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Sunday, January 29, 2017

TO SPEND, OR NOT TO SPEND

Hello dear friends!  Well, we're back to Winter.  I don't mind though,  that mud was really getting annoying.
  My amaryllis is blooming. Two different friends gave me bulbs to force for Christmas this year.   I'd never done it before, but all you need to do is stick the bulb in some dirt and water it from time to time. Oh!  and place it in a sunny window.  Now that I know how easy it is, next year I might try some paper-whites.
It adds a spot of cheerfulness to the grayness.

To Spend, Or Not to Spend

Dana wrote in her comment last week, that she would be interested in knowing what we did spend our money, it seems all I write of is what we don't spend our money on.  So I've been mulling it over all week, and I have to say, this question stumps me.

*** Before I write an further, I just want to say that I'm writing about my personal experiences here, yours may differ.  Now days people take umbrage whenever you write of such things, they seem to take insult if what you write isn't in total agreement with their lifestyle. I guess they feel they are being judged.  People are very quick to find offense these days, it seems. ***

  I remember when I was younger, I wanted so many things, I thought nothing of going to Barnes and Nobles and spending hard-earned money on books and magazines.  I loved to go antiquing and although I rarely could afford much, I longed for those things.  But each passing year, I find my wants lessening and lessening.  I look at contempt at many things I've purchased thinking of all the good that money could have been spent upon. But we do like to buy a few luxuries for ourselves, such as good cheese, not necessarily expensive cheese, we love Cabot's Seriously Sharp, but it is something we could do without if money was tight, therefore it is a luxury in my book.  I also buy one package of Gevalia Mocha Latte k-cups every month.  I know k-cups are not thrifty, but I always justify it to myself as being cheaper than going to Starbucks.

While I do buy most of my clothes at thrift stores, I do buy more than I need.  I love to have lots of options.   This goes back to my childhood, being the youngest of four girls, I wore a lot of hand-me-downs and never had very much choice in my wardrobe.  And then when I was around fourteen, my parents decided that  they had had enough of being parents and stopped providing for me, so my wardrobe consisted of whatever I could buy with babysitting money, friends discards and Ran would help me out and buy me something from time to time.  As a young wife and mother, I just didn't have the money for clothes.  When we finally could afford to buy some, I got fat and hated everything about fashion. Many years and many pounds  later, I  finally am able to enjoy buying and wearing clothes, so I know I spend too much on clothes. It's always good to self-analyze yourself.  Knowing why you do things, helps you stop doing them.

Ran has some expensive musical equipment, it's important for musicians to have good instruments.  Other than that, the main thing we do with our money is have it available for our children.  It gave us great pleasure that we could help when they were setting up their households.  And they know that if things really were hard for them, we wouldn't hesitate to help out.  To us, money is security, something we didn't have for a majority of our lives, so we take spending it seriously.

Now saying all that, we almost bought a farm this week! How's that for spending money?  I was curious about the asking price of a house near us, and while I was looking at the multiple-listings, I noticed a farm for sale for a very low price.  To be sure, it was a wreck, but Ran and I love fixing up old houses and we are getting bored because there isn't much left to do on our home.  The idea of owning a well and septic system was appealing to us, because every other month when we have to make out a check for $200 to our water company, we get angry.  Also the idea of being able  have chickens and bees sounded nice.  We went so far as to look at it, and had ourselves almost convinced, but then we turned one corner and the siding had holes all over it and the idea of vermin crawling all through the house, turned us off to the idea, completely. We didn't mind the idea of all the work of completely gutting it, and living with a rather ugly house, and having to start our gardens and orchards anew, but we drew the line at  sharing the house with rats and mice.  Oh well!  It kept our imaginations busy all week, thinking of thrifty ways to renovate it!

Baking From The Pantry

Another thing I spend too much money on is making jam.  We really don't use too much, but I never can help myself when all our berries and fruits are ripe.  So as a way to use up some of it, I made these cookies.

Filled Oatmeal Drop Cookies

1/2 C. butter
1/2 C. shortening
1 C. brown sugar
3/4 C. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C. water
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 C. oatmeal
1/2 C. jam or jelly (I used my own wild grape jelly)

Cream together butter and shortening.  Gradually beat in sugars until mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs, water and vanilla, beat well. Blend in flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.  Stir in oatmeal.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Make an indentation with the back of the spoon.  Fill with 1/2 tsp. of jam.  Top with 1 tsp of dough.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.


