Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Years

Regular posts will begin again very soon. I have been busy with family through the holidays.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Monday, December 24, 2018

Menu Monday

Good Christmas Eve to all that celebrate. Almost the end of another year.

Monday

Lasagna and garlic bread.

Tuesday

Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, stuffing, gravy, pickles, cranberries, and salad. Probably missed a few sides in the list. 

Wednesday

Homemade Turkey soup from some of the leftovers, along with sandwiches (or perhaps open faced buns. I hope to make a rather large batch of soup so as to freeze a few portions and give some to Kris and Kurt to take home.

Thursday

The boys are probably leaving tomorrow, so perhaps we should celebrate my birthday by heading out for supper. Chinese food seems like a lovely idea.

Friday

It will more than likely be a clean out the fridge night. Pretty sure there will be lots for Harvey and I to choose from.

Saturday

Leftover turkey made into something tasty, just not too sure what as of yet. Serving this with a tossed salad.

Sunday

Pork Roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and the leftover salad.

Another week down and after this week only 1 day left in the year.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Sunday Ramblings

Today we light the fourth Sunday of Advent candle in our Advent Wreaths. The time is almost here, anticipation almost overwhelms us. 

I am helping decorate the church for awhile this afternoon. It seems as if we no longer have a decorating committee to do these things and the Pastoral Council is slowly taking over things of this nature. This actually is making me think even more about handing in my resignation, the same people do things over and over again. No one stepping forward to take the place of those who are just plumb tired out or who want to take a back seat for a breather. Pastoral Council is becoming a large unwieldly body with more committees and reps than ever before. There seems to be overlap in committees to an extent that makes doing your committees work a trifle difficult. 

I think it could be just the right time (not only because of medical issues, the not knowing part cause I will find out very soon) for me to step back and really evaluate my involvement.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Frugal Friday

Oh my goodness it is almost Christmas and the end of the year. I know I have said it before but as I get older the years seem to fly by.

My frugal five for this week.

1.  Went shopping and used rebates and coupons to save $23.53 on my groceries, that total does include some sale priced items.

2.  Using the treadmill everyday for exercise now that the weather is so unpredictable.

3.  Slowly but surely cutting the salvaged fabric into 4" squares to use in quilts.

4.  Using my Instant Pot more and more. Meals are ready much quicker and I am saving power costs as well.

5.  No food waste this week.

Everybody have a wonderful afternoon/evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

More Twinkling Lights

Just a couple more pictures from our outing last night.

The last one was my favorite. Our city Fire Department. They did an awesome job.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

An Evening Drive

No Thrifty Tuesday post today, instead I thought I would share our visit to a small park to look at Christmas lights.

Three years ago a group of people and businesses in our city got together and decided instead of putting up Christmas Card lane in front of the Court House they would try something different. We have a small regional park just outside the city and they thought they would set up light displays.

The first year there were only a few displays, last year a few more. This year, however the park was wonderful!!

Here are some of the displays.

Please excuse Harvey's face. I was taking pictures from the passenger side of our car and he could not get out of the way. These are a bit blurry as well because we were moving.

After two flashbulbs in the face Harvey decided it might just be better to stop for photo ops.


More to come tomorrow, since blogger will not allow me to upload anymore pictures.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Menu Monday

Oh wow, the end of this year is quickly approaching. Where on earth has all the time gone?

Monday

A package of frozen leftover roast beef made into something similar to stew. Serving it over thick slices of homemade bread. Get lots of veggies in this way as well.

Tuesday

A package of leftover ham. There is a casserole I want to try, but I must remember to put it together the night before.

Wednesday

Clean out the fridge night of all leftovers. What isn't eaten will be frozen.

Thursday

Chicken breasts done in the Instant Pot. Not sure how as of yet, but will be looking at recipes today.

Friday

Lazy perogies.....That way there will be some leftover for Kurt and Kris for their lunches.

Saturday

Soup and sandwiches. I am going to make a big pot of Spicy Lentil Soup. Served with grilled cheese sandwiches. This should fill us all up and give me plenty of leftovers for later.

Sunday

Chili and toast. Using up chili I froze a couple of weeks ago for just this purpose.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Sunday Ramblings

Today at Mass we lit the third candle in our advent wreath. This candle represents Joy.

We know we are getting close to Christmas and close to receiving that wonderous gift the birth of Christ.

