Thursday, February 12, 2026

Mid-Week Update

 

Hibiscus Flower

We had rain on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning!  The rain was very welcomem but, the accompanying gusty winds weren't that welcome!  There's more rain in the forecast for next week, too, which is good as it means that this will not be a drought year.  

There was sunshine in the afternoon on Wednesday, and gardener M was able to tend to the garden.  He didn't have to water, thanks to the rain, so he was able to do some tidying, weeding, and transplanting.  

The gas company had sent a notice that they will be in my area in the next 30 days, doing routine safety inspections, and needed clear access to the gas meters.  So, I had M prune some of the succulents that were a bit overgrown.  Some of the euphorbia prunings were put in the yardwaste bin and some of the aloe prunings planted elsewhere in the front garden.  One succulant plant was moved to the back garden.  Some irises were also transplanted.  

On Wednesday, I made some phone calls to schedule medical appointments and I altered a pair of pants (trousers).  I also watched a live stream of the conclusion of the Buddhist Monks' Walk for Peace as they arrived in Washington, D.C.  I have been following them as they walked; the monks from the Temple I attend had participated in a blessing ceremony before the monks set out on their walk from Fort Worth, Texas, in October.  I also watched some of the coverage of the Winter Olympics.

Brunch on Wednesday was tuna salad on crackers and a banana with peanut butter.  For dinner, I made pork fried rice.

I am grateful for:

- Rain for the garden
- The winds didn't cause any damage in my neighborhood
- M's help with the garden
- Sunshine after the rain
- A peaceful conclusion to the Walk for Peace

Joyful activities have included sewing, watching videos, and watching the Winter Olympics.

Plans for Thursday include more phone calls and appointment scheduling, some sewing, and a little bit of paperwork.

How is your week coming along?

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

February Grocery Shopping - Part 2

I ordered and picked up some groceries today (Tuesday, February 10).

I needed more half and half for my daughter's coffee, more bananas, and another loaf of sandwich bread.

I was out of pancake mix and ketchup so I bought a new box of pancake mix (paying regular price for it) and a bottle of ketchup (on sale this week with digital coupons). 

The smoked sausages were on sale with a digital coupon and a "best customer" coupon, at a stock up price (which used to be the old regular price about 5 years ago).  I bought the maximum 5 allowed to stock up.

The store brand bagels were free with a "best customer" coupon, so, of course, I had to get a package!  

Butter was also on sale with a digital coupon and I decided to get two pounds of unsalted butter.

The unsalted peanuts are my "go to" snack, these days, so I went ahead and bought two cans.

My groceries would have cost me $77.43 if I had paid full price for everything.  By shopping the sales, mostly, I saved $35.44.

I've posted the receipt below.

Order Summary

Original Item Total$77.43
Item Coupons/Sales-$35.44
Fulfillment Fee+$0.00
Other Fees+$0.30
Sales Tax$0.00
Order Total$42.29

Item Details

15 Items

Fresh Bunch of Bananas – 5-7 Bananas, 1 bunch$1.77
2.57 lbs x $0.68 each (approx.)
Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 38 oz$3.49
1 x $3.49 $5.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.50
Hillshire Farm® Beef Polska Kielbasa Smoked Sausage, 12 oz$8.22
3 x $2.74 $7.79 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.80
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.80
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.80
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.75
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Hillshire Farm® Smoked Sausage, 14 oz$5.98
2 x $2.99 $6.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Kroger® Complete Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix, 32 oz$3.49
1 x $3.49 each
Kroger® Everything Bagels, 6 ct / 18 oz$0.00
1 x $0.00 $2.79 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.79
Kroger® Half and Half Half Gallon, 1/2 gal$5.49
1 x $5.49 each
Kroger® Unsalted Peanuts, 12 oz$5.58
2 x $2.79 each
Kroger® White Sandwich Bread, 20 oz$1.99
1 x $1.99 each
Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter Sticks, 1 lb$5.98
2 x $2.99 $6.49 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.50
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.50

Other Fees

$0.30

Bag Fee$0.30
3 x $0.10 each

Total spent = $42.29

In addition, I picked up a box of cereal for $0.49 at the pharmacy, last week.  I had gone to the pharmacy to pick up a medication refill that was ready and I had a $2 "extra care bucks" coupon.  Cereal was on sale for $2.49 a box (apparently, that is their new sale price; previously, it would be on sale for $1.99 a box), so I bought a box of cereal for $0.49 with my $2.00 off coupon.  

My February grocery budget is $250 plus $57.42 carried over from January = $307.42

Total spent to date = $99.37 + $0.49 + $42.29 = $142.15

Balance left in the budget = $307.42 - $142.15 = $165.27


As always, I am grateful for:

- Being able to order groceries online and pick up the same day
- The availability of groceries
- Sales and coupons
- A safe drive to the store and back
- A working fridge/freezer and electricity to run it

How is your grocery shopping coming along?  

Monday, February 9, 2026

Another Finished Project

 

Daughter's New Sweater

On Sunday, I finished knitting daughter's sweater.  It is the same style as the one I knitted for myself, but, she wanted her sweater to be a little longer.  I started knitting the sweater on January 16.  It took me just over 3 weeks to knit the sweater.


The Back of the Sweater

Daughter tried it on today; it fits her well and she is very pleased with it, which makes me happy.  

Now I am wondering what my next project should be.  I have some quilts in progress that I could finish and I have some clothes to be altered.  Of course, there's always paperwork and filing to be done, too!  What do you think?

