Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 The week has started off with a bang. Busy getting things used up, harvesting, canning, freezing, making jam and of course doing the usual tasks around the house.

I promised you all pictures of my projects that actually got finished (of course there are a few that haven't).

The reusable facial cleansing pads.

This is the bag of mittens I sent back with Kurt. And the following picture is how full 100 pairs of mitts make it.

Glad that is out of my sewing/craft room.

Scraps cut and ready to be stored away for future use.

My two shift dresses for the summer. Very simple pattern and I find this pattern one that is very cool to wear.

Cherries were picked and jam made. Hoping the second tree ripens before we leave so I can make cherry pie filling.

Dehydrating continues and I may actually be caught up on that until we return. 

I hope to make a half recipe of relish tomorrow. Must get out and pick some green tomatoes, and another cucumber or two.

I even pulled chicken stock out of the chest freezer and made a big batch of chicken veggie soup.

This is now in the molds and once frozen will be vacuum packed and put in the freezer. 

I hope to give you a tour of our backyard (or garden) tomorrow. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

  Thrifty and Frugal

As this day draws to a close, it is time to try and remember the ways that I have been thrifty and frugal over the past week.

The usual frugal and thrifty happenings went on even with Bob here, which at times was a bit difficult.

1.  I washed some empty glass jars that I will be using for storage. I even did some clear plastic ones like the peanut butter jars. So while nothing new is entering the house, I am using items Harvey used to toss to store food. Kind of shocking to him.

2.  Harvey is using some of his lumber downstairs to make a couple of picture frames. One will be for something he made puzzle wise and one will be for me and my cross stitch picture (if I ever get the angel done). 

3.  Mended the tablecloth (the one Bob decided he should claw a hole in), a pair of eldest son's boxers, and a seam on a pillow case. 

4.  Found $0.35 in the washing machine and that is now in the change jars. 

5.  So far have had 20 no spend days this month and keeping my fingers crossed that we can finish of this month with two more.

6.  Planned the projects for next month and made sure that what I have planned will use up things from my stashes. 

7.  Once again made sure to combine errands so as to not waste fuel. 

8.  Saved water for watering the few inside plants I have.

9.  Saved the small container that the cherry tomatoes came in. I think it will make a wonderful starter container for plants. 

10.  Doing more big batch cooking and using the molds to freeze. Once frozen I am using my Food Saver to extend the length of time the meals can be stored.

11.  Went through the fridge freezer and planned meals to use up the bits and bobs next month. Should end up with a fairly clean fridge freezer very soon.

I was asked what yellow stickers were, and that is what people call marked down items in the grocery store. I think it is because in most cases a yellow tag with the new price is used.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek Ramblings

 I should also be saying stay calm it's almost the end of the month and I have many more projects to try and at least start, not perhaps finish. As usual this month like most, I have listed more projects than I can actually get done. Why won't I ever learn.

The storm came through last night and into mid afternoon today. Once the snow stopped and the sun came out, Harvey got the snowblower and set to work. Now we just need the city to do a better job of cleaning the street.

I don't like driving on these messy, icy roads (it did rain before the snow came) and so Harvey has said he will take me shopping on Friday and take me to pay any bills that need to be paid in person. There are just two and one is right near Walmart, the other is on the way either to or from that area of the city.

Slowly getting some meals in the large chest freezer. Yesterday it was Cream of Mushroom Soup, today it will be at least one meal of Red Lentil Curry. I may make some Lentil Taco filling first thing tomorrow morning, and then later Hamburger Soup and I think some either BBQ meatballs or Sweet and Sour meatballs. I want to be prepared for spring and yard work, or even a day I just do not feel like cooking. It saves us ordering in or going out.

It is Ash Wednesday today and since the roads are all but impassible, this will be the first year we have not gone to the church. I do believe we will be forgiven though, as we age things are becoming a bit more difficult. Our driveway, which really isn't long or convoluted, used to take perhaps 20 minutes or less to clear. Now Harvey gets about halfway and needs to rest before finishing it off. Today the driveway took him about 1 1/2 hours to clear, and getting the truck into the driveway over the 2 1/2 foot drifts was a job in and of itself. 

