Blessed in so Many Ways - Thinking About History

 I had a couple things written down to maybe write about today, and then I read Maebeme's post over at My life, my world.  She wrote about an adventure she had this week and it looked so lovely and so full of history.  It really got my mind going.

I started thinking about my ancestors (and yours) and how we have all become so 'soft'!  It is true.  Sure, we have all had challenges in our lives and we have had hardships - but I wonder how many actually come even a smidge close to what our ancestors faced.

Think about it.  There were no roads.  No fancy vehicles.  No stores at first.  No lumber yards.  No meat markets.  No heat or AC.  There WAS just raw nature!!!

The first settlers had to face wilderness.  They had to cut their own trails through dense woods and over hills, rivers, mountains, etc.  They had horses and if lucky, wagons.  Many had to make their own tools to work with.  As they cut those trails it was with axes - no chainsaws then!

They had to cut trees for lumber to make their homes.  They had dirt floors.  IF lucky they had a fireplace for heat.  No cooling.  

They had to cut ice from rivers and lakes for any cooling and try to keep it as long as possible in dugouts.

They had to grow what they ate or forage the woods and meadows.  IF they had meat - they killed it themselves (before it could maybe kill them).  They learned through trial and error ways to preserve food for harsh winters.

This would have been a fanciful cabin.  Porch and rails, flower boxes and real windows!

Clothes were what you had or made.  Bedding was made from scraps of worn out clothes.  Many used hides and skins for warmth.  They hides were often used for footwear as well.

My ancestors came here in the early 1700's and were looking forward to a life without religious persecution.  They went through so much - even having one of my many times great grandfathers being captured and held for years by Indians. There are many history stories about this.  The things these people endured is beyond my imagination.  

We have all seen shows like Little House on The Prairie and think WOW.  It had to be so much worse in the years before that was represented.  Before towns and any kind of rules.  Just wilderness and nature and you surviving by your wits!!!!

Doctors  were hard to come by and hospitals did not exist in those early years.  No modern medicine.  People used nature as remedies.  If you got hurt out in the wild - odds are you died.

Even in recent years (1800's and up to mid 1900's) many people lived in such basic ways.  Times were hard.  Think rural areas and mountain areas and it was even worse.  No electricity in many areas, only fireplaces and wood stoves for heat.  No way to cool down except maybe a dip in the crick.

Grow what you ate or kill what you ate.  No formal schools.  Buying new clothes and such just didn't happen much.  Just going to a town was a huge adventure.

Hard to believe but scenes like this still happened in some of or lifetimes and definitely in our parents'.  It really wouldn't surprise me at all, to learn they still happen today in the back woods areas.

Newspaper or feed bags lined walls to keep out cold drafts.  Shoes were not a necessity.  Everything was used over and over!  Life was at it simplest and bare essentials was all many had.  Some not even that.

I guess my point to this is boy oh boy - are we FORTUNATE!!!!!! 

It seems we have all become a bunch of panty wastes!!!!  LOL!    SO spoiled with little imaginations or skills.  We would most likely not survive if the worse happened and we had to revert back to old times.  Sure we all like to think we know enough and YES, we do know from reading and TV what people did.  But could we do it and survive?  Who knows.

Maebeme see what your sweet adventure post did to me?  LOL!  Boy you got my mind going.

I love watching shows like Barnwood Builders because they talk about the history of old barns and buildings they are trying to preserve.  I find it all so fascinating.

So many of these buildings were built before this was even a country and still survive.  That is amazing - the workmanship and skills these people had.  I can't believe it would happen much today.

So the next time the AC goes out or the furnace for a day or so, stop and think.  Next time you run out of something and you jump in your vehicle and run up the street to the fancy store to buy something - think.  The next time you are stuck without water for a while - think.  The next time something you have breaks or wears out - think.

They next time you dig into a nice steak or seafood dinner - think.  Next time you fill glass with ice cubes to keep your drink nice and cold - think,  They next time you take a good look at your stocked pantry and freezers - think.  Next time you need a doctor or a hospital - think.

I applaud people today learning and trying to live off the grid.  What gumption.  

Even with living off grid today - supplies and towns and vehicles are there and can be reached and used.

