As I'm catching up on some blogs, I was reading CB in the City and how one felt when the other gifts were grander and more expensive.

In this morning's paper, reporters talked to those who were out and about yesterday and so many said how they were out buying things they didn't get for Christmas and wanted.

I'm not going to get real preachy here or anything, but somehow Christmas has become a one uppance on gifts and if you don't get what you want, then by golly, go get it!

It's kind of sad when we measure the pleasure of Christmas by the gifts we receive.

When I was growing up, my mom would buy things on sale and wrap them up. She liked seeing lots of gifts under the tree. I understand her reasoning, but as a 16 year old, receiving Pepto-Bismol and an Oil of Olay knock off wasn't exactly very thrilling. Especially when a friend would call and go over her list of things her parents gave her...I figure it must have been hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And, as a teenager, it was difficult to listen to her go on and on and be excited for her.

I admit my husband is very generous. He always has been and remains today. But, I don't sit there and look at the stuff and say, "gee, why didn't you get me this?" I am pleased he thought enough to buy me what he bought me.

When I was little my grandmother didn't have a lot of money. I knew she bought me something like a toy or outfit, but then she would give me some fudge and peanut brittle -- they were always good. So good, that's how she made money -- by making it and selling it during the holidays. I know I didn't get to eat a lot of it, but I remember receiving them. Interesting enough, I don't remember the other Christmas gifts she gave me.

Don't think I'm criticizing the bargain hunting of the day or days after Christmas. I was out in the frenzy for a bit buying cards and wrapping paper for next year.

But, I'm just commenting that society has made Christmas a time for taking overall. Perhaps Ebenezer (the unchanged one) and I can have coffee and discuss it.

So, are you finished with your Christmas shopping?

I finished yesterday...hubby loves Dr. Pepper, but we don't usually buy soda at home. So, I thought I'd buy him a six pack of the small cans as a surprise. I found a small box to wrap them in.

I had a field vision test yesterday so I stopped on my way home from that. Hubby was at the mall -- he walks there when the weather is bad or the air temp is cold. He said it was funny. During the week, the mall had been pretty uncrowded. But he said on Wednesday it was a lot busier. Yesterday he reported it was pretty wild. I bet today is a mad house. And I'm glad I am not in the crazy place! Of course dh complains about all the people getting in his way while he walks -- I told him he should appreciate the obstacle course because he says it is boring to walk around in circles.

I heard on the news last night that people tend to spend more if they wait to shop at the last minute. That makes sense...people probably overbuy or figure since they are there, they can make up for not buying stuff. Plus, I would assume that inventory is down and choice is limited.

If you are out shopping in the frenzy, you have my sympathy. I am sitting here relaxing with the computer in my lap and a coffee mug steaming by my side. Hope you can enjoy the same type of relaxation soon!

Every work day I brew coffee and fill a small, older Thermos bottle. I enjoy coffee and I refuse to spend the money and purchase coffee "out."

Today, as I was getting my things out of the car, I dropped my Thermos. I heard that sickening crunch and then the tinkle of broken glass liner.

I not only missed out on my coffee, I lost the Thermos! Phooey! I looked on-line and most sites said that even if you could find the replacement, the shipping costs would probably be prohibitive since it is fragile.

I bought the Thermos used and got a good deal. It more than paid for itself. But alas, I need to find another Thermos or go through coffee withdrawal.

I was reading the Sunday paper this morning and there were stories about the folks who hurt one another in an attempt to get the Black Friday deals. The woman who pepper sprayed the group turned herself in. That is good that she had a conscience. It's sad that the pursue of "stuff" led to such a poor decision.

I will admit I have plenty of stuff. I went through our holiday decorations. Some are being donated to our church's bazaar for the gently used Christmas decorations. Others are being donated elsewhere. We have more decorations than we have room on the tree. I remember the mad frenzy of hitting after Christmas sales wanting to pick these items up. It was so darn important. Now, they are a pain in the patootie to store and get out and go through. I have kept a few things that have some sentimental meaning, but after going three big boxes of my ornaments, I think I have half a box left.

