Sunday, November 30, 2014

Sunday Ramblings....

Today was the First Sunday in Advent and the first candle was lit on the wreath. It was very different today as most times the area in front of and around the wreath is full of children.... Today not one child under the age of 10 was at Mass. The reason being it was Breakfast with Santa and sooo many of the parents take their children to eat and get a picture with Santa. Next week will be much better.

Our Parish kicked off Advent with a brunch in the basement after Mass and a bit of a retreat. Harvey and I would have stayed longer, but we got the sad news that a good friend of ours had passed away. The funeral was over and we did not even know C had left us. Harvey was very upset as he worked with C, golfed with C and fished with C. That is until C became ill, however we did not know he was that ill!!!

I think I should update everyone on my goals for this month.

1. Finish the rug for Kris. The rug is finished and ready to be wrapped for Christmas.

2. Start on the cotton kitchen rug for Kurt. This rug is finished as well, just waiting to be wrapped.

3. Continue with the recipe organization completing another 2 binders. I actually managed to get three binders done before the end of the month.

4. Try for at least 19 no spend days this month. I managed 21 no spend days this month. Even with that many no spend days we managed to go over budget due to vehicle maintenance and computer items.

5. Continue with the cross stitch project and finish it so I can start the unfinished dragon from many years ago. I have put this away for a bit and will start up again come January. Just too much to do right now to be able to concentrate on this project.

6. Try for as little waste as possible this month. We are down to about one bag of garbage making its way to the bin every week. A big improvement over the 3 or 4 bags a week we were adding to the landfill at the beginning of the year.

So all in all not a bad wrap of of goals for the month. I will share my new goals on Tuesday, gives me a bit more time to think about them.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless. 

Saturday, November 29, 2014

All Is Quiet........

While I am not up that early this morning (I actually slept in a bit after a very restless night) things are quiet in the old homestead and outside. One might even say, "Not a creature was stirring." The really strange thing is that not a truck, car, or semi has passed up the highway in the valley in what seems like hours.

Today I am going to share the leftover pork roast hash I made a couple of nights ago. The next time I make this recipe I plan on tweeking it a touch. I usually follow a recipe the first time I make it (though I did add mushrooms and green peppers to this) and then if it is well received start with the changes. This one was well liked by Harvey so it will be tweeked to perfection very soon.

This is it.....

Here is the recipe via Southern Foods on About.com.

Leftover Pork and Potato Hash

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
3 tbsp butter or margarine
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
a few dashes of Tabasco sauce or ground red pepper
2 cups diced cooked pork
2 cups diced cooked potato
3/4 cup cooked frozen peas
1 tsp paprika

In a large pan, saute onion and celery in butter until onion is soft and golden. Blend in soup, milk, Worchestershire, and Tabasco or ground red pepper. Add remaining ingredients and cook over low heat until heated through. Adjust seasonings after tasting.

Now my changes would include the can of mushrooms, the diced green pepper (one small or medium sized). In the next batch I make I am going to add another cup of cooked potatoes, and more of the ground red pepper. I used Hot pepper sauce and really a few dashes did not give the meal any noticeable kick. Adding more potatoes will make the meal a bit less on the creamy side and more like what I am used to from a hash type meal.

It did fill us up very nicely served with thick slices of homemade bread along side.

Cost of the meal as this serves 4 (probably closer to 5 as Harvey had two rather large helpings) is $1.63 per serving. I am thinking that the entire meal cost around $6.50 give or take a penny or two. The potatoes are from our garden and so cost pennies, and the soup was bought on sale for less than $1.00 a can. The leftover roast pork cost in the ball park of $3.00 for the package I froze, and the rest of the ingredients at a rough guess added up to the remaining say $2.00.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving

To all of my readers who celebrate the holiday today.

May your Thanksgiving celebration be joyful and full of love and laughter. If you are driving stay safe.

God bless.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Finished....Well Sort Of

I have finished the first two hooded cowls.

I still have to block and press them and I am waiting to see if the lady who ordered them wants ears on them or not.

I am hoping for two more orders to come from my niece after she sees these. Harvey thinks they are pretty cool.

