Hello Monday!
Yesterday we woke up and it was so unusually warm and humid outside, we didn’t quite know what to think. By the time we were on our way back from doing our grocery shopping at Market Basket, the temperature gauge on the car was already at 64 degrees! There are just a few patches of snow left in the yard but I have a feeling that by this time tomorrow, all signs of winter will be gone.
So let’s talk about all the nut milks on the grocery store shelves these days. Walnut milk? Are you serious? Has anyone tried it? I tried to get the HH to give it a go but he said no. 🙁
And Canadian white bread. What the????? What is the difference between Canadian white bread and regular white bread? The products in the grocery stores here crack me up sometimes.
Market Basket $81.02
About half way through our shopping trip my husband looked down at the cart {which he is in charge of pushing these days apparently} and asked why I was putting so much meat in the cart…. And I was like, so I don’t have to come back to the store for a month to buy more food.
You know, so I don’t have to run to the store, I can just grab something from the freezer and pop it in the Crock Pot because we are going to be so busy working in the yard the next few weeks. And you know what he said?
HH: You don’t go to the store…. I’m the one who’s always driving everywhere… How many miles have you driven in the past month, like 5?
Mavis: But that’s my whole point, if you just buy a bunch of food all at once, then you don’t have to leave the house for more.
He totally didn’t understand the concept. This is after all, is the guy who will make 12 trips to the Home Depot to complete a simple project. He is the King of we’ll just get it later. I think deep down he ENJOYS running errands. He just doesn’t know it.
Me on the other hand, after playing chauffeur and running kids to everything and to everywhere for the better part of 18 years…. I am so over it. 😉 I’m done with driving. I’d rather be chauffeured around. He can have the errands, he can do the grocery shopping, he can drive the car, he can have it all, even it if costs us wee bit more because of his multiple trips. I just want to stay home.
Well, except for date days…. That’s another story. I will happily leave the house for a mini adventure.
Big salad.
It started out as turkey soup but then I noticed I was out of canned white beans and so I added chili beans and Rotel and dinner then sort of became turkey chili.
Breakfast at the 1690 House Bakeshop with my buddy Heather. She had the croissant with ham and egg and brie cheese and I had the one with egg and avocado.
And then of course we needed a little something for the road. 😉 If you are ever in the Wells, or Kennebunkport area be sure and stop in for a bite. The 1690 House Bakeshop is my new favorite place to fuel up.
And last but not least, the HH had been commenting about the {smallish} size of the cardinals and blue jays perched outside our kitchen window, and so The Girl and I decided to buy him a Droll Yankee bird feeder, so he could plump them up. The quality of the bird feeder is great, but for some strange reason, not only does it attract birds, but the squirrels too.
We’ve never really had a bird feeder before, so if you have any tips, I’d love to hear them. After all, I bought it so he could feed the birds…. NOT the squirrels. 😉
Have a great Monday everyone, I hope the skies are sunny where you are.
~Mavis
Total Spent on Groceries This Week $81.02
- Total Spent on Groceries in March $321.69
- Total Spent on Groceries in February $220.92
- Total Spent in January on Groceries $41.19
- Total Spent So Far on Groceries in 2019 $583.80 {Goal is to average $150 – $175 a month for the year}
You can go HERE to read more Shopping Trip Stories.
Paula says
You just started a whole new battle with the squirrels. In my neck of the woods, I feed the birds only in the cold of winter. Who knew that bird feeders also attract bears.
P.S. We have tried various methods to keep the squirrels away-no luck. They are excellent climbers and jumpers. So now I just feed them too!
Mavis Butterfield says
I had no idea bears were interested in sunflower seeds! Oh my.
Peggy says
You need to have a few feeders around your yard so the smaller birds can still feed when the more dominant birds are there too, that way the little guys can hop to another feeding area. Get good seed, I only use sunflower seeds or one with berries and nuts, everyone loves sunflower seeds, and the price is reasonable. And the squirrels, well they’re like turkeys, people go nuts trying to fight them off and beat them, but they are can beat anything, they are the champs! I enjoy them.
Marybeth says
I got free cashew milk once. Didn’t like it for drinking but it was fine for baking bread and pancakes. Love that you got peeps. They are a favorite of mine. The squirrels always eat out of my bird feeders. They knock plenty to the ground for the birds so I am fine with it.
Kay Bowles says
After watching squirrels terrorize my neighbors bird feeders, I decided to try another plan. Beneath the feeder I have a plant saucer with cracked corn in it. The squirrels and geese have easy access and amazingly, the bird feeders are left alone. Everyone has learned to share and everyone is happy!
