Saving money in 2011

Well it looks as though 2011 will be another expensive year money wise, with our continued renovations and the wedding, so I need to save money where ever I can.

I am doing the Daily Savings Pot again, I talk about it in detail in this post  I have actually been doing it for the past month or so, as I already have $46 in my box.

I of course still put $20 away each week for both Christmas and Birthday's.  The Christmas pot is a bit bare, but the Birthday pot is looking reasonably healthy.  I have now started to put money away each week to help out with wedding expenses.  It was for a holiday this year, but we'll use it for the wedding instead.

I want to be more organized with meal planning this year, and one thing I need to do is an inventory of what is in the freezers and the pantry.  That is something that is long overdue, and I am sure there is "stuff" languishing in the bottom or back of the freezers that do need using up.

I want to have more "no spend" days each week, and due to the high price of gas I want to have more stay at home days.  So far this year, I have had two no spend days and one spend day.  I need to put an icon on the side of my blog detailing that.

I will continue drying the clothes overnight on the clothes horse, until it warms up enough so that I can hang the laundry out again.  Most people can do that, just do laundry before you go to bed and hang it up to dry on a clothes horse/drying rack and by morning it should be more or less dry, especially if you have an open fire and heating vents in the house.  Hydro/electricity is so expensive for us now, that its cheaper for me to hang everything to dry.

It's our expensive time of year for heating oil.  We will go through a tank of oil every month now for the next couple of months.  I know we got our tank filled on December 17th, and we have used half a tank of oil these past two weeks, so will have to call the company to come by and fill up again next week.  Hopefully by the end of March that will slow down.  We still have plenty of wood to burn so that is good, and this year we are going to make more of an effort to clear up dead wood and branches off the property so we can burn that next winter, and maybe save on buying so much wood.

I would love to hear how you all are saving money?

By the way cashed in another 450 Swagbucks for another $5 Amazon e-card, I last cashed in on December 28th, so it took me 6 days to get 450 swagbucks.  Trying to make $20 a month in Amazon e-cards, such a simple way of getting money for nothing.

Wasn't sure what I was going to talk about again today, it's funny when you start writing one thing leads to another.....

Happy New Year to you all........

So here we are in 2011, wonder what sort of year it will be for us all.

I know for someone in Canada it will be a marvellous start to the year as someone has won 50 million dollars in the Loto Max............will add it wasn't us, which sucks.........mind you what you have never had you never miss, right?

It's a funny old start to 2011 for us as it's pouring down and very mild?  Will say the good thing about that is it should wash away all or most of the snow, so we will have a fresh clean start before the next snowfall.

We had a rip roaring exciting New Years Eve, nothing was on TV, so we were in bed by 9pm.  Molly had me up by 6am, so all in all just like any regular day.  As I pointed out to someone, what difference does it really make to seeing the New Year in at midnight, as seeing it in when you wake up at 6am?  Must be getting old I think.

I know 2011 will be a busy year for us, as dd plans on getting married in the Fall..........should have the exact date in a few days, as she is in the process of choosing a venue.  Then of course back at renovation central we have a few jobs that need completing.  We are hoping by the end of Spring that the attic will be finally completed.  We have the mud room to totally strip down and start afresh, plus a hundred and one other jobs to do.

I want to tackle the outside again and "baby" the raspberries, so they grow enough to make around 100 250ml (1/2 pint, 1 cup) pots of jam.  Last year was a poor crop, but am hoping for more this year.

Then of course I have to lose some weight.  I still can't exercise mind you as my back is still sore, but I am hoping within the week I should be able to start again with the Wii.

I am going to review more books, got 4 to do for the month of January when they come.  Great way of me getting to read new books for free and then donating them to my local library. 

Back to doing my Daily Savings challenge,  read about it here, and if you want me to explain further just let me know.  I am continuing with Swagbucks and am saving up for something specific, can't say what at the moment, as it's a gift for someone.  Will be trying to save as much money as possible for this wedding, as like many of you out there we are not rolling in money, so all these little things I am doing help.

All in all 2011 is going to be both an exciting  and a challenging year I can see.

