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.

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. 

The Journey Continues

 As the title says, my journey towards a simpler life continues. This year because we are going to be away during the probably hottest temperatures of the Canadian prairies (August can be unbearably warm) I cut back on my pots and boxes. It about killed me to do so, but by simplifying what I have on my deck, there seems to be so much more room to enjoy what we have. There is just a few things planted near the firepit, and next year I hope to have some plants around there to add some depth and colour to the area.

I did plant lots of perennials, but I am pretty sure my small delphinium starts have died off, which means I will need to find a place to purchase those next year. I also think that next year I will mix in a few annuals to give some colour throughout the season.

Simplifying my planting meant my back was not a constant ache this season, and I have learned to pace myself a bit better. 

I have also decided to perhaps not worry so much about making things like bread, buns, crackers, pie crust from scratch over the summer. It really is too warm to have the oven on for extended periods of time. That is not to say I won't make bread or buns, just that I will pick rainy, cooler days to do so. I don't need to do everything from scratch, rather I will be picking and choosing. Of course almost all the meals I make will be from scratch, using things I already have available. I will of course go back to making more from scratch come the cooler weather. 

Learning how to relax more and while I need to keep my hands busy (quit smoking about 2 years ago and still need to occupy my fingers or I will be tempted), slow stitching, weaving and knitting are occupations that allow me to slow down and enjoy everything that life is giving us as a gift in our senior years. Having the time to do some traveling, and visiting is wonderful. Washing a few dishes by hand (wooden things, good knives, and my good pots) watching the clouds go by is soothing for my soul.

I have also learned something else this past while. Even during the rush of working, or raising the boys (they would be slightly embarrassed that I called them that), I was trying to simplify my life. Driving to hockey games and enjoying one on one time was wonderful. Though living at the hockey rink during the winter was a bit of a chore. Baking treats for the lunch boxes, watching the Christmas Concerts, driving to swimming lessons all prepared me to enjoy time spent with family and time to realize that being at home was something to be treasured, not looked down on. 

Life is meant to be lived and lived well. If that means slowing down and enjoying life at a slower pace, I fully recommend that.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Simple Living On the Phillips' Homestead

 

The dandelions are coming up great guns, flowers all over and the weather has not been nice enough for me to get out and pick. I want to make dandelion salve this year, or I may try my hand at making a hand cream as I am running low on that. Simple to make and very low cost as well.

Harvey and I enjoyed a few afternoons/evenings on the deck this past week. We listened to the birds, had wonderful talks and made some plans regarding the yard. Not so much the house, but at least the yard. I told him that this year I would be concentrating on more fruit producing plants as well as perennials. He seems to be fine with that. Also told him I would probably be trying to forage a bit more, and would love to have him join me. I got a shoulder shrug on that one, we shall see. 

I would love an orchard type yard, but I believe Harvey would miss his garden a great deal. I love the produce, but not so much the picking and processing for winter's use. Perhaps this year I will dehydrate a bit more and freeze a bit less.

Decluttering has slowed down, and I hope it picks up. There are a few more summer type dresses and pants that need to be worn to see if I still like the fit, and the comfort. I am leaning towards more skirts and dresses as I age. I find them way more comfortable and easier to wear now. They are much easier to sew as well and believe it or not, if I can find fabric on sale much less expensive to sew than purchase lately. They are also better made. 

With rising costs around the world, we all need to stop and think about what is important to us. In my case it is family, especially my immediate family and our health and well being. It isn't that we could not afford to do anything we really want to do, rather it is a leaving behind of things that no longer really matter. I would love to help our boys more, make our home an oasis of joy, love and simplicity, as well as just be more of who we really are. This is what I am going to strive for, and those in this extended family that think I am turning into a hippy or a radical can stuff it.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

A New Beginning

 

The sun was shining today and even though it is cooler than spring should be, I felt joy when the sun warmed my face as I stood by the window sipping my coffee. That joy has followed me through my frugal, but simple day. 

First on the list of to do's was to put the clean dishes away and clean out emails from overnight. Neither of those took very long, and soon I was in the basement taking the clothes off the lines downstairs and getting them folded. 

