Sunday, December 31, 2023

Year's End

 


Wishing all my readers the best New Years Eve. We will be staying home, and probably be hitting the bed early. Gone are the days where we would go out and celebrate. Much safer to stay home.

I have almost caught up on all the tasks that I let slide while Kurt and Kris were here. 

Regular posts will start again with the new year and I will be spending some time catching up with all of you.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, December 29, 2023

Still Here, Alive and Kicking....I think

 Just a quick post to let you all know I am still alive. Today was the last day of having Kurt or Kris here at home, so I should be back to regular programming tomorrow. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Merry Christmas

 


Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas. I will be taking the next few days off of posting, but will be back after Christmas.

Off to visit with Kris and then get supper started. We will probably be eating a bit later as Kurt got a late start home.


Everybody have a wonderful holiday spent exactly how you like.

God bless.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Frugal Friday

 


Getting very excited as Kurt and Kris will be home tomorrow. However being excited and still keeping a frugal home are not mutually exclusive. Mind you the rest of December might not be quite as frugal.

1.  Lights are being turned off with great regularity now in rooms not in use. I think it has now become a habit to run around and turn things off.


2.  Walking every day, even if it is indoors, and I have found many a chair yoga or chair exercise video on YouTube.


3.  Reading a book I picked up at a sale for very little. I will go back to reading free books on my ereader once this one is done.


4.  Bought some more meats on sale this week. The turkey was really inexpensive as was the ham. Then today when I went to pick up a few items before the sons came home I bought a whole pork loin to cut up into roasts. It was on sale for an excellent price. 


5.  Shredded up some cheese and put it in a vacuum bag before it could go bad. I have another chunk that I will do the same with later tonight.


So there are the frugal things I have managed to remember for this week. Next week I hope to share some of the frugal ideas I would like to make into habits for next year.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Thrifty Thursday

 


Usual thrifty habits happening here on the old homestead. 

Today I worked on the budget for next year and managed to shave some off on certain lines. Others I had to raise a bit, but still the budget is a bit lower than last year. A very good thing. I will see if it can be even lower after the first couple of months in the new year.

I have only used the car once so far this week. I will need to use it tomorrow in order to get another jug of milk, some salad things and perhaps another loaf of bread or two in preparation for Kurt and Kris being home. I will go early so that the store is hopefully not crowded, and I will wear a mask as Covid is making a big come back here in my small city (don't want to give the boys something to take back with them to their homes).

Put my 20 year old Christmas tablecloth out. I made it after Christmas when the fabric was on sale for 1/4 of the regular price. Getting kind of faded now, so I suppose eventually I will need to make another.

Harvey needed some Christmas tags and I found some that were sent to us free in the mail this year.

Saved some more twist ties this week. I am getting quite a collection so must remember to reuse them before I become a twist tie hoarder. Well at least they are small.

Saved the container my dishwasher pods were in. Harvey can use it downstairs to store some screws and such in, or if he doesn't need it I will cover with glued on fabric and find a use for it in my sewing/craft room.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.


Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Midweek Only 5 Days Left

 


I may be ready for Christmas, and I may not be. More on the not side really. I hope to get done all tomorrow or the next day. Things are not going as smoothly as usual, and I am going to blame the myriad of appointments I have had over the last two months, plus the ones that are coming up in the next three months. Part of it could also be I have never been this late in getting gifts ready or knowing for sure if we are going to Harvey's sister for Christmas Day evening. I really don't like driving at night and will have to plan on having our big meal before or even the night before. Decisions, decisions. 

Keeping my fingers crossed that Kris can get some of my techie problems fixed while he is at home. They really aren't that numerous, but cause me a bit of angst. 

Our meeting at the bank went well and after moving some investments around I feel much better about the future and our cash situation. Moved some of my RRSP's into Tax Free Savings. I will take the tax hit as it should be offset by the medical, dental and optical costs. If we have to pay a little, that will be okay as well. The interest rates are pretty good right now and that is a big plus. Of course those could fall next year, but I will take the chance to gain the extra cash.

Off to get supper on the table and do a bit of work on the budget for next year. Harvey says to raise every line by 5%, but I am going to see what happens for a few of the larger expenditures before doing so. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Tuesday Tidbits

 


Wow, not much time left before Christmas and a full house once again. I, just might be getting a bit excited. 

According to the long range forecast there is nothing nasty coming up even well into the new year. I might not have to worry about the sons getting home for the holiday.

