Morning Bliss

 Hello everyone.  I have had a million ideas going through my head for a post for today - and this wasn't one of them!!!!  LOL

Some days I just click on here to write my planned blog and my little mind says "no - do this instead".  So today I "do this instead"!!  (I just felt the need to share).

I sleep roughly at night.  I seriously can not remember how many years it has been since I slept through an entire night.  I wake OFTEN and look at the clock - always have and probably always will.  I have calmed myself with 'natural' remedies  - so I do go back to sleep easily MOST of the time. (I still have those horrible nights now and again).

Here is my thing.

Coogy will come in and 'make sure' Mom is awake or waking up about an hour before I actually get up.  He gently pats my face, gives kisses and hugs.  I love that!  

I may need to explain something.  My bed is hard - very hard.  It was specially made to be extra firm because Glen liked that.  It has never been comfy to me.  I keep thinking about getting a poofy mattress topper, because I can't afford to get rid of the mattress (it cost a bundle).

OK that being said - once kitty has awaked me - I lay there and it feels as if my body has actually melted into the mattress!!!!!  The covers seem to have form fitted and molded around my body just wrapping me in their comfort.  I feel like I could close my eyes and sleep so peacefully for hours.  

I am the most peaceful and most relaxed that I will be for the next 24 hours.  CRAZY!

THAT hour is my moment of bliss. 

I truly wish I could feel/sleep like that all night - BUT then I probably wouldn't appreciate that wonderful feeling each morning.

Seems to be a catch 22 to most great things in life!

I lay there and say my morning prayers and thank my Lord for the opportunity of another day.

I get up and get myself self dressed and ready and within 20 minutes or so I am venturing out into the great frigid abyss!  Seriously!

I go out 365 days a year at 5:45 AM to feed the cats - rain or shine - heat or cold.

Most mornings they are waiting at the back door for me.  I do believe they have tiny little watches!  If it is pouring rain - they are sitting under the Blazer.  A couple frigid mornings they actually stayed in the greenhouse waiting (smart babies) - but that doesn't happen often.

I get them all fed - we pet and love - and I talk with them and then off to the front porch to pick up my paper.

Now mind you it is COLD right now, even for here.  I get on the porch and then I stand there and look out over the kingdom!  It is so quiet - so very quiet.  There are virtually no houses with lights on - and I imagine all the neighbors snuggled in their beds, all warm and cozy.  I could be, but this is how I chose to start my day.

I often look at the sky and see the huge bright moon saying goodbye to me till tomorrow, and all the twinkling little stars that seem so close, yet are so far away.

I enjoy the stillness each and every day.  Maybe it isn't smart for me to have such a rigid routine and to be out in the dark - but I am at peace then.  

There are no sirens blaring, no horns honking, no kids outside arguing, no traffic noise - just me and the moon and the stars.

Once in a while I will hear a dog bark off in the distance somewhere and I always hear a rooster that lives to the North of me somewhere.

Morning bliss.

Once back in the house - Coogy is ready for another spoonful of wet food, but we have a routine.  I get my morning drink together and I turn on the blender to mix.  I can see his reflection in the window where I am standing - and he sits there and waits for the blender to quiet, then he walks over to his dish and looks at me to say "more".  He gets it.

I go sit down to read the paper and he goes and crawls into Mom's bed - after all it is exhausting trying to get someone up!

Every day - my morning. It may seem silly to some, but it brings me joy.  That silly little routine gives me some normalcy in a crazy old world.  New beginnings, new opportunities and new blessings await each and every single day.

Is there anything you do each day or regularly that just makes you all happy inside?  Do you have bliss moments?  

They cost nothing and they sure do steady your heart and soul.

Thanks for reading.

