Howdy to all!! Five days in already! Shoot, time will be flying by - 74 days until spring! LOL
I hope this finds you all well and safe.
All is calm here at the moment. That should be changing within a few hours. We are looking at snow coming in - quite a bit of snow. I personally think they give the worst scenario - but they may be right. No plans here, as I will be staying home.
I did NOT do the milk, bread, eggs run as did half the population, according to the pics on the news. Good grief folks are nuts - they act like they will be stranded for weeks! Not here in the city, that isn't happening.
Had a friend check in to see if I needed anything yesterday - told them I was good to go. Nice of people to check.
It appears the temps will be in the highs in the 20's (F) for a spell now. Yep, winter is here in the Ohio Valley!
My Frugal Ways:
- Of course you know I had my last Christmas celebration of the year - so lovely
- Monday - Big Lots run. Only got a couple items at 20% off. I am reading they now have a buyer - so maybe they won't all go away!
- I changed my first light bulb in what seems like years! LOL
- Froze lots of goodies. BBQ meatballs, lil' smokies, brisket, and chili. Lots of future meals!
- I had some 'sugar cookie dip' left (tastes like cheesecake) and I used it and graham crackers to make 'ice cream' sandwiches for the freezer. Nice treat when I choose - little sugar involved
- Did ALL laundry on NY eve. Throw rugs, bedding, clothes, chair covers, etc. Started the year all clean!
- Cut the fronts off most of my cards to use for lists
- Put away Christmas decorations and clothes (except wreaths on doors)
- I still have a few tomatoes that I am eating!
- Got out my new 'dollar tree" cat wall calendar and marked it up for the year.
- WINTER CHECK & PREP - checked antifreeze, WD'd gate latch and my car hood latch, covered garage lock with baggy and rubber band, extra bedding in greenhouse and 'dog' (cat) house, even put a bit of WD on the seals of my car door (hopefully to prevent freezing shut). Outdoor faucet is covered with Styrofoam. Took all trash out to bin
- Cleaned all the watering holes for the cat and critters & refilled
- Been eating leftovers in new ways.
- NO grocery shopping at all this week. Not spent a cent so far in January.
Meals this past week:
Sunday buffet - had chili, BBQ meatballs and lil' smokies, fresh veggies and dip, cheese slices and summer sausage - assorted crackers & a couple types of pretzels/chips, cookie dip w/graham crackers, and vanilla wafers
Chili mac and salad
Broccoli/rice and meatballs
Corned beef brisket, cabbage, and black eye peas - my annual NY meal
Rueben sandwich and dill pickles and a handful of chips
Eggs w/chopped brisket on flat bread and steamed veggies
Enchiladas (used chili inside) and salad
SNACKS - fresh veggies, cheese, summer sausage, pretzels and dip, fruit
SO there you have it. Nothing too exciting. How has your week gone and your new year so far? Are you ready for a fresh start after all the holiday commotion? I sure am - clean house, getting back to NOT shopping and spending, and just nesting for a couple months.
I know a HUGE portion of the country is under storm warnings - PLEASE stay in and stay safe and warm. I hope you can avoid any outdoor travel for a couple days.
I look forward to getting back on track here as well - look forward to learning new ideas.
Stay safe and well. I have so many names in my head, that haven't checked in, in a long while. Please stop by and just say hello. You are missed.
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
********************
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, "Fear not, I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13
Dear Lord, help us each to give our worries and fears over to You, as You will give us guidance in every single thing we do. May You please lay Your healing hands upon those who are enduring health issues, and we ask to please heal their bodies. Help us each to be our best in this new year, and to love one another with all our hearts. AMEN
Yes, a quiet first few days of the new year. I got 5 miles of walking in before the temps dropped to -34C. (I realize that I use a mix of metric/imperial measures.) I ventured outside only to fill the wood box & empty ash bucket. A great time for puttering - putting away Christmas decor, a little housecleaning, phone catch-ups with friends. The only commitment was driving my cousin to/from town when she had her car at the mechanic. There's much talk in the blogging world about goals, resolutions & WOTY but I haven't committed to any of that yet. Like your pic, just taking each day as it comes. In the kitchen: broccoli/rice casserole; pizza using odds & ends; pizza buns; corn chowder. I made a few loaves of bread. Cinnamon buns were a fail & they will be turned into bread pudding this morning. Have a good week, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteGot to love the quiet slow pace now. No running here and there - unless you want. Just doing what we want. I actually think there are a couple books calling my name.
DeleteI am not committing to anything either. One day at a time is how I like it.
Your cooking sounds good. Great reuse of the 'failed' buns! I bet that was yummy.
Have a wonderful week.
No great big savings, but tried to continue in the day to day small things. Remembering the story of the tortoise and the hare, and trying to be faithful in small daily habits. https://jesuscallsmefriend.blogspot.com/2025/01/pennies-from-heaven.html
ReplyDeleteYes mam, slow and steady wins the race! I think as we get back to slow and quiet lives, the more we will find ways to save here and there.