The beginning of Lent already and I am unsure what I will do for the season this year. Leaning towards getting some donations each day for the Food Bank. I have heard they are running low once again.

I was asked what Saskatoons are. Hmmm, they are the cousins of blueberries. Not quite as good in my opinion, but Harvey and other southern Canadian prairie people love them. They grow wild or can be planted. Those that are planted are a bit larger and a bit juicier. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Menu Monday

 This month is moving along so very quickly.

Monday

A container of Chicken Stew from the fridge freezer.

Tuesday

Leftover brisket made into Pulled BBQ Brisket served with some coleslaw.

Wednesday

Lentil Curry and rice.

Thursday

Hamburger soup and sandwiches. This will use up the remains of the cabbage.

Friday

Salmon Fillets, leftover rice, peas/carrot mixture.tu

Saturday

Cabbage Bread

Sunday

Pork Roast, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, salad.

Since we are moving back into some cold snowy weather, I am hopeful of getting a bit of batch cooking done. There will be Hamburger Soup to freeze, Lentil Curry to freeze, and I hope to get some Cream of Mushroom and perhaps some Potato soups done as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Thought I would share what I have gotten done so far this past week.

Just one bag of the Cabbage bread I made this week.

The batch of lentil curry for the freezer, and the stew of which after having a meal the rest was put into the freezer.

Some dry mixes for the Christmas gift baskets.

The finished dishcloths to take the place of those I put in the Christmas gift baskets and those that replaced the ones I use for dishwashing.

The embroidery, and the beginnings of the double oven mitts. Well the first double oven mitt. I am hopeful of getting those two projects done by the end of the month. 

Forgot to add my new mantra for the rest of the year and probably into next year as well.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

Pretty cold this morning with temperatures well under the freezing mark. There was frost for a lengthy amount of time on the various vehicles parked on the road. It has warmed up slightly, but nothing to get excited about. 

This meant I stayed home (yippee) another no spend day and one where I did manage some batch cooking. One batch will be eaten tonight, but the curry and the remaining stew will be frozen and eaten later on. 

I was asked by a few of you what Cabbage Bread is. Well think of pizza pockets but made with bread dough, filled with a mixture of cabbage and ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. The bread dough is rolled out into squares, the filling put in and the edges pinched together in a square bun shape. These are baked and when cooked put in a large pot for a bit to soften the crust slightly. I then package them up for the freezer. This is also something my German grandmother made. 

I am actually considering making my own pizza pockets in a similar manner only using a pie crust type of covering. We shall see what I end up doing.

Planning happened today on the oven mitts. I just need to figure out how I can manage to get 2 pairs of double oven mitts out of this fabric, and find my bias binding. Once the planned layout is fixed in my mind I will do the quilting and then cutting and sewing of them. With any luck I may be able to get those done by the end of the month and another project off my list. 

Lately, each time I go into the sewing/craft room I do a little pick up. Gradually things are being put away and plans made for next months projects are taking place as well. I might even have a few planned for December. Slightly smaller ones that do not take up a great deal of room and can be done quickly while getting the last minute Christmas baking completed. 

Bought this little lantern at the beginning of October and have just got it working.

It works like a charm and I am going to purchase another one or two the next time I go shopping along with more small propane cylinders for the camp stove. Probably a few more candles as well. Candles can be used for heat as well as light. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

After going to the store shopping today, I am realizing that there are people in this city that can't afford to eat. Or if they can it is without eating meat. I am going to go back to purchasing a bag of groceries for the food bank once again. It broke my heart to see an older lady putting various meats back after looking at the prices. The chicken was relatively inexpensive but she put that back as well and when she turned away from the meat department I was sure she was almost crying. 

I am really going to try and use up all that I can and even I had to put a few items in the meat department back and make a different selection. 

Things are going to be stretched as much as possible as with prices rising and not going down, it could be us that eventually can not afford to purchase meat. 

Monday

Warming up two ham pasties and serving them with salad.

Tuesday

Slow cooker stew. There should be enough to freeze as well.

