Do You Know Your Net Worth? (and Blog Update)

 Good Morning All ~

I just wanted to share the next video

which details how to calculate your net worth.

Also, a regular blog post is in the works,

so never fear.

This won't just be a site for video links.

I will probably discontinue after a few videos,

but the blog will remain a blog.

Hope you are all enjoying the later part of summer.

~*It Usually Works Out*~

Well, the New Year is already a month in.

How does that happen so quickly?

I would like to share a quirky little story

about something that happened to me recently.

~For any of those who are feeling stressed

or in doubt about a pressing matter

or uncertain about a decision to be made.~

I know that's a lot, but I do feel that many folks are struggling

with abnormal levels of pressure lately.

I will even name the incident.

The Spud Basket Incident

Shortly before Christmas, I was in a local thrift shop

looking for something particular.

While there, I saw this wonderfully made, nice quality

and very large basket.

It was probably three feet tall and almost as big around.

It was in great condition and the kicker was,

it was marked at $17.

Wowza!

I wasn't there for a basket.

The first thing that comes to mind with a basket of that size,

of course is a laundry basket.

I already have very nice laundry baskets

that I very much appreciate.

I walked away from that basket.

It wasn't something I needed at the time, and I couldn't think of 

an immediate use for it.

(first strike)

Now that basket sorta haunted my mind for a day or two.

It really was remarkable and a great bargain.

I decided to give it to God as the saying goes.

I thought finally what a nice potato basket it would be.

How many spuds could a basket that size hold?

How many spuds do we eat each year?

That seems like a lot of spuds.

Where could I put a basket of spuds that size?

With spuds in mind, I thought if I went back and it was there,

I would get it.

If it wasn't there, then I wasn't meant to have it at this time.

So Monday morning, I went back.

That's when I discovered they were closed on Mondays.

At that point, I counted it as a second strike.

I went back again on Tuesday.

You can probably guess by now, the basket was gone.

(Strike three)

I knew it was fine and accepted that I wasn't meant to have it.

But to be quite honest,

I was pretty deflated.

Yes, I know.

It sounds absolutely ridiculous - it's just a basket after all.

Go ahead and roll your eyes - I understand.

However, the idea of a basket for our spuds still lingered.

I went about preparing for Christmas.

As I was walking in the spare room for some wrapping paper one day,

I saw it.

You might as well roll your eyes again because here it is.

I had a basket.

Wait. . . what?

It's sturdy with a wire frame and well made.

It has handles for moving and is a much more realistic size.

My mom had given me my baby blankets and clothes

and not knowing what to do with them,

I stuffed them in the basket.

I had purchased the basket because it was so sturdy and a good price.

(Yes, I evidently have a weakness for good baskets.)

I dumped those blankets on the spare bed to deal with later

and examined the basket.

It was perfect!

I didn't have time to make a proper liner for it right then 

as we were heading right into Christmas with plenty to do on that front.

But I did get to it shortly thereafter.

I made a liner of a good quality muslin.

I've not yet made a "lid" or cover for the top,

but I have our spuds in their basket and use them as needed.

It's working wonderfully.

Had I caved and bought that giant basket on impulse,

I would have a great big basket with a small amount of spuds in the bottom

or be tripping on it in our little house, or who knows what else.

It was a really good reminder of how 

even if I want something and don't get it - 

something else better is apt to show itself.

See, it's really not about a basket.

I needed the reminder,

because like many others,

I've had stresses weighing on me too.

That silly spud basket lifted a little weight from my shoulders

by knowing I don't have to have everything figured out all the time.

Trusting that it will all work out is often easier said than done.

Whatever giant basket is haunting your mind,

just know something better will present itself

and that it usually works out.

And with that,

I hope, dear friends, you have a splendid day~ 

Simple Traditions

 Good Morning Dear Friends

We have been busy as ever 

as I am sure many are this time of year.

For many in the trades,

 work seems to slow down about now through spring.