EDIT:  I have never slept through a night - this mattress or any other.  As firm as this one is - my point was it is extremely comfy in that hour upon arising - I seem to melt in it.  Don't know why - but then it is comfy.  Then the rest of my wonderful morning begins.  Seems I didn't state that well enough!  LOL

Dehydrate, Powder and Enjoy

 I think most of us have tried our hands at dehydrating of some sort.  I have a relatively cheap dehydrator (around $30-$40), but it works.  You can get a super expensive and fancy one with timer and heat adjustments or you can even use your oven on a very low temperature.  Many use the sun and air like back in the days of our ancestors.

I have been drying tomato skins and scraps for years.  I dry and make a powder which is great in my seasoning mixes and it is good to add extra flavor and nutrients to things like soup.  I dry my herbs (mainly air dry those).  I have even dried those big old bottom cabbage leaves that most people trash.  I dehydrate and powder them and then add to soups for extra nutrients.

There truly isn't much that can't be dehydrated and turned into a powder.

WHY?  you may ask.  

Well it is a good way to not waste anything.  It is a great way to add flavor to things.  It is a great way to get fruits and veggies into those who won't eat them fresh or cooked!

Tomatoes - dried.  I use a coffee grinder to pulse into powder - then keep in a sealed glass jar. (This batch was done in the oven)

You can dehydrate not only veggies of all sorts but fruits as well.

FRUITS - any berries - berries work great for turning into powders.  You can dehydrate ALL fruit and use in various ways.

Use powdered berries/fruit with oatmeal, yogurt, in milk or over cereal.  Make a fruity flavored salad dressing (those are pricey to buy), use in sweet breads and muffins, cakes, cookies and even pancakes and syrup!  Use over ice cream or pudding.

Make fruity cream cheese dip, your own fruit sugars, use in tea, smoothies and even cocktails.

Make your own flavored gelatin - use unflavored gelatin and whatever dried fruit powder you want.

You can just make so many fun and nutritious goodies.

                                                             (not my picture)

VEGGIES - Anything goes.  Tomato skins, greens of all sorts, onions and scallions, mushrooms, garlic, broccoli stems, absolutely anything you can think of.

You can add to smoothies and soups and casseroles.

You can make your own seasoned salts (onion salt, garlic salt).  Make your own dips and flavored cheese balls  

Add to anything that is savory

HERBS - add to dips, soups, seasoning mixes.  Things like lemon balm and mint can be added to teas and smoothies as well

I have even drained and dehydrated older homemade  pickles and peppers that I have canned (and no longer crunchy).  Blend them into a powder and you have great seasoning to add to dressings and dips.  

I also dehydrate extra large okra from the garden - dry and grind - it makes a fantastic natural soup thickener without adding any taste. 

FIRST you want to dehydrate and dry completely!!!!!!   IMPORTANT

Use a coffee grinder or blender to grind to a powder.  May need to do this a couple times.  

You want to store in glass or plastic JARS that are airtight.  

To be extra sure they last well - add a desiccant pack to each jar to absorb moisture.

You can also mix in 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder to each pint (no taste change) to keep things from clumping.

Most fruit and veggie powders last a year if kept tightly sealed.

This can be such a fun project.  Just think about everything you grow and buy in the produce arena - and then dehydrate some of it.  Nothing goes to waste.  You have a great new seasoning.  You are getting extra nutrients and vitamins into your diet.

 

Use your imagination - have fun and waste not!

Self Sufficiency - A Different Take on it

 Being self sufficient or self reliant is what many strive for.  I don't know what that means to you, but to me it has always meant pretty specific stuff.

I have always thought it meant living off the land.  Grow and raise all your food.  Provide for your needs and maintain without outside help.  Being independent.  Being able to provide everything you need.  A home with it's own water system, electric grid (or none), it's own heat system, etc.

Is that what you think?????

Well  today I want to get you thinking about a different kind of self sufficiency/self reliance.  So much is the same - but the reasoning is sooooo different.

Many of you women can relate AND men as well!

You are suddenly alone.  Whether you are widowed or divorced - it is you and you alone.  There are many things that 'some' women have never done or had to worry about.  Car maintenance, home maintenance, carpentry, yard work, etc.  Many gals have never been involved in finances or money management - yes that still happens!

