Monday Message

"Today, I emphasize a most basic principle: home production and storage. Have you ever paused to realize what would happen to your community or nation if transportation were paralyzed or if we had a war or depression? How would you and your neighbors obtain food? How long would the corner grocery store—or supermarket—sustain the needs of the community?" (President Ezra Taft Benson)

This week my sister came to visit and she had us try echo dyeing. She did half prep before she got here and we were able to do the rest during her visit but the end result is most stunning!

We put leaves on these wet fabrics - some were my raspberry leaves, some leaves from the peach tree.

We each did two dish towels and two scarves - soooooo pretty! And most leaves were gathered from my yard so that is nice as well.

A good thing we did this when we did because I now have cut back the raspberries. I worked all day earlier in the week. It was very hard on this old lady but it is tended now. And I cut weeds and trees.

I cut stuff to reveal this secret garden looking area - very nice.

Then today, we put the sump pump hose under the deck. We had it running over the deck because of the flood we had on July 4th weekend so that was the last thing we had to do for winter.

How are you coming on your winter preps, those of you going into winter?

At the same time as my sister's visit, our town had a clean-up where you took unwanted things to the curb and people could go around to see if they were interested in any of it, then it gets hauled away in the end.

I found three metal shelves and one or two of really hard plastic shelving - these I will use in the basement to prevent loss next time we flood and help me to better spread things out.

I found a wire drawer set like I use in sewing room. You can look back when I rolled fabric and organized it in the wire drawers. I found some garden tools. A brand new blender and brand new shoes still hooked together with the price on $39.99 - wow! And in my size! They are those no-tie tennis shoes in wine color. 

I found two camping chairs. And on the first day, our neighbor set out a bench swing from a friend. I saw it and it matches our outdoor table and chairs that my mother-in-law had given us. We told him we got that and he said his friend would be happy. 

I found a first-aid kit for a car. Every item inside is sealed in plastic and there's two florescent orange vests that also went in the car kit. 

I found a real kid-size wheelbarrow that I will plant flowers in. I found an old time metal chair in excellent condition and one of those walkers you push, then if you get tired you can sit. It's in excellent condition. At some point in our future we may need one. And some garden wire and new tomato cages. I found a brand-new set of grill tools in a metal case.

I hope we have these clean-up days yearly.

Also, our neighbor gave us a shop vac. Ours had died and he had an extra so that was good too - he was clearing out his garage.

This is how to save money for sure!

Also, we let our neighbor use our burn pile. He had put some leftover wooden siding on the burn pile. I happened to notice it and my husband agreed we could use it to side a bad spot in our siding.

So that is a great way to get some needed items or useful things. Check to see if your town does these.

I am ready for a winter slow down now that the garden is done. Today I picked the last of the jalapeño peppers.

I cut more trees - I tell you, I am tired of cutting volunteer trees out all the time.

So we are set now I think for winter. The car kit is in the car and I added the first-aid kit and vests to it.  Be sure you get your winter kit in the car if you are heading into winter.

Well grocery prices still going up and will continue to as long as diesel prices keep rising. Our gas goes up, then a little down, then up, but always over four dollars. So we still are picky as to when we use the car.

Times I fear are hard and will get worse before they get better. So please be mindful of others and help if you can, even if it is a smile and a prayer.

I think soups are a good way to stretch our groceries.

https://www.budgetbytes.com/best-soup-recipes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20483177487&utm_content=671098593265&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20483177487&gbraid=0AAAAAoNNKLp5ydX2w__-S6RTX-NOjhLF-&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhCC6YWsOSnKbchrjKmb0X1bponO7ljn7c-3TDl-ATMM7ZWz1A8uTABoCDlcQAvD_BwE

https://www.allrecipes.com/budget-friendly-soups-that-taste-fancy-11884166

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cheap-soup-recipes-for-fall/

https://www.delish.com/cooking/menus/g68903041/best-easy-soup-recipes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_del_d_bm_prog_org_us_g68903041&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23143376529&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IPw6th1Ct3pf1xWs8Ea0rEF4W&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhCnIYIuET0hl9KUVTQiZ7uDKnQ4kYcl0N9C6pDtU5yTYlOjJVsrFQhoCai8QAvD_BwE

https://realfoodrealdeals.com/frugal-healthy-soup-recipes/

https://allshecooks.com/poor-mans-soup-2/

https://homesteadingfamily.com/easy-soup-recipe/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/recipes-for-homemade-rolls/ - and because with soup you need rolls.

