Wow, Month End Already

 Is it my imagination or did this month pass by at warp speed. It is hard for me to believe that Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away, and Christmas is not far off either.

I am still getting things completed and stocking meals in the freezer for when I will need something quick and hearty. I hope to have at least three weeks of easy to prepare meals in there by the time I go for my surgery. Which, of course because I amm waiting for the call, it has not arrived yet. That's okay as it gives me more time to get ready.

I thought I would answer a few questions on previous posts tonight.

I was asked where I put my menu plans. Well, I have a binder that contains all my household tasks, my project goals for the month, my extra cleaning list for the month, and two calendars. One calendar is for appointments and meetings, the second calendar is for my menus. This sits on my computer/office desk so I can check things off as they are done. 

My main dish might be changed to another night, but is usually made at some point in the week it is scheduled. The sides could and do change quite often depending on what leftovers I have and what needs to be used up.

Another question I have been asked is what am I stocking up on. Well that varies with what is on sale each week. I have been stocking up on canned fruit, coffee, sugar (must buy a couple more as soon as possible), flour, bread flour, bread machine yeast, mainly because we have been suffering shortages of those items.  I have also been stocking up on rice, pasta, tomato products (mainly because our garden didn't produce very well), cleaning supplies like laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwasher soap, vinegar, oils, freezer bags and containers, as well as meats.  I have been looking for shelf stable boxes of milk, but no luck as of yet.

This next shopping excursion will be for some more paper products like tissues, toilet paper (I like to have 2 packages in reserve), and other items like butter that can be frozen.

I am also going to stock up for Harvey as well. Perhaps not this week, but next week for sure. I will be heading to Walmart and picking up cough syrup, batteries, Tylenol, low dose Aspirin, Vitalux for his eyes, more small purse and pocket size hand sanitizer, puzzles and cross word books. 

For myself I will continue to download free reading material from BookBub, and pick up any low cost craft materials that I can. I am restocking my sewing thread choices as well and adding to my stock of sewing machine needles (I go through lots of those).

I may be stocking too much, but I would much rather be prepared for whatever weather we end up with (sometimes it can be really bad) or what ever Covid-19 throws our way.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

Well it hasn't been a thoroughly thrifty week, but some of the things I spent money on will be thrifty buys as the winter progresses.

I bought some new thermal lined curtains which should help our power bill this winter. Keeping the heat in and the cold out is a thrifty practice.

I fixed the hem on one set of drapes, and the old dining room drapes (thermal lined) were moved into the bedroom Kris uses when he is home. The drapes I fixed were put back up in the sewing/craft room until I can find a pair of thermal drapes that I like.

I have cut the leftover scraps of cotton into squares to make a couple more quilt tops. I might even get a bit more artistic this time around.

Beeswax wrappers have been made today. The first couple were slightly over waxed, but I hope to fix that in the near future. 

The leftover ham was packaged up and will be used to make other wonderful meals this month and next month. Some was even bagged up to be used for Harvey's sandwiches at lunch.

Stocking up is coming along nicely. I still have to get batteries (just a few packages of C and D sized), as well as dishwasher soap and some more cans of fruit.

I have managed to cook some large batches this week and the extra has been stored in containers in the freezer downstairs.

Baked beans were made and also stored in containers in the large freezer.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Only a few days left for September. October is here already. I managed to come up with a menu for then, but it is subject to change. All depends on my surgery date.

Monday

Sloppy Joes on homemade buns.

Tuesday

Pork chops, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and coleslaw.

Wednesday

Leftover ham made into a casserole, coleslaw.

Thursday

Chicken legs, pasta, peas.

Friday

Fish fillets, rice, peas and carrots.

Saturday

Leftover ham casserole, salad of some kind.

Sunday

Beef roast, roasted veggies (potatoes, carrots, butternut squash).

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Asked To Share

 Margie asked me to share my pattern for the face masks I make. So here it is with my own directions. We don't like ties, which the pattern instructions give so I changed it to suit.