There are guys who have no idea how to grocery shop, cook, mend, do the laundry or maybe even clean house.

Now that you are alone - your are self reliant and have to learn much and do much.

• There is no one to work things out with - no one to toss ideas around with - no one to help make decisions
• You have to deal with HARD things alone
• You need to be in control of money management, banking, investments, financial decisions of all sorts
• You need to be safe and secure.  Whether it is re-thinking how you live in your home (windows, doors open/close), locks, security systems, or other means of security (self protection)
• You need to take care of yourself if ill.  Always aware of being safe and healthy
• You have to be the problem solver
• You prep alone - you also learn there are several meanings to SHTF!!
• Repairs are on you - or you hire it out.  Car maintenance, home maintenance, appliances or HVAC or yard equipment
• Yard work is yours
• Have to take care of all the legal stuff - taxes, insurances, changing names/ownership of things, designating  benefactors, wills, funeral prep (for you)..............

Now there are many who have been fortunate enough to have learned many of these things during their lives.  I was fortunate to know how to do a lot myself - only because I needed to so as to be helpful in my marriage.  BUT, I had hubs there to guide me and give me instruction.  That meant a lot.

Sure we all have friends, family and neighbors that may help - but most often you have to ask.  No one is aware of all your needs.  Truthfully I would rather hire something done than ask for a favor.  That is just me.

Your new "self reliance" means LEARNING new SKILLS and new KNOWLEDGE on all sorts of things.

You will need to trust your own instincts and ideas.  Be an individual and don't conform to what everyone THINKS you should be.  You can do anything!!!

Go forward toward your goals and go forward bravely.  Gain confidence with each new thing you try and master.

LOVE YOURSELF.  Know that you will screw up at times and know that you will be victorious at times - just be kind to yourself.  Self acceptance is huge!

As we get older - self sufficiency means something new.  We have to go with the flow and move forward.

As you can see - being self reliant or self sufficient because you are now alone - is very much like being self sufficient as a homesteader.  

You have to learn new things, you have to work hard, your have to make important decisions, you gain skills, you make mistakes and you win some, you are independent, you need to learn to provide for your needs.  

You are ALL important in every action of every day.

Learn that important phrase -  ME, MYSELF, AND I!!!!!!!!

Is it easy?  Nope!  

Is it fun?  Not really.  

Is it important?  YES - it is of the upmost importance

AND YOU KNOW WHAT?  It is satisfying when you accomplish what you thought was impossible. 

Sadly, most of us will go forward and experience this new lifestyle.  No one wants to - but it is inevitable.  

My suggestion to you - learn all you can now!!!!!!  Be involved in all aspects of your life.  Make sure your husbands do the same.

Self reliance happens to men and women!!!!! 

Just remember - YOU CAN DO IT!

Weekly Wrap-Up 2/7

 Happy Sunday all!  Well let me tell you - WINTER has officially arrived in my area!!!  Oh baby  it is cold outside.  I woke to 4*F and now it is 1*.  Going to  a whopping high of 17*!!  Also had a layer of snow on the ground - not much and it was fluffy - so I swept it.  BUT the sun is shining!!!!!!! YAY

I have already been outside twice.  Fed the kitties (they didn't even come greet me at the door this morning - smart babies).  Swept and cleaned the walks, paths and driveway.  Fed the birds and squirrels.

                                                   Something to look forward too!!!!!!

Next week is supposed to be pretty darn chilly as well.  No day is predicted to get above the freezing mark!  Snow off and on - although nothing bad.  As long as the sun comes out - it makes the day feel so much warmer.  Yesterday was cold - but sunny - and the cats wanted to be outside a lot.  

Blackie was doing his walk about the neighborhood, making sure all was well.  Momma was getting her vitamin D and sunshine - laying in the sun.  Fluffy was bird watching!  She watches the little birds and I can almost hear her thinking "I was to hug it and kiss it and love it and name it George"!!!  LOL  (hope someone gets that throw-back). LOL

Nothing exciting this week - just a lot of little things.

