Monday, December 31, 2012

Challenge # 5 For The New Year





This will be the last challenge for the upcoming year. This one is more of a personal one than a financial one.

Both Harvey and I would like to get healthier, after all having good health is just plain frugal in the long run.

Every year I say I am going to lose 20 lbs, and end up just maintaining my weight.

This year Harvey wants to lose weight as well so we are going to do this together!

I am thinking portion control and more exercise is the way to go.

Looking forward to a new me come June!!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Challenge #4 For The New Year

My fourth challenge for the upcoming year is to continue combining trips in order to save gas and cash. My reasoning is this, if I combine my trips together I will spend less time in the stores, thereby saving!

On a forum I belong to we have a No Spend Challenge every month. Now there is always something that needs to be bought, or bills to pay, but by combining trips to the grocery, paying bills on line, and going straight to and from my subbing gigs I have cut down on spending, plus the use of the vehicle and the fuel to run said vehicle!! I chose to do categories for this challenge. I have three I use: Allowable Spend --- that is groceries, bills and things that have to be paid no matter what
No Spend --- these are days when I spend nothing whatsoever
Spend --- these are days when I spend money that I shouldn't have, or that is not budgeted for

This past month I have done very well, even with our trip. I am hopeful that I will make the number of No Spend Days I chose. I am going to try and increase these days each month next year.

Take today for instance. I needed fuel for the next two weeks, and we were at Mass anyway, so I had Harvey drop by the bank to pick up the cash for our household after Mass. From there we went to the grocery store and I picked up what I needed, and then to the gas station for fuel. We then arrived back home and as I put the groceries away, Harvey made us a brunch of bacon and eggs. We were only gone for an hour longer than if we would have come straight home from Mass. We also saved warming the car up again, and a trip back to the bank and the other stops were on the way home as well.

Tomorrow will be spent at home getting a few things accomplished and watching the New Year arrive. It will also be a No Spend Day to finish out the old year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas at Kurts'

For the first time ever I did not host the family Christmas. Instead we loaded up the car and went to spend the holiday at our oldest son's place. This was the first time that Kris our youngest got to see his brother's house.

We had a wonderful time and once again Christmas was shared by all of us being together.


We were met with a roaring fire in the fireplace. Just perfect to take the chill off. Kurt was kind enough to light the fire every night we were there.

He even went out and bought a tree and decorations which he had set up in the corner of  the man cave.


For someone who did not enjoy reading when he was younger (not like his mom in that respect), he sure changed as he got older. Now I can honestly say he is more like me than he would like to be. Just look at all these books.


Floor to ceiling bookcases surround much of the room. The shelves also contain little trinkets he has picked up on his travels. The bookcases were one of the first things he did in his basement.

Here is a picture of the proud house owner.


Like me he Kurt does not enjoy having his picture taken.


Harvey relaxing after the long 9 hour drive to get to our destination.

This is our youngest son Kris. He always enjoys getting his picture taken and was very happy to be somewhere different.


Notice the phone in his hand. He just needed to check an email he got from work.

The last visitor to Kurt's place was Kris' cat, Ray. After the long trip and hiding behind the tree for a few hours........


he just had to go exploring.


The one thing you might not know about Raymond is that he is an extremely large cat. He weighs in at 26 lbs. None of us can understand this as he really does not eat a great amount. In fact Kurt watched and said he only eats about as much as my cat Shania does. Hmmm, wonder if he is sneaking food at home.

We are home now, things are put away and I have caught up on laundry. I have started a new knitting project (after finishing a couple of projects I had set aside). All is right with the world.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas

Here we are at Kurt's place enjoying our after dinner rest.

Just a few pictures of our visit.

I am playing with my new tablet, so please forgive any errors I
I can't see




A picture of our oldest son Kurt.


Enjoying the fireplace.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Challenge # 3 for the New Year

My third challenge for the upcoming New Year is to use what we have to the best advantage, to recycle more, and find new and inventive ways of using up what we do have.

