Peach State says: It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

As I sit here, in the dimly lit room, gentle reminders of my day invade like shadows flowing over the grassy meadow. This day is way outside the box in the realm of our normal Saturday activities. There will be no yard work today! There will be no major cleaning! We are all going in different directions…except for my youngest…he will be with me! It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

Everything started normally with morning coffee and visiting of Facebook and emails. “Yes I checked my blog stats too!” I prepared my husbands breakfast and latte and took it to his office. This is when my day changed…my 18 year old, who is typically up around 8:45am on Saturdays, was up and getting ready for his day. “Oh yeah! He has the walk today!” He is helping his girlfriend with her Senior Project…a fundraiser for a Wounded Soldier! I am very proud of my son and his girlfriend for taking this on! Anything for our service men and women!
When he finishes with the fundraiser he will be going to a community function and volunteering there. It is an Easter Egg Hunt and usually has over 200 children attend…not to mention parents.

My oldest is moving today…He is relocating to another apartment on the other side of the state. He seems very excited at the direction his life is going. I can only give him advice and pray for him!

My 21 year old and my husband are off to their jobs…Me on the other hand am headed out of town today! It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

I mentioned earlier this week about the conflicting schedule commitments…Well arrangements made were changed and I am headed about two hours south…for the funeral of a dear family friend.
He and his family have been part of my family since I was 17 years old. The recent struggles, of this sweet spirit, were numerous as the doctors tried to fix one problem only to find others lurking below the surface. His health diminished quickly and the family began to prepare for the worse.
This will be a “home going” funeral. We have all been touched and will miss him. This will be a bittersweet reunion of family and friends.

This man and his family have been involved in most of our family celebrations. My baby sister and the daughter of this man resemble Siamese twins separated at birth. I have fond memories of this large, teddy bear like man meeting me at the door of my old church. His arms were open wide…not to hug me but to take the precious cargo I had in my arms. I had moved to Washington State and not been home in quite a few years. I had come home and had my first born with me. “He is mine…give him over…don’t worry he won’t be passed around…he will stay with me!” I just smiled knowing this gentle giant wanted to be the first to hold him and would not share! He was this way with each of my sons…meeting me at the door in silly anticipation. As the boys have grown…they have still maintained a relationship of sorts with this sweet man and his family. When I told the boys of his passing…a quietness settled and voices quivered. Disbelief and the typical questions for those affected followed. My boys have not experienced death this close except twice. They have been aware of other losses but not influenced directly. It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

I must go get started…a lot to do in and hour and a half! I will head out and arrive early at the little church. The family will be gathering before the service. There will be many familiar faces quick to give a hug with tear filled Kleenex in hand. This is the third funeral (Home Going’) I have been to this month.

Take care of those important people in your life…and have a great day!

Peach State

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Peach State says: My Recurring Patterns?

Today is Friday and I found myself not thinking about Current Events. Instead I found myself going through a preset, habit formed, group of functions. I find it curiously comforting as I take a closer look at this routine. There are differences…but only slight ones…with interruptions thrown in!
The endless spiral of events, that connect my actions as I flow through the daily motions, are structurally needed. You will probably notice a similar pattern in your own life. So…here is My Recurring Patterns!

Alarm off
Put on fuzzy socks
Head for the coffee pot
Check Facebook
Check Chat
Check email
Check Swagbucks
Check Blog
Respond to early risers on Facebook messenger or text
Fix lattes and breakfast
Training of 11 year old on correct behavior
Check blog
Check Facebook
Start laundry
Load or unload dishwasher
11 year old to bus stop
Start the daily blog
Pour coffee in travel cup for husband
Continue blogging
Respond to messages and text
Complete blog post for the day
Check Facebook
Conversations with friends
Move laundry
General cleaning
Check blog stats
Get other two sons out the door for the day
Fix another latte
Check Facebook
Play music (sometimes to learn music)
Focused cleaning
Move laundry and fold clothes
Respond to texts
Check blog stats
Plan dinner
Move or fold laundry
Check blog
Check email
Help with homework as I cook dinner…

By now you are sitting there shaking your head…don’t be to quick to judge! You have your patterns too! This list would be far shorter and would not be filled with check blog and Facebook if it weren’t for convenience of my type of phone and iPad. They are always with me and I can quickly maneuver the familiar apps and pages with little time spent. The delightfully unique and personalized chimes and tones associated with each notification add music to my day and keep me updated as I move through the average housekeeping duties. At the push of a button I can be instantly aware of Facebook changes and texts as well any calls I may have not been able to answer. “I am actually doing things that cause me to miss phone calls…or texts!”

