HAPPY AUGUST!! Happy Sunday to you all and welcome to a new month. I hope this finds you all well and safe on this beautiful day.
It is a gorgeous morning here, nice and cool. I woke to 60*F. What a difference a week makes. We have had a couple of fantastic, no humidity, days. Seems the neighbors were all out working, well most were. It has been perfect weather to get things done. Our days have been in the 70's for the past couple days. It won't last, as starting mid-week, it is going back to hotter temps, but they say not as humid as the past couple weeks.
The daylight hours seem to be shorter as well. I have noticed the dusk to dawn light is on/off about an hour different now. I just saw we lose another hour of daylight this month.
My frugal week:
- Well, I managed to get 2 extra weeks from my 'empty' toothpaste tube!
- Helped a neighbor out with oil and gas for her mower. She usually has someone do her yardwork, and he hadn't shown up for a bit - so she did it.
- Cut my hair and did a root touch up at home
- Pulled out my onions and going to plant more green onion sets today
- Lots of laundry in cold and used dehumidifier water
- Deep cleaned the floors - wood and rugs - behind, under, over and inside of all registers
- Did go out the last day of the month to fill gas tank, so as to use my points for money savings
- While at gas station, ran into Kroger (same lot). I got peaches, milk, and mandarins. I did notice they have raised the discount produce price here as well (1.50 now)
- I received Proctor & Gamble coupons in the mail!!! That hasn't happened in years! Only a couple I will use, but I was still shocked
- I also stopped at thrift store while out. Bought nothing. Ran into old neighbors, nice to see and catch up. I got a loaf of Italian sliced bread for free
- I got the lawn mowed front to very back and trimmed. I edged the front walk and the drive. I got the 2 front flower beds all cleaned up and looking fresh. It sure makes everything look pretty
- I did get the permanent fix made to my hose. IT WORKED! It is a nice 100' hose, so worth saving - it is now 99'!
- My mower gave me trouble this week. I mowed a good section, and it worked well, then I cleaned the bottom and rested. Went back out and it wouldn't stay running. I figured it was my fault, by tipping over to clean. Took out the spark plug, and it seemed oily, so I cleaned everything - the plug, the socket and the opening. Appears to have fixed the problem. Glad I had a man that taught me things and glad I listened and learned!!!!
- I had some small tree branches touching the wires coming to house - so I cut them down. Boy that was fun - not! But I managed the ladder, and I am safe, and the wires are clear now
- All meals from home and using what I have on hand
- Picked 7 peppers, lots of cherry toms, and 1 tomato. Have a couple zucchini that will be ready any day.
- I did some more staking of the tomato plants - they are way over my head and hanging heavy with toms - I bet they all ripen at once!
- AC off for the past 2 days (and today) and airing the house - we had a lovely breeze for the past couple days
My meals this past week:
Pasta salad and breaded pork burger
Tacos
Egg/tuna salad sandwich and pasta salad
Chicken breast fillet (air fried) and air fried zucchini fries (gave that a try-decent)
Chicken (leftover), small salad and sliced cheese
Ham sandwich, peach
Italian bread pizza (air frier)
There you have it. I took much advantage of the lovely days and got tons done outside. I spent most of 2 days outdoors. Bitsy has sure been loving having the windows open. He goes from window to window and lies there for naps. Even Licorice has been hanging out and chilling the past few days. Sleeping on the glider or out in a patio chair - loving the coolness. I have noticed the squirrels are sleeping in a little!
I guess we all take advantage of the niceness when we can!
How has your week been? Have your temps calmed down any - any rain? Any deals this week? How are those gardens and garden tubs doing? I hope you are getting 'fresh' to eat!
I hope you all stay safe and healthy this coming week. Prayers for all that are going through bad things and prayers for healing for those in need. I hope you all get a little reprieve in weather, if only for a bit.
Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.
*********************
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."
Matthew 6:34
Trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalms 62:8
Lord, thank You for the week and thank You for our family and friends. Help us each to live our best each and every day. and to live as the scripture says. Let us each live in the present and to fully appreciate each day we have and to appreciate the people we have, as we have no guarantees for tomorrow. Keep us from worry and stress, so that our lives are calmer and we can see the all the beauty.
