Sunday Ramblings

 Well, we have reached the end of this the first month of a new year. Really not much has changed so far. We are still wearing masks, limiting our trips to the grocery store, and hoping to have a jab sometime soon. Though the jab might not happen until much later. 

We still have anti-maskers, and anti-vaxxers roaming the streets causing problems. We had people calling for a lock down of our boarders and now that we have one, well they are yelling about that (recognise some of the names). These are the same people who were screaming that we should be doing what New Zealand is doing and now that we are, well they are screaming their rights are being trampled on. I feel sorry for those in government as they are never going to please these people no matter what they do.

Project declutter has gone very well this month, and hopefully will continue to do so next month. I rid our home of 376 items, and will be going through my closet once again. I am sure there are a few more things that can be donated.

Using up the various craft stashes as well. I am working on the 6th ball of yarn right now, and my bits and bobs that I use for the temperature blanket are slowly but surely going down. If I think there is enough I may make one for when our youngest was born. The more knit blankets and quilts we have the better prepared we are for a power outage. We had one of those during our wind storm this month and the power was out for 6 hours. Thank heavens most of it was during the night.

I am also busy using up those frozen packages of meat. I am hoping to get the fridge freezer cleaned out again during the month of February. Most of those frozen meat packages are ham so I will be interspersing other things between using them up. Most times I manage to cook once and eat twice lately. Guess I am still over cooking since the sons were home. 

Also I am making big salads and storing them in a Tupperware type container. We can nibble on that for a few meals and lunches. Saves me lots of time in the kitchen doing it this way. 

I did not get all my projects done this month, think I might be project fatigued. Hopefully more will be done over this coming month. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

Another work week gone by as well as almost the whole month of January. Not that we worry about work weeks as neither of us work anymore. Everyday could be considered part of the weekend I suppose.

What frugal things have been happening around here.

1.  This was the first day that Harvey used the snow blower, but he used the shovel much more.

2.  Used up some of those extra meals this week. Saved me cooking and cleaned out some of the fridge and freezer.

3.  Combined errands as usual, and paid bills online.

4.  Used up a couple of balls of yarn knitting on the temperature blanket. 

5.  And perhaps the best one of all since it took a great deal of my time, driving, and angst, finally handed in my resignation for my position on Parish Council. I have been on that for the last 28 years in one form or another. Time for someone else to share their time and talents.

I did the budget up today (I know there will be no spending the next two days) and while I was slightly over in groceries we were under in every other budget line (a couple like the car payment which drives me crazy we were right on) we were well under. That makes me happy. 

I was asked how long the grocery shopping I did would last. Some items will last a month or more (bought 2 large bags of coffee beans as they were on sale for half price and those will last at least 2 months or more). I will end up buying milk, fruit, and fresh veggies next week but hopefully not much else.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

I thought I would share with you all my stock up shopping trip from today. Next week I should only need produce, dairy and fruit.

I did buy a few treats as you might have noticed, but now am set for at least a month in that area. The paper towels will last us at least 3 months as I only use them for really messy clean ups.

Total for this trip was $240.00 Canadian, $187 American or 136.58 British pounds sterling. 

Seems like a lot when I read what the rest of you spend, but things here in the middle of Canada are very expensive this time of year. While most was bought on sale the cost of transportation adds a great deal to the price of our groceries. I did save over $25.00 though and managed to get enough to last us quite awhile. I also got free lentils!!! Being a small center we don't have yellow stickered food.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Brrr, But Warming Up

 It has been a cold few days here at the old homestead. Just hoping my car starts tomorrow as I need to go shopping. Perhaps we should have started it today at some point. I just did not feel like even sticking my head out the door. I did though to sweep off the front deck and steps, then scurried back into the warmth of the house.

One good thing about two days of brutal cold is that I managed to pretty much tidy and declutter the sewing/craft room. There are a few things left to do in there, and I need to find a bit of space or better organizing of certain sections, but I am happy so far. 