In previous posts I have talked about my stash of fabric and yarn. Now I do know that any serious crafter has quite the stash, but I am noticing that some of the items are getting....well a little outdated looking. Here is where my inventiveness will come in to play.

Money was spent on these items and they are NOT going to waste!!!

Now I do know that I am going to want new yarn or fabric, so I am going to haunt the Salvation Army to see if there is anything I can take apart, or rip back and use for crafting. Who knows perhaps I will start refashioning some of my clothing!!

Another part of this challenge is to finish all of those UFP's that are haunting my dreams lately. I have made a pledge to myself that until at least two projects I set aside are done I will not start anything new. Thinking that this will give me incentive to get more done.

Hopefully this will save money and my sanity over the next few months of tightening the budget.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. (Hopefully will have pictures in a few days once we get home of our Christmas here in Drumheller).

God bless.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Just In Case

Just in case I can not get on while visiting Kurt, I want to wish you all

May you all have the very best of times with those you hold dear.

God bless.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

New Year Challenge # 2

I have come to the realization over the past year that I do not use coupons.... Well, I do use them once in a blue moon, but not as often as I could.

I used the excuse that coupons were not as readily available in Canada as they are in other countries and when I did use a coupon it was grudgingly.

This year I am really going to buckle down, search for and use coupons regularly. If I want to get my grocery costs under control this is one way of helping with that. After all I spend time doing surveys, so searching for coupons should not take up much more time.

To start off the New Year I have figured out two ways to help with grocery costs. One is of course using coupons, the other is using our credit card to get money back at the end of the year. I am hoping that by doing this we can have enough cash back to buy Decembers groceries. Cutting a month out of the budget would make a great difference in our bottom line. We also do most of our shopping at our Co-op and because we are members get money back every year on our purchases.

I will let you all know at the end of next year how this went.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Challenges For the New Year #1

It is getting very close to the start of a brand new year with all the joys and challenges it will bring to our lives.

Thought that my next few posts would be about how I am going to meet those challenges head on and still find joy and beauty in the little things.

Harvey starts his pension in January and as I have said it is a good thing that we don't have to live on just that!!! I so wonder how his parents managed and managed well to live on the pittance that the government gives. I have the utmost respect for those that do so now.

We sold our camper this summer and fully intended to buy a new one, however after discussing this both of us decided that perhaps just renting a cabin for a week every summer would be better for our pocketbook. I will miss camping but as long as we manage to get away from the hustle and bustle for awhile each summer I will be content.

My first challenge for the next year will involve getting used to Harvey being home ALL THE TIME. You would think that after the last 8 months this would not be a problem. Not true!!!! I find myself dreaming of time alone, just to do as I want. It seems as if I start something and then have to go and help Harvey with something else. All that I had planned to do goes out the window.....

I also need to retrain Harvey that when he is bored going shopping is not a good alternative. Seems as if this is happening more and more lately. However the last couple of days he has just taken the truck and gone for a drive, and one day he even went out for a walk. Perhaps the retraining will not be as difficult as I think.

I also need to make time for myself and my needs. Be that just sitting curled up in the recliner reading or working on one of the projects I had planned to do or even completing one of the many projects I started and put aside due to something else calling my attention away.

This is the first challenge that I need to work on next year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

New Recipe

Tonight for the first time ever I made a Shepherd's Pie for supper. I know, I know, it is probably a staple in most of my readers arsenal of cooking, but I had never made one before. I think it is a keeper.


Another way of using up leftovers and thus getting another meal at very little cost. Got to love almost free meals. This used up leftover roast beef, a half of an onion, leftover gravy, leftover peas and carrots, as well as leftover mashed potatoes. Cleaned out the fridge nicely.

We also have enough leftover for the Leftover Smorg on Friday!!!!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Trying To Save

Well here it is getting closer and closer to the end of the year and in the Phillips' household we are holding our own.

It has been a hectic 8 months since Harvey retired and our budget is pretty much done for the year. Seems as if even in retirement there are unforseen expenses. Not that we are in trouble or going to be much over our budget but next year is going to see some tweeking of catagories and costs.

