Monday, Surviving mentally, not!

Kim, Slugs, Anne, and Sissie

 I need a little weird right now. Worked hard in the yard this weekend and enjoyed every bit of it!  I am a little sore but not bad, I think my body is getting used to it. Kids came down with the truck and helped me get supplies to make soil for the beds.  I still have two walkways to complete and so much clean up,

Sissie took some of the waste to the dump this morning for me.

I am not doing well right now mentally, it is not grief, it has more to do with too many meetings stacked week after week, or even day after day. I leave feeling less than and I am supposed to be uplifted. Too much yammering to my brain about the way I should be makes me feel like a failure. A lot of it has to do with the schedule of events and how they fall in this area. I want to be left alone. I am tired of not doing enough.  When all I do is work and get things done. 

I don't want to complain or justify, but then again, I do want to complain and justify. I am a grandmother, and I have agreed to be responsible for certain things in my children's and grandchildren's lives.  These are responsibilities and I love them.  I am running a business, that is going into its busy season.  I have sisters, and family that rely on me and I on them.  Okay let's be truthful I rely a lot more on them.  I have church responsibilities, which I fail at with remarkable skill. Plus, I am a widow!  It all falls on me. It is a lot. I think I just need a few days in the sun to rejuvenate. 

I have a bride picking up today and another second fitting today.  Then it is onto a couple of piles, and many, many dress hemming's. It will be a busy week. I just want it to be the right kind of busy.  Not the kind of busy where I am being pulled into unnecessary doings, that bring me no joy and a fresh load of guilt.

Sis and I are finally seeing a difference in our pantries and freezers, but I still feel like we have a long way to go. I pulled 7 cans of beans and burger to make a bean hot dish that we all love, and it can be frozen for later. We found a prime rib in the freezer that we will have next Sunday for dinner! I also took stock of all the tomato products I have on hand, and I foresee a huge spaghetti sauce making in the future.  Just pairing down and using what we have.  Saves so much money and we really eat better. I am craving corn chowder; I really want to make that this week.

We are supposed to have weather in the 50's this next 5 days, so I don't think I will be spending hours and hours in the yard. We pulled out the lawn mower on Saturday and both Dan and Nathan say I need a new one. I did a little research, and this one is 12 years old. One more expense I don't need right now. I want a mower that I can start and use.  Dan and Nathan will help me choose. Thank goodness for brother in laws and son in laws, they are a gift.

The boys (Dan and Nathan and William) did so much yard work.  They moved my clothesline, did a lot of weeding and trimming and burning.  We have most of the soil additives for the new garden boxes here.  It is just a matter of putting everything together.  Joel taught me to make soil for the garden.  I also ran a big nursery for a couple of years and made huge truckloads of soil.  Of course, I had a tractor and a front-end loader when I did that work. I did not want to order a truck load of garden soil as it is not heat treated and then it is weed city.  But if you combine, perlite, topsoil, compost, peatmoss, potting soil, and sand you will get a soil that eventually filters in with the clay soil we have here and just makes it better.  It takes a few years and a lot of tilling, but eventually you get soil that grows veggies.

My goals for the week:

1. get two wedding dresses out

2. hem at least 10 dresses

3. thoroughly clean the shop with Sissies help.

4. review March goals and set up new month of April!

5. try and not be so hard on myself

Other than taking care of clients today I am just resting.  I mentally need a day of rest after spending the day yesterday in a pity party of self-loathing and doubt. Onward and upward my friends.  I will not stay down in the wallow.

Have a great and productive day (I plan on not doing much)

God is good

Kim

Friday, Stressful week!

 This was a not so frugal week!!! Between the dog and grandma not handling the stress well (grandma being me), I did not even try and not spend. I took the kids to MCd's on the way home at the cost of $14.00, I ran and got meds for my house for the baby (Kelsa) $12.00.  I went and got cheap Chinese last night, as I could not make my brain even think of cooking.  $24.00. I was bad.  I can't even post what Roscoe cost as typing it would send me over the edge.  All I can tell you is that next month's budget is shot, and I will have to be very, very good!

And you know what?  I am fine! I will be fine! It puts me behind a bit on my goals, but it does not destroy the plan. 

Today I am having a sister's lunch as a gift from Lil sis for my birthday. I was able to get that one wedding dress fitted and it has to be done by Monday, so that is what I will be doing after I get home from lunch.

Kelsa is much better.  No fever for 24 hours, just a runny nose and a lose cough.  Granma medicine is the best. I will have her Saturday into Sunday so the kids can have a sleep in.  Which they both need.

Frugal things I did this week.  Yes, there are a few!

1. Made a nice dinner for Aunty and cousin and Kay and Dan with what I had on hand.  Fried shrimp, French fries, asparagus, and left over salad.

2. Used the last of the French bread I made on Sunday into French toast for lunch.  Yum!

3. Aunty and I were tired and had cereal for dinner one night.  It was great!

4. turned off the heat for two days as the house was too hot even with the windows open.

5. finished the book for book club and will now loan it to someone else saving them money

6. Other than buying meds for Kelsa , I spent no money in stores.... well?????

7. I was able to complete another $1000 saving chart in spite of the week.

Not a great week, but then again you are going to have weeks like this.  Things happen often caused by our own stupidity and that is how we learn.  Dang it anyway.

But onward and upward my friend's  

Have you any plans for the weekend? I want to get outside weather depending.

Have a great and productive day!

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Recovering, almost...

