Midweek Doings and Thoughts

 As many of us have mentioned this month is just flying past. In my case this has been happening more and more the older I get. Slowing down my days does not seem to slow down the passage of time. 

This week has been one where I am trying to do all those little tasks that seem to get pushed aside for those bigger ones. I have worked on my extra cleaning list and am slowly but surely reaching the end of that. 

I have also almost finished most of my projects for the month. I won't finish weaving the rug, but I should have a good start on getting it finished early next month. Today I plan on gathering the supplies for that so I can start immediately the finishing touches are completed on the tea towels and the mittens. 

Slowly but surely salves are being completed, and herbs dehydrated for the month. I had thought I could take some to Kris's this weekend, but he managed to get his herbs planted and doesn't need any of mine. 

Kurt will be flying home from Toronto tomorrow and will phone his Dad to wish him a happy 75th birthday. That's right. Tomorrow Harvey turns 75. Must remember to make him a cake or pie to celebrate. 

I decided to look up the meaning of abundance. Here is what my dictionary says

abundance  noun  a quantity that is more than enough. abundant  adjective  from the Latin abundantia, from abundare. See abound

So I looked up the meaning of abound

Abound verb  be plentiful, be rich in  from the Latin ab-off + undare flow

Pretty sure there is so much abundance around all of us, more than we can even see or count. Summer showers bringing rain to our gardens, or washing our cars. Food growing in our gardens, and being used on our tables.

For the rest of the year I am going to concentrated on the abundance that surrounds me. Not burying my head in the sand about the bad things that are happening. I will prepare, but not let those things rule my day to day living.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 Another rainy day, and another day sticking close to home and trying to get things done. Problem is that this weather is not very nice on my aches and pains. They really aren't that bad, probably because it is still fairly warm and humid out and I have been working my way through the pain. Tonight however I will be using one of my salves, more than likely the mint to get the one tin used up before the next batch is ready. 

I am going through cupboards and using up items that are over or close to being over their best before or use by dates. My next shopping trips will be more a stocking up of fresh veggies to hold us until the garden produces more, as well as replacement items for the pantry and cupboards. 

Some of the items I have managed to clear out, or at least transform into something else are the leftover chicken from Sunday, some chicken bone broth from the freezer downstairs, some broccoli that was starting to soften, the last package of frozen carrots, the remains of three types of pasta and a jar of Alfredo sauce. I think that the salad leftover will be cleared out at supper tonight. 

Now of course using those items up meant that I now have new meals to put in the freezer for use later. Tomorrow I hope to add to this collection of fine foods (kidding, mostly soups and the leftovers from supper tonight and tomorrow). 

As I looked through my yarn stash, I could not find another bulky yarn to use on the rug that would coordinate with the green. I did however find many shades of green in a thinner yarn which I can use on the rug for Kris. Bonus will be clearing out even more yarn from my stash. I may be able to bring up another tote from the basement very soon and restock the sewing/craft room. 

This year I have really been trying very hard not to waste anything. This is partially because of what is happening in the world, and partially because I would prefer to have a lifestyle that isn't wasteful. We all definitely have to become better stewards of our little portions of the environment. We need to all realize that what we do not only affects us but others as well. 

Simple living means keeping waste to a minimum and using what we have to the greatest advantage. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

I spent some time going over the menus for the next bit of the month. I am trying to clear out some items so as to make room for other items that will more than likely end up being collected.

Monday

Sweet and Sour Ribs from the fridge freezer. Served with salad and noodles.

Tuesday

Leftover chicken from Sunday. Not sure what I will do with it. I kind of think some of it will be used to make soup, and the rest will be made into a Chicken Tetrazzini (what is left will be frozen to use for another meal). I do plan on making soup tomorrow as it is supposed to be a rainy day. I will serve the casserole with sliced cucumbers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes with a dip.

Wednesday

Spaghetti and meat sauce. Served with a salad, most likely coleslaw as I have some cabbage and a couple of carrots to clear out.

Thursday

I will make baked spaghetti and freeze half for later on. Served with the remains of the coleslaw.

Friday

We will be gone, but I plan on taking some smoked sausage up to Kris's place. It will be a quick meal with what ever he has to go along with it. The men will be going to the football game so something quick and easy is very appropriate.

Saturday

Kris can supply the meal for this day or perhaps I will take what remains of the stuffed chicken to use that up as well. He could supply the sides. Just need to figure out if that would work out. 