That being said, I am very happy that we have been able to cut back on a few items and hopefully we will be able to cut back a bit more in the next year.

Things I am looking at getting some savings on are groceries, clothing, fuel costs, heating costs and of course electrical costs. Harvey wants to get an energy efficient furnace installed and considering our unit right now is more than likely at least 45 years old that is an excellent idea. An energy efficient furnace could save us quite a bit on heating costs over the next winter, well worth the cost of installing it.

With both of us not working (me only working perhaps 5 days a month) fuel for our vehicles should drop a bit as well. I am getting very good at combining trips and hey, on line banking is great for paying bills without even leaving the house. I am beginning to like it....shh, don't let Harvey know.

Harvey laughs at me as I run around the house shutting off the lights in rooms not in use and making sure our electric heat is off as well if no one is using the room. Now if I could just get him to do the same thing.

Grocery wise we are on a use it up to the last little bit road. So far I have had no complaints and the garbage bin is showing that we are throwing less and less out. Our meals are filling and varied and that is what counts in the long run. Costs are rising though and I am beginning to think that going meatless (or eating some type of fish) twice a week instead of just once could be a big money saver in the long run. I have found some coupon sites and have started to use them, now if I could only find some more freebie sites I would be in seventh heaven.

Harvey is finding little no cost jobs to do around the house and I am busily using up my fabric and yarn stash. The men in my life are getting lots of little handmade gifts this year. I have enough to keep me busy for a very long time. If I need anything at all it is more time in a day to get everything I want done or to try anything new.

Life on the prairies continues to be a challenge, especially the winters, but I am sure that meeting each challenge with joy and willingness as well as the help of the Lord we will get along just fine. In fact I am looking forward to it.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Winter's Beauty

This morning, as other mornings so far this winter, I woke up expecting grey skies and cold. Instead I woke up to a showing of God's infinite beauty.


Our neighbors evergreen covered in a garland of silver and white.


Our cherry trees, sparkling like diamonds in the sun.


Everywhere I looked God had painted trees and bushes with a glorious covering of white against the eggshell blue sky. Simply beautiful.

It is for days like today that I just love living here on the prairies.

I also managed to finish making the last of the Christmas gifts.

Here they are, three dishcloths or washcloths for each of our sons.


I used up yarn from my stash, and to make these gifts even less cost, the yarn used was from my stash of leftover yarns from other projects.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.


Menus

Here are my menus for the week (or at least until we leave for our Christmas visit).

Sunday

Roast Pork, roasted carrots (using the last of them up tonight), and potato patties (using up the leftover mashed potatoes).

Monday

Spaghetti and meat sauce. Served of course with garlic bread.

Tuesday

I am pulling out the package of leftover roast beef and making a pot pie. Filling it with potatoes, frozen carrots, peas, and onions.

Wednesday

Baked spaghetti, using the leftovers from Monday (always make too much spaghetti and meat sauce) and the remaining garlic bread will be heated up.

Thursday

Hot dogs with all the fixings, and the remaining celery cut into sticks with some dip.

Friday

Leftover smorg. Everything that I have in the fridge will be cleared out!!!! If I have to boil a couple of eggs that is just fine.

I will be back a bit later with some pictures of our wonderful frosty day.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Heart Sore

Today I was going to blog more about how to save money and time around the house, but after hearing the news this morning and for the rest of the day I just do not have the heart to do so.

My heart is breaking for all those parents who lost a beloved child in the tragedy today. I have been through this and know how hard it is.

I do hope that the people of the small (to them, but rather large to me) town rally around those who are grieving and give them the support that they need. Not just for the time being but for a great time to come. While you seem to put on a good face and carry on the pain of losing a little one is always, always with you.

May God watch over those that are suffering today and ever keep them in his loving hands.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Slowly But Surely

Slowly but surely I am getting the Christmas gifts finished. This week I am working on mittens for the men in my life.


These mitts were made from leftover bits and bobs from previous afghan projects. I just hate to get rid of those small balls that seem to be left after a project.