 This is what happens when you dog gets sick, and you lose your mind.  I filled another chart on Monday, the same day I took Roscoe into the Vet.  Could not find the chart to take a picture because it was wrinkled in a trash can, along with my brain.  Anyway, I am onto chart #6 so that is a forward for me, even though it will be a backward for next month with the Vet bills. But I am okay, and Roscoe is getting better and better. He even came to beg at the table, so I think he is back to about normal.

Kelsa is sick with the croupy cold everyone else had last week.  She has run a fever for three nights but is fine other than coughing during the day.  I picked her up from home yesterday before I picked Will up from school.  She was running a fever of 101.8 and miserable. Signe' came to get kids about 5:30, I had no children's meds but ran and got some and had her spend the night here, that way Signe' would not have to deal with her alone into the evening and Nate could sleep in after his swing shift.  She is great today except for her cough.  Definitely cannot be in school. But she is happy to entertain herself.

I was able to get all the piles done yesterday and today have a bridal fitting at 2:00 I have a few more things to do on that dress before she gets here. Then I have another dress to start that I have ripped that will be ready to try on next Monday. The shop is full of prom dresses, and mother of the bride and I will start on that next week.  At least 12 dresses like that. I am blessed with work.

Yesterday was 84 degrees, I turned the furnace off and opened windows and the house is still 70, so nothing until that thermostat moves.  It will get colder again; in fact, it looks like we might get rain!

 I pulled the long runner I had outside on which that Roscoe had been sick, it was finally dry.  It is back in the hallway.  It sure cleaned up nice.  I hosed it off and then scrubbed it with a little green machine.  It dried in the sun the last two hot days, but I think it shrunk by an inch.  I have carpet stickies at each corner, and it is about an inch too short.  Of course, it may stretch as it lays down.  I wish I could stretch in length when I lay down.  I know I can stretch in girth. Where are those girl scout cookies? Sissie hid them from me again....

I just want to be out in the yard so bad, so I hope the weather gets nasty to keep me inside.  As I don't have a lot of will power when it comes to sunshine.

1. wedding dress alter sides

2. wedding dress alter sides

3. blue formal hem

4. there must be a 4 somewhere, or I am just ignoring the work.

5. I am ignoring the work...

I am reading a really good book for book club this month.  Thanks goodness.  It is called the Silent Patient.  It grabs you and sucks you in fast! 

It is Thursday and I have only spent about $30.00 this week, so I am doing well.  May it last!

Remember my" have a great and productive day" I think it is coming back.  That just popped into my head, and I haven't thought about that in so long.  Weird how the mind works! Does that mean I am healing?  I certainly hope so.

God is Good

Have a great and Productive day!

Kim

Wednesday, Hard day yesterday...

Really not sure what day that meme meant, but it sums up mt feelings.  Roscoe is/was a very sick boy!

I thought I was going to lose him yesterday and spent the morning in agony. But he is slowly starting to recover.  The vet called and she did not seem to be worried by his behavior.  I did not understand that the pill she sent home was a strong sedative, that would make him lethargic and very groggy and slow moving.  It is so he can heal and not vomit, but boy does it take a hit on his usual silly cheerful self.

I had a hard time focusing on anything due to worry. I spent most of my time outside weeding the yard and anything I could find, just to physically be doing something. I do not like to sew when I am upset.  I need to move when I am upset. It was a beautiful day, about 70 degrees.

I think today will be nice also and I have to stay inside and sew.  I mean I have to. Also need to pick the kids up from school today. SO, I will get a nice ride in the sunshine.

Our cousin goes home today, and Aunty will miss her.  I am going to Aunty busy on a project of some kind. Need to fill her days.  

I feel like I have been on a dead run for this month and maybe I have!  I feel the need to slow down a little and enjoy life but also pay attention to the business and get some work done. I think I need my Sissie to take action! Poor Sissie, she always has me to contend with. (And vice versa)

I have one lone daffodil blooming in the flower bed.  But many more coming up, can't wait until they are all in bloom.

Sissie was so tired yesterday.  She is just worn out, entertaining, which she has taken the brunt of, due to Roscoe's illness.  I cooked dinner last night and cleaned up, although she tried to help with the clean-up.  She just needed a big break. I hope she takes a few days to just rest.  Well,😆😇 if I let her.

Roscoe is sleeping at my feet, in the shop.  He is normally not allowed in here, but exceptions are being made.  He will probably use this for the rest of his life.

Now I have to get to work, and I really don't want to.  That is the hardest part about running your own business.  The discipline it takes to work when you are not beholden to anyone but the client. 

Anyway, I am off!

God is good

Kim

Monday, Happy Birthday Sissie

 

Sissie has a birthday today, which also means I have a birthday today but just remember she is OLDER!

It was a rip-roaring weekend.  We are both so tired but still going somewhat strong. Everything was a success.  Aunty loved her surprise party!  We reunited with all the girls we went to Hawaii with last year.  Everyone wore pink, and we had lots of kids. They played with the chicks and ate candy, it was just so fun.

Roscoe (my dog) is sick with something and if he doesn't improve soon, we will be making a trip to the Vet. I am thinking it is just an upset stomach from a bone we gave him.  Stupid us! We will see, but I am certainly tired of cleaning up after him.  I have learned my lesson.  He is such a beggar, with those big brown eyes. I probably deserve the Vet bill for being so stupid.

My relatives from Southern Idaho were fun to visit with. I did fine playing the piano for choir.  You practice a piece for two months to get it perfect and then it is over in three minutes. Onto the next piece, which I have also been practicing for the last month.  We will sing this on Easter Sunday.

