Abundance of gratitude...

for Saturday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am so very grateful, for
...the blessing that health insurance brings

On a hook in my kitchen

For now it is at The Vintage Barn, waiting to be shipped.

Abundance of gratitude...

for Tuesday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am grateful for
...reconnecting with a long lost friend

A clean house always, without spending hours cleaning It

I found a cleaning routine that works for me; of course with help from my daughter. It has been 1o days since I had a day off and we kept it up for all 10 days.

Daily - me
Wash dishes by hand, unless a lot of dishes, then use dishwasher
Wipe up bathroom surfaces, right after I get ready for work
Clean mirrored closet doors, when needed

Every other day - me
Go room to room, wiping down surfaces. This takes around 15 minutes.

Daily - Shannan
Vacuums
Puts clean dishes away
Cleans litter box
Takes out trash, if needed

Every other day - Shannan
Dusts

Once a week
Laundry - both of us
Toilet - me
Window sills - Shannan

Every other week - Shannan
Clean tub

First weekend of the month - Shannan
Baseboards
Top of fridge and freezer
Tops of kitchen cabinets

You never know...

when this useful information from the past; might be needed information in the future.

I recently placed...

a few orders with Amazon. In my account, I can look at previously placed orders. I looked to see what I had ordered, in 2005. I purchased this book, priced at $14.79 then. When I order books, I always look first at the used-like new ones. Sometimes I can find books less expensive, that way. I can't remember if this book was purchased new or used.

Shipping estimate:January 2, 2006 Delivery estimate:January 6, 2006 - January 20, 2006
StatesShipping Speed: Standard Shipping
Items Ordered 1 of: Grandma's Wartime Kitchen : World War II and the Way We Cooked [Hardcover] by: Joanne Lamb Hayes (Foreword), Jean Anderson (Foreword)Sold by: ab-cd-book (seller profile)
$14.79

This book is now going for $49.97 and up, for used and $99.95 for new. Could the state of the economy and the subject of this book; be the ties that bind this enormous price increase?

(Edited to say, the $49.97 copy has been sold and the cheapest one is now $76.39. Did I get a good deal or what. Not to mention, one terrific book.)

Note to self, no calories

I work in a restaurant where there is a never ending supply of soda and club soda. I have discovered that club soda and lemon, lots of lemon; is a terrific, noncaloric alternative for soda. You still get that effect of the carbonation; with out the sugar.

Back in the 60s...

before there were electric coffeemakers; there were percolators. This glass Pyrex one, was the in my home when I was growing up.


For as long as I can remember, both my parents drank coffee; and still do. I started a little over a year ago, at the age of 50. I started drinking coffee, for the caffeine and now I really just enjoy the taste.

I have very limited counter space, in my kitchen; and all of it is being used. A percolator is my solution; for getting that cup of coffee, at home. This 8 cup stainless steel one, by Farberware; has that lovely 1940s look. The down side are the reviews, that I have read. The basket being very flimsy and bends quite easily. That is not a good thing. Unless Farberware has fixed the basket issue; I am going with this one.

A 14 cup enamelware one, by Coleman.

And this little pouch went wee, wee, wee all the way home...to my house

Hmm, spaghetti sauce in a pouch. That's a new one to me. When we went to the 99 Cents Only Store, they were on special, buy one, get one free. Of course they were, since the expiration date was the day before. I looked at the other variety and it expired on, February 9th.

Perfect size for those one person meals; as my daughter makes pasta, for herself, when I am work. Even better no bulky containers, taking up space in the freezer; with leftover pasta sauce.

And so, those eight little pouches went wee, wee, wee straight into my freezer.

Wilted...no more

A while ago on the blog down to earth, Rhonda stated that she wraps her celery, tightly in foil and stores it that way. Doing this, keeps it crisp for weeks. I believe she stated that hers had stayed crisp for 6 weeks or so. I can't tell you how much wilted celery I have disposed of, before I could use it. I had bought a couple of bunches over two weeks ago and took her advice. Today I took some out to make a salad and it was as crisp, as when I bought it.

Need I say more.