I have mentioned how Kris grows veggies hydroponically in his basement. This week he sent me a picture of his mini tomato harvest.


He said this was almost 5 lbs of tomatoes. So he spent the time to peel them and process it down to tomato sauce. He actually got 1 1/2 lbs of tomato sauce as well. He planned on freezing this batch, but the next one he is going to can. I told him he might need a pressure canner to do it due to the lack of acid in the sauce (needs more than the natural amount). Kris texted back that he found one on sale and purchased it. He figures he can put up more of his garden this way as he does not have a great deal of freezer space. A much braver person than me I must say. Told him that once he masters that canner he can teach me. 


Still using things up here and I am gradually seeing space coming in the fridge freezer. Right now there is still more in there than I would like, but I plan on pulling out my FoodSaver and getting things in order once again. 

I have a few strange ideas for next year. I have a feeling Harvey will think that I am going a bit crazy. The few projects I have in mind may save us some cash, but we shall see. I am not too sure about one of them, but unless I try it I will never know if it will work.

I put some YouTube videos up for chair exercises as well today. I figure on adding some more movement to my day in the new year. I did try one of them out, and wow you do get quite a work out. I will need to pull out a different chair though, my dining chair just does not cut it. Lots of folding chairs downstairs that I can use. Just have to get Harvey to pull one out of storage. Back before Covid hit I had lost 30 lbs, now I have gained it all back and then some. Going to get rid of that excess.


Off to get the pizza made.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, December 18, 2023

Menu Monday

 


It will be another week without a real menu except for the Friday, Saturday, and depending on whether or not I make the turkey dinner on Sunday or early on Monday. We are supposed to go out on Christmas Day to one of Harvey's sisters.... I think it might just be Harvey and I, but we will see.


I am actually still using up little bits of meat from the fridge freezer. Tonight there is a couple of pieces of leftover ham steaks. I will warm them up serve with baked beans, and raw veggies and dip. 

Tomorrow I plan on using up a couple of mild Italian sausages by getting them out of their skins, adding some slices of various meats and the small bag of diced ham. Then some mushrooms, green pepper strips and some thinly sliced onions. Add a crust put together using my bread machine, sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese I we should have pizza for a couple of days. 

Eggplant Chickpea stew will be served (last container) on Wednesday along with some flat breads I will make.

Thursday will be the remains of the pizza.

Friday Glace, potatoes, and fried eggs. 

Saturday I am planning on smoked sausages, mashed potatoes, and a tossed salad.

Sunday will either be the Christmas dinner, or I will warm up some Cabbage Bread.

This would mean what does not get eaten on Sunday, would be eaten on Monday.

Pretty sure the fridge freezer will be empty enough to hold the leftovers from the turkey.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Sunday, December 17, 2023

Sunday Ramblings


 Just a quick post today, as I seem to have fallen a bit behind. 


I thought I would share my Nanaimo Bar recipe before I forgot.


Nanaimo Bars- Company's Coming 150 Delicious Squares

Bottom Layer

1/2 cup margarine or butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa

1 large egg beaten

1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup fine or medium coconut

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts


Middle layer

1/2 cup softened butter or margarine

3 tbsp milk

2 tbsp Vanilla custard powder (I use instant vanilla pudding)

2 cups icing (confectioner's) sugar


Top layer

2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

2 tbsp butter or margarine


Bottom layer

Melt first three ingredients i the top of a double boiler or in a heavy pot. Add beaten egg and stir to cook and thicken the mixture. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Press firmly into ungreased 9 X 9 pan.

Second layer

Cream butter, milk, custard powder and icing sugar together in bowl, then beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.

Top layer

Melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat. Cool. When cool but still runny spread over second layer. Chill in fridge. Cut into bars.


I will admit to doubling this recipe when I make it as this disappears very quickly here.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Saturday, December 16, 2023

Saturday Roundup

 


While I have gotten cleaning and projects finished this week has been more of a figuring out how I can manage to up my frugal measures in the coming year. Prices keep rising, our sons may need a bit more help over the coming years, and I want to leave this planet in better shape. 

Things could be a bit different on the old Phillips homestead over the upcoming year. I am still working on a few plans, but here is what I have come up with so far in addition to what I talked about in my last post.