Please keep us all in Your loving and healing arms. AMEN
Excellent devotional! Don't borrow trouble, it will show up on its own. Being anxious and worrying is not good for the body or the soul. IMHO, worrying is an indication that I am not relying on Yehovah for my strength to get through the day.
ReplyDeleteIt was fabulous this morning! I am going out to attack the weeds that the rain brought. It can get hot again, just the oppressive humidity.
Good for you on the toothpaste! Empty those containers! I got the same P&G coupons. The surprise lilies are pretty. Aren't they called naked ladies also? Good for you, repairing the problem with your mower. And helping the neighbor lady. We need to trim some tree branches. They get out of hand.
Enjoy your day!
YES - I figure I worry less than most - and I give that to prayer and God. He has me.
DeleteThanks - I figured it would last a few days - but was truly surprised how much use I got from it.
Yes, some call them naked ladies. I think there are a few names out there. Nice to receive coupons in the mail - it has been so long. Some days I just try and try again, then I ask G to send me inspiration! LOL. Seems to work.
Have a lovely week and enjoy this morning and day.
Summertime & the living is easy. It was a social week. Saskatoon pies were made so I invited friends to enjoy. I also shared some pie & soup w/ an older cousin. There was a birthday celebration lunch & cards with the klatch, I took an old neighbor whose husband just passed away to lunch as I won't be able to attend the funeral service. There was a gathering of an old work group at a lake. So nice to reconnect with them all & there was even a boat ride. Yesterday I joined my cousins at a nearby lake for brunch. It's been hot & dry. Some areas are declaring agricultural disasters. In the kitchen: saskatoon pie; corn chowder; bbq burgers & coleslaw. Have a good week, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteYou are the true essence of 'social animal'!!! You sure keep busy with folks, that is pretty cool.
DeleteSorry it has been so dry there. I think most around here are having a decent ag season. Melas and goodies sound so good.
Thanks, and you have a wonderful one as well.
Isn't this wonderful weather? I am loving it, low humidity and cooler temperatures. I could live this way year round.
ReplyDeleteHow much did you pay for gas this week? I paid $2.57 earlier in the week, but saw it yesterday for $2.49, so it must be coming down in price.
I didn't know that about the increase in the Kroger reduced produce, so its good to know, thank you. Glad you got your hose fixed.
I took advantage of the cooler weather and did things outside too. Its funny how just a few degrees difference in temperature makes it so much more bearable and easier to work.
And yes, Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. Turn it over to God and let Him handle it. :)
Indeedy - give me this year round! More than that! It is up here for some reason. It was reg. 3.19 and I got .40 off per gallon.
DeleteSeveral of the gals on here had mentioned that their produce clearance had gone up - and I hadn't been in a while. So I looked, and yep it is up. Still a good deal on many things - like heads of cauliflower, or a melon, etc. but NOT .99!
The weather has made working outside so enjoyable. I slept 2 good the past couple nights, just worn out, but fulfilled.
Yes, we tend to forget God is in charge!
Have a super week.
Happy August. This weather has been a welcome change, hasn't it? We haven't had any rain in a while, but it will come, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you kept yourself busy and enjoyed a lot of good meals. How were the zucchini fries in the air fryer? I haven't tried that yet. I make them in the oven.
Yes, boring trouble is always the way I think of it too. God tells us 365 times in the Bible not to worry and I try to always remind myself of that. Have a great Sunday my friend!!
The weather is a blessing. I think maybe rain by the middle of the week here - so hopefully you get some.
DeleteI gave it a try - just for grins in the air fryer. They were ok - but I prefer fried! Probably won't do them in the air frier again - but if you are used to the oven, you may like them in the air frier.
Isn't that something - 365 times. Kind of makes a statement, doesn't it? It does us no good to worry, so I let Him handle it and just do what I can to make life here a joy.
Have a beautiful week.
Loving the cooler weather and being able to open windows.
ReplyDeleteI usually sleep with a fan going year round. Last night the power went out for a bit and the quiet was wonderful until the neighbors generator went on. I really understand them having it as they travel alot and have freezers and such. It is just amazing how quiet it was and how noise carries.