Oh, almost forgot, one of my hopes for 2011 is that I don't spend half of my life at the Dentist's office!!!  I don't want to have another year like last year (touching wood....my head!!)

I saw this over at Jake's blog and thought it was appropriate:

"May your troubles be less
and your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
come through your door."

-Irish Blessing

Column and other odds and ends.........

Here is this week's column for the Eden Valley Messenger.  I talk about the changeable weather this week.  Also Karen the editor of the Eden Valley Messenger has started her own blog, check it out here.  Say hello to her and wish her luck, she is a busy girl!!

I took some photos on Monday.  Nothing special just odds and ends.  This is a view north west of our house.

No one is home in these bird houses yet?

My lilac bush, it must be nearly a month ahead of last year.

I sorted out the "issue" with the church ladies, and have got them doing a section, in which they will do menu plans for specific church events/dates.  I spoke to the "ring leader" and asked if she could organize it, as I am not familiar with church holidays and what people in Canada would eat on those days.  Also I have enough on my plate with the rest of the cookbook.  I also advised her to make sure she got helpers to help her out with this, otherwise she would end up having to do it all herself.

So she is all happy with all this!  I also explained why I had deadlines to meet, so that too went down well, and hopefully she'll now get why I want things done for certain times.  So we'll see how things go from here.  Meanwhile I will carry on inputting the recipes and getting on with my side of things.........

Catholic Health Insurance...

A man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery...


He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at a Catholic Hospital.


As he was recovering, a nun asked him questions regarding how he was going to pay for his treatment.


She asked if he had health insurance.


He replied, in a raspy voice, 'No health insurance.'


The nun asked if he had any money in the bank.


He replied. 'No money in the bank.'


The nun asked, 'Do you have a relative who could help you?'


He said, 'I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun..'


The nun became agitated and announced loudly, 'Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.'


The patient replied, 'Send the bill to my Brother-in-Law.'

Earth Day/Money Saving Tips:

Unplug when you can.

It's one of the easiest things to do: unplug.

Standby (or phantom) power, may be haunting your house -- and costing you more money on energy bills than you bargained for. Standby power eats up electricity on common appliances throughout your home while they're not even on. Seem unfair? Phantom power in the United States is responsible for 5 percent of the total energy used and $3 billion in actual dollars wasted, according to the Department of Energy.

Unplugging even the appliances you rarely use, like refrigerators in the basement, could save you about $10 every month on your utility bill.
Using power strips to switch off televisions, home theaters and stereos when they're not in use could save the equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running non-stop, according to the NRDC.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Spring lambs, and other stuff........

Coming from the "fells" in the Eden Valley one thing we saw a lot of were sheep.  It's something we don't see very often here in Southern Ontario.  However on one of the backs roads to one of the nearest cities we pass a sheep farm, and frolicking in the sun on Sunday afternoon were all these sheep with their lambs.  Dh stopped to let me take a couple of photos.

LizBeth was asking yesterday how the church cookbook was coming along.  Up until the end of the Church service on Sunday I would have said slowly but surely.  I picked up a number of recipes from the church, so will get them input into the system this week.

However the **it hit the fan at the end of the service as I was leaving.  Two ladies from the Advisory Committee aproached me and asked me how I was sorting the recipes.  I told them I had them them divided into catagories, and explained what and told them they were custom dividers and I couldn't change them.  I asked what they had in mind and they wanted me to sort out the recipes by "religious season."  For example, Easter, Lent, Advent etc.

As I explained to them, if I were to do what they wanted, it would mean starting afresh and re-inputting everything again; and did they realize how much work that was?  One of the ladies said that as I was doing it by computer it wouldn't be that hard???  So I basically said no that's not going to happen it's staying as is.

They were not suited at all, and I noticed they hung around to the end to talk to the Reverend!  So no doubt I am in the dog house.  I was close to tears when I got home, as I really don't think they realise how much work goes into this, as a lot of the people are not writing down full recipes, or methods.  I end up having to call them, all which takes even more time; as although you know I bake and cook a lot I am not familiar with every recipe out there. 

