Monday, September 30, 2019

Happy Homemaking Monday - September 30, 2019

Greetings, Dear Readers! Happy Monday! ๐Ÿงก (The last Monday of September already! Can you believe that???) ๐Ÿ˜ฒ

What a long and crazy week this first week of autumn has been! Last week I shared a bit about the fire at the school. Arrests have been made and, hopefully, that ends the rash of arson fires that have plagued our community since June. The old high school and elementary gymnasium are gone. What didn't burn had to be torn down due to instability. 

Tuesday I ran errands and took a friend to the eye doctor; the rest of the week I worked.

Saturday night we were under a tornado warning and things got pretty wild there for a bit. 

Then, in the middle of the night Saturday night (early Sunday morning) our electricity went out for about an hour and half, which, in and of itself was no big deal, but when the fan and air-conditioner went off, that was it. I was up in the middle of the night for about four hours. ๐Ÿ˜’


Now, here we are...back around to Monday and I'm so hoping for a week that's a little bit calmer than the last. 


Won't you join me as I link up with Sandra of Diary of a Stay At Home Mom and all the other lovely ladies that gather there on this week's Happy Homemaker Monday? ๐Ÿ’—





Right now I am... 

... finishing up breakfast and enjoying a cup of hot tea while I work on this post.

On the breakfast plate...

... fat-free turkey slices, a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese, and egg on toast with hot tea with a swirl of pumpkin spice creamer


The weather...

... Right now it is 72 degrees and sunny. It's supposed to be warm today through Wednesday, then...finally...autumn weather is scheduled to arrive! I can hardly wait

No photo description available.
My daughter sent this to me in an email this week. So cute! ๐Ÿงก
... On my reading pile...

My Father, Daniel Boone - The Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone edited by Neal O. Hammon and On The Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder



On the menu this week...

Monday - Roast beef with oven-roasted carrots, potatoes, and onions in gravy
Tuesday - Salmon patties, mashed sweet potatoes, frozen peas, and homemade oat and wheat bread (freezer)
Wednesday - Chili
Thursday - Beef stew and homemade rolls (freezer)
Friday - Chili dogs and oven fries
Saturday - Out
Sunday - Leftovers

On my 'to do' list...

- Monday - HHM post, home blessing, laundry, plan the week ahead, drop off something to be mailed at the UPS store, pick up a part for our van, take a family member grocery shopping
- Tuesday - Finish up anything that didn't get done on Monday, figure October's budget, figure bills, inventory food on-hand
- Wednesday - Work (school group)
- Thursday - Work (school group), bank, pay bills
- Friday - Work
- Saturday - Attend Missouri Town 1855's annual fall festival

- Sunday - Church

In the craft basket...

... keeping up with the temperature afghan, crafting pumpkins, and working on craft ideas for upcoming programs at work


Looking forward to this week...

... Attending the fall festival at Missouri Town 1855 and catching up with family


Image may contain: outdoor and nature
Taken @ Missouri Town 1855 in 2017

Something I enjoyed watching this week...

... The Great British Baking Show (Season 1 on Amazon)

Image result for great british baking show season 1

From the camera...

Image may contain: plant, outdoor and nature
A Sure Sign of Fall - A Fuzzy Caterpillar

Scripture passage...

Image result for kjv bible verses autumn

Well, Ladies, that's it for this week! I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed and beautiful week ahead! And I'll see you again next week! ๐Ÿ’—

Until Next Time...

Friday, September 27, 2019

Low-Spend September - End Of Month Update


September has been a super busy month with a lot going on on all fronts and, as you can see, I've not been real good about keeping up with updates concerning this endeavor...but...I have to say, that, for the most part, it's gone well.

I have had to replenish fresh items (fruits, vegetables, and dairy) a couple of times this month, but have bought very little in the way of meats and grains. I think I bought one small roast that was on markdown (it's in the freezer and hasn't been cooked yet) and a package of fat-free turkey slices, cheese slices, and two loaves of bread for toast and sandwiches. 

A few things have come in from other sources, as well...tomatoes from the garden and fresh eggs from a friend, so that, of course, has added to the abundance and I have purchased a few seasonal items to be put back for use at autumn family get-togethers and such while I could find them (Louisburg Apple Cider, for example, and Bigalow's Pumpkin Spice Tea). 

Image result for louisburg cider


Other than that we continue to eat what's in the house (dried beans, whole grains, canned and frozen vegetables, ham, spoonbill, and other meats from the freezer, canned fish, and miscellaneous items found in the cabinet). 

I do plan on doing another food inventory next week to see where we're at at this point, but I imagine that this low-spend September will carry on well into October. 

