De-Clutter and Help Others

 My home - so full of stuff!  I am slowly and deliberately getting rid of stuff.  I am making progress - albeit slow progress.  Main floor is coming along pretty good.  When done there, then it will be the dreaded basement.  There is so much storage down there - things that haven't been touched in years.  WHY?????

Well I have decided to donate things instead of selling them.  I thought about a yard sale - but not many are happening this year, and that is just way more work than I care to do.  I have a wonderful place that is close to donate to and they are thankful.  Last load I took in - they started going through the boxes before I left the shop (I was looking around) - and they just kept saying how nice it all was and how easily it would sell.  They have 3 different locations in and out of town and they do good for the communities.  The money they raise FEEDS people!  That is a win in my book!

They also receive loads of different kinds of breads, bagels, donuts, etc.  every week that they give to ANY ONE that needs it for FREE.  No need to buy anything - just go in and get bread.  

Most clothes and knick-knacks are .99 each.  They do have a boutique area for extra nice clothing, coats and specialty household items that cost more - but still very affordable.

My thinking lately:  How many small appliances do I need?

How many things do I want to clean?

How many things that I have never used nor will I use - do I need to keep?

I have a set of china that was Glen's paternal grandmas.  We received it like 25 years ago and never used.  I won't use it.  I contacted his only aunt on that side of the family (she has several kids and grands) and asked her if she wanted.  She was so excited - she didn't know where it had gone.  Packed and ready for her.  It needs to stay with his Dad's family.

I donated an electric orange/citrus squeezer.  Haven't used it in years - I buy OJ in concentrate.

I donated a veggie steamer.  I have a colander that fits over a pan.  All I need for me.

I donated blender.  I donated an electric chopper - I have a Ninja that does everything.

I donated an electric sandwich maker.  I use a griddle to grill sandwiches.

I donated lots of odds and ends of glasses and cups.  I kept the nice ones - and have plenty.

I donated odd and end dishes - only need one set.

I donated old mismatched and dinged up Tupperware.  I have plenty of nice storage containers.

I donated a ton of storage lids that went to nothing I have anymore!  (Really - why in the world?)

That's just the kitchen!!!!!!

I kept my George Foreman grill (thinking of getting rid of outdoor grill I don't use), I kept waffle iron and Quesedilla maker and of course my NINJA which mixes, blends, chops and does dough.  (I use the Ninja every day).

I have my crockpots (2 big and a tiny).

Most  items can be used for more than one purpose - it is time to get back to simplifying life.

I can also cook over a fire outside if need be.  I have no problem with that.  I can chop, and mix anything I want the 'old fashioned' non-electric way!!!  I have an egg beater, knives out the wazoo, and cooking spoons of all types. My can opener is manual.  

GOOD GRIEF we are spoiled.  SO many gadgets.  I am taking a stand to go to a more simplified life.

It just amazes me as I go through closets, drawers and cabinets.  I keep saying WHY did I keep that?  WHY did I buy that?  Why did I ever think I needed that?

I have decided to bless others with these things.  Someone out there can't afford to get a new --------.

Maybe they can't afford a gift.  Maybe their hands don't work good any more and they need something to make life easier.  Maybe they are starting over.

Whatever it is - maybe my contributions will bless them.

The money the store makes will bless those who are hungry.  The store gets reduced rent and only pays utilities - all workers are volunteers.  They don't need much to operate and it all goes to food pantries for those in need.  ANYONE in need at NO cost.

(I have seen them GIVE a coat and gloves to homeless many times)

Not only is this doing good for others - BUT I am getting older.  Someday, someone will have to come in here and clean this place out!  Been there and done that - oh my.  It is no fun.  The more there is, the more work you cause and the more someone wonders "what were they thinking"!

Have you thought about what a blessing your excess could be for others?

Things that may not be useful for you - could change another person's life.

MOVE FORWARD - SIMPLIFY - AND BLESS OTHERS

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/13

 Happy Sunday everyone.  My goodness, we are almost half way through this month already!  Crazy - how time flies.

This morning I went out to pick-up the kitty dishes (wet food) to wash and there was this bright glowing orb in the skies - it scared me!!!!  LOL.  I haven't seen a clear view of the sun in days - it has been so cloudy.  That has kept the heat down - which is good.

