Weekly Wrap Up 8/4

 Happy Sunday and August to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  It has been a warm and muggy week here.  Any work outside needed to be done early - then it was still sweaty weather!  It appears that by Wednesday this week, we are to get a cooler streak.  I will gladly take it.  I know my heat does not compare to those of you with temps in the 100's.  Oh my goodness, that is hot!

The State Fair started this past week - it is hard to imagine it is that time.  Also, school started in many locales.  Yesterday was the annual fair hot air balloon race.  Now the fairgrounds is a good way north of me - but guess what?  I got to see the balloons.  They floated right over the neighborhood!  I got pictures of about 8-10 of them.  One flew directly over my house!  So cool.  They were low enough you could hear the burners and see the flames.

This is the one that came directly over my house!  Being Saturday, I guess everyone was sleeping in, as I only saw one other neighbor on the street out watching.  It was an unexpected joy.  Pretty darn cool.

My frugal week:

• Used the last of the milk in a gallon (getting pretty past date) for pudding.  The milk still tasted fine - but it needed used.
• Harvest - 3 zucchini, cherry toms, a nice bunch of rhubarb, and a cabbage
• Made iced tea
• Sprayed garden with Neem again after all the rains
• Put up 5 pints of kraut to ferment for the next few weeks
• Mowed and trimmed over 2 days.  Dang, it gets hot, even early in the day.
• I cleaned out one of the flower beds out front (with sunflowers).  Many of the flowers were done, so I cut them and stuck them into the bushes out back for the finches to enjoy!  They found them and had a ball eating the small seeds
• Put a couple more stakes in tomato bed and tied up more plants
• I did a big clean and organize of the pantry!!  It looks so nice and organized.  Boy that is always a job.  This week I will do the deep pantry
• Meals from home and using what I have
• Used air fryer instead of oven
• Stayed home all week

Meals this past week:

Mac n cheese w/broccoli & tuna patty

Leftovers - clean out frig day! A bit of this & that

Fish sandwich, broccoli/tom/carrot salad

Bacon/egg sandwich and fruit

Homemade bagel pizzas and salad

Zucchini/sausage/cheese skillet with Spanish rice - 2X

I am anxiously waiting a little cool down - so much outside work to do.

I have been watching the men work on the 'burn' house this week.  Oh how hot they must get.  No electricity on yet - so not even a fan.  I feel so bad for people who make a living doing their jobs out in the heat.

How was your week?  Did you get any harvest or find any fresh deals?  Grocery finds?

I hope you are managing to stay cool.  Thank goodness for AC - huh?  What a great invention! 

I wish you all a good week.  May you all stay safe and healthy and have a productive week ahead.

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

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For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn from listening to the truth and wander into myths.  As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist and fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:3-5

Dear Lord, help us each to realize that the true word is Your word.  Help us to avoid falling into the traps of believing everything we find written today.  Right is right and wrong is wrong and always will be.

Keep us safe in Your loving and protective arms.  AMEN

A New Start - Welcome August

 Good morning to all.  May you all be safe and healthy.  Wow, it is August, the beginning of our 8th month of the year.  Five months it will be Christmas!  Fall is around the corner.  It sure is amazing how time seems to go by so fast.  Many schools started here yesterday (one last week).  Hopefully everyone will watch out for the school buses and the children walking in the mornings and afternoons.  We seem to be getting more families in the neighborhood again.  I like that, as it is part of the re-birth.

I finally got to start working on a little canning yesterday!  I put together and jarred some kraut.  Now it has 6-8 weeks to ferment.  It is a start.

The grapes have a couple here and that are starting to turn.  I tasted a couple - still pretty tart, but yummy and fresh.  Maybe a couple weeks and those will all be ready.

I am sure August will be the month of tomatoes for me!

August is a great month for harvest.  The farmers are working all kinds of hours, for the food that ends up on our tables.  Thank you to them.

Remember that a new month means a new start.  If you failed in your budgets or debt relief last month - start again.  Every month, every day - is a new start.  We all fail at times, that is just how it is.  Without failure, success would never seem so sweet.  

The grocery ads here in my area are nothing to brag about this week, so I imagine I will pass on going to the store.  I have plenty here.

But it is that time of the year, that we all need to be vigilant about putting goods back into our pantries for whatever the fall and winter may bring.  Look for the deals and the markdowns and take advantage!

