Ok...I get it. Food is expensive. Prices are high. Everyone wants to save money. But all this coupon clipping has gone wild. I can't get into that stuff. Oh yeah, I want to save a few dollars. I want to get a deal, but I think it's all a scam. If there's an item that has a coupon, the price has probably been elevated before the coupon will go into effect. Call me cynical, call me skeptical. Yes, I am. I don't believe anyone is saving much, compared to the time and effort these people put into finding, clipping, organizing, comparing prices, investigating sales and driving from store to store to use all of these bits of 'money saving' coupons.
That being said, I have been known to use a coupon or two in my day. Usually it's a 40% off discount on a craft item. I'll wait for Michael's or Hobby Lobby to put an expensive tool on sale, and then, making sure that it is the one largest priced product in my cart at the check out, I'll turn in the coupon to be used against that tool. The problem is, I'm not extremely disciplined when it comes to craft stores. I've got a penchant for all sorts of arts and crafts activities, so if I go to Michael's or Hobby Lobby or the like, I usually buy more than I'd planned to, coupon or not.
These stores know that if they can reel you into the store with the idea of saving money with that clipped bargain bit, that you will find something else that wasn't on your list. In the end, you'll spend more. I save money by NOT going to the place at all. Of course, if I NEED something, I might decide to purchase that item with a coupon, but I won't be drawn to the store because of it. That's my take on the whole business of couponing!
Are you an extreme couponer? Do you clip and use them at all? What are your thoughts?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Spring Smiles
Springtime makes me smile. I love the warmer weather and the changing skies. The flowers are bright and the air is fragrant. The birds are chirping and twittering and chasing each other on the breezes.
Yesterday we sat in the near 90 deg. heat in the shade of our front porch, and we rocked in our chairs. (Yeah, so? We're old people!) We chatted about the clouds, watching formations and seeing pictures in them. We watched the vapors of jets that seemed to race across the sky from south to north. And...we were entertained by the birds. There's a lovely double bird bath in our front yard. Mike gave it to me for one of our anniversaries. It looks like two basins cut from large, set upon a twisted tree trunk that has an embossed vine of leaves climbing it. From a hole in the trunk peeks a bird. I love the structure of it and the artwork too. But more than that, I love that the birds love it!
We were watching the incoming and take off of the winged creatures yesterday. Sometimes they are so funny. A fat Robin took a long, leisurely bath when a female Carolina Bluebird flew in. Before she could land, the Robin gave her a mouthful of bird speak, and she took off. She came back time and again, finally landing on the lower basin to wait her turn in the upper one. Another Robin came along, and in a moment the two Robins headed off into the air. The little Bluebird jumped up into the bath and splashed and romped until she was satisfied that she was cool and clean. Soon after a pair of little Wild Canaries landed on the edge of the upper basin.
(The lower one has a slight crack in it and won't hold water.) Those two yellow creatures bobbed up and down into the water below, drinking, I guess. Down went their heads, up went their tails, and vice versa.
Pretty soon a Mocking Bird swooped in, and the tiny birds jumped, but held their ground. Had the mocker had a mind to, though, he'd have swept in to scare the little ones off. They tend to be somewhat bullyish. Meanwhile, soaring far above and expanding their circles, the Hawks floated on unseen breaths of air, as they searched for prey below. I assume that they came too close to the nest of a starling, because before too long the smaller black bird was 'hot on the tail' of the larger one. We see that quite often, and are amazed that the Hawks will be driven off so easily without turning on their persuers.
These creatures, and others like a squirrel that gambles across the road, into our yard, and then across our neighbor's grass as if he has springs in his legs, bring smiles as we wile away a Spring day in the record heat. What brings you enjoyment at this time of year?
