January 19-25

My sweet dog, Sadie, has been sick this past week. 

It started out with her throwing up and then diarrhea. I took her food away for a day and then fed her a bland diet. She has been eating plain rice and boiled chicken. She seems to be happy with that. She is still not back to “normal” but she is energetic and happy. She argues with me about wanting her regular dog food. Sometimes she even pouts! So funny! I’ll keep her on the bland diet for another day. If she’s not better in a few days, I’ll take her to the vet. I feel sure she has eaten something that disagreed with her. Silly dog!

I wonder if it wouldn’t just be better to make her food all the time instead of processed food. That’s something to think about. I don’t think it would be any more expensive. 

We have had bitter cold these past several weeks with temps in the teens. This week coming promises warmer weather and rain. It should be highs in the 50s/60s. That will be nice. 

I planned meals for the coming week:

Sunday - cabbage and sausage

Monday - grilled chicken, green beans

Tuesday- chili beans

Wednesday- chicken salad/wraps

Thursday - homemade mini pizzas

Friday - leftovers

I don’t plan side dishes because it just the two us. I might make some macaroni and cheese to go with the cabbage. I might make cornbread to go with the chili beans; or, we might just eat what we have. Neither one of us are big eaters since having Covid twice. 

Snow! Send more…

Friday, January 10, was the day snow arrived. For 1,090 days, we have not had snow here in my part of South Carolina. We had about 2 inches of snow. Not much compared to other parts of the country but huge for me!! It was so beautiful falling down. On top of the snow, we were given sleet and freezing rain. I was happy with just the snow! A little of the snow has melted; the snow with ice on top is still here. There is an old saying that if snow stays on the ground for three days, it is waiting on another snow. I’m crossing my fingers for more snow! 

Stay warm,

Susan

Oh My Aching Legs!

My friend, Rhonda, at If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done, recently introduced me to Magnilife. Magnilife helps with lower back and leg pain. 

You put 2 of these tablets under your tongue 2 to 3 times a day to dissolve. For the first time in my life (that I can remember, I am sleeping all the way through the night. My legs do not hurt any longer. They don’t ache or cramp at night. For me these have truly been a miracle! 

You can buy these pills at Wal-Mart or order them through Amazon. I am sure they are available at other places. These pills are all natural. Since they are homeopathic there are no side effects or interference with prescribed medication.  It is a good thing!

On another note, snow is in the forecast for Friday.  More on that later! It has been three years since it has snowed here.

Take care everyone,

Susan

Word of the Year

For several years I have chosen a word for the year. For many years it has been JOY since I have had so many things thrown at me. I have had other words over the years and all of them have served a special purpose.

Some years I have struggled with what my word will be. Some years I know automatically - even before the new year starts. I will often pray about what my word should be. This word will help me focus on the upcoming year. 

Words are funny. You can have multiple meanings for the same word. They can be spelled the same way and have completely different meanings. I also like to look at the etymology of a word. (I’m a nerd like that!)  I started this search with the word “Thankful”. I want to be thankful for all the blessings I have and even in the hard times. But, that just didn’t seem to be the word. It didn’t feel right. 

Then, it came to me. My word of the year is “CHANGE”. I want to grow in my life - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The only way is to change some of my thought processes and habits. I do not think this will be easy in all areas. If done correctly, my changes should lead to growth. Right?  I guess it will depend on me. 

 

 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

This verse reminds us that change can sometimes be scary and frightening to us. It is okay. 

No Spend January and longer…

So, I have seen this No Spend January or No Spend 2025 floating around instagram/YouTube and I have decided to do this. Although we are pretty frugal, there are things I can cut out. 

 

This is my list:

I will buy:

1. No more craft supplies. I have enough craft supplies to last me for years. I need to organize and use them.

2. No more kitchen appliances! I am such a sucker for buying new gadgets! LOL! The only thing I would replace would be my Kitchenaide mixer and I don’t think it will break down. I have all the other toys. LOL!
3. No more shoes! (Shoes are my weakness! LOL!)

4. No more clothes unless absolutely necessary. And, if I do need more, the thrift store will be the first place to shop. I have lots of material that I can sew into garments.

5. no Amazon or Sam’s orders unless it is for dog/cat food, household items that are cheaper to order than buy in stores. 
6. No books! I can go to the library, borrow them online, or other sources. I have Amazon Unlimited and I am not ready to give that up. 
7. No seasonal decorations or candles. I need to use the candles I have. (Candles are also a weakness!)

8. No lotions, beauty products, hair products until I use what I have. I feel sure I have enough for the coming year (except for shampoo. I might need to buy that.)

9. No eating out except for our weekly date night (after church on Saturdays). This is more for Dennis’s benefit than mine. He won’t talk about not going out to eat after church. So, it stays. I realize there will times when I might have to eat out with friends or special events. I think the last time we just stopped to get something to eat because of convenience might have been back in the summer. I want to keep that going.

10. No pencils, pens, notebooks, journals, etc… (another big weakness!!)

 

I think those things will make a big difference. I’m going to start with January and see how it goes. Then, maybe I take it month by month. I would like to save enough money to buy a new-to-us vehicle. Our cars are older and Dennis wants a non-hybrid car. 

I will:

1. Continue to tithe and give to charities and those in need.

2. Continue to stock up on really good sales (food and household) 

3. Continue to give myself an allowance that will go in our slush fund! This is only $25 a week and we usually use it for trips or cash gifts.

4. Continue to investigate money saving ideas and learn from all of you!! 
5. Continue to be aware that the best of plans sometimes do not work out! Emergencies happen.