Summer clothes are being clearanced, school supplies are out, and produce is starting to become abundant.  Anything you get at a great price is savings in your pocket!

Eat all the fresh in season food you can.  Preserve if possible.  Buying in season is wonderful and you get such a fun variety of things.

I hope you all have a great harvest month (whether growing or purchasing fresh).

Keep steadfast on your goals, whatever they may be.  Hold tight to your faith.  Love and give with all your might.  Do the right things.  Turn off the noise, you only need to be aware - but not 24/7, it won't change anything.  Stay steadfast to your convictions, do not be pressured.  Enjoy all the "beauty" in the world and let the rest go!

Have a wonderful month and HAPPY AUGUST to all.

A Few Hints and Tips for the Kitchen

 Happy Wednesday to all.  It is a lovely morning here so far.  AC off and the windows open for a bit.  It is to get pretty hot today for this last day of July.  I have been out to feed the birds and to check the watering holes and the garden.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Missing some of you!

Today just a few tips to use in and around the kitchen or things to know.  Do they save a fortune? - No.  But little things add up and we all know pennies make dollars.  Also, these are just great ways to stretch things and that is what being a good resident of the earth does!

Someone may not know the difference - and there is a difference.  Use the proper one!

• Adding tomatoes to roasts helps to naturally tenderize the meat.  The acid in tomatoes helps break down the meat - this way you can use cheaper cuts.  Cheaper cuts are great for a slow cooker as well!
• It is easier to slice meat when partially frozen
• One pound of boneless chicken equals about 3 cups of cubed chicken
• A few drops of lemon juice added to simmering rice will help keep grains separated
• To avoid tough beans or corn - do not add salt at the beginning of the cooking process

It is time for the overabundance of summer squash.  Dehydrate it.  It also makes a great snack when lightly salted - natural chips!

• Use fresh mint at the bottom of a cup when making hot tea or hot chocolate - yummy
• To add flavor to tea - dissolve and old-fashioned lemon drop or hard candy.  They melt quickly and add a zip of flavor
• Don't over cook pasta that is being added to cheese for mac n cheese or to be added to casseroles.  Cook al dente".  Otherwise, you will end up with mush and not a tasty dish
• In a large shaker add 6 parts salt and one part pepper (thoroughly mixed) for a quick and easy seasoning!
• Ice cubes help 'sharpen' edges of garbage disposal blades, and the rinds of a small piece of citrus will freshen that garbage disposal

Now no need to buy mini pie crusts if you know how to make pie crust.  You a biscuit cutter or the top of large mouth glass to cut mini crusts.  Mini crust is great for tarts or baby quiche or baby pot pies.  Super for any bite size dessert or savory for a party

• When you have just the bottom bits left in a jelly jar - add milk and shake for a fun flavorful milk drink or add to a smoothie OR add a bit of vinegar and shake for a new flavor of dressing. 
• Need a quick ice pack in an emergency - use a pack of frozen peas or other diced veggie
• When adding nuts or chips to cake or brownies - mix them into the dry ingredients to coat first.  Helps keep them from dropping to the bottom.  OR place on top of mix in the baking pan right before placing in the oven.
• Save the bags from cereal or snacks - clean and dry and keep and use instead of wax paper.
• When cooking - always make more than enough for one meal.  Freeze for another time when you are busy or for a quick lunch
• Make your own breakfast burritos, egg/sausage biscuits or sandwiches, pancakes and waffles.  Tastes better than buying out and it is cheaper!

HOMEMADE HONEY MUSTARD - I love this for chicken strips!!!!

EASY ZUCCHINI STEW

1 zucchini peeled and diced

1 Onion - diced

about 1/4 C sliced mushrooms (or whatever you like better)

about 8 oz. of diced tomatoes - juice included

1 lb. of ground sausage (fried)

Dash of salt and pepper

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Fry sausage and add the other ingredients.  Cook until the zucchini is tender.  This is hearty and tasty alone or to stretch it, serve over rice.

There you have it.  Just a few ideas to stretch things a bit and maybe save a buck or two.

Hope maybe you found something you can use.

Do you have a favorite tip to share?

Have a super and productive day.

Be True to Yourself!!

Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  It is going to be a warmer day here and it is stuffy this morning.  We have had rain the past couple days - probably none today - just sun and warmth!

