A Pantry of Abundance NOT Fear

 Happy Tuesday all!  

Today let's talk a bit about pantries.  I hope these subjects don't get boring to you all.  I just get these random thoughts in my head and feel like talking.

I keep hearing all the fear stories being put out there.  Fear is not a good way to live in my opinion.  Preparedness and confidence is better!

There are the stories of extreme inflation, scarcity of product, weather dread, trucking issues, panic shopping, all kinds of shock and awe stories.  You have heard them too.  

Yes, Prices have gone up.  Yes, there have been some inventory issues - it usually all works out in time.  Sure gas has gone up.  But that doesn't mean you still can't have a wonderful pantry (in all areas) and be prepared for whatever comes your way.

DO NOT be a slave to consumerism!  This allows you freedom on so many levels!  How you ask, can that be done.  Simple - just slowly stock and keep an abundant pantry.

This is simple abundance to me!   Good old basic yummy veggies - meat or no meat - wouldn't matter.  Nothing like fresh and wonderful garden veggies.

I now spend less on groceries than I did 3 years ago!  Yes, you read that right.  I now only REstock and buy the occasional fresh food.  I do not have to do a big grocery shop every week.  I just add back in what I might be running low on.  I often times can go a few weeks without shopping.

It does save money to have your own 'grocery store' at home.  Nothing better and it sure is blessing.

I have purchased from sales, clearance and markdowns over time.  Rarely do I pay full price.  Slowly and steadily I have managed to accumulate an abundant pantry!

I can feel confident, that is it all dropped off tomorrow, I would be just fine for a long, long time!  May not always be a balanced meal or my favorites - but I would be fine and not go hungry.  I can help others as well, whenever I need to.  Such a comforting feeling.

Make sure you have some basic and good recipe books!  They sure can help you out in a pinch.  The older cookbooks have many of the recipes our moms and grandmas made during rougher times in history.  Keep simple and basic INGREDIENTS on hand and you can make most anything.

This helps you stay home, cook the basics, save gasoline and wear and tear on the vehicle, and gives you more time for other things.

Life doesn't have to complicated.  It doesn't have to cause you to go broke.  It just needs to satisfy and please you.

Slow and steady wins the race!!!!!!!!

Stock what you like and use and use what you stock!

Hope this helps someone!!!!!

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A blessing for today:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart.

Psalm 73:26

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/11

 Happy Sunday to everyone.  Hope this is finding safe and well.

It is starting to rain here!!!!!  YAY!!!  Boy do we need it.  Right now it is just light showers, but may get heavier as the day goes on.  We have had a pretty decent weather week.  It wasn't too hot and the humidity was very low! 

This coming week looks to be pretty decent as well.  We do have a few shower chances, but not holding my breath after today!

I love the smell of rain!

The clematis has started blooming!  I wasn't sure it made it over the winter - but it did!

This last week there was a haze over the area a lot.  It was seen mainly early and later in the evening - looked like fog - but was from the Canadian wildfires.  Late in the evening you could smell it as well.  That is just amazing to me that it came so far.  

The lightening bugs have just started to show up - not a lot - but I am now seeing some.

All the various flowers are starting to bloom.  Roses, tiger lilies, D'oro lilies, clematis, mallow plants - I love it!

The garden is really growing, and I am getting flowers and buds!!!!  All after just close to 3 weeks!  I can imagine how the rain will bless them!

I have had a very low keyed week!  Nothing much exciting.

• Told you, I called and got excused from jury duty!  YAY
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard
• Pulled weeds here and there
• Picked a few lettuce leaves to use
• NO A/C except for maybe 3 or 4 hours all week.  Windows open
• NO shopping - didn't even leave the property
• Using what I have here and cooking at home
• Washed my car and cleaned all the windows - here at home
• Laundry and used dehumidifier water in it
• Just cleaning, washing windows and doing all the normal stuff
• Have done a lot of porch sitting.  Sitting with my kitty, reading, and talking with neighbors.  Have had several come and sit a while this week.
• I am reading:  A Life Beyond Amazing, By: Dr. David Jeremiah and reading some cookbooks I have on hand

