didn't, well you didn't have it that year.  We didn't have preservatives and chemicals in OUR food.  I just cannot see good things happening in people's bodies with all the garbage that gets put in them.

Most of the things we buy today, would never have been considered food back in grandma's day.  All those words you can't pronounce?  They aren't food.

Sure, I do eat snacks one in a while - but I try my hardest to eat real food and to cook it myself.  Since I have really concentrated more on that way of eating, than all the junk, I feel better.  I have less aches and pains (really) and can actually do more.

I love that some are really taking back their health and that of their families.  I love that folks are wanting to learn some of the old ways.  Hopefully each of us, can impart some wisdom to help.  That is one of the reasons I blog - it isn't just about stretching a dollar, but just living a better, healthier, and more fulfilled life.  I hope someone comes here and learns something each day.

Teaching and learning are both so important.

Well, off to get busy.  Hope you have a great Wednesday.

Be safe and well - and SMILE!

Learn something today!!!!!!

Just Randomness Today

 Hello all.  Hope you are well and safe this Tuesday morning.  Gosh, here we are in the last few days of July.  Amazing!  Township schools start here this week.  The State Fair starts on Friday.  Gardens are starting to take off and produce.  Life just goes forward.

It is a muggy morning.  The dew has just saturated everything.  It is wet out there.  Walk out the door and you are literally wearing the air!  I know I have complained about the heat and humidity, but don't get me wrong, I am not looking forward to winter at all!!! Not this girl.

I just want a little break from the mid 90's - and three-digit heat indexes. It is coming - yippee!!!  By the end of the week, it should be so much more refreshing outside.

I look at the garden, and the tomato plants are just loaded with green tomatoes.  Last week I got some ripe ones, the first to come on, now it may be a bit again before more.  Lots of cherry ones though!  Zucchini is going through a second phase of getting ready to pick.  Peppers are popping!

The weeds and the grass are just growing like crazy!!  We had rain over the weekend and a lot of rain yesterday morning - so things are going to town.  I can't keep up!  It is almost overwhelming.  It is too hot to be out there, so it has to just keep growing. Mornings the grass is way too wet to cut, and afternoons are just too hot. (nights are full of mosquitos - so a no there). Sigh!!!!

This picture screams summer to me.  There are so many wonderful things that we receive during the summer months.  Fruits, veggies, flowers, nature of all kinds.  Life is just beautiful in the summer.

You see different things and experience all kinds of stuff.  

I noticed last evening about dusk; the sky was gorgeous and gave a glow to everything.  The purple phlox looked to be iridescent and glowing!  I wish I had tried to get a picture of it.  Such a lovely sight.

I had a groundhog visit for a day or two, just checking things out.  When scared it would run under the shed.  Funny, I think it was too busy under there to stay.  LOL!  Opie the opossum lives under there, and a couple of stray cats hang out in the shade during the heat of the day.  It seems to have just wondered on its way.

The golden finches and the hummingbirds are so pretty and give pleasure during the summer days.  Butterflies - oh they are beautiful.

Just the many sights of summer.

Yesterday I had a great niece reach out to me, wanting to learn some of the 'old' ways!  She is in her early 30's and she and her man and kiddos, are starting to 'homestead' (live in Arkansas).  They have chickens, she is baking breads, and she has taught herself to can and is trying to make everything herself.  They are talking about getting some goats.  She is a nurse, and she has really started realizing just how our food system is harming us.  She wants things to be natural for her family.  I LOVE IT!

She wants to learn.  She wants many of the old family recipes that I can share from her grandma and aunts. 

That just made my day! 

I told her, I prefer to write the recipes down and mail to her, as I just think it is important to have things that aren't on the computer - just in case.  She liked that, as it is also a keepsake!  

I hope each of us here, can pass on some of the past to our families.  The young folks need to learn these things.  I know some people might think that is crazy, but you just never know.  It could be very important someday in taking care of their families.  I kind of think there is a resurgence of wanting to know that knowledge and wanting to know about their ancestors.

I went out to feed all this morning, and I got busy with one thing after another.  Came in and washed my head and started piddling around and was like "oops" it is blog day! Almost forgot. It is funny how all the random things in life seem to catch our attention sometimes, and we just get into a different groove!

I am learning to go with it.  Life is never predictable, so just go with the flow and take it a day at a time.  If it gets done, it gets done - if not, well......................it isn't the end of the world.

I am finally learning this, after all these years.  I can only do so much.  Things are different than they were even last year.  I get tired easier now.  I need naps more often now. But it is OK.

I don't have to keep up with others, I only owe it to myself to be ME! 

I hope you get it too!

So, there you have how my mind works, when I get into the random crap that shows up and flows in!!!!

I am off to do laundry and then sew some.  Enjoy your day - take things as they come - don't rush or sweat the small things.  Stay cool and hoping all is going well in your life.

Que' sera, sera!

Have a lovely day to all my blog family!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe today.  The last Sunday of the month - can you believe it?  They say time flies when you're having fun.  We must be having a ball!  LOL

It is another hot and muggy start to the day and week.  We did get a couple showers over the past couple days - nothing huge, but the plants enjoyed it, I am sure.  Temps would drop for an hour or so, then climb back up.  I am so looking forward to the end of the week and the first of August - they are predicting cooler temps.  From all I see, our area will be below normal in August (normal is about 85).  YAY!  Looking for 70's come Saturday - oh happy days!