I think you can't go wrong having rolls and soup - very filling!

Plus, making soup is very inexpensive, allowing you to put the difference into some storage items.

Then Christmas is coming...

https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/hot-chocolate-mix/?utm_source=Everyday+Cheapskate&utm_campaign=16ff9fd15f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_10_22_08_09&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-16ff9fd15f-67795555 - this is how I make mine. We love it and it makes great gifts. I will point out that you could make those chocolate spoons from the next site to go with it and some candy canes too!

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g1266/handmade-gifts/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_d_bm_prog_org_us_g1266&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18565330065&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEpOs0XZa0GO7zdJQEpl5mslM&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhAI0Bfza9VDmlbqsMgu5CRn6LSjJwC8t28Zq99mC220h1sHpvB8UOxoCALcQAvD_BwE

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/?src=arb_fb_d&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_clv_md_dsa_hybd_mix_us_22449881747&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22449881747&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IrtGsPOiU925TO3GKct_Tys69&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhAyoRjjazu-5q1Uf_o7jSA8aYEuSe3Z1MZuOC-hg5q-tER97sZZ5HRoC4ZQQAvD_BwE

https://www.blesserhouse.com/100-free-gift-ideas-that-are-thoughtful-and-meaningful/

https://www.blesserhouse.com/100-diy-christmas-gifts/ - I like the recipe in grandma's handwriting.

Building new traditions can help with tight times.

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g22690552/funny-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/ - we aren't even kids but we had fun last year taking turns moving the elf around.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g2801/christmas-bucket-list/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_clv_md_pmx_prog_org_us_18601816227&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18608326943&gbraid=0AAAAACq-Irv_09wP2PqVZhkWQunZgI6NY&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4HXBhAjEiwAHlpWhG0XGS1CuW_ArBk0flLTIjFQuW4MhCivm5htyhYXTf9FOl1ymUEEkRoCplgQAvD_BwE

https://jenhatmaker.com/blog/fun-holiday-traditions-to-start-with-family/ - the cookbook idea is nice.

I wanted to give you a wide selection of ideas to spur on those creative juices. Tailor things for your family.

We can do this...we can do this for sure!

Missy says making the holidays fun doesn't have to cost money, just love and time.

Tippy Longstockings says while we have a lot to do around the holidays, be sure to get plenty of rest.

Monday Message

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors, and support bishops as they care for others." (All is Safely Gathered In pamphlet)

We are having terrific fall weather here in central Iowa! Wish it could be year round.

But it will be winter soon so again unhook your hoses.

This week I separated those strawberry plants into their own pots before the soil freezes and I would have to bring them in to thaw. Now they have their own pots.

The wooden thing through the window is actually a decorative privacy fence for the deck. We have 9/10ths of an acre so a huge yard goes way back there.

We have been having visitors - my husband's sister and her husband came. We sure enjoyed having them come and now my sister is coming for a visit. Can't wait!

We also have had to move the telescope in from outside which is very hard work.

It requires moving furniture. I decided to move the living room furniture around so that it would be easier and now only a small rocking chair needs to move.

This will help me not to have to move things so that was helpful. Lots of heavy work but helpful.

It is that time for fall clean up. Since the living room is tended, I will do some organizing in the kitchen. I need it to be even more easy to cook (etc.) in there. Now that canning is over for fall, I can address areas that are making it hard for me. If the microwave was shorter, it would be easier but I will work with what I have - I will just work my magic.

I want to encourage you to keep working on your storage. We are now heading into winter so having enough on hand to get you through a snow storm is a great place to start. You need to be working on stocking up as well.  

