Journal of purchase and waste

Sadly, I had to throw out 13 eggs the other day. There is also a whole bunch of salad vegetables, that just didn't get eaten. When I go to Costco and see all the lovely vegetables, visions of salads dance in my head. I must make a more conscious effort, to find the time to make salads or just don't buy the vegetables.

Just For Me

This evokes 1940's to me. I hope it fits as lovely, as it looks.

Aging gracefully...

in all actuality should be, living full of grace. What a blessing it is to be 50 years old. It is a number where life, finally makes sense. Life is now filled with a wealth of clarity. The clarity to see that 50, is not the end of the road; only the beginning. For now, my soul has purpose. A soul embraced with inner peace, self assurance and contentment.

When I was 19, I lived in a house in Berkeley; where there were many students, who were philosophy majors. There were many late night discussions, on the purpose of life. I could never conceptualize the word purpose, in a philosophical way; my purpose on this earth, to be exact. The mere thought of what was I here for, left me feeling uneasy; as it always seemed like a overwhelming word, of such enormity. Only when I touched one persons life, did I fully understand; what that word meant, for me. Simply, a small gesture with the possibility, of a ripple of impact.

Inner turmoil, was always my best friend. I allowed it to follow me wherever I went. The day that I grasped the understanding, that people only do to you what you allow them to do to you. The day that I embraced forgiveness, for that which it was. That it had nothing to do with releasing others from their actions; but had everything to do with releasing myself, from the paralyzing emotions, that were controlling every aspect of my life. Then and only then: did I finally know what inner peace, truly was.

To gain self assurance, I first had to understand; that others opinions of me, were simply that, their opinions and their issues.

Contentment, was not a easy one, for me to be blessed with. It took a deep pot hole in the road, for me to get it. Though it was always before me; only when I was faced with losing what I took for granted, did I get it.

My 50's is a rebirth of my soul, every year after, is the best of yet to come.

Do not only look at the beauty...but also hear to the message

The day before last, I was walking to my car; to leave for work. It was a ordinary cloudy day, with a light rain falling. Overpowering this gloomy, dark cloudiness; was the bright, crystal clear sunshine. The sunshine overpowering the clouds; even though the sky was not clear. Down the street this exquisite rainbow, in the horizon.

What a metaphor for life.

Wicker waste baskets and plastic spray bottles...these are a few of my favorite things

I don't like the look of plastic trash cans. I have a wood one in my kitchen. In my bathroom I have wicker. I have found the cheapest, most abundant supply of wicker waste baskets. Who would have thought that the 99 Cents Only Store would be the place. I use one for my bathroom, one to keep the kitty litter scoop in and a mini one to keep the handle of the toilet brush cleaner. Even though the baskets come lined. I keep a clear plastic bag in them to keep bacterial contamination down to a minimum.

I have even found a lovely looking, plastic spray bottle for my glass cleaner. Its not your average spray bottle. Its bigger at the bottom and narrows at the neck. I keep my window cleaner on the counter, as it is used constantly. This I found for a $1.

Lovely additions to my home, that cost a mere penny.

Musings for Thursday and tomorrows things to do

I planned to return to work today. When I called work yesterday, to see what my schedule was. I was told that I will have Friday and Saturday off and to come in on Sunday. Quite lovely. Today I cleaned my outside kitchen and living room windows. Shannan washed three loads of laundry. I am hoping to keep up on it; instead of having a mountain of laundry at one time. I wanted to take a shower before making dinner. I had a five gallon bucket, with the ironing board cover in it; soaking in Oxi-clean, in the bathtub. How heavy it was to lift. My thoughts wandered to, how different my life would be; if I had no running water, and had to haul all my water, from here to there. I take it for granted, for the fact; that I don't think about it. I know when I turn on that faucet water is going to come out. I know when its time to brush my teeth, wash my hands, wash the dishes, take a shower; that all I have to do is turn that faucet on and water will appear. Another blessing.