So although I enjoyed the service, I left church feeling pretty disheartened.  However, onwards and upwards I will go with this project.

I know I haven't mentioned this in a long time, but we caught a mouse in the old basement yesterday?  Which I thought was pretty unusual, as it's been a while since we have caught any.

Did you remember to put money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Another Earth Day/Money Saving idea:

Food: Eating less meat and dairy is good for your health, your budget, and the planet (raising livestock is responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gases). Cutting back even a little bit helps. Some ideas to get you started: Limit the amount of meat on your plate and fill up with grains and veggies, avoid meat for one meal each day, or make one day a week meatless.

Spoke too soon and those silly squirrels.........

Woke up on Saturday to it snowing, I was not impressed!  It continued to snow on and off all day.  Granted it didn't amount to anything, but I was in my shorts and t-shirt earlier on in the week.  Very, very strange weather we are having!

I admit to putting out the bird seed, as much to attract the squirrels as the birds, as Molly loves to watch them both.  However, it's the squirrels that she loves the most.  I have discovered they love the sunflower seeds the best and take the skin off them and eat the seed inside.  They also seem to know that Molly can't get them when she is inside the house looking at them!

However it seems though that only one squirrel is allowed on the table at a time to feed.

So the other squirrel has to sit in the tree and try and eat from this birdfeeder!!

We managed to get to the dump on Saturday and dispose of more building material from the closets.  Only cost us $8 so we were all happy about that. 

It's Earth Day on April 22nd, so here is something you can do:

Leave your car at home. If you can stay off the road just two days a week, you'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year [Source: EPA]. Combine your errands -- hit the post office, grocery store and shoe repair place in one trip. It will save you gas and time.

Are you still putting money in your Daily Savings Pot?  I hope so!

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Using old towels and T-shirts instead of disposable wipes and paper towels will cut down on waste and save you money. Plus, cloth is softer, so it's better for cleaning delicate items.

Parents can be so cruel and a recipe....

Here is my column for this week in the Orangeville Banner, I talk about me being a "NIMFY," not a "NIMBY!"

I got this in my inbox on Thursday. You named your baby what?


This is a list of the worst baby names given to actual kids living in the United States:

• •Uranus Stukey
  
  
  •Ghoul Nipple
  
  
  •Acne Fountain
  
  
  •Lust T. Castle
  
  
  •Mary A. Jerk
  
  
  •Ima Whore
  
  
  •Mutton Bucker
  
  
  •Hugh Jass
  
  
  •Fanny Whiffer
  
  
  •Tackle Feigenbutz
  
  
  •Envy Burger
  
  
  •Bum Snoddy
  
  
  •Mule E. McCart
  
  
  •Lard Mooney
  
  
  •Good Hell
  
  
  •Emma Royd
  
  
  •Noble Butt
  
  
  •Naught E. Bishop
  
  
  •Stud Duck

I'm sorry but that is just plain cruel calling your child one of those names, don't you think?
 
So I had some rhubarb in the freezer and some sour cream in the fridge that needed using up.  I googled for a recipe and came up with:
 
Sour Cream Rhubarb Squares
 
Ingredients:
 
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts OR oatmeal
1 tbsp. butter
 
Rub all those ingredients together and put aside, that's the topping.
 
1/2 cup vegetable shortening, like Crisco (for the British and others, its like lard but vegetable based, not animal based)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda (bicarb)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped.
 
Mix the shortening and brown sugar in a mixer until well beaten and light.  Add the egg and vanilla, mix well.  Sieve, flour, baking soda and salt.  Add a little bit of flour mix in, then add some sour cream, then flour etc.  Fold in the rhubarb.
 
Place in a greased and lined 9" x 13" baking pan, and then sprinkle on the topping mix.
 
Bake in a preheated 350oF oven for 50 minutes or until done.
 
I have to say this is not how the recipe read when I downloaded it.  The instructions were terrible and it didn't break down what to do when.  Thank goodness I bake!!  Mind you I am getting good at deciphering recipes through inputting the recipes for the church recipe book.  Luckily I had the foresight to ask everyone to put their name and telephone number on the recipes, as I have had to ask questions on some of them!!
 
