My Tireless Retirement - Week 84

 

Howdy!  My latest week of retired life began with more rain and lunch out with another friend.  It always energizes me to spend time with a friend, get caught up with our lives, do some brainstorming and bounce ideas off of each other, and just visit and crack jokes.  It was definitely a good time, especially as she and I are very similar creatures in a lot of ways, especially as moms and the way we parented our children.  After I got done with lunch I stopped in at JC Penney to pick up a pair of jeans that were on sale for $21.99, regular price was $44.  When I got to the register to pay for them I got an additional early black Friday discount and they ended up only being $14.99, which shocked me.  I’ll take it!

 

Next stack of photos for the new album I am working on

On the way home from work on Monday I stopped in at Walgreens and picked up my latest order of photos to put away into my new album I’ve been working on.  I’m only printing off one year of digital photos at a time and trying to be really selective about which ones I choose, the best of the best, so I’m not overwhelmed or end up with too many photos.  As it stands it is a lot of photos.  I’m also searching for promo coupon codes each time I place an order so I can save as much money as I can since this is not necessarily a low cost little project, but definitely worth it.

 

I gave my vacuum cleaner a much needed cleaning

I washed the all of the components & filter with hot soapy water

The filter was super gross

My work schedule last week was Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, four hour shifts each, which was just perfect.  Tuesday I voted, Wednesday I went to the bank to take care of some financial stuff, Thursday I picked up some daffodil bulbs and acid free glue sticks for my photo projects.  I am making the most of my time and gasoline by running my errands on the way home from work rather than making separate trips.  The grocery ads held nothing to tempt me into any food shopping last week, but I did pick up a FREE offer of a bottle of salad dressing while I was at Fred Meyer picking up the bulbs.

 

I prepped all of these veggies

All ready to use in meals and meal prepping

Instead of grocery shopping I spent some time in the kitchen processing the produce I had purchased in my big grocery shop the week prior.  Quite a bit ended up in the freezer to use in future meals.  I also did some meal prepping using what I already had.  I made a delicious meatloaf supper using half of the 3# package of ground beef I had bought as well as the last of my potatoes and carrots in the crisper drawer.  That meal ended up making five meals to enjoy throughout the week.

 

Sunday dinner

This was so good 😋

With loads of encouragement from my nearest and dearest I’ve really been focusing a lot of attention on myself lately.  The phrase “it’s about time” has been tossed about quite a bit.  I’ve been taking a lot of time to write, journal, do some short term planning, relax, pamper myself and go hiking.  One of my favorite things of late is to put on my trail runners and hit the trails and talk to God.  I don’t even care if someone happens by and hears me rambling on because I feel so happy and content these days.  My new job really seems to add another fulfilling dimension to my life and I am extremely grateful to have been led in this direction.

 

Homemade pizza night with a friend

All the meals and leftovers I prepped last week

How did your week go?  I truly hope it was wonderful.

 

Inflation Isn't Getting Any Better

 

When I decided to retire early I did not anticipate the rapid rate of inflation that has taken place in the past two years.  I did plan for the “average rate of inflation” but I was simply not prepared for it to happen all at once.  I think we’ve all seen it hit us hardest at the grocery store.  So many of the items we purchase have risen in price - 25%, 50 %, even 100% or more.  Along with the rising prices we are hit even harder with the addition of “shrinkflation” with the noticeably smaller sizes or fewer items per package.

 

Before - a 12 pack

And now - it's an 8 pack

The thing with inflation is that if you continue to purchase items, regardless of price, then there is no motivation for that to change.  In essence, the behavior will continue.  One of the things I used to buy on a regular basis was cans of flavored sparkling water like La Croix or Soleil.  But when they stopped packaging it in 12 packs and made them 8 packs and then doubled the price it really pissed me off.  I no longer buy their sparkling water or any other brand that is riding this ship.

 

As consumers we hold the power to effect change.  I you decide something is no longer worth its value and stop buying it then companies will look at that and make changes in order to regain your business.  But, if you do nothing but complain and still continue to purchase their products there is nothing to motivate them to do better, in fact it will motivate them to actually do worse, raising prices further and lowering the quality or the volume.  Have you really looked at a bag of potato chips lately?  At this rate the standard size will become a single serve option at a party size price.  This is no longer about supply shortages, pandemics, wars, or any of that nonsense.  It’s really all about greed.  Pure and simple greed!

 

Companies have seen an opportunity and have seized upon it.  I for one am absolutely sick and tired of this crap and if a manufacturer wants to play that game, I’m out!  I don’t need what you are trying to sell me.  If you don’t give me what I want at a reasonable price you can keep your products.  I will buy something else or simply go without.  I’m taking a stand and that is my position on it.  In several upcoming posts I’ll be telling you more about how I am making that work for me.