I have never eaten quiche. Shannan didn't like it, for me it wasn't the best thing I have ever eaten. Maybe it was how I cooked it, as I am not the best cook. Tomorrow we visit my mom. I am bringing the left over quiche and a loaf of the banana bread; that I baked the other day. We will see if it is the quiche or the cook. I also have to go to the dry cleaners, to pick up my two jackets. Sunday they are not open; and I need them for work.

I have found the perfect cloth napkin, its very lovely and has this vintage look. I had found some very lovely retro 1940s looking ones, that were more expensive; that I was indecisive about. When I first saw these I knew they were the ones. I believe the sage green color, will be more favorable, concerning stains; compared to other ones with white in them.

Here there and everywhere

On work days I use it on a daily basis. I do not have a utility closet. The space beside the refrigerator is to small for it to fit. It has been in front of the pantry, blocking the door. It has been next to the front door. It has been left open in the dining room or in the kitchen; always in the way, as it didn't have a home. I could have put it in one of the bedroom closets; though not very accessible as it is used in the kitchen. I finally have found the perfect place for it; as perfect as it is going to get. Standing on the wall that connects the two sides of the kitchen, not at all in the way; and two feet away from where it is used. While not in use, my ironing board, has another use; a rack for wet dish cloths and kitchen towels. How perfect is that.

Journal of purchase and waste

This is the first time I have had to report food waste. I have been working really hard to eradicate it, in my home. I had 2 1/2 containers of cereal, that has been there forever. It was very stale and unappetizing. Hopefully, very soon in the future; I will learn creative ways to make use of it.

Today I took some two week old oranges, squeezed the juice, to freeze for smoothies. I have a pint of half and half and 18 eggs, that are near their expiration date. Tonight is my first try at making a quiche.

Fresh tomatos, watermelon and ziplock bags

I had seven Roma tomato's in my refrigerator. I knew I would not use them before they went bad. The wheels in my mind started to turn, as I did not want to waste them. I decided to chop them in the food processor and then freeze them. I guess I got a little carried away with the food processor, as they are more on the pureed side. Still okay, as I can add them to any number of things.

I bought a lovely seedless watermelon yesterday. Hmm, I thought what is better than fresh watermelon; but watermelon, peach and strawberry smoothies. Peaches and strawberries are in the freezer. I knew this smoothie maker would come in handy. Someone on another site suggested, using a melon ball utensil to scoop the melon, then freeze. She said they are delicious frozen. One melon, so many options.

Today I reused a Ziploc bag for the first time. Before I would have never even wanted, to take the time to rinse it out. Living more simply is agreeing with me.

Musings for wednesday and tomorrows things to do

Tomorrow is the last day of my vacation. It has truly been a soul nourishing time. Am I sad it is ending, no. The reality is that bills need to be paid. I can now come home and no longer be distracted, by never ending chaos. Instead I look forward to basking in the comfort I feel, every time I walk through this door.

Tomorrows plans, a little care of my home and a lot of nothing. Dinner is, cold chicken and orzo.

Journal of purchase and waste

January 16th - February 13th
Purchase - $222.00

This amount is a combination of purchases from Costco and Ralphs.

Whispers of yesteryear

These are two books I own, that I cherish. One is about collectibles, yet that is not what draws me to it. They are a collection of nostalgia; of a time gone by. Books filled with a abundance of photos, with stories to match. A glimpse into a era, I missed; but that lives in my heart.

Simply washing dishes

The warmth of the hot water running over my hands; is pure contentment. Something that before I saw as a chore. Something I had to do. Whereas now I embrace the moment. I now treasure my home and thus I treasure all, that is my home.

Homemade cleaners

I have been really skeptical, about even trying homemade cleaners, as I am left wondering if it will do a comparable job. After making my mind up to consume less paper and plastic, the thought of homemade cleaners; is now leaving my mind open, to at least give it a try. Homemade window cleaner will be the one I experiment with; as in my home, it is used for many things. I know it will be economically a better choice. I can buy vinegar at Costco, I can buy by the gallon and wintergreen rubbing alcohol, is sold at the 99 Cents Only Store.

