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)

Today is the beginning of 2022 at the time of this writing. So far it looks the same. I truly hope this is the year we wipe out the pandemic and our government gets the spirit of working together - so much can be done when we work together.

I picked this quote to ask - have you ever thought about when everyone gets the virus like they did with the airlines what would happen? Like what if everyone in the grocery stores near you get sick? It could take weeks for them to get better. Do you have enough on hand to wait that long? This variant spreads so fast and workers are close together that this could occur.

As of now we have a big winter snow storm about to hit. Having stuff on hand is good in any event.

I have a big crockpot of chili going and just shaped cinnamon rolls to bake, what if we lose power? It's something I think about a lot. I would put the chili in a big pan and set it on a stove burner.

When I know that it could happen I make sure the dishes are washed in the dish washer and caught up and that the laundry is caught up as well. I just do this anyway but I am really mindful of what ifs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oodbG76dxPU - this is helpful, she goes through some items to stock up on in a budget.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/blog/ - she has on this page frugal things she did and what she is thankful for, it is always helpful to read the comments too, so many ideas.

https://daisyfarmcrafts.com/crochet-dreamy-scarf/ - my daughter Sarah suggested this site and it is just perfect as it is to be soooo cold.

Something I always like is that people will make extra scarves and mittens and tie around trees or on a fence with a free sign so if people need the item they can just take it, I love this.

Being kind to each other is the most wonderful thing. It makes me think of Mrs. Wells - when I was eight she lived across the street, when my mom went to the hospital to deliver a set of twins she brought over a casserole. I answered the door and I did not know if we were to pay her but no she was just kind and now as I will be 66 in six days this memory still warms my heart and made a difference to me. I feel like kindness never ever goes out of style.

We usually go to the used bookstore for my birthday but that isn't going to happen with virus stuff so I thought and thought what would I like to do and here is my plan...

I am planning a dye fiber day.

For years I have accumulated what I would need to dye fiber from yard sales from years ago. So this is my plan for that day.

What things could you suggest for a stay home celebration? Share with us, we would love to hear it.

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/ - here are fun ideas to do at home.

https://lauragraceweldon.com/2016/02/03/45-cures-for-cabin-fever/ - more ideas for cabin fever.

Staying home should not be a punishing thing for anyone.

https://www.pinterest.com/whynotmom/indoor-activities-for-cabin-fever/ - visual ideas.

https://www.bradfordfamilydentist.ca/4-fun-family-activities-to-prevent-cabin-fever/ - great ideas.

https://www.snc.edu/safeandsound/docs/45-ways-for-grownups-to-beat-cabin-fever.pdf - some great ideas here for those with no kids at home.

https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/ - great ideas, I love all that people come up with.

This is the new spinning project...

I moved my sock knitting machine and soon there will be some action there.

And don't forget to keep doing some hygge with candles and coziness!

Missy says find time for fun things.

Gus said he knows choices can be hard but please choose to stay safe.

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)

At the time of this writing it is Christmas Day and I imagining you are all having a terrific Christmas, some of you may even have a white Christmas. In Central Iowa there's no snow but lots of sunshine.

No snow equals NO shoveling so I am happy.

You will get this post a few weeks after Christmas and hopefully your are rested and destressed.

Running up to Christmas, I finished the mats I had on the loom.

I will cut these apart. I learned a lot.

Then I put the next project on the loom it took days...

This is way harder than it looks in the pictures but I was able to get it done before Christmas which was my goal.

I pushed myself through and am amazed I was able to do this - a real learning thing for me. It was a ton of work though. I never put on so much warp. These will be dishtowels. It was so surprising I took three colors and got the threads in order and soooooo very many threads - 362 in all.

This is what they should look like in the end.

Amazing I say!

It was hard to get this ready. But I took it and broke it into steps, the next time I do such a big warping, I will even break those steps down more...a lot more steps

I also put a new spin on the spinning wheel.