Sunday 

We will be home and there is a package of ham yet in the fridge freezer so I will do something with that. Probably served with peas and carrots. Perhaps some potatoes made in the air fryer (I have some small potatoes to use up).

While I will have cleared out a few things, I will have added to the freezer as well. Still the menu for the following week will see us clearing out a few more items and making a bit more room in the fridge freezer. 

Off to get some of the supper started and then I will spend some time visiting. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

A quiet day, we went to Mass (my back started acting up just before the end of Mass), came home and Harvey made us brunch. Love not having to cook, though I do end up doing the clean up.

Did the sandwiching of the third firepit quilt, and just made it before almost running out of safety pins. Memo to self, I really need to purchase more. 

Worked on knitting next and got one mitten finished. After this post I will see how far I can get on the other while supper is cooking. I do have to make a salad first though.

I have been asked what the various salves I make do and thought that today would be a good time to answer this.

Lavender salve is good as a moisturizer, for chapped lips, is a gentle herbal antiseptic, and great for headaches.

Mint salve soothes sore joints, a massage for muscles, can be used for a hand massage, and also for headaches.

Comfrey salve is used for bruises, joint pain, skin conditions, and pain relief from arthritis. 

Oregano salve is antibacterial, antifungal, can be used on minor burns and rashes, encourages recovery from small cuts to the skin.

Sage salve can be used to treat minor wounds, insect bites, help alleviate symptoms of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Lemon balm salve is good for cold sores, minor cuts and burns, and is a good moisturizer.

Clover salve is great for rashes, and insect bites.

Calendula salve is good for cuts and scrapes, burns and dry skin. 

I hope that helps. I just noticed I missed Plantain salve which is great on insect bites, and scars and has numbing properties.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has been awhile since I have shared any projects with you all. I actually have a few that are finished this week and some that I will need to start over (cleaning the sewing/craft room as batting and backing are now all over the floor once again). 

More salves made and ready to be used and given as gifts. I also have oregano salve made but no photo of that right now.

Tomato sauce has been made from the frozen tomatoes from last year.

Four containers of tomato sauce were made.

Rhubarb chutney for the store cupboard/pantry. Along with some raspberry jam, which I did not photograph.

Another rose quilt block completed and ready to be pressed next week. I pulled out the next one to start once I get a few more projects off the list, or started.

Two of the four firepit quilts sandwiched. Perhaps the last two will be done tomorrow. It would clean up the sewing/craft room a bit.

I also finished the 20 recipe cards copied out and probably as many printed recipes we didn't like recycled. 

The tea towels are off the loom, but not completely finished. I hope to get those done next week. 

I have 8 of the 10 pairs of mittens done and hope to get those finished the next couple of days. So picture coming very soon. 

Dehydrating of herbs, and the usual household tasks taking place pretty much daily. However now that I have a kind of schedule things are done very quickly around the house. Leaves me more time to work on projects, or enjoy the garden.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Moving To A Simpler Life

 

As I move towards what I consider a simpler and more abundant life, I find myself slowing down more and taking the time to enjoy what I am doing. 

While it might seem like I get a great deal completed many times, most of what I manage to get done are groups of things that can be done at the same time. Laundry for instance can be done and while things are washing I can do dishes, vacuum, dust as well as numerous other tasks. When I hang clothing out to dry, I can water a few pots after or pick some herbs or perhaps a flower or two. I might even get to sweep the decks as I come back from taking out the garbage or recycling. 

The last of my tomato sauce was made yesterday, and while that simmered on the stove I chopped the rhubarb. Putting together what was needed to make a half recipe of chutney. While the jars for the chutney were sterilized, I washed out the pot and got some raspberry jam started. Of course along with the jars for the chutney were being sterilized I made sure there were enough jars for the jam. 

This gave me almost the whole afternoon to do some slow stitching and a bit of decluttering. Planned menus mean that I can get things prepared in minutes and enjoy the process. Cooking for two is a bit difficult for me sometimes, so having leftovers helps with slow living as well. After all what is easier than pulling something out to reheat and just worry about sides (which for the most part are easily planned and done). 

I have a bit of trouble just sitting and doing nothing so slow stitching, knitting and weaving keep my hands busy and my mind slows down to match the needle going in and out of the fabric, the knitting needles clicking, or the shuttle going through the warp after moving the reed. 

