Frugal Hits & Misses: April Report

 A beautiful, mostly-dry month...we could have used the moisture, though. Nothing really exciting in April, though I managed to mostly catch up on reports, and we kept up with regular responsibilities. That's something, at least. We paid our regular bills, including a hefty insurance bill, income taxes and property taxes (yeowch). We also concentrated on beefing up the emergency account, which was looking peaked. It's healthier now...but we really need to behave in May and June. 

FRUGAL HITS

(Some of these are from late March. This report is a bit early -- but I won't have time toward the end of the week.)

*Collected 13 whole cents in interest from the credit union account. Whoop-tee-do...but that's more than it usually is. Not a penny found all month, unlike some Aprils.

 *Our Little Free Library is ready for installation! A group of us built it from an old cupboard, green and white paint, leftover wood and shingles... 'sort of' copying our church building. (It will stand in the front yard.)   I only wish that someone had been throwing away an old phone booth, like the one shown below, when we were working on our Free Little Library.

Doctor Who would be proud.

*Used an old $30 credit on a Safeway pickup order -- because pickup was the only way I could get some great cyber sale prices. ($1.99 for boneless chicken breast, and 99 cents for 10 pounds of potatoes) I accidentally discovered a great hack. Weekly sales normally end on Tuesday. But if you can't (or don't want to) make it to the store, order the pickup for Thursday. You still get the sale prices...and if there's something wonderful on the next week's sale list, get it at the store after the order's picked up! 

    I'm amazed they let me do it -- but glad. It saved a 45-min each way trip to Alamosa.

*A pair of rubber boots, for mudlarking and gold panning:  $17 and change. I also found two gold pans on sale.

*Gave away a book.

*We got some rain. And a snowstorm. More moisture, please! We need as much as we can get, in this high mountain desert.

*Got more hillbilly postcards - 5 for $5.88. Yes, they're silly. 

*Earned a $10 Amazon giftcard for taking a few surveys. 

*Took a friend to breakfast for her birthday, then three other friends for lunch. Friends took the Brick out for supper. 

*A sale-priced portable French press/travel cup combination: a late birthday present for Adopted Son #1.

*Increased $$ on the Brick's Social Security check, thanks to the passing of the Fairness Act. This is such a blessing! 

*Started keeping an ongoing list of interesting books to add to our library - by keeping them in the cart on Ebay. Almost as good as buying them. I will, I will...eventually.

*$5 Amazon giftcard from Swagbucks -- from points I earned doing my regular research online. You can do this effortlessly, too. It doesn't cost a cent!

*Stocked up on dried onions and potato flakes, thanks to Warehouse Deals from Amazon: between 18 - 25 cents an ounce, way less than even Walmart right now. I also got canned shrimp (shrimp salad for an upcoming catering gig) and oysters --again,  both considerably less than Walmart.

     I miss my long-past Friday/Saturday store. I bought cases of oysters and other seafood there for much less than I paid this time around.

*Signed up for a solar community plan through Excel -- $50 giftcard for signing up, and 10% our monthly bill. We'll keep a close eye on this, to see if it's really worth it in the long run. (We do plan to put solar panels up on the roof eventually, but other projects come first.)

*Used thrift shop frames to hang pictures of past-but-not-forgotten dogs in our life: wonderful granddogs Karma and Jack, and our beloved Charley. Plus one of the 19th century engravings I found on Ebay. 

Miss Karmie - Abby in the background

Jackie Blue

Sir Charles

I hope/plan to add the others as I find space -- and frames.

*Finished reports -- a lot of them. I caught up on some other paperwork, as well as the T-word.

*Our greens are growing! It took a long time, but they're finally popping up. Fresh kale and spinach salads -- I can hardly wait. 

*Baked a pumpkin -- the last of our October decorations. (Pumpkin, by the way, is great for dogs with constipation -- just mix the pulp into their food.)