Brianna says
Thin sheet metal! I have 2 different neighbors who love the birds and they each have different anti squirrel setups, but both involve thin sheet metal. One has a 4×4 post mounted in the ground and it has four wooden arms off the top and a simple pulley system connected to each feeder (there are 4) so he can fill the feeders. On the bottom of the post he has thin smooth sheet metal wrapped around it for 3-4’ up and the post is several feet away from any trees or buildings. Squirrels can climb it or jump to it and the birds use the cross Arms as perches. The post is probably 10’ tall at least and anchored in concrete and L brackets.
My other neighbor has tons of birdhouses and feeders all over on trees and random stuff and he also uses sheet metal. He places it across the front of the bird houses where the opening is so the squirrels cannot eat the baby birds/eggs as they cannot get in. On his bird feeders he also has thin sheet metal he carefully wraps around the feeder, it looks nice and the squirrels who jump or try to climb onto it can’t get a grip. He also has a sheet metal hat hanging above the feeder and the climbing squirrels slip right off that as well.
I know the post feeder keeps the bears and other animals away from the feeders, I’m not sure about the other neighbor with all of the feeders and houses if he has ever had an issue with them.
Jennifer says
Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the seeds – birds don’t have as many taste buds. They have 300 to a human’s 9000. Squirrels don’t like capsaicin, which is in hot peppers. It won’t hurt them much and it keeps them from returning to the feeder. It won’t bother the birds at all.
Mary Elizabeth Tait says
Put me in the “Let’s get it while we’re here” column. I like a well stocked pantry and freezer; just in case.
Nancy says
Bird feeders need to be placed away from fences , buildings or trees in an open area. Squirrels can jump up to 15 feet.
You can put a baffle on the bird feeder to prevent the squirrels from climbing the pole of the bird feeder. Squirrels will come and eat the dropped or scattered seeds on ground at the feeder.
DavidB says
Yes, but avoid it being within jumping range of anything and liberally cover the pole in grease. As someone illustrated we do have bird seed feeders with an outer anti-squirrel and large bird baffles
Susan H. says
Squirrel baffles! Work great on pole feeders that are not to close to trees. We put up a squirrel feeder on a tree with peanuts in it. The squirrels rarely bother the feeders. We give them a peanut butter sandwhich as a special treat too! You may have wildlife visit too…turkeys, bear, deer…
Jane says
Cashew milk isn’t bad. Not a nut milk, but oat milk is my favorite. I have a severe dairy allergy and really miss regular milk and it’s the best substitute I’ve found!
Carrie says
Buy seed that has red pepper mixed in. Or toss a pinch of cayenne in with it. Also, train Lucy to chase them off. 🙂 It’s my pups favorite past time.
Mavis Butterfield says
Miss Lucy LOVES chasing squirrels. All you have to do is say squirrel and she flips out. 🙂
Lana says
You need a squirrel proof feeder. Most of the time they work but those crazy squirrels can even figure those out. Ours actually cut a rose cane loose from the trellis and pulled it over to the tree where ours hung and propped open the door with it. We would not have believed it if we had not seen it.
Gloria says
I tried the Elmhurst Milked Almonds and it’s pretty good. It is not sweet like dairy, so if you’re expecting that, you might be in for a surprise. I bought it because it has two ingredients: filtered water and almonds. That’s it. No thickeners or stabilizers. We tried the chocolate peanut milk and it’s good too.
Mary Ann says
Poor squirrels get such hatred tossed their way! There are even bird feeders made to TOSS them off if they get on them! I have a huge soft spot for all animals, but know first hand how special squirrels can be (have my 2nd rescued ‘pet’ Eastern Fox squirrel).
I have several feeders for the birds — huge one with all kinds of mixed seeds for a big variety of birds, suet feeders, Nyger feeders for the finches, nectar for the hummingbirds, and a tray feeder for mealworms for the bluebirds (also a house for bluebirds – they’ve raised many babies here over the years).
But I also have a feeder for the squirrels and put food out for opossums, raccoons, skunks, etc… (No deer or bears here where I live in So Cal with our 6 foot block walls).
Once the birds find your feeder it will empty out pretty fast. And if you do have bears in your area they will want to eat the seeds as well, but if there is good wild food for them in their natural habitat, they are much less likely to bother with your bird feeders. Black bears get a bad rap, too. (Educate yourself about them at bear.org)
Ani says
I have food allergies, so I’ve been using unsweetened almond, cashew and macadamia nut milks for years. I dislike soy milk. Rice milk is too sweet for me.