Main reason for my constant need to keep my hands occupied is because I used to smoke many years ago, and I still feel the need to be working on something in order to keep the cravings at bay. I probably don't need to do so any longer as it has been many a year, but habits die hard or can be hard to change. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

 Thrifty and Frugal 

A few thrifty and frugal practices have been taking place this week. 

1.  Put $95.00 in the savings envelop, and another $5.65 in the savings jars.

2.  We are doing our own painting of the trim and doors in the house. Paint was bought a couple of weeks ago and man that is expensive.

3.  Clothes hung on lines downstairs.

4.  Air conditioner off for two days.

5.  Watered the plants with rain water.

6.  Used up the tomatoes I had frozen last year making tomato sauce this year.

7.  Using any plastic numerous times this week.

8.  Decluttering to make room in the house.

9.  Using up leftovers in other meals.

10. Walked to get the mail, plus did some weeding for exercise. 

11. Found some ideas to use up scraps of fabric to make gifts.

12. Scanned groceries in for points towards gift cards to use as part of Kurt's and Kris's Christmas gift baskets.

13. Made oregano, and sage salve. 

14. Started some oregano salve.

15. Dried herbs for winter use.

Life is getting busier because of some of the garden looks like it will be producing very soon and things need to be put up for our winter use.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek and Middle of the Month

 

Another month is whizzing by. So much to do and no time to get things done. 

Today I got a phone call to go and pick raspberries. My answer heck yes, especially when in the stores a small half pint goes for anywhere from $4.99 to $6.99. Free is always good. 

This did mean that the rhubarb chutney and tomato sauce did not get made, but I will add those to the tasks for tomorrow. Along with washing and making raspberry jam. I was also asked that if she couldn't get anyone else to come and pick would I be willing to come again. Of course I would.  However, the back is feeling it tonight so I have rubbed some mint salve in and the heat from the salve is helping ease the pain a bit. 

I did get the mint dehydrated and crushed, covered with a carrier oil and sat in the window to make mint salve. The oregano salve was made as well. Yogurt is draining in the fridge and will be put in a container in an hour or so. 

Two of the doors that needed painting were washed well as well as the trim and Harvey painted them. One more door to wash, and then the trim only around the bedroom doors so Harvey can paint those as well. If there is any left, I will take a small brush and touchup some areas on the chair rail in the dining room and living room. 

I worked on the embroidery this afternoon for a bit, still some work needs to be done before I start the French knots, but the light is getting closer.

Hope to get at least one firepit quilt sandwiched tomorrow afternoon. Mind you that might have to wait until all the food processing is completed. Or at least until things are a bit more under control on this homestead. It is a rough time of the year for crafts. 

Today has been cool and we have had the windows wide open to take advantage of the cooler breeze and lack of heavy smoke. We will probably be able to keep the windows open until the early afternoon tomorrow as well. The less the air conditioner runs the more we will save on our electric bill. 

Off to visit with you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits And Stuff

 

The day started off much cooler and very cloudy, but by mid afternoon the sun had come out and the windows needed to be closed and the air conditioning turned on. Tonight the temperature should fall enough that we can open windows and use the night air to cool the house down. 

I finished the two tea towels and have them off the loom ready to be cut apart, blocked, and eventually hemmed. Pretty soon one more project will be marked off my list. I will probably finish the embroidered block first though, and even perhaps the mittens made. 

Decluttering is still happening, just not as quickly as I would like. By this time I had wanted to be close to 300 items leaving the house, instead I haven't even reached 200. I am definitely falling behind and not in a good way.

I thought that today I would share my grocery shopping with you today. I usually go to Walmart and my Co-op every second week and purchase what I can on sale at each. Sometimes if the regular price is good I will purchase something for the pantry.

This is my Walmart shop.

Not a great deal and the only meat purchased was some Chicken Parma, and the thick sliced bacon, both on sale. The kale was a good regular price, and the living lettuce was only $1.97 and lasts for weeks. Cherries were from the Okanogan here in Canada and were also on sale. Becel margarine was almost half price so I grabbed a container. Total cost for this lot was $109.90. 

Then it was on to the Co-op where I hoped to pick up some on sale meat. Which of course I forgot to get a picture of.

Lots more here and I am afraid I purchased a few treats. So the meat two small pork loins, two ham steaks and the sandwich meat were put away immediately. I also put away the 2 4liter containers of milk. 