Musings of this and that

Yesterday was a day of non-stop running, though much was accomplished. Up at 6:30 a.m, to do laundry. We (Shannan and I) then went to the market and came home. Shannan got the last load of towels at the laundry room. I put too much soap in the machine, so I had to run them through again.

I try to conserve gas by making my trips as efficient as possible. The recycle place is across the street from my home, so that is where we went next. The cans have been sitting in the car for over a week, so I was glad to get rid of them. Shannan and I have a deal, she squishes the cans and separates the cans, bottles and plastic. Whatever money we get, is hers. I knew it was a nice amount, when she came to the car, with a big smile on her face.

We then went to the dry cleaners, to pick up my pants. Even the prices have gone up there. Fifteen dollars to replace the zipper. It was only ten, a few years back. I opted to replace the zipper, rather than replace the pants. The lesser of two evils, you could say.

Before we went to the recycling place, we went to T-Mobile, but they weren't open. We had to go to the 99 Cents Only Store and Shannan reminded me that there was a T-Mobile store in the same shopping center. I needed to replace her phone, as we have been sharing a phone since she dropped hers, and it broke. Now sharing a phone is not a problem, in itself. There are times when she is out and I am at work. Then we both need it. She, for the obvious reason and I don't like to drive the car, with out having a phone, with me. Also I have a contract for both phones. So I am paying for hers, whether she is using it or not. I was going to replace it when I got my tax refund; but this lovely work bonus came, so I surprised her. The last phone she dropped it one time and it broke. This time I decided to pay the $6 monthly insurance fee, for her phone. We then went to Susie's Deals and the 99 Cents Only Store and then finally came home.

I was fairly tired, as I got up at 6 a.m. after only 4 hours sleep. I do like getting up that early, though my work hours make it difficult for me to go to bed early on my days off. Two weeks is not enough time to change my internal clock. Though it is finally getting a bit easier to get up early; only just in time, to go back to work.

The only things I need to do before work is put away the rest of the towels, water the outside plants, vacuum, tidy up, wash the breakfast dishes and pay the electric bill. I was up again at 6:30, so I think I am going to take a nap; as I know I wont go to bed until around 5 a.m.

I have yet to put the coffee table back, since I had the carpet cleaned. I really like the way the living room looks, with out the table in front of the couch. It looks roomier; but the table can not stay where it is forever. Though the cats seem to appreciate it more than me. It is laying upside down. For some reason they love to sit in it. So, note to self, next time I buy a couch no coffee table, only end tables.

Since I have a very scattered, word association, inquiring kind of mind. Why is it called a coffee table? Hmm, I am thinking google first, than nap.

Abundance of gratitude...

for Friday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am grateful for
...the blessings that a unexpected, huge bonus from work brings
...the blessing of $18.43, from recycling

A plethora of nostalgia

Popular 20th Century American Foods

Decades from 1900 to 1980

Nostalgic ads

Here

Thanks for the memories

Retro America

I remember that one

The top 1960s and 1970s tv shows

Time Warp Memories

So thats why

"Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night will keep me from my appointed rounds."

On the other hand, leaving some mail in your mailbox (junk mail and such), and taking the rest is cause for your mailman to stop delivering your mail, as that is a no, no; said the postal worker to me. Also after 10 days the mail is returned to sender, undeliverable; added the postal worker.

We have lived here 10 years. We pick up our mail everyday. Not one issue until this. The only thing I can think of, is some mail got wedged in the back; as the mail box is very deep. Many times we pick up the mail at night and don't really look in there.

So today the mystery was solved, a valuable (do not just grab the mail, but look in the mailbox) lesson was learned and the mail was once again delivered.

Abundance of gratitude...

for Thursday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am grateful for
...the feeling of being well rested and relaxed
...the feeling of calmness
...the feeling of freshly cleaned carpet, under my feet
...how blessed I feel, knowing that the rent money is in the bank

Musings for Wednesday and tomorrows things to do

I've had a lovely 14 days off, with two more to go. A bit to do, before I return to work. Tomorrow, first thing I will stop at the post office, to see why no mail service. Then I have to take my mom grocery shopping and take my dad to a doctors appt. I have some cans that need to be recycled. There is a recycler on the way to the market, by my moms, so we will stop there, before shopping.