                                                                     My front walk!

My frugal week:

• Started week by visiting sis - that is always fun
• Mowed all the yard - front to back (early in week)
• Finally got all the limbs and branches from past storms, broken up and gone
• Found evidence of tomato worms - ugh!  Got that taken care.  I like nature - but I aint sharing my tomatoes with the buggers
• Managed to get in a couple really good walks, when temps were cooler and picked up trash on one walk, as I saw it
• Got to air the house a couple mornings early in the week (AC off & gave it a break)
• I hit the hose when mowing - oh my.  I did a temp patch (so I can get water to garden with soaker if needed), have what I need in garage to do a permanent fix and will when it cools off some
• Cut back some flowers that looked drab, deadheaded and cutting weeds one morning
• Cleaned out weeds/grass between the drive and fence one day - sat on cement and it was all in shade while working
• Staked and tied up tomatoes - that was a hot, hot job.  It was early, but boy did it get hot and sweaty!
• Made a batch of s/f vanilla pudding - topped each serving w/ some choc. syrup and a crushed graham cracker - tasted like an eclair!
• Made a big batch of pasta/veggie salad.  Mainly veggies - using every kind I had on hand
• Picked 5 tomatoes!!!!  FINALLY!  6 banana peppers, 16 cherry toms, and 1 big (hidden) zucchini.  There will be a lot of zucchinis this week.
• Laundry in cold and using dehumidifier water in wash.  Hanging to dry
• NO grocery at all this week again - using what I have
• Paid a couple bills by phone
• Just doing all the regular stuff

Meals this past week:

2 homemade burritos

Pintos (freezer) and rice

Lasagna (freezer) and salad

Zucchini/onion/salsa/sausage skillet & fried smashed potato

Swiss/angus burger w/ sauteed peppers & onions (no bun) & baked beans

Baked beans & smoked sausage on bun

BLT (MY tomato!) and a small salad

SNACKS - pudding, PB sammie, popcorn, fruit

Just trying to stay cool, which isn't easy, unless you are inside.  I am so thankful for AC.  Even working outside early, gets hot in a minute.  Looking forward to cooler days.

How has your week been?  How are those gardens doing?  Did you get any good deals this week or yard sale finds?  Give us a shout out and let us know how you are faring.

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead, and please know I pray for you all and your families daily.  I wish you all the best.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

Again Lord, we send thanks for all our blessings and gifts received.  We ask guidance in all our trials, that we may know You are always with us, and Your will be done.  May we each have the strength to continue our faith daily.  AMEN

We are ALL Refillable!

 Hello all on the 24th day of July!!  So hard to believe.  I hope you are all well and feeling blessed on this lovely day.  Prayers and good wishes for all that are under the weather and for those who just feel lost.  We are here and we are praying for you all.

It is a pretty morning.  Warmer than the past couple days and a bit more humid.  It looks like the "muggly" will be back with a vengeance as the weatherman says!!  Appears it will all stick around for the remainder of the month.  

Make sure you stay hydrated and inside if possible and keep water out for ALL the animals as well.

We have heard about 'half empty' and 'half full' all our lives.  Until I saw this I never really thought about this saying - "the glass is refillable".

Boy oh boy is that the truth.  No matter what is going on in your world - whether you see things sort of bad or sort of good - always know that you can make decisions, choices and live in a way that you get more!

Don't let life drain you of all your goodness.  There is always hope.  Never give up.  Pray, work hard, and put one foot in front of the next.  You may not get the answer YOU think you should get, but you get the answer that God and the universe provides.  I know there are non-believers here, and that is OK, but this is how I think. 

 

I do believe we have control to an extent, and yes, you need to ask, you need to try, and you need to step forward.  Never give up.

Have hope, have faith and if you are inclined - PRAY!

Many things are just perspective.  You may see yourself as poor - but another will see you as rich.  You may see yourself as rich - another will see you poor.  We all look at things differently and we all live differently.  Never judge yourself against others.  You are you and that is enough!

Do your best and move forward inch by inch.  That is all anyone can do.

I hope you all have a lovely ending to your week.  Stay cool if at all possible and do good things.

SMILE and spread CHEER!

YOU Can Control Some Things - Save Where YOU Can

 Howdy all.  Another cool morning here - it is just so delightful.  That will change drastically by the end of the day!  Tomorrow looks to be a icky day for sure.  July and August are always the hot ones!

Groceries are the one place we can control our spending - REALLY!  I know many prices have gone up in the past few years.  Often people don't have salaries that increase as well.  There is the problem.  Like we mentioned last week, groceries are variable, as you chose what you buy and how you shop.

Having a pantry and a freezer with goods, is a protection for your family.  It keeps you afloat when times are less than perfect.  Having the basics can keep you from ever going hungry.  

I call basics - dry beans/legumes, rice, pasta, potatoes, canned meats (shelf stable), sauces, oats, and baking supplies.  It may not be balanced, but you would not be hungry.

