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What a great idea to avoid unnecessary use of the internet. Unfortunately, I do some banking on the internet because the bank charges for paper statements now. Still, it does not take long to check a balance or to see if a deposit shows up; and the temptation to stay off of social sites is one that I can often ignore. Technology is a fact of life nowadays; it is not feasible in my estimation to be able to avoid all of it. 

Loved the cake and pie pictures; I will have to try those recipes myself. I do not buy sweets outside at a shop; they are loaded often with too much sugar and too many preservatives. I have always cooked and  love it. I, too, stretch one chicken with several meals. We don't eat much red meat at all now.  That saves a huge amount. A little fish and chicken goes a long way in various dishes.

A couple of months ago someone asked me to post a picture of the quilt I was making for a friend for a birthday gift. It will be a late gift, as I had problems with various stages of the making of it; but I do not regret this as it is almost just what I wanted it to be. It is a nine patch pink and white quilt; most people have said that they appreciate the vintage air that it has and that I was going for. I loved the fabric and it came from my stash from several years ago. All I had to do was get some backing for it and the batting or wadding, of course. Now all that remains is the binding; and it will be all finished to ship off to my pink-loving friend. I have taken a couple of snaps to show those interested; one is the front, one is of the back; and one is a closeup of the block before it was quilted. 

Sewing is something I am interested on many levels, and I often do repairs to my clothes and indeed, wear them until they practically drop off! I never was a clothes horse. 

Thanks to those who asked about my quilt. I would like to see others' makings too.

What a beautiful quilt.  Your friend is so blessed to have you as a friend!!

I did not avoid electronics as much as I'd hoped but tried.  I did spend time reading and thinking about the 1930's.  I found another book not mentioned here which is part of a series on the USA by decades.  The one I currently have is from the set The American Destiny and I am currently reading The Great Depression volume.  It seems to be more of an overview of that timeframe and not so much personal stories although there are a some of those.  In flipping through it has a lot of information of movies, radio and entertainment and other city things. I just finished We Had Everything But Money which I had read before.

My life as a child was in most ways similar to late 1930's because the Southern tier of counties in Central Iowa was slow to move forward.  I recall grocery store having bins of cookies rather than packages of them.  I was probably under age 5 the only reason I recall is the grocer would often give my sister and me a cookie.  It was supposed to be a treat, but those cookies tasted like cardboard compared to mom's home baked.

My plan to organize cleaning certain areas on certain days hasn't gotten off the ground, but I have been doing a better job of keeping my house clean.  So easy to procrastinate when it's just me.  Have my garden cleared.  Always more to do but often no energy to do it.  Every time I go to the basement I try to clean something, throw something away and find something to donate.  I have way too many cookbooks and I've been going through them copying the one or two recipes I use and then donating.  

In the last two weeks I've been hit with plumbing repairs, washer repair and today oven repair plus furnace check ahead of winter.  Also today I received notice of increases in household, auto and health insurance premiums starting in December.  Since I keep a strict budget, I will need to economize in other areas to cover these unplanned expenses.  Not sure where I can economize for 2026 budget when SS increase is 3% and inflation at 10% or higher.  

I have most of what I need for Thanksgiving and we do not do our family Christmas until January when my dd brings the food so perhaps I can spend very little on food for November and December and eat from my pantry and freezer.

Claudia O:  Your quilt is beautiful.  It looks very vintage.  Your "pink loving friend" will be thrilled with it I'm sure.  Quilting is so detailed and exacting that I have really never tried it but I do admire quilted things and all the time spent putting it altogether.  I have three quilts that my grandmothers and mother made and have them hanging in our bedroom on a quilt holder that my husband made for me.

welcome back!    you were missed.    I love how you found time to do your lost needlework and sewing.   Ms. Sandi