That's not happened for us since opening the business.

Though a bit of a break would be nice at times,

it truly is a blessing to have the work.

(This is the one for our friends.)

Every year, we go get our Christmas tree

about a week to week and a half before Christmas.

We put real candles on the tree

so there is no way we could have a month old tree

and not have a fire hazard.

Also, I'm not sure I could handle a tree in the house

for that length of time.

It always feels nice and clean when it all comes down

and is put away for another year.

(A clear beautiful day.)

It has been cloudy and foggy here for the past couple weeks.

When we headed up the mountain to our usual place,

we broke through the clouds and were greeted with

wonderful bright sunshine.

Up on top where we stop and begin hiking,

it was 16*.

The chill felt good along with the prospect of an 

evergreen to liven up our living room.

We found one for us and one for some friends

who have 2 little ones and weren't able to go get one.

Once we find the tree(s) and make it back to the rig,

we have "real" hot chocky waiting for us.

It's a welcome treat after trekking through the snow.

It doesn't take very long walking in the snow

to get the heart rate up.

(Especially if you have short legs like me 😊) 

This year someone had left about a 3' base section of their tree

which I dragged back to use as bows around the house.

It smells so good!

We now have the tree in the house and as decorated

as it's going to get.

(Done)

We don't worry about perfect décor or the perfect shape.

That's not what it's all about.

We have made this journey every year for ages

and don't see an end to it any time soon.

It's these little acts or traditions if you will.

That's part of what makes us reliable.

Our children can depend upon certain things,

and that helps create stability.

For young and old alike,

we like the things we can depend on.

It doesn't have to be anything big or extravagant.

It's often the simple things that mean the most.

(So much help.)

Wishing each of you

a Merry Christmas

and a blessed New Year.

To Make

 Most of you who have been around any length of time

have probably figured out that I don't let not knowing

how to do something stop me.

That's not always a good thing, but . . .

I have learned so much by doing.

Children also typically learn by doing

so this can be rewarding on multiple levels.

Perhaps you've not noticed, 😉

but things have been a little sketchy for the past year or so.

It doesn't appear as though the current stresses

are going to be alleviated any time soon.

With that in mind,

I'd like to share something that happened to me years ago.

We lived about 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store.

This was when we were living up the mountain.

I was getting supper ready, making enchiladas

with left over roast beef.

I was getting everything out and ready when I realized

I didn't have any enchilada sauce.

I was evidently set on those enchiladas (still love them!)

I thought, "This is nuts.  There has to be a way to make it.

I'm sure they didn't just go buy it years ago in Mexico."

I think that was it - the moment I started asking the question,

"Can I make it?"

I don't recall ever being afraid of making things,

but that moment sticks in my head as the moment 

I was no longer interested in purchasing things that

for so long I didn't think of as being optional.

That first batch of enchilada sauce wasn't supreme,

but it was good.

I don't think I've purchased enchilada sauce since then.

Like most recipes, they are better once changed-up 

to suit our own tastes.

Since then, I've figured out how to make so many things.

Not just in the kitchen.

It's become a way for me. 

(again maybe not always a good thing)

Regardless of what it is, I tend to ask if I can make it or do it

rather than buying it which is really no more than paying

someone else to do it for me.

Over the years, it's been a good thing.

The first perk is that it nearly always saves money.

Other perks to making your own or doing for yourself are

you can make it exactly how you want it, and

you are not reliant on anyone else for it.

That last part in particular is important right now.

It seems to vary by area,

but I've experienced, read of, heard of 

not being able to find certain items (shortages),

and not being able to have someone do certain jobs.

An example: Some shingles blew off our roof. 

It was about 3-4 months before 

someone could come take care of it.

It's been like that with mechanics for the rigs also.

I could make a longer list, 

but I have a feeling most of you get it.

The thing is, there's a lot we can do our selves.

From changing battery cables to that enchilada sauce,

you can do it.

