Howdy and good day to all. Hope this finds you safe and well on this Sunday. It is kind of cloudy and cold this morning. We have already reached our high for the day and now we are falling in temperature. The next couple of days will be frigid (single digit highs), but it shows sunshine every day. That is always a positive!
I have been out to do my morning feeds.
We had a couple days of much warmer temps and got some melting action. The piles are shorter, and you can see grass here and there. The streets and walks are all clear. There is still a lot of white out there, but not as much!
Have enjoyed the glorious moon most mornings this week - sure has been pretty.
I thought the pretty flower would be appreciated in January! Also, the words are very meaningful - 60 days until Spring! It will go by quickly - so stay positive. Better weather days are coming!!!!It has been a quiet week, for the most part.
- Had a meeting with my financial guy - all looks good
- I ran to the grocery for a few fresh items. I got celery, mushrooms, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli all on clearance. I also got some potatoes and a couple onions - zero money out of pocket - used a gift card
- I also ran to feed store and got some more corn and thistle seed - again zero out of pocket do to gift
- Used my air fryer a couple times this week
- Started one box of my mushrooms this week - they are really growing already. There should be tons of them!! This is fun
- Had 2 partial bottles of mouthwash open - one mint, one regular - mixed them together to free up space. It tastes fine!
- Received an Ollie's coupon for 15% off entire purchase. Need to use before 2/15
- No cat food goes to waste - if indoor kitties don't eat all their wet food - Licorice gets it.
- Got to scrub the watering holes on warmer days
- Got to use the sun to heat the house a couple days - turned down heat and the sun shining in really warmed the house well
- Used the last couple of older potatoes in dishes, so as not to waste
- I have had no sugar for 15 days so far this month - had only a couple treats
- General cleaning and going through magazines and books to donate
- Cooking from what I have and using all leftovers
Meals this past week:
Leftover soup beans and side of fresh vegs
Mushroon/onion/Swiss burger (no bun), fries and veg sticks w/dressing
Fried fish, green bean fries and salad
Chicken breast, mashed pots, green beans
Chopped chicken/diced potato soft tacos
Tenderloin and salad
Pork & veggie "hash" skillet (used pots, carrots, broc., peas and onions)
Pretty much my week! Nothing exciting at all. Just piddling around and keeping busy doing odds and ends. How has your week been? Are you in the cold? Getting snow?
Did anyone get any good deals this week?
Thank you to all for being here and to those who contributed to conversation this week.
I know much of the country is about to get slammed with super cold weather and maybe even snow. Please stay safe and warm. Do not get out if you don't have to. Make sure you keep extra socks, gloves, hats, and even a blanket in your vehicle if you do much traveling. Be prepared.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and stay so very safe.
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
******************************
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
Ephesians 1:3
Dear Lord, help us each to live our lives as Christ-like as we possibly can. May we do good and love all others. May we help all those in need and love our earth and all that you have created. We know that turning over our lives to Thee, we have our place in eternity, what a wonderful gift that will be. Thank You for each and every blessing we receive every day. AMEN
That is a beautiful meme and the saying is so true and a great reminder! I know everyone experiences loss and heartbreak however most still have so much to be thankful for. Family, a home, resources that many would give anything for. In the moment, it may be hard to remember these things, but it is so necessary for our mental and physical health.
ReplyDeleteWe've had more winter in the last 15 days then we usually have in a winter season. It's good for our gardens though.
Sounds like you had a pretty good week. Stay warm!!
Yes mam, we all have things to be thankful and grateful for - no matter what we may go through. Life is such up and down - yet there is always good things.
DeleteI agree on the weather. We had more snow in one week, than many of the past seasons total. Yes, our gardens will be thankful. Stay warm there as well. The next few days will be cold!
Have a great week.
We are heading into the single digit night-time highs this evening. Our water is not doing well. On Friday afternoon it went to a trickle. The water dept sent a man out Saturday evening and he heard no leaks anywhere and said it was likely temporary, but he agreed the flow was quite low. This morning it was still very low, going to a trickle. I'll do my best to keep it flowing tonight during the single digit thing. :( I've got several nights of that coming this week.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible quote is very good. Deep and thought provoking.
MaryB
Sorry you are going to see the single digits too. Dang, on the hot water. Do you have a water heater wrap? They don't cost much and do a good job. Maybe keep the doors open for pipes or let water trickle to keep it moving. Hope it doesn't freeze up. Is it located close to outdoors? Mine is in the basement, so I don't worry much about it.
DeleteGood luck.
Have a warm and safe week. Blessings!