The total cost of this shop was $227.85, and believe me most of what I purchased was on sale. Mind you the bananas never go on sale but at $0.79 a pound still a good fruit purchase. I am so looking forward to getting produce from the garden which would really cut back on costs veggie wise. 

What I purchased will hopefully last us two weeks or longer. The meat will be put in the freezer and used much later, this month or even next month. 

One thing I will stress, is that years ago what I bought would have cost about 1/2 of the total I paid. I probably would have been able to purchase more meat as well. 

Off to get supper started and while it is cooking I will see how many of you I can visit.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Another week has arrived, and this one is bringing some slightly cooler temperatures we hope. A good thing as there is lots of food preservation happening, mostly using up things from the chest freezer downstairs and dehydrating. I will also be making some salves and that entails having the stove on as well. Rhubarb needs picking still and I have been looking at a chutney recipe as a bit of a change up. 

So what will be eating this week, and what will be used up in my fridge freezer.

Monday

Leftover small sausage casserole.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef from the fridge freezer made into a main dish salad.

Wednesday

Leftover pork roast made into a stir fry and served over noodles or rice.

Thursday

Leftover roast beef main dish salad if there is enough. If not Lentil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Friday

If we don't have the soup we will have that tonight along with the sandwiches. If the soup was already eaten I will make salmon patties, onion rings, and salad.

Saturday

Leftover stir fry and either rice or noodles.

Sunday

Roast chicken, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and a salad. 

Earlier I made some ham salad out of the leftover ham from the Chef's salads. That will be for our lunches, or in some cases snacks. I also need to bake some more buns this week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 It was a very quiet day. I have spent most of it trying to use up various items and make sure that things in the menu over the next week are going to be used. 

My body is giving out trying to get what needs doing, done. I did manage to get a few things completed and out of the list today. I am surprised at times how much I manage. 

Today the sage salve was made, the mint jelly completed, I am within an inch of finishing the second woven tea towel (but have realized there is probably enough warp to make a third), am on the last corner of the embroidered quilt block, and really trying to get ahead on things that need to be done before we traipse off on our holiday this year. 

Tomorrow I really hope to have the tomato sauce done, as well as some stewed rhubarb. The oregano salve will wait until new containers arrive (I did order some online). This on top of my regular tasks tomorrow. Monday is usually my busy of the day the week. 

I will be working on putting more in the pantry, long term storage and the freezers. With things happening in this world I truly believe that we need to be preparing for prices to be going up and shortages due to tariffs. I am not saying end of the world preparations, rather just getting ready for a big rise in prices and being ready for what will be coming our way. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has been a pretty quiet week. Nothing project wise is finished, but a few things are getting very close. Hopefully pictures of those next week. 

Working in the garden and with the herbs in the morning. Slowly but surely dehydrating is filling the herb jars for next year. With the heat we have been having it is very hard to get motivated to do any real processing of food stuffs. 

Even cooking has been a challenge this week. Thank heavens for main dish salads and previously frozen foods that just need warming up. I do have the steeped mint liquid that needs to be made into jelly at some point, as well as a great many bags of frozen tomatoes that need to be made into sauce. I did manage to get the comfrey salve made early this morning.

Eight tins for now, with probably more to come. These need to be labeled tonight. 

I think along with the mint jelly tomorrow I will make the oregano salve which would just leave the sage for another day. 

I have been keeping a very close eye on costs over the last 7 months and was pleasantly surprised with our meal last night. Most eating establishments have been gradually raising the cost of their meals, and the one we went to last night was totally different. While the meals were a bit more, they were actually lower than other places. The amount of food was amazing, and the service over and above. We will go there again and as we were leaving we noticed they had a buffet on Sundays and so will give that a try after Mass the next time. After all saving a few dollars, eating out, and having a rest from cooking is awesome. 

However, other prices are rising. I usually giggle at the X (Twitter) folk, mainly because they post the highest prices that they can on premium cuts of meat. That being said, the cost of beef is slowly growing beyond what a regular person can afford. The same could be said for regular pork and poultry prices. One needs to learn to shop the sales, use up every bit, and stretch what one uses.

Still, purchasing a Tomahawk Steak is not something I would ever consider, so complaining about the price means nothing to me. If you could afford that cut to begin with, you are not in the same economic level as the usual shopper. Grow up and join mainstream shoppers. Learn to budget and spend wisely.

