My Thrifty Retirement - Week 8

 

Today is Memorial Day here in the U.S. so a lot of people are enjoying a three day weekend and the kickoff to summer as we also remember those that have gone on before us.  We are going to remember our fallen heroes and lost loved ones today by getting together as a family and enjoying some quality time together.  A barbecue is planned and there will be plenty of good food to go with good company and good conversation.

 

My latest thrifty week began by canning the six pounds of ground beef I got on sale the week before.  I was able to put up twelve half pint jars of taco meat for long term storage along with a container of meat for the freezer and another one to enjoy throughout the week, which came in very handy.  All in all, a total of fourteen meal portions of cooked meat which averaged out to about 99¢ each.  You can't get canned beef at the store for that price so I am really pleased with this little project, not to mention all the easy to prepare meals that lie ahead.

 

I continued working on my latest landscaping projects.  We had beautiful weather all week long and I was eager to get back outside and play in the dirt, which I definitely did.  I was able to finish grading and preparing the ground, all by hand, for the new section of lawn, which I am very excited about.

 

I was able to complete the flower bed where our cute little pond is located.  It has now had a total revamp.  I left the boxwoods in place, even gave them a trim, but the rest of it is pretty much all new.  I'm delighted with how well it turned out and even happier to have the pond up and running once again.  I've been working on one section at a time and making really good progress, much faster than I expected.  So far, I am loving everything about this project.

 

Thursday was my youngest child's high school graduation.  I decorated with things I already had around the house, made her favorite cake, invited friends over and we enjoyed a very special day with her.  After the ceremony she and her friends all met back at our house before going out to dinner together for one last hurrah.  They invited me to tag along, but I politely declined so they good just go and be and enjoy themselves.  It was pretty much perfect.

 

My plan for the next few weeks is to continue working on the landscaping and tinkering around the house.  I have a feeling this summer is likely going to fly by and I'll be sending my girls off to their respective colleges before I know it.  And then it will just be me, the kitties and the chickens.  Is it bad that I'm really looking forward to it?

 

I hope you are all doing well, enjoying life as best as you can and that your worries are minimal.  Take care of yourselves and let me know in the comments what your plans for this summer are.  I do love hearing from you all.