Take a moment today to just think about the past and what your ancestors went through.  If not here, then in another country.  No matter who you were or where you came from - there were times when THINGS that we know did NOT exist.

Be ever so grateful for the little things and especially for the big things.

Our lives are pure comfort compared to history!!!!!

A Challenge to ME

 I have been reading de-clutter posts on various sites and have decided to YET AGAIN, challenge myself to a major de-clutter.   I seem to work on it all the time - but I am going to do a major clean-out this late summer/fall.  Almost 35 years here and a basement full of stuff (not even mentioning the garage), and something has to give.

I sure don't want relatives to come in some day and have to do this.  I don't want to worry about it as I get older and maybe less able.  Someday I MAY have to move, and I sure don't want to worry about this stuff then.

NOW IS MY TIME!!!!!  

                                                   Would seem so at times!!!!!

My plan is AT LEAST 5 things a day to go in donate box or trash.  I am working on getting things caught up right now for the first 9 days of the month!  Through today - I should have at least 50 items to go! (easy peasy).

Now this sounds daunting - but not really so much.  Think about it - it could be a book, stack of magazines, an old handbag, items of clothes or shoes, maybe a knick-knack......it can anything. 

Cleaning out old paperwork as well.

I truly have so much stuff in the basement, that has been stored for ages.  I haven't needed it to date - therefore I don't plan on needing it.  I still have all of hubs clothes.  I have thought of doing a quilt with some of them - but sure don't need them all.  

I feel I can bless a lot of other people with items that maybe they can't afford to buy at a regular store.

I truly feel the urge to downsize and I am going to make a donation each week.  This will make sure it gets out of the house.

Anybody want to join in the fun?????

Time to get things in order before winter.  These hot dog days of summer can be useful for something!

What say you? 

Weekly Wrap-Up 8/8

 Happy Sunday to everyone.  Hope all are well and safe at the beginning of this new week.

Life and our days sure are flying by.  

It is back to being HOT!  We had such nice weather for the first part of the week.  I got to have the windows open for several days.  It was glorious.  We have a prediction of showers each day this coming week - but I am not holding my breath.  We are back to dry weather.

It MAY rain in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow (according to radar) - it looks probable for then.  I just hope we don't get bad storms.

Looks like the heat will last for the week, then back to low 80's.  I can really handle the heat - it is the humidity that makes things bad.

According to weatherman - we will lose about an hour more daylight this month!  UGH

I walked out yesterday morning and oh my, the surprise lilies lived up to their name..  I had about  24 stalks pop up with about 4 or more flowers on each.  Beautiful.  (I didn't get a picture).

The cats sure don't like this heat.  Laying in shade under bushes and up by the house foundation to keep cool.  They aren't eating as much in the heat.  I guess if I had to run around in 90* heat & humidity in a fur coat, I wouldn't either!!!

I change water everyday in bowls and birdbaths and boy do the birdies like it.  No more than change it, and they flock to it - drinking and bathing.

                                                       See  it?  They are starting!!!!

My week:

• Did more yard work and dead heading.  Cleaning more fence rows.  Pulling weeds in flower beds.  Cut back a bunch of spiderwort - so much more to do
• I used the crockpot for the first time in ages this week and made a very small pork loin.  I gave me 4 different meals
• Mowed and trimmed
• Got to have windows open up through Wednesday evening
• My neighbor brought me some tomatoes and a couple burpless cukes and I gave her zucchini - nice trade!
• I am now starting to get get ripe tomatoes!!!!  Slowly - but getting one here and there!
• Been harvesting - zucchini are slowing a bit - not 4/5 a day - just that in a week!  Getting peppers, tomatoes, cukes, onions
• Froze, dehydrated, traded and ate zucchini
• Ran to library as a book I requested came in
• Stopped at CVS while out for library.  They are about a block apart.  I got 2 Vit. C, 2 Tart Cherry and 2 Turmeric B1G1.  Saved $40 and I am stocked for quite a while
• Found 50 cents in the library parking lot
• Made a gallon of peach tea.  That sure has been refreshing to drink
• NO grocery shopping at all.  Needed nothing
• Doing all the normal things we all do
• I ran over to a yard sale a neighbor was having yesterday.  Got a couple of deals.  She works for a vet and when they order supplies they let workers order stuff as well.  I got 2 Lysol toilet bowl cleaners for $1 each and 2 - 75oz. bottles of Dawn for $3 each!!!!  My goodness, did I get a deal.  I am set!