We really enjoyed the show last night. I even got to see so many of the youth I worked with (getting hugs from most of them) as well as people I had not seen in many a year. Most were aides with me in the classroom. 

Harvey told me to purchase tickets for the next show which is titled "Golden Girls on Vacation". That does not happen until the beginning of August, but I think I will get tickets for this production very soon. Two nights out has been unheard of for a number of years. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal 

I have been staying close to home over the last week. We are however having a date night tomorrow. A little more expensive than we are used to, but so looking forward to a night at the live theater we have in our city. I was surprised at home much the tickets have gone up, but I guess all prices are rising.

So what frugal and thrifty things have we been up to this week.

1.  Hubby cut down some branches which we will chop up to use as kindling next year.

2.  Hung all our clothing on the lines outside. Even managed to get the sheets hung up as well.

3.  Reading free books that I downloaded onto my ereader.

4.  Using things up from the freezer. This week it has been my practice to use up some apple sauce, and I will be using the frozen tomatoes from last year to make sauce and clear out room for the harvest this year. No wasting allowed.

5.  At the end of last week I added $85.00 to the savings envelope, and 85 cents to the change jars.

6.  Picked and dehydrated various herbs for use this winter.

7.  Made yogurt.

8.  Decluttered more recipes that we did not enjoy.

9.  Worked on using up more yarn in both the mitten knitting and the weaving. 

10. Lights off for most of the day pretty much all week. Only keeping a few lights on (the one above my chair) during the evening.

11. Using the samples of hand lotion I have gotten over the years.

12. Using samples of bath gel I have gotten over the years. 

13. Copied some patterns to use up more scraps of fabric to make small Christmas gifts.

14. Did some surveys and scanned in my shopping for points to use towards gift cards.

Those are the few that I can remember, probably more that my old brain can not bring to the forefront right now. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek Ramblings

 

Once again I can honestly say that this month is passing quickly by. It is already the middle of the second week. Only a few weeks left, and just a bit less than two months before we leave on our holiday. Can I manage to get all done that I hope to get completed? Only time will tell and since I am trying to slow down and enjoy the summer a bit more, things may just not get completed as quickly as I would like.

The temperature got very warm quickly today and so not all the outside work was completed. I did manage to gather herbs for dehydrating, and mint to steep and make mint jelly. Still the weeding was not completed and will need doing. 

Harvey did get out and cut some of the branches off the tree that hangs into our yard. He needs to cut a few more and will do that tomorrow. This was blocking the sun into the bed where we planted the Haskap bushes. They do need sun. 

Plans for tomorrow, along with the regular tasks are picking more rhubarb, more herbs for dehydrating, and trying to start the weeding (I want to get the various pots, baskets and large planters done). Watering needs to be done as well. 

Inside I plan on making the mint jelly, doing some baking (buns and a cake). All which will need to be done fairly early so as to keep the heat to a minimum during the afternoon. 

Project wise things are moving right along. Perhaps a little slower than I would like, but still things are being accomplished a bit at a time. I am probably halfway through the second tea towel and the embroidery is getting close. Mitt wise I am sure to finish the fourth pair tonight as I watch television.

The abundance around me makes me happy. The garden is beginning to produce. Nothing is ripe yet but things are flowering and growing. Lots of tiny cherry tomatoes on the deck plant, and a few larger ones growing in the garden. I even noticed a little cucumber (going to pick that before it gets too large). Life is good and the peace I am finding is one that heals my soul.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 The heat has returned to my fair city. I did get out early and get the plants under the eaves watered, and if I hadn't been expecting a call from my doctor and wanting to get things accomplished in the house, I might have gotten the weeding done as well. I will just do that either tonight when it cools off or early tomorrow morning. 

I did notice that the oregano needs another trim, and I think I just might have enough mint to make the jelly this week. Sage could probably be picked once again and dehydrated so I will do that as well. We have some tomatoes growing on the big plants and lots of flowers on the cucumbers. There are only 5 corn stalks growing, and Harvey has replanted a few times. He thinks the bad results are because he had to use some old seed, there was no new seed to be found any where in the city.

I got my yogurt made and this batch came out nice and thick. Once I get all the parts to the yogurt maker washed I will make the second batch. I like to have enough to last me ready for awhile. 

I kept busy doing household tasks, various projects and planning what other projects I could do with what I have on hand in the house. This all to keep my mind off waiting for my doctor's phone call to go over the results of the Holter Monitor. Worked not too badly, but niggling doubts kept creeping in.

