Saturday Roundup

Well, every day since the cast was removed I am gaining a bit of strength an dexterity in my wrist and hand. I can now put my own bra on (believe me this is major as I was teasing Harvey that it took him less time to take it off than put it on), put my hair in a pony tale, use regular floss instead of threaders or picks, pick up my pills (well not the real small ones yet), and other small things that I have been unable to do while the cast was on, and for the first couple of days after. The luxury of using two hands to wash my hair is mind boggling. I am doing the exercises the doctor gave me three times a day, and in a couple of weeks will be having regular physio appointments. I am determined to get as much mobility as possible in this wrist (the bone moved a bit and so movement ad dexterity will be compromised a bit according to the doctor).

Yesterday I worked on my mending and got a bit of hand sewing done as well as my sewing machine threaded and a small seam repaired. Today I managed to rethread and sew an entire seam on that knit skirt I cut out before my accident. Then I went on to knit a whole row (without stopping) on the blanket of many colours. I hope to manage even more tomorrow.

The weather here has been up and down.

This is what greeted us yesterday morning.

The start of what is hoped to be the last storm of the winter.

By mid morning this is what it looked like.

At this point in time we had about three inches of snow with it still coming down. By the end we had close to 5 inches and it was freezing cold. One could say it felt like January rather than March.

This miserable weather did have one good result. It kept Harvey busy doing reno's.

The basement bedroom/office/library is coming along nicely. 

Walls and ceiling painted. A second coat of polyurethane on the pine boards.

Closet sanded and painted. 

Floor is down.

Next Harvey will be working on the chair rail, the closet casing, and the baseboards. Of course there will be a few touch ups, but we are thinking things can be moved into here next week.

When Kris comes home he will be helping with sanding and mudding in the Man Cave portion of the basement. 

After almost 2 years (yep it will be two years since we were flooded in 4 months), it is so nice to see an end in sight.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

Well it is the lead up to Easter and for the first time ever Harvey and I will be by ourselves. This means a change in the menu plan as a turkey is just too much for the two of us to consume. I think we will end up having pork chops instead, but I am not too sure for Easter Sunday and I will pull a container of leftover chili out for Saturday.

Every Easter for the last few years we have gotten snow. This year is no exception. We got about 1/2 inch late this afternoon and another storm is moving in, supposedly dropping up to 12 inches tomorrow. Sure glad that I have everything we need. Living on the valley edge if there is any wind at all we get rather large snow drifts forming on our road and in the driveway. This sometimes makes navigation out very difficult. It is a relief to know there is no where we need to be. I am sure we will be forgiven if we miss Good Friday services. It seems as if winter has sunk her claws in very deeply and just doesn't want to let go.

My hand and wrist were very stiff and sore this morning, but I pushed my way through the exercises and things seemed to loosen up a bit. I did the same exercises this afternoon and will do them once more before bed. I also managed to get my first Physio treatment booked. It isn't until April 9, but that still gives me a couple of treatments before I see the doctor again.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tasty

My cast is now off, but I find my wrist and arm to be very weak. After typing that phrase my arm started to hurt so I am back to typing with one hand.

Today I am going to share the leftover roast beef recipe with you. It was cheesy goodness!!

Meaty Potato Bake

3 cups peeled cubed potatoes
2 cups chopped leftover roast beef
can of tomato soup
sprinkle of pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Combine first three ingredients and a generous sprinkle of pepper in a bowl, and mix well. Spread in a greased 2 quart casserole. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour, covered. Or until potatoes are tender.

Take off top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for another 2 or 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serves 4.

Harvey really liked this and even had a second helping.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

I woke up to heavy fog and a lovely layer of hoar frost covering every surface that it is able to. If the sun ever gets through the fog, there will be diamond glints on everything.

Monday

Chili and toast. I plan on making a large batch. Some for freezing and some for DS to take home with him.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef made into a casserole. Must look up some new recipes.

Wednesday

Home made chicken noodle/pasta soup, or perhaps beef barley.