Meals for last week:

Taco bowl

Burrito supreme (with leftover taco stuff)

Pork roast, green beans/potato, sliced tomato

BBQ pulled pork sandwich and salad

Veggie/pork stir fry over rice

Pork soft tacos topped with garden veggies

Dirty rice with beans added and a small fried green tomato

I am not really loving all the heat - but I am thankful, as it could be worse.  Some of you have extreme temps right now and I feel so bad for you.  No rain for a while here - but I can water & things are growing - so thankful for that as well.  Probably won't have to mow this week  - so thankful for that.  Getting fresh veggies and loving that.  I get sunny days to enjoy.  I have my babies and all of nature.  Still enjoying seeing the hummingbirds.   Just so much to be thankful for that could be over looked.  It is the little things!   Each day and thing is a blessing.

How has your week been?  What are you harvesting?  Are you managing to stay cool?  Crafting?

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Prayers for each of you for safety and health.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Grocery Ads and Looking for Deals

 Today we all want the best deals we can find.  Watching the ads for specials and shopping for those loss leaders is a great way to save.  I also love the clearance sections in stores.

I think we all need to look outside the proverbial "grocery" as well.  There are many, many stores here in the U.S. that sell food and home goods.

Think about alternatives.

I tend to stick to certain stores - but have no qualms to looking at other places.

Kroger, Meijer, Target, Wal Mart,  Aldi, Sav-A-Lot, Fresh Thyme, Trader Joe's ............  There are lots of grocers and affiliates out there.

Big Lots, Ollies, dollar stores of all kinds

Menards, Rural King, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

Deals can be found every where.  You just have to be aware.  I have gotten some of my best canned veggie deals at Menards in the past.  

I find different and fun food items at Rural King and Menards

Menards will have all kinds of food deals around various holidays - most often cheaper than the grocery store.  It isn't just wood and nails any more!

Some stores have specials that are just a day or two - Saturday specials or weekends only.

Some may offer additional perks if shopping on certain days (ex: additional store points)

Look for clearance sections.  Most all stores have them in more than one department.  You can find some deals.

Some stores have "senior" day and offer a discount to those over a certain age.

Check your area for food give aways - these aren't just food pantries.  They are for anyone, no income limit, surplus food that is being given away to help who ever wants/needs it.  If it isn't given away - it it is trashed.  That is just so wasteful and wrong.  Often times people get tons of fresh produce and often meat.  I have looked around and I can't find anything like this in our area - but many cities have them.  Free food is fantastic - it can help so many.

Now is the time for farm markets.  Every locality has different times and times.  We have a market up the road at our local park every Saturday morning.  Next little burg south of us has a market every Tuesday and Thursday.  Another park close by has a LARGE market on the second Sunday of the month.  We also have family markets and orchards that sell produce and other items every day.

I love these places as the money spent actually goes to PEOPLE not corporations.  Items are fresh.  Yes, they may cost a little more than the bulk items at the grocery - but fresh, good quality, and small owner means a lot to me.

If you live out of town/rural you may find roadside stands  - Those can have some great deals.

Don't forget barter and trade and gleaning as well.

So take time and get to know what store and markets are in your area.  Know their dates and times of availability.  Help a farmer or home crafter - not a store.

Look around and reap the benefits of abundant deals.

Do you have any other suggestions?  Are there different places in your area to get groceries?

I'd love to hear what every one else sees and does.

Have a great day!

 

The SALT of the Earth

 SALT - we use it everyday.  Most of us think about it as a way to season up the taste of our food.  I know many have to be careful using salt due to blood pressure.  I am a salt nut!  I salt everything.  LOL

Salt comes from deep in the earth and has taken an eternity to form.  It has been used forever as a food preservative.  That was one tried and true means of keeping meats and veggies over the winter and for long periods of time when there was not refrigeration.