What fills us with more joy than the birth of a child. Advent is preparing for Christ's coming. We need to renew our commitment as Christians to reach out to others. Especially those who are most vulnerable. Christ did not come in robes and fully grown instead he came as a baby, vulnerable and needing our love. 

Let us reach out to those in need making sure all people have food, shelter and clothing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Frugal Friday

So what are my frugal five for this past week?

1.  Stock up shopped using coupons and rebates.

2.  Got our Christmas gifts on sale.

3.  Four days this week were cook once eat twice. Saves time and power as I can warm things up in the microwave instead of the oven.

4.  My cholesterol dropped so I have another 8 weeks to see if I can get it any lower. This means no meds for now saving on health expenses.

5.  Will post some tops of mine that I decluttered to see if any sell (extra cash is always good). If they don't I will be donating them to one of the second hand shops in town.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Thursday Tidbits

I made a decision today. I am going to finish the baby blanket before I start anything else. That includes baking for Christmas. I am just getting too overwhelmed with stuff.  I only have 14 inches left to go on the blanket so I really hope to finish it by the weekend. At least then I can concentrate on those other items on my goal list.

Next week I will need to make my Christmas calls to my three remaining Aunts. Much nicer to speak to them rather than send a card. Keeping in close touch is very important to me right now.

Break is over and it is back to knitting and eating my small night snack (I believe that Harvey has been eating my heart smart popcorn as well),

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Another Appointment

I went to the doctor's again today, this time to get the results from the newest blood tests. I am happy to report that my bad cholesterol is down and my good cholesterol is up!! We are going to try diet and exercise for another 8 weeks and see if it goes down even more. I am a happy patient, I really did not want to take meds as sometimes the side effects can be pretty bad.

However the doctor noticed that I hadn't had a mammogram in a very long time so I have another appointment in Regina. Thank heavens it is made for the same day I go for the gynecological tests. That saves us having to travel up to the city another day. Harvey is just shaking his head in confusion. I did tell him that this would be the end of tests unless the gynecologist finds that the high grade cells are cancer and I need to undergo treatments for that.

However, because of the doctor appointment in the middle of the afternoon I did not get everything accomplished that I had hoped to. Tomorrow is going to be jam packed!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Thrifty Tuesday

It is harder to be thrifty at this time of year. We are bombarded with "Buy me" or buying necessary postage to mail various parcels. So I am doing my best to do what I can in a thrifty manner.

I joined a Secret Santa gift exchange on a forum I belong to. Thank heavens I got a lady, cause trying to get a gentleman's gift for what we are allowed to spend is quite beyond me. I have lots of little things I have fashioned or bought earlier to put in this parcel. No need to run out and purchase anything.

I spent some time on the phone today setting up appointments for the next two weeks. I am hoping that these will be the last until I have the specialist appointments next month.

I have also spent some time looking for a coupon for our overnight stay in Regina next month. Nothing has popped up as of yet, but I do have a month to keep searching. May even find some meal coupons as well.

Still using up items in the fridge and freezers. I have cooked big batches the last two days and frozen the extra. Love cooking once and eating twice. Saves time, and electricity. One thing I have to do more of is use my plug in appliances. Why have them if you don't use them. 

I am keeping my eyes open for an inexpensive laptop. I would like one for my sewing/craft room. Second hand for the purpose I have in mind would be quite alright.

Other thrifty moves were fixing a hem on Harvey's dress pants, as well as a small rip in the pocket. I also darned another pair of socks and a small opening in a seam on the small quilt Harvey curls up with in the living room.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Menu Monday

Second full week of the month. We are not going to be going anywhere so all meals will be here at home.

Monday

Spaghetti and meat sauce along with raw veggies and dip.

Tuesday

A package of the leftover chicken I froze made into a casserole. Served with fresh whole wheat bread (got to make bread this week).

Wednesday

Leftover Spaghetti and meat sauce turned into Baked Spaghetti. I think I will make asparagus with this.

Thursday

Leftover Chicken Casserole, served with mixed veggies.

Friday

Tuna Casserole.

Saturday

Leftover Baked Spaghetti and salad.

Sunday

I am going to make the meatballs from the previous week that did not get made. Served in a mushroom sauce with noodles. Extra will be made and frozen for when Kurt and Kris are home and I don't feel like cooking.

Everybody have a wonderful week. 