When I get home, I need to put everything away, as the carpet will be dry. Between tomorrow and Friday, I am going to do a light cleaning and some catch up laundry, just a few loads. I also need to pick my work pants up from the dry cleaners. Had a new zipper put in.

Finally I must do the paperwork to see if my daughter qualifies for any college grants. Really been putting this off and it needs to get done. Also a email I need to send.

Isn't it ironic to come back from vacation, only to work 10 days straight. So much for well rested.

Hey there Mr. Mailman, where is my mail?

We have not received any mail since last Friday. We have not moved recently, nor do we live where there is bad weather. We live in a apt. so there is no big dog, in the front yard.

Tomorrow morning, I am off to the post office. Hopefully, they can solve this little mystery.

The tail of three

Max is the orange tabby. He is the brilliant one, though you can't tell by this photo. When he is not snoozing, he is known on occasion. to open the glass shower door; when I am taking a shower, stick his head in and peer around. He takes his own snacks out of the bag, as long as you hold the bag open. He also loves to drink, out of a glass. We found this out by leaving a glass a water on the table, one day. Now whenever he sees someone carrying a glass, he wants it.








Then there are the girls. Sophie is on the right, Zoe is on the left. They are sisters. Sophie is the petite, long and lean one; while Zoe is the short legged, low to the ground, major junk in her trunk one.
We believe Sophie was born in a box, in a garbage bin. The reasoning behind this is that she will crawl in any box, of any size. If the box is too small; not a issue, as she will keep on trying. Going hand and hand with her love of boxes, is her love of smells. Stinky smells to be precise. If it stinks, she is there.


Ah, my precious Zoe. Lets just say the lights are on, but no one is never, ever, ever home. Her picture below, is the way she looks all the time, not just in photos.

Even though their personalities are very different; all of them do not like a change, in their surroundings. We had the carpet cleaned this morning. Last night we moved everything up off the floor; chairs, coffee tables, etc. etc. etc. Max and Sophie were looking around, like little detectives; going from one room to another as if we had moved, forgot to tell them and they found out by coming home to a empty house.
If Zoe had come out from under the bed and was not in her own little world; she would have been doing the same thing.

In my never ending search...

for vintage and retro; I came across this blog.

Homemade glass cleaner

While researching for alternative, homemade cleaning solutions; I came across this one, using corn starch. It is worth trying, as no streaks on my windows; is always a good thing.

No-Streak Glass Cleaner
For sparkling mirrors and windows, combine 1/4 cup undiluted white vinegar, 1 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 quart warm water. Divide into spray bottles...

This floral tote, has my...

laptops name, written all over it.

Quite 1940ish

These cloth napkins remind me of the 1940s. Though they do cost a bit; only a few are needed, to add to the ones I already have.

Store bought no more

I have been cleaning everything for a while with my homemade, Windex type cleaner. This past week I have done a lot of cleaning. Everyday cleaning to the windows and the window blinds. I usually clean my window blinds, once a year. Typically I would use Simple Green. I did not have any so I decided to give it a try with the homemade. I was pleasantly surprised.

I am so pleased with the results, that I am ready to try a different homemade cleaning product.

Whispers of yesteryear...

found today, at Hometown Favorites and Amazon.

Tab of the past

The Tab of today

Fresca of the past

The Fresca of today

Bubble Up of the past

The Bubble Up of today

Bosco Chocolate Syrup

Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Clean up YOUR mess...

just not with my money.

Newspaper Article

For the time being..simply a memory

When I was 18, I went to England, and spent a month there.

Rhonda's recipes of scones and jam, on the blog Down To Earth; have brought back a pleasant memory, of that trip.

Her recipe for the scones and jam, seem rather easy to make and I have found a few resources for the clotted cream. So hopefully very soon, I shall have a brief deja vu moment; of that trip so many moons ago.

Musings of this and that

Up at dawn to finish the last of the laundry; a bit more than I thought. Eleven loads, folded, but not all put away. The rain came this morning, just as we were half way finished.