I use this site for the pattern piece to cut out.

https://blog.fabriclandwest.com/face-masks/

Then change the pattern slightly.

Where it says to cut 1/2" off the inner piece I cut off an inch. After sewing the curved centers on both the inner and outer pieces, I turn the edges of the inner lining piece about 1/2" and sew it down as I would a hem. 

Then I pin the outer and inner pieces together right sides in and sew them together (ironing that 1/4 inch is a waste of time to me) using a 1/4" seam. 

I then turn the face mask right side out. Now the extensions on the outside of the mask once turned right side out I sew a 1/4" hem on the top and bottom up to the hemmed inner lining, after ironing the edges of the masks so that they are even. I then turn the ends in 1/4". Once that is done I turn the hemmed (folded edge in to just meet the lining and sew close to the inner edge forming a casing for the elastic to be threaded through. 

I cut 1/4" elastic into a piece 6" long (you can cut them shorter) and using a small safety pin thread the elastic through the casing and sew the elastic together to make the ear loop.  

I know people that edge stitch the face portion of the mask but I feel that the less needle holes in the mask the better so skip this. 

To shape the nose I cut a piece of pipe cleaner, put it in the mask and shape it to my nose. It can be removed that way for washing. I have also used them without any nose shaping and as long as my glasses cover the top of the mask they do not fog up.

Use good quality cotton (quilting cotton) to make these. Prewash the fabric and iron it before placing the pattern piece, and wash on delicate or by hand hanging to dry after they are made and you have worn it.

I have made filters to go in the mask from the blue shop cloths you can buy at an auto supply store or if you live in Canada at Canadian Tire. They slip into the pocket nicely and seem to be stronger than a paper towel or coffee filter which you can also use.

Hope this helps. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has been a very busy week. I have been waiting for the phone call scheduling my surgery, but nothing so far. Hopefully I will hear something next week. Since I was sticking close to home I decided to go full throttle on cleaning and getting ready for the winter.

I washed all the light fixtures throughout the house, now they are sparkling. Next the curtains came down and were put in the washer, hung on the line and are now waiting for a good press before I put them back up. Actually only two are left as I bought new thermal drapery for our bedroom and the dining room. The old dining room curtains are now hung up in the bedroom that Kris uses when he comes home. They are thermal as well. 

I will iron the remaining curtains that I will be putting back up and shortening one set as well. I hope that next month I can replace those as well. Just takes a bit of time to find what I like in a colour that I like.

Harvey replaced the one fixture in my sewing/craft room and it really does give me more light in there. He will do the one in the room Kris uses tomorrow. There was wine to rack and a veggie garden to till so something had to give.

I finished the basic sewing on the masks for Kurt and got all the elastic through the casing. Today I started sewing the elastics.

This is a box of completed masks (need some ironing).

These are the ones I will finish tomorrow.

And these black pieces on top I hope to get done the basic sewing tomorrow as well.

There have been a couple of extra meals frozen for sometime I hope not in the too distant future.

Next week will be a busy one again. Harvey wants me to sew cozies for his wine bottles (that could be fun). I want to move my fall and winter wardrobe out as our temperatures are steadily dropping. 

A bit more cleaning needs doing, and of course I need to bake pies for when Kurt and Kris are home for Thanksgiving.

On Tuesday the WIFI extender should arrive and I want to have that bedroom moved around to allow better access to the plug in. Which means another tidy of the closet pantry.

Keeping busy helps me to almost forget the crazies that wander around town yelling and calling those of us who wear masks names. It is getting better, but not much.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

While this has not been the most frugal of weeks, there have still been a few frugal things happening.

1.  Instead of going to the laundry mat I washed all the curtains at home and hung everything on the lines to dry.

2.  Harvey bought new light fixtures for the spare room and my sewing/craft room and saved $60.40 on the purchase.

3.  Made 7 jars of condensed tomato soup and put them in the freezer.

4.  Used up some black cotton that has been in the stash for awhile cutting out more masks for Kurt's class.

5.  Used up salad fixings in the fridge.

6. Held off on grocery shopping two extra days.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Nesting

 

I think I better explain what I mean by going through a nesting phase.

