Today Is Saturday, December 6, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 This post is a little different than usual — I let ChatGPT help shape it. Like anything in life, there’s a place for artificial intelligence, and the key word is balance.

Lately I’ve been fascinated by tracking small everyday numbers. I’ve been using my bullet journal to follow a few basics, and here’s what last month looked like.

📌 Giving & Utilities

• Household income: $1,572

• Charitable giving: $48 (3% of income)

• Utilities: $241 (15% of income)

🍎 Food Support

We received about $215 worth of food from the senior center — which adds the equivalent of 14% more to our monthly resources. It made a noticeable difference.

🌤️ Weather Notes

Just quick numbers: the warmest afternoon I logged was 47°F, the coolest outlier dropped to 24°F, and most days sat right around 43°F.

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I’m finding the numbers grounding. They don’t tell the whole story, but they offer a quiet snapshot of daily life — where things go, what comes in, and what helps along the way.

Balance still matters, whether it’s budgeting, gratitude, or even letting a bit of AI lend a hand.

Today Is Sunday, November 30, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

I decided to play SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY. First time playing. As sun was coming up a little before eight this morning. Now the sun is sitting behind some clouds. And no shadow at this time, showing.

My first word I start with wordle was “Adorn” and made pancake with pumpkin, cottage cheese, walnut, and heath bars chips. And a side of bacon.

Did finish up my December bullet journal, this morning. Toward the end of next week I will share some facts. How I did.

Monday at the senior center there offer making ornament out of toilet paper rolls. Tuesday I hope to finish up the wallet I making Murphy. And Wednesday I'm meeting my friend Qunella at Under the sun for coffee and chat. And afterwords I will be going over to the print shop and have Christmas cards done up. I think Friday I will stop in before I go to the senior center, and pick up the cards. But the rest week, I'm not sure what I will be doing.

Later on today, I will order some toilet paper, ice cleats, laundry sheets, and possible Christmas gift for Granddaughters. Forgot I will pay our monthly bills the first week in December.

Don't see my self post until Saturday 6^th. I let Chat Gpt looking into possible symbols I mention in today post. At later time I will let Chat Gpt take a look at other things. It could end being way to long.

Now the Chat Gpt...SYMBOL BREAKDOWN — JUST SYMBOLS & THEIR MEANINGS

☀️ Sunrise

Symbol of:

• New beginnings

• A fresh start

• Energy returning

• Hope and renewal

A sunrise always marks the shift from darkness into light — a “start of something.”

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☁️ Sun Behind Clouds

Symbol of:

• Temporary uncertainty

• A pause in clarity

• Life moving into a softer, quieter tone

The sun is still there — you just can’t see it. This represents interruption or waiting.

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? No Shadow

Symbol of:

• Stillness

• The unseen or quiet parts of the self

• A moment where hidden things don’t show

• Neutrality

Shadows represent the “other side” of things. When a shadow disappears, it suggests calm, pause, or neutrality.

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“Shadow Shot Sunday”

Symbol of:

• Paying attention to small things

• Exploring contrasts (light/dark, seen/unseen)

• Observation

• Playfulness toward creativity

Even though you didn’t get a shadow, the act of looking for it is symbolic itself.

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The Word “Adorn”

Symbol of:

• Beautification

• Enhancing or decorating

• Making life more meaningful with small touches

“Adorn” is a word connected to lifting the ordinary into something pleasing.

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? Cooking Pancakes with Special Ingredients

Each ingredient carries its own symbolism:

Pumpkin

• Harvest

• Grounding

• Home warmth

• Seasonal change

Cottage Cheese

• Simplicity

• Nutrition

• Practical nourishment

Walnuts

• Wisdom

• Knowledge

• Mental clarity

Heath Bar Chips

• Joy

• Sweetness

• A little indulgence

Bacon

• Comfort

• Tradition

• Familiar home energy

The meal overall symbolizes comfort mixed with creativity.

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? Finishing the December Bullet Journal

Symbol of:

• Closing a cycle

• Preparation

• Reflection

• Being intentional with your time

A bullet journal always symbolizes order and self-guiding.

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? Making Ornaments from Toilet Paper Rolls

Symbol of:

• Resourcefulness

• Turning the ordinary into something beautiful

• Creativity under simple conditions

• Giving new life to something disposable

It’s classic transformation symbolism.

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? Making a Wallet

Symbol of:

• Care

• Creating something meant to “hold value”

• Practical creativity

• Providing or supporting someone

Wallets are symbols of security and everyday life.

