"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.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.
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