Saturdays on the Porch
Welcome to the porch! Let’s chat for a while!
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Hello, Saturday!
It’s so hard to believe August starts tomorrow. Another month, come and gone.
I’m not complaining because this summer has been so stinkin’ hot and humid here in Virginia! I’m looking forward to fall and less humidity.
Week 2 with Balto has been less stressful. He’s learning the house and the rules as well as the nighttime routine. Every night at around 11 pm we all take him outside and let him walk around the yard and “do his business.” Then he comes back in and gets right in his crate for bedtime all by himself. Of course, he’s probably doing this so well because he’s getting 2 bacon-flavored treats.
The cats have learned Balto’s bedtime routine, too. They know when he’s in his crate, so they walk around a little more confidently now, even going downstairs and checking things out.
……….
We won 2 expensive pieces of antique furniture from an auction this week for very cheap – a China cabinet and a dresser. The dresser was already painted and in really good condition. I put it upstairs in the little “nook” to store bedsheets in since there’s no linen closet upstairs.
The China cabinet is also in good condition, but I’m not loving the color. I need to clean it up and paint it one day soon. In all my spare time.
Home Update
I have some good news! The contractors started work on the roof this week! This week they only repaired the huge hole in the family room and replaced the shingles. Next week (hopefully) they’re coming back to finish up what they can. The entire roof will have new shingles to match and new gutters will be put on, plus a few more repairs that need to be made. I’m so glad they were able to start work sooner than I expected.
The only downside is that it was sunny and 91 degrees, but the “feels like” temperature was 96! They must have been so hot up there! We had to turn our AC up because it was getting so hot inside the family room that it wouldn’t turn off!
What’s on the menu this week:
- Monday: Corn Dog Nuggets; Tater Bites; Green Beans
- Tuesday: Meatloaf; Corn; Mashed Potatoes, Cucumber Slices
- Wednesday: Ham & Cheese Crescents; Mac & Cheese; Crinkle Fries
- Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy; Mashed Potatoes; Green Beans, Cucumber Slices
- Friday: Cheeseburger in Paradise Pie; Seasoned Fries
- Saturday: Out
- Sunday: Hot Dogs; Chips; Potato Salad; Macaroni Salad
This week’s dessert: Hershey’s Frozen Chocolate Chip Pie (This is so good for hot summer days! It was a huge hit with my whole family, too!)
Frugal Household Tip of the Week
Save money on everyday essentials with Amazon’s Subsribe & Save
With Subscribe & Save, you can get up to 15% off everyday essentials when you sign up for automatic deliveries. When you sign up to receive 5 or more products to the same address, you will save up to 15% off plus free shipping and no fees. Also, you can save 20% on subscriptions to diapers, baby food, and more as long as you’re a Prime member.
Subscribe & Save works for thousands of products on Amazon, including:
- Groceries
- Cosmetics
- Toiletries
- Pet products
- Lawn and garden
- Home essentials
- and more!
Setting up your subscription is free and you can skip or cancel any time. Amazon sends you an email reminder before your order ships so you can double-check you’re only buying what you need. It may take a little time to figure out a good delivery schedule for your household, but it’s worth it because you’re saving money in the long run.
Imagine never running out of toilet paper again!
Positive Story of the Week
I love this story of Benjamin and Mary who became close friends during the pandemic. Mary is 99 years old and was isolated during the pandemic, but Benjamin, who’s only 2 years old, quickly became her friend. How sweet that he was there to play with her when she needed a friend the most!
Fun Photo of the Week
Mrs. Cat Litter keeps getting in the fireplace. We’ve tried to block it off, but no matter what she gets around it.
So now instead of being an orange cat, she is turning black and has little black feet.
Does anyone know how to keep a cat out of the fireplace? Any suggestions are very appreciated.
Deal of the Week
Target is having a great deal on back-to-school items right now! It’s a great time to stock up! You can expect to see these deals:
Also be sure to check out Walmart for their back-to-school supplies. They usually have the best prices on most items overall.
On the Blog This Week:
In case you missed it, this week on the blog I shared a few ways to get free furniture. Whether you’re moving to a new home, giving your current home a refresh, or flipping furniture for a profit, getting free furniture is always a bonus!
Your turn!
What has been going on in your life this week? Anything exciting you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about your week!
Wow you have had a busy week! Awesome buys at the auction and finally getting your roof fixed. I hate having contractors at my house but in your case it will be a blessing! It sounds like the new puppy is fitting in quite well even if the cats don’t agree. Lol Thank you sharing my recipe links too.
I’m glad they’re fixing the roof but I’ll be glad when they’re gone, too. It’s so loud and annoying and Balto hates them. Lol You’re welcome! We loved the cheeseburger pie and the Hershey’s pie!
Some good finds at the Auction. Yay to the work on the roof starting.
I think we’re getting addicted to online auctions. Lol!!
Think just positive, and life will go on! Oh, my dear, you are complaining about the heat. I am back from Greece with sunny days and 29 degrees Celsius, and already, as I am writing to you, it is cloudy and about 16 degrees Celsius here! It is crazy, isn’t it? At least, it is going on with you and yours. Have a great time, my lovely friend. ??
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! ? Luckily this week so far some cooler weather has come out way. Yay! ❤️
I like the open roof look..