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☕ Meeting a Friend for Coffee

Symbol of:

• Connection

• Warmth

• Recharging through conversation

• Social nourishment

Coffee gatherings symbolize shared energy and grounding.

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?￯ﾸﾏ Printing Christmas Cards

Symbol of:

• Sending out blessings

• Communication

• Tangible memories

• Sharing pieces of your life

Cards represent connection that travels.

---

? Ordering Toilet Paper

Symbol of:

• Cleansing

• Renewal

• Necessary preparations

A simple but powerful domestic symbol of keeping life flowing smoothly.

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? Ordering Ice Cleats

Symbol of:

• Safety

• Stability

• Being ready for challenges

• Winter preparation

A symbol of smart foresight.

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? Ordering Laundry Sheets

Symbol of:

• Cleansing

• Fresh starts

• Refreshing your environment

Laundry always connects to renewal and removing what no longer serves.

---

? Christmas Gift for Granddaughters

Symbol of:

• Love

• Legacy

• Joy

• Passing something forward

Gifts are a universal symbol of connection and thoughtfulness.

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? Paying Bills

Symbol of:

• Stability

• Responsibility

• Keeping life grounded and running smoothly

A symbolic act of maintaining order.

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? Not Posting Until December 6th

Symbol of:

• Rest

• Stepping back

• Letting ideas breathe

• A small personal retreat

A pause in expression is often symbolic of gathering energy.

Editor Note...Found a box of toilet paper, I forgot I ordered. 

Today, Is Sunday, November 29, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Usually I write my blog post, out before I swing by and visit other bloggers. Today I turn it on it head. One could say, for kick and giggle.

We went to Thanksgiving at my sister in law place. Plus it was Murphy Birthday, we is now 75 years old. 12 of us were there. Plenty of eats. This year I had no pie. Ate piece of Murphy Birthday cake, and had 2 piece of fudge. It was overly sweet. Certain places I don't think politics, religion, money and or sex doesn't needs to be brought up. A few of them was talking about money, and how much they made.

I would guess Murphy and I have one of the lowest income there. Maybe Faith Murphy granddaughter Anna income might be lower than ours.

Plus I wonder how honest they were about there income.

We missed out on Black Friday. Okay! Never done it. We went to town today. Murphy ordered a screen for our stove hood. So we ran and picked that up. Plus stop at the store. I mail two bills. Medical, one got paid off. And the other I place $300 on it. And told them I would guarantee them $50 a month. We should be able to pay more than $50. In all honesty I should be able to send closer to $100.

Murphy went and got ham, which was on sale for just under $3 a pound. Plus got yellow onion. As Murphy was shopping I checked out the lottery ticket Murphy got as Birthday present. The biggest amount on these scratch tickets is $30,000. $2000 would pay off medical bill we still owe on and our payment for our property taxes. Plus maybe get a good steak.

I start playing on NIGHT CAFE. It and A.I studio, for art. Here is some of the WORKS. I done. I host two challenge, one is called PAGANISM, and the first challenge, is to cover the day of they week. SOL DAY SUN, and the other one I host is what I called ADJECTIVE. The first adjective that is in play is the word Zappy.

The other I find interesting and amazing is CHAT GPT. I could ask Chat Gpt about there thoughts on this post. I won't today. I feel this post is long enough. No need to do novel.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Friday, November 28, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Once again I was going to give words a go again. This week words is birds, window, wings, span, open and the other set words are time, world, laugh, all, and get.

use either list or both, or mix and match, just have fun.

It been a long winter the three kids been bickering all week, or it just seem to get louder and louder. Pam just want to open the window and toss all of her children out the window into the snow. Yule was well over and the sun was still heading North as one looked outside. Next celebration was Imbolc.

The bickering just kept on and on. She gave them a choice. Go out side or start washing the place down with Spic and Span. So the children decided it would be wise to head out into the world. A lease they was less of chance running into someone with bad sense of humor.

As they went into a the woods close to Laugh Creek, It been said the rocks in creek was either laughing or crying. Some time the rocks laugh at things that shouldn't be laugh at. Other time the rocks will be crying over nothing.

They spend all afternoon down by Laugh Creek, and they notice the sun heading toward the west, close to the mountain, and in hour the sun would fall behind the mountain. They recall last time they came home well after the sun went behind the mountain and came in. Lot of trouble they all got in to.