Most women go through a "nesting" phase during pregnancy. You know, getting the house ready for a new addition. Everything clean and tidy with all that is needed for the new baby to hand.

I went through that phase as well. Now however I always seem to go through a type of nesting as winter approaches. With my surgery coming up and what could be a second wave of the virus, it seems to have struck full force this week. I try and clean all those little places I might miss during the month (and during fall and spring cleaning sprees). Garden harvest is processed and stored, pantry is stocked up and craft plans are made (more crafts than I could ever conceivably get done). I make sure I have enough reading material to see me through any blizzards that happen (use BookBub and download lots of free reading material, and make lists of books I want to read so if I find them at a thrift store they are bought). 

I pull out all my fall and winter wardrobe and go through it to see what needs mending or perhaps should be donated. I might also plan some of those projects mentioned above to be apparel related.

Usually at this point in time I check battery supplies, candle supplies, light bulbs, quilts and afghans. Layers are good on the cold winter nights on the prairies when the wind howls around the eaves. Nothing better than being able to snuggle under a warm covering with a mug of hot chocolate.

Drapery is washed, rugs beaten (with a broom), and indoor plants are started to bring a bit of colour into the house on those dreary, grey winter days.

I bug Harvey to check all the weather stripping around doors, to caulk around the windows, to make sure he has enough puzzles and crossword books to keep him busy (must get more of both). I also get him to check the snow blower and shovels. I get him to cut down the garden and prepare both the veggie garden and the perennial bed for the cold winter months. We no longer have roses so we don't need to worry about covering anything.

Sheets are changed to flannel from cotton, and heavier blankets added on top. I usually add blankets to the spare room as well. 

Really, most of these are done every year, but usually over a period of time....Once in awhile my nesting instinct says that things need to be done now, and I have learned to follow that. Harvey was used to driving through snow and ice when he worked in the oil patch, me not so much. When the weather closes in I stay tucked up nice and warm.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

I have been busy using up cleaners today. I washed all the wood floors with a wood floor cleaner I have had around for awhile. This could be one cleaner that I actually keep rather than make my own for this purpose. It left a lovely shine and a clean smell.

Last week I found some black cotton at the back of one of my fabric drawers. Yesterday I pulled it out, washed it with my laundry yesterday, dried it and today I ironed it. That piece of fabric with some strategic placement made another 10 masks. 

No sewing this week so far, but I have been doing lots of cleaning. I guess I have started nesting, however I think much has to do with the fact I will probably out of commission cleaning wise for about 6 weeks. 

I made the condensed tomato soup and it is residing in the freezer. The one totally ripe squash has been frozen in cubes as well.

Harvey found a handle for my sewing/craft room closet door. I hope to have that fixed tomorrow.

I did some hemming on a couple of skirts, and decluttered a few clothing items that no longer fit.

Socks that were no longer able to be darned have been cut into rings and placed in a bag for next years garden ties.

Scrap material has been cut into 4" squares and tonight I will be cutting the scrap knit fabric into strips for the rug I want to work on this winter.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

This month is whizzing right by. I will have to start menu plans for October this weekend.

Monday

Honey Garlic sausage, fried potatoes, and coleslaw.

Tuesday

Sweet and Sour Ribs, rice, and the remains of the coleslaw. I am hoping to have lots of ribs leftover to freeze for later on.

Wednesday

Leftover pork roast. I think I might do the zucchini bake for this tonight. 

Thursday

Stew and dumplings. Should have enough stew left to freeze a portion for later Saturday.

Friday

Tuna Noodle Casserole.

Saturday

Leftover stew served with biscuits.

Sunday

Roast Ham, rice, salad and probably mixed veggies.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

This week has been quiet on the old homestead. Since the garden is in all that is left is the cleanup. 

