Time Out - Working a Routine

This morning, I was about to start my day and my mind began to race.  "I'm going to paint the back door, plant mums, oh look the flower bed under my window really needs to be weeded, I'd like to start fall cleaning, I want to make yogurt, pizza, cook those short ribs I thawed on Monday, write a blog entry, work on the newsletter, find those fall decorations..... and I want to get the house clean."

Too much planning going on!  I brought myself to a fast stop as I realized that the last line "and I want to get the house clean," was really my first priority.  Why?  Because the house needed a proper pick-up and straighten so that it would look presentable.  I know from past experience that jumping feet first into projects means I will be worn out by the end of the day and if routine work has not been done, then I shall be exhausted beyond words by the time John comes in from work because I will not rest until that routine work is done, too.

Tuesday Morning Chatter

The fresh air is blowing outdoors now and though it has warmed up a bit, I'm quite liking the weather all the same.  John washed and hung out a quilt to dry yesterday and I've felt compelled to change out my summer quilt for my beautiful Cathedral window quilt which I love for the rich autumn colors.  Our weather is seasonable, just right for this time of year and not lingering in the high heat temperatures we've had for the summer months.

John and I were at the garden center at Lowe's yesterday.  I always dream big in the garden center...then I look at prices and adjust my dreams to the someday list and determine what I can do for today, lol.  I suspect most of us are that way.  I bought eight of the $.50 pots of mums, which will nicely fill two pots for the porch.  Next pay period I'll buy a few more and perhaps a fountain grass and put on the back deck.  I also bought a huge bag of 40 daffodil bulbs and a smaller bag of grape hyacinth bulbs.  These have been on my someday list for far far too long.  It was definitely time to put them on the TOday list yesterday, and I felt the prices were just right.

Ten Years...

This post is going to be a bit different.  Yes, it is about 9-11.  It is in remembrance of all those who died, no matter their faith, in remembrance of a day that changed the world,  and what it has meant to my life.

This morning as I read the last chapter of Hebrews, I came across the words "Bring a sacrifice of praise to the Lord."  And that's just what I'm going to do today.  I'm bringing a sacrifice of praise to the Lord for what 9-11 did to change my life.

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty Thursday

Friday: woke up with a plan...A great grocery sale in another small town.  This particular little grocery has a great produce counter, wonderful tender Black Angus beef at prices that vie other stores 'plain old generic' beef prices,  and a good sale on a couple of favorite snack items.  Since the sale ended on Saturday I decided Friday was a good day for my weekly shopping trip.  I am tending to shop more weekly and yes, it does save money. I'm averaging about $70/week.  Since this falls directly in line with what my budget will now allow, I'm all for continuing the weekly trip!

Thinking in terms of one week instead of two it's surprising how often I'll scratch an item off the list because I simply don't need it that particular week, especially items that aren't on sale.  The savings more than covered the gasoline required to drive that extra distance and truly it was not as far away as the place I normally do my bi-weekly grocery shopping.

Make Do and Mend Monday

Make Do and Mend Monday

Click on the link above to go to Heidi's blog and let her know you've joined in her Make Do and Mend Monday...

I admit it.  I've been a little slack about the make do or mend part in my home.  Until this past week.  Suddenly, I'm on a roll again.  This is just a portion of what I've done.  I thought I ought to save something to show next week, just in case I slip up again, lol.

Reading...

After going through a sort of dry spell for a few weeks, I suddenly felt a real longing to read Grace Livingston Hill's stories.  I started with A Daily Rate the story of a young boarder who finds her ministry in the boarding house where she resides.  There's a lovely aunt, a little romance and a lovely story of transformation for more than one of the household members.

I meant to pick another book but found myself drawn to a compilation of works called  Wedding Treasury.  This contains three novels from the 1930's which all begin with a planned wedding...and end with the bride planning another wedding.

Thrifty Thursday

Oh my. It's September! And I for one am happy to see this month. It brings Autumn a little nearer. I saw the forecast for next week and we're supposed to see temperatures about 10-15 degrees lower next week. Ask anyone who has seen 100F temperatures how much cooler a ten degree drop feels, lol. It's like air conditioning is working outdoors!

Air conditioning outdoors...That's something I wouldn't like to do. But you know we did it almost all of one summer? No kidding. I'll have to tell you that story one day. But not today. Today, let's talk about savings made during the week.

Thursday evening we went to practice for worship service. John carried along our gas can so we could stop and get mower gas on our way home. That saved us an extra trip into town. He offered to buy our supper but I had plenty of edibles at home in the fridge. There was no need for that and I assured him coming home to eat would work just fine.