*Filled our friend's propane tank. We get a way better price per gallon than he can get. (He took us out to supper as a thank you -- thank you, Friend!)

*Three batches of Buy-3-Get-1-Free books, from good old Second Sales, as well as Dream Books, on Ebay. Free shipping, too. I'm still pretty much holding these to less than $4 each, once the discounts kick in. (The key: choose your books, group them by price -- and do more than one order.) I got a few others with Best Offers -- some on the Franklin Expedition, some on frugal living.

*Reward points (Safeway): a free two-pound chunk of cheese, plus a package of sausage links. The Brick got a 40-cent discount per gallon in diesel. And I still have some points to play with. I knew I had a $5-off-$50 coupon...turns out I had two! That bought us several salad items, and another two-pound chunk of sharp Cheddar. Yum.

*Suppers for Daughter #2 and Son #1: leftovers, veggies, and steak plus a quart of tomato gravy I had in the freezer. We sent them on their way with a snack bag: two mini-pizzas, cookies and a bunch of Monster juices. They vended two shows. Miss Freya stayed with us while they were gone, which the puppies loved. 

    The dogs have a circuit -- round the couch, down the hall, then repeat -- full speed ahead. They do this so often that we call it the Ruby Memorial Racetrack. We miss our baby dog.  A week ago, they broke the record -- SEVENTEEN laps in hot pursuit of each other, squeaker in mouth. It was funny, but since part of it was done while we were watching Ben-Hur's chariot races, I wondered who was inspiring who.  Then again, Ben-Hur wasn't hauling a squeaker while driving, either.

*Played and sang on Worship Team -- and the Brick led for two services. 

*Stayed home while the Brick went to Denver -- a meeting of the Convention Between the States rally at the Denver capitol. He took the 'Bustang,' an express from Colorado Springs -- only $9 each way. Parking in Denver STARTS at $10 -- and you can relax on the bus, instead of gritting your teeth through Denver traffic. 

*Grocery scores:  5- and 6-cent teabags of British Blend and Earl Grey Tea, canned shrimp (53 cents/oz) and 'instant' tuna packets (69 cents each), plus 16-ounce bags of mixed nuts for $5.25 each, all with free shipping (Amazon). $2.54 gallons of milk, $1.99/lb boneless chicken, 97 cents/lb ham (Safeway).  

*Finally used up the last of some lingering pantry storage items -- the last can of mushroom soup, a package of M--- cookies, a few cans of tamales (a few are left), some canned corned beef, things like that. Some sardines that didn't taste quiiiite right have been livening up the dogs' meals. (I'll reorganize and inventory everything else in May.) Tried hard to use up crackers and other items, instead of trudging to the store. I even used what we had in the freezer and fridge for Easter dinner guests. The last egg went into gingerbread for dessert. Hot out of the oven, with whipped cream. And the soup, made from leftover odds and ends, was downright wonderful.

FRUGAL MISSES

*Paid income taxes. Oh goody. Coloradoans are due a refund of $800 each, thanks to the Tabor Amendment -- but our kind and thoughtful legislature attached several "you have to" clauses in order to get the full amount. We didn't make enough income to qualify for the full $$, so we only got $600 each. 

*Our property taxes seemed unjustly inflated -- but we had to pay them, anyways. (sigh) I tried arguing that it should be less -- no success. (They ignored my protest letter, sent last year.) But we do plan to argue again if values go up in May. (The assessor's clerk hinted that was going to happen.)

*A birthday vase from the Brick was smashed in the wind. We got a LOT of wind this month.

*The Safeway checker forgot to ring up a ham -  I had to go back and pay.

*Missed out using a $1.40 food coupon. (The Brick said, 'fughgeddabatit...')

*Missed out meeting with old friends Jan and Coleman, on their way through town. We took a nap...I thought they were coming the next day...and I didn't hear the phone ringing. They thought we forgot. Aarrghghghg.

