I'm so disappointed! I had pictures - great ones - of ME even! And I lost them all because my camera card froze. My fault. Daggone it!! We had all gone to the park on Veteran's Day and Daddy-o and I had traded photo ops. Argh!!
Today's high here was 37. Its been overcast and flurries all day, although the wind from last night has died down. Outside is so beautiful and still. It smells like snow - winter, at least, and I have that "its beginning to look a lot like Christmas" feeling. That in itself is probably just the anxiety that I am far, far behind on Christmas presents. We'll get started on them tomorrow, though. The weather has really put me in the mood. We're supposed to get an inch of snow tomorrow night. Can't wait! My camera should be working fine then; I'll keep it in the house instead of the car.
Abba has a snotty nose cold so we didn't go to church this morning. Han had a reaction to her flu shot on Thursday and has been on a low dose of Benadryl since last night, so she was a little crosseyed, too, and we figured we'd spare FBC of our blessed presence. The girls stayed inside all day, cooking, cleaning, napping and watching TV. Andy did loads of laundry and then went to the fire station to get the inventory on ambulances completed before the state inspection next week. I was so grateful that he helped me get caught up enough so I can focus on Christmas gifts.
I need help with a recipe! I'm looking for a take-along breakfast food like a granola bar or cereal bar that is (1) low in sugar (2) not too messy (think eat in the car) and (3) kid friendly. I made a great cereal bar, but it had 1/2c brown sugar and 1/2c corn syrup. I think I balanced it out nicely with flax seeds, wheat germ and Fiber One, but still a little more sugar than I wanted. I need something for when the girls are poking around in the mornings and we have an early appointment or church, or just something to keep them munching when we're running all over the county on errands. Any ideas?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Perspective for after the election....
My friend Loretta sent me these encouraging verses I'd like to share with you -
Romans 13:1-8
(1)Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(2)Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
(3)For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
(4)For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
(5)Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
(6)This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
(7)Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
(8)Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
AND
1 Timothy 2:1-4:
(1) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-
(2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
(3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
(4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
AND
1Peter 2:13-17
(13) Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
(14) or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
(15) For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
(16) Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
(17) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
AND (for perspective)
Revelation 22:13,14:
(13)"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.
(14) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
And some facts - no matter which candidate won your vote:
> Jesus is still King.
> Our responsibilities as Christians have changed one iota.
> The greatest agent for social change in America is still winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.
> My primary citizenship is still in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.
> The tomb is still empty.
> The cross, not the government, is still our salvation.
> Our children are still more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
> My neighbor is still my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)
> The only way to see abortion ultimately overturned is still winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.
> The only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated is still winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
> My retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.
> "Jesus Is Lord" is still the greatest truth in the Universe.
> We still know that God is in control.
Romans 13:1-8
(1)Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(2)Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
(3)For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
(4)For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
(5)Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
(6)This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
(7)Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
(8)Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
AND
1 Timothy 2:1-4:
(1) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-
(2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
(3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
(4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
AND
1Peter 2:13-17
(13) Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
(14) or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
(15) For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
(16) Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
(17) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
AND (for perspective)
Revelation 22:13,14:
(13)"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.
(14) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
And some facts - no matter which candidate won your vote:
> Jesus is still King.
> Our responsibilities as Christians have changed one iota.
> The greatest agent for social change in America is still winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.
> My primary citizenship is still in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.
> The tomb is still empty.
> The cross, not the government, is still our salvation.
> Our children are still more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
> My neighbor is still my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)
> The only way to see abortion ultimately overturned is still winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.
> The only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated is still winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
> My retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.
> "Jesus Is Lord" is still the greatest truth in the Universe.
> We still know that God is in control.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Family Snapshot
Andy: Congratulations to my amazing husband! Monday night he finished that last class of the last course in his BACHELOR’S DEGREE program! Bluefield College of Virginia will officially graduate him December 3, but stick a fork in ‘im, He’s Done!!
Ask Andy if he enjoys his new job over there in Clifton Forge and his response is: “I love it there. The people there treat me like gold.” He even took a picture for his scrapbook…see for yourself some of the folks he works with. Keeping Up Appearances there is the Town Manager, Tracey Shifflett. Take a gander at the gal on the right and see the result of years of dedication to the Town will getcha! Don't feel sorry for the rest of the folks in the photo, though. It might be hard to tell from just one picture, but they really do love their jobs and aren't always so solemn.