Changing a battery cable requires only that you know the difference between red and black and are able to operate a screw-driver or wrench.  It really is that simple.

Enchilada sauce is no more than tomato sauce and broth 

(or water in a pinch) with a couple spices stirred in. 

Now, why on earth would we want to change our own cables 

or make our own sauces?

You might choose not to.

That's up to you.

But there is no guarantee that the products & services

will remain available as many of us have learned.

What is available right now is knowledge.

There are online instructions for just about everything.

We each live in our own way, and

we each have things that are important to us.

I could tell you to learn how to make your own cat food,

but if you don't have a cat, that would be useless.

So I guess what I am suggesting is that you ask yourself

the question - Can you make or do it yourself?

I will make a list of some of the things we make or do ourselves.

If I have done a post, I will link it.

If there is something on the list I've not posted on,

feel free to ask.

Enchilada Sauce

Taco Seasoning

Poultry Seasoning

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Meals (cook at home)

Canned Foods 

(multiple canned foods so won't link, please use search tool)

Process Meat Animals

Rabbit Hutch

Chicken Tractor

Pantry Shelves

Small Sitting Bench

Vintage Trailer Restoration

Socks (I'm still learning)

Yarn (spinning)

Rugs

Clothes

Candles

Gifts (so many possibilities!)

Linen Bath Towels

Hand Towels

Pillow Cases

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Lotion & Lotion Bars

Laundry Soap

Body Soap

Apothecary 

Garden Path  (& another)

Tomato Trellises 

(I see they are 8 yrs. old, only 1 has needed repair.)

Garden plants (from seed)

Chicken Coop

Change Vehicle Oil & simple maintenance

I'm sure there are more things I'm not remembering.

Once you get started, you will discover that it does

become a way of living.

You won't think twice about it.

You will also find that many items are multipurpose.

This means with a few basic ingredients,

you can make many products.

An example is tomato sauce:

think of all the dishes you can make with it.

Olive oil is similar in the hygiene/apothecary dept.

A few basic tools will enable you to do many 

mechanical and home/construction tasks.

One more thing to think about ~

Time.

As with most things, experience expedites most projects.

I work outside the home so time is a very real factor.

We can't do it all, all at once, all the time, every time.

We are human and can only do what we can.

This is why humans develop communities.

For me, doing things myself brings peace of mind.

That peace of mind equals less worry and less stress.

Having restored a trailer (with MUCH help from Hubby), 

I'm not sure I'd be up to do that again.

I don't regret having done it.

It was sorta fun (that's a big sorta!) but

it was a lot of work and time consuming.

But now, I've done it.

Nobody can take that knowledge away from me.

Once you've done something,

you can then judge or prioritize accordingly.

I prefer to wash my own car.

I do a far better job and get in the door jams, gas hatch and

double scrub the grill and wheels.

There are times however, I don't have time

and go through one of those drive throughs.

I might grumble a little about the price for the outcome,

but it's all on me, my decision.

It is empowering to be able to make that decision,

not only with a simple car wash, but with many

aspects of our lives.

And lastly, there is something to producing something 

with your own two hands.

There seem to be so many jobs today that have nothing to show for the hours of input.

To actually produce something or fix something 

feeds the soul and is visual feedback for your labor.

I know this sort of feeling well.

I like to be able to see what I've done

even if it's washing the dishes or mowing the lawn.

I can see the results of my labor and that fuels me.

I love the reassurance of pulling up a video if I'm uncertain,

then giving it a shot.

Success doesn't happen without trying.

And. . .

It only takes a question.

Of Tea & Labels

Okay dear friends.

Time for something pleasant.

I know coffee gets all the glory,

but tea really is a lovely drink.

It seems I'm always trying new teas.

My favorite tea was "lemon blossom" 

which was discontinued several years ago now.

Since then, I've stuck with mint tea but have searched

for a new favorite tea that I actually really enjoy and look forward to.

There are some pretty spendy teas out there!