Yesterday we sat in the near 90 deg. heat in the shade of our front porch, and we rocked in our chairs. (Yeah, so? We're old people!) We chatted about the clouds, watching formations and seeing pictures in them. We watched the vapors of jets that seemed to race across the sky from south to north. And...we were entertained by the birds. There's a lovely double bird bath in our front yard. Mike gave it to me for one of our anniversaries. It looks like two basins cut from large, set upon a twisted tree trunk that has an embossed vine of leaves climbing it. From a hole in the trunk peeks a bird. I love the structure of it and the artwork too. But more than that, I love that the birds love it!
We were watching the incoming and take off of the winged creatures yesterday. Sometimes they are so funny. A fat Robin took a long, leisurely bath when a female Carolina Bluebird flew in. Before she could land, the Robin gave her a mouthful of bird speak, and she took off. She came back time and again, finally landing on the lower basin to wait her turn in the upper one. Another Robin came along, and in a moment the two Robins headed off into the air. The little Bluebird jumped up into the bath and splashed and romped until she was satisfied that she was cool and clean. Soon after a pair of little Wild Canaries landed on the edge of the upper basin.
(The lower one has a slight crack in it and won't hold water.) Those two yellow creatures bobbed up and down into the water below, drinking, I guess. Down went their heads, up went their tails, and vice versa.
Pretty soon a Mocking Bird swooped in, and the tiny birds jumped, but held their ground. Had the mocker had a mind to, though, he'd have swept in to scare the little ones off. They tend to be somewhat bullyish. Meanwhile, soaring far above and expanding their circles, the Hawks floated on unseen breaths of air, as they searched for prey below. I assume that they came too close to the nest of a starling, because before too long the smaller black bird was 'hot on the tail' of the larger one. We see that quite often, and are amazed that the Hawks will be driven off so easily without turning on their persuers.
These creatures, and others like a squirrel that gambles across the road, into our yard, and then across our neighbor's grass as if he has springs in his legs, bring smiles as we wile away a Spring day in the record heat. What brings you enjoyment at this time of year?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
For The Birds
Since Mrs. Wren Bird built her nest on the overhead light in our back door entry porch, we've been watching with curiosity. We are careful to stay a good distance away from the back door glass, while peering to see what's happening. Mrs. Bird gets spooked and flies off when she sees us in the sunroom, though she's in no danger from us.
We've been concerned that she wasn't on the nest enough, but perhaps there were no eggs in there at that time. When the grandgirls were here for Easter, Abigail, age 6, expressed her concern this way: " If the Mama bird doesn't take good care of her eggs, the baby birds will perish." Yes, that was a real concern for us.
But, last week we noticed two little fuzzy heads peeking out of top of the nest! Obviously Mama had cared enough for those eggs, as the babies hadn't 'perished.' I was able, during a feeding, to catch a quick photo of the babies and Mama. I didn't use a flash, and I did use the zoom lens, in order to get a fairly decent photo without trying too hard or upsetting the little family.
A few days later, we noticed that there were FIVE baby birds. I believe that's all there are in that little nest, and at that, they must be awfully crowded. I've watched them tumbling over each other in their little cradle, probably trying to find a spot to call their own.
Meanwhile, we continue to use the front door, walking around the house from front yard to back yard to do anything in our veggie garden. We don't want to upset Mama or to have her abandon them before they are grown. We want those babies to be fed and take off on the wing when they are grown enough to do that. All that we do in the area these days is ....for the birds.
We've been concerned that she wasn't on the nest enough, but perhaps there were no eggs in there at that time. When the grandgirls were here for Easter, Abigail, age 6, expressed her concern this way: " If the Mama bird doesn't take good care of her eggs, the baby birds will perish." Yes, that was a real concern for us.
But, last week we noticed two little fuzzy heads peeking out of top of the nest! Obviously Mama had cared enough for those eggs, as the babies hadn't 'perished.' I was able, during a feeding, to catch a quick photo of the babies and Mama. I didn't use a flash, and I did use the zoom lens, in order to get a fairly decent photo without trying too hard or upsetting the little family.
A few days later, we noticed that there were FIVE baby birds. I believe that's all there are in that little nest, and at that, they must be awfully crowded. I've watched them tumbling over each other in their little cradle, probably trying to find a spot to call their own.