I am extremely thankful for the abundant blessings, but feel somewhat guilty that we have so much food in the house for just the two of us. We do share our food with others every chance we get (expected and unexpected company, meals shared with family, friends, and neighbors, etc.) and I love having plenty on hand to share with others when they run into a pinch and find that they are out of something, but, still, sometimes the abundance is overwhelming. 

I guess that's really all I've got to share at this point, so I will move on and give another update if warranted after we move into October. 

Blessings for a great weekend and until next time...

~Rebecca

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Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Tuesday 4 Meme - Just Thought I'd Ask

Greetings, Dear Friends! 

It's time for another Tuesday 4 Meme! Some of Toni's questions this week are complicated and thought-provoking. Here are my answers...

Just Thought I'd Ask

1. Have you ever spent ages writing something on your computer when it suddenly crashed and you lost it all?

Yes! ๐Ÿ˜ฑ And it's happened more than once! 

2. Are you one of those people who can sleep through anything?

I wish! ๐Ÿ˜ด But, unfortunately, no! ๐Ÿ˜ณ
3. What type or kind of art do you like? And do you draw or paint yourself?

I like all kinds of art...painting, drawing sketching, pottery, ceramics, photography, weaving, and crafting of all types and kinds. 

Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist ๐Ÿ’—... 

Image result for van gogh
Starry Night
by Vincent Van Gogh
(my office..."the Van Gogh room"...is dedicated to him)

The Van Gogh Room
(a.k.a. My Office)
and Henry Moore is my least favorite artist ๐Ÿคฎ...

Image result for Reclining Figure nelson art gallery
Reclining Figure No. 9
by Henry Moore
As for myself, I'm not real proficient at any of it, but, yes, I enjoy drawing and sketching in both pencil and colored pencils.
4. If you went to London, where would you go first?

London Bridge

Image result for london bridge
London Bridge
Until next time...

Monday, September 23, 2019

Happy Homemaker Monday - September 23, 2019

Greetings, Dear Readers! HAPPY MONDAY! ๐Ÿ’— And HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL! ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ 


(I cannot tell you how excited I am that it's finally here!!!) ๐Ÿ˜


How was your week and weekend? Ours was good here! I worked Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but had the weekend off...which was GREAT!!! ๐Ÿ˜„

Didn't do a whole lot. Tried my best to relax and enjoy it, (which is not always easy for me to do), but it rained most of the weekend, which helped. (I do so love rainy days!) ☔

A Rainy Day On The Homefront
Our town's annual fall festival was held over the weekend and the rain cleared out just in time for Saturday evening's parade. We were able to go up town, walk around a bit, say "hello" to old friends, watch the parade, and enjoy some time with family. We weren't there long, but, what time we were, was a lot of fun! 

Now, here we are, off and running, ready to embark on a brand new week! The first week of AUTUMN 2019! 


Won't you join me as I link up with Sandra of Diary of a Stay At Home Mom and all the other lovely ladies that gather there on this week's Happy Homemaker Monday? ๐Ÿ’—


Right now I am... 

... heartsick. In an attempt to get it out earlier today, I drafted most of this post yesterday afternoon. Overnight things changed drastically. Please be in prayer for our town. There have been a series of fires recently and arson is suspected. Last night it was the middle school and old gym.  ๐Ÿ˜ข

Please pray protection over our town, its residents, our firefighters, and police. And, please, pray that the one(s) doing this will be caught or turn themselves in before someone gets hurt or worse. ๐Ÿ˜ข

Photo From A Friend On Facebook

On the breakfast plate...

... will probably have biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon. ๐Ÿฅ“


The weather...

... much better than last week! ๐Ÿ˜Œ Right now it's 61 degrees and very foggy. This afternoon is supposed to be partly sunny and 80 degrees.



... On my reading pile...

Am reading My Father, Daniel Boone - The Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone edited by Neal O. Hammon and am still reading On The Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder.


Image result for daniel boone my father
My Father, Daniel Boone - The Draper Interviews with Nathan Boone
Edited by Neal O. Hammon
On the menu this week...

Monday - Tomato lentil soup with rustic oat and wheat bread (freezer)
Tuesday - Turkey burgers and oven fries
Wednesday - Breakfast for supper (ham, eggs, and toast or French toast) 
Thursday - Ham and beans with cornbread (freezer)
Friday - Spoonbill, baked sweet potatoes,
steamed broccoli, and homemade bread
Saturday - Dh's night to cook
Sunday - Leftovers

On my 'to do' list...

- Monday - Celebrate the first day of autumn, meet daughter-in-law for breakfast, HHM post, home blessing, laundry, plan the week ahead
- Tuesday - Take a friend to her eye appointment
- Wednesday - Work (school group)
- Thursday - Work (school group)
- Friday - Work
- Saturday - Work
- Sunday - Church; work in the afternoon

In the craft basket...