Got the call about 30 minutes ago and she said there was nothing to worry about. There is a benign arrythmia but nothing that concerns her or should concern me. She said that more would be known once the echo was completed and she got those results. Whew. Now just to get through the echo on Friday morning. She did set up an appointment for December for another CT scan on my lungs. 

We are also waiting on a call from Kris to see how his CT scan went this morning. Hope that his is clear, or if not that it is just an infection that is taking its sweet time clearing up. 

Off to do a bit more tidying and decluttering in the sewing/craft room and then get the table set. Will visit with you all in a bit.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Monday

Chef's Salad and there should be enough left for another meal on one of the very hot days that are coming up.

Tuesday

Porkchops, potatoes, carrots, onions and mushrooms in a tin foil packet. 

Wednesday

Leftover Chef's Salad. I will probably need to make a couple more hard boiled eggs and perhaps thinly slice some leftover ham.

Thursday 

Lentil Soup and sandwiches. 

Friday

Salmon patties, rice, coleslaw, and mixed vegetables.

Saturday

Sausage casserole, and since this has loads of veggies in it I will just serve either buns or cornbread with it.

Sunday

Roast Beef, roasted potatoes (if I have any left...getting low) roasted carrots. If no potatoes I have some mashed potatoes that can be fried up. We will finish off the coleslaw as well.

I am really working hard on trying to use up all that I can. This will hopefully save on groceries, plus make me become a bit more inventive with meals. I think I have gotten into a little bit of a rut in that regard. I also noticed that the fridge freezer is becoming slightly overwhelmed once again. Here I thought I was doing so very well on keeping things down.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Sunday Ramblings

 I woke up to a lovely rain falling. The rain barrel must be almost full again, which is wonderful. Using city water just does not help the plants along as nicely, especially the flowers and veggies. Heck, it barely keeps the grass green in blotches. 

At Mass today, I think we ended up in the most condensed pew available in the church. Pretty sure that when they took the chairs out to redo the floors they put the side ones in wrong and kind of stuck this one in a tiny space really unsuitable for a person with back and hip problems.

It was a very strange sermon today. I sat in pretty much disbelief as Father Thuy spoke. 

I have been trying to simplify my life and move towards peace and living a life of abundance. Guess what Father spoke about. Yep, realizing that we live lives of abundance already and how lucky we are to live in a place where there is really very little violent crime, and have a community that cares and watches out for each other. 

I do know that when we have missed in person Mass it is noticed, and when we get back people ask how my back is and if my cancer has returned (they figure the last one is what is keeping us from attending Mass as often as we should). In a way the concern of others is touching, but in another way I almost wish that this small city, was not quite as small. Or perhaps I am too well known in the parish community due to my years as Youth Coordinator, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, and Parish Council Chairperson. I had hoped that my drawing back from those areas would mean I would not be in the community's eye as much. Not going to happen I suppose. 

My menu has changed once again for today. We went out for brunch after Mass and I did not feel like making a roast. So I have pulled out a container of Sweet and Sour Ribs, put on some potatoes to boil and mash, and have some frozen peas as our vegetable side. This does change the menu for the week a bit as well, but there is an abundance of food in the fridge and freezer so this will give me a chance to use things up a little before adding more to the mix. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

I am loving my more laid back approach to my days. Funny thing is I think I am actually managing to get more accomplished. This even if I don't get everything on my to do list completed for the day. 

Outside yard and garden tasks are done early in the morning after I have enjoyed a cup or two of coffee watching the sunrise. Today that meant a bit more weeding, and cutting dead items off the hydrangea. I should have done the overhanging branches as well, but I might need some help with those. I also moved some of my boxes so as to make a bit more room around the firepit. It felt a bit close as Harvey and I sat and enjoyed a fire last night. Hoping that we can have another one very soon. It was also when I noticed that I will need one more solar light spike from the Dollar Tree at some point this week. 

So what did I manage to complete this week. 

I am waiting for the various herbal oils to infuse, and will probably be making salves by the end of the month.

Did some dehydrating of herbs to replace those used over the winter. 

Got all the patterns for various projects put in a binder. There are still a few that are residing in my emails that will need to be printed out and stored for future use. 

Copied out 5 of the many recipes I have printed out, and culled another 10 that we did not enjoy at all.

Only another 15 to go before I meet my goal for this month.

Started the next size mittens for Kurt's school.

