We have spent the past two days doing some preparations for Hurricane Michael. I do hope he will just be a tropical storm by the time he reaches my area, but I am planning for worse. We have water caught for drinking, the animals, and for flushing toilets. I have plenty of easy no cook foods on hand. We have also charged up everything we could. Now it is just a matter of watching and waiting.
Our area is under a curfew for 24 hours beginning tomorrow evening. We did have to run a few errands earlier today, but I have no intention of going very far at all for the next two days. At most we will check on some neighbors.
I have books to read, crochet projects to work on, and some letters to answer. If I can just handle being stuck inside with puppy Toby, two cats, and W for the next two days all will be well.
I will check in tomorrow if we still have power. Prayers for everyone in the path of the storm!
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Monday, October 8, 2018
Weekly Goals Update: Week 40
1. Disaster Preparedness
Week 40 was cold weather preparedness. I think many of the items in this section are just smart winter items. Insulating pipes and making sure weather striping are just smart things to do before cold weather arrives. It is hard to think about cold weather when summer temperatures are still hanging around here.
2. Makeover the Garden
It is still hot but rain is on the way later this week. I am hesitant to plant many seeds as some of the rain will be heavy. Instead I will wait until the end of the week to plant the seeds and get started on the fall garden. Cooler weather should be on the way as well which will help the fall plants.
3. Organize Recipes
I did print off some recipes for things I kept having to look up online. Winter will arrive eventually, and I will tackle this one.
4. Have 13 No Spend Grocery Weeks
I am holding steady at 12 on this one. I will need to pick up just a few things this week but plan to skip shopping after that for a week at least.
5. Focus on Saving
I have been sticking to necessary purchases so far this month although we do have some items to buy later in the month. It is all about seeking out the best deal possible on all of the purchases.
6. Etsy Store
I finished up a big item this week but will not list it until the end of the month. Hopefully I can get several more items added to my shop later this week.
Week 40 was cold weather preparedness. I think many of the items in this section are just smart winter items. Insulating pipes and making sure weather striping are just smart things to do before cold weather arrives. It is hard to think about cold weather when summer temperatures are still hanging around here.
2. Makeover the Garden
It is still hot but rain is on the way later this week. I am hesitant to plant many seeds as some of the rain will be heavy. Instead I will wait until the end of the week to plant the seeds and get started on the fall garden. Cooler weather should be on the way as well which will help the fall plants.
3. Organize Recipes
I did print off some recipes for things I kept having to look up online. Winter will arrive eventually, and I will tackle this one.
4. Have 13 No Spend Grocery Weeks
I am holding steady at 12 on this one. I will need to pick up just a few things this week but plan to skip shopping after that for a week at least.
5. Focus on Saving
I have been sticking to necessary purchases so far this month although we do have some items to buy later in the month. It is all about seeking out the best deal possible on all of the purchases.
6. Etsy Store
I finished up a big item this week but will not list it until the end of the month. Hopefully I can get several more items added to my shop later this week.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Weekend Book Reviews
Just in Time by Suzanne Trauth is the fourth book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series. Dodie, manager of the Windjammer restaurant, is looking forward to the local theater's production of Bye, Bye Birdie since her boyfriend has a small part. The theater is combining forces with a theater group from a nearby town. When the visiting pianist, Ruby, is found dead in her car, Dodie finds herself in the middle of another investigation. Ruby has more secrets than anyone imagined. The characters work well together, and I loved the addition of the restaurant sous chef. This book easily stands on its own, but I recommend the others. The theater tie in with the restaurant makes for an interesting series.
The second book in the Wine Trail Mystery series by J.C. Eaton is Chardonnayed to Rest. Norrie is still at her family's winery, Two Witches, while her sister and brother-in-law are in Costa Rica. At the monthly wine owners' meeting, a neighbor, Rosalee, lets everyone know about her problems with a new land owner. When the land owner is found murdered, Rosalee is suspected of being an accomplice at the very least. Norrie jumps in to help solve the mystery. I enjoy the setting and the characters of this series. My problem with this particular book is that the guilty party was very obvious early on. It was a little frustrating that Norrie could not put the pieces together. I am looking forward to a stronger mystery in the next book. 
A Killing by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the second book in the By the Sea Mystery series. Liz has settled into life at the Indialantic by the Sea. The peacefulness is broken by the discovery of the body of a fisherman who went overboard. I enjoy the series although I wish less time were spent on Liz's aunt's former tv and film career. I also find Liz's love interest to exhibit some red flags in his behavior. He tends to run off and pout like a two year old if Liz does not act exactly like he wants. The series has promise with the growth of a few characters.disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Weekend Book Review and Giveaway
Haunted Hayride with Murder by Auralee Wallace is the sixth book in the Otter Lake Mystery series. Erica and Freddie of Otter Lake Security are hired to provide security for a local apple orchard during their October Halloween events. When some teenagers roaming in the woods searching for the Apple Witch uncover a body, Erica and Freddie initially refuse to be drawn into another mystery. Despite Freddie's reluctance, they are soon deep in a mystery. This cozy series has a humorous element that has me laughing out loud at times. The characters are quirky and maybe a bit immature at times, but for this series it works. The Halloween theme was well done, and I am already looking forward to the next book.Want to give this series a try? I am giving away one paperback copy of Haunted Hayride with Murder. To enter please leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite thing about October. The contest is open to US residents and ends on Monday, October 15.