It was supposed to rain overnight and was sorely needed - but all we got here was sprinkles.

Next week is supposed to be low humidity and 70's - aaaahhhhhh.

The hummingbirds are still here and drinking lots and lots.  I see formations of geese about 4X every morning and evening.  They go west each morning and then back east in the evening - honking all along the way!

The blue jays and woodpeckers haven't been around much lately.  Miss their antics.

The outside kitties sure do like the cooler weather - lounging in their chairs and in the greenhouse - and not having to hide in the shade.  Momma is doing much better.

Mr. groundhog is sure getting fat!  I am still not sure where he is living.  I see him in my yard, neighbors yard and the one behind me.  He scurries under decks and buildings in all places - guess he has a lot of homes!

This week:

• Used leftover refried beans in a lasagna I made - added protein, didn't waste, but you couldn't even tell it was there
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Cut a bunch of stuff from the back fence - some small wild trees coming up and lots of spent flowers
• Picking tomatoes - still getting tons of cherry toms.  I checked out the price of organic cherry tomatoes this week - boy have I raised a fortune!!!!  They were 5.99 for a 12 oz. container.  YIKES
• Watered plants with water from rain barrels
• I ran to Kroger and Ollies - just because this week (had to get out).  I wanted seedless grapes that were on sale and sale cheese (4/$5 - for 8 oz. pkg.).  I got a bunch of DEALS!!

Cauliflower and onions - both .99 ea.!!!!  Markdowns bags.  Ground beef - 85% lean was clearance at 1.99/lb.  They had lesser lean on sale for 1.88 - decided to get this (that is 12 meals for me - .50 meal for meat).  

Diced tomatoes with garlic - .49 can (12 cans) and 4 cans of southwest pinto beans for .49 each

Multi packs of cookie sprinkles - .99 ea.  Honey mustard sauce - 1.29 and 4 packs of smoky mac n  cheese (instant - for just in case) for .39 each

                                        My FAVORITE flavor of ice cream!!!!!!!!  1.29 each!

Look at the size of these grapes!  Compare to my thumb nail - huge!!! Pictured is just one stem of grapes - more in the bag.  Juicy and sweet too!

Lastly - Ollie's had spices on sale.  Every kind you could imagine.  Not those tiny jars either - these are the bigger bottles - it fills up my hand.  .97 EACH!!!!!  I got stocked up.  They even had this size jar of dehydrated onions and garlic for .97.  Surely can't dehydrate my own that cheap.

• Cleaned out all the upper kitchen cabinets and loaded up 3 boxes of stuff to donate.  I cleaned the tops of the cabinets as well - I have storage up there too.  3 boxes so far to deliver to thrift on Tuesday (closed Mon.) and 2 bags of trash!  UGH. It is amazing what we accumulate and keep!  I mean how many small appliances does one person need?
• I received a letter this week!  A snail mail letter - doesn't happen much today.  I also wrote one in return!
• I organized spice and baking cabinet
• Using what I have, cooking from home, just doing all the normal stuff
• Got to have the windows open some and fresh air!

Meals this week:

Lasagna and garlic toast

Lasagna and salad - (froze  remainder)

Ground steak burger, baked beans and fries

Ground turkey burger (reheated from freezer), macaroni and sliced tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes and dressing/turkey fritters (last ones from freezer)

Ham and cheese sandwich and salad

Slice of pizza (from freezer) and salad

I started the week slowly - lost my oomph!  Cooler days prevailed and helped boost me.  I ended the week on a roll.  So much to do - just minimizing stuff.  I feel so much happier to open a cabinet and see it neat and orderly - with far less in it.

How was your week?  What has everyone been up to?

PLEASE pray for all those being affected by fires and smoke.  Many of our friends here are  in that area.  It is so terribly sad and heart breaking.  Many people have lost everything.  Sadly we heard about this months ago with our Australian friends and now our west coast friends are being hurt.

Prayers that fires are contained and put out soon.  Prayers for rain.  Prayers for comfort.

I can not even fathom.

I pray that this week we can all live and act more 'Christ like'.  We need to be kind and caring and loving.  May the hate and nastiness stop immediately - it only causes more division.  PLEASE  pray for our world - prayers are surely needed.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

God bless.