Right now I am back to knitting on a lacy scarf that I started a bit ago. Once my niece decides on colours I will be back to making cowls. They actually knit up very quickly!!!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Blustery Tuesday

I was supposed to work this afternoon, but woke up to a bit of a snow storm. While we did not get as much as NY, the wind whipped what we did receive (and still are receiving) into almost white out conditions at times. The lady I was going to sub for decided not to make a trip to Weyburn and risk icy roads and whiteout conditions. I don't blame her in the least.

This gave me the afternoon to laze around, do some knitting and just plain relax. I had run around all morning getting my to do list done and quite enjoyed the rest.

Supper yesterday was another use it up meal.

I made Turkey a la King to serve on toast points.

While it looks kind of like a pile of mush, it is warm and extremely filling. It is also a great use it up for that leftover turkey. It does taste much better than it looks and is a great favorite with my family. There is a bit leftover to be used in the next clean out the fridge night, which looks like it could be tomorrow.

Total cost of the meal for the two of us is about $4.00. Divided between the cost would be about $1.30 each. This is in keeping with trying to keep my meals around the $7.00 total.

Sometimes stodgy works just fine.

Today I made a Steak and Mushroom Casserole. This used up a few small pieces of steak from the freezer, the rest of the mushrooms, and an onion. The steak made this meal cost a bit more but served over egg noodles along with fresh bread it made a wonderful meal. This was something I had never made before and I am glad it was well received, Harvey even had seconds!! The leftovers are packaged away to use at another time.

I hope to have some pictures of the cowls I am making tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Monday, November 24, 2014

Menu Monday

Ahh, Monday mornings and weekly menus. The two just naturally seem to go together, much like peanut butter and jam.

Here they are the upcoming menus for the week.

Monday

Leftover turkey made into something warm and filling.

Tuesday

Steak Casserole, salad, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday

Breakfast for supper. I was thinking pancakes but I am leaning towards French Toast perhaps.....

Thursday

Leftover Pork Roast made into a casserole along with some salad.

Friday

Fish Fillets, oven fries, and green beans.

Saturday

Clean out the fridge smorg.

Sunday

Perhaps a lovely Roast beef with roast potatoes, carrots and another salad.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Sunday Ramblings

Today was Christ the King and the Mass today talked (or should I say our priest talked) about what really matters to God and Christ. It is not what we have but what we give that really matters. Father Brian told the story of a king that had no sons and so put it out into the kingdom that he wanted to adopt a worthy son to take over for him.

A peasant boy saved his pennies and bought a good suit of clothing so he could apply. On his way to the throne room he saw an old man shivering in the cold and gave up his clothing so the man would be warm. As he approached the castle the peasant boy wondered if the doors would even open for him. To his great surprise, he was ushered into the throne room immediately. There sitting on the throne was the old man. The king looked at the young man and said "Welcome my son."

To him that gives up much, much will be given.

Makes me wonder if I give enough of what really matters to those that need.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Projects Finished

Well I guess I should say almost finished. I still have to block and thread the ends through the two rugs I have made for Kurt and Kris for Christmas. But I can safely say the main parts are done!!

Now I can move on to the projects that will make me a tiny bit of money.

Here is a picture of Kris's finished rug.

Not too bad, I could have gone a couple more rounds with the darker brown, but I was running out of time.

Here is a picture of the rug that I made for Kurt.

It is just a small narrow one to sit in front of his sink in the kitchen.

Two gifts down and now the only ones I have left to get are for my brothers and my three nieces.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Baking and Such

Today has been a very strange day weather wise. We got well above freezing today and the sun was shining all morning. At about 2 the clouds started to move in. We are still above freezing, but now there is a greater risk of that lovely freezing rain..... Which means driving to work on ice covered roads come Monday morning when the temperature drops once again.

Considering what is happening in New York State this really seems minor. My thoughts and prayers are with those that are stranded, or buried under snow.

Since I managed to finish my to do list early today, I decided to do some more baking.

First off I made these....

Two dozen bran muffins. I plan on using them for a quick breakfast and a morning or afternoon snack on those days I work next week.

Then I moved on to some Chocolate Chip Cookies.