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a10740/stocking-up/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pw_md_pmx_prog_org_us_18891731492&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18891732851&gbraid=0AAAAABxutSpkoCE_tVYr8JxreKPpNi2mQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwotzWBhBFEiwA1JhPoEzN9JjU5D-HVnHW2_Pa16PDVXz_zDBmyFw8DwqfLXvzxecFsmllYxoCAwIQAvD_BwE - Now we all don't have this beautiful set up but the most important is we get food stuffs in. But isn't it pretty to look at this?

We need to work with what we have. The main thing is we have food in our homes. I remember one time someone gave a talk - when she was small back in the seventies, they ran out of food in their home. Back then it was all the rage to put beans in lamps for decoration and she said they took those beans out and cooked them. So just stock what you can so you will have what you need to feed your family. It was a huge blessing to them to have had that lamp.

Save your glass jars from foods you use, don't throw out those glass jars, use them for storage. You can look at thrift stores for jars. I got one at a Salvation Army for cheap a few months ago that I cleaned up and put the SOS mix in.

https://extension.usu.edu/sanpete/files/Soup_or_Sauce_SOS_Mix.pdf - in case you were wondering about the SOS mix here is the recipes.

I love that mix.

But I just stopped in I think the jar was $1.99. So I picked it up, cleaned it up, dried it good and now I have it in use.

Before you run out to spend money on storage jars, look around your own house to see what you have. They can be used for thread and buttons as well.

Here are a few jars that I have with items in...

Some jars don't have lids but I used them anyway like the washi tape on my watercolor desk. And in the sewing room you see a nut chopper I have put buttons in. I have a collection of nut choppers. And lastly these were gifted to me from my sister. The one on the left is her and I together, I am two years older and I am on the right. The other jar is a picture of our grandmother. What you cannot see in the jar is a slipper she made. She crocheted many things. The other slipper is in the same picture in a jar at my sister's house. So that is a great gift idea. You could even put a pic of your kids maybe with a copy of something they made at school or a baby pic with a bootie - it would be a loved gift.

So hunt around your house, I bet you have jars you could use too.

https://www.pinterest.com/cultofmoney1/cheap-christmas-gifts/ - this hopefully will spark your creative ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/budget-christmas-gifts/898609734602/

It is getting time to think about Christmas.

Missy says put in your storage. Read "The Long Winter" - you will feel like getting stocked up after that.

Tippy says do the best you can little by little and you will have a peaceful feeling.

Monday Message

"We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve." (All is Safely Gathered In)

We are enjoying fine fall weather - I love it!

The garden is done and life has slowed a little. We did not have the flood rains they predicted so the basement remains dry.

A reminder to disconnect those hoses from your house before it freezes.

At the time of writing this, October is here finally after a hot hot summer.

Now we need to think on Christmas and continue to get yourself stocked up.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/ways-save-money-christmas/ - I love this gal.

https://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/frugal-christmas/ - some ideas here.

I find that we need to be excited about whatever you do to help all in your family to get excited as well. 

We have to put in more elbow grease to work up a frugal Christmas. We can do it to make Christmas special for our families in hard times.

https://dadlifelessons.com/how-to-make-a-dollhouse-out-of-cardboard/ - I saw this and thought if you have girls what fun! You could make it up ready for Christmas morning or set boxes aside to make it with your kids.

http://sweetfrugallife.com/20-free-or-frugal-family-christmas-traditions/ - I like that many are free.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/100-frugal-or-free-christmas-gifts-for-toddlers.html - I love this gal too. Some of these gifts you might think "hmmm?" Like super cape - remember playing with the kids is half the gift as well.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/simple-frugal-christmas.html - great ideas.

I strongly suggest you check out "A Candle in the Forest" from the library. The family in it was going through tight times. They showed how they added elbow grease and family fun to Christmas.

We don't have to keep up with others. We can make it fun for our family.

This is what I tell people who are sad about wanting what they see (window shopping). I suggest no window shopping and to learn to make what you want or just have a change of heart. This sadness robs us of happiness. A lot of the time getting that thing is only momentary, happiness is not lasting.

Our ancestors made happy memories without spending money they didn't have, we can too.

It takes getting a head start and planning on paper.

Remember to work on your skill building.

I am trying to learn more on bobbin lace. This is a gift bookmark I am making.