Today let's talk a bit about being true to yourself and the lifestyle you choose.  We all live in different locations, and some are rural, some inner city, some suburbs and some are somewhere in between. 

Be happy where you are.  Make the best of where you are.

I know I have been asked so many times why I choose to stay here.  Well - I like it!  Maybe the locale is the not best in the world - but it is home.  I could move, but at this point in life, I cannot imagine that.  We always talked about country living, which would have been glorious - then again, it would have become very difficult to do with G's physical problems he had, and now at my age.  So, some things work out the way they do for the good.  My small home is easy to maintain and that is good.

Don't let people tell you that you should live differently.  It isn't about keeping up with the Jones's or doing what other family or friends thinks is right - it is what makes you happy.

Living a simple life is for many people.  No frills, no glitz, no fancy stuff.  That is me.  I don't need that stuff to be happy.

Living a simpler life doesn't mean you have to be in a tiny house off the grid - it just means living a calm, restful, non-complicated life where you are.  Living within your means.

It is not always about $$$, it is about tuning into yourself and not trying to keep up with others.

It is about satisfaction of achievement and creating a lovely home.  Sometimes growing and eating from what you grow.  Your environment is what you make it.  Let your home be inspirational to you. 

From my backyard.  Yes, I live just outside city proper, yet I can still enjoy views like this.  They can be so calming and glorious.  I don't have to be out in the woods to have some calmness in my life.  It is about enjoying where you are planted and appreciating the small things (which are pretty grand)!

I have a garden, I have flowers and trees and nature - not a ton, but enough to make it peaceful.

We tend to focus on the big stuff in life.  We listen to the news and we let the nastiness of the world creep into our lives.  It is normal.  Those are stressors!!  Turn it off - you can still be aware without watching it all the time.  Learn that it is the little things that matter.

Keep your home, no matter where it is, your sanctuary.  

A simple shadow on my pantry door, is a daily reminder of what is important to me.  I see this daily when the sun is shining!   Yes - it is the simple things in life that give us the biggest reminders of what is important.

So, wherever you live, make it home.  It doesn't have to be fancy or big, it doesn't have to small or off grid - it just needs to be filled with love and it needs to be YOU!

Less than perfect is just fine!!!!

Grow flowers or food if possible, that can not only provide food, but it adds beauty to daily life.  Enjoy nature, the birds singing can be so wonderful.  Keep things clean - no matter where you are, clean just makes everything feel better.  Whether big or small - love your home and make it yours.

Don't feel you have to live up to other's expectations.  

Be true to yourself!!!!  That is so important.

Grow where you are.  Love your life, so matter how simple it is.  And don't be persuaded to live beyond your means.  It isn't worth it.  I hope this helps someone understand that living a 'good life' isn't just about things and money.  It is about what is in our hearts and the love we share.  It can be SIMPLE!

Be blessed and have a wonderful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 7/28

 Happy Sunday to all.  Here we are on the last weekend of July!  Man oh man, time is just flying by. 

It is a quiet morning here, a little warmer than many mornings this week.  Looks to be rainy today and probably every day this week.  The warmer temps are heading back into our lives this week.

Enjoyed the cooler days and lower humidity - it will come again.

I have noticed that daylight is getting a little shorter too!

I have 2 huge areas of the 'surprise' lilies.  They are just beautiful.  I love the soft color.  I also have tall purple phlox still blooming and the Doro lilies have started a second bloom.

                                                        Pops of color all around the yard.

It has been an interesting week for sure.  Not a lot of keeping busy, just things.

My neighbor, and my porch sitting friend had a major heart attack this week.  She had a blockage of 100% on left side and had 2 stints put in.  She is also blocked 70% on the right side - but they have to wait about 6 weeks to stint that area.  Doctors had no reason to believe she would make it (they called her condition a widow maker) - BUT God had other ideas - and she is home!!!  We had a prayer circle in a neighbor's yard this week - it was good to see all come together.  PTL

The BOOM - it has been determined it wasn't fireworks of any kind.  We have experienced those for years and it was nothing like it.  No meteor, as nothing was determined in this area (I checked).  No sonic boom - have experienced those.  It shook the entire neighborhood, knocked things off the shelves, the sound was unbelievably loud.  There appears no sign of trauma to the ground or houses.  It felt like an earthquake and sounded like an explosion.  It is a true mystery.