This upcoming year is all about cooking with my appliances. I figure a person could save quite a bit with 110 electric over using the oven. It isn't like there are not a great many appliances in this house already, and cutting back on electric use would help save the planet as well as cash. I am also planning more use of the BBQ and smoker this summer. Hey, we own them so may as well use them. I even have a side burner on the BBQ that could be used as well.a

Another method I am going to use to save this upcoming year is plant more food items. Harvey always plants the garden, but I think I will add to the harvest by using pots to plant a few more veggies that I can harvest and process. The same goes for herbs and things I can use to make salves, lotions and potions. Things could be slightly different when it comes to flowers this year. I am actually pretty excited about this. 

I also plan on foraging a bit more or seeing if I can manage to get fruit for a minimal cost. I already forage dandelions, but I plan on doing much more of this. I know there are people in my city that want to get rid of apples and such every year and next fall I am going to take advantage of that.

It will also be a continuation of a no waste/little waste year. I have found that using everything up that I possibly can is an awesome way to save. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Friday, December 15, 2023

Frugal Friday

 


I have always been on the frugal side, but lately I am considering becoming even more frugal over all. As I have said before, that isn't something I really need to do, we actually can have all our needs covered and quite a few of our wants. However, after saying that, if something ever happens to Harvey, my finances will take a dip. I will not be getting all his pension, or his old age security. Things will probably get much tighter for me. 

Our city depends on coal mining, oil and gas, and the power plant so if those close down (which they will eventually), I probably would not be able to sell my home. Good thing that is totally paid for. This would mean me trying to learn how to do maintenance or hiring someone to do certain things for me. That would not be inexpensive. 

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

1.  Continual using up the bits and bobs from the freezer.

2.  The new meals that were made managed to feed us for two nights, plus a bit for leftovers for lunch.

3.  I am really watching my electrical use. Lights are being turned off with regularity. 

4.  Made lip balms. Those cost about 1/2 the cost of purchasing them. 

5.  Watching water usage. Costs of water have gone up as well. Perhaps not as much as natural gas or electric, but enough to be slightly concerning.


Off to set the table and start supper. I will be visiting you all once that has been completed.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.




Thursday, December 14, 2023

Thrifty Thursday

 


I am beginning to see the results of our thrifty lifestyle. We are making less garbage, having less waste of food, and while prices have risen in the grocery store by cooking from scratch, adding in meals that are meatless and making our own soups costs, are not affecting us as much as others. Stretching leftovers out into new meals is also thrifty and something our ancestors did often. 

I no longer toss the heels of bread or dry pieces of bread. I grind them up into bread crumbs or cut into cubes and make croutons. Cracker crumbs, if there are any are added to the bread crumbs as well.

We don't go for a drive just for the sake of getting out of the house, there is always an errand to be run along with the drive. The only exception to that will be when we travel down to the Regional Park to see all the Christmas lights. 

It is not thrifty to not make use of all we can. Bags from bread, buns and fruit are saved to be used for other purposes. The same goes for the elastics that are on broccoli, asparagus, or green onions. One never knows when an elastic will be needed for something. 

Becoming thrifty helps save not only money, but the environment, and resources. Something all of us should be willing and able to do.

So cheers to a thrifty lifestyle and many more years of thinking that "Thrifty is cool."


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

How Come Wednesday Is Showing Up So Quickly?

 


Wasn't it just Wednesday a couple of days ago? My goodness the weeks are whizzing by to Christmas and the end of the year. I only have a little over a week to finish my preparations for Kurt and Kris to arrive home. I did manage to get Kris's room tidy and in a couple of days I will struggle downstairs with cleaning supplies and get Kurt's ready as well. 

Feeling a bit more rested but still I am tiring out a bit earlier than usual. I didn't get the blocking done on my knitting until late so no picture. 

Our natural gas bill arrived on Monday and I am still in a state of shock. I am really hoping for a warm winter as this bill was the last bill plus one half more. Not at all used to that big a jump. I hate to see what the electrical bill will be when and ifT that increases. At least the water bill decreased, but with company it will be rising once again. 

Bills were paid today all online, love that feature as it saves on gas and time. Tomorrow though I will be heading out to get our prescriptions filled, and our allowances out of the bank. I may make a trip and pick up a few things using the gift card I won awhile back. I will also pick up the items necessary to make the Irish Cream. That is one project I want to get done before the end of the week. 

Working on knitting my sweater, and finding it very boring. I will get the back completed and perhaps start on the front at some point tomorrow evening. This project is moving very slowly. 

We need to meet with our Financial Planner at the bank. Lots of things up for renewal and hopefully the interest rates are good. Since I will be working on the budget numbers for next year it is a good thing to know where we stand. Hopefully we get in to see her very soon.

Off to visit all of you. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.




Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Tuesday Tidbits

 


I finally had a great nights sleep. It is wonderful to actually feel mostly rested, though right now at 4 pm I am beginning to lag. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that I will have another restful night.

Once again baking was set aside and I worked on finishing the prayer shawl/blanket. All done, just needs a bit of blocking and I will take a picture. 

I also made the lip balm today. Much to my dismay doing it the way the recipe said in a glass bowl over boiling water was kind of a disaster. The melting went well, it was the pouring into the tins that became the problem. The mixture went all over the table!!! Probably lost 2 tins to the mess, but this helped me make a decision on making this again. I will be purchasing a designated large measuring cup to use for the purpose of making my salves and other such items. 

Anyhow, here is a picture of the finished product.


 I still managed to get 7 tins though so more than enough to see me through the winter, plus a couple of tins to stick into Kurt's and
 Kris's gift baskets. Adding some Oregano salve as well.

Tonight I will work on the family recipes and get them put into the small personal photo albums. This should finish off the gift baskets for them. Being as this shouldn't take too long there could be some knitting on the sweater I set aside. 


The weather is changing once again, so I am a bit achy. Hot bath tonight and dandelion salve rubbed into some of those achy areas.


I was asked about our Nanaimo bar recipe and I will post it tomorrow. Now it is time to get the table set, and the meat pie (one sheet of puff pastry was used as a crust) out of the fridge to warm up a slight bit before I put it in the oven to warm. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.


Oh, I can finally see all the pictures on everyone's blogs once again. Now the supposedly broken links are working once again.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Kind of Menu Monday

 


I have a sort of menu for this week, but once again it will consist of using things up.


Monday

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and baked beans.


Tuesday

Leftover Beef Casserole from Sunday.


Wednesday

Now this will be the leftover filling from the Beef Casserole made into a stew. I will be making dumplings to go with this. Love me some dumplings.


Thursday

I hope there is leftover meat loaf, if not I will do something with some ham I have in the fridge freezer and the puff pastry sheet left in the box.


Friday

Fish fillets, mixed veggies and fried leftover mashed potatoes (or I will make some more). 


Saturday

Leftover stew, served on slices of bread.


Sunday

Stuffed peppers from the big chest freezer downstairs. 


This should clear out most of the fridge freezer and allow me to work a bit more on the chest freezer. I do have some hamburgers still in the fridge freezer, so those will be on the menu next week.


I did not sleep well the last two days, and while I hope to visit you all later tonight, it may not take place until tomorrow.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Sunday Ramblings

 


It is getting closer and closer to Christmas. I am so looking forward to having a full house once again. It really seems empty around here when the boys are home and when they are gone. That is probably why I am so happy when Kris comes home on none holiday weekends bringing the grandcat. I really find it much too quiet now. 


I took off the day from baking as I just did not want to have to do the cleanup. To tell all of you the truth I love baking, sewing, crafting, knitting, but hate the clean up that is necessary after. I really do make a mess.....

I was asked who was going to eat all that bakinTg I have been doing. Well I plan on making two trays for our neighbours who are lovely young women, one tray will be taken to the family get together on Christmas day, and I am sure any extras will be sent home with Kurt and Kris.


Tonight I used up the bag of leftover beef roast  and made some filling that I planned on using with a Puff pastry crust.... Well it made a 9 X 9 pan with lots leftover. I can see some stew later in the coming week. Amazed how bits and bobs can make many more meals and save lots of money when grocery shopping.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.








Saturday, December 9, 2023

Saturday Roundup

 


It has been a bit chilly today so I stuck close to home once again. Did some extra cleaning, some more candy making (I added so am not done with Christmas candy/baking as of yet), talked to my brother, and did a bit of knitting. I will be continuing the knitting after supper.


So since I am pretty sure that neither Kurt or Kris read my blog, I thought I would show all the table runners, and mug rugs turned out. Actually the mug rugs could be used as hot pads as they turned out to be larger than I thought.


Mug rugs on top of the table runners. 

Then once the sewing was completed...Baking and candy making started.


Almond bark first.


Chocolate Coconut drops (I usually make these into balls and roll in icing sugar).

Butter Tart bars were baked next.


Peanut Brittle and Chocolate Covered Pretzels happened the next day.

Took a break from candy and pulled out all the chicken carcasses from the fridge freezer and made Chicken Bone Broth.


Then it was on to Caramel Slice and Nanaimo Bars.


