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42 Years Ago

May 21st, 2025 at 09:36 pm

Forty two years ago today (May 21), I graduated from college. I was exhausted, but excited. I had worked my tail off and graduated with no school debt. I did without things while in school, looked for ways to save money, and worked a lot. Would I say it was worth it? Definitely yes. I graduated with a teaching degree and although I didn't go into teaching right away, it did become my profession and I went on to get my master's and then hours beyond my master's so I could be at the top of the salary schedule when it was time to retire. A friend from college and I always celebrate our anniversary and talk about where we came from and where we are now. 

Do I believe having my college degree made a difference in my earning? I believe it did. If I planned to  stay in the little city where I grew up, it was one of the better jobs. Our city used to be major blue collar, but so many factories either shuttered or moved away. 

I was thinking today that I also learned a lot out of school. I just came from the garden where  I picked radishes I had planted. It was nice seeing the lettuce coming up, as well are the green onions, green beans, and peas. My Papa taught me about gardening. When we lived in the country, we always had a small garden to supplement. Am I a master gardener? Heck no. But I'm trying things. I have some potatoes planted that have come up from potatoes that started to get eyes and I have two celery ends that I have planted that I hope to get more celery from, in addition to buying seeds and a few plants. 

In addition to this, I've learned a lot reading blogs and forums on this site. Today's lunch was basically using a lot of things we had. I had a couple of potatoes, a sweet potato, a bell pepper, an onion, some mushrooms, and some broccoli as well as some chicken breasts. I roasted them all together to make a decent lunch with olive oil and herbs and spices. The grandson wasn't thrilled, but he's learning sometimes you don't get what you want all the time. It was filling and nutritious and even better there are leftovers for hubby and me! 

Forty two years ago I knew that I didn't know it all. And all these years later, I still don't. I'm still learning. But I'm gratified that my learning has provided a decent living and is helping me continue to save money and live a good life. 

5 Responses to “42 Years Ago”

  1. mumof2 Says:
    1747879867

    wow we roast up a lot of things like that together or do in the slow cooker so we can eat a lot more vegies...we all love it...so much better for you...we have been growing a lot in what pots and small garden we have that is usable (we rent) but I just chuck what ever seeds or end we have left and hope they grow, we currently have spring onions and bell peppers, we had cantaloupe but because it is winter it isnt growing...but we will see what happens...we basically look things up and try them. I just put some apple seeds in the fridge to grow 6 weeks ago (put new one in this week as well) and they sprouted so have them in my seedling tray to see if I can grow them bigger and plant them in pots and then I will be growing our own apple tree from scratch...so excited to see how it all turns out...doin the same with mandarin trees but put them straight into soil...its winter here so a good time to get them started and see what happens...if it doesnt happen no big deal we still bought the apples and ate them...just growing the seeds is a bonus...good luck

  2. PatientSaver Says:
    1747916616

    I planted my veggie garden earlier in May but today we are having an ill-timed nor'easter with a high of just 46, so my squash, tomatoes and cucumbers won't like that. Meanwhile, a chipmunk has taken up residence in one of my raised beds! Not sure how to get rid of him. Maybe try cayenne pepper first.

  3. rob62521 Says:
    1747923803

    Mumof2 -- good plan on using seeds to see if you can get stuff to grow from them and save a few bucks!

    PatientSaver, hope the cayenne pepper works...chipmunks are a pain. They are cute until they are not!

  4. Tabs Says:
    1748163745

    I think it’s a wonderful attitude to still look at the world as an eager learner. I too try my best to maintain such an attitude. May you have at least another 42 years of wonderful life and learning ahead!

  5. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1748478545

    Congrats and thank you for teaching!

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