Let's DIP Into Fall

 Oh heck, who am I kidding?  I love dips of all kinds all year.  I don't need a special holiday, a season, or a reason to make and eat dip!

I like savory dips and I like sweet dips - I have never been too picky!

I would like to share a few easy dips for you to try - no matter the season!

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese - softened

3/4 C brown sugar - packed

1/2 C butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients together, stir well.  Refrigerate for 2 hours.  Makes about 2 cups.

So stinking good with apple or pear wedges.  Takes those apple to the caramel  apple level!

Use with any fruit you desire. 

PUMPKIN DIP

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened

2 C powdered sugar

15 oz. can pumpkin

1tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. allspice

2 tsp. cinnamon

Blend cream cheese and sugar together - stir in other ingredients.  Makes about 3 cups.

Serve with ginger snap cookies or graham crackers.

I have friends that rave about this - I can not attest.  I am not a pumpkin person!

MARSHMALLOW FRUIT DIP

8 oz. cream cheese - softened

7 oz. jar marshmallow cream

1/4 C sugar

Mix together until smooth, cover and refrigerate.  Makes about 2 cups.

I LOVE this stuff - good with any fruit.  I like it with bananas and apples - grapes or pears.  I used to make this when we went camping - it was always a hit.

SIMPLE SALSA/CHEESE DIP

1 jar cheese dip

1/2 - 1 pint of salsa

This is my go to.  I love the taste combo of cheese and tomato.    Adjust salsa to your desired taste.  

I mix this up and (if it lasts) I can refrigerate and eat on it over a couple days.  Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos.

Fun to add to tacos, burritos or tostadas as well.

EASY CHEESY DIP

8 oz. cream cheese - softened

1 C sour cream

1/2 C mayonnaise

1 oz. pkg. ranch dressing mix

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 C shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 C bacon bits (about 6 slices fried and crumbled)

Mix first 5 ingredients together.  Add most of the cheese and bacon and stir in.  Use the balance as a topping.  Maybe add some diced green onions or chives as a garnish.

Serve with any type of cracker or tortilla chip.  

Very addictive - make plenty if serving to company!!!!

I love all kinds of dips.

Velveeta and salsa or chili mixed together and melted.

Cooked ground sausage - cheese and salsa mix

Baked cream cheese, sour cream cheese, jalapenos, garlic powder & cheddar - Oh my!

Cream cheese, seasoning, chipped beef (diced) and sour cream - yum

Hummus - homemade - can be made simply and flavored as desired

There is just no limits to what can be a dip.  It isn't just ranch or onion any more!

I have to admit that there have been times that I have made one of the savory dips and with crackers or chips have made it DINNER!

Great for after school or work snacks.

Dip doesn't have to complicated to be tasty.  Always makes a great appetizer (or dinner in my case!).

Just mix and eat.  Experiment a little - you may find the next new thing!

Easy Jar Meals - For the Pantry or Gifting

As promised, I am going to start to post some jar recipes that are just wonderful to have on hand in the pantry and they are also fantastic for a great gift.
I like soups in the winter, and my brother and sister always rave about getting soup "jars" in their Christmas baskets.  That is one of their favorite things.
It makes for a different meal or two - and they don't have to think about what to mix together.

Today we will do soups.  All 3 of these are going in my baskets this year.  I have everything here to make them.

WILD RICE AND MUSHROOM SOUP
2 3/4 oz. pkg. of country gravy mix (or equivalent of bulk gravy mix)
1 1/2 Tbs. chicken bouillon
2 tsp. dried minced onion
2 tsp. dried celery flakes
1 tsp. parsley
1/4 C instant wild rice (uncooked)
2 Tbsp. dried mushrooms, chopped
Pour gravy mix in a one pint jar.  Combine bouillon, onion, celery and parsley - pour over gravy mix.  Layer rice and mushrooms - seal with lid.
INSTRUCTIONS
Empty into a large saucepan.   Add 7 cups of water, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes - until rice is tender.
Serves 6

PATCHWORK SOUP
1/3 C dried yellow split peas
1/3 C dried green split peas
1/3 C dry lima beans
1/3 C dry pinto beans
1/3 C dry kidney beans
1/3 C dry great northern beans
1/4 C dried minced onion
3 tsp. chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
Combine all the ingredients together in an airtight container.
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine 8 cups of water and soup in a large pot.  Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let it set for an hour.  Return pot to heat and stir in 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks.
****ADD ham hocks or ham (if desired).  Cover and simmer for 2 hours until beans are tender.
Remove hocks and tear meat from bone, chop and return to soup.  Serves 10.
****I plan on gifting this jar recipe with a can of diced ham.

