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Sunday, February 26, 2017

A FUN FRUGAL WEEK

Hello dear friends!  Hope you are having a sunshiny day where ever you are! One day this past week it was warm enough to go out with just a heavy sweater instead of a Winter coat.  We hung laundry out on the line.  Unfortunately, the warm weather didn't last, but it was nice to get a sneak peek of Spring.  But it can still be Spring inside, the amaryllis that my friend Mary gave us for Christmas is blooming.  I love how it looks like an Easter lily.
Can you believe it soon will be Lent?  BTW, see that quilt on the loveseat? Here's a better look:
Bought it for $3 at an estate sale this week!  I'm not much for Sring-like pastels, but wanted something more cheerful than my usual earthy colors for the coming season.  This fit the bill and I certainly couldn't argue with the price, plus in a few months I can sell it at my garage sale and recoup the cost.  At the same sale, I bought this big bin of thread for $7:
There were at least fifty spools of thread and a couple pairs of dressmaker's shears. These are the sort of things I look for at estate sales,  I go through a lot of thread, sewing those woolen quilts.  BTW, thank you Jen  for sending me the green wool for my current quilt, it was just the thing  to give me the incentive to finish it.  We've bought lightbulbs, cleaning and car washing supplies, house paint and wood stains, tools and candles for pennies on the dollar at them.  As a matter of fact I purchased two Yankee Candles that had never been used for $1 each.  How much do those things run in the store?  So I'd say it's a thrifty thing to check out the estate sales, when there's one in your area.  Estates sales have more than just antiques and dated furniture.

Another thing I've had pretty good luck finding at estate sales, is bed linens.  It seems a lot of people buy sheets and never take them out of the packages.  Speaking of which, we needed to buy a new mattress cover, so I suggested to Ran that we check out the Goodwill first, our local one gets a lot of new-in-the-package bed linens from Target.  Sure enough!  There was one for only $4.99.  A lot cheaper than Wal-Mart's price of $20.  I also found two skeins of Paton's wool yarn for $1.99 each.  It's my favorite yarn for knitting mittens and warm socks, so I was pleased to find that!  BTW, I finally finished these mitten:

Once I block them, I'll pack them away for Jamie for Christmas.  I also made a crazy quilt pillow from that that shawl I wrote about a while back.  I was getting overwhelmed by all the projects I had in progress, so I decided just to give up on the shawl and make a pillow from what I had finished.
Sometimes you just have to admit defeat and resign yourself to the fact there will never be enough time in the day to do all that you want.  I feel so much better getting these two projects out of the way. I'm going to forget about knitting for a while and do some quick projects like aprons and table runners, maybe a tote bag.  Things I can do in a day or two.

 Our local thrift store is holding their annual sale and everything is 85% off.  I bought a couple very large blouses with some cute prints  to make some sundresses for Violet, they were 50 cents each.  I also found a  Eddie Bauer skirt for 30 cents and a pair of  cute corduroy paisley Vera Bradley pajama bottoms for 50 cents that have enough fabric to make a pair of pull-on pants for Violet.  Good enough for play clothes.  Also snagged some more woolen goods for the quilts,  I want to make some lap-sized ones for gifts.

While we were in town,  we stopped by the local independently owned grocery store to see if they had any reduced-for-quick-sale milk for the strays.  They did, $1/gallon.  And they also had two 1.5 pound chunks of sharp Cheddar cheese for $2.99 ($2/lb) which I took home, grated and froze.  They also had dried garbanzo beans for 75 cents a one-pound bag, which I canned up.

It made up 7 pints for a little more than 20 cents a jar.  I know a can of garbanzo beans sells for more than $1 a can, so when people ask if canning pays, I can say it certainly does.  Plus my home-canned doesn't have any corn syrup, preservatives or artificial colors.

On another day, Ran took me to the Big City,  because we wanted to purchase some wooden posts from the Re-Use-It center,  that we spotted there earlier, for a project we will be working on, once the weather warms up.  They were still there, hurray!  And they lowered the price form $50 each to $40 each.  Sometimes it pays to procrastinate.  We stopped at the other  Re-Use-It center because they always have such good deals on china.  I wanted something Spring-ish for the next few months, but didn't want to pay too much for them. I found six pretty  brown transferware ones for 25 cents each and four Johnson Brothers Autumn Delight patterned ones that I'll tuck away for Fall teas, again at  25 cents each.
While I was there I rifled through their few racks of clothes, looking for more woolen pieces.  Didn't find any, but I did find this pretty jacket from Lands' End for 50 cents:

It has such a pretty lining and fits like a dream,  usually jackets and blazers have too short of a body for me.  BTW, Laurie said she would be interested in seeing some of my get-ups, as I talk about how I don't dress like the normal 60-ish woman. Well, I tried!  But to say that I am not a model, would be an understatement!  After standing there,  trying not to blink while Ran fiddled with the camera, I got several shots with my eyes closed, my mouth open, my hair sticking out in every direction.  The best shot was this one, which he snapped as I was walking off, I was so-over the whole modeling episode:
Christy Brinkley, I aint!  BTW, you can see how long my braid is, I really want your opinion.  Do you think I should cut my hair?  Been debating this for the past few months.

Gardening

We planted some lettuce  in our cold frame this week.  We also stuck a pot of green onion starts in there.  Something I learned from my friend, Regina is to plant the root ends of your green onions in the dirt and they self-propagate.

Baking

We've been experimenting with making sourdough, after Miriam left a comment on last week's post,  it resparked an interest. Maybe you are familiar with Cracker Barrel's sourdough bread?  That's the flavor we are going for.  We did find a recipe for one of those copycat recipes, but it's not quite there yet, but getting close.  We really love how soft  Andrea's bread recipe is, so we combined those two. So we'll continue to experiment.  If we ever get it just right, I'll be sure to let you know.

I'll forego my list of thrifty things I did this week, as this post is basically just a long list of them.  So that's it for another week at the old Zempel boarding house.  I hope that this week will be a joyful and pleasant one for you!