Last year after Christmas we did the same thing with my husband's ornaments. He bought tons of them on after Christmas sales and had quite a bunch of them after 20 years of collecting. Some he didn't really like anymore. They were donated and hopefully adorn someone else's tree.

Last year I remember reading about a worker who was trampled as a mad rush went in to get the bargains. What have we as a society come to when things are more important than people?

The article I read today about the goings on on Black Friday had one interesting statement by the reporter -- the article said that the majority of those doing these wicked things to be first to get the sale items were not people who were poor.

So, "stuff" has taken the place of common sense. Sad.

Just looked at Facebook and noticed a lot of the folks I know were either up early this morning and stayed up late last night to go shopping. Yesterday's paper as well as the television was full of ads. Full of deals, apparently.

I didn't succumb. I did some shopping, but it was going to Aldi and a local grocery. It was a wonderful time to shop for food because we went this afternoon so stuff was stocked, but it wasn't busy. The cashiers weren't tired and cranky. And we came home and put things away and didn't feel rushed.

I know retailers claim that they have to make up for the year on Black Friday. I guess economically they do, but I would hate to depend on one day to make or break a business. Especially if the weather got bad, it could really put a dent in the shopping.

That being written, I also have no desire to get up early or stay up late just so I can snag a bargain. I'm sure in the heat of the moment, I might feel like I was getting a good deal, so I ought to buy more with those "savings." I did look at the ads in the paper yesterday and there were some great loss leaders. But nothing enough to coax me out of my cozy home to shop. I don't need another Crock Pot and dh has already picked out his clothes he wants for Christmas which we bought a few weeks ago on sale -- I think it was billed the biggest sale of the season then -- and it was on sale and we had coupons.

So, for Black Friday, I hope the retailers did well. But me, I would rather stay home.

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 ?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

Yesterday we made our weekly trek to Aldi. I had my list for the items I wanted. We then pick up the items we can't get at another store. Since the heat is so bad, we decided to go to Aldi on one day and the other store today.

I noticed that some items at Aldi have risen since last week. Sugar went up. Portabella mushrooms went up over 40 cents. Butter went up a dime. Eggs had gone up a dime about three weeks ago. Lemons went up 40 cents. This isn't the complete list, but goodness, some of these are large hikes! I realize that some of the fresh produce is often priced on the growing and harvesting season, but eggs and butter?

Anyone else see grocery prices on the rise? Do you think this is a foretaste of the inflation to come?

Last week CNBC had a program on grocery stores and/or supermarkets. Interviewed were CEO's of large ones such as Whole Foods and also a gal who owned a little mom and pop. It was interesting to hear what each thought of their business.

They talked about research done for the big chains. It said that stores that provide extras seem to bring in people for those things -- recipes, samples, even entertainment. What they also said was the average person shops 3-4 times a week and overspends because they buy things they didn't originally plan to buy.

Well, we all know if one buys unplanned for things, it can blow the budget, but I'm curious, how many times do you shop? I try to do it once a week and usually be the end of the week, my fridge looks what I term "lonely" because it is getting empty. I just hate it if I have to stop and get something I forgot.

I've admitted I'm anal. I guess it gets pointed out to me on various occasions, but I am a planner. I like things to work out. Perhaps I'm a control freak, but I just know I like to have a plan.

This has come home to me a few times this summer. We do weekly grocery shopping -- usually a couple of stores. I figure out what's on sale, what I have on hand, and then try to work out a menu for the week's meals. We do eat out, probably more than we should, but I like to have that planned because I want it to be an "social experience" instead of just eating out and not cooking. I also try to eat things that are nutritous...not a lot of fried or junk foods and watch my salt intake.