I am thinking that the three sets of mitts have just cost me some time and a few cents to make. I have another pair on my needles and I should be finished them by tomorrow. I will be moving on to using up some white cotton that I have left from another project a few years ago.

What will I be working on you ask?

The white cotton will become 4 washcloths. Two for each of our sons. Lovely!!! Once again made for pennies on the dollar.

My Christmas savings are making my frugal soul very happy.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, December 10, 2012

Finally Decorating Outside

We aren't much for decorating outside our home for Christmas, but this year due to Harvey's retirement and lots of spare time on his hands, he decided to do something outside the box.



He spent the last couple of weeks in his basement work room working on this project.  Now all we need is the sleigh filled with gifts sitting in the front yard. However he says that is a project for when we have our first grandchild. How much you want to bet that next Christmas he will be working on that project.

I hope that tomorrow I will have two pairs, perhaps even three pairs of mittens to show all of you. They are flying off my needles, much quicker than any sweater.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Weekly Menu Plans

It is that time of week again. Here are my menus for the upcoming week.

Sunday

Roast beef with roasted potatoes and carrots. I hope there is enough drippings to make gravy.

Monday

A Hamburger helper type meal. Nice and quick and all in one pot (hopefully).

Tuesday

Salmon patties, the leftover mashed potatoes from Saturday, and corn niblets (think I will mix in some green pepper for colour and texture).

Wednesday

Leftover Hamburger helper meal with baking powder biscuits.

Thursday

Leftover Ham made into I had hoped Scalloped potatoes and Ham, but I am out of our potatoes so will just warm the slices up and serve with rice, and green beans....Or perhaps stuffed into green peppers and baked with lots of cheese.

Friday

Perogies, sour cream.....

Saturday

Chicken Cordon Bleu, potatoes (I will have gone shopping for produce and dairy at this time), and sliced frozen carrots.

I am trying very hard to keep shopping to a minimum this month and if I do buy, just buy enough to see us through until we come back from Kurt's place. It is also saving us a bit of cash that we can use for the trip.

I fell outside on some ice today when I went for a walk. I am too old to be falling on my tushie and causing myself pain. I guess until the ice and snow leaves the prairies I will be using the treadmill. Darn, I hate walking inside. However better a boring walk than injuring myself and ending up in the hospital or laid up on the couch. I don't think Harvey would do well without me.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Getting Tight

It is getting closer and closer to Christmas. Where does the time go? I should have started preparing weeks before I did.

Today I spent at home baking these lovely Sugar Cookies.


I also finished sewing Harvey's pj bottoms this morning.


They look kind of wild but really aren't. I am sure he will like them as they are a lovely soft knit. The hardest part was guessing the length of the elastic to put through the casing.

Now I am busy knitting mitts. The sweaters will have to wait until lots of other projects are finished. My project board is getting pretty darn full and I need to get a few UFP's out of the way. I just keep finding new projects to add.......

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



An Apology

In trying to get rid of Spam comments this morning, I hit the wrong button and got rid of all my followers lovely comments.

That will teach me to try to do something before I am totally awake in the morning.

I will try to have another post later today.

God Bless.

Friday, December 7, 2012

A Frugal Friday

These flowers have been gracing my dining room table for the last week. Harvey won them for me at the company Christmas party. So not only did we get a wonderful free meal and entertainment, but some Christmas decor as well. I am loving my flowers and the extra decorations will be used next year for some other purpose.

Today I had to go grocery shopping and kept the total spent to under $60.00. That is wonderful considering how much grocery prices have risen over the last year. Other than that I had no other spending today.

Watching our money and using up all items is a full time job in this house. Today I pulled out all the chicken and turkey carcasses that I had frozen and made stock.


I got two large pots going on my stove and once the stock was ready boiled it down so it was nice and rich. From the stock I made a large pot of Turkey, Rice, Vegetable Soup and served some of it with crusty home made bread for supper. The rest was put into jars and frozen for more meals later on. I actually have enough for three more suppers and a jar full to give to Kris the next time he comes home for a visit.

