Towards A Simple Life

 

Sometimes the difficulty in living or moving towards a simpler life are the obstructions you or others seem to put in your way. 

I get questioned quite often on why we don't go out and eat or order in more often. I usually say it is because I love to cook and we have a full freezer and a full pantry. I also know what is in the food I prepare, and we do go out for a meal or order in every so often, especially when I have been extremely busy in the garden or cleaning the house.

Sometimes I am asked why we don't travel more. I usually say it is because I love my home and enjoy spending time with my flowers, processing the garden, or working on projects inside. It isn't that we couldn't, but I do find the lead up to traveling to be a bit overwhelming at times. Traveling to visit our sons is different and easy. Traveling to a cottage in a National Park here in Canada is easy as well. It is traveling overseas that causes me angst.

Then of course there is the obstacles I put in front of myself. There are times I find it very difficult to rid myself of those things we no longer need or use. I also find it hard to rid myself of bits and bobs of yarn (getting better as I can use those to pull my warp together, make mittens or toques for Kurt's school). Still I have yarn enough to last another decade, fabric to last at least a year, and other craft supplies that would probably last years as well. Still I am slowly working my way through everything and things are slowly being cleared out bit by bit.

Still both of us are working towards a slower, more intentional life. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

P.S. 

Photos to be put up tomorrow over what we have been accomplishing so far this month.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

The usual thrifty and frugal practices are happening here. I did go out and purchase what we needed for our trip and probably on Sunday I will venture out to the grocery store before picking cherries and getting the one tree processed.

I mended a pair of pajama pants for Harvey. Another pair has been put into the sewing/craft room to make into rags. Those rags are very needed right now.

Sewed two dresses, pictures of which I will share on hopefully Friday. I make a very simple shift type dress for summer as those seem to be the coolest to wear. Some are made of a light cotton, and some are made with knit fabric.

Found fabric in my stash to sew Harvey a pair of summer weight pajama bottoms. Those will be completed tomorrow.

Pulled out my old tablet, powered it up and tried to get it to work. Not going to happen as it kept freezing on me. It is just too old. I guess I will be taking my notebook with me on holiday. Or perhaps I will struggle through with my phone. I can manage many things on that.

Visited our cell phone service provider and will be going back on the Saturday morning we leave for Regina to get a package put on so as to be able to use it when we are traveling for the 15 days we will be gone.

So other than eating up bits and bobs, making new lists, processing what I can from the garden, sewing, and planning on how to keep my plants watered and alive while we are gone, this is all I can come up with.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 Wow, I looked at the Viking Journey home page and we only have 13 days left before we take off. Kind of scary as I do not feel at all prepared as of yet. I hope that by the end of this week I feel more ready to be flying across Canada, the Atlantic Ocean and halfway into Europe (though it could be closer to 2/3 of the way in). 

Each day I try and do a little bit more in preparation and slowly my list is getting checked off bit by bit. However the garden really is not helping things. Neither are the cherry trees. I only hope things do not get over ripe or in rough shape from lack of rain. 

Yesterday I finished one of the two dresses I want to make, and today I cut out the second dress. Plus, Harvey asked me to make him another pair of summer weight pajama bottoms, so I searched my fabric, found some and got those cut out as well. Hopefully sewing will be happening over the next few days and things will be finished. I would love to get another skirt made, but I really don't think I have the time left, or perhaps I should say the inclination. The skirt I have in mind and the next jacket will more than likely have to wait until we are home again.

There were errands that I had planned to get done today, but I got a phone call from my doctor's receptionist saying that Dr. N would be phoning me this afternoon. So those have been moved to another day. It could be two days as I don't know how long it will take in the cell phone store. Or getting the few groceries I need for the rest of the time here at home. I may be getting our prescriptions a bit later. 

As I have said I am trying to use up and go through the pantry (both in the kitchen and in the hallway closet). I fear when we get home there is going to be a fairly expensive shopping trip. Things are being used up and will need replacing very soon. 

Off to get supper made and then visit all of you.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Keep in mind that this menu could and probably will change due to me wanting to use up all that I can before we leave the country.

Monday

Leftover Tuna Pasta Salad, along with some hamburger buns made into Cheese topped garlic bread.

Tuesday

I need to check, but I think there is either leftover chicken, beef roast, pork roast that needs to be used up. This means something will be done with that and any extra put into a container for youngest when he comes home to look after the garden for us. I also have some cucumber salad to go with.

Wednesday

Soup and sandwiches. I am leaning to tuna melts using the hamburger buns. I think I might make 1/2 the asparagus into soup.