Meanwhile, we continue to use the front door, walking around the house from front yard to back yard to do anything in our veggie garden. We don't want to upset Mama or to have her abandon them before they are grown. We want those babies to be fed and take off on the wing when they are grown enough to do that. All that we do in the area these days is ....for the birds.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Who's the Boss?
While I'd like to tell you that my husband wears the pants in this family, I'm sure he'd give you a story to prove the complete opposite. The truth actually falls somewhere in the middle, I think. If not, then I hold a weightier side, but that's because he's quicker at giving in than I am. He's wiser too!
I always try to discuss things with Mike before any decision is made, unless it has to be a snap decision, which is very rare. We often discuss things to death before we make a decision, not arguing about things, but each considering the other's opinions and concerns. Eventually we do come to some agreement to do it, to not do it, or to modify it and then do it.
Before we were married we decided to see a counselor. We got along so well, but we'd both been married before, and once in awhile some issue would rise up that was born of old baggage. So, we wanted to get that all out of the way before we committed our remaining lives to each other. We met with Andrew a number of times, and each time, he'd shake his head and tell us that he'd never seen a couple who considered one another the way the two of us did. When he presented us with a scenerio, we'd look at each other and we'd ask the other, "What do you want to do." and answer, "Well, what do YOU want to do?"
After we were married, things continue to go that way. It might be what to have for dinner, what to do for that day or where to go on a road trip. Usually the dinner thing is the easiest decision, because very often we are thinking of the same meal!
I think we're a pretty good team...a couple who takes turns making the final decision. But, if you come to my house, and look at my refrigerator door, you may feel differently, because there hangs a headline, in large font, which reads "Queen Kathleen". It won't take you long to figure out which of us PUT it there.... but I decided I'd leave it there, just to remind a certain someone who's the boss!
I always try to discuss things with Mike before any decision is made, unless it has to be a snap decision, which is very rare. We often discuss things to death before we make a decision, not arguing about things, but each considering the other's opinions and concerns. Eventually we do come to some agreement to do it, to not do it, or to modify it and then do it.
Before we were married we decided to see a counselor. We got along so well, but we'd both been married before, and once in awhile some issue would rise up that was born of old baggage. So, we wanted to get that all out of the way before we committed our remaining lives to each other. We met with Andrew a number of times, and each time, he'd shake his head and tell us that he'd never seen a couple who considered one another the way the two of us did. When he presented us with a scenerio, we'd look at each other and we'd ask the other, "What do you want to do." and answer, "Well, what do YOU want to do?"
After we were married, things continue to go that way. It might be what to have for dinner, what to do for that day or where to go on a road trip. Usually the dinner thing is the easiest decision, because very often we are thinking of the same meal!
I think we're a pretty good team...a couple who takes turns making the final decision. But, if you come to my house, and look at my refrigerator door, you may feel differently, because there hangs a headline, in large font, which reads "Queen Kathleen". It won't take you long to figure out which of us PUT it there.... but I decided I'd leave it there, just to remind a certain someone who's the boss!
Sea Chest
My mother has a large wooden box called a 'sea chest'. It originally belonged to my great grandfather. She also has a framed copy of his 'Pilots License' which gave him permission to run boats in the waters of the East Coast.
Sometimes I look at that chest, which sits in front of Mom's couch in the living room, used as a coffee table, and I wonder where it has been in its lifetime. These boxes were made to hold the belongings of a seaman when he was aboard a ship. Since GrGrandfather was the captain of a number of boats, I can only imagine how much time that box rocking on the waves.
How I wish that I could ask the questions that plague me at times. There is history in that piece of furniture, and all I know for sure is who it belonged to. Who built it? When and where? What boats did it travel inside of, and what ports were visited. How many years did it travel? What items did GrGrandfather fill it with? Did he keep books inside of it, or records of any sort? What stories could this wooden box share if it was given a voice?