I found a cross stitch picture that I would like to frame and hang in the room so will be searching through my box of frames to see what I can find. I will be looking for some lids to a couple of plastic shoebox sized containers that seem to have gone missing, and working on getting some more scrap knit fabric ready to be fashioned into the rug that I have planned to do for a number of years. I may actually get a start on that very soon.

Our Covid-19 restrictions have been extended until the middle of February I believe. Not that it causes us undue stress, we don't go any where and the only place I do go is shopping or to the ATM at the bank. The savings on gas is amazing when I look at last years budget even with the traveling I did to Kris's to help him out. We were very much under budget. 

I have another two bags of donations to drop off at the Salvation Army as well as some food. I live in a coal and oil city and things are pretty bad right now. Many homes are empty because of the downturn in oil and the fact that they have shut down a coal mine over the last few years. Most houses were bought when the oil boom was on and people paid ridiculous prices for them. Once they lost their jobs or had hours cut, they could no longer afford the payments on them and in many cases just let the banks take them back. Pretty sure we don't have any homeless at this point, but we do have those who need a bit of help making ends meet. I will do what I can.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

What thrifty happenings on the old homestead this past week. 

1.  I did some mending on seams on a few pairs of Harvey's pj bottoms. It seems like more and more seams are pulling apart as his pj bottoms get older.

2.  Cut some old t-shirts up for rags.

3.  Darned a pair of socks.

4.  Cut up some bits and bobs of fabric into 4" squares for quilts later on.

5.  Using up bits and bobs from the fridge and freezer to make new meals. Also making up a few TV type meals for Kris, when and if he ever makes it home once again.

6.  Still walking inside as it has been very cold the last few days.

7.  Put aside some plastic bags for Kris to use when cleaning Eiko's litter box. Using the rest for my decluttering/recycling/donating.

It really seems as if I do the same thrifty things each and every week. I am sure there are many other smaller things I do but I can't seem to remember them. Perhaps I need to list them as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

I

Menu Monday

 

Sorry I have been missing in action the last few days, but I got caught up in my sewing/craft room decluttering and organizing. Still lots to do, but I am slowly getting it under control. That makes me very happy. Now if I can just keep it that way.

I had to do a bit of moving around and changing my menus for this week. Seems as if I am getting a build up once again of those bags of leftover roast meat in the fridge freezer. I hope to use at least a couple of those up this week and next week.

Monday

Leftover turkey made into turkey tetrazzini (I want to make one big enough that another days meal will only need to be heated up). Served with leftover salad.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef, I will more than likely make the beef rolls as those seem to go over well...unless I can find another interesting use. Served with brussels sprouts on the side (if it is the beef rolls).

Wednesday

The leftover turkey meal from Monday. I think I will make some mixed veggies to go along with this.

Thursday

Leftover beef meal from Wednesday. I might make a bit of tossed salad to go along with this, though it may only have some lettuce, finely chopped red onion, and grated carrots.

Friday

Fish and chips. The chips will be made in my air fryer. I will either serve the leftover salad from last night or make some coleslaw.

Saturday

Soup and sandwiches. I will pull out a container of the veggie/turkey soup I made at Christmas. Probably grilled cheese sandwiches.

Sunday

Butter Chicken using some chicken breasts from the freezer. Served with rice and peas/carrots.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

PS

I do hope to get caught up with everyone at some point today.

Frugal Friday

 

Well another week in January almost gone. Really even though we are under restrictions and have been so for over a month time is zipping by.

Now what have I done that has been or can be classified as frugal this week.

1.  Used up some apples that were getting old by making a crisp for our desserts this week.

2.  Sticking to using the stashes rather than running out and buying new crafting items.

3.  Downloading free books onto my ereader, using BookBub to find them.

4.  Only driving the vehicle once this week to do all my errands.

5.  Saved $10.49 on my grocery bill buying sale items.

And of course decluttering, making room and finding things that have been missing for awhile. Almost like shopping when you find something you have not seen for awhile. One such find was my twinned rug book. It even has a simple loom pattern for making them. Now just to convince Harvey that making one would be a good thing.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

All Is Quiet

 

To all my American readers, I am so thankful that there were no problems today with the transfer of power. 