Well, I think it is causing some problems. We have a couple we go out with every so often. She rarely cooks and they eat out. A lot. A lot of junk food. However, as to planning, they are pretty spontaneous. For example, they contacted us early afternoon and wanted us to go out to eat with them that evening. We already had meat thawing for supper. I guess that makes me an old stick in the mud. I have explained that I usually plan the week's menus by Thursday or Friday night the previous week so I know for what I will purchase.

We ate out last night with a friend. It had been planned last week. We all looked forward to it and it was a lot of fun visiting as well as enjoying the meal. I like to think it was an event.

I think purposeful planning saves us money by shopping for those things I plan to use, hopefully find them on sale, and as well as having a menu so supper isn't a last minute "gotta think of something" ordeal.

So, if I'm anal, I guess it's just a fact of life. I'm sorry I am not spontaneous, but then again, I like to feel I make wise decisions with my money.

Yesterday we drove to a town about an hour away to nose around at the shops. On the return trip home, we stopped at a produce stand and bought a melon, green beans, and sweet corn.

It is so exciting to see locally grown produce for sale. Our city has a couple farmer's markets and we often go to them. One, unfortunately has a stand where I think the person isn't really selling locally grown items...I noticed he had the same type of boxes that the grocery stores have to unload the stuff and it seemed to be packed the same way. After seeing this, I decided I would avoid this stand. I think that is misleading.

I like buying locally. I think it is important to support those who live near us. Plus, the food is fresh...not having been shipped for days!

We enjoyed the green beans last night at supper. I snapped them, cooked them with chicken broth and bacon...yum! I look forward to cutting into the melon and having some of that sweet corn too! Ah, the joys of summer cooking!

Last weekend the paper had a list of antique shops and there was a new one in town. For me, that's a good thing.

Years ago this same house had been the "China House" and it had hundreds of pieces of dinnerware and China. We went every so often and it was fun looking at all the different dishes. I can't say we ever bought anything, but it was always fun to look. The lady retired and as far as we know, it has been vacant. However, apparently there's a new owner and he has opened. Well, sort of.

His hours are every day and go from about 9 until 4 or 4:30. We get there after 12:30. We notice there are bars on every window and there's bars over the backdoor. Yet, the ones on the back door do have a hinge, but it is closed.

It was a comedy of errors...we get there and it is locked up. The back door has bars over it and I look in and it looks like a store room. We figured maybe you had to walk in the front door and walk around to the street side...there are no steps to the porch to the front door. Hey, I'm all for adventure, but I'm not hopping on the front porch as a pole vaulter!

So, I whip out the cell phone, OK, maybe not whip it out because I, of course, didn't have it on, like usual. So I got it out, waited for it to come on and called the number. Whipping it out certainly has more of a ring to it, doesn't it? I guess I could stretch the truth since it is MY story.

The owner wasn't there. He was off eating lunch but would be back in 20 minutes. We go do something and come back. He's at the door waiting (back door). He had the bar thingy open this time. Good thing because I'm still not pole vaulting. We could barely get in because he doesn't have it organized. There are boxes everywhere. There is a small path, but even it is an obstacle course! What a hoot! He said his helper was in jail. I didn't even ask! I wanted to, but refrained. I can only imagine THAT story.

We talked for a bit and left. I wonder if he will be ready in a month. I will say one thing...I did save money because I couldn't find anything to buy!

Stupid me. I volunteered to purchase a battery for a timer we use at school to test fluency. It's just a small little stopwatch with a button battery, no problem, right?

Have you been to the battery section lately? I thought this shouldn't be a problem, the battery had a number on in. Oh, what a naive person I am.

Dumb me. I looked, and looked, and looked and couldn't find a battery with a number like it. I started holding the battery up to the packages thinking maybe that would help. That narrowed it down to a couple, but I wasn't for sure.