Thursday

Clean out the fridge.

Friday

This was going to be a tuna casserole, but as Kris really dislikes this I need to think of another no meat meal for this night. Perhaps scrambled egg sandwiches.

Saturday

Turkey and all the trimmings for Easter today as Kris will more than likely be heading home on Sunday.

Sunday

Leftover turkey and trimmings from last night.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

Mass took a bit longer today as we celebrated Palm Sunday. No real homily, instead Father asked us to meditate on the Passion of our Lord. Still was a lengthy one though.

I don't know how much of Holy week I will be able to attend. It all depends on the weather and this silly cast. I so enjoy this part of the church year as it fills me with hope for the coming year.

Harvey has decided to finish one room in the basement before moving on to the next. I think the mudding, sanding, and re doing both a couple of times got to him. He feels doing one room at a time will show some accomplishment. Since he (and Kris when home) are the ones doing all the work, I am keeping my mouth closed. I do hope to have pictures of the almost finished bedroom to share with you all later in the week.

The snow we got earlier is almost gone, and the weather leading up to Easter looks pretty good. I am hoping the sun continues to shine, and that spring is really here.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

This week has been quiet around the old homestead. There have been many small frugal goals met this week, but nothing really big has happened.

1.  I have gotten the saved seeds out to be started in the next few weeks. 

2.  Using up leftovers to advantage and being able to make quick changes to the monthly menu plans to do just that.

3.  Used a gift card from Christmas to download some novels to my ereader.

4.  Used some coupons when shopping this week.

5.  Planning sewing projects to use up fabric left from other projects.

So not really too badly done on the frugal front. There are a few more small items such as using up samples, combining errands, and walking for exercise when I am able to do so.

This is what we woke up to this morning.

It got steadily worse until I could not see down into the valley at all.

Then, all of a sudden, just before supper....

It cleared up completely. The wind has caused some fairly large drifts, but at least we have a bit of a break before the second wave hits.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

The dat started of very foggy with a fairly stiff breeze. After bill paying and shopping the sun eas shining, still had the stiff breeze though.

Now the sky is full of dark storm clouds and the wind has picked up even more. It looks as if the next snow storm is well on the way.

This picture was taken by someone driving on the highway just south of the city that Kris, our youngest lives in.

The blowing snow is sticking to the road and the wind is causing vehicles to be blown off the road and into the ditch. This all before the real snow reaches us.

It is at times like this I am so glad that Harvey is retired and no longer has to go out in any and all weather to keep the pump jacks up and running in his area of the oil patch. I am also happy at times like this that I no longer have to try to get from one side of our city to the other on slippery or snow covered roads.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Something To Look Forward To

I mentioned earlier about getting together fabric and patterns so that once I get the go ahead I can start to sew.

Thought I would share some pictures with you. Today will be about half of what I have put together.

Some purple linen that will become a pair of clam diggers/pedal pushers or what ever you care to call them.

This light grey with a white stripe crepe fabric will become the short sleeved dress.

Not sure which view of this dress I will make. Pretty sure it will not be the one with long sleeves.

This beautiful deep amethyst knit will become one of these tops to be worn next winter.

This dusty pink crepe will become one of these blouses. I am hoping there is enough to make the view with sleeves. But since this is a remnant from another project I am not too sure.

I have fabric selected for some summer tops an will share those with you another time.

Dry wall taping and mudding are pretty much complete. The electrician came and finished installing those lights and smoke detectors. Harvey has started the first sanding in the one room. 

Pictures of the renos so far.

The office/library/spare bedroom.

The man cave lighting and dry wall (the dry wall still needs a bit more taping and mudding).

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Thrifty Tuesday

We had the electrician in today to put in the lights in the basement bedroom/office library. Boy is it bright down there now. I am very tempted to make the room my sewing/craft/library. But even though at one point Harvey thought it would be a great idea, he is not so gung ho about it now.

Instead of sending payment in the mail for the last work the electrician did, we handed him the payment and saved on a stamp.

