Grandma's Story

I wanted to let all of you know how much your stories and comments meant to me. Thank you! As we all travel this journey of life there will be special people who direct us and influence our way of thinking. Grandma Emma did just that, as did everyone else that has gone before us. Each in their own way. Strength, wisdom, kindness, love, and of course chocolate chip cookies and wine. These common threads are what bind us together as families and friends for our own special journey. So as today emerges, let us remember the past, but also look forward to the future knowing that something we do today in our journey will be remembered or perhaps make a positive difference in someones life. Whatever you do on this monday.... Enjoy the time.

Living Frugal...continued

Just was reminded by grandson Jim.... Grandmas favorites: Cookies, Jam and Wine. She made all of those with her special talent. We all enjoyed them, especially the chocolate chip cookies. She also made a date and honey cookie that was so delicious. She didn't start making wine till she was I believe in her seventies. Grape, raspberry, blackberry and even some rhubarb were her special blends. She enjoyed this hobby! We could always fine many small glass jars filled with jam and jelly in her pantry area. She made it every year. Very yummy on toast. She was very creative with her canning also. Apples, pears, cherries, and frozen berries too. She indeed was a homemaker. All of us learned...

Living Frugal

Yes, it is time for me to write this. I've been thinking of different people who influenced my life for many reasons. One special person is my Grandma Emma. I always referred to her as grandma. She was a person with many special talents and gifts. I learned so many lessons in life from her. How to trim fruit trees, freeze produce, recycle just about everything but mostly how to be frugal. She had grown up in a time without having the convenience of shopping at every store. The stores didn't exist. Doctors and dentists were far between. Even when the pandemic flu of 1918 arrived, she made it with little more than hot strong coffee with some liquor in it. As did her brother Halvard and sister Agnes. They grew up in a time where recycling wasn't fashionable, it was a necessity. She carried these ideas with her when she left Norway for the USA. A big challenge to arrive in a new country and not able to speak the language, she learned. She was brave and met the challenges of the new world. She could do almost anything she had to. She cooked, raised a lovely garden, sewed, took care of the cows and chickens, helped neighbors, but never did drive a car. Can't quite figure that out, but she worked around that. She was a quiet and kind person one could always depend on. She loved all of us reading this today. I miss her and the old fashioned way she lived her life. I would love to hear her voice again, saying Uff da....... She made my life better. I have a good life because she cared.

Healthy Soil on Earth Day

As Earth Day  approaches we all need to think about how we can be better stewards of the land. Some say it doesn't matter, but as we look thru history books, it does. My favorite idea for 2010 is to make our soil of this earth better. Giving new plants a better environment to grow in and on is simple and easy. Enough water, mulch, compost, lessening the evaporation and erosion and essential nutrients will provide a hospitable soil to grow anything and everything. As time goes by we will need more places to provide adequate food growth. So take this thought with you: Why not grow some of your own fruits and vegetables this year? It doesn't take long to plant, grow and harvest a crop. To eat fresh, frozen or canned produce from an organic source is very rewarding for our overall well being. Simple living is a mix of art and science! Make 2010 a year to do something good for yourself and mother earth. She needs us as much as we need her! Happy Earth Day to all...

Organic Cotton Clothing

Organic cotton apparel is good for the environment and good for our well being also. Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or harsh fertilizers in many places in the world. It is being used more and more and with more being produced and sold the price is getting better all the time. Affordable, durable, stays soft wash after wash. We have choices to make when we spend our shopping dollars, for me I like the organics in clothing and food . This weekend I noticed that Walmart has a bargain with their brand of organic T-shirts for the entire family, only $5.00 per shirt. A good value these days, simple living at its best!

Today

This is a day that I wait for all year. The blue sky, sunshine, warmth, the green leaves coming forth with all of their splendor. The daffodils stretching towards the light. The neighbors outdoors enjoying this blessing we refer to as Spring. My ever favorite time of year! I wouldn't trade being anywhere else on this special day or season. I can become a true believer of life on this day! Simple living at its best! Enjoy!

Word for Today:

Word for today:pollen

Word for Today:

Word for today: Gardening...

Word for Today:

Word for today: Happy...

Government $75.00 Rebate

Well, another day is here. I awoke to a bunch of brown water oozing from my worn out refrigerator. Decided that was enough to motivate me to purchase a new one. So we have been looking for a replacement today. Found so much to chose from! Now is the time to buy! 10 percent discount at Loews and a government $75.00 rebate, free delivery also. It will be delivered tomorrow morning (hopefully) and all will work again. It is so difficult to keep everything in this older home up and in good working order! But we need to keep our food cold and safe. So wish me luck! Today it is not "Simple Living" as usual... Enjoy!

Word for Today...

Word for today: Wisdom...

Word for Today...

Word for today: Tomatoes...

Growing Tomatoes

Ever think that you could grow your own delicious tomatoes? Well you can! Your health can benefit and your pocketbook also! It is easy and not too time consuming. All you need is a clean container, good clean soil and organic seeds or seedlings if you prefer. A porch or deck can produce enough sunshine for many pounds of wonderful organic tomatoes. Why not give it a try? Save some money, give your health something great and enjoy having fresh produce from your own yard everyday! Simple living at its best!

Word for Today...

Word for today: Reflect...

Strange Weather Patterns

Can anyone believe this ultra strange weather we've had today? Wind, rain, hail, sun and extremely cool temperatures. Not the makings of a pleasant day! We have barely been able to be outdoors to do anything! Yes, my word for the day was "Spring" hopefully it is just the turning point from winter to "Spring"! My favorite time of year was like a huge mess today! Oh well, better luck on friday viewing those lovely flowers. Planted one hundred sixty daffodils last fall and most of them bloomed in all their splendor, but today the rain pounded them ! So I'm looking forward to summer everyday! Enjoy your friday!