tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22836588875033481802024-03-17T20:01:10.748-07:00The Next Chapter In My LifeEmbarking on and embracing this next chapter of my life where I start the great adventure of becoming a grandmother.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.comBlogger1081125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-79795301288257891802024-03-15T11:00:00.000-07:002024-03-15T11:00:48.232-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 3/8/24 and 3/15/24<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWVf3yar7eaI3xTVkFpJ7sfexqjJGcFNOHnumIPHHUs7X3bil75TLFW7ZAA5zom7rux_pqEzZOFBJ-1yOSzIyQfeR0e8WseX5c3jIARA6ckzFemFaBeOA0gPF-NP9g5lxwZykmphvtLMesgMijaGwYN-SemM7cVQKG7PASOVe3mYPDLQ5HvqYrpZ1pkggA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWVf3yar7eaI3xTVkFpJ7sfexqjJGcFNOHnumIPHHUs7X3bil75TLFW7ZAA5zom7rux_pqEzZOFBJ-1yOSzIyQfeR0e8WseX5c3jIARA6ckzFemFaBeOA0gPF-NP9g5lxwZykmphvtLMesgMijaGwYN-SemM7cVQKG7PASOVe3mYPDLQ5HvqYrpZ1pkggA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our oldest grandson Bradley, pictured above, is now 12! We are so very proud of our incredibly smart, creative, kind and yes, still sarcastic and quick witted young man. He does not like seeing people left out of things and is our 6 year old grandson Steven's favorite cousin because he always goes out of his way to play with him. Steven absolutely adores him! He is a "country kid" and loves hiking, hunting, exploring, camping and playing baseball. He also is getting really good at driving. Again, country kid and it is very common around here for kids to learn to drive early to help out on farms and such. He was and remains our favorite anniversary gift ever!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our car remains in the shop waiting to figure out all that is wrong with it and hopefully, it will be cheaper to fix it than have to buy a new (used) vehicle. Good news is that Jeff's Social Security was finally approved and we had 2 checks deposited into our bank account! We have no doubt that most, it not all, of it will be spent on the car repairs or purchase of a new to us vehicle. We can live on just what Jeff makes at his part time job thankfully. Now onto a 2 week Frugal Friday Wrap Up...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXv7DwKBNn7fOD4tl1W0i_tiuitDn_aN7HIa2DPPdvltJGqe2ofXa9GlecCYZE8eZU3JuiNhzSJRgVfUhMd-KCQYCVeGsjd7TTXE8SWwZbe_RQ6oJa3pYgVUKYfeJFpugFuVXYgzGP44EiKnygMAv0Jsu_AgAsQLeZ3dBcDpJCDx86niZDG9OCKyEkQvp/s4320/P1190730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXv7DwKBNn7fOD4tl1W0i_tiuitDn_aN7HIa2DPPdvltJGqe2ofXa9GlecCYZE8eZU3JuiNhzSJRgVfUhMd-KCQYCVeGsjd7TTXE8SWwZbe_RQ6oJa3pYgVUKYfeJFpugFuVXYgzGP44EiKnygMAv0Jsu_AgAsQLeZ3dBcDpJCDx86niZDG9OCKyEkQvp/w400-h300/P1190730.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Week 1:</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found some marked down fried chicken at Winco for half the regular price. That made 4 meals for Jeff since he loves fried chicken. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had a "feeling" that we needed to stop in at Goodwill because there would be something golf related there for Jeff that day. There was, it was a brand new golf glove in his size. We rarely see those there. I also found a beautiful Fall themed throw blanket with a pumpkin and fox print on it. So very pretty and will become part of my Fall decor since I keep a basket of blankets in the living room for anyone to grab and cuddle up under.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGMlOWCuEia13QPnJo1Dg14F_zgUcEDOeXeKmlAESjmmVo651lskcSckLn9EH87gRBQs4vCgn_EX9VnFh39c3mM9f6A6UQ7JTLXs87aayq-TOfHXgtPqLLjy9I5-ZDZ6FwSUQw5l-8UbX1JV005i__urasikj29wGuKBPd7-te4dzTZhKtToTUhPkDQnG/s4320/P1190732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGMlOWCuEia13QPnJo1Dg14F_zgUcEDOeXeKmlAESjmmVo651lskcSckLn9EH87gRBQs4vCgn_EX9VnFh39c3mM9f6A6UQ7JTLXs87aayq-TOfHXgtPqLLjy9I5-ZDZ6FwSUQw5l-8UbX1JV005i__urasikj29wGuKBPd7-te4dzTZhKtToTUhPkDQnG/w300-h400/P1190732.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I have been binge watching the various "Traitors" shows from around the world on Peacock. It is interesting to see how people react to each other as they try to figure out who the traitors are.</b></span></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">~Pantry pulled meals are what is on the menu this week. Jeff got a package of ham slices out of the freezer and I used half of it to make Fettuccini Alfredo with some of the dehydrated zucchini from our garden boiled along with the noodles. Very yummy and made for 2 meals!</b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Chris borrowed a trailer from another one of his friends to haul our car over to our mechanic. He traded his truck for ours to haul the car and took the truck our home with him since he used our truck to tow the trailer with the car on it. We will trade him back when we go over for Bradley's birthday dinner next week. I gave him $50, which he reluctantly agreed to take. I told him to buy the guy who he borrowed the trailer from some beer and use the rest to help pay for gas for his truck.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I tried something new with the sourdough discard. I made some everything bagel crackers and did a long ferment on them. So GOOD!!!!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vo127sNORejc-Nf9rsUmY8vCcEksBM7PMXstw69xmy2BxgwHARIRKMFW0kZLUfa1Xb2hR9pQIKI8OC538N9KCn0WKcMRw9s2XnYyRf5xWUcDivqqywTsG44Wm4N59cCUBOlU-wNmMZlZ0KNsv4Z3cp8PIu4UfRn_DMK5nj_5icC_Ip9BUYZluHGgVap6/s4320/P1190735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vo127sNORejc-Nf9rsUmY8vCcEksBM7PMXstw69xmy2BxgwHARIRKMFW0kZLUfa1Xb2hR9pQIKI8OC538N9KCn0WKcMRw9s2XnYyRf5xWUcDivqqywTsG44Wm4N59cCUBOlU-wNmMZlZ0KNsv4Z3cp8PIu4UfRn_DMK5nj_5icC_Ip9BUYZluHGgVap6/w400-h300/P1190735.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~More homemade washcloths and a scrubby pad were crocheted on Monday while I watched some television.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Tuesday we had leftovers for dinner. It had been one of those days when I just had to rest both physically and emotionally since my nervous system was overwhelmed.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had some leftover coffee at the end of the day so I made an iced coffee as a pick me up as my energy waned.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy with a side of fresh pear slices was dinner on Wednesday. Comfort foods at it's finest.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Week 2:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary over the weekend. We ended up going out for lunch (much cheaper than dinner).</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found 3 feather pillows for the living room for $1.99 for the smaller one and $2.99 for the two larger ones. I have been trying to change over all of our living room pillows to high quality feather ones. Yes, this was at the thrift store. I also bought 2 shirts for .75 each. Jeff found a pair of work pants for $5.99 also.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff chose teriyaki meatloaf, rice and corn as our anniversary dinner here at home. I also scrubbed up some potatoes that needed to be used and baked those alongside the meatloaf.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm8vCWQc24-jysD3zjwTM9gf8EQJkIfMWVXGNDIab2tNYVvLrwm0BqfNhbHrg2Y53zxyRH5RnG7dYEaslXQQmVs6KOpX29CE5_11fQDZCBrTZU9QeXpEfqFucSWlcQRpfw4C3VSFl9vcfWMcmzfkSIkyowznHyQ0eK2sh72xXaO6muBuxOq-adJ4TuUBJ/s4320/P1190738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm8vCWQc24-jysD3zjwTM9gf8EQJkIfMWVXGNDIab2tNYVvLrwm0BqfNhbHrg2Y53zxyRH5RnG7dYEaslXQQmVs6KOpX29CE5_11fQDZCBrTZU9QeXpEfqFucSWlcQRpfw4C3VSFl9vcfWMcmzfkSIkyowznHyQ0eK2sh72xXaO6muBuxOq-adJ4TuUBJ/w400-h300/P1190738.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Six of the baked potatoes were used in a huge pot of veggie chowder. This gave us many meals!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our family celebrated Bradley's 12th birthday on Tuesday. Can you believe he is a "tween" now? I started this blog when we found out that we were going to become grandparents for the first time. We all had a wonderful time together! Oh, Chris sent me home with 3 bottles of beer since he was not fond of them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pcAA7J1v1PytK5EAJToUnjNC-x9ZflwPD7lD_eTgPgfMghpLENeiZZ9Cibed0cMwSDU8ohj8OEBc6Htnzoksk0ub60mq451rtWGxt0SjNy1hfVbsXNCVU3t8_qlO47eKiMBm9t5FJ7h-pa9tefZv5SEsAARXu-PEi2AGkRTTzI6vyqk1XyN25wkBXZPW/s4320/P1190739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pcAA7J1v1PytK5EAJToUnjNC-x9ZflwPD7lD_eTgPgfMghpLENeiZZ9Cibed0cMwSDU8ohj8OEBc6Htnzoksk0ub60mq451rtWGxt0SjNy1hfVbsXNCVU3t8_qlO47eKiMBm9t5FJ7h-pa9tefZv5SEsAARXu-PEi2AGkRTTzI6vyqk1XyN25wkBXZPW/w400-h300/P1190739.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~While at Chris and Heather's for Bradley's birthday, we filled up a large garbage can with well-rotted chicken poop and bedding. This is going into our garden beds and will be worked in well. Free fertilizer is always welcome!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My best find of the week, hands down, was a Magic Mill food dehydrator. It was $34.98 at Goodwill. It looks brand new and has the silicone drying sheets and screens with it. I price checked on Amazon and they are welling for around $200 there. I had been wanting to replace one of my dehydrators that has seen better days. I was so very happy to find this one!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNhyphenhyphenGjvDmKTf3WRsNRliqVVYOg51xi6JmLJ1uO6NvGcBG9GPjYBtYb_j08oicGsXzif190IsWyymTwurcVJptFN7DvqEbzrJAIe2BcbER_PBvrFaZ6T-38uEH9WvemTBOLyZZCnyGVsZqWyi0u9i9Xlpgp3mLeEsg4DEEuLVojS96dNC3nLMtxCUbLK6X/s4320/P1190740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNhyphenhyphenGjvDmKTf3WRsNRliqVVYOg51xi6JmLJ1uO6NvGcBG9GPjYBtYb_j08oicGsXzif190IsWyymTwurcVJptFN7DvqEbzrJAIe2BcbER_PBvrFaZ6T-38uEH9WvemTBOLyZZCnyGVsZqWyi0u9i9Xlpgp3mLeEsg4DEEuLVojS96dNC3nLMtxCUbLK6X/w300-h400/P1190740.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff got all the fruit trees and the berry bushes pruned and cleaned out. That man works so hard for us!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our dryer decided to make an awful noise! Jeff took things apart and found out the squirrel cage had gone out again. We picked up a replacement part for it and Jeff will be installing it this weekend. Luckily for us, we have our clothesline so we were able to get all the sheets dried out there.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> So there you go, another 2 weeks' worth of savings, bargain hunting, trouble shooting, gardening, cooking and 2 very wonderful celebrations of in our family. As always, family is our main focus, for family is the greatest treasure here on earth that God has ever blessed us with. We also continue to try to build up and expand our gardens, our food preservation tools and our skills here at home. Be blessed my dear friends.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-40276415931757796252024-02-29T16:33:00.000-08:002024-02-29T16:33:20.367-08:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 3/2/24<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ioyvrOC9IM-U0IINfJXZ7qgSUKpgn8ZXc9i-SKgGrJs9NzKAviAAs4vhRBulaBb7HZUVy924q3_B4SoYPG9_uOw2T_3rV2A4vdhtR5GsJ6S3G8qtP-RcYbyLlmroH_ChkJAwTRQtq97Z2FRdFkMv6GH4V9eX0ZKUYy40WoTa39qN6fNkoF40kEDQ-QU8/s3072/P1190728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ioyvrOC9IM-U0IINfJXZ7qgSUKpgn8ZXc9i-SKgGrJs9NzKAviAAs4vhRBulaBb7HZUVy924q3_B4SoYPG9_uOw2T_3rV2A4vdhtR5GsJ6S3G8qtP-RcYbyLlmroH_ChkJAwTRQtq97Z2FRdFkMv6GH4V9eX0ZKUYy40WoTa39qN6fNkoF40kEDQ-QU8/w400-h300/P1190728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Hello all. I am trying to get this post actually up on the day that it should go up. I'll count this as a win thank you. There is so much going on in our lives right now and the stress of it all continues to take a toll on my health. I know, I know, so many people say I have to not let it, but it does, it is just part of how I am wired. We got news this week on our relative's health and it is worse than first thought. The cost to fix my car keeps climbing as more things are found to be wrong with it. We did get a bit of good news amongst the bad though. We were able to talk to someone in the Lewiston, ID Social Security Office and he sent to message over to the Auburn, WA office about there being no movement on Jeff's claim since January 4th. That apparently helped to get them to start actually working on said claim. Thank goodness the claim for benefits is retroactive because we will need those funds to help pay for the repairs to my car. Now, onto the frugal doings... </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTQpB2HAw2pJGyBroRCQEY7o604tijzFItDcWNRA3UXDWx3ac-l0bgbuxMq_KUCkXeMEuxPYE-LRNZ4XhRRAGGU5LTANCl3V74YLgq1_yIGsdAjvpijRETAfydIddv2D-WCmcqzc95djSJqO3JRADHxNbTSXbuqU4EQrHWarUN5oW1kRaXU9RRcpxrrMl/s4320/P1190723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTQpB2HAw2pJGyBroRCQEY7o604tijzFItDcWNRA3UXDWx3ac-l0bgbuxMq_KUCkXeMEuxPYE-LRNZ4XhRRAGGU5LTANCl3V74YLgq1_yIGsdAjvpijRETAfydIddv2D-WCmcqzc95djSJqO3JRADHxNbTSXbuqU4EQrHWarUN5oW1kRaXU9RRcpxrrMl/w400-h300/P1190723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Chris came over with a trailer that he borrowed from his police chief to haul my car over to the mechanic in the next town over.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I have been trying to build up our at home library with books that will help us be even more independent food wise and live a more frugal life than we already do. I picked up a book on foraging and a book on retirement for .99 each at Goodwill.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found a beautiful gray throw blanket at Goodwill for $3.99. Jeff found a cover for his windshield to keep snow and ice off it and a Seattle Seahawks shirt. He used a 20% off coupon on the most expensive item.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made several batches of sourdough and cheese crackers and also a batch of Everything Bagel crackers. They have become a favorite here.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~More sandwich bread was baked.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We stocked up on more bottled water. We had a situation in our town recently where our water was injected with way too much chlorine. It smelled like a swimming pool whenever you ran any water. I am so glad that we have a Berkey and lots of bottled water on hand.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I finally got my hair cut. I feel so much better now.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We had a nice facetime visit with Josh. He is up for a great promotion and from what he is hearing, he will be getting it. Lauren is also applying for another job and we are praying that she gets it.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Heather's parent gave us a beautiful gift of a honu (turtle) with a meaningful design on its back wood carving that her father Bruce made. He is an amazing artist and is finally selling his carvings. I will treasure this gift and it will go down through our family as an heirloom for generations to come.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We had Steven spend the night with us this past weekend while his parents had a date night and went to see the musical "Stomp". We had so much fun with him!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We are eating out of the pantry, fridge and freezer for the most part. Jeff has been helping me more with making meals since he is semi-retired. He made us pancakes for breakfast on Monday.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I was feeling rather stressed out on Tuesday while my car was in the shop. Jeff and I headed into town to pick up a few things (we took his little car to save gas). I found 2 beautiful coffee mugs, a gorgeous little vase ( I had been wanting one that size to put roses from my garden in), a Wizard of Oz book that had the complete first 5 books in it (gift for a grandson whose birthday is coming up), a beautiful Thomas Kincaid print with an inspirational bible verse that is a much needed reminder that God is always with us (beautifully matted and framed) and 2 shirts (on clearance for .75 each).</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hwPgHiLtEKFW4EJn9_mtNyQOUzfVE72AuBJ-ZsK7xLxpUy6xN8t8mFwG4wTUpd1RicyEVrQjmXwq0APMBxGF2_riJS7BOXSv_X-V5_99l5PXaf4R9NDDlCjziBd01JqcinkNUE3ajs2obmuKz2bQerJGp9wBGdh-uNO3OPmu9CGRHUChi5De2KsdvMrz/s4320/P1190724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hwPgHiLtEKFW4EJn9_mtNyQOUzfVE72AuBJ-ZsK7xLxpUy6xN8t8mFwG4wTUpd1RicyEVrQjmXwq0APMBxGF2_riJS7BOXSv_X-V5_99l5PXaf4R9NDDlCjziBd01JqcinkNUE3ajs2obmuKz2bQerJGp9wBGdh-uNO3OPmu9CGRHUChi5De2KsdvMrz/w400-h300/P1190724.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We stopped at Grocery Outlet after the thrift store and found a 20oz. package of refrigerated chicken and herb tortellini on clearance for .77 (that became dinner once we got home with a homemade garlic butter, parsley and spinach, dehydrated from our garden last Summer) sauce. That made for 2 complete meals for both of us. We also found a party sized package of mozzarella sticks for $3.99. I could not even make them from scratch for that price! Gala apples were $3.99 for a 5 pound bag, so we got some of those too. They had our new favorite coffee there for $5.99 a large can so we bought 2 of them. We picked up a few more items to round out our pantry and I feel like we are set for awhile now.</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*******************************************************We picked up my car from the our mechanic and he did a great job replacing the CV joint and fixed another issue he came across. Unfortunately, upon driving my car home, the transmission decided to act up big time> UGH! Jeff thought it was just the CV joint causing the issues but now we know it was a multitude of problems.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*******************************************************</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made a menu up based on what needed to be used up ASAP so that we do not waste anything.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had to cancel our planned visit to my parents and brother due to the car problems. It broke my heart to have to do so, but we are still planning ongoing to see them when we loop up to them in late April after going to see Josh, Lauren and the littlest grandkids.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had avocados to use up so I made a big batch of guacamole with them. I had that with tortilla chips for dinner on the night that Jeff had his bowling league.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My husband blessed me by mixing up some chicken salad and made us chicken salad sandwiches for dinner on Wednesday night while I took a shower. It was so nice to come out to dinner that was made.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Walmart is being hit with a class action lawsuit over prepackaged organic fruit and prepackaged meats saying they weighed more than they did. I just filed with the settlement claim for a check for $15 because of all the meat I had bought there from 2018 to 2023.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkb_5ByZnMXUzdprX_U3ZK2uJUvO3I-_wc1_D8MYuVF-W0W7oRwhiy37l8sxnmKQ_6EjwFqX6IdvQUhsbMZihi-hw9VO26hGr0o3qRPgoQwWbKyqlXdPc7gzREJegD1B5WVbwmDangszIa7iN6wE_6qwjMlFr9TkByfBM1U4nT_cJrDR3ddlGfpGrln-T/s4320/P1190722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkb_5ByZnMXUzdprX_U3ZK2uJUvO3I-_wc1_D8MYuVF-W0W7oRwhiy37l8sxnmKQ_6EjwFqX6IdvQUhsbMZihi-hw9VO26hGr0o3qRPgoQwWbKyqlXdPc7gzREJegD1B5WVbwmDangszIa7iN6wE_6qwjMlFr9TkByfBM1U4nT_cJrDR3ddlGfpGrln-T/w300-h400/P1190722.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As you can see, we have had quite the emotional ride. Prayers would be much appreciated for our relative and our finances also. Jeff and I continue to try to keep the budget low for things we can control, and we do take advantage of good sales and things when we find them. I still am in shock at the price we found the tortellini for. I just wish there had been more than one package so I could have thrown a few in the freezer for future meals. Since Jeff is at his bowling league tonight, I think I will look and see what kind of flower seeds I have here on hand. Then I can dream of where I shall plant all those flower seeds once it is time to do so. I am so looking forward to Spring! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-37592550179290387152024-02-27T11:34:00.000-08:002024-02-27T11:34:15.140-08:00Lots Going On...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh-R_NLBVIoKj9NPiHT3c-3RLcIsCx9Cx9fCaZZo0aJEswHX5IlfVo-huXBlhZIkfa_qirtGgZDSZKXwx3EfxJl7lYVWHJ_9PivG1SRawPbW_yasfVLJjwlaj6DvviQnqFhxP9YLZGubuuDf1slYsZv1phy6J-I92n-Wn2ifoUOFHmAob06kcgmWtcLOy/s4320/P1190709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh-R_NLBVIoKj9NPiHT3c-3RLcIsCx9Cx9fCaZZo0aJEswHX5IlfVo-huXBlhZIkfa_qirtGgZDSZKXwx3EfxJl7lYVWHJ_9PivG1SRawPbW_yasfVLJjwlaj6DvviQnqFhxP9YLZGubuuDf1slYsZv1phy6J-I92n-Wn2ifoUOFHmAob06kcgmWtcLOy/w400-h300/P1190709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Well...Um...I know I say this a lot, but wow. We have had so much going on and my head is just swimming at this point. Sometimes I feel like I am just trying to tread water and keep my head above the waterline. We have had some heart-breaking news in our family, and also a much prayed for reconnection with a relative that had been deeply hurt and cut out, as we have been, by some within the "other" side of our family. This teeter totter of emotions has been exhausting.