A rainy day, a house that has been reclaimed, laundry that has been done and two cats who are sleeping next to me. One of those days, that life can get no better.

Today or tomorrow, I need to go to the bank and pick up my W2. Shannan has two doctor appointments on Monday. While we are out, we will take the cans and bottles to be recycled and pay a bill.

Abundance of gratitude...

for Thursday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am grateful for
...8 more vacation from work days
...a soul that has been nourished, from the 8 vacation days I have already had
...the forecast of rain tonight
...the soup I can smell, that is cooking on the stove

I remember that

Born in the 50s, grew up in the 60s; fond memories in 2009.

The Imaginary World

A simple reflection..

of the kind of bed frame, I envision. A lovely wrought iron bed. Please let me remember the name, Sturbridge Yankee Workshop; when the time comes.

Just because

Just a wee glitch; a sideways picture. She is still so very lovely, sideways or not.

But alas, I'm so very partial, I'm her mama.

Tis not easy being green...

Once upon a time, there was a iguana, named Izzie; who eventually stole the hearts of those, who were not fond of reptiles. When she (Izzie) first came to live with those who were not fond of reptiles (Shannan, Sarah and I); she was put on the floor. Izzie ran one way, Shannan, Sarah and I ran the other.

Ryan was the one who brought her home, from the animal care center; where he volunteered. Yet it was Shannan who ended up caring for her; by feeding, cleaning her cage and bathing her. As the story goes; Ryan eventually moved out, Izzie stayed.
Izzie has become a part of our family; just as Max, Sophie and Zoe are.

They are not green.

Abundance of gratitude...

for Tuesday

To keep me grounded, is to remind myself, of what is truly important; gratitude for the simple things.

Today I am grateful for
...a 14 month lease renewal, that didn't come with a increase
...a free carpet cleaning, that came with the lease renewal
...the blessings of two $20 gift cards. One for Trader Joes and the other for Starbucks

sundancecatalog.com

My mailbox at times, is a sea of catalogues. Rarely, is there one that doesn't go directly into the trash. This was one of those rare ones.

Sundance sells artisan jewelery. One of a kind, beautiful pieces. A bit pricey, but never the less, lovely to gaze upon.

Pears and more pears

While reorganizing my pantry, I found hiding in the back; a #10 can of pears. So not to forget about them, I relocated them to the refrigerator. So within the next 11 days (the length of the rest of my vacation); I must either bake something or freeze them. I found two recipes on All Recipes. They look fairly easy, even for someone who is so inept in the kitchen; namely me.

The first is for a sour cream pear pie.
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup sour cream
2 (15 ounce) cans pears, drained and chopped
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, stir together 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon and salt. Mix in the egg and sour cream until smooth. Add pears, and stir gently until coated. Pour the mixture into a graham cracker crust.
Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. While the pie is baking, make the topping in a medium bowl. Stir together the sugar and flour. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over the pie.
Bake for an additional 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving.


This one for a pear crisp.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
3 tablespoons reduced fat stick margarine*, cut into pieces
4 cups sliced peeled pears
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in margarine until coarse crumbs form; set aside. Place pears in a large bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, ginger and remaining cinnamon; toss to coat. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until pears are tender.

Almost done

The grocery shopping wasn't the only thing that hasn't been done in a big way, since Oct. I sort of had a wash what we need and the rest can wait....and wait....and wait cycle going on. I just didn't realize how long, until my daughter said that her shirt for volunteering; had been in the hamper since, Oct.

We sorted the laundry and that is when I realized this is going to take two trips to the laundry room. Our laundry room has 8 washers and 8 dryers, but I didn't want to take all day to get it done. I decided to do all the linens and such today. Then maybe Wed. or Fri. all the clothes. Today we washed 13 loads., which included 4 of towels, 2 of sheets, 1 of rugs, 1 of mattress pads, 4 of quilts and 1 of jeans.

It really wasn't that bad, for the fact that there are so many machines and that we were there before 6 a.m.; to assure that no one would be using the machines. I think we have another 8 loads to go; 5 of darks, 2 of lights and 1 of pinks.

Later I plan on folding it and putting it away only to do it all over again in a couple of days.