Not the best picture. Sorry!  By the way, this recipe makes excellent plain oatmeal cookies, minus the jam part.  Just stir in your favorite dried fruit or nuts or chocolate chips, or any combination your heart desires and bake as stated in the recipe, sans the jelly.

Thrifty Things We Did This Week

Didn't buy a farm. That counts, right?

Ran baked some beautiful cranberry English muffins.
The recipe can be found here  He only let them raise once, which resulted in more nooks and crannies, and made them thinner.  They look exactly as the store bought!

I finally got around to tying the woolen quilt I made last year.  Just in time for the colder weather.

I cut more squares for the woolen quilt I'm currently making.  This one will be browns and moss greens.  I need more wool, but am waiting for the thrift store to have there big 95% off sale.  Patience!

We always check a local grocery store for the out-of-date dairy.  We buy cream for the strays and sometimes sour cream.  Well, they had butter for $2/lb. and only two days past the expiration date, so I bought five pounds, enough to keep me stocked for the next five months.  (I freeze it)  And it was organic too!

Spent a total of $17.16 on groceries this week for the butter, two heads of lettuce, milk for the strays and a few other things I don't remember.

Aside from that the usual things of washing our clothes in the old wringer and hanging them on racks to dry, heating with wood, unplugging all the electricals at night, using less lights and more of our candles and kerosene lamps, cooking from the pantry, entertaining ourselves with crafts and board games, watching old movies on YouTube, walking instead of driving, etc.

So that's it for another week at the old Zempel boarding house! I hope that you all have the loveliest of weeks ahead and hope to see you back here next week, the Lord willing and the creek don't rise!

Hugs
Jane










53 comments:

  1. Happy Sunday, Jane! Sounds like you had a great week of nesting and being home! We have flurries today, but nothing serious... yet... I can hope...We have been enjoying a little warmer weather most of the week, but it has been mudlicious to quote ee cummings... The goats are sick of it and so are we... I am battling with replacing a lining in my Father's favorite leather bomber jacket. It weighs 50 pounds and is posing quite a challenge as I am having to handstitch it in place... so, I am watching British mysteries and stitching.

    Have a wonderful week and enjoy your solitude! Spring is coming and so are the tourists.... for both of us....

    as ever.. m

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  2. Man that sounds like a big job, Matty! Best of luck on the lining! I like that word, "mudilicious". Pretty much sums it up doesn't it? Now we are back to winter and the ground is frozen, so we will have to go through mud season once again. Hope you have a fun visit with Jana, next week!

    Hugs
    Jane

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  3. Back to winter here too! It has been snowing for several days and will continue. I loved hearing of your farm you "almost bought" even though you didn't buy it! It is always good to think things over. If I could do it over, I might choose a house (and there are some here in our community) out away from others, in the middle of woods. But then...would I want that when I grow older and maybe if my husband would go before me and I'd be alone? So we don't know the future and sometimes it is best where we are. I think after just moving, that the thought of packing and unpacking would hold me back anyway. But you never know...you have been in your house long enough to remodel and you could swing a move still! You do so much now, I can imagine how much more you'd do with a farm! I always brag to my husband about all you and your husband do. Hugs, Andrea

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    1. You're so right, Andrea, there's so many things to consider, when making a move. We've made our decision to stay put, but every once in a while, one of us will bring it up. It's in horrible condition, so I doubt it's going to sell very quickly, only people that are crazy as Ran and I would want to undertake such a big job. So if we change our mind, it will probably still be there. It would give me some fodder to write about. Ha! Sometimes I just don't know what more I can say about thrifty living that I haven't already written. Thanks for the wonderful compliment!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. It will probably go down in price then. Our neighbor told us that our house was originally listed for $50,000 more. Hugs, Andrea

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    3. Probably. But probably not as low as I was going to offer!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  4. Hi Jane,
    Enjoyed reading your post -as always. The farm idea kept you occupied all week, didn't it? Hey, you never know, you may change your mind when spring hits and a farm will seem even more alluring. I have a question for you, if you feel like answering. You mentioned cold storage once. Can you elaborate on how you store your potatoes, etc.? Thank you and have a good week.

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    1. That's what I'm worried about, Sheila! Here's a post I wrote on root cellaring: http://hopeandthrift.blogspot.com/2015/03/nichigan-easter-bonnet.html

      I don't have a true root cellar, but maybe we'll have to dig one to keep us occupied. Ha! Our basement is too warm, with all the pipes running in it for the hot water heat. So this is what we do. It works out pretty well for us. The potatoes and onions we dug last Fall are still as sound as the day we dug them. Hope this helps!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  5. Okay I'm glad I have a well now! We do have a sewer bill though. Our electricity bill is a little higher than others to run the well pump. The farm just sounds interesting though Jane. How many times though weve done the very same thing. We just keep thinking and then decide we like our home because we know exactly what needs to be done. Looks as though you had a wonderful week -the bagels look so good!