Thursday

Sweet and Sour Ribs, rice and asparagus. There is lettuce so I may make a tossed salad as well.

Friday

Fake crab made up into a creamed style meal. Served over the remaining hamburger buns and the remains of the tossed salad.

Saturday

Leftover Sweet and Sour Ribs and rice. I will probably slice some veggies to serve with dip. 

Sunday

Chicken strips, creamed new potatoes, and perhaps a salad of some kind.

Slowly getting things used up and cleared out of the fridge and fridge freezer. There will probably be a few items we take to Kris's instead of allowing them to go to waste.

A Simpler Life

 The next few weeks will see us embracing Simple Living. I am amazed at how close we are to this definition of living simply.

"Simple living refers to practices that promote simplicity in one's lifestyle. Common practices of simple living include reducing the number of possessions one owns, depending less on technology and services, and spending less money. In addition to such external changes, simple living also reflects a person's mindset and values."

The past few years both Harvey and I have been reducing our possessions, and trying to spend less money on items that really are not that important to us. We are frugal so we can take the occasional long journey. However, now that we are getting up in age or journeys will likely be a great deal shorter. 

We are enjoying more of what we already have rather than always looking for something new and exciting. Taking things a little bit slower, finding joy in a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the flowers and veggies growing in our yard, planting fruit to harvest sometime in the future and just taking deep breaths. Not so much the deep breaths right now as we are getting smoke from the fires in North Dakota and Wyoming. 

I am enjoying getting projects completed, and going through my stashes of craft supplies, yarn and fabric. Things are being completed if a bit slower than I had hoped. Then again I am enjoying the creating process a bit more.

Now the depending less on technology and services is really something that is difficult to do in this day and age. If I depended less I would not be able to do online banking (saves lots of time), or watch YouTube or documentaries on the television (antennas do not work here any longer). Being able to depend on our accountant come tax time saves Harvey lots of angst. He hated doing our tax returns once they became a bit complicated. Some technology is wonderful though there are drawbacks if you get too attached. Also technology is great in the health field. What would we do without x-rays, MRI scans, CAT scans, and laboratory tests. Pretty sure that the depending less, does not include those. 

Simple living is wonderful as it makes a person slow down.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

This is not the most thrifty or frugal week. In fact the next few weeks and into August will probably be pretty darn unfrugal with just a touch of thrifty thrown in.

I was asked to explain what Glace is. It is kind of like a very heavy noodle as it is just tablespoons of the flour/egg mixture put into boiling water with some cubed potatoes. The "glace" will float to the top when done. I usually fry some eggs to dip the glace in after putting melted butter with sautéed diced onion. Not the most healthy for the heart meal, but one my German grandmother made when money was tight. Flour was relatively inexpensive, onions and potatoes grew in her garden, the cow gave milk which could be separated into milk and cream, the cream made into butter, and the hens of course laid lots of eggs. While this meal is a bit more expensive now, it is still something I make as it brings back many memories of visiting with Grandma and Grandpa.

So what have I done that is thrifty or frugal this week?

1.  Errands were combined to save on fuel.

2.  I only purchased a few items of grocery as we have lots to use up (even with Kurt visiting). 

3.  It has rained here so I only needed to water my pots and baskets once. We got 2 1/2 inches just a couple of nights ago.

4.  Harvesting some cucumbers (salad will be made once Kurt leaves as he does not like them other than in pickles or relish). 

5.  Picked the last head of lettuce that was ready from the garden.

6.  Hung all the laundry on the lines outside.

7.  Using up as much as I can when making our meals.

8.  Made lemon balm and mint salves from last years harvest so nothing would go to waste.

9.  Made bread crumbs from leftover buns from the reunion.

10. Used fabric scraps to make reusable facial cleansing pads.

So there you have it. Looks pretty good however in the 16 days we have had this month there has been spending 8 of those days. After our trip, I will need to buckle down and tighten the frugal belt a little bit. Got to save some cash for Kurt and Kris's birthdays, and then there is Christmas.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

It has been a bit cooler today, which means that at least the air conditioning actually quits once in a while. When we came home on Sunday it ran steadily from the time we got home at around noon, until probably 10 pm. Mind you when the temperature is 39C and feels like 48C, pretty sure it would have to just to make the house feel cool.

So the reunion went pretty much like it always does, but surprisingly many of the ladies decided to give me a hand setting up. Not so much the clean up portion of the night, but I was grateful for the help getting the food out. 

Once all were fed and Harvey and I grabbed our meals we went and sat with the group. Of course the brothers all yakked a mile a minute, and the sisters (as well as a couple of in-laws) all yakked as well. Me, not so much included in the conversations, which is something I am very used to. Once everyone started to leave a couple of the wives of the brothers decided that perhaps they should talk to me for a bit. I smiled and joined in the conversation. One must make an effort to be present at times like this.