This past weekend we had conference and I made cinnamon rolls but I wanted to use a recipe from a cookbook when I was young. It is the Betty Crocker Cookbook from 1956. That was the year I was born - yikes that book is old. I got my copy from a yard sale for fifty cents.

They were fantastic and I froze some for later on.

Learning to bake bread is a great skill around the holidays to learn.

Also, keep working on your storage building.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/how-to-build-an-old-fashioned-frugal-pantry/ - still love this gal.

Watch for sales. At this time of the year, usually there are sales. It's hard to say what this year will be but a good time to put in some storage.

Along those ideas, if you have grown kids, a gift of food storage will be a good thing.

Missy says to be kind to everyone, especially now when life is hard for so many.  

Tippy Longstockings says remember to not judge others. We don't know the troubles that they are having.

Monday Message

"Follow the prophet. He has counseled us to plant a garden and fruit trees. This year don’t just think about it—do it. Grow all the food you possibly can. Also remember to buy a year’s supply of garden seeds so that, in case of a shortage, you will have them for the following spring." (Vaughn J. Featherstone)

This week still I have been doing a few things to get ready for winter. We're finally enjoying cooler weather! We had some sump pump hoses that were no longer used with all the sump pumps. I took and cut them and my husband cut a slit down one side. I then put this on my fruit trees to keep those "pesky wabbits" from eating the bark (and even the new trees) all the way down. It was hard work to get these on the tree trunks. But that was my frugal way of saving the fruit trees. 

Two of the peach trees I planted out front are already almost waist-high. The one out back is not as high. I took all the pits from the peaches our neighbor gave us and buried the pits as I did to get these peach trees I mentioned. We shall see if I get trees from those.

I also have saved seed from my plants I grew this year which were from seed I saved from the year before.

I also have scraped and planted strawberry seeds. This is what they look like now...

This is one way I stretch the little money that we have. I will not have to spend money to buy seeds come spring. Plus, I will be able to start my plants early enough.

Also, the year before, I divided the rhubarb plants. This gave us more this year and we were able to share. So look for ways to extend what you have.

I know not everyone is heading into winter as we are. You will be getting ready to plant your gardens.  Try to think of frugal ways to work your garden like using rain barrels if it is legal for you to do so.  Plus, in drought areas I have heard the particular ways people water their gardens with water restrictions. The couple that stand out in my mind is to put a five gallon bucket or two in the shower with you. Get the water as you run to warm it up, be catching that water plus let them fill as you take your shower. The other is if you have window air conditioners to put a bucket under to catch the water drips that come off it.

This year we are having the other end of that with more than enough water! I never even used our hose.  Even as I am writing this yet another flood watch goes into effect at seven tonight. This is a Tuesday and goes through Thursday evening. I am hoping all we have done to keep water out works - yikes!

Also those who are heading into winter, disconnect those hoses from your faucets as they will freeze and kill your faucet - not easy to fix.

I am hoping as you are reading this that we came through the flood watch unscathed.

As always, keep trying to build up your storage even if you can only buy a package of beans or rice - every little thing will help you. The diesel prices continue to climb and here in Iowa the farmers are getting hit hard. But, cost for food will be going even higher and things we buy will too. This will make it hard for us to stay in budget so be looking for frugal ways.

We need to even out these things in our homes. Don't go into debt. These are truly hard times.

Keep working on your skills.

I am making a sweater vest.

https://www.bethanylynnemakes.com/how-to-make-a-granny-square-vest-the-agnes-sweater-vest/ - this is the free pattern.

https://www.bethanylynnemakes.com/how-to-crochet-a-granny-square/ - she shows you here how to make the granny square.

One of the things I am teaching myself is bobbin lace.

