Five Frugal Things -- Pumpkin Pies & Saying Goodbye to Zelda
1. put up a post offering bundles of fresh rosemary for the neighbors in my Buy Nothing group, but only one person has taken me up on the offer so far. I'll refresh the listing when we get closer to Thanksgiving.
2. I drove to Costco and picked up two of their enormous $5.99 pumpkin pies and stuck them in the freezer for Thursday. I was a bit worried they'd be sold out, (especially when I saw that there was a line to even enter the store!) but they had hundreds upon hundreds of pies available for purchase. I normally make these from scratch, but I'm running on maybe 17% of the energy I normally rely on. The theme of this year's Thanksgiving feast is "short cuts!"
3. I got cash back after using my debit card and used it to fill up my gas tank. Saved me 25¢/gallon and that's worth the extra step in my book. I try to keep enough cash in my wallet for spontaneous fill ups, as this specific gas station tends to have long lines. This way I can hit them up when I notice a lull.
4. My husband used one of my 90¢ Dented Vegetable Store stuffing mixes for a turkey meatball recipe. (Work potluck.) No problem though, as I always have a loaf or two of $1 bread in my freezer from the Franz Bakery outlet.
I chopped this loaf of sourdough bread into cubes, which I then baked at a low temperature until they were nice and dry. I'll go ahead and combine them with the remaining box of stuffing mix for Thanksgiving.
5. Our beloved cat Zelda passed away yesterday after 17 years, which is a nice long life. (Here's the blog post from when we got her!) We then had the kids over last night to bury her and come together as a family.
I was extra tired from being unable to get back to sleep after discovering her during my 2 A.M. bathroom break, so I picked up a box of frozen Kirkland Signature frozen cheese pizzas, which I doctored with random sautéed veggies.
My husband and I realized we haven't been without a cat or kids in the house since 1991, which makes the house feel extra empty. Luckily we still get to enjoy occasional visits from Mama's Little Meatball for company, but for now we'll just take the time to mourn Zelda properly.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy-- so very sorry to hear about your fur-baby. My sympathies.
I'm so sorry about Zelda.
Zelda looks like a love. Loss is just so hard. And your year has already been a tough one. No wonder you have little energy. Hope you are surrounded by hugs and kindness.
I'm so sorry to hear about Zelda. Our pets become little human family members over time and I too know what the loss of one is like. It's different, they are the little people in your house who can't speak, dont talk back, and want virtually nothing from you but love. I'm sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you as you are already mourning your father’s passing and losing Zelda so soon after must make everything seem raw. If ever there was a year to use shortcuts, this is it. Good bless you.
I second this. Sending love to you and your family.
I also concur. You have my sympathies! Losing your dad and now Zelda so soon!
Be extra kind to.yourself! Huge hugs !!!
Betty and I send our condolences to you and yours on the loss of Zelda. DH and I have had six cats and two dogs; five of the six cats and both dogs have crossed the Rainbow Bridge; and it sucks *every*single*time.* (I don't even want to think about what a basket case I'll be when Betty, who is now 13.5, goes.) And I agree that it's proper to observe a period of mourning before deciding what to do next.
Not much other frugal news. I did get my tuchus to Wegmans this morning and picked up two bags of Tuscan kale for the kale salad I'll be taking to NDN1's CF's Thanksgiving spread. (I used to grow the kale myself before Bambi got in on the act.) And while I was returning my own NY State deposit containers, I noticed that someone had dumped several bags of very dirty containers in the return area. I ran $1.10 worth of these through the machines before reaching my limit on dirt.
So sorry for your loss of sweet Zelda. Take the precious memory of the first time you saw her, multiply that with the constant supply of kitty antics and sweet cuddles and you have a good life lived.
Much sympathy for the loss of your sweet kitty.
I am sorry. You and your family have had a tough few months. Thinking of y’all.
So sorry for you loss. I'm sure Zelda was well loved and I'm sure she knew it as well.
Oh, she was such a pretty girl. (((Hugs)))
Too soon these sweet babies leave us. And the loss of your Dad such a short time ago. I send love.
Very sorry for your loss, like A Marie, I don't know what I will do when it's my Penny's time - she is also 13.5.....but plays like she is still 3!
Good for you for knowing when to give yourself a break and buy what is needed rather than use your energy cooking/baking.
Sympathy from our house, including our rescues, Ajda & Brina, to you and your family. We lost our beloved Jane and Ludwig James (Viggy) 2 years ago, and I still miss them terribly.
Aww Katy, I am so sorry that your house is feeling emptier with the loss of your cat. I know that when my lovely Skye-dog crossed the rainbow bridge both my son and I were essentially basket cases for a week. and I still tear up when I think of her, which is often. There is an emptiness in a house without a pet, which does, however, offer a space to be present to feeling the loss.
And it still HURTS so much! Much love to you and all of your family, Katy.
That is so hard. Zelda is such a cute kitty! I do love a tuxedo cat especially with those adorable white whiskers. I know she will be missed by your family. Sending prayers and so much love to your family during this difficult season, especially after the loss of your dad and the bike accident for your hubby. Please know there are so many people out there who care about you guys and are thinking about you!