Of course like most stores there is little assistance when you need it. I know they cut back on employees to save money. I wound up spending close to 30 minutes looking for this battery. I finally located a genteel older clerk and explained my difficulty. She said, "Oh, you have to look at the bottom of the packages because many companies say this specific model replaces different battery numbers."

Easier said that done. I think the print that said that had to be either 4 point or possible 5 point fonts. Then, I couldn't find one that said the exact same number. The serial number had an extra letter than my battery.

What is wrong with our country when you have to have a multitude of different battery sizes? It's a struggle just dealing with AA and AAA's and now button batteries with different sizes and numbers. And why does this number have to replace a multitude of different numbers?

And, for those of you who have had the charming experience of battery buying lately, you know these little button batteries aren't cheap. I certainly didn't want to select the wrong one and have to keep it because it didn't fit. I'm not sure what the return policy is on batteries that have been taken out of the packages. For those of you not in education, most of these little purchases come out of our pocket, so although you might think spending $5 on a battery isn't bad, imagine spending it and not being able to use the battery and still having to purchase another battery. I guess I could glue it to my ear for an earring, but other than that, I am not sure what other uses I could come up with.

I found that nice lady and asked her and she said that it was the same and although there was an extra letter in the serial number, it would work. I hoped she was right. I certainly wasn't going to go back and kick her if she was in error, but I had already spent 30 minutes being frustrated. I didn't want to add to my stress.

I'm happy to report the battery worked. It fit, the timer worked, and I tested for fluency today.

As for volunteering to find a battery for something else, I'm going to leave that for someone else. I hope I can find someone else.

And for the battery makers I have one word, "Bleah!"

I, unfortunately, am a collector. I think I've written that I like Blue Willow dishes. I better like them, because we have a whole lot of it.

We went to an "antique mall" near us today and DH found a Blue Willow teapot that he felt I should own. It wasn't a whole lot and it was in nice shape so I succumbed to temptation and purchased it.

I really enjoy cooking and one of the things I enjoy looking at in stores would be kitchen things. I am incredibly dismayed that just about everything nowdays is made in China. With the paint scare on toys earlier this year, how do I know the stuff is safe?

So, last summer I went on a kick of replacing my plastic containers that we used to heat stuff in the microwave with Pyrex dishes -- older ones -- ones that were not made in China. I have also purchased those old glass lidded refrigerator dishes to store leftovers in. For awhile, it was a struggle to find them, but now lots of places have them out to sell.

I have a friend who turns her nose up at my purchases because I'm buying used stuff. When I grew up, we didn't buy a lot of new things because we simply didn't have the money. As long as it is clean and in good shape, I don't have a problem buying something that has been previously used. Many times I can find something much more reasonable that has been "loved before."

Although I spent money instead of saving it today, I enjoyed looking at all the other things. And maybe having bought things more cheaply, I can rationalize my purchase. Or not.

Anyway, it was a nice way to spend today. My husband found a train that he swears he had one when he was a kid. It was a heavy Lionel engine -- big wheels and very heavy. I can see him and his brother clunking each other in the head with it on occasion too.

Hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve and that 2011 brings you much happiness.

If you read my blogs you might think I have a preoccupation with kitchen appliances and you might be correct!

It's Thursday and my fridge is looking kind of lonely. I fixed a few meals ahead this week and had them stashed in the fridge. I opened the door tonight after supper and showed my husband how bare it was starting to look. He just laughed at me.

But it does look bare. There's a little milk, some ice tea in a pitcher, and a few odds and ends here and there to eat, but last Sunday the shelves were jam packed with things that were fixed and could be heated up, or defrosting so they could be cooked.

It means the cycle starts over where I write up a grocery list for Aldi and one for the other grocery we frequent so we can begin again.

On the bright side, better a lonely looking fridge than an empty tummy, right?

I am torn. I have blogged about wanting a new stove and saving up for it.

I have been watching the ads and have also read Consumer Reports.

I think that if I catch the stove in sale, I have enough to pay for it.

