Weekly Roundup

 

I have had a busy week trying to get things in from the garden. I managed to get all the tomatoes picked and into boxes. They are ripening very slowly, but they are ripening. I am hopeful that there will be enough to make one batch of the condensed soup I freeze tomorrow. 

Also the freezer is slowly getting organized. I am pulling older items out to use up and make room for the new items I am putting in for the winter. 

Some pumpkins have been processed and the puree is frozen. Pretty sure another two will be ready this week so more for the freezer and some to get those pies ready for Thanksgiving. 

Been baking buns and bread, trying to stockpile for when our sons are home on the 9th.

Some of the plants have been pulled or cut down on the deck, more from the herb boxes will be done tomorrow morning. 

The sewing/craft room is getting more and more organized. I work perhaps 15 minutes a day in there and it is really making a difference. Of course there are things that need to be used and turned into something that can be used in the house or given away. Hence my knitting toques, and as of today I have 13 made and another on my needles. 

Embroidery on the other hand has kind of taken a back seat. I can't work on it when the day is dark and we have had a number of those. The days I could have worked on the block have been days I have been removing things from the garden, or processing things from the garden, or even baking. 

Grocery shopping on one day, and man things are really increasing in price. I did purchase a few items ($10.00 worth) for the pantry. I actually found canned potatoes finally so picked up a can of those, plus brown sugar, icing sugar and a can of evaporated milk. Doesn't seem like much for $10.00 does it? When I look at some of the items I have bought over the years I am completely shocked at how much things have gone up in price. However yesterday I noticed that our fuel price dropped $0.03 a liter. Not much, but man a welcome sight these days. 

I know I promised pictures, but forgot to keep track of all I did this week. Next week for sure.

Please forgive me if I don't get to visit you tonight as I really am not feeling very well. I have developed a really bad headache, and that is causing my stomach to do flip flops.... Not at all what I had thought my day would end.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

Thrifty and Frugal

This week has been pretty quiet. I have stayed home and worked on various projects that need to be done before the winter. 

Found a lost flashlight and replaced the old dead batteries. One less thing to have to purchase. I do need to pick up a few more so every room has one to use if the power goes out.

I mended the fuzzy blanket that I got for Christmas last year.

Worked on decluttering my wardrobe. I have removed a few skirts and will continue working on that over the next week.

The garden is slowly being harvested. There is only one tomato plant left to gather, some jalapeno peppers, and of course the potatoes. Today Harvey dug up all the onions and they are curing in the basement.

I have dehydrated more herbs, gone through the bags of spices and found many doubles. Those doubles were poured together and put in another container. 

Meals are being made using what I have in the house. Leftovers are made into new meals, or if not enough for two are used for lunches. 

Using up some of the older stock from the chest freezer. I have made a deal with myself to use up at least one bag or one container each week. This week I used up some apple pie filling that I made last year in an apple crisp for our dessert.

Then of course there are the usual frugal and thrifty past times that Harvey and I both follow here on the old homestead. 

Our fuel is now up to $1.89.9 a liter and will probably climb even higher. This means we will be watching where and how we drive as well as combining even more errands where possible. 

Harvey started some red wine a couple of weeks ago. It is in the secondary now and should be ready to bottle by Thanksgiving next month.

Saved some veggie scraps to make more veggie broth down the road a bit.

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.

Menu Monday

 

I have already made a few changes to the menu for the week. Mainly because we won't be going up to visit Kris until Saturday, and the pork strips I removed from the freezer did not look in the least appealing. Lots of freezer burn.

Monday

A bag of leftover pork thinly sliced, added to some stir fry vegetables and I decided to use the plum sauce instead of stir fry sauce. Served over rice.

Tuesday

Soup and sandwiches. I have some chicken vegetable soup and will make some tuna salad sandwiches, or tuna salad buns.

Wednesday

Leftover Stir Fry and leftover rice.

Thursday

Leftover ham warmed up and homemade fries. I will probably make peas to go with and perhaps some cuke slices and the remaining cherry tomatoes.

Friday

Salmon patties, noodles, and green beans.

Saturday

At Kris's place for the next couple of days. 

