Sunday Ramblings

 

It has been a quiet, get things accomplished day here on the old Phillips homestead. I have been pretty achy today, which means I have been moving a bit more and changing position a great deal. Also using lots of my mint salve to keep the pain down. I don't like using pain meds unless absolutely necessary.

Now our trip is up in the air once again. It seems the striking workers are refusing to go back to work. Probably not a smart thing to do as the fines are very high for both the workers and the union the longer they refuse. Even if they get their wage increase (which they were offered) I doubt they will be making enough to pay said fines. I know they want to be paid for when they are boarding passengers or waiting between flights, but the only airline that does that is Delta in the US. Being offered a 35% increase in wages with the first year being a 25% increase is darn good. We will continue to keep our fingers crossed that things change and that we will actually be on a plane in just under 2 weeks. 

I got the 10 pairs of the smaller size mittens done, and I will begin sewing up the side seams tonight. I even managed between changing positions, get quite a bit of the firepit quilt hand quilted. I may actually be able to get it done by late tomorrow and that means sewing on the bindings, and machine hemming the tea towels tomorrow. 

As far as getting the floor cleared up in the sewing/craft room, that is moving along very slowly. I really need a shelving unit in the closet for another storage solution. I am promising myself (or at least I hope to) not to purchase any more yarn or fabric until I manage to clear out more of what I already own. The mittens are helping to use things up, but I think after these are done I will make some scarves for the students of Kurt's school. I can use some up in weaving projects as well. 

Working very hard on trying to get the garden produce put up for the winter season. This week I have made apple pie filling, I did a double batch today, and will probably get a single batch made tomorrow. Yogurt is started and I hope to get that draining overnight. Of course lots of dehydrating is happening, and I think that tomorrow and the next day I will be making fries and perogies for the freezer. I may even manage to get some flat breads made and put in the freezer as well. 

The next two weeks (just in case we actually get our trip) will see me trying to keep the fridge as cleared out as possible. This probably means a few fridge smorg meals and a redo of the menu plans. Not a bad thing if it enables us to use all our food to advantage and keep our bills down to a minimum if at all possible.

I hope that all of my readers are having a lovely day and finding the joy in the simple things. Hubby said he watered my round perennial bed yesterday and our resident bunny popped out. So far no damage to the garden, most times they seem to eat the weeds or the grass in the yard.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Slowly but surely completing those monthly projects and the gardening harvest. Though, what on earth am I going to do with all the cucumbers we are getting? 

I got all the blueberries frozen for use over the winter. Of course I also got lots of herbs dehydrated and into the jars as well as some frozen. 

The mint extract has been started, and put into a dark/cool cupboard for the next month or so. Picture of that once it is ready to be put into the containers.

Some of the peppers that I washed and put one to a bag after dicing or slicing for the freezer. Lots more to pick over the next few weeks.

Cherry tomatoes are being picked even if not completely ripe. One of the branches has broken off as it was so heavily laden and I have been picking many more off that branch as they begin to ripen.

Kris's rug just before I wet it down to block and get the weave to close up a bit.

One of the smaller of the four firepit quilts has now had a bit of hand quilting done on it. I have pulled the next one that is about this same size and I hope to get that one hand quilted by the end of next week. 

Next week will be filled with more harvesting from the garden, finishing up the tea towels, trimming the fringe on Kris's rug, and sewing the binding on the two quilts. I will also be able to finish up the mittens as well. I am working on pair number 10 for this month and tomorrow will start sewing up the side seam. 

Next week will also be filled with making lists of what needs to be accomplished before we go on our trip. It actually seems like that might actually happen as the Federal government is forcing the attendants back to work and both sides to binding arbitration. Keeping my fingers crossed that things still go according to plan. But there is so much that I need to finish before we leave. I am so looking forward to this holiday even though we could actually have traveled through most of Europe for much less cost. We have such beauty here in Canada and it really isn't fair that it costs as much as it does to see our own country. 

Slowly but surely downsizing of the wardrobe is happening. I really don't need as much in the way of clothing any longer and have made the decision that if I bring an article in or make an article, something needs to leave.