My frugal week:

• I picked 3 zucchini, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and another pepper (will be a great year for peppers - they are loaded!)
• Cleaned up all the firework debris from last weekend - it was all over the backyard - what a mess
• Mowed and trimmed over 2 days - the older I get the slower I seem to move!
• Pulled weeds and general yard clean-up when cool enough
• Walked the alley a few times and did some cleaning up of debris all over it
• Put together new bottles of shampoo, dish soap, foaming hand soap, and got 3 more loads from the 'empty' laundry soap!
• Another neighbor brought me a large piece of homemade fruit pizza - a real treat
• Went out one day - kitties favorite wet breakfast food was really low.  It is a flavor hard to find around here.  I ran to Kroger - no luck - and then stopped 5 places between there and home.  Nothing.  THEN I happened to think about Chewy (I get their flea meds there) - I ordered 2 cases from them and got it in 2 days (free delivery & good price).  One case had several slightly dented and 2 cans had popped open - so I let them know, and they sent another case FREE of charge.  I have plenty to make the babies happy for a while!
• While at Kroger - I got 4 lbs. gold potatoes for .99, 3 large Portobella mushrooms for 1.39, bagels 1.29, chopped broccoli 1.09 - (those all clearance) - peaches .99/lb., a sweet watermelon
• Stopped at a yard sale on the way home and spent $1 - guess what?  LOL - a church cookbook!!
• Laundry, dusting, sweeping, just cleaning in general
• Meals all from home and using what I have

Meals this past week:

'Enchilada' pasta bowl

Big veggie salad and hard-boiled eggs

Club sandwich

Scrambled eggs w/diced potatoes added, bacon and sauteed zucchini

Hard shell tacos

Chili cheese fries

Grilled zucchini steaks and stuffed portobella mushroom (used leftover chili and cheese)

Snacking on fruit, nuts and cheese

Kind of quiet really.  I have gotten some rest this week it seems, and have done some reading.  Some weeks are very busy, and others just run of the mill.  I have talked with and prayed with many neighbors this week - it is so nice how people have come together around here. 

Watched a couple YouTube videos and a couple of rehab shows (no Olympics here).

How was your week?  How are your 'grow'ceries coming along? I hope you all have great success with your growing.  Any good deals this week?

Check in and let us know what is going on in your life and your area.

I wish you all a wonderful safe and healthy week ahead.  Stay cool!  

Blessings to you and yours from me, the kitties and from my humble little home.

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Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.  Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of the brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Peter 5:6-9

Lord help us to reach the non-faithful and to pray for the evil ones.  There is so much wickedness being done by people today.  We all know You are in control, and You will always be in control.  We have eternity with You and for that we are so very thankful.  Prayers for peace for all the people of the world, may everyone know Your love.  Amen

A Thing or Idea or Two!

 Howdy to all.  Here we are at Thursday again already - the last one in July!  It is a cooler, yet sort of damp and muggy feeling morning.  We had rain yesterday - 3 times at my house.  The last rain, in the late afternoon and early evening was such a good soaking rain.  It was nice.  Things are a growing - weeds included!

Late last night - 11:30PM - I was awakened by what sounded like an explosion!  One loud, house vibrating boom.  It scared the stuffings out of me.  No idea what it was.  Never heard a siren after - so I guess an illegal firework (?).  It sure did arouse me from a nice sleep!  Nothing on the news this morning either.  It shook the house.

Just an idea or two to help in life! I love things that make life easier.

Have you seen this?

Using your canning lifter as a baggy holder.  I saw this on the computer - and was like duh!  I tried it and it does work.  Sure beats trying to keep a bag open by just holding it.

Have you heard that the recommended 10 and 2 has been advised against.  Not sure if this was universal or not - but we were always taught to hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2 (according to a clock) for safe driving.  Now my insurance company is saying we should be holding at 4 and 8!  This is to keep your hands, wrists, and arms safe from exploding air bags.  The lower point leaves less chance of your arms to fly up and back - even hitting you in the face.  It makes sense.  These points should be used even when turning (per recommendation) - keeping you safe.  As much as air bags are for safety, they can be very harmful as well.  I have been keeping my hands lower for a long time now, it takes some getting used to - but I feel a little safer.

I know I mainly use just the grating side - but a box grater can be used in many ways.  This is a standard tool in my kitchen - has been for years.  I have a very tiny one as well - it is great to use for things like nutmeg or just grating a small piece of hard cheese.

