Spring…where for art thou?

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Barbara

I know, it’s too early but this cold cold winter has me wishing for an early spring. So much so that I sat down and ordered the seed for this years garden. We normally save seed from the previous year but have decided to try some new varieties.

Because we do save seed we primarily stick with heirlooms . This year I ordered from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I like that on their website you can keep a wish list which I edited several times before finally placing an order.

I think I might try my hand at winter sowing.

Polishing the Karma – Random Acts of Kindness

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Barbara

I enjoy performing random acts of kindness. Some people say they are rare in the “me” society of today but when I look for them they are happening everywhere; someone holding a door open for a stranger, a gentleman stopping to help my husband load an awkward package into his truck, etc. Rare acts do not have to be grandiose; a small act can bring a smile or relief just as easily.

Why do I do them? Well, for one I am a Southern woman and being courteous is bred into me. Secondly, it just feels good to be generous for no reason at all. Performing them and seeing them reassures me that we are not a society only filled with crazy narcissists after all.

The New Year brings new resolutions to some; to me it always makes me want to lighten my load – emotionally and physically. Out with the old and burdensome, you get the gist. Sort of a pre-spring cleaning urge comes over me. I inherited a library of Sci-Fi and Sci-Fi Fantasy books several years ago and have just left them boxed up since. Since we are on the lifetime remodeling plan for this old house I decided it was high time I did some decluttering. Books are meant to be read and these certainly needed some love after being stowed away in boxes for a few years.

So, I’ve been going through them and pulling the few that I would like to read. By the way, have I told you I am a major reader? Seriously, I inhale books. I’m one of those irritating people that can sit down with a hefty novel and have it read hours later. Anyway, I boxed and bagged about a third of the books and took them to work. With the volume of customers we have I placed them in our lobby for people to pick over at leisure.

It makes me smile as I see the book pile dwindling down.

Frugal Tip #2: Cook 3x’s What You Need – Occasionally

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Barbara

I am a commuter. 40 miles round-trip into the city and back. There are lots of evenings that by the time I am done fixing dinner it’s almost time to go to bed. GC has attempted cooking a couple of times but believe me no one really wants that. He is great at lots of things but with the exception of biscuits cooking ain’t one of them.

So, because I am a hope for the best but plan for the worst kinda gal, I like to be ready for the days that I do not have time to cook. I have 2 friends that I rely on: Leftovers and Freezer.

This past New Year’s Day I cooked a big batch of hot wings and fried potatoes. I froze a 1/3, ate a 1/3 that day and used the last 1/3 for lunch Monday and dinner tonight. I cook extra at least once or twice a week so I always have a ready-to-go meal in the freezer. I do not like prepackaged convenience foods so this makes homemade meals easy when I’m pushed for time. Lots of times if I’m running late, GC will take leftovers out of the freezer and have them ready when I get home.

I love that about him.