God bless.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Sunday Ramblings

The second Sunday of Advent and in the Roman Catholic tradition we light the second candle for love. The love the Lord has for us even with all our faults and the love we should all share with each other.

It has been a quiet day. Harvey made us breakfast when we got home from Mass, I did the dishes and got the chicken ready to be put in the oven.

Then came baking, or should I say melting, mixing and just a touch of oven use.

These are the centers to what will be snowballs when served. Just have to roll them in icing (confectioners) sugar before serving.

Chocolate Bavarian Mints. Once again just melting and mixing ingredients. I will be cutting them tomorrow. Just making sure they are set.

Brittle Surprise was next on the list. I will be breaking this up very soon (Hubby has gotten into it already). This is sometimes known as Christmas Crack around here. Whatever you call it, this is amazing and very addictive.

I was asked for my Almond Bark recipe. It is one that I sort of made up as the years have gone by.

Almond Bark

3 cups white chocolate chips or white dipping chocolate
2 1/2 cups of almonds (this year the slivered almonds were on sale so that is what I used)
1/2 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract (which every you prefer)

Melt chocolate, mix in almonds and flavouring. Pour into wax paper lined baking pan as thin as possible. Mine turned out a bit thicker this year, but Harvey seems to enjoy it anyway.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Saturday, December 8, 2018

Saturday Roundup

This week has not been as busy as it should have been, yet I did manage to get a few things completed on the goal list.

The tree has been decorated and Krista's wreath is up. The rest of the house is slowly taking shape as well.

Shortbread and Almond bark is made.

I still need to take a picture of the finished infinity scarves but will wait until I get three new ones made.

Got my Christmas gift. A Cricut machine!! Just have to hook it up to the computer and it will be ready to go. May have to order a few more items to go along with it once that is completed.

Batting for some lap quilts, new needles, some thread for regular and embroidery, and of course those small pieces of fancy knit fabric for a few more infinity scarves.

Then at Michael's some scented candles (pine of course), some embroidery floss, 2 small square cake pans (mine were pretty ratty) and just because some on sale yarn (I really did not need the yarn but fell in love with it).

No picture of the groceries, but it is really nice to have an almost full freezer once again during these cold days. I was getting slightly anxious over the emptying shelves in the meat freezer.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Friday, December 7, 2018

Frugal (or perhaps not so frugal) Friday

While today was not totally frugal it was a wonderful day spent with those that love me.

1.  Used coupons to cut down the costs of our shopping today.

2.  Ate a late lunch/early supper so the cost was about half of what our meals usually cost.

3.  Used scrap knit fabric to make infinity scarves.

4.  Found enough yarn in my stash to make the baby blanket for youngest DS's coworker.

5.  Used up lots of bits and pieces from the fridge and freezers.

Tomorrow I will share pictures of a few of my goodies from our shopping/stock up trip today. Hubby and I got our Christmas gifts to each other a bit early and I can hardly wait to share mine with you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Thursday Tidbits

This week has been moving right along at break neck speed. Not long before both Kurt and Kris are home for a bit of a holiday. It will sure be great to see them.

Tomorrow (as long as the weather holds) we will be heading to Regina for our shopping. There are empty spots in my pantry and in my freezers so I am looking forward to filling them. Harvey has a few things he wants to pick up as well so we should have a full vehicle once we get home.

I am a bit concerned about how prices keep rising. Nothing is going down except for gas for our vehicles and that probably won't be doing so for very long. I have a feeling I will be planting more veggie and such in containers this year as fruits and vegetables are getting very costly.

Kris sent me a text this week asking if I had any baby blankets knitted up. I gave all I had to Kurt when he was last at home (his female teaching co workers seem to be off on maternity once again). I guess one of Kris's co workers is expecting her first child and he thought a knitted blanket would be a nice gift. I have one started (neutral colours) and I hope to be finished it before he goes back to work after Christmas.

Baking has begun and now I have to try and keep Harvey from "taste testing" everything to the point I will need to make more.

A few of the monthly goals have been completed and the list is slowly growing shorter. Hope to get a couple more crossed off this weekend.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Thrifty Tuesday

It has been busy around here as it gets closer and closer to the holiday.

I have had a few thrifty moves here over the past week.

1.  Many years ago I made cloth bags for Christmas gifts. I am using them this year once again. Now they are costing almost nothing to use.