Journal of purchase and waste

The process, of this part of the journey for me; is gong to focus on what food is bought and what is thrown out. I took inventory on what is in my freezer. I was taken back for a minute. There is food that has been in there for years. To get a grasp on this issue, in a attempt to waste as little as possible; I will start to journal, of what food is brought in and what is wasted.

Banana bread and egg salad

They have been sitting on my kitchen counter, getting riper and riper. Each day I told myself, bake banana bread. Each day went into the next day and the next day and the next day. Tonight they were at the point that if I didn't use them, I would have to throw them out. I could not bring myself to waste them; so I now have two loaves of banana bread baking in the oven.

When Shannan took the eggs out of the refrigerator, for the banana bread; the expiration date, was a few days from now. I have 36 eggs, sitting in the refrigerator. Now I have hard boiled eggs in the sink, sitting in cold water.

Musings for Friday and tomorrows things to do

I love the crispness in the air early in the morning. I only wish my inner time clock could coordinate, with early morning. As I wait this morning, for the light to turn green; I gaze upon, the hospital in which my oncologist works. I feel a few tears run down my left cheek. Not in fear of what he might say, but from the overwhelming emotion I feel every time I make this turn. This life altering change continues to stop me dead in my tracks; simply triggered by a memory, a picture, a story. It is such a deep connection to something that took me places I have never been nor do I ever want go back again.

When I got home I rinsed down my patio and watered my plants. I did not iron the pillowcases last night, as a hour with a friend, turned into 1:30 a.m. So today I ironed them. I washed all of the dishes by hand.

Shannan and I had a lovely baby lettuce, spinach vegetable salad for dinner. As I made the salad, cutting off the ends, and throwing them away; I thought, compost. Sadly I have no garden as of yet.

I have three other children, other than the one who is always mentioned. None of them still live at home. Tomorrow my other daughter is coming to dinner. A time of reconnection. What better a reason to bake some banana bread.

I am in memory heaven

Today's mail brought not only a catalogue from the Vermont Country Store; but a memory from yesteryear. Jello 1-2-3 has not been in the market for many moons, but the memory of it feels, like only yesterday.

Musings for Thursday and tomorrows things to do

Warm towels and clean sheets. The inside of the house is clean down to the windows. Life is good. I am off to spend a hour or so with a friend, who every time we are together; we laugh so hard it hurts. Nothing like soul healing humor to nourish your being. When I come home I will wash some dishes, then iron my clean pillow cases. For some reason, these when dried, wad up just at the bottom.

Tomorrow is a routine appt. with my oncologist. I am in good spirits, as I know the lab tests that were done on Monday, will only bring good results. I have some very ripe bananas, that say banana bread, so maybe some baking will be going on. One of the challenges I seem to have is food waste. I need to work on using up what I have before it expires or goes bad. The banana bread seems like a step in the right direction.

There are some things you never forget

This replica tin from our kitchen; in the 1970s, is one of them.

Musings for Wednesday and tomorrows things to do

I have given new life to stained kitchen towels, after a soak in Oxi-clean. I no longer will recycle these into cloth napkins, as they have been given new life. I have found some lovely, retro 1940s inspired cloth napkins.

Another day that laundry was not done. I am going to clean the mirrored closet doors now. Tomorrows plans, nothing as of yet.

The pebbles of change do turn into a rolling stone

The philosophy of less is more, of leaving gentler footprints on this earth, of embracing with a passion, that which is mundane; is the embodiment of I where I want my life to go. I know I am on the right path, as I am more aware of the natural resources I consume. I am slowly replacing paper and plastic with cloth. I am cooking more and washing dishes by hand. I am recycling and reusing. This philosophy is nourishing my soul with harmony, contentment and inner fulfilment.