The dog got sick last night on Sissie's side of the bed (she stayed the night).  She thought he had sneezed, but I knew better.  Anyway, here it is 11:30 at night and I am looking for things to clean up the mess and she hollers," do you have any spot shot carpet cleaner?"  No but I do have a fine Ant spray! That is now the family joke.

Well, I am going to spend some of my birthday cleaning carpet!  How fun is that?

This week's goals.

1. Survive the week

2. spend as little as possible

3. no eating out

4. Get a couple of piles done 

5. get two wedding dress ready for fittings

6. Hopefully work on the garden area.

God is good!

Kim

Friday, Frugal Friday

 Here it is Friday again and the week goes by so fast.  But then again, I was busy and that always makes time fly. Slept terrible last night, don't know why.

Anyway, up and changing sheets and doing housework.  Had my piano lesson and I think I am ready for Sunday.  Well, I had better be! 

Sissie and I put away St. Pat's decorations and put out Easter. Almost all of it is my mother's, as I am not one to buy much.  Although I drool every time I enter home goods.  If I was wealthy, I swear I would turn into a consumer's consumer, so probably a blessing I am not.

Made chicken salad this morning, so that is off my list, and I also made the frogeye salad that will stay in fridge until tomorrow.

Valerie our cousin arrived early at the airport, and I have not seen her yet, as I had a client.  So, I ran Dan a chicken salad croissant sandwich, as he is home with his very swollen leg up. I think I broke him. E gads! The troops went out to lunch, and I skipped that. Trying really hard to not eat out and it is hard with this group.  I know we (they) are going out tomorrow for lunch.  I may not make that either.

Joel's cousin just called, and they are an hour away. I still have the pillow shams to the spare room in the dryer.  I have everything set out for the things I have to make this weekend. I did go to the grocer last night to buy bread, and milk, one package of Jello, and some pudding mix, and cool whip. Also ice cream on a loss leader for $1.97 tub, limit 2. Total came to $33.16 both stores. But I was so blessed to have almost everything on hand.  Hoorah for a working pantry!

Hoping to catch a short nap before cousins get here.  Have no idea what the sisters have planned for this afternoon, just know dinner is at Lil sis's.

Frugal Friday:

1. Ate pizza out this week, so one eat out but used a coupon!

2. planned entire weekend food around what I have saved a ton of money

3. Sissie, filled my car with gas as she uses it so much

4. Was able to get 40 building bricks from Sissie's house to complete walkway.

5. Shopped loss leaders, strawberries, ice cream, soda, fruit

6. turned heat down some as house gets too hot, but not ready to turn off yet.

7.  Either I cooked dinner or Sissie cooked saving us time and trouble.

8.  Was able to put $1500 on my savings goal, so total so far is $1900 of the $2000 I am pretty stoked!

I so hope I sleep better tonight as tomorrow will be a busy day.

What are you weekend plans!  Anything fun?  I hope so.

God is good

Kim

Thursday, making plans with Sissie

 This is Slugs and I, the general mis-behavior part for sure.

Our cousin (Aunties oldest daughter) comes in tomorrow at noon, so Sissie is all stirred up for her arrival. I am like so?  Well, I will be happy to see her, but not enough to get myself in a twist. I also have Joel's cousin and his wife and his 94 years old Aunt coming to stay for 2 nights.  So, our Aunty will go to Kay's, while I host Joel's relatives.

There is a lot of cooking going on planning meals and such. I told Sissie, let me be in charge of things, so you don't have so much to think about.  Here is a list of things that will have to be done this weekend.

1. Aunties 90 birthday celebration on Sunday afternoon.

a. cupcakes (brought by friend)

b. trifle  (I will make)

c. Ice cream (I will buy)

c. assorted candy (I will buy)

d. chocolate covered strawberries (I will make)

e. table ware and balloons (Sissie)

f.  small water bottles (Sissie)

The theme is all pink and everyone to wear pink!

Then I must make a frog eye salad, for my great nephew's birthday and baptism on Saturday. I will also Make a big breakfast for everyone on Saturday morning, of overnight waffles, sausage and eggs.

Saturday evening, I will make homemade scones for breakfast the next morning as we all take off for church and some for home.  I just want something they can grab and go out the door with, that will sustain them.  Saturday evening, I must also make a strawberry cake mix in a jelly roll pan and some strawberry Jello in a jelly roll pan.  This will go into the trifle.  Sunday for the party.

When I get home from church, I will throw together some French bread and put together the trifle. There is a large pan of stuffed shells in the freezer and Sissie will make a large, tossed salad. We will serve this after the party for those who want a meal later in the evening.

It is a lot to think about and coordinate. Also, Sissie wants chicken salad made for croissants.  I just made four huge chicken breasts last night and we have 3 left over so "wala" I just have to purchase some fresh celery.

Entertaining can be expensive, but we planned everything around loss leaders and what I had or I should say we have on hand.

I have the Jello, strawberry jam, strawberry cake mix, on hand. Strawberries fresh were a loss leader this week, and so is ice cream and cool whip. I must buy some vanilla pudding, cool whip and the marked down strawberries. $2.67 for 2 lbs that is a deal.

Then the frog eye salad, I have everything but one can of mandarin oranges and cool whip.

I will need to buy sausage for our breakfast, and I have the chocolate to dip the strawberries, so really very little out of pocket expense. Just having to keep straight what needs to be made when!!!!