Two pairs done and another on the needles. The next pair should be finished tomorrow.

Started the second tea towel and have probably managed to get 8 or so inches on this one completed.

I am now on the corners of the embroidered rose quilt blocks. I will have to go back and do all the French Knots once the rest of the embroidery is completed. 

And before the end of last month I managed to cut more yarn for the rug project that is down the line at some point. I know I will need more yarn of the bulky/chunky type, which could mean that this project will be waiting a very long time. I do not want to purchase yarn for this, rather use yarn I can find in my stash or yarn that can be purchased in a second hand situation. 

I am in a use it up and clear it out mode in order to make life simpler or at least something that does not need to follow the crowd, worry about what others think, or be true to ourselves in the way we pursue life. We want to live a life of abundance, not live a life to get abundance.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Simple Living

 

First off let me wish all my American readers a Happy 4th of July. I hope you got to spend time with family and friends, or if you chose, to spend the time enjoying various entertainments in your city/town/village.

The last few days have been very warm and so unless I managed to get out into the garden early in the morning things were left for another day. This means weeding took about 3 early mornings, and watering two. Still by spreading things out a bit I got to really see what was growing in the garden and my pots. I will need to cut down some dead things tomorrow (the dead hydrangea limbs for one and the finished tulips). I may also give the columbines a bit of a haircut as well. 

Hopefully I can wander through the herbs and pick more for dehydrating or some mint to make jelly at the end of the week. 

I have sat at my loom and contemplated the way life has changed over the last 6 months. I have slowly pared back on what is in my home, and will keep doing so as the year progresses.

I think about how cooking from scratch is actually simpler than purchasing something ready made. Not that I won't do exactly that when things are rushed, but knowing what is in my food and what I serve to others makes me feel like I am contributing to our overall health and the health of the earth. 

Some items that I do on a day to day basis takes a bit more time at first but time management is also a part of living simply, or at least trying to live a slower, simpler life. 

Living a frugal, thrifty life encompasses all that one needs to live a simpler life. 

This year I think I am enjoying the passage of seasons much more than other years. Watching sunrises and sunsets, sitting on the deck knitting or embroidery in hand, running my hand through herbs and flowers, walking to see what I might be able to forage, and just staying still to think. All these things are making my life much more enjoyable. I now understand the phrase "Take time to smell the roses."

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

Wow are we getting warm, and now under a severe thunderstorm watch once again. I really don't think that will happen, but of course both of us will keep our eyes on the sky.

So what frugal and thrifty things have been happening on the Phillips homestead this week.

1.  Harvey and Kurt bottled beer a couple of days ago. Since the kit was a gift, the bottles were from Kris over the years, all Harvey had to purchase was water. The total bottled was 63 so the total cost to us was $0.14 a bottle. Not too bad at all.

2.  Clothes hung on lines outside to dry.

3.  Washed my tinkle cloths. I am able to go 2 1/2 weeks before washing them. I have a few more scraps that could perhaps extend the period between washing a bit more.

4.  Using up all leftovers in other meals or making entirely new meals from bits and bobs.

5.  Made my own hamburger buns. 

6.  Went shopping today and stayed on the list. In fact a couple of items that were not at a good price stayed at the store.

7.  Walking around the house for exercise every half hour or so.

8.  Decluttered a few more items from the sewing/craft room.

9.  Cut up some old t-shirts that were not fit to donate as rags. 

10.  Started some more herbal infused oils to make salves later this month.

There are probably a few more things we have done like watering using the rain barrel, doing a bit of yard work (moved rocks to the side of the house) and looking up recipes online to use things up.

I hope you all have had a frugal and thrifty week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Midweek

 

Kurt left just after lunch today and promised to phone or text either when he reaches Regina (if he goes to the used bookstore), or when he reaches his friends about 30 minutes or so north of the city. I think I should have warned him that there is lots of construction on the street he will be traveling on in the city. 

I am staying calm, and working methodically through the projects and goals for this month. Now the question of whether or not I will finish them all is another story entirely. Still, I think that by working my way through them one or two or three at a time most will be done. 

Once again we are very warm, right now we are 31C in the city, and so outside work is being done as early as possible in the mornings. That means Jackie gets to fight off hoards of mosquitoes as well as spiders, and other insects. I did most of the weeding this morning, just need to do the center upper level of the perennial garden tomorrow morning. I also got all my baskets and pots watered. 