• Scoured the stove from top to bottom
• Cut my hair and did a quick color again.  I was going to let it grow - and those darn "wings" get me frustrated every time.  Then I cut off the color - sooooo.  
• Funny thing - I took the trash out for pick-up this week.  It has been 3 weeks since doing that.  I just don't make much trash - mainly cat litter!
• I ran to the bank and took care of some business and then did a drop at the food pantry on the way home.
• Took out extra blankies to the greenhouse for the kitties.  Put them on the heated area of their bed - They have each found their spot and cozy into it.  They stay pretty comfy in there.
• My TV in the LR was getting funky (dull picture).  I wasn't sure if it was going out or if it was my eyes getting worse.  Both TV's were bought at the same time and bedroom one is fine (plus I see it great).  Well I figured I would play with adjustments and BOOM - it looks so bright and clear now!
• I had a can of biscuits that needed to be used.  I made some pigs in blankets and made balance as biscuits.  Used for 3 meals.
• Canceled Netflix this week.  Not a huge savings - but a savings none the less.  I don't really watch - I just had a hard time cancelling because it was something Glen enjoyed.  Crazy I know.  But it is gone now!
• I got out a pack of hotdogs and cooked them all.  Used in 2 meals and froze the others to re-heat for a quick meal
• I wanted cornbread - but something different.  I added chopped jalapenos to a Jiffy mix and made cornbread "waffles".  Yep I made it on the waffle iron.  Now I have cornbread I can stick in the toaster and reheat for other meals!  It was good!!!!!!
• No shopping - stayed away from stores
• Did a bunch of laundry and hung most in the basement.  Adds humidity to air and keeps my clothes from shrinking.  I did fluff later for a few minutes and used dryer for heavy items - kept the basement warm 
• Have had another craving on top of the OJ and oranges this week!  I have been wanting tomato juice!  Luckily I have a good supply in the shelf, as my brother keeps me well stocked with his homemade and canned juice.  I add a bit of dill pickle juice and oh my yum.
• Filled up the feed bins with supplies I had on hand - so as to have things ready and full for the cold weather.
• Using what I have on hand, cooking from scratch and just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Taco/rice bowl

Chili cheese dogs and chips (actually topping was sloppy Joe from freezer and chips from holidays)

Leftover taco stuff over cornbread waffle

Veggie soup (freezer) and pigs in blanket

Burger biscuit bombs and baked beans (small (indiv. size) clearance can all jazzed up)

Sausage gravy over biscuits and scrambled egg

Homemade loaded pizza

How was your week?  Any good deals this week?  What are you working on?

How is your weather?  I know many are in cold regions and some got tons of snow - but there are others living where it is summer (call me green w/envy)!

I hope you are all well and safe and warm.  Prayers are said for each of you daily.

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

Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path.

Psalms 143 :10

Saving Strategies we Tend to Forget

 We are all aware of all those simple things that save us money.  Many are simple and easy.  Often we tend to forget some bigger things than can actually save a bundle over time

We all know - cook from scratch, don't eat out, turn off lights and water, look for sales, clearance and markdowns, use leftovers, recycle or up cycle, etc.

There are  other things that we tend to overlook.