Friday, February 6, 2026

Peach Blossom

 

The Bees Have Discovered the Peach Blossom

It didn't take long for the bees to discover that the peach tree was flowering!  The whole tree is buzzing with bees!

Peach Tree in Bloom

I have been trying to take some pictures of the peach tree, but, I'm finding it hard to truly capture its presence in the garden.


The Peach Tree

But, it's the first thing my eyes are drawn to when I look outside.  


I just love how pink they are!

Love the colors!


We've had some record breaking warm weather for this time of the year with temperatures going up to 86F mid-week.  The heat is encourating the peach tree to flower quickly.



One Last Photo

I hope you enjoyed the peach blossom as much as I am enjoying them.  

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The New Dutch Oven

 

The New Dutch Oven

We unboxed the new Dutch oven over the weekend.  It came with the red silicon holders.  

New Dutch Oven and Lid

Apparently, the lid can be used as another pan, as well!  I can see myself baking some cornbread in it, or, perhaps even a pie.

2-in-1 "Per"-Seasoned Multi Cooker

Not only that, it is "per"-seasoned, as well!

Well, of course, there was just one thing left to do, wasn't there?

Trying out the new Dutch Oven

Yes, we had to try out the new Dutch oven.  The expired yeast proofed just fine and the no-knead bread with fresh rosemary leaves added to the dough rose well.

A Fresh Loaf of Bread

Daughter and I agreed that this was the best loaf of no-knead bread we've made so far.  We are rather pleased with ourselves and our bread making abilities.  LOL.  I can see myself needing to buy more flour and yeast in the future!

I am grateful for:
- Daughter buying me a Dutch oven
- It came pre-seasoned so we could use it right away
- The yeast did its job perfectly well
- A working oven
- Freshly baked bread for dinner

My joyful activities included baking bread and enjoying warm bread with butter.

What would you make in the lid?  Any suggestions?  

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

February Grocery Shopping Part 1

On Monday, February 2, I ordered and picked up some groceries.  I needed a few items I was out of (milk, coconut milk, bananas, cucumber, carrots, onions) and wanted to stock up on a few things (rice, coconut milk, oil), and take advantage of sales and digital coupons before they expired. 

Here's my receipt showing what I bought:  

Order Summary

Original Item Total$128.21
Item Coupons/Sales-$30.60
Fulfillment Fee+$0.00
Other Fees+$0.40
Sales Tax+$1.36
Order Total$99.37

Item Details

25 Items

CA Redem Val$0.60
1 x $0.60 each
CA Redem Val$0.60
1 x $0.60 each
Choice Beef Chuck Roast, 1 ct$19.50
2.79 lbs x $6.98 $10.99 each (approx.)
Item Coupon/Sale: -$11.16
Cucumber, 1 ct$0.59
1 x $0.59 $0.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.40
Fresh Bunch of Bananas – 5-7 Bananas, 1 bunch$1.86
2.7 lbs x $0.68 each (approx.)
Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Bars, 3 Count, 3 ct$5.98
2 x $2.99 $6.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Kroger® 100% Pure Vegetable Oil, 48 fl oz$4.29
1 x $4.29 $4.49 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.20
Kroger® Cage Free Large White Eggs, 18 ct$3.49
1 x $3.49 $4.39 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.90
Kroger® Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce, 18 oz$2.29
1 x $2.29 each
Kroger® Long Grain Rice, 10 lb$14.98
2 x $7.49 each
Kroger® White Sandwich Bread, 20 oz$1.99
1 x $1.99 each
Kroger® Whole Carrots Bag, 2 lb$1.99
1 x $1.99 each
Kroger® Whole Vitamin D Milk 32 fl. oz. Bottle, 1 qt$2.49
1 x $2.49 each
Kroger® Yellow Onion 3 lb Bag, 3 lb$2.99
1 x $2.99 each
Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners Hot Dogs, Pack, 10 ct$1.99
1 x $1.99 $4.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast Thin Sliced Lunchmeat, 16 oz$5.99
1 x $5.99 $9.99 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00
Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00
Simple Truth Organic™ Coconut Milk, 13.5 fl oz$12.00
6 x $2.00 $2.49 each
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49
Sparkling Ice® Summer LTO Lemonade Variety Pack (Pack of 12), 12 ct / 17 fl oz$13.99
1 x $13.99 each

Other Fees

$0.40

Bag Fee$0.40
4 x $0.10 each


My  February grocery budget is $250 plus $57.42 carried over from January to be used mostly for stocking up = $307.42

Total spent to date = $99.37

Balance left in the budget = $307.42 - $99.37 = $208.05

As always, I am grateful for:

- Being able to order groceries online and pick up the same day
- The availability of groceries
- Being able to have a choice
- A safe drive to the store and back
- A working fridge/freezer and electricity to run it

Have you grocery shopped yet in February?

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Monthly Photo Challenge - January: Begins with A

Eileen at A Bracelet of Days set the theme for January's monthly photo challenge as "Begins with A".  Here are my finds; let's just call it the plant version!
 

Asparagus Fern - Foxtail Fern Variety


Anthurium 


Aloe Flower Stalk - Starting to flower

Aloe Flower Stalk - Flowers starting to open


Avocado Plant
(Still Alive!)


Agave


Aeonium


Yes, there are other things that begin with A, but, apparently, I never made it out of the garden!  LOL. 

Thank you, Eileen, for hosting the monthly photo challenge.  I enjoyed taking part in it.  I'm looking forward to Februrary's challenge.