I definitely feel for you. Humidity has been horrible this summer.
You know, it does make the room look alot bigger. ?
We’re getting a break today. It’s in the 70s! ?
Nice chat.?
Thank you!
Glad to hear Balto is settling in and work has started early on the roof!
Balto is doing a lot better this week. ? I’m so glad they’re working on the roof but I’ll also be glad when it’s over. Haha!
Wow, friendship between 99 year old and 2 years old look amazing. I am happy that Balto settling in and you had quite busy week!
Isn’t that the sweetest story?! They’re so cute!
Very sweet ??.
This is a lovely post filled with positive things! I’m so glad everything’s going well with Balto and with your roof. I love that story about Benjamin and Mary! So heartwarming! Mrs Cat Litter looks very cute with her new colouring, lol.
Thank you!! I loved that story, too. What a sweet friendship!
I am so happy to hear that they made progress on the roof! Yay! Your pet stories crack me up. Except I bet having your cat run around the house with dirty feet is not at all funny. All these yummy recipes you keep sharing! I haven’t tried any of them yet, because I’ve been too busy. But I am still hanging onto them for a rainy day.
Exactly! Luckily she’s been smart enough to stay off the furniture. Lol! I hope you get to slow down and rest soon. ?
Yes, you were busy. I know you are excited that work was started on your roof. I love the Benjamin and Mary story, so sweet!
I am excited about the roof, but now I’m excited for them to be done and out of my house. Haha! Isn’t that the sweetest friendship?!
Glad to hear Balto is fitting in well and started the work on your roof. I think you had a busy week.
I’m happy they’re working on the roof. But I’ll be happiest when they’re done and out of my house. Haha!
That is so funny about the cat in the fireplace! Maybe try putting aluminum foil on the bottom??
That’s a good idea! Thank you! I’ll try that.
Hallelujah the roof is starting to get fixed ! And thank goodness the pup is getting into a routine but your kitty in the fireplace… oh my!
And prayers for cooler weather for you.
Happy August!
I’m so glad they’ve started on the roof. Now I’ll be happy when they’re done and gone! ?
Your prayers worked! It’s in the 70s today! Yay!
Wow. I am never organized enough to have my meals planned out for the week. If I cook something and we have leftovers then I usually have it covered for a couple of days. 🙂
Having leftovers is so helpful! ?
Sorry I got here a bit late. Glad that Balto is settling down. I hope that the work on your house gets over soon. I know how draining it can be and intrusive as well!
You are so right. The first day was fine but now I’m ready for them to be out of here!
Yes!!!! So awesome your house repairs are getting started! Hope all goes smoothly.
Love that your pup is doing good!❤️
And your Mrs Cat Litter cracks me up, I have zero suggestions for that deal though!
You’ll have to show pics of your auction furniture sometime!❤️
Have a blessed week!
I’m so glad! They finished the roof up this week and now we’re waiting for the gutter guy to come back. Hopefully they can start on the inside soon and be done soon because I don’t like a bunch of strangers making loud noises in my house. ?
That’s a good idea! Maybe I’ll put them in Saturday’s post. ?
Haha I don’t blame you!! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Ya I’d love to see the furniture pieces.❤️
Yay for sweet finds at the auction! I need to start checking some of our local ones here too! Never know what you might find! Your menu sounds delish this week! That pie! Yum! Definitely need to check out the recipe! P.S. Your kitty is just about the sweetest EVER! LOL! I wish I had a solution for you on the fireplace but you know cats. They are SO nosy!
I think we might be slightly addicted to the auction. haha! But as long as I’m getting good furniture for cheap, I’m not complaining.
The pie was so good!! And easy, too!
First off, Mrs. Cat Litter melted my heart! ? She is ADORABLE!! She looks like a fun personality too. Have you figured out a solution for the fireplace? If not, I’ll be thinking on that one. ? Maybe we can brainstorm something that keeps her little curious self out of there.
Congratulations are in order — first, I’m grateful your roof is getting repaired! Whew, you must be so relieved! Second, it’s awesome that you got such great furniture for cheap. I love that you’re using the one to store linens. It’s a great idea!
Benjamin and Mary…what can I say? They are just too darn sweet! That little boy has such a special heart. I’m glad those two have each other. ♥
Hugs & love, my friend. As always, I love reading your Saturdays on the Porch series.
Mrs. Cat Litter is really something! It’s funny because she is Amber’s mom and Amber is twice her size! She’s super sweet, though. She would much rather be on her own instead of with the other 2 cats.
I cut open a cardboard box and taped it in front of the fireplace. So far that seems to be working. But we’re on the lookout for some cheap fireplace screens. I doubt the box will work for long. And it looks weird with a box on my fireplace. haha!
Thank you! I’m so happy they’ve finally repaired the roof! I’ll be so glad when it’s all over because having all this noise and strange men coming and going is stressful! When it’s your own renovation noise, that’s one thing, but ugh!!
Benjamin and Mary are just the sweetest!!
Hugs and love! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Hooray for the contractors finally arriving!! Progress at last! Aww, the kitty is too cute ❤️.
Yes! Today they’re putting the gutters on and I’m hoping they can start on the inside soon. ?