When getting ready to shop:

• Inventory what you have on hand.  Shop at home first - always!  You may not need to go at all
• Know NEEDS and WANTS - you don't have to go for 'wants'!!!!
• Use a list - fill in only.  Buy what you don't have or are about out of
• Stop convenience shopping.  Sure, we all have a few convenience items - but don't make ALL your items that.  Cook your own!
• Use store cards, coupons, discounts, - look for clearance and manager deals - they save money
• MY rule is pay CASH.  Try not to use debit cards or CC's unless you can control yourself!!  I often wonder when you use those - how do you know when to "brake"?  With cash - you have X$, so that is all you can spend.  This is mainly for people REALLY needing to watch their dollars.  I just prefer cash myself for most all things - that is just me.
• Don't shop daily!  You will overspend in a minute.  You may not realize it - but will spend more money this way
• Take lunches and snacks when you go out - stops impulse buying & NEVER shop hungry!
• Shop the cheaper stores when possible, and not the high-end stores
• We always say shop less - which is a great rule.  BUT, each week, there are specials - those can be great loss leaders, so you may want to take advantage of those - try to get the limit if possible
• Plan your meals around what you have and what is on sale
• Learn to do without some things and substitute and get creative
• Use it all up!  Use the leftovers and bits and bobs in some way
• If you can get fresh goods at farm markets, co-ops, etc. - do it.  If you don't grow your own, there are great ways to get fresh in season goods.  Also check your produce dept. for a markdown bin.  Here, we have Kroger, and they have .99 bin.  You can great deals in it.  They have a section in most departments for clearance.

TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Just because something is cheap - doesn't mean you should buy it.  You need to buy things that you will use ONLY.

So, take control where you can.  If you are actively trying to save money for a specific reason - these ideas will help.  I know not everyone will like these ideas, but for those really trying to cut back and save - they are wonderful!

Along with other small things - turning off the lights and water, turning up the AC, turning down the heat, being mindful off all you have and using it up, and just getting CREATIVE - you can help yourself save some.

Best of luck to those who are truly trying to save and cut back.  We will be your cheerleaders!!!!  If you wonder about something or have questions - just ask.  There is plenty of experience here, so hopefully we can off a good idea or word!

Have a wonderful day my friends.  So happy to have you here.

Simple Pleasures

 Happy Tuesday to all.  It is a beautiful morning here.  It is the coolest it has been in a couple weeks or more.  Humidity down this morning as well.  Yesterday was pretty nice as well.  We need to enjoy it to the max, as the HOT and HUMIDITY come back big time starting tomorrow.  It is July - so to be expected.

Today I just want to tell you of some simple pleasures I have enjoyed the past few days.  It can be the simplest things that bring a smile and a giggle.  They are just moments - but they can be beautiful.

Have you ever seen a Luna moth out in the 'wild'?

This is not my pic.  They are just gorgeous and very special.  I had never seen one other than in a picture or in a controlled environment................until the other day!!!!!  I didn't get to get close, but I saw it and got a distant picture.

I was siting on my couch and looked out the window and saw white on the neighbor's bush out back.  I got the binoculars and realized what it was. This is the best picture I could get from my yard.  It stuck around about half of the day.  What a neat and rare thing to experience!!!

On decent mornings, I open the bedroom window a bit for Bitsy to get some air.  I go out to feed the critters and when I walk back up the walk, this is what I see!

There he sits and watches Momma.  He loves watching the animals as well.

I saw Bun-Bun on Sunday. (rabbit).  It played in the neighbor's yard for a couple hours in the rain.  It was having a grand time, exploring everything.  Pretty good size - so sweet.

Yesterday I went to see sis's new place.  I will say it is small - about like a really nice hotel room.  Has a kitchenette, huge bath, lots of storage area, and she has room for some of her nice things and lots of pictures and her doggy.  She has her big bed, a couple comfy chairs for sitting, and small table and chairs, and bureaus (one is a TV stand).

She has her crockpot, air fryer, microwave, toaster and coffee pot - no stoves.

They take folks to WM, Kroger or other shopping several days a week - if they want to go.

She took me on the grand tour and the place is really nice.  There is a library, nice laundry, small movie theater, dining room (w/fireplace), a bar, game rooms, a great cantina (lots of goodies for the taking) and tons of areas for family seating and visiting if you choose to use.  She and I walked all around (great therapy for her) and we even went out and sat on the beautiful patio.  The place is just full of light and cheerful, and the staff seems lovely.

She said she went to cocktail hour one night.  She loves the food in the dining room - they have a really good chef.  Her favorite is their shrimp cocktail and their onion rings!  She said she had the best Rueban of her life the other day. She is waiting for Bingo!  All the staff knew her by name.

Of course, she would be happier back at home but understands this is the season in life that things change.  People check on her a couple times a day and she has a dog walker 4X. She has had company every day!  She already has a buyer for her home.

I felt so much better after going there - she seems happy.

Last evening I was sitting on the porch, and the young man across the street came out with his little one.  She is the middle one, probably around 2 or 3.  He was showing her how to bounce a ball.  He waved - then a few minutes later she saw me and waved.  I waved and said hi - and she got so excited!  She told daddy - "she say hi!!!".  She just kept waving and saying hi!  So stickin' sweet.  They have 3 girls, and they are always dressed so cute in their little dresses.