Hugs
Jane


93 comments:

  1. What a nice week you had; you accomplished quite a bit! I'm still trying to get back into a (semi) routine after my Fl. break. I got home and ended up working extra hours at both jobs. Nothing like hitting the ground running.
    I like long hair on 'older' women. (I'm 60, too.) It seems to me that everyone wears it short. It's not always a good look, in my opinion. My hair is shoulder length; it looks awful any shorter. (Thick and curly; i have a bowling ball on my head!)
    After reading about you processing so much food, i may have to get a pressure canner. I have a water bath canner that i drag out once in awhile to can jams. I'd rather have vegetables, though. We've discussed joining a CSA, so maybe we'll actually have something to 'put by'!
    Have a(nother) great week! Debbie

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    1. Canning vegetables, is super easy, Debbie. In my opinion, it's easier than jams. All you do is fill the jars, pull boiling water over the top and seal them up. No stirring for hours on end.

      The other day I was in the store and this older lady had really long beautiful hair,and I thought to myself, "That's nice to see such a pretty young thing" Then she turned around and had an old wrinkled face. It was like Sea Hag from Popeye. I don't want anyone to think that way about me, so I was wondering if maybe it was time to cut the hair. I usually wear it in an updo or a braid, rarely hanging loose, but still. The times when I cut my hair I thought I looked at least a decade older, but all the conventional wisdom about women over 50 shouldn't have long hair still nags me.

      Hope this week will be less hectic!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Hi Jane, Do you water bath can or pressure cook the veg to seal? I just don't feel like me with short hair.( I am 57.) And conventional wisdom is highly overrated. : )

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    3. Hi Angela! You must pressure can vegetables and all things with low acidity. A pressure canner may seem like a big expense upfront, but as you can see, when you save 80 cents a jar on vegetables, it quickly pays for itself!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  2. And I always suit shorter hair better. The quilt, all that stitching, if it were me, I would keep it, maybe even put fleece or woollen fabric on the back, and bingo, another lovely cover for the bed, or couch. Canning? bottling or freezing, all lots of work but so welcome in the next season when fresh goodies are done for in the garden.

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    1. I'll never be thin like you, Jean, to carry off truly short hair, this much I know. But maybe shoulder length. I don't know. Aging is so hard. Never had to debate about such trite things when I was younger.

      The quilt has a backing but needs new binding. I suppose it would be a simple enough job to fix it up and keep it for picnics and such. Lately I've been in a purge the house of everything mood. Hope your knee is getting better!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  3. No, no, no, do NOT cut your hair. I read somewhere recently that the idea that older women should not have long hair, or that they shouldn't go natural with their silver/gray/white locks, no longer applies.

    I've been looking at pinterest for pictures of women with long silver hair and have started my own pinterest page filled with ones I love. They encourage me. I will be 68 on the first day of spring, my hair is long, mostly silver, and I wear it either clipped up or in a braid. I always wanted long hair since I was a little girl, but my mother made me have short, permed hair. Then I met and started dating my would be DH and he liked long hair and I let it grow. I've just had it trimmed through the years.

    Your hair is beautiful and I think you look really young.

    I always enjoy your frugal ways of living. Your 'finds' are always great too.

    Happy Living each day ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I wouldn't cut my hair if I were you either, Rainey. Your hair is going silver in such a pretty way. I'm afraid I'm going to have that ugly steel gray hair. Well, maybe you will be my muse on long hair, as you've been on so many things! All your gardening and do-it-yourself attitude has been inspiring me for years! Happy living to you, dear friend!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  4. Joan of Crystalview CottageFebruary 26, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    Hi Jane, It was so nice to read your post today! I love to read about all your frugal purchases. Thank you for posing for the picture. You are so pretty!!! I love, love, love your hair. I also have long hair and am 60ish only mine is turning silver. I have a whole pinterest board called Silver Girl where I pin long haired silver beauties to encourage me when I feel a little insecure about my hair. Your outfit is simply wonderful!!! The weather has been so great lately. Last Monday people were ice fishing on the lake and today the lake is entirely open. I am enjoying watching the white caps. Have a wonderful week. I would love to see more pictures of your outfits.

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    1. Thank you, Joan, but I won't be posting any pictures again soon. People always leave comments asking when am I going to post a picture of myself, I guess they like to have a face to go with the words, but in truth I'd rather get a root canal than have my picture taken. Thank you for the encouragement about keeping the long hair. It's good to know that I'm not alone. I guess I feel a tad bit insecure about going against the norm.

      The snow on the lakes sure melted quickly this year. Remember a few years back when they were completely frozen over? Maybe this year the water will be warm enough to swim by the 4th of July! Hope you have a fun week ahead of you!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  5. I love your long hair Jane! I guess though it's up to you. My hair grows so fast I go back and forth with long and shorter hair. Maybe you could try it and it will just grow again?

    Your bread looks so pretty. I need to make some sourdough bread soon and use my starter.

    Have a great day!

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    1. Sourdough starter certainly is an economical thing to have, Vickie. Only problem, you need to use it once in a while. Ha!

      Been tying my hair about shoulder length and tucking the ends under to see how I'd like it as a bob. What I really need is to go on one of those make-over shows and have someone tell me what I need to do. Hate getting old and not just being able to figure these things out. It was easier in my mother's generation when everyone did the same thing. Too many choices! Hope it's warmer down your way than it is here!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. It's warmer than normal that's for sure, Jane. A little to cold to take the grandkids to the park we thought. So we went to the mall play ground. Tomorrow in the 50's they say.
      Maybe a great hairdresser will help you...I agree with Sharon about don't make it so short you can't fit you hair into a ponytail. Smart idea.

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    3. There lies the rub, Vickie! There aren't any great hairdressers around here. Last time I got my hair "professionally" cut, it took two years to grow out all the bits and pieces, she had done such a hatchet job. I'm thinking the best thing to do is nothing at all, at least this easy, just a few minutes braiding it in the morning and I'm through for the day. Hope today is a nice one for you, Cold here, but sunny!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    4. You can freeze your sourdough starter if you bake only occasionally.