Salt can be added to about any type of veggie and fermented for later use.  Kraut is basically salt and cabbage - you can do about anything this way!

There are all types of salt.  Kosher, canning, sea, black, pink Himalayan, gray, iodized..........  

Don't forget Epson salt.  Not used for eating - but still good to have around.

Epsom salt is mainly magnesium sulfate - where regular salt is mainly sodium chloride.  Epsom salt is great for relieving sore and achy muscles.  It helps in relaxation in a nice warm bath.  IF one would taste Epsom salt it is very bitter - salt is not.

Epsom is also good for gardens! 

As for regular salt - there are many, many uses for it!  It aint just for seasoning any more!!!

• Tea stained cups can be rubbed a little salt and water - to help remove stains - then wash
• A sticky boil over mess in the oven?  Sprinkle it with salt - let it set until it becomes crispy and then lift out with a spatula
• Pour 1/4 cup each of salt, baking soda and dish soap into your garbage disposal.  Turn on hot water and then run the disposal for a few seconds.  It clears debris and cleans blades
• Clean a wooden cutting board with soap and a little water.  Follow up with wiping it down with a damp cloth dipped in salt.  It will look nice a bright. (Don't use meat on a wooden board)
• Red wine spill - blot all you can then sprinkle with salt.  Let it set for at least 15 minutes.  It should absorb the remainder of stain
• Have a greasy mess on the stove?  Throw salt over it and let it set for a few - makes it so much easier to clean up
• Throw an occasional hand full of salt in the fireplace!  It helps loosen up the soot in the chimney.  It also makes cheery bright colored yellow flames!
• Put a 1/2 cup of salt in the wash cycle to prevent color from bleeding or running. (Good to use on new purchases or freshly dyed items)
• Has your iron gotten sticky or rough?  Run a warm iron over salt on a piece of paper - clean!
• Help oily skin - fill a spray bottle with tepid water and a 1 tsp. salt and spray your face. (eyes closed) and then blot dry.
• Warm water and salt - use as a gargle to freshen breath and to relieve sore throat pain
• Relieve the itch of a mosquito bite or sting with a bit of salt water.    Soak the spot or make a paste and apply.
• Toothache - mix 4 ounces of warm water with 2 Tbsp. vinegar and 1 Tbsp. salt to relieve pain temporarily
• Mix hot water and salt to kill weeds.  Best  to use - quart water, 2 Tbsp. (or more) salt and 5 Tbsp. vinegar.  Pour right on weeds. (be careful of things growing you want to keep)
• Kill slugs - relinquishes them to a state of ooze!
• Sprinkle your carpets with salt in you feel you have flea eggs.   Let it stand a few hours and vacuum.  Empty vacuum.  
• Mix 2 cups of water with 2 Tbsp. of salt - use a sponge to wipe down your car windows with the solution the evening before frost.  Helps keep the windows clear!
• I have even (out of desperation) used table salt in icy steps to melt ice (that isn't recommended - but in an emergency it works)
• Fun for kids!!!

Salt Dough  (like molding clay)

1 C salt

4 C all purpose flour

1 1/2 C warm water

** 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil**

Mix salt and flout together in bowl, ass water and knead and roll out like cookie dough.  Add a little flout if dough is too sticky.

**add oil if you intend to store and use at a later date.

Look around for different kinds of salt - they do taste differently.  Some are mild, some are smoky, but they are all good.  A lot of ethnic stores and specialty shops have different types.

You can find salt from very fine and granular to chunky.  The chunkier ones can be used in a grinder.  Kosher salt and some pink salts are quite chunky.

I like to keep several different types around.

I also like to make my own salt mixes - herbs from the garden and salt - you can make any blend you want (with as little salt as you want).

So do a bit of reading and investigating and see what all there is out there.  So many uses for something that costs virtually nothing!

ENJOY

YES You Can Find Good Deals at DOLLAR TREE

 I know a lot of people think that only junk can be purchased at the Dollar Tree or any all for a dollar store.  Not necessarily true.  There are several items that can be purchased that are truly good finds.

YES, there are things that are not deals as well.  Some things I would never buy.  