There was something great about anticipating. I like looking through the Sunday ads and seeing what's out there. I have enjoyed perusing stores and looking at those sleek and shiny stoves and imagining them in my kitchen.

But, I wonder now if I should spend the money. It's not an issue of not having the money to pay bills. We do.

It's not an issue of having to have the stove...it's a want, not a need.

But, I'm torn. Do I want to keep the money in the credit union...I admit it, I like having that money in the bank and seeing the balance go up.

Or do I want a new stove enough to spend that money?

Geeze, talking about the old adage of having your cake and eating it too....

It's my own fault. I started the whole thing and it's up to me to carry it through.

I started saving for a sleek and shiny stainless steel stove. And, I was doing pretty well for awhile.

Let me remind you, I don't need a new stove. It's a want, not a need. But, I'd like a new one to match the fridge that we had to buy over a year ago because it was dying.

I like things to match.

As a teacher, I get paid by having my last paycheck come two weeks after school is out. It is my choosing -- I could have it spread throughout the summer, but there is something thrilling about having one big check.

However, with that one big check comes the realization that I need to make that money last so I'm stingy when it comes to spending it on non necessities. And, I put a bunch of it in our money market so I won't spend it unless I needed it. So instead of putting money in my stove fund, I just kept it the money market.

Well, my stove fund hasn't grown much since July. I had added to it by selling stuff at an auction, but I've run out of stuff to sell. Either I don't want to give it up or it isn't worth selling.

The quest for a new stove has been delayed, but is, if you pardon the pun, on a front burner again because a friend just bought two new stainless steel appliances.

So, instead of denying my stove savings, I need to turn up the heat so to speak. And I just can't resist the puns! Yeah, I know, if you can stand the heat...

My husband recently celebrated his 64th birthday. On the morning, I got out my Beatles CD and played, "When I'm 64." When I posted on Facebook that I did that, many of my friends asked different lines from the song. It's interesting the things that tie us together!

We drove to a small town near us called Arthur, Illinois. Arthur is considered the home of many Amish families. A couple of friends gave my husband a gift card to a restaurant called Yoder's and we had lunch there courtesy of these friends. My husband loves his food and enjoyed the broasted chicken and mashed potatoes (real ones) with homemade gravy.

We then went to a place called Beachy's which sells products in bulk. It is also run by a local and they have cheeses made there as well as baked goods. We stocked up on some cheese, and rice, and different flours. I like to experiment with different flours and since one can buy different sizes, I didn't have to purchase a 4 or 5 pound bag of a flour I'm not sure I'll use. I also purchased some sausage ground with sage. We tried it the last time and it was delicious. We purchased a loaf of bread -- oatmeal -- and a huge draw is when they bake things there, they put the ingredients -- no preservatives. Just basics like flour, oil, butter, oatmeal, yeast, and water. The same with the noodles.

For dinner we also went out to our favorite Italian restaurant run locally. The owner picked out our steaks which were delicious. The server was generous and had bought a birthday ballon for my husband to put on the table.

We like purchasing items and eating at restaurants that are owned by local people. Although when traveling we often gravitate towards chains, at home, we like supporting our own.

As for my hubby, he enjoyed his birthday because he chose where we went and had some delicious food and many people thought of him. It doesn't get much better than that!

I'm sorry if it seems I'm beating a dead horse...I'd much rather be beating something else and I'm not talking a drum.

I received my Hewlett Packard notebook back after the second go around with service. I turned it on when I got it home and it still isn't fixed. It was late so I didn't call. Seems Fed Ex delivers when I'm at work. I can't fault them --they are just doing their job. But it means we then have to go and pick it up after a certain time. Which we did.