Now I hope that you can heal what ever divides you.

It has been quiet here on the old homestead. I did my little bit of household work and carried on with my decluttering. I have two more drawers to clean out and then I will tackle the clothes in my closet. Though I have purged in there earlier pretty sure I can find a few more items to donate. Project declutter update on either Friday or Saturday.

Then comes the room of chaos. I don't know how it happens, but by the end of a month, my sewing/craft room looks like a tornado went through it. Mind you I have been finding craft supplies all over the house and just more or less putting them in the room on whatever flat surface I can find. I am looking forward to having my room back in some semblance of order. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

The usual thrifty things happening. 

Sewed some buttons on a couple of Harvey's shirts.

Used up some leftover roast pork, made a stir fry so got to use up some veggies as well (namely the carrots that were in with the pork roast). 

Found some handweights and have been using them when walking.

Darned one of a pair of my socks. 

Decluttering and recycling. Going to call this thrifty as it is making room in our home for us and the things that really matter.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

I am truely amazed at how quickly this month is passing by. I am also amazed at the weather we have had so far this winter. Only one bad storm and that mostly wind. No real complaints so far, other than the constant ice that is around.

Monday

Today I try a recipe using my instantpot that I found on the internet. Hopefully we will like it. I will be making Unstuffed Peppers. I don't have three fresh green peppers (used one when I made roasted veggies) so I just might add some of my dried peppers after reconstituting them.

Tuesday

Leftover pork roast made into a stir fry. I got an excellent sale on broccoli and cauliflower this week and we love pork/veggie stir fry. Served over rice.

Wednesday

Leftover Unstuffed Peppers. Should be lots left so hopefully we will finish this up today.

Thursday

The leftover stir fry and rice.

Friday

Soup and sandwiches. I have lots of stock made up and just have to add the noodles.

Saturday

Porkchops, mashed potatoes (or perhaps cauliflower cheese) and peas. Served with some sliced cukes and carrots as well as dip.

Sunday

Leftover turkey probably warmed up and served with any leftover broccoli and depending on what I use Saturday either the mashed potatoes or the rest of the cauliflower.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

Things are quiet on the old homestead. One could almost say boring as I decided that today would be spent for the most part doing whatever I wanted. I have lots of time to declutter (after all we are now on restrictions until the end of the month) and to do my usual extra cleaning. 

So what did I do today? 

I finished two letters to my pen pals, and finally wrote my resignation letter for Parish Pastoral Council. That one still needs a bit of work, but the bare bones are there just waiting to be fleshed out a bit.

I watched a Zoom meeting talking about Human Trafficking that the Sisters of Loretto put on. I am a lay member of the order. It was very good. 

Mass was watched live streamed from Regina as I have become accustomed to doing during the pandemic. I wonder if I will ever get used to wearing real clothing and not pajamas once we can all attend again. 

I have done some hand quilting until it got too cloudy to really see the stitches, knit 8 rows on my temperature blanket for the year we were married, and pulled fabric to make a dress. 

Our usual roast meal is in the oven and soon it will be time for me to peel potatoes and carrots. Sliding them into the roaster to cook with the meat. I have some leftover slaw and so will serve that as well.

So a pretty laid back and boring day. Something all of us need at times.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

I am finding out that restrictions do safe cash and can make a frugal person a bit more frugal, if that can be done.

1.  Only drove once this week and combined errands in order to save gas and wear/tear on our vehicle.

2.  Drapes are open on the sunny days, and days with minimal cloud cover. This really helps with keeping furnace usage down.

3.  Very rarely using the data component of our phones. However I don't want to give it up as when power goes out (as happened a  day ago) we would have no way to check emails or messages. Or contact our power company.

4.  I am really enjoying BritBox and by paying for 10 months in advance I am getting two months free. Hope they continue with that.