I have sewing to do today.  It must be done, as I don't know how much I can get done tomorrow.

1. 5 pairs of pants, taken in or out, and 7 shirts tailored darts in back

2. mend Velcro on army uniform and put emblem on a hat

3. alter three exercise jumpsuits.

4.mend a sheet for Sissie

If I can get this done today, I will be so happy. Then to the grocer for the few things I need to get through the weekend.

My head is in a whirl with the plans! I am sure Sissie's is worse.  But one thing at a time and the one thing now is sewing.

God is good

Kim

 

Wednesday, Slow down!

 I think I spend more time in the whatever phase.  Sissie is in the overthinking. We are twins split down the middle.

Worked in the yard yesterday and we are almost done with the long walk.  Just have three shorter walks to go.  I should be able to do those myself.  I think? Anyway, worn out and opted to order pizza last night and it was good!

Also paid an additional $1000 to a goal so I treated myself to Pizza!  Tonight, I am making chicken fingers, mash potatoes and veg.

Signe' picked us up at about 9:30 to go to Verizon as my phone has been giving me fits with the volume.  She also wanted to get Aunty a new I pad for her birthday!  Turns out all my gardening and rock cleaning (remember last year) has filtered so much dust into iPhone speakers. I always carry my iPhone in my topmost overall pocket and wear bib overalls about 4-5 days a week.  Well, when I come in from all my outdoor projects I am covered by a fine layer of dust.  My washcloth tells me so.  This has filtered into the upper pocket. Resulting in iPhone replacement.  But Signe' purchased it for me for my Birthday!  We also got a good deal as my iPhone was under a warranty.  But they had never heard of this kind of malfunction. I am blessed!

Dan is out finishing the walk, and I want to be outside so bad, But NO! After we did the iPhone, we went to Home Depot for my cedar boards for the garden. Signe' dropped me off at the nail place to get my monthly nails done and then went and unloaded the 12-8-foot boards and ran to Wal mart for a new screen protector and case for the new phone. Then back to pick me up.  It was a whirlwind morning.  Now home to get some sewing done, I hope. I hope a lot you notice.

I really have to sew today but want to be outside. OUTSIDE is calling me!!!!!

I have book club tonight on I think the stupidest book I have ever read, or it is a close second.  But I love the comradery. 

I play in church this weekend, so practicing has become paramount. Not that I don't try and sneak in a practice daily, I am just concentrating on smoothing out the snags.

I am so glad many of you let me know that you feel the weight of larger projects, so I don't feel so overwhelmed and alone.  Have to keep reminding myself it will be worth it.

Well, I am off to get at least three piles done!  Hurrah! for the piles said no one ever.

God is good

Kim  

Tuesday, Another chart

 Completed another chart last night after two brides left and then I high tailed it to the sofa and stayed there until midnight snoozing and then went to bed.  Woke up early this morning feeling great.

I am not going to sew today, as I just need a break.  The sprinkler guys were just here, and I got the info I needed on the new garden beds. I am at a standstill out there until I get more info from my head Contractor (Dan).

I need the kids to come with the truck to help me get the boards I need to finish the garden beds. Putting this garden in is a frustrating business, but I am sure it will be worth it.

The kids were so excited about the chicks.  Kelsa was a little scared at first but warmed up eventually. Chicks seem to be thriving and will stay in the garage under lights until they have all their pin feathers.

I should have a good chunk of change to put toward this month's savings goal. I really want to complete it if I can.  I have one more large goal and then just taxes for the year and tithing for the year.  I have to work hard to keep all these accounts up.  Eventually, I will be on a more even keel, I hope. I pray.

Do you ever start a large project and then say why did I do this?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Happy St. Patrick's

 Happy St Patrick's Day to you all! We celebrated yesterday, and I am beat! Sissie, was a big help, and so was Dan, but as usual, by the time dinner was ready I could not eat, (except for dessert) and I am not feeling well today.  Just very weak and tired.  But still plugging along.

I pulled out the corned beef I had frozen on Saturday and after church I started them in a boil. The first one just smelled so bad.  Like nauseating.  After getting all three tips in water the smell of them boiling was putrid.  I pulled them and Sissie ran to the store and bought the last three they had, and I started over.  But I was off my feed from then on.  I remember Joel getting so sick on bad corned beef.  They packages will go back and I will get my money back. Not a way to start a dinner for others.

Saturday, I was trying to finish cleaning the kitchen and I pulled out my stainless-steel cleaner to polish the appliances. By the way hate stainless steel but it was here with the house. It is a pain.  I sprayed away and started to polish, and it has a strange caustic smell, but this was so strong, and I was coughing, pretty soon everyone coughing. But it polished beautifully, Then I went to put polish away and realized it was Ant Killer.  The cans are similar color.  We had a good, horrified laugh and had to completely reclean all kitchen surfaces.  Then polish with regular polish and they really do work the same and smell a lot alike, just missing the nerve agent. So, if you run out of stainless-steel polish put on a gas mask and use Ant killer.  Stay tuned for more cleaning tips from Kim!

Friday after I was done sewing and I mean I was DONE!  I went outside and Dan and I set this sidewalk up.  It took about 4 hours of backbreaking digging.  I love how it looks.  Now I have 3 more to do. SO Much work! But the free stones are perfect,

Saturday, I spent at Sissies working in her yard.  We cleaned out a shady area on one side of her house.  It was hard but not as hard as Friday.  It is nice to work together.  It is motivating and Dan can do the grunt work.  We do the step and fetch, which I am good at.