Meals this past week:

Bologna, lettuce, tomato and potato chip sandwich

Pasta/veggie salad

Tuna patty and pasta salad

Taco salad

Open face chili cheese dogs and side salad

Fried potatoes topped with leftover cut up hotdog & chili sauce and cheese

Mixed greens with ham added (from freezer) - fruit

How has your week been?  Love hearing what all are up to.  Are your gardens/pots doing good?  I sure hope the smoke hasn't affected any gardens.  Any great deals this week?  Nothing looked worth going out for here.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy week ahead.  Prayers for you all.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

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Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Matthew 6:34

Yes, please God.  AMEN

Fun Food and Ideas

 Howdy all!!!  We have had some conversation this week about eating better and improving our health problems.  Each of us does something different and that is just so neat that there are so many ideas out there to help in some way.  I have a couple of things to post today that just fit the bill and maybe an idea that can help with baking.  I know we have some cooks out there, that have been doing this for ages.  Many are new at things.

I saw this idea on a FB group that I belong to and thought it was a pretty good idea.

Sure would satisfy that sweet tooth with NO white sugar.  I have a few jars of sweet potatoes that my brother canned, and I think I will give this a try soon.

Great idea for those eating mainly vegetarian!

Call me crazy but I always use a little of both!  I like height and fluffy looking!

Summer and warmer weather is here and a cold treat is always nice.  Doesn't have to be loaded with sugar to be tasty.  Here is a fun idea!!  This would be a fun idea to do with the littles!!!!!  Put them to work - shake, shake, shake!!!!!

Love the idea that it has so little sugar.  Heck I would probably use my Stevia.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner - what healthy options.  Rice of any sort or any grain you might like -- topped with fresh fruit or with veggies and maybe eggs.  Doesn't have to have meat or sugar.  You could add some sort of dressing or a dollop of yogurt.  These are a couple healthy looking bowls - use what you have on hand and have fun with it.

It is also getting to be major salad time!  All the garden goodies will make some wonderful salads during the summer.

So many ideas to have yummies without all the calories and sugar.  We can all get a bit creative and try new things.  They may be keepers - then maybe they won't.  It sure is worth trying and it's fun.

Enjoy eating better with what you have at home!

Have a great day!

It Does so Much....

Happy mid-week to all.   Today I will mention some of the many things that we can do with a single product.  DAWN dish soap.  I think this is kind of an American thing and may not be a thing overseas.    This is a very popular dish soap here, as it is gentle and does many things.

Of course it does a great job on cleaning our dishes and pots and pans.  I even add a bit of water and a bit of vinegar to my solution.  I don't need it full strength to work great, and the vinegar just gives a bit of added shine to glassware.

• It is great as an emergency hair cleanup.  The kids in something terribly messy, or hubs hair gets greasy working on vehicles.  Whatever the need it helps remove GUNK!
• Add just a little (couple tsp.) to homemade weed killer.  It helps the week killer adhere to the plants
• Works wonders on cleaning outdoor furniture
• Use once about every 4 weeks as a hair product remover.  It helps get rid of any buildup
• Mix a couple teaspoons of Dawn to a spray bottle of water - shake - and spray just about any type of insect - and BOOM they are dead.  I works great on ants and box elder bugs around here
• Give your pets a flea bath - works great
• Add a drop to a quart of water and use as a window cleaner
• Helps find leaks in things.  The air mattress, kids pool, tires, etc.  Smear it on and watch for bubbles.
• Fixes a squeaky hinge
• Works great to clean kids pools
• If you get in poison ivy - come in and wash with cool water and Dawn.  The Dawn helps to cut the oily residue left by the plant on your body, which is what causes the rash
• Great for cleaning grill racks.  Place racks in a black trash bag with 1/2 C Dawn and a gallon water.  Let it sit at least 10 hours or overnight - and easy-peasy cleaning
• In a dire pinch, add just a tiny squirt to your laundry if you run out of detergent
• I use a sink full of soapy water with a little baking soda added to clean store produce.  Washes off all the wax they use to shine up things!  Rinse well
• I have even used to wash my hair.  Hey when you are in a pinch - there is a way!

