Midweek Chat

 Happy Wednesday all.  I am a bit tired this morning - sleep was fleeting earlier in the night!!!  Oh the crazies were out in force.  Poor Blackie actually got scared when I was trying to feed him - and decided to hide.  Can't say as I blamed him.  IT WAS LOUD!  It actually ended earlier than I anticipated, guess having to get up and go to work makes a difference!  There were stragglers however, going well after midnight.

The sky is very hazy this morning - hmmmmm, wonder why??  It will be very hot and humid again today. 

We are supposed to get a decent cool down and lower humidity starting tomorrow.  YAY!  I can then out and take care of my backyard - it is a fright!

                                                                         Let's chat!

STAMPS - are going up again.  The price rises on July 9, another 3 cents.  So now is the time to get forever stamps if you need them.  I know 3 cents doesn't sound like much - but it all adds up and this is about 4 times they have gone up in the last 18 months!

I made the homemade chicken nuggets I wrote about a while back.  They were good!!!  It is a good way to use up canned chicken if you need to.

I used a 10 oz. can of chicken breast (drained), 1 egg, probably about 2 Tbsp. of parm cheese, and a palm size amount of breadcrumbs.  Mine needed the crumbs - it was just too wet before adding them.

I made little nuggets and put them in the air fryer.  I did 360* for about 20 minutes - turning them halfway through.  They were nice and crispy on the outside and soft and yummy on the inside.

I will give it a thumbs up and will definitely make them again.  I got about 8 nice size nuggets.

You HOOSIER ladies - I know many of us get our 'only' news each day from Fox59 (our local) station.  Well, what a howdy doo on Monday when it was no longer on cable!!!!!  Contracts negotiations are on again - this makes me upset.  We pay for certain stations and then they come and go.  Any way I digress - I found it online, and I watch my morning and evening updates there.  I can at least get my weather and find out what is gong on in the city.  So look around - there are ways!!!!  Hmmm - I have a Roku too - may get it that way.  I need to check.  I never think to use that thing!  My PSA today!!!  LOL

Look what I picked!!!!!!

 

My first one of the season!  So it begins.  There will be many more this week!!!  I love when the garden starts producing.  It is nice to have something other than lettuce!

Now that the week is getting back to normal - what are your plans?  What is on your mind?

Need to chat or need someone to listen - this is the place.

Blessings to you all.

Let Freedom Ring

 HAPPY 4th of JULY!  This is the day we celebrate our freedom and the U.S. becoming a sovereign nation.  I hope each and every one of you takes a moment to think about the many blessings we all have.  NO, it isn't the greatest at all times, and YES, we have many things to work on - but we ARE blessed.

Nothing in this world is free.  So many in the past and still today - have fought to keep us somewhat free.  Many lost life and limb.  Many families were changed forever.  Be grateful and thankful for all the gifts you have - not everyone has them in the world.

There are many in this land and in this world that are trying daily to tear us apart as a nation.  DON'T let them do that.  They are trying hard - the devil and evil are having a field day.

We need to continue to pray for our country, our people, our freedom, and the world!!!!

May you and yours have a blessed and safe day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Weekly Wrap Up 7/2

 Happy Sunday to all.  Happy JULY!!!!  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Well, the old saying 'be careful what you wish for' seems to be true.  We had such horrible smoke around and wishing it all gone.  If it isn't one thing it is something else - so be careful!

Thursday late afternoon we had a tremendous storm FLY through our area.  We had 70 mph straight line  winds!  Yep blew that smoke away, and downed a lot of trees and there are still thousands without power. 

I ended up having my big old tulip poplar hugely "topped". It missed my wires and my garage - but landed in the neighbor's yard and on their wires!  (that was some strong wind).  Yikes.  NO they didn't lose any power, thank goodness.  It all happened in just a second it seemed.  Their maintenance guy came and cut up all the tree.

We had more rain Friday night, more Saturday morning and Saturday night and more coming today and tomorrow.  Chances of rain for several upcoming days!  The garden is thriving!!!!!

I feel veery blessed that this is all I had happen.

It has turned very hot and humid.  Will not complain - some things are just better than others.  I am keeping my thermostat at about 77/78, just so the humidity is out of the air and it is cooler than outside.  Don't want to use any more power than necessary.  Even today, we are still hearing transformers blow, so trying to be mindful.

I hope everyone celebrating a holiday this weekend, has a wonderful and safe time.  Canada had Canada Day yesterday, and we in the U.S. have the 4th coming up.  Stay safe and have a wonderful time.