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    5. Thanks again Miriam. From now on, I'm deferring to you on all bread baking questions. It's so nice to have an expert in the house! Thanks again for taking the time to answer all my questions!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  6. I like having a face to go with the words--although I never like photos of myself--maybe they are a bit too realistic.
    If you cut your hair, DON'T cut it too short to be braided or pinned up. My hair has never been as long as yours, but when I've decided to go shorter I almost immediately regret it. I refuse to have one of those mushroom-shaped do's that were so long considered correct for older women. I think the trend is now more to do as we please.
    I have several store-bought quilts and comforters that came from charity shops--they work when we are moving furniture, folded over a chair or bench for cats with muddy feet, and sometimes one of the more presentable ones folded at the foot of the bed.

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    1. Ha! Maybe that's it. Sharon! Strangely, the only time I've ever had short hair was for my wedding, a decision I regretted immediately, also. I don't think I have the panache to pull of very short hair.

      I suppose this quilt is good enough to keep for the strays. Then maybe they can keep their muddy paws of my vintage Pendleton blankets! Got to admit it does add a splash of color to our otherwise dreary Spring. It is nice to see something that isn't mud-colored!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  7. Jane...I love your hair long! And you look so pretty and could pass for 30'something! (Ha...I think your husband takes pics fiddling around like my husband does! But he did a great job capturing your personality!) But if you feel you must cut your hair..just trim it and let it grow back for the next winter. Anyone can wear short hair, but long hair takes time and is beautiful so see.

    Now I am craving estate-type/thrift stores!! Must be the season. Your décor looks so fresh. And thread is expensive to buy so you saved a lot of money just on that.

    The mittens and pillow are beautiful. Now you can rest and know you've accomplished a lot.

    I love all your "finds". I just saw Walmart has Yankee candle make their own line for them for half the price! But I found Burt's bees candles at Walmart that day for 1/2 off. (soy candles).
    You accomplished a lot this week and the bread looks picture-perfect! Hugs, Andrea

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    1. Hi Andrea! I didn't know that about Walmart candles. That's good to know. The paint company that Ran worked (a very famous brand name) made paint for the Ace hardware under the Ace name. I think a lot of companies do that, so you can save some money if you know that secret.

      We are now baking the softest bread thanks to you! Unfortunately for my waistline, Ran has become obsessed with baking it! Ha!

      Ran's picture taking is so aggravating! He monkey arounds so much and just when you've given up on the whole thing he snaps the picture. I rarely have my eyes open in any of them and I usually have my mouth open because I'm saying "Take the picture!" just about the time the shutter clicks! and I always have a look of befuddlement because he's always telling me to look over here and I'm going "where?". Or maybe the problem lies with the model?

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Ha..my husband takes pics the exact same way! The candles are called "American Home by Yankee Candle". They are exactly half the price. (So I just threw away my Yankee candle coupons for the yankee candle stores..which there are none around here anyway!!)
      Before my husband's company (that he worked for all his career) became a pharmaceutical co...it was a chemical company (ICI) and made Glidden Paint. It sold it and merged once, and then twice, and had no resemblance to the original co. he started with! Hugs, Andrea

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    3. Thanks for letting me know, Andrea! I learn the best things from the comments on this blog!

      Those chemical companies are known for their mergers. Maybe they should all merge and just become one huge chemical company. Ran worked for both Dow and RPM. I always hear about Dow being part of the New World Order companies and I always say, "Good! Then I won't have to worry about our pension!" That's horrible! Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  8. Enjoyed your post!
    My hair was half way to my waist.
    I had it trimmed off just below my shoulders.
    The weight of it was giving me headaches.
    Much better now.
    I like thequilt!
    Only one thrift store here, the bargains are few and far between.

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    1. You must be one of those fortunate people that has thick hair, Annie. My hair is hip length and it will never be that heavy, ^^sigh^^ Too bad you don't have very many thrift stores nearby, they sure are fun to poke around in and this time of year when they are clearing out their inventory, they are practically giving away the stuff!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  9. I LOVE your beautiful hair...no, don't cut it! Are you saying you are about 60? I would have guessed by your picture you were in your early 30's...seriously!

    I am so glad I found your blog. It is so informative and helpful. You are very inspiring.

    Mary Ann

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    1. You've just become my new favorite person, Mary Ann! Seriously, thank you very much for the kind words!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  10. What a fun week you had! I really enjoyed reading about your thrifty finds, and I love, love those dishes. The quilt is beautiful, love the mittens, and sour dough bread - oh me word, now I'm hungry.

    Jane, the photo of you is so cute even though you were over it, as you say. Of course, your hair is just that, your hair, but since you asked I would encourage you to keep it long. "Long hair is a woman's glory." says the Bible so that's me strongest argument for keeping it long. Besides you look so young with that nice braid. My hair is reeeally long, and I'm 60+, but I've always thought long hair is elegant and defining anyway. I colored my hair until about four years ago since I started graying in my twenties. I wasn't ready to be gray back then, but now that I'm much older I don't mind it so terribly bad. Mine is silvery in front and steel-ish in the very back, but I don't care as it almost looks like I had it done on purpose.

    Thanks so much for sharing your week!
    Toni

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    1. I wonder what the pattern is, Toni? The backstamp is worn off, they are old.That is a very strong argument for keeping it long, It's encouraging to hear from so many other long-haired sisters. I think that would be very pretty to have silver in the back and darker in the front. My hair just gets dullish looking as it grays. Guess I just have to bite the bullet and let it do it naturally because I don't want to end up with a big long streak of gray at the top.
      I'll let you know when I get the sourdough flavor worked out. I think they must use some sort of artificial flavoring to get that sourdough taste at Cracker Barrel. I see that King Arthur Flour has some, but read citric acid does the same thing. I used some in the bread, but maybe I need to use more.