2.  Finished one more of the sewing projects left from the summer (down to two projects now).

3.  Cut out a knit top for part of my Christmas outfit.

4.  Using scrap fabric to make 4 knit infinity scarves. Two of which will be for gifts.

Leaving you with some pictures of one of our frosty mornings.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, December 3, 2018

Menu Monday

The year is drawing to a close and the weather does not cooperate with getting out and about very often. I am hoping the weather people are correct and Friday is as nice as they say it is (need nice weather for our trip to stock up).

Monday

Leftover ham from the fridge freezer. I am leaning towards scalloped potatoes and ham as I can make that in the microwave. I have prayer shawl meeting today and need something I can put together quickly.

Tuesday

Sausage along with mixed veggies and probably pasta.

Wednesday

Chicken legs and thighs done in the Instant Pot. The booklet that came with it has a very interesting recipe.

Thursday

Clean out the fridge night.

Friday

Hopefully eating an early meal out in Regina with Kris. If once again the weather decides to not cooperate we will be having Salmon fillets. Not sure how I will make them this time.

Saturday

Meatballs in mushroom sauce (I am making extra to freeze). Probably served with noodles and with peas and carrots.

Sunday

Roast Chicken (if we managed to get up for the stock shopping). It could be some soup made with some of the stock in the freezer downstairs. 

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Sunday Ramblings

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we lit the candle of hope at Mass. While Advent is a time of waiting, each Sunday is special in this wonderful time.

The readings today were all about Hope. Hope for the world, hope for the coming of our Lord and for me hope in the inherit goodness of the people around me.

Today I spent most of the afternoon decorating our tree. It is finished now and I have been enjoying the twinkle of the lights as I knit and watch television. The world and all it's problems seem very far away right now, something that I am enjoying.

I also managed to get one of the goals for this month (other than getting the tree up) completed and have started on another small one. Little bites of the elephant that I make for myself every year. I am hoping to get all the little goals finished quite quickly so the bigger (or those that will take more time) will have my full attention.

May the Hope of the season fill you all with peace.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Saturday Roundup

When I got up this morning our plans changed. It was raining and freezing pretty hard and so we did not travel to Regina for our stock up trip. Instead we stayed snugly in our home. This does give me another week of cleaning out the meat freezer. Something that is definitely needed.

Now the plan is to go up on Friday of next week. Kris has an EDO that day and so will still be able to come shopping with us. A good thing as Harvey wants to get some speakers for the television downstairs. He isn't too good at finding those on his own. 

Harvey got the Christmas tree out and the lights on, I began putting out all the bits and bobs of Christmas. The decorating of the tree will commence tomorrow as that usually takes me most of the day to accomplish. Each decoration is removed from its box or package and I think about where it came from or who gave it to me. If I didn't do that the tree would probably be finished much earlier.

The past week went by in a blur. It seems that the older I get the faster time goes by.

I did not get all my goals finished last month though the last week saw a few things completed (or almost completed). They have been moved to this month and hopefully they, plus the new goals will be done, or at least a big dent will happen.

Budget entries will have to wait until I get the tree decorated, and some baking/candy making is completed. Really I think I am putting it off as I am a bit concerned over how much money we spent.

I cut out one of the two tops I wish to make before Christmas, and got the fabric cut to make a few infinity scarves. I plan on working on those first thing next week. A couple of cut out projects at a time I think I can handle.

I am still trying to figure out the best time to let Kurt and Kris know about my upcoming trip to the specialist. I know it has to be done, but really is there ever a good time to pass on news that could be life changing for all of us. I know I will tell them sometime over the holidays (probably not the best time, but at least I can tell them face to face) and I know they will be slightly angry that I didn't tell them before now.

My new drapes are up and look marvelous! It was past time to get rid of the old ones. I do wish I could have cut them down, but really they were quite beyond saving.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.





Friday, November 30, 2018

Frugal Friday

The end of another month and the end of the year quickly approaching. Things have not been too frugal around here lately, but I will see what I can list for frugal happenings.

1.  Still working on using things up in the freezer.

2  Going stock up shopping tomorrow. My list and coupons are ready to go as well.

3.  All of the main Christmas gifts are made. Happily they were all made from items I already had on hand.

4.  Combined errands yesterday.

5.  Replaced the faded and worn living room drapes with new on sale ones. I have been waiting a long time for the ones I wanted to be reduced in price.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Slowly, Slowly

Winter has arrived bringing with it rain, snow, and clouds. I woke up this morning to a sheen on the small amount of snow we have on the ground. It rained during the night and roads were very treacherous.