Hannah: Woke up a couple weeks ago and the first words out of her mouth were, “Good Morning, James!” spoken to her baby sister. From then on, our sweet, wispy-haired Abigail Fay is James. On a rare foray into Roanoke to go to Target during Andy’s last class meeting, Hannah introduced herself to a surprised grandma-type as “Hannah Bananna.” And this is my brother, “James.” (No matter that Abba was wearing pink!). The nice lady misunderstood and said, “Oh, Jane. What a nice name!” To which Hannah Banana replied firmly but politely, “NO! Its James. James Margolees.” The nice lady grimaced at me and pushed her cart away.
Abigail: The kid preys on my adult-onset Attention Deficit Disorder. I get her dipe on and she wiggles away, stands in the hall and goads me into chasing her. When I holler for her to come back and get dressed she lowers her head at me, placing her tiny hands on the diaper’s Velcro tabs….hesitates, and pulls. A quick sidestep and she’s chortling down the hall in bare-bottomed glee.
(pause…)
Hannah just strode by the door calling over her shoulder, “Mama, the poo-poos are coming!” When I met her in the bathroom: “Listen! Do you hear that?” “Hear what, Han?” “The pee-pees are singing a little song as they go bye-bye. They’re whistling a happy tune! Bye-bye, pee-pees! Bye-bye poo-poos! See you when you’re dirt! Bye!” <>
Me: Is it any wonder that crease betwixt my eyebrows is getting deeper? I try to massage that spot when I think about but so far all that has gotten me is a red dot looking like a washed-out bindi. I find myself wondering if a shot of Botox would be completely at odds with the whole simplicity / non-makeup / the-Lord-looks-at-the-heart concept??
Ask Andy if he enjoys his new job over there in Clifton Forge and his response is: “I love it there. The people there treat me like gold.” He even took a picture for his scrapbook…see for yourself some of the folks he works with. Keeping Up Appearances there is the Town Manager, Tracey Shifflett. Take a gander at the gal on the right and see the result of years of dedication to the Town will getcha! Don't feel sorry for the rest of the folks in the photo, though. It might be hard to tell from just one picture, but they really do love their jobs and aren't always so solemn.
Hannah: Woke up a couple weeks ago and the first words out of her mouth were, “Good Morning, James!” spoken to her baby sister. From then on, our sweet, wispy-haired Abigail Fay is James. On a rare foray into Roanoke to go to Target during Andy’s last class meeting, Hannah introduced herself to a surprised grandma-type as “Hannah Bananna.” And this is my brother, “James.” (No matter that Abba was wearing pink!). The nice lady misunderstood and said, “Oh, Jane. What a nice name!” To which Hannah Banana replied firmly but politely, “NO! Its James. James Margolees.” The nice lady grimaced at me and pushed her cart away.
Abigail: The kid preys on my adult-onset Attention Deficit Disorder. I get her dipe on and she wiggles away, stands in the hall and goads me into chasing her. When I holler for her to come back and get dressed she lowers her head at me, placing her tiny hands on the diaper’s Velcro tabs….hesitates, and pulls. A quick sidestep and she’s chortling down the hall in bare-bottomed glee.
(pause…)
Hannah just strode by the door calling over her shoulder, “Mama, the poo-poos are coming!” When I met her in the bathroom: “Listen! Do you hear that?” “Hear what, Han?” “The pee-pees are singing a little song as they go bye-bye. They’re whistling a happy tune! Bye-bye, pee-pees! Bye-bye poo-poos! See you when you’re dirt! Bye!” <>
Me: Is it any wonder that crease betwixt my eyebrows is getting deeper? I try to massage that spot when I think about but so far all that has gotten me is a red dot looking like a washed-out bindi. I find myself wondering if a shot of Botox would be completely at odds with the whole simplicity / non-makeup / the-Lord-looks-at-the-heart concept??
Monday, November 3, 2008
my JOB
I thought I’d write and share some about MY job. Andy and I both feel that God wants me to be a SAHM (stay at home mom), and therefore, with His help, I have had to develop some new skills to save us money to enable this to happen. The first place I really looked at was clothing for the girls. To that end, we make use of yard sales, hand-me-downs (mostly Hannah to Abba now, but when I was in Tidewater, my pal BF kept me stocked – those clothes are now on kid #4!) and thrift stores. Thrift stores are limited in Alleghany, so when we go visit family in Tidewater, we make the most of our trip and hit Thrift Store City (“sigh”- Anna!!) and a new one over near Bayside High School, my old stompin’ grounds.