I started the dough for two loaves of bread for the freezer and while that was going on cleaned the bathroom, swept my floors (I really need a new broom as this one is getting pretty worn out), did the ironing and collected those items that need to be mended for the mending basket (will do that next week). 

Simple things to keep the house running smoothly really. Nothing too difficult or time consuming. Those things seem to happen on a Monday.

Checked the fridge to see what needs to be used up in the crispers or at least processed so it does not spoil. I have some green onions that will be chopped up and used on our supper tonight as well as some cheese. Must get that grated and ready very soon. 

Then I got to play. I pulled out the small sewing table so I could watch some free shows that I enjoy and started sewing. I am afraid that I can no longer sew as quickly as I used to, as I must get up and walk around every so often to ease the pain in my back from sitting. 

Frugally, my sewing projects are using leftover pieces of fabric from other projects. The only one not is a knit dress and I bought the fabric a few years back at a deep discount at Fabricland. I am really trying to use up what I can and the smaller pieces are going to be saved and used in quilts or makeup remover pads/toner applying pads. While those you purchase in a store are not really expensive, they do seem to be climbing in price.

Still I did manage to get a pair of capris sewn, and start on a pair of bermuda shorts. Those I should be able to finish tomorrow and even get a pair of shorts done. Not as long a to do list to complete on Wednesdays so more time to play. The weather is still going to be cooler and so I do not plan on spending time outside other than a bit of a walk for some fresh air and exercise. 

Supper will be using up some leftovers. I made chili a little while ago and some was put in the mold to freeze and store for later, there was also some just put in a glass container in the fridge to be used tonight. Harvey likes chili and toast, but is willing to let me have chili on pasta for our second meal. A little change, but it really makes a difference. 

When I went shopping I did my usual $10.00 purchase for the pantry. I got 4 cans of tomato soup at 77 cents a can, and three cans of cream of mushroom for the same price. Those are used in cooking as I would much rather make my tomato and cream of mushroom soups for eating. I then bought some corned beef to bring the cost up to the mark. We do love a good corned beef hash. 

No money spent today, using things up, and enjoying the sunshine and the house smelling like freshly baked bread. Could anything be better?

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, Moving Towards A Simple Life

 

I am loving that most of my days move along smoothly and simply. I get to take walks, not only do big things to get our lives in order, but do those little things that just make life a tiny bit simpler. 

Whether it be having a ready meal to pull out of the freezer on those busier days, or forming buns to bake in the oven. Each small step or increment moves me that much closer to enjoying life even more. 

One of the ways I have made our lives a bit simpler is only going shopping every two weeks. My back might cause me angst after the shopping trip, but one day out of 14 or more is not something that I can't live with. 

Having to rest after serious cleaning is awesome. It gives me the time to enjoy my home, or the outside. And really that 15 minute rest helps me concentrate on getting little things straight in my mind. 

The weather is warming and soon we will be planting outside. I am a little sad that not as much will be planted this year, due to us going on our trip and not wanting to bother anyone to, well water the garden and flowers. I may ask Kris if he would be willing to come home on the weekend and water all for us, and I might have figured out a way to keep many things watered, but we shall see. 

Life is good, and even with costs rising, one can find joy and pleasure in a sunrise, a sunset, sunshine throughout the day, smiling at strangers, and just taking the time to be grateful.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Moving Towards A Simpler Life

 I tried some of my homemade cleaners this week, and I must say the window/glass cleaner is wonderful. I am still holding back on the soap scum one, but if that works half as well, I will be extremely happy. Simple ingredients that make wonderful cleaners that cut my carbon footprint, and save us a bit of cash.

My movement towards simplicity this week has been cleaning and organizing my desk drawers, as well as removing some items we haven't used in years from the kitchen drawers as well. This is making it so much easier to find what I am looking for. Next up will be the dining room hutch. Pretty sure I will be removing things from there. Thus giving me less to dust, and clean. 

I am enjoying my days putzing around the house and getting little things completed. Those little things have been put off for too long. But perhaps I am procrastinating in not getting the larger and more complex tasks done. However I have come to a conclusion that actually surprises me. There is always tomorrow at least for the foreseeable future. And getting things done is not quite as important as enjoying the day.

Everybody have a great day. Take care.

