Let's be thrifty Today!

On a beach in Clearwater

I read several blogs today and found many were writing about being thrifty, so thought I would continue with the theme.

1.THIS SATURDAY 28 MARCH AT 8.30PM YOU CAN VOTE EARTH BY SWITCHING OFF YOUR LIGHTS FOR ONE HOUR - EARTH HOUR. Please join in, it's only one hour!
2. We have been hanging clothes outside on the line- here at my daughters it saves about $30 per month! The clothes smell so good, and reduces the ironing too!
3. Get your gardens ready! even if ya live in an apartment you can container garden and have enough tomatoes & herbs to last the summer-PAX! Dau #2 built a small 10X 5 ft garden which supplied cucumbers, peppers, & string beans for her and her family last year. With enough to share with folks @ church. There is a fun way to grow veggies someone told me about where I live-you get a 20 LB bag of potting soil, lay it on the ground, cut horizontal, plant your tomatoes, peppers etc in it, grows the veggies perfectly, keeps out unwanted weeds. I am trying that this year, since space is limited where I live. If I ever get back!
4. Don't ever forget "Good Will or Salvation Armies"- they have some great almost new stuff for pennies of what you would buy in the Macy's/Penny's and even Walmart! At our church we have what is called 'the Clothes Closet' You could go there once a month and get nearly new and new stuff for nothing! You are supporting good causes plus saving a ton of money- These places are no longer only for the indigent. My younger brother would never go, but I kept egging him about it, so he finally went. he doesn't get his Jeans anywhere else now. It is quite surprising what folk literally throw away! It may not fit right, or they didn't like after they came home. Many things even have the price tags still attached.
5. Get a neighbor or friend involved with your saving- barter for things. For example if you don't have a much needed wheelbarrow or like borrow instead of buying and let them have something in return. Maybe you could go to the store for them or borrow something they have. And return in a timely manner in the way you got it! Bartering has been around a long time and we have just forgotten about it.
6. and lastly think! yes think before you buy! Sounds crazy I know, but think "do I really need this" or "do I want this" I personally am on a 'vow of poverty" for one year. I am using everything out of the overstuffed kitchen cupboards unless I really need it( I can't tell ya how many different kinds of tea are in my cabinets!, or how many bottles of barbecue sauce, and don't even ask how many bottles of wine! and I don't consider myself a drinker!). I am not buying any new clothes unless I really need. Have been bad while here in MD but will get back to it when I go back to FLA.
You have any ideas? just let me know!

No greater joy

Than a gift of a beautiful bouquet of flowers-for no reason!

Than waking during the night and having
a grandchild hug ya tight and say Grandma I love ya

Than your 6 year old grandson 'make your coffee"
he actually makes it-! water in pot, grounds in, turns it on.
then he makes a cup just like you like it.
before I get hate mail about child labor-
he does it before I wake!

Sharing milk and cookies with your grandchild.
and dunking cookies and milk

Than your daughter coming home from the grocery store, saying look what was on sale!
Ice cream on sale for 50 cents a box, just the kind we use- water ice & Popsicles! yeah. they were just discontinue carrying for the store! believe me nothing wrong with it, I already tried! Especially with sore throats!
In a nut shell flowers,coffee, ice cream and grandchildren!

Another Monday

I am missing the beauty of Florida weather for sure. Here is a pic I took shortly before I came up north on the Causeway. My brothers favorite quote for the day was.The water is sooo clear! Well DUH! we are in Clearwater. He wanted to strike me, but thought better of it since i was driving.

We are a bit sick here in Maryland. Grandson #2 was diagnosed with strep throat today. He even has an "impressive rash" quote from the doc. I am sure I have it too and started an antibiotic. Dau #1 is trying desperately not to get it, although I think she is doomed-she sounds like she is next. That's what I get for cleaning from top to bottom in this house. I even have ALL the laundry washed dried and put away. (believe it or not)Dau#2 says I stirred up the germs.

The weather is a bit nicer today I actually went outside without my winter coat! I have dinner started and now must go fetch the other grandchildren from school AAH quiet ends now until bedtime!

Saturday Musing

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.
-- Luciano de Crescenzo

Today was a little different. The kiddos were home and didn't go to their dad's. I made them clean their rooms! Alas everyone suddenly got a headache! But I wouldn't be put off. The rooms were cleaned properly and drawers redone. All 'too little' clothing was put for needy kids. My grandchildren DO NOT NEED ANOTHER PIECE OF CLOTHING, until they grow out of some of the ones they have. They also don't need anymore toys. They need to go through some of the ones they have and give to another kid-maybe my next project, but it will have to wait til summer when I return.

