Thursday Tidbits

 Really not much happening around here. Vaccines are moving once again, now if we can only keep them going. I do hear that it is becoming tough to get an appointment in your own town. Some people are having to travel 70 miles or more to get their jab. 

I am glad that our oldest son, Kurt, got his first jab a couple of days ago and am waiting patiently to hear that the youngest, Kris, is eligible. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will be soon.

I got a call from my specialists office today and my appointment is still on. Harvey did a happy dance as we get to go for a drive. There are protocols to follow, but hopefully all will go well. 

I did my grocery shopping today, and picked up a few things to organize a bit better in the sewing/craft room. That is moving along slowly but surely. I have one more binder to cover and place on the shelf. Where on earth did I get all those patterns for knitting, sewing and crafts. I may need to pick up one more smaller binder for use with my Cricut. So very much to learn and so little time in a day.

Still working on using up some yarn. The church is going to get a great many prayer shawls once things open up again. It is helping me use up yarn though and that is very necessary.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have some photos for you.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

It has been snowing again, just off and on with no accumulation as of yet. The little that fell overnight managed to melt throughout the day. 

Drapes are open for light and heat whenever the sun decides it is going to shine. 

I repotted my lemon trees and hopefully they continue to grow. I found 2 pots that I could use hidden in one of the closets.

I fixed a seam in a pair of my pants, turned the collar on one of Harvey's shirts, and darned a pair of socks.

I have put together a sort of cross stitch kit. My goodness, I am running low on certain colours. I will need to stock up on them at my first opportunity. 

I decluttered a bit more, which when you think of it is an excellent thrifty move. If you are not going to use it, someone else will.

My bread machine paddles are slowly wearing away, so I hunted on line and found a Canadian company that carries the brand I need. They should be here by Thursday.

Leftovers were made into new meals, and the leftovers from those were eaten for lunches.

I found another dime to add to my change jars.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Good morning everyone,

I am taking a bit of a break between more strenuous house chores on my to do list. Doing a few where I can sit and collect strength or rather endurance for the next task. 

Right now that means posting my weeks menus and then later for my next bit of rest visiting a few of you.

Monday

Leftover ham from Easter. I will probably make our favourite (and the easiest) casserole. Served with a salad for extra vegetables.

Tuesday

The leftover chicken from Sunday will be used. I am not too sure, but I think using it and some boiled eggs and cheese with the rest of the salad could be just what we need.

Wednesday

Leftover casserole from Monday, and probably some green beans from the freezer.

Thursday

The stuffed peppers from the freezer that got moved because, well because too many leftovers to use up.

Friday

Tuna casserole, and raw veggies (though I could be encouraged to make a salad).

Saturday

The weather is supposed to improve so I think maybe some BBQ pork chops (it will be pork chops no matter what) and tinfoil packets of veggies.

Sunday

Roast beef. Our usual roasted veggies and the last of the salad.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

The days just keep right on rolling right along, each merging into the next with great regularity.

So far, unlike many of the provinces in Canada, our restrictions are not too onerous as of yet. We are however back to sticking to our household bubbles and trying not to venture into the stores very much. Other than worry about our sons and how they are doing, things are pretty much normal here. I am quite content with Zoom get togethers, Facebook rooms and phone calls/text messages. I am not a really outgoing person, though people think I am. I would much rather have a few close friends and keep the rest at arms length.

Still even though we have not had the restrictions of other provinces I almost wish we would enact a few of them. Perhaps closing down our provincial borders to all but essential travel would cut our cases a bit. I am beginning to know more and more people that have contracted the virus and even though we have had the first shot, I worry that one or the other of us could come down with it. In Harvey's case that could be disastrous, as he has a heart condition. 

I have been doing some baking this weekend.

Filled up the cookie jar, to Harvey's delight (I have more in a container to top this up as the contents go down).

Made my favourite sour cream coffee cake (had to have a slice or two with my lunch today). It is now sliced and put into another container.

Tonight I will make one last item and the baking will be done for the week. Well, probably bread will need to be made.

I thought I would share my gift of free yarn from my friend.

Some of this haul will be made into dryer balls, some for me and some to be given to the son's for gifts next Christmas.

This is what is called Siwash yarn. It is more like a roving and is usually used to make bulky sweaters. You need to twist the 6 strands together once you start knitting so that there is some tensile strength to the yarn. I plan on using much of this haul to make mitts. They will be nice and warm, wonderful for gifts and perhaps for selling or giving away to those in need. 

I have been unable to find my error in the cross stitch so it is being put away, and I will be gathering together the threads and pattern for a different cross stitch project. Sometimes one just has to move on.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

Another frugal week has gone by. Well at least as frugal as I can make it during these pandemic rising prices.

1.  Using up prepared ahead meals still. Getting that fridge freezer and big freezer cleared out nicely.

2.  Put $30.00 in the cash envelope for saving and $8.25 in the change jars. 

3.  Got our taxes done and we are getting a nice return. The money will be used to do some work around the yard this spring and summer.

4.  Saved $6.82 at Walmart this week, along with buying a few items on sale. Did better at the grocery store and managed to save just over $42.00. All in all a good shopping day.