Simple Easy Living

 As the days go by, I have noticed that my lists, and menu plans are becoming more and more condensed. I have been moving towards simpler easy to prepare meals, making large batches of food like soup, chili, and making sure leftovers are frozen and available for another meal or two. 

Of course there can be changes, but I still manage to work my way through the simple meals even if I change the days around. Things still get used during the month. However I think that I am going to have to add an empty out the fridge meal once in awhile. That will be a total surprise and change the monthly menu a little bit. 

As far as doing those tasks that are necessary for the smooth running of the household, this book allows me to do a daily list.

It also enables me to mark off when a task is completed. The one thing I wish this book had was an extra page to put my project list on and the monthly cleaning list.

However, I have found a way to do this without the extra page. I just turn over my monthly menu plan and put them on the back.

Notice that I get to stroke those off as well.

Next up on my organization for a simpler life will be an inventory of the chest freezer as well as a tidy up of the mess it has become. That is one of my extra cleaning tasks for this month.

These lists and bits of organizing keeps me moving towards a life that gives me time to enjoy sitting on the deck, working on those things I love like knitting, sewing and reading. It also gives me the time and inclination to do more decluttering so that my monthly cleaning becomes easier to handle. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Moving Towards Simplicity

 

Part of my movement towards simplicity is to use what I have and only replace things when absolutely necessary. 

One of the items I am replacing is many of the plastic containers I used for freezing. Lots of them were stained, getting to the point where they were extremely brittle and just getting past the best time to be using them. Now I am not getting rid of them all, I will keep those that are still in good form, but my molds will be used a great deal more and really do make storage a bit simpler. 

I will need to replace my 15 year old broom very soon as it is not doing the job it is intended for any longer. I found that out when trying to sweep up the kitty litter. I will hold off on replacing my dirty clothes basket for a bit longer, as it is still functional even though there is a large crack at the top. 

Collecting glass and plastic jars to use for storage, mainly so I can reclaim my canning jars. 

Simplicity to me also means making the most of what I have. So I am hunting down recipes to use beans, lentils, and peas. All are great sources of protein and can be used instead of meat for that purpose. I seem to have lots of beans in storage for some reason. We will never become totally vegan, but having meals that are vegetarian based will help keep our costs down and is a very simple way to do so.  

Simplicity also means knowing what is in my food, so I am cooking more from scratch, using whole ingredients. I don't think I will ever totally remove processed food from the pantry, but by making more with whole ingredients will keep our meals simple and filling. 

Repairing, making and just taking the time to slow down and breathe while doing so enables me to have prayer or meditation time. By organizing my day and routine I am finding life moving just a touch slower. That makes me wonder if getting more organized would be even better.... But would that enable me to stop and watch the birds at the feeder as I tidied the hall, or watch the children come home from school when the buses drop them off. 

Moving towards simplicity is also helping with the budget. Since I have gotten way more involved in working towards this, I am discovering that staying within or under budget is much easier. No longer worrying about keeping up with the neighbours really does simplify and save money, time and effort. 

While our life will never be completely simplified, I am enjoying the journey to where we will actually end up once done. Simplifying has also enabled us to take the trips we do (even though I, in my frugal mindset, sometimes think about replacing the money....).

Everybody have a wonderful, relaxing, and simple evening.

God bless. 

Towards A Simpler Life

 

 It seems as if all the various books, blogs, and vloggers that I have been checking out, that say they are Simple Living adherents seem to say the same thing. One must spend loads of time decluttering and organizing the remainder. 

Now I can see the decluttering, but when I watch many of them begin the organizing portion, I see them out purchasing items to organize with. In many cases these people have gotten rid of organizing items to begin with. In other cases I noticed that they just wanted a more "matching" way to organize. 

Isn't that just adding more "stuff" in your home? Wouldn't it have been simpler to just keep what you used in the first place? If you wanted matches organizers, perhaps covering them with wrapping paper would have made a much better choice?

I have had the same storage and organizers for years. Some are getting pretty worn, but until they no longer serve the purpose I purchased them for, they will continue to be used. I have patterns stored in binders of all different colours, but I covered them with wrapping paper and put a homemade label on them as to what is inside the covers. 

