Words to End the Week

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It is a beautiful morning here.  The sun is shining, and it is warmer - about 40*.  Looks like it may get in the 50's today with NO rain!  Yesterday we had some rain, and in the afternoon, there were even some big old wet snowflakes in the mix.

The next few days should be nicer, with maybe a few showers over the weekend.  I hope to get out and mow at the end of the week again.  It sure needs it.

We all have setbacks in life, some bigger than others.  Stuff happens - but we just can't let it stop us and get us down too badly.  We pick up and continue to go forward.  We find a way.  We cannot change what HAS happened, but we can change our future.  That is one thing that we can all do - maybe in baby steps, maybe in big strides - but we work hard and go on.

I love this meme.  It is so true.  YOU have to take care of YOU!  When you take care of yourself, you are kind of taking care of those around you.  A happier you means a happier world around you!

Get up every day and do something!  Stay as physical as possible.  Clean, plant, do laundry, do yard work, walk, or just exercise a little - whatever you are able to do.  Got to take care of these bodies!

Mind your "head"!  Try to stay positive and not dwell on negative and bad thoughts.  Do not put negative out in the world.  Mind your thoughts and words - everyday!!!!  You CAN control that.  Only you can control that.  When you spread negativity, it touches everyone around you.  Sure, crap happens, but you can dwell on the positive instead of the negative.  It will change everything about you!

Finances - well, we do what we can.  We have big expenses happen, and that isn't easy.  We are here because we are frugal and thrifty people.  That is why I am frugal - so I can confront those spendy days/weeks.  If I mind my money today - it will HELP me tomorrow.  It may not solve the problem, but it can help!

I know it hurts, but not every day in life is perfect.  Sometimes we have to pull the belt tighter, simplify more, and learn new (old) ways.  I hear a lot of complaints about that, that it simplifies it all too much.  Well, I was raised to put in the work and get a positive return.  So, it is just a way of life for me.  Some need to look at things differently.  Quit making things harder than they have to be.

Blessings - count them every single day!!!!!  No matter what your day or week brings to you - it brings good and blessings as well.  It may be something simple as a kind word, or it may be a blessing of bill paid off, or a job offer, or an accident missed, or the beauty of nature.  EVERY single day is special.  Make sure you give thanks on a regular basis.  Be good and kind and watch it happen to you as well.  I am a huge believer in you reap what you sow.

Today is a new day - make it a good day.  As it states in the first meme, you can't change yesterday, no matter how badly you wish you could.  It is the past.  Today is all you can count on - and that is moment by moment.  No one knows how much time they have - so make it good while you can.  I sure don't want people to say "she sure was a negative Nelly on her last day".  I'd prefer they think of me in a kind way - because that means I made a nice impact on this world and/or them.

You control you.  Be the best you can be.  Physically, mentally and to the world.  Do not put bad energy out to the world or in your home.  Be the light that everyone needs.  Help keep your neighborhood a nice place.  Help your family and friends when they need a boost or a positive word.  Help a stranger once in a while.  Learn new ways to make your life a little simpler and easier.  Smile, laugh, enjoy!

Just do all you can do to be a better you.

I, like you, have had s**t happen in my life.  BIG s**t!!!!  It stinks.  But how I respond is everything.  I pull up my big girl panties, reset my thoughts, rest a little, then get busy and move forward.  Wallowing in the S isn't going to help me in anyway whatsoever.

I do understand much of what others go through - been there and done that.  That is the only reason I offer advice.

I send you off with prayers for a lovely day and a beautiful weekend.

Sending love to you all.

Midweek - Fun Foody Ideas

 Howdy all.  Hoping this finds you all safe and healthy.  It is another very chilly morning here.  We are under a freeze warning until about 9AM.  It is partly sunny this morning, but we do expect some showers later on.  Oh fun - not!

This morning I noticed a tan and brown pigeon in the backyard.  My usual visitors are the basic black, gray and iridescent green ones.  This one was really quite pretty.  It is actually only the second times in years that I have seen a tan one in the wild.

Just a cute and fun idea.

I have come across some yummy recipes and ideas that I thought were fun sounding.  One took me back to junior high!  Hope you enjoy these.  As always click on the pictures to increase the size if needed.

From Eating Well on FB.  Homemade butterscotch sauce sounds like a fun addition to the holiday desserts!