This is a basic at my house only I use regular milk.  You can leave out cocoa powder and add another type of fruit for a great milkshake. 

                                                      No cocoa and using strawberries!

 I also don't add quit so many ice cubes - but this sure gives a good starting point.  Nice and refreshing on a hot humid day!  It can be made into milkshake or firmer for an ice cream type treat - no sugar needed.

Ever used an Ulu?  We got this for Glen.  He had a hand that had fingers that just didn't want to work well - this helped so much.  When cutting up food with a knife and fork - it takes 2 good hands.  This allows you to cut with one hand.  It is very sharp.  It is a great tool for someone who has a bad hand.  I love it for cutting pizza!  I like it better than using a pizza cutter or knife.  It also works wonders on a cucumber or carrot or for handing chopping cabbage!  You just rock it back and forth and it cuts away!

They come in many sizes.  

Many hunters have larger ones for preparing their harvest.

So there you have it - just a thing or two.  Maybe you see something that makes life easier or safer.  Do you have any special tricks that you use to make life easier?  We always want to know.  Who doesn't want things easier?

Have a fantastic day and enjoy it to the fullest.  

Hoping you all have a great weekend as well!

Getting Help - Community

 Happy mid-week.  It is a nice morning - looking to maybe some rain or storms today.  We could use a nice rain.  Kitties have had breakfast and Bits has played a lot and Blackie has assumed the 'position'!  Birds are singing.  Windows open and fresh air coming in at the moment.  Owner already working at burn house - he sure works hard.  Hearing hammers means progress.  Squirrels are chasing each other.  School is starting today in one local berg, and many others next week. The summer is flying by.  AND all is good!!

I know we probably have a lot of people who read posts here that never comment.  We usually have a few hundred views a day - so many just read.  I hope we can reach and help someone that really needs some help.

Today, it seems many have job insecurity and that leads to a lot of other problems.  Inflation has also taken a toll on many.  IF you need help - please, please ask for help.  You have to take care of your family, especially those who have children or the elderly.  I know many feel too proud to ask for help.  But the help is there if you reach out.

Did you know you can call 211 in almost all areas in the U.S. and get a variety of options for help.  Whether it be help for the elderly, needing shelter, help with utilities, listings of food banks, mental health help, etc.  Calling this number can get you started in the right direction.

Consider if you have an overabundance of garden produce, to donate it to the local food pantries.  What a treat for someone in need, to get something fresh and home grown.

Today on the news I caught just the tail end of a story that 100,000 lbs. of fresh garden produce was being donated to food banks.  How wonderful!

If you need help with food, check your local churches or community organizations for help.  Never be too proud to ask.  It is there to help.  

If you are low income - just having basics can keep you going and full.  Get creative with dry beans (always can get at food pantries) they are inexpensive.  Rice is inexpensive.  Peanut butter is a good protein.  Keeping just the basics in better times (stock-up), can keep you going in the bad times.  Add whatever you can, whenever you can.

Learn to cook and cook simple healthy meals at home.  Get creative with your food.

Many farm markets now take food stamps (SNAP).  Granted that food is a bit more expensive than grocery stores, but it is fresh and wholesome.

If you find a great deal on clearance goods - consider not only stocking for yourselves, but to donate as well.

Most people think of the basic stuff when donating (a good thing), but more than spaghetti, rice, sauce, tuna, peanut butter is needed.

Feminine products of all types

Baby items - formula, food, diapers, wipes

Cleaning items - laundry soap, dish soap, cleanser

Health & beauty - soap, hair products, TP, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

School supplies of all types

Many of our local pantries, give out donated magazines or wholesome books as well (check and see)

The holidays will be here in a jiff as well.  Think about collecting small items for the kiddos.  Color books, crayons, art supplies, (now is the time to stock up) stuffed animals, card games, etc.  Some children get nothing if not for a gift gleaned at the local pantry.

Communities everywhere have people in need.  I don't care where you live, there is someone who needs a hand up.  If we can do a little to help - that is what we should do.  We are part of this big old earth and we are all here for a reason - to help one another.

If each of us did a little thing - that would be a big thing!

If you have any ideas of ways to help someone - tips on where people can reach out - please share.

Community needs to take care of its own.

Have a wonderful day all.