What We Needed

 Hello Friends

It's been a while.

Truth be told, I had a post written and never posted it.

It didn't feel right.

I know, how very queer of me.

I've not only not written here, but have not written anything.

I usually have a story I'm working on in the background somewhere.

I've felt ragged, I s'poze.

We've been very busy at work and with the garden

and with life and with. . . . 

An example:

This weekend is Father's Day,

Hubby's Birthday & his twin brother's birthday,

and my dad's birthday,

and two graduates (from the same school),

and a wedding.

I don't really consider myself a social person ~

yeah, go ahead and laugh.

We had intended on going camping last weekend

even though we knew there would be many others since

it was Memorial Day weekend, but life happened.

So Hubby suggested we go this past weekend.

May I just say,

three days out of service in the woods

was exactly what we needed.

It was perfect weather.

We had plenty to eat.

And there were very few vehicles at all - maybe half dozen all weekend.

So each day we woke up,

drank our coffee and went for walks.

Hubby went for longer walks.

I took stitching and would stitch then go for a walk,

then go back to stitching, then another walk.

And what might we find on these walks?

Well, let me show you.

I don't even care for mushrooms, but Hubby loves them.

I think total we found about 15-18 lbs.

I do like looking for them.

They would emerge right in camp.

It was amazing.

In case you are wondering, morels, calf brains, chanterelles, and a couple oysters.

Made it home Sunday about lunch time & got busy.

Hubby smoked one batch, and we kept some for fresh,

but the rest went on the dehydrator.

Monday morning, I put the smoked ones on the little dehydrator.

For your reference:

About 5 lbs. of mushrooms fits in a quart jar.

That was a bit of a shocker.

Now we are back at it but with the lingering scent of the fir trees

in our lungs and the sound of the morning birds still in our heads.

It's like fueling up the car.

We can go for a few more miles now.

Wishing you all the peace that nature brings.

 

Somewhere In The Middle

 It's such an odd time of year, isn't it?

We might have snow one day and sunny skies the next.

With that,

one day we want stew and the next something lighter and fresher.

I have actually enjoyed this winter for the most part.

I still am on those blustery days.

I am also planting seeds and enjoying watching them sprout.

Like those little seeds bursting to life,

I feel like the house is going to burst.

I think those winter projects come out into the living space

and take up room.

They can make the house feel cluttered.

Please tell me it's not just me (cringe).

(Still working on my Forever Quilt)

I've begun the spring cleaning.

Before you shoot, remember this is me.

By the time I get one spot clean, two more are in need.

It does feel good to know that it was done though.

Even if it doesn't last.

I'm not sure if it's the knowing it has been cleaned

or the sense of accomplishment at having done it,

but either way it's good.

On the rare days we have had warm skies,

I try to get out and do some small thing.

It's surprising what a difference they make.

Last weekend, I trimmed up the thyme plant.

I also got one small bed leveled out where the spuds will go.

Then pelt, pelt, pelt. . .

icy rain pellets were being lodged from the clouds

and the wind came along to rile things up.

All said, I was forced back inside.

I tried again yesterday.

I went out to prepare some more trays for planting seeds.

As I was out there,

Mother Nature began snarling and growling and huffing and puffing.

I did get the trays readied, but then went in once more.

The good news in that is that my kitchen is cleaned.

The dining table however, is strewn with seed packets,

calendars, almanac and the like.

The Mini-greenhouse is now in the house - oy!

It used to kinda bother me to have it in the house.

Now, for whatever reason, it doesn't bother me.

I remember that it is temporary and once I am knee deep 

in preserving the harvest, I will miss the days of new green sprouts.

(Cherry Tomato sprouted after 2-3 days!)

I am trying to reign it in this year.

Yeah, I probably say that every year.

I think I only planted 18 tomatoes rather than 82.

So you see, I'm getting better.

(It's okay to laugh.)

There are some specialty herbs I want to try again.

Last year, I struggled getting things going.

The herbs seemed to be the least hardy.

Well, that just means I should try again right?

But it's early yet.

And as tempting as it is to want to rush the season,

it will be gone all too soon.

It's easy to appreciate that springtime sunshine,

but we can also appreciate those growls and grumbles

that come from the sky.