Many of them don't taste like they should be spendy at all.

Well, I finally found not just a tea, but several

that I really savor.

Each one I've tried, I've loved!

Where?  

Hummingbird Tea

I think I've tried six or seven of their teas and

have purchased six of them so far. . . 

and there's another I want to try - citrus chill.

I am not connected with them and I don't get any payment from them

for saying these things.

I just really like their teas and appreciate finding them.

Of all their teas I've tried, I would describe them

as "whole flavors."

So often it seems like there is something missing (like flavor).

These taste complete.

So like I said, I've ended up with half dozen different teas.

I've had these bailor jars for ages.

I purchased them at a dollar store long ago,

and they've come in handy.

I decided they would be good for the teas.

I think they are as pleasing to look at as to drink - 

well, almost.

Many of you might have figured out by now 

that I'm more about function than about fashion.

I like things to look nice,

but when it comes down to it, it has to function

and be as usable as ever.

Weeeeellll. . . . story time 

Some time back, I purchased some attractive

reusable labels to give as a gift.

They were actually for my mom who loves lavender.

The labels are good quality and very pretty.

My mom loved them.

Where did I get these great labels?

I knew you'd ask.

Mistress of the House

(Again not affiliated)

But wait, that's not the end of the story.

So Jes has a way of making things beautiful.

She takes those extra steps and it shows.

When I received the labels for my mom,

there were also a few extras in the form of samples.

Those teas above in the bailor jars needed labels

and they were handy so I wrote 

the name of the tea and put them on the jars.

I used a fine point permanent marker.

If I ever want to change them,

a quick spritz with hairspray wipes it clean.

Hairspray also works for getting permanent marker out of jeans.

Don't ask me how I know that.

Anyways, those little samples worked!

I like that they are a nice quality unlike the little paper stickers.

End story: I ordered some for me and some more for Christmas gifts.

My family is to the point in life that we really don't need "things."

So we try to give smaller things that can be used or consumed.

These are perfect!

I am having so much fun using them.

They are both functional and beautiful.

Pantry stocking this time of year can be wearing.

I am still working on the tail end of tomatoes

and will be dehydrating greens and cidering some apples

within the next week.

It's pretty easy, for me at least, to just get the stuff canned

or jarred and not label it (for shame!)

I know - that's bad.

These are certainly handy and if I'm sipping tea

while I'm canning or prepping foods,

it makes for a much nicer time.

I've been on the go quite a bit lately,

but I wanted to post something nice.

These are the items that came to mind first.

They are things I am grateful for~

I hope you enjoy them.

 

Those Useful Things

 Y'all already know I'm nuts right?

I purposely try to give thanks when I meet 

a real, genuine, kind, and 

normal (by my standards whatever that might be) person.

This week, I met one of those people.

Some time back, I really worked on getting plastics out of our house.

There were some things that were easier than others.

One of the challenging things was to find a good laundry basket.

I did find one about a year ago, but it was expensive.

It was expensive enough that I went home and stewed on it

for a week or two before finally deciding to buy it.

I am hoping it lasts the rest of my life. 

I love my laundry basket!

Now how many people can really say that?  

As I said, I've used it for about a year.

It seems just as sturdy as the day I purchased it

and shows no signs of wear.

This was important to me if I was spending money on a basket.

We have a small area for laundry right inside our back entrance

so there's not a lot of extra room.

The basket sits on the washer 

and acts as our hamper during the week.

Laundry day, I set it on the floor to sort loads.

Then as each load is done, I take it out to the summer kitchen

where I have the clothes line set up.

We have so much wind here, 

it's almost impossible to hang clothes outside.

They get dirtier than before washing.

So I do the next best thing under the circumstances.

To haul the wet clothes out to the summer kitchen,

I use a slightly smaller basket that is. . . . 

plastic :-(

As far as plastic baskets go, it is a good shape and size

but it stands out in our home like you wouldn't believe.

