Hello and a happy Sunday to all. I hope this finds you all safe and well.
What a weather week - I have pushed a lot of snow this week. We had 2 snows come through - one was 9" and the second was 4-5". We have not had that much so for entire season in a few years. This we got in a few days. We are back on normal track for winter, I guess. Cold and snow. That is what our area has always been. How spoiled we have become!!!!
Now that being said - I still don't like it! I have had my fill - although I don't think nature is done with us.
Frugal this week:
- Well, the biggy was moving a lot of snow twice. Took three times for the first snow, and just once for the last one. I had the second snow done yesterday, before most of the neighbors were even awake. FREE exercise and cardio!
- Baked a small chunk of ham I had (about 3 lbs.). Used in a few meals and froze the balance in slices
- Cleared the top of the greenhouse 2X this week. I am sure it is insulating, but it was heavy too - so needed the roof cleared
- Got out and started the Blazer one day - just to start it
- I made a very small pot of soup out of leftovers this week
- Lots of laundry
- DIDN'T leave the house this week - no spending
- Worked on straightening the craft/sewing area some
- Did some mending
- Kept an OJ bottle and a bag from flatbread to re-use
- My boots (have had for several years) sprung a tiny leak - dried them over the register and then I have been using the old-fashioned water proofing - a bread bag! Worked perfectly
- Neighbor brought me a small pan of jambalaya on day
Meals this past week:
Fried cabbage with carrots and baked potato
Jambalaya
Taco style skillet w/ lots of veggies added
Ham slice, dirty rice and fresh veggies on side
'Leftover soup' - using Taco skillet and dirty rice remains with added tomato juice, toasted flatbread
Ham, cheesy potatoes and fresh veg salad
Soup beans w/ham and leftover cheesy potatoes
SNACKS - fruit, fresh veggies, apple and peanut butter, cheese chunks
There you go - nothing exciting. I did watch some TV - caught up on a few things I had DVR'd. Just a week doing a bit of this and that at home.
I may actually run out and do a couple errands today!! It is warmer, the roads are decent and I just need to get out a bit.
How was your week? I know a lot of people got snow that aren't used to getting it - I sure hope you all stayed safe and warm. Oh goodness, winter has reared its ugly little head - I have gotten used to calmer weather - guess we shouldn't get complacent.
Did you do any shopping? Any baking or cooking? Decluttering? Look forward to hearing from you all.
Have a safe, warm and healthy week my friends. Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home!
*********************
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24
Dear Lord, help us each to be our best. May we talk sweetly to others and never put down. Help us each to be this kind of person. We may make a day special for another in ways we cannot understand, with a smile or a kind word. Help us to each live our lives in Your way.
Please be with those who are hurting so much this week from disasters happening around the land.
Amen
Another quiet week here as well. Like you, Cheryl, I see snow removal & housecleaning as exercise. No need to go to the gym. I got 6 mi of walking in before the freezing rain on Fri. I like the mild temps but freezing rain creates havoc on roads. Even the side roads were icy yesterday when I went to visit my SIL. I also visited with old neighbors, both in their late 80's, who moved from their rural acreage to town. Big changes for them. It's a transition that I anticipate for myself in the next 10 yrs. I picked a WOTY - stoic. Not the stiff-upper-lip definition but the philosophy that embodies wisdom, courage, justice & moderation. Lofty but all encompassing. I've spent a lot of time reading The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully by Steve Ostaseski.
ReplyDeleteNo gym here. Lots of free exercise. I am sorry you have had ice - I really don't like that stuff. It is so dangerous. Please be careful.
DeleteI don't even want to think about moving some day. Makes me sad to even think about.
Enjoy your reading. Sounds interesting.
Have a lovely week.
Sorry, pressed the wrong key before reply was completed. I'd recommend this book to all. In the kitchen: beef/onion sandwiches; creamy pesto trout w/ pan fried potatoes/carrots; cheesy spaghetti squash (it exploded in the microwave during prep!); squash/chickpea soup w/ coconut milk. And that's a wrap.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendation.
DeleteYour meals sound yummy.
It's been cold here this past week, with very frosty mornings and icy roads. We ventured out once in the car, on a slightly warmer day when the roads were clearer, in order to go to the supermarket. Other than that and walking to our local Post Office and butcher's shop, we have been inside keeping warm. I have been catching up with a few cleaning jobs and my husband has been baking bread. A LOT of reading and watching tv has been done.
ReplyDeleteI think winter is the thing we need to slow down sometimes.
DeleteStaying in is just fine. SO is reading and watching TV. Nice that you have a butcher close enough to walk.
Stay safe.
Have a great week.
While we didn't get as much snow as you did, we still got plenty.
ReplyDeleteDoing extra cleaning and decluttering here. I can't tell you what all I have eaten but it was all made at home and filled me up!
