HOW I"M SAVING MONEY, TIME, ENERGY and MY LIFE

My sister Catherine asked a guestion on her blog about what people were doing to save money for gas and asked them to share their ideas. I thought it was a good question and it made me think about what I do now and what I could do. Maybe the high gas prices will cause us all to rethink how we use or in some cases how we waste our resources. I have always been pretty good about planning my trips to town to be the most efficient time wise. But now I ask myself do I really even need to go to town because going to town means I'm going to go buy something and chances are I don't even need it! To save money and gas don't shop for a hobby! Read a book instead, one you have checked out from the library or borrowed from a friend.

I shop with coupons, coupons for clothes, groceries and restaurants. I am devastated if I have to buy something and don't have a coupon. You don't even have to take the paper to clip coupons-- they are online, just print it. I gave Hobby Lobby my email and they send me one every week. But I caution you, don't buy it just because you have a coupon and don't even go to the store to see if you need something just beacause you have a coupon. You should know if you need it without having to go look and see if you need something!

This year Jim and I planted a garden. Yes, a garden! Not a surprise for Jim but some of you may have trouble envisioning me gardening. Well, actually Jim planted it at my request. We have tomatoes, peppers, squash and strawberries and I planted basil, mint and cilantro. Not only is this a hugh $ savings but you can't even compare the taste and quality. My goal is to eat only whole and natural foods, not processed chemicals. Initially this will be more expensive but our health is priceless and in the long term I believe it will pay off. I am even slowly introducing my friends to this concept. Why have friends over for dinner and feed them things you would not eat otherwise. So far they still come when invited.

More later.

There is free stuff everywhere. On Tuesdays Grace and I are going to Storytime at the library and will either eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the park or on the patio (instead of Chick-fil-a.) We are also going to rride our bikes on the Greenways Trail. not only is this all free but it encourages exercise and outdoor activities.

FLOWERS

I don't know if it was despite all the rain or because of it but this year our yard and flowers were the prettiest I think they have ever been. This is only the second year for this rose. It is hard to believe but we have not had the watering system on yet this year.

Grace Grows Up

Grace graduated from Pre-K with in May with excellent remarks from her teacher. She is spelling, writing and recognizes numbers and letters. This summer we are working on spelling and reading. We just started reading The Secret Garden.

She was in a play at school, the only child chosen from her class and was Clara Schumann on History Day and told about Clara's life and music. I made her costume and then donated it to her school. Her dance recital on a Friday was followed by her violin recital on Monday. So Jim and I had a weekend of culture. In dance she takes tap, ballet and hip hop. She has the moves and the rhythm and hip hop is her thing. She and all the other violin students really surprised us, they were all very good for their level. I think it is great tht children have so many opportunites to explore and learn so many things but I do worry that all these activities don't leave alot of time to just be a kid and do kid things. On the days that she is with us we try to relax and play.

PLAYING CATCH UP

I can't believe it's been a month since I've shared anything about my incredibly exciting life! And I know you are just dying to know what I've been up to so here's the last month in the condensed version.

Ruth Sonnenberg and I went to a great antique show to benefit the symphony and saw lots of pretty things. The dealers were from 4 states and my favorite dealer was there. She specializes in high quality vintage jewelry, compacts and lucite handbags from the 50's. Despite her fabulous selection I limited myself to one compact.

My sewing machine has gotten a nice little workout and I love the new hat I made. My Paris friend and hat designer, Kate sent me several of her patterns and I made this for summer (assuming it ever comes.) It is raffia straw material on one side and reverses to a Thai silk from my shrinking fabric stash.

Speaking of workout, I started back to Pilates twice a week and am either riding my bike or walking 2-3 times a week. I feel so much better, mentally and physically. It takes so little time to get out of shape. Count your blessing I'm not posting any pictures of me in spandex.

Now calm yourselves and prepare for this next bit of news. My friend Tammy and I went to St. Louis for the weekend to see Clinton. I got an autograph and a picture with him. NO! Not that Clinton! Clinton Kelly of What Not To Wear fame. He's so cute!

And this past weekend we went to Branson for three nights with our RV club. It was great to see so many friends that we have not seen since last fall. On Sat I drove back to Springfield and picked Grace up so she could spend the night with us in the RV. We went to the Butterfly Palace, The Landing and of course did a bit of shopping. We came home on Sunday and Jim went to the farm to turkey hunt and I chilled out with fashion magazines and HGTV. Life is good!

EASTER SUNDAY AND HE IS RISEN

WHAT DO MY TEXAS FRIENDS DO ON SUNDAY?

Well, like the rest of us they get up and go to church, rush to the restaurant and then head home for a little nap. BUT THEN, at 5pm they are very different! They change into their boots, wranglers and 5lb belt buckles and head to The Cotton Club in Granger, TX for a little two-steppin' at their favorite honky tonk! I kid you not, they really do. And I have pictures to prove it. Most people wait until Friday night to hit the hony tonk but not the Harrisons and the Stuarts they like to start their week off right.

OH! I FOFGOT TO MENTION THE HATS!

KATE, KATE, KATE!

Oh! how I wish you had been with me when I stumbled onto this oh so cute tea room in Salado, TX. I immediately thought about you when I saw it. It is decorated in black and white with vintage hats on every table and LBD's and more hats on the wall. I have no idea what the food is like, we didn't eat there, just ooohed and aaahed and took pictures. Thanks to you I now carry my camera everywhere. I fear one day I may get arrested for taking pictures in a resticted area.