They give us the opportunity to wrap up those indoor projects

and get ready for the upcoming outdoor season. 

Whatever your day holds,

I hope it is a good day and that you are enjoying it

to its fullest.

Do You Have the Giddies Yet?

 Now there's a title for you.

As of writing this, there are 27 days until Christmas.

I always enjoy Christmas,

but I am a bit more ready for it this year for some reason.

I know that sounds silly.

Well, maybe it is.

I am not one to deck the place out in lights

in Graceland fashion.

I am more a "let's add some greens over here" sorta decorator.

It's really about the feeling of the season.

Folks are generally kinder.

Although I've seen far fewer shoppers this year so far,

there is still a sweetness to the season.

We have had temperatures in the 20s and low 30s,

but Thursday, the possibility bureau is predicting a chance of snow.

I wanted to build a snow lantern last year, 

but I had to work the one time when we had the right kind of snow.

Yes for you southerners,

there are different kinds of snow.

Also, if you don't know what a snow lantern is,

here let me show you.

Doesn't it look simply magical?

There is still an autumn wreath hanging on our front door.

This weekend, the transformation will take place

and the Christmas sign will be hung.

I've already had my hand in the jar of candy-canes.

Oops!

I wasn't supposed to admit that (heehee).

I realize all this seems silly,

but the reason we celebrate is for All Knowing Love.

If we can share some joy and glad tidings,

shouldn't we do so?

Now, I ask you . . . 

Are you giddy yet?

My latest videos if you'd like to watch

Preparing and Preserving Food Can Help Heat Your Home

When You Can't Afford Christmas

Before You Buy Anything, Ask This One Question

💰Do You Hate Getting Money? 💰

 

💲The Most Influential Thing You Can Do To Save Money💲

 

💰Stop the Paycheck Disappearing Act 🪄

 If you are living paycheck to paycheck,

take a look at your cashflow.

Here's how~

🍅 Bounty 🍆

 Oh Friends~

You have to see this!

I know we, each of us, live in different areas,

but if you look, look closely, it's there.

There is bounty all around us.

Summer can sure be long and hot.

The longer days can become wearisome

and our bodies can certainly tire.

Or is that just me?

(Cayenne)

As many of you know, I grow a garden each year.

It seems by February,

I am raring to get it going and wanting to plant seeds

despite the icy temperatures out of doors.

This year was different.

We had the summer kitchen flood in January,

then the mess to clean up when the roof was repaired in March.

I didn't get much of a break

so by spring I wasn't as ambitious as usual.

My seed starts struggled.

I was lack luster in getting things in the ground,

and I questioned if we would have much at all

by the time harvest rolled around.

The lesson~

There is always a lesson, isn't there?

We are taught, errr well, back in my day anyways - haha!

not to be pompous or proud.

Pride comes before a fall as the saying goes.

It does seem when we are struggling,

we find ourselves most humble.

(Saskatoon berry juice.)

And here is where I must digress for a moment

so you can see the whole picture.

I am aware of the circumstances of our food supply as a nation.

In the eye of world events,

I realize our nation has become dependent upon other

countries for much of our sustenance.  

The area around us is a heavy agriculture area,

and there are a lot of wheat fields in addition to

hay, peas, potatoes and fruits.

Knowing many of the plains states were experiencing

challenging weather and failing crops,

as I was pushing through trying to get my homely little starts

in the ground and wondering if they would even survive,

I looked over the fields and said a prayer not really for myself

but for our collective efforts.

I realize not everyone here is the praying sort.

Stick with me for a minute if you will please.

That was what seems like ages ago,

but in reality was only a few short months ago.

(We lost our canopy, but the bean wall is outrageous this year.)

And here's where the ends meet

with the lesson and the harvest.

They've been pulling great loads of wheat from the surrounding fields.

They harvested peas from the field in front of our house.

The farmer told me to help myself if I wanted any.

I did but didn't abuse the privilege.  

They've began harvesting onions behind our house.

We are able to glean what's left in the field which is substantial.

I am ever grateful.

And those tender little starts that looked like they were

lost of hope,

well they are producing like crazy.

We picked 23 cucumbers from my one plant in 4 days.

Our tomatoes are packed and just coming on.