I had bought some boxes made of heavy cardboard years ago and those hold my embroidery threads, machine embroidery threads, serger/overlocker threads, small triangle patches, 2 1/2 inch fabric strips, some yarn, some transfer patterns, projects I inherited from my Mom, zippers, bias binding, sewing needles, pins, and items that are used on each of my sewing machines. All have a homemade label and I can see at a glance what needs to be used and where to locate the item. 

I want to leave a smaller footprint on the earth, to me that is simplicity. Time to sit on the deck and listen to the birds. Watch the garden as I hang clothes out on the lines. Plant food or flowers and herbs that can give us joy. 

To me living simply is using what you have, learning to look after what you have, and not accumulating more just to organize what you already have.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Living Simply

 

It has been a windy, snowy and cold day. I am very happy that my appointment at the dentist was early as about an hour or so after I arrived home the weather got just terrible. I could not really see much beyond the houses at the bottom of the valley below our home. Highways were shut down or closed off for most of the day, and the police were warning people to stay home. 

My dental appointment for a cleaning went quickly. The hygienist told me I was doing great work in flossing and brushing, that hardly any cleaning was necessary this time. She also gave me some more tools to use when cleaning my teeth, which will really help make a greater difference in the plaque build up. I love my dental office, they are all so very kind. 

I spent some time working on various projects, one of which was a bit of a declutter and tidy of the sewing/craft room. I managed to declutter quite a bit and it is amazing how much of a weight is off my shoulders. Decluttering is definitely making my life very much simpler and I do hope that continues. 

Living a simple life does not mean doing without. To me it goes right along with living a thrifty and frugal life. One does not need a lot of stuff to make one happy. Instead of spending on "stuff" we will be spending on experiences from now on. We are getting to the stage in life where having less, means that there is more joy in other areas. We really should have discovered the joy of traveling earlier, but will be content with what we can see and do over the next few years. 

Lately I have been making simple, but hearty meals and we enjoy eating very well. Leftovers are refashioned into new meals. I freeze extra to be used on days I really do not feel like cooking. That isn't often as I do love to cook, but there are times......

Simplicity can be difficult to attain, but once attained is amazing and something everyone can work towards.

Today I worked on my jacket. Almost made a mistake so have laid it aside until tomorrow. I might not get it all completed but will have made a very good start. 

This means my loom will be brought out and warping done hopefully on Monday or perhaps Sunday. Then comes dressing the loom and starting to weave.

I love the simplicity of putting the shuttle through the warp and beating the threads down. All of a sudden there can be something beautiful happening. 

I doubt we will travel to Regina to visit Kris next weekend as the nights are going to feel almost in the mid -40C range. Time to hunker down and enjoy being at home. We might go the following weekend as the long range forecast says temperatures will be improving. Keeping my fingers crossed as I really would like my good sewing machine back.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

A Simpler Life

 

As the world around us seems to sink into chaos, it is up to us to try and simplify what we can. We can simplify our lives, even though at times it could seem very complicated, or at least time consuming. 

Yet, since I have retired, I notice that I have a great deal of time. Time to make lots of items from scratch, time to learn new hobbies, time to enjoy the small things like a beautiful sunrise or sunset, and time to actually work towards a simpler life. 

Right now our movement towards that is more one of using things up, and decluttering. Still living in a decluttered home really does declutter the mind as well. That leaves room for the learning of new things and enjoying what we already own. 

I am enjoying making food from scratch, or at least I am so far. Today I made hotdog buns, and while they are not perfect they are not too bad. I know with practice I will get so much better at making them. I will be adding things as I need them to this learning curve. 

Both Harvey and I are working very hard on decluttering. He more than I in this new year. This is something I have been trying to get him interested in for a number of years. So many nails, screws, tools that no longer function and bits of lumber. Though those bits of lumber keep him occupied many a day. Kind of like my bits and bobs of leftover yarn keep me occupied finding ways to use them up. 

Step by step, inch by inch we are moving towards a life where we can always stop and smell the roses.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Simple Living

 

This year, I am hoping that life will get even more easily lived, simple meals, simple gardening, simple living.

As I declutter and work on doing those things I actually enjoy doing, I have noticed a larger mantle of peace settling over my being. Not that I do not still have periods of anxiety, but more that those are fewer and further between. 