Wednesday

Chicken veggie soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Thursday

Quiche to use up a bit of ham. Not using Swiss Cheese, but cheddar.

Friday

Salmon patties, rice, salad.

Saturday

Leftover quiche and salad. 

Sunday

Chili and toast. I will make a big pot so as to have leftovers to warm up later in the week.

Sometime this week I will make the Cabbage Bread (hopefully tomorrow) and get those into the freezer. I am also tempted to try my hand at making some homemade pizza pops to use up a few items in the fridge. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has been snowing and raining here for most of the day. This means I have managed to get some decluttering done, organized the folders containing various recipes and crafts. I actually got everything into one folder and lots of double recipes were tossed. The crafty things were put into plastic sleeves and put in a binder. 

Also, while going through the books on the bookcase to declutter it a bit more, I found the book that I was listing UFP's in. Must at some point figure out if I actually completed any of them and add some new ones that are lying around the house.

Promised you all some pictures of what I have been up to this past week as far as projects are concerned. I will be starting the list from last Wednesday as I did not do a Round-up post last week. 

First off I finished sewing the knit Christmas dress.

I still have to make a belt for this and I think it might just be an I-cord type to use up some sparkly yarn I have.

I finished the knitted blanket for one of Kurt's good friends (another is on my needles right now), the patchwork item beside is going to be used to make a bag front. Got to get using up those 4" squares in something other than a quilt.

These are the microwavable bags for baked potatoes. One each for Kurt and Kris, and I think two for us. I loved making these and I think I will make some more for the silent auction in a year or two. 

These are the hot pads I made for us. The ones I made for Kurt and Kris are identical material but much larger so as to protect their tables or countertops.

I also got three casseroles out of the leftover bags of ham in the fridge freezer. 

All in all a pretty good week of finishes. Hopefully there will be a few more for next week. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 Today I downloaded my Kobo ereader app onto this new laptop. Tomorrow it will be hopefully the printer. Slowly, slowly and I will get it done without losing my mind and getting frustrated. 

Our postal system has given a 72 hour strike notice. Just before Christmas when all the cards need to be out and winging their way to various provinces, states and countries. This is not going to be fun at all.

I have finished a few projects over the last little bit and will post pictures on my roundup post on Saturday. Pictures do need to be taken, and a couple need to be finished up. Looking forward to putting the sewing machine away and getting the loom warped and ready to go for a couple of weeks. I have a couple of very quick weaving plans in mind. Longer ones will have to wait until the Christmas season is over.

Casserole cooking happened today. I have three ham and rice casseroles made, and cooling. I will be working on the chicken ones next. Probably a big one for tonight's supper and a meal later this week, as well as a smaller one that we can have on a busy evening.

Looking ahead to the weather coming up we are being told we get the white stuff on Friday, then some rain and later a bit of sun but colder. I am surprised that winter has held off for this long. Not looking forward to what is coming, yet getting prepared and ready for the probable blizzards that will be happening. I am just so glad that we are both retired and have no place we really need to be.

Cute story. On our way to Kris's place we noticed a house for sale on his block, just down a bit from his. It looks well looked after and when we pointed it out to Kris on our way back from computer/laptop shopping, he said it had been completely redone inside and outside. He also said it could be perfect for us (Laughingly I had said this to Harvey as we passed it on our way to visit and Harvey said it was too close to Kris and perhaps Kris wouldn't like that). When I mentioned how close we would be, Kris said " I will just turn off the lights and lock the doors." I think he forgot that I have keys. LOL

I need to get the second set of casseroles ready for the oven, so I need to go. I will visit you all a bit later.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

Sorry I haven't  been posting more, or visiting all of you as much as I should be. Just using the phone is a bit of a pain, that takes me twice as long to get things done.

It has been a relatively quiet week. Mostly just working around the house, realizing that next month I will need to frugal my heart out, and use what I have for meals and crafts for Christmas. What with the water heater quiting, and the necessary tires for Harv's  truck to make it safe to drive and an over abundance of grocery purchases due to the holiday, we were over budget by a great deal.