I hope to get out and enjoy a fire in the firepit tonight, that would be the first one for the year. Very late really. Our neighbour on one side has gone camping and on the other side the house is empty and the owners will be cleaning it and either renting or trying to sell it once again. 

Slowly but surely I am emptying the chest freezer, getting ready for the next harvest. Frozen carrots are gone, one package of frozen beans are left, and I am not too sure how many packages of frozen tomatoes are left. I will be working on those next. Perhaps some tomato sauce will be made one of these days. 

I am enjoying the peace of staying home and getting little things done. The joy that being able to open a cupboard, the fridge or my freezers and making a meal for us fills me with contentment. 

Me, reaching towards actually being me and not caring how others see me is something that I am working on daily. I have always realized that who and what I am is not to everyone's taste. Harvey and I live simply (or as simply as possible in this world) and have never really tried to keep up with others in the family. I sometimes think that is why his sisters treat me the way that they do. While it hurts at times, I am learning that this is their problem not mine. 

Life is to be enjoyed and one can't do that if you are always trying to impress others. Being false to yourself causes nothing but problems. 

It has been awhile since I actually posted my goals for the month so here is July's challenges to myself.

1. Dehydrate herbs for the winter.

2. Make infused oils and start the salve making.

3. Finish weaving the tea towels.

4. Weave a rug for Kris's kitchen. 

5. Finish embroidering the rose quilt square and start another.

6. Knit 10 pairs of mitts.

7. Get the passport papers completed.

8. Keep organizing and tidying/decluttering sewing/craft room.

9. Copy recipes, probably another 20 and get rid of those we don't like.

10. Sort patterns into binder. 

11. Sandwich quilts (there are 4 of them). 

Hopefully most will be completed by the end of the month. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tidbits And Stuff

 

It has been a treat to have Kurt home so soon after his last visit. He has helped in the yard (and will do some more today), enjoyed talking with us, helped Harvey bottle the beer, and even washed dishes by hand. He leaves at some point tomorrow and we probably won't see him again until Thanksgiving.

I did not get all my projects and goals finished in June. I have carried over the weaving, and embroidery. I also did not get the fries ready for the freezer either. Still I did manage to cut the pieces of chunky/bulky yarn to be used in a future project, declutter, work on clearing out and organizing the sewing/craft room, knit 10 pairs of mittens, get some infused oils started, and a couple of small projects that I added on done as well. 

July will hopefully see me finish the weaving, finish the one block and start another, sandwich the 4 quilt tops, copy out another 20 or so recipes, get some patterns organized and in a binder, dehydrate more herbs, knit some more mittens in the next size, and start Kris's woven rug. Looks like another very busy month. I should be able to make some of the herbal salves as well. 

I did up the budget today for the month of June and surprisingly we were under budget once again. I had hoped that I would do better with the grocery line, considering we had company twice that month being about $250 under budget was quite good. The savings on the grocery budget for the last few months have paid back what we spent on the new dining room chairs, and has actually given me $50 towards the cost of the new range. I should have the range paid off in about 4 or 5 months. What we save on other budget lines is helping pay off Harvey's two partial plates. 

After a big loss on our investments in the first quarter, things are starting to rebound this quarter. We have almost made the losses back, just a bit more to go. I am keeping my fingers crossed on that front, with various tariffs it is hard to know what will happen. 

Using up lots of bits and bobs from the fridge, freezers, and pantry. This saves on the grocery budget a great deal. Perhaps not as much as I would like, but enough to make a difference, even if just a slight one. 

Foraging will be taking place over the next while. My BIL says I can come out any time and pick chokecherries from their bushes. Probably will be doing so in the next few weeks. I see jelly and syrup in the future stocked in the pantry. In a week or two I will also be picking mint to make mint jelly. I will dry some for tea after the jelly making. 

Weeding and watering will also be taking place much more frequently as it is warming up so much. Also because of the warm up the mosquitos are out and biting early in the mornings or if I am in the shade. 

Life is about to get much more complicated especially as I want to get as much done as humanly possible before the end of the year. Add in Christmas gift making, harvesting/processing and I am going to be a very busy person the next while.

Next week I get a phone appointment with my doctor and the Echocardiogram at the end of the week. Of course, there will be another phone appointment with the doctor after that. My dental appointment for a cleaning has been moved until August. That is probably a good thing in my mind. Too many appointments drive me crazy. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.