I have been making the remaining masks for Kurt to take back with him for his students after a couple of days rest. I am hoping that with the two meetings I have this week I will be finished with them. I might even make a few solid colours for the boys in the class.

Still do not have enough ripe tomatoes for the soup making as of yet. I sure hope to have enough by Monday.

I have really tidied the sewing/craft room. This seems to be an ongoing project. I never seem to get it the exact way that I want it to be. Still it is getting much closer to room I envision. Using up some of the many craft supplies would probably help in this regard, instead of adding to them. As any of you crafters know this could be a big problem.  Love me some crafting.

Slowly but surely the pantry is becoming well stocked for the winter and whatever Covid-19 brings in the second wave. Numbers are rising in all provinces and with those that believe the suggestions and restrictions put on us by the governments are being used as a means to control us not being responsible adults I have a feeling things could get much worse. I am getting a bit worried about shortages and our sons not being able to come home for the holidays, all because of those that do not listen. 

Had to up our data plan as I forgot to put Harvey's new phone onto the WIFI before downloading updates and such. Even my phone seems to have used way more data than usual this month. We will be adding a bit more data to our package for next month for sure. It means we will be paying more each month but do not have to worry about needing to pay for extra overages. I must remember to do so on the 28th of this month as our bill resets on the 29th. Just means tightening our belts a bit more in a few other areas, like maybe not getting the extra themes on our TV until later in the winter, and making sure lights are definitely turned off.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

First I will answer a question arising from yesterdays post. As far as I know we do not have shelf stable milk here in my province, or at least not in my city. I will look for it in the bigger center the next time we go.

1.  Saved $12.77 on groceries this week buying on sale.

2.  We saved $649.00 on Harvey's new cell phone.

3.  We saved another $10.00 for trying out a greater speed on our internet for the next month. We can then keep it if it works out better for us paying only that much more a month.

4.  All leftovers were used for other meals.

5.  Baked bread saving about $1.00 a loaf.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

A quiet day here on the old homestead. This is probably the first day I haven't had garden harvest to process and it was very strange. Not a bad strange, just different. I know that it won't last for long as I will probably be making the tomato soup in a couple of days. The tomatoes are ripening on the window sills nicely.

I did go shopping today and picked up sugar which has not been in the grocery store for awhile. The same for bread machine yeast. Neither was on my list, but I grabbed them anyways cause I will need them sooner rather than later.

It is also the first day in the last 5 that I did not sew masks. By the time I got home from shopping and put everything away the morning was gone. I sat and knit in the afternoon instead. I am probably 1/3 of the way through the first sleeve on Harvey's sweater which makes me very happy. I may actually get it completed before the end of the month.

Another small task I completed was to move a few things around in the sewing/craft room. There is still a bit of work to do in there especially as I purchased the necessary supplies for a few Christmas projects. As if I don't have enough to do already! I had better stop watching YouTube or my crafting will take over the house more than it does already.

My province has made the divisions smaller for tracking Covid-19 and I found out there are 2 cases in the area that my city is in. They won't say exactly where, but I am worried that with all the anti maskers and school reopenings it is just going to get worse. We went for 4 months with zero infections and now this area is up to 4 cases. I will be really careful when going out and about. Masks will be worn whenever I am heading into a store even if they don't mandate it. 

Now I am even more inclined to stock up so I don't go out as often. I would really like to get it down to twice a month instead of once a week. Just have to figure out how to store the necessary produce and milk. Turns out neither Harvey or I like thawed milk. Does anyone else find it very sweet?

Off to see what all of you have been up to today.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

What I Have Been Up To

 This post will be mostly pictures just to show you all some of the things I have been up to.

Supper tonight was some leftover roast beef made into a lovely Beef Vegetable Soup.

I have also spent time dehydrating. All my herbs are now done and I even managed to dehydrate some of the green bell peppers.

I have no idea why this photo is so blurry.

I worked on the masks for Kurt's students. Still have more to do.

Kept right on knitting on the temperature blanket.

I also knitted on Harvey's Christmas sweater but that picture will have to wait until it is completed.