I doubled the recipe with no problems and made it with my Kitchen Aid mixer.  So there is one for us and one for the neighbour!!
 
 

This is the neighbours one!!  So fingers crossed he likes it!

So in the interest of all the people who read my blog, I cut myself a piece to try it!

I am pleased to report that it is very good and nice and moist!  Gosh the things I do for you guys!  Oh and the neighbour's liked it as well!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot?  We are half way through the month already!!

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Mulch. Collect pine cones when ever you see them lying around and either use them as they are or I like to break them up into smaller pieces, which gives a similar look to bark chippings.

Oh Molly - Part II

Molly normally sleeps in our bedroom on a large comforter/duvet I have on the floor for her.  However these past two weeks or so, she has stayed downstairs all night and slept on the sofa, which is obviously more comfortable for her!!


Personally I have no problem with this, as it's one less person in our bedroom that snores!!  On Sunday night/Monday morning, at 1:30am we were awoken from our sleep by Molly barking like a crazy dog.  So I trot downstairs and what ever had wandered through the property had obviously gone, as I couldn't see it, but Molly was bouncing around the family room, like a dog on drugs!!


So I yelled at her, and "ushered" upstairs into our bedroom for the rest of the night.  There just isn't words to describe being woken up from a deep sleep by a barking dog, well no words that I can write here anyway!


So what is interesting Molly do you think?

Yep, it's a squirrel sunning itself on the log pile.  They have got a nest in there somewhere, and I am sure they take great delight in tormenting Molly by just sitting there, knowing full well she can't get off the deck!

Then to confuse the situation, another squirrel appeared in the tree.

Both squirrels were chatting back and forward, probably making fun of Molly!!

Ended up with a blister on Monday!! We have a huge willow tree at the edge of the driveway that "sheds" twigs all through the winter.  So I spent an hour raking them up and carting them to the firepit and that's how I ended up with a blister on my hands!!  I got around 3/4 done, so I'll finish it off today.

Dh made a start on another project on Monday.  Where the old stairs were in the attic, we are going to make a linen closet, and we are also going to re-do the closet in the spare bedroom.  So this means removing plaster and lathe in the linen closet and pulling down drywall in the spare bedroom closet.  So another messy job, but it will be well worth it when we get it done.

The attic is on hold until the guys come back to finish off the corners in May.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot?

Today's money saving tip:

If you do need to purchase some plants, be sure to buy the kinds that will pay dividends. Buy perennial plants which need dividing every 3 - 5 years.

You can also start your own cuttings from woody stemmed type shrubs. Flowers like dahlias & calla lilies come from tubers that need to be divided regularly, too. Over just a few years, an initial investment in these types of plants will yield a very full garden.

Gardening, and other stuff!

I spent a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon tidying up the flower beds.  I still have another couple hours worth of sorting out to do in them.  I am figuring the flower beds are a three year project at this point.  Last year was spent trying to clean them out.  Which I more or less achieved; other than the flower bed to the left of the photo.  That one is still an overgrown mess; although I did manage to get at least one third of it cleaned out on Saturday. 


So this year I am going to carry on cleaning them out and adding the odd plant here and there, and hopefully by next year I can continue with the planting and just general maintenance; then after that it should be general maintenance.

Also what does this mean:

Yep these are my tools for cutting the grass, my i-pod and the keys to the lawn tractor.  Had a run down the field Saturday evening to see how the tractor was running, and its running fine.  Will have to cut the field later on this week I think.

Did you remember to put your money in the Daily Savings Club today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Don't waste money on gyms or sports, just get into the garden and start digging! It's great exercise and it costs nothing at all!

A chuckle for a Saturday............

Love those Church Ladies.. They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:



--------------------------


The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.


--------------------------


The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'


--------------------------


Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.


--------------------------


Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.


--------------------------


Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.


--------------------------


Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.


--------------------------


For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.


--------------------------


Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.


--------------------------


Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.


--------------------------


A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.


--------------------------


At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice


--------------------------


Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.


--------------------------


Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.


--------------------------


Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.


--------------------------


The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.


--------------------------


Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.