This month we have to pay the house insurance and that went up almost $200.00. Guess we are paying for those that had damage in that last hail storm. I do know that there was hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage here. We had none though.

I did my batch cooking today and I can see why people like it. Today was just meals using ground beef, next week I will spend a day making soups and later on some casseroles using up bags of leftovers in the fridge freezer. I am hoping to cut back on cooking times and the use of the big oven. Most of what I made can be warmed up on the stove top or the toaster oven.

So, what did I make today?

I made 3 containers of meaty spaghetti sauce, a container of taco meat, 3 trays of stuffed pasta shells, 2 meatloaves, 3 trays of mushroom meatballs, and 3 containers of chili as well as enough for our supper tonight.

A great start on filling the freezer for days that I don't  want to spend all afternoon cooking.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek, Just One More This Month

 

The day started off with something we hadn't seen in awhile. Sunny and no wind. But by 2pm the sun had disappeared and the wind came back. Still I did manage about an hour or two of embroidery which was very nice. I know I won't get the block finished, but having got a bit more done makes me happy.

We have so many potatoes left from the garden that I decided to make potato soup today. I am doing it in the slow cooker.

Excuse the steamy picture. I added the cream just a bit ago and I think that instead of thickening it with flour I am going to use my immersion blender and give it some swishes to make it more of a cream type soup.

I also made a coffee cake.

That should hit the spot for dessert over the next while. 

Cough drops will be made tomorrow, and the yellow fabric washed and dried as well. The ironing on that can wait for a bit. As can the binding cutting and slashing cutting. 

Tonight I will sit and do some knitting. Since I am unable to embroider I pulled out more yarn from the stash and cast on for another easy pullover sweater. 

Soon I will be pulling the casserole out of the fridge and getting it ready to pop into the toaster oven. Really trying to use more appliances rather than the oven. It just needs warming up so it won't be long before it is ready once supper time comes around. 

I am looking forward to figuring out if I want to purchase a loom (something I have wanted for ages) or an Easy Press for my Cricut creations. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

 I think winter has arrived. The snow has been falling for most of the day, and at one point visibility was pretty much nil.

As you can see from my front deck you can barely see down the hill. Not so much from the snow, but from the wind driving the snow.

Harvey decided he needed to go find another short axe handle today... Well he soon discovered that the roads are a bit icy when merging onto another road he had a bit of a fishtail going on. He said it surprised him.

He also brought me home a gift. A small box of Toffifee chocolates... I asked him why as there is no birthday, anniversary or any other special day happening. I got told "Because you have been a good girl." Huh, I really needed an explanation. The one I ended up getting was that I had been making lots of meals. Hmmm, something I have done for the past almost 46 years. Oh well, better late than never I guess.

Soups been made the past two days.

Vegetable Beef yesterday.

Turkey Rice today.

So lots of meals now reside in the freezer. Think we are good for soup for at least the next couple of months.

Now I will go and enjoy a glass of wine, sitting in front of the fake fireplace.

Continue my knitting and wish that the fireplace was actually real. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It has actually been a very productive week on the old homestead. I am slightly surprised at how much I am managing to accomplish. Still behind in a few things, but I have faith that I will be able to get things done tomorrow (one letter still needs to be written).

So what did I actually accomplish this week?

The lotion bars have been made. I was asked if they were going to be gifts and the answer is yes. Some of course will be kept by me. I have a few more DIY bath and body products to try and make before Christmas (sugar rub, and some bath bombs). I am hoping they move along as smoothly as the lotion bars did.

I finished the quilt top due to finishing those lotion bars so quickly.

There are errors, but I have learned from the construction and will not be making those same errors again. 

Worked on the temperature blanket, a row of knitting every day has been done this month.

My sweater is moving right along. I should manage to finish it during the second week of next month.

The cross stitch is slowly coming along. I like to do my stitching in the bright sunlight and the last couple of days have been cloudy. No stitching has been completed.

I managed lots of extra cleaning and big batch cooking. Today for example, four containers of hamburger soup are residing in the large chest freezer and one in the fridge.

It has been a good week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.