Hello!  Well, I can say that I do have more clarity, focus, and creativity.  When scrolling I thought my groups of interest were giving me ideas, but they were really removing my own creativity. It made me hyper focus with a consumption attitude. My mind is calmer & it's not swimming in ideas I couldn't keep track of.  I sleep better. Mind is more at rest in general. I didn't use the phone for waking or banking, so that wasn't an issue.  I found I always looked up a lot of useless information I didn't need to know. I didn't need to answer every question my brain thought up, which honestly was a lot of unimportant nonsense driven by what I was scrolling on.  I feel less spied on since not going on social media and ads - don't miss all the ads. Things I used to laugh at were simply redundant, fake, or just silly.  Overall, I have deleted my social media, except for my personal FB account and for that, I've just unfollowed everyone & keep it for emergency notification (theirs). I had another alias for my interest groups, that is deleted. Instagram is deleted. I would scroll when I relaxed. Frankly, I didn't relax. I felt sick & uptight. I've deleted all but 3 favorite You-tube blogs. I have 2 blogs in general that I kept, of course one is this one. :)  Just because one is good, more isn't better.  News was checked on 1 site only if I wanted to. I deleted the rest. Good riddance to that depressing drama!!!  I don't think I've rolled my eyes for weeks! LOL! I have read 2 books, and I'm on my 3rd.  A year ago, I wouldn't have been able to focus. The phone stays on the desk counter.   I'm not as anxious & feel like I'm getting back to being me from long ago, pre-technology. Even though I've decluttered, not being online, doesn't make me look up things to purchase.  I've deleted 3/4 of my bookmarks and phone apps.  I don't miss it at all. Less is more.  I've baked more, and now I just purchased material to make my own kitchen curtains.  Thinking of you mending clothing, I've shortened some king pillowcases as we only have standard size. I feel more content with myself, like I got my life back.  I saw that cell to jack and the day I find a vintage phone is when I'm getting that!!!   And speaking of chickens, I made a big pot of chicken soup last week.  I don't feel like everything is in a rush. Bought an analog clock for my bedside table. :)  I don't miss other people's hate or their lives on display. That is huge. No more fake, no more tracking me, no more drama, no more excess. I'm treating what little I did keep as a good book, article, or magazine.  Everything now is much more enjoyable!    Haven't sewed in years.  This should be interesting. Since I'm old(er) I'm waiting for the brain connectivity to be even better as time goes on, because we all know being an older person, things happen slower in many areas.  :) ;)  Love that quilt too.  Beautiful!  Grandma Donna, how does Charles like being retired?

I am happy that you are back. I so love your articles. Could you post the receipe for the crackers?

Hooray! We're all back together again. :) That was a wonderful break. I would like to do that annually. I love the idea of going to 1930 to sync with the actual dates. That does make it a lot easier for reading the news. I quit changing time three years ago and stay on Standard Time. If I have an appointment during Daylight Saving Time, I write it down as one hour earlier. 

My break didn't go at all like I thought it would. I thought it would be a lot of don't do this and don't do that. Instead it was more like an arrow pointing me in the direction I should go. And that arrow pointed me straight to the......garden! That surprised me. I love to garden but the month break deepened my gardening in ways I hadn't imagined. I am busy potting up some lily of the valley to leave outside until I want it to bloom. Then I'll bring it into the house, probably in January, and give it water and sunlight and keep it warm until I have flowers. I have never done this before, but this is how it was done in 1897. I'm sure someone was still doing it that way in 1930. I've spent a lot of time during October learning to preserve my garden produce. Our first freeze is tomorrow night, and I'm going to pick some green tomatoes during the day so I can try some green tomato preserves. Another new experience for me. We expanded some flower borders and beds too. I'm looking forward to more cut flowers in the house. 

Another thing I focused on was adjusting to fall. How many and what kind of warm clothes did we need. How to line dry when the weather refuses to cooperate. How I can warm the house without turning the heater on. How to keep doing all of my outside tasks. I thought I knew most of this, but it went to a much deeper level during the October break, maybe because I had more attention to give to it. I want fall to be a completely normal, functional season before winter shuts everything down, and I learned how to do that. I learned how to compensate for the changes in weather without resorting to so much technology. 

The last area where I spent some focus was on holidays. Today is Halloween, and for the first time, we are not celebrating it. The cost of candy is ridiculous, and the kids don't need it. We're taking the holiday off completely this year, and starting next year, we will have a small family holiday of old spooky movies like Arsenic and Old Lace, and radios shows, and decorations in the living room. You have to listen to spooky radio shows by only the light of the jack o' lantern. :) We will share the holiday with our extended family, but that's all. We're making other holidays smaller and more family oriented too, and cutting some out completely. We'll have a special meal or activity, but not the crazy commercial celebrations. 