The next day, Harvey and I were left on our own. I cleaned all the dishes and containers that were left behind. It was much too hot to do anything at all, so we just sat in front of the fan. Harvey worked on his crossword book or computer, and I read or worked on my embroidery. The morning was spent with me setting up the silent auction with a little help from one of the brother's wives. The other that said she wanted to help did as little as possible.

The silent auction was okay. There were not as many items up for bidding on as other years, and while my knitted dishcloths went for a good price, most of the other items I made didn't even make what it cost me to produce them. Next time it will be dishcloths, and a put together basket of goodies as those go over very well. One brother and one sister did not bring anything at all for this. 

I spent most of the evening speaking with the younger generation and that way managed to keep away from the rest of the family. I find that is the best way for me to get through the evening.

But here are a couple of pictures from the Saturday night.

Nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews along with significant others.

The entire generation that is left along with their wives or husbands. Well one of the brothers is kind of hidden by the husband on the left hand side in the front.

The family of Nympha and Joe Phillips. All the brothers and sisters were there.

Sunday we all, or almost all of us had brunch and the first people to leave were Harvey and I. Time to get home and get ready for Kurt to arrive.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Menu Monday

 Home and so glad to be in air conditioned comfort, there is nothing like melting in a cabin during what feels like 114 degrees F, to make one ever grateful for air conditioning. 

I will fill you all in on the reunion over the next week. Kurt is home and helping out around the house and has said he will mow the front and back once the temperature drops.

So what are we eating over the next week. 

Monday

Stuffed chicken breasts, teriyaki noodles, and green beans. 

Tuesday

Beef brisket (smoked hopefully), potato salad, coleslaw, cheese and pickles.

Wednesday

Sloppy Joes, and whatever salad is left.

Thursday

Shredded brisket on buns, corn and probably I will make some type of salad.

Friday

Glace and eggs (one of Kurt's favs).

Saturday

Main dish tuna pasta salad.

Sunday

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

Now in case you all think I am turning on the oven in what could be a hot week, I will be using my toaster oven, electric roaster and stove top. Though I think for one meal I may just try my instant pot or perhaps my slow cooker. 

I am hoping to use up a few things from the downstairs freezers, and the fridge freezer over the remaining time we are home before traveling once again. I also want to use up lots that is in the fridge as well. But since Kris will be here one weekend, I will make sure there are a few ready meals for him to partake of. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

I am a bit achy and very tired today. I know it is because I have overdone things the past two days, and the weather is very up and down. 

Tonight we are going to be attending one of our summer theater productions. This one is based on the music of Abba and of course Momma Mia. It should be good, if I can manage to stay awake. 

I have been working out a few more details about Jerry as well. I am sorry but I forgot who mentioned our names all start with "J". Actually my Dad's name was Jack (Jacob) and my Mom's name was Jean. We were always known as "The 6 J's" among family and friends. Strangely I hadn't thought of that in years. 

We have been working on getting some very necessary painting done outside. I am not sure if the deck will be repainted totally this year, but the railing and wooden furniture will be. I will also get the wooden windows painted as well. 

I have begun to do the dehydrating of herbs. Today I did some basil, mint, and oregano. Tomorrow I hope to do some thyme, more oregano and some parsley. Definitely need to keep up with that this year. The last few years have not been good for growing basil for some reason. I am hoping that this year is better. 

There are only a few (well tonight, tomorrow, and part of Thursday) to get ready for the reunion. Pretty sure I will make it, but man things are getting much more complicated every time we do this (and we do this every second year in Harvey's family). 

I find that the pressure to get things together, and make meals or pack food is slowly grinding me down. I am also the last one to learn anything or hear anything so these reunions are very hard on my nerves. I don't want to say or do anything wrong or his family looks down their noses at me. Stressful really. Harvey used to say that it was my imagination, but one time he really noticed how I was being treated and realized what had been going on pretty much since his parents passed away. I keep on plugging away though spreading cheer whenever I can.

I have gotten supper started, and we should be eating with enough time left for me to get dishes cleared away before it is time to leave. I will let you all know how the production was.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. God bless.

 

Menu Monday

 After a more than a week of research, and phone calls I think that things are on track to being settled with my brother (at least the disabled one). I hope to be able to post a bit more once again.

Anyhow here is the menu for this week.

Monday

Leftover stew (this gave us three meals). 

Tuesday

Hamburgers which will be made into kind of Swiss Steaks, mashed potatoes, and a cucumber salad.