From Eating Well.

This is the one that took me back to junior high.  We made a very similar item in home ec.  and called them 'popovers'.  I need to make these again soon.  I remember they were so good and fluffy.

Fun seasoning ideas without the salt.  So many think the only GOOD seasoning is salt!  You can come up with any number of seasonings and rubs yourself.  Fun to give some a try!

(From Quick Life Lessons)

You know I am a natural medicine/holistic believer.  I know there are many that take prescriptions for various things, and everyone does what is right for them.  I take nothing and sure hope I never have to.

I noticed so many of these listed bananas, oranges, nuts, grapes and grapefruit.  At least one or two of those are eaten by me EVERY single day.  I am a citrus fanatic, and I generally have bananas or grapes on hand and there is always some kind of nuts in my home.  I have also kept tart cherry juice or tart cherry capsules around always.  It really does help with aches and pains.  I am not a fan of avocado nor papaya - but pretty much have or have used all the rest.

The Lord has said He provided us with everything we need on this earth.  I do believe that.  Many medications today, were derived from natural things many years ago.  Native Americans have always followed the natural way as well.

I know it isn't for everyone, but I love it.

Just thought I would share.

You have any fun and easy recipes to share?  Do you use a lot of fruits and nuts in your life?

I'd love to hear your tips.

Have a fantastic day my friends!

Hippity Hop - Easter Will Soon be Here

 Good morning all.  I sure hope all are safe and well.  The storms have moved Eastward, causing havoc all along the way.  Prayers for everyone in their line.  If you haven't already - please check in and let us know how you are faring!!!!!

It is cold this morning - go figure.  It is in the upper 20's!  It was 80 a few days ago.  Spring weather never ceases to amaze me.  The sun is shining, so that makes things feel better (if in mind only) to start the day.

Easter is less than 2 weeks away!  Hard to believe.  Many have family get-togethers and meals for the family, many celebrate the bunny events for the younger ones in the family, and then others strictly celebrate the reverence of the day.

Whatever way you plan to spend the day - here are a few ideas that maybe you can use.

A fun and natural way to color hard boiled eggs.  Using what you have on hand and no artificial dyes.  I think it is fun to mix and match.  Coloring is also a good way to store hardboiled eggs in the frig - just to know the difference between fresh and cooked!

Easter Smore packets!  Yeah, Peeps are not the best thing to eat, but the kiddos will surely think this is cute and fun.  Little baggies all ready to make the goodies. These can be used on Easter or kept for a later date!

Making special treats for the family to enjoy, is always fun.  You can decorate cakes, cookies, cupcakes, fruit - you name it.  It doesn't have to cost anything - you can make you own goodies and create fancy toppings.  Just a fun way to increase the fun for Easter or any occasion.

Fruit pizza is always a yummy dessert, and it is pretty too.  I have done this and used a giant sugar cookie (you can make whatever kind you like).  Top with a little cream cheese with a bit of sugar added - then fruit of any type.  Yummy and always a hit.

Maybe make a centerpiece from your yard!  Cut newly budding greenery, or flowering bushes or trees and make a lovely display for the table.

I know eggs are expensive - but I hope those that want, can color a few.  There are also plastic eggs that can be filled with treats and tiny offerings or even change.  You can usually get bags full of plastic ones at the thrift stores.  You can also make Jello eggs.

You can really get creative and color/paint rocks.  Rocks are fun to paint with pictures or sayings.  They look cute in flowerpots, gardens or even on windowsills!  Just something free and fun for the whole family to make.

There are many free printables on the computer to print out for the kiddos to color.

Use baskets, totes, boxes (decorated) that you have to make Easter baskets.  I had the same one (w/Mom) from the time I was little into adulthood!!!  I looked forward to it.

Buy little gems at the dollar stores - hair accessories, crayons, little cars/trucks, socks, balls, maybe a frisbee, nail polish, puzzles, etc. to fill the basket.

Get creative on your meal and use what you have.  Go through that freezer and the pantry and make a delish meal.  Seriously, there are no rules that say you have to have this or that.  Do what you want.  Make the foods that your family likes - whatever it is.  You can make a very special meal with what you have and maybe add a fun dessert.  

Enjoy the family and celebrate the true reason for the day.  