I am finding it so much easier to make plans and carry through on those plans. Projects and goals are so much easier to reach, when one does not overload their days with things to do. 

Of course I still have the same amount of household tasks, but by working in 15 minute intervals things are actually getting done much quicker. 

I have always cooked from scratch most of our meals, but am adding more things like making fries for the freezer. Which will save on waste and spending. Really they don't take that long to do. Today I managed to get 4 bags ready for the freezer between working on other tasks. 

Over the next few months I will be trying to declutter more of my wardrobe. The less I need to choose from in the area of clothing the more I will like it. I really do have too much in the way of clothing. 

I will also be getting rid of more of the plastic containers I have for freezing. I am so looking forward to having things pop out of silicone and be just in a freezer bag (which can be reused). I have way too many of the plastic containers and they actually take up way too much room in one of my storage cupboards. Having just a few of those, plus the molds will make life simpler or at least more uncluttered. Decluttering is a wonderful way of simplifying a life.

I am very happy that my Baby Lock sewing machine is now in working order. Now that I have found a reliable place to get machines serviced I will be more inclined to get my expensive machines fixed and ready to last many more years. 

These are my gifts from Kurt for Christmas and my birthday. Wonderful additions to my herbal growing, salve recipes, tea, tincture, and other herbal recipes. I am so looking forward to a simpler way of staying healthy by using these to work on keeping us healthy and well. Simpler times, simple recipes for those simpler times. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

A Simple Life

 

My moving towards a more simple life, is probably not the same as most people. I am not madly going through closets and cupboards getting rid of items. Instead I am methodically deciding what will help make my life easier and what is cluttering it into chaos. 

In reading the book on minimalism I have started to chose those things that make sense to my standard of living and what makes me happy. 

One of the things the book talks about is the turning of hangers so what one knows what one wears in a month or two in your closet. Hello, I live in four seasons and my closet contains summer sundresses. There is no way I would be wearing those in the feels like -40C weather (or colder) that we go through in the winter. Thus those hangers would never be turned around. Same can be said for winter wear when it is 40C above. So I will just continue the trying on and if it does not fit or bring me joy things will be gone in the various seasons. 

Perhaps my most definite move towards a simpler life is enjoying what I already have. That includes those appliances that make my life easier. My wrists since I broke one twice are no longer able to knead dough for bread or buns like they used to. My bread machine and KitchenAid help immensely in that area. My yogurt maker works wonders when I make Greek yogurt every second week for pennies a batch. 

Using my electric roaster or the toaster oven help me save on using the big oven on my stove. I need to do this rather simple thing a bit more often during the year. 

Over the years I have either inherited or purchased yarn and fabric. It does not make frugal sense to bundle those up and give them away. Simple living means making the most of those items by using them for clothing, gifts or knitting/weaving/sewing for charity. One of my projects for this month is to recycle handknits into balls for new projects in the coming year.

One thing I have learned on this journey is that simplicity and simple living means different things to different people. 

I will of course keep using items up, enjoying what I have and moving towards making and enjoying the quiet times that simple living means. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Moving Towards Simplicity

 

Decluttering possessions is probably the easiest way to start living a simple life. Those possessions that keep us away from family or stop us from living a life based on our values, or in fact just deplete our bank accounts are not necessary. I do have many appliances, but most enable me to cut down cooking time and give me a chance to visit. 

I have also come to realize that I do not need two closets full of clothes and have been gradually ridding myself of those items that do not fit my body now and those that I just do not love. 

Slowly but surely I am removing myself from time commitments that also stop me from enjoying a slowed down life. I never realized how much time I spent doing things that did not fulfill me or enable me to take the time for a nice long walk or curling up with a good book.

Debt held us back from enjoying a simple life as well. We no longer have debt and that is so wonderfully freeing. Do what ever you can to lose that weight. 

It is amazing to me how much simple living incorporates frugal and thrifty living. I suppose one could have one without the other, but the stresses of a life full of things, of debt, of always trying to keep up with others really do not allow for a simple life. Letting go of those things or ridding ourselves of those things saves us money and allows us to rest.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Living Simply

 I am slowly but surely moving towards a life that is simpler. Not simple in that there is no effort to live, but one that takes our world into consideration and one that makes the most of what we already have. 