I recently contacted the maker of my basket to inquire

if she would be willing to make me another one only slightly smaller so it will fit right inside the one I have.

She said she would and asked if I could bring my basket by

so that she could make sure it would fit as she was making it.

We made the necessary arrangements,

 and I dropped it off at her home.

I had never met her in person.

It took about a half an hour for me to simply drop off a basket.

She is a delightful person.

Isn't it funny how when we meet some people,

there is little to say and much silence.

Then with other people, it seems like there should be a pot of tea

so the conversation can keep going.

She was one of the later, and I was ever so grateful to meet her.

And aside from her genuine character,

she has a fabulous skill.

It will be a couple weeks before I get to use both of my baskets

to do the laundry.

Doesn't that sound silly~

to be anxious to use laundry baskets.

Well, that is my kind of excitement.

I truly appreciate quality items and even if a purchase is difficult

to bite off from a financial perspective,

not only not regretting a purchase but also being glad of it

is even better.  

And I'm learning more and more

quality people tend to make quality items.

Perhaps that's part of the draw.

That's all I really have for today.

I just wanted to share the appreciation of something good.

I hope each of you finds a bit of goodness today.

Other Ways

 So you might have figured out by now that I'm just not normal.

I'm getting more and more okay with that

the more I see what so called normal is.

                       I spoke a few posts back about a master list I keep

of things I'm continually on the lookout for.

Well this week, I got to mark another thing off the list.

This is about a 1940 model wringer washer that works!

Now I already had a wringer washer, but it didn't have a lid

and the head no longer swiveled.

Since I actually want to use it, not having a lid meant 

it wasn't okay to use in the house.

The water would splash all over.

Other than that, it works great, and I have used it a handful of times.

When we moved to the house we are in,

there was a new washer and dryer already in the house

so we intended on leaving our old washer and dryer up the river.

After using the new set a couple of times, we put it in the basement

and brought our old set from the mountain.

The new washer only put about 4" of water in the bottom

and the clothes came out in knots and dirtier looking than when they went in.

The dryer wasn't much better.

I use our old set and will until it dies at which time it will not be replaced.

I seldom use the dryer.

I do use it when crazy happens in life, and I just need to get laundry done,

but that isn't the norm and even in those circumstances, I could hang the clothes

and deal with the inconvenience.

The washer on the other hand, I use regularly (of course).

When the ol' trusty Kenmore dies, I don't want to be stuck

depending on a newer model.

                One thing I've strived for over the past however many years

is to replace newer inferior products with old dependable items.

Like I said, I had an old wringer that would work,

but if I had to use it regularly, it would be a little less than ideal.

That's why I was looking for an upgrade.

                        It's sure interesting how things work out sometimes.

Most of the old wringers I've seen that are in working order

have been selling for hundreds of dollars.

I had mentioned to a friend that I was looking for one.

This past week she let me know of one on FB marketplace.

I'm not on FB so it took a little coordinating,

but the end result is a couple days ago, this darling gem came home with me

for a very reasonable price.

It was funny when I went to look at it, the fella had it handy to look at.

It was in a little "town" of a couple hundred people out in the middle of nowhere.

There was an outlet right there, and I asked if I could plug it in.

He looked a little startled and asked, "Are you going to use it?"

I grinned ear to ear and replied, "Yep."

He looked amazed.

We plugged it in, and it worked fine so we loaded it up and I paid him.

Now whenever our washer gives out, we will be okay.

You'll laugh, but I refer to that as insurance & investment.

This is the kind of insurance I believe in.

I also see it as investing since I should never have to buy another washer.

These are work-horses, they last, and are repairable if they do breakdown.

If only I could find clothes and shoes that would last as long.

  

I was by myself so couldn't really get a picture while putting the clothes

through the wringer.

We get our work clothes really dirty

 so I was curious to see if they would get cleaner with this washer.

They do appear to be cleaner which is great.

