Tidbits and Stuff

 It is the end of the month and time to fess up on what I got done and what I didn't get done as far as projects.

1.  Shop for flowers and plants (going to be awhile as it is darn cool out still). Done

2.  Paint outdoor bench. Done, and I even managed to get the wooden chairs painted as well.

3.  Plant flowers. Done

4.  Knit baby blanket. Not done.

5.  Cut out skirt and sew. Done

6.  Cut out pants and sew. Done

7.  Make cover for my egg chair. Not done

8.  Knit first blanket using leftover super bulky yarn. Done

9.  Knit two small ponchos for the silent auction. One poncho made, the second on my needles right now. I did knit a kind of shrug as it turned out there wasn't enough for the second poncho.

10. Work on cross stitch. Not done since it has been cloudy most days here this month.

11.  Make cushion for outdoor rocker. Done

12.  Move wardrobe around to see what if anything I need for summer/spring. Done.

Took me a while but I got rid of most of the yellow background behind my typing. Blogger drives me a bit nuts at times.

I hope tomorrow to have some pictures of some of the finished products. As usual some of the projects this month will be carried over to next month. Hopefully now that the flowers are in I will have a bit more time.

Here are the list of projects for June.

1.  Keep the gardens weeded.

2.  Hang my yarn wreath.

3.  Knit 2 ponchos.

4.  Knit the baby blanket.

5.  Finish the table cloth.

6.  Cut out 1 pair of shorts and one summer dress.

7.  Start on strip quilt.

8.  Start knitting another use up the leftovers blanket.

9.  Work on cross stitch.

Hopefully I can manage those projects. Some just need to be started and I will need to remind myself of that fact.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

I thought I would get this posted early and then visit you all a bit later in the day. There just does not seem to be enough hours in the day to do all that I would like and perhaps getting a post up early would help with my time management skills.

Any how on with the menu for this week.

Monday

The roast beef meal I was going to make on Sunday, but we ended up trying to finish off the main dish salad I made on Friday. I see another lunch or two before that is all gone. I will roast potatoes, carrots and broccoli to go along with the roast beef.

Tuesday

Soup and Sandwiches. There is one last container of Cream of Mushroom soup in the big freezer. Plan on bringing that up and making a final meal of it. I think grilled cheese sandwiches to go along.

Wednesday

Leftover Tetrazzini. One last container of that as well. I will make a salad to go along with it.

Thursday

Leftover beef roast. Probably made into a casserole and served with salad. Any extra will be packaged up and frozen for another meal later.

Friday

Salmon casserole, peas and a salad.

Saturday 

Here is hoping for a nice non rainy day as I would like to BBQ (or rather Harvey do so). 

I figure hotdogs, baked beans and salad.

Sunday

Some leftover ham made into a meal (those hams I buy are huge and there is always lots that needs using up after a roasted ham meal).

So there are the meals for the next week. Trying to clear things out so as to make room for lighter meals and main dish salad type things starting very soon (or at least I hope).

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has been a relatively quiet, but busy week. Or perhaps I should say the last three days were pretty busy.

I managed to get all the planting done, and once things start to fill out a bit I will post some photos. 

No batch cooking this week, instead I have been busy using things up. I still have the rhubarb out to make into a slice. Decided against the pie as we had pie last weekend. No cake either as we just finished the chocolate cake I made yesterday. Slice sounds about perfect right now. 

I think I will pull out some zucchini tomorrow and find something other than cake, or loaf to make. Actually some muffins sound pretty good and they can be used for breakfasts.

I helped at the hospital Mass on Wednesday. It only took a bit over the hour as I walked some of the residents back to the long term care area of the hospital. I did tell them I wouldn't be able to do every week, but would come whenever I could.

I sporadically worked on my monthly projects, but am not really getting as much done as I had hoped. There will be a few carry overs to next month.

Continued to walk every day this past week. Actually this time due to me extending the distance somewhat I have lost a few pounds. Now that makes me smile.

