Do People Still Do That?

 I recently began a new homemaker project - 

and one that I never thought I would do.

I have recently taken to darning socks.

Hubby's work boots appear to "eat" socks, especially at his big toe.

For a while, the bad ones just became cleaning rags.

They were perfect for staining wood or applying polyurethane.

But, then it seemed like I was making sock purchases too often.

Hubby suggested darning the socks.

How hard could it be?

Turns out,

it is not hard.

With a doll head to keep the hole spread and some thicker thread,

the holes were soon fixed.

While it won't be my favorite pastime,

and no one will show my work as a model,

it is prolonging the life of a few socks.

When the Duds Have a Date

I am a homebody!

Truly there is no place that I would rather be.

My home is a sanctuary to me.

Because I love home so much,

we often have dates at home.

That could possibly give me the title of "a dud."

But home dates save money,

I get to bed on time,

and all of the food is gluten-free!

When we do go out on a Saturday,

we are usually home before dark to rest and to relax at home.

BUT...

On Wednesday or Thursday,

I heard that the builders of our home were sponsoring a "Symphony Stroll" in a "neighboring" town on Friday night.

(The town was about an hour and 15 minutes away.) 

The Owensboro, KY Symphony would have a few small symphonic groups performing down on the river's edge.

I asked hubby if we could go.

It might be great, it might be a bust.

He said "YES!"

We went and we were so glad that we did.

The riverfront park was simply beautiful,

we enjoyed walking along the river,

and we listened to beautiful music as the sun set and the moon rose.

It was a clear night, with a full moon

and the bridge would change colors.

An epic success!

An Error in Our Favor

 Will you indulge me in a "Thankful Friday" post?

We are rejoicing this week in an audit of our mortgage.

When we signed the mortgage paperwork,

we thought that our escrow amount seemed exhorbitant,

but all the people "in the know" told us that that is the way it is done.

Our escrow would be audited in January.

As January rolled into February,

our audit was moved to next January 2024 as the escrow mounted.

I made a sweet request for an audit this year ...

and our observations were acknowledged.

Our surplus is schedule to be returned (and then be put on our mortgage)

and our regular mortgage payment was reduced by more than $300!

Praise the Lord!

Circumvent

 Every dollar counts.

They always have,

but they seem to be harder to hold on to these days.

Of course, with a home purchase right around the corner

and raging inflation,

I am trying to be wise in spending.

But in the effort,

I don't want to forget others.

I don't want to cease to be a giver.

Of course, this weekend is Mother's Day.

It is a strange day this year.

It is the first year that I have only sent one Mother's Day card in 20 years.

It is a Mother's Day tinged with sadness, especially for hubby.

It is always a difficult day as we rightfully honor mothers at church,

and God has continued to have other plans for me.

But it is a day when I rejoice with 3 ladies who are celebrating as first time mothers this year (all in the last 3 months)

and remembering and being thankful for my own mother.

I am so glad that I will get to see my mom next week,

but I did want to honor her with a gift this weekend.

But I was torn...

I wanted to send some live plants,

but the delivery fees were crazy.

So I circumvented the system.

I had her local "Kroger" deliver a hanging basket and some tulip bulbs.

I signed up for Instacart and received 3 free deliveries.

Not only were the plants cheaper than the florist,

but the delivery was free (there was a small service charge and I could tip the driver).

And if the weather is bad in the next 10 days and I don't want to walk for my groceries,

or if I want to send flowers to another recipient,

I have two more free deliveries.

If you want to look into it,

they sent me this link to pass along.

Supposedly it will give both of us $10 if you desire to use it.