This past week has been the first time of summer that I have heard the cicadas at night.  Just the normal sounds - we have no swarms or anything.  I find them quite calming to hear.  Still have the lightening bugs as well.

One of the crazy squirrels - they come running when they see me.  Take nuts from me.  I have seen the huge red bellied woodpecker a lot lately and J-J the bluejay yells at me every morning for peanuts!

Licorice came this morning and had breakfast - he has been MIA for 2 days - so I was happy to see him!  At least I know he is OK.

What has made you smile lately?  Take time and enjoy those simple little things in life - they aren't really that simple.  They are special moments that are gifts we get to enjoy!

Everything that is lovely is but a brief dreamy kind of delight.

W.B. Yeats

Weekly Wrap Up 7/20

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hoping this finds you all well.  Can you believe that we have just a little over a week left in July?  How did that happen??

It is a cloudy and muggy morning - yet again.  Clouds have been keeping the temps down a little bit.  Finally had a day or two that didn't get into the 90's!  Yesterday morning had some really bad fog for a while.  Seems we get rain, for at least a while just about every day.  More expected today.

I finally got my registration and vehicle sticker well over 2 weeks late!  I mailed it as soon as I received it, and it took forever to get it back this year.  I am sure glad I didn't get stopped when out and about!

My frugal week:

• I did make a quick & small run to the feed store
• I gifted a neighbor a pet 2 step stair for her little dog.  She was happy, now her baby can get on the bed by herself!  I had 2 from when Blackie got weaker - so I gave her one - something else out of the house
• Hard boiled 6 eggs
• Paid a couple bills over the phone
• Made hummingbird nectar
• Used SodaStream for fruity carbonated water
• Raked - yep, it is that time for the tulip poplar tree to start shedding - used leaves to mulch behind shed as a weed shield
• Cut wild stuff growing on both sides of both fences
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Used a small mis-shaped zuke shredded in taco beef for extra nutrients
• Mowed over a couple days and finally got to do a good trim on Friday when a bit cooler and less humid.  Amazing how quick it all grows!
• Emptied all the change from purse - it weighs so much less!  I will never be completely broke - I have jars and containers full of change all over the place
• I ran across the street one morning to a neighbor yard sale.  She is the one that always has pretty, good brand clothing.  I usually get a couple new pieces each summer for next to nothing.  I got 3 shirts (for nice), one summer dress (for around house) and a sweater coat (it is gorgeous) - all high quality for $20
• No grocery
• Picked 4 zucchini, 3 cherry toms, and 2 peppers
• Using what I have and cooking at home
• Working more on deep cleaning

Meals this past week:

Fish fried in browned butter and salad

Egg/cheese sandwich and salad

Meatball (freezer) sub (hotdog bun) and fries (air fryer)

Nachos

Fried okra & fried zucchini and half a ham sandwich

Chef salad

Chicken tenders (air fryer) and fried corn/onion in butter

SNACKS: popcorn, trail mix, fruit

I stuck around here most of the week and just stayed pretty darn frugal.  Got things done outside when I could - it has just been so humid and hot - have to work mornings.  I did walk a couple cooler mornings.  Talked with my siblings several times this week.  

How has your week been?  Did you get any deals?  How are those gardens doing?  

Look forward to hearing from you all.

Hope you all have a lovely week and please stay safe and healthy.  I hope you all keep all our friends and their families in your prayers.

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

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"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you."

John 14:15-17

Lord, we know You are with us in every day in everything we do, and we are so happy.  No matter what happens all around, You are with us.  We pray that all who are ill or suffering in some way, will have Your healing hands upon them.  Guide us each one to be our best and do our best to be kind and caring to all.  AMEN

Anti-Shopping

 Howdy all.  Good to be here this morning.  Hope all are well.  It is another cloudy morning, in the 70's right now.  We had a brief 'storm' blow through last evening about 8PM.  Lots of wind and some rain - didn't last long - but we sure had a wind event whip up.  Luckily nothing damaged.  More rain today (?) maybe!

I am a list maker!  I still hand write a grocery list when needed.  I don't do it electronically.  I make lists of gifts bought at the holidays, I make lists of things I want to accomplish, I make lists for all kinds of things.  That being said - I am trying not to shop.

I have been in a anti-shopping mode lately.  I have had no need to shop - so I have stayed home!  There is a novel idea. (I did make a quick stop at the feed store).

I personally, need nothing for groceries right now and I need nothing for my house - so why go out?

I may have posted this before - I can't remember - but it sure is a great way to save some money, save some resources, and save stuff from the landfills.

I like being able to figure out a 'new' way to do things or a 'new' use for things.  I do this most with groceries, as you know.

I do like the idea of supporting small business.  You are helping on a more personal level - it is their livelihood and how they support their family - not supporting a corporate giant.

There are so many ways we can NOT shop if we choose.  Many, many options for getting creative and using what we have.  Super way to save funds if you are trying to.

If you are on track of trying to save for a certain thing, or saving an emergency fund, or paying off a debt, just short on funds - whatever the reason - think about anti-shopping!  Look around and see what you have.  I bet you have a lot more than you think - use it and get 'creative' (my word of the year).

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

I am going to leave you today with a little laugh!