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> While all of this has been going on, we are also dealing with my car having issues. My car is now in the shop. Our new mechanic played t-ball with our boys all those years ago, which is making me feel very old. My mother gleefully pointed out that yes, we are old. She got a real kick out of being able to point that out. 😆 Yes, we have a very warped sense of humor is our family and I am glad that she got a good giggle out of the situation.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Added to all of the above, we are still waiting for Social Security to approve Jeff's application. He applied on January 3rd. We were told that it should have been approved by now, but if it had not, to call the local office. We have tried to talk to someone in the local office, but have been put on hold and waited for 1 1/2 hours yesterday and today, they can't even give us an estimate of how long we will be on hold and were told, via a computer, to call back another time. UGH!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> So yes, things have been a bit crazy around here with all that is going on. Some of it is good, and some not at all. Hopefully we will have another answer to prayer relating to the heartbreaking news and things will turn around there. I just wish we were living closer to that relative so I could help care for them. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span> </p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-66654069112229929592024-02-16T15:37:00.000-08:002024-02-17T13:03:44.117-08:00Valentine's Day<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">My Valentine's day was filled with a rather painful follow up medical screenings at the hospital, followed by wonderful news, and an emergency visit to see Dr. Ellis, followed by the removal of a molar that I had broken badly. The staff at the hospital in Colfax were amazing, as was Dr. Ellis and staff at the Whitman Dental Clinic in Colfax. We also got to visit with Katie Ellis and her adorable little boy who looks just like his daddy (Dr. Ellis). We have known Katie since she was a little girl and we love her dearly! We also had a short but fun visit with our friend David Farmer. Jeff took me out to lunch between appointments and to do some thrift store shopping. We also got a phone call from Jeff's cousin Alan about Jeff's aunt and Jeff reached out to her. Thanks to Alan, we are now reunited with her and are so happy to have her in our lives once more. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">God has a way of turning things around and removing obstacles. I am so very grateful for those HE has placed in our lives and for my very loving, calm and caring husband who is there for me and holds me when I am scared and prays with me. All in all, it turned out to be a very good day!</div></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-27569648888728618012024-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:002024-01-31T13:51:55.427-08:00Bike:1 Isaiah:0, Frugal Doings and Some Thoughts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDIUvJXxtjmkkxIwfOPucgEBWCdXFSnUM7HqKAtjWm1ta0CSAWTQJwj1bevTyFaUVM221HtgVcmN3JUkM0RTS_R2I0krqYvK69mu9s-qTA2It-TsLGZpqE8cHMvjPbzhq9z4ja4_622jErErfPuPlrlXXBSkI2Cda5-JSueaiBMozyj4m2BGdUeY9pMf9T" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDIUvJXxtjmkkxIwfOPucgEBWCdXFSnUM7HqKAtjWm1ta0CSAWTQJwj1bevTyFaUVM221HtgVcmN3JUkM0RTS_R2I0krqYvK69mu9s-qTA2It-TsLGZpqE8cHMvjPbzhq9z4ja4_622jErErfPuPlrlXXBSkI2Cda5-JSueaiBMozyj4m2BGdUeY9pMf9T=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> Bradley and Isaiah were supposed to spend Tuesday night with us. A few hours before we were due to pick them up, Heather called to tell me she was on the way to the doctor with Isaiah who had a rather bad bike crash. She thought he might have broken his arm right above his wrist. A trip to the doctor and then to the hospital for x-rays showed that yes, he had indeed broken his wrist. Thank goodness it was not on the growth plate. Since it was not a really bad break, they splinted it and will see if it is healing well without a cast to begin with. Last night Heather loosened the splint because it was bothering him and she was afraid he would have trouble sleeping. This morning he apparently forgot that it had been loosened and promptly told his mom, and I quote "Mom, I can already feel my muscles atrophying because my splint is loose". LOL! Yes, his parents are both EMTs and the boys have grown up learning things right alongside their parents. Bradly even had his own emergency medical kit and knows how to make a splint and use a torniquet. Isaiah is in good spirits and the pain meds are working. He told me yesterday that this was going to get him out of writing because of where the break is on his hand he writes with. Silver linings and the bright side of things is what he has come away with, along with the broken arm. Gotta love his take on life. 😁 </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Last Friday Steven spent the day with us and we made it all about him. G-pa and Steven made paper airplanes and gliders, built with Legos and even made a paper chain lei for Preston, our oversized piggy bank. We had to run a few errands and then stopped at McDonald's for lunch, where they also have a play area for the kids. There is an Air Hockey table there, so Steven and G-pa played a game on that, both really enjoying themselves. We hit a few more stores and Steven got some more treats before his mom met us to pick him up. Having G-pa home when Steven is here on a weekday is new for Steven and he was soaking it all up! It just filled my heart with so much joy to see the two of them having such a wonderful time together. 💖</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Now for some frugal doings:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I bought some more heavier duty thin and tall Tupperware containers to store some of my baking supplies like powdered and brown sugar in. They will take up less shelf space and keep things dry and fresh.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I was lacking bigger containers to store soup, casseroles and such in the refrigerator. Dollar Tree has some of their largest containers in stock. They were going very quickly and I was so glad that I was able to grab one.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found a bag of Ball brand shaker snap lids that go on canning jars so you can use them for herbs, etc. to shake on things. The whole bag cost m $1.99 at the thrift store. Major score!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Some other goodies I found at the thrift stores were 2 t-shirt that had some funny sayings on them (one will be going to Jaysn), a 5 pack of brand new and soft peach colored washcloths which I will be using in our bathroom and putting the older ones in the "clean up dirty messes" basket, a large glass jar with lid for storing pasta in, and some books.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Since we are were on a no spend January that turned into a low spend January, I have been very careful about using up what we have on hand food wise. Our grocery bills have been under $100 for the month and yet we have had some amazing meals. I've been using things up from the freezer and pantry.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Breads, crackers and baked good treats were all baked and enjoyed here at home.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I finished up making a crocheted dishcloth out of cotton yarn. It had been sitting there unfinished since before Christmas. It felt good to finally just pick it up and within 15 minutes, have it done!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We found and bought a new large print study/devotional Bible for Jeff at the used bookstore. The one we had bought previously had been put out by the Jehovah's Witnesses and had some things in there that did not align with our beliefs. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I gave Jeff a haircut.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Oh, I found a fun game called 5 Second Rule, that again, say it with me folks, I found at the thrift store. I can't wait to play it with our family and friends. We are having a Superbowl party at Jaysn and Rachel's and I will be bringing this game for us to play.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~While cleaning out things, we came across some items that we thought Heather might want, so we offer them to her. She was delighted and took all but 1 item, which I will now sell.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I watched lots of movies on Paramount and Peacock.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Now for some thoughts...I don't know about you but the illegal migrant situation is totally out of control in my opinion. Just this morning I saw a video of some attacking police officers in New York. One of the men caught has several prior arrests for assaults and robbery since coming in illegally to our country. And here is the kicker, the court let him go...again! Why was he not deported? This is a man who is also getting free housing, a phone, money, and being fed by our tax dollars. This just infuriates me! We also have a known terrorist who waltzed across the border and made threats against our country. How many others are also here? How many gang members, drug and and human traffickers, how many sleeper cells that mean us harm are scattered across the country? This is what happens when our laws are not allowed, by the powers that be, to be followed and our border control agents have their hands tied so to speak. It is a disaster and a dangerous situation to ALL Americans. I know that I have to state this again, I am totally onboard with legal immigration, but not this! And now we have a ongoing standoff in Texas between our federal government and Texas, along with 25 other states, and many, many fed up US citizens. I just pray that this will not lead to violence and the implementation of martial law. I do think that is what some in power really want though...continuing to destroy our country from within. Sadly, I have lost trust in our government and many individuals who have proven themselves to be liars, cheaters, and self-serving bigoted people who are only in government to get rich and who have no loyalty or love for our country. They don't care about protecting us here or our military serving overseas. And yes, I realize that by publicly stating my opinion, I am putting myself at risk of being on some list somewhere (if I am not already on one). So be it. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-45761231635931851802024-01-19T15:49:00.000-08:002024-01-19T15:49:01.189-08:00Polar Vortex, Frozen Pipes and Incoming Freezing Rain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjARLlcTqggN4grOEXq25K8Ngh_sdxKpqj3ELjAXtEkbyad208U1Dy1yooXdfQwGgvzKqnnZwSFHqeX45gSrAimHKeFSd_ZlZOGgKFt_jGrr1AsMWUwhEpA6LqG_TXUzno6YeCU23H-elvxy3-JGNWK9SXLJSUuaYa0Kr6YGq2cDVH0vP6F8PPWj06lXIw/s4320/P1190709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjARLlcTqggN4grOEXq25K8Ngh_sdxKpqj3ELjAXtEkbyad208U1Dy1yooXdfQwGgvzKqnnZwSFHqeX45gSrAimHKeFSd_ZlZOGgKFt_jGrr1AsMWUwhEpA6LqG_TXUzno6YeCU23H-elvxy3-JGNWK9SXLJSUuaYa0Kr6YGq2cDVH0vP6F8PPWj06lXIw/w400-h300/P1190709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> My poor birdbath has been through the ringer. First we had a Polar Vortex that left the water in it frozen solid and then the snow came, lots of snow. Now we are expecting freezing rain, right in time for the afternoon/evening commute. Just lovely....not!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> We had the Polar Vortex cause us to have below zero temperatures here on the Idaho/Washington Palouse. Many people had water pipes that froze and burst. Luckily, we just had the hot water pipes going to our master bathroom freeze. The cold water pipe still worked though. Thank goodness the pipes in the rest of the house were okay and we have a second bathroom that we had hot water in so we could still shower. The kitchen hot water also remained working. Yesterday the hot water pipes to our master bathroom finally thawed out so I was able to use the shower in there this morning.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> During the Polar Vortex, we were going through 2 bags of wood pellets a day to keep the house warm. We did plan ahead and bought a Buddy Heater in case we lost power. We also have our generator if needed. Even with Jeff home for 10 days, we did not get a lot done because we spent most of our time cuddled up under cozy throws and blankets near the pellet stove keeping warm. Jeff also had a sinus infection (which he finally went to the doctor for), so he was not feeling all that great before he got his meds. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff is back at work today and will also work tomorrow, then start his new work schedule next week. He will be working 3 days one week and 2 days the next, rinse and repeat. 😉 We are still waiting to hear from Social Security on his claim, but we do know that they are processing it. We planned ahead, so financially we will be fine if it is delayed a bit. Since we are also doing a "no spend January" other than needed things, it is saving us a lot of money. We are eating out of the pantry and the freezers for the most part, just supplementing here and there for some fresh fruit, veggies and a few other items. I'm glad we are because 1 1/2 bags of groceries the other day was $70, and we did not get that much! The only meat we bought was some salad shrimp, and those were marked down. I divided that package up into 3 smaller portions and froze them to use in salads. Each portion is about $1.10 this way. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Earlier this week, we had our friend Roni, who is like a sister and is also our kids "other mother", up for dinner. I made some lemon chicken pasta with chicken that our Chris and Heather grew and processed. She brought a nice bottle of wine. Both the wine and the dinner were really good, but the company was even better. We talked for hours and laughed about so many things. 😆 She is one of those friends that you can always pick right back up where you left off, no matter how long it may be between visits. Hopefully we can make those visits happen more often though...we have all missed each other.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I had better get going, Chris just called and I need to talk with him. He has a lot going on and just needs to talk. Poor guy is so busy and just exhausted. Be blessed all.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-82453369858743572452024-01-05T15:47:00.000-08:002024-01-05T15:47:33.751-08:00It has Finally Come to Fruition!<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Come Celebrate with Us!!!! </b></i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> After years of dreaming and planning, buckling down and paying off debt, we have finally been able to do it. Jeff talked to his boss got the thumbs up from them and we filed the paperwork to get the ball rolling with Social Security. Yes, Jeff is going to semi retire! He will start part time at work on Monday! 😁</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I cannot even explain how happy this makes both him and I. I can see a huge weight has been lifted off of him. He has worked hard for 50 years and yes, he deserves to be able to relax a bit, pursue some hobbies and spend more time with our kids, grandkids and our extended family, along with our friends.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> In typical Jeff fashion, he has already made a list of things he wants to accomplish here at home before Spring hits. At the top of that list is clearing out the garage and making that into a nice woodworking workshop. He plans to build outdoor benches and chairs from wood pallets and sell them. He would build them and I would paint them. He has built them for us and for our kids who live near us and everyone who sees them comments on them. I do think they would sell well.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Of course I am beyond thrilled that I will have my best friend home with me more often. To be perfectly honest, I desperately need help with keeping up on the house and garden (when it is gardening season) and I will need help with canning in the upcoming canning season. I also really miss him when he is gone at work. Yes, I also enjoy and need some "me time", and I will still get that. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> We have already started a list of things we want to get accomplished, places we want to explore, and people that we want to go and visit. I see many more camping trips, picnics, going to visit Josh, Lauren and the 2 youngest grands, spending time watching the 2 oldest grandsons playing baseball in the Spring, G-pa and Steven time during the Summer when Steven is here once a week, more grandson sleepovers, and going to spend time with my parents and brother at the lake. We are looking forward to more time spent BBQing and then spending Summer days having lunch and or dinner out on our screened in porch. We will also be able to go for boat rides up the St. Joe River with Chris, and I think hubby might enjoy doing a ride along with him one day or evening at work. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> So yes, we are continuing to buckle down financially and will be trying to live on just Jeff's part time work or his Social Security checks alone. I know we can do it. We have run the numbers and, with having all but one debt (which we will be paying off within 4 months) gone, it is possible to do this. Our frugal ways have served and will continue to serve us well into retirement. Oh I am so happy and so is Jeff!</b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-33517013523562926042023-12-30T16:10:00.000-08:002023-12-31T12:53:16.591-08:00Happy Holidays and New Year's Goals<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo1AzHY2AoUfwlUSLO1OqjjjsyEeevUW9iREt3uyT_R4Dqm7I5sJCoMtV380j09xIUqw8Zz_GxrpnXhBVra9kBRVhJxaFLSnv59ZSaGCJxhGab2mLqIxtyC5hi2p1puLO3pPeyEhBazJ2q4olWpI4-efXRDcfVbYRU4BopTzmeh5GrRkGbSJ4B2oOHHO-/s3072/P1190701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYo1AzHY2AoUfwlUSLO1OqjjjsyEeevUW9iREt3uyT_R4Dqm7I5sJCoMtV380j09xIUqw8Zz_GxrpnXhBVra9kBRVhJxaFLSnv59ZSaGCJxhGab2mLqIxtyC5hi2p1puLO3pPeyEhBazJ2q4olWpI4-efXRDcfVbYRU4BopTzmeh5GrRkGbSJ4B2oOHHO-/w300-h400/P1190701.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is about to have a very Happy New Year! We had a lovely Christmas Eve day brunch with Rachel's mother and the rest of our family. We did it potluck style and had crepes with both sweet and savory fillings, sausages, fresh pineapples and both homemade huckleberry and strawberry fillings for the crepes. It was wonderful to spend that time with our kids, grandkids and Rachel's mother who came up to spend Christmas with Jaysn, Rachel and Steven. She has had some health challenges and I think this meant a lot to her, as it did for us! Does that mean that Christmas is over? Nope, we like to stretch things out around here so we are doing our family Christmas on New Year's Day in the late afternoon. We will be doing an appetizer dinner and the sliced apples with sauces and topping again like we did for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved that so much and asked to do it again!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2nO2pZYg5OqrnqPLSs97jgOwsUUSt7hQPtZGeFWy0pFfAicrfij6x2L3Pa-hXK4lEEE4EuDCDre6goKXf3B3S47dXUPrwNCJKwhQmc_V-I0hLQ-ZX838usq88hYo-C17RdDZ87DhdA7WWBR3ridlG0p5G0kJMaDsnVN0QCa3ktD2_k7pumVylTNwW8k/s4320/P1190703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2nO2pZYg5OqrnqPLSs97jgOwsUUSt7hQPtZGeFWy0pFfAicrfij6x2L3Pa-hXK4lEEE4EuDCDre6goKXf3B3S47dXUPrwNCJKwhQmc_V-I0hLQ-ZX838usq88hYo-C17RdDZ87DhdA7WWBR3ridlG0p5G0kJMaDsnVN0QCa3ktD2_k7pumVylTNwW8k/w400-h300/P1190703.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff and I spent a quiet day at home on Christmas. I made us a very nice Christmas dinner with ham, loaded potato casserole and green bean casserole. All of these things are huge favorites of Jeff's and I really like them too. Plus, I love the leftover ham! Jeff spoiled me with a collapsible bucket cart that I can haul around the chairs, drinks, food and blankets that we will be using this Spring when Bradley and Isaiah are both playing on different baseball teams. I got him a gift card to the bowling alley and a bag full of some of his favorite treats.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfabhyphenhyphenXb-gt5BePRXZ2sQpCHyNogJYvCeyWfmt4F-eYCl5hdV7KaZDsHuGz2dgngkdCfA4o8vXAuVbif3rcU173ERC8tW0wB1wrwBwIIahMXCre1GMw5B5h8cbSq2N3WtHScOfkzfe4dwtMo1-f4FPVOQ-m_ehKU5vEQVrL214cd643s5KBAJ1QWqbBqf/s4320/P1190697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfabhyphenhyphenXb-gt5BePRXZ2sQpCHyNogJYvCeyWfmt4F-eYCl5hdV7KaZDsHuGz2dgngkdCfA4o8vXAuVbif3rcU173ERC8tW0wB1wrwBwIIahMXCre1GMw5B5h8cbSq2N3WtHScOfkzfe4dwtMo1-f4FPVOQ-m_ehKU5vEQVrL214cd643s5KBAJ1QWqbBqf/w400-h300/P1190697.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9q9t_ow34t9GkwGvXJ3lgh3y-eL0sAxCpskHZ1R49BY7CjSWX_akQUUnyFFlSV_RVGE4NJEeViqUDEGTCFSNzdccdOyIoKM0BtUmnl0CO6UpThvbP2hKIlXHWqFWd7EqPEgA4iqDsKz9U8Xvp4WO_YMSYUmikAeojceY-qulSuFlIKXBWsn1XaBjffU-/s4320/P1190704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9q9t_ow34t9GkwGvXJ3lgh3y-eL0sAxCpskHZ1R49BY7CjSWX_akQUUnyFFlSV_RVGE4NJEeViqUDEGTCFSNzdccdOyIoKM0BtUmnl0CO6UpThvbP2hKIlXHWqFWd7EqPEgA4iqDsKz9U8Xvp4WO_YMSYUmikAeojceY-qulSuFlIKXBWsn1XaBjffU-/w300-h400/P1190704.