And that was pretty much it! That's where all of my focus was. What fell away without effort was the internet, except for sites where I could learn things about my focus areas. I did find that I like TV. So much of it is inspiring to me. I decided that I don't want to be without TV, because I need to see things and not just read about them. My time wasn't being wasted by watching TV, because even All Creatures Great and Small inspired me with the settings and decor and clothing and way of life. It was a picture of what I was trying to do. 

Donna,

            It is so good to see you back! I'm glad you enjoyed the technology break. It sounds like you were able to get a lot done.

            I was able to get a few things done, too. I really wanted to do something with my countertops for a long time. I finally got it started. I only have one counter to go. I had very little money to spend on the project, so in the 1930s mindset, I made do. Most of the materials I used for it came from Dollar Tree. I like a lot of color in my kitchen, so when I saw these items at Dollar Tree, I knew I had to use them in my kitchen. It looks much better in person than the pictures show. I like it anyhow, and I'm the only person who lives here, so I guess that's all that counts.

            I also got my library area organized. I like to put curtains in front of the books for some reason. I still have a bit left to do, but it is mostly done.

            I got a lot of canning done, too. I shop at a salvage/discount grocery store, and I've been able to get roast beef in a BBQ sauce for .99 a pound, so I have been canning it in soups, stews, and as plain meat.

            I love your old phone. It looks perfectly placed between the two chairs. I love your whole house. It has such a homey vintage feel.

         I am in a Facebook group about kiving on WWII rations, and they are doing a one-month pantry challenge. I want to see how long I can go without going to the grocery store. I've been doing so much canning that I think I need a several-month challenge.

Good to see you all again.

Becky Sue

Grandma Donna Wrote,

Hi everyone, it is nice to see you here!  Claudia O, your quilt is beautiful, that is so much work and your friend will be so happy to receive this gift.

I cannot reply to all of the comments but know that I am reading them.  Ann E, Charles is still trying to feel retired. :)  

Rosalie A, the cracker recipe is 1 & 1/2 all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons cold butter, 1/2 cup milk, and coarse salt.

Preheat oven to 425 Degrees F. In a large bowl, mix flour sugar, salt and baking powder.  Add butter and use hands to combine.  Add milk.  

Mix until dough forms and knead briefly on floured surface.  The dough spreads out more easily if separated into several balls.  Roll out to 1/8 inch or less, Sprinkle coarse salt on dough and run rolling pin over to press it in.  Cut crackers into desired shape, prick each several times with fork, and bake until light brown.  In my oven they bake in 11 tp 13 minutes. 

Stephanie, we are on the same page about what to do about heat.  This is quite a challenge, we had frost this morning and the house is very cold.  We are using an electric blanket at night for us and pet heating pads for the pets while we are figuring things out. 

Becky Sue K, I am happy that you are making your home like you want it and doing it the old way.  It is your home to make it like you want it to be. I think the curtains in front of the books is a very good idea to keep the dust off the books.  Just recently I was shocked at the dust on the tops of the books in my book case. 

Sandie A and Victoria W, it is good to see you here in the blog. :)

Ann W, that is a lot of repairs all at once! I have a memory with cookies and crackers that were loose in wood barrels.  My uncle and aunt had a small country grocery store and next to the pot belly stove was a barrel of loose crackers, my uncle had a long tube of bologna in the back of the store that he would cut off for people that stopped in from the fields and they would get a handful of crackers and some bologna.  I love the old memories. 

Yay!  Welcome back also. I didn’t do a total tech free month but cut out lots.  I will say one thing I’m doing is leaving text notifications off. I thought I had them off and was still getting them. I told folks I would check them periodically but if they needed to get a hold of me to call. That made the biggest difference. We are in the process of replacing our hot water heater so I viewed the online searching of things as browsing through a catalog (which aren’t produced anymore) - because we all love shopping for hot water heaters right? (Cringe).  I guess many people were still boiling water in 1930 so I’ve been very authentic in that department. Otherwise I too have found more time to be productive rather than consumptive.  One thing I have continued to use tech for is the forecast.  I haven’t paid much attention to the news but about once or twice a week. I will check out a few things but will try to keep it limited as it’s been peaceful to the soul not to consume so much info.  
As we head into the holidays, I hope to continue getting things done and limiting tech. It feels so much healthier. 

Somehow I assumed the first post would be in November so this was a nice surprise!

I couldn’t shut out technology since I still work on a computer all day. But I cut back a lot at home and found time to read four books on the Depression. One book was for children and I will give that to my grandchildren next. They have no idea what the Depression was, in reality. I was startled to read of all the 1930’s unrest, riots, political divisions and anger- it felt like watching the news today, sadly. 