*The pups were told to quit chewing the fringe on the dining area's rug. So they did -- they switched to the side of the rug, instead. It only took ten minutes of inattention for a hand's-width of tattered edge. I can stabilize the tattered edge on the rug, but it's never going to look the same again.  (sigh) 

*Their other favorite chewing spot: the foam mattress (bottom side) on our bed. Fortunately, we solved that issue by lining the bedframe with sheets of cardboard... a new and useful hack for Amazon boxes! 

*More pee incidents. I am thinking we should buy stock in manufactuers of paper towels -- and "Pets and Kids" spray. Tiger even tempted the Brick into giving him 'flying lessons' by peeing all over the truck's backseat, plus the Brick's hooded anorack. Gutsy of that pup, I would say -- or incredibly stupid.

"But we're sooooo cute, Mom..."

Last month's report is here.  Last year's? Here. And the year before that: Here. 

   Balmy breezes, fresh greens, meals out on the deck? May is coming...soon.

Oh Yeah...

One of the first things the Brick did, after we met, was COOK FOR ME.

I still remember it fondly.

Yee-Haw...

 How would you like to get a 'hillbilly postcard' in the mail?

    I'm loving these pun-filled satires -- from the 50s, I think. And quite frankly, the 'hillbillies' I've known were handsome, smart, resourceful people -- not these silly caricatures. 

But they're funny, nonetheless. Pass me a stamp.

(Okay, this one I don't get...)

And my very favorite:

Hey, send me a hillbilly postcard. 

I can read!

And You Thought They Just Did Music...

 

More interesting facts here. Thanks, Bored Panda!

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Happy Easter!

 I am so grateful for the empty tomb...

And the Savior. 

After a fairly zany week spiced up with rain, reports and a snowstorm that almost immediately evaporated, I'm finally starting to feel like I may be catching up. Which is WONDERFUL.

    Unfortunately, the Brick has been dealing with an achy body...that's what happens with all these weather changes. Me, too - except mine focuses on my knee. We're not actually getting old, are we?  (Don't answer that.)

     The puppies are growing like crazy. Here's a photo of them, shortly after they came to live with us. Freya, our granddog, helped babysit.

And here's one from last week -- Tiger is almost as tall as Bo! Notice Bo's ears. One sticks straight up, and the other flops down. Which looks hilarious, when you wake up and she's staring at you. 

They're literally in the doghouse tonight, though. We've been trying to get them to quit chewing on the fringe of the Oriental rug in the dining room -- and thought we were succeeding. So they switched to the side that doesn't have fringe -- and chewed that up, instead. Sigh.

    The Brick is headed for a COS (Convention of the States) rally/conference at Denver's capitol this week. But Daughter #2 and Son #1 have a booth at a gem show in Wasatch, UT at the same time. I'll stay home and take care of Freya and the pups. And hopefully get even more work done.

Meanwhile:

Pope Francis died early Monday morning...breaking news on this. He was supposedly recovering from double pneumonia, poor man. 

A series of tombs, including one with an epitaph for a gladiator, found by archeologists.

Nine artifacts with connections to Biblical era people, places and events.

A kidnapped pastor in South Africa is rescued -- thank God.

Nigerian Christians are being killed. Please pray about this situation.

New disclosures on Kamala Harris' payments to various celebrities, who just 'happen' to support her campaign after that. They aren't going to make you happy -- let's put it that way.

Unusual parent tips for solving kid problems. Some of these are absolutely brilliant, like this one:

When they make you want to clench your jaw and fists and scream in rage…. Car wash! Everybody in the tub, and then spray the kids with the shower head. It starts out feeling violent, so it quells the rage. Then it’s fun because they can’t quit laughing.
And then they don’t need a bath later. All I do is win.

Some very funny bored people.

The shy, ultra-rare colossal squid, filmed in its natural habitat for the FIRST TIME. It was an 'adolescent specimen.' I can just hear Mom Squid: "Junior, I've told you and told you -- come right home! Now you let the scientists photograph you."