 

Journaling For Faith & Spirituality

 

This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.  Since retiring I’ve kept a daily journal and a large part of journaling for me is to also to journal my spiritual thoughts, some of my prayers and my gratitude to God for all that he blesses me with every day.  It is very important part of my journaling process.

 

I know many people have a dedicated journal for bible study, a gratitude journal or as a prayer journal.  I think that is absolutely wonderful.  What a testament that is.  At this time in my life I find incorporating it into my daily journal works very well for me, but who knows?  Perhaps someday I may have one just dedicated for faith.

 

There is something to be said about writing it down on paper when you practice gratitude or say a prayer.  For me, it makes it much more tangible, more important.  I often pray and talk with the Lord, sharing my thoughts, fears and feelings with Him.  When I write it down it feels more as though I am handing it over and allowing Him to take it from me so I no longer need to carry it.  It is definitely a practice that has helped me to ease my anxiety or rejoice in all that He has blessed me with for it is abundant.  How truly blessed I am.

 

My Tireless Retirement - Week 83

 

Hello my friends.  Another busy week has flown right on by.  They aren’t slowing down, not even a little bit.  I got quite a bit done last week, more things have been checked off my “to do” list as we head into winter.

 

I grated up the last of my garden zucchinis and used up a can of pumpkin I had in the pantry to make up four loaves of bread – 2 zucchini and 2 pumpkin.  I wrapped them up well and tucked them into the freezer so I have them at the ready to slice and serve to guests that visit me during the holidays.  One of those loaves may even be going to a friend of mine at Christmas.

 

The fridge was looking a wee bit thin

My crisper drawer was looking absolutely pitiful
4 small potatoes, 3 carrots and a small wedge of purple cabbage

I started getting ready for sending out Christmas cards.  I am planning to mail them out on the first Monday in December so I figured I’d better get started.  While running errands I stopped in at the post office and picked up some extra Christmas themed postage stamps so I have enough for mailing.  By the way, if you would like to exchange Christmas cards with me this year email me your address and I will add you to my list.

 

A lovely slice of zucchini bread & a cup of tea
I tried a new recipe so I had to taste test it - delicious!

On Wednesday I hopped onto the freeway and drove two cities over to meet a friend for lunch.  We got all caught up on what has been going on with each other and vowed not to let so much time pass before we got together next time.  I really need to work on not allowing so much time to go by before I reach out to people and say hello.

 

I got my first paycheck last week and used most of it to replace the engine battery in my truck.  The old one was having a hard time starting after our recent freezing cold temperatures overnight so I knew it would only be a matter of time until I got stranded.  It felt good to get over to Interstate Battery and invest in a solid replacement battery.  I got home and checked that off the list.  The rest of my check went to topping up the gas tank and buying some groceries.  I have to admit it is kind of nice having that extra little bit of cash coming in every couple of weeks.

 

My groceries from Winco

After putting off the grocery shopping as long as possible while I used up what was already in the fridge I finally went after work on Thursday and did a nice sized shop.  I started out at Winco and then went to Fred Meyer to get a few things that were on sale.  I had quite a few coupons to pair with those sales items, both digital and paper, so I definitely wanted to take advantage of the extra savings.

 

and from Fred Meyer

I got that packet of photos I had printed off at Walgreens a couple weeks ago all put away into an album.  I then went back and annotated the pages with what, where and who.  I also typed up a little essay about a vacation we took and included that with those photos.  Toward the end of the week I ordered up my next round of photo prints and used a 60% OFF coupon code to save me some more money on this project.

 

This looks better!

It was a super fabulous week, busy and productive just like I like it.  I also was able to spend some quality time with friends which I always appreciate.  I am blessed to have such a great circle of friends.  And of course, a great group of lovely people that follow my blog.  I am so very fortunate.  I wish a terrific week ahead to all of you! 💕

Stretching My Food $$ - Zucchinis & Carrots

 

This year I planted a garden and although I’m not much of a gardener I did pretty well this year, for me anyway.  Having a longer fall season with some good rain was helpful too as it brought on another flush of zucchinis which I picked before letting them get very big.  I like my zucchini small and tender so I will harvest them at about eight inches long or even a little shorter if they are fat ones.  Throughout the summer I pretty much ate them as I harvested them and they were literally the best zucchinis I have ever eaten.  I had to quit cooking them in order to put some up in the freezer for winter.

 

Even if you don't have a garden you can do this with store bought produce
No waste - the ends I trimmed from the carrots were given to the bunny
and the ends from the zucchinis went to the chickens.  Everybody wins!