I must confess that the act of checking my blog stats has been filled with excitement and anticipation. I was thrilled this past week to find my daily blog post listed as a “Featured Post”! I surpassed the previous records this week and just can’t help but watch the numbers increase each time I check the stats.

“I would like to thank each of you for your likes and views…and those of you who now follow this Blog…you put a smile on my face and brighten my day!”

My daily life, as average as it is, contains many out of the ordinary tasks. The adoption of a Special Needs child, the economic upheaval with our family owned small business, the activities surrounding my singing in various groups as well as the continued ups and downs of life, as experienced by my three older sons, are the center of my structurally routine existence. I may not conquer the business world or find a cure for disease but, I am happy! “I have my low points just like everyone…yet…I am at peace in my little corner of the world!”

We each have those habits and ways of doing things as we go through our day. From the morning wake up call to the setting of the alarm at bedtime we are engaging in the same routines as we care for our families. The order may be different but there is a pattern…a general consistent flow…that is the basis of you daily scheduled life. We may not consider the little routines as important but we would be wrong! These little connections with family and friends keep us current and offer us an emotional boost as we continue through our pre-set day. This satisfies the basic need of belonging…we all want to be part of something!

Consider your day to the smallest activity. What do you find yourself doing when there is a pause in your schedule? I would make a guess you are just like me! It is now time to recheck my Facebook and catch up with those who are now starting their day. I hope all of the status updates are good for you and yours today! I am off to follow My Recurring Pattern!

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: It’s One of Those Days…I Need More Coffee!

First things first…I thrive when I am busy…but there are days I would love to crawl under the covers and sleep for a few more days. It is not because I am tired or not feeling well…I just have to make a big decision on top of having a busy, errand running day! It’s One of Those Days…I Need More Coffee!

My To-Do list is not that complicated…it has the normal schedule of up in the morning, drink some coffee, get my son off to the bus, drink some coffee, get husband out the door to work, drink some coffee…well you know the routine! I will need to do a more thorough cleaning than usual today…best get started when they leave. It’s One of Those Days…I Need More Coffee!

My son has another doctor’s appointment today at 3:00. This is a good thing because I have been trying to get his medicine changed and you have to have a new appointment for this. The only opening was at the end of April so I got lucky! I will need to either have dinner just about ready or need to make a zappit dinner. Oh great! “What’s for dinner?” At 6:30 two dear friends are coming over…not to visit although it will be a time filled with laughter and fun. We sing together on a trio and have to get some songs ready for a civic event. One of my friends may come by early and have…you guessed it…coffee. “It will be in the form of a latte’!”

See…it is not that bad of a day…but!

A sweet friend of mine is getting married on Saturday at 11am. The wedding is about 2 hours north.
And a dear friend of the my family died and his funeral is Saturday at 12:30. The funeral is in my hometown about 2 hours south. I have know this friend since I was 17 years old…so a long…long..(okay you get the idea) time. My friend who is getting married I have know for about 10 years but have only been good friends for about 3 years. What to do?

I am really torn and know my family would rather I attend the funeral.

I was asked last night if I was going to the wedding and I said yes…then saw the funeral was pretty much at the same time and in the opposite direction. No way I could attend both services. I guess I will have to weigh the decision and do what any good person would do…drink more coffee and wait for certain key influences to wake up so I can seek their advice. “What do you think about that solution?”

My husband is almost ready to leave…I can hear his shoes clicking as he crosses the floor upstairs. My day is planned for me and I have a plate full of fun-filled hours of activity. Spring Break is next week and my 18 year old turn 19 on Easter…along with all of the singing and songs to be learned…but those stories and details will be saved till next week.

Yesterday I told you I would give out the recipe chosen for the cookbook!
The Hashbrown Casserole recipe was asked about. I do not think I will use this one in the cookbook but I will give it out now!

1 bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns
1 package of diced ham (of course you can cut up ham if you have some leftover)
1 bag of shredded cheese ( I use Sharp Cheddar but if there is another flavor you like…use it! Swiss is good but my boys like “the orange cheese” better!)
1 medium onion finely chopped
1/2 cup if butter or 1stick sliced

Brown ham in skillet and add onions…remove from heat

Layer the hashbrowns in the bottom of your greased dish and salt (like you are adding salt at the table…not to much! ) spread ham mixture over the hashbrowns. Sprinkle cheese over the ham and repeat the layers. (I usually have 2 layers of each ingredient)
Place the remaining cheese on top and add the slices of butter over the top.
Bake until hashbrowns are cooked and done.
I have found that I can save time using the microwave to cook the dish then add the final layer of cheese and brown in the oven.
Serve with a salad and bread of choice!