Graphics from Gooseberry Patch cookbooks!  I love those books.  Make your own drawings and/or labels for instructions of soup mixes.  Use a recipe card, an index card, a stick-on label or draw up something cute and copy for multiple jars.

CREAMY POTATO SOUP
1 3/4 C instant mashed potatoes
1 1/2 C powdered milk
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon
2 tsp. minced dried onion
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/8 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. seasoned salt
Combine all ingredients together.  Place in a quart size jar or baggie.
INSTRUCTIONS
Place 1/2 C soup mix in a bowl and add 1 C boiling water.  Stir until smooth.
Great to serve for a quick meal or with a sandwich!

Easy peasy!  I plan of gifting  all three of these along with some other things.
You can always gift with a couple soup bowls or mugs to jazz up the gift.  Maybe add a box of crackers or a bag/box of oyster crackers.
I would love to receive 2 or 3 of these as a gift.  Food is always appreciated.  WE ALL HAVE TO EAT!  I like getting different things like this.

Hope this gives you some ideas.
More later!

Tid-Bits of a Ho-hum Holiday

Well, Labor day has come and gone here in the U.S.  The last 3 day holiday weekend for quite a while for the working citizens.  The summers last hoorah. 
We used to always spend Labor Day weekend camping with friends.  Lots of cooking over a fire, smores, good cheer, craziness and shopping!!!  Yes, the town that was closest to our campground had an entire town flea market and yard sales for 3 days!!!!.
We always spent Sunday - going to town and walking the entire town looking for that special bargain.  Always had to get a bag (or 2 or 3)of fresh fried pork rinds and lemonade shake-ups.  I always went to the grain mill and got a bag or fresh corn meal.
We would go back to the campground and have dinner all together.  Someone (who didn't like to shop) always stayed back and made a huge pot of soup beans or stew over the fire - cooking it all day.
Lots of fun.

Now it is another day - just one with no mail delivery!!!!  No big deal.  After we both retired, Glen used to joke "hey, we get a three day weekend".  LOL - like they all weren't!!!!!
Now it is just another day.

I did get to visit with an old neighbor, who used to live next door.  He and his family were in town, and came by for a short visit.  That was nice.  Got to see his new baby in person, instead of pictures.  Why are baby feet so grab-able?????

Saw an ad that made me laugh out loud.  My goodness, I have a small fortune in my refrigerator.

I sure never knew they commercially sold bacon grease!  I guess it makes since - they sell everything else.  I currently have 2 pint jars in the frig that are full!  This ad was from Rural King.

I picked tomatoes early.  I went out and filled up a bowl of cherry tomatoes in about 10 minutes - came in and emptied it to a bigger bowl and went out and picked that many more.  I also picked larger toms.  I managed to get myself bit about 7 times from mosquitos!!!  I figured morning in the cool would be better than evening - not so much.

Momma kitty hasn't felt good for a few days.  She has a kitty cold/flue and is congested.  I have been giving her natural remedies in her food.  She gets echinacea, Vit. E and CBD added to her food at different times.  She is improving.  It usually lasts about 7-10 days.  She ate a lot yesterday, and today she is back to napping in her usual spot instead of secluding herself.  I feel much better about it today - she is getting up there in age - so I worry about her.

Birds - I have been watching them.  The birds all come at once to the porch feeder.  None will be there - then they all show up.  They are so well mannered!