As I am trying to organize and declutter the sewing/craft room I have realized that I have enough yarn to last for years, and enough fabric to see me through at least a year. I need to use as much of those items up as is possible over the remainder of this year and as far as yarn into next year. There are a few projects running through my mind to use up both in the new year. Lots of weaving projects in store as well as simple knitting projects like dish cloths. 

I must admit that I think I could be a craft supply hoarder!

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Simple Living

 

My extra cleaning today has consisted of whittling down my wardrobe of sweaters. I am trying to get back to the way things were when we were first married and I had all my clothes to hand for every season. Just have to go through my dresses and such for fall and winter. I will try and put them all in our bedroom closet and then as I wear them or at least try them on and decide whether to keep them or not. I am really simplifying my wardrobe this summer. 

The next thing I plan on doing is simplifying my sewing/craft room by adding storage to the closet once it is emptied. Having storage, or rather the correct storage will really help me know where all is located. 

It has been a very slow and simple day. I froze some small turnips, the kohlrabi, dehydrated oregano and sage, picked in the garden, went for a very short walk, baked bread and picked in the garden. Got in a little visit with a bush bunny that has taken up residence in the backyard as well.

Harvey finished cutting the free firewood we got last year and it now resides with my help in the woodshed. Hopefully we get to have another fire in the firepit very soon. 

Doing slow stitching as well. I am almost finished hand quilting the small quilt. I might be able to finish that tomorrow and pull out the second one to start. Simple quilting happening here, nothing fancy at all. 

There is going to be a change in the menu tonight. I will make the pasta salad tomorrow, tonight I will use a gift card that I was given as a gift and purchase a pizza. Easy supper as I still have things that need to be completed and am tiring out. Even though I have started to slow things down a bit, there are still things that need to be done for the smooth running of the homestead. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

It is another lovely and smoke free day here on the old homestead. I had a visit to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist this morning so along with the middle of the month bills a bit of cash has been spent. 

So what thrifty and frugal things have been taking place here on the Phillips homestead.

1.  I hung two loads of clothes on the lines downstairs as Monday was slightly drizzly.

2.  Had a free coffee at a friends one day this past week.

3.  Combined as many errands as possible to save on fuel, plus wear/tear on the vehicle.

4.  Picking veggies from the garden rather than purchasing. 

5.  Dehydrating herbs, freezing various veggies as well.

6.  Got free apples and plums from the neighbours trees when looking after the yard and house.

7.  Shopped using a list and stuck to the list. Things have gotten a bit more expensive but I am doing my best to keep things under or at budget. 

8.  Using up what is available here at home before putting it on the list.

9.  Got free toothpaste, free floss and a free toothbrush at the dentists. 

10.  Will be putting $75.00 in the savings envelope and $9.55 in the savings jars this week.

So what frugal, thrifty things have you been up to this week?

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek, Midmonth, Oh My!

 

I not only have to keep calm that it is midweek already, but one my as well say it is the middle of the month as well. Time is slipping past on wings.

Last night we had a date night and went out to our live theater's second show of the season (also the last). It was hilarious. Loved every minute of it. The acting, the singing, the jokes were amazing. Now it is done for the summer.

Our next date night will be our trip. That is if we actually get to go as Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are now probably going on strike. Air Canada Jazz is not included so we could get home from Montreal, just not get to Toronto for the start of our trip. I told Harvey that we may have to see if we can change our carrier. Could be slightly more expensive, but man we were so looking forward to it. 

I have been working in the garden and in the house, decluttering a bit, and downsizing my wardrobe. I am trying to move my clothing all into one area for a change. Back to trying to live with fewer clothes, and really watching what I purchase or make. Garden produce is being frozen or dehydrated. I did forage some apples this morning so I will try and get those made into pie filling tomorrow, after my dentist appointment. The blueberries have been frozen, as have seven green peppers. I may try to get some kohlrabi frozen as well. 

I have also finished the rug for Kris. I need to work in the ends of yarn, and block it. I might have to trim the fringe as well. Working on the next pair of mitts, and will pull out the first firepit quilt to work on tomorrow. 