That part is easy and fun, but it was the weekly grind of grocery shopping that really had me stymied for awhile. Once I got the hang of it, however, it is where I can save my family even more and make our dollars go farther. Here are some of my tricks:
First, we have a budget. We aim for $75/week for groceries…usually that runs over, but never over $100. By groceries I mean basically whatever we can buy in Food Lion, so it includes dipes, vitamins, cleaning products, paper goods, etc. Some folks who figure out a grocery budget separate some of that stuff, but I include it. I hope to change this to a cash-only envelope system so that if we have money left over it goes into next weeks’ envelope, savings, or whatnot. We’re just not there yet. I need a small desk of my own, I think, to better organize myself here.
Second, before I shop, I make three lists. The first is an ongoing, “we’re almost out of” list that’s posted on the fridge. The second is my “stockpile” list, which includes shelf-stable or freezable items we keep an inventory of. I research these to get the best price (with coupons+sales) and buy in bulk when I get them at a great price. By stockpiling, I am not stuck running out to buy, say, tomato soup not on sale, because I can wait a couple months for it to go on sale and buy 10 cans. The third list is also one I research well by finding internet coupons, newspaper coupons and alerts on deals from some of my favorite money-saving websites. These are bonus items – can’t pass up deals - such as the Nestle hot chocolate mix I got from Wal-Mart on Friday – it was $2/2 packages. I had two $1/off coupons, so I got 2 boxes for FREE. Also, a $30 Bayer Contour 2 Blood Glucose Monitor at CVS…it was on sale for $30 and I had a $30 coupon, so it was free….I don’t need, it but I will donate it to the church or a local adult home…but, even better, I had a CVS coupon for $5 off a $30 purchase, so I got $5 back – meaning they paid me $5 to take that glucose monitor. Pretty cool! So, this third list is stuff I might not be looking for or it might be something I don’t normally buy, but if it is 75% + off, then I will get it as long as I stay in budget. I match up the store circulars with the coupons I have on file, then I put my lists (all written down on one piece of paper so I can see it all at a glance) at the front of my coupon notebook and off I go to the store.
Third, I organize my shopping trips. I have three stores to choose from: Food Lion, Wal-Mart and Kroger. Kroger is about 12 miles further to drive to than the other two, but it is right near Andy’s office. If we go there, we usually make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch so we girls can get some extra Daddy-o time. Some weeks I will only go to one store, but other times I’ll hit all three, especially if Food Lion has a 3-day only sale. I shop when the girls are in good moods, well-rested, or else I leave Hannah home with Andy. I am less likely to impulse buy with a list, and I stick to my 50% rule – it has to be 50% off (with coupon) if I’m going to buy a non-necessity. I carry my coupon notebook into the store with me in case I come across an unadvertised sale – or better yet, find something on clearance (like the True North Almond Clusters I found at Wal-Mart once for $1.50/bag, normally about $4 a bag and I had 3 $1 off coupons! Gotta love it!)
My reward? I get great satisfaction knowing that I have saved money and am able to contribute in a tangible way to our economic goals. I generally save about 40-50% on our total grocery bill ( I like shopping at Kroger because it shows at the bottom of the receipt how much you save, and I hold off giving my MVP card till the end at FL so it takes it all off at once after it has been subtotaled). It is also a challenge and a little mental gymnastics. I hope that I am teaching my girls the value of Daddy-o’s work – that we don’t just go and randomly get things, but that we are good stewards of our money. I hope that I am teaching them that we are disciplined in what we do and don’t buy, that we wait and do without some of the “fluff” sometimes – but our needs are always met. I hope that they see what I do as important so that they will be inspired to take their household management jobs seriously – be they married, single or still living at home. Money management is something that I just don’t have a firm grip on. By staying in a budget and working hard to pay off credit card debt (a whole ‘nother post) we are showing them and ourselves that our actions have consequences, and we are indeed slaves to our debt at this point.
Whew, this was a long post. But I just got back from Food Lion where the register rang up $105.10, I handed over my coupons and my MVP card and it flickered to $55.45, so I thought I’d share with you how I did it.
Have any questions? Want more ideas/tips? Wish I’d just go away?? J
That part is easy and fun, but it was the weekly grind of grocery shopping that really had me stymied for awhile. Once I got the hang of it, however, it is where I can save my family even more and make our dollars go farther. Here are some of my tricks:
First, we have a budget. We aim for $75/week for groceries…usually that runs over, but never over $100. By groceries I mean basically whatever we can buy in Food Lion, so it includes dipes, vitamins, cleaning products, paper goods, etc. Some folks who figure out a grocery budget separate some of that stuff, but I include it. I hope to change this to a cash-only envelope system so that if we have money left over it goes into next weeks’ envelope, savings, or whatnot. We’re just not there yet. I need a small desk of my own, I think, to better organize myself here.