• DON'T pay late fees or finance charges!!!!!  Always pay your bills on time to avoid late fees - they can really add up.  IF you charge - pay in full as often as possible each month to avoid finance charges.  IF you have a card for emergencies (something that can't be paid in full in a month) - try to get one with a very low interest rate!  These fees can eat up your money in a hurry
• NEVER pay full price - if at all possible.  If you are clothes shopping, grocery shopping or car shopping - shop around and look for markdowns and deals.  Most often on big ticket items you can barter a much lower price
• DON'T shop on impulse!!!!!!!!!!  This can cost you a lot!  Especially if looking for something big and sort of expensive - go home and think about it for a few days.  If it is gone when you go back - just figure it wasn't supposed to be.  ALWAYS contemplate on spending a chunk of money
• Stay HEALTHY - this is huge!!!!!!!  This is probably one of the biggest money savers there is.  Do whatever you can to live a healthy lifestyle.  Eat right.  Exercise in some way.  Get tons of fresh air and sunshine no matter the weather).  Take vitamins and herbs.  Drink water.  I know not everything health wise is that simple - but if you really work at taking care of your body, you will save a lot of money
• DON'T buy things you can make!  Learn to make bread, biscuits, cook from scratch, make your own fancy coffee or tea.  Learn to mend or sew.  Alter clothes if needed.  Re-use fabrics to make new things.  Garden.  Compost.  Recycle.
• Other than staying healthy - the biggest saving strategy is STAY HOME!  I know in this day and age you can still shop at home - stop it!  (Unless it is your grocery order).  Stop shopping online for stuff!  Stay out of stores and roaming the aisles.  Not only do you not shop, you save on gas and wear and tear on your vehicle, and you stay away from strangers.
• BARTER your bills.  Not everything is etched in stone.  ** Cable too high - call them and work out a new plan (all they can do is say no).  ** Get yourself set up on a budget plan for electric or gas if at all possible.  I pay the same amount every month for both - instead of high bills in winter and small bills in summer. (Makes planning easier)  **  Call you car insurance and see if you can get discounts.  Hitting a certain age, retirement, no travel for work, less  miles per week, etc.  When I quit working I let them know and got a discount for no work travel, probably just local driving, and probably less than 50 miles per week.  If you are working from home or not working at the moment - call them and see if they can adjust your bill!  It sure is worth a try.
• Cancel things you don't really use.  I just canceled Netflix - I really don't watch it enough to make it worth it.  Glen ordered it and he watched a lot - not me.  It was going to increase to 12.99 month.  That isn't a fortune saved - but around $156 a year I can use for something else.  If I decide to get it back later - I can
• LESS grocery shopping!  It seems this is happening more at the moment - as many people are ordering groceries and having them delivered or are doing pick-up.  I think people are finally realizing you don't NEED to shop every week or many times every few days.  Shop once or twice a month and then improvise with other things when needed.  Learn to be creative with cooking. Shop the pantry and the freezer first!
• READ - libraries are our friend.  Ours are closed right now - but they do have pick-up curb service if you order books online.  I have tons of books at my home - and I must admit many have never been read.  I read online as well.  I watch You Tube and learn.  I read blogs and learn.  IMPROVE your intellect in may ways.  You not only learn new stuff - but you can then teach others and you can learn new ways to do things.  Learning can be a huge financial windfall in many ways.

Try to look at the bigger picture.  It isn't always just the little everyday things we always talk about that saves.  Those things are still HUGE and they DO make a big difference.  

There are so many things that we just assume we must pay - that we can reduce or change.  Question all your bills.  Look for less interest charges.  Pay cash when possible.  Stay home more and shop less.  Learn and improve yourself and your knowledge.

I hope this gave someone something to think about and maybe, just maybe you find something you can change and save a bit of money.

Remember a penny saved is a penny earned OR one you don't have to earn again!

Pennies make dollars!!!!!

HAPPY SAVING

A Few Frugal Ideas

 Not a lot going on today.  Thought I would throw a couple things out there that have saved me money and re-cycled things.  Nothing exciting - but that is life.  Not everything is momentous - but every little thing we can do to save or re-cycle is big!!!

Do you ever buy these containers of luncheon meat.  There are usually ham, turkey and beef ones available.  I get them now and then.  KEEP those containers!  They are great for refrigerator storage and great to send leftovers home with someone.  You don't have to worry if you don't get the container back!  Generally there are a couple different sizes available.  Peel off the top label, wash it out and boom you have storage containers. (keeps out of landfill)

Do you have a sweatshirt that is a tiny bit snug?  I have a few.  Most are old and maybe a stain or two - so I don't really want to donate.  I usually wear a t-shirt or tank top under them.  I have figured a way to get a looser fit and use the sweatshirt for knocking around the house and yard.

