Contributing

 The person in charge of a food bank is a friend of mine. When I see food exceptionally low-priced, I call her. When I bought the mayonnaise for $1.25, I called her before we left the parking lot and told her. She called me today and said she was in town and went to the grocery store where I saw the cheap mayo. It turned out there were coupons for $1 off on most of the jars. She checked with a friend of hers to see if she could use the coupon on reduced merchandise. She could. Then, she checked to see if she would be limited to the number of coupons she could use at that store. She ended up getting 38 jars of mayo for $0.25, quarter each. Through the years I have called her and alerted her to bargains in all sorts of items at multiple stores. 

I know I don't contribute cash to food banks, but I contribute a way to save money and buy more for the food bank. I also have been giving things to churches for their yard sales which often funds the food banks. I cannot do much, but I do what I can. 

Tuesday, I changed my mind about four times as to what dinner would be. The only constant was the collards I was cooking. We ended up have chicken, collards, and a very tiny bit of the potatoes I cooked with the chicken on Monday. Maybe tomorrow, I will cook the pork loin, bake the sweet potatoes and have collards. 

Since our recliners are at the store, I will now have two recliners to give away. I hope to have that donation in place before the new chairs are delivered. We cannot get rid of the chair Tommy sits in since he needs to sit in it until the replacement comes. The other is not being used, so it can go early. 

The towels soaked in WD40 were washed separately today. I used Tommy's washing powder instead of my ALL and also used Oxyclean. I am going to try to find BIZ again in hopes that works. My other choice will be putting them in the kitchen sink in a pan and washing them with hot water and Dawn. Do you have a solution to getting WD40 out of these dishcloths? I won't throw out the cloths, just relegate them to be cleaning cloths. 

By the way, I decided to read all the stuff on the internet about removing it, so I really need people to just tell me what has worked for them. Oxyclean did not work. These towels were soaked with WD40! 

On a Roll with Pennies|Ham|Basil

On Tuesday, I found money.  As I was unplugging an electric cart in Lowe's, I spied a penny. Since it was on the other side of the cart but still behind, I went to the other side of the cart. As I reached to get it, I saw another on the floor and up against the wall. It was in the crevice made by the concrete wall and concrete floor in a sort of crumbling place. I picked around until I screwed up my nail and the polish. Both were cleaned thoroughly will Lysol Wipes. Later, I found that nail broken and peeling off. Well, I had two cents. 

When Tommy got out to pump $1.59 gas, I told him to watch out for money on the ground and I would get out and pick it up. As I gazed toward the sun and shaded my eyes, the unmistakable glint of a shiny penny caught my eye. So, I got out and picked it up and walked around the car and pump, hoping for more. I needed the exercise. 

On Tuesday I found 3 cents. Yay me! With these 2 pennies, this makes 5 pennies this year.

Today, Thursday, we went to Cullman for several things and went to food bank and to take out dinner--spaghetti, garlic bread, slices strawberries and pound cake. Unlike usual, we did not have to get out  of the car. I got a huge package of turkey legs, five pounds of Red Delicious Apples, chicken nugget things and a dozen eggs and 2 rolls of toilet paper, among other items. Some things are still in the car and will be given away.

It has been hard to eat up this half ham with just the two of us and my not wanting to freeze the rest. I do not want to cook beans with the ham bone, either. I suppose I will freeze the rest. But, I do not want to. Plus, I think ham is something I should avoid an excess of for my heart.

Okay, I decided I will freeze it in little foil packets, enough for Tommy a meal or sandwich. Then, I will put all the packets in a freezer bag. That way, he can find it and access it. He is also going to use the knife and get ham all over his hands...lol. That was an easy solution. That was possibly the most tender ham I have ever eaten.

Once I repotted the basil, it has looked poorly. It seems to have never recovered. That was several days ago and it is still droopy. I suspect it has been attacked by some insect. Always something!

Happy Dance for three pennies!

Busy Day

Almost 9 pm. I am exhausted again tonight. At least we were only gone for 8 hours today. With beautiful weather  and sunshine, even bad experiences would not bother me. I think it only was in low 40s today, but with brilliant sunshine.

We left at noon to go to Cullman and stopped to get a $1 burger. We brought our own drinks. I threw out most of my Coke at the gas station because I would finish it eventually if it stayed in the car. So, I saved a few calories today.

