A Simpler Life

 The next few weeks will see us embracing Simple Living. I am amazed at how close we are to this definition of living simply.

"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. In addition to such external changes, simple living also reflects a person's mindset and values."

The past few years both Harvey and I have been reducing our possessions, and trying to spend less money on items that really are not that important to us. We are frugal so we can take the occasional long journey. However, now that we are getting up in age or journeys will likely be a great deal shorter. 

We are enjoying more of what we already have rather than always looking for something new and exciting. Taking things a little bit slower, finding joy in a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the flowers and veggies growing in our yard, planting fruit to harvest sometime in the future and just taking deep breaths. Not so much the deep breaths right now as we are getting smoke from the fires in North Dakota and Wyoming. 

I am enjoying getting projects completed, and going through my stashes of craft supplies, yarn and fabric. Things are being completed if a bit slower than I had hoped. Then again I am enjoying the creating process a bit more.

Now the depending less on technology and services is really something that is difficult to do in this day and age. If I depended less I would not be able to do online banking (saves lots of time), or watch YouTube or documentaries on the television (antennas do not work here any longer). Being able to depend on our accountant come tax time saves Harvey lots of angst. He hated doing our tax returns once they became a bit complicated. Some technology is wonderful though there are drawbacks if you get too attached. Also technology is great in the health field. What would we do without x-rays, MRI scans, CAT scans, and laboratory tests. Pretty sure that the depending less, does not include those. 

Simple living is wonderful as it makes a person slow down.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

This is not the most thrifty or frugal week. In fact the next few weeks and into August will probably be pretty darn unfrugal with just a touch of thrifty thrown in.

I was asked to explain what Glace is. It is kind of like a very heavy noodle as it is just tablespoons of the flour/egg mixture put into boiling water with some cubed potatoes. The "glace" will float to the top when done. I usually fry some eggs to dip the glace in after putting melted butter with sautéed diced onion. Not the most healthy for the heart meal, but one my German grandmother made when money was tight. Flour was relatively inexpensive, onions and potatoes grew in her garden, the cow gave milk which could be separated into milk and cream, the cream made into butter, and the hens of course laid lots of eggs. While this meal is a bit more expensive now, it is still something I make as it brings back many memories of visiting with Grandma and Grandpa.

So what have I done that is thrifty or frugal this week?

1.  Errands were combined to save on fuel.

2.  I only purchased a few items of grocery as we have lots to use up (even with Kurt visiting). 

3.  It has rained here so I only needed to water my pots and baskets once. We got 2 1/2 inches just a couple of nights ago.

4.  Harvesting some cucumbers (salad will be made once Kurt leaves as he does not like them other than in pickles or relish). 

5.  Picked the last head of lettuce that was ready from the garden.

6.  Hung all the laundry on the lines outside.

7.  Using up as much as I can when making our meals.

8.  Made lemon balm and mint salves from last years harvest so nothing would go to waste.

9.  Made bread crumbs from leftover buns from the reunion.

10. Used fabric scraps to make reusable facial cleansing pads.

So there you have it. Looks pretty good however in the 16 days we have had this month there has been spending 8 of those days. After our trip, I will need to buckle down and tighten the frugal belt a little bit. Got to save some cash for Kurt and Kris's birthdays, and then there is Christmas.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

It has been a bit cooler today, which means that at least the air conditioning actually quits once in a while. When we came home on Sunday it ran steadily from the time we got home at around noon, until probably 10 pm. Mind you when the temperature is 39C and feels like 48C, pretty sure it would have to just to make the house feel cool.

So the reunion went pretty much like it always does, but surprisingly many of the ladies decided to give me a hand setting up. Not so much the clean up portion of the night, but I was grateful for the help getting the food out. 

Once all were fed and Harvey and I grabbed our meals we went and sat with the group. Of course the brothers all yakked a mile a minute, and the sisters (as well as a couple of in-laws) all yakked as well. Me, not so much included in the conversations, which is something I am very used to. Once everyone started to leave a couple of the wives of the brothers decided that perhaps they should talk to me for a bit. I smiled and joined in the conversation. One must make an effort to be present at times like this.