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. I'm not familiar with the pattern, Jane, but I'll keep finding the name of the pattern in mind on future dish hunts. It's such a soft, delicate pattern with a chintz-like look to it, I'm wondering if it could be from the Aesthetic Movement. In the meantime, if you find out what it is let me know.

      On the hair thing... when I quit coloring mine I bleached the color out but could not get it completely white so I was a blonde there for a year or two until the silver took over. That was preferable to me rather than looking like I had a skunk stripe on me head. LOL

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    3. Ha! I guess it would be, Toni! My hair gets really bleached out during the summer and I usually try to dye it back to it's natural color, but maybe I should just let it bleach out? That would be something different.

      Yes, it does look like a pattern from the Aesthetic Movement. I'm so glad I found you, Toni! Who else even knows what we are talking about? I'm slowly collecting Adams Empress Ironstone from the Re-Use-It center. For some reason they bring it out one piece at a time, almost every time I go there, they have a piece. At the price of ten-cents each, I guess I can be patient about it!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    4. Hey, me too, dishes are us! Adam's Empress is soooo classy, Jane. I hope you find all the pieces you're looking for.

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    5. Together, we could write a book, Toni! I always thought it would be fun to be a picker for Replacements. I see so many single pieces of antique china when I'm out.

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  11. You look lovely Jane, I love long hair and invariably swing from long to short, but my hair grows so fast. I think if your hair is thick, short cuts look good, but thin hair can be a bit tricky. What you could do is to cut about 6 inches off, get used to that and slowly go to a length you feel comfortable with, But it looks so nice it would be a pity if you cut it. Just my penny's worth! Some great bargains there, I got some today at the hospice op shop, will blog about them tomorrow. I have been thinking about making sourdough bread and have looked up how to do the starter, a lot seem to have rye flour in and I am allergic to that, so I wonder if ordinary wholemeal is okay? Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Believe it or not, I had just cut a foot off before this picture was taken, Sharon! What you said about thin versus thick hair is something else to consider. Thanks for your input.

      Yay! you'll be blogging tomorrow. Can't wait to read your latest post!

      None of the sourdough starters I've seen use rye flour so I'm sure you could just substitute whole wheat for it without any problem. What I'm looking for a real "sour" flavor. Maybe it just has to develop over time? The longer you have the starter the more sour tasting it becomes? A neighbor that we used to live near, had some starter dating back to the mid-1800s! It was out of the world. He was old and it had been passed down to him from his grandmother. Now that's an inheritance I wouldn't mind to have had! Hope you had a fun week, too!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  12. You are so cute!!! Thanks for sharing the photo. Boy, did you get some great bargains. I've gotten thread at thrift stores and such. My quilt mentor told me thread can get old, and it will break. I'm curious if you've ever had that happen? I love the quilt, but I REALLY love that china. I want go thrift shopping with you! I think your hair is lovely. Oh, I love a good sourdough bread.

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    1. Thanks Laurie! I'm working on taking a compliment without saying something self-depreciating. I think if you get some really old cotton thread, that comes on the wooden spools it can break, but I've really never had a problem with it. I think you can get a pretty good idea of the quality of the thread by the first couple of stitches. Fortunately, most of these spools were newer, as the woman the estate sale was from, had a tailoring shop. She just had a lot of thread!

      Should have come up when the bio-fuel plant was delivered! Next week they will have 95% off. That's when I look for buttons and interesting fabrics. One of Ran's friend suggested I give thrift tours to show people where the bargains are. We always say we have the best thrift stores and garage sales in the country around here!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. The bio-fuel plant is still here awaiting the owners to set up shipping. I may yet finagle tagging along one of the times Joseph goes up to do training in the next few months. I'll surely let you know if I do. Between your excellent eye and good stuff, you do find some treasures!

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    3. I'd wait until it warms up, Laurie. Bad Axe isn't much even in the best of weather, but when it all muddy and bleak like it is now, it isn't where I would want to take a vacation!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  13. Jane. I had hair to my butt when I was 50 and kept it for a while. Then, I kept cutting it shorter to about my bra strap in back. THEN, I got cancer, went through 18 radiation treatments two years in a row and then chemo for six months the third year. My hair will not grow back and is quite sparse in places (if you have ever seen a lupus patient with their hair coming out in spurts here and there - that is what I look like). I now have to wear a pixie wig as too many people have seen me with the short wig (which I purchased during chemo) and I don't want people to know I wear a wig. SO, I keep seeing women who look feminine because they have long hair and here I am with a somewhat fat face and a pixie cut. I would LOVE to have my hair back but that will not happen (my last chemo was about two years ago). I know having short hair does not mean you are not feminine, but to not be able to have your hair long and beautiful again when that is what you have had all your life, is devastating to me. (Of course, I know that is nothing but vanity compared to children starving across the globe who don't give a rat's about their hair, they just want food.)

    So your readers know, YES, I have tried long wigs. They get to where they get natty on the ends by rubbing on your clothing. In no time, and I mean NO time, you have put out a couple of hundred dollars for a wig that looks beautiful in the beginning and you get to use it for two months. One time I bought a Raquel Welch wig that lasted TWO wearings before becoming natty. I paid over $250 for that one. Real hair is VERY expensive, out of my price range, so this cute pixie-ish wig for under $50 that has lasted for months without much noticeable wear is just fine for me. During chemo, I actually had so-called "friends" come up to me and say, "OH! Is that your wig?" I have another "friend" stare at my hairline every time we meet. Last time she said, "I see you still have that cute hairstyle." She has done everything but come right out and ask me if I am wearing a wig. People, you have NO idea how embarrassing that is to a cancer patient. I have not seen either of these people for a while and do not care to ever again, actually.

    Once you wash the wig, you cannot return it. Many times you cannot tell if the wig is going to be okay until you wash it, then it is too late. I can write a book on wigs; I have had so many. If you have to have a wig, The Wig Company (TWC), is the best by far. I have tried many others (including Paula Young from whom I have purchased two and had to send both back) and can tell you no one compares to TWC. And, YES, I have tried every hair growth product and, YES, I eat as close to organic as I can afford to do and, YES, I take multivitamins, vitamin B, etc.