So sad for the loss of Zelda. It seems too soon after the loss of your Dad. Sending love.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know she was a good friend. My Mom's cat that I inherited died at 15 years old. I was devasted. Cats are good company.
I'm so sorry to hear about Zelda.
1. I went to Sam's Club with a return and then bought bananas, eggs, and a rotisserie chicken.
2. I then stopped at Aldi for oranges, Greek yogurt, and avocados.
3. We discovered that the movies on Peacock only subject you to a few minutes of commercials before the movie starts. We have another 1-1/2 months of Peacock at $.65/month so we watched a frivolous movie last night. I'm just not in the mood for anything heavy.
4. I listed some items on Freecycle. Everything had been picked up. Less is more when you're 65+
5. I'm still using the library to borrow books, both physical and digital (including audio).
I am sorry you are having a season of losses.
What a lovely way to put it.
And so true.
I am so
Sorry about Zelda.
I am so sorry for your loss! And though it’s a completely different scale than losing your father, it’s so hard to lose these loving creatures who comfort us every day.
I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Zelda.What a good long life, but always so hard when they leave us, no matetr what.Sending you oddles of hugs.
Not so frugal this week.there are just 3 of us, no family here where we live in Arizona..and a lot of people we used to hang with have moved away, travel, or are just not around .. so.. off to a nice restaurant we go.Some years I am ok with the lack of family at the holiday,other years I am a bit melancholy about it..this year feels harder for some reason, but will buck up and enjoy the small family we DO have together!!! Counting my blessings!!
Dear Katy, So sorry you have lost Zelda, especially since a little cat comfort would be extra desirable after losing your dad. One grief at a time is hard enough. I will be thinking of you.
I'm sorry you lost Zelda. I always enjoyed seeing her or reading about her in your posts. Sending you love and light.
Katy, your beloved Zelda is a beauty. I'm very sorry she's gone. Sending you comfort as you mourn.
What a tough Fall. All those short cuts are a wise form of self-care. May your father’s memory be a blessing, and Zelda’s too.
Sweet Zelda. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard losing a fur baby is - it just doesn't get easier. I feel like this has been a particularly hard second half of the year for your family and I hope the Thanksgiving gathering is a balm to your spirits.
1. I did not buy an extra folding table to seat our guests on Thursday. We are instead borrowing the same heavy table we use every year from our neighbors.
2. In keeping with Katy's shortcut theme, I bought pre-made piecrusts on sale for my pies. Ordinarily, I'd make the piecrusts from scratch, but I have found there is no discernible difference, and with the price of butter these days, the prices come out in the wash.
3. I thought about buying one of Trader Joes' cute plants for our front porch, but stopped at a spot in my neighborhood instead and foraged some eucalyptus branches to make a wreath.
4. I'm currently in the process of making 6 cloth napkins from an old gingham tablecloth to boost our napkin inventory. I looked at cloth napkins recently in store and the price was too rich for my blood, especially since they were nowhere near as thick as the cotton I'm using to make mine.
5. I'm hoping to get all my medical tests, etc., done for the year by December 31, as I met my deductible this summer. Not fun, but better than waiting until the new year and the new deductible kick in.
Katy and family,
Condolences on Zelda's passing. May the fond memories you hold of her comfort you as you heal from this loss.
RIP Zelda - thank you for giving your family a lifetime of love.
Sorry to hear of the sad news during an already difficult time. Hugs.
Oh, I am so, so sorry about your loss. Pets are family! They love us with all their hearts! I feel your Zelda is over the rainbow bridge with Miss Lucy Dog, who went there almost exactly one year ago, and all our other fur babies. Sending you a virtual hug and shedding a tear for Zelda Cat.
The worst part about losing my sweet baby around Thanksgiving was when I held out a bite of turkey for her, momentarily forgetting she was gone, I suddenly realized why she hadn't eaten it...and that just did me in. However, around the same time of year that I'd gotten Miss Lucy, I went to the pound and came home with Snuggles. He's been right with me this weekend, helping cheer me up. (And on Thursday, he's definitely going to get turkey and gravy and dog food and "cookies" and a bone and....) I'm sure another kitty will some come your way and adopt you!
1. I got some OTC meds with my Medicare OTC card.
2. After shopping for TVs (my oldstyle 20th C. model has had it), I saw one at Goodwill. It was $8 after my senior discount. I can return it in 3 days if it doesn't work out.
3. Frugal fail (or was it that I was conned?): the yard man hauled off a lot of brush when I was gone. I think he waited until he saw my car was not there. I had planned to chop up all the brush with the clippers and call a pal over to get the big logs (he wants them for his firepit, has a chainsaw and pickup truck, and will take them for free). It then takes me 2-3 weeks to dispose of the non-log brush, but I don't have to pay anything more. When I got home, the brush had vanished and I assume Scotty didn't beam it up to the space ship Enterprise. The yard man was there but the stuff wasn't. He claims it cost him $120 to haul it to the dump. I'm going to check with the city and if his story doesn't pan out, World War 3 is about to ensue. I just called him and, in a sweet voice, left a voice msg. that I want to see his receipt from the dump. Betcha he doesn't have one.