Cinnamon buns were next, but I am going to have to make another batch as the dough I get from my machine, just makes a bit over a dozen.


More candy making and baking is still taking place. I hope to be finished by Monday at the latest.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, December 8, 2023

Frugal Friday

 


Since today has been cloudy and rather stormy, I have stayed in and gotten a few things completed. The snow has stopped, and the wind died down, but things are still pretty icy out on the roads. Staying in is probably the best thing for me. 

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


1.  Made Harvey some cheesecloth covers for when he filters his wine. It saves having him having to change the more expensive filters too often.

2.  Using up the bits and bobs in the freezer is helping us save money. I won't have to purchase as much the next time I go shopping. 

3.  Pretty much finished making all the Christmas gifts this year. I only have lip balm to make, and I have all the necessary ingredients for that.

4.  Once again combined errands to save on gas. 

5.  Watched some money saving YouTube videos and realized I am doing everything that they are. Makes me feel very happy. Though if we lived in a larger center I think the savings could be much higher.... Our secondhand stores suck as they charge so dang much.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Thrifty Thursday

 


It has actually been a pretty dark and dreary day today. Even though the curtains are opened not much light is coming through. In fact the furnace has cut in a few times. I have now shut the drapes and lit the candles to make the living room a bit more cozy. 

What thrifty things have I set my mind to this past week. 


Well I have mended a pair of Harvey's work jeans. They just needed a patch on one knee. Darned a pair of socks as well.

I have been using the bits and bobs from the fridge freezer, and a couple of the meals made will feed each of us twice. Tonight we will have the leftover chicken casserole from Tuesday, and then on Saturday will have the leftover ham/rice/broccoli casserole from Wednesday. Friday I will use up the last of the potato patties and the remains of a box of fish sticks.

I made Nanaimo Bars today and there was a bit of the vanilla filling left. Instead of getting rid of it, I pulled out the cupcakes I made a froze a bit ago and after thawing said cupcakes, iced them with the leftover filling. No waste is wonderful.

Entertainment has been reading and working on my knitting (once again using up things from my stash and reading free books I have downloaded). I have had the occasional walk, but since it is fairly icy out those have been cut short.

Harvey said we were almost out of bird seed and he noticed that it was on sale in Peavy Mart so went and picked some up for almost half the cost. A savings of almost $18.00.

Saving the plastic bags from produce and bread products to be used when the Grandcat visits for litter scooping. 

Saved the twist ties of those same bags to be used to close other bags. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Midweek Appears......

 


I was asked to post this recipe and I am very happy to. It makes a rather large batch.


Eggplant Chickpea Stew

1.5 lbs eggplant in cubes
Pickling salt
olive oil
1 large onion chopped
1 diced green pepper
1 carrot chopped
6 cloves garlic (you can use what would be an equal amount of garlic powder)
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (can use regular paprika)
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp pepper
28 oz chopped tomatoes
2 15 oz cans of chickpeas

Heat oven to 400. Place eggplant cubes in a colander in sink and sprinkle with the salt. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. In a large braiser (I did not have one of these so just used my big frying pan) heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium high. Add onions, peppers and chopped carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring. Then add all the spices, bay leaves, and garlic as well as a dash of salt. Cook, stirring until fragrant. Now add the eggplant, chopped tomatoes, and chickpeas with their liquid. Bring to a boil for 10 min, stirring often. Remove from heat. Here I put the mixture into a large casserole. Cover and put in oven for 45 mins. Check to see if more liquid is necessary.

Serve hot.


Pretty much all our snow has gone once again. We managed to reach double digits today. Now if only the ice under the water would go away it would be perfect. That being said we have a rain and snow mix headed our way. Perhaps even as early as tonight. Things will not be pretty on the streets once again, icy, and dangerous. I do hope the weather improves for Christmas.

I now have my new crown and will need to be careful for a few days flossing, but at least this finishes my dental work for the year. I now have a break from appointments for a month. I will have my mammogram on the 9th of January and I hope to get in to get new lenses ordered as well.

Both Harvey and I were a bit flustered a few days ago. Harvey had shoveled off the deck and was having a break when I looked out the window and saw our front had been shoveled as well.  Turns out that our new neighbour shoveled it off for us. So very kind of her. 

I now notice that this post has a background colour. All because I copied and pasted the recipe. Oh well, what will be, will be. I don't know how to get rid of it, so here it will stay.


Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Tuesday Tidbits

 

Quick post before supper, I will try and visit you all a bit later. Right now it seems all I am doing is cleaning, and doing dishes.... No wonder my back is constantly aching. 