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff had been hit with some kind of virus hard the day before and was still a bit weak on Friday morning, so he took both days off. He was feeling better in the afternoon, so we ran into town. Our first stop was at our Credit Union where we paid off our personal loan and our credit card in full!!! Yes we did! We still had more money left after paying those off with the retirement payoff for Jeff that we had been waiting for. That got put away in savings. Our teller was our hanai daughter Tiffany and she was so excited for us! We shared hugs and got caught up on each other's lives. On our way out, we ran into another one of our hanai kids and she got us caught up on what has been going on in her family too. :) Such fun!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our following stops were to Walmart where we hit the after Christmas sales, got some things for the cars, a Seal a Meal for me to use to help preserve our food better and protect it from freezer burn and picked up a few grocery items including another marked down ham, some marked down salad kits and some marked down bakery items. Safeway was another stop where I cherry picked the deals. Our last stop was at the thrift store where all Christmas items were 75% off. I found a few Christmas items and also got some books and magazines since it was B1G1F. My very lucky finds there though were a Bodin Coffee Press for $2.99 and some gorgeous Haviland dessert plates for .69 each. I was also able to finish off my gift baskets for the kids and grandkids here.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff and I spent this morning going over our budget and setting some goals for a no spend January (other than necessities) and some for the year. Our January goals start with trying to get more organized by cleaning out our clothing closets and taking things to a local consignment store, along with some baby items that we have had here for the grandkids who have now outgrown or don't need then anymore. Anything they do not take will be donated and will not be returning home with us. 😁 We also want to get the windshield replaced on Jeff's car. It has horrible cracks running through it. Our third goal is to get everything set up and in place so Jeff can semi retire and only work 3 days a week and also start drawing his Social Security. The last goal is the most exciting one for us!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Some of our yearlong goals include paying off our last debt (a loan taken out against my life insurance policy to pay for a surgery years ago for me), putting money away each month in a vacation fund and building up our emergency fund. Jeff would also like to clean out the garage and reclaim that space so he can work on projects in there. It will officially become his Man Cave. We also have a plan in place to pick one bigger thing each month to either fix, replace or add to our lives. These are tangible assets like tools, vehicle repairs, etc.. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As I close this out, I have the ham bone from the first ham cooking away in the crockpot with all the rest of the split pea soup ingredients. It smells so comfy cozy in our home. The new sheets that I bought 2 years ago on sale and put back are all washed up and ready to go on the bed. The older sheets will be used for projects and in the garden to help protect tender plants. Jeff hung up some family pictures for me and got the floors swept. The next few days will be spent cooking and putting the second ham in the freezer and also freezing the ham bone for a future big batch of soup. We will also spend our family Christmas together, something that I am really looking forward to. Be blessed my friends, and stay prayed up and prepared for what looks like a rather rocky road ahead.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-29281143876945627202023-12-15T15:44:00.000-08:002023-12-15T15:44:46.589-08:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 12/15/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6ZZjdm8UBRFy0PZh7PotOSROwaIrVRmZwhINa8zvZRpb0n-m6kcs-2SgAY-_V-0u63QNHiREyPYqeJcDCSKDZPBFoG-S2ejm6AHQybwDzykcyKIKczZTQWbpk5ZyKkjXlxIVIjeE9d7orq7lbtV8yuImXcfdAkDBLZ9hSwhM93QBm5xdM2KTPjNMoQYJ/s4320/P1190694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6ZZjdm8UBRFy0PZh7PotOSROwaIrVRmZwhINa8zvZRpb0n-m6kcs-2SgAY-_V-0u63QNHiREyPYqeJcDCSKDZPBFoG-S2ejm6AHQybwDzykcyKIKczZTQWbpk5ZyKkjXlxIVIjeE9d7orq7lbtV8yuImXcfdAkDBLZ9hSwhM93QBm5xdM2KTPjNMoQYJ/w400-h300/P1190694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Hello again! I cannot believe that I am actually posting this on Friday. Christmas miracles do happen indeed! 😉 It has been a really good week with only one glitch, my mother had her appendix out on Sunday. By Thursday she was up and doing way too much despite being in pain. Yep, I am like my mother in so many ways.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I did not keep track daily of what all I have done, so it is going to be in list form of the things that I can remember. We all know that my memory is not the best, but I will give it a go. 😉😁</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNp148VClSw8pkscmcCiSJUwE75dqEh3-hepOZT5RQGHKXQDD-5MsEpZ3Vd3wiXH3W5dO4Re5_QJ8wZoK4OXgvM7STs7IQwpUvPeKS6LUpeIo8PvcsfJo2ZUuryskTTQ6e54FIeE1uBgO8qDj1iCsi99lrF7MReJQdlIH-xDBEjLwXOM8SHeVVbbgnlyF/s4320/P1190694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNp148VClSw8pkscmcCiSJUwE75dqEh3-hepOZT5RQGHKXQDD-5MsEpZ3Vd3wiXH3W5dO4Re5_QJ8wZoK4OXgvM7STs7IQwpUvPeKS6LUpeIo8PvcsfJo2ZUuryskTTQ6e54FIeE1uBgO8qDj1iCsi99lrF7MReJQdlIH-xDBEjLwXOM8SHeVVbbgnlyF/w400-h300/P1190694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I went to the thrift store in Pullman and I found the handmade basket above. I did some research and found out that it was made by a local man down in the valley that has since passed away. I love it and placed a metal Christmas ornament inside it along with a card containing a gift for my Jeff. While there I also found 2 books and some craft supplies I needed to make a funny ornament for an ornament gift exchange. I can't go into detail about the ornament I made because I do have family who may be reading this and I want it to be a surprise to them also.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~ Bradley and Isaiah spent the night with us on Monday. We had pizza, cuddled a lot and watched a Christmas movie together. We loved having then here with us and can't wait until next month when they come again. While here, Isaiah asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him that I wanted more time with him and his brother Bradley this coming year. It really is what I wanted and he and Bradley like that idea too!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I bought the wrong sized underwear at Walmart and since they were still unopened in the package, I was able to return them and get the right size. While there we also picked up some juice on clearance and I found my Furukaki seasoning that I use on top my rice. They had three bottles left so Jeff told me to get all 3 since we are having a harder time finding it now.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRyAoqhc1y9VLEMcN2-GAXh-UrTFMM7ThwxfOTxdlrij6lerRpnqT9lkYcL7qbMJiMMpuQDcIMKXy6IcFqaY5GPrui32aDNSa11toStILYsSFE7FHWCZ5eazHvhQQPsbyDGel6K2WpV6IxIDjf4zH35cdqtpZ6yF8fTH355aFxVEtUuOC26CxlIKDS5-E/s4320/P1190690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRyAoqhc1y9VLEMcN2-GAXh-UrTFMM7ThwxfOTxdlrij6lerRpnqT9lkYcL7qbMJiMMpuQDcIMKXy6IcFqaY5GPrui32aDNSa11toStILYsSFE7FHWCZ5eazHvhQQPsbyDGel6K2WpV6IxIDjf4zH35cdqtpZ6yF8fTH355aFxVEtUuOC26CxlIKDS5-E/w400-h300/P1190690.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made more bread and sourdough crackers this week. Becky, my sourdough starter (doesn't everyone name their starter) is doing great and is loving her "feedings". She expresses this through bubbling up very nicely and giving me that nice tangy fermented taste in baked goods that I make from her.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Grocery Outlet did not disappoint when we stopped there on Tuesday. They had pumpkin bread mixes on sale for .99 each. I bought 3 and will be using 1 of the boxes for Christmas Eve brunch at Rachel and Jaysn's home. They also had Beer Brats, so I picked up a package of those and we will be having them for dinner tonight. I almost forgot, I found a 10 package of hamburger patties marked down by $4, so I picked that up also and then cooked them all up when I got home. Some were for lunch that day and the rest went into the freezer for future meals.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cnoqvPgwZSutj3-Lbv0rcGqOW8yNqIPD5cpJINfY1pBXLyerqRgQbgGjz5_2FrusjMFVQd21Ti0TSwpjO4W-BzXPnap3QBmL3g6nkxEVq7x7L283oMmMH8B-P-sUhbl5lCk95AoWyJkzYwLers5ObASMXVyJrvICETiVnn3PT5JZJD5vObSf6PwZM1H_/s4320/P1190689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cnoqvPgwZSutj3-Lbv0rcGqOW8yNqIPD5cpJINfY1pBXLyerqRgQbgGjz5_2FrusjMFVQd21Ti0TSwpjO4W-BzXPnap3QBmL3g6nkxEVq7x7L283oMmMH8B-P-sUhbl5lCk95AoWyJkzYwLers5ObASMXVyJrvICETiVnn3PT5JZJD5vObSf6PwZM1H_/w400-h300/P1190689.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I finally got my parents and brother Fritz's Christmas gift mailed off. I gave them some goodies to eat and a framed picture like the one you see at the top of my blog page. They really do not want or need more "stuff" but love goodies to eat and family pictures, so that is what I got them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Some of the meals we had this week were grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit and cheese plate for lunch for me, homemade scrapple, pancakes with homemade syrup, leftovers, fried eggs for Jeff, sandwiches for lunches for Jeff, and we did go out to the new Denny's on Tuesday night for our "date night".</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVbcZapNC7ZREacaFudx54yPUmkOPHRvtP6DYc6AVLRf_hbQJjVji1Cj3adVXMVHWEG5-uFuxKhe697QTuyv77ZvNPADd7HgJxe-l8Xjn1tqhFk5HIOYhvCZtXqbw_sn9BmbaAejBxa0GlX6QN4ncZfZe28cIDbAPJXuV-miMMOrJj8nsM27_oKn28aKB/s4320/P1190691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVbcZapNC7ZREacaFudx54yPUmkOPHRvtP6DYc6AVLRf_hbQJjVji1Cj3adVXMVHWEG5-uFuxKhe697QTuyv77ZvNPADd7HgJxe-l8Xjn1tqhFk5HIOYhvCZtXqbw_sn9BmbaAejBxa0GlX6QN4ncZfZe28cIDbAPJXuV-miMMOrJj8nsM27_oKn28aKB/w400-h300/P1190691.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UKaoOtVKuekILacIdhBnVRX2gJExzdrMIsRIZGfKWjdoGcdsbzqut-aQx5t5SMQbKF9LEIEd_F3hyNr0IozcHxJb4Ti0WWq5eGFX1nJCwFuYq9W-Ni94eTokGSKjZGpaMrWT526HweEQwP2Yar7BpUQLW-KcCDAAoa2nBAbAWyzHKRtXCcAUSn-cgXq8/s4320/P1190692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UKaoOtVKuekILacIdhBnVRX2gJExzdrMIsRIZGfKWjdoGcdsbzqut-aQx5t5SMQbKF9LEIEd_F3hyNr0IozcHxJb4Ti0WWq5eGFX1nJCwFuYq9W-Ni94eTokGSKjZGpaMrWT526HweEQwP2Yar7BpUQLW-KcCDAAoa2nBAbAWyzHKRtXCcAUSn-cgXq8/w400-h300/P1190692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><b>~Jeff and I watched the movie "White Christmas", as we do most years. It is one of our favorites!</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I have continued to keep the Christmas music going via YouTube. It offers so many different winter scenes and kinds of music. I find that playing Christmas music has the power to calm me and/or excite me about Christmas. It also makes me extremely grateful for all that we have been blessed with. I love listening to it while I am working on the computer, cooking or getting Christmas gifts made.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Speaking of Christmas gifts, I have been working on making some fun and useful Christmas gifts. I tied ribbons around some of those wonderfully scented liquid hand soaps that I love so much and using them as part of gift baskets. Below is one I put together with a nice Christmas tea towel (also brand new but found at the thrift store for .99).</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F9sIf1QoAA7b-gEfGljBltW1yqoXInnNQC1KDnaboqrfUfqj0ieGu-VLIQqosk-e4WwAbYPx93MzXkPs1YCYlLJBLywpSruMQYqJ6czNrSaLvDTcZY3XmtTJT4auD9HM1aEnqK1YWxwgF6JTOfoIXqF_dKeeMOMgId-nmxdqJXZgfz2YvdwaKPdujlRq/s4320/P1190696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F9sIf1QoAA7b-gEfGljBltW1yqoXInnNQC1KDnaboqrfUfqj0ieGu-VLIQqosk-e4WwAbYPx93MzXkPs1YCYlLJBLywpSruMQYqJ6czNrSaLvDTcZY3XmtTJT4auD9HM1aEnqK1YWxwgF6JTOfoIXqF_dKeeMOMgId-nmxdqJXZgfz2YvdwaKPdujlRq/w400-h300/P1190696.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><b>~Instead of taking naps this week, I have been sleeping in instead. I do feel a bit guilty about doing that though since I feed Ginny and Georgie (my outdoor kitties) when I get up and spend some time with them. Ginny is still my lovebug and Georgie is slowly warming up to me a bit more. He is my "work in progress" kitty. My indoor kitties are loving having more cuddle time since I am indoors most of the time now.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I've continued to do more purging of things that we no longer want, do not use or do not fit. We have taken bags and bags of things to donate to the thrift stores.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Since it is the season to cuddle up more, I am finally getting around to reading some of the magazines that I bought for .25 each at, you guessed it, the thrift store. I got an even better deal on Fridays on some others when I can get buy one get one free on magazines and books. I looked at the retail prices on some of the magazines and was shocked to see $9.99 and $10.99 ! I'm sorry, but who in their right mind would pay that much for a single copy of a magazine? Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that someone did so that I could get it later for .25, but still...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTO-ymq9jzPpuqBBRsxTB7zZopBu5cn2vcbFSfrpqDk5OZCst5eFG1u6Iol6An9rZDAdtdS6KSyoNC-OXQZ3APYbOiUPvR-YNY5JDKwJcFV-mxjM4UZh_SnhV1fDbPW8mkjntqW8N04POXr5V9zK4t1ArK_ysGxtuDSJDUtcstlBHNoVxYRAEueNRCyY4/s4320/P1190693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTO-ymq9jzPpuqBBRsxTB7zZopBu5cn2vcbFSfrpqDk5OZCst5eFG1u6Iol6An9rZDAdtdS6KSyoNC-OXQZ3APYbOiUPvR-YNY5JDKwJcFV-mxjM4UZh_SnhV1fDbPW8mkjntqW8N04POXr5V9zK4t1ArK_ysGxtuDSJDUtcstlBHNoVxYRAEueNRCyY4/w400-h300/P1190693.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /> Well that about wraps things up for this week. Tonight we are going to Facetime with our grandson Tate who had his 3rd birthday yesterday! He will be opening his gift from us while we visit with him. Jeff was gone at bowling last night, so we waited until tonight to do it. I still cannot believe he is 3 already....time goes way too quickly!!!<br /><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-50159662619634329972023-12-11T11:47:00.000-08:002023-12-11T11:47:13.486-08:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 12/8/23<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Saturday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I slept in until almost 10 a.m. after having a rough few days with very little sleep. Jeff, on the other hand, got up very early with Midgy cat, who could not understand that it was a weekend day and that Jeff did not need to get up at 4:30 a.m.. After Jeff made some toast with my homemade sourdough bread, he headed back to our bedroom to take a much needed nap.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I finished off the last of the homemade cheese crackers and some creamy wild rice soup (from a mix) for my brunch.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~While going through my rather large stash of Christmas cards to pick some out to add to our boxes we are sending off to the troops overseas, I found a bunch of address labels from years gone by. Since we have not moved, they are still all good to use! No need to get anymore.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had some things that I needed to get sent to Lauren and the kids, so I got those packed up and ready to be sent off this coming Monday.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I made a list of things that we needed to get done before the economy tanks ever further. These included things like eye exams, stocking up on wood pellets for NEXT year's heating season, building up a good-sized emergency fund, some home and car repairs, getting some medicines from Jase Medical, and tackling some gardening jobs. Since we have paid off our house and car, it has freed up more money to both add to our savings and to get things done that need doing.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I popped up a large bowl of popcorn and Jeff and I enjoyed that while watching the newest Indiana Jones movie on Disney+.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff's cousin Alan called and we had a wonderful visit with him.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our Ruck for the Fallen group packed up 42 Christmas boxes to send overseas to our troops. All the items were donated by our wonderful community and members of the Ruck team. It touched my heart so deeply to see all the goodies and the hand made cards and letters that children in our community made to send to our men and women who are serving our country.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My sweet Uncle Gary and his wife April sent us a 2 pound box of Esther Price chocolates. This is something that I look forward to every year. He usually sends me a 1 pound box, but spoiled us rotten this year with a 2 pound box. I will be sharing these with our family here.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~After wrapping all those gifts for our troops on Sunday, I was exhausted so I took a nap.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Dinner was frozen pizzas that I cooked up. While getting those out of the freezer, I also grabbed a package of Sweet Italian sausage for dinner the following night.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I mixed up some Parmesan cheese/sourdough cracker dough and put it in the refrigerator to ferment for 2 days.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I watched the movie "Holiday Inn". Jeff and I both love old musicals that we grew up watching with our parents. We have so many movies here and can always find something to watch!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had a pair of jeans that needed to have the waistband fixed and finally got around to doing that.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tuesday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff picked up my prescriptions and a few items after he got off work.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I packaged up some acorn squash seeds that I had dug out of a squash before cooking it and then dried. These will be planted in the Spring.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Another nap was needed today. I decided to just go with it since we have another "peopley" event tomorrow night. Being around a lot of people, no matter how fun the event, can really drain me.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Dinner was sweet Italian sausages cooked on a sheet pan along with sweet potato wedges seasoned with Tajin seasoning. This is a super easy one pan dinner and I use a piece of parchment paper on the pan to make clean up easier. I served fruit with it on the side. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wednesday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I bought 2 calendars from our library with photographs of the beautiful area we live in. One was sent out in Josh's Christmas box today and the other will be used by us.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I also finally got Lauren and the kids package sent off.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Leftovers were for my lunch.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I picked up more priority mail boxes from the post office to have on hand here. I need them when I mail things off to Josh.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~The last of the laundry (for now) was finished. I know there will be more tonight, but at this moment in time I am feeling pretty darned proud of myself.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I stopped at the Dollar Tree while in town. We picked up a picture frame, some scented liquid hand soaps, candy I needed to make peppermint bark, and some hair spray that I really like.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our highlight of the evening was going to see Bradley in his last dance recital. His teacher, and other grandmother Tammy, has now sold the business to pursue another creative family endeavor. It was so much fun to see how far all the kids have come in their dance abilities and to see them honor Tammy in a very special and touching way at the end of her last dance recital as their teacher.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~When we got home from the recital, I made up some chicken salad and we made sandwiches. The indoor kitties enjoyed the broth from the can.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thursday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made a rather large pot of penne pasta with spinach (from our garden), sweet red bell peppers, alfredo sauce and some homemade seasoning salt.