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    1. I suppose it all equals out in the end, Vickie. They put one of those "smart" meters on our house and now our electricity is consistently $20 higher than it used to be. Oh brother! I think we'll continue to stew about the farm for a while. It's fun to dream!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  6. Oh my, Jane, the farm sounds so interesting, but I do understand the rat thing. Still, you and your husband just seem like such homesteaders to me, and I'd love to see what you'd do on acreage and a farmhouse. Ha, you'd be doing all the work, and I'd be reading and nodding you along. Cool, I'll be praying about that. ;)

    Those English muffins do look delicious. I have never made this type of muffin, but I do want to make them so thank you for the recipe. And look at the beautiful amaryllis! Such a lovely red.
    Hope you have a great week!
    Toni

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    1. I'm only afraid of two things in life, Toni, and rodents are one of them. I don't even like the squirrels. So that's a pretty big hurdle to overcome. Will just wait and see.

      The English muffins are pretty easy. They're one of my favorite breakfasts. And the cranberry with orange marmalade. Oh boy! Have a great week, too!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  7. Dear Jane,

    I understand about being put off by rats! We didn't have rats in Idaho, so I'm still taken aback when I see them here, cheekily sneaking food from the chickens. They don't seem to fall for traps, either!

    I love your cookie recipe; my daughter AnnaMarie and I both teach children's Sunday School in our church, and those would be perfect for treats!

    Love,

    Marqueta

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    1. They don't have rats in Idaho, Marqueta? I know where I'm moving! Ha!

      The cookies are nice and wholesome, they'd be perfect for Sunday school. I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you, when it comes to moving to a farm.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  8. What an excellent deal on organic butter! I draw the line at rodents in my house too. I'll allow some spiders, but the mice have got to go. I've had English muffins on my want to try list. Ran's are beautiful! You give me hope that someday we may actually get to the point where we don't have multiple projects on our list. Oh happy day!

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    1. I was really happy to find it, Laurie. Butter has been almost $3/lb. lately around here. It's not fun when the projects come to an end, in my opinion. That's why we always moved after living in one place for a decade. This is the longest we've ever owned a house. Maybe we'll have to start tearing stuff out and rebuilding it! Hope you have a lovely thrifty week!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  9. Good morning Jane ~ Another interesting and inspiring post. Thank you.

    The farm had your minds working, and seeing the downside, let you know why the price was low. :-) Restoring is one thing, dealing with vermin is totally different.

    Those cookies sound and look great. It is cold here in s.e. FL this morning, 52 and feels like it is 50. A good day for baking.

    Happy living each day ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I guess it's a matter of if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Rainey. Oh, it was an ugly wreck to begin with to justify the price. Vermin were an added bonus. Ha!

      Cold here too. But for the sake of dieting, I'm not going to bake! Stay warm!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  10. Good morning Jane!
    Just in case I can live through you vicariously...those strays might be all is needed in removing possible rodents (if the asking price was just, just right)...just in case you didn't mull over that. Yep, just in case. :)
    The granola bars turned out well and delicious. Thank you!
    Have a great week! Hugs, Jen

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    1. Ha! I might have to take back Lady Margaret for that job, Jen! The problem was whoever owned the place had blown-in insulation, but didn't put those buttons on to cover the holes. So forever it has been sitting there with rain (think black mold), bugs and mice having an access. The only thing that could be done would be to tear out the entire side of the house and rebuild it. Wasn't going to put that much money into it. Oh well! Maybe one day Ran and Jamie will build me a little place out in the woods. I suppose I should be content with what I have. Just love projects!

      Glad you enjoyed the granola bars. I need to make up another batch. Hope you are having a lovely mundane week!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Ok, you had me at black mold.
      I say the same thing, and yet get lost in small fantasies of owning a farmette. But there the animals don't die, it is not a lot of work and vegetables grow perfectly - HA!