Wednesday

Using up a package of leftover roast beef. Served in a casserole, and with the remains of the cucumber salad.

Thursday

At the cabin so we will have smoked chicken sausages, and coleslaw. Perhaps some tinfoil potatoes as well.

Friday

Family get together which will be hamburgers and hotdogs along with whatever sides people bring to share.

Saturday

Catered meal which will be turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, and salads. I believe there will be pies for dessert. 

Sunday 

Home and since Kurt will be here I will do a pork loin roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, and perhaps sliced cucumbers from the garden.

I am trying to get back into the swing of things and it is taking a bit longer than I had thought it would. Still, household tasks are being done, projects worked on, and short walks being taken to relax and remember that all will be handled eventually.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

The Journey Is Never Straight

 

Here I thought I was cruising along to a more simple, laid back life. One where I could relax and enjoy retirement even more than I already do. 

Then a couple of days ago after I told my sister Joanne, that our one brother was now in a Nursing Home and going to be assessed, she decided I should phone/get in contact with the other brother, Jay. 

Jay and I have never gotten along even as children. I really don't know why, but we just haven't. Joanne and Jay are closer, so I told her that perhaps she should contact him and find out what was happening with Jerry (disabled brother). So she did message him on Facebook and boy, oh boy things are getting complicated once again.

Jay was having fits and saying that we would all have to chip in and pay for Jerry's stay if it turned out he was to be put in the Nursing Home. We live in Saskatchewan and Nursing Home costs are based on what a person's income is with the government paying the rest and leaving the resident a bit for use on personal items. So Joanne started to send Jay information about that. Hopefully it helps Jay navigate the process a bit better. Though I rather have my doubts. 

Next thing I know, Joanne is messaging me that Jay says Jerry is now on 22 pills a day and they are costing a fortune. He goes on to say perhaps we can help pay for those..... Then it's a message that the place Jerry is in wants to give him a $750.00 a month shot!!! Perhaps we can pay for that as well. Cause you know a guy who hasn't worked in, oh I would say 25 years can't afford to (this is Jay, not Jerry who is disabled and gets disability right now).

My Dad made sure Jerry was well covered in his will, but both Joanne and I figure Jay somehow spent most if not all of that money, except for a small amount that couldn't be touched until Jerry turns 60 or perhaps 65. Now he is in trouble and Jay expects us to come to his aid. 

Harvey has already said that we would give money, but not to Jay. The money would go directly to the pharmacy or to the Nursing Home if that is where Jerry ends up. Joanne, crickets....nada, no offer to help out at all. To tell the truth out of the two of us Joanne and her husband are very wealthy and could easily afford to help out. Yet she does not seem to be willing to at all. 

I kind of giggled on one of her texts when she said "we" have a big problem and that "we" should be concerned about Jerry more. Heck, I have phoned him every Saturday for the last 7 or 8 years (probably more) and told her that things were very strange, that Jay was removing pills, and Jerry was really not eating very well at all. I would also buy Jerry clothing or give him small gifts. When I would tell her my concerns I would get, "Oh, well really that is not our problem." Perhaps if we had stepped in earlier things would not have devolved to what is happening now. 

Hopefully things will be resolved soon, and I can plan accordingly and get back to traveling towards a more simple and enjoyable life. 

Sorry for the rant, but things just got to me and I needed to vent.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

Thrifty and Frugal

After most of a week of rain, we have had some lovely sunshine and things dried up enough to go out and work in the garden and yard. It was lovely to be out in the sunshine, but I made sure I got what I needed done outside before it got too warm. 

Now I am not going to get too excited about the lovely weather, as according to the weather pundits more rain (and lots of it) is headed our way starting Saturday and for the following 3 perhaps 4 days. 

On to what frugal and thrifty things are a happening here on the old homestead.

Using lettuce grown in our garden for salads. 

Hung clothes on the lines downstairs, because of rain on Monday.

Rain barrel is completely full and Harvey's repair is holding well. 

Made ice cream this week as well as yogurt. I will probably make more ice cream tonight, and I should actually start another batch of yogurt.

Using up leftovers from the fridge and freezer in our meals. I hope to use more up over the next few weeks.

Walking for exercise and managing to get lots of steps in, even if it is just inside the house and sometimes marching in place. Steps are steps.

Picked up the rebate cheque on our purchases at our Co-op. While it isn't a large one every little bit helps.

Managed to answer 5 surveys and got added points to two different companies. I am working towards Amazon gift cards. Did my grocery scan as well for yet more points. 