There are days we leave with a list and do not get it all done. Today was one of those days when there is no waiting anywhere.

First, I went to a food bank where I get to choose. Usually, I have to sit an hour. Today, as I was signing in, the woman came out and told me to go in. I got:

1 gal milk
frozen chicken breasts
frozen ground pork
box of chunky chocolate chip cookies
6 donuts
rye bread loaf
bag of mini bagels
slider buns
green beans, 1 can
peas, I can
Wheat Thins
body wash that I got to refill my soft soap dispenser
2 perfect, huge Granny Smith apples. Do I see an Apple Betty?

Every bit of this will be used! The bread can be frozen.  I never get bread or sweets over vegetables or meat. The person says, "Three breads." And, then "one off this shelf."  He likes bagels, I like rye, and the slider buns will be for meals or to take a cheese sandwich with us.

I went to a store where I found 16 oz. clamshells of strawberries 2 for $3. I got four packages. I see strawberry shortcake in our future. I make my own shortcake, sort of a slightly sugary, buttery drop biscuit.

Since we both did not have milk at home, we decided to buy milk in Cullman so we did not have to go shopping tonight.

I was going to get my car tag today, the last day to do so since I do not want to go back tomorrow. But, I realized the long would be too long for me to stand. Scratch that off the list! I can get it Tuesday and sign a statement that I have not driven it to avoid a penalty.

Then, I had to go to the Social Security office. Luckily, there was no one ahead of me. It was strange that the place was not jammed or at least have a few people. So, that chore took only ten minutes.

The trip to Publix was uneventful, but I now have enough bananas to last through Monday. I eat one every day.

My yard is still there with pretty daffodils. I only had one letter at the PO, but it was something I was awaiting. I found stacks of coupons on the counter near my box. We drove around the lake in town and wondered if they are putting in new camp areas and picnic tables. The track team was running around the lake on the walking/running trail. That seems less dangerous than running along the streets. We went to my storage unit.

I went into one store and did not like the service, so left. I forgot to go to the shoe repair/cobbler. Bummer on both counts.

We went to my friend's junk store and she was not open. Two men were on the other side of the building. One was her nephew. My friend is in the hospital.

Then, we stopped at the permanent yard sale and went to the one next to it. I found a pretty dish, about ten inches across and a 1 inch rim around it, $1. It has pink roses on it.

At Belk's I returned four things and bought nothing.

Then, we went to a community dinner. The menu is on  the table with pens. We circled what we desired and it was brought to us. I got shredded lettuce, chopped meat, black beans, sour cream, shredded cheese. Tommy got that and the hard taco shell, taco sauce, corn. I got plain meat and put one tsp of taco sauce on the meat. Dessert was chocolate cake and ice cream. I only ate about two bites of cake and six tiny bites of ice cream. My food was delicious. He enjoyed what he got and ate a whole bowl of salsa with chips before dinner. He has told me he does not like salsa! ???

Can you believe I left chocolate cake and ice cream?

The dinner was packed, but I did not know one person there. When I left, I saw a woman that I could have sat with. Well, there was a woman who said she could not be friends with me because her Pentecostal church would not like her being friends with me because I did not go to her church. She got in trouble and was chastised publicly for going to the lunch with music. Sad!

Today, I worried about his blood sugar since I know what he has to eat. I offered on the way down to drive home, which I did. I really need to learn how to get to his house...lol. When I went to the store where I found cheap strawberries, I bought a tiny bottle of chocolate milk for me. I knew he would not like that. So, I got him a single package of peanuts. He tore into them and ate them all right in the parking lot. We were so far ahead of the dinner, that we had plenty of time. He did not suffer from low blood sugar at all. Well, he may have been heading there since he had nothing but the hamburger patty that was not carb all day long before I got the peanuts.

Do you ever plan chores and how much time it will take, only to have everything go your way and end up with time to spare and nothing to do? It certainly beats the opposite dilemma of nothing right and being rushed.

Tuesday

Tuesday, I went to three food banks. I cannot name all we got as there are bags of rice and boxes of pasta I will give to a friend tomorrow. And, I will not all enumerate the items from each source.