It will be a pretty spin.

About the time you get this, it will soon be my birthday and my plans are to dye some wool for future spinning, this too will be a learning thing for me to dye fiber by myself in winter as well but that is my goal.

What are your plans for this new year??

Missy and Gus are enjoying what they got for Christmas...

They say enjoy the year to come!

And I say sorry for the mess they made on the floor but I had to take the picture as Missy is usually a blur, I did pick it up after said picture was taken.

May we all have a much better year ahead.

Monday Message

"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. . .I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. . .Begin in a small way, … and gradually build toward a reasonable objective." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

Starting small can be worked into a budget quite easily if one uses thrifty ways.

We are starting into the hardest part of the year. Heating bills will be up, groceries are up, and it is dark and cold if you are in my neck of the woods.

I finished the hat I was sewing. I made it reversible, it took longer to cut out than it did to sew up. Here's a link to the pattern - https://www.fleecefun.com/basic-hat-adult-child-and-baby-pattern-and-tutorial/

This is the week before Christmas at the time I am writing this post. Our weather has turned colder brrr. I have a big pot of chili in the crockpot and made a pan of cinnamon rolls. When we were in grade school they served these two together and it was a fast favorite.

I have been working hard to make a few kits up of things I want to work on. Christmas Eve I want to cast on a hat and Christmas Day I have an embroidery project I would like to start and a little beading project I have been learning to do, so I will be ready.

I have all included in the bags ready and waiting.

I finished the spin project I had going as you can see in the picture. I saved the label from the fleece and taped it on the skein at the end so I would have the information. I also started another as part of my fun for the holidays idea.

I have been rushing to finish the mats I have on the loom so I can get it warped up with my next project which will be dish towels... which brings me to what I want to say...

I am trying to use what I have on my bobbins and using up the warp on the loom. I am hurrying so I can have the dish towels on the loom by Christmas. I am only able to do one mat or so a day before my back complains and rushing isn't helping with that as well. So while I have put this self-imposed deadline on myself trying to meet this goal of getting this done, I have decided when I get those dish towels warped up and a few rows worked, I will slow this way down and enjoy the process more. And that is how I plan to do the things I have planned, moving to more process rather than production, to take everything slower and enjoy the process, enjoy my minutes to find joy in a slower pace.

I am concerned about the virus. I heard two doctors on tv yesterday, one said that in a few weeks we will enter into the fifth wave and it would be the worse yet. The other said we should be wearing N95 masks and if not able to then two of the others...add that to what the president said that it would be dark and we would lose many more people. All this and the rumblings of shortages and higher prices just really puts a dark outlook on the future so I am trying to find things that will bring me joy.

I think the new year will find us all tightening our belts a bit more.

How can we make that not such a drudge?? I think staying positive. The chocolate cake rule I have is one way to do that. No matter what, I always have the ingredients on hand to make this chocolate cake.  No matter how hard things are I make this cake and it somehow helps. I also plan to make it for my birthday which is early January so it's not just in hard times that I make this cake. When there were hard times I would make it, I wanted it to represent normalcy for the family so the kids would not worry. So no matter what happens I can make chocolate cake which is why I always keep the ingredients on hand.

Get the recipe here - http://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2020/04/monday-message_20.html

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/frugal-living-guide - helpful ideas here.

We don't need to do these things grudgingly, we need to set a positive mood. Make things like a game.

This reminds me of an article I read in the Ensign in 2013 - https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/ensign-july-2013/2013-07-19-powdered-milk-budgets-and-blessings-eng.pdf?lang=eng

Having hard times does NOT hurt our children in any way, they are so resilient. We all have had hard times...they will have hard times too. It is part of life.

Gus and Missy say that their chocolate cake is a toy and catnip. It really is the simple things that make a difference.

Monday Message

"I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family. None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment may affect any of us. We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

As we now will be turning our attention to the new year, I would rather make a list of things I would like to do, a list to inspire me, not one to make me feel guilty but to make me happy and not sad.