Just remember you don't have to fall into the 'holiday' traps of spending tons of money.  It can be fun and special for nothing.

Do you have any fun and frugal ideas for celebrating, especially for the kiddos?

Have a wonderful day to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 4/6

 Hello and welcome to the Sunday blog.  I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy and hopefully DRY!

Wet is the word of the week in the mid-section of the states, north to south.  Oh my goodness, what a week.  First the storms and tornadoes - then flooding - catastrophic flooding.  So many people have homes and businesses under water.  The flooding is terrible. 

We have had almost 6" if rain in the past couple days, and that is nothing compared to others south of here.  Some have seen 8"+.  Creeks are raging rivers.  Rivers are roaring and 17'-20' over their banks, and yet to crest. 

I have flooding in the back yard and a very wet basement floor, but that is nothing.  I am dealing with that.  The dehumidifier and fans are working overtime - I just can't imagine what others are dealing with.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed that I have to face these things alone, but such is life.  We grow and learn and survive.

The next couple nights are going to get cold again.  We will be at or below freezing for a couple nights - yuck.  I sure hope it doesn't damage fruit trees.

Just a reminder to all - do NOT drive through flooded roads!!  So many have tried (even high vehicles) and have gotten stranded and some float away.  Not only is it dangerous to you and your vehicle, but it is so wrong to put rescue personal at risk for something so stupid.  Just don't - stay home if necessary.

There are violets, dandelions and tulips putting out color now.  The grass is just vivid green.  The Robins and grackles have sure been enjoying the soggy ground!  Even seeing the bunny out and about.  It sure is spring in this area.  We get the good and the bad - it is all part of the season.

This week wasn't all that frugal - but necessary!  That is why I do what I do the rest of the time.  Makes life less painful!

• Kept more tough ends of asparagus for making soup at some point (and kept those heavy rubber bands)
• Got the taxes done.  Yep, an expense - but all worked out wonderfully.  I was more than pleased with results.  The tax place is right across from the park - so got to enjoy just beautiful scenery as well.  Oh, the trees are so pretty.
• I picked a small bouquet of tulips and hyacinths 
• I did buy a new lawnmower.  A NEED!  I got a great price.
• Got to mow the yard before the rains started
• While out, I stopped at the hardware store and also purchased new string disks for the weed whacker.  The first I have had to purchase since I got the whacker (got pack of 3 - will last for a few years).  I also received a free bag of popped popcorn - that was good, as I was hungry!  Got me home without stopping for something!
• Visited with sis for her 94th birthday!  She is doing well.  I did stop to buy her a pretty bouquet of flowers and some of her favorite Russell Stover sugar free chocolates.  She was thrilled.  Worth every penny!!!!
• Running the dehumidifier and fan downstairs - glad to have both.  Will take the air filter/ionizer down there this week
• Using what I have on hand - no grocery shopping
• Doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Ham (freezer), mac n cheese, steamed asparagus

Smoked sausage (freezer) sandwich and small salad

Cup of lasagna soup (freezer) and fresh veggies and fruit

Beef and broccoli rice bowl

Fish tacos (soft)

Grilled ham & cheese, hardboiled egg and side salad

Fried cabbage w/bacon, and scrambled eggs

Well, how has your week been?  I know several of you live within the storm areas we had earlier in the week, and many are in the flood zones as well.  Please let us know how you are faring!!!!

Please know that I pray for all of you daily.  

Also, did you get any deals this week?  Doing spring cleaning?  Cleaning up storm mess?

I pray that each and every one of you are safe and healthy.  That you have not had to deal with big loss or damage.  I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

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

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

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am; to be content.  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.  I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Philippians 3:11-13

Dear Lord, we thank you for all that we have and for our family and friends.  We ask for help and love for those going through so many struggles at this point in time.  May we all remember that no matter what we feel we are enduring, there are so many who have far worse problems.  Help us each to be grateful for what we DO have and help us to learn to be more content in all things.  May we all be kind and caring in our words and actions, as they can affect others in ways we do not realize.  AMEN

All Good and Check In

 Good morning all.  I sure am hoping you are all safe and well.  Boy what a night we had all over the place.  The storms didn't start here until after 9PM - so after dark.  I hate that, as you can't see what is coming.