This week:

• Used my air fryer some instead of frying or using oven
• Tied up some of the tomato plants - they are really growing
• Made a faux crab salad with a pack of crab found in the freezer, and used the last hard boiled egg in it and some frozen peas
• Had the birthday get together for the neighbor (landlord) who turned 80.  It was a really nice gathering
• Used dehumidifier water in the laundry
• Cleaned up under the squirrel feeders - lots of sunflower hulls and corn bits.  Usually the birds clear it up - but not at the first of the week.  Trying to deter nighttime critters!
• Mowed and trimmed the front only!  Even as small as the front is - I looked like a drowned rat when I got done.  It was HOT!  Back will wait a little longer
• I did go out and top the gas tank - so as to use my May points that would expire if not used.  I saved .50 a gallon on gas (only needed 1/4 tank - but still!)
• Did a little root touch-up on my hair
• Picked up TONS of limbs and sticks.  I have a huge pile.  I have been going out each day - as new ones keep falling with the winds of the storms
• Haven't had to water my garden for several days!
• Have 2 FULL rain barrels now!!!!!
• Neighbor visiting (not much porch setting this week)
• I have a little dorm size frig in the basement for extra stuff if needed.  Well, it isn't frost free!  So I unplugged and defrosted and cleaned it all out.  I think I will leave it unplugged for now, until needed maybe around the holiday time.  No since in keeping it on, when not needed.
• All meals from home and from what I have
• Doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Homemade egg rolls (in air fryer)

Fish, quartered potato (in air fryer) and slaw

Poor man's Swiss steak and mashed potatoes

Crab salad over bed of fresh lettuce and crackers

Quesadillas with a bit of everything on them (used what was in frig)

Olive loaf and veggie sub (homemade)

Cheeseburger and salad

SNACKS - fruit, beef stick & crackers

How was your week?  How is your garden or pots doing?  I hope all is well with your gardens.  

Mine looks to be thriving.  Cukes growing lots of fruit, tons of bell peppers on the plants, a few zucchini (one will be picked in a day or so), and lots of tomatoes on the plants.  

Did you get any good deals this week?  Nothing much to be had in our fliers.

I hope each and every one of you and your families are good.  Stay safe and healthy and COOL in the coming days.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you.

Proverbs 3:1-2

Dear Lord, please calm our hearts and our souls.  Help us to wait and know that all things happen in Your time, not necessarily ours.  We get in a hurry and sometimes do rash things - help us to learn patience.  In Your time and Your way.  Help us to give control of our spirit to Your loving hands.  Thank You for all our many blessings.

Amen

What's Up?

 Today is going to be a little of this and a little of day.   Nothing special or super important to report at the moment.  We have a chance of storms coming in this morning.  They already in the west and southern part of the state.  We have a chance of rain for each of the next 5 days!  It is going to be hot and humid though.

Right at the moment, it is lovely and a nice breeze coming through.  It doesn't look nearly as bad, smoke wise today.  The winds that are blowing through are clearing it out - thank goodness.

I am going to show a picture of downtown yesterday - this is not my picture - but was taken just a ways up the road from me.  To get to this spot would take me about 15 minutes.

This was yesterday!!!!!  Yep, it was bad here.

What has everyone got planned for the holiday weekend here in the states?  Do you have big plans?  It looks to be a long weekend for many people - maybe a 4 day weekend instead of 3.

I have no plans whatsoever.  I am hoping for a nice quiet weekend, however I know that won't be!!!!  The crazies around here have been doing huge fireworks already.  I do have to say it hasn't been as bad as years past though.

I imagine a nice weekend, porch sitting and doing a little yard work when it isn't too hot!

You finding any good deals in your grocery ads this week?

Our ads really stink.  I was so surprised to see NO hamburger or hotdogs advertised!  Really - it is a cookout weekend.  They had ribs in the ad, but they weren't any kind of deal in my opinion.  Now they have buns in sale - but no hamburger or hotdogs!  LOL

NO watermelon in the ads either!!!!!!!!  That is a staple around here on the 4th.

I sincerely doubt that I will go to the store this week.

Yesterday one of the neighbors came over taking up a collection for the family across the street.  It may not end up being a lot - but it is something.  She has a lot of unexpected expenses right now.  Today is the funeral.  He was just 34 years old!  Just so sad.

For the most part - I have such a good bunch of neighbors.  We all got together the other evening to celebrate the 80th birthday of the man who has so many properties around here.  He was amazed.  It was a great gathering and nice time with the neighbors.  They are such all very spiritual people, and we all seem to have grown closer in the past few weeks.  Kind of nice!

It is getting cloudy at the moment, but it looks like maybe this round will miss us here (according to radar).  Maybe around lunchtime, and then again this evening.  Hoping no severe stuff.

I will be post Sunday as usual.  In case you are busy all weekend, stay safe and have a nice time!

Have a fantastic and blessed day!!!!!!

I am Frugal - I Can't do Cheap!!!