The wringer didn't seem to get as much of the water out

as the spin cycle of the Kenmore, but that could be partially

due to operator inefficiency.

It had been a long time since I used a wringer for laundry.

So they did take a little longer to dry, but that wasn't a big deal to me.

Like I said, I will continue to do laundry with our "regular" washer,

but I really like knowing that I have a back up

and that it really wasn't that big of a deal to use it.

I used it outside and don't have it set up in an optimal situation,

but it was only a test run.

If I was going to use it regularly,

I would have it set up so that filling it with water and draining it

were easier.

The other note is that I did a full load of laundry.

The basin looks so much smaller and is easier to reach 

because of the shape, but I fit just as many clothes in it

as in the large capacity Kenmore washer.

I guess other than letting you know I'm a little goofy,

I'd like to encourage you to think outside of the box a little

when it comes to things we do as part of our routine

without giving much thought to what goes into it.

~An Update and A Sale You Should Know About~

First, I would just like you to know a couple things here on the home front.

I am having issues with the privacy settings on my phone

so I have commented on several blogs

and the comments don't go through.

At least I've figured out that it's something in "privacy."

I suppose that is a step in the right direction.

Also, I've not forgotten you.

I know there has been a bit of a lapse in my post.

My dad ended up in the hospital which 

threw a monkey wrench in things.

He is home and recovering, but if you are the praying sort

and would like to add his continued recovery to your prayers

this here little blogger would be ever grateful.

*~*~Thank you~*~*

Had to let you know those things.

Now, onward:

Tatler reusable canning lids are on sale through the end of the month

so there is still time to get in on the deal.

Thank you Kathleen for the heads-up.

One thing I was uncertain of was if they could be used for vacuum sealing.

Yes!!! They can.

I was thrilled.

In trying to be stocked up on things before inflation really hits,

canning lids were a concern of mine.

I am planning on placing another order tomorrow.

I have had to break it up so it will work from a budget perspective ;-)

They arrived quickly and with a page of instructions for use.

I can hardly wait to use them for real canning.

My folks purchase the buckets of ice cream when they buy it

so have given me these great tubs for storing them in.

 

More and more, my question to myself is

"How can I never have to buy this again."

I'm not sure these will last the rest of my life,

but they should last a very long time.

I would also like to show you a little cheat sheet I made.

I keep a copy taped inside my cupboard door for quick reference.

Feel free to use it, but know it is for my elevation

so be sure to double check for your area.

You should be able to copy and paste into a word doc.

Change to narrow margins and it fits on 1 page. 

 

Food	Pack Method	Process Time Pints	Process Time Quarts	Water Bath	Blanching Time	Freeze or Dehydrate
Apple	Hot	20	20	X
Apricot	Raw	25	30	X
Asparagus	Raw	30	40		2-4	F/D
Bean	Raw	20	25		3	F
Beet	Hot	30	35		5	D
Berry	Raw	15	20	X
Broccoli					2	F/D
Brussels Sprout					3-5	F/D
Cabbage					1 1/2	D
Carrot	Raw	25	30		2	D
Cauliflower					3	F
Cherry	Raw	25	30	X
Corn	Raw	55	85		NA or	F/D
Eggplant					NA	D
Fava (lg. bean)	Raw	40	50
Grape	Raw	15	20	X
Mushroom	Hot	45
Onion					NA	F/D
Parsnip					2	D
Pea	Raw	40	40		1 1/2	F
Peach	Raw	25	30	X
Pear	Raw	25	30	X
Pepper	Hot	35			2	F/D
Plum	Raw	20	20	X
Potato	Hot	35	40		3-5	D
Pumpkin	Hot	55	90			D
Rhubarb	Hot	15	15	X
Spinach/greens	Hot	70	90		1-2	F/D
Squash- summer					3	F
Squash- winter	Hot	55	90
Tomato Diced/Sliced	Raw	35	45	X	NA	F/D
Tomato Sauce	Hot			X
Turnip		30	35		2	F/D