I’ve been conscientious about my spending: all my laundry was line or rack dried all month. I turned off the air conditioner and used windows and fans for cooling. I admit I couldn’t have done that if it hadn’t been October. We are having a cool spell right now but I have not turned on the heat when temperatures have been in the low 40’s at night a few times. I got my bill and had a one third reduction in my kilowatt usage. I haven’t eaten out or picked up food and I have spent less on groceries. Meals have been simple and often involve “cook once eat twice”. 

I am making some Christmas gifts, although I will also buy some. 

Claudia O that quilt is pretty and reminds me of one my aunt made years ago- she cross-stitched pink and dark pink roses all over a white background for the top. She used it in her bedroom-she was unmarried- with white painted furniture, trim and doors, and wallpaper in an all over pattern of small pink roses on white background. That quiet, serene room always charmed me. Thanks for the memories. 

Hello Donna, it's the first time for me to send comment to your blog. It's always a great pleasure to read your mail, your tricks and recipes. In France the politic is very hard like in states. But m'y family and I stay strong. Thanks you for your's ideas to make economy on budget. I'm soon to retirement, I'm 62 years old.

Well dear Donna stay safe Charles and you. Big hug from France. Please forgive m'y english, there's long long time that I wrote in this language. +++ 

Angie.

Grandma Donna, I am so glad you are back. I definitely missed your blog this month. While you were gone I started reading past posts and I remembered that one time you shared one of your friends blog and I can't find it anywhere. I cant find a search bar either to be able to search for it. If you could share the link with me or the post name I would really appreciate it. God bless you!

Anne: Thank you. This quilt is special to me because my friend helped me to overcome  my fear of walking out alone. I suffered a fall about four or five years ago, and was afraid to go out again. My neighbor helped by walking twice a week with me and my beloved dog; this helped a lot. I had my confidence in walking by myself restored largely due to her assistance and kindness in this regard. She was 27 and I was 69 years old when this happened. Not many young people today are so inclined. I am forever grateful to her.

Victoria W  Lucky you to have those relatives' quilts. And a talented husband to make you a quilt rack. To be honest, I have only made three quilts in my whole life. I am sure that there are a lot of mistakes in it; but I enjoyed making it and yes; wanted a vintage type. I made one once which was so bright I could not stand it; so learned something about myself and quilt styles.  It was the bright cheerful colours that first attracted me; but it was too much for me.  I am more admiring of softer looks.  My friend likes anything pink; so I know she will like it. Thank you for your kind words.

Joan S  That is just the type of decorating that I like, too. I have a bathroom in pink and white with touches of green. The wallpaper (yes, I have wallpaper) is a rose design that meanders and is quite the traditional look. Your aunt's bedroom would be perfect for me. I'm a big fan of embroidery and cross stitch as well. I am pleased that you would be reminded of something so pleasant and comforting. 

Gdonna Thank you for your lovely comments. I can't wait to send that quilt off this week. I am glad you posted the cracker recipe, too. I meant to ask for it. They look wonderful.

Claudia O  That is a beautiful quilt with so much pink for a pink loving friend.  Hand made items always have a few mistakes and that is okay because they are made with love.  You have the wow factor going on.

Lady L  We have also been replacing a hot water heater ourselves and it has taken a while and I was thinking I had not gotten things done because of it, but maybe we have been living more a 1930's style because I have been heating the water.  

Our power was out for a day so we were off grid then so another 1930's style experience.  I didn't go completely off the internet, but did cut down.  I don't do social media.  This is about as social as I get.  And I mostly use the phone for calls and messages and I did get lost one day and I turned on the GPS which is wonderful when it works, but I like a paper map better.  After all sometimes GPS will send you in the wrong directions.

Grandma Donna Wrote,

Brefort A, Welcome to our forum Angie, and we are happy that you are here with us and now commenting along with us.  You did good with your English and even if you were to have mistakes none of us would think anything of them because we are happy that you are here and we have a wonderful group of people with similar interests that live in different places all around the world. :)

Katy M, my search bar is on the right hand side of my main menu when you are using a computer or lap top. My friend that you must be asking about is Rhonda Hetzel and the name of her blog is down to earth blog.  :)  Rhonda has retired her blog now but she has left it up for those that wish to continue to read.