I also spent the day when I was not stirring or tasting (you need to taste when you cook, right?) sewing Harvey's pj pants. Almost done, just need to put up the hems and thread the elastic through the waistband.

Next I pulled out balls of yarn left from other knitting projects through the years. I am busy knitting mitts for my fellows.

All in all a very productive, frugal and use it all up day.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Better Late Than Never

I had promised to show what I bought on my shopping trip to Regina over a week ago and never got around to it.

Well here are my goodies.

A friend of mine is expecting another grandchild and I plan on making a baby quilt for a gift. As I didn't have any pinks in my stash, I needed to pick up a couple of pieces of material.

Here they are.


I thought the green plaid with the bit of pink was perfect. The other colours are a light green striped fabric (a bit of white in there), the bright pink, the blue with pink flowers, and the green, white, and brown. They should all go together quite nicely.

Then as I won't get Harvey's sweater made in time for Christmas I picked up this material to make him some pj pants.





The material in behind is quilt batting for a quilt (or two) I plan on making this winter.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, December 3, 2012

The Smells of Christmas

Around this house the smells of Christmas are usually of the baking or candy making variety.  I think this is because growing up my Mom spent weeks making all sorts of cookies, breads, and slices. The smells when we would arrive home from school were out of this world. Guess I am trying to recreate that memory.

So I have spent the last few days trying to get caught up in these areas. Even though we are traveling to visit with Kurt for Christmas I still want to bring food with me.

First I made my usual shortbread.



Then I moved on to Peanut Brittle. I made the mistake of leaving it where Harvey could graze on it and I think I will need to make another batch.


I made caramels, and Bavarian Mints. The caramels are the first picture and the Bavarian Mints are the second.




I next made Surprise Brittle, the surprise being that the base is made of soda crackers.


Butter tarts were next on the list.


Then came Truffles, Chocolate Snowballs and After Dinner Mints. For some reason I think I forgot to take a photo of the Chocolate Snowballs.

Here are the Truffles.


And here are the mints.


I am not finished yet. I would still like to make some Sugar Cookies and Swedish Rosettes and a couple of other items that I remember Mom making all the time. Hope to get those done this week and weekend along with Almond Bark.

So now you know what I have been busy trying to do between subbing at school and running to the church for meetings.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Menus Dec. 2 to Dec. 8

Well everyone here is what we will be eating over the next week. This time I am just going to list the main course. I find my side dishes change according to what I have available in my fridge, pantry and freezer.

Sunday
Leftover stew and I will make dumplings to go on top.

Monday
Leftover pork roast made into a casserole or perhaps a sweet and sour dish.

Tuesday
Chicken Breasts cooked in the slow cooker (got some subbing to do today and I can get Harvey to start this for me or even start it myself).

Wednesday
Smoked sausage (subbing again today so this is very quick and I have a meeting that night).

Thursday
Leftovers. I am pretty sure there will be lots to clean out of the fridge tonight.

Friday
I plan on making soup stock today (cleaning out those carcasses) so some kind of soup and perhaps grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Saturday
Steak baked in mushroom sauce (have a package of steak that has been in the freezer for awhile and need to get it used).

So those are my main dishes for the upcoming week.

Right now I am busy baking and making candy for the Christmas holidays. Hope to post pictures soon of everything I have made.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Retirement

I know that I said I would sub at the schools as an aide, and I know the need is desperate, there are too few subs out there, but I am getting tired of being called at the last minute to fill in. Hey even subs need a bit more notice then "Hey can you come in to work...." "When do you need me?" "Like right now!" Hmmm, makes you wonder.

I am becoming more and more enamored of the idea of full retirement each and everyday. It isn't like we need the money I make, more a boy its nice to have that bit extra. After all it usually pays the satellite bill, landline bill and even my mobile bill, but that could be paid out of retirement funds just as well.

I enjoy being able to curl up with a book and read all day if I so choose, or sit in my recliner and knit the day away.

