Dreaming What Ifs...

Even Big Boys Can Be Babied Sometimes

 

Thinking About Frugalness

*taken in Enterprise, Oregon (July 2011)

 

Lately, I've been thinking about Frugalness - being frugal, Practicing or marked by economy, as in the expenditure of money or the use of material resources.  In particularly in aspects to cooking and feeding my family.

Right now being frugal is easy.  My garden supplies almost all our food.  I'm making stir-frys, salads, vegetable mixes, soups, and sneaking zucchini into meatloafs, pancakes, and other such food items.  I haven't opened a box or package (except for some fruit loops for breakfast) in months.  (I haven't even mentioned all the canning!)

While preparing for radioactivity, I made bread and my own salad dressing.  It was pretty easy and tasted better than whatever lump came from the store. 

I'm feeling the need to make more changes and to step-it-up, so to speak.  I want to be healthier.  I want my children to grow up eating healthy.  I want them to see me as an example...cooking isn't a chore.  Cooking isn't hard.  Preparing meals with real live food is the way of life.  

Going to the grocery store and shopping the inner-aisles isn't a necessity.  When did we learn that food should come from a box?  Was it our busy schedules?  Well - hello crockpot.  Hello cooking extra and freezing.  Good-bye frozen chicken nuggets and Costco lasagna.  I'm making a change for the better.

Next step?  I may be saying farewell to shampoo and cleaning products.  (but don't expect me to throw away the bleach...My college micro-biology days are still too fresh in my mind for that drastic idea). 

Won't you join me on the frugal bandwagon?  Make a change - even a little one is better than nothing.  Your health and the environment will be pleased!

Hide-n-Seek for Beginners

"Mama, I'm gonna hide.  You find me." (and then lots of giggling)

Worst Paint Job Ever

Things I think about while I'm driving Hwy 20 near my house...

Whatever the reasons - the paint job is the absolute worst I've ever seen. 

A Horse of a Different Color

Sitting around the dinner table last night, Dave laughed at one of my comments and said  "Next thing we know, you'll be drinking the Kool-aid."

We both laughed but the kids stared at us with blank eyes.  The reference went over their heads.

Dave tried to help the kids understand.  "It was the Jonestown cult who drank Kool-aid."

More blank stares.

"You do know what a cult is?"  I asked.

"Sure".  Jammin' nodded.  "We know what a cult is."

And at the same moment - both Jammin' and Buttercup answered.

"It's a baby horse."