FRUGAL
Frugal is the word of the day, today. Frugality is a habit that many people have allowed to lapse. I have a friend whose husband has a lecture for his family about whether they WANT something, or whether they NEED something. I asked him to give me the lecture, but I have yet to hear it. One day, I may call him and ask to hear it. *G*
One of my favorite sayings goes: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
My clothes closet will attest to the fact that I am frugal. I have a number of things that I really should throw out, that I call “gardening clothes.” In reality, one only needs so many outfits for gardening, but I have to work at throwing away things that are not in shreds. My husband is the same. I sorted through my things last spring, and will do it again this June. We’ll have to work together to clear out his chest of drawers, and the closet. I haven’t a clue why he has saved so many pairs of pants. He doesn’t garden!
Periodically, I make meals from what is in the freezer or pantry, using things up so that they don’t go to waste to freezer burn or pass their “use by” date. My brother-in-law sent me an e-mail about the need to pitch cake mixes and the like if they have reached their expiration date. Apparently they can house mold or other unsavory things. I got the step stool and sat down in front of the pantry and read the expiration date on everything but the tea. I was astonished at how much I had to throw out! I encourage you to do the same, and replace things only as you will use them. (My family is laughing right now because they tell me I could supply my local grocery store if they run out of things. I’m trying to change…..really!)
There are two areas where I am not frugal: books and things having to do with quilting. In truth, I have slowed down in my purchase of both, but I have so much fabric stashed that I probably will not be able to use it in my lifetime. The real problem is that such beautiful fabric continues to be created that I just can’t seem to keep from adding a little here and there. So, to counter that, I purposely avoid my favorite haunts, so that I’m less tempted. A for books, I plan to resume my visits to the library. It’s well stocked, and I’ve discovered that I can browse on-line, and even request an order to be gathered for me. I have given away a LOT of books, but my shelves overflow, and that reminds me to be FRUGAL!
Are you a frugal person? In all ways, or just in some? I think we are at a time when our government NEEDS to practice frugality. The deficit that is anticipated in all areas of government will force all of us to be more frugal as we pay off their debt, and see to our own needs. Now is the time to be FRUGAL!
Daily Archives: May 21, 2011
More DIrt Therapy
As I cleaned earlier this year, I came across little collections of seeds everywhere. I dedicated one little basket to the seeds, and it finally overflowed with packets. I sorted the seeds a few weeks ago and decided that I would put them in, as many as I could, this year.
I have no idea if they will all germinate. It’s possible that some of the seed it too old, but I’m planting it anyway!
I used a shovel to turn over the dirt in most of one arm of the herb garden. I broke up the clumps and took out old stems and new feverfew starts. (Feverfew is lovely, but it will take over your entire lot if you let it!). Once the bed was smoothed, I planted rows of giant State Fair zinnia. In front of that I planted a row of Giant Cactus zinnia, and in front of that a row of Cut and Come Again zinnia which are slightly smaller. Along the edge of the bed, I planted Nasturtiums. I didn’t soak or nick the seeds, so I’m not sure what kind of turn out I’ll have from the Nasturtiums.
Around the corner from the zinnias, I’ve planted a stand of Evening Sun sunflowers, with a row of Tithonia (Mexican Sunflowers) that should bloom in an orangey shade. When I clear the section between these two pods, I hope to plant Lemon Verbena and two scented geraniums.
The sky became threatening, but I ignored it to get the basil and parsley planted. I put in both curly and flat-leafed parsley, as usual. I still have to plant the basil at my kitchen sink, and the dill, but I’m moving right along.
I think the next area I’ll finish is the center of the center box. I need to re-seat the St. Francis statue. He lists a bit. While I’m at it, I hope to dig up some of the crab grass roots that infest that area of the garden. The roots like to hide under the chive plants.
Once that part of the bed is done, I’ll plant the miniature tomato plants, a Sweet 100 cherry, a yellow pear, and one new one that seems to be an orange/red version of the cherry tomato.
There are times when I drag my feet at the thought of going out to do this work. It isn’t always fun, but the more I get done before the heat hits, the easier it is to maintain the grounds through the summer. I think I have about two more days of work on the herb garden, and then I can resume working on things at the front of the house. The rain we are supposed to get the next few days will make things easier.
Yea, for dirt therapy!!