With the latest flush of zucchinis I was able to grate up four and put them away for winter.  I also had extra carrots in the refrigerator so I grated some of those and added them to several of the bags of zucchini.  You can do A LOT with grated zucchini and carrots such as adding it to meatloaf, meat balls or burger patties to boost the nutrition, bake muffins, breads or cake, quiche, casseroles and add it to soups, stews or chilis.  I add the thawed vegetables, liquid and all in most cases, but if I feel like I need to drain some of it off I’ll save that liquid in the freezer to add to broths or soups.  I don’t want to waste any of that delicious nutrition.

 

Zucchini bites are so delicious

Now I have a nice supply of these bags, portioned into recipe sizes, ready for whatever I plan to make or bake this winter.  I’ll be able to eat my own homegrown vegetables and not need to buy so much at the store this winter too which will save my grocery dollars to spend on other things.

 

Mini Appliances

 

I have a certain affinity for all things mini and appliances are no exception, especially now that I’m all on my own.  They are energy efficient and the perfect size for preparing a meal for one or two people.  Plus, they are really cute.

 

My most often used mini is my 1.6 quart slow cooker.  I’ve had it for several years, but in the past two years it has been my main go-to appliance since I retired.  I purchased it originally to take with us to use while traveling and for the RV, but now it is on my kitchen counter every week heating up soups or making smaller versions of my favorite slow cooking meals.

 

Another mini appliance that is often used is my egg cooker.  I purchased it as a consolation prize when I got out of the hospital in 2021 and I’m not entirely sure why that was, to be honest.  I love it though.  It hard cooks up to seven eggs perfectly with just a tiny bit of water, takes very little time and is super easy to use.  It also comes with two additional pieces for making a mini omelet or a couple poached eggs.

 

Just last week I treated myself to a 7” mini electric skillet and it is adorable.  I had one way back in my single days. inherited from my great grandmother.  I loved that little thing but it ended up getting purged after I got married because I wasn’t using it anymore.  Later on I came across one in a thrift store and picked it up so my girls could “play” with it when they started learning to cook.  They didn’t end up using it very often so it too was purged when we thought we were moving once.

 

I use my larger electric skillet quite a bit now, but there have been quite a few times when I thought it was too big for what I might be cooking and a mini one would be better.  I’ve used the new mini one a couple of times already and I’m sure I’ll be using it a lot as time goes on, especially for cooking breakfast meals such as eggs and sausage or a single hot dog or hamburger patty.  It is also great for reheating some leftovers.

 

I’ve already decided that once my little waffle maker gives up on me I’ll likely replace it with one of those mini ones simply because I think they are super cute.  Both of my daughters have one and they are perfect for dorm use.  They have really enjoyed them.  I think I would too.  I have quite a lot of fun cooking my mini meals and now that I have mini appliances it is even more fun.

 

Spending LESS $$ - Laundry

 

Since I’ve retired and my children have also left the nest this is an area that I’ve streamlined quite a bit.  I still have my energy and water efficient large capacity front load washing machine and dryer set that has been perfect for me, especially when I was doing laundry for a family.  Now that is just me and the occasional guest I don’t do near as much laundry as what I used to.

 

Most of the time, I only need to do laundry one day a week now.  I have enough clothes, towels, wash cloths and dish cloths to get through a week before I need to load them into the washer.  I can load the washer with all of my clothes for one load and sheets and towels go in for another.  Since I started hanging my clothes up on hangers in complete outfits and also wash the sheets and put them right back onto my bed I don’t have a lot of folding to do.

 

I hang several of my items up to dry on the rod in the laundry room, such as certain tops, my bras, sweaters and hoodies, rugs, etc.  This not only helps these items dry and last longer, but the load I do end up running through the dryer is much smaller so I don’t need to run it very long.  Quite often I am able to combine both washed loads into one dryer load.

 

After much trial and error I finally came up with a homemade detergent recipe that I like and use.  I only need to make up a half batch and it lasts me nearly a year.  After hitting a jackpot of markdown Snuggle dryer sheets I stocked up several years ago.  I’ve share these with neighbors and my children, but because I reuse them for a few loads they last me forever.  I think I have enough for five more years, to be honest, however once they are gone I plan to switch over to using white distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle and get away from commercial fabric softeners.

 

I’m one of those people who really doesn’t mind doing laundry.  I enjoy the entire process so I actually look forward to laundry day.  I also happen to have a really cute laundry room which I’m sure adds to it.  I think that whenever you are able to streamline your process and you have a pleasant space to work in it feels like much less of a chore.