4. Hanging some liners up with my new bedroom curtains. What a chore! I may use the thin bedspread (had to get 2) to "drape" the other window, since it will block out some cold air.
5. When getting the curtain hardware, I found a 50-cent part that will go on the faucet in my former roommate's bathroom. She had unscrewed the original part in order to hook up her portable washing machine, and somehow it disappeared. I had just been putting up with not having the faucet sprayer, but a 50 cent remedy is much cheaper than calling the plumber!
Wow, 17 years. I am so sorry Katy. She was such a cutie and I am sure you have many wonderful memories.
Zelda was very fortunate to have you take such great care of her, for her long life, but it’s never long enough, is it? I’m so sorry for your loss. >^..^<
Yes, indeed! I hope you and your family can fill the space left open by her absence with lots of good memories.
So sorry for the loss of your sweet kitty.
Heartbreaking to lose a fur baby. At least you didn't have to make the never pleasant, leaves a hole in your heart but right thing to do decision. Glad you had seventeen years with her. I had to make the decision on a fur baby who wasn't even five. Take your time grieving. While I can't speak for all posters, the grief never goes away, you just hope it hurts less over time.
Katy,
So sorry you and your family lost Zelda.
After I saw your post, I happened upon some wisdom from a rabbi about grieving our beloved pets. It’s in this month’s Woman’s Day magazine, page 25.. You can read it on Libby. Maybe it will feel helpful.
Blessings.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your cat's passing.
So sorry to hear about Zelda. She had a great life with you!
I'm so sorry. Goodbye Zelda, you beautiful girl.
Oh Katie. You have had a tough year. I'm so sorry about Zelda. Definitely take care of yourself.
Awww Katy and family, I am so sorry about your loss. It has surely been a tough year for you and it is hard.
I rescued 4 large pumpkins from my DD's porch decor, they were still in great shape and she was just going to give them to my chickens. I cooked, cleaned and froze 9 and 1/2 quarts of thick puree. The chickens got the shells, and the "guts" .
Still cleaning and freezing the house ripened tomatoes, when they are all done I will thaw and can as whole tomatoes. I need the freezer space.
JC
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Zelda. We have a lovely tuxedo Barn Cat named Laverne. She came to us with a “rap sheet” from Animal Services and has proved to be the Best. Cat. Ever. I could go on and on about how wonderful she is, but I’m sure you already know how amazing our feline friends are.
Thinking of you.
Sending you and yours love; I'm so sorry she's gone and I know you will miss her creaky little meows.
She was nice company, even when she got old and less interactice.
So very sorry for the loss of Zelda. All my pets are elderly and I know what's coming in the next few years. It's so difficult.
My frugals for today:
I had $1 off per gallon of gas from Kroger points. We let our autos get pretty low, then filled up at $1.39/gallon, making it under $30 to fill up both.
BTW, I got the Kroger credit card a while back because there was no fee, I got a $100 credit, and a free Boost membership, which gives me 2x gas points.
Husband and I went to our yearly derm appts together. It's 120 miles roundtrip. My cost was $78 because I haven't met my deductible. Husband had met his so it was $0. I'm fair-skinned with red hair and a family history of melanoma, so it's well worth the cost.
We decided we weren't really hungry after our appts so we just came home instead of getting snacks or dinner out.
Not frugal: My mom had a Dr's appt 120 miles away in the Big City at 8 a.m. and we made the decision to stay overnight the night before. I knew there was a parking fee but thought it would be added to her hotel bill as in the past. It was dark and I thought the signs that said "Park Happy" with a cute little graphic were just reminding me to lock the car, take valuables, etc and I didn't pay any attention. They were, in fact, telling me to pay the parking fee with the QR code. Oops. The next morning I had a $72 ticket on my windshield. Frugal: I emailed the company, told the truth of what happened and they took off the violation, and are allowing me to just pay the original parking fee.
So sad to lose a beloved friend. Zelda loved freely and was loved, and all that made her “Zelda” will be remembered forever.
I'm so sorry about Zelda.
So sorry, Katy.
Katy,
Losing Zelda has left a cat shaped hole in your hearts. A wise woman once told me when we lose a loved one, it leaves a hole that never heals, but we get used to it and learn to live around it instead of falling in.
Grateful that you had the blessing known as Zelda for so many years, and that she passed peacefully.
I'm so sorry to hear of Zelda's passing. My sympathies to your family.
Thank you, the house seems extra empty.
My Zelda was over 15, when lost her.
I've never been a cat person. But 10 years later, I still miss her!
And, yes she was named by my son, for a video game
Aw, sorry about your cat
Aww, Katy, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of little Zelda. I know how hard it is to lose a kitty. You gave her 17 wonderful years of life!! What a gift. Thinking of you and your family.
I'm sorry for your loss. This has been a mournful year for you and yours.