This person was strolling the neighborhood on a bright sunny day in the mid 90's just recently.  The head, face and neck were covered by the mask, a pair of cover-all's on, and gloves on hands!  Yep, he slowly strolled down our street on a Sunday afternoon, and all the surrounding streets.  A neighbor took this picture of him at the gas station down the road.  I have seen him (?) do this around Halloween before in the cooler temps - but this day was HOT!  Yep, starting early.  

I guess he must be a big Michael fan!!!

I have to admit, the first time I ever saw him, it was kind of creepy.  Now it is normal, believe it not.

You just never know what you might see out there!

Have a wonderful day and stay cool!

Make the most of this day!

Some Summer Goodies & Fun

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well.   It is a cloudy morning here - the air feels like you are wearing it!  We had a nice downpour yesterday afternoon, and it appears it rained overnight as well.  I didn't hear it - but everything is still wet this morning.  May gets some more today.

Things are growing like crazy, including weeds!

It is getting close to school being back in session here.  A couple weeks and the kiddos start back at it.  Just doesn't seem right to me.  But that being said, there is still a lot of summer to be had.  Kiddos still need treats and goodies (adults too).  There will still be pool times, picnics and parks and just plain playing around.  After school treats will be nice to have around and today let's talk about some things we can make at home with things we have around.  It is also time for all those good and healthy meals from garden goodies.  There are some things that just scream summer to me.

Cookie bowls are fun and can be filled with ice cream, pudding, yogurt - easy to make a just plain old fun!

Healthy and yummy brownies.  I have made these and they are tasty.  It says 12-15 minutes - may take a bit longer, depending on consistency.

Think about making popsicles with Kool-aid, pudding or yogurt.  Always refreshing.  You can use popsicle molds or use ice cube trays.  A nice cool and refreshing treat. Don't forget about rice krispy bars or no bake cookies too - the youngsters love them.

How yummy?  Makes more than one - so one person isn't getting all that sugar.  Do you remember getting an Orange Julius at the mall?  I do - they were so good.  Gosh, that was a long time ago - I don't think we even have those places around today.

A nice healthy and refreshing snack.  I have used regular milk before - as I don't buy almond milk.  

Did you have one of these?  I did!!!  There are still types of snow cone machines around.  Many people have ice makers than make grated ice - add flavors (Kool-aid) or fruit juice and you have a wonderful fun snow cone!

Make some homemade ice cream.  Not only is it good, but it can be a fun activity for the kiddos.  There are many ways to make ice cream or ice milk.  Do a search and find different easy recipes and ways to make it.  I have a small ice cream maker (you freeze the interior) and churn - then empty and freeze.  I have made with the mixer as well.  Have fun with flavors.

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Some of my favorite summer meals are plain simple and just say 'good old fashioned summer food' to me.

Nothing better - well, except maybe fried zucchini or fried green tomatoes!!!!

My favorite salad of summer.  It is so stinking refreshing and light.  Mom used to make it, I make it and still love it today!!

Do you have a favorite summer treat or summer meal that just makes your day?  Some things just take me back to a day in time that all in life was easy and fun for me.  

We often had a 'picnic' on the front porch of pbj sandwiches or bologna sandwiches and Kooli-aid.  My friends and I would sit out there and enjoy and then run off to play.  Momma always had some kind of homemade treats made.

We had a huge garden, so many (most) of our meals came straight from the garden, especially in the summer.  I loved them.  I think that is why I love them so much today.

Just some fun ideas to make for yourself or the kiddos.  Enjoy these days of summer - even though they are hot.  Before you know it, it will be frigid outside again.

Have a lovely and fun day.

Make a treat!!!!!

Take Advantage of Abundance

 Hello and good day to all on this Tuesday!  Hoping you are all well and safe.

It is 75 this morning and not too bad feeling.  I plan to do a little yard work after writing and before the heat of the day.  We have shower chances at some point too.  I think there are shower chances just about every day.

It seems that after the garden - we spend a lot of time in our kitchens this time of the year - with preserving and canning and cooking the great abundance we get from those gardens.

We are in the time of the year when there is abundance everywhere!  Isn't that grand?  Gardens and patio gardens are thriving or starting to, and farm markets are plentiful.  Folks are cleaning out freezers of last year's surplus, to have room for fresh.  We are truly blessed.

Now while we have it - we sure need to use it and enjoy it.  Last week I told you I was picking zucchini like crazy - this week is a slower week.  I gifted some and have been using them.  So many ways to prepare and save for later.

Abundance of zucchini or summer squash - here are some ideas.

Fried zucchini - one of my favorites.  You can fry them in rounds or 'fries'.

Zucchini skillet is a family favorite that mom used to fix.  Zucchini, rice, sausage (or ground beef) and sauce all cooked together - top with cheese and sliced tomatoes and simmer.  YUM!  It is a very good flavor combination.

Dehydrate zucchini slices for use in soups later in the year.  They are also good as simply 'chips'.

Grill zucchini steaks - these are so flavorful.  Slice a little thicker than for frying and grill with seasoning.

Stuffed zucchini is also a favorite for me.  Scoop out seeds in center after halving - then add chili, meat and rice, beans, cheese mixes w/jalapenos - whatever you have or like - top with cheese and bake.  Such a nutritious meal.