The next day, Harvey and I were left on our own. I cleaned all the dishes and containers that were left behind. It was much too hot to do anything at all, so we just sat in front of the fan. Harvey worked on his crossword book or computer, and I read or worked on my embroidery. The morning was spent with me setting up the silent auction with a little help from one of the brother's wives. The other that said she wanted to help did as little as possible.

The silent auction was okay. There were not as many items up for bidding on as other years, and while my knitted dishcloths went for a good price, most of the other items I made didn't even make what it cost me to produce them. Next time it will be dishcloths, and a put together basket of goodies as those go over very well. One brother and one sister did not bring anything at all for this. 

I spent most of the evening speaking with the younger generation and that way managed to keep away from the rest of the family. I find that is the best way for me to get through the evening.

But here are a couple of pictures from the Saturday night.

Nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews along with significant others.

The entire generation that is left along with their wives or husbands. Well one of the brothers is kind of hidden by the husband on the left hand side in the front.

The family of Nympha and Joe Phillips. All the brothers and sisters were there.

Sunday we all, or almost all of us had brunch and the first people to leave were Harvey and I. Time to get home and get ready for Kurt to arrive.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Menu Monday

 Home and so glad to be in air conditioned comfort, there is nothing like melting in a cabin during what feels like 114 degrees F, to make one ever grateful for air conditioning. 

I will fill you all in on the reunion over the next week. Kurt is home and helping out around the house and has said he will mow the front and back once the temperature drops.

So what are we eating over the next week. 

Monday

Stuffed chicken breasts, teriyaki noodles, and green beans. 

Tuesday

Beef brisket (smoked hopefully), potato salad, coleslaw, cheese and pickles.

Wednesday

Sloppy Joes, and whatever salad is left.

Thursday

Shredded brisket on buns, corn and probably I will make some type of salad.

Friday

Glace and eggs (one of Kurt's favs).

Saturday

Main dish tuna pasta salad.

Sunday

Pork roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and a salad.

Now in case you all think I am turning on the oven in what could be a hot week, I will be using my toaster oven, electric roaster and stove top. Though I think for one meal I may just try my instant pot or perhaps my slow cooker. 

I am hoping to use up a few things from the downstairs freezers, and the fridge freezer over the remaining time we are home before traveling once again. I also want to use up lots that is in the fridge as well. But since Kris will be here one weekend, I will make sure there are a few ready meals for him to partake of. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

I am a bit achy and very tired today. I know it is because I have overdone things the past two days, and the weather is very up and down. 

Tonight we are going to be attending one of our summer theater productions. This one is based on the music of Abba and of course Momma Mia. It should be good, if I can manage to stay awake. 

I have been working out a few more details about Jerry as well. I am sorry but I forgot who mentioned our names all start with "J". Actually my Dad's name was Jack (Jacob) and my Mom's name was Jean. We were always known as "The 6 J's" among family and friends. Strangely I hadn't thought of that in years. 

We have been working on getting some very necessary painting done outside. I am not sure if the deck will be repainted totally this year, but the railing and wooden furniture will be. I will also get the wooden windows painted as well. 

I have begun to do the dehydrating of herbs. Today I did some basil, mint, and oregano. Tomorrow I hope to do some thyme, more oregano and some parsley. Definitely need to keep up with that this year. The last few years have not been good for growing basil for some reason. I am hoping that this year is better. 

There are only a few (well tonight, tomorrow, and part of Thursday) to get ready for the reunion. Pretty sure I will make it, but man things are getting much more complicated every time we do this (and we do this every second year in Harvey's family). 

I find that the pressure to get things together, and make meals or pack food is slowly grinding me down. I am also the last one to learn anything or hear anything so these reunions are very hard on my nerves. I don't want to say or do anything wrong or his family looks down their noses at me. Stressful really. Harvey used to say that it was my imagination, but one time he really noticed how I was being treated and realized what had been going on pretty much since his parents passed away. I keep on plugging away though spreading cheer whenever I can.