This is one bag of the double batch I made. I tried a new recipe and really am not to pleased with how they turned out. I think for now I will stick to my Mother-in-laws recipe. They give me a bigger, chewy cookie.

Then I made those perennial favorites. Unbaked Chocolate Cookies.

I promised I would post the recipe awhile back so here it is.

Unbaked Chocolate Cookies

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal

Mix butter, milk, sugar and cocoa in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add oatmeal. Drop by tablespoonsful onto wax paper. Cool and store. You should get about 2 dozen. Work quickly as the mixture hardens very fast.

After baking for most of the day, and doing the usual Friday chores, I did something I normally do not do. About a month ago my grocery had a BOGO free event. Taking advantage of it I bought these.....

I don't usually buy these as I can make them for about half the cost, but when they are on sale and BOGO free....well I couldn't resist.

Made them tonight just to save time and really they were not too bad considering they weren't homemade (I think we might be a touch spoiled here on the old homestead). Still have part of the bag left and some leftover from our dinner. Don't think I would make a habit of buying them, but if the opportunity arises I think a few packages for emergencies would be quite okay.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Thursday, November 20, 2014

Oh My!!

Once again I became a bit sidetracked yesterday. Not totally of course, but enough that by the time I realized I had not done a post for the day it was late and I was tired.

Why did time get by me so quickly??

It was time to set up the wireless scanner/printer/copier and I just knew if I didn't get it up and working that day, it would be sitting and waiting until Kris got home for a bit of a holiday.

The first part of the morning was spent clearing the computer desk of all kinds of things. I don't know when it became the catchall for tools, bits of bottles of aspirin and other such paraphernalia but it did. The job took quite a bit of the morning, but I was left with fairly clean spaces and a few files yet to go through (printouts of patterns for cross stitch, knitting and other crafts).

Harvey helped me get the machine out of the box and onto the corner of the desk where I wish it to sit. Then I started to work.

At first things were going smoothly, it hummed and cranked when I plugged it in. I followed the directions the machine gave me on its screen and then came time to install the ink cartridges...... I had a terrible time with those (much harder than our other HP printer to install). The machine spit them out at me three times, various cartridges of course but three times in total. And by spit I mean spit. One of them popped out and onto the desk surface at one point. I almost started to talk to said machine to ask it why spit at the person who bought you. Finally the ink was in. Printed the test page and everything was fine.

Then came the installation of the software. Moved along very well. All was installed smoothly. I just kept hoping that the software disc wouldn't come spinning out of the DVD and take off my head. After all this machine did seem to like to spit.

The printer found my network, I got all the IP address inputed and moved on to the next step. Getting my computer to recognize the printer.....

This is where I hit the proverbial brick wall. Nothing I did could get my computer to recognize or find my computer.....

Now usually by this time I am ready to give up, go crying to Harvey saying that this can wait until Kris comes home, or go quietly mad in a corner somewhere. I almost did the second, but calmed down and started to read the troubleshooting tips. One of the tips said to send a report to HP. I did that and within seconds (the time it took for them to get the report) they were in contact with me. Talked me through the process, and got me a fully functioning wireless printer/scanner/ copier (also fax but we will not use that feature) here!!

Then of course after supper I had to play with it to figure out how the scanning feature worked...... I just plain lost track of time.

Now that it is working correctly I can start another organizing project in the New Year..... getting those old photos scanned and put on thumb drives or well identified discs. I see a new challenge coming.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Thrifty Tuesday

The last few days have looked much like this.....

Dark and dreary, with snow and blowing snow. It is that time of year when our electric bills get higher and higher since we have electric heat in the back of the house. This type of weather usually throws our budget totally out of wack.

One way of being thrifty at this time of year is to make sure lights are off in rooms we are not in, turn down the heat in our bedroom during the day, keep the heat off in the rooms we do not use and make sure we use everything up.

The one place we have a great deal of control over is the grocery budget and now is the time that control comes in handy. We made a stock up trip to Regina on the weekend, so other than things like milk, dairy, eggs, fresh produce, and fruit there should not be much spending going on.

To improve spending habits at this time of year I think through every purchase and make them count. Anything leftover from a meal is packaged away to be used as the basis of another meal.