As they were heading toward the cabin, they saw a yellow sparrow, perch on small bush. They knew the next full moon the pea seeds would be going into the community garden. The sparrow bird was sigh that spring and warmer weather soon to start.

The children arrive at home, as the sun slip down behind the mountain. They told their mother they saw an yellow sparrow.

So they decided since the sparrow has arrived. They would hang an woodpecker wing from the fireplace mantel. Which will bring new positive energy into the home.

It snowed lightly on Thanksgiving day.

My artist trading card. A face caught in television.

I'm linking to, STORY WORDS I like to add a brief note, our host fell and will not be taking part.

The other two links I will share is. SKY WATCH and FACE OFF.

Plenty of things to do. So I plan to catch up what going on in my world. Tomorrow, let keep our finger crossed.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Saturday, November 22, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Made a choice, before I got lap-tap. Confession...I spend to much time on lap top and such. So I need to do some smaller items. Mainly put things up. I seem to attract or not take care of clutter like I should.

Been trying to figure out where to put up the Christmas tree. Usually we put it in front of the living room window. The truth is there to many chairs in living room. The couch is hardly used. One could possible use the word “Never” I actually like to get rid of it. And move the chairs in more reasonable way. I guess sort of open end circle.

I was about to send off artist trading card to Australia . Swore that I had a couple of international stamps. They're either hiding or I don't have any. So I know I will be in town on Tuesday and Wednesday. So I can get them, and my Christmas stamps. Plus on Monday I will pay some of my smaller bills off. Still debating about going in for Lunch at senior center. We're sign up for Tuesday meal. Which they will be having Bacon Wrapped Meat Loaf, Potato, Carrots, Roll with Honey butter, and Apples. So Wednesday they will be having a Thanksgiving meal.

Tuesday they have their food give away. It helps. I looked at Monday meal. It also good. Chili and Baked Potato Bar, Mix Veggies, and Corn Bread.

The thing is we don't need to go into town three days in a roll.

Thanksgiving we will be going to Murphy sister, Faith down in Post Falls.

I'll take a few days off, and will return on Friday the 28^th of November.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Friday, November 21, 2025: This Is What Happened.

Our Granddaughter now need to do an painting of there Grandpa. This one done of me by Wendy. She thought I should be wearing a crown. I'm hooking up with FRIDAY FACEOFF

I also playing WORDS ON FRIDAY. This is such fun challenge. And here is this week words....1.squad  2.cemetery  3.flowers  4.painted  5.cross

and/or:

1.barely  2.money  3.eat  4.freedom  5.courage

Plus they also have a color, Heavenly Blue, which was chosen by Charolote

Here is my story...

If you go east across the field one will come to the backside of the old part of the cemetery. Lot of the stones are worn thin, and the markers fell over or been knock over by time or those who want to do vandalizing. A few year back they rise some money to do some general cleaning, barely. People who was part of the squad who did community project. Brought there yard tools. I think Jim Cross brought his chain saw and a pick up to haul out some trees that fell.

So it was five years since they worked on cemetery. So one Thursday afternoon they decided to have coffee, at the Old Tulip Cafe. This little cafe was started by Vandenlock. I believe the Vandenlocks was one the first family buried in the old part of the cemetery. As they sat and had the coffee and some had a little bite to eat. As they start to discuss on working on the old part of the cemetery. One of the waitress over heard what they was discussing. She got up the courage to interrupt them. And ask them if they though of doing a dinner fund raiser and auction at the cafe. This town been good to the Vandenlocks and also they been good for our town. “They do have good eats and my cousin Linda, painted the new sign just on the North end” Said Mary. Mary neighbor Nancy volunteer to come in this up coming week, and talk to Mr Vandenlock about using the cafe to do a fund raiser.

In a few days Nancy came down the hill to the cafe,and she told Mr, Vandenlock about what the local Squad their ideals about cleaning and do repairs on old part the cemetery. She mention what they did about five years ago. She told Mr Vandenlock they didn't think they could clear up and do the repair but they hope they will be able to do more then they had in the past.

The photo was A.I generate over on NIGHT CAFE for the story.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Thursday, November 20, 2025: This Is What Happened.

It's all good. Just quick note about what going on. Start to clean one are of the basement. And we been having gas company come in and look at replacing our gas furnace.