I have never seen so many tomatoes grow on 

individual plants.

Nearly every plant is loaded.

The "regular" tomatoes are the size of baseballs to softballs.

The Romas are the size of tennis balls.

Hubby said they will probably all turn ripe

about the time he leaves for hunting.

He's probably right!

The grass hay in the field to the side of us looks amazing.

Critters need food too.

The point of all of this is to put a little nudge of inspiration

in your heart.

When you are feeling like you are wilting and might not make it,

remember also, you might just pull through and have 

an abundance, a great bounty.

And just one more little testimony to how bad it was,

in case you don't believe me,

and/or if you just need a laugh~

We had to leave for a couple days shortly after I got things planted.

My folks came to take care of things while we were gone.

My mom, who I joke can plant a pencil and watch it grow,

said, "Your tomatoes are dead.  I watered them because you said to,

but I don't think they'll make it."

Thanks Mom (heehee).

For some reason, I couldn't give up on them.

That little bit of faith is now paying off.

Keep you well,

and until next time,

Many Blessings.

 

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.

A Leap of Faith

 Hello Friends.

I know I've not been present very often around here,

but there is a reason.

I've been struggling.

We are both fine as far as appearances go.

It's been the internal "stuff."

You know "stuff!"

With everything going on in the world around us,

some thinking the world is coming to an end

and others choosing to live in ignorant bliss.

I am neither of those options so have struggled.

After 10+ years of chatting about canning green beans,

chickens in the house, and the annual cycles of the home,

I guess I've not felt the urge to repeat myself.

You can see the canning of corn if you'd like

or what we've done for certain holidays.

I've not discontinued doing any of that.

Well, I don't currently have chickens :-(

I still do my regular life activities,

and continue to recognize the many blessings

all around.

We're currently in blackberry season

so Hubby has been enjoying them on his ice cream,

in cobblers, and next up is hand pies.

But I digress. . . 

So the struggle, yes I that's where I was.

I've been searching internally.

Over the past several months,

I've really tried to figure out what it is I feel led to do.

I've always enjoyed helping people.

I realize at times some folks don't want help,

but the Mama Bear in me just instinctively takes care of people.

As many of you who have been around here know,

things haven't always been easy.

Over the past couple months,

we've encountered a few different folks

who we know and care about 

who are stuck in their situations due to debt

and financial hardships.

These are good people who work for a living

and are still struggling.

Some of you also know, 

I have a degree in teaching.

Even when I was in the schools,

there were things I thought those young people needed,

but the information wasn't offered.

There were so many things offered:

cake decorating, yoga, even basketball class!

but there weren't any classes on how to manage finances

after high school.

Now please don't think I'm blaming young people.

It's my generation that's failed to teach them.

And sadly, even many among my generation are struggling.

I've lived through a few trials to say the least:

single parenthood (with no support for about a year)

while going to school full time and living in a garage

was the toughest.

I managed.

I didn't take any government assistance.

I worked.

Even after Hubby and I were married,

we got it worked out so that we were living on my 

meager income which allowed us to save enough 

to open our business which is where I now work.

I'm not saying any of this in order to "brag."

I'm saying it as encouragement.

I'm just me.

If I can do it so can others.

And here's where I'm going with all this.

In order to help others,

which is what I feel led to do,

I started a YouTube channel.

It's a pretty big deal for me to be on screen

since I really prefer to remain unseen.

(How's that for a paradox?)

If anyone here is interested in tracking 

household finances and taking control of your money,

I would appreciate it beyond belief

if you would watch, like, leave a comment, and even subscribe.

I'm so new at it, I know there are rough patches,

but I'm hoping to improve and smooth things out as I go.

And with that,

here it is

PS: It is not letting me test to verify the video is working as a direct link here so there might be a quick hiccup as I post this.

Thank you all for your kindness.

A Porch Swing

 Perhaps old age is creeping up on me.

Though I typically have enough energy

and am plenty healthy,

I've found that I'm okay with not rushing.

I've never been the Tigger of the group,

and as some of you know

have a preference of Eeyore~

so much more my speed even as a youngster.

We have been on the go a lot lately.

We've had multiple family events,

both joyous and grievous.

All serve as a reminder that life is circular,

and we should revel in each day we are given.