    Actually, Jane, if you are wondering about cutting your hair, go to a local wig store and try on shorter styles and make a decision from there. But for my two cents worth DON'T cut that beautiful hair!!!

    How does Ran feel? Most men love long hair.

    In closing, I just remembered something my Granny told me when I was young. I said, "Granny, I wish my hair was black." She said, "Yes, and if it was black you'd be wishin' it was yeller." Never satisfied, are we? (By the way, my hair has always been dark brown.)

    Cate <><

    P.S. Sorry, Jane. I did not mean to write a small novel!

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    1. Thank you for writing this Cate! I've learned a lesson here, I'll never mention wigs to a cancer patient, even if it is to say that it looks nice or "real", thinking I'm encouraging them. Hope your cancer is a thing of the past now and that you are in full remission, I truly do. That's a good suggestion about trying on some shorter hairstyled wigs before deciding. Ran loves my long hair, just don't want to appear that I'm trying to look younger than my years, that's the only reason I'm considering cutting it. Your granny was a very wise woman! Hope this week is a beauty for you!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. I have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (lymph node cancer). So far I have made it through one year with a clean CT scan. I am not considered to be in remission but God is good all the time. I think my oncologist wants to wait for the five year period before he "clears" me, which is fine with me. By His stripes, I am healed. I hold onto this and know that every day is a gift from God. Thanks, Jane. You are such a sweetheart!

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    3. That's the type of cancer my father had too, Cate. I've heard from so many people that have/had it. There's many survivors! I'll keep you in my prayers, that the next four years will pass smoothly and that your oncologist will declare you are in remission.

      Hugs
      Jane

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    4. Cate, wishing you all the best!

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    5. Cate, I, too, am battling cancer (breast cancer in my case). Lost most of my hair, too. Just wanted to wish you the best as you go forward.

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    6. Jane, Miriam and Bless - sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Thank you each for your prayers and good wishes. I shall pray for you also, Bless. May God richly reward all of you for your kind hearts.

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  14. First of all, thank you for posting the picture of yourself! You look very young and pretty. And I love your plaid skirt. I love long hair, too. I had long hair, myself, before most of it fell off due to my chemo treatments and I shaved off the bit that didn't actually fall. It is starting to grow out now and people tell me I look nice in short hair, but I am hoping I'll be able to have longer hair, again.

    What a lovely quilt and for just $3? Your patchwork pillow looks lovely, too, and I am sure those mittens will be much appreciated next winter. I can't believe you found those plates for just $.25 each! What a bargain!

    That was a clever thing to do with the garbanzo beans! I buy the dried ones from the bulk bin at the ethnic market (can't remember the price) and soak them overnight and cook when I want some and I buy the canned ones when they go on sale for $.50 for the smaller can (14 oz), but I would never have thought of buying the dried ones and canning them myself!

    Hope you have a lovely week ahead of you. Take care,

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    1. Thank you, Bless! I'm sorry you had cancer and had to go through chemo. I hope that you are all better now. I feel so blessed to have escaped that, so many of the women my age have not. But for the grace of God!

      Canning the beans makes them so convenient. No soaking and boiling! In the Winter months when I have more time, I can up some of my older dried beans. They seem to have to be boiled forever to soften, pressure canning cuts out that problem. Hope that you are feeling better and have a more pleasant week!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  15. Jane,
    I would not cut your hair. Many people regret doing it later. I did. It takes so long to grow back. Just my opinion.
    Have a great week!
    In Christ,
    Kim

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    1. Thanks Kim, for your input. That's true. I sure regret getting bangs, Ha! Guess I just need to learn how to wear it up, so I look more my age.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  16. Around here, the person who has to wear the hair gets to decide how they want it:) That's the hard part, isn't it? We have so many kinds of hair in our family--short, long, African-American, thin, graying, colored--the variety is endless. My hair was super short for about 20 years because I had no time to do anything to it because I had so many kids to take care of. Last summer, in all the commotion of moving, I missed my appointment to get it cut and highlighted, and I still haven't made a new one!!! So, right now, my decision to not do anything has become my decision to grow it out and let it get grayer AND I have to blow dry it and curl it a little with a curling iron to even look decent. Silly me. So, I'm in the same dillema, grow, color, cut??????? What??? Hopefully, I'll get something done soon, though, since right now I just chop off a little more when it gets into my eyes---and hair cutting is not my talent! Yikes! Truthfully, I've just wanted the time and money for other purposes lately.

    I love the picture of you. You look lively, and cheerful. No surprise there, but it's nice to put a face on a name.

    It sounds like you had a great week, especially at estate sales. We have been finding a few around here as well and have found a few good things, including a bunch of skirts for the girls for $1 each.

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    1. You better watch out, Becky, or you'll end up with hair as long as mine! Ha! Deciding not to do anything has been what I've been ding for the last few years. That skirt Ja'ana sewed was very pretty. There's some amazing bargains out there right now. I can't believe you are starting your garden already! Hope that it will be a great growing season for you!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. That little patch of garden was what I planted last fall. There one one carton of Walla Walla onions, which survived, a packet of lettuce, which we ate and some died and one lived, a packet of carrots, which are under the chickweed in the back, the spinach, which looks alive, the beets which died, the snow peas which died, and green onions from seed, which are living. It's all an experiment. From one who likes to experiment to another---it was worth a try and a few dollars worth of seeds. I'm just interested in what will happen in early spring. Will it grow? Will the onions bulb up? I'm excited to see, which shows how easily amused I am:)

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    3. Ha! I understand that! Last year we planted potatoes in the late Fall to see if they would come up earlier in the Spring. They didn't, so we figured that they all had rotted in the ground, so we planted more. Then they all came up! We had so many potatoes! I'm experimenting with growing lettuce in the cold frame at the moment. So far, no sign of life, but we haven't had much sunshine.