                            Looking through the glass door - the feeder is the middle of the pic (hanging)

They line up and wait their turn.  Once one flies off the feeder, another one jumps on.  Too bad people can't be so patient and well mannered!
I have pigeons that visit out back.  UGH - not a fan, but they are here.  They DO clean up a lot of the corn hulls that the squirrels drop - so I guess they can be helpful.
I have NEVER seen a pigeon at the birdbath.  I know that sounds crazy - but it is always the little birds and the cardinals and blue jays.  I guess because it has been so dry - we have no puddles any where around - so a pigeon has to do what a pigeon has to do.
There was one in the birdbath and 6 lined up on the handrail waiting their turn!!!  It was hilarious.  I watched and watched (as did Coogy) and when the last one was there - it just sat down in the water and seemed to doze off.  I wish I had gotten a picture.

I also found a new You Tube series to watch.  I first saw it on the TV menu board - and I tried to record - but I guess that isn't possible.  Not a regular channel.  SO I looked it up and there it is on You Tube.

This guy is good.  He is a young, energetic  and kind of funny guy.  Supposedly he is an award winning cook.  I believe he has like 150 short episodes covering all kinds of food.  It is all about cooking with little or no money and planning ahead.
Struggle Meals with Frankie Celenza - there are many others now trying to use the name - but his were the best!  You might want to check it out.
I enjoyed watching several episodes - learned a few tips as well.  I subscribed to his channel for new videos.

I did some more sorting and cleaning.  Did laundry.  WOW - can you stand all the excitement???
So there you have a ho-hum holiday weekend!  LOL
At least it was peaceful and frugal!

How was your weekend?

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/6

Hello everyone. I hope this finds you all well and safe.
It is a cool and lovely morning here.  In the upper 50's when I went out this A.M. and now in 60's.  It will be warming and a couple chances of rain coming in the next day or two.  We can sure use it.
This week the temps will be going back to 'summer' and then cooling again next weekend.
We have had a couple really nice days - seasonal temperatures and no humidity.  Love it!!!

It is Labor Day weekend here in the states.  I hope you all have a SAFE weekend if you get together.  Once retired and then alone - it is just another weekend - with no mail or trash pick-up on Monday!!!!!  LOL  For many, this is the last hoorah of the summer.

My week:

• Got to open windows a lot and have fresh air.  No AC a good part of the week - especially mornings.
• Mowed and trimmed entire yard on Monday - then neighbor did the front and way out back again on Friday for me.
• Been picking lots and lots of tomatoes.  I FINALLY have my first bell pepper on the plants out back!!!!!  I guess better late than never!
• Colored my hair with supplies on hand
• Used my crockpot for the first time in ages!  I did a small portion of pork roast and it made 3 different meals for me
• Refilled all the outdoor bins of critter feed with supplies I have on hand.  Not going through nearly as much last couple weeks.  They are all finding new sources of natural food!  (Walnuts, thistle seed, other seeds, etc.)
• Paid all the bills and balanced the checkbook
• Dropped off 4 banana boxes of goods and some pictures to the church thrift store.  They were thrilled
• No grocery store again this week!!!  The only time I left the house was to take mail to P.O. and go to thrift store for drop-off
• Put out my fall door decorations

                                    It is so bright and cheery.  Picture doesn't do it justice

• Dug my potatoes - my experiment!  I didn't get a lot, but for the first time and using a potato that would have been thrown out - not bad.  I just did them in a barrel planter.  It was a fun experiment and the first time in my life to try.   

                                  Amazing to get actual food from something considered trash

• Totally cleaned out the bathroom closet - it is like a 7' tall pie safe.  My goodness it is so much better now - looks so neat
• Did a lot of porch sitting this week - enjoying the weather & nature

Meals this past week:

Cheesy sloppy Joes & chips

Chicken & dumplings (small can Sweet Sue) and salad

Thickened wild rice & chicken soup (from freezer) - added some instant mashed - was tasty

Philly cheesesteak Italian bread pizza (homemade)  used ground beef/peppers/onions/mushrooms & swiss

Pork roast with potato and carrots

BBQ pulled pork and pickles and chips 

Taco pork/bean/cheese tostadas

OF course EVERY meal had tomatoes!

It was a little more laid back this week.  I enjoyed relaxing on the porch a bit more and did less physical work.  I will probably be back at it this week.  First plan is to clean out the glass/cup cabinet in the kitchen!  I also have a set of dishes that I may see if a family wants (it came from their family).  I won't use them.

How has your week been?  Are you getting any decent weather to enjoy?  Did you have a frugal week?  