 Good day to all.  It is a smokey, smokey day here.  It stinks and the air makes my eyes burn.  Yesterday was suppose to be the worst day - nah!!!!  They fibbed!  I was going to cut grass - but I doubt it.  We have a no action warning - so I will wait.  It is the weeds that are growing anyway not so much the grass.

In the past week I managed to click on a couple of episodes of Extreme Cheapskates.  I have seen them before, but my goodness, they still amaze me!!!!!!  I like to be a good steward of my money, but some of these people are just plain NUTS!!!!!  The disgusting things people do to not spend money.  I have to ask myself WHY?  Is it really about saving money - and if so - to what end?  Is it a mental health issue?  What would cause people to do some of the nasty things they do?

I mean some of the most ICK to me were:

Using the same 'cooking' water over and over again.  From pasta to veggies

Using the same toothbrush and floss with other family members

Only allowing people 2 minutes to shower - then turning off the water

Many people taking a bath in the same water (I know in the old days that happened - but now?)

Urinating in a bottle to throw outside instead of flushing!

I could go on an on!!!!!

Many - it isn't even the ick factor.  It is just WHY?  Why would you do laundry in your swimming pool and take a bath in it - then play in it?

Anyway - I do go on!!!  Today just a couple tips on saving a little that isn't ICK!!!  I have probably mentioned them before, but we always have new people checking in - so here goes.

This isn't so much frugal as just a good thing to know.  I have grated and zested and shredded before - but never thought about slicing!!!!!  DUH!  I have always used a mandolin or a knife for slicing.  As with anything that cuts - watch those fingers!

For those that like nacho cheese dip, here is another option.  Many make their own to control ingredients - but there are options out there.  This stuff tastes fantastic!!!!!  It is considered soup - but I have used it with just a 1/4 or 1/3 cup of milk and have made great nacho cheese.  Great with chips or over or in any Mexican dish.  Much cheaper than those jars of cheese dip (even at Aldi).

Remember you can freeze eggs for future use.  I have done this many times.  Great for baking or for frying up.  If you have chicks and they are laying good - save some back.  If you can get a great deal - go for it.  The price is coming way down again in my area - but you never know what the future holds.  We have had those increases in the past and we will have them in the future.

Learn substitutes for your baking needs!

Celery was mentioned the other day.  I always tightly wrap my celery in foil to make it last an extra long time.  It really does work.  I love the suggestion the other day about using the leaves for pesto!  I usually dry those and grind them up for seasoning.

Fresh leaf lettuce (or head) I always keep a paper towel in the container with the lettuce.  I absorbs the water/moisture and keeps the lettuce fresh for weeks!  I have kept leaf lettuce for several weeks doing this.  You could also use a cotton/linen dish towel as well.

I hardly ever dry clothes in the dryer anymore.  I have been hanging things in the basement to dry (instead of outside) .  Not trying to be lazy about line drying, but as I get older it is a lot more work.  I have to carry a basket of heavy wet clothes upstairs - then down steps and around the back to hang.  Then follow suit after dry!  I have decided to be safe instead.  So I hang in the basement.  When wrinkled (I am not an ironer much) after dry or nearly dry - I will throw in the dryer with 4 or 5 ice cubes or a very wet kitchen towel and fluff for a few minutes.  The moisture removes any wrinkles - I use no fabric softener - and I use the dryer for a much shorter time!

Here is a thing I came across the other day.  NOTICE - I have not tried it - but I plan too very soon.  Mix 1 egg and one smashed banana together (can use blender) - throw in a small bit of oatmeal (optional) and a dash of vanilla.  Fry as you would pancakes!!!!!  A super healthy version!!!!!  I think this would be great!  

                                             AND THEN THERE IS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grow anything you can.  Fresh is best!  It is calming and good for your mind and body.  And it is just smart!!!

So there you go.  A few FRUGAL ideas - not cheap!!!!!!!!  

Be a frugal queen - not a cheapskate/skinflint!!!!!  LOL

Share your ideas!!!!  Have a great day!

Timing - Can Mean Everything

 Good morning to all.  Hope you are all well and good.

Today I just want to talk a moment about timing.  As many here know, a day in time can make a huge difference in our lives - a moment can make a difference.  We just don't think about it until it happens.  So many of us have had loss that changed our lives and our futures, and it just took a moment.

 Life is so unpredictable.  

This weekend was another reminder around here.  We had some very severe storms in the area again this past Sunday.  I fared well, except for a lot of wind.  Just south of me (just a matter of a few miles) tornadoes touched down again.  There were several.  They hit some new areas and some that were hit just a few months ago.  I have family and friends who were in the immediate area, and luckily all were unscathed and only had minimal damage.  In our area, thank goodness, there was no loss of life.  There is so much devastation and many, many homes that are now uninhabitable - and it took just a moment in time!