My regular 2 week shopping day is on Thursday of the upcoming week, but I think I will go on Wednesday as the store is having a great sale and the sale ends on that day. Probably head there right after helping with Mass. Really great meat sale so I just could be spending a bit more than usual this time around. 

Off to get our supper warmed up (stew and buns). 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

Wow, it is the end of the work week for those that work, and it is the end of my planting and pretty much the end of Harvey's getting in the veggie garden (though he was looking for kohlrabi starts when we bought the last of the dirt yesterday, and what I hope are the last of my plants (well maybe a citronella or lavender yet). 

I finished all my planting over the course of three days. My back just does not take all the bending over that is necessary any longer. Age is creeping up on me. Still I am happy with what I got completed and just in time for a lovely gentle rain. Which we were not supposed to get until tomorrow. This will replenish what we have used out of the water barrel working on the gardens over the past week. 

1.  Pruned one of the two lemon trees and placed the trimmings in some water to see if they root. Perhaps a couple more trees coming up.

2.  Been making good use of leftovers either as lunches or as other meals at supper time.

3.  I have been able to keep the lights off most of the day and let the natural light into the living room and dining room. Today, drats I need the lights on.

4.  Reading free books that I downloaded on my ereader for entertainment when I first get into bed.

5.  Working on those monthly projects to use some of my stashes up. So far it seems to be working well.

6.  Harvey has been working in his space in the basement repairing a few items and making a few as well. 

7.  Windows have been opened to keep the house cool. Holding off on using the air conditioner as long as possible.

In Canada we get a FIT test mailed to us every two years. This is a sort of pre-test for colon or rectal cancer. My test came back normal today. Fist pump happening. 

Menus have been changed a bit over this week, just so I can use things up that need using. I can always move those meals to the next week. 

I think I might finally have gotten Harvey on the frugal path. He is often the one that says lets use this up before it goes bad, we don't want to waste anything. Still there is a bit of waste, but not like in the days before I realized how much of our money we were wasting.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Is As Thrifty Does

 

I was asked if I cook my rice first for the lazy cabbage rolls. Well I did this last time, but usually I don't. You just have to use more tomato juice (tomato soup/water mixture if you choose) if you are using raw rice.

So what thrifty things have I been up to this week.

1.  Cut down on the amount of potting soil I needed. I am not filling as many baskets or containers this year...well at least I hope not. I have gone from 8 of the largest bags you can buy to 5 bags. And I actually think that next year could be slightly lower.

2.  I did not spend as much on flowers and greenery this year. Over the years I quite often would spend well over $600.00 on plants to beautify my yard... This year I am down to about $300.00. I know this sounds really high, but I do love to be surrounded by colour after 6 months at least of blah. I am hoping to overwinter a couple of plants along with the lemon trees.

3.  Using up all leftovers. Even Harvey has gotten behind this as he has seen how prices are rising.

4.  Made my own spray to get rid of maple/box elder bugs.

5.  Entertainment has been watching Netflix, Disney+ (youngest shares this with us) and Prime.

Those are just a few of the thrifty habits I used this week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Mid Week Update

 

My goodness it is the middle of what could be considered the last full week of the month. Where on earth did May go. Heck in one month we will already be halfway through this year.

Today I decided that perhaps I should answer a few of the questions I have gotten over the past week.

First off my recipe for Lazy Cabbage rolls (or casserole).

I put a layer of shredded cabbage on the bottom of the casserole dish, and because I make this to freeze for meals later I often do this in tinfoil containers that have a lid. 

Next I mix rice, ground beef, salt, pepper and rice together and layer this over top. 

Another layer of shredded cabbage goes on top and then I use tomato juice or a mixture of tomato soup and water to pour over top.

I then bake it in the oven until cooked (adding more juice if necessary). Put the lids on if using the tinfoil trays once they have cooled a bit and label them. Easy peasy.

Next question I was asked was how far north do I live.