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Friday:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I headed into do some stock up shopping since Jeff got paid and I needed his "muscles" to help me load up a 25 pound bag of flour. I was shocked to see how much prices have gone up on some items even within a week's time. I noticed a lot less sales both at Winco and Safeway than normal for this time of year and this close to Christmas.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I stopped at a thrift store that helps local people with special needs and found a funny ornament and some craft supplies that I needed to make another ornament. We are having a funny ornament/white elephant gift exchange on Christmas Eve and Jaysn and Rachel's home. I was proud of myself for just picking up the things I needed and not buying anything else.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Grocery Outlet had some fun surprises waiting for me including a large bag of macadamia nuts. Guess what I got myself for Christmas. ;) I also picked up some supplements, seasonings, 2 bottles of wine, and a few other gift items there.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Dollar Tree got more of their liquid hand soaps in that I am in love with. I was able to pick up 3 different scents and will be using some of these as gifts, as well as keeping a few more on hand for us.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-36247692626909059372023-12-01T11:36:00.000-08:002023-12-01T11:36:36.256-08:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 12/01/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe0lPeyLlC_9ukSxtdAGkWzAMp_IZqK2AlsK9WWNdgrA2K58jNn7Tq-5bdTgak4pzZ6JcBGJR82ss6-gxvu2B2OM-CCQbosvRnsgq7Ug_axhbxEWc65x1nDbxVzX-3mX5Sz1M-l7xRJ1rZOGxTKbN3wrn7Zwq41lXQ7uN1Wffym2oYympTsyVHl2A0Efb/s4320/P1190668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe0lPeyLlC_9ukSxtdAGkWzAMp_IZqK2AlsK9WWNdgrA2K58jNn7Tq-5bdTgak4pzZ6JcBGJR82ss6-gxvu2B2OM-CCQbosvRnsgq7Ug_axhbxEWc65x1nDbxVzX-3mX5Sz1M-l7xRJ1rZOGxTKbN3wrn7Zwq41lXQ7uN1Wffym2oYympTsyVHl2A0Efb/w300-h400/P1190668.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Yes, I am still here. All I can say is that life happened. I got overwhelmed and needed to draw into myself for a bit and recover once more. I've been keeping myself very busy when not resting. Right now it is snowing outside, there is Celtic Christmas music playing and I have sourdough bread rising on the pellet stove to pop into the oven once it has a good rise on it.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFVpo-XANlQEvFxhg87ii_0FSeWRrqG_LTKfJg02MIPgvys7CSmJ-OsH1YJkr-pjWibpltoeCyNduss7DmjdBVptS1p5sbIyVhyphenhyphen0u00IqozY9GDa4dquihISsICWNHPDucb1_jy9K2t0LfbVb3ITLO6Rb-dcOBFk99LNXmD8WSnX5kvJMB8lJuynuvy7V/s4320/P1190677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFVpo-XANlQEvFxhg87ii_0FSeWRrqG_LTKfJg02MIPgvys7CSmJ-OsH1YJkr-pjWibpltoeCyNduss7DmjdBVptS1p5sbIyVhyphenhyphen0u00IqozY9GDa4dquihISsICWNHPDucb1_jy9K2t0LfbVb3ITLO6Rb-dcOBFk99LNXmD8WSnX5kvJMB8lJuynuvy7V/w300-h400/P1190677.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Decorating for Christmas has been fun this year. I went with a Harry Potter inspired theme. We had to buy a smaller tree that would fit on Grandma's hope chest, and luckily we found that at a thrift store. The owl on top of the tree, along with the other birds, were all from the Dollar Tree. The poinsettias were from an estate sale, along with the stuffed animal owls. The cute little knomes were from Ikea, and the Dollar Tree. The mirror behind the tree on the Wall is one I bought this Summer and used to hang in Uncle Bob and Aunt Norma's home. On top of my teacup shelf, I created a bottle brush forest with a truck being worked on ornament. These were picked up at a yard sale this past Summer also.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDZ-Hry5y2xqGd-8FFTibNKPeAEVLOxZ6qLip19Gh8m5N9kP03_USsYxvQ8ReH5YiVe6UaeiimVTSQ7CAfZnIO9vewVVrzIGGD89n7areqR2Gnrpg8WybB0nbbUXQdqPcZSrlug1drCfrmne9xkUCuVXq3UcvqKCc5E255fpwTSKuKmp0NymUVBeop0wE/s4320/P1190665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDZ-Hry5y2xqGd-8FFTibNKPeAEVLOxZ6qLip19Gh8m5N9kP03_USsYxvQ8ReH5YiVe6UaeiimVTSQ7CAfZnIO9vewVVrzIGGD89n7areqR2Gnrpg8WybB0nbbUXQdqPcZSrlug1drCfrmne9xkUCuVXq3UcvqKCc5E255fpwTSKuKmp0NymUVBeop0wE/s320/P1190665.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaze73vh7yqlGJniDJOxkhcIAghmrpYjAHHeha2mlx1h0PN2LbIRrhJllw9H-OKJeQP59kHPwFpYvenh_BmHvhMYlBNzJP2ZQvx-fRmjLX_myNdfh9P7NPmO33m8Kfyi9nlYINGirsd26PbjFPYrr9OuOqqPF-1K8cL24bcIa5AdPjgqWD37WrnUBzTF1/s4320/P1190673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaze73vh7yqlGJniDJOxkhcIAghmrpYjAHHeha2mlx1h0PN2LbIRrhJllw9H-OKJeQP59kHPwFpYvenh_BmHvhMYlBNzJP2ZQvx-fRmjLX_myNdfh9P7NPmO33m8Kfyi9nlYINGirsd26PbjFPYrr9OuOqqPF-1K8cL24bcIa5AdPjgqWD37WrnUBzTF1/s320/P1190673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I have been hitting Goodwill to both donate a bunch of stuff and also to shop. One day I told Jeff that I felt like we needed to stop in...then I looked at the clock when we got there and it said 2:22. That number is very significant to me and I knew it meant that I would be finding something very special. Indeed I did when I found 2 copies of one of my favorite cookbooks from Hawaii, along with another one put out years later by the same organization. The artwork on the covers is by one of my favorite artists, Peggy Hopper. I was surrounded by her artwork as a child and finally found a print by her at another thrift store. That was a huge find for me. Peggy is a friend of my father's, so it makes it all the more special. I will give the 2 copies of the book I already have as gifts to some special people who I know will treasure them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPM8JEoFlyGqPnHzALQAuDaqzZ52ou7PDN7qzeogeQ48tLc4ubvCxRsBoVO83j3B2FLOUARVhlAQmI8H4hGZ4ROHvj_kNoYeT7XAxyUiFVb4ZijDt7GVbgvrSOVuukJU-4vtF8jcsuVZl0SFkRqRdWIXFcixX36EIK9Wdo6FtnOc2uWTboGu-4-YpeZt_/s4320/P1190674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPM8JEoFlyGqPnHzALQAuDaqzZ52ou7PDN7qzeogeQ48tLc4ubvCxRsBoVO83j3B2FLOUARVhlAQmI8H4hGZ4ROHvj_kNoYeT7XAxyUiFVb4ZijDt7GVbgvrSOVuukJU-4vtF8jcsuVZl0SFkRqRdWIXFcixX36EIK9Wdo6FtnOc2uWTboGu-4-YpeZt_/w400-h300/P1190674.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I also found some puzzles that I know my youngest grandchildren will love and that we will take down to them when we go to visit in May. Other great finds at Goodwill were 2 shirts for me (not pictured), a bag full of Christmas things, a new Christmas towel, and some other books (not pictured). At Walmart, I found some pajamas for Tate for $3 on clearance.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn5Yx-McOB5GwKeGR_aMlct0QgEeAmwEH8miO6P90qHqlA-dsLxjNryE0hAkmMkpmGwQtsV2gvNWG6sbX5stGXsYS21aiyZvDVyYbukBdiYOIglih6dh2EYiCzX5S40NWkhZmjCIdLFxGn8EGfmcfUnIXwpk1uTjuRCmTUgzrvKnnWEByBehdyN45yABn/s4320/P1190675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn5Yx-McOB5GwKeGR_aMlct0QgEeAmwEH8miO6P90qHqlA-dsLxjNryE0hAkmMkpmGwQtsV2gvNWG6sbX5stGXsYS21aiyZvDVyYbukBdiYOIglih6dh2EYiCzX5S40NWkhZmjCIdLFxGn8EGfmcfUnIXwpk1uTjuRCmTUgzrvKnnWEByBehdyN45yABn/w320-h240/P1190675.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5V1zbi5h9AqNVG2KrxxJdW6EbT1QVzLYCtXzIwYNIkQT9PQWd9Rgdh3Re5-PfPLd6oNPVsZgFFtxOUQq28bNj_LBb67bm7oScI0ijr40MDeYTZwBlDx3RRUsY5nuiiVjiFDnaNJsUF8SNOzIU6thNzz0FL9tBJCAzlqeBtk7US-GJLXLUZ_3Ad9UMyXX/s4320/P1190676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5V1zbi5h9AqNVG2KrxxJdW6EbT1QVzLYCtXzIwYNIkQT9PQWd9Rgdh3Re5-PfPLd6oNPVsZgFFtxOUQq28bNj_LBb67bm7oScI0ijr40MDeYTZwBlDx3RRUsY5nuiiVjiFDnaNJsUF8SNOzIU6thNzz0FL9tBJCAzlqeBtk7US-GJLXLUZ_3Ad9UMyXX/s320/P1190676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> On a sadder note, my cousin Amy's husband Bobby died yesterday morning. He was baptized about a week prior, along with my cousin Amy and 2 of Bobby's cousins. I am so very thankful that they all were. Bobby and Amy shared 10 wonderful years together before his passing. He was her soulmate and best friend and showed her the kind of love that everyone dreams of having in a marriage. My heart aches for my cousin and Bobby's family. Please keep them all in your prayers.</b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-90348600427708740502023-11-17T16:22:00.000-08:002023-11-17T16:22:38.727-08:00A Somewhat Frugal Friday Wrap Up 11/17/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lZMk5akWh65ctJiXWEfOxUZ909T3JkcTZ0gCVdw3GrWgFVcivnQlkcAvlCuIqJ3NypSZsf-b_mVW3Qd8E2O3kZr2Y9NbPTzV4imf7Ak5w5l-4UZq1GE219Vz0d2VBO5OyKh-Z_3Kby61mmeO4djUIpokYO_gz_o0t28jswik3H8yTVlaxbebf-hGLbSk/s4320/P1190655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lZMk5akWh65ctJiXWEfOxUZ909T3JkcTZ0gCVdw3GrWgFVcivnQlkcAvlCuIqJ3NypSZsf-b_mVW3Qd8E2O3kZr2Y9NbPTzV4imf7Ak5w5l-4UZq1GE219Vz0d2VBO5OyKh-Z_3Kby61mmeO4djUIpokYO_gz_o0t28jswik3H8yTVlaxbebf-hGLbSk/w400-h300/P1190655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm finally sitting down to a nice cup of apple/cranberry tea served in one of my recently thrifted mug and tiny dish in which to place my tea bag. I love being greeted by the picture of Peyton once I get signed in...it just makes me happy and I still find myself in awe of finally getting a granddaughter to join in with our 4 grandsons. 😄 Speaking of Peyton, Grammie here has been slowly adding to my Raggedy Ann and Andy book collection to one day give to her. I found 2 more books in the series at a used bookstore a couple of days ago.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff and I finally finished watching all the Harry Potter movies and I am now in "mourning" that the next one is not out yet. 😉 To cope with this horrible reality, I decided to do a dark academia themed Christmas this year. I had picked up some owl stuffed toys at the yard sale Jeff and I recently went to, along with some pretty ornaments so all I needed was a smaller pre-lit Christmas tree to sit on top of my grandma's hope chest in the living room. I found the a 4 foot tall tree at the thrift store, along with some pretty Christmas hand towels and a soft Winter themed fleece throw with chickadees on it. Those are now washed and ready to be used. I am hoping to start my decorating on Sunday. At another thrift store, I found a really nice Nutcracker cookie jar. This is the perfect gift for Heather's parents as her mother loves all things Nutcracker. I will be giving it to her next week when we see her as an early Christmas gift so she can enjoy it through the holidays.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, so Jeff switched his day off from Tuesday to Wednesday this week. Everything went well at my appointment and we were able to get my meds renewed and I had bloodwork done to test my thyroid levels. After my appointment, Jeff and I headed back to another town to get my meds and then headed to Pullman to grab some lunch. We went to a new Mexican place that we had heard good things about and were pleasantly surprised at how good the prices were for lunch. The food was great and so was the staff. We will be going there again. After lunch, we headed up to the Grocery Outlet. I have been gathering treats and things to send over to Josh in his Christmas box. I found several things that I know he will love and I picked up another bottle of wine for $5.99 that is really good.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> This week I made another 2 loaves of bread and more sourdough crackers. I decided to add some parmesan cheese to the cracker dough this time and still do the 2 day ferment in the refrigerator before baking them. Oh my goodness, they are delicious! I also made a HUGE deep casserole dish full of lasagna since I had cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese that needed to be used up. This has fed us for 3 meals already and we will be finishing it up tonight for dinner. Jeff and I really do not mind eating leftovers for a few days. If I had room in my freezers, I would have frozen half of it, but alas, I do not. Not that having full freezers is a problem, but more like a blessing.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Onto the updates on my Josh and my sister Leonie. Isis has apparently decided to now declare that they are going to go on the attack on all US personnel in the Persian Golf region. Yes, that is where my Josh is. My stress levels have gone up even higher now and I check in daily with Josh to see how he is doing. Jeff and I decided that we are going to be getting our passports and I am so glad we made that decision. I talked to my sister yesterday and her donor has not yet decided if they want to go through with the bone marrow transplant surgery. My sister is undergoing more chemotherapy at the moment and is exhausted by it. If the donor does decide to go through with it, then they will do it down in Tahiti, with the doctor flying in from France. If they do not, then we hope and pray another can be found before it is too late. I have not told my sister this yet because I wanted to wait until I had my passport in hand, but my plan is to fly down to Tahiti to be with her. She has already offered to pay for me to come down in the past and I am hoping that she will be able to still do that for me. If not, Jeff and I will figure out a way to pay for my airfare there and back ourselves. My sister is stubborn and very proud and will not admit when she needs help unless it is from me or from one of her very close friends in Tahiti. Even then, she will try to push herself to the point of exhaustion to get things done. She really does need someone there to keep her in check and help her. Her good friend works full time and has already done so much for my sister. I want to be able to give her a much needed break and step in to not only help, but just to spend time with Leonie. I will also be able to finally meet my nephew Kealoha and his wife while enjoying the beauty of Tahiti. The only downsides will be missing my Jeff, kids and grandkids while I am gone and also possibly running into my ex-boyfriend who also lives there, who I have been told has never gotten over me. I have no desire to see or deal with his cheating self. I am a very happily married woman with a wonderful family thank you. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Well it is getting close to the time when Jeff will be getting home from work so I had better get going. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-20477729213435801682023-11-10T16:53:00.002-08:002023-11-10T16:53:27.531-08:00Crawling Out of my Cave to Say "HI"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzBFX0coYVUrC5gDNY-YaLcceLm9yAxjhHfRN4tlXOJG5vyxs_-Yqr4C0DWrZxts-Jkmu_tHJcwlbWPHNadYpBMVn7RDYgjRaIyiOpEyqqH3X_4BdOJjHyYgbkr4QoQCRL_u9lHgmycHNqr4WZ1C_SInrpjjTM6fNJY122fDF9lnVa9j32xXT8Dv-NRTo/s4320/P1190653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzBFX0coYVUrC5gDNY-YaLcceLm9yAxjhHfRN4tlXOJG5vyxs_-Yqr4C0DWrZxts-Jkmu_tHJcwlbWPHNadYpBMVn7RDYgjRaIyiOpEyqqH3X_4BdOJjHyYgbkr4QoQCRL_u9lHgmycHNqr4WZ1C_SInrpjjTM6fNJY122fDF9lnVa9j32xXT8Dv-NRTo/w300-h400/P1190653.JPG" title="Homemade broccoli, potato and cheese soup with a nice glass of wine. It makes for a wonderful dinner on a cold and wet night." width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Homemade broccoli, potato and cheese soup, along with a nice glass of wine, sure hits the spot on a cold and wet evening. The potatoes are some that we grew in our garden, the broccoli was marked way down, and the cheese was on sale. The boxes you see in the background are holding some of the treasure we found at an estate sale last weekend.</i></span><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Yes, I am still here. I have had to take a break and just take care of my mental health for a bit. I have still been doing money saving things around the house while dealing with backed up kitchen sinks, being worried about friends and family members serious health issues, and living in a constant state of stress while my baby boy Josh is in the Middle East sandwiched between 2 countries that hate the United States and have been actively attacking our military bases in the area. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I've made bread, sourdough crackers, and made a serious effort to eat from our pantry, fridge and freezer for the most part. Loads upon loads of laundry have been done and I have gone through my clothing so see if there is anything that I need since so many things do not fit me or that I really do not like anymore. This has led to a search for flannel shirts that I can wear as is or over other shirts. I have also been seeking out fun and oversized sweatshirts that make me giggle because of what they say on them. I've taken bags of clothing, shoes, and appliances I don't use anymore to the thrift stores and have gotten 20% off one item coupons for doing so.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff and I went to an estate sale and he found a rolling rack thingy to extend his table saw when he is using larger pieces of wood for building projects. I found big pillar Christmas candles, Christmas ornaments including some from Hawaii, 2 seasons of McHale's Army, some other DVDs, some full slips for me (I have had a horrible time finding any), and some owl mugs and stuffed animals. Jeff and I have really gotten into the whole Harry Potter series, which we can stream here, and I want to do some of kind of old worldy library theme for this Winter after Christmas. I think it will be fun and cozy.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> We've slowly been purging things that we no longer use, including those items that hide in the shadows under the sink. I love seeing the progress and the opening up of space under there. I'm starting to use a better system to make sure I rotate our food in the pantry and so far it is working out well. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> One of my childhood friends had open heart surgery this morning and they almost lost her a couple of times according to her mother who is there with her. She had suffered a stroke a few years back and she has some severe heart issues. I am so thankful that she has pulled through and I pray for healing for her. I know she has a long journey ahead of her. She and I have reconnected and have rebuilt our friendship over the years and I would hate to lose her just as she is starting to heal emotionally from things that she is just now coming to terms with and learning to stand up for herself and set healthy boundaries. I am so proud of her for doing those things!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I chatted quickly with my sister this morning and she gave me some wonderful news...they found a bone marrow donor for her! She had a doctor's appointment this morning and they are doing more testing to make sure they have everything in place and ready. She has been told to rest as much as she can and save her energy. My sister's heart is not the strongest anymore and I am praying that everything works out with this donor because I don't think my sister's heart can take much more chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Jeff and I are waiting on some money to come in so that he and I can get our passports and I can be ready to fly down to be with her.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As for our Josh, I try to keep in close contact with him on a regular basis. Sometimes it is just a quick few lines on Facebook messenger and other times we do a video chat. He vents to me when he needs to and other times we laugh at silly things and tease each other. We have always had a tight bond and can both be very sarcastic....we just get each other. :) Jeff and I are also keeping in close contact with Lauren and the grandkids and recently had a video chat with them as our now 1 year old Peyton opened up her birthday gift from us. She loved the washable soft stuffed bunny we got for her and immediately started hugging it. We also got Tate a indoor putting green set up since he loves golf and his daddy bought him a set of gold clubs. When Lauren gets that all ready to set up, we are going to video chat then too. He has no idea yet that we got it for him. He is going to be very surprised and happy!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Now, as a Public Service announcement, I give you this:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ruptured Natural Gas Pipeline Near Pullman Repaired</span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">November 10, 2023 Evan Ellis News</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">The natural gas pipeline that was ruptured North of Pullman on Wednesday afternoon causing the regionwide outage has been repaired.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Williams Pipeline was able to fix the line on Thursday. The repair means that Avista Utilities can begin the relighting process which could take between three and five days. Avista is hoping to begin the relighting process today.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":r7l:" style="animation-name: none; padding: 4px 16px 16px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="animation-name: none; display: flex; flex-direction: column; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px; transition-property: none;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="animation-name: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; display: block; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; word-break: break-word;"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;">AVISTA RELEASES TIMELINE AND MAPS FOR NATURAL GAS SERVICE RESTORATION: Avista says almost all customers have already been shut-off in preparation for restoration of natural gas services, and Avista’s distribution system has been repressurized. Avista has released these maps for each region, along with zones which indicate the order of restoration and a window of time crews are expected to be in each zone. Relight sequencing times are based on geographic location of the <span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>infrastructure. However, critical customers, such as hospitals and medical facilities, are being prioritized.