Time at home therefore, has been precious.

Last night as I was looking at the few things left

to be put in the ground,

Hubby asked where the broccoli was.

When I replied that I hadn't planted any,

I was met with that sorrowful expression,

"But I like broccoli."

This morning as I was running errands,

I picked up a six-pack of broccoli plants.

I'm not sure where I will put them,

but I will find a place.

My garden outlook is a little different this year.

I am usually rearing to go by garden season,

but not having a real winter break,

I've been a little slow starting.

As I dig and weed and plant, I also think.

We aren't meant to rush through just to finish,

for a garden is never really finished.

My little apple tree that is maybe 4' tall

has 9 apples on it so I've been watering it well.

The weeds I pulled last week seem to replace themselves

before I make it back through.

Just as we think we are to maintenance mode,

harvest will begin and canning season will ensue.

And this is where that porch swing comes in.

We can produce a masterpiece of a garden~

I said "We" like mine is part of that.

I'm a funny one, am I not?

Regardless of what we've created,

we need to take a moment here and there

to sit and absorb all that we've done.

There is health both in the creation of a garden

and in being emersed in it.

My mock oranges are blooming and smell so sweetly.

The honeysuckle is waning but the hummingbirds

have been enjoying it's blossoms.

I fed the first ripe strawberries to Hubby last night.

They too share their sweet aroma with us,

but we must make that brief pause to appreciate it.

It doesn't take long~

but the benefit gained is remarkable.

I headed into this Monday much more at peace

having spent 2 days mostly barefoot digging in the dirt.

If you are unaware, 

being barefoot in the dirt has its own health benefits.

I will leave you to research that and

won't mention making mud in the bathtub in the evenings.

Whatever you have for a garden,

pour a cup of tea,

take your seat on that porch swing,

and enjoy the beauty of the day.

PS~

I don't have a porch or a swing,

but we have a couple chairs we drag around to the shade.

They serve quite well.

~*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.

It's About Today

 Have any of you noticed how the days are growing shorter?

No?

Well, let me share.

As I type this, it is Halloween.

I suppose it is officially the Holiday Season.

While I very much enjoy the holidays,

each in their turn,

I enjoy each day for what it is.

The made up hoopla prior to each of these 

promoting early and excessive spending

isn't the part I appreciate.

I mentioned in my last post that we keep it

pretty simple as far as gifts go.

Source

There were some wonderful comments.

(Thank you for each of those)

My thinker got stuck on that bit.

I wasn't sure why but seeing the Halloween costumes,

the Thanksgiving paper plates, and the Christmas décor

all being presented for sale at the same time

might have had something to do with it.

Please don't get me wrong.

I like seeing little ones dressed up as puppies

 or superheroes or goblins.

I love the idea of giving thanks for our blessings

as we sit down to a feast with our loved ones.

And I very much appreciate celebrating

the birth of our Savior.

Each of these is really a celebration of the heart.

We can enjoy each day just as much

as the day set on the calendar telling us to do so.

I think everyday last week was

"Look at the jewel-coloured leaves day."

Today is "Blessings falling in drops from Heaven day."

Tomorrow is looking like another of those.

We've not had real rain for quite a while so it's much needed.

It's cool and blustery

so tomorrow might be a "Yummy bowl of hot soup day" also.

I'm not saying all this simply to be a PollyAnna.

It's to be a rebel of sorts.

You already knew I was a rebel though right?

We don't need to be told when or how to celebrate.

We can do our own thing.

I had a friend in college who's family 

went skiing for Easter each year instead of looking for eggs.

They were actually very involved in their church,

so this surprised me, but it's what their family did.

It's the perfect example.

They didn't do what others did or expected.

They were/are a wonderful family and did their own thing.

We can each do that.

Go ahead and celebrate the day you are given

since we aren't guaranteed a tomorrow.

How you celebrate is entirely up to you.

Have a cup of the good coffee or tea.

Allow yourself an extra 10 minutes to read in a favorite book.

Go for a walk around the block.

Or just look out the window and appreciate the beauty.

The celebration can be internal, 

in your heart.

Perspective is a wonderful thing.

Well, being a rebel is sorta fun too.

Happy, Merry, Jolly Today

(and tomorrow too).