Sam Squared

                                                       For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, June 5 to Thursday, June 11. I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste  Made bean and rice burgers from frozen leftover rice and bulk cooked/ frozen black beans Did a meal list, trying to maximize the older pantry and freezer items. Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs  I'm aiming to shave 5-10% of my HH&G spending in June so gave myself a tight budget to top off basic groceries. T his left room though for a few good buys for stocking up such as clearance cheese and coconut milk. Opportunities to add Funds/Windfalls  Entered receipts in Fetch, played MS Rewar...

      I didn't have an idea what to call this post when I rambled with words onto the screen. The nuts and bolts are, how the heck did I manage to take care of all the things that need taking care of when I worked a full time job and had three children at home? Tuesday I felt particularly productive, but barely made a dent in my list. I finally got the back mowed, more hacked, and weed whacked, pulled more weeds, after I went around ensuring dog business was clear with scoopers and bags (yes, plural). It was hot so worked while still shady and not yet getting into the upper 80's. To break up all the words, here's my three tomato plants, two golden jubilee and one cherry tomato.      My younger daughter and a coworker were the speakers for a monthly "lunch" education opportunity. She  presented on her work with a researcher she's been assisting. These are open to the public, in person or over Zoom. She's had a much bigger role in the research and writin...

      We never got the rain, just little sprinkles until overnight. We need it even after last Sundays soak. I had both dogs ( and cats) as my daughter helped her cousin. She stayed over Saturday night so she and my son could ride together.     He's still picking through boxes he hauled from California and trying to discard what he doesn't want and make lists of what he needs. He, with help from his sister, successfully got the sectional couch, a couple book shelves, and dinette table hauled to the condo from my friends moms. What's left will fit in cars as they packed the cargo van full, and he'll bring as he goes rather than special trips. I said it was going to be a slow move in! He's figuring out the layout, but just wanted this beast in the home for now.      I got the front and sides mowed Saturday morning before it got too hot. I must get back done today and weed whack. The grass in some places will need the weed whacker too. I walked to th...

                                                     For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, May 29 to Thursday, June 4. I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste  Five of us road together to a graduation party. It was a little tight but glad to not take two cars 140 miles round trip. Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs  Paid or accounted for all bills that are set for automatic pay. Knowing bills are accounted for and what truly is my balance helps ensure I stay on track. Spent Saturday night in my backyard with neighbor's in lieu of local sports bar with a store bought 6 pack of Leinies and a bottle of wine. Drinks at just a fiver each and beautiful no humidity e...

      May was both busy and not. It was a mild social month, not intentional, but just how it ended up. Two sisters and husbands were on back to back cruises, left on the 8th, with extended days in London upon docking from second cruise. I'm picking them up today at the airport. Others siblings and friends were busy with their lives. My kids are all busy with their jobs and I certainly wouldn't expect them to keep me entertained. I've read more this month and have a good list of recommendations. Soreness aside, I did a bit of puttering, overdue life admin, and a few mentally stimulating hobbies. I probably watched too much TV or streaming. May 1-7 Derby Day combined with book club and cards was fun. I though needed to miss most of cards as pup needed his shot and we're not young anymore so would have been a time waste to go back asceveryonecwoukd have been wrapping up soon anyway. After son's condo went through the inspection phase, happily, repairs needed were few ...

      It was a good Sunday overall with coffee to start the day. I made my son a huge stuffed omelette before he set out for work, and I had avocado toast and an egg.  My older daughter came over before my sister picked me up to meet others car pooling to a town northwest of the cities for a family graduation party. I made chocolate chip pan cookies and these little s'more snacks to add to the dessert bar. They proved popular with kids and teens. On line they got mixed reviews. I had already wrapped them up with the pan cookies on a large disposable tin, so the pictures not great. There's about three dozen. There should have been more but I kept breaking the crackers. I also ran low on chocolate after going overboard on the pan cookies.     Pup finally slept through the night, from 11:00 after one more bathroom trip, until after 7. I thought he made it without an accident, but he had one right after he woke up barking and before I got him out. I've been gat...