Take today for instance. I had a small container of mixed veggies from supper on Sunday and the recipe I planned on making called for 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas (which I only had about 3/4 of a cup of). What to do.... I emptied the container along with what was left of the peas into the mix. Then I did not have Cream of Celery soup (I was sure I had some) so I used Cream of Chicken. Two substitutes in one recipe.

This did not seem to make much of a difference to our casserole. The Tuna Bake was wonderful and piping hot. Perfect for this cold early winter meal.

Harvey and I had generous helpings along with some homemade bread. There is even enough left over for another meal for the two of us. This is packaged up and in the fridge to be used later this week. Cost of the meal...... around $4.30. This works out to $1.08 a person as it serves 4. Got to love a meal that is so inexpensive and yet so tasty.

This winter I am really going to try and keep our dinner menus under $7.00 to make. Wish me luck as I think I may need it.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, November 17, 2014

Menu Monday

Menu Monday has rolled around again on the old homestead. I am finding it difficult to come up with varied meals for this time of year. I always seem to fall back on the tried and true. Hopefully I can get a bit inventive with the leftovers over the rest of the month.

Monday

Tuna Casserole will be served along with thick slices of fresh made bread (must get that started shortly).

Tuesday

Pork chops, leftover mashed potatoes, and green beans. I think I may glaze the pork chops for a different taste. I also have some salad to use up.

Wednesday

Leftover Chicken or Leftover Turkey. Not sure what this will be, I will be taking a look at a few of my leftover cookbooks and choosing something new to us. Stay tuned for the final results.

Thursday

Chili pulled out from the freezer..... I think I will serve this with homemade biscuits.

Friday

I have a couple of bags of store bought Perogy in the freezer. I think I will make some of these up as a quick meatless meal this week.

Saturday

I will be pulling a package of Cabbage Bread out of the freezer for our meal. Thinking this could be another baking day. Got to get some things made for Christmas!

Sunday

This could just be a clean out the fridge day. If it isn't I have a Chicken I can roast and serve with all the trimmings.

So there are my weekly menus. Nothing too extravagant, just good old fashioned cooking.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Sunday Ramblings

It has been a quiet day on the Phillips homestead. Cold and windy with some snow outside, but nice and toasty warm inside.

We attended Mass today, and while once again not everyone showed up to do their ministry, and I was told by numerous parishioners that the church doors were left open last week due to my neglect, I smiled and carried on as usual. Strange how people enjoy finding fault with others even in a sacred space.

Bishop Jim was with us again today, we have the great luck to have him with us again next week as well. He is a wonderful speaker and his homily today on the parable of the talents brought home to me that in order to share in the fullness of Gods gifts we have to give those gifts back.

Yesterday we traveled to Regina (thank heavens we did not go up today as there were white out conditions at various times on different sections of the road) to do a bit of a stock up and shop for those things we can not find here in Estevan.

Upon arriving in the city we, of course, phoned Kris. Kris usually answers immediately but for some reason was as he put it sleeping like a baby.....Right through 13 phone calls a couple of messages and a couple of texts. He did manage to get up and answer his text by giving me a call, right when I was at the till at Fabricland!!! I did something I hate and answered him while waiting to pay. He ended up meeting us at Micheals and continued to spend the rest of the day with us.

Before he met up with us though Harvey and I went to Futureshop where I bought a new tablet. My old one "bit the dust" as the sons would say.

So without Kris's help I ended up buying this Samsung. It has a bigger screen than my old one, and a larger ram (which is expandable). So far I have managed to get many of my apps (those I remember) downloaded onto this tablet and have tested most of them out. Liking it so far.

We then went to Fabricland where I finally managed to pick up the fusible interfacing I need, and a couple of meters of black fabric for a quilt (once I manage to get the unfinished projects done).

On to Micheal's..... Just look what I managed to snag.

I got two balls of yarn to make ruffle scarves with, a ball of really strange yarn to make a scarf that is totally different all for a cost of less than $6.00. I also got 2 balls of sock yarn, and three balls of Lion Brand Homespun (the Homespun I am going to use to figure out a pattern). Front and center is a purple package. That purple package contains a sock loom!!! Should be interesting as looking at the directions it seems much harder to do than I thought.