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The rupturing of the gas line affected many communities, was spread over a large area and left thousands of people without heat. They are hoping to get everything restored by this Wednesday. We have friends that have been affected by this and many businesses, including </b><b style="color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">restaurants,</span></b><b style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> had to shut down. Schools were also closed, including the one my grandson Steven goes to. Hopefully he will be able to go on Monday. Stores sold out of all their heaters and were scrambling to get more ordered and shipped to them. One of the hotels still has heat, but their water heaters, the swimming pool and kitchen all depend on natural gas. They slashed their prices and brought in a whole truckload of portable hot showers for their guests to use. Since there are so many without heat in our area, they were trying to do this to help the community. Here is the reality of the situation, so many people absolutely panicked. They did not have electric heater as a back up source of heat and were stumped at how they would cook for themselves. Luckily there were kind people on hand who gave them ideas like using their microwave, crockpots, air fryers and instant pots, along with gas grills (outside) to make meals. Many of the restaurants around them shut down, and they had no clue as how to cook food for themselves. Yes, this happened in the two college towns that I live near. The lesson that we should all take from this is to make sure we have an alternate source of heat or a way to power our pellet stove in my case (we have a generator and lots of gas), a way to cook if we lose power to our homes, flashlights and lanterns, extra blankets, candles, matches, canned and ready to eat foods, water, and pots that you can use on your grill or even over an open fire in your firepit or rocket stove, or have a camp stove with plenty of fuel to use. </b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On a more "smelly" subject, please also have an alternative way to use the bathroom because the water pressure may go way down too. We have several heavy buckets on hand and thick bags to line them with. I still need to get a foam pool noodles and cut it to fit around the edges of the bucket to make it a bit more comfortable for using in an emergency.</b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> On that note, I will close this post out since Jeff will be home soon from work. I hope you all have a blessed weekend and stay warm and dry. My love to you all!</b></span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":r7m:" style="animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-top: 500px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; inset: calc(0% + 0px) calc(50% + 1.01px) calc(50% + 1.01px) calc(0% + 0px); overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"><a aria-label="May be an image of map and text" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1rg5ohu x1a2a7pz x1ey2m1c xds687c x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy x1pdlv7q" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=828902932573612&set=pcb.828903135906925&__cft__[0]=AZWFdfRDR9H6QHZw0wxZIHLOHgwEZIYeEpHJu3lfSVrEVwmN1MPRw-pQMagRQpNkbZ__uqM8SRIyt8m5u3j2petZNJLcn2WjcLQCMpupwRKqgOtAKyRc3k8ObylGxsnNSCXEfwKd8uRGIpkhPP-YDTf66wPew8OaSm_hl6JFmHEaHTppDZxKynRdYK_Ntzy_IN4&__tn__=*bH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-radius: inherit; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div class="x9f619 x1ja2u2z xzpqnlu x1hyvwdk xjm9jq1 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk x1i1rx1s" style="animation-name: none; box-sizing: border-box; clip-path: inset(50%); clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 1px; z-index: 0;">All reactions:</div><span aria-hidden="true" class="xrbpyxo x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xlyipyv x1exxlbk" style="animation-name: none; float: left; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition-property: none; width: 100px;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="xt0b8zv x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">205</span></span></span><span class="xt0b8zv x2bj2ny xrbpyxo xl423tq" style="animation-name: none; background-color: var(--surface-background); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-left: -100px; transition-property: none;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">You, Elaine Parker, Dana Anderson and 202 others</span></span></span><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row; flex-shrink: 0; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; transition-property: none; white-space-collapse: collapse; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-62058972674367047282023-10-30T13:21:00.002-07:002023-10-30T13:21:26.130-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 10/27/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3CRYezqIZudt89tYC17G0-JNq0y1e59aNIuYzUfZuGfq1BGVeUFqKKb0f-4_PhRneOYMu5CTFENgtkv73-zKN0aMifsPTt21DhfzdKgqIWDs5I0c1yvQRs13Ry9ZK8PLV40Nfp2OJcEOEQuP0fVuUir1b6vY15wIPCkRnVJrz6sI5GkJB5ZjbxTHBgxQ/s4320/P1190645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3CRYezqIZudt89tYC17G0-JNq0y1e59aNIuYzUfZuGfq1BGVeUFqKKb0f-4_PhRneOYMu5CTFENgtkv73-zKN0aMifsPTt21DhfzdKgqIWDs5I0c1yvQRs13Ry9ZK8PLV40Nfp2OJcEOEQuP0fVuUir1b6vY15wIPCkRnVJrz6sI5GkJB5ZjbxTHBgxQ/w400-h300/P1190645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> Well the killing frost hit and our temperatures plummeted into the high teens here at night according to my outside thermometer. Our outdoor cat Ginny still prefers being outside so are doing all we can to make sure she has a safe and warm place to retreat to. I got my Winter jammies out, along with all my sweatshirts, wool socks, winter coats and gloves. Jeff got the cars ready for the cold months too. The fleece blanket went back on our bed this week and the cats are loving it! I frequently have both cats snuggled up either upon me or right by my side out in the living room. The pellet stove is also turning on more often and I am really enjoying the warmth and ambience of it. Below are a few of the things that we have been doing this past week while trying to be frugal...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFCcm_xNdEUpRAhwxTvpJQLcbJonLtYeIlnhlXLoASeHewI_QuZczSmtGvYxJ2uFR1rq_dAuSwTNkgCGuhcnH_Zmfwieor43YwiRxGvmJJEiwKuaKjCXAUgrn6WqgllgcS4QbJP0Nq7n5J1B76LsBtB902pz0nIioyLE1epWQbl0HnCi_-Nc3ujKWoCuM/s3072/P1190651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFCcm_xNdEUpRAhwxTvpJQLcbJonLtYeIlnhlXLoASeHewI_QuZczSmtGvYxJ2uFR1rq_dAuSwTNkgCGuhcnH_Zmfwieor43YwiRxGvmJJEiwKuaKjCXAUgrn6WqgllgcS4QbJP0Nq7n5J1B76LsBtB902pz0nIioyLE1epWQbl0HnCi_-Nc3ujKWoCuM/s320/P1190651.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMSYBcb5GYYU5XZEnJk-WjMIDPEZwcWoADflO-RCCIP-OrBCpMm5R6OKqr5DpWZDOItCStd7LkWXf6kHSed8B2vu73NIWo7qkSLOyjeuv__K1LQf0uzGEsL7d1SpWR5UHTcZcsamrsWQcfWeeq9dLcrFS7mj-iYd48ZH16AMO1OtqssS3Uq5FhPSodmC1/s3072/P1190651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMSYBcb5GYYU5XZEnJk-WjMIDPEZwcWoADflO-RCCIP-OrBCpMm5R6OKqr5DpWZDOItCStd7LkWXf6kHSed8B2vu73NIWo7qkSLOyjeuv__K1LQf0uzGEsL7d1SpWR5UHTcZcsamrsWQcfWeeq9dLcrFS7mj-iYd48ZH16AMO1OtqssS3Uq5FhPSodmC1/s320/P1190651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I got all the tomatoes and pears picked since our temperatures are going to be plummeting below freezing.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff worked Saturday and brought home some popcorn from the popcorn machine at the end of the day.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We watched 2 more of the Harry Potter movies over the weekend.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I placed an order for more vitamins and supplements from Vitacost. I used coupons to get it even cheaper.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We had a lovely facetime visit with Lauren, Tate and Peyton on Sunday. Tate had so much to tell us! :) I am so proud of Lauren or holding down the fort while Josh is on deployment.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We have been able to facetime with Josh also and it really helps calm my nerves.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I got Josh's package mailed off to him. I sent it priority mail and got the military discount since I was sending it overseas to him on deployment.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I harvested herbs and green onions from the garden before the killing frost hit them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff stopped by Safeway to get the pizzas that were on sale and to get a replacement on a block of cheese that went moldy before it was opened and way before it's use by date.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~A quick dinner was thrown together of Sloppy Joes (made with venison given to us by Chris and Heather) and pears from our garden on Monday night.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I cut up an old and ratty fleece bathroom and made soft and cozy "cat blankets" with it for our outdoor cat Ginny to snuggle with in her cat house that Jeff made her. Ginny prefers being an outdoor cat and would be unhappy having to live inside. She is the cat that showed up and adopted us.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I used the sleeves and pockets of the bathroom that I cut up as dusting cloths.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Tuesday was a bad Fibro flare day for me with high anxiety and a </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>headache. I had to cancel our dinner plans with Chris, Heather and the boys. Jeff offered to bring home dinner for us but I politely decline his generous offer.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Wednesday, I uploaded digital coupons to my Safeway card and made a list.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8GgExURPxNZKKguZpVdNj-k8vu6xRkLxFnzBm7qrAnN1RNri85CJznCAAnPKtlbe8reStrd23OUns_DwSsuU1o9Hg1riMRThqOj6483RH56Rq5T62SMhfmr1wmxZponsXCVRmXyd4lAg9JXJcaGFW1-JG39vo-ZmiHU-j2xgOW2KoNm7DsmrKd2OVsdH/s4320/P1190646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8GgExURPxNZKKguZpVdNj-k8vu6xRkLxFnzBm7qrAnN1RNri85CJznCAAnPKtlbe8reStrd23OUns_DwSsuU1o9Hg1riMRThqOj6483RH56Rq5T62SMhfmr1wmxZponsXCVRmXyd4lAg9JXJcaGFW1-JG39vo-ZmiHU-j2xgOW2KoNm7DsmrKd2OVsdH/w400-h300/P1190646.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made 2 loaves of bread and a double batch of long fermented sourdough and cheddar cheese crackers (this was an experiment that went exceptionally well.)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~More tomatoes were sorted and lots were frozen to make sauce with later.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I went through the squash and took out the bad ones. I planted way too many plants this year and they got a little out of hand. Our compost bin now has another addition to go with all the used coffee grounds.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found a few blackberries and raspberries. Oh were they ever good!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We were in need of comfort food on Friday night so I made homemade Biscuits and Gravy. Jeff was a very happy man! We even had leftovers.</b></span></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">~We've had a visit from a momma moose and her yearling. We look forward to seeing the moose every year as they come down into town to eat the apples and pears that are left on trees or have fallen to the ground.</b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyfMmNypUkgFOTa-kikwo8zQ0HJS_hPnSFaELw01-poOPJpVlumXM9YqLUeg40AxKr9Q3zgYzshPrd47ghneaZhoJhnE9pK2gi3VsTnrW00XLEtqCaKYH_AK9I5iT-aSq2AqGheHwu4RcdF27DYwzTrdf33fiP4t007zmJTAAFBlrLWTSnHZRRha0lk52/s4320/P1190628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyfMmNypUkgFOTa-kikwo8zQ0HJS_hPnSFaELw01-poOPJpVlumXM9YqLUeg40AxKr9Q3zgYzshPrd47ghneaZhoJhnE9pK2gi3VsTnrW00XLEtqCaKYH_AK9I5iT-aSq2AqGheHwu4RcdF27DYwzTrdf33fiP4t007zmJTAAFBlrLWTSnHZRRha0lk52/w400-h300/P1190628.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> My prayer for all reading this is that you are staying warm, safe and are stocked up. The world seems to have gone completely crazy and I am appalled at the antisemitic rhetoric and the actual threats to harm or kill Jewish people around the world. A branch of my family is Jewish and I am glad that they are no longer around to see this all playing out as I am sure it would break their hearts. My heart aches for the hostages taken by Hamas and their families and for the families of those who were so brutally slaughtered. I am also appalled and my heart aches for the innocent Palestinians who are being used as pawns and human shields in this twisted war that Hamas brought on. We are witnessing pure evil. I feel a deep heaviness in my heart and am always on the edge of my "fight or flight response". I worry about our service men and women in the Middle East and the attacks on our bases there. My son has to put on body armor just to go from one building to another or anytime he steps outside. That is not comforting to a mother who already has some pretty severe anxiety issues. I do pray for God's protection over ALL our servicemen and women and I do put my trust in Him, but it is still hard. For all the other parents out there who might have kids serving there, you are also in my prayers.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-18239201861798168342023-10-21T12:06:00.003-07:002023-10-21T12:06:20.978-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 10/20/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecrTpbpA7dfNP7fQwIqbmKgK5pGDyS86dISCksDazd17JoXHi65icFGjQloOQS5CMpv93Yk5ot4jphFYcAJ3DAJW4NsVzR-c9F_kmqe-LrV6d8zgDAxLV_zOmslZl6BeQ5KKg8q0aWNIX12IOQPqbAwriD_C5B7-NwILqUcBUHJmjYer_AjIMimmqh2wX/s4320/P1190625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecrTpbpA7dfNP7fQwIqbmKgK5pGDyS86dISCksDazd17JoXHi65icFGjQloOQS5CMpv93Yk5ot4jphFYcAJ3DAJW4NsVzR-c9F_kmqe-LrV6d8zgDAxLV_zOmslZl6BeQ5KKg8q0aWNIX12IOQPqbAwriD_C5B7-NwILqUcBUHJmjYer_AjIMimmqh2wX/w400-h300/P1190625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> This week has seemed to both drag on and yet, at the same time whizzed by. How that is possible, I do not know, but it just is. It is Saturday as I am wrapping this post up and I am finally fully recovered (I think) from working the Ruck for the Fallen booth last Saturday. I had such a wonderful time doing it, but my body paid for it big time in the following days. I HURT! Needless to say, I did not get a whole lot of things done around the house and yard, so now it is crunch time before the freezing temperatures hit. So here is a look at my week...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I worked the Ruck for the Fallen booth on Saturday afternoon/evening. </b></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/370889557169779">(5) Ruck for the Fallen | Facebook</a>, <span style="font-size: large;"><b> It was wonderful to see a whole line of Veterans lined up to greet our ruckers as they came into town. We sold so much merchandise and our silent auction was a huge success and raised lots of money to help our military and first responders in need while also honoring the fallen. Jeff bought a large insulated cup and I bought a pair of earrings in honor of our first responders and military members in our family.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I bid on some things at the auction and won something special for my son Chris and also a wine tasting bundle of 4 bottles of different wine and 2 beautiful wine glasses. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff was able to finish off replacing the screws and silicone seals in the roof of the house.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We tried to find new shoes for Jeff in the same style as he has been wearing for years. They had the shoes at the store, but they have changed them so they are narrower (even in the wide size) and the sizes seem off. A size 12 was way too small for Jeff, but the size 13 had a huge space between his toes and the front of the shoe. Needless to say, we did not buy them, but headed up to Goodwill after that and found him some nice Timberline boots that were barely ever worn. We also found a sassy sweatshirt for me that says "I'm not bossy, I'm just aggressively helpful." I know my sons, daughters and oldest two grandson are going to get a huge kick out of it. In addition to those things, I found a gift for one of my girls who is I know is going to love it!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I have been gathering up some things to send over to our son Josh who is on deployment. Some of the items are ones he requested, and others are surprises for him. Thank goodness the Dollar Tree had some of the items because things were getting kind of expensive.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Isaiah shot an elk earlier in the season and got a buck on Tuesday night. We will be getting some of the meat from both of them. I am so proud of my grandson!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~More beans, tomatoes, squash and pears were harvested. We also found a few blackberries before we trimmed the bushes back and some of the raspberry canes were producing berries also.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I have been watching more of the Harry Potter series of movies. We are having great fun watching them while either being cuddled up in bed or out in the living room snuggling under our warm throws with cats upon or next to us purring away.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff brought home another ton of wood pellets and was given 6 bags that has been broken open for free. We like free!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I've been shopping the sales and am continuing to build up my pantry and freezers.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I cut Jeff's hair on Tuesday morning. He was very overdue for a haircut.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Wednesday night, Jeff heated up the leftover rice from earlier in the week along with some stew from our pantry.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff did the shopping at Safeway for their loss leaders that I wanted for me and he also picked up more fabric softener sheets at the Dollar Tree.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Josh and I have been using Facebook messenger to chat with each other.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff picked up a case of Black Rifle coffee expresso drinks at Grocery Outlet for .99 each. That is an amazing deal on them and he loves the caramel flavored ones.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I cashed in our points that we earned on our debit and credit cards for an Olive Garden gift card. It is one of the restaurants that we really enjoy going to once in awhile as a treat.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Friday night we pulled two frozen pizzas out of the freezer and baked those up for dinner. It gave us leftovers for lunches also.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm off to get dressed and out into the garden. I need to get all the tomatoes harvested, green ones too. I will lay the green tomatoes in a box to slowly ripen. I have done this in the past and we were eating tomatoes from our garden will into November. Jeff will have to help me pick the pears when he gets home. He is working until 2 p.m. today. Be blessed and stay safe my friends.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-23665677599769431732023-10-18T16:24:00.003-07:002023-10-18T16:24:29.067-07:00Asking for Prayer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHJT49PgTwdVmJs1_DUsfMD9GN01MRDIwNT0Pikh4tKmB23f9Uy4TjOl8v_odXaLyjpSDObm51CQdu0UZfoX2oFULAp3nc43NsYPArRRxuVF97TvuUC7ZhvzDdcKB0hSnvGSXd4Ysjb0dTDiPYsf12JDC9A8Jg7eU0IIwoBHNdsyhObG_78uH-6ilMOLKR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3533" data-original-width="3553" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHJT49PgTwdVmJs1_DUsfMD9GN01MRDIwNT0Pikh4tKmB23f9Uy4TjOl8v_odXaLyjpSDObm51CQdu0UZfoX2oFULAp3nc43NsYPArRRxuVF97TvuUC7ZhvzDdcKB0hSnvGSXd4Ysjb0dTDiPYsf12JDC9A8Jg7eU0IIwoBHNdsyhObG_78uH-6ilMOLKR" width="241" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> My sweet friends, I am coming to you asking for prayer. The Middle East is mess right now and is just getting worse. The atrocities done to the Jewish people in Israel is horrific. Hamas is pure evil as is Hezbollah. There are those who will take every opportunity to lie and capitalize on this and will attack innocent people all over the world. My heart aches for all those innocent people in Israel, Palestine, and everywhere else this evil has spread.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> A dear friend of mine's son-in-law is from Israel. He is in the USA with his wife and baby, but his parents are in Israel. Last I heard, they were safe for the moment, but as we all know, everything can change in a heartbeat there. Please pray for their safety, as well as all the other people living in fear.