I asked one place if they had wash cloths and towels. I received a package of six, Comfort Bay brand. There were shelves of things at another food bank where I got nothing because I was too early in the month. On the shelves were a variety of items. I chose a pink garden hat. It is not blush or hot pink, just pink. Tommy smiled and said it looked good. It is paper! At a different food bank there was a huge box in the floor. We were told we could get one of the new hats. There were also infinity scarves. I like crocheted or knitted items. I chose a hot pink and white crocheted hat. It is the kind that does not come down to fold up. There is a crocheted, hot pink flower on the side. I loved it. Tommy said it looked cute on me. Both hats were new.


At one food bank there were two racks like cards are displayed and full of greeting cards. Each person could get one. I did. Plus, there were free books, one for each person. I got one and only when I was in the car did I realize it was a romance. So, I gave it back to the guy.

Okay, the frozen meats--one capon, a frozen meal for one--brisket and vegetables, huge package of chicken breasts, ground pork. I knew capon was poultry but had forgotten exactly what. A capon is a castrated rooster.

We have already thrown out donuts after we ate our fill. I threw out four pumpkin spice cupcakes. I could choose six breads, so we have that to eat or freeze. One ciabatta. We also got chocolate chip cookies.

There are several containers of fresh fruit--grapes and pineapples, arils, vegetable trays and salads in plastic bags.

We received two glass jars of pasta. Remember I had bought two jars last week and two this week? Now, I have six jars to conceal from the light. Eight ounces of mozzarella cheese. What else could I make with spaghetti sauce?

There is a chocolate mousse. a cream cheese cake.

There were a dozen cans of fruit I will use and about the same that I will give to a friend if she meets me. Otherwise, I will give it to a stranger on the street.

I suppose I am finally rid of the Mexican guy who is American citizen. I told him to bring me my live trap at my house at 12 noon. At 11:45 he called demanding to know where I was because he was sitting in the parking lot at my house. He has been here 40 years and calls the street a parking lot. While talking to him and juggling a bag with a cup of French fries and burger, I dropped it upside down on the floor in Tommy's car. I was furious because the guy was going on about how I was not there. grrr We went to my house and he had the trap. He refused to move it so I could open my door without hitting the cage. Finally, when the door contacted the cage, he moved it.

Then, he asked me if he owed me anything. He said it three times because I was confused and he thought I did not understand the words. I said he did not owe anything and he said, "I can pay you because I have money." I suppose that was to impress upon me the fact I was not jumping on a man with money. I just made an mmm sound and closed the door. THEN, Tommy took my burger out of my bag with two fingers and dropped it when I yelled that it was falling apart. Dealing with J gives me a headache. Thankfully, the burger and paper fell together to the floor and I could rescue it. The fries went on the curb where some animal will enjoy them. There is no reason we should ever speak, but I can bet money he will call me again. He rushed off to his new truck, really nice one.

So, three food banks and food from only two. I got the wash cloths and pink garden hat, new with tag, from the others.

We are both exhausted. Tonight, we will share the bit of turkey in the Stove Top Stuffing. It is mostly white turkey meat and little stuffing. Plus, Tommy will have the raw vegetables to finish the meal.

Free Lunch, Games, Lot Cleanup

Today was the lunch at the pretty church. We got there ahead of the appointed hour and there were lots of people there. All the tables were decorated by separate people. This year, their were no table with over-the-top decorations. Those were beautiful last year as were the ones this year.

A woman played her guitar and we all sang Christmas songs. It was fun since she was good at leading singing.

We first had a little worksheet to figure out as we sat and waited. There were pictures representing Christmas songs.

Then, we played Bingo. We won nothing. However, after we used the same card for three wins, we were told to clear the card. I did by dumping the lima beans. Then, they continued for four more wins. I complained that she told us to clear out card. They gave me a consolation prize, sort of mocking me. But, it was not too bad. I don't mind 50 people laughing and me and being called disgruntled...lol. The woman was nice and said things like to everyone. I got a little Christmas note pad and pen in a cover that closed with a magnet.

Afterwards, two door prizes were drawn. One was a birdhouse. We cannot think of the other prize.

The lunch was a buffet that was not in the kitchen, just finger foods: chicken salad, another with nuts in it, a huge cheese log, ten kinds of crackers, giant crudité tray and dip, sausage ball, chicken fingers, meat balls in bbq sauce, pigs in a blanket, grapes, blueberries, fresh pineapple chunks, sandwich strips of some sort, salsa and chips, best chocolate chip cookies ever. I only ate one!