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    3. Ha! My son had to dispatch some of his sheep, and he said the only way he could get through it was to think that he sent them off to boarding school. I don't think I'm cut out for that part of farming. But the hard work, I relish. Long Winters with little to do, is what starts me thinking about rescuing old farms!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  11. Dear Jane,
    Thanks for posting my suggestion! I found myself nodding my head to your "back story". I used to love to buy magazines and perfume and all manner of shampoos and special creams or fancy cosmetics. I remember that tight-chested "gimme" feeling I would get when in a shop seeing all the lovely things I wanted. But over the years I just sort of shed all that and almost never have that feeling anymore. Except for books! I do have a weakness for used books for a penny on Amazon (plus shipping of course.) Ahem. Aside from books, it has always been good food that matters most to me so that is where the rest of my money goes (well, that and to my daughters!)
    My sweetie had a similar upbringing to yours in that his folks too paid for almost none of what would be considered basic needs. If he wanted clothes, he paid for them. If he wanted to go to the dentist, he paid for it. I find that shocking but I will say that he has the strongest work ethic of anyone I have ever met and still, at 56, works 6 days a week. So I guess the parental neglect had some silver linings.
    I hope you will post pictures of the wool quilt you are working on. I love the combination of greys and greens. And those cranberry muffins look perfect! I may have to make those for my guy. He loves cranberries and english muffins.
    Oh, I almost forgot! You were in a dream I had the other night. Isn't that funny? You were showing me something you had made from stuff you had around the house! That's all I can remember. I've always been a vivid dreamer.
    Anyway, have a lovely week.
    Dana

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    1. You sure that wasn't a nightmare, Dana? Ha!

      I used to love books too, Dana, until I had to move my rather large library. Books are very heavy! As a matter of fact, that's what I'm doing right now is thinning out all my knitting books. I'm sure the library will appreciate them for their sale.

      Growing up that way has had its benefits. It makes you very independent, and stoic about hard times. I suppose the reason your sweetie is gives you such extravagant gifts is because he never had them growing up. It's a sure sign of affection for him. I'm very good at psycho-analyzing myself and others too. Ha! Said a fortune on therapy. They always say the most neurotic people make the best psychiatrists.

      If I ever finish the quilt, I'll post pictures. I love earthy colors too. Well, we made it through January! Now to get through February and we'll have Winter licked! Hope you have a wonderful week, filled with lots of good books!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Wow! Were there ever the spelling and grammar errors in that reply! "Saved" not "said", one too many is-es. Yikes! I really need to read these replies before pressing "publish".

      J

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  12. Oh wow, you almost bought a farm? So exciting , but that one sounds like too much work.
    It is cold and snowy here, so we had to make your cookies....they are delicious! my son loved the pocket of jelly in the center. I haven't made english muffins before,so thanks for the recipe.
    So sorry your folks quit providing for you when you were 14; that must have been rough. I know your children have been blessed with your help. Glad that you have some luxuries...I love cheese too.
    Hope you have a wonderful week.

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    1. If it hadn't have been for that one issue, you'd be commenting to Farmer Jane, Kathy! Oh well, I suppose we'll survive without it.

      Glad your son liked the cookies. They're fun to try different jams in.

      Not all childhoods are fairy tale like, but as the saying goes, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. What I went through, made me who I am today, so I'm grateful. Stay warm, and enjoy the cookies!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  13. I notice that about myself, as well. The older I get, the less stuff I seem to want. That being said, I tend to spend money on experiences more easily than I did when I was younger--I guess memories suit me better than piles of stuff I can't seem to dig through, keep sorted or cleaned.

    We live on what anyone would call a "low" budget. However, one thing I do like about us is that when we do decide to spend some money on a trip, or an item, we do it with no regret. For whatever reason, as long as we have saved it up and aren't using money we should be using for something else, we can enjoy the experience or item fully. For instance, this past weekend, we went on a beach trip for 1 night. Our entire trip cost us gas money, and the price of an ice cream treat for the van load of kids (2 of ours, plus niece and nephew) and a new Yahtzee game. Everyone in the world would not choose exactly those choices for their money, but for us, it was perfect. (If you had an autistic niece that decided Yahtzee was the only thing she wanted to do, you would probably think you'd got the bargain of the century as well, but that's another story!) We were on the clean-up crew for a high-school church retreat and did clean for quite a while. BUT, it was WORTH it!!! We had a great time, did a good deed, and got to watch waves for hours.

    I think your point is well taken. Everyone has so much money to spend, and how they spend it is up to them. It's learning to be wise with it, whatever that means to each one, is the trick! Good thoughts, Jane!

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    1. Isn't it funny, Becky, that we spend the first part of our life building up, and the second part getting rid of it?

      That was a lot of work, involved in your bargain vacation. I can't imagine cooking and cleaning for 40 teens. Whatever fun you got from the barter, you deserved!