The journey to cloth

I have decided that next month is the month to go cloth. Napkins, flour sack towels and reusable grocery bags. I still have a ample supply of paper napkins. Those will be used for the really messy meals, until they run out. The floursack towels will be used for cleaning and dusting. My main grocery shopping is mostly done at Costco, so the reusable ones will be used for those occasional trips to the market. I am using the last of the sponges and the cloth dishcloths are in the drawer. I will still be using plastic trash bags, until I can find a replacement.

Musings for Tuesday and tomorrows things to do

This time off from work, has done wonders for my spirit. I feel renewed, by just having time. Time to do what I want, time to do absolutely nothing, time to embrace the things that have been put off for so long, from a lack of time. When I do go back to work, I will make it a priority to maintain a healthy balance between work and home. Time at home will be treasured.

Laundry did not happen as planned. I did get all the inside windows and mini blinds cleaned, so I am still quite pleased. Tomorrow will be laundry day. Last night I took some of my linens; some vintage, that had yellowed and soaked them in Oxi-clean. They are now bright white.

Recycling to a new life

I need a new ironing board cover, but have yet to find one in a pattern, that I like. I have a lovely full size flat sheet that I do not use, and the pattern is exactly what I am looking for. I found online, at The Purl Bee, what items I would need and how to make it. How hard could it be. Only time will tell.

fabric - 2 yards cotton fabric of your choice for a full-size ironing board, or 1 1/2 yards for a small board.
batting - I used two layers of twin size mid-loft cotton batting for a firm padding. You may prefer a high-loft cotton batting.
clear acrylic ruler
pinking shears - These shears have serrated teeth that prevent unravelling.
pattern paper -
bodkin - This helpful tool is used to draw the twine through the narrow hem of the cover. You can also use a safety pin.
glasshead pins
machine thread
marker - Hera Marker
cotton twine or elastic - 3 yards

How to Make an Ironing Board Cover

Musings for Monday and tomorrows things to do

We got everything done today that we were suppose to. We also stopped at the 99 Cents Only Store. I was pleasantly surprised to find Greenlite energy efficient bulbs there. So not only did I pay pennies for them, they will last longer and save me money. Did I say, they have a nine year guarantee.

I did not sleep very well last night, so I am going to take a nap. We will finish the cleaning. For dinner chicken salad and a salad. Tomorrow is laundry day and I would like to clean the mini blinds; but realistically I will settle for just clean laundry.

That which teaches us...does not always come in a text book

It took a life altering illness, to finally understand that, the amount of wealth I have; is not measured by the material things I possess, but rather by the milestones I am blessed to witness.

Tomatoe plants and water crocks

I have this water crock and stand, that I do not use anymore; wasting precious space in my tiny kitchen. It has now been moved to the patio. Is this a possible home for a my first tomato plant. Drainage not a issue, as the spout could be left open.

Musings of things to do

Tomorrow, Shannan has a Dr. appt. While there I will have some lab work done. It is needed for my routine 3 month visit with my Oncologist, this Friday. We also need to run some errands such as the bank, gas station, dry cleaners, mail some bills and a trip to the grocery store. The iguana is out of collard greens.

When we get home, we will clean both bedrooms and the bathroom.

The path

I seem to be taking baby steps. Sometimes I get discouraged. Then I remind myself, that just as living in a certain way; did not happen overnight. Thus the path to living more simply; is a long, never ending journey.

Embracing the moment

We have a birds nest, in the rafters on the half roof, over our patio. Today my daughter and I were washing down the patio. We also have a 6 foot high wood fence, that surrounds the patio; on which we have plants sitting on the top of. Today we had two visitors, hanging around one of the plants, on the fence; as we were in their path to the nest. Beautiful, partially blue birds.

Pure bliss

I was sitting in the tub, with the hot shower raining on me. My mind still going in every direction. After 15 minutes or so, my mind slowed down, my eyes shut. I sat there for over a hour, my mind now a comatose mush. My body relaxed so much that I didn't want to emerge, from the warm cocoon. When I did get up, I turned the shower on as cool as I could take it. One of those ah ha moments, when life can't get any better.