Started to gather ripe tomatoes together to make tomato soup for the freezer.

I need two more pounds and then I can start.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

Little thrifty things have taken place this past week. 

We have been adding the soil from my boxes, baskets and pots to the garden to build it up a bit more.

Cooking has taken the cook once and eat at least twice path. After all having the oven or stove top on you may as well make a double batch of whatever. 

Leftovers as usual have made it into another meal or been used for lunches.

This week I decided that if the sink was filled with water to do those dishes that can not be put into the dishwasher, I might as well use to wash the ceiling fans, window sills, and the shelves in the fridge. I do that first and then wash those dirty pots.

Harvey started our Christmas wines... Much less expensive to make our own.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

The days are getting cooler and what I will be cooking shows that change.

Monday

Sweet and Sour Meatballs served over rice. I made an extremely big batch of these which was a chance as it was a new recipe. However, Harvey liked them and so did I. I now have 2 containers to put in the freezer along with a container of rice. They will be used whenever I have my surgery, or when I don't feel like cooking.

Tuesday

Hotdogs, and raw veggies with dip.

Wednesday

Leftover Roast beef which will be made into veggie beef soup. Serving this with baking powder biscuits. There should be enough to freeze for another meal later on.

Thursday

Sausage casserole which should leave me enough for another meal.

Friday

Breakfast for supper. Tonight's meal will be pancakes.

Saturday

Leftover sausage casserole.

Sunday

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

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

Another week has gone by. I have pretty much done the same frugal things as other weeks. I have tried a few new things, but they don't seem to fit our lifestyle at this point in time.

1.  Using up leftovers even the tiny bits (been eating them for lunch).

2.  Saved $15.31 buying sale items and using coupons.

3.  Stocked up on a few items that were on sale.

4.  First time dehydrating bell peppers and I love it. I have another 4 to do tomorrow.

5.  Harvey has bought some wine kits with his allowance. This will supply us with wine for over the winter for very little cost.

Life is good and I am remembering to stop and take a breather. I am getting a few of the smaller simpler chores accomplished. I still run out of get up and go, but at least I feel like I am doing something even if it is just a tiny thing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

Sitting on the railing of our deck are 15 Butternut squash in various stages of ripening. I was asked what I do with them, since this is the first year we have ever grown Gthem and all I have ever made has been soup, any and all ideas will greatly appreciated.

Green cayenne peppers are located all over two window sills, a box of green tomatoes, and a box of partial ripened ones are in the hall along with a 5 gallon pail of spanish onions, and a 5 gallon pail of white potatoes that didn't really grow very well. 

My counter top contains fully ripe tomatoes, bowls full. I do try and keep up with the freezing, but now Harvey wants to make ketchup, which means tomatoes must be saved until he has enough ripe ones to start. It is also covered in bell peppers which I am going to slice and freeze tomorrow.

I shredded a bunch of paperwork today, did my online bill paying, got some groceries (a few stock up items included). 

Did a bit of easy cleaning...not the cupboards as of yet, I am working up to them. I think I will do the simple, quick chores first and see how I feel about the others later. I am remembering to take lots of rests, watch some television, do some knitting and make some lists of what I would like to accomplish project wise. Once this sweater is done I am going to do the same thing with the projects. Start with the simple, quick ones and work up to those that can be much more time consuming.

I still feel out of sorts, but hopefully each day will get a bit better. I don't like not being happy and full of energy. It isn't me and when I get like this I am not the person I want to be.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Days Running Into Days

 The days really seem to be running away from me. The garden is harvested and I have slowly been emptying my flower baskets and boxes. I can not do many at a time as we only have one garbage container and there must be room for other detritus as well as garden.

Froze more tomatoes and Harvey now wants to make ketchup. He can do that as it will give him something to do. I think I will end up giggling as I watch him try to remove tomato skins, and get rid of the seeds. I will have to buy a bigger pot though so that is being put on my shopping list. It has to be made from a non reactive metal...perhaps my enamel blancher would work?