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> My son is currently serving in the Middle East at a base right in the middle of all this. He is in a country that is friendly with the USA, but they have had attacks on that base in the past and they are doing everything they can to be alert and prepared for that possibility again. Some of my son's troops are in a different Middle Eastern Country that is not friendly with the USA and they have come under attack. He was initially supposed to be there with them, but got assigned to the other base instead. He is struggling because he wants to be with them. He wants to protect them and keep them safe so they can go home to their families when their deployment is over. I understand my son's heart and why he is having a difficult time with this. But, as his mother, I am so very thankful that he is not there. I want him to be able to come home to his wife and children also. I know he would put himself in harm's way to save his troops because that is the kind of man he is. Please pray for protection for him, his troops and all those brave men and women there from all countries trying to do everything they can to protect others while this "powder keg" is blowing up all around them and they are feeling the "fallout" of it. Please also keep the people in the embassies, who have or will come under attack, safe. </b></span></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"> Here on the home front, protect us from the evil that this is. I pray to God to root out all those who wish us harm, whether foreign or domestic. Our country does not currently have a strong president or vice president and our senate and congress are so busy infighting, that they are not doing their jobs that they were elected to do. A weak country is easily toppled, and I fear that we are ripe for the picking at this moment. We have had many who have crossed our borders illegally and we have no idea where they are or what their goal is. We do know that there are "sleeper cells" here in the USA and that they can be called on at any time to unleash whatever it is that they are told to do. The "chatter" has confirmed this and the warnings have been made public now. We have, in the past, had someone arrested near us that was working with Isis, using coupons to cash in and get money for the terrorists. He came on a student visa and was attending college here. Hiding in plain sight as they say.</b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Finally</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> my friends, please be aware of your surroundings. Please stock up on food, water and medications. Our economy is in real trouble too. Inflation continues to rise and the cost of everything is going way up. Hedge your bets by buying the things you will need for </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>a while</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> out. I'm trying to look out at least a year for most things if possible. If you have the ability to purchase, or already have a weapon, make sure you have enough "lead" for it and practice with it. Jeff and I are going to get our concealed carry permits and will be getting more training from some of the best teachers we know and love. We want to be safe </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>wherever</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> we are and not become victims of any kind of crime. We also want to be able to protect our kids, grandkids and others around us. </b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"> Thank you, be safe and know that I am praying for you all too!</b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-20642796689144055492023-10-18T15:35:00.000-07:002023-10-18T15:35:36.958-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 10/13/2023<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff got a $2 an hour cost of living raise at work. Yay!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff's bosses brought in a cooler full of various cuts of pork for the employees to take home. Jeff got pork spare ribs and more bacon. His bosses buy several hogs at the fair, and then share the meat with the employees at the 3 different store. It is a very nice little bonus, for which we are very grateful!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Josh is now in Kuwait. I have been able to chat with him there and knowing that I can do that with him is helping to save my sanity. I still a nervous about him being in that part of the world, especially now, but I have to trust God to protect him and all the others serving in that volatile area.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff got the front porch painted and it looks really good!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff also got most of the screws and silicone washers replaced on our metal roof. Hopefully he can finish it this coming weekend.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made a really nice dinner of Elk roast (from Chris and Heather), potatoes from our garden, celery and seasonings. I served it with a side salad and a cut up apple. We ended up with some delicious leftovers too.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Two loaves of bread were made and I gave one to Shannon. I also gave her a zucchini from the garden.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~The pears from our trees are starting to ripen, so I have been picking them as they do.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Sourdough crackers are quickly becoming a favorite around here, so I made another 2 batches and used my homemade Tuscan Herb seasoning salt to top them. YUM!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~A nice cheesy lasagna was also on the menu this week. It is definitely Fall weather now and I had everything on hand that I needed to make one of our favorite meals. I even used some chopped spinach that I had previously grown in the garden, then blanched and froze, mixed into the cheese layers. Hubby was very happy to come home to such comfort food.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I'm still harvesting tomatoes, beans, squash and blackberries from the garden.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Combining coupons and sales, we were able to get a 16 pack of toilet paper for $6.99. I would say that is a good deal.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I was finally able to facetime with my son Josh who is on deployment in the Middle East. He is in one of the safest jobs and in a country with strong ties to the USA thank God! They are still a target by the terrorists, but are in a better position than many others serving in the Middle East. I asked him to give me a list of what he wanted and could not find there on base so I could send it to him. His list consisted of Black Rifle brand coffee and Chick Fillet sauce. :)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Chris and Heather are going to butchering their chickens that have stopped laying eggs. These are not "meat chickens", but will still be good for making soups and pot pies. They are going to give us several of them. I love making homemade chicken noodle soup and then freezing it so I have it on hand at all times.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Friday I made 2 loaves of sandwich bread and another batch of the sourdough crackers.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Heather and Chris dropped off 2 gift certificates for her homemade cinnamon rolls for the Ruck for the Fallen auction and our Christmas gift from my parents. The gift my parents sent us was a gorgeous hand painted large round vase from Japan. It was a gift to them from my father's former bosses from Japan. Our Christmas gifts from my parents are now coming off the lists we all made for items we wanted from their home when they passed away. They decided to give us the items as Christmas gifts so we can enjoy them now.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Friday was our home "date night". Jeff was in charge so he made us grilled cheese sandwiches and we watched the first of the Harry Potter movies. It was a wonderful and relaxing way to spend our Friday night!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-37025727956690851832023-10-09T11:50:00.001-07:002023-10-09T15:51:47.018-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 10/6/23<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HppU-rZHgWaBoIzeyj1C4qvWmirBwnE8w0i8JzYwV-q6cNrwHXXQu0RxIn6Rfjw3Bb3GcIojArOR1lg2C7WsQsyPZOWSZQqgoADnWSgcQrREbNsJlXay4vvlxEafV9Ay7vzmQjMxDpYz_LTG8vXRH16KAAjOl0RumMeLsG1fLe_A7eB01T8_RaV6zSVD/s4320/P1190623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HppU-rZHgWaBoIzeyj1C4qvWmirBwnE8w0i8JzYwV-q6cNrwHXXQu0RxIn6Rfjw3Bb3GcIojArOR1lg2C7WsQsyPZOWSZQqgoADnWSgcQrREbNsJlXay4vvlxEafV9Ay7vzmQjMxDpYz_LTG8vXRH16KAAjOl0RumMeLsG1fLe_A7eB01T8_RaV6zSVD/w400-h300/P1190623.JPG" width="400" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXNnT0S00CzJlA7fx8UCQgV2bDyx8oqhv35KDDqBVeRifI_ykBxKpnLo7eSnqoY0rWhIjKrXBQB424zMvuonzttN3aMBzZoQZT9MzjIRjakffMDyjX1GF6d-V7MDRXRmKq0yTa3G6JF6Kr3UgjAd_9sCYC4xx26h9uvyMfsBq8vrwQp6stVUF58hRGoGi/s320/P1190622.JPG" width="320" /></div></a><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> In the spirit of full transparency, this post is a conglomeration of what I can remember for the past 2 weeks. As per usual for me lately, I have not been good about noting things down each day, so this is what my spotty memory is "downloading" to this post currently. Off we go!!!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22uNWsKiD2Mb9Y7ZldBzM6Ep8r6e6uiI_PwBkvZL-Z_9-OaLij3MHEeGSzY-gmot8Ak2WabIQNgI56tQvWGrFPiwX04WQiBXNlRTth2NLwmFE9KZmpL5EeizdHZwtL7rEEK0DbjWlEWQZuawZrkzq3XlGnv_yLs0WphIzNtpmPZQNP_uffpc7QF4cRz5m/s4320/P1190622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22uNWsKiD2Mb9Y7ZldBzM6Ep8r6e6uiI_PwBkvZL-Z_9-OaLij3MHEeGSzY-gmot8Ak2WabIQNgI56tQvWGrFPiwX04WQiBXNlRTth2NLwmFE9KZmpL5EeizdHZwtL7rEEK0DbjWlEWQZuawZrkzq3XlGnv_yLs0WphIzNtpmPZQNP_uffpc7QF4cRz5m/w400-h300/P1190622.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I went up to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho just to get away and to see the beautiful Fall foliage. Well, the trees just starting to turn colors, and were not very exciting (should have waited another week). We still made the best of it and hit some thrift stores. We found a golf club bag for Jeff for $15. His old one is ripping out. At that same store I found a beautiful Fall themed picture for $15, some fall plates for $2 each (spendy but I loved them). At the next store, I found a Fall ceramic pie dish for $2 also. At the Goodwill, I found a very nice pair of Lane Bryant jeans that looked like they had been worn only a couple of times, if even that. Jeff also found a pair of jeans.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~The Dollar Tree in CDA had bagels, rolls and English muffins. We bought some. Apparently, they buy them from the Franz Bakery Outlet up there.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I have continued to harvest beans, blackberries, squash and tomatoes from the garden. I froze more of the tomatoes.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I headed up to the apple orchard right over the hill from our house here in town. We picked 22 pounds of apple and only paid $11 for all of them. We got a mix of sweet apples and some with a little tartness to them too. We are sending some over with Chris and Heather to give to my parents when they go to visit them this weekend. My mom loves fresh apples from that orchard, so this will be a nice surprise for her. We also gave a bag to Chris and Heather, and to Jaysn and Rachel.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made some Udon soup and added half of a small bag of frozen chopped blanched spinach from our garden to it. This made 2 meals for me. I took the other half of the bag of spinach and added it to a frozen chicken and onion pizza from Safeway. I also added some halved yellow tomatoes from our garden to it also. Yum!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~One night I was in a hurry to make dinner, so we had hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes. We had leftovers of the hamburger gravy, so I turned it into a noodle and Stroganov casserole that fed us for another 2 meals. The last meal was also served with green and yellow beans from our garden.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff found a pair of jeans on clearance at Walmart. He rarely finds jeans that will fit him on clearance. We also got a doormat for the front door that really goes well with the color of our home.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I have been carefully shopping the grocery sales. This week I only see one item that I will be picking up. Since I will be in town this Thursday to meet Rachel so she can take Steven to his dentist appointment, I will pick the item up at that point. Steven is off this Thursday and Friday, so he will be spending Thursday with me. I love spending time with him.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our sweet Heather is generously donating a dozen of her homemade cinnamon rolls in the flavor of the winner's choice to the Ruck for the Fallen silent auction and sale that I am a part of this next weekend. She did not even hesitate when I asked her. I told her I would pay for any of the needed ingredients. This is an organization that is close to all of our hearts in our family.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found some new watercolor pens at the Goodwill in the town where I do a lot of my shopping. I am going to try and learn to use them with some tutorials I hope to find on YouTube. I think it will be a wonderful hobby this Winter for me. I also found some wonderful slipper socks and a 5 pack of really cozy and pretty socks. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I both switched out our warmer weather clothing for our cooler weather clothing. Thank goodness we did so that I did not overbuy things that I already had.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I donated a bunch of clothing that I had not been using and really was not very fond of to begin with.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My sunflowers are being raided by the squirrels! Isaiah almost tripped over one as it was running away with one of the seed heads. It's okay, I really enjoy watching the squirrels and don't mind providing some food for them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We got a huge surprise in the mail this Thursday. Our health insurance overbilled us and sent us a refund check. I took $120 of it and bought a new food processor (mine is limping along), some Christmas gifts, crafting items, clothing and a few other items. I also took our grandson Steven to McDonald's for lunch since he was spending the day with me and had been so well behaved as we ran errands. The rest of the money from the refund is being saved. Oh, Steven also got a rocket ship toy at the thrift store that he was totally into.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Speaking of thrift stores, yes, I went again to 3 of them this time. I was looking for another black multi-photo picture frame. I found one for $2.99 (as opposed to the $20 price tag at Walmart). Yay! I also bought some books, magazines, mugs, cute little dishes, a brand new boxed set of Kilner canning items, more canning lids, some inserts for the canning lids to turn them into cute country vases where the flowers are each supported, a brand new in box cherry pitter, and some more new warm fuzzy slipper socks with the grippy bottoms.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Since I was on my own for dinner Thursday and had a long day of running errands, shopping and spending the day with my Steven, I stopped by Winco to pick up a quick dinner. I found some of their chilled chili lime shrimp and clearance for half the normal price. For $3 I had that, some homemade sourdough bread, and cherry tomatoes from my garden. Yummy!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My tomato plants all got a good pruning and "haircut". I took off most of the branched that did not have tomatoes already on them. This opened the plants way up and will help force the tomatoes to ripen quicker. It is supposed to be hot this weekend, but then get cold and wet next week.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As I end this post, I ask for prayers for the people of Israel, the hostages that have been taken, and for the innocent Palestinian people who are being used as human shields in this horrible war that is unfolding right before our eyes. The images are absolutely horrific. I am watching live webcams right now as I type this and seeing the retaliatory response from Israel on Gaza City with the heavy bombing in the night and the replays of what had gone on during the day. War is an ugly thing and my fear is that we will be drawn into it also. For those of us with loves ones in the military, especially if those loved ones are in the Middle East, along with those in the European theater (with all that is going on with the Russian/Ukranian War), we are on edge and in prayer. Please keep our own military in your prayers also. I am asking this as the mother of one of these military members. Thank you so very much and so much love coming to you all.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-42280583727422475422023-09-30T08:14:00.001-07:002023-09-30T08:14:40.861-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 9/22/2023<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> This is a week late, but I thought I would post it anyway. This past week has been a busy one for me and I have not been good about documenting things. So here is what I did the previous week to save money. Be blessed my friends and I hope you all have a great weekend.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff's workplace had a BBQ on Friday. His bosses bagged up the leftovers and told people to take some home. Jeff brought home Brats, 4 huge cookies and some chips Friday night. Saturday he brought home more brats, some macaroni salad and some hamburgers. That has really helped out with the budget.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~While looking for one of my extra water bath canners to give to Heather, I found a box of brand-new quart sized wide mouth canning jars. I needed 2 of them for the sourdough starter that Heather gave me.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Heather not only gave me some sourdough starter, but she also bought me a kitchen scale to weight out the ingredient to keep the sourdough starter fed.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found some double ended color dry erase markers at Goodwill. It has made my whiteboard "lists" so much more fun to write.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Saturday was the big family birthday party for Jeff and Heather. Rachel made 2 desserts and 2 crockpots full of lasagna. Heather brought some of her delicious homemade garlic bread and I brought a Caesar's salad. I gave the oldest 3 grandboys their matching shorts and they all quickly changed into them. Jaysn and Rachel recently got 2 kittens, so I was able to cuddle with those precious kitties. It was all absolutely wonderful!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We all went to the fair and looked at the exhibits. I now really want one of those giant rabbits! LOL!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Sunday and Monday were major fibromyalgia flare days for me, so naps were much needed and taken. After a big weekend and finally letting go of some emotional baggage, it honestly was not a surprise at all. I tend to do this...as soon as I am able to let down, I have a flare. I have always been this way.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Monday I made a big pot of hearty chicken noodle soup with lemon, garlic and herbs from the garden. It was incredibly delicious!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff picked up my prescription for me from Walmart so that I did not need to make a separate trip in.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff also picked up some cheese that was on sale at Safeway.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made sourdough discard buttery crackers and 2 loaves of sourdough sandwich bread.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Scrapple was on the menu once more. I used less sausage meat than was called for since I am trying to cut back on meat portions in an effort to save money. This made for two meals for Jeff and I.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Tomatoes, squash, beans and blackberries were all harvested multiple times during the week.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Safeway coupons were uploaded to my Safeway card.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Using a Walmart gift card, I was able to order new silicone spatulas (I was getting low on them again), some silicone baking mats, and some medical things that we needed. I ended up paying $13.88 out of pocket.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I cut back my sage bush and have the branches full of leaves bundled and hung up drying.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Thursday, I spent the afternoon snapping beans, blanching and then freezing them. Judging by what I am seeing outside in the bean patch, I will be repeating this again very soon.