You have any good uses for Dawn?  Love learning new ideas and tricks - to use one product many, many ways.  It sure does save a bundle of cleaning supplies, and it is gentle on the environment and body.

Look forward to your ideas.

Have a great day!

Tuesday Talk and Observations

 Happy Tuesday to all.  It is a gorgeous morning here in my piece of Indiana.  It looks to be a fabulous week.  Just a couple chances of rain - here's hoping it hits my area.  It looks to be spotty.  I pray for the farmers - I am sure they need rain for their crops.

I have roses blooming so pretty.  Many other flowers are starting to bloom as well. I have clover blooming all over and the scent in the air is just heavenly!!!!!  I have been porch setting some and enjoying talking with all the 'good' neighbors.  I helped one out - they are currently without work and very limited food stamps.  He was asking if I knew where there any food pantries around close.  I gave him the names and times for three.  I asked if he needed food now - because I would help him out and he said no, he was good for now.  He said he would be visiting the pantries and was very grateful.

We as neighbors have planned a small get together later in the month for a guy who owns several lovely properties on my block.  He takes such good care of them, and he is a wonderful older caring man.  We are going to have a small neighborly surprise birthday celebration for him.

Well guys, I called the jury selection place, answered their questions (all computerized) - simple things like - over 18?, citizen of county?, speak, write and understand English?, any disabilities?.........

And they said I was NOT qualified!!!!!!!!  Huh.  I didn't say anything trying to get out of it - maybe they have social on hand and can see age, I don't know.  If that is the case - I wonder why they waste money sending the notices to start with.  OH WELL - NO jury duty for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to say a thank you to Frances!!  When she first started talking about changing her diet - I paid attention.  I have since pretty much eliminated sugary things from my diet.  An occasional bite at a party, but really nothing here at home.  I am eating lots of fruit and natural juice and fresh veggies or cheese when wanting sweets/snacks.  I have now lost about 5 lbs. and I just happened to realize this weekend a HUGE change for me.  

I have not been experiencing Restless Leg (RLS) at all in the past few weeks!!!!!!  NONE!  I was taking OTC supplements every single night before, and sometimes that didn't help.

I am thrilled.  This is truly the first time in decades I have not experienced RLS on a regular basis.  A result I never anticipated at all!!!!!!!

THANK YOU FRANCES!

The above meme says a lot to me.  I have recently decided I need to pray differently.  There has been a lingering problem in the neighborhood, and I pray so hard about it.  I then realized, maybe I need to do it differently.  I have been saying "please stop...", "please end...", please help..."  "why...".

My attitude is a big part of my problem.  Sure, I don't like what has been happening and it saddens me.

But, I can't change anyone, except ME!  I have to stop letting others steal my joy and happiness.  I have to know and believe God is in control.

I have to stop doubting and have undying faith!!!!!!!

I will love this person as they are a child of God - I don't like what they do, but I will love them and pray for their soul.

I am taking back my joy and my peace.  No one is going to be allowed to do this to me.  I am in charge of me and my attitude.  I give this problem to God, as I have had no success in changing this person - why would I think I could???  Only God can touch those in need of spiritual help in a way for change.  I can pray, and I can say THANK YOU for every single little blessing I receive each and every day!!!  

Take some time in each prayer to give thanks.  We all love a grateful heart!

What is on your mind today?

I hope you each have a wonderfully blessed and peaceful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 6/4

 Hello to the first weekend in June!  Hope this finds each of you well and happy.  Amazingly we are into June - almost halfway done with the year!

Hope you are all about done getting your gardens in.  Mine is really growing - amazingly so when only in less than 2 weeks.  They cukes I planted last week as 3 times the size they were when I planted them.

It is a beautiful sunny and breezy morning here.  Quite nice and cool, considering the heat we have been having.  Looks like maybe it might cool a bit this coming week.  Still dry!