I have a wedding dress to finish today, all that is left is the hem.  But it was a toughie.  Signe' has this week off and is here as she had a doctor's appointment and has a bad sinus infection.  She is in my bed, and I will go pick up the kids at school as she has another appointment at 3.  They will get to see their chicks today. 

Have two more brides picking up after 5 today and then I am going to collapse for at least a day.  I am done in I tell you. I think we might have killed Sissie. Witches are hard to kill, but I am pretty sure I saw her feet curl up under the foundation of the house this morning.

Goals for the week:

1. at least 3 no spend days if not more

2. try and pay a good chunk on my next goal for the month

3. complete another 1000 chart

4. try not to eat out at all

5. try not and spend any money

6. get a little more rest

May the road Always Rise to meet you!

God is good

Kim 

Friday, Not so Frugal Friday

 Well, the week was not so frugal, as I picked up chicks and chick food.  Bought things for St Patrick's day, stocked up on a few loss leaders at the store.  But all worth it!

I was able to get three wedding dresses done and ready to go out the door in 3.5 hours yesterday which is about my limit for sewing anymore.  If I work longer, I get back and shoulder pain.  So, I make myself stop.

Worked out in the garden area for 1.5 hours last evening but was having trouble keeping my lines straight.  Dan came up and ran a plumb line.  Something I should have done.

I am making shrimp tonight with artichokes and asparagus. All those lovely veggies you get in the spring and can't afford any other time of the year.

Sissie is fighting to get Aunties meds and she is in an uproar as she hates people wasting her time, and don't we all? Poor Sissie!

I am excited to work in the yard today and I hope to get to Sissie's tomorrow to help in their yard. I love to be outside.

Frugal Friday

1. one no spend day Thanks goodness for the Sabbath!

2. saved over 80.00 at the grocery store on loss leaders.  Although I spent $60  so was that a savings?

3. refused to go out for meals when asked 3 different times, big savings

4. ate out of pantry

Not much of a list this week, but I did get 4 wedding dresses done and I have one more to go that I will finish Monday.  The season is heating up.

What did you do this week to save?  I hope you did better than I!

God is good

Kim 

Thursday, Got chicks! Sissie meltdown...

 I think wandering around saying Who cares! helps a bit, don't you?

Sissie in an uproar.  Too many things going on at once. Remember, I raised 3 kids, ran a dance studio with 120 students, had a husband that tried to help in his own way, and we were busy, busy.  I mean busy to the point of crazy.  This went on for years and years.  I know it contributed to my illness. But I did it.  I just took each day as it came and worked as hard as I could.  I did not worry about the next week or the next show. I lined things up in my mind and always awoke with the same thought.  What can I get done today?

I don't love being uber busy, but it does not bother me in the short term.  Again, what can I get done today. I had to talk Miss dooms day off a cliff. Sissie always lists the worst-case scenarios on everything she does.  But, what if?  But what if?  Okay Chicken Little, I am done.  What are you going to get done today?

We just have a completely different way of looking at stress. I go to bed, say my prayers, thank the Lord for what I was able to do and ask for the strength to get through tomorrow. The catering job I agreed to do on the weekend when all hell is breaking lose is now gone.  I called my friend, and we went over other options, and I sent her all the recipes.  We have catered this menu together many times, she will be fine going solo.  It is just fun to get together and do a project.  We will do it again someday but not over the weekend of the 22nd of March!

I was able to get two wedding dresses done yesterday, and I am onto another two.  I really want to get all the sewing done today so I can work in the yard tomorrow.  But we will see. Here is my list!

1. press wedding dress finished

2. hem and do hand work and bustle and press another wedding dress

3. re alter the bust and bustle and press another wedding dress

4. Finish the inside of a wedding dress and get it ready to cut hem to length(might wait until Monday)

5. hem a pair of jeans

6. alter three items for a client.

Okay on your mark get set go!

Dan and I loaded 14 blocks from their landscaping to the back of my car and I want to get those unloaded and start on my sidewalk.  But not until most of the above work is done!

See how I bribe myself with something I want to do... It works for me.

Say a prayer for Sissie as she lowers her blood pressure.

Oh, by the way I was able to get CHICKS!!!!!! Kids will be so excited Monday.

God is good

Kim 

Wednesday, Cabbage for sale!

 I need so many life lessons right now!  The kids and I went to get chicks yesterday and they were sold out in two hours. You cannot get chicks here.  I will have to get up at 6 tomorrow and wait in line to see if more come in.  My grandkids were so disappointed.  We set up the baby coop and got all ready for baby chicks. They were so good yesterday so I could get my sewing done and then we would go get our chicks.  They had even named them.  This is now my mission, and I have so many other things I need to mission about!

Went and bought 8.69 worth of cabbage today, as it was on sale for .69 a lb. versus $1.69 a pound.  I mean really, we have come to the point in our economy that we have to stock up on cabbage. Who knew?

Yesterday I was able to do three second fittings and I have another one today.  Then I will be hell bent to finish all of these by next week.  I so badly want to get out in the yard.  Thank goodness the weather is not cooperating. Making it easier for me to stay inside.

So today is hand work on at least two dresses. Hoping to get two finished and maybe a third. I know I have to have three finished my next Monday.  So, much for the luck of the Irish.