One just needs to pay attention!

My best buy items list!

Greeting cards - at most of the dollar stores here they are 2/$1.00!!!  That is pretty darn cheap.  Greeting cards can be extremely expensive.  I have found many really cute cards there.

Reading glasses - all kinds of styles and the script is written on tag for $1.  Most people I know that use readers have several pair (as they tend to lose them!).  I have seen many cute styles there and for $1 - well.  Why not?

Kitchen towels, placemats and hot pads - they have many really cute and pretty designs.  Great for filling in a basket of goodies to add a bit of color and something useful.

Glasses, vases, dishware.  It may not be the highest quality, but for someone just starting out or looking for an easy replacement - they are perfect.

Gift bags, ribbon, bows - for every occasion - no matter the size.  Pretty fantastic

Some of the cleaning items, and health and beauty.  Their Awesome cleaner is pretty darn good to have on hand.  It does work well. (I still like my natural cleaners).  Certain shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, dish soap (some are full size), brand name bar soaps, peroxide, fabric softener sheets, dry bleach, deodorant, cleaning rags..................................even pregnancy tests!

Baskets and totes - there are lots of storage items of all types.  No huge sizes, but many are great for storing and stacking items in closets and pantries.  They make great containers for 'goodie bag' gifts at the holidays as well.

Our newer stores have a ton of crafting items.  I recently saw lots and lots of yarn.  There were paints and crafting items.  Beads, glass bobbles, floral tape, silk flowers, markers............ tons of things to chose from.

Seasonal items - you name it you can find it for various holidays.  Door decorations, table decorations, runners and table cloths, dish towels, tree decor, candies for the season, dishes and cups - just so much to chose from.

Candy & snacks - many a deal on various types of candy and even snacks.  You have to pay attention - but many times you can find some brand names and even near normal size.

There are many, many practical items to find and use all for $1!!!!!!!!!!

****************************************

Now there are some things that you really need to pay attention to as you may not really be getting a deal.

There are now lots of brand name canned goods - but if you pay attention to your ads, odds are you will find deals on the same thing for less than a $1.  You really need to watch and know your prices.

Beans and rice bags are always $1.  Most times they are one pound bags - but many times they are two pound.  That is a deal.  It depends on the deals you can get at other stores.  But a 2 lb. bag for a $1 is a steal in my book.

Watch the foods in the frozen/frig section if your store has one.  They are smaller sizes and you really need to read the ingredients (not always what you think).

Spices can be had - some brand name.  Just read the ingredients. 

Back to school supplies - sure $1 is cheap, but many stores have super great back to school sales.  I have purchased folders for .10 each and notebooks for .25 each, crayons (brand name) for .50 at other stores.  Just look around and pay attention.  Wall calendars are usually quite pretty and only $1.  I already have a new one for 2022!!!! (I don't ever get free ones any more)

Batteries - be careful.  I have purchased brand name batteries in 4 or 6 packs for $1 and they have been fine.  Their off name ones don't last very long at all.  Packs of watch batteries are wonderful.  I buy a 6/8 pack for $1 and it lasts for a couple years for 2 different watches.  Worth it to me.

Color books and reading books - can often find some good ones.  Some color books are very thin - but others are nice size (lots of pages) and I have found some interesting hard back books as well.  Word and puzzle books are a pretty good deal and make nice gifts.

The little solar yard lights are not bad.  They can be good to have on hand to use in case the power goes out.  Place outdoors and bring in at night for extra lighting!

*****************************************

Things I generally won't buy!

Electronics - just don't trust them.

Be careful if buying holiday lights - many are not UL approved.

Toys - these can be iffy for sure.  Not only are they extremely cheap in quality, but they may contain harmful coatings.  A lot of stuff comes from other countries and they are aloud to add ingredients we are not!  Like LEAD!!!!!!!  Lot's of the toys have tiny and breakable pieces - that could end up in a littles mouth! (choking hazard). 

****** Books, coloring books, colored pencils, puzzles, etc. seem fine!!!!

Just be careful!!!!

******************************

So if you have a chance to go to a Dollar Tree or someplace similar - give it a check.  Yes, you can get a deal or two if you just take the time to look around.  