Last night I was late getting home and too tired to deal with customer service. Tonight I called early enough and got a nice gal named Pam. She was very helpful and had me do this and that and it still didn't work. She wanted me to take the back off and I balked. I figure if the service center didn't fix it, my tinkering with the insides isn't going to either. I was polite when I told her this and she said then it would have to be sent back in. I expressed my frustration and she came back and said according to protocol it has to be sent in three times and then if it still comes back not working, then there's the possibility of getting it replaced, but it isn't a sure thing. I told her I had to problems with her, but I would like to talk to her supervisor.

Well, I did talk to the supervisor. He said is name was Lander. He read me the protocol. I am a teacher and people read differently than they talk. Maybe he figured he'd dazzle me with baloney or something. I waited until he was finished and said I didn't agree with his protocol and that I am one very frustrated customer. He was a bit flippant by this point. I asked what HP was going to do to make me happy and he said I would have to send it in.

Then he informed me that I shouldn't be upset because it took less than a week to get the computer returned to me. Are these folks nuts or what? Yes, it was less than a week, but it wasn't fixed. I pointed that out to him and he said, but why are you upset when it took less than a week.

I asked if he had a supervisor and he said yes. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he told me they don't take phone calls. Isn't that rich?

I told him I would be putting all this on Facebook and my blog and I asked him nicely to document it. He said OK and then thanked me for calling HP and hung up.

Gosh, just makes me want to run out and buy another HP....NOT!

I am thoroughly ticked. A year ago I bought a HP Pavalion notebook to replace my very old desktop. I got the wifi so I could sit in the kitchen and work while my hubby is in the family room instead of being squirreled away in a back bedroom.

In August I had some trouble and called customer service because although the computer would turn on, nothing would come up on the screen. I pulled out the manual, did the troubleshooting tips, and it still didn't work. I called customer service. Forty five minutes later after having to take it apart and move the ram cards around, it worked. I was relieved.

Two weeks ago the same thing happened. I did the same thing with the Ram cards and nothing. I called and after an hour of doing this and that and even taking out the hard drive, they decided I needed to send it in. Of course the "sage" on the phone said she would email me the order number. I told her it would be a little hard for me to read it since I only had one computer and since it didn't work, it wouldn't do me much good. She read it off to me. Two days later I received the postage paid box and I packed it up and sent it to California to be fixed.

Yesterday it was returned. I was thrilled -- much quicker than I anticipated. I unpacked it, plugged it in and turned it on. It didn't work. I tried it 4 or 5 times. No good. I called customer service and they wanted me to do all these things...I had 24 hours to check it and here it was less than 24 hours and they didn't want to look up the stuff although I had the number for the repair. They wanted me to read them the serial number and model number and give them all this information I have given them twice before.

Then, they had me do a couple of things and it came on. He pronounced it fixed. I told him I disagreed -- I don't trust that it will work because it didn't work when I first tried it. I don't think I should have to wiggle this and unplug that every time I go to use it. He said he'd call me tonight at 7:30 to check on it.

We had open house at school tonight so after I got home, I immediately turned on the computer.

What a surprise...it didn't work. I left it on and went on to do some other things anticipating his phone call. An hour later, the computer came on. Gosh, isn't that convenient? And the clown from HP that was supposed to call me at 7:30 p.m. Central time? Well, apparently he has forgotten.

I am very disappointed with the fact my computer has had the same problem 3 times, they are reluctant to fix it, and they don't keep their promises. I do not believe I will ever purchase another computer bearing HP after this experience.

I know I am not alone in this frustrating experience. It used to be many businesses tried to please the customer. I know there are some people who took advantage of those companies, but for those of us who do not, I say my trust as a consumer has taken a hit.

Have you ever started a collection merely by accident?

A few years ago we were sort of strapped -- we paid our bills and tried to save some and I had a friend who was buying stuff like a new stove and dishwasher and updating this and that. I groused that even though I did lots of cooking and really could use new appliances and would love a kitchen remodel, we couldn't afford it and certainly wouldn't go into debt.