5.  Just got gifted two big bags of yarn, mostly pure wool so I see lots of mittens in the future.

6.  Baked bread twice this week.

7.  Used up two balls of yarn on the prayer shawl, finishing it.

8.  Drapes open to take advantage of the light and solar heating of the sun. This sure keeps our natural gas bill low.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

It is hard to believe that this week is almost over. Even under stricter measures the days are seemingly flying by. I have no earthly understanding of why. 

So today I tried shopping by myself, which more than likely made Harvey very happy. I managed it, but then again I didn't have anything of heavy weight to pick up. The excursion did tire me out though so it was a good thing I had gotten the very few household chores necessary done before I left the house.

This is my haul from the Co-op grocery store.

Not a whole lot, but enough to see us through a few weeks and because  my favourite coffee beans were on sale for half price I picked up two more large bags. I bought the bread for those days I just do not feel like making my own. 

I managed to save over $40.00 this time around. That makes me very happy. 

Our first robin in the yard appeared during our snow storm at the beginning of the week. I have been out for short walks the last two days and seen many more hopping through the branches of our Manitoba Maple tree. Poor thing looks almost frozen.

I have started watching the original Upstairs, Downstairs on BritBox. It is keeping me amused while knitting. Sorry for the reflection. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

As the snow continues to fall we have spent a lovely few days to end the week and begin this week in a thrifty manner.

Rather than take some of our spring/summer coats in to be dry cleaned, I washed them on delicate and they are hanging to dry down stairs. Look pretty darn good, and I saved mega cash doing this. Just wish I could do the same with our winter gear.

Both of us have decided we really do not like the taste of mango's and I have two left to use up. I think I might try to use them in some type of relish and hopefully we will like that better. Now I know not to buy them (we needed to give them a try) ever again.

All leftovers are packaged up and will be used in a meal this week. Well if I can keep Harvey out of the containers (one might get moved to the freezer to be used tomorrow).

I have been going through my spring and summer wardrobe and putting aside those items that need repairs or need refashioning. A few items have hit the donation bag.

Sewed a button on one of Harvey's shirts, and repaired a split seam on a pair of my pants. 

Found some fabric in my stash that I should be able to make some reusable pads for my Bissell steam cleaner.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Well the snow did arrive later last night. It is still snowing off and on and probably will for the rest of today. If the forecast is correct we will be getting more yet tomorrow.

I guess this means that I can continue with casseroles, and rib sticking meals for awhile yet.

Monday

Pork sausages, hash brown potato patties, and brown beans.

Tuesday

Leftover pork made into a stir fry. I will use up some of the veggies in the crisper that need to be used up and serve the stir fry over rice.

Wednesday

The container of stuffed peppers from the fridge freezer. Probably some coleslaw to go along with it and use up some more of the cabbage in the fridge.

Thursday

Leftover stir fry served over the leftover rice.

Friday

Soup and sandwiches.

Saturday

Hotdogs, pasta, and salad.

Sunday

Roast chicken, peas/carrot mixture, and mashed potatoes. We will use up the leftover salad tonight as well.

While this will not clear out everything in my fridge or freezers, with the way things are going here, more and more cases showing up every day. I am conflicted about stocking up or not stocking up. I guess I may just have to wait until the next time our premier and head doctor make an announcement (usually every Wednesday) to make my decision. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

It has rained off and on most of the day. Not deluges, but at times it has been fairly steady. Now the temperature is dropping and what will be falling will no longer be rain, but snow instead.

Yesterday I got my vaccine injection. Number one down, and now I just have to wait a bit in order to get my second injection. I got the Moderna vaccine so when I book for my second dose I will need to make sure that is the one I get.

Yesterday my arm was a tiny bit sore, but as today has progressed the soreness has increased, I have a slight headache and a slightly high temperature. It may be that I will have to rebook my dental appointment tomorrow. We shall see what the thermometer reads in the morning.

I have also lost one of those absorbable stitches. Only 12 more to go in various positions on my mid section. 

I haven't really felt like sewing clothing this past week, so today I went into my four inch squares and pulled some to make another quilt. This one hopefully just for me to snuggle under.

This is what I pulled.

Notice that most are flowery type fabrics with a few solids and a blotchy print thrown in. Doubt very much if Harvey or the sons will want this one.

Off to set the table and then back to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

Kurt left on Wednesday and so I spent yesterday catching up on the few things I am allowed to do around the house. Once again the house seems awfully quiet once again.

To tell you all the truth, I have been extremely lazy the last few days. Not much done on the craft front, no decluttering, no baking. I just do not feel like my normal self. Truth to tell I am just tired right out with the weather and the pandemic. I shouldn't be because here in Canada we don't go through the type of lockdowns that other areas of the world do. At times I almost wish we would as case numbers are rising in my country, in my province and in my zone of the province. I get my first shot of the vaccine tomorrow (probably Moderna) and am really excited. 

On to what was frugal around the old homestead this week.

1.  Used up some more of the fabric I had bought to make masks. I made 5 more for Kris and 5 more for Kurt. Still working with elastic I have had for years. It seems that buying things on sale and stashing them does have benefits.

