Hello to all - here we are at Sunday again. I surely hope this finds you all well and safe. Many prayers for those in the fire zones up north - praying for rain.
Rain has been something we have had a lot of this week. Nothing hard or bad, just nice showers for the most part. No need to water plants and they all seem to be thriving.
Between the heat and the rain, it has been so humid. I haven't had such frizzy hair in years!
It is a damp morning here. Muggy. We have had rain off and on much of the week. Humidity levels have been high, and temps got pretty darn warm too. The AC has been used some this week. I have it off at the moment and Bitsy is enjoying sitting in a window watching kitty TV.
This week, my sis got a real treat. She has a favorite singer she watches every Sunday evening. An Irish singer by the name of Daniel O'Donnell. (she has gotten me watching). Her youngest got her tickets to a concert in Nashville, IN (a good little drive from here). They went Thursday evening for concert and dinner, and sis got a one on one with him! She got to meet him, and that sweet little 94-year-old gal was thrilled. Late night, as she got home at 1AM. Love that she is still loving and enjoying life!
My frugal week:
- Mowed and trimmed the yard. Did the front twice. Free exercise
- Did some walks this week as well - getting free exercise in many ways
- Had a neighbor bring some brownies by and we sat, and porch chatted for a nice visit
- Met another neighbor on my walks - she is a widow as well. Very nice lady
- Made hummingbird nectar
- Root touch up on hair
- Made about a 1/2 gal. of strawberry/banana ice milk
- Went to lunch with grade school friends. Boy was that a drive in unchartered territory for me. An area I had never been, and out in the boonies!! Not the kind of boonies I usually think of!!! It was a restaurant in the middle of a golf course, in the middle of an addition of Mc Mansions in the middle of nowhere!!!! Had a lovely time, saw some beautiful homes, and got outside my comfort level. Win-win. It rained that day for about 20 minutes of my drive (about 45 minutes), then stopped and it didn't start again until I was a few blocks from home. That was a blessing, as I hate driving in rain.
- Made a nice batch of bean/veggie salad to last several days. Red beans, garbanzo beans, and about every fresh veggie I have on hand with Italian dressing. Yum.
- Did some deep cleaning
- Worked on T-shirt blankie a bit more
- Cut flowers for inside
- I did go to Kroger. Probably my only trip this month. They are remodeling the store, and usually I don't like that. This time it ACTUALLY makes sense. They are putting things together that should have been all along!!!! I think it will be good after done. Any way they had a lot on clearance area - not sure if not carrying later or just package changes or what. All had long term "best by" dates.
I got some good deals.
Elderberry gummies - reg.14.99 - for 3.69
Cat food box of assorted meals - reg. 30.99 for 7.69
Cat food treat bowls - reg. 1.79 ea. for .39
Lickables treats (he loves) - reg. 7.99 box for 1.19 box
also 2 lbs. of fresh carrots for 1.06
Let's say I stocked up really good on cat food treats and goodies. I got a lot. Bits is pretty picky, so this was a huge win and a great savings.
I did get some strawberries and grapes and cauliflower as well. Just sale not clearance on those.
- Eating from home and using what I have in new ways (except the one day out)
- Have 2 rain barrels full now (110 gal.)
- Just doing all the things we all do
Meals this past week:
Chicken fried rice
Fried rice and chicken strips
BLT
Ham, Canadian bacon and veg wrap
Out to lunch - tenderloin sandwich and steak fries
Cheeseburger and fresh veggies
Crunchy fried okra and bean/veg salad
There you go - kind of a slow and quiet week. It was a nice week. At our luncheon we celebrated our music teacher that comes to these events. She was 86 this week. Funny, we thought she was 'old' in grade school, and she was actually in her 20's! She is only 16 years older than us!! Perspective.
Any way I had a nice week.
How was your week? Did you get any deals? Do anything exciting? Give us a shout out.
I hope you all have a safe and healthy week to come.