With rising costs I believe that the more we can do for ourselves, the better off we will be. Add in the wars that are raging around the world and preparation is definitely necessary. Today, Canada and the U.S. under the umbrella of NORAD, had to scramble planes as Russian fighters were getting very close to Alaska and Canadian airspace. We do live in turbulent times, and I don't think things will improve for awhile. This is not the first or only time that Russia has tried to enter the airspace of other countries with their fighters.

While I do have many things that make life easier overall, I am decluttering those items that I no longer use. Thus making space, not for other things but space to breathe and to just be. 

I have been reading so much about waste lately that it has made me realize that at times I have lead a very wasteful life. Small changes have been made and more are coming. The more that are coming is shopping more at a secondhand store. We only have two here which is kind of limiting, but I am sure I can find things to recycle into my life. I have already found reading material and craft supplies in one over the years, but now I will be looking for clothing to refashion and things to use with what I have. Perhaps I can find a decent set of pots and pans. 

Living simply means using what we have to the best advantage. This also goes very well with using up, wearing out, making do or doing without. 

Are you moving towards a more simple life? If so how?

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Simple Living

 

My extra cleaning today has consisted of whittling down my wardrobe of sweaters. I am trying to get back to the way things were when we were first married and I had all my clothes to hand for every season. Just have to go through my dresses and such for fall and winter. I will try and put them all in our bedroom closet and then as I wear them or at least try them on and decide whether to keep them or not. I am really simplifying my wardrobe this summer. 

The next thing I plan on doing is simplifying my sewing/craft room by adding storage to the closet once it is emptied. Having storage, or rather the correct storage will really help me know where all is located. 

It has been a very slow and simple day. I froze some small turnips, the kohlrabi, dehydrated oregano and sage, picked in the garden, went for a very short walk, baked bread and picked in the garden. Got in a little visit with a bush bunny that has taken up residence in the backyard as well.

Harvey finished cutting the free firewood we got last year and it now resides with my help in the woodshed. Hopefully we get to have another fire in the firepit very soon. 

Doing slow stitching as well. I am almost finished hand quilting the small quilt. I might be able to finish that tomorrow and pull out the second one to start. Simple quilting happening here, nothing fancy at all. 

There is going to be a change in the menu tonight. I will make the pasta salad tomorrow, tonight I will use a gift card that I was given as a gift and purchase a pizza. Easy supper as I still have things that need to be completed and am tiring out. Even though I have started to slow things down a bit, there are still things that need to be done for the smooth running of the homestead. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

I am feeling a bit better, still slightly headachy and running a bit of a fever. I have been taking it pretty easy over all. 

I did do a bit of gardening, just watered plants under the eaves, and picked some mint. The mint was either dehydrated or used in me trying to make a mint extract. We shall see how that turns out, hopefully well. I would like to make more extracts but man vodka is expensive (I bought the cheapest I could find). 

Since we are under an air quality restriction, I have stayed in. I don't need a worse headache and there are actually lots of little things I can do inside, which do not take much energy. I made my list for next weeks tasks, worked on my weaving (still worried about some crossed warp threads), used up a very few items in making meals, and did a bit of planning on how I am going to accomplish the decluttering and downsizing of my wardrobe. 

I have also been watching the Air Canada strike negotiations. Our vacation is in a bit of a bind if they go on strike. I am kind of worried that our trip could be in jeopardy. Not a fun thing to have happen. 

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week, and with that new plans to harvest, cook and get ready for the winter months. I am hoping to get over and pick apples and plums early, as well as harvesting the garden. 

Harvey picked a bucket of potatoes today to see how they looked and how many could be harvested from each plant. This means that some time soon I should use up the potatoes I purchased and make some perogies for the freezer. Perhaps one day this week as I managed to get cheese on sale this week as well. Saving money, by using something up.

Still trying for a frugal and simple life here on the prairies of Saskatchewan.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.  

Simply Living or Living Simply

 

The phrase that I used to title this post has been running through my mind lately. Perhaps more today than other days, but it has been lurking around for a very long time and pops out every so often to take front and center stage. 