I live in Saskatchewan not to far from the international border between the United States and Canada. In fact if I travel 9 miles south I would be at the border crossing between Saskatchewan and North Dakota. 

We live in an area that is considered semi arid according to maps but there are times, usually in the early spring and late fall that we get lots of rain. Though the past few years that hasn't been happening. Rain all around us, but nothing really here. This year our rain came at the beginning of May, along with wet snow and in some areas hail as well. It would have been wonderful if the ground had not been frozen solid because of the really cold temperatures in April. So a great deal of the moisture became runoff into rivers, creeks and thankfully farmer's dugouts. 

As far as growing season, our last frost is usually our long weekend holiday in May (the Victoria Day Weekend) and most people plant their gardens and flowers at that time. This year however temperatures are very cool still in the evenings and we actually had frost here a couple of nights ago.

Our first frost is usually sometime in October. Harvesting of gardens and farmer's fields are usually done for the most part by this time. This year however farmers are having trouble getting fields planted due to rain puddling in the fields in my area. There has also been a bit of flooding. 

We can sometimes extend the life of flowers and gardens by covering them at night with blankets. Yet that only lasts for a short time before the frost gets too heavy.

Onto the last question.

What homemade stain removal product am I going to make?

I am going to try an easy one first by making a paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. I am told to spread this paste on the stain, rub it in well and let it sit for about 15 mins. before washing. I think because of the peroxide I would probably test it out in an area not seen to see if it takes the colour out. Another easy one given to me by a friend is to rub a dampened bar of soap briskly over the stain. 

We shall see if either of these work before I start to check out other ideas that look a bit more complicated.

Well off to make supper and then perhaps outside to bring in some of the tender plants I have sitting on the deck. I did plant a few of the more hardy ones today. Hope to get a few more out in their homes tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits

 

Thought that I would switch some days around for awhile. Nothing really much is happening around here. In fact once again I might be entering a bit of a slump. 

I did get out and buy some of my plants though and now I wait a few days to plant what I have and decide what else I need. I know I will need to buy some inserts for the metal hanging baskets, and then the plants to go into them. 

Today I managed to get the gladioli bulbs planted, and Harvey worked on the veggie garden. He said he sprayed the area beside the house where weeds, grass and small trees are popping up, but I really don't see a difference as of yet. I have a feeling it will need another spray.

Tomorrow morning I need to go to the hospital to help with the weekly Mass. Not too sure if this is something I will feel comfortable doing every week, especially since it is spring and things are getting busy outside. I may just back out after this once, we will see if I have the courage to do so.

Still working on the projects for this month, but not getting really even close to being done. I will have to work hard over the next week. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

The house is quiet, Kris actually left mid afternoon yesterday. He wanted to get his lawn mowed and the garden tilled before it got to late. Today he sent me a picture of the garden he has now planted. Next on his list is filling some of the pots and baskets he took from here for his decks.

When he left Harvey and I told him we would come up for a visit very soon. There are a few outdoor things he will need some help with and one indoor one.

Not a frugal day here at all. Harvey bought his tomato, pepper and Spanish onion starts, and I started to purchase my flowers and herbs. This year I bought smaller ones and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they actually grow well.

On to the menu for this week. Some items come from last week as with Kris home things had to be mixed up a bit. 

Monday

Lazy cabbage rolls, mixed veggies.

Tuesday

Leftover pork roast, probably just warmed up as Harvey smoked it and served with salads (tossed and I may make a potato salad as well).

Wednesday

Sweet and Sour Ribs along with some rice and probably the remains of the tossed salad.

Thursday

Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Friday

Salmon balls (made like meatballs but using canned salmon and rice) in a mushroom soup sauce. Served with peas.

Saturday

The last container of stew from the freezer. Probably served over slices of fresh homemade bread.

Sunday

Roast beef, roasted potatoes (hopefully), and roasted carrots.