We then went to Costco. Managed to get some great deals, and the fridge and freezers are well stocked. There were a few items that I could not get, but I did manage to get them on sale at a store here at home today.

The last place we visited before going out for a meal was Staples (we could have visited here, but without Kris to help us). Here we bought something that we will be needing very soon.

A brand new wireless printer, copier, scanner, fax machine. I have been trying to upload pictures to Facebook of pictures and they just do not turn out correctly. This will enable me to scan those photographs I have lying around and store them on thumb drives, or CD's. Thus clearing out and organizing them.

So while the last two days have not really been frugal, they have given us time spent together and enjoying each others company. They have also given us new items that should last us a long time and help us organize things in a continued attempt to downsize a bit.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Side Tracked Yet Again

I really meant to post yesterday, honestly I did. However I started going through my knitting magazines looking for a specific pattern and became lost in all the deliciousness in front of me.

While I didn't find the specific type of pattern I was looking for (can't find it on line either unless I want to pay and arm and a leg for it) I did find lots of patterns that struck my fancy.

Like this lovely all white tunic top.

Or

This chunky grey split neck....... or















These two....or

This long green cardigan..... or

This tunic length sweater. I knit this many years ago and really loved it....

I think you get the picture. These are only a few of the many, many patterns that caught my eye. The magazines containing said patterns are put away so that perhaps in the long, dark days of January I can make a few of them.

Tomorrow we are heading up to Regina. Doing a bit of shopping and visiting with Kris. Perhaps I can find the pattern I need up there.... Without giving away an arm or leg.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Old Pictures

One of my cousin's children started a Facebook page yesterday. She is trying to understand all the branches of the family (just the close family) and everyone has been trying to help her by posting old pictures and talking about their family.

Dad came from a family of 15. Three girls and 12 boys, one of whom died in infancy. Right now there are 2 girls left and 4 boys. Dad was the last one to pass away and the oldest at that point.

This is a picture of them when they were all alive.

This is a picture of my great-grandparents on my grandpa's side.

Grandpa for some odd reason was not in this picture......

This is a picture of my Grandmother.

This is actually her wedding photo and she is about three months shy of turning 16. That's right she was married at 15 years of age.

I hope to be able to share more pictures with you as they are posted.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

In Remebrance

 We will not forget.

God bless.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Menu Monday

The start of a new week, and a new week of trying to use every thing up I can. So far not doing too badly. The fridge freezer is clearing out and the meat freezer downstairs seems to be emptying bit by bit as well. Soon it will be stock up time!!!

Monday

Chicken thighs and drumsticks made in the slow cooker with a creamy mushroom sauce. They say to serve it over hot rice, but I am thinking about using the leftover mashed potatoes from last night. Sides of sliced peppers and cucumber with some dip.

Tuesday

The frozen leftover soup from the fridge freezer along with some egg salad sandwiches.

Wednesday

Chicken burgers, along with pork and beans.

Thursday

Leftover turkey from the freezer. Think I will make Turkey a la King and serve it over toast points.

Friday

I was going to make Tuna Casserole, but the part of the frozen Steelhead Trout in the fridge freezer is calling our names. Served with rice and carrots it should make a lovely supper.

Saturday

Hopefully the weather holds and we will be on our way to Regina. A bit of a stock up shop and a visit with Kris. Just lovely.

Sunday

This time I think I will make a roast. More than likely I will be roasting a Ham. We managed to finish those leftovers!!

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Sunday Happenings

This is the first week of Father Brian's holidays and we had a visiting priest. Actually we had a Bishop (who just happens to be Father Brian's cousin) preside at Mass today.....

It was also the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

Isn't it beautiful.

 Bishop Jim Weisgerber was our presider today and did a wonderful job tying this church in Rome to the people of God. I just wish I could have spent more time listening to his homily, rather than trying to see if we would have enough people to cover all the ministries.