Second, before I shop, I make three lists. The first is an ongoing, “we’re almost out of” list that’s posted on the fridge. The second is my “stockpile” list, which includes shelf-stable or freezable items we keep an inventory of. I research these to get the best price (with coupons+sales) and buy in bulk when I get them at a great price. By stockpiling, I am not stuck running out to buy, say, tomato soup not on sale, because I can wait a couple months for it to go on sale and buy 10 cans. The third list is also one I research well by finding internet coupons, newspaper coupons and alerts on deals from some of my favorite money-saving websites. These are bonus items – can’t pass up deals - such as the Nestle hot chocolate mix I got from Wal-Mart on Friday – it was $2/2 packages. I had two $1/off coupons, so I got 2 boxes for FREE. Also, a $30 Bayer Contour 2 Blood Glucose Monitor at CVS…it was on sale for $30 and I had a $30 coupon, so it was free….I don’t need, it but I will donate it to the church or a local adult home…but, even better, I had a CVS coupon for $5 off a $30 purchase, so I got $5 back – meaning they paid me $5 to take that glucose monitor. Pretty cool! So, this third list is stuff I might not be looking for or it might be something I don’t normally buy, but if it is 75% + off, then I will get it as long as I stay in budget. I match up the store circulars with the coupons I have on file, then I put my lists (all written down on one piece of paper so I can see it all at a glance) at the front of my coupon notebook and off I go to the store.
Third, I organize my shopping trips. I have three stores to choose from: Food Lion, Wal-Mart and Kroger. Kroger is about 12 miles further to drive to than the other two, but it is right near Andy’s office. If we go there, we usually make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch so we girls can get some extra Daddy-o time. Some weeks I will only go to one store, but other times I’ll hit all three, especially if Food Lion has a 3-day only sale. I shop when the girls are in good moods, well-rested, or else I leave Hannah home with Andy. I am less likely to impulse buy with a list, and I stick to my 50% rule – it has to be 50% off (with coupon) if I’m going to buy a non-necessity. I carry my coupon notebook into the store with me in case I come across an unadvertised sale – or better yet, find something on clearance (like the True North Almond Clusters I found at Wal-Mart once for $1.50/bag, normally about $4 a bag and I had 3 $1 off coupons! Gotta love it!)
My reward? I get great satisfaction knowing that I have saved money and am able to contribute in a tangible way to our economic goals. I generally save about 40-50% on our total grocery bill ( I like shopping at Kroger because it shows at the bottom of the receipt how much you save, and I hold off giving my MVP card till the end at FL so it takes it all off at once after it has been subtotaled). It is also a challenge and a little mental gymnastics. I hope that I am teaching my girls the value of Daddy-o’s work – that we don’t just go and randomly get things, but that we are good stewards of our money. I hope that I am teaching them that we are disciplined in what we do and don’t buy, that we wait and do without some of the “fluff” sometimes – but our needs are always met. I hope that they see what I do as important so that they will be inspired to take their household management jobs seriously – be they married, single or still living at home. Money management is something that I just don’t have a firm grip on. By staying in a budget and working hard to pay off credit card debt (a whole ‘nother post) we are showing them and ourselves that our actions have consequences, and we are indeed slaves to our debt at this point.
Whew, this was a long post. But I just got back from Food Lion where the register rang up $105.10, I handed over my coupons and my MVP card and it flickered to $55.45, so I thought I’d share with you how I did it.
Have any questions? Want more ideas/tips? Wish I’d just go away?? J
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween
h
(We never found her other black-patent-leather shoe to wear)
Again this year, we went to the neighbors' first, then to our church for Trunk-or-Treat. One thing that is impossible is getting little girls and little boys to sit still for pictures as you will see...
Especially when it was Hannah's first time in a "jumper". She had a blast. I was glad because it was helping to equalize out some of the sugar she'd consumed!
The girls and some of their friends....we had a witch, another firefighter, a dragon, a monkey, and a creature from Star Wars!
Andy made friends with some of the less fortunate - here he is with Hobo Joe....