This is my pillow though you can't really see it. I have covers over it but this table was given to us by an art student and it is just perfect for this. Plus, I keep my bobbin roll I made under it to tilt at an angle and my bobbins are in the roll up bag I made for them so it is close and serves a purpose. I am refreshing what I learned and soon to work up somethings that can be mailed in cards because parcels will price us out of sending bigger items this year. Something you might consider. Don't go in to debt for Christmas, especially this year. We don't know what will happen.

https://www.chickenscratchdiaries.com/nutcracker-craft-for-kids/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic - this would be a fun activity.

https://www.chickenscratchdiaries.com/free-printable-nativity-craft/ - this could be worked into your telling the story - could keep them busy on Christmas Eve.

https://joyfullessons.com/exciting-nativity-games-for-christmas-celebrate-the-birth-of-jesus/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic - fun to spend time making and playing.

https://littlepinelearners.com/make-your-own-bookmark-with-wax-paper/ - won't break the bank.

https://blogging.org/tiny-pick-me-up-gifts/?pp=0&epik=dj0zJnU9dXYxWlRiZjhSUWdIbnZnQnZ1S3hsNEtONlgwMUtRaXQmaT1wV05LQjZBQUFBQW51TWNFRU1CWkNhdmJYN245ZnpuZEt0aVBuOHpFWVhvJmE9LTEmcD0xJm49VXNMcF81RlpHVGExMzhkZ0xrNEU0dyZ0PUFBQUFBR3E4TXZJ - I like the seed idea since seeds were mentioned.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365917538496823413/ - I really really like this one.

https://www.skinsimpletrue.com/christmas-games-ideas-for-family/?utm_campaign=626758484271&utm_medium=PaidSocial&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_content=2680090159369&pp=0&epik=dj0zJnU9X0hpR1Utc3RZR203bXBXVUJtQ0s5WFBoWE0yenZINy0maT0zL05WQjZBQUFBQVhhWG9ERUlBaER4NjE2T1M1enZhM3RLU2FYNFhUWVhvJmE9LTEmcD0xJm49Mk1OeXpiOENMQS1WZlh5UmZxU3hpQSZ0PUFBQUFBR3E4TTcw - this will be family fun.

https://www.diybunker.com/mason-jar-gifts/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic - I like most of these - not a fan of the bar in a jar but you could gather the elf shenanigan's in a jar instead.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking. I really like the paper gingerbread man, what fun is that? I can think of lots of ways to use it.

Remember, things don't have to be expensive to have fun or feel loved.

Missy says be wise and frugal and make some free traditions this year.

Tippy Longstockings says remember to show kindness, it is so needed - this time is so hard on us all.

Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

Tippy Longstockings is alarmed that prices are to go even higher.

We have finally got fall weather and it feels so October out already! We have had rain about every day this week. I find myself having that "get ready for winter" urge.

I was given some plums today. While we love eating them, I feel like I should make jam and stretch them further and we will eat what is left. (These pics are from the day after I wrote this)

The jam is soooooo yummy!! I just follow the Surejel recipe. I took four of the pits and planted in a pot inside - we shall see... but I already have plum trees planted, just not old enough yet to produce. I know that Surejel no longer puts the recipes in the box. You have to go online for the recipes but I saved the recipe inserts way back when and use those. They all sealed so we will have to wait for winter to open one.

We have emptied the rain barrel so it won't freeze and break the barrel. The winter kit is in the car. We still have a few more things to tend.

It was actually cold outside today. I thought uh oh - jacket weather! We literally went from hot to cool temps rapidly. I really hope we still could have a long fall.

Of course they are talking still higher prices. They are also noting less product and more money.  

Tippy Longstockings is horrified gas prices here in central Iowa are $4.44 a gallon! However, in two weeks from now when you read this they will be even higher - boo!!

I know most of you do this already, but keep a container in the freezer and those few green beans or carrots or other veggies leftover put them in the container to use in soup as we are soon going to be wanting soups where I live. 

Remember, don't waste anything!

This soup is one of my favorites. It makes 2 1/2 gallons. You can make it and freeze the rest into meal portions.

Minestrone Soup

In half a cup of cooking oil cook...

2 c. chopped onions

4 carrots chopped 

4 stalks of celery chopped

When these are cooked to tender add....

2 tbsp chicken bullion

2 tbsp chicken base or double the bullion above

2 tbsp beef base or bullion

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp oregano

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 c. Pearled barley

1 gallon water

Cook for 45 minutes then add...