These people lost their homes and much of their possessions.  IN A MOMENT

It happens in so many places and by so many means.  It truly is scary and hard to imagine.

This is tornado season in our area.  We have tornado season like the south has hurricane season.  I heard yesterday that in our state there has already been over 300 tornados this year alone!

Nature is just amazing!!!! As much as it provides - and it can take away much too.

In another incident this weekend, a lovely family was involved.  I have a young family that lives directly across the street from me.  They came to this country several years ago and have created a lovely life for themselves.  They have remodeled and upgraded their home extensively.  They have a very profitable business that they have created, and they live a really nice and comfortable life.  They have 3 children, all under the age of 6/7.  The youngest (maybe 4) is a boy and he is a daddies boy!  He is with daddy all the time, he dresses like him and hangs out with the 'fellows' when they come by!

These kiddos are just the cutest.  Everyone loves watching them play - they get along so well.

Mom and dad are such hard workers.

I noticed a lot of commotion over there Saturday and Sunday.  There were even a couple officers there on Saturday late morning.  I found out on Monday, that dad/husband was killed in a tragic vehicular accident late Friday night.  My heart just breaks for this young family.

She has been surrounded with family the past couple days.  So many people have been there - she had a tremendous amount of family come from Ohio.  This morning is the first time in days, that no other vehicles are there.

If you are so inclined, please say a little prayer for this family.  Momma and those babies are going to have a lot to bear now.

ONE MOMENT again changed an entire family's life.  It probably changed things for their employees. It has changed the neighborhood.

A MOMENT can change things forever.  I guess this is just to say - let the little crap go!!!!!  I have to do this too (I am so guilty).  It just isn't important.  Being with family and friends and loving and caring for each other is WHAT is important.    That moment can happen at any time.

Be kind.  Be thoughtful.  Love and care.  Give a hug when you can.  Say I love when you can.

TODAY is a gift.

Enjoy it and celebrate it.

Blessings to each of you and your families.

Weekly Wrap Up 6/25

 Happy Sunday to all!  Good golly Molly, this month is almost over!!!!!  Crazy stuff.

It is raining this morning!!!!!!  We have had a bit of thunder, but the bad stuff has missed my area so far.  The rain sure is needed!!!  More storms to come later today as well.

The garden is growing.  I have little cucumbers about an inch long, and I saw lots of blooms and a few tiny tomatoes yesterday.  I have finally started getting some little zucchini - up till the last few days it was just blooms (like they always do for a while).  Peppers are growing and have lots of blooms and tiny peppers.  Pretty amazing to me that all this has happened in just a few short weeks!!!!

Yesterday and today are hot days!  Around 90*F.  Humidity has been up as well.  Tomorrow goes back to cooler temps and lower humidity.

I have the living room window next to me open just about 2" and I can smell the rain.  I love that fresh smell!

It has been another fairly quiet week for me - not a lot going on.

• Cut lots of weeds and wild trees and vines starting - when it was cooler
• Picked up a ton of sticks and limbs after a couple very windy days
• Tons of laundry
• Paid all things I had
• Cleaning and gathering things for donation
• NO mowing this week - it was just too dry in my book.  There are a few weeds popping up (nothing deters them).  I will mow this week and make it all look pretty!
• I did run out to Kroger for a couple things.  Strawberries were 2 lb. boxes for 2.49, milk 1.29 half, pork loins were 1.99 lb.  I got one which I will probably cut into 3 roasts.  I got kitty treats and 2X points for gas.
• I used the air fryer and some stale buns for a  cheap meal
• Using what I have and cooking from home
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this week:

Sausage, egg and cheese sandwich

Homemade Rice A Roni, beef tips, cukes & onions

Used leftover rice and beef w/other stuff - for burritos

Open face homemade sloppy Joe and wilted lettuce (yum)

Grilled ham & cheese sandwich, hard boiled eggs and fresh veggies

Charcuterie of sorts - piecing day!

'Bun' pizza & peach/strawberry smoothie

Oh this rain is just lovely!!!!!  It is a good rain here.  So needed.

I will be inside most of today and just piddling around.  Between the rain and the heat and humidity I don't plan on doing much outdoors, except feeding my baby!

Yesterday was the first mosquitos I had seen.  UGH!  Nasty buggers!

How was your week?  Is everyone's gardens and pots doing well?  Getting any produce yet?  Gotten any deals?

I sure hope and pray that you are all well and doing good.  I have been saying a lot of prayers lately for so many here.  Take care of yourselves and please check in.

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

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

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:2-3

Dear Lord, please hear our prayers for peace in this world.  Peace amongst individuals, and peace amongst countries and nations.  We pray for kindness and compassion to replace evil and wickedness.  May all see the error of their ways.  Your will be done.  In Jesus name, AMEN