--------------------------


The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.


--------------------------


This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.


--------------------------


Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.


--------------------------


The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.


--------------------------


Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.


-------------------------


The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM.. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.


--------------------------


Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.


--------------------------


The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:


"I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours".

Want to thank my step-mum for emailing me those, thought they were funny.

Did you remember to put money into your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Use an old sheet or spend $1.00 for one at a thrift store to use as a drop cloth. Sheets are heavier than the plastic drop cloths at the store and will last for many rooms of painting. Hang over a clothesline or fence to dry before folding and storing.

Lots of before and after photos of the attic.......

My column for the Orangeville Banner is up and running for the week.  Hopefuly you'll have time to have a read?

As I am sitting here on Thursday evening writing this post, not sure which part of my body aches the most.  I spent the day cleaning up the attic, of all the drywall dust, and what garbage they left.  Then I primed all the ceiling and the walls. 

There is still an awful long way to go before it is finished, but we are getting there slowly but surely.

The first four photos, are of the attic when we were stripping it off the plaster and lathe.

This shows the attic stripped, and the two black pipes where we put in vents to the outside for the two bathroom fans.  It also shows the skylight we put in, to the left of the photo.

Here we have put the hole in the floor ready for the new stairs.

Showing where the skylight was put in.

Here we are with the whole place drywalled and it primed.

As I said before we have a ways to go but what a difference.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Store your rollers and brushes in a plastic grocery sack between paintings. You don’t have to clean them after each use if you keep them from drying out. Refrigerate overnight or freeze them if you are going to not be painting for several days or weeks. I wrap mine in plastic wrap and it works better in my opinion

Thursday's post.......

This is one of those posts that I don't know what it's going to be about, as I don't actually have any ideas about what I am going to write about.

Wednesday was a pretty quiet day.  My dad and step-mum came up mid morning until mid afternoon.  Dad was a trooper and rototilled a lot of my veggie garden.  I planted a few more of my seeds in egg cartons. 

I will be planting out my radishes starting next week.  The weather is still iffy and the potential for frost is still high, but we think the radishes will be fine.  Do you remember a while back, I brought up my geraniums from the basement.  This is how they are looking now; some are growing some are not.  Some of the plants I have had for 5+ years, so I have done well to keep them alive this long.

I am pleased to see things are growing in the garden and I will have photos in the days to come.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's money saving tip:

Buy separates that coordinate. You can make numerous combinations with a few well matched items. For women, jackets, slacks, skirts and blouses can be mixed and matched to create many different outfits. Plus you can change the look of these outfits with accessories such as jewelry or scarves. Men's clothing offers a wide variety of separates that can be coordinated: blazers, slacks, shirts and ties can all be interchanged to create a versatile wardrobe with a minimum of expense.

A couple of things......

This week's column for the Eden Valley Messenger is up and running here  I just want to thank Tracey for the graphic.  I bet we have all felt like that graphic some days!!

I stumbled across this blog via Sandra's Blog and what a story, these guys run the Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary  If you have a moment pop by and take a read, and vote for them so they can win money for their sanctuary.

Thanks for all your support yesterday, and unless they ask for it, no one's getting any money from me!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

11 Money Saving Tips That Will Extend The Life Of Your Refrigerator/Freezer




1. Locate refrigerators away from heat sources like your range, a radiator, or a sunny window. To prevent overheating and system failure, do not locate the refrigerator near anything that can restrict the airflow to the motor, coils and compressor. Also, do not place refrigerators on top of carpeting because most condensers are located under the refrigerator and carpeting retains heat and restricts airflow.


2. To avoid burning out the compressor, always plug the refrigerator directly into the wall. If you absolutely need to run an extension cord, make sure a heavy duty, 3-pronged extensions cord. If unsure, consult the manufacturer specifications in the user guide.