I have heard through the grapevine, okay the news, that the weather this winter according to both Farmer's Almanac's is supposed to be very cold and lots of snow. So I am going to try and stock up as much as possible. I hate trying to get through lots of snow, almost as much as I hate driving on ice all winter. Of course I can get Harvey to drive but the less we have to travel on ugly roads the better I will like it.

I am also going to tell the boys to stock up a bit on a few canned goods so they don't have to face nasty weather. 

Just a bit of a heads up to other Canadians right now. My less expensive K cups from Walmart, just went up another $2.00. And don't ask how much chocolate chips have gone up. I almost fainted when I saw the price of the Co-op brand, never mind the brand name variety. Still I managed to get sweet and sour cut ribs on sale, a cryovac package of eye of round to cut into roasts on sale as well. Not much else meat wise was on sale except for some sandwich meat. I did get loads of veggies and fruit on sale. A few canned goods for the pantry as well. Bit by bit I will beat the cost of living going up.

I was asked about the fake crab. It is not shellfish. It is Pollock that has been flavoured a bit. Not sure if it really tastes like crab or lobster, but it really does not taste like fish.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

First off I am going to answer Maebeme's question. Yes we did get a very good harvest from the one plant. I am hoping that this continues through all of them. We started off well last year and then the harvest seemed to be limited under each new plant. Some of these potatoes are pretty darn big.

Monday

Baked spaghetti and the remains of the salad.

Tuesday

Stuffed Peppers. I need to use up the stuffing I made for the stuffed eggplant. 

Wednesday

Leftover pork roast. I think I will make some pulled pork out of it in a BBQ sauce, and serve over the buns I made. A side of coleslaw to finish the meal off.

Thursday

Leftover Baked Spaghetti and the leftover coleslaw.

Friday

I have a package of fake crab in the freezer that needs using so I think a pasta salad. That will help use up some of the cucumbers as well.

Saturday

Soup and sandwiches. 

Sunday

Beef Roast, roasted potatoes, roasted kohlrabi and roasted carrots. I think I will make another salad. 

Depending on what I have for leftovers some will be eaten for lunches and others will be incorporated into the next weeks meals. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

I am feeling a bit better, still slightly headachy and running a bit of a fever. I have been taking it pretty easy over all. 

I did do a bit of gardening, just watered plants under the eaves, and picked some mint. The mint was either dehydrated or used in me trying to make a mint extract. We shall see how that turns out, hopefully well. I would like to make more extracts but man vodka is expensive (I bought the cheapest I could find). 

Since we are under an air quality restriction, I have stayed in. I don't need a worse headache and there are actually lots of little things I can do inside, which do not take much energy. I made my list for next weeks tasks, worked on my weaving (still worried about some crossed warp threads), used up a very few items in making meals, and did a bit of planning on how I am going to accomplish the decluttering and downsizing of my wardrobe. 

I have also been watching the Air Canada strike negotiations. Our vacation is in a bit of a bind if they go on strike. I am kind of worried that our trip could be in jeopardy. Not a fun thing to have happen. 

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week, and with that new plans to harvest, cook and get ready for the winter months. I am hoping to get over and pick apples and plums early, as well as harvesting the garden. 

Harvey picked a bucket of potatoes today to see how they looked and how many could be harvested from each plant. This means that some time soon I should use up the potatoes I purchased and make some perogies for the freezer. Perhaps one day this week as I managed to get cheese on sale this week as well. Saving money, by using something up.

Still trying for a frugal and simple life here on the prairies of Saskatchewan.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.  

Uggg

 

Not feeling at all well. Be back tomorrow I hope.

God bless.

Simply Living or Living Simply

 

The phrase that I used to title this post has been running through my mind lately. Perhaps more today than other days, but it has been lurking around for a very long time and pops out every so often to take front and center stage. 

Today it seems to want to stay and percolate around my brain and cause me to think a bit more deeply on what simple living really is and what I was living before.

