Monthly Archives: January 2025

Frugal Friday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, freezer cooking, frugalism by

It seems this week has been Frugal probably because New Year’s Day was Wednesday. So that meant most stores closed. We didn’t go anywhere on Wednesday. Oh wait, I did go to Safeway on Tuesday with my daughter for the fondue veggies. That ended up $54 I think. After that, we went over to Target and needed dental picks, mouth wash and I picked up a $10 candle. So that was $25.

Wednesday, I made up the freezer double-stuffed potatoes. I had 12 potatoes in there and after they were cut in half and stuffed with potato, butter, cheese, and a little sour cream, I ended up with 15 halves. We definitely eat these and they don’t languish in the freezer.

Yesterday was Velcade and afterward, I stopped at Noah’s for a dozen bagels. I was going to do Trader Joe’s but wasn’t into it so I came home. That saved money, I’m sure.

Noah’s with schmears $21.00.

I took some frozen meals out of the freezer to use. One is lentil soup and it looks ok. The other is greek lemon chicken and I’ll have some of that for lunch. The other was a pulled pork from the fall and that didn’t look too appetizing:( I’m not sure that will get used.

I used the tamales from Costco last night with beans and salad. Tonight might be pizza but it depends on what we all feel like.

Today is a home day for me. I’ll take Dex around 12 or so. I want to vacuum and do some overall tidying. We gave away the Ikea fold-out couch that I used to have in the sunroom. it was a nice little couch but we weren’t using it and it ended up out in the studio and it definitely wasn’t getting used, so I put it on for free in the Facebook marketplace. A nice young couple came and got it. The studio, where my son had his bedroom, is now a catch-all for STUFF and I’m threatening, suggesting we go out there and do a reorganize. We’ll see if I’m up to it today.

Tomorrow, I’m not sure if I’ll go out. I have 3 bags of books to go to the Pet bookstore so that could be a trip out. Most of the books are my daughter’s that she is getting rid of but I have a bag too.

Other than that, I won’t go to the store till next week. Maybe do Trader Joe’s for some fill-in-the-blank stuff. I like their hash browns as they have only potatoes in them. Plus, they have WW tortillas I like too.

I plan on the pool on Monday, but I’ll look at the week and see what else is on the schedule.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cancer, Gratitude by

As always there’s always something to be thankful for.

It’s been 1 year since I started monthly Velcade shots. I’m thankful that it’s quick( I’m in and out in 30 minutes), not too painful( it is a very long needle going into my abdomen), and I tolerate it well. Plus, it has kept my kappa light chain numbers at normal or near normal. I am so grateful that it’s allowing me to live as normally as possible and with these last 6 months with B, I’ve been able to take him to appts, chemo, and ER visits. My energy level is ok. Maybe not great, but I can do what needs to be done.

I’m thankful we’ve had some nice walks in the early morning. It’s been cold but we bundle up and it’s fine. I’ve used one walking pole a few times and it seems to add to some stability. I haven’t had anything like a fall but my knee( the ACL tear, and meniscus tear) are always in the back of my mind.

I’m thankful Barclay is having a very nice period of good energy, no chemo problems and he’s out and about. He can drive to get his own labs and do errands if need be. So that’s so great. He will have a video visit with DR. Lee in mid January so we’ll know then what the next step is. Age is a factor in this surgery so I’m a little concerned but I figure, don’t worry too much yet.

I’m grateful both my kids are healthy and doing well. My daughter does have immune issues but so far she knows what to do if a flare-up occurs.

Going forward into the new year, I’m grateful we have a safe warm house and plenty in the pantry. This year I want to be more intentional with food and not buy larger quantities of things at Costco. Here’s looking at you, giant bag of cheese-its!!! I see these things on sale and impulsively buy them. So I want to be more intentional. I can go to Winco and buy a small box of cheese-its if that’s what I want.

I’m thankful for each morning to wake up and look forward to a new day.