I phoned Kris to make sure he had gotten back and forth to work okay as I saw on the news that the city of Regina, where he lives and works, had 50 accidents. He said the roads were terrible this morning, but he made it to work only a few minutes late. Others arrived after him. The roads after had been sanded so travel was a bit easier.

I told him that providing the weather cooperates we would be up in the city on Saturday to do our stock up shop and asked if he wanted to join us. Of course he said yes.

Slowly, but surely I am making my way through my goal list for this month. I managed to get another top sewn today. This leaves only two unfinished sewing projects to try and get done this month. I will probably get another one done and only have to carry one through to next month. That doesn't mean I haven't got other projects to carry over and new ones to add. I think I might just have too many projects on the go for one month.

Lists are made for next month and the run up to Christmas, here is hoping I haven't got carried away again.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, November 26, 2018

Menu Monday

The last of November and the beginning of December. This year has flown by.

I made a change yesterday to the menu as Harvey wanted to be able to take his meal downstairs to watch the culmination of the CFL. In other words to watch the Grey Cup. So chili which was to be made tomorrow was made last night.

Hopefully that will be the only change this week.

Monday

Remaining frozen Turkey Corn Soup with salmon sandwiches.

Tuesday

Leftover chili on pasta. Salad would be nice to get more vegetables into the diet.

Wednesday

The Beef Roast meal I was going to make on Sunday. Roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and perhaps salad.

Thursday

Leftover roast beef made into hash I hope. Served with the last of the asparagus.

Friday

Pancakes or breakfast for supper.

Saturday

Weather permitting we will be heading to the city. Plan on picking up Kris, shopping and then having an early dinner. Got to love not having to cook.

Sunday

Leftover Turkey made into a casserole that will last a few days (or at least I hope it will).

The menus are made up for December, but are open to change. If things get busy, well menus will be switched around. It also depends on how when Kurt and Kris arrive and how long they are staying.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.


Sunday, November 25, 2018

Sunday Ramblings

I love Sundays. So relaxing overall. Not as many household tasks to accomplish and lots of time to knit, sew or read.

Mass was a bit over long today but I still made it home in time for Harvey to make me some brunch. Bacon, eggs and toast, it really hit the spot.

Next week we start a new liturgical year in the Catholic church. Advent begins and the wait for Christmas has arrived bringing with it expectations for the birth of a very special being. It is also a busy season for getting ready for Christmas with the family. 

Today Harvey got to watch the Grey Cup. Not sure who has won, but I haven't heard any yelling from the basement so it just might be the team he is cheering for is winning or has won.

Me, well I have kept busy knitting. It was such a dark and dreary day that sewing was pretty much out of the question. I, however, am happy as long as I can keep my hands occupied with something worthwhile. I may just have a new vest to wear by the middle of the week, and manage to use up some more of that yarn stash.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Saturday Roundup

Today has been dark and dreary. I can't say that it has been cold, and no rain or snow fell, those are big pluses. Yet with no sunshine it was hard to get into the mood to really do anything.

This week saw me finish the prayer shawl, start another knitting project for the evenings, finish two of those sewing projects that have been sitting around, do some decluttering and see Harvey work on getting the hall and our bedroom ready to paint.

I actually could probably have finished a second sewing project today, but just was not in the mood. I will get the second simple top completed tomorrow after Mass (at least I hope to). I won't be able to do much sewing on Monday as I have a quarterly visit to my dentist for a cleaning mid afternoon. I may just try to get something else from my goals list completed instead.

Decluttering and extra cleaning filled up the rest of my days. After a very long hiatus from decluttering I got back at it. I don't think that I will reach my goal for the year, but I am giving it a good try.

My winter stock up list has been made. Harvey figures it really does not save us much, but I know it really does. Fewer buys from our more expensive grocery stores here in town, less gas being used to get from place to place, and a bit more variety in the way of groceries. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, November 23, 2018

Frugal Friday

Well the end of the work week. That is if we still left the house to work.

1.  Stuck to the grocery list. Even managed to get a few extra items for Christmas baking.

2.  Reading a free book on my ereader.

3.  Finished Christmas shopping. Managed to get everything on sale or at a reduced price.

4.  Once again paid all bills online.

5.  Made the stock up list for our shopping trip next weekend.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.