My dad had one of those squirrel feeders where a dried corncob sits between 2 little chairs. He got a kick out of watching them sit on the chairs and eat off the cob.
Sindy says
A friend that goes to Canada a lot always brings back flour from his trip. He said that Canadian standards are higher than in the US and the quality for baking is sooo much better.
Sarah says
Love Canadian White Bread! It has a much heartier texture!
Lori SA in BC says
I prefer to get a months worth of meat at once and cut it up/ freeze for later, so I don’t have to shop so often. My husband, on the other hand, has no problems with popping out to buy something for one meal- even though this often costs way more. In the workshop, if he can’t find a tool, he just buys another. I think we have 10 ratchet sets and 12 measuring tapes- Urgh!
As for the Canadian bread, the blog momsdish.com summed it up well, “Canadian flour is higher in protein, about 12-14%, while the All Purpose Flour in U.S. is only 9-12%; and it makes a great difference. When baking yeast breads and pastries, you are better off with the higher protein flour.”
Anna Garza says
I live in Washington and have tried every bird feeder that claimed to keep the squirrels out. This one actually works. Audubon Bird’s Delight Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder Model 7511i
My squirrels are spoiled with their own feeding station, I just didn’t want them taking over the bird feeder.
Carolina Cooper says
My local Market Basket is always crowded, so I prefer the once a month stock up, and just going back every 2 weeks for milk and fruit. By the way, I don’t know how far you are from the Aldi’s that you go to, but if it is closer, check this out–we have an Aldi’s coming to Dover, NH. Construction appears to be just about finished. Watch for the grand opening online. On another note, so glad to have read last week that you enjoyed the Wentworth Greenhouse and winter farmer’s market in Rollingsford, NH. You mentioned wanting to go there every Saturday next winter, but unfortunately it is only open once a month in December through March and twice in November. But, yes, it is a great market and a really fun place. Come early (10 am) and check out the great local cider in November.
Desi says
Hi,
there are special squirrel proof bird feeders that only small birds can get into. (according to the reviews)
this is the german link. i’m sure you can find it on the us amazon as well:
https://www.amazon.de/Peanut-Futterhaus-Eichhörnchen-Garten-Aufhängen/dp/B00E8GTCEC
Deb says
I understand alternative liquids for people who can’t tolerate dairy but I have no idea why else someone would use water that nuts have been soaked in (sometimes with added sugar) as a dairy substitute. It’s expensive, has no nutritional value and really doesn’t seem to serve a purpose. It just seems sort of a made up thing to me.
Lisa says
I don’t drink it, but we use it for cereal and cooking where milk is an ingredient. Dairy milk is to grow baby cows into big cows. Humans shouldn’t be consuming it. And as far as any animal milk goes, it’s for babies of that species. It’s weird that any adolescent or adult animal should be drinking it.
Nadia says
My understanding is that the nuts are first soaked in water. The water is thrown away and the softened nuts are then put in the vitamix with water and blended. Then you use a nut bag or cheese cloth to strain the mixture and nut milk is the result. It’s actually very good and has protein among other beneficial nutrients.
Nancy from mass says
Yeah, good luck not feeding the squirrels. I had a squirrel proof feeder once and I have a picture of a chipmunk sitting in the middle of it feeding away.
Country white and Canadian white bread are way better than regular sandwich bread. They don’t fall apart when you toast them and try and butter them. They are denser and more filling. I can’t eat regular white bread anymore I have to have either Canadian or country
Also, if you can find hazelnut chocolate milk it is amazing. It taste like melted Nutella
JANET says
Several points…
1. Try putting a disposable aluminum pie pan (8-9″) upside down over top of bird feeder…squirrels can’t even hang off of it to get into feeder!!
2. IMO, any white bread is not good…they refine the nutrition out of it and substitute preservatives…get a loaf of white bread (either nationality!!) and set aside for a month…that stuff doesn’t even grow mold, though it does dry out…I use the 12-grain bread, either Arnold brand or homemade….tastes great, more nutritious!!
3. Nut milks are another of those inventions to get your money…people seem to be so caught up in being “healthy”, so are move to try anything coming down the pike that is said to be healthier, lower fat, no preservatives, etc…it’s marketing strategy, pure and simple…and the public seems to be so easily impressed!!! Oh, what a bunch of gullible people there are!!