Decluttered some of the kitchen cupboards. I am about 2/3 way through tidying and cleaning and should finish those off tomorrow.

Watched the Great British Bake Off on Gem which is a free streaming service from CBC here in Canada.

Watched some YouTube channels and read blogs to try and get some more frugal and money saving ideas. 

The air conditioner didn't come on at all from Saturday until yesterday and now it only comes on later in the afternoon. Should save us on electric this month. 

Opening windows at night to cool the house down and closing them when I get up.

Still using appliances as much as possible to cook, rather than the stove or oven.

Put $0.55 of found change in the change jars.

Mended a pair of Harvey's jeans.

I am pretty sure that is almost all that has happened here on the old homestead. 

I hope that you all have had a thrifty and frugal week as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 As I have said before, rain is a wonderful way to get things done in the house. Spring cleaning is mostly finished. Today I tidied and inventoried the hall pantry. Tomorrow it will be a tidy of the smaller pantry in the kitchen and a good scrub down of the cupboards that contain it. I did move some food into the kitchen pantry to be used and found many an item missing from the hallway pantry. 

I have enjoyed time working on projects (well except for yesterday I did nothing at all except what needed to be done) and made yogurt and ice cream. Watching the shuttle move back and forth as I weave can actually slow me down and make me take the time to enjoy the whole process.

Pulled some items that needed to be used up, and have been trying to plan on how to use up even more in the coming weeks. 

I worked on surveys for points towards gift cards, enjoyed laying on the chesterfield and reading.

However rain and cooler temperatures are not the best thing for garden growth or weeding. One can try and get out between showers, but having tried that one day and being doused has made me a little leery of such practices. I will wait for nicer weather. 

I am afraid that I will be over for the grocery budget this month, but hopefully under budget next month. I bought some meat (beef) that while on sale at a very good price was still a large amount. Yet this meat will give us many a good meal over the next while and should give us some leftovers as well to be made into yet other meals. 

As it is going to continue to be raining and a bit cooler, I plan on pulling out the frozen tomatoes from last year and processing them into sauce. Soups are getting low, so broth will be pulled out and some soup made and frozen for use later as well. 

Dried cherries need using, and some rhubarb as well. I think I will be doing some baking and freezing as well.

I think I am trying to get as much done as I can before we leave and the harvest comes in. There is only so much time to be had this year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Menu Monday

 It's been another rainy day here on the southeastern corner of the province. In fact this is going to be another rainy week if the forecast is correct. 

I guess that means I don't have to worry about heating up the house if I bake. 

Monday

Chicken Drumsticks done in the air fryer, and the remains of the salad. I may put out some pickles and cheese as well.

Tuesday

The tinfoil container of beef slices in gravy along with mashed potatoes, and corn.

Wednesday

Soup and Sandwiches. I have leftover Chicken Vegetable soup that I froze from last week so we will have that and probably grilled cheese sandwiches.

Thursday

Hopefully it isn't raining much as I would like to make kabobs for the BBQ and some rice to go with it.

Friday

Soft tacos using the lentil taco filling that I froze. Topped with lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes, salsa and sour cream. 

Saturday

Smoked sausage, fries, and I will make another salad.

Sunday

Leftover ham warmed up. Served with mashed potatoes and corn.

I will be making the new menu up and hopefully clearing a few items out of the fridge freezer next month. Of course there are a few days where we will be gone, and some days where our oldest son will be visiting us and meals could be a bit more elaborate or we could go out for a meal.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Continuing My Journey

 

It has been a week of cleaning (yes Spring cleaning upstairs is done, except for the cupboards), organizing and decluttering. The more I declutter, the more I feel like I am following the right path towards a simpler life. 

I have managed to find the floor in the sewing/craft room over this past week. Pretty sure there is more I could do in there, but I am leaving it until I get some items out of the house. A few things will be going with me to the Silent Auction at the family reunion, and then hopefully Kurt will be removing the 100 pairs of mittens from the house as well. That will actually add to the floor space by some 5 or 6 square feet. 

There are also the clothing items that I plan on trying to recycle into something new or if unable to do so donate. Once that box is gone, more floor space will open up. I hope to get started on those next month and finish them up when we come back from our trip. 

Lots was donated from that room as well. Slowly, slowly I am letting go of things that no longer feel necessary or that I no longer am attached emotionally to. 

Pretty much the only reason I managed to get so much done over the last couple of weeks is because we have had lots, and lots of rain. Now we need heat and sun to get things growing rapidly as I want to get a few things dehydrated, picked, frozen and canned before we leave. 