DeleteHave a blessed week.
Holiday is almost over for me. There's my daughter still to fly to her home and a birthday coming almost at once. Then all is quiet until Valentine's which is just cards for the littles and young. :)
ReplyDeleteI've almost made myself sick from all the Christmas treats. Last night was very uncomfortable - I got into the salted Cashew nuts and ate *way too many*!
Yes, the Lord will help. I made a mistake on my tax listing form and mailed it without seeing the error. When I looked at my copy I saw I'd neglected to sign in one place. OMGoodness what should I do? I prayed and prayed and thanked the Good Lord for helping me to fix the error. In the morning I called the Tax office and they said since I'd signed the back of the form and that was enough, I didn't need to sign both places. Whew! So then it was all prayer of Thank you, Lord!
I never ever want to get into a fuss with the Tax office!
MaryB
Glad you have had such a nice visit with your daughter.
DeleteOh, I hear you on the treats. So much food, so little time! I love salted cashews and understand; it is hard to stop as long as there are some left!
Nice on the tax papers. Wow, you have already sent them off? I haven't gotten most stuff yet.
Have a super week.
Oh no, this was a property tax listing, due in January, not my income taxes - that is always much later! I've not received any of those papers yet either.
DeleteMaryB
Oh ok that makes more sense!
DeleteI'm enjoying the start to 2025 - as you know I'm settled into the park model in Yuma for the next two months. I went for a walk this morning, about an hour, to get to know the area around the park. Found I couldn't circle around, or at least I didn't find the right street so will go the opposite way on my next walk.
ReplyDeleteHope the weather winter doesn't last too long for you. Back at home it has been bitterly cold, but is expected to warm up (to near freezing) this weekend.
Lucky you!! Getting to enjoy the warmth. The snow won't last too long, but the cold is here for a while. Been snowing most of the day.
DeleteYou enjoy every moment of the warmth that you can!!
Have a fun week.
Our New Year started with MIL being taken into hospital on New Year’s Eve, she is still there, thankfully, on the mend.
ReplyDeleteWe have had cold weather, some sleet/snow overnight, but it is now all melted and now heavy rain. Everywhere is sodden, but the daffodils are shooting up, and the camellia buds are showing colour.
I have had 5 no spend days, so I am happy with this. I am trying hard this year to have as many no spend days as I can (I exclude the planned for costs such as bills.)
Today has been a quiet Sunday. Feeding the birds and squirrels, and peeling the last of my fresh potatoes before they turned, to make mash potato for our dinner. I have done a couple of loads of laundry and hanged the clothes in the boiler cupboard to dry.
Take care all. Liz, England.
So sorry your MIL is in the hospital. Hope she is home soon and all well.
DeleteAmazing on the flowers popping forth. That will be a while away here.
5 days here as well. Yes, there are normal bills that will get paid - but other than that I need nothing.
Potato soup sounds good and hearty.
Have a wonderful week.
Cold here also, being north of you Cheryl they are saying we will not get as much snow as predicted for those south of us.
ReplyDeleteI did make a trip to store yesterday for just a very few things and to fuel up my car. The store shelves were sparse and no eggs or butter and meat shelves almost bare. I did get some chicken breast on offer but no other meat.
It's fine I have plenty here at home and like other want to "clean up" my eating after the holidays. The holiday foods were really good but I am craving fruits and veggies.
I have some sourdough bread raising and will probably share one of the 2 loaves with family.
While I am definitely not a fan of cold weather, it does feel good to stay in and relax. I do miss being able to take long walks but I will survive LOL
JC
Yes, this is cold for us! Haven't had much yucky weather for a couple years. I may go out in a bit and shovel a few paths. It has slowed a lot right now. Sure that wont last.
DeleteI am not a cold weather fan either.
I saw on the news some local store shelves and they were EMPTY. No one around here is but a block or two from a store! Crazy stuff.
Stay in and stay warm and rest up.
Have a great week.
They are predicting 9-12 inches here but who knows. The first inch was a mix of sleet/snow. I'm just glad we're missing the ice storm predicted for all of the counties south of us.
ReplyDeleteJanuary and February are intentionally slow months for me. With time off from work I've been able to get so much done around the house without feeling rushed. And trust me, I've still had a lot of down time. Stay warm and enjoy your Sunday.
I don't think the predictions here will be happening. They may, but so far so good. We have maybe a couple inches so far.
DeleteI like the slow down - it is healthy and refreshing after such a fast-paced holiday season.
Stay safe and have a super week.
With all this snow expected, we sure can use help from the Father! Erin was flying in from NC this morning and her car was parked in the lot at the airport. She landed okay and was able to start her old car. I prayed fervently (!) that her car would start and that the doors wouldn't be frozen shut. She was going home to change to go to work at 3 pm.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo on no spending in January! Did you notice on any news or other source if the holiday spending was down from last year? We kind of got the impression that folks were not going crazy like usual.