Any way we had a couple hours of crazy stuff.  Torrential rains, high winds (65-70 mph straight-line here), tornado sirens, lots of stuff going on.

I was very lucky!  A couple branches down and some water in the backyard.  Have seen lots more water in the past. 

There were tornados north of here and even some rotation just a handful of miles south of me.  Lots of damage all around the city/state, by watching the news this morning.  Semis flipped on the highway even happened due to the winds.  Only one injury reported amazingly.

The pictures of the damage are just so sad.

The lights stayed on here, never even lost power.  We faired so well in my area.

PLEASE check in and let us know how you faired through the storms.  The line of storms was so long and massive, that it hit several states.  I know many of you live in the areas.

There is a lot more rain coming from tonight through the weekend, so there will also be flood warnings.

Spring storms just stink.

So please, please check in!!!!!  I care about each of you.

Prayers for your safety and that of your families.

I hope each of you can have a wonderful weekend.

Many blessings

Don't Make it so Difficult

 Good morning to all.  I am running a little late this morning.  I sure didn't want to get out of the bed this morning, it felt so good.  Only got up a few minutes later than normal, but it was a struggle!  Bitsy even slept in.  We had quite a noisy thunder boomer come through this morning.  It rained and there was a lot of lightning and thunder.  It didn't last none too long, but it delayed my going out to feed the animals and Licorice.  When I went out, Licorice was getting ready to come around the house to wait for me!  He saw me and ran back to the deck, awaiting his breakfast!  He ate, as I did my chores and then went on a walk-about!  He sure is sweet.

There are some pretty nasty sounding storms going through a big part of the mid-section of the country this evening and into the morning.  South of me looks to be VERY, VERY bad.  There are several of the readers here that are in those areas.  I pray you are all safe and have no damage.  PLEASE take shelter - yes, it looks that bad.

I would love to sit on that empty chair and have a long chat with that lady.  Oh, the things I could learn.  I would love to know what she feels about the times.  What are her ideas of the future?  What is a day like?  Probably chores and getting by.

Sometimes we really make things a lot more difficult than we need to.  Today people are all consumed about money.  That really saddens me.  I think we just make it so much more difficult that it needs to be.  ENOUGH - is my word.  There are so many more things that are important, that get put aside for making money, growing money, and spending money.  I guess I just think that when my day comes to leave this earth - none of it matters!!!!!!!  No amount of money will buy my salvation or my eternity.

Sure you need enough to pay your bills and get by.  Sometimes it does take making so changes in your lifestyle.  It really is about knowing about wants and needs.

All the worry and fretting and complaining does nothing.  It just makes you sick and anxious.  That is not good.

I know there are many people out there, that think I oversimplify things.  They don't want to hear it.  

I am a very simple person, always have been.  Don't need to impress a soul on this earth.  You don't like me - that is on you.  I don't really care.  

I believe in hard work and being a good steward of what you have.  Limiting yourself when you feel it necessary.  Learn how to stretch things, money and time.  SURE, you may have to learn some new things!  That is a good thing.  Learning is always a good thing.

The things that are so important in life all have expiration dates!  Make those things your priority.

Stop worrying so much and start enjoying.

Am I where I thought I would be at this point in life?  NOPE.  I sure never wanted to think about life as it is now - but things happen that we can't control.  They happen to all of us.  So many gals here know exactly what I am talking about.  It sucks - there I said it.

BUT saying that - doesn't mean I should give up on life.  My love would never have wanted that for me.  I bet yours wouldn't either.  I do believe they would want us to go forward and live the best we can and make them and the world proud.  That is all we can do.

Money is a tool.  That is it.  As long as you have enough to cover your daily life, you are doing good.  

Do your best and be your best.  Stop and enjoy life a bit and stop the worry and obsessing.

Try smiling more (even if you don't feel like it) it becomes a habit!  Smile and laugh and just enjoy each day you are gifted.  Don't waste them.

I know many think I ramble on, but I have learned some hard lessons and just want to share.

Have a great day.

💖😊😍

If you are so inclined, please pray for the safety of those in path of the nasty, nasty storms going through tonight.

I repeat TAKE SHELTER in those areas, don't be brave.

Changing Seasons - You Ready? Stocking Isn't Just Food

 Hello and happy April!!!  Wow, three months already done this year.  It sure is going fast.  