According to Wiki the definition is

Simple living refers to practices that promote simplicity in one's lifestyle. Common practices of simple living include reducing the number of possessions one owns, depending less on technology and services, and spending less money.^[1][2] In addition to such external changes, simple living also reflects a person's mindset and values.^[3] 

Now I have never been one to try and keep up to others in having the best of everything, or trying to outdo my neighbours, but I do like appliances that make my life simpler and easier. I do not want to go back to cooking over a fireplace (well perhaps if the power goes out, but I do have a BBQ, and a camp stove), or beating our clothes on rocks to get them clean (thank heavens for washers and driers when the weather is bad), I also thank heavens for our medical advances and the fact that by living in our own home we can plant fruit trees, and a garden. 

My meals are far from fancy, most of my readers are probably much better cooks than I am. We prefer simple meals well spiced and flavourful. So many favourites that at times I really wonder if I will ever find time to try some new recipes (though I do get a few in every month or so).

We do and always have done what we could on our own, though with advancing age things are going to have to change in that regard. Especially home maintenance at almost 70 and 75 climbing onto the roof or trimming trees is pretty much beyond us now. Thank heavens Kurt and Kris help out whenever they can. But both have their own homes that need work as well. 

Simplicity in living fits well with being frugal and using all that is given to us. By using less and growing more we are able to prosper in ways that others might not. I know by buying what is on sale and staying away from prepackaged foods I am now saving a great deal. My friend spends on packaged foods or eating out and then wonders where all their money goes. They also need to purchase things to one up friends and family as well. 

Did I always live this way? I would like to think so, but growing up we pretty much got everything we wanted as children. When my parents were alive we were still spoiled even when first married. Harvey's parents were not so openhanded, but they did give us meat, veggies, and lots of free meals when we lived two houses down from them. I believe that for a time I was simply living to accumulate little things, not even big things that would help out much with day to day living. 

I think it took Harvey being out of work for a very long time for me to decide living simply was the way to go. I started to learn how to can, freeze and later dehydrate. We grew a small garden and produce was always used to make our meals a bit more interesting and healthy. I actually started sewing clothing again at this point, and probably saved quite a bit sewing for Kurt and Krista. I also never turned down used clothing for the children. Pennies were saved in a large container as was any other change. That was used to purchase Christmas and birthday gifts.

Now living within our means, making do, using up, recycling, and downsizing have become second nature. Taking the time to question and research purchases, planting, harvesting, basic cooking and baking, enjoying the outdoors and learning new skills like weaving (next will be trying to learn how to use the sock loom) are slowing me down and I am finally realizing what living simply means. 

I do hope this has made sense as my mind is twisting and turning trying to figure things out. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal 

This week seems to have been a bit longer than others so far this year. Perhaps because I am staying at home a bit more and concentrating on all the little things I kept putting off. Adding those little things into my regular chores has kept me safe at home and using things up as well as cooking frugally or with thrift by making the most of what I have.

1.  Used up the bones from hams that were in the fridge freezer to make some lovely ham broth.

2.  Picked all the meat off the ham bones and have the bits in the freezer in a bag to use in other meals, like ham and beans.

3.  Dehydrating more herbs. Some are being frozen for use as well.

4.  Hung clothes on the lines. 

5.  Made mint salve for use this winter.

6.  Sent in the grocery scan to collect more points to be used to purchase gift cards.

7.  Combined errands to save gas and money. 

8.  Using veggies from the garden as much as possible.

9.  Keeping up using the orphan and leftover yarn to knit those mittens.

10. Baked bread once again.

11. Used rain water to water plants.

So there you have it. Perhaps not as frugal or thrifty as other weeks, but I had nothing to mend for a change, and I am trying to slow down and live a more simplified and intentional way of life. Those two things are also very thrifty and frugal.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Midweek Thoughts and Ramblings

 

Spending time doing the smaller things that I have been putting off over the last few days. 

Today it was baking bread, making the mint salve, and pulling out the ham bones to make ham bone broth. The making of the broth cleared some more items out of the fridge freezer and while fishing those out I found a few bags of leftover meat which I will need to incorporate in meals next week. Another change in the monthly menu plan. I might end up just doing weekly plans from now on, though having one for the month does make life so much simpler for me most months. Perhaps I just need to slow down a bit more and check for leftovers a bit more carefully. Especially as I am trying very hard to waste little this year and use up all that I can. 