I am feeling overwhelmed right now and I don't like it.  I need to calm myself down and realize that there is only so much I can do and prioritize.  All things will get done and this feeling will pass. I don't really know what is causing this anxiety. Well, I do, it is the news.  I am going to have to cut myself off from social media.  Just too much flip flopping and threatening. There is nothing I can do. I have written those who need to know my opinion for what it is worth, I need to let go!

How many of you are suffering from the news drama?

God is Good

Kim

Tuesday, Loading more brick!

 Well, yesterday did not go as planned.  I had planned on sewing all day, but Nathan came to town with the truck to help Dan load up the brick at Lil Sis's house.  Of course I went with them.  This is about 2 tons of fireplace brick.  Best part about it.  It was FREE! It took us two loads to get it here.  This is how I will be building my sidewalks between flower beds. I am so excited.  It took us about 2 hours to get this done.  I know Nate took the brunt, although Dan and I were sore.  But we are older!

Then home to get to work on wedding dresses.  One is ready for a fitting, and I have two more to complete. I am hoping to get those done in the next couple of hours as the grandkids are here today because well no school.  They want to go pick out chicks.  I told them they could each have two and they have already named them. So funny.

I have three bridal second fitting tomorrow and those are the dresses I am working on. After the fittings it will be time to get them finished! I have plenty to do.

I was waiting for a sale on cabbage for St. Patty's Day and sure enough there is one on cabbage and red spuds. I am going to buy several cabbages.  I love cabbage and it is so expensive. Also have to get a bag of limes to make a key lime pie!

Sissie, Dan and Aunty are out to the Veterans lunch today.  There is a restaurant that offers a free lunch to any Veteran one-day a month. Dan and Kay take advantage.

So, I need to hem two more layers of this wedding dress to call it ready to fit and then the other one I have not even started.  Ugh!  So much to do.

Sew guess what is next?  You got it.  Kim has to get to work. This is the part that is hard.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Yard work weekend!

 This is the kind of chair I need in the morning. I think it might help with my get up and get it done.  What do you think?

It was a lovely weekend, and I worked way too hard in the yard.  Loved every minute of it.  Do not like the results it left on my body, telling me that I need to move more.

Dan came over with Sissie, and he spent all day burning around the lot.  All the weeds are down, and I am so grateful. It looks so much better.

While Dan was busy setting the world on fire, I was building a new platform into the garden space I am creating. This fence gate kept getting stuck on dirt and needed to be larger.  So, I took some of the bricks Sissie complained about helping me load a few weeks ago and cleaned them with a hammer and then dug out the dirt and laid them for a new walkway into the garden area.  This was a massive amount of work. Kelsa helped me and she was so cute. And she actually helped.  I would clear an area and them tell her to scoop out the extra dirt while I went to the brick pile and cleaned a couple of bricks.  She did an amazing job.

 Clearing this rock back took the better part of the day.  All work on my hands and knees.  Of course, the underlayment is going bad and thick weeds had come up and needed to be dug out. The large brick the is there is from Kay and Dan's place.  They will be getting rid of a whole slew of these, and I will use them to build trench for the stones.  I will also lay new ground cloth.  I found a ton of different ground cloth rolls left by the old owners.  It was in the rafters of the large shed.  I still have to go the Kay and Dan's and load the stones.  But that is for another day.

My pile of free brick is shrinking, but this shows you how much cement was still on the little buggers.  You have to take a hammer and tap, tap, tap until it comes off to clean the brick.  It is slow, but free!

This entire area will be garden, and the clothesline will be moved to the back of the house. I want paths in-between beds to make weeding easier. The soil here is very, very, clay like so I am making at least 3 beds, and they have to be deep to avoid the clay layer. A good three inches of this soil will be lifted and discarded.  Then. brick or stone paths laid, and garden beds built and filled with decent soil.  I can make my own soil as we did with the 100-foot flower bed we made when we moved in.  So much work but much less expensive than buying bagged soil.  I will likely have to have topsoil delivered.

Lil Sis just tore down a large outdoor fireplace and the brick from that is lovely.  The boys, Dan and Nathan will go load it up and bring it here.  I think we will have more than enough to lay all the paths.  But the work.  Ugh!  Thank goodness I enjoy this kind of work.

I am trying to do as much as I can with free finds from relatives and Facebook.  I know I will have to spend on materials for beds and soil. Every little bit that I can do myself and that I can obtain free will help. This area will be blocked off to keep deer and rabbits out!

Dan burned out along the fence line, and I am so grateful not to have to fight the tall weeds that were growing along the snake fencing. So nice to have this done.  But both of us were just wrecked physically buy working all day.  Using muscles we hadn't used in a while. Oil can!

I have already fitted one wedding dress, today that I will need to have done by next Monday. I have another that I will finish today, and I have two more that I want to have ready for fitting done by this evening.  That will only leave me one more to get ready to fit this week. I really want to get outside again and work but alas must stay in the shop.

I hate leaving a project. I am so excited!  It is rainy today so that helps keep me inside.  Really, I don't mind working in a light rain as it is cooler and removing clay soil is back breaking sweaty work.

I need to go price the things I will have to buy for the garden beds. 

Now I am off to sew!!!

What did you guys do this weekend?  Was it fun?

God is good

Kim 

Friday, Frugal Friday and taxes are in!

 It is frugal Friday my friends and I know you are all on pins and needles waiting to read my frugalishious doings... Am I right?

Also got those dang taxes in this morning.  Told the accountant they would be in this week, so I skated in on Friday.  Per usual, procrastinating as I went.