I am just about done with my cranberry oatmeal and will start my cleaning day in the kitchen.
It’s One of Those Days…I Need More Coffee “At least I know I can and will get a lot accomplished and won’t have much to do tomorrow. Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Cookbook Dilemma

The announcement was placed in the bulletin and I found my mind beginning to wander instantly. What recipes would I submit to this endeavor? My Cookbook Dilemma!

I have mentioned before…I love to cook! I have shared several recipes on my blog and gotten good feedback both in comments and in person. Should I include main courses or desserts or maybe one of each? Choices…choices! Maybe I will let my readers decide while I finish my coffee!

Choices:

Cajun Beans and Rice
Chicken Enchiladas
Hash brown Casserole
Shrimp and Peppers
BarBQue Chicken Salad

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
Lemon Blueberry Poundcake
Amazing Coconut Pie
Dump Cake

Well what do you think? Please let me know which dish has made your mouth water…which one would you want to see in a cookbook? I will get the recipes posted for the favorites tomorrow! Make sure you vote or at least comment on the ones you want to see!
I will be very grateful for any assistance in solving my Cookbook Dilemma!

Peach State

Peach State says: Here is My Facebook Funnies!

Here we are halfway through this week…I am ready for some humor! “Are you?”
These are collected from my Facebook and some were targeted to me and some …well they were just funny. Here is My Facebook Funnies!

Girl Scouts go door to door and outside the stores we frequent selling innocent cookies. We did not buy any this year! “I am so proud of myself!” But someone did…

While we are on the topic of eating…

Age has been targeted this week! “I am so glad that we are exempt from these conversations and jokes!”

Signs are placed strategically to inform…

My son has a doctors appointment today….should I tell him about this?

My cat lover friends have been a bit preoccupied this past week! I guess it was a hard week!

I would just like to take a moment and wish them a better week!

Well I tried!

As I close the Humor floodgates this week I have to warn you about the last humorous tidbit….okay you’ve been warned! Car commercials with the beautiful young girls flirtingly showing the details of the car…

A picture is worth a thousand words…and I just can’t seem to find the words to fit.

Have a great day…and send me those Facebook Funnies!

Peach State

Peach State says: What About The Classics?

Some of the dearest memories, I have from school, are the shelves of books that lined the wall of the classroom under the windows. There were collections of biographies and a large collection of the Classics. You know the ones… Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth…the list could go on! Now days the typical classroom does not have this large reading treasure trove instead they have Diary of a Wimpy Kid and every book written about a mouse and his motorcycle. What About the Classics?

This has been a burning question recently. My youngest continues to ask me if I have read certain books. I love to read and he knows this…but the titles are books that have been written in the past 10-12 years and well…I don’t read baby books! I have tried to explain to him the fact that these books were not written when I was little. When I was his age I was reading The Classics! I start telling him about the wonderful and exciting adventures I had while reading them and the dreams that came from these great books. I told him…Journey to the Center of the Earth is one of my favorites and the dreams I had…”Oh, I saw that movie! You got to watch DVDs in school?”.

After he got over the shock that we did not have DVDs when I was in school I told him these books were written before there was television. Then he tore into a discussion about no television.

My question is: If these children are not encouraged to read these great masterpieces then how will they find their adventurous spirit? How will they find the passion to question the extraordinary and use their imaginations? What About the Classics?

The relationships formed and alliances made between characters as they were forced to make life and death decisions gave us hope. Hope that if they could find a way in a tough situation we could find a way. The times I escaped to Oz with all it colorful creatures and fantastic scenery…the unique plant life in the middle Earth that stood high above the characters…wonderful memories that filled my childhood.

How big can your imagination grow in a book with 50 pages…where the only dilemma is limited to one day at school! Our children have lost the desire to explore and fight giant octopi or build a raft and sail the Mississippi, or find the buried treasure while fighting pirates? Do they realize the joys they have missed not learning to fly with Peter Pan?

Before I could read these fantastic works of art my mother introduced a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson to me when I had the chicken pox. It was called “The Land of Counterpane“

When I was sick and lay a-bed
I had two pillows at my head
And all my toys beside me lay
To keep me happy all the day.