I have a feeling that this will be the first and last year that I will be subbing.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

Take care.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Menus November 25 to December 1

A bit late with this, but better late then never.

Sunday

Chili and toast

Monday

Meatloaf, mashed potato cakes (using up those leftover mashed potatoes), green beans.

Tuesday

Using up the leftover Chicken a la King on some baking powder biscuits leftover from breakfast today.

Wednesday

Leftover Roast beef made into a stew with potatoes, carrots, peas and onions.

Thursday

Leftover Chili on Pasta and a salad.

Friday

We get to go to a Christmas party with a free dinner. Free is always good.

Saturday

Leftover stew with dumplings.

Trying to keep the fridge as clean as possible and still serve well balanced meals. I think I am doing okay for the most part..... It doesn't help when you have a major carnivore to cook for or when you no longer work and take leftovers for lunch. I kind of skip lunch many days when I am not working.

I am hoping to get more inventive with my meals very soon. I am sure most of my readers find my meals very boring.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Car Trip Today

Kurt made it home last night at about 7:30 so we were a hungry bunch of people gathering around the supper table. We haven't eaten that late in years. Turns out he had forgotten about the time change and could not figure out where he lost an hour on his watch.





That's right we are heading on a trip. Of course the trip is only to Regina where we will pick up Kris, do some shopping, pick up the prize we won in the Hospital's of Regina draw, eat supper and drop Kurt off at the airport. Sure hope the weather cooperates with us.

Hopefully I will have some nice surprises to show all of you tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Saving To Get What We Need

Over the years Harvey has often wondered why I try to save as much as I possibly can. When we paid off the mortgage on our house 15 years early he started to get an inkling.

Now that he is retired and looks at our financial portfolio he is usually pleasantly surprised. Over the years we managed to put a tidy sum away. Which as it happens is a very good thing.

We live in a province where some winters we can get 2 feet of snow in one blizzard and this last storm a couple of weeks ago almost did us in. We (as I continued to point out to Harvey) are not getting any younger and body parts are starting to ache a bit more after usage.

Today, off he went to look at snowblowers (after all we have our own version of Black Friday in Canada now and don't have to fight the huge lines). He found just what he was looking for at Sears.





We are now the proud owners of a beauty just like this one. Once Kurt gets back with the truck Harvey will go and pick it up (most likely in the morning).

This was a big chunk of change, but he managed to get $300.00 off and the money we will save down the road on medical bills will be priceless.

These types of purchases are why we are frugal. It is so we can spend money where we really need to and make our lives just a bit easier.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Wishing



Here is wishing all my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

I Should Have Known

The weather has been wonderful this past week. So nice in fact that it tempted me to go outside without a coat or with coat unzipped..... Not a good idea.

The night before last I slept for a grand total of perhaps 3 hours, had a lovely tickle (not) in my throat, and bouts of prolonged sneezing. Hmmm, that should have tipped me off as well.

While I did sleep much better last night I woke up with a lovely cold, no cough as of yet but stuffed nose, runny nose and slight sinus headache.

 This is where I want to be....


But this is what I will be doing instead.

Cleaning the paper monster off my computer desk so it looks like this (hopefully)

It never will but one can live in perpetual hope.

Folding the laundry that dried on my lines in the basement.


Christmas is coming quickly and I need to get started baking.





And tonight I need to chair the parish council meeting. Like all of you busy people I do not have time to be sick. 

Off to tend the home fires and keep right on frugaling (is that a word) away.

Everybody have a wonderful day. God bless.


Sunday, November 18, 2012

Menus For The Upcoming Week Nov. 18 to Nov. 24

It is that time of the week again.

Here are my menus for the upcoming week.

Sunday
Ham, mashed potatoes (this has already been changed to egg noodles), brussel sprouts, and the leftover salad from last night. The leftover ham will be packaged up to use in other meals.

Monday
Fish Fillets, salad and oven fries.

Tuesday
Breakfast for supper, we will be having pancakes. I have a meeting so this is quick and filling.

Wednesday
Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and green or yellow beans. Have a meeting tonight as well so clean up will be quick and I may need comfort food tonight. : )

Thursday
Chicken A La King on toast.