My mom, who had a wicked sense of humor, decided to help me with my "remodel." A local grocery store was clearing out dishes you could buy. Seems they had a dinner plate and cup and saucer in a box and if you spent so much that week, you could buy this little place setting at a cheaper price. Ever the bargain hunter, my mom thought two new plates and cups and saucers were cheaper than a remodel and would also give me something to unwrap come Christmas. My mom didn't have a lot of money either.

Christmas morning and the unwrapping began. Sure enough, she had me unwrap my two alike packages last and there were the Blue Willow dishes.

Now, there's something you should know. My favorite color is blue. And I like stuff with a history behind it. We had quite the chuckle over my new dishes and that my "kitchen remodel" was at least dishwasher safe. Two plates, who needs more when there are just two of us eating, right?

Well, the more I saw those plates, the more I thought about how I'd like to have a set of them. I went to the local grocery and sure enough, they had 2 other boxes of these place settings, still on sale, and I didn't have to buy groceries to get the cheaper price.

Did I need these plates? Heck no. I had a set of every day plates and set of "good" China. My good China was bought when a store called Carson Pirie Scott was in business and they offered two different patterns -- a place setting for 8 for $99. I didn't realize that this really wasn't "good" China, but it was fancier than most stuff I came across.

But this Blue Willow is the stuff I really liked. So, it became a hobby. Whenever we would go the antique shops, flea markets, or even grocery stores, I would search for it. One big chain in Springfield was closing out on accessories like a platter, butter dish, and salt and pepper shakers. I found dinner plates in odd places. I refuse to pay full price.

Blue Willow has a story attached to it. Seems there was a father and daughter and the daughter fell in love with a man who worked for her father. The father did not want the relationship to continue, and like Romeo and Juliet, the two lovebirds died a premature death. The pattern has two lovebirds and also willow trees, hence the blue willow name. Pretty cool history, eh?

I started searching Ebay. My favorite company that makes it is Churchill because it can go in the dishwasher. Seems lots of companies have manufactured it through the years. I do have a few old pieces that came from Japan and when I use them I have to hand wash them. I bought a really fancy casserole dish that I refuse to use because it is so delicate. I had a funny mistake -- I kept bidding on another Churchill casserole dish and I would always miss it by a dollar or so. I decided I'd bid on two, thinking I'd get one. Well, I wound up winning both of them, and I paid about the same for both of them than if I had bought them outright from a website.

The Blue Willow search has increased my collection. One friend searches for it and I get it as gifts for birthday and Christmas.

I finally decided that since I don't give fancy parties, I don't need my "good" China anymore and I donated it. I donated my other set of dishes we used to use too because I like the Blue Willow so well. I guess the chefs on television wouldn't like to use them because many say you should use plain white plates so the food stands out. Apparently I'm not a purist.

This all started from a joke. My collecting was truly by accident. But what a fun "accident" it has become!

Horses and homemade noodles. I love them both.

OK, maybe not together, but yesterday we went to Arthur, IL. Arthur is a small town near us that has a large Amish population. And the Amish have horses. So, I had my horse “fix” by seeing so many. Even more so when we ventured out into the country to a store and took a wrong turn. One farm had over 15 draft horses in the pasture. One had a foal that was sleeping on the ground while the mom stood and watched over it, protecting it, while the other horses grazed. What a great horsey mom!

We did find the store. It is called Beachy’s and they sell a variety of goods, a lot of which is in bulk. Apparently it is run by an Amish family. It has cheeses made there in town, noodles and baked goods made right there. You could buy a large 50 pound bag of flour if you had the desire, or you could get a smaller bag of around 2 pounds. I didn’t think I could store 50 pounds for some reason, darn it! I guess this place had the selling in bulk concept before Sam’s and Costco!

They had 5 or 6 different types of noodles. We bought regular egg noodles and egg noodles with garlic. I can hardly wait to try these. They had whole wheat noodles, vegetables noodles, and egg noodles with tomatoes. It was almost noodle heaven! The list of ingredients was pretty simple: flour, egg yolks, water, food coloring and then whatever they used to flavor like garlic powder or tomatoes. No preservatives! Woo woo!

They had all sorts of homemade baked goods. It made our mouths water. They had white bread, wheat bread, and breads like banana and zucchini. They had cookies and angel food cakes (they have to use the egg whites for something after making all those noodles.)
They sell the spices in bulk and had a huge aisle of them. They had all sorts of rice in another aisle. And one aisle had candy. A lot of types you don’t see any more like lemon drops. I can’t remember the last time I had a lemon drop.

It was a terrific day. My hubby and I explored downtown Arthur and then made our visit to Beachy’s. And it was wonderful because of the horses and homemade noodles.

I'm sure we aren't the only part of the country (USA) that it is hot, but it has that hazy look to it and you know it's just hot. The head index at 7 p.m. was 110. That's just plain miserable!

We had a gift card for a restaurant so we used it tonight. I planned it because I knew it would be a long day at work and I would be tired. I didn't think about the heat. On our way home, we noticed that a lot of restaurants seemed pretty busy. Tuesday isn't a big night for restaurant goers usually, but I think the heat may have helped increased their business.

Do you think weather has anything to do with increased restaurant sales?

The more I listened, the more angry I've become.

I was minding my own business, working in the kitchen this afternoon, and my hubby was watching a program on HGTV called "My First Place." We've watched similar episodes and so many of these folks tick me off.

What irritates me is so many of these "kids" think their first home is supposed to be totally up to date with high end finishes, a basement to entertain in, a yard to show off and entertain in, a kitchen that a gourmet would be proud of, a master bedroom big enough for a ball room and a master bath that is not unlike a spa.

They grouse about so much being wrong or out of date or too small. When I write with something being wrong, I don't mean it is broken, but it doesn't look like the way they expect.

And these two guys weren't sure what they could really afford. One worked two part-time jobs and the other had a full time job.

This isn't the only show that is like this. House Hunters often has guests very similar. Granted, if I were giving big money for a house, I would expect certain things, but unless you get to build your house, I would think there is no "perfect" house.

I guess I'm tired of these folks wanting everything perfect right away. We've lived in this house for 12 years. We've updated and fixed things as we could afford it. Some of the stuff has been changed to match our personal tastes. I would love, love, love a walk in pantry because I have pots, pans, and assorted kitchen gadgets stored every which way to fit. But, I'm not giving up a room or building on to get this wish list item. I just drool when I see Ina Garten's organized pantry. I still have the room for my stuff, it just isn't as organized as I wish.

When we bought this house, we bought a house we could afford -- the bank told us we could borrow far more than we did. We did not buy the biggest or fanciest house in the neighborhood. In fact, it is a little smaller than the first house we bought and it wasn't huge. It is the smallest house on our court.

It's been fun planning and anticipating changes. Six years ago we replaced the kitchen cabinets. I still am thrilled with these cabinets. We kept the same layout, but these cabinets actually stay together when you open the drawers. I have a lazy Susan in the corner cabinet so stuff doesn't get lost in the dark abyss. We kept the counter top because we couldn't afford a new one. Three years ago we changed the counterop to a fancier laminate than we had. I like it, it cleans easily, and it doesn't over improve the house.

Two years ago we replaced the plywood bookcases in the family room with oak ones and had the fireplace mantel replaced -- the fireplace was rough brick and it had a big board that reminded me of one of the railboard boards under a track. Each day when we sit in the family room, I marvel at how nice this room looks. Would I do that if I moved into the perfect house 12 years ago? Probably not. I'd probably take it for granted.

So, I have released a little steam about these folks wanting everything immediately. Perhaps it's the way they have been raised -- they feel entitled to the very best. Or, perhaps it's at the urging of the television producers -- I imagine a lot goes on that we don't know.

For me, I know anticipation is part of the fun of fixing up my unperfect home.