I got a jury duty summons in the mail yesterday!  Oh boy - NOT!  I guess the only good thing, is that the court is no longer downtown.  It is actually 5 minutes from my home, since they built the new court.  Hoping my number doesn't come up - but if it does, at least no driving in crazy downtown!!!!

My week:

• Cut my hair - at first I cringed and thought it was too short (because it had gotten so long).  But now I love it.
• Finally used the George Foreman I bought myself around Christmas - used it 3X this week instead of the oven or frying on the stove
• Made another gallon of tea
• Pulled tons of weeds early each day.  Dry or not they seem to thrive!!!!
• AC only in very late afternoon - only to cool for the evening and sleeping
• Cleaned and refilled the hummingbird feeders
• Paid all the bills I had - including vehicle registration
• Used up some of the sliced and frozen zucchini from the freezer - since new will be coming soon!
• Cut lemon balm and mint to dry
• I ran out on Friday to get myself a couple cucumbers, got a .99 bag of tomatoes as well. That was about it  
• Whiles out I actually stopped at 3 yard sales!!!!  First in almost 2 years.  Spent a total of $2.  I got 2 inspirational books and one of those 3-tiered hanging racks for fresh fruit or veggies.
• Just doing all the basic stuff

Meals this past week:

Grilled small steak and a salad

Loaded brats on bun and fruit

Grilled breaded pork burger and salad - Grilled made it like a fritter!!!!!! So good.

Beans and rice, toasted bagel and salad

Fried zucchini and salad

Veggie topped cheeseburger

Sauteed Brussel sprouts and ham slice

How has your week been?  Did you get any deals?  Get things planted?  Stay cool?

Love hearing from you all.

Thanks for all the nice words this week about the blog.  So happy I decided to do this years ago, it is just hard for me to believe that it is still thriving.  What a great group we have.

I hope your week ahead is healthy, safe, and happy.

Blessing from me and my humble little home to you and yours!

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fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah:41:10

Dear Lord, I thank You for the reassurance, as I have needed it so, this week.  Help me and others as we struggle with trying to understand the why at times.  I cannot comprehend why bad happens and why people are so evil, but I know it must all be part of the plan.  Help us and guide us to understand and trust in the 'in Your time'.  Calm our hearts and minds.

Amen

How Did That Happen so Fast?

 Thursday - JUNE 1st!!!!!!!  My goodness, how in the world has 5 months gone by so quickly?  Amazing.  Seems just like the other day we had frigid cold temps, snow and just plain miserable weather!  Now here we are all warm or hot, dry and in the middle of the year!  Time flies!!!!!

Will take a moment to wish all those with a birthday this month a very happy anniversary of your birth!  Another year to enjoy.

This month is the anniversary of my starting this little blog in 2015.  I started with my first post on June 11th.  It is amazing how this is still going after 8 years!  I started it as a diversion for myself and a few friends I had met online.  Look what has happened!  I have made so many wonderful friends here - and I do mean friends.  You have met each other.  I find that so neat that we can all have such bonds with one another when we have only met online. 

There are so many caring and wonderful people here.  We worry about each other, we pray for each other, and we truly care and love one another.  We have been with each other through the best and the worst of times and have made a difference to each other.  That is a pretty terrific thing.

What have you all got planned for June?  I have no specific plans - except to just keep the garden going and hopefully attend a few farm markets until my produce starts.  I am so craving FRESH produce.  Sure I buy stuff at the grocery that is called 'fresh' - but it aint the same!!!!!!!!

We have sure started the month hot!  Going to stay that way for a while and it is pretty darn dry right now.  Doesn't look like rain for a good many more days either.  Will do what needs to be done.  I have been collecting the water from the faucet, as I let it heat up for dishes or bath.  That will help with watering.

Yesterday I did get the very last thing planted!  I had 4 cuke plants started from seed, that got put into pots yesterday.  I am officially done with garden planting.

I pray you all have a very healthy and safe month.  Those who are having any surgeries, treatments, or health concerns - prayers for healing.  I hope your gardens take off and do well.

Stay cool and cozy and enjoy this new month to the fullest.

Have a blessed month my friends.

Thank you so much for being here!!!!!!