I have gotten supper started, and we should be eating with enough time left for me to get dishes cleared away before it is time to leave. I will let you all know how the production was.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

 

Menu Monday

 After a more than a week of research, and phone calls I think that things are on track to being settled with my brother (at least the disabled one). I hope to be able to post a bit more once again.

Anyhow here is the menu for this week.

Monday

Leftover stew (this gave us three meals). 

Tuesday

Hamburgers which will be made into kind of Swiss Steaks, mashed potatoes, and a cucumber salad.

Wednesday

Using up a package of leftover roast beef. Served in a casserole, and with the remains of the cucumber salad.

Thursday

At the cabin so we will have smoked chicken sausages, and coleslaw. Perhaps some tinfoil potatoes as well.

Friday

Family get together which will be hamburgers and hotdogs along with whatever sides people bring to share.

Saturday

Catered meal which will be turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, and salads. I believe there will be pies for dessert. 

Sunday 

Home and since Kurt will be here I will do a pork loin roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, and perhaps sliced cucumbers from the garden.

I am trying to get back into the swing of things and it is taking a bit longer than I had thought it would. Still, household tasks are being done, projects worked on, and short walks being taken to relax and remember that all will be handled eventually.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The Journey Is Never Straight

 

Here I thought I was cruising along to a more simple, laid back life. One where I could relax and enjoy retirement even more than I already do. 

Then a couple of days ago after I told my sister Joanne, that our one brother was now in a Nursing Home and going to be assessed, she decided I should phone/get in contact with the other brother, Jay. 

Jay and I have never gotten along even as children. I really don't know why, but we just haven't. Joanne and Jay are closer, so I told her that perhaps she should contact him and find out what was happening with Jerry (disabled brother). So she did message him on Facebook and boy, oh boy things are getting complicated once again.

Jay was having fits and saying that we would all have to chip in and pay for Jerry's stay if it turned out he was to be put in the Nursing Home. We live in Saskatchewan and Nursing Home costs are based on what a person's income is with the government paying the rest and leaving the resident a bit for use on personal items. So Joanne started to send Jay information about that. Hopefully it helps Jay navigate the process a bit better. Though I rather have my doubts. 

Next thing I know, Joanne is messaging me that Jay says Jerry is now on 22 pills a day and they are costing a fortune. He goes on to say perhaps we can help pay for those..... Then it's a message that the place Jerry is in wants to give him a $750.00 a month shot!!! Perhaps we can pay for that as well. Cause you know a guy who hasn't worked in, oh I would say 25 years can't afford to (this is Jay, not Jerry who is disabled and gets disability right now).

My Dad made sure Jerry was well covered in his will, but both Joanne and I figure Jay somehow spent most if not all of that money, except for a small amount that couldn't be touched until Jerry turns 60 or perhaps 65. Now he is in trouble and Jay expects us to come to his aid. 

Harvey has already said that we would give money, but not to Jay. The money would go directly to the pharmacy or to the Nursing Home if that is where Jerry ends up. Joanne, crickets....nada, no offer to help out at all. To tell the truth out of the two of us Joanne and her husband are very wealthy and could easily afford to help out. Yet she does not seem to be willing to at all. 

I kind of giggled on one of her texts when she said "we" have a big problem and that "we" should be concerned about Jerry more. Heck, I have phoned him every Saturday for the last 7 or 8 years (probably more) and told her that things were very strange, that Jay was removing pills, and Jerry was really not eating very well at all. I would also buy Jerry clothing or give him small gifts. When I would tell her my concerns I would get, "Oh, well really that is not our problem." Perhaps if we had stepped in earlier things would not have devolved to what is happening now. 

Hopefully things will be resolved soon, and I can plan accordingly and get back to traveling towards a more simple and enjoyable life. 

Sorry for the rant, but things just got to me and I needed to vent.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.