It been a long time since I took part in RAIN'S KITCHEN GARDEN ART. Let start with an new recipe I found though LOW CARB. And I had Chat Gpt put in imperial measurements. Here is link to the recipe, CHICKEN CASSEROLE COMFORTING ONE POT. Also I had Chat GPT break it down using one 4 chicken thighs and bake in the oven. I also looked up using oysters, the seafood ones. They can use but cooking time would be quite different. One can over cook the oysters, and they would be come rubbery.

As for so called gardening. We haven't done anything for a while. The biggest issue is deer.

This week theme is Hang out. I made mine into ART TRADING CARD SIZE. 2½ by 3½

Editor Note: Took a photo of the Chicken Casserole with anther camera, with different SD card and for some reason those picture won't load. So the ATC card was taken with a Lumix camera.

Now, I decided to a list of thirteen things that start with letter C. And my take on each word. Over at DV ARTIST in one of her post, she mention a site called, NIGHT CAFE. So I thought I would play around with some of my words, that start with the letter C. Now for the link to 13 THURSDAY

1. Cooking...Husband and I both like to cook. Last night for dinner we had barbecue ribs. With bake potato, and a green salad.

2. Candy....I like candy. So I must have a sweet tooth. I have made candy before.

3. Cranberries...I like the whole cranberries over the jell ones. I like a little pecans mixed in mine.

4. Cash...I don't use cash much. Usually I pay with debt card.

5. Clone...If I had my self cloned, we would have to live in separate residents. Or it could get ugly.

6. Cinnamon...I like to cinnamon stick, when I was younger. I must ate a lot of my mothers. She told me it would dry up my blood.

7. Cricket...I like the sound of a cricket. I fine it peaceful.

8. Casket....I have no desire after I die. To be buried whole and laid in casket. Much to big, and there a fear of waking up in casket. Not dead.

9. Chicken...I like the darker meat over the white meat. One of my water color classes we did chickens. And I did 2 of them.

10. Clove...I like the taste of clove.

11. Chain...I recall chain letters. I once took part in kitchen towel and it was set up like a chain letter.

12. Chump...I have fell into the category as chump, and was deceive and taken advantage of. Made me feel foolish.

13. Clumsy. I even trip over my own feet.

Here is words I use on Night Cafe...cricket, peaceful, Casket, Dead, Waking, Chicken, watercolor, class

Coffee is on.

Today Is Friday, November 14, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

I decide to challenge myself and take part in WORDS ON FRIDAY. I have to admit, this one was slightly challenge. More than others I've done.

technique  2.think  3.taught  4.way  5.completely

and/or:

1.learn  2.write  3.exist  4.reading  5.without

It was time to think about what we taught in our life time. Each one of us had familiar life and education. That we all learn math, reading, and writing. What the old people would call the basic 3 R's.

Then there were those who decided or was encourage to step out of the box. To think deeper. Completely exam all side of what every was in front or even behind them. This made some uncomfortable, that they challenge the status quo.

A few time the local of Council would call meeting to talk about those who dare to challenge the status quo. The main concern was how will this effect the way of life, in the tribe. But then on the other side of the coin what new things will be learn and see a improve way of being.

The council wanted to bring in those who dare to step out of the box. Come and speak to council, and answer any question they may have. To get better understand of how they exist.

So the first question went to Mun, who seem to know about fire and cooking. They understand that he knew other technique of cooking with fire. Mun explain different woods that put out different temp of heat, and explain how to make a oven for baking and controlling the draft. The other two brought in their expertise.

Tow, address the council chamber. And explaining if we don't teach our youth to think and explore different opinion, that we could be ate up. Not physical! So without doubt we need to change and move forward.

The council ask the Secretary to announce to hold a meeting at the big round house, east side of the creek. On 2^nd day of the full moon, when the sun shine between the apple and apricot tree.

Murphy and I had lunch at the senior center. Murphy sister Faith drove up from Post falls. I believe in near future we will check there out. They serve meals only two days a week. In there food give away I figure we got about $70 worth of food. I've done a few everyday chores around the place. It been raining most of the day. One of my friend let me try laundry Detergent Sheets. What I tried I was quite pleased. So I ordered some off amazon. Question time...Have any of you use these sheets, and what is your thoughts?

Let see I did up some pages for December in my bullet journal. And put last night dishes in dishwasher. I guess for now I'm going to be more aware of the time I spend looking at my screen time.

This is a painting my oldest granddaughter, Claudia did of me. So I'm linking it to FRIDAY FACE OFF.