      HUgs
      Jane

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  17. Hello Jane! I love that quilt you found...it is so pretty and Springlike. You are right about estate sales. I found a bunch of thread at one and bought it all! My mother is a quilter and they had the huge cones of them. My mother was thrilled to get them. Your hair is just gorgeous, as are you. Just do whatever you feel is right for you. It you cut it and don't like it, you can always grow it back out. Be blessed!

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    1. Aren't estate sales fun, Debbie? Even if you don't find anything, it's fun to see inside the houses. After what Cate wrote, I'm beginning to see my long hair as something I should be grateful for and stop worrying that others may think I'm trying to act too young by having it. Hope you are getting rest after taking care of your grandson for a week! I know when I babysit the grandkids, it takes about a week to recover! Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  18. I love your long hair, its beautiful. My Grandmother had long white hair all the way down her back. It was beautiful. I swore when I grow older to have long hair too. If my hair stays soft like hers.

    Your bread looks amazing, and I love your thrift finds! Your op-shops sound better then those around me, mine are often very well picked over. But then again I am not in there often enough either I guess. :)

    xx

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    1. Hi Emma! I think it's really a matter of chance whether you find anything in the thrift stores. Sometimes the finds are amazing and then months go by without anything. Once I tweak the bread recipe a bit more, I'll post it. Thanks for the encouragement about the hair issue!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  19. dear jane,
    i love the quilt,it looks wonderful.The mittens are beautiful too.The plates are beautiful,love the plates with the autumn motiv.I love your long hair...no cut.
    beautiful outfit,i love it very. You looks so young.
    Wish you a beautiful week,
    hugs and love,
    regina

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    1. Thanks Regina! Did you get the pretzel recipe I sent you?

      Hugs
      Jane

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  20. The quilt is a fabulous idea for bringing in some springy colors.

    I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about your thrifty shopping adventures. I worked this weekend -- our seasonal type business -- and as such pretty much had a no spend weekend. We bought eggs and milk.

    I have themed fabric that I am toying with. I can't decide if I want to make a table runner or placemats with it. Like you, I am longing for some projects I can see finished.

    We've had unseasonably warm weather here. I do miss having a clothesline, but we have ordered a huge drying rack that I can sit on my patio. I'm waiting (somewhat patiently...not!) for that to arrive.

    Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  21. Dear Jane,
    As someone who just went and got her super-short hair cut even shorter (I wear a very short, tight, pixie) I would say your hair is lovely (as are you) and most importantly, it suits you. I am tall and too fat so not at all the "gamine" type but I really feel most like myself with very short hair. I was that girl in the 1980s who had that fun short hairdo that was in style (think Rachel Ward in Against All Odds) while all my friends had those awful spiral perms. I think it's true that men prefer long hair but I try to please myself first. I also don't color my hair as I am lucky enough to be going white instead of grey (thanks to my lovely Italian-born mom!) so, so far its all still working. I would also say that one's hair should tie into one's overall look and yours clearly does (very feminine and pretty). I think short hair can go wrong on women when they don't compensate by keeping their clothes very feminine. Anyway, that's my two cents! Hope you are well.
    Sincerely,
    Dana

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    1. Thanks for your two cents, Dana! I do worry about perhaps looking like and old witch with long hair. Have visions of scaring small children and dogs. Ha! I never wear long black skirts because of it. I know, silly! Bet you are adorable with your pixie! I always said I'd either have very short pixie hair or very long. In between is just boring to me. When I did have short, I remember I overcompensated, by wearing more make-up trying to look more feminine. Aren't you lucky to have escaped the crunchy perm of the 80s! I still see women with those big bangs and perms. They must have had good memories from that period. Fortunately for me, perms never held in my hair, so I escaped it too. I do remember having one of those ripped sweatshirts ala Jennifer Beals in Flashdance. Ha! And pink hightops that I wore with a denim mini skirt! Fashions! They certainly give you something to laugh about! Hope it's starting warm up in your neck of the woods!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  22. What a cheery pic of you! I think if you don't know what to do then it's better to do nothing. I wouldn't cut... my braid is as long as yours :-) I have always wanted grey long hair so I'm little by little reaching my goal. I find getting older easier every day, becoming more comfortable with myself, wearing whatever I want to wear (I love long skirts, I mean long, to the ankle or floor length... like medieval hippie or something...) and doing what I love.

    As to the sour-ness of sourdough bread, I'd let the dough sour longer. An old starter gives more 'depth' and flavor to the dough (imo) not necessarily sour-ness. An old trick is to crumble a couple of slices of very sour bread (hard edges cut off) to the water you are making the dough of (I hope this sentence makes sense in English)

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    1. Wow, Miriam! You are a font of information. Thank you so much for helping mme with my sourdough problems. I will try all the tips you mentioned.

      I wear long ankle length skirts too. Love how the swish. I'll try to think of myself as medieval instead of an old crone with my long hair and long skirts. Ha! What Cate wrote really had me thinking that I should keep my hair long as a symbol of the blessing of good health that has been endowed upon me. Her comment really gave me pause.

      I never would have guessed that your first language isn't English! You do better than I do in your writing! Have a wonderful week and thanks again for all the tips!
      Hugs
      Jane

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  23. Happy Monday Jane!
    I like how you saw such beautiful possibility in that quilt. Usually,I see the price and then get stumped after. Seriously though - that looks like a good book reading spot (some of my favorite spots).
    True gems in thrifted clothing are coats and jeans that fit like a dream. I usually cannot find a coat to fit my wide shoulders, but when I do - the urge to do the royal wave hits. :)
    I think you got a lot of good feed back on your hair - just curious, the older woman you saw and admired from behind - If someone thinks you're being foolish simply because they think you should have shorter hair - I don't know if that is someone worth knowing. And there is one more opinion for you.
    Btw, you barely look like you are in your thirties.
    The mittens are beautiful. I like then tan and red color combo.
    Thank you for one more thing to add to the canning repertoire. We eat a lot of chick peas, I buy canned when on sale, and never seem to be on top of softening dry ahead of time.
    Hugs, Jen

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    1. Hi Jen! I'm long waisted and coats that have cinched-in waists never fit where my waist is and the bodies always hit too far above the hip, so when I find a jacket that hits where it should, I'm happy as a clam. Are clams happy?