I think I am becoming a bit depressed over what has been happening over the last while. Not being able to take a holiday away weighs on my mental well being. Sure having a daily walk is good, but soon we will have snow and ice and walking will be a bit dangerous for me. I am always afraid I will slip, fall and break something else. Osteoporosis is not something I would wish on anyone and something I never thought I would have to worry about. I could be fighting Harvey for his Happy Light this winter.

The other thing that is weighing on my mind is the fact that I don't think I have enough of my big chores completed and I could be getting a phone call about surgery at any time now. I wanted to get the insides of my cupboards cleaned and straightened and instead I have procrastinated and they still are not done. I would say perhaps next week, but I think I would be fooling myself. I know with age it is going to be a longer recuperation time and that kind of scares me. I am not the type of person to just sit around and do nothing for an extended period of time. I am also worried that my surgery will either be over our Canadian Thanksgiving when both our sons come home, or will be put off again because of a surge in Covid-19 cases. Must learn to breathe.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 It has been a busy week on the old homestead. Flowers were covered last night, but still a few managed to escape their coverings and were killed by the frost. Still I did manage to save a few. Covered then again tonight.

Thrifty moves this week were:

Did a bunch of baking so we are well covered with sweets for the week.

Baked bread for Kris to take home.

Continued dehydrating  herbs and even managed to give Kris a few jars.

Hemmed a pair of pants that I missed the last time I had a marathon hemming party.

Picked all that was ready in the garden. I have more butternut squash than I thought I would have.

Turned off the air conditioner, and kept windows open when the house got too warm.

Enjoyed the firepit for entertainment.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 Kris has gone back to his apartment in the city. It was really wonderful that he is close enough to come home almost once a month. Kurt on the other hand has a 9 hour drive and so really only gets home for the Thanksgiving weekend (and he pushes so he can at least spend 2 days with us), Christmas, Easter, and perhaps a week or so in the summer. Still having both of them home at the same time is just the best.

Monday

Leftover hamburgers from Saturday night along with creamed potatoes from last night and raw veggies.

Tuesday

Leftover Chicken and since it is going to be cold I believe a pasta chicken dish would be perfect. Served with the remaining salad from Sundays supper.

Wednesday

Steak, baked potatoes, mixed veggies.

Thursday

Butternut squash soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. The extra soup will be frozen for a meal later on.

Friday

Fish fillets, coleslaw, and fries.

Saturday

Chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, carrots/peas.

Sunday

Beef roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots.

I will catch up with all of you tomorrow, right now after cleaning out most of the garden and covering all my flowers because of the frost warnings I am all tired out. In fact I will need to head out again and make sure the wind has not removed any of the coverings very soon.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

I have started supper as Harvey is hungry and can't wait until Kris gets home (Kris texted at about 4:45 that he had left the city, but with construction it will take him until about 7:00 pm before he gets home, probably closer to half past seven). So we will eat and then I will dish Kris up once he is settled in.

Frugal happenings around the old homestead for the past week:

1.  No air conditioning for the past 5 days. Got to love that.

2.  Used up the bits and bobs of cotton fabric I had, cutting out masks for Kurt's students. Of course there was some new fabric as well, but that was used up as well.

3.  Hung all the clothes on the line to dry.

4.  Dehydrated more herbs for use this winter.

5.  Froze more tomatoes.

6.  Harvey dug up all the white potatoes. There were a great many but none got really big.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

Cooler mornings, cooler nights and with the sun going down earlier I can tell fall has pretty much gotten here. It seems as if every year fall creeps in sooner and sooner. 

We may have our first frost on Monday night. The temperature is supposed to drop to -1 or -2 C. This means covering plants. I must check and make sure there are enough sheets around to cover everything. 

I finished the outside blanket today and when I showed Harvey he said "Great a new blanket for me." Guess I get the smaller one back. Truthfully he is larger than me and needs the extra length. 