Unless something odd goes on in my world. I will try to post again on Thursday the 20^th.

Coffee is on.

Thursday, November 13, 2025: This Is What Happening

Strange how things stumble about. In Intuitive art we talked about changes we need and want to make. I'm happy at this time blogging 3 days out of the 7. Not saying it won't change every. Things do change.

One thing I feel I “NEED” “MUST” and “WANT” to change is my time on social media. Mainly streaming on television. But what I “NEED” “MUST” and “WANT” to change my social media time, I do not know. Or Dora does know either. Then I don't know the steps I need to take to make my goal. Then Dora don't know the steps she need to take to make her goal. I'm not sure of what my end goal should be when it comes to social media. Dora isn't sure of what her end goal shall be.

No question that she spend to much time on social media. It hinders for getting things done.

When we worked a little bit in our journal, the writing part we wrote about things we see fit to change in our lives. I did set of so-so called stairs. Step by step we get closer to our goal. I know we all falter. I'm not sure of even my first step.

In art we played with watercolors. Did a strip and pre-wet some paper. Made a roll of trees. Even tried to make some deciduous trees. I did enjoy doing this technique.

I'm wrapping up my journal/writing prompt. I should be able to stop in at our local dollar tree, and get a piece of tag board, go to our local library and get the rest of the prompts printed out. I feel one thing I need to do is to space out some prompts. There no reason this shouldn't be done by thanksgiving. Which is the 27^th.

I know tomorrow. I know I will be taking part in face off. Other than that I know nothing.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Wednesday, November 12, 2025: This Is What Happened.

 

Today Is Wednesday, November 12, 2025: This Is What Happened.

So far this month has gone fairly smooth. We decided to have our gas furnace looked over, and looks like there some possible major issues. Our furnace is like 20 years old. But what got to me. The service guy was really hard pressure to sell us new unit. So we got a hold of few other places that deals in heating systems. A new unit starts around $4,000, and that not counting labor either. If we didn't have the duct work in. We would have to add anther $2,000. For us we need to skip central air, that would add to price tag. Anther $4,000. Glad we have the option to pull out savings. 

Like I said I got hold four other furnace places. Maybe there is chance I get repaired for under $1,000. I doubt if any of like to be pressure in something we don't need. This company who tried to pressure us in new gas furnace. Also came and looked at my sister in law Faith. Her home is less five years old, and they tired to push her into getting a new furnace.

Since it Wednesday, I thought I would to part in WORDLESS WEDNESDAY. As you can see we have gold and yellow carpet of leaves in our front yard.

We went to town and did some small errands. We stop at the senior center, Faith is coming up on Friday. Joining us for lunch. So I went and sign up for Friday lunch. At our senior center they like for people to call before 10:30 in morning. To see how many will be eating. For some reason people can't wrap their brain around this. A few times they ran short on certain dish. It disrespectful to those who are doing the meals.

In the pass this is how they served food. Each of the tables have numbers on them. And randomly they would call numbers, and that table would go up and get their plate of food. Now they go down the sign up sheet. I talked to some of the board members. They hope calling from sign up list will be a short term thing. And go back to calling the tables.

I think tomorrow I will have a chance to blog about these subject. To much screen time, intuitive art journaling, and writing/journal prompts.

Coffee is on.

Today Is Thursday, November 6, 2025: This Is What Happened

 

Quite please how the day went. Got my to do list completed. The main thing I want to complete was to mop the foyer, and both bathroom. The floors was quite dirty.

They're a 12 hour bake sale at Super One. We ended up spending $72 dollars. Plus found a package of pork chops with $6.00 coupon off. So for 2.12 pound a chops would of gone for $12.68, and we paid $6.68. I also got $20 back in change, $15 of it will go to the senior meal donation. I ate there on Wednesday and had all that much cash on me. Usually for the water color class I do on Wednesday I put in $3 in the pot. So Murphy and I will be eating lunch of Friday.

I'm cutting up my second round of journal, story, and or writing prompt. If you like to contribute I would be appreciate it. The first prompt I cut out this evening was “Include Imargery of Crystal-clear vs. Cloudy ice. Consider questions of memory, isolation, truth-seeking, and emotion barriers. Now for the last one I cut out. “The Tenth Generation-Write a short story about a child under a curse that lasts ten generation. How do they stuggle with their community's rejection, and is there a way to break free?

I hope to get anther set of 60 done. Then I will move on to my art prompts.

For a veggie tonight dinner, we had beets.