I think I will not be hosting a meal, but will try to do some of the cooking.  It seems easier, given our family right now, to go to my mom's.  I think the kids would actually be happier making some of the food than worrying about a big gathering.   

Deb,  I feel espcially good about the money left with my CSA, already paid for, in place through December.  Plus I am starting to stock some of the higher priced items, this past week bought syrup and honey that will last several months, and the real sea salt that will last a year.  I am thinking of starting to dry some of my herbs, ther are getting big, I don't really know how to harvest them.  Or maybe I should plan on bringing them in for the winter.  I have two pretty big pots, with four herbs in each, from the CSA.  

Dear Tracy, I hadn't even reallized that CSA goes past the Summer!  Till December, imagine!  What good husbanding of yoru SNAP/Food Stamps it was for you to have purchased the share! 

What exposures do you have in your windows?  It is hard to grow herbs in Northern exposure like I have.  Cilantro in pazrticulazr will not grow.  If you have a choice, I'd pick Southern exposure.  Grow-lights are much, much, much too expensive!

Love in Him, Deb

latenightleader:

I have family coming in this weekend, I am hoping to be able to offer a meal for my siblings,parents, aunts, cousin- maybe 35 people, as my gramma died last night, and my house is the biggest.

 

It's always a sad occasion, but at least you will have the house filled with love, and food!, during this particular difficult time. You know my prayers are with you during this time.

 I think I will wait until tomorrow to decide on food, trying to get the music for the funeral tonight.  An acapella quartet of men from our church, singing "The Old Rugged Cross," one of gramma's favorites.  If I get two of the men at least, I'll be happy.  Seems like I should wait until family gets in to plan.  

Deb, I do have southern exposure in a room that gets chillier, does it have to be pretty warm? 

Tonight for food had veggies from the CSA in salad, cauliflower, carrots, onion, greens, along with the last fresh bread from the coop, a little loaf of olive bread, and a cheese plate from the cheeses from the coop, with lemonade and ice cream for dessert.  I love summer meals. I just put things on plates and throw them out there. It was delicious.  

 

Wow hope things work out for you,,,,

 

tracy what herbs do you have in pots? I would dry or freeze some. Then bring them in to try to grow for winter. But if they don t live then you have a back up to use. Babs 

Dear Tracy, Since it's cold in the Ssouthern exposure roooom, MAYBE those old-fashioned Victorian belll jars might be helpful?  (AAny large enough jar/glalon canning jar may be up-ended over the plaaant & pot)  It would make a sort of greenhouse.  You'd water much less than usual due to condensation.  Teh Library has lots of books on indoor gardening, & I would peruse one of them on growing herbs/veggies inside.

Your choral music for the family memorial gathering sounds so special, just right to honor yoru Gramma.

Aas for my own herbs, basil & spearmint are so prolific that I'd follow what Babs says & freeze or ddry some before bringign the pot inside.  But everything else is growing slowly (chives, dill which are in good shape, & my parsley isn't doing well @ all), & I can only piiinch off enough for oen dish at a time).  Love in Him, Deb 

Dear ALl, I went shopping with a congregant to Whole Foods today.  My SNAP/Food Stamps balance was $153.25 going in.  I spent $22.17,  & my new balance is $131.08 until 8/1.

I bought 0.6 lbs of organic pitted prunes ($3.59), 2-half-gallons of skim milk @ $1.49 (gallons were no cheaper, & harder to hold), 3/4 lb of raspberry grranola ($2.48), 0.18 lb of organic dried figs ($0.99),, 1/2 lb French feta sheep cheese ($6.47), Tazo green ginger tea ($3.99), 0.57 lb orgnaic loose carrots (56cents), & 2 large organic apricots (0.47 lb - $1.41).

Yours in Hiiim, Deb

Uff da! I couldn't sleep so I went shopping! Isn't that when you are suppose to? Found out my card was loaded over the weekend... I am notorious for going middle-of-the-night shopping. Less people, but you stll have to go around the stockers, who are always asking if I need help (must be the tired look on my face mixed with puzzlement).

Starting balance $260.83 ($60.83) carried over...

Walmart (stop #1):

• rice krispy treats (16pk) $3.50
• sobe life water $1
• corn chips (1#) $1.65
• 2 vitamin waters $1ea
• 5 gal of vinegar $1.67 each
• 2 yoplait yogurts $0.50 each
• kool-aid single serve water packets $1.97 (12ct)
• 8pkts of gv lemonade mix drink (I use in the dishwasher as citric acid, disolves food) 10cents each
• 2.05lb of nectarines ($1/lb) $2.05
• mango $0.88 (was overcharged before I caught it @ $1.15)
• collard greens $1.18 (bunch)
• laughing cow cheese  $2.98 (-55 cent coupon)
• fiber one muffin mix  $2.37(-50 cent coupon)
• special K blueberry $3.28 (-$1 coupon)
• 1# strawberries $1.50
• waffle fries $1.87
• sourdough bread $2.50

Came home, put away perishables, and put other things on table to be put away later... and went back out.

Festival Foods (stop #2):

• 6pk of Pepsi 24oz bottles $3.66 (-$1.52 coupon)
• candy bar (chocolate relief) $0.69 (FREE -69 cent coupon)
• store brand hot dog buns $0.99 (-0.31 coupon)
• 10# leg quarters $6.90 (Amish raised)
• big pack of chicken breast ($2.88/lb) $15.26 (giving to a friend)
• big pack of chicken breast ($2.88/lb) $16.07 (giving to a friend)
• bananas 2.43lb normally 59c/lb (-0.62 coupon)
  
• red cherries 2.38# @ $1.48/lb $3.52 (saved $1.93)
• pt of blueberries $1.98 (saving 0.51)
• promo ice cream tub $2.99 (-$1.01 coupon)
• 4 grapefruit juice concentrate $1.75 each (saving 0.14each)
• bag of frozen tropical blend fruit $3.27
• digornio flat bread $3 (FREE with $3 coupon)
• 2 tropicana OJ 64oz $3each (-$1 coupon)
• 1# butter quarter $1.99 (-$1.01 coupon)
• All Bran drink mix $4.75 (-$2 coupon) ... was not accepted on food stamps

Total now is $155.16 until 8.13. I should be ok until then. I'll be eating up what I have in the pantry and freezer. (My chest freezer is packed now!!!) I want to still buy some things at this other store that has some good deals but might just skip (cereal deals and was planning on donating to food pantry). I will have one week where I will not be eating here and have stocked up now on snacks to take with me to the week evaluation, to avoid the vending machines!

Now, dear Luvd_Lioness, What story did they give you about their refusal to put "bran drink" on SNAP/Food Stamps EBT?  Love in Him, Deb