As I said to another researcher, genealogy presents us with all manner of mysteries. We, as the investigaors, want to be able to solve every mystery, but often we can't. As frustrating as it is to give up the investigation of a certain vein, it sometimes has to be done. Sometimes the answer will be found later, in some unique way. We might stumble over it in a writing while looking for something else. Someone who has an old tale to tell might shed some light on it. But, unfortunately, there are times when the answers are hidden for all time and eternity. I think that's the case with this sea chest.
Sometimes I look at that chest, which sits in front of Mom's couch in the living room, used as a coffee table, and I wonder where it has been in its lifetime. These boxes were made to hold the belongings of a seaman when he was aboard a ship. Since GrGrandfather was the captain of a number of boats, I can only imagine how much time that box rocking on the waves.
How I wish that I could ask the questions that plague me at times. There is history in that piece of furniture, and all I know for sure is who it belonged to. Who built it? When and where? What boats did it travel inside of, and what ports were visited. How many years did it travel? What items did GrGrandfather fill it with? Did he keep books inside of it, or records of any sort? What stories could this wooden box share if it was given a voice?
As I said to another researcher, genealogy presents us with all manner of mysteries. We, as the investigaors, want to be able to solve every mystery, but often we can't. As frustrating as it is to give up the investigation of a certain vein, it sometimes has to be done. Sometimes the answer will be found later, in some unique way. We might stumble over it in a writing while looking for something else. Someone who has an old tale to tell might shed some light on it. But, unfortunately, there are times when the answers are hidden for all time and eternity. I think that's the case with this sea chest.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
.Recipe
A friend of mine was creating her own cookbook to give to her family members. With the recipes, she placed pictures of family gatherings, the dish, the ingredients, or individual family members. She described one picture to me of her husband sleeping in a chair. I decided to send her this, and I believe it was included in her book!
Recipe
Take one charming host
Add two glasses of wine..
Drink while mingling well with guests....
Pour third glass of wine
Combine with choice of appetizers...
After completely demolishing those,
Fill large plate with hefty portions of entree
Devour and refill, while ingesting another glass of wine, or two, if desired.
Clear table
While digesting inhaled food,
Serve filling, fattening, dessert
Serve filling, fattening, dessert
Be social for as long as it takes
Kiss guests goodnight
Retire to favorite chair
Take antacid..
And find sleep while wife cleans up after party.
~Kathleen Beebe Waygood
July 23, 2010
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thoughts of Grandparents...
Old wooden screen doors that slam when you've gone through
And chipped green paint that falls from the door
When the hollow sound breaks the air
Take me back....way back...to a time when I was young
When you were still there.
Creaky wide board floors that squeak when you cross the room
And have gaps between the planks to steal coins and trap small jewelry
That has been dropped by clumsy fingers
Take me back...way back...to childhood years
When you were still there.
Lilacs dark and tall that smell so fragrant on the drowsy evening
And pale ones that play on the breeze beside the others
Outside the dining room window
Take me back...far back....to lazy, carefree days
When you were still there.
Rowboats floating freely, yet tethered to posts in the breakwater
And rocking softly like cradles for sailors
While gulls soar above screeching lullabies
Take me back....to long ago...when days were endless
When you were still there.
Kathleen Beebe Waygood
April 19, 2012
And chipped green paint that falls from the door
When the hollow sound breaks the air
Take me back....way back...to a time when I was young
When you were still there.
Creaky wide board floors that squeak when you cross the room
And have gaps between the planks to steal coins and trap small jewelry
That has been dropped by clumsy fingers
Take me back...way back...to childhood years
When you were still there.
Lilacs dark and tall that smell so fragrant on the drowsy evening
And pale ones that play on the breeze beside the others
Outside the dining room window
Take me back...far back....to lazy, carefree days
When you were still there.
Rowboats floating freely, yet tethered to posts in the breakwater
And rocking softly like cradles for sailors
While gulls soar above screeching lullabies
Take me back....to long ago...when days were endless
When you were still there.
Kathleen Beebe Waygood
April 19, 2012
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