List making continues, and that really is enabling me to sleep better at night. It shuts off my thoughts about what needs to be done and stops me from worrying that things might not get done that need to be done. Life is so much easier to live when anxiety does not rule me. It is also much easier to feel like I am getting that much closer to a simpler life.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thurdays

Thrifty and Frugal

It has been just the usual weekly frugal and thrifty happenings here on the old homestead.

Trying my best to not waste anything at all food wise, and I am beginning to get tired of the only one who seems to be eating most of the leftovers. I think that tonight, instead of eating what is on my menu plan, I will just pull out all leftovers and see what we can finish up. I might have been cooking way too much over the last few days.

I am mending clothing, mostly seams on pj's and shorts. Though I did darn a pair of socks, and find a purse that the lining needs to be re-attached. Perhaps I will take that to the group meeting tonight. 

Using up yet more yarn weaving the second scarf, and when cleaning out the sewing/craft room (major cleaning almost done now) found a few double books to donate as well as an item I am going to take with us the next time we visit with Kris. I also sent a few items to recycling. Just a bit more to do in there and the only items that will be left on the floor will be things that go to other places. 

Trying hard to keep the air conditioning off as much as possible. I think that today is the first time it has come on in about 5 days. The rain we have been getting has filled the rain barrel that Harvey repaired. 

I got some free plants from a friend who was thinning some of her perennials out. 

Started some herbal salves to use up some of last year's harvested, dried herbs.

Tonight at the knitting/crochet/fiber arts group one of the ladies is bringing me some free yarn to use to make toques for the students at the school. Free yarn is good and will keep me supplied. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening (or afternoon, or morning).

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 I will soon have most of the top floor of the house spring cleaned. There is a great deal to do yet in the sewing/craft room, but since it is mostly dusting shelves and the desk I am hopeful of getting that completed in a few days. I can then move on to cleaning cupboards, and straightening closets up once again. I really am not as quick at this as I used to be, more rest times are needed, and sometimes after resting I just don't feel like getting back to it. 

I noticed though that there are quite a few things in the sewing/craft room that will slowly be disappearing. I am thinking the items for the Family reunion silent auction, and when Kurt leaves after visiting a rather large bag of mittens will be gone. There are also a few items that will either be recycled, tossed or donated. More will be used as well over the next few months. I am slowly getting a handle on craft supplies.

As far as gardening is concerned, well I am pretty sure I can keep the grass that grows in the lower level of the perennial bed kind of in check, but the creeping bellflower in the top level is getting harder and harder to control. I know I don't always get all the roots, especially on the smaller growth, but I am at least able to keep it from flowering and sending forth more seeds. 

The cherry trees have been netted, and most of the garden planted. Harvey is holding off on the beans until we are sure they will not be ready to pick before or while we are gone.

My sleep cycle seems to be getting pretty much back to normal. Yet I am still really tired today. Could be that cleaning walls, light shades and pictures (as well as some dusting) is a bit too much in one day when ordinary everyday tasks are added in. 

I think that my decision to make lists of what needs to be done before our family reunion, and before our trip is really helping settle my brain a bit and allows me to shut down all my worries and get the necessary sleep. My only lists left to make are what we need to take for both outings. I have the items necessary for the Friday get together pretty much done and will just add as I remember items. 

Going in for my yearly lab tests tomorrow. It is a walk-in clinic and I hope that I can get in and out quickly. I should actually have gone last week, but being so tired and not feeling well I decided to hold off for a week. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 It is that time of the week once again, and while I will be using things up I will also be adding to the collection in the fridge and freezer. I hope to catch up with using all of the bits and bobs over the next few weeks and definitely through the month of July.

So, what are we eating this week.

Monday

Hotdogs, homemade pork and beans and I may just get my take on a Greek salad made as well.

Tuesday

Leftover pork roast made into a stir fry and served over rice. If any Greek salad left we will hopefully finish that off as well.

Wednesday

Chicken Vegetable Soup and tuna salad sandwiches.

Thursday

The leftover stir fry and rice. I will probably add the asparagus that will definitely need using by then.

Friday

Breakfast for supper. I will make pancakes.

Saturday

BBQ hamburgers, and tinfoil potatoes, along with another tossed salad I hope.

Sunday

Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn (no carrots left until I go shopping once again).

So there is what we will be eating during the week, and since it is supposed to be a rainy one, I may even get a bit of baking in as well. Really could use some cookies.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Moving Forward

 If there is one thing I have found out on this journey, is nothing is ever smooth. There are times that for every two steps forward, I seem to take at least one step back if not more.

Still there is more forward movement and I am extremely happy about that fact. This week however the forward journey is hampered by the fact that a home needs to be cleaned from top to bottom and I seem to be one of those that feel two top to bottom cleanings are necessary every year. 