Please pray for a friend's sister, She is newly diagnosed with breast cancer. She is the youngest sis. Last year both his mom and other sister were diagnosed with breast cancer and have hopefully beat it. Pax Romano will be happy for all the prayers.
This site may be interesting to view Check out Artfull Bras Project - Page 1 (1.4 KB) http://www.quiltersofsc.org/artfullbras/artfullbras.htm. Some bras made for breast cancer. I don't think I could have done so well, but I may try and make one!?

The weather man promised WARM weather- he didn't get it right again. Although it was a lovely day. It certainly wasn't warm!

The stars have been quite nice the past few days. You can see ORIAN and many others. I walk the dog @ night. A doggie must piddle before he goes to bed!

For my last thought for today. Grandson #2 says he wants to marry me-how cute!

the foot Friday tidbits

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
-- Max Lucado

I have not been on the computer the past few days, just haven't been interested plus have had much to do here in MD. I will be starting back to FLORIDA next weekend sometime, still haven't finalised when as my niece may be driving down with us and has to get the time off.

My dau #2 has been recuperating nicely. She should be fit as a fiddle before too long. Ya know sometimes it is hard work taking care of the grand kiddos. I have much fun with them, but still lots to do with seven people here. Two of which are presently handicapped. Just driving the kiddos back and forth to school can fill up a day. Then there is always cooking and cleaning. Did I ever mention my daughter reminds me of her dad? She is quite the pack rat! I have been unratting her.Teehee.

Then don't even mention laundry! Does anyone know how much laundry seven people generate in a week! Yikes is all I can say on that. We are hanging them out now its a bit nicer weather. Yesterday I had just gotten two loads hung out and it started to rain! To put it mildly I wasn't exactly blessed! Today is is blustery and quite good for drying on the line. Although a bit chilly.

we are sorta doing spring cleaning, after all it is spring. I get the glorious job of separating things that are too small. Since they grow at quite a clip its a real undertaking. #1 grandson grew an inch since Christmas.We wear the same size shoe! He is about 4 inches shorter than grannyjax and he is only ten! #1 twin caught up with #2 twin in height in the same amount of time. And the little one is now up above my chest- he is now 6! He is a good foot taller than most of the kiddos in Kindergarten!

Ah spring, not warm here yet,but some of the flowers are starting despite the cold weather. Daffodils, snowdrops, and pussy willow. Want to rake leaves,but no time left in the day!@--,

Marriage

A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one's husband, but how seldom married people in the midst of life achieve it.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh


A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.
Dave Meurer, "Daze of Our Wives"


This evening at eight I would have been married for 40 years.
I say through the mist and tears.
We had a hundred of our family and friends there
All dressed up in white gown & black suit were we

We were giddy and so much in love
no one even had to give us a shove
We had love for each other and love to share
with others who came in our lives to care

Whenever anyone asks how did you stay together so long
We managed to say it takes work by each, not one
You need to talk to one another
To have a common goal and bond

So I say to others when contemplating marriage
Be willing to fight together as one
Never go to bed angry
And make a house a home



SOMEONE WROTE WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT BILLS
What are you saying about Bills?
With bills you can make paper planes, paper mache sculptures and many other things!
You should learn how to enjoy bills more...

I'm all ears

Younger brother overlooking the fantastic view in Daytona!
The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.
-- Maya Angelou

Hi folks just a little blog today I have so much to do!
Dau #2 surgery went well, better than expected!
She didn't have to have the tendon transplant!
Praise the Lord!
She is already doing too much on it!
I may just break the other leg if she doesn't stay off the one repairing!
The kiddos had a great time decorating the cast.
You should have seen them when they saw her the first time!
Have a wonderful day!

OO by the way my back/sciatica is way better! left as quickly as it came!

PITA

View from the hotel window-absolutely gorgeous Daytona Beach

Riding on the Beach in Daytona, I'm the one taking the pic.


Total absence of humor renders life impossible.
Colette (1873 - 1954), Chance Acquaintances, 1952

Don't know what is up with the pain in the back/butt today. Must have hung too many clothes on the line or picked up too much trash or cleaned too much at my dau#2 house. Her bathroom is still in the process of getting done. It looks quite nice!
OO it could never be the long drive from Florida or taking the stuff I brought up here for dau#29tools from her dad. Or of course getting dau#1 wheelchair in & out of the car.
All I know is my sciatica is there just a raging! Pain mid back down left hip/butt down to mid leg. Owell and this too shall pass.
Here is something to ponder and give me a reason; why do I hate to pay bills? No it isn't cause I don't have the money. I just hate the process of sitting down and doing them. Analyse that for me will ya! and with that in mind I MUST GET DONE TODAY!