2 cans green beans add the liquid too

1 can peas add liquid too

1 can carrots and liquid

2 cans kidney beans

2 cups COOKED macaroni shells

1 package frozen chopped spinach

3 medium cans tomatoes with liquid

3 medium cans tomato sauce

Simmer one to two hours more 

When you dish it up, sprinkle your bowl with parmesan cheese.

With meat prices going higher, this is great as there's no meat. Delicious!

Another of our favorite soups is a mix and you can make ahead or even give as a nice gift. You can find it in this post. It is Busy Day Soup Mix. Scroll down in this post, it is so yummy!! - https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2022/09/monday-message_12.html

https://everywhereontario.com/sourdough-discard-recipes/?utm_campaign=626759777429&utm_medium=PaidSocial&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_content=2680092171856&pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9QVYwdl9DRGVvMVZ2RlZOTDFha0xWSDhaOUdXWEFfM0omcD0xJm49ZEhoQWJyc1NFbmRzWWNiZ19CVGVnQSZ0PUFBQUFBR3FzQTZB  - this is a great site for using sourdough discard. I want to try several of the recipes.

I notice a lot are putting on back to basics on their channels which is much needed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM_dbm3QeH4&t=371s - this is a great one. Search around, she has done several things. I particularly liked this one as I dried my tomatoes this year and so I have ground some into tomato powder. I liked how you can make tomato sauce or paste. Paste is a hard item to store as it doesn't last long on the shelf and I don't use a ton of it, so I make it when I need it.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/how-to-feed-your-family-on-a-tight-budget/ - I love this gal, I have mentioned this before.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/40-groceries-to-stop-buying-and-start-making-to-save-money/ - I think we could all learn things here.

One thing I have not been feeling good about is the super El Nino that is coming. As of writing this now two weeks ago from when you are reading this, they are saying 98% chances of it.

Some governments are sending information to their people so they can get prepared. Ours is not, so I want to include some readiness info here.

One thing we need to be aware of is not just how your area is going to be affected but also how other places that we get our food from are, so stock those shelves. They have talked of cocoa, coffee (if one drinks that), rice, flour, oils, etc. and that the Iran war affects shipping the gas from the Arabia area and other war outbreaks etc. It is kind of a convergence and add the super El Nino and that is rough for sure. I think of Texas as an example that had winter weather problems. You might prepare for more of that kind of thing. Being prepared is so important right now. Research for yourself, being informed helps you be ready.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBeiAZoNYio - I put this one first, I like it best - it says not to be feared but prepared for.

https://www.govtech.com/em/preparedness/a-super-el-nino-is-coming-here-are-9-ways-to-prepare

https://www.lahabraca.gov/1039/El-Nio-Preparedness-Checklist

https://stormbag.co/pages/el-nino-preparation-guide?srsltid=AU7gw4VBa8364mD-0bTkpQL2RYru_CW6A0v_Y-0SZpaurbOHkpn_TNS5

https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/articles/a-potential-super-el-nino-public-safety-preparedness-through-early/

https://www.azusaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30501/Preparing-for-El-Nino

https://www.facebook.com/groups/372169673476014/posts/2168176170542013/

https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2015-11/225366.pdf

https://deltaliquidenergy.com/preparing-your-home-and-propane-system-for-a-super-el-nino-season/

Missy says being prepared helps us when we need it but don't go crazy, just do the best you can.

Tippy Longstockings says get rest - it is just as important as eating, right? Both of which she is a professional at.

Tippy Longstockings jumping in here to say be kind to others - kindness is so very needed right now!

Monday Message

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

At the time I am writing this post, we are in a flood watch - funny that the quote mentions the ark. This will be the first real test of what we put together for the sump pump... I hope it works...

I was reading an article that gas prices will go up yet again before midterm elections here in the U.S. At this time our gas price in my town is $4.19 a gallon but more troubling is diesel prices are $6.23 a gallon and are to rise. This effects everything we purchase.