The one thing this sex influencer won't do in the bedroom. (And she's slept with hundreds, if not thousands, of guys.) 

     Shades of French Kiss. If you don't know what I mean, time to watch the movie again.

Sneaking through Area 51, he saw... or did he? An interesting experience, nonetheless.

A dozen original photographs of the Lizzie Border murder scene just sold -- for $12,500. (I figured you'd want to know this. P.S. I still think she did it -- or at least helped.)

How did Bernie Madoff's scheme work on investors?  Understanding this might be a great way to keep yourself from making similar mistakes.  (The Wikipedia entry is helpful, too.) I'll give you a hint: if it sounds too good to be true, particularly when the market is going down overall... it is.

Have a good week.

Happy Easter!..

 The grave is empty... Christ is Risen.

     He is risen indeed.

And that makes Someone very pissed...

Now You Know Why...

 

For All Those Early Birds Out There...

 ...You're crazy.

This was proudly typed around midnight. Still early. Who wants a wet worm, anyways?

Good Friday

 

Three Wishes

 

Tiger and Bo would agree.

Space Cadets

 

Hands up for anyone who thinks at least Perry and her fellow Spacey, Gayle King, actually PAID for this trip. (Highly doubtful that Jeff Bezos' fiancee paid, either, since it's his space capsule.) Since the program is looking for tourists with fat wallets, this was a brilliant publicity campaign. All girls -- and cute ones, at that! As one commenter pointed out, "All they did was just take a ride and scream like little girls when they reached weightlessness." 

They probably tried to get Oprah to go, but failed. (Gayle King, Oprah's friend, was a good stand-in.) Should have stuffed Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris in there, too. And what about the women on The View? No doubt they're angry about being excluded.  (I know -- cynical and rude. Apologies, I guess.)

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: TAXES

 And they're DONE. I am happy to say we even got refunds.

One huge appraisal report is done -- and another will be finished tonight. A third is waiting in the wings, as well as several others. That means another week staying mostly at home and working -- okay with me. 

Windy as all getout today -- but no rain, which we need badly. 

Meanwhile:

This is a new one -- keep floodwaters out by flooding your place yourself! This restaurant owner swears it works.

Some wonderful baking ideas -- including these guys:

A 13th century book mentioning King Arthur and his knights surfaces -- found inside the binding of an old book! Does this mean that the King Arthur legend...isn't just a legend?

Another charming comment from Rep. Jasmine Crockett. This time, she holds forth on how it's just fine to mistreat illegal migrants to the hard jobs-- "because we done pickin' cotton." Better them than us, huh, Ms. Crockett?

Horrible historical facts.  Soldiers' and horses' corpses from Waterloo, ground up for fertilizer?? (I'd heard before this that human teeth were harvested for dentures.)

Your most "feral" moneysaving hacks?  The Nonconsumer Advocate wants to know. (Don't miss out on the comments -- they're great.)

Ten stories behind famous TV quotes. (If you're thinking "Dyno-mite!"...yes, that's one of them.) Also: ten stories behind famous songs. 

If your taxes aren't finished yet... what are you doing, reading this blog?!?

(Yes, this too will pass. Have a great week.)

Are You Smart, Like Ben?

 

P.S. Good for Ben -- but I'm not sharing the Brick with anyone.

Simple Truths

 

And finally --

A gentle reminder to the Princeton professor who pegged everyone who voted for Trump as "racist" -- because we "didn't want to elect a black woman." 

Or gender, either?

Meal Prep at the Bricks...

 

This was a longstanding tradition before Ruby... 

but now Bo and Tiger are taking up the reins. Freya helps out when she can.

I guess I should be honored.

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Maybe There Was A Plan All Along

     Woke up this morning to interesting news -- the European Union, thanks to Trump's tariff increases, has suddenly decided that a "zero for zero" approach would be better. In other words, nobody pays anything. Considering that the U.S. has been paying higher tariffs for quite some time, this seems just a 'tad' more fair. 