5.  Laundry done in the usual frugal manner using cold for washing whenever I can and always rinsing in cold.

6.  When our power was out for just over 6 hours all those quilts and knit blankets came in handy keeping us warm. 

7.  I am buying what could be classified as winter veggies. They seem to last longer than others in the fridge.

8.  I got a free liquid hand soap when I was shopping on Thursday. Free is always frugal in my books.

On Wednesday night and into Thursday and even part of this morning. We had a bad wind storm here in Saskatchewan. Power was down in many regions of the province and in fact there are still some places here without power. 

Many of the farms in our area have sustained major damage. Grain bins and shops destroyed. Trees down and any children's play equipment in the yards are gone.

Here in my city we had trees down, shingles and fences destroyed, a garage blown down and the roof off a building. 

I think we were lucky in that we only had a few branches (well quite a few smaller twigs and small branches) off our trees, my swing chair and stand were blown over and the cover is only God knows where (could be in the small town to the west of us for all I know). Still we got off very easy in comparison to many.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Clutter Begone

 I spent most of the morning decluttering my cupboards in the kitchen. Not saying I am done yet, but as there is an extension of Covid-19 rules (some would say the lockdown) I still have time to do the final two. Plus of course a few other rooms as well I think.

The storm is slowly arriving. We ended up getting rain in the early afternoon and now the wind has picked up. I expect the snow to arrive soon enough. I don't think I will be going shopping tomorrow as I hate driving on icy roads. Good thing for a well stocked pantry and lots of leftovers to get through.

I spent the afternoon knitting while watching McDonald and Dodds. I quite enjoyed that show and am looking forward to the next episode.

Harvey is busy watching hockey and is in seventh heaven. He does love his sports.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Thrifty Tuesday

 

I have been carrying on with the usual thrifty things around the house.

Mending, cooking once and eating twice, as well as trying my best not to waste anything. Our Covid-19 restrictions have been extended for another two weeks which means there have been more cases popping up. Not so much in my little area, but in the area beside us and in the rest of the province. 

To me this means I need to be a bit more careful going out and about, so grocery shopping will be in and out quickly with a list, making sure I have everything I need in the way of produce, dairy and fruit. I will also only be going into one store so I must make sure to shop with thrifty in mind. I have been buying more produce that will last longer. Things like rutabaga, cabbage, celery, carrots, and such. 

We are also under a weather watch right now and into Friday. This could mean that I might need to make things last a bit longer. Five inches of snow, plus high winds make going out a bit hazardous in the city. I do not want to get stuck anywhere, nor do I want to be on the road with some of the drivers we have here. Not at all safe.

Slowly getting through the Christmas baking. Tonight I will be putting things into smaller containers and then washing the bigger ones tomorrow morning. 

I have been gathering together my bits and bobs of yarn. Once I get some other knitting completed I will use up those bits and bobs in a knitted blanket. Not only will I be using up what other people I know would be throwing out, I will be making something very useful. That makes me feel good.

I emptied a few plastic containers this week and have washed them out and put them with the collection that I have. I use these to put various meals in to freeze. It works wonderfully. I also use some to store beads, shoe laces that I use in sewing, and some of my glitter tubes in. Keeping everything together in a labeled container of some sort helps me find things a bit quicker. Believe me in my sewing/craft room mess that is a necessity. I have paid for those containers so I want to use them.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

A new week, and new menus.

Monday

Meatloaf, mashed rutabaga, and the last of the tossed salad I have made. I have pudding for dessert.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef made into a casserole. I found one that will use up some of the cherry tomatoes I bought.

Wednesday

Leftover meatloaf made into sandwiches. I will whip up a coleslaw to go along with them.

Thursday

Clean out the fridge as there will more than likely be beef casserole leftover. Using up the coleslaw as well tonight.

Friday

Tuna casserole (or perhaps tuna croquettes). Peas and carrots on the side.