So there you have it, and with the weather finally warming up I am hoping to get some main dish salads, and more BBQ meals into the rotation.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 Another rainy day, and another day sticking close to home and trying to get things done. Problem is that this weather is not very nice on my aches and pains. They really aren't that bad, probably because it is still fairly warm and humid out and I have been working my way through the pain. Tonight however I will be using one of my salves, more than likely the mint to get the one tin used up before the next batch is ready. 

I am going through cupboards and using up items that are over or close to being over their best before or use by dates. My next shopping trips will be more a stocking up of fresh veggies to hold us until the garden produces more, as well as replacement items for the pantry and cupboards. 

Some of the items I have managed to clear out, or at least transform into something else are the leftover chicken from Sunday, some chicken bone broth from the freezer downstairs, some broccoli that was starting to soften, the last package of frozen carrots, the remains of three types of pasta and a jar of Alfredo sauce. I think that the salad leftover will be cleared out at supper tonight. 

Now of course using those items up meant that I now have new meals to put in the freezer for use later. Tomorrow I hope to add to this collection of fine foods (kidding, mostly soups and the leftovers from supper tonight and tomorrow). 

As I looked through my yarn stash, I could not find another bulky yarn to use on the rug that would coordinate with the green. I did however find many shades of green in a thinner yarn which I can use on the rug for Kris. Bonus will be clearing out even more yarn from my stash. I may be able to bring up another tote from the basement very soon and restock the sewing/craft room. 

This year I have really been trying very hard not to waste anything. This is partially because of what is happening in the world, and partially because I would prefer to have a lifestyle that isn't wasteful. We all definitely have to become better stewards of our little portions of the environment. We need to all realize that what we do not only affects us but others as well. 

Simple living means keeping waste to a minimum and using what we have to the greatest advantage. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

Quiet day on the old homestead. Mass and working around the house and yard. 

I have weeded a few areas, Harvey has sprayed for the never ending boxelder bugs and I have worked on projects. I am still trying to find the pair of mittens that I seem to have misplaced and am halfway through another pair, which I should finish tonight. 

Kris has phoned Harvey to wish him a Happy Father's Day, and I think Kurt will probably be phoning soon. I asked if Harv would like a dessert made for his special ham meal but he said no. So I did not make a dessert. I will do some baking next week for no real reason. 

Spent some time trying to figure out ways to cut other expenses until at least the end of the year. Did a bit of decluttering and pulled some things to upcycle next month (well at least I hope to upcycle them). 

I have decided to get as much cleared out as possible over the next few months. I think that will probably be more along the lines of craft supplies. Pretty sure making a list (big list maker here) of what needs to be gone or made into gifts will be a big help in this area. I want as much gone as possible over the next 6 or so months. 

Margie, I would love to be able to come and stay with you, but the tour we are on does not give us that much time between bus trips. I really wanted to drive to the various places, but at 75 and a prairie boy, Harvey said he would not feel comfortable driving to the various places I want him to see. We have actually met a few blogging and forum friends over the years and meeting you would be awesome.

Off to visit all of you and then get the meal on the table. Things are smelling just awesome.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 It has been a dark and dreary day here on the old homestead. I got up this morning to a covering of snow on the grass and vehicles parked on the road or in driveways with no garage. It finally changed over to rain, but who knows what I will wake up to tomorrow morning. 

No sunshine so no real sewing. I did iron the interfacing onto the pieces of my jacket that needed it, and pulled out the flannelette for the nightgown I hope to get cut and sewn before the end of the month. 

Even though I did not feel at all like spring cleaning, I did get the living room done. Happy about that. I still have to go through some patterns and papers in the bookcase. Pretty sure there are a few I can rid the house of. 

There was also a tiny bit of cleaning done in the sewing/craft room. At least now I can see most of the floor, if not the counter space. I will work on that next. 

I am enjoying the quiet times, and using up all that I can to stretch our meals and our enjoyment of our days. Before Kris left to go home I gave him some puffed wheat cake, two pieces of pumpkin pie, some turkey and some Birokes (what we call Cabbage Buns or Bread), just a bit to help him out with food during tough times. 

Harvey spent part of today bottling some white wine. Tomorrow he will do the raspberry wine (or perhaps the day after that). Kris got him some beer kits at Christmas and he will more than likely start those very soon. Keeps him busy and I really think enjoys making his own beer and wine from the kits either he purchases or Kris gets him for Christmas. Both are much less expensive than purchasing from a shop. 