      I understand autism, my son Jamie has a mild form of it. That is what keeps me on the straight and narrow path of thrift, to be able to provide for him, once Ran and I are gone. Can't wait to see what you all are up to next! You certainly know how to keep busy!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  14. Hi Jane,
    Yes not buying that farm was for sure thrifty. We lived in the county for 11 years and critters were one of biggest annoyances. We don't really have critter problems in town.
    Your water bill is $200 a month 😱 That's awful. Ours runs $35ish and only jumps up if we water a lot outdoors.

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    1. It's $200 every other month, Rhonda, but still is outrageous when you consider that we use a wringer washing machine and don't own a dishwasher. I'd hate to see what people with big families bill looks like.

      That's true about critters. When my son moved to his farm, he had an awful time getting them under control. We have three very good mousers, so they earn their keep. Something about rodents just creep me out! Have a happy start to February!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Even every other month, that is a huge water bill.

      I always come back and read your comments and reply, they are always good and full of all kinds of helpful info.

      About bulbs, my grandmother used to send an amaryllis bulb to me for my birthday every year. My young children enjoyed watching it as much as I did. It seemed to grow an inch daily.

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    3. What a sweet thing for your grandmother to do, Rhonda! They certainly seem to shoot up quickly, don't they? I love all you dear ladies that comment here. You all are so helpful, encouraging and kind and share some wonderful stories. For sure, I have some of the best readers of any blog!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  15. (((((HUGS))))). My heart really goes out to you my friend and I wish that your childhood has been easier. It does seem that you decided to be the kind of parents to your kids that your parents chose not to be to you and I know that your kids appreciate that very much. :) They are blessed!

    You got me all excited about the farm but yes, sharing your home with rodents would be a dealbreaker for me too. ;) As much as I would love to have a farm, I have to face the reality of getting older and not being able to do as much as I used to. I'm still wanting some forested acreage though with a stream running through it though and a nice cabin for my hubby and me. That would be my dream. :)

    Thank you so much for sharing the recipe for the English Muffins. I can't wait to try them. Be blessed!

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I'll take that hug!

      Forested acreage with a stream and a cabin does sound idyllic. I'm sure the hunters in your family would put that to good use! We can dream can't we? Have a nice peaceful week!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  16. When we moved to our acreage almost 30 years ago the roof was in bad shape with holes in it. It was the first thing to repair when we moved in. But yes, we did have to get rid of a coon or two and some squirrels first. Very creepy to hear animals running around in the attic at night but I really, really, really wanted this place so my sweet hubby let us buy it anyway. Nannie :)

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    1. You're giving me hope, Nannie! Just got back form the big city and stopped by the Re-Use It center while there. Oh boy! They had the prettiest vintage windows and wood flooring and to porch posts that we could use. I tell you, that is one dangerous place for a dreamer! Don't know if I could stand having a coon running around in the attic, though! You're a lot braver than I am!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Sometimes desire overrides fear. I really, really, really wanted that place. Of course Hubby did the ridding the place of the coons and squirrels and I really don't remember how he did that :) And surprisingly enough we only had trouble with mice and rats one year and that happened not at first but down the road a few years when we did some foundation work and some shoring up under the living/dining area. Must have opened up a few places. I always keep d-con out and throw some in the crawl space under the house every now and then. Hubs wants me to clean up the d-con on the back mud porch so he can let our shop cats in there for awhile and he'll clean up the crawl space so they can roam around under there too. I should get on that one of these day :) I think you would love the country so don't give up yet. I'd go visit the place a few times, at different times of day etc. You sound like scrappers like us and since you are retired you would have more time to work on it than we did as hubby was employed full time then although he was self employed and could take time working on the house when really needed. Nannie Nannie

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    3. I know I'd love the country, Nannie. I want to be as busy as you are with all your chickens and such! Maybe we'll revisit the idea in the Spring, once the snow has melted and we can see the lay of the land better, see how the water drains, etc. I'd love to see your farm. I think places that are put together with scraps, love and imagination are the best kind of places.

      Hugs
      Jane

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    4. If you ever come to NE let me know. We'd love to have you visit and maybe inspire you :)Nannie

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  17. Hi Jane! I hope nobody found any fault with whatever luxuries make you happy. We all need them. As my great aunt used to say "a fallen cake to those who try!"