Saturday

Smoked sausage, homemade baked beans, and of course cause Harvey needs more carbs I will make some pasta.

Sunday

Pork roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots.

As is usual any leftovers not designated for another meal will be used for lunches.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

After my online attendance at Mass this morning, it was time to get a bit of work done around the house. Nothing really difficult (though one small task turned out to be harder than I thought), I made my list, decluttered the drawers in the kitchen (my goodness those were dusty), decluttered the smaller of my two pantries, and worked on some knitting.

Now what turned out to be harder than I thought was the making of Harvey's cell phone case. I got him to measure his phone a few days ago, made my pattern and made it a bit bigger to take into account the seams. Well, it was still too narrow. So I had to start a new one. Because I was frustrated with my first efforts I have only gotten as far as sewing the denim squares together and enlarging my pattern. I will work on sewing it tomorrow.  Harvey said that perhaps the other can be used for another purpose, which is quite true not going to waste the work that went into making it. Pretty sure it will fit his phone charger and cord.

I was asked about my Sausage Casserole recipe so here it is. Much of it is by look so I would say you could adapt this for any size casserole you choose.

I start off with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, then add a layer of thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle those with salt and pepper. My next layer is thinly sliced carrots to cover everything, then it is topped with a layer of frozen peas. I place my sausages on top of this in a single layer (for the two of us, one of whom is a major meat eater I usually use 12 sausages). The the whole casserole is covered with a can of tomato soup mixed with 3/4 of a can of water. Put it in the oven at 350*F and bake until potatoes and carrots are tender. This usually makes enough for the two of us to have two meals each, and enough veggies for me to have them for lunch when we have eaten our meals.

Today was our 45th wedding anniversary. I really can't believe we were ever this young. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Wow here we are at another Saturday for the month. Even in these days of heightened restriction the days seem to be slipping by. I suppose that keeping busy helps.

I promised myself that I would declutter and simplify my life and so far have made a darn good start. 

I have decided to start project declutter again this year. So far I have decluttered the living room, dining room/office, and the bathroom. My house is now minus 122 items either through recycling, or tossing (mostly papers and out of date items from our first aid kit). I found a few things that needed to be moved to their proper homes as well. 

Tomorrow I work on the kitchen. I might only get the drawers done, but it will be a start.

I made a new to us recipe to use up a bag of ham from the freezer. 

This is known as Breakfast Bake and Harvey really enjoyed it. I would almost say it is like a crustless quiche. Served us two nights and I had some for lunch.

Then I made one of Harvey's favourites, Sausage Casserole. This uses small pork sausages and lots of veggies. Once again there was enough for two meals for each of us and some of the veggies will make my lunch tomorrow.

It really is a waste not world we are living in now. The more I can stretch things the better I like it. Makes it so much easier to save the cash to replace things in our home and remove one rather large Maple tree that is at the end of it's life this spring or summer. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

For now I will carry on with my posts in the usual fashion. Not too sure how I want to change things up. 

So what were the frugal happenings here this week.

Using the treadmill for my daily walk while it was icy out.

Opening the drapes on those sunny days to take advantage of the solar heat from the sun.

Running around and turning off lights that Harvey left on.

Having a couple of cook once eat twice meals. As well as using things up from the fridge freezer.

Baking bread once again.

I did not save as much on my groceries this week but at least I did save $4.80. I also saved a bit at Walmart. I picked up some red beads to use on next years tree for a 75% savings (cost was $1.00 a package instead of $4.00) and Harvey's nicotine gum was on sale at $5.00 of a package. 

I have been using up scraps of fabric and making new items to be used around the house. 

Downloaded some more free books, and got a code for my "birthday" for 20% off the purchase of an ebook (better use that before I lose it). 

I was asked if I time my walks or count steps. I actually do both when I walk. My doctor said in order to build bone I need to walk at least 25 minutes a day. Then my watch also counts how many steps I take each day. It actually gives me a goal that I must reach each day for steps. Kind of like that, except when it reaches like 15k steps each day. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday TidBits

 I think I am over my shock and distress over what happened to our southern neighbours yesterday. I hope and pray that everything is over now and there will be a smooth transition of power. Though one never knows what will occur or set things off once again.