This year the first top to bottom cleaning is a bit late and I am slightly flustered about that. Especially as I thought I was keeping up with things by doing a bit extra cleaning each month. Seems I wasn't as good as I thought at that at all.

However I can see a change to be made and will of course make that change. 

This cleaning is helping me to declutter and figure out what is important and what isn't and having Harvey help out with things like taking the shades and such down for me is cutting time off the routine. It is simplifying my up and down movements, and enabling me to get more done so I can once again enjoy a slower pace. A couple of days or a week of constant cleaning and then weeks and months of tiny smaller cleaning tasks is just about perfect.

My slow down yesterday was watching a bunny nibble on the weeds and grass in our front lawn. Today it was working a bit longer on the weaving. Tomorrow it will be walking up and taking the time to attend the birthday of a 90 year old friend. Simple things, that really do make life more enjoyable. 

Simplicity can be work, but the work involved can be lots of fun.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

 Thrifty and Frugal

Another week of being frugal and thrifty happened here on the old homestead. 

I have noticed that quite often my posts do not show up as changing on peoples feeds. I am not sure what hocus pocus is occurring on Blogger, but I do hope the fix the problem soon. I just always click on all blogs on my sidebar just in case there has been a post that didn't show up. Believe me there are lots.

1.  Hung all clothing on the lines outside this week, except for towels, and sheets.

2.  Windows open to cool the house two days this week.

3.  Using up leftovers in the fridge and fridge freezer to make meals.

4.  Patched a pair of Harvey's pants.

5.  No watering necessary outside as we have had some rain over the last three days.

6.  Used some of my saved allowances to purchase some new sandals, three bras, a skort, 2 pairs of pants and a very nice dress. All on sale and the total cost was under $80.00. Oops forgot 2 short sleeved tops as well.

7.  Picking lettuce from the garden.

8.  Harvesting and processing rhubarb (might get another pick as of right now).

9.  Put $0.45 in the change jars.

10.  Went grocery shopping and picked up lots of on sale produce, and some dairy which will keep me from going for a big shop next week.

11.  Spring cleaning and walking for exercise, using up some more purchased cleaners.

So not to bad a week. How did you all do this week?

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

  

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

Just a bit of rain this morning, but man the humidity is bad. I went for a walk to get the mail and was perspiring like crazy before I managed to get home. The air seems awfully close as well, making breathing slightly difficult.

Harvey got all the ornaments back out on the deck and surrounding the perennial bed. Don't ask if I managed to get out and weed said perennial bed. Between downpours, humidity and getting some preserving and baking done inside, the answer is nope. Perhaps things will cool down, and the mosquitos will go away for a bit. 

I have managed to get a great deal of the extra cleaning done. Tomorrow I will remove the pictures in the living room and dining room, give them a good clean and put the dust cloth on the long handled mop and dust all the walls. Heck I may get the bathroom done as well. 

If the weather co-operates perhaps the outside of the house could be pressure washed, and the windows cleaned. That is Harvey's job. Then I could also clean the inside windows in the above mentioned rooms. 

Once spring cleaning is complete I can work harvesting and preserving foraged items and of course herbs (basil especially). 

I have been asked if there is any time that our electricity costs less to use. The answer is no, and I really wish there was. In the constant uptick of costs this would be wonderful. During the summer and garden watering we do get a bit of a break on the sewer portion of our water bills. That is a little bit of a savings.

The only way I can save on electric costs is to try and use less. Some months we use less than others, and some we use more. I am very hopeful that I will be using the dryer much less over the next few months. I also want to BBQ a bit more. The last few years the weather was not the greatest for that to happen. 

I have started to make some lists that will help me get ready for our trip in just over a month and a half (my goodness it is coming up very quickly). I also want to look for a much larger purse that can contain my electronics, our passports, my trip folder, and our fanny packs. The fanny packs will be used when we arrive at our destination and for excursions off the ship. I am not sure if I will pack my hiking boots or wear them on the plane. There are some days we will be gone from morning until just about supper (dinner/tea time) and I am not sure if wearing my runners would work. 

A few other happenings around the old homestead, but nothing really exciting. Hope to have a few pictures of the garden to share with you on Friday. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

A new week and surprisingly it is staying pretty cool today. We have the windows open and there is a lovely breeze wafting in.

So, what is cooking at the homestead this week.

Monday

Soup and Grilled Cheese sandwiches. It has been a long day of tasks and I needed something very easy.

