Sunday Ramblings

This Sunday we lit the second candle in our church Advent Wreath. The one that represents Love.

We light the candle of Love to remind us that Jesus brings us God’s love and shows us how to love others. We love each other by giving of ourselves in many ways. Perhaps the easiest way is by giving money to the various charities that seem to abound at this time of year, but harder (or should I say more difficult ways) are available to us all.

Forgiving those who hurt us in big and small ways is perhaps one of the hardest ways to show love and one of the ways I need to practice. I am going to concentrate on this over this wonderful season as I wait for that great gift to arrive. The gift of God's love in the shape of a human baby. One who came to take all our pain and sin. Seeing us exactly how we are and still loving us enough to sacrifice all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Frugal Friday

What frugal things have I/we been up to this week.

1.  Hubby fixed my angel tree topper. I hope to get it back on the tree this afternoon.

2.  Using up bits and bobs from the freezer. I see a pie crust that I will use up at some point this weekend.

3.  Making buns in stead of making bread all the time.

4.  Once again had a good savings at the grocery store of $29.95. We don't always get really good coupons here in the middle of Canada, but our Co-op store has wonderful sales.

5.  Bought the new entertainment stand as a floor model. A few scratches, but well worth the over 50% off we paid. I am pretty sure we can touch up those small scratches.

I am also feeling much better today. I must have just had a touch of something. Still stuffy, but not as achy or as churning stomach as I was yesterday. Hope it continues.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Thursday Tidbits

I have been fairly lazy over the last couple of days, and today I now know why. While grocery shopping and running errands I started to feel ill and have been feeling worse as the day progresses.

I did manage to complete a couple of easy tasks today. I put all the items (DVD's, CD's and candles away. That was easy as I could sit and do them which meant I was not dizzy at all. I do hope that I feel much better tomorrow. I will need to catch up on all the things I have left undone.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Finished (Well Mostly)

The last big piece of furniture is now in place in the living room.

This 30 year old entertainment was removed....

The new one put together and in use. I do miss my shelves for pictures however so we may mount the television on the wall and have the top cleared for my bits.

Now comes the accent colours which hopefully I can either find or make (cushion covers, and such).

Supper tonight was a wonderful Lentil Soup. I even have enough leftover for another two meals for Harvey and I.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty Tuesday

This will not go down as the most thrifty of weeks. Why is it that things always seem to break down when you least expect it. More about this later.

I have been busy using things up and storing the excess food from roasts and such in the freezer.

Did some hand hemming on a pair of Harvey's dress pants.

Turned a collar, or two as well as darned a couple pairs of my socks.

I have been working on next years planner, using up paper from when I used to work. I just may have enough to last a few more years. I use an old binder and a few pages and 2 calendar pages printed out on the printer, then lined paper for the days chores (the page holds 4 days lists). To buy one costs around $12.00, my version costs at the most $2.00.

Now for the not so thrifty things.

We bought a new TV stand for the living room, which Harvey will pick up tomorrow. This one has an electric fireplace insert so when things get a bit chilly I can turn it on. Eventually we will mount the TV on the wall giving me a bit more room to place some pictures and such on the top.

Then while making supper (I use the microwave to partially cook the potatoes for scalloped potatoes and ham) my 20 year old microwave gave up the ghost. Since I use this appliance all the time this means I will need to replace it as soon as possible. I only hope which ever one I manage to buy lasts as long as this one did.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

Ahh, the last month of the year, how on earth did this happen.

Monday

Leftover pork roast (though it could be leftover turkey) made into a casserole and put in the fridge to pop in the oven. I have company most of the afternoon and really do not have time to cook a big meal). Served with the leftover salad from last night we should be just fine.

Tuesday

Ham and scalloped potato casserole. Think I will serve it with raw veggies and dip (cleaning out the crisper ready for shopping this week).

Wednesday

Clean out the fridge night.

Thursday

Chili and toast.

Friday

Cod fillets, coleslaw, and homemade fries.

Saturday

Leftover chili served on pasta with a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Sunday

Roast beef, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, and onions.

So there is another week of menus, no meatless meals however. I may have to double up over the coming weeks.

Everybody have a wonderful day. 

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

The First Sunday in Advent, one of my favourite seasons in the Catholic Churches liturgical year. 

I don't know if you have noticed the same thing as I have over the past few years. People rush, from place to place, stressing over the perfect Christmas and not taking the time to enjoy the build up to Christmas. The anticipation of waiting, expecting the most wonderful present of all. The gift of our Saviour. 

Usually the first Sunday of Advent is when I put the decorations on the tree. Harvey usually brings it up on Saturday, gets the lights on and leaves me to it. This year was no different. 

It takes me awhile to decorate the tree as many of the ornaments have a story. I always have to relive that unique story each ornament imparts. Some are decorations the boys made growing up, some are gifts from them as they grew older. Still others are ornaments I have picked up on our travels, and yet others are ones that graced our tree as I grew up. 

Taking the time to cherish each and every memory, makes me slow down and realize that the greatest gift we were ever given is promised to us each and every year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.