All bill payments and errands were done on one day saving gas and wear/tear on the car.

We are still eating mostly out of the pantry and freezers, just buying dairy, veggies, and fruit with a few stock ups and necessary  items (coffee being one of those).

Using up, making do, substituting if necessary has become second nature now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

A bit late today, but as the saying goes better late than never.

Menus got a bit mixed up last week so I have a carry over.

Monday

The salmon casserole that we were supposed to have last Friday. Served with raw veggies and dip.

Tuesday

Leftover ham made into a casserole. Still eating casseroles as we are still in the midst of winter here on the Canadian prairies. Serving with raw veggies and dip.

Wednesday

Noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches (though tuna melts sound pretty good too).

Thursday

Leftover stew.

Friday

Breakfast for supper....French toast.

Saturday

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots.

Sunday

Roast beef, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and roasted peppers (may even throw in some tomatoes).

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

Harvey started sanding in one of the rooms downstairs. Slowly but surely things are being completed on the renovations front. He is now busy watching the World Curling and madly cheering for the Canadian woman's team.

I used the InstantPot to make stew yesterday for supper and the meat was so tender. It only took 90 minutes to get it onto the table which is so much quicker than all day in the slow cooker.

Finally managed to get together the patterns and fabric for my sewing projects. Once the cast is off and I get the go ahead I will be locking myself in the sewing room. I really miss knitting and sewing. I will try and get pictures up of my projects next week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

It has been a very quiet day here on the old homestead.

The sun has been shining and thing are still melting. I managed to get out for a short walk and to pick up the mail. I don't think much on the way of basement renovations was accomplished as Harvey ran out of a few items and decided a cleanup was necessary. Back to the grind tomorrow.

Frugally speaking I managed to keep to the grocery list with Harvey along. He is totally amazed at the cost of things. It has sure been an eye opener for him.

I have been busy using things up in the freezer which is a very good thing, however stock up time is going to be expensive. We will just have to prepare for that.

Lights are being turned off in rooms not in use and I am looking forward to a reduction in our electric bill over the coming months.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Ah, Middle of the Week Blues

I don't know why I am feeling down. The weather has been lovely and our snow disappearing quickly. While my sleep pattern has been terrible, I am sleeping at least 6 hours every night. Our cat, Shania gave us a bit of a scare but seems to be back to normal now. Harvey is moving right along with the basement renos, and hasn't run into any overly large insurmountable problems.

So what is the matter?

I think the fact that I am unable to really work on any projects, or clean the way I am used to is finally driving me around the bend.

Here is hoping that in two weeks I can do a bit more around the house.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

Following our usual thrifty habits this week

As I am too scared of slipping and falling I have been driving to get our mail. To make this a bit more thrifty I have only been picking up the mail every second day. 

I have also been more inclined to use online banking more to pay bills and transfer money between accounts. This is working well and will be something I will continue to do.

Harvey also started our second batch of wine, This time a white. 

While the initial start up costs for this hobby were not inexpensive, the wine produced costs much less per bottle than if we were to purchase it.

Harvey is now busy mudding the dry wall. He managed to get s great deal accomplished this morning. This afternoon was a washout though as he drove me to the hospital to see the bone specialist. My cast will be staying on for another two weeks bringing it to 7 weeks. The doctor will then remove it and more x-rays will be taken. So looking forward to that happening.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Menu Monday

The weather seems to have improved a bit, but Harvey figures on another snow storm to hit before too long. Guess we will not be cooking outside for awhile yet if he is correct.

Monday

Hotdogs, homemade baked bean, the remains of the salad fixings, and the leftover potatoes from supper last night, sliced and pan fried with some onion.

Tuesday

Leftover roast pork made into a stir fry (using up those bits an bobs in the crisper drawer). Served over the leftover rice. Any leftover stir fry will be packaged up and frozen to be used next week.

Wednesday

Pulling out a container of leftover Hamburger Soup and serving it with cheesy drop biscuits.

Thursday

A big batch of stew. Enough so I have some to freeze and use next week.