Garden is producing, between the family we have canned 100 quarts of green beans, tomatoes are now coming on and we will be doing, diced, sauce and salsa. Zucchini for all of us has been a bust this year, one family got squash bugs, mine just died for what is seemingly no reason. But I am not worried, son in law has someone at his work place bring extra produce to give away and they have some. When something gives out we just compensate with something else.
Making sweet lime pickles and when I have enough of them will switch to bread and butter pickle, DD is making dill pickles.
Honey will be harvested Labor Day weekend.
It truly is "the giving" time of the year.
Today DD's and I are going after Elderberries to make syrup. Free along the roadside.
Have been offered pears when they are ready....busy but content.
JC
The weather is fantastic for the moment. I always have my ceiling fans going most of the year. U bet the quiet was wonderful.
DeleteThat is so neat on all the beans! They sure will be good this winter. Tomatoes will be starting good here soon. They taste - they are so yummy. Sorry about the zucchini - mine has done well and 2nd harvest is now starting. God provides all things we need, somehow and from some place.
Love how everyone is working together - that is so cool.
The season is really coming in, isn't it? I just love harvest time.
You have really been blessed - both with goods and a super family!
Have a lovely week.
Sorry your reduced produce price has jumped. We don't get that at all, no reduced price on produce, just buy whatever at full price.
ReplyDeleteNeighbor came and cut the huge trunk of tree (from last fall's hurricane) out of my mailbox path - says he like to cut wood! Now I can go by the path instead of the road. :) I will make cookies for him.
Found a *big* zucchini (surely 3 meals worth) in the garden! Beans are hanging on the vines. Maybe tomorrow i'll pick. Today is rainy and cool. Sweatshirt weather, hard to believe.
Weeding through papers since it's too wet to work outside. Playing with new pantry storage space too, just wonderful to be able to see everything and the dates on them. Need to get into the storage room where DS and DD have stored bunches of things. You might think by now they'd cleared out all their stuff, but nope. No problem, I don't use that space, keep the door closed. They'll sort it all out when I'm gone, if not before. ;)
Great prayer and devotional. "Take it to the Lord in prayer" has got to be a good motto. If I can take it there and *leave it there* I'll be ok. The "leaving" part is a challenge for me though. ;)
MaryB
Found ya!!!
DeleteWell, I go with the flow on prices - some things are cheaper some not. It can still be a bargain, I won't complain.
How nice of the fellow to cut the tree up. My brother had that happen a month or so ago - a huge tree came own in his front yard. Would have cost a fortune to pay someone (that big). A guy came by and wanted it, because it was hickory, said he would do it for nothing if he could have the wood!!
Those big ones can sure hide out! I have one in the frig like that.
Glad you are enjoying your new pantry works. I had stuff at mom's forever too!
Thanks. Yep leaving it is a problem sometimes - but He has you covered.
Have a blessed week.
I'm loving this weather. It sounded like everyone was outside working yesterday. Today is the last day of cooler weather but stormy today and then it heats back up with a lot of rainy days.
ReplyDeleteI picked several tomatoes from the garden and a squash.
I cut my own hair.
My oldest had his appointment with the dermatologist. This one was so much better. Her diagnosis seems much more accurate (papular eczema), but she did do a skin biopsy to be sure and if it comes back that way, we'll do something more aggressive. At this point last year the poor kid had most of his body covered in it, and while a lot did clear up, it's spreading again.
We had extra time to kill before his appointment so we checked out a peddlers mall. I found a 10 pack of life science wood puzzles for $4 for the youngest that looks like they had never even been used (specific overpriced education brand that sells for $80). He has done them multiple times and really enjoys it.
After the appointment we let him choose what he wanted and he wanted McDonald's so I used the app to get it cheaper.
I used Walmart+ to fill up .10 off per gallon. I picked up the last summer food pickup for the kids. E-Books and audiobooks from the library. I don't think I actually went shopping any this week other than the peddlers mall.
It is lovely to hear all the machinery going and see people out and cleaning up things. Makes you know all is good.