May the Lord guide you and direct you in all of endeavors this coming week.  Enjoy the goodness & beauty of the world and pray for all evil/nastiness to end.  Amen

Blessings from my humble home to yours.

The Peace of a New Day

My morning routine is exactly the same every single day.  Get awakened by a kitty in my face, Getting up and getting myself together, feed Coogy, feed outdoor kitties then the squirrels and birds.  I come in an make my morning smoothie, as Coogy sits and watches - waiting for another spoonful of wet food.  Go out front and put feed in the porch feeder, then finally sit and drink my smoothie, listen to the weather and read the paper.  EVERY DAY!
That is it - but there is so much more to it.

Coogy wakes me every morning.  He rubs my face and pats me with his paw, ever so gently.  I give kisses and pets and I talk to him for a minute or two.
I get up - bathroom and dressing.
Coogy gets  a spoonful of wet food several times a day - if you give him too much, he will eat it all and proceed to yack.  So it gets put out in dribs and drabs!

My outdoor kitties are always at the back door waiting for breakfast! (I bring in all food overnight to prevent critters).  Fluffy is often on the handrail and peeking in the door's window.  Momma is right there as well.  I go out and we have a morning routine.  They surround my feet and they are talking!  I figure they are either saying - good morning, glad to see you OR about time, we are so hungry!  Either way I have to stop and pet and pet each one and talk to them before we ever head to the backyard.
We make it out back and there is my "newly acquired" cat Blackie.  He comes running and squeaking out his baby sounding cry - and right under foot!!!!  We go in the greenhouse and they each get a bowl of dry food and I split a can of wet food for them.  Happy babies!!!!!!
Next I check the corn for squirrels and make sure there is some out for them and put feed in the bird feeders.
All the while it is still kind of dark out - this is close to sunrise - so there is just enough light.

I then walk to the porch and pick up the paper before going in.
This morning I sat down for a moment on the porch and just was AWARE.

I could hear the cardinals chirping away to each other.  I was hearing a few other birds chirping and waking up.  There was a rooster crowing off in the distance.  I hear crickets galore.  Only  a glow of lights coming from a couple houses that I could see.  I am thinking how cozy they must all be still in their beds.  No traffic at all.  The moon was bright in the western sky and there was a haze in the distance.  The temperature is cool with a gentle breeze.  The grass was still covered with dew. 
The peace and quiet was deafening!!!  AND BEAUTUFUL! 

After the sun came up - this is our sky this morning.  Blue and wispy clouds all over.  So pretty.  By this point the squirrels are up, and I see them running around and playing and eating on their corn.  All the birdies are chirping.  I look out the front door and there is a squirrel on the ramp eating on a plant that is growing between the ramp and porch.  He is having a feast all to himself. 
Coogy is curled up in his bed with a full belly and the outdoor kitties have all secured their usual spots to take their morning naps.

This is what the squirrel was feasting on this morning.  Not sure if it is mullet or corn.  It can up on its own (from birdseed),  I am thinking mullet - as they squirrel was munching on the clusters - there are no ears forming.  I let it grow for them and it is kind of pretty.

Not sure if you can really see the finch (click on picture to enlarge).  I circled it - it is out on the echinacea happily eating the seeds.  Right outside the dining room window.  I see several out there each day.

I am standing at the sink/counter this morning getting meat and veggies ready for the crockpot - and I see motion out the corner of my eye.  I look right to the window and there is a hummingbird drinking at the feeder which is just couple feet from the window.  They are just so beautiful.

I wish I could have captured this morning on tape and sound for you all.  It was so lovely.  No matter what is going on out in the world - there was peace in my little world this morning.
That is what we all need to remember!
Your world can be blissful - no matter what is going on.

So take time in the morning to just be AWARE and enjoy all the tiny little blessings that are put in front you.  Each little thing IS a blessing!
I like to sit and watch the sunset as well - last night the sky looked to be on fire again - so beautiful.  The only problem with sunsets is the mosquitos!!!!!  They love me!  LOL

You woke up today.  Take a few minutes to just observe the sights and sounds around you.  We all need to do that more often.  There is beauty to be found.  Look for it and quit looking at the ugliness.
Be thankful YOU ARE BLESSED.
Have a fantastic day my friends.