Today it seems to want to stay and percolate around my brain and cause me to think a bit more deeply on what simple living really is and what I was living before.

According to Wiki the definition is

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.^[1][2] In addition to such external changes, simple living also reflects a person's mindset and values.^[3] 

Now I have never been one to try and keep up to others in having the best of everything, or trying to outdo my neighbours, but I do like appliances that make my life simpler and easier. I do not want to go back to cooking over a fireplace (well perhaps if the power goes out, but I do have a BBQ, and a camp stove), or beating our clothes on rocks to get them clean (thank heavens for washers and driers when the weather is bad), I also thank heavens for our medical advances and the fact that by living in our own home we can plant fruit trees, and a garden. 

My meals are far from fancy, most of my readers are probably much better cooks than I am. We prefer simple meals well spiced and flavourful. So many favourites that at times I really wonder if I will ever find time to try some new recipes (though I do get a few in every month or so).

We do and always have done what we could on our own, though with advancing age things are going to have to change in that regard. Especially home maintenance at almost 70 and 75 climbing onto the roof or trimming trees is pretty much beyond us now. Thank heavens Kurt and Kris help out whenever they can. But both have their own homes that need work as well. 

Simplicity in living fits well with being frugal and using all that is given to us. By using less and growing more we are able to prosper in ways that others might not. I know by buying what is on sale and staying away from prepackaged foods I am now saving a great deal. My friend spends on packaged foods or eating out and then wonders where all their money goes. They also need to purchase things to one up friends and family as well. 

Did I always live this way? I would like to think so, but growing up we pretty much got everything we wanted as children. When my parents were alive we were still spoiled even when first married. Harvey's parents were not so openhanded, but they did give us meat, veggies, and lots of free meals when we lived two houses down from them. I believe that for a time I was simply living to accumulate little things, not even big things that would help out much with day to day living. 

I think it took Harvey being out of work for a very long time for me to decide living simply was the way to go. I started to learn how to can, freeze and later dehydrate. We grew a small garden and produce was always used to make our meals a bit more interesting and healthy. I actually started sewing clothing again at this point, and probably saved quite a bit sewing for Kurt and Krista. I also never turned down used clothing for the children. Pennies were saved in a large container as was any other change. That was used to purchase Christmas and birthday gifts.

Now living within our means, making do, using up, recycling, and downsizing have become second nature. Taking the time to question and research purchases, planting, harvesting, basic cooking and baking, enjoying the outdoors and learning new skills like weaving (next will be trying to learn how to use the sock loom) are slowing me down and I am finally realizing what living simply means. 

I do hope this has made sense as my mind is twisting and turning trying to figure things out. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Simple Living

 

First off let me wish all my American readers a Happy 4th of July. I hope you got to spend time with family and friends, or if you chose, to spend the time enjoying various entertainments in your city/town/village.

The last few days have been very warm and so unless I managed to get out into the garden early in the morning things were left for another day. This means weeding took about 3 early mornings, and watering two. Still by spreading things out a bit I got to really see what was growing in the garden and my pots. I will need to cut down some dead things tomorrow (the dead hydrangea limbs for one and the finished tulips). I may also give the columbines a bit of a haircut as well. 

Hopefully I can wander through the herbs and pick more for dehydrating or some mint to make jelly at the end of the week. 

I have sat at my loom and contemplated the way life has changed over the last 6 months. I have slowly pared back on what is in my home, and will keep doing so as the year progresses.

I think about how cooking from scratch is actually simpler than purchasing something ready made. Not that I won't do exactly that when things are rushed, but knowing what is in my food and what I serve to others makes me feel like I am contributing to our overall health and the health of the earth. 

Some items that I do on a day to day basis takes a bit more time at first but time management is also a part of living simply, or at least trying to live a slower, simpler life. 

Living a frugal, thrifty life encompasses all that one needs to live a simpler life. 

This year I think I am enjoying the passage of seasons much more than other years. Watching sunrises and sunsets, sitting on the deck knitting or embroidery in hand, running my hand through herbs and flowers, walking to see what I might be able to forage, and just staying still to think. All these things are making my life much more enjoyable. I now understand the phrase "Take time to smell the roses."

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.