And now Jan is half way gone. I attended a community meeting with municipal/provincial reps identifying seniors' needs. It seems that the major issues - affordable housing, access to health care, high utility bills, transportation - are everyone's concerns regardless of age. In the words of one community member, it seems that many issues stem from political overregulation. Tuesday was a fun day with a hair cut then lunch/scrabble at my friend's. We got to see each other's "new" used trucks for the first time. I was happy to have my 4x4 this past week in the snow & ice. Temps are -25C this w/e, colder with wind chill. I'd prefer that to the thaw/freeze cycle we've been experiencing. My sister & I dealt with some estate business. Good to get that business done. And then off to my nephew's 50th BD party 4 hrs away. All fun until the blowing snow hit. But home at my son's now safe & sound & enjoying a visit with him. I'm culling some household items collecting dust & found a home for a glassware set. In the kitchen: leftover squash/chickpea soup; roast chicken sandwiches; quesadillas. Have a good week, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a busy week. I think young and old - we all kind of face the same things.
DeleteGlad you have had friend and family time. That is always fun. Hope you stay warm and safe.
We sure all have things we can get rid of - maybe bless another. Mmmmm - quesadillas sound good!
Have a lovely week.
Excellent devotional! Yes, "Thank You for each and every blessing we receive every day." We need to live as Yeshua lived and He admonished us to live. There is a homeless man who stays in the entryway at Big Lots when it is super cold and will come in to use the restroom from time to time. Erin said he is no trouble at all and no one complains about him. One of the other ladies who works the register gave him some things the other day, and Erin remembered that the Farmer has a new pair of tennis shoes that are too narrow for him and it's too late to try to return them. I pulled some fleece shirts to put with the shoes, and the Farmer found some brand new gloves and a warm toboggan to add to the stash. Also found a pack of wool blend socks and will pull out a pair of flannel lined jeans for him. Erin said he attends a local church so hopefully they have an outreach program. I told Erin that we are admonished to help one another. "The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ " Matthew 25:40 AMP
ReplyDeleteIt has been trying to spit snow while I am sitting here. The sun also acted like it might make an appearance. Gonna be super cold for a few days. We had pretty good weather the last few winters.
We have lunch ready to go into the oven. I took most of the leftover homemade mushroom soup and made a tuna casserole. Since we don't eat noodles, I used some cauliflower rice with bits of red pepper, peas and corn, along with chopped onion, celery and chopped broccoli, chopped peppers from our garden and shredded cheese to it. I divided it into two dishes and ate one yesterday. We will have the other casserole today along with some grilled asparagus. It was very good and I would do that again when I make mushroom soup. Or use it to make a chicken casserole.
Stay warm! I'm sure your kitties would cuddle with you. My Chihuahuas know when it is time to sit on the couch with mom.
How wonderful that Big Lots allow that gentlemen to stay warm there - many stores would not allow that. I am glad that you have all come together to help him with warm clothes. That is wonderful. I think about homeless people much more during these terribly cold days. I sure hope they find some sanctuary.
DeleteWe have had really good winters the past couple, with just an occasional cold snap - so we have been spoiled.
Your meal sounds yummy. Put cheese in anything and I am there!
I am sitting here with a kitty on each side of me. Blackie laid on my lap for an hour this morning. So sweet.
Have a beautiful week.
Mona, I live in northern Idaho and our community has a warming center for freezing nights. My husband passed about two months ago and I am not ready yet to go through his clothes, but I did pull out 5 winter jackets (some quite old but still good), wool socks, lined jeans, gloves, etc., and donated them. Any group that works with homeless people will be glad to take what you've got.
DeleteI sent his long wool underwear to my great-nephew who is a freshman at the University of North Dakota where it is REALLY cold right now. Hubby had 4 pairs of longies (courtesy of our son who works in the ski industry) and I seem to have outfitted him and his three suite mates.
That was me above (with all of the long underwear, LOL)
DeleteOops, I meant Donna, not Mona--but Mona's comment was very good, too!
DeleteMaxine, sorry of what you are going through right now. Very Sorry. I totally understand not being ready to get rid of your husband's things. I still have many after almost 6 years. His garage is still the same. I get it.
DeleteIt is very nice of you to let the warm clothes go to those that can truly use them and appreciate them.
I enjoy your Posts very much -- you are my go-to authority on food preservation. Being elderly, I order my groceries delivered from Walmart - Occasionally I forget to check the 'no substitutions' box, and they send large sizes if small ones not available. My question is: can rice and flour be frozen? For how long? Does it affect the taste? Many thanks and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Glad to have you here Eileen. Oh yes, both can be frozen quite well. I regularly freeze my flour when I get - just to kill 'anything' that might be in it. Then after freezing for a while - I put in canister. I have frozen rice many times. I would say both could be frozen for up to a year at least - make sure it is sealed well, when placing in freezer, as to not pick up other tastes or ice. Bring to room temp, when ready to use, and then put in your containers. I have never noticed any different flavor.
DeleteHope that helps.