We had a bit of a storm last night, but no rain today as of yet. Tomorrow is supposed to be a deluge though, which I kind of hope happens. I want to throw open the windows and smell the rain. I do love the smell of rain. 

I have some small things I have put off that I would like to get finished tomorrow as well. I plan on getting out before the rain starts (keeping my fingers crossed) and pick more herbs. This time I am going to freeze them rather than dehydrate. Right now the only ones I plan on doing this with are thyme and oregano. I will pick sage, but that will be dehydrated as I don't have lots of that ready.

There are a few bags of food items that need to be put in their correct canisters. They are taking up room in the cupboard pantry that could be better used for something else. The dust bunnies under our bed need to be attacked this month, and a good tidy of the hall pantry should be undertaken. Heck truth be told the pantry cupboard in the kitchen could do with a good tidy as well. How do things get so mixed up? 

Projects will be worked on, new projects thought about, and perhaps an iced coffee or two drank during the afternoon. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tidbits and Stuff Tuesday

 

Well, even though rain was forecast for today, so far very little has fallen in my area. I do hope for some to fall later today. If my body is telling the right tale, the aches make me think that we will be getting some type of rain this evening or overnight.

I have a few tasks left to finish today. I should get out and pick what I can in the garden, and if it does not rain I will need to water our flowers. 

The infused oil is being drained into a measuring cup so that I can make some mint salve later tonight. Just putting one foot in front of the other and getting things done. 

Harvey is going to have to spray my lilies once again as those darn beetles are back once again. 

Each day I am adding a few stock up items on my next weeks grocery/shopping list. There are a few things I will need to purchase whether or not they are on sale. Still Walmart usually has them at a reasonable price and that is handy. 

Picked up our tour papers, Harvey's medications, the peaches and took our passport papers in to be processed. Little things accomplished, but a load off my mind. 

I did more weaving and managed to get 70 rows done before I needed to stop for more than 15 minutes. I am working on some knitting of mittens and hope to get pair number 5 finished today. Copied out some recipes while listening to various bloggers as well. So while I am not going great guns on my various projects things are still being worked on. Perhaps at a slower pace than I would like, but I am doing what I can when I can. 

Working to make a slower more intentional lifestyle. One where the two of us actually have more time for the things we enjoy. I honestly believe that is one reason Harvey has extended the veggie garden as that along with fishing is his happy place during the spring, summer and fall. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Another week of menus and since the weather is supposed to be cooler and rainy I plan on getting Harvey to BBQ whenever possible.

Monday

Smoked sausages, mini potatoes (got the bag finished now) and some kohlrabi in a tinfoil package. Those are both going on the BBQ. I have also made a salad.

Tuesday

Soup and sandwiches. I think I will make a potato soup and have tuna melts with.

Wednesday

I pulled the last container of chili from the freezer downstairs. We will have this with toast and use up the remains of the salad.

Thursday

I am going to try my hand at some stuffed eggplant. I am thinking of doing the kind of stuffing I put in peppers, but using the eggplant meat instead of rice. 

Friday

Perogies, fried onions and sour cream.

Saturday 

This could be a beef brisket if Kris is home done on the smoker. Serving with coleslaw, and probably a potato salad to use up some more potatoes and the eggs that seem to have multiplied in the fridge.

Sunday 

Kris will probably be heading back to his home so I will make spaghetti and meat sauce. This will mean changing the menu for the next week a bit, but I will still be using leftovers to make other meals.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

It has been a mostly quiet day here on the Phillips homestead. We did travel to Torquay and put flowers on our daughters grave, a few days late but so very necessary. The graveyard has been kept up this year so we did not have to really trim much of anything. 

The rest of the day has been spent picking things from the garden, working around the house, trying to use things up and just breathing. 

I think I might need more of those types of just breathing days. Taking things a bit slower, working on just a few projects, and spending time with God.