I do like it for crates/containers and kitchen towels for use at holiday time.  I like the calendars and pocket planners.  I buy my shampoo and deodorant there.  If I can find full size dish soap - I get that to add to stock.  

Greeting cards and IF I need a new gift bag - that is my place to go. (I reuse many bags!)

Our newest stores are in college areas - which will be useful for students on a budget.  There are also people who live in food deserts and this may be the only place available - at least they can get SOME good items.  Many people just do not have access to other places - these stores are a good alternative.  So don't turn your nose up at them - they do have their place and they do have some good options.

YES there are deals to find.

Have fun searching and see what you can find!

 

Weekly Wrap-Up 8/1

 Good golly it is August!!!  I am just shaking my head - it is so hard to believe that this summer has flown by so fast.

We have finally cooled down a little.  I have gotten to have the air off for most of a couple of days.  Such a lovely breeze outside.  The first part of the week was HOT!  Still dry - which is amazing after all the rain we had just a few weeks ago.

Some schools started back this past Monday and most of the rest start this week.  Sure not like the good old days - no school until after Labor Day!!

Daylight hours are definitely getting shorter.  I think they have said we lost a good 40 minutes a day this month from the beginning to the end of the month. 

One of my "surprises" this week.  Surprise lilies, naked ladies - whatever you call them - they are a lovely surprise to go out and see.  They so remind me of my folks!  These came from their home.

My week:

• Patched 2 pair of 'work' jeans
• Finally had to get the hose out to the garden.  Using rain barrels for all pots - but the garden is a bit much to do that way
• Worked on harvesting something just about every day!  Love home grown.

My first tomatoes!!!!  Yep they were tasty.  I have since picked a handful or so.  Still no big ones yet - I am patiently waiting!!!

• I did do some yard work.  I worked in mornings on those days when it was hot and thne most of the days when it cooled.  I weed whacked a lot of areas.  I worked on weeding 2 flower beds and the garden.  Cleaned a section of fence (wild morning glories) and dead headed a ton of flowers.  I borrowed the neighbors leaf blower and cleared the backyard (yep) and put all the leaves in area behind shed (super weed blocker).
• A new Dollar Tree opened super close by - so I went and checked it out.  So clean and neat - what a change!  There have been 2 to open within a short distance this week and both in former CVS stores!  Hmmmm..  I added to stock of non-edible items like dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.  I did get 3 pair of knee socks for winter.  I love whimsy and they were cute and actually pretty heavy for $1 each.

• Doing all the normal stuff.  Cooking from home, using what I have.  Laundry in cold.  Working on cleaning and decluttering more.  Porch sitting and enjoying nature.

Meals this past week:

Potato/zucchini/bacon Au Gratin & salad

Leftover day (odds and ends)

Pizza slices from freezer

2 bean and cheese burritos

Zucchini/chicken/cheese fritters

Leftover fritters and chopped steak w/pizza sauce & cheese topping

2 chicken legs, steak fries and steamed zucchini

SNACKS:  fruit, toast w/jelly, Coke float, cheese slices and crackers

It was pretty quiet here this week.  The house 2 doors down (those wild kids from last summer) became 'empty' this week.  They had to move (I guess non-payment).  Empty is an under statement - what a mess!  They have taken 2 dump truck loads of trash and stuff out of there.  One was basically trash!!!!  It is a 2 bdrm. house - no basement!  I guess the bugs and mice were horrific.  Everyone close by is spraying the outsides of foundations!  It is amazing how nasty some people live.  3 kids were in there and no one knew about the trash.  Had we known, child protection would have been called.  So sad.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Harvesting goodies from the gardens?

Give us a shout out and tell us about your week.

Prayers that you are all safe and healthy in the coming week.  Hoping you are staying cool and those with drought get rain soon.  Stay healthy my friends!

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

But you, take courage!  Do not let your hands hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.

2 Chronicles 15:7

Lord, keep us vigilant and prepared - yet keep us looking upon thy positive light.  You have us in Your hands and You have control.  Thank you for all our many blessings, big and small.  May we be thankful for everything, every day.  Amen