For some reason, today out of the seven people scheduled to take part in the various ministries there were only two of us..... Not a good situation as I was only filling in for the regular sacristan who is also in charge of scheduling. I ended up moving from the cup to doing the announcements before Mass began, and since one of our proclaimers did not show up Karen did both readings. This left us short 4 cup ministers, and a communion minister. By the end we were only short one cup minister, but this caused us a few problems.

We did manage to do what we could, but things were a bit hectic for awhile. I just do not understand how adults can sign up for something and then not bother to show up. This has been happening way too often for my peace of mind. It also makes it hard on a person who is filling in to do a proper ministry.

Then I got a phone call about 4 hours after Mass asking why I left the doors to the church unlocked.... I phoned Connie as soon as I got home from Mass and she said that either herself or the janitor would be there to lock up after 2 pm. I explained this to the person and they were still upset that I did not lock the doors. People it is not my JOB.

Off to do some work on my knitting project and perhaps calm down a touch.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Saturday Baking

It has been awhile since I have done any extra baking on the old homestead. Today being cold and dreary seemed like a perfect day.

I started of this morning making some Unbaked Chocolate Cookies.

In my baking experience I never seem to get the number of cookies they say I will when I use this recipe.

I then moved on to some Spicy Dad Cookies.

I sort of ruined a tray. I should have remembered that these cookies bake a great deal faster than the time allotted.

My last foray into baking today was something I only make once in awhile.

Scones!! Perfect to go with an afternoon cup of tea.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Friday Pass Times And A Bill Shock

It is a dark and dreary end of the week. The sky was overcast the entire day and the wind howled all last night and today. Not a nice end to peoples work week.

However, when you are retired, it does not really matter what the weather is like outside...... Even subbing as I do, I really do not have to worry what the weather is like either.

What we do have to worry about is trying to keep our electric and gas bills as low as possible for the winter. Our electric and gas companies give us two estimates and then a reading. The bill we received today was an estimate, and boy did it floor me, $350.00 for electricity and $50.00 for gas!!! Whoa, we need to get that electrical lowered and fast.

Some of the ways we will go about it are making sure lights are off in rooms we are not using, turning the baseboard heat off during the day (well at least until it gets really cold and then we will turn it way down), and making sure things are turned off or unplugged when not in use. Hopefully that and keeping our heat set at 20 C will improve things greatly. I will let you know how it goes as each month progresses. Slowly but surely we are changing to LED bulbs as well from CFL bulbs.

Thought I would share a picture of the rug project.

Notice that the variegated yarn is finished and I have started on the dark brown. I spent some time making more cord this evening and I am hoping that I can make more tomorrow and even sew it on. The faster I can get this done, the more time I will have for Kurt's small kitchen rug project.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Thursday Tid Bits

It was a fairly nice day here on the prairies. Harvey managed to finish the raking of the front lawn so that means once I get the perennial beds cut down the yard is ready to go to sleep for the winter.

I did my usual Thursday chores and crossed them off my to do list by mid morning, so that meant I could move on to more enjoyable pursuits. Since the sun was shining I thought I would take advantage of it and work on my cross stitch. I managed to work for almost 2 hours before the sun disappeared behind the rapidly building cloud cover.

Here is an updated photo of this project.


Things seem to be moving along, not as quickly as I would like, but still moving towards completion.
I will just keep working away for as long as I can.

I also went for coffee at a friends place. It seems that her mother got a couple of magazines given to her that she thought I might like.

Eye candy for me.

Two new knitting magazines with lots of simple patterns and some great gift ideas.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying some time with my book and actually having a bit of a nap (I got up way too early this morning). 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Once Was Old, Now Is New

When we were clearing out my Dad's house two years ago. We brought home some of the older items in the hopes that with a bit of tender loving care we would put them up for sale.

Now that they have spent such a long time in our home our plans might be changing. Harvey really likes them and I do as well.

The first item I wish to share with you is this old cash register.

This used to sit beside the brand new cash register in the motel that my parents owned in Swan River Manitoba. Kurt and Kris were allowed to push the buttons every time we went to visit.

The next is this 1940 Recordio.......


Here it is with the lid up.

We even have the microphone and a few of the records that were used to make recordings on. This stood in the old hardware store that my Great-grandpa owned in Rhein, Saskatchewan. My cousin said she can remember 4 older gentlemen making recordings on it.

