Well she has found her forever home Someone is in the process of adopting her. Isn't that good news? Liz let me know about this, I see also a few more of the little ones are also being adopted, so all our prayers and donations helped I am guessing?
I have nothing really new to talk about at the moment, things are pretty quiet around here. I did pop into town yesterday to pick up a few groceries. On the way there I passed the gas/petrol station and it was $1.109, so thought to myself I would get some gas on the way back home. Half an hour later came back and it had just gone up to $1.163.......I was shocked. I know I haven't really got a lot to complain about as in Britain it's twice the price, but even so. I am actually thinking twice now before leaving the house. Mind you with it being cold and snowy, I don't need much persuading to stay home!!!
Got the heating oil tank filled up again yesterday. Had it filled on December 17th, however pretty pleased as we only used around half a tank. This time of year it's normally a full tank each month. Not pleased at the price though it has gone up from .885 cents per litre in December to .932 cents per litre yesterday. Back in June of last year we were paying .799 cents per litre.
Put some more change in my Daily Savings Box yesterday as well, already have $53 in there, so that's good. I was able to cash in my Swagbucks again, so that is the third time this month.
My first job of the day on Tuesday was to clean out the closet. This is what it looked like before hand.
I threw all the lathe out through the bathroom window, and all the plaster I put into garbage bags. So an hour later and seven garbage bags of plaster this is what it looked like.
I know I have to do the same again today, as dh ripped out more on Tuesday after work.
In the afternoon I finished off raking under the willow tree, the grass is greening up there nicely.
This is a photo of the fir tree and the other willow tree behind it. I also raked under the fir and willow tree.
So now I need to have a fire as the firepit is over flowing.
That's the raspberry bushes behind the fire pit and they are not looking well at all, so don't think I will be harvesting raspberries this year :0(
Molly spent most of the day on the back deck protecting the house from those pesky squirrels. They (the squirrels) have taken to sunbathing on the top of the logs in the sun. Between me and you I think they do it just to annoy Molly!!
In my column this week for the Eden Valley Messenger I talk about the fighter jets that fly back and forward in the Eden Valley. Here is a link to the column.
Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today? Today's Money Saving Tip:
Manure. Visit local farms (even city farms) and see if they have any manure they are willing to give you. If you offer to muck out a pen for it yourself they may be more agreeable.
You could even make it a regular agreement and you would never have to buy another bag of manure.
If you don't want to use manure in your garden or you have difficulty getting hold of it you can also make your own fish fertilizer.
the nights are getting lighter? I am typing this on Friday night at 5.45pm and it is still light outside. That is a good sign right? We have been having a little warmer weather as well, not hot but not in the minus 20's.
What she was referring to was our house, and I have to agree at the moment it does feel like the money pit again. What with the house and now Molly not sure what we're going to do, as there is only so much money in the pot.
I am planning on putting in a large garden this year and selling off the surplus on a roadside stand I plan on setting up at the end of the driveway. I was hoping to sell the raspberries this year, along with jam that I make. Plus I was thinking of selling some quilting/sewing items. I know my dad was saying that I could add some of his birdboxes on the stand as well. Hopefully that will all make the roadside stand successful.
We live on a road that is a popular route to cottage country, so on a Friday night through Sunday night in the summer is can be quite busy which helps.
I have been applying for jobs, but have had no luck yet. Plus come summer I will be busy in the garden. We manage on a day to day basis, just doing all the big jobs requires us to have a bit more money.
If you can think of any other ideas that would be great.
Did you see this performance by Pink on the Grammys the other night?
Did you remember to put your money in your pot today for the Daily Savings Club?
Today's Money Saving Tip:
1) The frugal gardener needs to be flexible, as in no master landscape plan set in concrete. The frugal gardener lets the plants be the guide and the garden sort of "happens by happy accident." For example, if you respond to a “free plants" ad on CraigsList, you will have no idea what you’re really getting. Being flexible lets you look at the new plants and say “Wow, they’re just what I needed!” no matter what they are.
2) Physical flexibility helps too. Keep this in mind when the ad on CraigsList says “You dig!”
3) Patience by the wheelbarrow load is also necessary if you’re keeping your gardening budget down. Small plants, cuttings or starting your garden from seeds is not the instant way to garden. Gardeners need to learn to wait -- and then wait some more, especially if you’re aiming for frugal. It can take years to create a garden this way.
4) Terms such as "meek" and "mild" don’t usually describe the frugal gardener. Toss the shy, quiet and unassuming traits out the window and practice being outgoing and assertive. The more you ask for free or reduced prices on items, the easier it gets and getting told “no” just pushes you on to the next possibility.
5) Creativity and an open mind will help the frugal gardener use what IS available rather than having a set shopping list of items that "need" to be purchased.
Ever had one of those days when you just do nothing? Well Friday was one of those days for us. Now granted I did a big load of ironing, cleaned out the fire, brought in logs, and made meals. Otherwise we did nothing all day!!! So I am afraid today's post isn't up to much, just a couple of bits and bobs.
A week or two ago we had a day where everything was covered in hoar frost. As I was walking to the fire pit to take out the ashes, I noticed this spider web covered in it. Never seen anything like it before.......
Did you remember to put your money into your pot yesterday? If not make sure you do today!!
Today's money saving tip:
Invite friends over instead of going out. Almost every activity at home is less expensive than going out. Invite some friends over and have a cookout or a potluck meal, then play some cards and have a few drinks. Everyone will have fun, the cost will be low, and the others will likely reciprocate not long afterwards.
chksnowqueen, thanks for your comments I am glad you like the muffin recipe, you don't have a blog where I can comment........