DeleteEnjoy those tomatoes. I cut my hair too - it is nice with it being shorter.
I sure hope they figure out something to really help your son. Poor kiddo, that must be miserable.
Neat on the puzzles and a good price.
Sounds like you got some good things. Nice to not have to go to the store - it sure saves money.
Hope you all have a super week.
No cool weather here. It was 80 F. at 7 a.m. this morning. This is summer in Florida so we expect it. It will not cool down until mid-October. (People in Florida do not have summer gardens.) I still got out there this morning and did trimming including cutting two big limbs with my hand saw. Very proud of myself!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, buy any P&G products sooner rather than later. Prices are going up soon on some products. I saw this on the business news this week. (Full disclosure, I’m a P&G stockholder!).
I ordered a pair of Rx sunglasses at Walmart this week. I’ve wanted some for a very long time. A few weeks ago I bought regular glasses there and they had a deal for 35% off the Rx sunglasses if purchased within 30 days.
Dollar Tree has raised their $1 cards to $1.25. I’m not sure about what used to be the 2/$1 cards. Even when DT raised all its prices on all items, the $1 cards remained until now. I have a good stash of cards but needed a “guy” birthday card.
Sorry it is still so warm. We just get about a week reprieve, then back hot - but it has to be loved and enjoyed, for it is lovely out at the moment.
DeleteI only will use a couple of the coupons, but will get things soon. Most stuff I get is another brand or I make myself.
Enjoy the sunglasses. They are nice to have.
Yes, $Tree has raised prices. The cards are still a deal in my eyes, compared to $6 or $7 elsewhere. I can't believe people pay that for a card. Crazy. I try to keep plenty of cards around.
Hope you a great and somewhat cool week!
Hi Cheryl, I think you should write prayers as a new hobby, they are wonderful. Also especially like the Matthew quote, thank you. I wish I had your enthusiasm for different meals for the week ;). Alas, I have a very limited line up for meals. All good here in Phoenix, although this upcoming week has two days forecast at 117. Sigh. Well, it could be worse ;). Have a good week. Hilogene in Az.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, thank you!
DeleteI just like food, and I don't really care to eat out!
117 - holy moly! That is HOT! I would be holed up and never leave, if I had to be in that kind of heat. You stay in and take care to stay hydrated. That sounds bad enough to me!!!
Have a good week.
It's been a mixed week here weather-wise with sunshine and showers, but the temperature has been just about right for me. The plums from my tree keep on coming, which is great, but snails made a meal of the salad seedlings I was growing. I know it was snails because our resident thrush made a meal of them in turn! I tested some lime pickle which I made 6 months ago, as an experiment and had put away to mature. I think it will be lovely with curries, which is what I made it for. The limes were a gift, so I will see if the giver would like a jar of the pickle in return. Apart from that it has been a mending week and it seems that the more I mend, the bigger the pile grows, so I think the coming week will be a mending week too.
ReplyDeleteSunshine and showers and temps that are just right sounds wonderful.
DeleteYay on the plums. Sorry about the snails, but then they became part of the food chain. It is amazing how it all works. I bet that line relish will be good - and your friend will enjoy!
Sometime certain things never seem to end. I feel that way about weeds.
Have a special week.
I LOVE that you fixed your own mower. You rock, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I had a good teacher!
DeleteHave a good week.
Sounds like a good week with the cooler temps and lower humidity.
ReplyDeleteWell done with the mower and the branch cutting.
Thanks - we got to do what we got to do! Sometimes it is a learning process.
DeleteHave a wonderful week.
You had a great week. I have decided over the past while that I can only control me, I can't control everything else. I leave that in God's hands.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That is sure the truth. I have enough trouble controlling me! All things in God's time.
DeleteHave a super week.
We woke up in the 60's too, and I could hardly believe it! It felt amazing outside! So glad you had a few good temp days to get things done. It makes a BIG difference!
ReplyDeleteThe weather has been wonderful for sure. Those cool mornings are great. It feels good to manage things in decent weather.
DeleteHave a great week.
I think it will be cooler here this week maybe in the 90's :)
ReplyDeleteI guess it is all a matter of perspective! We take what we can get.
DeleteHave a great week