We had beef and chicken sausages with sauerkraut and black eyed peas for NY day. I made a cranberry/orange salad and an apple salad to go with our turkey patties for lunch. Now I am going to cuddle up with the dogs and read a book.
Stay warm! See you Tuesday!
I almost bet the predictions are high. I sure hope. Glad she had no trouble with her car.
DeleteI have no plans this next week either - who knows. I have everything I need - so really no need to go shopping.
Yum! Cuddling and a book sounds perfect today.
I did a nap!
have a nice week.
Sounds like a nice week for you, Cheryl. Yes, I too am getting back to not spending. It feels good after spending for Christmas. Cold weather is definitely headed your way, ours too, good planning on your part to take care of all those cold weather essentials. I’m not one to run out and get milk and bread either. 😂 your meals all sound delicious. I hope this next week is another good one for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is always nice to be 'normal' again! It has been snowing most of the day - I am officially over it!! LOL Not a winter soul.
DeleteI just have never understood the mentality of the 'store runners'. No way in this day and age (unless very rural) is anyone going to be snowed in for more than a day.
Thanks, You have a great week.
Our son who is east of you says they are getting up to ten inches. I am sure the grandchildren are beyond excited! As for us is is just cold, cold, cold. I just cannot remember a winter like this one.
ReplyDeleteYuck. I don't think we will be near that much here - but it just depends on which way it flows. Kids are going to love the snow.
DeleteWe have been mild here basically since 2022 winter. That was a cold and snowy one. I feel we were due, so not complaining - even though I don't like it!
Stay warm. Have a great week.
I hope that you don't get the ice storm that they are predicting will hit first in some areas. Here temps are rising once again, but that brings snow. Only about 5" total over a few days. When we get a forecast for really cold or very snowy days, I am afraid I am one of those who heads out and stocks up on dairy and produce. This is mainly because our street is fairly open and has been known to get 3' drifts often. Also since we are a fairly small city, it can take up to a week before roads are cleared enough that one does not get stuck.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Ice is pretty much south of here I believe. I can understand if you are somewhat rural or that happens with the road. here everything is so close together it really isn't a problem. We have crews out 24 hours a day - so they get it clean pretty quick. Side streets take a few days longer - but I have no need to leave.
DeleteHave a blessed week.
Sure hope you and the kitties stay warm and safe! We have been under tornado watches today, but the temps are finally plunging and it should be cold tomorrow here. Planning to stay in and stay warm! Take care!
ReplyDeleteThanks - we are safe, but we sure got a bunch of snow and it is blowing too. UGH
DeleteI hope you stay safe from tornados. Some wacky weather all over the country this weekend.
Have a lovely week.
So far our giant snow/ice threat turned into 36 degrees overnight, light rain, and now sun. :) I can deal with that!
ReplyDeleteMaryB
You lucked out. Just about to end here - but very early I measured 8" and it has snowed more. Cold too!
DeleteBe happy that is all you got! WOOHOO!
have a wonderful week.
Happy New Year! We're cold here in the Chicago 'burbs, but haven't gotten the lake effect snow they were predicting (though they have extended our advisory from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I spent the last 7 days of 2024 under the covers with the flu/upper respiratory issues. I did go the the Urgent Care clinic to make sure it wasn't going into my lungs/pneumonia. I'm finally on the mend, but Christmas this year was a bust. I did run out yesterday morning to pick up some necessities (Aldi -- milk, yogurt, items I'd run out of while I was sick) and household items (Menards, brown bag sale -- 11% off whatever you could fit in the bag; laundry supplies, some soups on clearance, a specialty light bulb for my kitchen over-island light fixture, other items on sale + the discount). I've partially set up my planner and need to finish that today, and I need to get the tree decorations removed and stowed. Still regaining my strength and stamina, so it's a slow-go. Hope you and all your readers stay safe in this weather and with all the "bugs" going around.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of bugs going around. I had 3 miss Christmas and one had just gotten out of the hospital. Neighbors have been sick - so I get it. I am SO SUPER happy you are on the mend. I am sorry Christmas was a "bust" - but you are still here, that is what matters. Exchanging gifts and visits can wait.
DeleteGlad you got out and got what you needed. I sure hope you don't get a lot of snow. No fun!! (unless you are a kiddo).
Take really good care - drink fluids, take Vit. C, eat well and REST! Don't overdo it too fast.
Hoping you have a good week.
Hi, I just found your blog yesterday and am really enjoying it. Would it be possible to share the sugar cookie dip recipe? I am always interested in low sugar, quick snacks. I thought it sounded very good to freeze it between the graham crackers.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you found your way here. We share a lot of great ideas and have fun. Yes mam, I will share this week.
DeleteI hope you go back and read things from the past. Always some good tips from readers!!!
Welcome.
Have a great week.