      I think there comes a day in every woman's life when you realize the bloom is definitely off the rose. The woman I saw in the grocery store had beautiful blonde waist length hair curled like the young woman do, and was wearing tight jeans and a hoodie, from behind you would have sworn she was a young girl. She had an amazing figure, so I can see why she would dress that way, if I had such a nice figure, I'd might want to show it off too! BUt there's a saying "mutton dressed as lamb" and even though you can wear some things, perhaps you shouldn't. You just look like you are trying too hard. You know? That's what always concerns me about having long hair. I always wonder if people are thinking I'm trying to look young. The last thing in the world I want to do is look foolish. I want to look dignified in my old age. But I've heard from a lot of similar aged ladies that they have long hair too, so I guess it's ok. What Cate wrote, really touched my heart. Now I'm thinking of my long hair as a symbol of being blessed with good health.

      Anyway, canning beans is a cinch. You just soak them over night, change the water, then boil them while getting the jars ready. Fill to 1-inch headspace, with the beans and the bean broth (or use boiling water). Can for 75 minutes under 10 pounds of pressure. Happy canning!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    2. Thank you for the instructions!

      I get what you are saying and Cate too. I do. And your sentiment on Cate's comment is very well said. A mutton might be dressed as a lamb, but doesn't the mutton get a compliment for effort? I'd rather look at that woman that you described over bedhead and in pajama pants at my grocery any day.
      Now, I will be quiet. :)
      Hugs, Jen

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    3. Ha! I suppose they do, Jen! I guess if she is happy then why should i care? I don't really. When it comes down to it, all that matters is that you are comfortable in your on skin.

      Hugs
      Jane

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    4. I Just had an AH HA moment Jen! I just realized why I had such a reaction to the woman in the store that was trying to act so young (or Madonna thinking she's still the hottest person out there). My mother used to always dress like a teenager when I was growing up and even wore my clothes. She would then fish for compliments and compare herself favorably to me. Not only was it embarrassing, it certainly did nothing for ones ego to have someone say that your fifty-something mother looked better than you did, when you were in the height of your youth, even if they were just being kind to my mother. So there you have it. Sorry if I disappoint you with my reaction to the lady, but I am a very flawed person. Thank you for helping me sort through my feelings. Another key to the puzzle!

      Hugs
      Jane

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    5. HA! You didn't disappoint. Here's my flawed side - I am surrounded by women here who are a bit judgemental on exteriors and I think I just have conditioned myself to stick up for strangers to fight against it.
      Based off your previous posts, I would have never gathered that about your upbringing, that would be hard for a teenager to deal with.
      And now I promise (pinky swear) to be quiet :)
      Hugs! Jen

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    6. I wouldn't call being a defender of the underdog a flaw! That's a virtue.

      J

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  24. Jane, you are beautiful and I do not think you should cut that long hair unless you just really want to.
    What bargains you found.
    I think It is almost as much fun reading about bargains as it is getting them myself.

    I'm such a good hostess, another icky bug has been visiting me for a few days. I'm about ready to put out the No Vacancy sign.

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    1. Sorry to hear that Rhonda. Hopefully that bug will tire itself out. I remember when the all the kids were home, it seemed like those sort of things were eternal.

      I love to watch those thrift store hauls on YouTube. I can live vicariously through others bargains, too!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  25. Jane, if I may add something else, if you do decide to cut your hair, perhaps you might consider donating it to some organization such as Locks of Love who make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons.

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    1. Hi Bless! I considered it, but since my hair has been dyed they won't accept it. My sister grew her hair for Locks of Love and they have very strict guidelines as to the hair they will accept. It's a wonder they get any, but definitely a worthwhile cause!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  26. What a great picture! Your joy and beauty shine through!
    Sounds like a great week. Let us know how the sour dough works. I've been wanting to order a sour dough starter to try since I'm not brave enough to try one on my own. :D
    Kathy

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    1. Will do, Kathy! I have another batch in the works right now. Miriam has been very helpful. Don't you just love the blogger community? Wonderful helpful people out there! Hope it is Spring where you are!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  27. I just found your blog last week, and thoroughly am enjoying it. I spent way to much time going back and reading older posta! Lol. But you have written very informative information. As for your hair, it is beautiful, the color, the length, everything. I'm like some of the other ladies that commented, I'm having a hard time believing that you are telling us you're in your 60's. When I first started reading and you talked about Jamie living at home I assumed you might possible be in your forties, and that he was probably a teenager still in school. however you do look like you are thirty something!! I am enjoying your blog and recommended it to a friend who is going thru a difficult financial time. I also live to can dried beans, it makes your own convenience foods at a lower cost and better tasting. Have s great week....Vicky in Ky

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    1. Thank you Vicky! Actually I'm only (!) 59, I always have a habit of saying I'm a year older, as my father always did. We he was 70, he said he was going on his 80s. Ha! My son Jamie has autism and lives with us he turned 30 this year. Glad to read that someone else cans dried beans! Hope I hear from you often!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  28. Lol, you sound like my husband, he's always adding a year to everything...his age, our anniversaries. I, on the other hand, don't add it til the day of!! I'm 49 and I won't say I'm 50 til the day of my birthday! Haha. Our oldest turned 30 the other day, I told him he made me old that day. I guess it's when the youngest turns 30, that I'll really feel old! Back to the beans, my sister in law thought I was crazy for canning dried beans, why didn't I just cook them when I got ready to use them?? One of my best friends asked me kind of strangely as well, then I told her how great it was not to always be soaking and cooking them and she started doing it too and loved it. I also canned some potatoes after seeing it on A Working Pantry blog. It comes in very handy as well, I made the best potato soup very quickly the other day using my home canned potatoes. Even hubby commented how good it was. Looking forward to more of your canning/cooking/thrifting adventures.
    ....Vicky in Ky

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    1. Plus canning gets the texture just right, Vicky. Some of the older dried beans never seem to soften up no matter how long you soak and boil them.