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
**********************
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1
Dear Lord, we send thanks for this week we have had, and for this wonderful new day. We know that You watch over us and protect us in all ways. All things happen in Your time and for reasons we are not aware of. Your will be done. Please help us each one to understand that. We often do not understand and need help with that. We ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN
And just like that, the first week of June is done. This area of Alberta is in dire need of rain. None came of the forecast thls past week. The garage sale donations were delivered; the headstone for mom's grave was ordered; a handyman came to help with fence repair; rhubarb has been harvested. I attended a memorial for a neighbor who passed away last fall. When his mechanic spoke of the conversations they had while repairing equipment, I was reminded that everyone has different relationships with individuals. And as another neighbor questioned, do we really know the people with whom we live in community with? I attended the first chuckwagon race of the season. Always fun. In the kitchen: dressed cauliflower (baked w/ curry cheese sauce); rhubarb juice; pickled eggs; sauteed shrimp & peppers w/ coconut rice; Italian skillet rice; tika masala naan pizza. The daytimer shows 5 blank days in the coming week. We'll see how that turns out. Have a good week, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteWhat a busy, busy week you had. I am sorry you received no rain.
DeleteNo we never realize the effects we have on others and how others may be altered when we are gone. We think we know people, but there is always something hidden away.
Your meals sound good! 5 free days? I bet that doesn't happen - you are always on the go. But maybe itis time for you to get some rest!
Have a great one.
Oh I wish our Fred Meyer (Kroger) would put things back together. Organic non-food products all used to be on a single aisle. Now they are with "like products". Makes me crazy. I'm guessing too many people skipped that aisle assuming the products were much more expensive????
ReplyDeleteHubster doesn't usually participate but yesterday we made a 7d meal plan. He "gets" to decide each evening which is tomorrow night. (I'm retired, he is not). We will be working away at more stuff in the freezer. I really really want the freezer almost empty when the garden "comes on"!
Happy Sunday!.
I was amazed at the placement Kroger is changing. So many things that should have been together weren't before - now it is making some sense. We'll see when it is all done.
DeleteHow fun - that is nice to have hubs helping with the plan. Good on using up what you have - I am trying to do more of that too. Enjoy.
Have a lovely week.
Yesterday was a lovely day of hymn singing! Today is a rainy day, not really raining, mostly drizzle. That's ok, the pole beans have sprouted, and one of the squash seeds - they like this weather. It finally got warm enough for them. IMO it's been a cool spring - I still have a blanket on the bed.
ReplyDeleteLove the devotional today, great choice. Praying for Rain up north where the fires are... so frightning. We've had them here and it's hard to rest while smelling smoke.
MaryB
Glad you had such a nice day. I bet you would like the guy my sis went to see. He does a lot of gospel, as well as Irish and even country songs. He is good.
DeleteI agree on the garden. Daddy always said the ground wasn't warm enough until the end of May. I agree - nothing did a lot of anything until just this past week with the rain and heat.
Thanks. They sure need the rain.
Have a blessed week.
We got a bit of rain here in the province yesterday, but unfortunately the north missed out on the majority of it. The temperatures are cooling which is helping somewhat more rain is needed.
ReplyDeleteYour sister had a very special treat! I've heard some of Daniel's music and he's very good.
Great bargains! Especially on the cat food and treats.
So glad you got at least a little rain. Sure hope they get more north of you. Cooler temps hep as well.
DeleteShe did, and she was delighted. He is very good.
I was pleased as punch with the cat food sales. It is so pricey, especially when your baby is picky!
Have a great week. Prayers for more rain!
Good morning Cheryl. I was so happy for your sister, how exciting to be full of life and have something that big to experience! I am also glad your week went well and was drama free ;). All good here. I had a quiet week. Just started looking at the rest of the year budget but expect things to be on track (no major appliances have broken so far this year ;). Take care and thank you for the lovely prayer. Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteSis, is such a fun lady, I am just so thrilled for her. Glad she got to go to the concert - but then to meet him!
