“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sometimes the best blessings are practical and useful☺


I must have quick meals and house cleaning on my mind☺ Today, as I sat looking out the window and bringing blessings to mind, some of my favorite household tools popped into my head and along with those, another little tool of sorts - Hamburger Helper! Use that stuff right and you will have three, little boys eating out of the palm of your hand - or should I say, cleaning up their supper plates
  1. Hamburger Helper. Yes, I know, not the best thing in the world to make or eat, but I am grateful for Hamburger Helper Tomato Basil Pasta. Several months ago my grandsons were over for a p.j. party and just couldn't think of what to cook for supper. Everything I suggested their momma told me that one of the three wasn't all that fond of it. So, in desperation I made Tomato Basil Pasta. Of course, I added a little of this and a little of that to enhance the flavor, but I began with the basic, boxed meal. With the HH, I served cinnamon applesauce with little cinnamon hearts sprinkled on top, garlic bread and green beans. Dessert was jello (cherry and orange) layered in little cups topped with Cool Whip. This is NO joke, each of them told me that it was the best meal ever! WOWZA! Guess what is always in my pantry?
  2. Cold and windy days. Today is one of those northern Michigan days when it looks like the leaves on the ground are falling up. The wind is swirling around, lifting the leaves and chilling the air like crazy. Days like today feel good when I am on the inside looking out and feeling blessed for my warm socks and comfy home.
  3. Vacuum cleaner. With two dogs and four cats I need a good one! I can't imagine how in the world I would ever be able to keep myself from coughing up hairballs without my Royal. I purchased my vacuum cleaner over 15 years ago and it still works its little ♥ our for me. My loyal Royal
  4. Shop Vac. I ♥ my shop vac! It picks up water. It cleans my car. It sucks up some of the most disgusting, unidentifiable, unknown refuse from the corners of my basement storage area. It picks up dirt without complaining. It cleans my garage. It eats up dog hair and cat clumps with glee. I ♥ my Shop Vac.
  5. Old socks. A long time ago I read that you shouldn't toss out old socks but repurpose them for dusting and waxing in your home. I'm here to tell you that they are a blessing in disguise! No more trying to adequately clean and dust the rungs/spindles on my dining room chairs or  picture frames or glass lamp shades. Just put on your old sock and away you go. Want to get fancy? Spray some wax on your glove and give everything a little shine!
For those of you not familiar with giving thanks for the thirty days of November, take a peek at my sidebar. I am participating in two blessing events and lovin' every minute of it☺

14 comments:

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I like your grateful list today Mimi! I have a long haired cat so I also have to vacumn often. I also save old socks for dusting :-)

Have a wonderful week!

Paula said...

I loved that you are thankful for Hamburger Helper. One time many years ago when my youngest son was about 12 a girlfriend and I were discussing what we felt were comfort foods that our moms made for us. Hers was mac and cheese and mashed potatoes and mine was cherry turnovers and bierocks. My son thought for a moment and said..."hmmm I wonder if someday I will say that mine was Hamburger helper" Gave us a good laugh. Your post today made me smile. Thanks for your prayers for my brother Fred.

Natasha in Oz said...

It is such a joy coming to visit you and I just love it when you come to visit me. Your comments are always positive and kind and your posts are so uplifting and warm!Thank YOU for bringing a smile to my face each day.
Best wishes always, Natasha.
PS I love re-purposing old socks too-I just used some the other day when cleaning the ceiling fan blades!

Four Paws and Co said...

Great list! I ♥ my Dyson's! I have 2 different types - one for each floor. They're awesome with all that dog hair.

Have you tried Uncle Ben's ready rice in the pouch? Takes 90 seconds in the microwave to cook. Out of desperation last week, before the new fridge arrived, I cooked a pouch of the Santa Fe whole grain medley. Added a can of green beans, a can of red beans & a can of Mexican flavored tomatoes. This was an awesome meal. Only took a few minutes to cook too. Would also have been good with tortilla's but we didn't have any... Steve told me to remember this one & just add some ground chicken to it. ☺

Anonymous said...

Just love these posts of yours!!
I use 90 sec rice to start some main dishes!! I just love it & so does my family!!
Love,
Marilyn

Zuzana said...

Leaves falling up; now that reminds me of Denmark very much.;)
I never knew that old socks could be used in this way, thank you so much.;)
Lovely post as always, a joy to come here and visit every time.;)
xo
Zuzana

Anonymous said...

.Oh dear Mimi thanks for your kind comments. I love to visit you also. Your gratefulness for November has been inspiring to read. So hope you have a good week.
QMM

stefanie said...

i do use the old socks for dusting, the best...great list of thankfuls!! it is the little things that are the best

GwendolynKay said...

I am thankful for a vacume cleaner as my dog sheds every day. I am also thankful for our faithful , yet hairy companion. Blessings!
Gwen

Anonymous said...

I love your illustration of the leaves falling up. I love words and seeing how they are used (when it's good). I forget about dusting w/socks. My husband always keeps old socks for garage stuff. Now I can use them in the house too. :) Thanks!!! Jenn

Shopgirl said...

Remarkable list, and so good hints for cleaning. You are a treasure, I love coming to visit.
Leaves floating up, Mary

The Tiquehunters Wife said...

Hello Mimi,
Another delightful "thankful list" just oozing with cheerfulness!
I have to vacumm every other day--I have an old Rainbow--kind of like a fancy shop-vac. It's heavy and cumbersome, but picks up and cleans great! I am thankful for it!
I love the Buckeroo, but he sheds non-stop! I knew that before I got him, I chose to put up with the shedding!
The socks are a great idea and I'm going start using them!

Have a wonderful day & if you have time, pop on over to the cabin--I'm having a quick give away!
Blessing from the Cabin!
Claudia O.

KD said...

Thanks Mimi for all your kind words on my blog! And I love the idea for socks! I have a box full of singles (the person who figures out where those mates go will make a fortune) and now I have a use for them! Thanks

kath001 said...

This made me smile.

I do love a vacuum cleaner! Mine is about 30 years old, and I'd really like to put it out to pasture, and bring in a new model with all the attachments on board. How 'bout it, Santa? Please, please! :)