Fritters are always good and a great side or a fun meal for breakfast or lunch

Zucchini meatballs a great dish for vegetarians.  Could also make into burgers.

Think about slicing thinly (lengthwise), attempt to remove moisture and use as noodles in lasagna.  Make into soup - I really enjoy cream of zucchini soup - I always freeze some chunks of zucchini to make this in the winter.  It is very comforting.

You of course can shred and use in zucchini bread, muffins or pancakes/waffles.  There is absolutely no end to the ways to use this summer abundance!  You don't have to get bored with it - just too many uses.

Another fun favorite for me - is fresh and sliced or chunked in a salad.  I cut up with tomatoes and onion (instead of cukes) and add dressings and have a very refreshing salad.

The nice thing about summer squash is it really doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own - it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking it with!!!

I have even finely shredded and added to hot pepper jellies to make them more jam like!

You can turn them into pickles and relish as well!  Super good.

Lori mentioned she has an abundance of basil, and she is making and freezing pesto.  Jackie and others have talked about clearing out freezers of tomatoes and fruit from last summer and making into sauces and jellies and jams.  Herbs are growing nicely this time of the year - you can dehydrate for winter use.

Cherries and strawberries have been plentiful, and many are making wonderful pie fillings and jams.

Tomatoes will be plentiful here in a while.  I look at the small ones out there and the hundreds of blooms and it all comes together - oh my!  There will be a plethora of goodies to be made and to share.

Tomatoes are kind of like squash - just a ton of uses.  I will do another post in a week or so about toms!

So, whatever your abundance is - get creative and use it!!!  You may even have an abundance of some canned or dry goods - use it.  It saves us money, and all the freshness is so very good for us.  We have a limited time to get all the fresh goodies - I sure hope you all take advantage.

Whether, carrots, beets, squash, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peas, fruit - whatever - use it, preserve it if possible and just ENJOY it!!!!!  Find and create new recipes and ideas.

ABUNDANCE - what a blessing and what a pleasure and gift!!!

Have a fantastic day.

Weekly Wrap-Up 7/13

 Hello all.  Happy Sunday!  Hope you are all well and safe this lovely day.

It is fairly overcast and a little foggy here to start this AM - basically because of rain yesterday.  We had downpours 2 times yesterday.  I sat on the porch for part of the first one - then the wind came in and started blowing the rain under the overhang.  Second one - was hard and windy for sure.  I know many sure appreciated the rain.  Some areas got rain, and others didn't - nature sure is odd.

Garden is growing - tomatoes get taller every day!  I saw my first Monarch butterfly this week. What a beauty.  

It looks like we might get out of the 90's this week - but still high 80's and humid.  Chance of rain about every day.

My frugal week:

• Finally got all of the day lilies deadheaded.  That looks so much better
• Took down the sunflower plants out front.  Bird planted, squirrel and finch eaten and done.  So the plants had no more blooms on them - down they came
• I defrosted and unplugged the mini fridge I have downstairs.  I use it for overflow of holiday goodies and summer sausage storage- cleaned until fall.
• Picked 7 zucchini this week and a couple peppers
• I received a rebate check from my secondary insurance
• Cleaning and consolidating and moving food stuffs.  Trying to declutter
• Mowed & trimmed the front grass - back was still good
• Used air fryer this week - instead of oven
• Fixed a squirrel feed that 'Rocky' the racoon decided to take apart!
• NO groceries bought
• I did run up the street one day to P.O. and got stamps before the increase (only outing of the week)
• Cut more weeds and wild stuff growing in Pampas grass and in back fence row - it never ends
• More hummy nectar made
• Rain barrels are now both filled to the tippy top!
• Cooking from home and using what I have - doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Tacos

Zucchini skillet dinner

Leftover zucchini skillet and smoked sausage

Fresh zucchini salad and roasted stuffed mini peppers (cream cheese, bacon, jalapeno)

Roasted chunks of potato/zucchini w/cheese and sausage

Lean burger (no bun) w/sauteed onion and peppers & corn on the cob

Cheesy red bean & mac and fried zucchini

Just doing what I can in the early parts of the day outside.  Once it gets past 10AM - it is really hot.  The other morning at about 9AM - I was sweating big time - oh that humidity! Using the food I have here.

Doing what I can to make my home a little 'lighter' on stuff and using the food I have here.  Trying to simplify a little more.

How was your week?  Are you anywhere close to where the flooding has happened (so many places)?  Did you get any good deals this week?  How are those gardens doing?  Love hearing from you all.  Check in a say hello!

Wishing all a great week ahead.  May you all be safe and healthy.  Hoping you look into your homes and find things that can be useful and not waste.  Continued prayers for all the flooded areas.  

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

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but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, and they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

A Prayer of Patience

God, teach us to be patient

Teach me to go slow

Teach me how to wait on You

When my way I do not know

Teach me sweet forbearance

When things do not go right

So I remain unruffled

When others grow uptight

Teach me how to quiet

My racing, rising heart

So I may hear the answer

You are trying to impart

Teach me to let go, dear God,

And pray undisturbed until

My heart is filled with inner peace

And I learn to know Your will!