 I really want to get out in the yard today and cull out all the tumbleweeds in the lower pasture.  I will throw them over the fence into the city easement. Tumble weeds are treacherous, as they can give you hundreds of slivers if you try and pick one up.  They should be called porcupine weeds.  I will wear gloves and long sleeves. There is just so much yard work to do and this is the beginning of a very long list.

Sissie made a peach pie yesterday that was to die for.  She and Dan are coming up here for fish chowder in honor of Lent.  I took my piano teacher a large diet coke from McD's for my act of kindness today. She loves DC almost as much as I do. If you get on their app, you can get a diet coke for $1.  I will not let myself use it, but I will do it for a gift!

I was able to get all my zippers done yesterday. Next week is going to be hell, as I have 5 wedding dresses that will have fittings and must be ready.  Ugh!  So happy I have the piles under control.

Okay what has Kim done this last week to save money?

1. believe it or not 5 no spend days!

2. bought gas out on the reservation and saved .30 cents a gallon

3. still eating out of the freezer and pantry

4. Spent $62.00 on monthly grocery shop

5. Went to a discount store for corned beef that had a special where you got 3.00 per bag, making the product less than 3.00 a lb. spent $42.00. Eggs there were 3.99 a dozen. 

6. Went to Joanns, bought several spools of thread 40% off.  Colors I use all the time.

7. cooked all meals at home or ate with Sissie.

8. Made a chocolate cake and homemade icing for Schmills birthday so delicious. 

9. Ate out once and Sissie treated, we shared a burger.

10. made two homemade lasagna and stuffed shells from freezer and pantry.  Cheese already in fridge

11. made two large loaves of homemade French bread.  Would have paid over 7 dollars if bought at a store.

12. Was able to take $400 to the bank to pay toward my financial goal this month.  Only $1500 more to go!

I am hoping there is a sale on red potatoes and cabbage this next week. 

Well, I am off to get some yard work done, I think.  It will depend on how cold it is when I start working, but I think I will be warm enough.

What did you do this week to save money?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Conquering the piles!

This is the story of my life. I thought it would be easy.... Yuck, yuck!

Finally, I was able to get a pile done that has been lurking here forever.  So proud to me!

I am headachy and my shoulder joints hate me.  It has been my right shoulder for about a month and now the left shoulder has decided to join the circus that is Kim's arthritic body. Very painful and hard to sleep.  Not happy about it, will weather on, as usual.  Just need to complain a little. 

Oh yes, I was going to do taxes today.  I just remembered.  Drat that memory! But before I tackle the taxes, I need to replace 4 zippers or add zippers or something to do with a zipper.  Then hem a pair of jeans and believe it or not the piles are done.  Then onto dresses.

If you are inclined to post your kind deeds in my comments feel free.  We don't have to tell all but I think knowing what we are doing in a few small ways will encourage and give all of us ideas on what we can do for others. A simple smile can suffice, or a sincere thank you. 

Kay took Auntie shopping for supplies yesterday.  I think they had fun. Aunty came home and took a nap.  She is enjoying her TV and netflix.  So easy to please. This is probably why she has lived to the ripe old age of 90!

I am looking at the tax basket with and evil eye right now.  Like maybe I can incinerate it with my stare.  SO far that is not working, so I am going to remove it to the kitchen table.  Out of site out of mind. I have been trying that with Joel for over two years now and it isn't working with him either..

On with the comedy show Kim calls LIFE!

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Lent begins! Happy Ash Wednesday!

 So: Lent begins. I remember as a child I always gave up candy and it was so hard.  Some of my Catholic friends are fasting today and will attend Ash Wednesday services. When I was teaching Irish dance my company kids would come in for rehearsals with ashes on their foreheads and by the end of class, they would all have the ashes in their neck creases. Good memories if all those little bodies traipsing in... miss those days.

But I have now heard from several sources about doing some kind of kind deed for every day of Lent.  It does not have to be announced or reported.  Just think of how we could all change the world just a little with a kind deed for 40 days!  Just a little sunshine in your little corner of the universe. I know I am going to do this.  It is easy, it will be fun.  This does not have to be costly or grand.  Just a kindness.  Who is with me on this?  Anyone? Anyone? 40 acts of kindness times as many of us that want to participate. Thoughts?

Aunty is here!  She was one of the last off the plane and we were starting to worry.  But then a tall good looking gentle man came out of the plane leading a small woman with a bright pink vest on and it was the Aunty!  He helped her into the hanger and told us how delighted he was to sit with her.  She is a hoot!  We took her to lunch and then home for a long nap.  Woke her at supper.  She is out right now with Sis.  The are getting supplies and who knows what else.

She has lost ground and is feebler and a little more unstable.  Her hearing is very bad, and I wish there was something we could do.  But you have to live near your hearing doctor, so our hands are tied. Unless we could get her to live with us.  I don't know the answer.

Made two large loaves of French bread yesterday to go with Sissies spag sauce.  I am going up to Will and Kelsa's to pick them up from school and stay through dinner time.  Kindergarten reg.  is this evening and Signe' has to go, and Nate is at work.  I am taking up a pan of stuffed shells and a loaf of bread for dinner. So, I have to be out the door by 2:15 that means I have to get my sewing done now.

Also, I have to get taxes done tomorrow, as I promised my accountant I would have them in this week, UGH!  

But I did get several of my seedling transplanted to bigger pots.  I did the sunflowers, and the pumpkins. The rest were not really ready.  Will wait a few more weeks! My alyssum is doing well.  I have never planted it before, as I thought it was too delicate, but it is so easy. I am excited to see if I can add that to my list of plants to sow.,

Lots to do today, so I had better get going!