We still have some cake leftover for dessert which will last a few days and I will make a rhubarb sponge pie towards the end of the week.

So while we spent cash (Harvey filled his truck....gulp) at least our meals are being made with what we have on hand. Some items are getting a bit on the low side though. Hopefully porkchops, ground beef, and pork roasts go on sale very soon.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 

I sent a text to Kris around noon today and he said he was leaving the city in about an hour... This means the grandcat and he will be here in about 30 more minutes. So looking forward to that even though it means a change of menu plan for tonight.

I have also spent some of the day baking. I made bread, a cake (still needs icing) and have almost finished a pie. Just chilling it until I start the final step.

Thought that I would try something different for Frugal Friday and list a few new ways I have discovered to keep the frugal lifestyle going and the big plus is that they should be easy to add to what I am already doing.

1.  Turn on the light in the oven when cooking and invest in a meat thermometer. That way instead of opening the oven door to test and lose almost 25% of the heat you can see what temperature your meat is at easily.

2.  Avoid buying clothing that needs to be washed separately. I already avoid buying dry clean only clothing so this should be relatively easy to add.

3.  Try and make your wardrobe mix and match (pretty much have this almost set up). You can get away with fewer clothing items this way. If you also buy items that can be used in more than one way (dress to jumper type idea), you can extend your wardrobe even more.

4.  Make my own stain remover. There are lots of recipes for this so I will try a few.

5.  I am going to start a mail basket and process it once a week. Junk mail will be tossed into the recycle bin before it even crosses the threshold.

So there are 5 items I am adding to my lifestyle.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 

It has been pretty cool and dismal here the last couple of days. Kind of put me off of doing much of anything. I am also having trouble sleeping which probably isn't helping much.

This week has been one of not cooking very much, just warming things up from precooked meals. Makes being able to work on various projects much easier. Mind you those do not seem to be moving forward to completion as quickly as I had hoped. Still every row knit, every cushion cut out and every bit of stuffing done is getting better.

I am hoping that Kris makes it home this weekend and brings the grandcat for a visit. Eiko always brings a smile to my face even if she decides after a bit that she really does not like me much and gives me a swipe and hiss when I walk by. I should say having Kris home also brings a smile to my face.Since it has been so cold and snow is once again being forecast Kris may not make it home. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I believe another reason I am a bit down in the dumps is that usually I have been busy planting flowers. Not this year, in fact I haven't even bought bedding plants. So there is a bit of a dearth of colour in my life right now. I really need to feel the dirt between my fingers and see some colour!!!

Tomorrow (if the sun shines at all) I am going to get the cushions for my wicker rocker made and perhaps finish off one side of the second poncho I am making. I may even actually start the embroidery on the tablecloth. 

The baby formula shortage has now hit us. Lots of it is because of what could be considered panic buying due to the shortage in the United States and the fact that my city is only 9 miles from the border so lots of shoppers from the U.S. seem to head here whenever there is a shortage of something down there. Kind of reminds me of the great toilet paper shortage at the beginning of the pandemic.

I filled my vehicle with gas today and it felt like I was filling it with the best cuts of beef possible. I am hoping that the cost starts to drop a bit very soon. But I rather doubt that happening. All a person can do is find other ways to save, but I really pity those who have to drive any distance for their jobs.

Now that I have probably brought you all down, I am very sorry. I am off to pay all of you a visit.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

 

Three lovely days in a row, drapes open to let in the sun, screens removed, washed and replaced. Now I can have my windows open to catch any cool breezes. We still have not uncovered the air conditioner, and considering there is talk of snow this weekend it will be awhile yet. 

Thrifty so far over the past week, has consisted of me getting my walks in every day, using leftovers (for some reason Harvey isn't eating leftovers right now) for my lunches. There are enough to last me until Saturday. 

I used muslin and removed all the lumps after stirring some paint and used that paint to do the park bench and the other outdoor wooden furniture (one project down). 