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff took our truck to work on Friday and brought home a ton of wood pellets for our pellet stove. He was able to get them from work at a good price. Chris and the boys will be coming over Saturday to help unload them.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-69650601168054892732023-09-16T12:58:00.000-07:002023-09-16T12:58:08.268-07:00Finally Letting It All Go<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDOsqXKUyvWCsEJfMl2xBJIdCYb8FY54bv7dc426RtYdeoCkSiez52dqgjr_XKjFzafCEvD5fOjGpjUndg2BnCAcet9gvQddO7lJ3kvaXhMyaFwusWnsPaTSCPuN24IE_2zntcgVoLdercdPTODMnorWdf4F-ysuDyNpksF0kq0MI6EPLnG7hpZh0Pea46" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDOsqXKUyvWCsEJfMl2xBJIdCYb8FY54bv7dc426RtYdeoCkSiez52dqgjr_XKjFzafCEvD5fOjGpjUndg2BnCAcet9gvQddO7lJ3kvaXhMyaFwusWnsPaTSCPuN24IE_2zntcgVoLdercdPTODMnorWdf4F-ysuDyNpksF0kq0MI6EPLnG7hpZh0Pea46=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> For the past two weeks, I have been feeling a bit down. At first I thought it was just from being really exhausted after going nonstop when Josh and family, along with my cousin Jeremy were here and then missing them terribly when they all left. I have been trying to put on a smile and pretend that everything is fine...something that I have had much practice at throughout my life. The only person who knew that I was struggling was my husband, and even he did not know the extent of it. To be perfectly honest, I did not realize exactly what was causing it either. That was until yesterday...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As I was trying to figure things out, I remembered how in the past my therapist had asked me I was happy. My answer surprised me when the word "no" quickly came tumbling out of my mouth. I told her that although I put on a good "front", there was always an underlying sadness. I realized that was what was going on once again in my life and the reason I was struggling. I also had clarity in that moment, about the source of the it, and knew it was time to just let it all go.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our Josh, Lauren, Tate and baby Peyton came home recently for a visit before Josh deploys and so that Chris and Josh could celebrate their birthdays together. Josh has always gone to visit his grandparents on my husband's side of the family when he comes home, even though that side of the family has cut us all off, that is, except Josh. His last visit to them had been when Tate was a baby. Things have transpired over the last two years that have hurt all of us, including Josh. Josh made the decision not to reach out again while he was here. I could tell it was something that was weighing heavily upon him. I let him know that I would always support him in whatever decision he made and that I understood how he was feeling. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> It broke my heart to see my son realizing the ugly truth of this ongoing mess and why we all had been hurt so deeply. He now understood why the most of us here had to accept that we would never see Papa again. I was the "holdout" in the group here, not wanting to accept the painful truth that the man that I loved as my second father, had not reached out to his son, to let him know of his mother's death and had not tried to contact us in any way, shape or form for over six years. As a parent and grandparent myself, I just could not wrap my head around NOT having a relationship with my kids and grandchildren. </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">So, this was the "trigger", that reopened old wounds for me and left me depressed. </b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"> It's a blessing that I had been through therapy in the past and learned some coping skills. Once I was able to </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>identify</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> what the trigger was, it also allowed me to look at the situation </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>objectively. I came to realize that it truly was the "end" of all hope for the situation to change because the person who we wanted to still have a relationship with, was unwilling or unable to fight for us as we had been trying to do for them. It was another very painful reality check. However, I found myself being able to finally let it all go...the hope, the struggles, the depression over the situation, the underlying anger, everything. I felt like a HUGE weight had been lifted off me. I think it comes in part because I no longer have to worry about Josh being hurt any further by this "no win" situation that was thrust upon all of us. I think he may finally have some clarity and closure, as do I now and, as my other kids and hubby already have.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I told my hubby about my realization and that I can finally have the closure that I so desperately needed. He looked relieved, but you could still see the sadness in his eyes about the pain we had all endured. My hubby is a very tender-hearted man that puts his family first. Seeing our kids, grandkids or me in pain, hurts him. He wants to protect us all, and he, through no fault of his own and for reasons beyond his control, was not able to in this situation. I do think that now that I will not be wrestling with trying to hold out some kind of hope in a hopeless situation, that it will also help him to have some relief knowing that I have learned to put the situation behind me and no longer let it have any kind of negative influence over me. This has been a long and painful process and journey, but it is one that has reached its final destination, and I can finally lay it all to rest.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-5520649137284058112023-09-15T13:48:00.002-07:002023-09-15T13:55:25.030-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up and Thrift Store Finds 9/15/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR9WMlca8I59aAAwHBElNgi5kSZqKkf7v2HRqbW5lRMs6EpArUNvB6mrGppaLXhgnMbBNanclU-mPiTnKZB-mMBngncNKznlWadgwENshL2b61rJP49hioZst7AXrpjmXax6nXE9Nmzrwi5S9lyiSf1Gk3sKWiIHdxuvh6GblIfyRnHY47fPORJlDl8Pp/s4320/P1190604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR9WMlca8I59aAAwHBElNgi5kSZqKkf7v2HRqbW5lRMs6EpArUNvB6mrGppaLXhgnMbBNanclU-mPiTnKZB-mMBngncNKznlWadgwENshL2b61rJP49hioZst7AXrpjmXax6nXE9Nmzrwi5S9lyiSf1Gk3sKWiIHdxuvh6GblIfyRnHY47fPORJlDl8Pp/w400-h300/P1190604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Here it is the end of another week! The garden keeps on giving us tomatoes, squash, beans and blackberries. Sometimes it is more than I can handle. The Summer apples are winding down and the pears are busy ripening. It has really helped us with the grocery budget. Prices in the stores continue to rise, so we are so grateful for our garden helping us out. Here are some of the other ways we saved money this week...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvJdZs3TDJfvDtadz51DwZsheONxyqgZKMe6lkI2RzKGfNan6pegwfZLyd8lxJdSNAnQ0B7-BkKqShpoK4YHx1DXBBDvxJ_vT8BUuiNKjkMM7QLDc6Yw7klfQ2zxY7-J34bk9nSn2qSO6qw75c7s5HDsk-o5iu4kWXc6EZ1JgHpPQKbQcv2UGpHincPP1/s4320/P1190602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvJdZs3TDJfvDtadz51DwZsheONxyqgZKMe6lkI2RzKGfNan6pegwfZLyd8lxJdSNAnQ0B7-BkKqShpoK4YHx1DXBBDvxJ_vT8BUuiNKjkMM7QLDc6Yw7klfQ2zxY7-J34bk9nSn2qSO6qw75c7s5HDsk-o5iu4kWXc6EZ1JgHpPQKbQcv2UGpHincPP1/w400-h300/P1190602.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I have been cherry picking deals and found a great deal on hamburger at Safeway. I froze 1 1/2 pounds of it and used the other pound to make a large meatloaf using stuffing mix, one egg and some other seasonings. Served with assorted side dishes and beans throughout the week, this made for 4 complete meals for us. All the sides came from our pantry and the beans from the garden.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I sent a list with Jeff and he stocked us up on cold and flu meds from the Dollar Tree and Walmart. With the media spreading the story of medications being pulled because "they do not work", when we have been taking them for years and they have been working, we felt it prudent to stock up now!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiUbLrq-Drwawbx0Uo05el_6lVogCiiZLkIlJSMqMYS0WUqot8xIyyIuYKTYbKKGimUvcgSdMC-6sxe3-N7fGfzhaDmYj7jf443Q2Z3P9cGWzsDD6ykH67EcnCTdGO7Pvx9Vdqm5-VywofDu5tVzcubtPTQYuR3uvuXHAAOvlx4dqXDbI-g2chKB8gwSn/s4320/P1190614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiUbLrq-Drwawbx0Uo05el_6lVogCiiZLkIlJSMqMYS0WUqot8xIyyIuYKTYbKKGimUvcgSdMC-6sxe3-N7fGfzhaDmYj7jf443Q2Z3P9cGWzsDD6ykH67EcnCTdGO7Pvx9Vdqm5-VywofDu5tVzcubtPTQYuR3uvuXHAAOvlx4dqXDbI-g2chKB8gwSn/w400-h300/P1190614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found the above Brighton Christmas retired tote bag at one of our local thrift stores. There was no price tag on it so I took it up to the counter and asked about the price, and I let them know the bags around it were marked at $5.99. She looked at the bag and saw that someone had spilled coffee on it so she gave it to me for $4.99. I knew that I could clean the coffee stuff off it since it was a coated bag. Sure enough, I was able to get the coffee marks, along with other marks off it. I am in love with this bag and will be using it this holiday season! I really get into changing out my purses to match the season and holidays.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made some very smooth cinnamon applesauce. Some was frozen and some was eaten fresh. YUM!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA6ucYMTmX68FX-UnYG2hYvL-exTdZMwFJi92My1sZjaR8D1H7OS5Hm8kRt0nJWruX1_9gGxmYG7BAyOWNzsOR4DbzWS_9rVddLCij-eetoTtIk__FPN-ucX9MTvuu-2eEAPmqXz_Siu-71H4tfeCqeP-BL1qWOVdg8THamsaRIqsraWHN1ZYiXYCpHd2/s4320/P1190613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA6ucYMTmX68FX-UnYG2hYvL-exTdZMwFJi92My1sZjaR8D1H7OS5Hm8kRt0nJWruX1_9gGxmYG7BAyOWNzsOR4DbzWS_9rVddLCij-eetoTtIk__FPN-ucX9MTvuu-2eEAPmqXz_Siu-71H4tfeCqeP-BL1qWOVdg8THamsaRIqsraWHN1ZYiXYCpHd2/w300-h400/P1190613.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~During the colder seasons, I love to wrap up in soft cotton jackets and sweaters. I always try to get a size bigger that I wear because it like it to be very loose. I found the soft sweater above for $5.99 minus 20% with a coupon.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I curled up with home popped popcorn and watched some shows on YouTube over the last weekend.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwUBABrTr6k-g5FZbBr1dORzaK35lk0-umWwTRPYdI6Lw6fmxgYMFZ7KGdeICPjppr51_GW3q9tsj8G2fdWBqPOH2vbvHfu3jESq_FPz5ihlxiNQAUrTTFRgHJsEjBNFvl9ZMUpD3roccXZFFFepztTosDkg45Zxb_XtSKnSATTwH9Ly_Mrm1sB3GG6q5/s4320/P1190609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwUBABrTr6k-g5FZbBr1dORzaK35lk0-umWwTRPYdI6Lw6fmxgYMFZ7KGdeICPjppr51_GW3q9tsj8G2fdWBqPOH2vbvHfu3jESq_FPz5ihlxiNQAUrTTFRgHJsEjBNFvl9ZMUpD3roccXZFFFepztTosDkg45Zxb_XtSKnSATTwH9Ly_Mrm1sB3GG6q5/w400-h300/P1190609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I found some Christmas magazines, a large Pyrex bowl with cover and two books at our local thrift store that helps employ people in need or with disabilities. The children's book is for my grandson Tate as a gift to help him know that he can always ask for a cuddle when he is sad. With his daddy deploying in about 2 weeks for 6 months, we thought this would be a wonderful book for his daddy, our son Josh, to read with him before he goes.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff found a large pull behind luggage bag at the same thrift store and made it into a bag to haul his bowling balls and shoes in.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqusUZPEid-FuqNyxZ7peBmeMC_q5Qek3bl8QLoQC_OTjrBPql4ylGLhhIDX2P7EmEpS3ysEyH5pgyrydhqwCFCgquaNTF9av2_TT-jImdZzoLZMw1eKYzinBI-O2xrzscjUyvYJofgFxN6EbdoGWpMv1IL47ctnM8fNjOwBFqIPIhmKbCcZ9sS45VtfMg/s4320/P1190612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqusUZPEid-FuqNyxZ7peBmeMC_q5Qek3bl8QLoQC_OTjrBPql4ylGLhhIDX2P7EmEpS3ysEyH5pgyrydhqwCFCgquaNTF9av2_TT-jImdZzoLZMw1eKYzinBI-O2xrzscjUyvYJofgFxN6EbdoGWpMv1IL47ctnM8fNjOwBFqIPIhmKbCcZ9sS45VtfMg/w400-h300/P1190612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Goodwill blessed me with some new house slippers, a beautiful handmade box from India, and some cat toys. I was in need of the house slippers and they will be perfect for the winter months. The cat toys will hopefully help get some of the kitties' energy out as they will be spending more time in the house with the days getting shorter. The box is just beautiful and I can see it being a wonderful gift for someone.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~At a yard sale I found some like new Sketcher's shoes in my size. I knew the person selling them and she told me she had only worn them a few times. I got them for $2.00.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I've found several TV series that I have not watched before on both Paramount Plus and Peacock networks. It has been fun watching them, along with current TV shows.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff washed our big living room rug and hung it out on the big, tall chain link fence to dry. The cats are loving having it back on the floor now since I had taken it out before Josh and Lauren got here for their visit.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Please my friends, stock up on medications that you may need now. Please also stock up your pantries. Prices continue to rise, some astronomically. If you can afford to put some extras away, I definitely would. I see it as insurance and a hedge on future price jumps. Be blessed all!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-70840847931947397532023-09-08T15:47:00.000-07:002023-09-08T15:47:04.566-07:00Frugal Friday Wrap Up 9/8/23<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Yes, it has been a few weeks since my last post. We had family here and it was delightful! I will be doing a separate post on that once I get some more of the pictures that were taken of the fun! After all of the excitement and the go, go, go of it all, my body crashed and I have been trying not to overdo things. I know that many of my friends reading this will be amazed that I actually am taking it slow and not overdoing it. Well now, but it was a different story with all the family here. ;)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> We did try to stay as frugal as possible even with having all the kids, grandkids and my cousin here, so that will be included in the frugal doings. Here we go...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I, along with all the kids, tried to make most of our meals either potluck or picnic style. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I was able to use Lauren's military discount to get tickets to the Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park for half price. This was something that I wanted to give the grandboys as an early Christmas gift while they were all together. They loved it and little Miss Peyton enjoyed watching.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We took advantage of Josh and Lauren staying at a hotel to use the swimming pool there. We also hit the free splash pad and went swimming at one of the lakes nearby.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I've been harvesting beans, tomatoes, squash and blackberries from the garden. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I've been freezing a lot of the Sungold Cherry tomatoes to use in pasta sauces in the colder season when that burst of freshness is much needed and appreciated.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I had a squash processing day. I shredded up about 12 cups worth of zucchini and used 2 of the cups to make 2 loaves of zucchini and dark chocolate chip bread. The rest of that batch was placed in the dehydrator to dry out so that it can be used later. Did you know that 1/2 cup dried, rehydrated with about a cup of hot water (use more if needed) is equal to 2 cups fresh. Perfect for zucchini bread or added to sauces, soups or to make casseroles with. I took advantage of having the food processor out and sliced up some yellow summer squash to make a casserole with.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I went to the Farmer's Market last Saturday and bought some fresh fruit there. I only bought what I could eat within a week. They had some nice looking apples there, but our local apple orchard opened at the end of this week, so I will be buying my apples from them. Cheaper and it supports a locally owned farm here in town.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I also went to a few yard sales last weekend. I found some chick and hen plants for $2 a pot, some cookbooks including one from Whitefish Montana where Josh and Lauren were married, and western wear shirts and 3 pairs of shorts for me at the final yard sale. Two of the shirts are flannel and will be staying with me and the other two will be a surprise for my cousin Jeremy who has been selling them in his online store. I wanted to help him out in some way and was thrilled to find these in like new condition.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We are continuing to "cherry pick" the sales at the grocery stores and stock up on things when they are at reasonable prices. Sad to have to say reasonable rather than good, but that is the economy that we find ourselves in now.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Walmart is clearancing out a lot of their Summer clothing and I was able to but matching shorts for the 3 oldest grandboys for .50 a pair. I also picked up a robe, a shirt, and some sleep shorts for me for $1 each. I did pick up some shorts for Jeff for $1, but sadly they did not fit him. I am going to try and find someone who they will fit, and if not, I will donate them. They just cost me $1.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I bought 2 bottles of red wine that were normally $21.99 and I got them on sale for $5.99 each at Grocery Outlet.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My sweet Heather surprised me with a phone call telling me that she had bought me a digital kitchen scale to go with the sourdough starter that she was gifting me! We have been discussing how to get me started making sourdough everything and I have been pinning recipes to Pinterest like a mad woman.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I picked a large bucketful of summer apples from our tree to make even more applesauce with.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I'm seed saving from squash, flowers and tomatoes.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~We got several rounds of drenching rain so that had cut way back on the watering in the garden.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Fall decorating has begun in my home and I could not be happier! Soon enough I will be bringing out the Fall candles to burn at night and I cannot wait for that and the first fire in our pellet stove.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-46471645180557586272023-08-21T15:52:00.003-07:002023-08-21T15:52:21.068-07:00Clearing Out the Smoke, Rain and Other Blessings!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXgFJdx5HgsVjwniWSLfz5fn8cwc3ltQh2MPIiMdnqVPDup7fV6G992P8jw1_lCRLYQV_fVXhew6FuLMi5vTTu5rMp0zV-yNBv4UdWdE_EF_iA4O7Hlo3rR_YEJyHs0oqhsj0myYcKssKVAtAV9-gw5MHDT5QcKaLt7V__AhrPBAVIgFU4aLxvNQU6GzX/s4320/P1190587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXgFJdx5HgsVjwniWSLfz5fn8cwc3ltQh2MPIiMdnqVPDup7fV6G992P8jw1_lCRLYQV_fVXhew6FuLMi5vTTu5rMp0zV-yNBv4UdWdE_EF_iA4O7Hlo3rR_YEJyHs0oqhsj0myYcKssKVAtAV9-gw5MHDT5QcKaLt7V__AhrPBAVIgFU4aLxvNQU6GzX/w400-h300/P1190587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I'm currently sitting out on my back screened in porch listening to the rain come down while soft piano jazz music is playing in the background. The rain is so welcomed as it scrubs the heavy smoke from wildfires out of the air. I can breath again! I am praying that the rain makes its way up to the Spokane area and beyond as they have had devastating fires up that way with many losing their homes and with 2 deaths between 3 different fires.</b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>My neighbor's co-worker lost her home and I am waiting to hear how we can help her rebuild.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> My garden and yard desperately needed this good soaking rain. Everything has been so dry and despite our constant watering, it seems the plants can never get enough and have been struggling in the horrible heat. I am so very thankful for a much cooler day and rain, as I can feel it refreshing my soul once again. It is much needed before the heat comes back on later in the week, just in time for our Josh, Lauren, Tate and Peyton's visit. They are used to the heat and kind of like it...I know...how can Josh be my kid and like the heat? LOL! Going to a little splash pad in in the plans for this coming Sunday and we will be celebrating the twins, Josh and Chris's birthday with that and a baseball game with friends and family. I will happily be in the splash pad area with the little ones while the game is going on. 😉 I can't wait to have Josh and family home again. They will be staying at a hotel with a pool due to the erratic sleep habits of my two youngest grandbabies. The pool is a nice bonus and one that I plan on taking advantage of while enjoying it the grandkids.