Cut the bottom band off!  That is it!  It makes such a difference.  No need to hem as the material won't fray. (Like I said these are for bumming around in).  I keep that banding to maybe use in another project.

This would make great sleeve bands on another project or maybe even a waste band.

Valentines Day is right around the corner.  I have never been big on this day or the celebration, but some are.  If you want to make a cute and easy token gift for someone - try this.

Chocolate bars wrapped in white paper (printer paper will work) and draw on some faces and add a pair of gloves!  Too cute.  If you live in a warmer climate you could maybe wrap in brown paper (grocery bag) to look like sand and decorate accordingly. (glue on shells or add a cloth sweatband).  Get creative.

Doesn't cost much, it's fun and frugal and it is yummy and useful!

Finally, a quick and easy way to make something new with leftovers.  I think I have shown this before, but it is very handy.  Love having alternatives to us those leftovers!

Click on picture to enlarge

Super easy - uses up everything - super tasty - and they make a great snack or side to any meal.  There is no limit to what can be used as fillings!

There you have a few fun things on this Wednesday.  

Love ideas on saving and reusing things.

We all need to get a bit more creative.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!

Just Follow Your Heart

 Today it seems everybody questions everything others do.  I don't get it.  It seems to me if people worried as much about their 'house' as they worry about others - we would all be better off.  

I do what I want, when I want, because I want!  You don't agree or like it - OK - but know I really don't care!!!!  Yes indeed that is how I feel.

I go with my heart.  

I have people question me on why I spend as much money as I do on cats and nature.  BECAUSE I want to!  That is all they need to know!!!!

People ask why I feel they way I do about some current events.  BECAUSE I do! Nothing more needs to be said.

People ask why I give to the hungry.  BECAUSE I can.

I even have had people ask why I mow my yard the way I do.  BECAUSE it is how I do it!

My goodness I even get asked why I haven't started dating yet.  REALLY???  They obviously don't really know me.

Why do I still wear my wedding ring?   Why not??  I am still married in my heart.

Why do I stock so much for just me?   Because I will always be prepared for anything and I can always help others.

WHY do others feel like they need to judge?  You have your opinion.  I have my opinion.  They don't have to match.  

If you feel you have to continually put people down or trash them or if you feel you have to continually point out wrongs - I feel sorry for you.

You are wasting precious minutes of YOUR life that you will never get back.  They are gone forever.  WHY?  Just to point out something negative.  So sad.

The way you live your life is what your legacy will be.  That is something to think about.

Do what makes you happy and in turn it will make others happy to be around you.  You will give off an air of joy and happiness and that is catching!  Be the positive the world needs.

Heaven knows there is more than enough negative - be the positive.

I want to teach - always have.  I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger.  Somedays I think that blogging is a form of teaching.  It makes me happy.

I want to be helping force for those in need.  Only by the grace of God - it could be me.

I want to love and take care of nature and animals.  It/they gives me such joy and happiness - I just want to do my little bit to help and nurture God's other creatures.

I want to put a smile on someone's face - just because they may need it.

I want to sing and dance in the rain.  I want to act like a child now and then.  I want to laugh till I cry.  I want to love till it hurts.  I just want to BE ME!!!!!!

I want to be remembered for that.

You don't have to like it or approve of it.  That is OK - that is you! 

Just remember to ring your own bell in your own way.  Do what makes you happy!!!!  No approval needed!

You get one shot at this thing called LIFE.  Make it count. 

Go with your heart and you will be doing it right and you will leave a good mark on the world.

Enjoy life - have a little fun - give - smile - laugh - love - embrace - be kind to all things.

It is all between you and your Maker.

Follow your heart.

Leave a little sunshine for others - stop the darkness.

Have a blessed day!