    As for your amaryllis bulbs... boy do I have a story. I learned the hard way a few weeks ago to never trust a lightweight pot with one of those. Oh dear. I received one in a decorative plastic pot as a gift and put it on top of a 6 foot book case. One day after it's flowers were all in bloom I guess it didn't have enough water to weigh it down. I was reading in the room and heard a crash just to watch the plant hit the floor and bounce. I had to clean up dirt everywhere!

    That's interesting you found yourself a farm to think about. It would be a whole lot of work but I can see how it would be difficult to just let pass if a little farm had been something I'd always considered having. Like you though I think I'd enjoy having the thought just to figure out what I'd do with the place. -Sharon

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    1. Hi Sharon! Hmm maybe I better replant the other bulb in something heavier. Thanks for the warning!

      I tell you never go to the Re-Use It center if you enjoy daydreaming about building houses! I'm like a kid in a candy store in one. Have you ever heard of the Moody Sisters? They were three sisters that built all those cute little storybook cottages in Carmel CA. They took parts from old homes being torn down and reused them in their cottages. That is exactly what I would do if I had the money. I could dream about building cute little places all day long. My problem is that I have too many ideas! Hope all is well your way!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  18. Buying a farm sounds like fun! We recently moved to a rural area, and critters are an occasional problem. In the spring, I have one raccoon that climbs a dozen stairs up to my deck, to poop! Seriously?? Thankfully, we haven't had any house critters, other than a few mice that found their way into our traps.

    I have intermediate knitting skills and love to read about the things you knit for your family. It always encourages me to pick up my needles and create something cheerful and functional.

    Enjoy the sunny day we are having!

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    1. Racoons have to be one of the most annoying of all critters, Anne. A couple used to go onto our back porch and take the lid off of the garbage can we had food for the strays in. They sure are clever with their little hands. Ha!

      Well that's just the motivation I need to get my knitting needles out and finish a few projects that are almost done. Thank you for giving it to me! They are almost finished, but as usual, I get down to the wire and lose interest. Wonder why that is? It's a beautiful sunny perfect day here, hope it is the same where you are!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. We have found that keeping a nice big dog outside to chase those night time critters is essential. For 2 years we did not have a dog and we ended up having to get rid of a few ourselves. Makes for interesting stories anyway. Nannie

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    3. Our dogs have always been too spoiled, but I imagine keeping a dog outside is very good for security as well as critter control. Thanks for the invitation, Nannie! As I'm not much of a traveler, I doubt if I'll ever make it your way, but as I always say, it's always nice to be asked!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  19. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recipes. We make homemade English Muffins too, thanks to Brandy at Prudent Homemaker.
    Anxious to see your new wool quilt.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Oh yes, Brandy and I go way back to when I had my first blog The Thrifty Countrywoman, almost a decade ago. The recipe we use is a variation of the one on the back of the box on the English muffin rings. I'll have to look her recipe up and see if there is anything new I can add to the mix.

      The new quilt is slow in the making. Finding enough wool in the colorways is difficult, but that's OK as I'm in no hurry.
      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Hi Leslie! I tried looking up Brandy's recipe on her blog, but couldn't find it, even after using the search. Could you direct me to where it is found? I'd be interested in seeing if she does anything different, as all her baked goods look so beautiful on her pretty blog. Thanks!

      Jane

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    3. Yes, I checked out her site. Maybe you can email her and ask her to repost it. If not, perhaps I can email it to you.
      Blessings,
      Leslie

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    4. Thanks Leslie. No need to do that, as I'm pretty happy with my recipe. Just was curious to know if she did anything different. Most of the recipes on the net are the same, so I doubt if there's much variation to be had.


      Jane

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  20. What an interesting week you had with pursuing the possible purchase of a farm. Will be interesting to see if you continue to revisit the idea. I am terrified of mice and always have been. It's interesting to see what different people splurge on. Everyone has different tastes and stage of life makes a difference also. I find that I want less and want less to take care of. That said, I am blessed to have more than I need. I would love to sell my house and relocate closer to my daughter in NC and I cannot imagine packing and moving the contents of my house. I have been cleaning out for several years but I still have more than needed. (Yeah, first world problem.) Thanks for the cookie recipe. It sounds delicious. Weather turned cold here for the weekend so perfect for baking.

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    1. We've been downsizing and cleaning out for the last few years too, Shirley. It's a joke around here that this will be my last garage sale ever, yet the next year, I have an entire driveway full of stuff.

      If you're terrified of mice, it's a good thing you love cats! Our are very good mousers.

      Hope you have warmer weather this weekend. We're getting closer to Spring!

      Hugs
      Jane

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