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Friday, October 5, 2018
Frugal Friday
I treated my own sprained ankle. I knew that nothing was broken so going to the doctor would be pointless. As soon as I got back in the house, W slathered my ankle down with my homemade comfrey salve. This helped it not to bruise and minimized the swelling. I borrowed a cane from my dad to help me walk. I have no problem paying for a doctor's visit, but in this case I could treat myself.
We did not resort to takeout while I was off my feet. I had a few simple meals planned as well as some homemade freezer meals. W was able to handle all of the cooking. He is especially happy that he now knows how to make pizza dough.
I needed to add airtime to my Tracfone. I searched for a promo code and got an additional 60 minutes of time free.
A friend suggested that I set up an Instagram account for my craft items. My phone is not a smartphone. I got an old smartphone from my mother-in-law. It connects just fine to our wi-fi so I am able to use it for Instagram.
I was very tempted by some e-cookbooks that were on sale through Amazon this week. It was especially hard since I was stuck on the couch. None were previously on my wish list though so I chose not to purchase them. It was not a huge savings, but it probably saved $10.
We did not resort to takeout while I was off my feet. I had a few simple meals planned as well as some homemade freezer meals. W was able to handle all of the cooking. He is especially happy that he now knows how to make pizza dough.
I needed to add airtime to my Tracfone. I searched for a promo code and got an additional 60 minutes of time free.
A friend suggested that I set up an Instagram account for my craft items. My phone is not a smartphone. I got an old smartphone from my mother-in-law. It connects just fine to our wi-fi so I am able to use it for Instagram.
I was very tempted by some e-cookbooks that were on sale through Amazon this week. It was especially hard since I was stuck on the couch. None were previously on my wish list though so I chose not to purchase them. It was not a huge savings, but it probably saved $10.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
House Projects
Work on the house projects has slowed down just a little. W has had other projects that needed his attention including some work at the church we attend. He did touch up the paint in the hallway. When he finished he decided to add a bit of detail to the hallway doors which are pocket doors.
This week my plans got turned upside down. I had intended to organize my craft room. I got off to a good start on Monday. Then that afternoon Toby and my parents' Chihuahuas were playing in the yard. Toby ran full force into me and left me with a badly sprained ankle. My time has been spent on the couch, and W has been doing all of the things I would normally do. Hopefully next week we can get back on track.
We started some work in the bedroom but unfortunately did not get very far in there yet. W did finish up Toby's bed. A few months ago he found a toddler bed tossed out along a highway. When he went back a second time, it was still there so he picked it up. He cut it down, added a bottom, and painted it using materials we had on hand let from other projects. It makes a lovely dog bed for Toby.
This week my plans got turned upside down. I had intended to organize my craft room. I got off to a good start on Monday. Then that afternoon Toby and my parents' Chihuahuas were playing in the yard. Toby ran full force into me and left me with a badly sprained ankle. My time has been spent on the couch, and W has been doing all of the things I would normally do. Hopefully next week we can get back on track.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Weekly Goals Update: Week 39
1. Disaster Preparedness
Week 39 was alternative power sources. I definitely want to get a solar battery charger since we primarily use rechargeable batteries. I would love, love, love a solar generator, but that is not happening any time soon. It is a goal though!
2. Makeover the Garden
It is starting to cool down so I plan to get areas of the fall garden going this week. I picked tomatoes and peppers last week as well as a pile of basil. We ate some raspberries as well. I did have to water a couple of times this past week, but we are getting rain again now.
3. Organize Recipes
Nothing this past week and most likely nothing this week!
4. Have 13 No Spend Grocery Weeks
I was out of several things last week and had to make a stop at the grocery store. This week I am doing our big monthly shop. I hope to knock out the last week later this month.
5. Focus on Saving
I am looking for any extra month I can come across this month. I am trying to get back to the Dave Ramsey mindset of paying off the bit of money we owe on credit cards.
6. Etsy Store
Last week I added two items to my Etsy store. I also added some additional colors of the kitchen items I have for sell. I plan to add at least 6 more items this week. I also created a Facebook group for Chick-a-D Designs.
Week 39 was alternative power sources. I definitely want to get a solar battery charger since we primarily use rechargeable batteries. I would love, love, love a solar generator, but that is not happening any time soon. It is a goal though!
2. Makeover the Garden
It is starting to cool down so I plan to get areas of the fall garden going this week. I picked tomatoes and peppers last week as well as a pile of basil. We ate some raspberries as well. I did have to water a couple of times this past week, but we are getting rain again now.
3. Organize Recipes
Nothing this past week and most likely nothing this week!
4. Have 13 No Spend Grocery Weeks
I was out of several things last week and had to make a stop at the grocery store. This week I am doing our big monthly shop. I hope to knock out the last week later this month.
5. Focus on Saving
I am looking for any extra month I can come across this month. I am trying to get back to the Dave Ramsey mindset of paying off the bit of money we owe on credit cards.
6. Etsy Store
Last week I added two items to my Etsy store. I also added some additional colors of the kitchen items I have for sell. I plan to add at least 6 more items this week. I also created a Facebook group for Chick-a-D Designs.
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