Have a great week.
I love that flower and the meme too. We should always look on the brighter side of life whenever possible. Love those Kroger markdowns, you did good and wonderful to have a gift card to apply towards it so no money out of pocket. Yes, the temperatures are supposed to start dropping today and be bitter cold. I used to be hot natured, but now am cold natured, so I prefer warmer temperatures these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks. The brighter side is always lovelier! Negativity just brings more negativity.
DeleteI got 2 Kroger GC's at Christmas and one for feed store. Love it. Yes, they have such good clearance items at times.
Oh, I have sure gotten warm natured - I do not like the cold. I can tolerate it better than ice - but prefer warmth!
Have a lovely week
I am feeling incredibly thankful to be in Arizona. My son texted me this morning to say it was -35C(-31F) with a windchill of -47C(-53F). He and the dog were out for just a couple of minutes for Sage to do what she needed to do.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a lovely week here, though we're expecting big winds tomorrow. I've got enough fresh water and groceries to last me for a few days if it continues. With the wind comes the dust so it isn't pleasant to be outdoors, and there is the concern for the desert virus (valley fever). I have plenty to keep me amused here too.
Enjoy your week ahead!
Holy cow!!!!! I am sorry for him, geesh, that makes me feel bad for complaining. No where close that here. Oh my. Lucky you!
DeleteYou stay in and enjoy your days. I know you will. I have never heard of valley fever before - I guess breathing that stuff in has to be bad.
Have fun. Have a super week.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy reading through your accomplishments, I think I will start making a list, the small things add up. I just read Annabel’s latest post (bluebirds blog), fabulous if you get a chance to see it. Both you and she focus on doing one thing at a time and moving forward, really good advice. Have a good weekend, Hilogene in Az
For me it is just pacing myself and doing a little a day. Annabel always has a good blog and good advice. She is another one who is having to find her new place in the world after becoming a widow. I think we are all searching.
DeleteHope you are doing well. I am sure you are keeping warmer than the rest of us!!!
Have a special week.
Your week sounds lovely, and your meals make me think how boring what I’ve dishes up this week has been. No one has complained though, so they must have been not too bored.
ReplyDeleteAfter weeks of no bargains, I finally came across a few this week and have restocked my freezer. That’s always a good feeling. I’m running under budget for January, and that is a great feeling, but I think that’s because I carried over a lot of Christmas stuff that wasn’t used or leftover. Or maybe we were just too full from feasting.
Have a great week, I lot forward to your thoughts. Take care, Louise
If no one is complaining, then all is good! I get bored easily and I have so much stuff - so I need to get creative.
DeleteGlad you found some bargains to restock with - yipee! How nice to stay under budget - hope the next 10 days or so goes the same. Yeas, I think many people got their filling of all the feasts and it is now time for simple again.
Have a beautiful week.
You are on a roll with the no sugar thing! That’s great! I need to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying! I get tempted so easily. I am not really looking to lose weight, just the waist! It seems to be a little smaller.
DeleteHave a good week.
So cold here that I did not even stick my nose outside. Instead we watched a live stream of Mass and I got to work very early on my projects. Seeing a bit of headway on at least one of them.
ReplyDeleteHubby made us a brunch and since my oven is still unable to be used I pulled out my electric roaster and did our Sunday roast meal in that. Next I am going to try and bake bread in it.
God bless.
That sounds cold! Stay in and stay warm - best idea.
DeleteSmart to use the electric roaster. I bet you could make bread in it. Let us know how it goes.
Have a blessed week and stay in!
It is colder here, but we have not had any real winter yet. Sissie is freezing all the time. I think the dry cold is worse on her than the wet cold. If that makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh - we are getting real winter. Like you, we have been blessed in the past and got spoiled. Hope you all stay warm.
DeleteHave a fantastic week.
I am right there with you on using up bits of food to avoid waste! Food is too expensive to be wasteful of, and even if it is free I still don’t believe in letting it waste! Too many in this world have not, so I want to be responsible with what I have!
ReplyDeleteGood for you in being sugar free!!! I went sugar free about four years ago now. I decided to try it for a month, and by the end of the month I felt so much better and my blood sugar numbers were better as well! So I have kept it up and honestly do not miss sugar at all! The first two weeks were HARD, but after that my taste buds changed and now I just sweeten with dates or applesauce or just plain eat fruit when I want something sweet. I had a good week—wrote about it here:
https://jesuscallsmefriend.blogspot.com/2025/01/pennies-from-heaven_20.html
I totally hate waste of any kind.
DeleteWell, I am trying to lose some belly/waist fat and I just quit eating the junk. It isn't hard - but I do think about sweets some. I do like them, even though they aren't good for me. It probably won't be a lifelong thing at all - just cutting back.
Have a lovely week.