On the way back from the village graveyard in the place Harvey grew up, and all our children were baptized by the same priest, Harvey said that next year we should work on house maintenance. I quite agree. The siding on our home is very faded and has a few broken areas. We can save the old siding and give it to Kris to use on his garage. There is painting to be done both inside and out, and the deck needs to be either painted or stained, or better yet tiled with small squares of wood that lock together and have spaces to drain water. I know there are windows that need painting in the basement and the kitchen window needs that as well. This is mostly because of the odd window shapes. 

I will still work on saving on groceries to try and pay off the range purchase. It didn't work last month, but with the garden producing and my foraging of fruit I should be able to save on groceries this month. At least I hope to do that. So keep your fingers crossed for me.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

 

It has been awhile since I have shown any of my projects. I have also been busy getting harvesting done as well. I thought it might be time to show all of you what I managed to accomplish over the last little while.

I am not sure if I showed you my tea towels once they were completed on the loom.

They still need to be cut apart, pressed and hemmed another task for this month.

Crab apple jelly made and ready to be labelled and put into the pantry.

Starting the rug for Kris. I have managed to get more done today.

The last two firepit quilts were sandwiched and are sitting with the other two . I probably will only get two of them completely finished this month.

Some of the harvest so far this week.

More harvest this time the handful of jalapeno peppers and the three kohlrabi. 

The ten pairs of the next size mittens, done and dusted. I started the smaller size right after this and have two pairs finished and am working on the third pair. 

The dried cherries to be used over the winter.

Lots of herb dehydrating, but no pictures. 

Raspberry jam made and put in the pantry as well.

I did make cherry jam as well, but no picture of that drat. Slowly filling the pantry with lots of goodies for the winter.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Stocking Up, Using Up, Living A Simpler Life

 Well, I think I might be a bit glad that I started to stock up a little bit during the last shop. I am not sure how prices will react to the last tariff news, but better to be prepared. 

I am also glad that Harvey decided to extend the garden a bit, and next year I think we will plant more food in containers as I have plenty of those lying around the side of the house. I enjoy the processing and harvesting, even though it takes some time. It also saves us a bit of cash when all starts to come in. Though it would be nice if the cucumbers didn't all come in at once. 

Living a simple life means using what you have and I am doing just that. Weaving rugs and tea towels from yarn in my stash, using bits and bobs of the same yarn to knit mitts for the children at Kurt's school. Old clothes were cut up and now I am using that fabric to make quilts, just like those that came before me. 

Hanging clothes on the lines to dry and keeping those same clothes in good repair. Though Harvey has a few t-shirts he needs to cut into rags and I have a few things I would like to refashion. 

Darning socks in the evening, and doing some embroidery whenever I get the chance and the light is good. 

Slowly getting through those projects that have lain around for awhile.

Sitting on the deck enjoying a morning coffee, listening to the birds (and the barking of the dogs in the neighbourhood). I even get to wear my pj's outside as there is no one to really see me at 6 in the morning. I even get to work on my computer some mornings outside. 

Things are a bit rushed right now as I am trying to get things completed before we go on holiday. Still I have slowed down and am enjoying the summer season a bit more this year. 

I was asked a question awhile ago about the Lux soap. I have probably had it in the basement storage for about 20 years. I am actually amazed that it is still useable and in such great shape. So far it is working very well for handwashing and not leaving a soap scum at all. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

  Thrifty and Frugal 

I need to apologize for not visiting you all yesterday. I fell asleep at 7 pm. Pretty much after I got the table cleared and dishes done. Slept straight through until 10, got up put on my pajamas, crawled into bed and slept straight through until 7 this morning. 

I am quite happy with my thrifty and frugal past times this week. Perhaps there are not as many as last week, but every week will be slightly different as the season progresses.

1.  Dehydrating cherries to use in muffins and loaves. Dried cherries are pretty darn expensive so hopefully I get enough to last for a few baking days.

2.  Baking bread a couple of days a week and putting the loaves into the freezer to be used as we run out. 

3.  Washing done for the most part in cold water and three loads hung to dry.

4.  Using up items in the fridge freezer to make meals this week and probably part of next week.

5.  Ham broth used to make two containers of pea soup for the freezer downstairs. Meals for when I am too tired or sore to cook.

