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.