TARPON SPRINGS FLORIDA

JUST A COUPLE OF PICS FROM THE SPONGE DOCKS IN TARPON SPRINGS


This was the day before we left Florida before going back up north. Tarpon is a little village on the Bayou. It is well known for it's 'Sponge Docks', has been known as the Sponge Capitol of the World. The Greeks settled here and still harvest & sell sponges. It also has some wonderful restaurants.
We ate at one such place, named 'Santorin's' . We had a feast for a king. My brother had the sea food special. Scallops, shrimp, mussels in a light spaghetti gravy. I shared scallops with pasta in creamy sauce, the scallops were to die for! Of course we had to have homemade Sangria. Others had lamb/beef combo,chicken in traditional bread. O did I forget that Greek salad! We had no room for the desserts! Next time maybe!?
We also walked for a short time and did some shops, but had to go get puppy at the groomer. My brother & sister inlaw said-not fair! We haven't seen enough. I told them I was just showing them snippets so they had to come back to enjoy more!
It has many classic old homes which were home for the wealthy in the 1800's. I love to peer into Victorian type homes!
After picking up pup went to a lovely park near the ST Nick's Orthodox Church on the Bayou. They have an unusual custom of diving for crosses on New Year's day in this part of the Bayou. Today it was filled with Manatee. We prob saw a dozen or more of them. Such docile LARGE creatures.
We said bye to friends and off to my home to get ready for a long ride!

If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?
Shantideva

International Day of WOMEN!

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
Mahatma Gandhi

The enthusiasm of a woman's love is even beyond the biographer's.
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

I might repeat to myself slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound - if I can remember any of the damn things.
Dorothy Parker

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.
Helen Keller

I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on.Eleanor Roosevelt

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Mother Teresa



The theme for 2009 is:
“Women and men united to end violence against women and girls”

Previous years and themes:
Investing in Women and Girls
Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
Women in decision-making
Gender Equality Beyond
Building a More Secure Future
Women and HIV/AIDS
Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
Women Uniting for Peace
World Free of Violence Against Women
Women and Human Rights
Women at the Peace Table
Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future

Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world's women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women's Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development.

just catching you up

Well arrived in Maryland today, sorta expecting allot of snow on the ground! To my amazement it was 70 degrees when I got here! Guess I brought the good weather with me. I am so glad, cause my arthritic knee just doesn't like the cold! Have been told I need a knee replacement, but will fore go that until I get old! err older! or can't walk on it any longer!
I surprised the grand kids by getting here earlier than I had anticipated, good weather and little traffic made all the difference. They were so happy to see us!
Sad they had to go to their dad's this weekend, but just as well I may get some much needed rest!It's a long drive from Clearwater area to MD!
I will post later of the trip with pics! I took too many, have to share some!

Asked for prayer awhile back for a kiddo in my grand kids school. He died after all. Everyone here in MD were pretty shook up. Another boy died in Frederick, MD about the same time! From an infection! Dau #2 said even the news people were at the school! Why do the media have to be so invasive! It is hard enough for children & families to deal with a child's passing without the media in peoples faces!

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.
Robert Frost (1874 - 1963), Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

O just wanted all to know it will take me a couple of days to catch up with your blogs. I am not being a sluggard just been driving!

wondering

Sorry all you folk weathering the storms up north. I just had to post this. This was taken last week when my sister-in-law arrived. On Clearwater Beach, It was a glorious day! I need to see this as a reminder what I am leaving behind when I travel up north on Wednesday.
I love walking on the beach and wishing I were afloat on this sailboat!

I have been a bit misty this week as we have been going through some of hubby's tools,remembering HIM and some of his life with our family.
Let tears flow of their own accord: their flowing is not inconsistent with inward peace and harmony.
Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

March 1st

Today is my mom's birthday-she would have been 85 today! She loved flowers so thought I would post the ones my neighbor gave me. My brother and I have been cahtting all day about how lucky we were to have a mom like her. She was the greatest mom a person could have!She is really missed. My one brother & sister had to grow up when she died!

There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.
George Santayana (1863 - 1952), Soliloquies in England, 1922, "War Shrines"

Enjoy the interval!