                                                              AMEN

Helen Steiner Rice

Buy It, Grow It, Store It - Use It

 Howdy Ho all!!!  It is a glorious morning here in my area.  Cool, sun is shining, little humidity, and the birds are singing!  It kind of looks a little hazy, but that will burn off as it heats up.  We got a nice steady rain yesterday morning - I swear it looks like the tomato plants grew a foot!!!

All are fed, and right now Bitsy is getting a treat - a window open and sitting in the fresh air!

I hope you are all well this morning.

Now that we are approaching growing and harvest time - here is a reminder to use what we have.  Both grown and bought.  Summer is a good time of the year to get so much freshness and all the nutrients in our diets.

As cleaning and sorting in the last week - I have been reminded (by myself) that we need to use what we have!!!  Use it or lose it!  The items we have in our freezers, refrigerators and pantries is MONEY.  Yep, you spent good money to have those items - make sure you use it.  The things you have grown and preserved took time and labor - you don't want to waste those either.

Try to come up with as many ways you can to use what you have.  Make it a game.  Get the family involved.  This prevents throwing away good food and money.  Once you start using what you have, just watch sales and clearance and restock as needed.

Make sure to learn to use those leftovers.  It doesn't have to be the same thing day after day.  It can be re-invented into a new dish or a casserole or soup.  Eat them for lunch or breakfast.  Just eat them!  Don't stick them in the fridge to become the next great science project!  LOL

Plan your menus around what you have.  ALWAYS shop your home first before going to the store!  It truly helps to reduce that grocery budget.  Groceries are the one discretionary item in our budget.  We can choose how to spend and what to spend on.  That isn't always true with the remainder of our bills.

When you do shop - make a list!  Along that note - always check clearance as well - you never know what you may find.  That is when you add things not on that list.  Check ads before going out and buy sale items only if at all possible.

Never shop hungry!

Right now, gardens are starting to thrive and within the month we should all be harvesting lots of goodies.  Whether it is tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, herbs, onions, carrots, etc. USE it!  Find new ways to use that item in your menu.  Enjoy this time of the year - it ends all too soon.

If you don't grow - think about farm markets or roadside stands.  Many folks set up 'honesty' stands - where you can get produce and leave the money for it in a slotted box.  Lots of times homeowners or farmers do this around here.

Be smart, be thrifty and use what you have and get CREATIVE.  Enjoy the wonders of the season to the fullest.

Have a lovely day - smile - and enjoy the little 'glimmers'.

Finding Some Peace & Joy

 Hello to everyone!  Hope you are all well and safe.  It is a cloudy morning here - a tad bit more humid.  Looks like we MAY get some rain at some point today.  YAY.  It is back to getting hot again - so there is that.  Better than ice and snow in my opinion.

I noticed what might be the first signs of squash buggers this AM, so out with the Neem oil I went.  If it rains, I will reapply.

                                              SMILE!  Not my picture, but so pretty!

There are many ways to find joy again in life and get some peace back.  Life brings us all through things that we can't imagine, and here we are - still standing!  Life can have the way of sucking the life out of everyday joy - but there are many small, and free ways to get it back.  You just have to be open to new ideas.  We have to make our own joy!

• FOCUS on things YOU CONTROL.  You can't control other people and you can't control the world - but you can control how you react.  You all know what they say about the best laid plans!!  Well, we all have times in life when we have to shift gears and directions and change our focus.  You control how you think about things - so don't worry about what else is going on when you need to find peace in life.
• FOCUS on Today - Yesterday has happened - can't be changed.  Tomorrow is the future and may not even happen.  Today is it!  Make it the best day you can and appreciate all the very small things in your world.  Sing, dance, enjoy - make your own happy!
• Think about what makes you genuinely happy!  Is it your family, friends, pets, flowers, nature, sunrises, etc.?  I bet the odds are, it isn't stuff - it is a balance in your life.  Strive to find balance and do the things and be with those that make you happy.
• LOVE yourself - Many times, we are our own worst enemy!  We are our worst critic.  We all have flaws - every single person, that is normal.  Just learn to embrace yourself and know you are trying and doing your best.  You have made it this far - so give yourself a break!
• Set small goals -nothing has to be grand.  Make small little goals and work to achieve them.  That will bring joy as you complete each one.  Then once you accomplish little things, work your way to the bigger projects in life.  Don't bit off more than you can chew - you don't want to choke.
• You are vulnerable - we all are.  That is OK.  Don't run away from things that scare you -it doesn't help.  Stand tall and face things.  Don't pretend to be something you aren't.  You ARE YOU - and that is enough!
• Take care of you!  Maybe you need a nap, or a spa night- you can do those at home, or a day off to do nothing for your physical and mental health.    Don't overwork yourself.  We all seem to be able to justify ANYTHING - that doesn't mean we have to do it.  Take time for you and just relax a little.
• Look for small pleasures - those little moments in life.  Nature, sunrises or sunsets, the laugh of a child, the sound of rain or even standing out in the rain, a song, giving a helping hand to another - whatever it is do it and enjoy it and SMILE!
• Be kind!!!!!!  This is so very important today.  We live in a world of anonymity - that doesn't give you the right to be a jerk.  No need to be nasty or make snarky comments to people.  Anonymity makes it easy for many to be hurtful or mean or say things they would never say to your face.  If you have something to say to someone - own it!  Don't hide. Being kind or quiet makes everyone's day better - including yours.  Enjoy the day don't ruin it.
• Have HOPE - believe in a better future.  Believe you can arise above challenges.  Take small steps forward - not back.  When life happens - know you CAN change the future for at least yourself.  Never ever give up hope!