6.  Using up some cotton yarn I inherited from my mother to warp the loom. 

7.  Fixed a hem on one of Harvey's shirts.

8.  Put $3.05 in the change jars, and added $85.00 to my savings envelope. The envelope is used to purchase any clothing I need, trips to the fabric store, and any thrifting or garage sales I do.

Now while I did not really save on the budget for groceries this month (shopped the first week, the third week and the fifth week) I still did not go over my budget by much. This, however means that I did not add to the paying down of the range. Hopefully next month and perhaps part of September will be much better. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Midweek Thoughts And Plans

 The last Wednesday of the month, and I am really trying to stay calm. It is getting very close to Christmas and I am not at all ready. 

Today has been rather tough. I did not sleep well last night, and that was probably due to the doctor phoning me today with the results of my Echocardiogram. 

I finally got the call at around 3:30 pm. All is fine. In fact Dr. Norma used the word "perfect" a number of times. So that is one health concern out of the way. I do have another CT scan in December to check and see if the nodule in my lungs has grown at all. If it has I am pretty sure she will be sending me to a specialist as soon as is possible.

Harvesting has been continuing here on the old homestead, and my neighbour said I could go and pick crab apples. Which I did at around 7 this morning. 

Baked bread, started dehydrating the cherries (which will probably continue overnight), deadheaded some of the flowers, finished off what I could on the tea towels, finished the second pair of smaller sized mitts, started the third pair of smaller mitts, brough out yarn for mitten knitting and watered the plants that were protected by the eaves during the rains we have had. 

I have not finished my list of tasks for today, but with the garden being pretty wet still from rain the picking of the garden can wait until tomorrow.

My shrimp pasta salad did not look very nice, so I pulled out some lentil soup that we were going to eat a few weeks ago and will make some grilled cheese/ham sandwiches to go with.

I was asked how I make my herbal salves and they are very simple. Usually I use a dried herb, crushed and have poured a carrier oil over to cover. The carrier oil can be olive oil, grapeseed oil, or any cold pressed oil. I usually let that sit in my front window in the sun for at least three weeks, shaking daily or every second day. I then pour the oil through a fine sieve to remove the herb, and place the resultant oil in a double boiler. To that oil I add commercial grade wax pellets (the amount depends on how much oil is in the double boiler) and sometimes some shea butter or vitamin E cream. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 We have once again had rain for most of the day. It started to rain pretty much after I got in from the errands this morning. Poor Harvey had to take shorter walks between showers, which at times were very much downpours. 

The sun is out now, but I am not going out to pick apples right now as the mosquitoes will be out in full force. I don't need to be covered in insect bites right now as I have finally gotten rid of one bite behind my knee. The itching drove me crazy for almost a week, and I used lots of Plantain salve to keep it at bay.

Harvey decided we needed some flowers in the house today and as the hydrangea was looking a bit waterlogged, I said go ahead and pick a small bouquet.

This lovely display is on my table now. 

Grocery shopping was so-so. Many of the so called sale items were what the regular prices used to be. I did purchase a beef roast, and about 3 pounds of hamburger. Still costs continue to rise, but at least there is more Canadian content available in the fresh vegetable and fruit area. Cherries are still on sale so I grabbed a bag that is just over 2 lbs. Of course bananas as well. Funny thing is considering they come from South America now the cost is the one thing that has never changed for the last 6 years. Still relatively inexpensive.

My phone needed an update and it seems to be taking much longer than usual. I don't like the way it seems to be changing things on my phone and how long things are taking. It is like my internet WIFI is being extra slow.

I need to stay home a bit over the next few days in order to get some fruit processed and herbs dehydrated. The cherries we picked off our trees were going to be dehydrated, but if going through the pitting for that, I think I will make cherry pie filling instead. 

Then my neighbour said I could pick crab apples so I will do that tomorrow morning early and perhaps get some crab apple jelly made as well. 

I am a bit worried about the Air Canada strike (well if the strike happens) as it would be right when we would be taking our trip. However we do have travel insurance so should be okay if things happen. Still I hate the idea of missing this trip. 