Tomorrow I will rethread the sewing machine and start sewing those masks. Between times I will do some baking as Kris will be home at some point Friday evening. I will be trying to get at least 7 masks done each day (hopefully a few more on some days). First thing tomorrow morning after my walk I will be trimming the inch or so off the inside liners of the first 7 and getting a loaf of bread started.

I sometimes wonder if I keep myself busy in order to keep sane. These crazy times we are living in are really not conducive to getting out and visiting with people. I always wonder where that person has been, or who has been visiting them. Our bubble is still quite small here. Yes I do venture out into the stores, but I am in and out as quickly as possible not really visiting with those staff members I know and know well. I wonder if the people I have allowed into my bubble actually practice social distancing, if they wear masks when shopping, or are still washing their hands as they were in the beginning of the pandemic. 

I have become a rabid temperature taker, more especially since I have developed a slight cough (going in and out of air conditioning always gives me a bit of a cold). No temperature here which is a relief. 

I find myself making more lists, working at getting a really good store of groceries in as well as craft items. Now that I have my new ereader I am not so concerned about the library being open as eventually I will figure out how to use it to download library books, and there are lots of free books available online. Perhaps not the most interesting, but when one is desperate for reading material they will do. 

Harvey and I have talked it over and for the winter we plan on getting two theme packs added to our basic cable. I do have my android box, Netflix and Prime but I am missing some of my favourite shows. It will put our bill up a bit, but it is our main source of entertainment right now. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Completing Projects

 Finally getting around to a few projects that were languishing in the sewing/craft room. If I want to concentrate on masks, I needed to get a few things done.

First was a tidy and reorganization of the room. Still working on that, but things are at least navigable for the moment. 

Next was gathering the denim squares that I had pinned together and getting them sewn together. I have managed to get to this point over the last couple of days.

I wasn't as careful as I usually am at matching corners. This will just be used outside around the firepit on those cooler nights (those are coming fast). Tomorrow will be the sandwiching and some easy quilting. I hope to be able to do the binding as well. 

The blanket was done between heading out to the garden to pick tomatoes.

Freezing tomatoes, even if it is just a couple of bags (keeping up with them for a change).

A few more bags and I will be done. Then it will be moving on to either soup or spaghetti sauce.....

Between sewing and freezing I have been working on the front of Harvey's Christmas sweater, and doing even more straightening of the sewing/craft room. 

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny (today was cloudy and we even got a bit of rain) and so along with errand running I will be putting some herbs into the dehydrator. Supposedly the temperature is going to fall to just above freezing by Monday and so the more that I can get out of the garden the better I will feel. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless

Thrifty Tuesday

 Before I post the thrifty moves for the week, I thought I would answer a few questions.

I was asked what a crisp was by one of my UK readers. You call them crumbles, we call them crisps. 

The second question I was asked was by a fellow Canadian. She wanted to know what glace was. Glace is a German dish that is made with flour, and eggs (some people add a bit of baking soda to the stiff dough). The dough is dropped by tablespoons or teaspoons into boiling water which has diced potatoes almost cooked already. The spoonfuls are boiled until they float. Drained, and served with onions fried in margarine or butter. Eggs are served with them as well. Not a low cholesterol meal at all, so is one that we have perhaps once every two months. The glace taste wonderful cut up and browned in a non stick pan the next day as well.

Thrifty moves for this week have mostly been about the garden and harvest. I harvested a few seeds to try sowing next year as starters inside. 

The apple peels and cores from making the apple pie filling earlier this past week have been frozen. I will try and make apple jelly from them later on. I used to do this when I canned peaches with the pits and peels. That made wonderful jelly.

I used up some of the odd ball bobbins and thread in the sewing room to sew the blocks together on the denim blanket. You don't see the colours used once the sandwiching is done, and I hate to waste partial bobbins or part spools of thread.

I diced up some sweet pickles (since I did not have any sweet pickle relish) to add to the ham salad. Tasted wonderful.

The crusts of bread are adding up and I think I will soon have enough to make bread pudding, or perhaps bread crumbs.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.