DeleteA no drama week is wonderful. Things seem to be in maintenance mode at this point - so I like that.
Hope the rest of your year goes well, and continues to have no big expenditures!
You are welcome. Have a special week
Excellent devotional! The Scripture and prayer pretty covers it all.
ReplyDeleteYou and your sister both had fun outings! What a hoot that she got to meet the singer. We will have to check him out. You had quite a hike to go to lunch. Meeting new neighbors is always nice. Quite a nice week for you.
Wow, good buys at Kroger! It's always nice to save some $$$.
We have had enough rain for a while. I had the flower beds all nice and clean, and boom, the rain brought the weeds all back to life.
Enjoy your day!
Thanks.
DeleteWe did have a good week. What a great fun adventure at 94. Yep it was a bit of a trip down there. Fun though.
I thought the deals were good - I was more than pleased.
Oh the weeds are just thriving! I can't keep up.
Have a great week.
Sounds like such a lovely evening for your sis. And great deals.
ReplyDeleteThe summer food program started and they have the option again for daily pick up or weekly. The daily is more 'fresh' food and variety, but not feasible for a lot of people so I'm happy with the weekly even though it's the same thing for every day. Each kid got frozen omelettes and sausage, a loaf of bread, a bag of apples, a bunch of bananas, a pound of turkey sandwich meat, 5 single serve bags of Doritos, and a gallon of milk.
Free entertainment for the kids at the park and splash pad. I did have to buy them some cheap water shoes though.
Found a rash guard outfit with UV protection on clearance online for the youngest. I don't find many of that cheap and I like those for water play. My kids are very white and burn super easy so every bit helps.
Did a lot of work on the garden. Got a few things growing great, some not really doing anything.
That is such a blessing to have that food for the kiddos. Nice program. Pools and sprinklers can sure make a fun time.
DeleteHopefully the more they are outside in summer, the better it will get.
Good for you on a garden - give those not growing great a chance. Some things get going slower.
Have a lovely week.
Glad you could get together with your grade school friends. I used to think some of my young teachers were ancient too! Haha! It's so great that your teacher can join you! Glad the weather wasn't too bad on your drive. I hate driving in rain, too. Sounds like you had a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty neat that our teacher get there. Most of them are no longer around. She is a sweetheart. We made her birthday special.
DeleteI did have a good week, thanks.
Have a good week.
I just have a very intense work week but that is not unusual. I cooked dried pinto beans and used them in a tortilla with veggies, salsa, sour cream, and cheese, made a soup like tomato dish with pasta and spinach, chicken leg quarters with broccoli, watermelons, tomato and cheese sandwiches, etc. Took my breakfast egg sandwich I made to work and a pbj sandwich for lunch bc it is cheap and easy.Just watched it rain hard off and on all weekend.I did manage to get walks in when the rain let up. Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such an intense week.
DeleteYour meals sound pretty darn good to me. Good for you on taking breakfast and lunch meals - so frugal.
I am trying to walk more - got on in today. In between rains is good.
Hoping you have a great week.
You got some great cat deals at Kroger! That is one of my favorite stores for markdowns. We’ve had our fair share of rain this week too. I’ve not had to water any of the plants outside. That was a nice treat for your sister. 💕 Your roses are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI grabbed a lot of the cat food deals. Treats are so expensive, and Bits will be happy now! They had a bunch of stuff on clearance this week.
DeleteIt is nice to not have to tend to the plants.
Yes, she was thrilled. Thanks I just love roses.
Have a super week.
Winter has definitely started down here, it is cold and drizzling most of the time. I seem to have more spare time now I am not out in the garden and not walking outside so much. I made soup for the first time this year, it was delicious and very filling. I also made lasagna for the first time in years, with lots of vegetables. Took me hours (and the cleaning up too!) but I have several serves for the next few days, and more serves in the freezer for the future.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it is getting chilly there. It does give one more time indoors. Soup and lasagna are both so yummy. It is nice you have plenty tucked away for other meals.