I have been doing a lot of thinking about planting the garden and flowers. It is what keeps me going when the weather is cold and snowy. I really wish I could walk more outside but way too cold and slick.
JC
Visions of spring dancing in our heads does keep us sane in the winter! I so agree.
DeleteHeck, as long as you were full - it is all that matters. Good job making it all at home.
Stay in and stay safe - you don't want to slip and fall out there.
Have a super week.
I agree, too cold and too slick to be doing much outdoors. I did clear a path on the deck and de-snowed the car windows, but I see the front windshield refroze overnight. :( Looks to be solid ice now, not snow. Tiresome.
ReplyDeleteThank heaven for the woodstove and for a supply of food at home. :) I don't see much going out in the car this week, the night temps are to be in the teens so any melt will surely refreeze, no doubt on the roads in the shade.... and we have plenty of that on the hills and curves.
Stay warm, y'all! Be careful on the slick spots.
MaryB
Sorry about your windows - frost is a constant here. I got the car all cleared of snow this week - so avoided a lot of ice on it.
DeleteYes that goodness for heat and full pantries. We are just so blessed.
Stay very safe and stay warm.
Have a blessed week.
Excellent devotional! Kindness and empathy go a long way. Erin bought me a towel from BL that says "Be the person your dog thinks you are".
ReplyDeleteThe devastation from the fires in CA is unimaginable. Years ago I knew a lady whose home burned, and she said that all she could do was watch it burn. The drone pictures look like a bomb fell on the area.
Glad you can do your own snow removal. You have plenty enough sense to take it easy and not overdo. There's a certain satisfaction in still being able to do jobs at our age. The Farmer and I are a few years older than you. My feelings wouldn't have been hurt if we didn't have any snow at all. We had haircuts on Friday so made a quick trip to Meijer to pick up a few things to fill the pantry gaps. I like that you made soup out of the skillet leftovers. We have done that and it is always yummy.
The sun is out now, which is a major blessing! It may not melt any snow but it sure raises the spirits.
Thanks - I like that saying!
DeleteIt is just awful - I see the pictures and can't believe it. It looks like a war zone.
Thanks - yes, I know to be careful and not overdo it. Slow and steady. I feel very good that I still have the health to do such things. I could do without snow too - but it is winter in Indiana!
Oh the soup was very yummy. Glad you got out for a bit.
The sun is just so mood lifting. I love it!
Have a beautiful week.
Bless your heart, Cheryl. I remember shoveling snow in Illinois back when I was growing up, that was a BIG job! It was easier when we got a snow blower, but it was tiny compared to our great big driveway! We also had to clear our roof of snow back then too, which I do not miss at all.
ReplyDeleteYou sure did get a lot of snow this week. We ended up with about 2 inches, not a lot, but enough to shut everything down here including schools.
Your meals sound delicious and how sweet of your neighbor to bring you the jambalaya, it looks so good!
We had a good week here, but stayed home and out of the snow. We didn't lose power and I'm so grateful for that! The Lord blesses up everyday and we thank Him for that. I hope you have another good week.
Snow is not my favorite things. I have a snow blower that hasn't been used in years - so doubtful it would start. Yep, we got a bunch - more than the last few winters
DeleteI remember in the 70's living in Nashville, TN - it started to snow one day while I was at work - and they shut it down and sent us home! Yes, there were a lot of hills - but I was used to it - they sure weren't.
Oh the jambalaya was fantastic!
I am so glad you have had a safe and warm week. Yes mam, we are so blessed.
Have a lovely week.
Oh my! That is a lot of snow! We are in an area that does not normally get snow, and we received around 4-6 inches, so our city has been shut down since Friday when the snow came in. Should be mostly off the roads by tomorrow though, but temps are still cold so lots left on the ground. Before the snow came, I got out and did check ups for both me and the instruments that live in our house. Good news is everyone is in good shape! Used up leftovers, making them into something “new.” Pictures on my blog at https://jesuscallsmefriend.blogspot.com/2025/01/pennies-from-heaven_0241277421.html
ReplyDeleteYep, we got our share of the snow! Hope you enjoyed getting some, since you usually don't. Stay in and stay safe. Best place to be. Glad everyone is in good shape.
DeleteWill stop over today to see the latest.
Have a wonderful week.
I just love stay-at-home weeks. There is plenty of exercise to be had while doing chores, for sure. I don’t think I’ve ever had to clear snow. Yikes! The jambalaya looks yummy.
ReplyDeleteQuiet weeks are a gift I think. Yes, we can get exercise is so many ways.
DeleteOh you lucky person you! I have always had that job - G worked when it snowed, so I have always had to clear it.
It surely was yummy!
Have a super week.