I had business inside my bank, and another two offices, went to a food bank, and Belk's.

I did not get much at the food bank, but it was a bonus to be there on the right day and the last of 37 people who were left to be served before me. I never wait, I just sign up and go somewhere. I got ground pork, a huge Black Forest ham on a bun with dressing and green something, Pepperidge Farm oat bread, jelly, new potatoes, six donuts (could have had a chocolate cake), cream cheese with chives, peanut butter, canned tomatoes, Weight Watcher's Pecan crowns. At the end, someone told me to get anything I wanted from a huge box on the floor. I could not reach that far and dig. They pointed out candles but I told them "no candles." Someone said there was a wooden trivet, so I got that. This plastic table cloth will not hand warmish food.

I had a $15 off coupon at Belk's if I spent $75. This was even on clearance items. Kim Rogers clothes were buy one, get two free. I was too tired to care. But, the Kim Rogers I buy is always nice unless it is acrylic. So, if you bought $75 worth at this bargain, it would be $60! I didn't. I bought blue flannel sheets, red hair dryer, and a white bracelet. All were reduced.

We were exhausted. But, a friend with a truck came to my lot and picked up garbage left by someone in the city! It was right on the corner and not dumped by the public because it was there when we left. My friend picked all this up, brought things from back of lot (trash) and put it in the gutter. He assured me garbage men would get it. If they don't get it on Thursday, garbage at my neighborhood, he will get it on Friday for me. He put it all in Rubbermaid containers that were ruined, not just loose in the gutter.

I gave him a twelve-foot pipe thing that supported the roof over the basement door. It is not a pipe, really, just a heavy support. There were two water pipes or something that I used for plant supports/stakes, and other things he will take to recycling. I gave him bbq grill with good propane tank, and swing support. The metal swing was stolen! He is going to bring my big swing thing and picnic table and a few more things to me here. He is going to bring the stuff to me and it am giving him the 10'x10'x8' dog pen for his chickens. The lots looks so much better without trash all over. I brought home two small things today. He was thrilled to get the swing for his grandchildren.

On the way home, I had to go to bathroom soooomuch. Tommy brought me home and we both visited the bathroom. We got right back into the Rogue and went to Dollar Tree. I found a star that was meant to go on a small tree. It's all glittery gold and has a coil to go onto the top of the tree. I got a commode brush, two Christmas glasses, Pirouline. Oh, yes. I bought a Christmas pickle for the tree. He has not seen the commode brush and may blow up.

A woman in a hurry asked me to buy a Christmas card for her if she gave me the money. She gave me a dollar bill and a quarter and told me to keep the rest of the quarter. As soon as the cashier rung it up, she held out her hand and nicely demanded it. The cashier looked sort of shocked but when I nodded, she handed it over. I thought I was going to complete the transaction and give it to the woman, but she was in a big hurry. She was very nice and looked stressed.

Socks on my feet last night afforded me a great warm feet sleep.

So, that was Tuesday.

Good Day Moneywise

When I went to bed, I was warm last night. The problem of cold feet was solved by another blanket only over from knees down. Still, at 3 am with warm feet, I was still awake and had to take something for sleep.

As usual with me lately. I stressed over what to wear and if it was warm enough. I put on a cheap pair of knit bought on sale, and they did not fit me any longer. I had to roll over the wide waistband so they would fit. The waist was still loose. The expensive tshirt-type blouse bought cheaply was also too large. The black cardigan sweater fit fine. The outfit looked fine, but was not what I would have chosen. I even got compliments.

I went to my doctor's office to weigh. I had lost another three pounds. I am thrilled. I don't know what I am doing right. But, I am going to keep doing it. I need scales because I am the person who does better weighing every day. I feel like I can keep and eye on whether I am doing okay and tweek my habits each day.

Today, we went to Cullman. I went to two food banks and have enough meat to last two weeks. I even got a four-pound chicken. This may be our Thanksgiving bird. I was hoping for at least a can of cranberry sauce! It was not to be.