Just a few decorating pictures, there is still a bit left to do. 



The big tree downstairs. I still have gifts to put underneath.



My litte tree upstairs. I really need some white lights on here and will add some to my box of ornaments when things are cleaned up.



My few Nativity scenes on the fake fireplace. I find myself turning this on more without the heat this year. My stuffed snowpeople sitting on the floor beside the fireplace.



One of the few ceramics that I made left. My little Christmas tree. I believe I made this in 1980, so it is getting pretty old. I picked one of the smaller ones rather than the bigger ones. I often wonder if people still do ceramics or teach ceramics. This was a lovely evening out for a friend and I.

I hope to get a bit more done over the next couple of days. We shall see.... I have realized I do not have many Christmas decorations and that will be something I need to fix over the next year. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.



Monday, December 4, 2023

Let The Countdown Begin

 


I have no menu plan for the next while. Instead all those bits and bobs in the fridge freezer are going to be used. I pulled out a bag of frozen chicken, a bag of frozen ham, a bag of frozen pork roast and a bag of frozen beef roast. Once those are used up I will pull some more bits and bobs and get those cleared out. I actually think I have become a leftover hoarder (if there is such a thing). I do have a few items in the coming weeks that I am going to leave on the menu as they also need to be used up (fish sticks, homemade pizza, Eggplant Chickpea Stew, and soup). 

I think the only time I will actually follow my monthly menu plan is when the boys are home for Christmas. Other than turkey there will not be many leftovers as both boys have big appetites.  

Over the upcoming week I plan on getting my baking completed. I have actually managed to get a few things marked off the baking list.

Sugar is not readily available in the stores now due to the strike. I know I have more than enough brown sugar and icing sugar, but not too sure about the white granulated sugar. We shall see how things go and I will keep my eyes open when I go shopping for any on the shelves.

I will post pictures of my decorating tomorrow and the baking over the other days.


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Edited to add


Roger's Sugar refinery is on strike and there is a world wide shortage of sugar. Hence why we in Estevan have no sugar available here. Hopefully Roger's strike ends very soon.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Sunday Rambliings


 This was the first Sunday of Advent and Father gave us three things to try and accomplish this week. First was to take 15 minutes a day or one hour a week to pray and reflect on hope. The second was to do at least one act of kindness a day, and the third was to make an Advent wreath if we didn't have one. Should be easy to manage. 


I am still working on getting rid of my hurt and anger over being left out of the Bible Study team. Still I am finding it a bit easier to look those people in the eye and try to smile and perhaps carry on a civil conversation. We shall see how that goes as the season progresses. 


The house is as decorated as it can get this year, gifts are mostly made, and a few unfinished tasks from the previous week are slowly being accomplished. I have even started to do some of the candy making. I hope to get a couple of things finished today. Peanut Brittle is boiling on the stove right now, hopefully to be poured onto the trays very soon. I hope to get some mint patties made today as well, perhaps after supper.


Lately I have not been feeling very well. I see to get very tired by the mid afternoon, and always seem to have a  mild headache. I think I should probably test for Covid, but I am a bit scared to do so. Too much left to do and really not enough time to get it all done unless I work through whatever I am coming down with, or perhaps I am not sleeping as well as I thought I was. Last night was an anomaly as I was up and down quite often. 


Supper shall be late today as we went out for brunch after Mass. Always seems as if neither of us are very hungry after this. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Friday, December 1, 2023

Frugal Friday

 


The beginning of a new month, and perhaps things might not be as frugal as is usual. The problem being rising costs, not knowing what people want or need. Still I will do the best that I possibly can. 

So what frugal things have been happening on the Phillips Homestead.


1.  I downloaded some free books onto my ereader today and will perhaps find some new ones tomorrow.


2.  I have been turning off lights in rooms we are not using. Still need Harvey to do the same. Natural gas prices rose the end of October so I am hopeful that keeping the heat at a reasonable level and the electrical costs down will help with my frugal life.


3.  Used up lots of bits and bobs when making meals this week. I am hopeful that the fridge and fridge freezer are cleared a bit more soon.


4.  Made many of Kurt's and Kris's gifts. Still have a couple left that I would like to get done. However, if they are done after Christmas that is okay as well. Or even if they are done just before Christmas.


5.  I put $75.00 in my savings envelope and still need to put my change in the change jars.


6.  Driving was kept to a minimum this week which is a good thing.


So that is what has been happening frugally around here. 


Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.