I am using up orphan skeins (in some cases two skeins) to do some knitting for our family reunion. Leftovers are saved and hopefully will be made into a knitted blanket of many colours.

I am working out a pattern for a cover for my egg swing chair and a pattern for a full cushion (seat and back) for my wicker rocker. I think the first cover will be made using some old sheets that I will treat with a water repellant. We bought one a few years ago and it didn't even make the year....darn thing was pretty costly as well.

Saved some more twist ties.

Put $120.00 in my savings envelope. I also added $13.40 in change collected in my sewing room to the jars. I still need to see what I can collect from Harvey's corner of the dresser. Hope it is at least $5.00.

Hung what I could on the lines downstairs.

I always hang my clothes up after the first days wear and if I haven't gotten them dirty or sweaty I wear the top and pants for another day. Sometimes I can get three days wear out of a pair of pants.

Also making sure that lights are off in rooms that are not in use. Soon the dark gloomy days will be over (well I hope) and lights will not be on until the evening or early morning.

I think that is pretty much all for this week. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Another week starting so a new menu plan, and because I have so many projects this month I will be using up some ready meals from the freezer. Getting it cleared out for the new harvest.

Monday

Chili and toast.

Tuesday

Vegetable soup and sandwiches.

Wednesday

Leftover chili on pasta.

Thursday

Tetrazzini and a salad.

Friday

Eggplant Parma.

Saturday

Lazy Cabbage rolls and salad.

Sunday

Roast pork, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and salad.

Kris will hopefully be home for the Victoria Day long weekend so I need to do some baking as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

 Another rainy day, perhaps even more rain tomorrow, I think we are becoming waterlogged. 

With all the dark and dreary days we have been having our lights have had to be on a bit more than usual. But I have been making sure they are out in rooms not in use.

So what frugal things have I been up to this past week.

1.  Cleared the fridge out by eating leftovers for lunch or supper. Saved meat for other upcoming meals and being things only needed warming up time and electricity.

2.  Walked every day either inside (mostly) or outside when I could for frugal exercise.

3.  Watched some shows on Disney+ which our youngest son shares with us. Also watched some shows on Netflix.

4.  Since our mobility bill will be rising we got a phone call asking if we wanted to lock in at this years prices. The contract is being mailed to us.

5.  Bought lots of lovely fabric at the fabric sale at a fraction of the cost buying the same amount at a fabric store.

I am sure there are more, but I really can't think of them right now.

I also called our youngest son to find out how he is doing with all the rain where he is. So far all is okay with him.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 Another cloudy, rainy day. I think this weather system will be around for awhile. Well at least until Saturday and then head back for another go around towards the end of the next week.

So today was much the same as yesterday. I did manage to get a longer walk outside at 7 this morning and a shorter one to pick up the mail. Still the majority of my steps are coming from inside the house. I walk up and down our basement stairs at least 15 times and then make rounds through the main part of the house. It is surprising how fast the steps add up. I also march in place for at least 15 minutes every hour. It really helps that this new watch lets me know by a bit of a rumble that I have been sitting too long and to get up and move.

The vehicle now has it's tires changed over and we decided to store the winter ones at the dealership. Now we have a rack to use for another purpose and a bit more room at the side of the house.

Since this was another miserable day overall, I did a bit of tidy (not much really), did the few household chores that were down for today, almost finished sewing the pants I had cut out (not sure I like this pattern as the legs are very wide), and did some knitting which I will continue with tonight. The pants will be finished tomorrow and perhaps the skirt will even be started. Not much else to do on what is supposed to be another rainy day.

I don't know how many more boring days I can take. I really want to go plant shopping, and paint those pieces of outdoor furniture. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Rain, Rain and Yet More Rain

 After one day of lovely sunshine we have had two days of rain with yet more coming due to another Colorado low. At least it isn't snow. Mind you according to the weather pundits the rain over the next two days (until Friday night) could add up to 65ml (6.5 cm or almost 3 inches). We have already had about 50 ml in my city. The city where my son lives could get up to 85 ml though better check with him and make sure he has put out his downspouts. I think after this he may have to add an eavestrough and downspout to his deck roof as well. 