Off to visit with all of you and then to work on a mitten pair.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 The last partial week in the month of July. Time just seems to fly by when you are trying to slow down and enjoy the day.

Monday

Shrimp Pasta Salad. I was going to make cheese biscuits to go with, but have decided to make some garlic bread instead.

Tuesday

Baked Spaghetti, which is leftovers from before we went to visit Kris. I will probably make a coleslaw to go with.

Wednesday

Either leftover Shrimp Pasta Salad, or leftover Baked Spaghetti and coleslaw.

Thursday

Hamburgers, onion rings, and salad. 

Friday

Pancakes, in other words breakfast for supper. 

Saturday

The last of the Broccoli & Cheese stuffed Chicken, salad, and corn.

Sunday

Pork chops, potatoes and carrots done in tinfoil. The last of the salad or a new one will be made. Could be a cuke salad as those are coming in hot and heavy.

We are getting a great deal of rain this last while. Poor Harvey is worried he will never get in to weed his garden, and I am wondering when I will be able to weed the perennial garden. Still rain means we have a full water barrel, and we don't have to water plants. There is always a plus side to everything.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

We are back home from what seems to have been a whirl wind trip to visit with Kris. 

Now I have a whirl wind time getting ready for next week. Lots of lists to make, and things to complete before the next week and month can begin. 

Everything is unpacked, put away, or added to the laundry. I have checked all the flowers outside, and am very happy that we managed to get almost an inch of rain while we were gone. That means I don't have to water tonight. It is hot and humid right now, so I will more than likely be watering tomorrow.

I have managed to get the monthly extra cleaning list completed, the new months project/goal list done and I hope the menu plan for August done as well. Things in the fridge freezer are getting used up and I hope to get it totally cleared out by the beginning of next week. 

After this post I will be setting the table and working on my daily lists of household tasks, adding in little extras throughout the month starting on Friday. I need to complete lots of garden harvesting by the 29th of August as we leave on our trip for 9 days. I am hoping that my friend will be able to water the plants if we don't get any rain. 

I have had a mostly plastic free month. I take any plastic bags I have used back to the store to refill with fresh produce. I can never seem to go completely plastic free, but I hope the little I do does help. 

Off to set the table and then make my daily lists. I hope to visit with all of you at some point either tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Made It

 Just a quick post to let you all know we are safe and sound in the city. I will post more tomorrow morning or when we get things done around here. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

 Thrifty and Frugal 

Life has been moving along and I am busy saving money and using items up. Perhaps using up way more than I have for a very long time. 

My mission this past week and probably next week as well, was and will be using up the bits and bobs from the fridge freezer as well as a few items in the chest freezer. Changing some items into meals to be used later, but others are being eaten. It is not frugal to have these items sitting in the freezers and not being used or made into something that can be used. Frugal is using all that you can and having no waste. 

Our garden is beginning to produce at least cucumbers, so a bit of saving on the fresh veggies happening. Some of the eggplant should be ready to be picked when we get back. 

My shopping has been done with a list, and the next shopping trip should be one where I can manage to stock up on a few items I have allowed to get a bit low. Some shelf stable canned meats are on sale, as well as pasta. Both of which need to replaced as I used up quite a bit making meals this week. 

Laundry was hung on the lines outside, no air conditioning for a couple of days, mending of some seams and I used up some of the backing fabric in making my quilt sandwiches. 

Yarn has been used in making another 10 mittens, and some embroidery thread has been used as well. 

I am definitely making do with what is in the house or garden for eating, and working on projects. 

Bills are paid online so I don't use gas to travel place to place through the city to pay them.

Walking for exercise each day. It may not be a great distance, but I am getting moving every day for building up my stamina. 

Downloaded some free books to my ereader. 

Using the Lux hand soap that I have had in the house for many years. Seems that it now works well and does not leave a soap scum in the bathroom sink. I think I have enough of this soap to last until the year 2035. LOL. I will still need to purchase Zest soap for the bath in the future (bought big packages a couple of years ago on sale) but for now no soap purchases for the foreseeable future.

I have some small samples of hand cream which I have started using more. 

That's about all I can remember. I hope you are all having a frugal and thrifty week. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.