Friday
Leftovers if there are any or Glace, fried eggs and onions.

Saturday
We will be gone so supper will be out. Not at all frugal, but since we will be with our sons, absolutely priceless.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Giving A Quick Lesson



I have used Sashay yarn to knit scarves for awhile now and was quite surprised when I made a quick trip to WalMart to pick up a new seam ripper or two (I really have a problem with breakage) to run into some older ladies who were just discovering it for the first time.

It seems they had just come from a craft sale we have here every year where a woman was selling these scarves for anywhere from $30 to $40 and decided to give it a try on their own. They told me they loved the scarves but just couldn't afford to buy them at that price. I quite agreed with them way to high a price. Even the sale price of $20 the seller had listed a few at is over 3 times what it would cost to make one yourself.

None of them knew how to start them so out came my glasses, and I started to show these lovely ladies how to go about knitting with this yarn. One of the ladies needed to buy the right sized needles so she handed them to me. I proceeded to show them how to use the yarn and how to cast on the stitches they needed. I even did a couple of rows to show them it got easier as a person went along.

I handed everything back to the lady and glanced up to see a crowd of 15 ladies watching.

As I waved goodbye and wondered to the front of the store and the checkout I noticed many of the group getting their own yarn and needles.

Guess I gave my first knitting class ever without even knowing it.






Here is hoping that one of the ladies end up with a scarf like one of these.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Friday, November 16, 2012

Not Everything Is Roses


 Well we are entering a new phase of our married life.

Harvey has managed to do all the little things around the house that need to be done and now he is starting to do some of the things I usually do. Hmmm, not a good idea. This is going to take some getting used to, that plus the fact that when he is bored he goes shopping.

Sure, most of the time he buys things we need, or have talked about getting some time in the future, but not now.

This leads to arguments and frustration on my part.


This retirement gig is not going as smoothly as I would wish.

Hopefully things will smooth out once again and life will continue along as much as it ever did.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Working On The To Do List

The past few days I have been busy in the sewing room and at the office desk.

For the first time in many, many years I actually have time to do this.





Almost done now, just a couple more to do. I have a great feeling of accomplishment as I look at this pile of cards. Postage will cost, but I have at least kept in contact with a few of my Dad's brothers and sisters as well as Harvey's family.

I have also made a few items. First off was an embroidered fleece scarf. I used some leftover fleece from Kurt and Kris's Christmas gifts last year. The picture did not turn out, but I wore it to work today and got lots of compliments on it. I will try and get a better picture tomorrow and post it.

I also made some booties to go with the robe I made a few months ago.

While they are nothing fancy, they keep my feet toasty warm and cost me pennies to make. Now those 15 year old slippers that should not still be seeing the light of day can be gotten rid of. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, November 12, 2012

My OCD Kicking In

To stay on track during my day I make lists of what I have to do. I love seeing things stroked off as they are accomplished.

I decided that maybe this would be a good thing to do for all the unfinished projects, and projects that I need to have done by Christmas.... So I made a list and posted it in my sewing/craft room.





This picture is not too clear, but you get the idea.

Every time I complete a project it will get erased. I managed to erase one today. I got the spare room curtains done. So that project was erased from the board.




Still lots more to do and not much time to get everything done by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.

I also need to post my menus (at least the main courses for the week).

Sunday

Roast Beef, roast potatoes, carrots and gravy. The leftovers were packaged up to use in another meal later on.

Monday

Baked Spaghetti, using up the leftover spaghetti and meat sauce from Saturday. Made a salad to go along with it.

Tuesday

Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs (these got put aside last week), rice, and the remaining salad from Monday night.

Wednesday

Smoked Sausage, sauerkraut, and baked beans.

Thursday

Leftover frozen Pork made into a casserole

Friday

Fish Fillets, oven fries and coleslaw

Saturday

Leftover Smorg.....if there isn't  enough left, well I will make Chicken Cordon Bleu along with mashed potatoes and beets.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.