So because it has been slightly damp I have putzed around the house. Not really got anything completed, just tidied a bit here and there. Did my steps (need another 600 to make 10K but would prefer 11K) inside, and watched a documentary on the television while knitting. I did finish one side of the first small poncho though so that is a plus. 

In other words a boring day, but one that I have managed to gain a bit of my energy back. Perhaps rainy days are not so bad after all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Mixing Things Up a Bit

 As I felt so terrible last week I could be nothing but thrifty which is always a good thing. I thought that perhaps I would play a bit of catch up and let you all know about the projects I managed to complete for last month and even got a start of sorts on this months (which I will need to list). 

April's challenges first.

1.  Sew hot pads. Done

2.  Cut out and sew knit dress.  Done

3.  Make embroidered table cloth.  Started and hope to finish this month

4.  Knit two scarves.  Done

5.  Make coasters.  Done

6.  Continue working on angel cross stitch.  Because of the cloudy and miserable days I could only work on this two afternoons.

7.  Knit two pairs of socks.  Done

8.  Embroider two napkins.  Done

I really didn't do too badly over all. I do wish I had gotten to work on my cross stitch a bit more.

Here are some pictures of those projects.

I would put a picture of my finished dress up, but for some reason the computer will not allow me to turn it from one direction to another. 

Now on to the projects for this month of May. Some I have already started. Not much else to do when a person gets tired out before the evening falls, or needs to take rests between projects.

1.  Shop for flowers and plants (going to be awhile as it is darn cool out still).

2.  Paint outdoor bench.

3.  Plant flowers.

4.  Knit baby blanket.

5.  Cut out skirt and sew.

6.  Cut out pants and sew.

7.  Make cover for my egg chair.

8.  Knit first blanket using leftover super bulky yarn.

9.  Knit two small ponchos for the silent auction.

10. Work on cross stitch.

11.  Make cushion for outdoor rocker.

12.  Move wardrobe around to see what if anything I need for summer/spring.

I was going to scrape and paint the deck, but now that the furniture is all set up I think I might wait until the cooler fall weather. I also think I just might tire myself out a bit too much if I take that on right now. Not sure if we even have the correct stain in the basement.

I went shopping on Thursday and got faint. I barely made it out to the car and home. Then it was just snuggle in my chair and rest for pretty much the rest of the day.

Then on Saturday the United Church here in the city finally had their Fabric Sale. I went first thing so it wasn't crowded and worked quickly. I managed to come home with these finds.

Fabric for sleep pants for Christmas, fabric for winter skirt making (or perhaps a jumper), fabric for the Christmas tree skirt, and fabric for a couple of tops. All for about 1/4 of what I would have paid in a store. I could have bought more, but decided to leave fabric for others.

Off to get supper and then I hope to be able to make it to visit all of you tonight.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Well, I am back, sort of at any rate. I am still so very tired by the end of the day that doing anything other than sitting is pretty darn taxing. I am however managing to get through a bit more every day. I don't know why this booster affected me so strangely and so hard.

Any how here is my menu for the week. 

Monday

Leftover steak from Sunday, egg noodles and salad.

Tuesday

Short ribs, rice, salad (I really made too much on Sunday).

Wednesday

Cheesy Broccoli Soup and sandwiches.

Thursday

Leftover Stew from the freezer.

Friday 

Lazy perogies.

Saturday

Leftover short ribs, rice, peas and carrots

Sunday

Ham steak, egg noodles, mixed veggies.

Not the most inventive of menus, but a way of using things we already have in the house. 

Off to try and catch up with all of you. It may take awhile, but I will do my darndest.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Okay

 Just stopping by to let all know I am okay. Just trying to get over some really weird side effects from the last booster, and getting things completed around the house. 

I will be back next week hopefully.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless