Frugal Foodie

As I catch up on my reading, Time had a story about what people think about the "American dream." It asked if people think it is attainable for today's youth, or has it become impossible?

How thought provoking! I've been talking about this with a lot of people and it is interesting to listen to their comments. Some people say they feel it is not attainable like it has been in the past because the economy is hindering the upward movement.

Yet others say it is still in one's reach, but people have to be willing to work hard and look for ways to reach it.

I'm going to agree with the latter. The reason I believe this is I think people can still move up and better themselves. I think it can be difficult and challenging. However, I also think people need to prioritize what their dream might be. Plus, they need to work for it, not figure it will be handed to them.

For example, I have a friend who works two jobs. Neither job is super high paying, but could be adequate. She still runs out of money. She rents, drives a beater, and complains about her situation. I have encouraged her to budget, open up a savings account, and not rely on credit cards. A few years ago she wanted to buy a house and went to the bank to be pre-approved. When she told me how much she was pre-approved for, I told her not to spend that much because it would keep her from having any disposable income. She looked at houses and since they weren't what she wanted, she never bought one. A friend of mine had a stroke and her daughters sold her house -- very reasonable and far less than what my friend had been pre-approved for. But, since it wasn't "perfect" she didn't want it.

Another friend of mine works one full time job. It's not anything that is going to make her rich -- in fact she makes less than the aforementioned friend. But, she owns her home, bought a used car where she can afford the payments, and saves up for things. When she bought her house, she bought it at a reasonable price and fixed up what she needed to fix up to move in and has been working on it since. She will probably never be wealthy, but she feels she has done very well and is satisified with her life.

I think in a lot of cases, the person needs to figure out what their dream is and then work towards it. Yet, I think it is that four letter word that is hindering many: work. There are those who feel "entitled" to a fancy house, big car, and large salary.

If watching some of the house hunting shows are any indication, many people are not willing to buy a house and fix it up -- they want a house with all the bells and whistles like what their parents have, the parents who have worked over 40 years to achieve what they want.

I think today's economy reflects this mindset. Another friend laughs at me when I tell them we have a regular savings, a Christmas club, a vacation savings, and then another account that we put money in for whatever thing we are saving for, be it a fridge, dishwasher, or now, a new furnace. I guess immediate gratification brought about by credit cards has made saving and anticpating a thing of the past for many.

So, I wonder what others think. Is the American dream attainable, or is the youth of tomorrow doomed?

Can you believe Thanksgiving is a week away? Where in the world has this year gone?

We are looking forward to the day of feasting, but I'm also looking forward to a day of rest. It's been a wild beginning of the year and things haven't stopped at work. Right now my schools are working on school improvement plans -- documents that are required by the state stating what we need to work on.

I have a lot to be grateful for...I have a wonderful husband, a terrific home, a good job, and delightful friends. I live in a world where I can choose what to eat and what to wear. My brother and I have been working on a relationship -- we didn't have anything to do with each other for many years because of our mother.

As you head into the American holiday, pause and think about the good things in your life. We all have bad and good, but for this moment, try to think about something good. It won't make your pocketbook fuller, but it might make your heart happier!

Let me preface this with, I didn't write it. Wish I had, but I liked the ideas of supporting the local economy.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
Benjamin Franklin

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into
high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply
produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of
American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of
genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse
that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by
American hands. Oh.... Yes there is! It is time to think outside the
box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in
Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift
certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about
some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American
owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift
certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking
down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that
grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed
for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local
golf course.

There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what
about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about
supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the
line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services
of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people
spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and
pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and
leave your server a nice tip.

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown
theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local
bands.

Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand
Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of
light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy
or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so
that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about
caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses
to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about
other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come
back to us in ways we could not imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!


Please pass this around we can make a difference, can't we ?

I'm a little behind in my reading, but I did have a chance to read an article in "Time" yesterday morning. It had a story about how a grocery chain was conducting research on how people shop.

I know this isn't anything new, by any means, but the examples the story gave was interesting.

Apparently there were cameras in real stores and they were observing how people shopped with certain variables. The first was counting how long people stayed in an area and if they rushed through it, it meant they spent less. So, the powers that be changed the flooring so the carts would make a clickity clack noise and people slowed down. When they slowed down, they stayed longer in that area and therefore, bought more.

Another instance was how signs were written for "sales." If the dollar sign was put on a sign, people appeared to buy less than if they left the dollar sign off. Apparently the dollar sign on a poster made people think they are spending more.

The other instance was writing a limit on a sign. The price was the same for the items, but when there was a limit, people tended to buy more.

All very interesting. And a little bit scary if you think about it.

I wonder if the cart with the crazy wheel also has a purpose!

One of the "joys" of being a homeowner means replacing or repairing things when they break or wear out.

Earlier this fall we had to replace our 13 year old water heater.

We figure we better start a furnace fund. The furnace was here when we bought the house -- it is over 14 years old and knowing the previous owners who replaced it, it probably wasn't top of the line. We have it checked every year and I replace the filters each month. It had quite a workout last summer with the extreme heat and so I we are hoping it will last through the winter.

So, I've been looking for ways to contribute to this savings. I found a broken gold chain and dh took it in today we received $24 for it. Not too bad for something that was sitting in the drawer.

I had to drive some for work last month and received a mileage check...it's going in the fund too.

I think I'm going to ask the credit card for a check for our cashback bonus and put that in. Plus, I'm trying to put a set amount in each month.

Now, if the furnace will be good and not break before we can afford a new one!

OK, the title is misleading, we don't have any pumpkins...but here in Central Illinois, I think we will get a frost tomorrow night. We've come close a few times in the past two weeks, but with the rain we've had and the sudden temperature drop, I think our garden will succumb!

Last week on Halloween we were chuckling that usually by this time dh has removed the garden because it has frosted...I said wouldn't it be something if we still had tomatoes and bell peppers on Thanksgiving. Looks like we are coming close. We aren't getting a bumper crop of anything, but we are continuing to use what we get. I will miss the herbs too. We have them in large pots on the sidewalk and we don't have any place to store them during the winter. I have frozen some of them, but although they are OK that way, they aren't the same as fresh ones.

Well, I guess if there's frost on the pumpkins or tomatoes or herbs, I will be grateful I have a warm house to be in!

A gal I work with recently was demoted. Not only has her job drastically changed, her salary went down almost half. This was not a sign of the economic times, but apparently, from the rumors, a result of some poor decisions made professionally.

She is now working on a regular teacher's salary and complains nonstop about paying union dues, and how hard it is to make it on this salary.

The other day she was asking me how come I don't complain about the salary. I told her because I feel like I'm getting paid a fair amount and that I feel blessed to have a job.

She said it must because I don't have kids. I told her I don't think that was it at all, but that I have a different set of priorities than she does.

This gal has always had to purchase name brand everything. She has to have the expensive purses like Coach. And one is not enough. She has to have a different one for each outfit.

She has jewelry and we aren't talking about the reasonable stuff.

And her clothes have all been top of the line, name brand items. Each week it was a pursuit to buy the latest and greatest.

I know she has looked down her nose at my shoes (which are not only reasonable, but comfortable), to my clothes, and especially my purses. OK, I'll admit it, I buy cheap purses. I have two criteria -- they have to have a comfortable shoulder strap and I need to have room for my iPad.

I told her my priorities are far different than hers and I discovered that being satisified with the things I own has made me far happier than always trying to buy the latest and greatest.

She told me she has changed and that her priorities have changed and she didn't buy a purse last weekend, even though she wanted to.

As she said that, she finished paperclipping some papers and the pile she had left, she gathered into her hand and threw them into the garbage.

They may only be paperclips, but I think it shows her character...and I am not buying the priority change. Would you?

It's the end of the month and around our city, that means spending is usually down at stores and restaurants. I think it is because so many folks receive checks the first of the month and it is running low by now.

We know some folks who would rather put their expenses on credit cards than admit their money is running low. I am not sure why they think it is taboo to just admit they don't have the money for something. I guess they view it as something to be ashamed of. I don't know why unless they spent recklessly to begin with.

I've been kind of studying some of the people we know and how they are playing the keeping up appearances game. They will never admit that they don't have the cash for something. Some even go so far as to hit a home equity line of credit to get money for things, and I'm not talking for home improvements either.

One friend admitted they couldn't afford something to me the other day and how she didn't want to tell the person that invited her to go shopping that. I told her it was no shame, but actually showed wisdom that she knew she couldn't afford it and with so many people having money issues, it wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

I guess I grew up differently. I remember in high school one of the teachers planned a trip to Europe during the summer for students and she asked if I wanted to go. I told her that although I would love to, it wasn't financially possible. She said she understood and nothing more was said. I wasn't ashamed of that and she didn't belittle me for that either. It was a fact of life and we went on.

With all the "open" conversations about everything from sex to diseases, why talking money is such a secret still astounds me.

I was sitting in a grade level meeting early this morning at one of my three schools and fundraisers came up. Many of the teachers said they were hesitant to offer another fundraiser because the kids sold candy a month ago and last week they asked for things for a cookout. One teacher who is also a parent said that he thought another fundraiser was going to burn the parents out.

Another teacher said the same thing. So instead of trying to raise money, they put their heads together to figure out ways to make the money that was raised go farther! I was happy to see some common sense prevailing.

A friend of mine is always grousing she doesn't have any money. She works hard and that is true. But, when the time between her pay days is here, she often has to do without or borrow money to buy necessities like gasoline for her car.

Years ago she had to live hand to mouth. Part of it was because of some circumstances, but part of it was because she was trying to live a dream. As a result of that, when I suggest she check out money saving sights like this one, she tells me she already knows how to save money.

Anyway, just last week she was worried about putting gas in the car so she could get to work. I guess she found the money and apparently has gotten paid in the mean time because she ordered a Halloween Costume and it is being Fed Ex'd to her.

I don't say anything because I know she will get angry.

But what I'd really like to ask if she needed that Halloween Costume. I guess in her mind she would say yes, but I guess I'm too pragmatic. Putting gas in the car, paying my bills, and having food would be priorities.

Guess I'm so boring I'm scary!

Last week my partner at work said I was a good example to her. Me? Really?

Last Sunday she and her husband spent part of Sunday going to the grocery after planning a menu, and then went home and fixed three make ahead dinners. The goal was to have these meals ready to heat and eat when she got home from work.

At the end of the week, she said this is something she will do again, because it made for a good week. She said it was nice knowing they had something ready to eat and they also had plenty of leftovers for other meals.

I was pleased for her because I know it had to have made it less stressful for both of them.

It was nice having someone I am around think I'm not crazy too!

We are friends with another couple and they eat out at least once a day...sometimes twice. They complain about being short of money and they think they are saving money because they are always going places with coupons. One excuse we have heard is they don't think about a meal until it time to eat so it takes so long and it is just easier to go out.

I just finished, in less than two hours, 4 meals and they are in the fridge. Three casseroles and a stew. With some of these, we will have leftovers for lunch. I also cut up fruit for a fruit salad so other than adding a cut up banana or apple, that is done for the week too.

Two hours on a Sunday as opposed to coming home tired from work then wondering what I'm going to fix and hope I have the ingredients...no thanks! I like eating good stuff and saving money as well. I had put a chicken in the Crockpot beforehand and with the meat and broth, made 3 of the meals. I figure I squeezed that chicken until it squawked!


Although I am not sure this is a make ahead recipe, I did find this one and think it looks great, especially with the fresh herbs I need to use before we have a frost.

Zucchini-Tomato Casserole
2 T olive oil
1 t garlic powder
1 T dried basil or 3 T fresh basil, shredded
2 t dried oregano or 4 t fresh oregano
1 T dried rosemary or 2 T fresh rosemary
1 T olive oil
2 medium zucchini, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced or 1 cup tomato sauce
1 13 ounce can white or pink beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Mix 2 T of oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs together
Prepare a 2-quart casserole with nonstick spray. Layer zucchini, onion, and tomato. Spread with beans. Top with the rest of the veggies. Drizzle with the oil and herb mixture. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until the casserole sizzles and the top is golden.

Have I reached the point of no return?

I was thinking the other day how my wardrobe could use a little updating...I am wearing some pantsuits that are pretty old. They are still nice and I don't intend to get rid of them.

I've also been trying to eat healthier and eat less and I have lost a few pounds. So, I was thinking maybe I could buy something for my wardrobe to "reward" myself.

On the surface it seemed like a good idea. I started checking out a few online sites to see how expensive the item is that I wanted.

A couple of sites in, I decided I wasn't THAT good, and I won't be purchasing that little reward item.

Have I gotten so cheap I'm ashamed to spend?

I know a few of us has written about the show Extreme Couponing.

I am wondering if it is all fiction or if folks are not good at addition. I know one can save some money using coupons. I feel great if I save a few bucks off my bill. I never get a ton of stuff free though. A lot of the coupons are for items we don't buy. I'm not saving money if I buy stuff I'm not going to use.

We were watching an episode last week and this family was "saving" to move out of their bad neighborhood and wanted to move to Hawaii. She had a huge stockpile.

As the story went on, it said she bought either 200 or 300 newspapers. Our little paper here in town costs over a dollar on Sunday so even if they get theirs for a dollar, that's still quite a few bucks to shell out for coupons.

As the program progressed it talked about how the family helped and how their had a huge stockpile of items...laundry detergent, toothpaste, fruit drinks, soda pop, etc.

This shopping trip took 9 hours from start to finish and at the end, they closed the store as they loaded a trailer with their haul.

Pretty cool on the surface, eh?

But then my dh and I were discussing it. Did they have to rent the trailer? And who wants to spend 9 hours in the grocery store? Not to mention all the time and effort and money for those coupons? Did they really save anything?

I guess I wonder about that stockpile...does any of that stuff go bad before they can use it? And if they are saving to move, wouldn't it cost extra to move all that stuff?

I guess being a pragmatist isn't a good thing. I'm wondering how they are coming out ahead...she spends fortune to get the coupons, they stockpile all that stuff so it looked like they spent money on new shelving, and then the trailer...Did they really come out ahead?

Our water heater started making weird noises about 2 hours ago..and about an hour ago, started dripping water.

Seems it has worn out...or rusted out or something. We called the plumber and he said that water heaters only last 7-8 years. He told us what to do to shut things off. He isn't sure if he can't get to us immediately because the company they buy water heaters don't like to answer their phones "after hours" because he said they said they didn't like getting calls from plumbers in the middle of the night.

Well, what's wrong with that picture? Does this company think that the plumbers purposely wait until the middle of the night to call for a water heater because they like getting calls in the middle of the night? I would assume that if a plumber is calling in the middle of the night it is because a customer called them.

Anyway, I had read in Consumer Reports that water heaters normally last 18-20 years. Ours lasted 13. The plumber said that for a water heater that is really longer that it should have, because most only last 7-8.

Well, you know where our money will be going...

I'm warning you, this is a rant...

This has been a week where we have been hit up by kids and fundraisers.

I get the fundraising idea...I'm a teacher and schools and organizations are trying to raise money.

But, it has gotten to the point where some folks know no shame in my book.

We were out for a walk the other day and the neighbor girl stopped us and asked us politely to buy something for Girl Scouts. I had no problem with that. We know her and we are friends with her family. She was polite and thanked us for our order.

We were at Lowe's last weekend and there was a group of Boy Scouts at the exit asking if we wanted to buy stuff. We politely said no and they were courteous and didn't push it. I can live with that.

Tuesday the doorbell rings and it is a little boy and his mom. He's selling popcorn for Boy Scouts. I don't know either him or mom. I do think these folks ought to at least let us know where they are from -- if they are from our neighborhood, it would be nice to know. We bought some very overpriced popcorn. We figured we'd be equal opportunity -- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

We've had other folks stop us and ring the doorbell in the past few weeks as well.

However, the kicker was we went to eat for a belated birthday celebration for my husband with another couple on Tuesday. Two girls ran up to our table and asked us to buy a a box of chocolates. I have no idea who they were and where they were from. We declined and they repeated the request. I told them no again, and one asked why we wouldn't. I was honest -- I told her that I had just bought some popcorn off of a Boy Scout earlier that evening. I guess I was the first person to tell her no. I guess some folks would say I'm mean, but I figure I've bought off of two kids this week and I have different organizations and charities I support. I really don't want to purchase overpriced junk from children I don't know. I have a budgeted amount of money for things and right now chocolates aren't on my list. And as for giving them as a gift, if you've ever opened a box of these fundraising chocolates, it is almost all packing and few chocolates...it makes one look cheap! I may be cheap, but I'd prefer not to look that way for gifts.

So, I guess Scrooge better move over, because I may have just bumped him out of his cheapo place.

What a week! But, it is Saturday. The sun is shining and fortunately for most of us in Central Illinois, we don't have to turn on the heat...yet. We are supposed to be in the 70s during the day and 50s at night.

I worked up the grocery lists. I do the Aldi one Thursday night and my husband goes on Friday during the day. I have a menu planned for the following week and whatever we can't get at Aldi, we then go to the other grocery store and buy. I always hope to find more coupons for things, but then I realize there are few coupons for the items we buy. It is frustrating, but it is true. I'm not going to buy things just because I have a coupon; a lot of the things with coupons aren't items we normally use.

A week or so ago there was a segment on the news about the health benefits of watercress. None of our stores had it, but we did go to a local Kroger store that is pretty large and they said they would order some. They did, we bought it, and I have been looking for recipes on how to use it. It supposedly has many health benefits. I put some in the Italian wedding soup I made instead of spinach. I've been putting it in salads as well.

It was nice sleeping in a bit this morning. My dh is out watering because our city is on water restrictions and residents can only water Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. We still have a small garden growing so he's hoping to keep things thriving until the first frost.

Hope your Saturday is a good one!

Last night we went to a "cookout" of sorts -- it was catered and we each paid so much for our meal. The purpose was not great culinary experiences, but fellowship with church members.

The host and hostess proudly showed their home. It was beautiful and everything seemed new and perfect. The light carpets weren't stained or anything. Everything was beautifully displayed. The furniture all matched and everything seemed decorator perfect.

Overall, it was a good evening, except for the feeling when I walked in my home. Everything seemed so so so, well, shabby.

I don't know if it was because I was extremely tired or if it was just overwhelming to see a perfect house. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous they had this lovely home and they were generous to share it with us.

Just in comparison, I felt like my house didn't compare. One bathroom in their house was bigger than the bedroom I have my computer and store my office supplies and my teddy bear collection.

They had one large storage area with shelves and everything was tidy and straightened up.

Other than my kitchen appliances, most of the things in my home are old or older. Lots of flaws, nicks, and scratches around here. A lot of my dishes are second hand because I collect Blue Willow and I buy at second hand stores, Ebay, antique shops, and garage sales.

Most of my doilies and tablecloths are either hand me downs from my mom and grandmother or things I have bought second hand.

After a good night's sleep, waking up, I realized that so much of my life isn't for show, but for my pleasure. I like having the tablecloths that I feel I can use so if they get spilled on or soiled, the world doesn't end.

The desk where my computer sits is an old school desk I bought from the school district for $20 and spent less than $20 refinishing it. It's not beautiful and perfect, but boy, is it sturdy. It has dovetail drawers. It's the perfect size for my small room and it stores quite a bit.

My dining room table is oak and there are scratches on it, mostly from my clumsy antics. The first scratched I cried over. The second became a badge of honor of sorts.

As for my friends from church, I am pleased they have a lovely home. I enjoyed visiting there and seeing their gorgeous things and huge home. Last night I was dissatisfied with what I had, which is bad. I think it makes me think I need more. Heaven knows I have plenty of stuff.

But, I like my sweet, shabby home. As I cleaned the bedroom and put out the quilt that has been washed numerous time and is showing a little wear, I think of the comfort that quilt provides on a cold winter night. Would bright colors and perfect machine quilting make it any warmer? Probably not. And, my home isn't a show place, so I don't need a perfect home. I need to remember I have more than enough and be satisfied with what I have. I am not the type of person who has to have everything match and be decorator perfect. And, with that in mind, I need to make sure I’m not anywhere near a store when that feeling of dissatisfaction hits.

Been awhile since I've posted...work has kept me busy and I've been cooking a lot of stuff on weekends so it is prepared for week night dinners.

A couple we know eat out at least once a day. They are always on the look out for coupons and use them. It's interesting because they are eating things even they say are unhealthy because they feel they are saving money.

I know we spend quite a bit on groceries for just the two of us. But, we buy a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and I figure in the long run, I'm probably saving money by not having as many health issues.

The other night I was so tired my husband felt sorry for me and said let's just go out. I am irrational at this point due to exhaustion, but I said "No!" He looked at me and I said I had stuff in the fridge and it wouldn't take any longer to fix it than it would to get in the car, drive somewhere, place an order, wait for it, and then have it placed in front of us. So, we stayed home and I cooked.

I really should keep track of how much we save because it might make feel better on those nights when I'm so tired. I know some of the blogsters are doing challenges where they don't eat out for so many days.

Other than saving money, I also think we eat healthier at home as well as use fewer resources such as gas to drive there. But, on the other hand, by not buying things are we hurting the economy.

So, which is best...eating in or eating out?

The school year is in full force and it seems some of the folks that are in supervisory positions love meetings. I had a meeting yesterday morning and another yesterday after school. Tomorrow there are three scheduled for about the same time after school. I had to prioritize which was the most important. I'm sure someone won't be happy, but you do what you have to do.

So far we do not have a teacher contract. This does not upset me at this point. I'm working, I'm getting paid, and in our city's economy, this is a very good thing. But, I am hearing rumblings of some folks who are griping...

I guess I'm a fairly realistic person. No contract is going to please both sides entirely. And there has to be some given and take. With money being in short supply, we should feel blessed we are employed.

So, although I'm being busy pulled to all these meetings, I know how entirely fortunate I am to have a job.

I remember a song about it being the Pepsi Generation. And of course there's the Baby Boomer generation and the Generation X.

But tonight, standing in line at a funeral visitation, there was a sign requesting we turn off our cell phones. A sad commentary that some of us have become so "connected" that we have to always have our phone on. I noticed that the over 50 crowd in this line didn't have their phones out checking them every minute. It was kind of refreshing because to be quite honest, I'm tired of trying to have a conversation with some of the people who are glued to the little screen on their phone, so afraid of missing a call or text.

How many folks stopped at the stop light are checking their phone. I can tell you there are many times when there is a long delay after the light has turned green and the head is down and the eyes aren't on the road.

I'm always amazed that when I leave the house early in the morning how many folks are yakking away on their phones. I didn't think that many people were morning persons wanting to talk the day away.

Then there's the times we eat out and people are watching their cell phone screens instead of trying to have a conversation with the people sitting across from them.

I like my computer and I certainly enjoy the benefits of a cordless phone in my home and a cell phone. But if it means not talking to the people I'm with and being so absorbed, I think I want out of the techy generation.

Any one with me?

Ten years ago on September 10, we had no idea the horrors that would strike our country as terrorists created so much havoc and changed so many lives.

As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 will soon dawn on us, please hold your loved ones dears and if anything could come of such a tragedy, let it be that we appreciate our family and friends so much more.

God bless you all!

What is it about bread that makes it so wonderful?

I baked a loaf today. It wasn't anything extraordinary -- basically a recipe for white bread that I tweaked by adding some whole wheat flour and herbs. It smelled great baking and while it was cooling, all I could think about was when I could slice it for supper.

We did enjoy it a slice at supper and it was good. Still a bit warm from the oven, and with some butter, wow, what a treat!

So tell me, why is it bread can be so wonderful?

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. As any educator can tell you, the first few weeks of school is wild. There are always things that come up that even if you have things planned, other things have to be done. I spent most of Saturday cleaning so I could work most of Sunday on school work.

Sears update: I guess my calling the national offices and complaining because the local Sears manager didn't call back must have hit a nerve. I spoke with 4 different people. One lady said she oversees the installers and another lady said she was in the corporate office. The first said she would send me a $25 gift card for my trouble with the installer. The other said she would be sending me a letter of apology. Well, both were true to their word. I received the $25 gift card a week later. The next day no letter of apology, but a $50 gift card. Not bad overall, but I don't think I'll ever buy another appliance from Sears. I had to complain about complaining to get any action. And still nothing from the local store...no phone call, letter, or email. DH and are spent the money on exciting, but necessary items like underwear and socks.

I spent a big part of Saturday fixing casseroles for this week. It sure is nice to have them when I come home from work and pop them in the oven. I can make a salad and we have supper.

Guess I better get back to my "homework."

My previous blog discussed the fact that I bought the dishwasher from Sears, and the installer dropped the ball. I filled out a survey, then emailed the company. I was given a response of I needed to contact our local store which I did. Two days later, they never called me back (think that might be on purpose?) Anyway, I decided to call the 800 number on the Sears website and I spoke to about 4 different people.

At this point, I'm still not thrilled with Sears. One person thought I was a little unreasonable wanting a gift card for my trouble. I told her if she ever wanted me to shop at Sears, I better get something for the stress and inconvenience. I explained that when the company hires folks who are disrespectful of my time, it makes one think one should go elsewhere. I never once raised my voice or cussed at them or threatened them. The last two ladies apologized for my trouble, and one claimed she would be sending me a $25 gift card in the next 7-10 work days. I'm not holding my breath. Before this she wanted to know why I didn't call my local Sears store back. I explained that I didn't feel I should have to call a second time since I apparently had been "blown off" the first time.

The next night there's a phone call from Sears -- an automated survey on the sale, installation, etc. Let's see, I've filled out a survey on-line, then wrote an email, then called the local store, then called the 800 number and now they want another survey. I hadn't changed my mind. This afternoon there was a phone call wanting to sell me an extended warranty for the dishwasher.

So, I would say Sears needs to work on communication first and foremost since no one else seems to know what anyone is doing at their business.

This is an obituary that should be published in every newspaper:

Customer Service died after a lengthy, drawn out weakning illness. Service was born soon after a first item was purchased, many years ago. For years Service enjoyed a long life, helping people along the way, bringing happiness to those it touched.

Survivors include Apathy, Ignoring, and Nonexistence. Service was preceded in death by Kindness, Fairness, and Enterprise.

No services are scheduled due to survivors' desire to forget.



Yes, I'm bitter. I had saved up for the dishwasher. We looked at ads. We found one on sale that was the one I wanted. On July 24th we bought it. We were told since they didn't have one at the Sears store, it would be August 12 when they would deliver and install. I wasn't thrilled, but what can one do?

Well, on August 11 I kept expecting a phone call, scheduling the install. No call. We waited around on the 12 and finally by 1:30 on the 12, I called the store. The store rep said he would call the installer and call me back. He did and said the installer would call me back within an hour. An hour and a half later, no phone call. I called the store back, got a different rep who seemed bored and annoyed by the phone call. She did say she would call the rep and she must have because he called back immediately. He said the job slipped by him, but he could deliver and install the next day, on Saturday. I asked him what time and he said 9, no 9:30.

It was after 10:15 when he finally arrived. No apology or anything. Two hours later he left, and did not take the huge box the dishwasher came in.

Of course Sears send a survey before the dishwasher had been delivered. I filled it out and told them my frustration. I then went to the Sears site and filled out an email for "contact us". I did get a response and it was basically a brush off -- contact your local store, they couldn't do anything. I called the local Sears and unfortunately neither the manager or assistant manager could talk to me, so I was to leave a voice mail.

Two days later and I have not heard from them. it has taken something that should have been such a joy -- new dishwasher that I saved and worked extra for -- and made it into a frustration.

So, I believe Customer Service has died. And as for me, I have decided I will no longer shop at Sears.

A few blogs ago I discussed using what I had in the fridge to clean it out and not waste food. I had some great suggests from Bonanza Buffet to CORN (Clean out refrigerator night)...all were very creative.

Well, it's that time again. I have leftover turkey and a little broth. I have some cottage cheese and a little fruit salad and a banana and a pear. I have some frozen vegetables I put in a container awhile ago. And some odds and ends of cheeses and some eggs. I think I'm going to make a turkey casserole of sorts with the turkey, broth, cheeses, vegetables and eggs. I think I'll add the pear and almost overripe banana to the fruit salad. And make biscuits with the cheese and some herbs from dh's garden.

I will say that turkey breast was quite a buy. We had it for supper Monday night, had it for lunches twice this week, and now supper tonight.

I made meatloaf Tuesday night and we had the leftovers for sandwiches one day this week and there was still a little bit leftover so I made homemade nachos...I had tortillas and I baked them with salt and olive oil after cutting them up. I sprinkled the leftover meatloaf crumbled and put some cheese on them and nuked them. Not a bad try for homemade and leftover stuff.

It's kind of challenging to come up with meals with what is left over and I have to admit, they are never the same! Plus, I like the idea I'm saving money by not going out nor throwing out stuff.

Our local gas prices dropped a whole penny overnight. Although oil prices have been going down, our "savings" usually trickles down a penny or two at a time. However, let the news report crude oil barrel prices going up, the hike can be anywhere from 15 to 20 cents a gallon in a matter of hours.

Our local news interviewed some guy at nearby university. He claimed that the reason the prices remain high is because we are using gas made with oil at the older, higher prices, so it takes awhile for the prices to come down. He might be a so called "expert", but my observation skills beg to differ. I have found many of these experts go by what it is supposed to be instead of what really is. Bleah!

Gas prices in Central Illinois range around $3.64...our town is higher than the other two larger towns around us. What are you paying?

Everytime I watch Barefoot Contessa I drool.

I am not drooling over the food, although my dh always comments how she invites all her friends over, but never has once invited us.

I am not drooling over her kitchen...I don't have room for a professional range and I certainly don't need a range and a cook top together.

I am not drooling over all her gadgets...I'm running out of room for the stuff I already have.

Which brings me to the reason I drool...her walk in pantry. I'd love a large pantry where I could store food stuffs in an organized manner and have dishes sitting in convenient spots. I'm short, and believe me, getting things from the top shelf of the cabinets can be dangerous!

When we first married and bought our first house, the kitchen was very small. Not tiny, but small. I asked the previous owner where she kept her canned goods and she said in the garage. We bought a cheap kitchen cabinet to put in the kitchen and that's where I kept canned goods. There were some cabinets and since I didn't have a lot of dishes or pots and pans, it was adequate.

Eight years later we bought a different house. The kitchen was larger and it has a pantry. Not a walk-in, but a real pantry. And with all truths, you grow into the space you have. And goodness, my kitchen stuff has grown.

Yesterday I organized the pantry. I could probably do this 4 times a year. I straightened it up and am happy to report that I didn't throw much away. I did put items in different things, but I'm happy to report I'm getting better at keeping on top of expiration dates.

I had organized the area of my spices earlier this week. I did throw out a few things because they were old. I am frustrated with the spice companies, though. So many of them sell larger bottles of things that I don't use that much of and I think it is wasteful. One of the stores I frequent is handling an off brand and the bottles are about 1/4 the size or regular spice bottles. I feel better about buying this instead of wasting so much. There are certain spices I use a lot of, but others...

I figure organizing my pantry and spices saves me money because I'm not buying things I already have, and hopefully not wasting what I do have. I need to be satisfied with what I have which is a serviceable pantry...far better than what I had at the other house. And, although a walk-in pantry is want, it isn't a need. So, we aren't spending the money.

DH says I'm not getting a walk-in pantry...We aren't building on the house and I can't see taking a bathroom or closet to get it. So, I guess I'll just have to drool over Ina's. At least it means that is one less "room" I have to clean!

We were watching Suze Orman last night and some gal called in in the "Can I Afford It" segment. This segment is where you tell Suze what you want to buy and she looks at your debts and investments and money and tells you if it is a good idea. Anyway, this gal wanted to buy something and she listed her income and then her sweetheart allowance. Suze asked what that was and she said it was her boyfriend's gift to each month. I looked at dh and asked him how come he hadn't given me a sweetheart allowance when we were dating. We laughed about that. I hadn't ever heard of it. Have you?

Remember when retailers would ask you, cash, check, or charge?

For awhile around here, checks were considered lethal. A lot of places wouldn't consider taking them because they had been burnt with folks writing bad ones. I guess with technology, many are more comfortable because the money can be taken out almost immediately. Which is a good thing for retailers.

My husband has always paid cash for things. It was an issue when we married 21 years ago because he didn't have a credit rating. It made getting a home loan a challenge and we paid a larger interest rate since he had no credit rating although I had a good one. He didn't have a checking account and hated writing checks. He's not thrilled with it now, but since he's retired and does a lot of the shopping, he does write a few more. He did not have a credit card and when we married, I added him to one of mine. He rarely used it, but he's getting a little more comfortable now.

But, that's not to say he or we are spending like fools. If we charge something, it's for the convenience of using the card and then we pay it off when the bill comes.

Since the US' credit rating has been downgraded, lots of business folks are on news programs talking about what it means. One gal said "Cash is king." I know that mantra has been said by many in the past couple of years.

In my own simple thinking, until people realize that they can't buy things if they don't have the cash on hand, our economy is going to struggle. The whole housing fiasco where banks gave loans to folks who really couldn't afford home and no interest and no down payments...why would they think they are responsible for paying if it was so easy?

I know the economic woes extend to more things that this...jobs being a big issue. But, until many folks live within their means and have the cash to cover the checks and charges, we will continue to have problems and we all pay for it in the long run.