And he shared a laugh with one of the less than less fortunate:
(We never found her other black-patent-leather shoe to wear)I was dreading it all day - just because of the candy fight we'd have, and actually it turned out to be a good night. Hannah seems keen on the idea of two pieces a day (after Daddy-o and I scarfed good ones and squirreled away others for candy-bar cookies, etc.). She was pretty thrilled by the small toys, stickers and tattoos given away, too. Abigail liked a little plastic frog that jumps when you press a lever near its bottom.
Again this year, we went to the neighbors' first, then to our church for Trunk-or-Treat. One thing that is impossible is getting little girls and little boys to sit still for pictures as you will see... Especially when it was Hannah's first time in a "jumper". She had a blast. I was glad because it was helping to equalize out some of the sugar she'd consumed! The girls and some of their friends....we had a witch, another firefighter, a dragon, a monkey, and a creature from Star Wars!Andy made friends with some of the less fortunate - here he is with Hobo Joe....And he shared a laugh with one of the less than less fortunate:
And all in all a very good time. Faith Baptist does this Trunk or Treat as a ministry to the community and members donate candy, time, money and food. The church youth were in charge of the games and every single one of them did a wonderful job. I was so impressed - again, as always. There are more pictures on the church's web site if you're interested (the pictures weren't up yet this morning, but they will be later today, I'm sure...just loof for the date and click):
http://flickr.com/photos/faithbaptist/collections/72157603668581408/
Personally, I'm not big on Halloween just because of the costumes that are promoted - either too gory or sleezy, but it can be so much fun for kids when adults set the right tone.
- home by 8:30, girls in bed and asleep before 9:30. Good night!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
pictures
Can you see it?? The tiny, miniature snowflakes? Well, they were there. It was a true "snow shower" that lasted for about - oh, a minute or so. See the hazelnuts on the table? See those cute girls? Here's Hannah serenading us with her "stick violin":
This past weekend: baby in the leaf pile (witness that thousand-dollar tooth!):
99% of my pictures of Hannah are "action shots":
Monday, October 27, 2008
finds
Just wanted to share a couple finds I made today!
I found a Christmas present in an unexpected place today and it was free! The library offers a box of magazines "free - take some" and I found a very old one dated the same month and year of a loved one's birth. AND, it is an uncommon magazine in his or her field of interest. That is all I can say...family will have to wait until Christmas....
OH, and another Christmas present I got today for FREE....Do you know about CVS' wonderful, generous customer rewards program? Well, just by scanning my CVS card, I got a coupon for a FREE $25 CVS gift card with a new or transferred prescription. Wehhhelllll, between the four of us we probably have eight prescriptions that I could choose from, so I did, and I got it. I can either give the gift card "as is" or I can use it to buy a restaurant gift card, AMEX gift card, etc. I was going to use it for myself, but this another way I can help us take a dent out of our Christmas spending.
Finally, I made an edible discovery in the yard (I'm ALL about food, you know!). We have these shrubs in a little patch beside the old shed. I had no idea what they were, just that they produced little fuzzy flowers. But they ARE something....Hazel Nuts! Filberts! And they are Ripe! Not enough to make fruitcake or anything, but I sure won't be cutting them down (or letting DH cut them down!) like I had planned! Love it.
It smells like winter outside: its cold and there are heavy dark clouds. Its 42 degrees and supposed to drop to 35 tonight, with snow showers and/or sleet tomorrow. Can't wait!
I found a Christmas present in an unexpected place today and it was free! The library offers a box of magazines "free - take some" and I found a very old one dated the same month and year of a loved one's birth. AND, it is an uncommon magazine in his or her field of interest. That is all I can say...family will have to wait until Christmas....
OH, and another Christmas present I got today for FREE....Do you know about CVS' wonderful, generous customer rewards program? Well, just by scanning my CVS card, I got a coupon for a FREE $25 CVS gift card with a new or transferred prescription. Wehhhelllll, between the four of us we probably have eight prescriptions that I could choose from, so I did, and I got it. I can either give the gift card "as is" or I can use it to buy a restaurant gift card, AMEX gift card, etc. I was going to use it for myself, but this another way I can help us take a dent out of our Christmas spending.
Finally, I made an edible discovery in the yard (I'm ALL about food, you know!). We have these shrubs in a little patch beside the old shed. I had no idea what they were, just that they produced little fuzzy flowers. But they ARE something....Hazel Nuts! Filberts! And they are Ripe! Not enough to make fruitcake or anything, but I sure won't be cutting them down (or letting DH cut them down!) like I had planned! Love it.
It smells like winter outside: its cold and there are heavy dark clouds. Its 42 degrees and supposed to drop to 35 tonight, with snow showers and/or sleet tomorrow. Can't wait!
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