Like on my list will be...to take care of me as well as I do for others, to find time to read more and rest more, break down tasks more, take time to enjoy my interests more, continue to stay safe and realize that my being safe isn't a punishment, the world has changed and I must change as well. Reminding myself my immune system is not like others and to not kick myself because of it. To remember the Spanish Flu went on for years before it was over - this will take time as well. So giving myself some grace, I am doing what I can do. Realizing I cannot attend church physically at this time but I do attend virtually, while this feels somehow less it really isn't as it is a huge blessing given to me by my Father in Heaven and this blessing is more not less. I still keep up my scripture reading and journal keeping, I am thankful for my blessings. I feel loved.

I have fibromyalgia and I need to slow my pace down.  It has been a year of big projects. I think now perhaps it is time for no more of those for a while.

We are heading into the roughest part of winter in my neck of the woods. So I think I will do more hygge type things...

https://iowacity.momcollective.com/2018/01/05/hygge-list-15-ways-embrace-cozy-winter/

I would do more hot cocoa with sugar free flavorings with mini marshmallows.

https://almosttheweekend.com/how-to-enjoy-winter-even-if-you-hate-it/ - good ideas.

https://almosttheweekend.com/being-kind-to-yourself-in-january-and-february/

It is here that I wanted to mention, check on people this time of year as it is so very very hard on people. I know we cannot visit in person but email is a good way. Don't wait to have someone say they are having a hard time because they won't, you have to be proactive.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/acts-kindness-during-coronavirus-outbreak - there is a list of ideas to scroll down.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a32598922/ways-to-cheer-someone-up/ - pick and choose.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-to-stay-happy-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak - some ideas here.

https://siliconvalley.salvationarmy.org/silicon_valley/news/17-ways-to-strengthen-friendships-during-the-pandemic/

https://simpleonpurpose.ca/simple-hygge-autumn-list/ - take what ideas you wish.

www.freereadfeed.com I mention this a lot but having a free source for books is very helpful.

I want to learn new skills and break those down into bite size pieces.

I want to work on some warm projects, for example - https://www.fleecefun.com/basic-hat-adult-child-and-baby-pattern-and-tutorial/

Here is the free pattern - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXYhMYqy1_4

https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knit-Shawls/Poppy-Knit-Triangle-Shawl-From-Yarnspirations - this would be a very easy project to learn on.

With the higher prices I think now is a good time to learn more frugal ways of doing things.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/meal-planning-guide/ - good helps here.

Find frugal and easy meals - https://moneysavingmom.com/lunchbox-freezer-cooking-bean-cheese-burritos-day-1/#_a5y_p=909256.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/cheap-healthy-meal-ideas/ - basic and simple.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/20-more-5-dollar-dinners/

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/5-dollar-dinners-2/

The more we can find frugal meals the further our money will stretch.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/frugal/how-i-stick-to-a-60-a-week-grocery-budget-

Missy says it is important to stay the course and be safe.

Gus says be sure to eat your veggies and get lots of rest.

Monday Message

"Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. We could refer to all the components of personal and family preparedness, not in relation to holocaust or disaster, but in cultivating a life-style that is on a day-to-day basis its own reward." (President Spencer W. Kimball)

I like this because it is just prudent to do. If it is just our way of life, that can't be bad. At some point it is just replacing what you use.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/how-we-saved-money-the-fourth-week-of-november-2/ - I love this gal, a great example to all.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/encouragement/ - this is from her site too

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/live/saving-money/ - helpful ideas here.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/?s=gifts - ideas on gifts.

I have been busy making ornaments for the last couple weeks to stick in cards. I made up this pattern.  It is on perforated paper.

I made these last year, I want to make more of them to perhaps make a garland for the fireplace.

One summer I got these pretty decorations at a yard sale and at some point I will make more, I like them in the bowl.