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Auntie arrives!

 Auntie arrives at noon today, and I still have to scrub the floors.  But I will get it done. I am excited. Sissie and I have so many plans.

The birthday was a success. Will loved his cake but ate very little, too much sushi.  He was so sweet when he came over to me and said, "Thank you Grandma." without even getting a prompt from parents. 

I will get some sewing done when we get home from the airport. Just want all the piles done before the end of the week.  Then if I can just keep up with them as the dresses come in, I might stay ahead of the game.  But then again who is fooling who here?😇

I need to transplant seedlings all ready.  The plug tray is too small for them. So, I think I will try and get that done sometime today. I have sunflowers, and pumpkins that are ready to go into their own shoes so to speak. I grow giant sunflowers for the birds.

I am still not seeing any death or destruction where I spent three hours spraying last weekend. I am beginning to think it was all in vain.  Oh, I hope not. So much yard work to do and I need to make a plan on how it is going to get done.  Actually, when is it going to get done. Probably should make a master list like I did last year and start checking things off.  But there are so many large projects in the yard that I am afraid to for fear I will get discouraged.  I think I will insist on help from the kids.  Doesn't that sound like a great plan?

Well, my mop bucket awaits me. That kitchen floor will not scrub itself.  Thank goodness it is small. Now the hardwoods I will use a mop much easier. This has been put off for a long time.  I am good at putting things off.

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone.  Sissie is already planning the Friday fish meals. I think the Lenten season is good for everyone. No matter what your take on religion is, when you give something up to better the world you really can never be in the wrong.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Will's Birthday! Another chart!

 I completed another chart so onto #4 which I hope to complete before the end of the month. This always gives me a boost. It is also a good way to start the month!

We as in Sissie and I are really deep cleaning the house as Aunty arrives tomorrow at noon. I have done her room, and her bath.  I changed the sheets, washed all the blankets, emptied drawers in both the bed and the bath.  There is a pretty candle burning and Sissie is going to get a bouquet of flowers. It will be perfect.  I have to put out the luggage rack.

I am in the middle of cleaning my bedroom and bath.  I have the sheets changed but still need to dust and vacuum. Sissie is cleaning the fridge, and I need to vacuum the sofa and finish the family room and front room.

It is William's 9th birthday, so everyone is coming here after lessons. Signe' is bringing sushi, and I need to make a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  Trying to decide if I will do a sheet cake or a two layer.

We are not going to do the floors until tomorrow, as I am a messy cook! Plus, all the people eating and partying. 

I have to get the taxes done this week, as I promised the accountant I would get them in before Friday.  Ugh! On top of that I have at least 3 wedding dresses to get ready for fittings and of course the piles. I am grateful Sissie is here so she can help entertain Aunty, not that she needs to be entertained, but I do have this shop to run, and I don't want to neglect her. Aunty loves her room and her TV.  She has such fun watching Netflix. 

So here is the list for today:

1. make a chocolate cake and frost

2. vacuum and dust family room, also sofa and furniture

3. dust and vacuum front room, all the instruments 

4. Alter a wedding dress for a fitting.

5. mend a shirt

6. sew around a shawl

7. mend two jeans and replace a zipper

8. put zippers up the side of three pairs of pants for a client that is wearing a cast

9. Have a party of the Schmills!

I just so want all the piles done and I really need to concentrate on this, so I don't get behind. Now how am I going to kick my butt to do this is the next dilemma. I just have to keep reminding myself about that $2000.00 goal I want to pay into, and I will likely get busy.  Kim is always motivated by money.

What motivates you? 

God is good

Kim

Saturday, March 1st! New goals!

 It is a new month, and Kim has some new goals! I certainly want to do better than last month, which was basic survival, mostly due to my inaction.

I was able to do three tankfuls of spray yesterday.  So, I hope that will do the trick on the rockery areas.  It remains to be seen.  A lot of work if it doesn't work let me tell you!

Today I went grocery shopping and spent 115.00.  Twice as much as last month, but I bought things for upcoming birthday dinners and celebrations with family that will occur this month. 

Spent the afternoon making a large pan of lasagna, and a pan of stuffed shells.  Also sent a small lasagna home with Braunwyn.  It is William's birthday on Monday, and we plan on celebrating after lessons.  I don't know if I need to make a cake or not.  Will find out. Used up two boxes of pasta, and 6 cans from pantry, two packages of burger from freezer.

The two pans of Italian went into the freezer for later this month. I am wiped out.  Kelsa is here for the night, and I will only be running into church for choir practice as this cough and cold are lingering. SO many are sick, and I just don't want to give this to anyone.  I will wear a mask.

I still have way too much food in the pantry and freezers, (and now more) so I am doing another pantry challenge.  No food spending if I can help it.

1. No spend for food, use up pantry.  Can't believe I am going on the third month!

2. no eating out unless absolutely necessary, like Sister's lunch? Missionary dinner?

3. No spend days at least 15 

4. Pay into another savings account to complete a savings goal.  I will need close to $2000.00 if I can do this, I will have only one more large goal for the year.

5. Get taxes done

6. get spraying done 

7. get new garden space tilled and ready to plant.

8. Remove all steppingstones from yard and fill holes with dirt

9. get bottom rockery cleaned up for season.

Well, we will see how this list pans out at the end of the month.  Now I just have to make it happen and that is the hard part.😇

What goals do you have for the month?

God is good

Kim