We went to Publix and got our flu vaccination. In return for using Publix pharmacy, we each received a $10 gift card. Tommy handed his to me and went to sit in the car while I spent it. I am waiting for sales on some things, but I did manage to spend the $20 on the gift cards for groceries and another $17. So, $57 worth of groceries cost me $17. 5:30--my arm is killing me! Almost everything was reduced. Only the bananas and Jello were bought full price. I think strawberry Jello will sell out quicker than other flavors. I will mix that with black cherry like mama did and put apples, bananas, and fruit cocktail in the Jello for a taste of my childhood. YUM

When I picked up the mail, I found out a package sent me had been sent back. Plus, there was a package waiting for me. The reader who sent me the gloves and earmuffs sent me another package. It had a crocheted watermelon potholder, a Tbsp and a tsp measure and a spatula. Plus, my favorite kind of potholder. It was woven on a little loom with stretchy loops. I had one on my loom ready to finish off. Now, I have no loom or potholder! I think she made these. I feel honored. Thank you so much.

At the Farmer's Market I purchased 8 good sized tomatoes for $6. I asked to trade a red tomato for a green one. Tommy loves fried green tomatoes. I don't, so one fried will work for him. I don't yet have any cornmeal, but at the food bank where I can choose the foods I get, I chose a Jiffy corn muffin mix. Taking a bit out for coating the tomato slice won't hurt. I hate Jiffy corn muffin mix, but I have plans for it. There is a recipe that used Jiffy, cheese, and broccoli. It might use an egg. I had it written down, but I can find it online. I have cheese and may have frozen broccoli.

The temperature was about 46 today, at least that, so it was pleasant and hard to adjust ac and heat. Still, I can wear sandals without getting too cool. We were hoping to beat the rain, and almost did get home before it came. We were still in sprinkle mode when we arrived home. So, it turned out well.

At the free paper office that has ads and community happenings, I now know about grocery store sales and community events.

I went by the sewing place and ordered Gingher scissors. They will never be used for anything but fabric and thread. I had to pay for them first. sigh.

Can you believe it? The Senior Christmas Party that is held at the Civic Center is not happening! They had entertainment, door prizes (one is $500 check). Tommy won a gift certificate for two meals at Cracker Barrel. Of course, I got part of that prize. There was lots of singing. The Desperation Church bought the Civic Center.

I went to my house today. It made me feel good to be there and sad, too. I asked the neighbor if I could leave some garbage by his garbage can since the city no longer picks up trash at my house. He smiled and said, "No, I don't want to get involved." Asshole! His landlord hates me so he does not want to tick her off.

Tonight, we are having roast and potatoes for one. When I asked Tommy if it would be enough for two people, he assured me it would work. Plus, I have one of the tiny salads meant for one. We will half that, too. Both came from one food bank. Good enough for dinner tonight.

While on the way home, he agreed no one would want the cpap, so I suppose that goes in the trash...yay. He saw what I bought, Lysol and Endust, knowing I was going to use it in his house and said nothing. Progress! Tomorrow, I am going to Lowe's and get the stuff to keep the wind out of house by fixing the doors. Yeah, I know I am pushing it. But, I can feel a breeze.

Fr breakfast, I had no cereal or banana. Plus, I could not eat for an hour after a pill. So, Tommy got us a Hardee's biscuit which I ate with oj I brought from home. He had coffee. For lunch we used a BK coupon for two Whopper Jr.'s and fries. I only had cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. He ordered a drink for both of us. We both left off the mayonnaise. For dinner we ate from food bank food--grilled sirloin steak Au Jus, creamed spinach and roasted potatoes. We threw out the spinach. My chickens would have loved the spinach. The salad was vegetarian--bed of baby lettuces, greens, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese ,flat bread chips, all natural raspberry vinaigrette. I got all the feta cheese, and he got flatbread chips. Sharing these two smallish premade items was enough for both of us. Yes, we spent money--almost $9. But, we ended up with free food at the end of the day.

When we ordered the Whopper Jrs, he had to order the Cokes twice, neither of which times the person added in the cost. Then, when we paid for it, still the drinks were not added even though he mentioned the price was wrong. When he paid, still the drinks were tallied. Finally, I poked him and we left. I have no idea how much money was lost by BK that day, but he order the drinks four times. We sat under the picnic tree and ate. It was so overcast, we did not need shade. About half the sky was cloudless, but the clouds settle around us as we headed to Birmingham.

It was a good day. I suppose I am easily content. We got lots done today. I accomplished a list today. I make a list and do the important stuff first. Sometimes, I am too tired to do the rest. So, it goes on the next list.