DeleteHave a fun week.
Those are some deals! It's awesome when you can save money on cat food like that. They are picky creatures.
ReplyDeleteI never quite understand the McMansions in the middle of nowhere. I know that having them on a golf course is part of it, but it just seems ridiculous. Guess I am terminally middle class...
I thought the deals were too good to pass up as well. My kitty likes what he likes and walks away from other stuff!
DeleteI know. I guess we just can't leave nature alone. That was once a rustic area. Land was probably cheaper, so they could build those big homes. Sure not my choice in this world.
Have a great week.
Nothing wrong with people buying McMansions, but I totally agree with you. I couldn't keep one clean and I don't like having people in my home all the time doing it for me. Also, I have never seen a "homey" one. Cindy in WV
DeleteI love the story about your sister. I bet she felt like a teenager again.
ReplyDeleteI stepped out of my comfort zone this week and booked train tickets to go and visit my best friend of 48 years in a couple of weeks time. She lives in London and I haven't been to the capital for over 30 years and haven't taken a train journey by myself for 9 years, so this is a big thing for me. Being a carer doesn't give me a lot of time for myself, so I am really looking forward to some time just to be me.
I have a picture of her and him (may post), and she sure looks happy.
DeleteThat is big! That will be some trip. It would be a little scary for me. I bet you have a ball with the train ride and the visit.
Have a wonderful time. Enjoy the ME time.
Have a wonderful week.
I'm so glad you had a nice week and a lunch out with old friends. Those are so special.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same weather as you, hot, humid, rainy. We did have some heavy downpours each day though. It looks like we have 2-3 inches of rain for the week.
That is so awesome your sister got to see and meet one of her favorite singers. I can't tell you the last time I was out at 1am. Good for her.
Have a good week.
It was a good week.
DeleteThe weather has been damp for sure. Still going here this morning. No watering necessary.
Me either - that is way past my bedtime! I know she was exhausted, but had a ball.
Have a lovely week.
I’m not much of a reader (poor eyesight) but I really wanted to read a somewhat obscure book published this week. It’s $24 on Amazon but I got it within two days of publication from my local library cooperative. It was only at a library 20 miles away but was delivered free to my local library for pick up. I love Libby audiobooks. They don’t have everything but I find enough. I love my library and even have it in my Will.
ReplyDeleteSome prices on things I buy at Aldi have been reduced. But it doesn’t help much because insurance (umbrella and Medicare supplement) are up a lot on bills I just received.
So happy you have such a good library system. It is pretty nice that there is inter library services, and they share now. I would imagine that audio books are a good thing for you.
DeleteI have read about Aldi reducing prices - that is good news.
Have a good week.
I know what you mean Barbara. Our Medicare supplements went up $40.00 a month for each of us. Cindy/WV
DeleteI’m pleased your sister likes/enjoys Daniel. He is very popular. He is also very good with his fans. My sister in law follows him around Ireland and when she was 80yrs he sent her a personal happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteI had a big holiday and a big birthday(80) crossed of my last three items on my wish list 2 nights in. Barcelona Spain,7nights on cruise and 3nights in Rome. Italy
He really seems like a genuine person, with a good heart. I really enjoy listening to him as well.
DeleteHappy birthday to you as well. Sounds like you are having a grand adventure. Enjoy it all and be safe.
Have a wonderful week!
Those are the best kind of weeks, slow and easy. I did have a fairly slow weekend, visiting with Kurt and Kris. I did have to cook, but I really tried to make easily prepared meals, and lots was made before they arrived. You had a really frugal week and got some great deals.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Glad you had a nice visit with the boys. Those visits mean so much.
DeleteThanks - it was pretty darn good.
Have a blessed week.
That's cool that you met another lady who lost her hubby. Do you think you'll become friends?
ReplyDeleteNot sure. She seemed very nice and lives about a block down from me. She has a lovely yard. Time will tell.
DeleteHave a good week.
:-)
DeleteHope you had a good one!
Delete