      I always can the smallish potatoes and those that get forked while digging them. They fill in the time between the old ones sprouting and the new ones not being ready. Just discovered this year that they make the best roasted potatoes. I love to use them to make hash too.

      Hugs
      Jane

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  29. Dear Jane,

    Wow, your estate sales are better bargains than ours here in Kansas City! I have gotten a few books at one here, and a hat pin, but the quilts are usually 50 dollars or more.
    I love the photo of your outfit, and you! Long hair on an older lady is so much more becoming than the lawnmower-cuts that are everywhere.

    Love,

    Marqueta

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    1. We do have some great sales, Marqueta. And not just at estate sales either. Property values are really low. Too bad you and Mr. Graham can't move to this area. You'd have that farm!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  30. Thanks for sharing your savings. Also canning chick peas...do you cook them first or do they cook as you pressure can them? I have had the dried ones not cook well. Also they seemed to froth. Maybe mine were old as I purchased the at the discount grocery.
    Your hair is lovely. I think you should cut it if your husband wishes it. I think if women took their husband's advice, we'd have a lot less garish looking ladies walking around. You know what I mean.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    1. Hi Leslie! You soak the beans overnight, then strain them and boil in fresh water while the jars are being sterilized (about 10 minutes) Then you fill the jars with the beans and the bean broth (or boiling water) to 1 inch headspace and process for 75 minute under 10 lbs. of pressure for pints. They get soft while they are canned. Just skim the froth off. Or strain the beans and rinse and add boiling water instead of the broth.Sometimes old beans never soften by simply cooking them, you have to use a pressure cooker or can them, I've found. I like the convenience of canning them.

      Ran likes my hair long, but says he'd be ok with me cutting it as long as I didn't get one of those hairdos that looks like it was styled with an egg beater!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  31. Hi Jane! I thought your picture was very cute. I wouldn't consider cutting your hair unless you wanted to. Many times I think what adds to the surprise of thinking of someone as young with long hair until you see their face is the younger clothing that can also be part of the picture. To me that is a key portion of the surprise because teenage fashions just don't help the appearance of an older person. I can think of several people I know who have never cut their hair and they look great.

    I enjoy purchasing sewing supplies from estate sales too, especially if they haven't been sorted through by the sale company first. I have found some interesting things like silver quarters and other odd additions someone kept with their sewing and the cost for the collection is always low since it is assumed (at least in my area) that people don't sew anymore.

    I'm envious of your sourdough. I do fine with the appearance but have never been able to make it so that it ends up "sour" without the addition of citric acid and I have been told that is common in my area. It just depends on the yeast in the air. Sourdough may be legendary in Alaska and California but sort of halfway in between? Not so much.

    Your pillow and mittens are fabulous. I wish I had your knitting skill! -Sharon

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    1. Hi Sharon! No there certainly comes a day when you need to put the teenager clothes away, even if you can fit in them. Whenever I see someone dressed too young I always think of Granny on Beverley Hillbillies when she would dress as a young girl with the rag curls. Ha!

      The box lots are always so much fun. I haven't found too many treasures in them, but they are fun to look through. This one had some really nice little tools for working on sewing machines, which I probably wouldn't know what to do with, but you never know when you need a really small screwdriver!

      I'm finding I need the citric acid too. I've got it to almost the amount of sourness I want. A few more tweaks and I'll never have to pay the outlandish price for Cracker Barrels' sourdough again! Hope you are enjoying this first day of March!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  33. Debbie in the U.P.March 2, 2017 at 6:32 AM

    Hi, Jane!
    I don't know if this will help, so i'll just put it out there. When i do my sourdough, i let it sit of a day or two. I keep my house cold so it takes a long time for a rise. Even putting it in the oven with the light on only speeds it up so much. Plus, our house is very moist. (We run a dehumidifier most of the Winter.) Since you use a wood stove maybe that's keeping the bacteria from finding your dough.? My dough gets very sour which is how i like it. No citric acid involved. My husband prefers it soft and not so sour, so he buys his from a bakery.
    There you have it; i think it's the long rises that make it more sour.

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I'm almost to where I want my bread to be, a few more tweaks. I like mine sour, but then I'm an old German and was weaned on pickles and sauerkraut. Ha!

      Hugs
      Jane

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  34. Love the photo you shared of yourself! You certainly do not look anywhere close to your age. Your hair is beautiful. I have had short, silver hair for over ten years. It's very easy to take care of and I receive compliments on it regularly. However, my hair was never as long or as pretty as yours. If you should decide to have it cut, I would really recommend that you not cut it short and keep it at least shoulder length or longer. I think you would miss pulling it back or braiding it. The quilt you purchased at the estate sale is beautiful. Love the design. I recently passed up some thread at an estate sale because it was older (wooden spools) and I was afraid to take a chance on it. Anything thread that is on the more modern spools (you know - plastic), I scoop up. I understand you decision to switch the blocks you were working on for the shawl to a pillow. Sometimes, it's just time to refocus. The pillow turned out beautifully and will probably make you smile when you look at it. Hope you show the little girl dresses you make from your thrift store blouses. Happy March!

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    1. Thanks Shirley! I'm hoping someday I'll have pretty silver hair. My mother had beautiful pure white hair and my father had shiny silver hair, so far my gray airs have just been dull.

      Whatever threads I get on the wooden spools, I put into a package and sell at my garage sale. People use them for decorating.

      I will most certainly show the dresses, just have to find the right pattern. Violet is tall for her age, but very delicately built, so finding a pattern that is easy to sew and can be adjusted is quite a challenge. I'm looking forward to making them. Used to love to sew those little sailor suits for the boys. I think sewing for little ones is the most fun.

      Hope your March is going swimmingly!

      Hugs
      Jane

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