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXW-Sh-owuITGLQKDgTwWdNTMKiS7e1N1pVtDTVTvBMWhAOghWaOh0EO-S-68q6lRY3un2OxF8mj6mxjb-gtS72STkF-qU8Tfow1N9w3VNDQ5_RxE_qhIf2oJq7NHXaIfL0-gQHMvl_xpci3cYO7w0pipp4J2KZubDuR5p0-fzVtqBiNT41MUnSMAhEkF/s4320/P1190586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXW-Sh-owuITGLQKDgTwWdNTMKiS7e1N1pVtDTVTvBMWhAOghWaOh0EO-S-68q6lRY3un2OxF8mj6mxjb-gtS72STkF-qU8Tfow1N9w3VNDQ5_RxE_qhIf2oJq7NHXaIfL0-gQHMvl_xpci3cYO7w0pipp4J2KZubDuR5p0-fzVtqBiNT41MUnSMAhEkF/w400-h300/P1190586.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze5CJiBDAShWpfigVh3kH4n2H-8E6HvIyKFEq3zQakRL-SdiyppjYiRGNMwIIaCDmODScm9-kweFCow4dMg4QYMDnn2kJdDiTSl0-rI5qqEmwAuzx0jf4qaCqfyXGOzMRNp1A06hDGRhCd5dDxipsli9Vr7wAnDnwKahxvgR5_FKtBKPDB54K3Asngu_9/s4320/P1190584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze5CJiBDAShWpfigVh3kH4n2H-8E6HvIyKFEq3zQakRL-SdiyppjYiRGNMwIIaCDmODScm9-kweFCow4dMg4QYMDnn2kJdDiTSl0-rI5qqEmwAuzx0jf4qaCqfyXGOzMRNp1A06hDGRhCd5dDxipsli9Vr7wAnDnwKahxvgR5_FKtBKPDB54K3Asngu_9/w400-h300/P1190584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> As you know, Jeff and I have been planning for him to be able to work part time and take early retirement. Well part of that plan involves replacing things that need to be replaced and fixing other things, as well on stocking up on needed items. It has also been learning new skills that will save us money, and/or enrich our lives. I'm a firm believer that God will guide you to those needed or desired items, and He has once again come through for me in a big way. My poor little immersion blender has seen lots of use and was one it's way out. I had been wanting to replace it. Well I found one at Goodwill for $5.99 and it had the blender and the milk frother attachments. Now I needed a new immersion blender and I had been wanting a milk frother also. Now I have both! On that trip I also was blessed with a Home Dairy book on how to make cheese, yogurt, butter and more. I already know how to do the yogurt, butter and a simple cheese, but I wanted to learn how to make other types of cheese as well. My find of the day though has been something that I have wanted for a very long time. I wanted a nice basket with handles that I can use in the garden to gather produce and I wanted it to have a washable and waterproof liner. The only baskets that I knew about that had these attributes were Longaberger baskets, and those are way out of my price range. Imagine my surprise and happiness when they wheeled out a new trolley of merchandise and there it was, the basket of my dreams (with the illusive liner) for $3.99! I carefully flipped it over to see if there were any brand marks on the bottom because it was so well made and much to my delight, it was indeed and Longaberger basket. Oh Happy Day!!! On that trip I also found a hand blown wine glass from Italy (which is now being washed) and a movie. Yes, it was indeed a great trip to the thrift for me!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our garden continues to bless us (even though the heat has definitely slowed things down) with Sungold cherry tomatoes, squash and apples. The blackberries are just ripening and I ate the first 2 last night...I had forgotten how good they are. I've been busy making applesauce and I need to freeze some of the tomatoes since I am getting more than I thought I would from just the 2 largest bushes and the other red cherry tomato buses are setting fruit, as are the Black Crim and Romas. The green beans are just starting to get big enough to pick and I am sure we will have a lot of them once they really get going. I have been sharing with my neighbor and she is anxiously awaiting for the pears to be ready to picked. We are going to have a lot of them this year, and yes, I will be sharing them with her and with the rest of our family that lives nearby, as well as trying to put some up for Jeff.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Well I suppose I should go and work on my "to do" list for a bit. I have taken most of the day off to relax since Jeff and I did so much around and in the house over the weekend. Between all that, the fires up north of us, as well as one just a few miles from us earlier last week, and just the general day to day trying to keep up on the gardens, it has left me exhausted and in lots of pain. I have not been sleeping well, but last night, I was finally able to get into a deep sleep and slept until 9 a.m. My body must have really needed it and I am not going to argue with that. Be blessed my friends who are reading this and keep stocking up on those things that you need, and yes, even some nice "surprises" along the way.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-77547022426054750542023-08-14T16:24:00.004-07:002023-08-14T16:24:45.967-07:00I'm Melting and Still Trying to Maintain My Frugal Ways<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmTkB0U_l18YAUZDoc1VIhWMLg59YGMBkUSo5b7v2O5SP9JdTyf13xjNQ-ItfvQUwZf5W3uLVGSXFV7ihOPXU5W4yB9bhYUNl8d26NnTG13Ir0MkVq9BLwSzSmHcAGItTz08e5sXRXGoJQ--Fy8veTMltAQyPRN0i8K3ubN5gugwepPRwasi4YoNXIYuX/s4320/P1190583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmTkB0U_l18YAUZDoc1VIhWMLg59YGMBkUSo5b7v2O5SP9JdTyf13xjNQ-ItfvQUwZf5W3uLVGSXFV7ihOPXU5W4yB9bhYUNl8d26NnTG13Ir0MkVq9BLwSzSmHcAGItTz08e5sXRXGoJQ--Fy8veTMltAQyPRN0i8K3ubN5gugwepPRwasi4YoNXIYuX/w400-h300/P1190583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> You see the picture above? Well I just took it on my back porch in the shade with the blinds down to block out some of the heat. It is not even to the hottest part of the day yet. We are under a heat advisory for the next 4 days or so. I think we may break some records this week. Me, I am just trying to make it through and stay cool. I have the swamp cooler on and my guess is that we will have to keep it running nonstop for the next 4 days. I do not want a repeat of last year when I got heatstroke. Nope, not doing that again! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Despite the heat, I am still trying to maintain my frugal ways. Last night Jeff grilled up 6 large elk burgers, some marinated squash slices and I made a large batch of blue (yes, the potatoes are blue) potato salad. All were yummy and we have lots of leftovers (as was the plan). I needed more bread, so I baked 2 more loaves. Sandwiches are on the menu this week and chicken salad will be made after I finish this post. I need to cut up some lettuce and have that ready for a taco salad (I already have the taco meat cooked and in the freezer, and lots of tomatoes from the garden). </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Other frugal doings are as follows:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I "hunted" through the Walmart freezer section and found some amazing deals on apple juice concentrate (.31 each), frozen mixed veggies (.87 each and I bought 5 bags), frozen cauliflower (.69) and a few other items. I dehydrated all of the frozen mixed veggies upon returning home from the store.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I am currently wearing a very soft cotton dress that I bought at Goodwill awhile back. It is very cool and comfy...just what I need in this heat. Upon putting it on, I realized that there was some pilling on it right where a crossbody purse would have rubbed. I got out my husband's razor (shhhh...don't tell him) and shave off the "pills". It looks and feels brand new now.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I made some more of my favorite squash casserole and that fed me for 4 meals.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~One night earlier this week, I cooked up some boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a teriyaki sauce that I added pineapple chunks to along with some of the light syrup from the can. It made for an even lovelier sauce and I served it over rice. I still have some leftover rice to use up now. That will be an easy thing to add something over the top of it. My idea of convenience food. Having been raised in Hawaii, rice is a staple food group there and something that I can totally relate to.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Our Summer apple tree is beginning to give us ripe apples. I cooked up a batch of homemade applesauce in my largest crockpot and it made 12 cups of applesauce that were divided into 2 cup portions. Some was frozen, some was shared with a dear friend and some is ready for Jeff and I to have this week. I freeze it in 2 cup portions because that is what my favorite recipes call for and it is the perfect amount for a side dish or dessert for Jeff and I to share.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~I planted out the rest of the tomatoes from the greenhouse into the one of the dug up raised potato beds. I know you are not supposed to plant tomatoes where your potatoes have grown, but my potatoes were disease free, so I am going to risk it.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Jeff and I have been watering the gardens in the evenings when things cool down a bit. We don't want the plants to burn and we want the water to be able to soak in. I need to check tonight and see if we will need to rig up some shade over the beans. I am worried about them burning in the hot sun. Luckily, we have some leftover shade cloth and lots of light-colored sheets that we can use.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Now for the heartbreaking news...the fires on Maui. I, as many others, watched in horror as things unfolded and when I saw some of the videos of people trying to escape the flames. It touched me deeply and I wondered if my friends there made it out safely. As far as I know at this point, they did, but some family members of friends of mine remain missing and many lost their homes. It brings me to tears to think of the trauma that theses precious people went through, and the lucky ones who are still alive, will live with for the rest of their lives. The people of Lahaina lost loved ones, their homes, businesses and fur babies. The Hawaiian culture is a close knit one where your neighbors become part of your hanai (adopted by love) family. They have been displaced and I fear will now be preyed upon by unscrupulous people who will swoop in to try and buy their land where their homes once stood at low ball prices. Given the desperation and state of mind some of the fire victims find themselves in, they may accept offers and once they can again take a breath and think clearly, regret it. There is already a grassroots movement in Hawaii urging people NOT to sell their properties in Lahaina. Please pray for all the people who have been touched by this tragedy and for healing and provision to come. Thank you.</b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283658887503348180.post-12709335393534411252023-08-07T11:42:00.006-07:002023-08-08T10:00:00.566-07:00Sometimes We All Need A Little Help<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5o_9UQCDb8wvN0cv35fQDHDeT7pBaqQjjE2nIcVNUPOgGa7R4fbLCXve0DFlldP-0Rd_jphTXRz7zPF8TDxkc0DzFHlVTwLCeLXsXRwjsKtseRwMrnt2sDIxKmn5uFajymSinWKA0PK41dv4FM9xJthtOys85fFtpn2k5y7PrCwpE9i66P3LDxceR3mT/s4320/P1190578.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5o_9UQCDb8wvN0cv35fQDHDeT7pBaqQjjE2nIcVNUPOgGa7R4fbLCXve0DFlldP-0Rd_jphTXRz7zPF8TDxkc0DzFHlVTwLCeLXsXRwjsKtseRwMrnt2sDIxKmn5uFajymSinWKA0PK41dv4FM9xJthtOys85fFtpn2k5y7PrCwpE9i66P3LDxceR3mT/w300-h400/P1190578.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b> Yes, that is my middle grandson Steven above. He apparently needed his kitty to help him play one of his games on his tablet. I looked over to see him like this and quickly snapped a picture before he noticed. 😉 I think it perfectly sums up what I have been thinking about lately and that is that we all need a little help in many areas of our lives.</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff and I have been trying to get ourselves set up the best we can to weather the hard economic times that we find ourselves in. As you know, our family works together to try to find the best deals, share our garden produce and share what is gotten while hunting and fishing. Jeff and I are now trying to extend that to also shopping locally here in town at our Farmer's Market.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcoGuJJ_4d1CW7lChe8IyK_M6aedoMp2l8Pbof_9hYUGViu9VLKuSyrG87taoXHJud-aApgySPOCqrAb2rCx1uPxjfzpr7hSL1lL1gWXNBMGmeUrs1yxdEd_wk85u8uyElrsnNR5oEulbV-f1xDDQgH-m0HlaOEGmZ9NTXhqqNMsjPSpk-F3cIQ8UD7w_/s4320/P1190573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcoGuJJ_4d1CW7lChe8IyK_M6aedoMp2l8Pbof_9hYUGViu9VLKuSyrG87taoXHJud-aApgySPOCqrAb2rCx1uPxjfzpr7hSL1lL1gWXNBMGmeUrs1yxdEd_wk85u8uyElrsnNR5oEulbV-f1xDDQgH-m0HlaOEGmZ9NTXhqqNMsjPSpk-F3cIQ8UD7w_/w400-h300/P1190573.JPG" title="Elk backstrap steaks with ric pilaf" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Above is a dinner I cooked last week. It is elk backstrap steaks with rice pilaf. We also had apple slices with it. The elk backstrap steaks were from our kids Chris and Heather and we are so very grateful for them. The steaks were absolutely delicious! I had found the rice pilaf mix on sale and had stocked up on it. The apples were sale priced items too. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Yesterday we went to Jeff's company picnic down on the river in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a really fun time and the food was amazing. We had never been to Hell's Gate Park before, so we checked out the camping area and the visitors center. On our way out of town, Rachel called and said they were going to Costco and did we want then to pick up some razor blade refills for Jeff. I told her we were in Lewiston also, so we met them there at Costco. It turns out that they were also at the park at the opposite end of the day use area with their church group. 😀</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anyway, we got the razors and had a good look around the clothing area. I had Jeff try on some of their Sketcher shoes that were on sale, but they did not fit his foot correctly. Bummer. Anyway, thanks to Jaysn and Rachel, we now have over a years' worth of razor blades for Jeff for half the price if we had bought them anywhere else. </b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Backtracking even further, Saturday was our family birthday party for Isaiah. He requested that I make his favorite homemade macaroni and cheese, which I happily obliged. The minute we arrived at his house, he came running out, checked under the lid of the crockpot to see the said macaroni and cheese and then picked up the crockpot and carried it inside. Heather made some homemade pizzas to go with it and the most delicious "Death by Chocolate" dessert because, according to Isaiah "G-pa likes it too"... Why yes he does and he was thrilled to have it. Chris and Heather had a surprise early birthday present in store for Jeff also. Chris was feeling bad that his father had to wash all our dishes by hand since our dishwasher broke. Some friends of his were remodeling their kitchen and were selling their older but still in good working condition, dishwasher. He bought it for his daddy. Jeff was so very moved by this generous gift!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Continuing the theme of moving backwards, we come to the next money saving, while helping out our community and family moments. Friday we went down to our local in town Farmer's market. It is very small with just a few vendors. We bought pickling cucumbers from one vendor and 2 small baskets of the sweetest apricots. We also bought dinner from the "Tipsy Heifer" (yes, that is the name of their company) who was selling tacos. I have no idea what they marinate their chicken in, but my oh my was it good! Jeff and I rarely eat out anymore, but had heard so many good things about the tacos and at 2/$5, we thought it was a pretty good deal. Plus we were supporting a local business (who's owner is also one of the EMTs that responded when we had to call the ambulance for Jeff about 2 months ago) and some local farmers. No gas was spent going out of town either so it was a win/win all around.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH57GjCluK0srB7ZleGu1tQ-k-O2lza8R9Y2w5NckPq2lt1xIzNtE66G8sIhSt-L36by0v9wOCDyjPTjf28mGv0ZUHtoijtP86Dk39hJ7775OXSLx_aWW557Oa7LxiMv4sjXYWzbtcRdTsMS7qlnCsRc2pqunbv2qfZLTVLentupPFj3v3lHJukYCgVy-o/s4320/P1190576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH57GjCluK0srB7ZleGu1tQ-k-O2lza8R9Y2w5NckPq2lt1xIzNtE66G8sIhSt-L36by0v9wOCDyjPTjf28mGv0ZUHtoijtP86Dk39hJ7775OXSLx_aWW557Oa7LxiMv4sjXYWzbtcRdTsMS7qlnCsRc2pqunbv2qfZLTVLentupPFj3v3lHJukYCgVy-o/w400-h300/P1190576.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Other money saving things we have done recently were participate in our town wide yard sale where we made $121.00 and donated all the leftovers items (with the exception of three things) to a Christian thrift store that helps people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. Isaiah sold huckle berries that he had picked and gave me the extra bag that did not sell. He is so sweet! Heather made huckleberry cinnamon rolls and they sold out quickly! She made $61 on those alone. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jeff made a deal with his boss at work to buy out some of the excess stock of nails, screws, bolts, etc. that they had sitting around from when they bought the business from the previous owner. All of this was on a large pallet and shrink wrapped. It is a huge amount of inventory and Jeff was able to get it all for $50. The boss also asked him if he wanted one of the old wooden and metal spin around and sectioned off holders for storage of those items...my hubby said yes! I don't know what the price on that will be, if any, but Jeff got a place all cleared out in the garage next to his workbench for it. (turns out it was $100 and it was so worth it) Our kids and neighbors will not need to go shopping for some of these items now since we will have them on hand and happily share them. Jeff is also planning on starting a side business once he retires of fixing furniture and then selling it.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBC9CrkWp8NEEfpMGBrm3xwBuHTJB4S-NPxmMzg3Qwm0v6DnJHf0ngwC7AMfCHlh-8anoRwYPDTnf5ddSeKd-KN1XfrKrPLCgyA_ldSGVdEbnX1lihlToob7xu0lacLpnVsX41aG2qv-6Yb7yvl10LZ8yC0EU0BYQV8F-9INsmnCf_2hiE8zVvH1VwNC4/s4320/P1190569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBC9CrkWp8NEEfpMGBrm3xwBuHTJB4S-NPxmMzg3Qwm0v6DnJHf0ngwC7AMfCHlh-8anoRwYPDTnf5ddSeKd-KN1XfrKrPLCgyA_ldSGVdEbnX1lihlToob7xu0lacLpnVsX41aG2qv-6Yb7yvl10LZ8yC0EU0BYQV8F-9INsmnCf_2hiE8zVvH1VwNC4/w400-h300/P1190569.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Our garden continues to bless us. Above is the last of the raspberries. I had them on cereal along with some very juicy and sweet blueberries. It made for a lovely breakfast. Steven and I dug out the last of the potatoes and he helped me harvest tomatoes and squash. I made my favorite squash casserole and cut up some of the sweet Sungold cherry tomatoes to put on quesadillas. Yum! They added the burst of freshness that just took those quesadillas up over the top! The beans are putting on their blossoms in the front garden bed and the tomatoes are growing like weeds. I have had to trim branches on the plants so they can have their energy go toward making fruit and need to finish staking up the Black Crim tomatoes.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I stocked up on a 50 pound bag of flour and a 20 pound bag of rice. Prices continue to go up, so I am hedging my bets a bit and trying to buy at the lower prices. More canned pineapple was added to my pantry since Jaysn took some home with him the other day. Yes, I let my kids shop my pantry...that is what is there for, our family to use. As prices continue to rise, I take advantage of sales when I see them and I am also forgoing certain items because the prices have gone too high for my liking. I know that many of my friends and family are doing the same.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm_LB7i9VCd5sbtWsYFv93CYChs8mw0xBZMpsZLq81HcKHv9A7Rr9vEACxo8uEwPcKlkdSX4iBm06GwWjHu48PxHCZIr94GOTxM8kGSBrvhsQbG3Q_KstSAOR6u8PqXz631Et5aTagFLgFevszXtt11qfUFD9GCJ-fQBTS8sXkGEYGNdH0mH7NiR5rXaE/s4320/P1190575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="3240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm_LB7i9VCd5sbtWsYFv93CYChs8mw0xBZMpsZLq81HcKHv9A7Rr9vEACxo8uEwPcKlkdSX4iBm06GwWjHu48PxHCZIr94GOTxM8kGSBrvhsQbG3Q_KstSAOR6u8PqXz631Et5aTagFLgFevszXtt11qfUFD9GCJ-fQBTS8sXkGEYGNdH0mH7NiR5rXaE/w300-h400/P1190575.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I had better end this here. Between this energetic boy and a very busy weekend, I have very little voice left and am dead tired. My heart is full though and I am so very grateful for all God has blessed us with, including an answer to prayer concerning my oldest son Josh and a change to where he will now be deploying to. I need to now go and finish the laundry, make some bread and get a elk roast going in the crockpot for dinner. The rest of my list can wait until tomorrow. A much needed nap sounds so much better than completing my list. 😌</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Be blessed my friends who are reading this post. I pray that you all are safe, keeping cool, or warm (depending on where in this big world of ours that you are reading this from), and that you are stocking your pantries with food, medical needs and whatever else you may need. Don't forget to stock up on clothing needs too! Now is the time in my part of the world to do so. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <br /></b></span> </p>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.com10