So keep putting in storage. Be mindful of your spending and of your trips in the car. We live ten miles out from the town north of us and seventeen miles from the church we go to in the southern direction. So our church had a potluck in the evening on Sunday. We went to church services but it would be too costly for us to go back in evening. And the things we go north for we try to stack errands so we don't have as many trips. Like one trip will be next week. We go to the first errand then there is a little wait for the next one so we go to the library till we can do the second one. This library has some free mystery books and magazines and they put books leftover from their library sale out for free. I have gotten some quilting and recipe books.  It is nice and we don't have to sit and wait in the car. This is what I mean by stacking.

In an article that I read, they said that people are cutting way down on food and getting generic brands, no longer go out to eat or have entertainment, cut out hobbies, and make less trips in the car. So now we will be paying even higher prices. More will have to be cut. It also mentioned 42,000 jobs have been cut due to Canada tariffs of late and I am sure more will be happening as well. We need to help where we can. This is a very hard time here in the states but also in other countries. We are all connected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lihaIOw7z-Y - this is way cheaper than buying t-shirt yarn from the store. The thing I would add is don't buy t-shirts, use some you already have that are well-used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoAzb3yA-14 - here she saved up grocery bags. My sister made me a rug from bags.

She used the grocery bags too but wove the rug. I have seen where you could crochet them.

I put on the red bed covering.  

I have moved things in our bedroom so I could have better access to the bond knitting machine as I wanted things easier for me to use. It is the one with the white cover. I want to make some sweaters for winter pretty soon on it.

In order for me to do this, I had to move the bond to the other side of Toyota. It has the purple covering on it. I had to slide down the watercolor desk to make room and had to move the printer. In the end, it was very hard work but it works for my plan to make my life easier.

That being said, I had my weaving magazines on top of the tall bookcase. Why? I have no idea. It would have required me to climb the step ladder - not easier for sure! So I took all those down and put in two canvas cube boxes I had and put by my chair, that makes it easier on me.  And that is what I am working toward making my life easier as I age.

You can see the cats like it. They also love it when I am doing hard work. They call it free entertainment. The room looks better and works better and only cost my energy and time using what I already had and it entertained the cats.

As I was working, my mind kept drifting to gifts as Christmas is coming up fast. I thought I would add somethings here...

https://thecottagepeach.com/blog/homemade-gifts-for-everyone-on-your-list - this has a really nice list of things one could do.

https://thispilgrimlife.com/handmade-gift-ideas-for-all-ages/ - this has great ideas. I loved the outdoor Jenga game. When you click on it don't give up, keep scrolling down till you find it - what fun that would be!

https://ahundredaffections.com/easy-small-christmas-gifts-bulk-coworkers/ - this has ads popping about but cute ideas. I like the whisk with kisses in it, that is so cute.

https://www.iheartnaptime.net/top-50-neighbor-gift-ideas/ - this is food things. I liked the mini cookie snow globe but loved the balls of frozen cookie dough.

Showing you my shelf to show ideas for open-shelving. This we got from a friend years and years ago. It was on their burn pile and they knew when we moved here there were no cupboards in the kitchen. They asked if we wanted it and we said yes. I painted it up. It is a pie safe type cupboard. At any rate, just showing you that you can decorate using your everyday items. They can be pretty as well. You can see a mixing bowl, cookie cutters jars for brown sugar, cocoa and powdered sugar.

https://amongbrendasquilts.com/upcycle-clothing-from-your-own-closet-or-a-thrift-store/ - I wanted to throw in some remaking clothing sites.

https://1dogwoof.com/easy-repurposed-t-shirt-burp-cloths/ again with old t-shirts.

https://therenegadeseamstress.com/2023/12/02/diy-flannel-mittens-your-easy-step-by-step-guide-to-upcycling-an-old-shirt-into-cozy-winter-accessories/ - step by step recycle to make mittens.

https://mypoppet.com.au/makes/7-ways-to-make-a-rag-rug-from-old-clothes/ here is a good idea.

https://www.instructables.com/Duplicate-your-existing-clothes/ - I actually have three t-shirts waiting for me to make a pattern.

I threw these in to give you ideas. Don't forget - shop your own closet first. You can make your kids clothes from your old ones.

I know this is a lot of sites. Pick the ones you are interested in or that would be of help.

Missy says keep working at getting in your storage, it will bless you!

Tippy Longstockings says look for more ways to be frugal.