                                                                         TRUTH

Maybe you can keep a gratitude journal - that might help.  Write down little things each day.  It may just be one thing for a day or two - then you start to find more.

You are all resilient and you have courage - that is what it takes.  You have the ability to endure and overcome.  Focus on the present and do little things to brighten a day - it will become a habit and increase.

IF you need help - reach out.  No shame in admitting you need help, and no shame is receiving it.

I hope you can all find and do some little things in this life to brighten your day and even the days of others.  We receive what we give - I truly believe that.

Make today one of peace and joy!  Spread love!

Have a beautiful day and spread the joy and embrace it.

PEACE

Moves - Motivation - Maximizing, Minimalizing

 Happy Tuesday all.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  It is a lovely morning here.  Cool, sunny and low humidity for a bit!  I will gladly take it.  I even porch set a bit last evening - it felt so nice outside.  I know the glorious weather won't last, but it will be enjoyed while it is here.

People I know are moving or thinking of it.  My sis has made the final decision to go to assisted living.  It is a very small apartment (very tiny house) - so she is having to get rid of lots and lots of stuff.  All happening this week.

My neighbor and friend have put their home on the market.  I am NOT happy!  They are wanting to move to TN - at least he wants that.  

I looked up the listing on their house to see how it showed in pics.  Now, mind you, I have been in it many, many times and it is just such a sweet cozy house.  Not in the pictures!  It looks very sterile and cold to me.  I know this is what realtors want - so people can 'imagine' their stuff in there.  That wouldn't work on me at all.  I want to see how a house can look homey and cozy, not sterile and vanilla.  They removed any semblance of life IMO.  I would never buy something that looked like that.

But all that being said - I look at mine and I see all the stuff!!!!  So, I am working on decluttering even more, and minimizing my stuff, and maximizing the space and items that I have.

It has motivated me.  Good grief, I would hate for someone to have to come in and go through all my things and think I was cray-cray!

I need to simplify even more (yes, that can be work) and lessen my footprint.  I need to truly love and use all that I have.

Recently I have been working on my pantry stores.  I have lots and lots.  Boy, do I have lots and lots.  My pantry and cabinets have very high shelves in them, and things have been placed up there and almost forgotten.  I have been rediscovering.  From back in my coupon days - I have enough foil and plastic wrap to probably last the rest of my life (I hardly use).

I knew (or thought I knew) I had a lot of pink Himalayan salt.  I couldn't find it.  Well, yesterday I did. Yep, again I have enough salt to last for years.  I have all grinds of it.  Other goods that I thought I was out of or near out of, I found more!  Things that I can only get certain places, mainly out of town.  All is still good.  Some things will basically last forever.

I have pasta (all kinds) out the wazoo!  All safe and in glass jars.  Dry beans - oh my!  Again, all jarred up.  I am trying to get a grip on what is really here.  

I know this probably sounds like I hoard food - that is not what I call it.  I call it being prepared for maybe not having.  I have always been a sort of prepper - for years.

I thought I was about out of relish - I found a few jars I canned a year or two back, that was stuck in with the salsa.  I am good to go on that.  I have a lot of salsa to use in many ways.  Lots of home canned tomato products.

I emptied many glass gallon jars and filled many.  Got to love those jars.

So needless to say, I have no plans for basic grocery shopping anytime soon.  Milk, or cat food or fresh fruit - will be it.  Thankfully the garden is also producing - so more than enough to use.  No reason to have it - if I am not using it.  

Now this is just food - so far!

I have so much stuff that has been boxed up and stored away for years - WHY?????  It isn't going to gain any value or be appreciated any at all in those boxes.  It is taking up real estate.  I have to let go.  Most of it has no sentimental value - it is just things that we both got here and there that we thought were neat at one point.  The sentimental things I keep or pass to certain family.

Those sentimental items are best gifted now, when I can relate stories and where it came from - otherwise someday it will just be 'stuff' no one knows anything about.

It is amazing what motivates us.  My sis and my neighbor have given me a push I needed without even knowing it.  I can't even fathom moving and having to do all this at the same time.

We can't be enslaved to stuff!  It happens and it is easy to do.  I do love things - but the special things.

What an ongoing journey this will be.  A new season in my life!!!!

Funny, how we put things away to be safe!  In my case they are - because even I have forgotten where some things are.  LOL

Life is full of journeys and seasons - here I am in yet another.

Anyone else in this stage?  How are you handling it?  I think we all get there - it just takes time.  Some have already downsized a ton - some have much work to do.

Aint this the truth? Gosh, we have all done it.  I have never wanted that big fancy house, but I have always liked 'things'.  Unusual things, special things, neat things.  Now much of that is just what I said - THINGS!!!  The thrill is gone.

So now I started the 'getting rid of' stage.  It can be overwhelming.  I am going slowly and taking small bites - a little at a time.  I am really thinking about the choices I make and what is important.

Have a fantastic day.  SMILE