Love your blog!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
I like the pie tin idea!!! I am going to try that. Thanks Janet.
Nadia says
Some people cannot ingest dairy but want a substitute to have cold cereal with or make dishes that call for milk. It doesn’t have to be expensive, particularly if you make it yourself. Healthier too.
keralee miedaner says
You buy nut milk? Not very frugal…its so easy to make your own, and leave out the toxic gmo glyphosated beet sugars and the lymph-clogging lymphoma-promoting carageenan slime too!
1 cup nuts in quart jar of pure water, soak overnight. Drain water (phytates) and refill jar with fresh water, dump in blender and whiz the bajeezus out of it. Strain through muslin, season to taste.
The leftover ground nuts are good in meatloaf, pancakes, etc or are fantastic chicken treats.
Nadia says
Thank you. you are completely correct.
Heather Y says
We have several bird feeders and the squirrels eat from them too. We thoroughly enjoy watching the squirrels eat…they are so funny! The feeders will also draw possums, chipmunks, skunks, raccoons and deer…which we love, but after reading you column for several years I doubt you would get the same enjoyment from the parade of animals coming to your yard and garden. (By the way, our favorite animals to watch are the baby skunks…they are hilarious)!
David Davison says
Like all the elmhurst milks. Especially like both the Hazelnut and the Walnut. Walnut is a little stronger, but. good. I usually try to grab on BOGO as they are $4.29 where I shop in Florida.
Mel says
We have a raccoon that not only eats bird seed and suet but will also carry off entire feeders. We have a Nest cam trained on our feeder, so we’ve seen her and her cubs. We’ve found that if we occasionally put food out for her, she leaves the feeder alone. Same with the possum. The squirrels are less reasonable, so we do a combination of spiced feed, feeder rotation, and letting them eat. The Nest cam also allows us to yell at the squirrels remotely, so my husband does that occasionally, but we got the camera because my father moved to a city apartment and missed his bird feeder. It allows him to watch the video feed of our feeder online and hear birds calling.
BE says
Any Milk BESIDES cow’s milk is better for you. Less disgusting ingredients that you really don’t want if you knew about them.
Maxine says
I drink cows milk delivered straight from the farm (and butter yogurt, cream cheese, ice cream, etc.). What other ingredient is there besides milk? I’ve been told nobody uses the growth hormones anymore. Nut milks taste like water to me. I’d rather support the family farms and better soil (manure) and diversity (bees, butterflies, wildlife with healthy hedge rows). Drink more milk! (If you can.) A lot of family farms going under in NY and across the Midwest, not to mention those affected by flooding)
Lissa says
Squirrels are rats with tails. And they dig up all my bulbs. No bird seed for them !!
Becka says
We got an expensive squirrel proof feeder many years ago at Wild Birds Unlimited that is guaranteed for life. We have had to have parts replaced a couple of times because of the squirrels chewing on it, but it really works. The weight of the squirrel causes the little door where the food is dispensed to close.
Vy says
The only way I have managed to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder is to throw sunflower seeds into the woods. When I see the squirrels are back, I throw more. Usually a double handful once a week. They are relentless!
Pam says
Squirrels are nearly impossible to keep out of feeders. You will go crazy trying to keep them out! Also be sure to provide cover for the birds as hawks will be looking for an easy meal too. And don’t even get me started on the raccoons! I stop feeding the birds in the spring because the raccoons will tear up everything!
Julie K Whitmore says
I used to feed the birds. I had nine squirrel-proof feeders. But the the squirrels and chipmunks continued to come (and multiply), attracted by the droppings from the feeders. They ravished my garden-tore up seedlings and planted nuts instead. I had to stop feeding the birds and adopted feral cats from the city of Baltimore to try to stop the invasion. Not fond of squirrels.
Sara De Lancey says
We have a store called Wild Birds Unlimited that sell cages to go over the type of feeder that you have. It allows smaller birds in but not squirrels….usually the smaller birds knock seed out for the larger birds so everyone gets something.
http://www.wbu.com/springfieldmo
Love your blog…..read every day
torry says
Mavis, please keep driving enough that you don’t lose the ability to do so when needed. I am unable to drive due to vision issues; however, I’ve watched many women lose the ability to drive as, once they quit driving, they become unable to pick it back up.
E in Upstate NY says
Agree 100% with you. I stopped driving at night due to cataracts. Post surgery now but it still not comfortable with night driving, and certainly not in unfamiliar locations.