The stand was a bit wobbly so Harvey spent today making it a bit sturdier. I think we may just put this in a place of honour in the living room.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Cloudy With a Touch of Tea

The last two days have been a bit overcast. When the sun was shining I actually worked on my cross stitch.

When it was cloudy I settled in with a cup of tea.....

or should I say a rather large mug of tea and a good ......

book. I usually read before going to sleep, but the weather made me think it was the perfect time to dig in and just take it easy. So far this book is just as good as all her others.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Menu Monday

I have had to redo this weeks menus in order to take advantage of the bags of frozen cooked meats I have in the fridge freezer (have some containers of soup and chili as well). I do not wish to waste anything this month so these are being used before I add more to the collection. This will also serve as a reminder to me to keep on top of things. This will keep me accountable for the grocery budget and save me some shopping trips this month as well as some hard earned cash.

Monday

Turkey Tetrazinni, and sliced cucumbers.

Tuesday

Clean out the fridge smorg.

Wednesday

Leftover beef roast made into goulash. Served over rice.

Thursday

Bison Sausage, mashed potatoes (or perhaps rice) and carrots.

Friday

Glace, potatoes and eggs.

Saturday

Chicken pieces done in the slow cooker. Served with beans, and mashed potatoes.

Sunday

Leftover Roast Pork served as slices along with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, and sauted mushrooms if there are any left.

So there you have it our meals for the coming week. Hopefully this will use up many of those bags of frozen meat I put away. Hmmm, why do these things get so far ahead of me each month????

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Sadness

Today we were sitting waiting for Mass to begin and the gentleman who always sits behind us tapped me on the shoulder.

When I turned to him he said his daughter had just passed away and he was a bit worried that we still had her on the Prayers of the Faithful for the sick. He wanted to make sure she was on the prayers for the dead.

I asked if he wished me to check for him and when he answered yes I went down to the meeting room to check. C was on the list for those who have died. I went back and told him and his wife that things were under control.

As I sat down Harvey turned to me and said "That is so sad, she was always smiling when she would come to Mass."

C was older and was mentally disabled but was always happy and willing to shake hands with everyone. Both Harvey and I will miss her smiling face at Mass on Sundays, but rest in the knowledge that she is in a far, far, better place than the one she left. Her innocent faith will lead her to the arms of our Lord and Savior and she will be waiting in one of the many rooms prepared for those who go before us.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

End Of The Month Update and New Goals

Well, how did I do last month. Overall not badly, but of course there is always room for improvement.

The one continuing goal of making at least one new recipe a week had kind of moved to the side the past little while. However I have resurrected it and will continue for the rest of the year.

Here is how I did with last months goals.
1.     Sew the coat I have now cut out. Decided that since I only have sew in interfacing I would leave this until I had the iron in interfacing. I want to follow the directions exactly.

2.    Organize another binder or two of recipes. Finished two binders and have started on a third.

3.    Continue the projects I have started. I figure another couple of weeks on the cross stitch (or by the end of the month) and finish at least 2 skeins of yarn on the rug project. Not quite done. I am hopeful however that I will be finished this by the end of November totally and moving on to other unfinished projects.

4.    Choose fabric for two sewing projects and get the projects cut out (must finish or be close to finishing my coat). Chose the fabrics and patterns but did not cut them out. I need to finish all those other projects first before I get side tracked.

5.    Have at least 18 no spend days this month (this is an ongoing challenge on a forum I belong to). I reached 19 no spend days this month!!!

6.    Wrap the birthday gifts that will be given out this month. This goal is totally completed.

Not too bad, but I could do better if I put my mind to it.

My new goals for November are as follows:

1. Finish the rug for Kris.

2. Start on the cotton kitchen rug for Kurt.

3. Continue with the recipe organization completing another 2 binders.

4. Try for at least 19 no spend days this month.

5. Continue with the cross stitch project and finish it so I can start the unfinished dragon from many years ago.

6. Try for as little waste as possible this month.

So even though lately I have felt like doing what Shania did most of today.




Curl up and spend the day sleeping, I am going to force myself to get a move on!!!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.