Tuesday

Leftover chicken from Sunday. I am thinking that wraps would be just lovely. I can run out later and pick some lettuce, and I bought some tomatoes today. Easy to grate up some cheese, add a bit of ranch dressing or some whipped French Onion Cream Cheese. 

Wednesday

Marinated steaks on the BBQ (if not raining too hard), along with some potato salad and asparagus done on the BBQ as well.

Thursday

Chili from the freezer and I hope to make some buns on our supposedly very rainy Tuesday.

Friday

Fish burgers, and the remains of the potato salad.

Saturday

Leftovers, kind of a clean out the fridge night.

Sunday

Pork roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, and perhaps the last of the asparagus.

That should keep my carnivore happy as the next two weeks have a couple more meatless meals.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

A Lovely Journey

 Summer is here with all the joy that heat and sun can bring. It also brings higher energy costs due to air conditioning. However I am trying to combat that by having lights off during the day, using appliances to cook our meals (or the stove top which does not heat up the house), and Harvey helps by planting a vegetable garden. 

Rising prices mean living a simple life is probably the best way to handle that. I am finding that spending time doing the things that I love, looking for sales (even if that means a bit longer shopping) and kind of reverse planning most of the months menus make life a great deal easier on this old body.

I enjoy the process of mending, and making do. Substituting is becoming second nature and taking advantage of cooler, rainy weather or the early morning to bake definitely makes life easier, even if doing so was not on the to do list for that day. 

Eating later in the day would be my preference, but Harvey seems to like the 6 pm dinner (or supper) time, though he does not mind a slightly later meal (like by 15 minutes or so). 

Slowing down and enjoying each task, making cleaners or foraging for salve contents is awesome. Cool enough tomorrow will see a rhubarb cake and rhubarb muffins made for the freezer. Using what is available is not only frugal and thrifty, but leads one down the path to simplicity. After all what could be simpler than eating and using what you have grown yourself. 

There has also been a decision by me that I will enjoy the body that I am in. No more worrying about losing weight, as I manage to get out and walk more, or work in the garden things will even out. And if it doesn't, well my boys and friends love me exactly like I am.

Life is so much better without excess pressures from outside, and while I do know the world is not in the best of places right now, I can only control what I can control. That means my own small world and when possible the greater world around me by doing small and significant changes to my life. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

 Thrifty and Frugal 

Another week of mostly thrifty and frugal happenings here on the old homestead. Life is good and getting better each and every day. Slowing down and enjoying the process.

1.  Since I was unable to hang clothes on the lines outside, things were hung to dry in the basement.

2.  Added to the savings envelope $100.00.

3.  Added $4.35 to the change jars. Going to have to roll those soon to use for the family reunion.

4.  Picked a lettuce from the garden for salads this week.

5.  Shopping was a bit high, but most was purchased on sale and I managed to get some meat for the freezer at very low prices for here.

6.  Bought 3 ice cream at a price I haven't seen for a number of years. Should be good for a bit.

7.  Using up yarn weaving the second scarf, and knitting those mitts.

8.  Found some bras that online cost $65.00 for one at Walmart for $24.99 and bought 3 for just over that cost by $10.00. I really needed some new ones that fit properly.

9.  Leftovers are being made into new meals or reheated for another meal. 

10.  Fixed a small hole in one of Harvey's shirts.

11.  Walking for exercise and managing to get all the steps in doing small chores around the house and yard.

12.  Picked rhubarb and made a pie, have enough to make a cake to freeze as well as probably some muffins. Free fruit. 

13.  Able to water plants with the water in the rain barrel.

14.  A friend is going to give me a comfrey plant when she thins hers out. 

15.  Decluttering is on going.

16.  Making sure to use appliances for cooking meals as much as possible. 

17.  Did up the budget entries for the month of May and was pleasantly surprised to be under budget once again.

18.  Moved some cash into the savings account and will try to do so again this month even if it is just a little.

19.  Made the most of the nice weather by sitting out on the deck a few early evenings. Slow living.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Project Roundup For May

 I promised you all a peek at what I managed to complete in the month of May. Here it is.

First off what sewing projects I managed to complete.

A pair of longer cut shorts.

A pair of capris length pants.

Next up a pair of regular length shorts.

Then a skirt to use up some more fabric. This is more of a fall/winter wardrobe addition.

Next was a dress, a very light, soft knit.

Lastly was a jacket made out of another leftover piece of knit fabric.

Then I got 10 pairs of mittens (the smaller size) completed.

And I got another rose block done for the next quilt top. I decided that the main rose in each quilt will be a different colour. This cream colour is kind of hard to see.

I did manage to get one scarf totally finished, but will wait to show you that picture once the other scarf (started today) is finished.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.