... autumn pumpkins...


    ... and keeping up with the temperature afghan...

Last Week's Photo

Looking forward to this week...

... Celebrating the first week of autumn and checking a few things off my Autumn Bucket List! ๐Ÿ

Something I enjoyed watching this week...

... Moby Dick (1956) with Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. Had read the book, but never saw the movie. They did a great job with it! They literally brought the book to life and Gregory Peck did a super great job of portraying Captain Ahab, but I had forgotten what a nut he was! ๐Ÿ˜† Good movie! ๐Ÿณ

Image result for moby dick gregory peck
Moby Dick with Gregory Peck (1956)
From the camera...

Autumn Sky - Taken On Bethany Falls Trail
Blue Springs, Missouri - October 2017
Scripture passage...


Well, Ladies, that's it for this week! I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed and beautiful week ahead! And I'll see you again next week! ๐Ÿ’—

Until Next Time...
~Rebecca

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Sunday, September 22, 2019

Autumn Bucket List 2019

Image may contain: outdoor and nature
Taken @ Missouri Town 1855 in 2017

As of tomorrow, summer is officially over and, once again, my favorite season is upon us...AUTUMN! Warm days, chilly evenings, falling leaves, bonfires, and all things pumpkin spice! How nice! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ๐ŸŒป๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ„

I've been thinking about some of the things that I would like to do this fall, and accomplish over the course of it, and, while I know that I won't get to all of them, at least this list will help me to stay focused on the season and enjoying it to the fullest. Won't you join me as I dream? ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, 
and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day 
and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).

My Autumn Bucket List 2019

1. Write my autumn bucket list
2. Plan my autumn menus (this will be done weekly through my 'Happy Homemaker Monday' posts 
3. Attend the 44th Annual Missouri Town 1855 Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival with my aunts and cousins 
4. Make a batch of Mini Baked Pumpkin Cake Doughnuts ๐Ÿฉ
5. Celebrate autumn birthdays with the grandlittles ๐ŸŽ‚
7. Pick up walnuts with the grandlittles
8. Enjoy donuts and fresh cider from the Louisburg Cider Mill
9. Host a wiener roast ๐ŸŒญ
10. Visit a corn maze 
11. Add a new mum to my collection
12. Enjoy a juicy, red apple ๐ŸŽ
13. Go on a hayride 
14. Go squatchin' with my Aunt Bev
15. Visit a pumpkin patch 
16. Enjoy a walk in the woods 
17. Complete the following programs at work:

      A) Nature's Architects (homeschool program) ๐Ÿ
      B) Spider Web Wonders (library program) ๐Ÿ•ธ
      C) Buffalo Train Ride (homeschool program) ๐Ÿƒ
      D) Who Gives A Hoot (library program) ๐Ÿฆ‰
      E) Lunch For A Raccoon (library program) ๐Ÿฆ

18. Enjoy a cup of Pumpkin Spice Tea 
19. Create a patch of crafty pumpkins with the grandlittles
20. Enjoy an autumnal full moon (Harvest Moon - September 14th, Hunter's Moon - October 13, and Frost Moon - November 12th) ๐ŸŒ•
21. Visit Jamesport, Missouri with our youngest daughter ๐Ÿš—
22. Make a pumpkin roll 
23. Enjoy an autumn tea party
24. Build a bonfire ๐Ÿ”ฅ
25. Aid in working the bison at work (annual vet checks and public auction) ๐Ÿƒ
26. Watch falling leaves ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ
27. Light an autumn-scented candle ๐Ÿ•ฏ
28. Enjoy some of Mrs. Meyer's fall scents (Mum is my favorite!) 
29. Carve a pumpkin ๐ŸŽƒ
30. Make a batch of Pumpkin Streusel Muffins ๐Ÿง
31. Observe a flock of migrating birds 
32. Bake a pumpkin pie 
33. Visit friends at Pomme de Terre ๐Ÿšค
34. Sleep in a yurt
35. Enjoy a cool rainy day 
36. Watch To Kill A Mockingbird with Gregory Peck ๐ŸŽฅ
37. Collect some bittersweet
38. Celebrate National Bison Day at Prairie State Park  ๐Ÿƒ
39. Lead an impromptu frost flower hike to observe frost flowers in the field ๐Ÿฅพ
40. Enjoy frost flowers in our own backyard
41. Make pumpkin butter
42. Pick and enjoy some persimmons
43. Host a cousins soup and bread night ๐Ÿฅฃ๐Ÿž
44. Bake a batch of Spiced Walnut Scones
45. Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends ๐Ÿฆƒ

That's what's on my autumn bucket list. What's on yours? 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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