2.  Saved $13.67 on groceries this week. Yet considering how fast prices are rising I would love to save even more.

3.  Found a dime and added it to the change jars.

4.  Had windows open on the two  beautiful days we had this week to air out the house.

5.  Hubby hung out the bedding to dry. 

6.  Reading free or re-reading books from either Kobo or off my shelves.

7.  Using up bits and bobs of hand lotion, bath gel and body butter.

So how were you frugal this week?

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 Kurt will be leaving tomorrow, but as I want to spend as much time visiting as possible with him, I may not get to visit with all of you until tomorrow. Though I will try my best.

I was asked what kind of stew I made. Usually a beef stew with onions, potatoes, carrots and peas. I find that the easiest to make, though one time Harvey made an oven stew that was wonderful, it incorporated canned tomatoes as well as veggies. 

So what thrifty moves have taken place over the last week.

All meat was sliced off the ham and what wasn't eaten was packaged up and frozen. Kris took some ham home with him and I will be sending some back with Kurt as well.

The bone from the ham was packaged up and frozen. I see split pea soup in our future.

I have used up another few balls of yarn on the sleeved wrap I am making. Don't plan on wasting a bit of my yarn stash.

Kris washed clothes while he was home and hung both of the loads on the line outside to dry. Awesome. I think I should be able to do the same next week as that will be 6 weeks from my surgery. 

I made Kurt and Kris each two more masks from fabric in my stash. 

Did some more mending. Well darning. What is it with toes and socks???

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

A new week begins and I have company. This means that more than likely I will be having lots of leftovers to get through once Kurt leaves.

Here are this weeks menus.

Monday

Stew and dumplings. Making a big pot so of course there will be another meal.

Tuesday

A ham casserole (though quiche sounds pretty good). Served with the remains of the tossed salad.

Wednesday

Leftover stew served over freshly baked bread.

Thursday

Leftover quiche (if there is any) and I may try a red cabbage side dish.

Friday

Soup and sandwiches. Got to use up those frozen containers of premade soup.

Saturday

Hamburgers, fries (or tinfoil potatoes and mushrooms). Perhaps a coleslaw with the remaining red cabbage. This is also the day I get my first inoculation so hopefully no big reactions.

Sunday

Roast pork, brussels sprouts, and carrots. 

So there you have this weeks menus.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Easter Sunday

 

He is risen. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Saturday Roundup and Frugal Friday

 

So I will start off with what I was going to post yesterday, but got involved with visiting and exchanging texts with various (well one son Kurt). 

Kris is here, but will probably be the only visitor this week. Kurt has come in contact with Covid again and will be tested at some point today. I believe the early afternoon, he will then need to wait to get the results. Seems 4 students tested positive yesterday and they were letting the contacts know. If it is negative and he finds out soon enough he will come home. Not soon enough and he is stuck there until at least the summer.

So what was frugal about the last week?

1.  Waited for full loads before washing dishes and clothing (our water bill has gone down $15.00 in the last two months). Now to find another smart and simple way to save on water spending.

2.  Kris has an indoor greenhouse to start plants and brought us home 6 lovely pepper plants. 2 jalapeno, 2 ghost pepper, and 2 other really hot pepper plants. Now we don't have to purchase those at all. Saves us around $24.00 at gardening time.

3.  Used up all leftovers this week once again.

4.  Added $20.00 to my envelope of savings and $6.55 to the change jars. 

5. Found a dime outside on my walks (another frugal happening here) and added it to the change jars.

So that is my frugal 5 for this week. I know there are a few more but I am sticking to 5.

So what did I accomplish this week?

Really nothing earth shattering. I did the monthly meal planning, planned out what few extra cleaning jobs I can handle (or will be allowed to handle), made the bunting, made a kitty toy for Eiko from one left over pink beep (she loves it), took my daily walks, did some baking, and well knit. I also managed to enter the last months expenditures and am very happy to report that we were under budget once again this month. In fact for once we were pretty much under budget in all areas. Strange.

See nothing earth shattering or ground breaking. Pretty much the usual around the old homestead during a pandemic.

I do hope that this coming week is a bit more exciting.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

Another quiet day other than entering budget figures and shopping. Have I ever mentioned that I really don't like not being able to shop by myself? If it was just me I would have been out and back by 9 am. Instead it wasn't until almost 10 am that we made it back to the house. Also some strange things seemed to enter my shopping cart today. 

Other than that excursion and the budget entries I have had a couple of walks, baked some cookies and am considering making some blueberry muffins... Perhaps tomorrow morning early. 

Had a pleasant surprise when doing the budget. We were under total budget, and even the groceries were a bit under budget (the grocery thing hasn't happened for a very long time). Hopefully this shows me getting a handle on spending, or at least managing to hit the sales and use food items a bit better. 

Harvey got the floor vacuumed and I managed to do a bit of sweeping (more to happen after our supper). 

I read my new pattern over and transferred markings. Tomorrow while waiting for the boys to get home I will do some sewing.

So that was today under the rather loose restrictions we have in my zone of the province.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.