For many years I have collected these cookie presses when I would run across them at yard sales or thrift stores. The one on top of the hot cocoa is my very favorite one.

What things do you collect? Leave a comment below.

During this time that is so busy, take care of you as well.

https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2044/how-to-have-a-stress-free-christmas/ - here are some ideas.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/penguin-slice-and-bake-cookies-4531396 - this was a fun find this week. I think preparing these and giving them to someone would be fun for them to discover what they are when they slice and bake. Also, they would be fun to make up and freeze and one night when it is storming, take them out and slice and bake. Wouldn't that cheer the soul?

https://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/352-Homemade-Christmas-Decor-Ideas-Gifts-and-More - many ideas here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1tZ35pzhfw - this is fun, I would use mint flavoring and put in my hot cocoa - yum!

Gus and Missy say have fun together but to please be safe.

Monday Message

"I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family. None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment may affect any of us. We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

I feel like I did when the pandemic was still in China as our country is now closing some borders to slow the spread of a new variant, Omicron. I knew it was coming when it was still in China. So I assessed what we would be needing. I now have that same feeling.

What did we learn? Can we do better this time? It sounds way worse than Delta. How can we adapt? How can we be encouraging to others?

Remember what items were hard to get in stores in the beginning of Covid. Do you have these items on hand now?

Gus say be sure to have lots of good things to eat on hand.

It would be good to stock up before the snow flies.

Missy says she is trying to build her mouse catching skills. Are you working on skills too?

Take time to go through what you have on hand. Is there anything that needs beefing up?

I always think of The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and how they had such a long time of that winter and limited food stores. In that story, they had friends who moved out to a claim too and a lady brought over popcorn and since there wasn't any there yet it was a nice treat. The lady said her husband did not think they could take the big bag of popcorn as their wagon was full, she took it and sat on it all the way. So, do you need popcorn? If not, you might want some on your shelf for family movies or game nights.

I wonder, is there a young girl or boy out there that will write about our times?

I think one should definitely have ingredients to make cookies, especially chocolate chip.

https://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/352-Homemade-Christmas-Decor-Ideas-Gifts-and-More - lots of ideas here, just scroll down.

Remember hygge! Have candles and blankets and hot cocoa, just cozy things about.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is crunch time for Christmas. Remember to not stress. Take time to rest and enjoy everything you do. Stress is not healthy for our bodies.

https://www.frompenniestoplenty.com/blog/frugal-fun-christmas-activities - keep in mind we are in a pandemic and adapt accordingly.

https://thehappyhousie.porch.com/20-elegantly-adorable-ways-to-fill-clear-ornaments/ - I think it's best now a days to use the plastic clear ornaments, that way there's no breakage.

https://www.pinterest.com/rangerjeanette/gifts-ideas-for-shut-ins/ - great ideas for those who have to stay home to stay safe.

https://www.graceforsingleparents.com/12-days-christmas-gifts-ideas/ - this can be for anyone, scroll down to the ideas. One time we did this for a husband and wife. We did not say who we were till the end. We had so much fun thinking up the gifts, like pineapple rings for the golden rings and Dove soap for the doves (this was before Dove chocolate). We had fun as a family sneaking it to the door and hide so as not to be seen...it was great fun!

https://livingwellmom.com/25-diy-advent-calendar-ideas/ - here are some great ideas. I watch some knitting podcasts where they have a different yarn and treat and stitch markers in little bags. One does a bag of fun little treats for her husband for each day. She has the yarn ones and they buy like a Harry Potter one for one son, a Lego one for the other, so they each open that day after supper. In another one, her and her husband get little treats, same idea but are in little socks hung across a wall.

https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/25-diy-christmas-advent-calendar/ - more ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270356783854080445/ - some more ideas, the main point is be creative and find inexpensive ways, being frugal doesn't mean awful.

Gus and Missy say have happy holidays and keep being safe, they love you all!