Our winter storm turned out to be way less than predicted so we were thankful. We are just done with the never ending cold! Bring on the summer temps!
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't get the snow. The winter does have it benefits for nature - but I am ready for warmer temps too.
DeleteHave a good week.
The snow doesn't bother me but we had a LOT of ice before the snow. Our town was pretty much shut down most of the week. Stay safe and warm. Your meals all sound really good. I hope your outside cat stayed warm in the greenhouse. Have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteI sure don't like ice. Sorry you got that first. Oh Licorice seems to love the cold. He spends a lot of time wondering around - doesn't miss any meals! He has lots of warm bedding and he snuggles around a lot.
DeleteHave a super week. Be safe!!!
We got a bit more snow last night, but I haven't cleared it yet as the temperatures dropped and I figured it can wait for a bit. Quiet week here as well and I have been able to work on a few projects, even complete a couple of simple ones.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
If you aren't going anywhere - yes it can wait. I am just kind of OCD about snow. Quiet weeks are nice - a lot of catching can be accomplished.
DeleteHave a lovely week.
I just love your attitude, Cheryl! Your positivity comes shining through in each post. Thank you for being a light to others.
DeleteWay to go for shoveling all that snow by yourself! 👍
Susan in Washington state
Hello Susan. Thank you for your kind words. Being crabby and cranky gets you nowhere, and trying to be nice, seems to attract good people and things in my opinion. Just seems like the right way to be.
DeleteHope you are well and safe. Good to have you here.
Have a wonderful week.
And that mouse shoveling her snow was adorable!
ReplyDeleteSusan
I thought it was cute! As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to use that picture.
DeleteI'm in awe of your snow-shoveling capabilities! I think it's awesome that you can still do it! That jambalaya looks soooo good! I know you enjoyed that! I only did our usual grocery shopping, plus a little extra for the snow we were expecting but never got. Just putting it back in my pantry because it will always come in handy! And winter isn't over yet. Hope you have a great start to your week!
ReplyDeleteI just do what I need to do. I am very happy that the good Lord has ket me healthy enough to take care of things around here. Not too snaggy for an older gal!
DeleteGlad you got some extra for the pantry and that you didn't get any snow. Those things will always come in handy.
Thank you and you have a great week too.
G'morning! I was out there shoveling, too, but not as much as you got. Our first bout came with about 4" and I shoveled twice -- first thing early in the morning, about an inch (pup walks the front steps, and I needed to know where I was walking) and a second late afternoon, another 2". And then the HOA snow removal crew came at 9:30 PM and did the roads, garage slabs, stairs, and sidewalks, working until 3:30 AM. That continual back-up "beep, beep, beep" kept me awake most of the night. Other than going out for a doctor's appointment, I stayed in and finished packing up Christmas decor and re-setting my house for the rest of the winter. No $$ spent here. Stay safe and walk carefully as melted snow makes for slick icy spots!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, sorry you had to shovel too. It seems to take a while, and doing it in shifts helps. Nice that you do have an HOA to help clear other areas.
DeleteGood to stay in and stay safe. I have some ice melt (pet safe), that I have had for a few years, that was thrown down in icy spots. That has helped a lot. Amazing if you keep something long enough - you may need it!
Be safe and stay warm.
Have a super cozy week.
Hi Cheryl, I applaud your thrifty and frugal habits. I try hard to do the same. I was just saying to my hubby that I will need to get out there to do some shoveling this morning. He is 85 and can't do that anymore. But I enjoy the fresh air so...anyway, stay upright...falls are terrible for us. I keep cleats on my walking boots in the winter. Take Care, J
ReplyDeleteHello Jocelyn - it is so nice to have new people commenting. Thank you so much. It has kind of become ingrained in me any more - just how I live.
DeleteI love the fresh air as well. I spend at least a little time every single day outdoors. No matter the weather.
You be careful shoveling. Cleats is a great idea! I have a certain boot, that works well to keep me from slipping - other shoes I have not so much! Don't ask me how I figured that out over the years!!!
Please stop by again and comment.
Have a wonderful week.
oh man Cheryl, you have had more snow this us but the cold is here. 14 this morning. Good for you being able to shovel as much as you can!
ReplyDeleteAmazing we got more here than up north! It is about 15* here, this morning. Brrrrr. Going to get colder too.
DeleteStay warm and have a great week.
We’ve got you both beat! At 8 AM, it was 9 degrees here but windchill made it feel like 0! And the chickens still needed their warm water brought out to them in the morning, switched out at noon and then brought back inside overnight to keep from freezing!
DeletePat that is cold. Today is much colder. Can you not get heater bowls for the chickens? I keep heated water out for birds, squirrels and cats. It seems to be the only liquid water around for them. It cost virtually pennies all winter to keep them plugged in. Just a thought.
Delete