3. Never run frost-free refrigerators with freezer compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below 60 degrees F unless they are specially designed for such conditions. When the air temperature goes below 60 F, the compressor runs less, keeping temperatures in the refrigerator compartment cold enough for fresh food but not cold enough in the freezer compartment to keep food quality there. At air temperatures below 40 F, the compressor stops running, so the freezer compartment rises to air temperature and food thaws and spoils. Also below 32 F, water melted during the automatic defrost cycle may freeze again and block air passages.
4. When leaving for an extended time like a vacation or other long trip discard perishable food, turn off the ice maker and leave the refrigerator on.
5. Do not over fill the refrigerator because cold air can't circulate freely to regulate the temperature food.


6. To prevent odors and food quality; cover or wrap all exposed foods. Clean up spills and remove spoiled food immediately


7. Clean the refrigerator/freezer regularly by taking out all food and removable interior parts. Wash with a mild house hold detergent or baking soda and rinse with warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. Take out removable glass shelves and plastic and repeat the procedure. Be careful not put cold glass or plastic in hot water; they may crack. Clean the door gasket with detergent solution; rinse and dry. Do not use abrasives.


8. Clean condenser coils regularly by gently brushing off buildup that may cause overheating.


9. Regularly clean the seals in order to maintain proper temperature control and system efficiency.


10. Sweep or vacuum dust and other debris under and around your refrigerator to promote good airflow and temperature.


11. Always ship refrigerators upright. Placing the refrigerator on the side may cause a Freon leak that will prevent cooling. Placing refrigerator on its back will damage the condenser coils. Also, this can cause the compressor to fail if restarted before allowing the oil ample time to drain out of the lines and the compressor back into the oil chamber.

All came from this source

Should I feel guilty?

As you know we got the attic drywalled, taped and sanded; plus we got our bedroom ceiling repaired.  Anyhow they worked 9am until 4pm, Tuesday through Thursday, three guys.  On the Friday it was 9am until 2pm, 2 guys and then on the following Tuesday it was 9am until 11:30am, two guys.

One of the jobs was to drywall the corner of the hip walls, which they haven't done yet.  After chasing them about this, I finally got an answer from them saying they will do that job when they come to do the basement.  Then when we had a look at the attic, they have missed sanding some of it, and there is a ridge, which is noticeable even in the daylight.  So no doubt when I paint it, it will stand out like a sore thumb.

So I called the boss and he finally came around on Monday and had a look at the attic.  As he was looking at it, he said words to the effect that he hasn't made a cent on this job, infact he's lost money.  Again he will get them to fix the problem when they come back for the basement.

I haven't paid for this job yet, and don't think I should until it's completed..........although I did suggest to dh that maybe I should pay 75% and keep the 25% back until the job is completed.  Also it's not my fault they took as long as they did to complete it; thank goodness they quoted us on this job and the basement.

Should I be feeling guilty about them not making any money, and should I pay for the drywalling?  I haven't received a bill yet.

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

It’s only a drip, right? Wrong. One drip per second can add up to 200 gallons per month. So fixing that leaky faucet is definitely worth it, especially if it’s hot water.

Double trouble.......

I was sitting at the computer and was distrubed by such a noise; it was these two squirrels talking to one another.

This one wasn't happy that the other one had appeared.

This one wanted to join in eating the bird seed.

Molly was totally and utterly transfixed by them both.

Finally the one on the fence left, and peace reigned once again, with the squirrel eating all the bird seed and Molly watching it!

The other day we had six turkeys wander through the front garden on their way to roost for the night in the woods.  You will only see five in the photo, as one hen bird was just out of the shot.  There were five hen birds and one male.

(click on the photo to enlarge it)

He must be a busy boy and a bird with tons of patience, having to keep five females happy!!!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Saving's Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Grass clippings contain 80 to 85 percent water and decompose quickly when left on the lawn. The clippings also help keep moisture in the soil longer, reducing the need for frequent watering (saving both water and money)


Up to 25 percent of a lawn's total fertilizer needs can be met if grass cuttings are left on the lawn. The clippings slowly release essential nutrients—nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and minor elements — slowly so the lawn is continuously being fertilized. Well-fertilized lawns need less water.

Average lawn mowing time can be reduced by 30 percent when grass cuttings are not bagged.

