Intentionally Homebound

      I just fed the big dog after letting him out. The "barely a dusting" of snow as advertised seems to be shovel worthy. I'm a bit achy from Sunday. Shoveling uses muscles I haven't used since last March. I'll have to find a work out that mimics the motions for spring through fall. Other than shoveling, bringing bins back, getting the mail, and walking the dog, I've no reason to leave the house let alone go anywhere. 

Little Miss likes a good snowy day snuggle too.

     Yesterday's day of errands was both expensive and time consuming with the addition of that running my daughter's forgotten purse to her before she left for work. That was not a fun 6:20 errand, but I'm glad I noticed it in time to get it to her. She's have been left with no ID, cash, or cards, never a good thing when you live in the city and have a long commute. 

     As for Christmas shopping, I'm getting close to being done. Long gone are the years I was done and had Christmas presents wrapped a week after Thanksgiving. I've less to buy now too, but have the time to stretch it out since I've no longer multiple kids events and work deadlines to juggle. I'm also simplifying giving, decorating, and food preparations. It doesn't seem like I'm spending any less. I don't care what is being crammed down our throats by those in charge of the federal government, everything is still more expensive and seems to increase with each store visit. I'll adjust too to offset.

     We'll be eating well as I need to rotate meat in the freezer to the top and use it up.  I'll not buy any meat for a specific meal, just replenish with what I find at rock bottom prices. Sunday was a fluke as I splurged for the last night all my kids would be together until Christmas. Other than milk, bread, and fruit, I'll only need my contributions to my sister's and my MILs house, and a few specialty things for the treats I make. In that way, I'm aiming just to keep my December food spending no higher than any other month. 

Lazy me...took a screen shot of one of the prints I brought home, thinking of my upper bathroom. 

     Staying home plans are house focused. Really clean, mend a few items, and laundry. I need to order a small amount of Christmas cards and get those purchased yesterday signed and addressed. Fingers crossed I'll get at least two batches of jam made. I have a couple pictures bought on my trip to put in frames. I bought a couple for the downstairs gray bathroom and another for the blue. I have picture hanging fear of wrecking my new walls so they've stayed bare for two years! Silly I know. Right then. Time to get going.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 3, 2025 at 9:55 AM

    I love that print! I certainly understand not wanting to mar new walls. I refused to let the kids hang up posters on their walls unless they were in a frame, and then DH would hang them with an “are you sure that’s where you want it, because this will leave a mark!” I had one kid who really took that seriously!
    Yeah, I am not swallowing what they are trying to feed us either, nuff said.
    I have been dragging on the seasonal treats. I made my fruitcakes, and have been feeding them religiously. I marzipan-ed a big round one and small loaf. Later this week I will ice and decorate those. One iced one will be a gift to a friend who loves them, and a plain one to a friend who prefers un-iced. The rest will be set out for us to enjoy. I did make Chex mix, and we have consumed two batches of what we call Rollo’s turtles. Maybe I will feel like baking more this weekend. I have made all my cards, however. In fact, I have made more than I could possibly send! I also need to make some candles. I am just not really in the festive mood, doncha’ know!
    -Meg B.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 6:38 AM

      I'm very happy with it as well. I need to get a stud finder so when I hang at least it's not just on sheet rock. Love the roll turtles but as I have a sister with a tree nut allergy and she loves them Inside peanut or just plain on the pretzel with rolo.

      Delete
  2. Chef OwingsDecember 3, 2025 at 10:07 AM

    Hubby said he had to put chest wadders on when he went to the store. Guess he thought I was BSing him about the prices going up AGAIN.I ordered a prime rib, we only see the one son twice a year, he comes to us during the winter and we go to him during summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 6:40 AM

      When basic top offs are $50-$75 at discount grocery stores, it's pretty clear prices are still on the rise.im still trying to decide food for the holidays.

      Delete
  3. MarthaDecember 3, 2025 at 2:04 PM

    I love the print. I can understand not wanting to hang things. If I ever get out of my old house and into something new, I probably won't want to hang anything either. We are keeping things super simple this year. I have a new grandbaby due on Christmas Day, so we will probably just go out to dinner a week before Christmas. Enjoy being intentionally homebound and stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 6:42 AM

      It was nice to just putter and little by little seeing tiny bits of progress. More today. I'd like to simplify more especially around doing to multiple extended family events, but that's unlikely.

      Delete
  4. CelieDecember 3, 2025 at 6:58 PM

    Staying home can be so soothing, even if busy doing housework. I had a dentist and doctor appointment today, and realized this is the first day I've been out since the day before Thanksgiving! A week. Kitty has the right idea: stay in, snuggle down and stay warm! It's cold out there. Welcome home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 6:44 AM

      That's a while in this day and age. She has lots of snuggle spots including the inner turn of my knee and has me penned into my sheets with the dog on the other side of me.

      Delete
  5. TreadersDecember 4, 2025 at 3:15 AM

    After my husband left and I was on my own I decided I was only going to hang things where there was already a nail - and if that be only 10 inches off the floor so be it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SAMDecember 4, 2025 at 6:45 AM

      I will hang these up...I like how they look in the frames but see your point. I will look for the studs though if possible.

      Delete
  6. JuhliDecember 4, 2025 at 7:23 AM

    That is a lovely print and sure to make you revisit good memories every time you see it. I think I am the opposite about hanging things on walls as after we move each time that is one of the first things I want done. Art and mementos make a home cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousDecember 4, 2025 at 7:54 AM

    I really like that print, and it reminds me to look for something similar for our New Zealand trip. I love homebound days, particularly when I can get a lot of work done. I'm out of the habit of driving to the office, and given early meetings with London, I have to leave incredibly early to accommodate. It really drives home how much more I can get done when I save a 90 minute commute (together). - Hawaii Planner

    ReplyDelete
  8. AprilDecember 4, 2025 at 7:59 AM

    I'm with you: stay home, stay warm, there is nothing out there that is absolutely necessary (that was your Monday, by the sounds of it). I have two days of just the opposite starting as soon as I post this--all for good reasons--but it takes a toll!

    ReplyDelete

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