I promised you all some pictures from Christmas and so that is what you will get.

Gifts surrounding the tree.

Eiko standing guard at the door to where Kris was sleeping. She takes her duties very seriously and would not leave the doorway until he got up in the morning.

Kris opening one of his gifts from Kurt.

Kurt opening his gift from Kris. He was quite taken with the book, and other goodies included.

Harvey opening his gift from Kris. Turns out this is one of those bar globes, but this one is especially made for wine. It is now residing up in the dining room. Probably so I will be the one to dust it.

Me opening all my lovely smelly bath products from Kris. I even have metal containers which I will be using to plant various things in this coming spring. 

Harvey opening his gift from Kurt. He has another autographed photo for his collection of sports photos.

Opening my gift from Kurt. I got a lovely sleeveless lined vest to wear when I am walking, a 23 and me kit to send in (we were informed that eventually all of us would be getting this as a gift), and school pictures.

Kurt opening his gift from us. As you can see he really does not like getting his picture taken.

Kris on the other hand knows that I like to take pictures of gift opening and does not mind posing at all. Here he is with the card I made (which contains some cash).

Though this picture doesn't look like it, Harvey really did like his sweater. Mind you now he says it is extremely warm.

My gift from Harvey was a gift card to download books from the Kobo ereader store, and a Qray bangle.

Now my birthday falls 4 days after Christmas and because the boys are never (or I should say very rarely) still here I open my gifts Christmas morning.

Lots of candles from Kris. 

As well as some lovely bath salts.

This beautiful wax melter and some wax melts from Kurt.

Harvey got me a lovely sterling silver angel necklace. Didn't get a picture of that. Nor did I get a picture of our Christmas feast as the boys call the evening meal.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

Well, I still have not really had a chance to figure out how to change my blog posts to something that would be more interesting to my readers.... Perhaps one of these days I will come up with a brilliant idea. But for right now I will continue doing what seems to come naturally to me.

Since Kurt and Kris left we are working our way through snacks and sweets. I think we just may have to work up to walking even more. I am surprised that there was this much leftover even after sending things home with them. 

I am looking up new recipes to use up all the bits and pieces in the freezer. I hope to not let things get away from me again. Having a lovely roast meal once a week is wonderful, but it really is not in the least thrifty if I end up throwing bags of mystery meat out from the fridge freezer. 

I have planned and put together some crafting ideas to use up my various stashes. I am hoping this will keep me on the straight and narrow. Lots are really useful ideas for the house such as new tea towels, dishcloths, and even some of those over the stove handle towels to wipe my hands on. 

Mending has been done as well. Just a few hems on Harvey's dress pants and a couple of seams on a few of his t-shirts. I do have a pile of darning to do, but I am saving that for next week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

The first full week of the year. How very exciting!! Now I get to perhaps add new recipes to the menu, get better at using things up so that nothing goes to waste.

Monday

Leftover frozen meatballs in mushroom sauce, served over the leftover rice from last night. I plan on using up the small cabbage in the crisper making some coleslaw to serve as one of the sides, and mixed veggies for the other side.

Tuesday

Leftover ham from Sundays roast meal (6 meal sized bags now reside in my fridge freezer) made into something new. I plan on going online and finding something exciting to make.

Wednesday

Harvey's favourite sausage casserole. I will make a tossed salad to go along with it.

Thursday

Use up the remains of Tuesday's meal as well as the remains of the tossed salad.

Friday

The old standby of glace and eggs which my mom and grandma made when cash was tight or they were saving for something special. 

Saturday

The leftover sausage casserole. Served with either raw veggies or a salad.

Sunday

I will remove a package of frozen beef from the fridge freezer, warm it up, make mashed potatoes and gravy and a veggie. Thus using up some beef and still having our roast meal.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.