A birthday, an award, and other stuff

It's our first borns' birthday today.  Ds is 26 today.  He was born around 1:30am British time after me only being in labour a "few" hours and me being moved from one hospital to another one 30 minutes away, as the doctor didn't want to stay up all night waiting for me.  Oh and I also slept for ages in between as the pethidine sent me to sleep.

I only ended up going to the hospital in the first place as I developed a "slow leak" in my waters.  I remembered waddling into the hospital with a hand towel stuck in my underwear as nothing else would work.  No idea why these strange things happen to me???  Ds was was due on the 12th and arrived on the 4th, although it was a toss up as to whether he would arrive on the 3rd, which is my cousins birthday.

I do remember that the delivery rooms and the maternity ward being chock a block full.  I also remember being woken up in the middle of the night by the nurse asking if I was breast or bottle feeding, and me asking if ds wanted to be fed, and her telling me no, they just wanted to know???

Oh, and I nearly forgot, I had shingles, so there was a bit of confusion as to whether I could breast feed or not.  I could it turned out.  All in all a very straight forward pregnancy and delivery!!

I got this award from Tracey, thank you Tracey.

Now I have to tell you 7 things about me...trouble is I think you all know everything!

1. I won't watch scary shows or movies as they give me nightmares.

2. I hate raisins, currents and sultanas, and happened to marry someone who also hates them, very convenient if you ask me, and now the kids won't eat them either.

3. I am as sick as a dog when I fly, I am not afraid of flying, it just doesn't agree with my system.

4. I will not touch dark chocolate as I get terrible headaches with it.  All other chocolate I will eat!!

5. I was actually on the school field hockey and netball teams and wore the school sashes.......

6. I tried out to become a police officer, didn't get in though.

7. I don't drink alcohol.........I used to, I find all it does for me is make me sleepy.

Did you remember to put your money in your daily savings pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Say NO to those asking for money. Aren't you just about tired of seemingly everyone asking for your money? You don't ask for money, so why should others?

Not only is this one of the money saving ideas because you hang onto your money, but it will also help you keep from getting "taken" by the con artists that abound. Here is a quick list of tips:

Get on the "no call" lists.

Ask phone solicitors to take you off their call list.

Hang up on pushy solicitors.

Offer to perform a service for the organization instead of giving money. They won't accept your offer, and that will end the call.

Request a number where you can call back, then never call back.

If you're going to cave in, them tell them to call you back later. When they call back, have the courage to give them the "cold shoulder."

Speak gibberish or another language during the entire phone call.

Ask them to hold on for a moment, then go out and cut the grass or fix yourself a meal.

It's your money, so just say no to others that think it will change hands simply based on a request. You have your own hard financial battles to fight, and you don't need others taking away your ammunition.

Like many other things in life, one of the great money saving ideas is simply to say NO.

It's my own fault, I kissed him!

So now I am sick........Dh is sick and has been all week.  I had a rough night on Wednesday night and woke up on Thursday feeling icky.  So somewhere along the way I must have given dh a hug and a kiss, as he's the only one who I know that is sick?

I had a mammogram on Thursday morning.  It was in a smaller hospital closer to where we live and what a difference.  My appointment was 9:15am, and I was out of the hospital by 9:05am!!!!  The appointment before me was late, and so as I was there, they let me in first.  It was only a regular checkup nothing exciting, infact it actually didn't hurt as much as it normally does.  Mind you as I have a sore right shoulder, that side hurt more than the other side did.  Still it's over with for another couple of years.

For those of you who have never been for a mammogram here are a few tips:
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Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there ïs no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam, and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared. And you can do this right in your own home!
Exercise 1
Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds (while you hold your breath). Repeat again, in case the first time wasn't effective enough.


Exercise 2
Visit your garage at 3 am when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.


Exercise 3


Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next week and do it again!!


CONGRATULATIONS! Now you have nothing at all to worry about when you go for your mammogram!

Did you remember to put your money in your Daily Savings Pot today?

Today's Money Saving Tip:

Drive your car longer. The buy new versus used debate often overlooks the most important factor–how long you own your car. Drive it as long as you safely can for substantial savings.

I have just posted another column on the Orangeville Banner, called "LEAD FEET" hope you have time to take a peek.