Friday

Salmon casserole.

Saturday

Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Sunday

Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

Kris came home this weekend to help Harvey out with the dry walling of the ceiling. They got all of the hard stuff done and the little that is left /Harvey can do on his own. Hopefully we will be painting in a couple of weeks as the mudding still needs doing.

Here is Kris.

We now call him our handy man aka the Good son (bit of a joke there).

This is all they accomplished this weekend.

I am amazed at how much they did in a day and a half.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunshine

Why does a day seem o much better when the sun is shining?

Today, we woke up to clear blue skies and the sun shone all day. Perfect after three days of snow. Harvey got the snow blower out and cleared the driveway and a path to the back gate. Then he went to wok on the drywall once again. He only has a bit left to do before Kris comes home this weekend. They should be able to finish on Saturday early.

I even got to take a short walk this afternoon. I am very careful and watch every single step that I take, after all I wouldn't want to fall again and cause myself even more damage.

I picked up my knitting an managed a full row before feeling any pulling in my wrist. I then moved to my French knitter and did a few rounds on that as well. Things seem to be a bit better in that regard, however I am still not sleeping very well. It seems like Harvey just loves to grab my arm rest pillow at some point during the night.

Each day that passes brings me one day closer to getting the cast off.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

Well the snow is still coming down, so I think it will be another stay in kind of day.

Monday

Sausages, leftover rice and sauted cabbage.

Tuesday

Leftover chicken from Sunday made into a casserole (hopefully making enough for two nights).

Wednesday

The frozen leftover cheesy cauliflower soup with salmon sandwiches.

Thursday

Clean out the fridge night.

Friday

Lazy Perogy casserole.

Saturday

Stuffed chicken breasts, flavoured noodles (from a pack I bought on sale to try), salad, and carrots from the freezer.

Sunday

Pork roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and any leftover salad.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sundat Ramblings

Well it seems that the snow has arrived. I hope that the cover stays on the drywall, and that we get to stay in where it is nice and warm. While snow is very pretty to look at after a full day of freezing rain driving would be treacherous.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

It has been another quiet week around the old homestead. Well, quiet as far as what I have been up to at any rate.

I have used the new Instant pot three times this week.

Sunday to make our roast meal, Friday to cook rice, and today to make hamburger soup. The extra soup has been packaged up, labeled and is almost ready to be put in the freezer for meals later on.

I have packaged up the yarn for my next few projects (once I get this cast off) and tomorrow I will get together some sewing projects as well. My sewing/craft room needs a good going over but that will take place once the basement is completed and I have room to move around once again.

Harvey on the other hand has had a busy week (and it will be even busier over the next while). He has managed to get most  of the drywall and pine boards up, but still has a great deal to accomplish before Kris comes home to help with the ceiling.

The larger sheets of drywall are well covered an outside on the driveway. I just hope we don't get the snow storm that is being predicted. Twenty-five or more centimeters of snow might not be a good thing no matter how well covered the pile is.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

Overall it has been a pretty frugal week here on the old homestead. Considering I have had to buy a few things that normally I would make being over budget for groceries wasn't too bad. I am also blaming the overage on taking Harvey shopping, it seems like little extras wind up in the shopping cart.

I have been using up those hotel bottles of shampoo, and not having to buy any is great. The same can be said about those small tubes of toothpaste from the dentist. I find it amazing how long they really last.

I haven't been buying much in the way of meat. Instead we have been eating down the freezers. So far it seems to be working very well. 

I have also been doing lots of cooking once and eating at least twice, sometimes even having enough leftover for a lunch. Today half my piece of fish, a few green beans and some of the leftover rice will be heated up for my lunch tomorrow. We are wasting very little, if anything.

Harvey has started the drywall in the basement. While he doesn't love the task, he knows he is saving at least $1,000.00 by doing it himself. Kris will be down next weekend to help him hang the larger sheets on the ceiling.

We are now hunkering down to wait out the storm we are supposed to be getting. Hopefully it will not be as bad as predicted.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.