I am trying something different with my yogurt today. I started it this morning, will put it in the fridge to cool for three hours after supper and then let it drain overnight. Hopefully it will be nice and thick tomorrow morning. I really like thick Greek yogurt so hopefully this batch will be the thickest yet. 

Still reading a book that really isn't catching my fancy, but me, being me (slightly OCD) I need to finish it. Still many chapters to get through. One interesting thing is that each chapter is actually only 3 or at the most 4 pages.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

Thrifty and Frugal

It has been a very hot week once again and of course this means staying inside for most of the day. Actually that can be considered a plus as I am not tempted to go out and do any shopping until next week, even though this is the upcoming August long weekend and company will be coming.

All clothing was hung on the lines outside to dry this week once again. Love the smell of line dried clothing.

Meals have been made with what is on hand, using some items from the garden as well (not that there is much considering the time of year).

Working on using up the leftover bits of yarn still knitting mittens.

Using up other yarn leftovers on the weaving project as well.

Lights off in rooms not in use.

Dehydrating herbs for winter use.

If something is not dirty it is worn again.

Working on a plan on where to place the stand and loom once the stand arrives. 

Doing more extra cleaning since I am inside anyway.

Hemmed a dress that was too long.

I think that is about all that has been thrifty and frugal here on the old homestead.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

So here are the menus for this week. Some could be switched around depending on how busy things get this week.

Monday

BBQ chicken breasts, potato salad and mixed veggies. Got to finish off the potato salad today.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef from Sunday made into a casserole (supposed to be quite chilly). Probably served with corn.

Wednesday

Soup and sandwiches. I think I will pull the Cream of Asparagus soup out and serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Thursday

Leftovers from Tuesday. I will more than likely have mixed veggies again today.

Friday

Eggplant Parma from the freezer. Served with crusty French bread.

Saturday 

Pork chops, hopefully on the BBQ along with a salad, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

 

Sunday

Chicken Cordon Swiss (pre made), mashed potatoes (perhaps leftovers that are warmed up by frying), salad, and peas.

So there it is for this week. Next month I hope to be introducing more meatless meals.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Nothing really completed as far as projects go this week. Hopefully during the next week much more will be able to be posted about. I do plan on working on my new goals/projects for next month at some point tonight as well as my extra cleaning list with the added spring cleaning items. 

So what will my post be tonight??? I was asked a week or so ago to post my Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe and so that is what I will do.

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup smooth peanut butter

3 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 to 2 cups chocolate chips (I used the Reese's Pieces I saved from the Halloween candy left over)

Cream butter and both sugars together. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in peanut butter. Stir in flour, soda and salt. Add the chocolate chips or in my case (and Hubby says the Reese's Pieces were an awesome change). Make dough into small balls. F Place on ungreased baking sheets allowing room for expansion. Press balls with a fork. Dip fork into flour to prevent batter sticking (I did not have to do this). Bake at 375F (190C) for 12-15 minutes. This makes just over 6 dozen for the size of ball I roll.

Enjoy!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Menu Monday

 

A new week has arrived, bring with it surprise weather and me keeping my fingers crossed that Kris will be able to make it home for Easter and then back to his own home. The snow is supposed to start Wednesday night here and continue all the way up to Easter with a day's break from it. At least the amount of snow we are supposed to get is dropping each day. 

Monday

Leftover Lazy Perogy Casserole. 

Tuesday

I am taking a container of Chili up to Kris's. He is going to supply the bread for toast. Probably taking some veggies with us as well so they do not spoil. We can have them with whatever he wants to make on the next day.

Wednesday

Kris will surprise us, or perhas we can go out for supper. We shall see how we feel.

Thursday

Home and I have pulled some Cabbage Bread to warm up for supper this night.

Friday

Fish fillets, rice and a salad.

Saturday

Pulling out a package of frozen pork and warming it up. Probably have the leftover rice and salad with it.

Sunday

I am going to pull the last remaining Ham Pasties out of the fridge freezer and make some peas to go with this meal.

Slowly making headway on the using up the bits and bobs, as well as meals from the fridge freezer. The next week before Easter I will be trying to use up even more from this area of my house. It will also be a clean out some areas of the fridge and the crispers as well. 

Still doing research and finding out loads of interesting stuff on supplements. I may have fallen down a rabbit hole on this research.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.