     I've wondered if Trump's approach on this was  never meant to be long-term. Perhaps he was just getting other countries' attention -- to equalize what they charge us now. And a threat is as good as anything -- especially when they know he'll do it. 

Interestingly, the Black Monday stock debacle promised today...hasn't really happened. It hasn't been fun -- but the world definitely hasn't ended.

One huge report done, and another on the cusp. I think I'm starting to forge a bit ahead. Bit by bit...or using Bo the pup's approach, bite by bite. Speaking of biting, taxes are in progress, too. (sigh)

I'll bite a fresh peach, if you've got one.

Meanwhile:

Last-minute tax moves that may be of help.  Did you know that you can open an IRA literally on April 15?

A Titanic exhibit is coming to Molly Brown's home/museum in Denver!

Lake Michigan has a 'Bermuda Triangle?'  Well, sort of.

A man commits suicide -- encouraged by a CHATBOT who tells him," then we'll always be together."

Hamas' civilian death toll suddenly drops by thousands...quietly, too. Could it be that they were over-exaggering a bit, especially about women and children? (Naaaaah.)

Does the wreck of a WWII Japanese submarine lie in deep water just off the California coast? In keeping wiht this:

A closer look at the Japanese mini-submarines who attacked at Pearl Harbor.

Kevin O'Leary's take for people panicking about the stock market.  (P.S. You shouldn't.)

What's next if your refrigerator doesn't work after a power outage is restored?

The IRS whistleblowers who exposed Hunter Biden's preferential treatment are finally promoted -- after two years of punishment and neglect

Sweet chili sauce -- Katy over at The Nonconsumer Advocate swears by it.

Low-tech solutions to high-tech problems that are WORKING.  Hey, if developing countries can use these, we can, too!

Can AI fill in the missing parts of Delacroix paintings? (And should it be allowed to try?)

The Parthenon's scattered bits and pieces are now starting to come back together.

How to travel with a toddler.  GREAT advice, not just good.   (From Millenial Revolution)

Val Kilmer died this week. An AMAZING, talented actor -- one of our 'buddies.' He will be missed.

Frugal meals - 150 of them - "for when you are flat broke."  (Thanks, Prudent Pennypincher)  

Bigfoot was spotted in Colorado's Boulder County a few weeks ago! Just going about his business, too... "Nothing to see here."

Fascinating old house finds.  And more in Britain -- this time under the floorboards of a Tudor era manor.

Six little-known country rules that can also result in fines.

Ten Chinese pieces, overlooked or stored -- until experts realized their true value.

A visit to the Mariana Trench...and the Challenger Deep.

Puzzles scientists still can't explain. Including (smirk) left-handedness! 

Here's something I can't explain -- does this guy have bendable ankles??

A Revolutionary War trophy is discovered in a shipwreck -- a button!    

Have a good week.

Quit That!

In 1978, a 30-person hostage situation in Melbourne was resolved when the perpetrator's mother stormed the place, hit him over the head with her handbag and told him to "stop being so stupid." 

Sounds like my grandma. Ethel Cumings barely stood 5 foot, but would take on anything and everyone -- including her much larger family of 8 kids ("Two and a half-dozen," my grandpa would say.) Not to mention their 6-8 kids each. As two of the youngest cousins (our mom was the baby of the family, with only 2 kids), we didn't stand a chance.

"I'll slep your face silly for trying that -- 

and put away that camera! I'm trying to cook BREAKFAST."

I loved her very much -- but took care to behave myself. She would be shocked -- shocked, I tell you -- that I wear jeans to church today, especially when singing on Worship Team. But when you're stepping up on a platform, or standing by a high-powered air register... the chances of giving a "free show" are wayyyyy too easy.

So forgive me, Grandma. I'll try not to act so stupid. But I'm still wearing jeans next week. (Love you.)