It is a chilly frosty morning here.  We will see 50's today and some sun!  More spring storms headed this way during the week.  Not looking forward to those.  March and April seems to bring those nasty storms to the interior of the US. 

They say April showers bring May flowers - boy, we better see a lot of flowers!!!  LOL

This was looking out my living room window to the West at about 7PM Sunday.  It got very nasty looking.  We did have very hard rain, pea size hail (just a bit), and 70 mph winds.

Looking North of me.  See that white tree?  Oh that thing is huge - probably 70'+ and it is just beautiful.

Yes, me and my neighbors are those people that stand outside and look up, instead of heeding the warnings!

We had some nasty storms come through over the weekend.  I seem to be right in the eye of the needle (luckily), as the worse missed me.  Many had wind damage, flooding, hail, and some areas had tornadoes.  We will soon be coming upon hurricane season for coastal areas.  Think fires in the driest area, earthquakes, you name it - it is that time.  Are you as ready as you can be?

We always talk about how we stock food, for the emergencies and just daily living.  What happens if you lose power for an extended time?  Maybe no power, no water, etc.

You need to have a plan just in case!!

• Do you have water?  Jugs of water to help flush, or to just wash yourself.  Water to aid in drinking or cooking?  What about bathroom use over a long period of time?  A potty chair, or a lined bucket.  Maybe a way to collect rainwater.  A way to purify water.

• Do you have a way to get light for your home?  Make sure you have flashlights and batteries or candles available.  Yard type solar lights work great when you bring them in.  They do give off a good amount of light.  Glow sticks might be something to have on hand - you can stick them in an old milk jug for a super nice glow of light.  Do you have ANY TYPE of generator?  They sure help to keep foods from thawing in freezers.  You do NOT need to run constantly - just a bit here and there to keep things frozen (and not open the freezer much).  Make sure freezers are full - if with nothing other than water jugs.  That keeps things cold.  Generators are good if someone needs medical devices as well (think C-Pap machines, etc.).  If you have a portable generator, you will need a supply of fuel.
• Can you cook?  Many stoves today cannot be lit without power.  Do you have a grill or know how to cook over a fire?  Maybe have a piece or two of cast iron pots.  They work great on a fire.  Do you have some foods that can be eaten just as it is?  Food that doesn't need to be cooked - think canned fruit, tuna, some veggies, peanut butter/jelly, home canned goods, etc.
• Have alcohol and/or peroxide to help clean and keep germs away.  Antibacterial wipes on hand.  Hand sanitizer.  Bleach and cleaning products just in case.
• Non-electrical devices to replace your normal way of living.  A car phone charger.  A mechanical can opener, a coffee pot that can be used on a grill or fire (or instant coffee).  Non-plastic cooking tools (that won't melt).  If storm is coming, make sure to charge up phones and any batteries.
• TP or wipes!!!  
• H & B - allergy meds (remember no AC - so windows open), cold meds, eye drops, basics for cleansing yourself (you want to feel somewhat normal)
• CASH on hand - you never know.  Odds are you won't be able to shop anywhere - as they are in the same predicament as you, but you may be able to barter with neighbors, or have someone help you
• Pet foods - you can't forget your fur babies.  They will need food and water too.
• Have your important papers and items together if you think you may be in a big storm - in case you need to flee!  Papers, meds, keys, glasses, animal carriers, etc.
• Be ready to do some work!  Odds are you may have to do clean-up of some kind, so just know you may be responsible for YOU.  Everyone will be in the same boat.

There is just a plethora of things to think about to be able to survive and survive well.  Storms come in all shapes and forms, and they happen all over the world.  If you have some of the basics lined up - you will feel a bit comforted in knowing you can survive.  Some of our own readers here, have been through this with the last hurricanes.  Many areas are still not back to normal.  It can be lasting or it can be short in time - you just need to have a plan.

I pray no one else has to go through these things, yet I can almost predict someone will, sadly.  You gals that have survived these horrible times, please feel free to offer things I didn't think of.

It just makes since to be prepared for anything.  We never know what kind of emergency we may have - it could be sickness, job loss, weather, anything!  

You may need to get rustic for a while - think about that.  Life isn't always, turning on faucets, flipping power switches, and AC or heat - it may get real basic!

Have a plan!!!

Wishing you all a lovely April day!