And sometimes for an hour or so
I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills
Among the bed-clothes, through the hills;

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets
All up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out,
And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still
That sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain,
The pleasant land of Counterpane.

What child could not dream with a poem like this as a foundation. I read it to my older boys and the battles the army men would have with the Teenage Mutant Turtles was truly Epic! The reading assignments given to our children today are not using these treasures. Very few of the assignments call for biographical reading. How do we learn about the great men and women who shaped our world? There is no way to understand where we came from if they don’t read about these great people and their lives.

I will just keep trying to introduce my youngest to this world from home…I can’t wait for him to have an adventure while reading one of these Classics!

As for me…I will step off my Soap Box…sip on my coffee and fall back into Victorian England. Time for some Jane Austen! What? Don’t you like to dream? Have a great day…and enjoy that lovely cup of coffee!

Peach State

Peach State says: Anchors of Friendship

I wish you could meet me friends…they are the best! They are there when I call and there when I don’t. They lift me up whether I need it or not. They give me a reason to laugh and smile and share in my times of tears. I love my friends…they are my Anchors in Friendship!

First let me say that I have a group of within a group! Don’t shake your head…I have mentioned before that I have a strong core group of friends. With the love of cooking and sharing recipes to cleaning tips and hints to help in the raising of children…we all input guidance and knowledge. Isn’t this what friends do…no matter the situation. We share the funny and important stuff with those we care about because they may have a future need for the information we gave them. So let me break it down for you!

There is the group that I talk to occasionally. These are the ones I may talk to once in a blue moon because of distance. We talk and there is an automatic pick up where we left off mentality. We were close when we lived close to each other but…living across the country from each other can cause a few problems. Facebook has been wonderful with keeping the lines of communication open. Before we only had snail mail and phone calls.

There is the group that I still talk to from churches in the area. They are few in number and seem to evaporate after time. I have one I still see and talk to but…it just isn’t the same. (I have only been at three churches in the area…two of which were never really a fit)

This next group is the group with a group! Some of them have been there for the past 10+ years, since moving to this area, and have grown into the deepest, family replacing, type of friends. I could not go through my day without talking to them at least once. This little group has increased in the past few years to include new personalities that, to me, feel like they were meant just for me. “You know who you are!” (take a moment to give yourself a hug and know that I love each of you very dearly and keep reading)

There are days that the phone is attached to my ear…if we are not together in person. This is the group that we are talking on the phone with them as we walk across the parking lot or church building to see them. This group is centered around my church and my faith. We sing together…often break out into silly laughter together. ( Oh Where is My Hairbrush?) Sorry…I was just thinking about our recent time together and it brought a warmth to my heart. This group is consistent and supportive. They are my Anchors of Friendship!

The bonds this group shares is not an isolated occurrence. This type of friendship happens at churches and schools around the world. You may have a similar group that anchor you. When you feel like things could not be worse…they are right there for you…holding you hand and picking you up. They don’t ask for explanations…they just give you support and love! They are quiet when you are quiet and rowdy when you are rowdy. “We tend to be rowdy a lot lately!” The interesting thing about my wonderful group is the differing personalities. We are not of the same age group…they have not clue who my husband is but, would love him if he would give the opportunity to them. Backgrounds and life experiences are packed full of delights and tragic events. We are more alike than we may realize.

I am really a very blessed person to have this group of God given friends. I wish I could tell them how I feel…but…we are always to busy singing and laughing! The joy that flows from my heart when I think about them fills my day and eases the struggles that I encounter on a daily basis. “Some of this group understand the intricacies of my life.”

Through this group we have other friends with whom we associate with even outside church activities. We are really an interesting bunch of ….delinquents…no! That seems a little young and harsh…grapes. “I like that!”. I used to not understand that concept when I first heard my Aunt and Uncle talk about their group this way. Think about it for a second…always in a bunch…there may be some that are bruised and some not fully ripened and some that are just right…all together they are wonderful. They continue to grow and multiply and become a hardy, rooted plant just like friends. Anchors in Friendship are long lasting and true!

I hope you can take an opportunity to tell your friends how much you appreciate them today! Everyone needs to smile at least once a day! Until the next time…have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: After a Very Long Day

It had been a very long morning of practices that ended after 1:00. I had gotten home to find my check had come and rushed off to the bank. My youngest and I spent the rest of the day getting the espresso beans ground, a stop at the Nail Salon, then off to the grocery store. We were finishing up at the store when he saw the Muppet Movie was on display for sale. I have to confess, I LOVE the Muppets. We paid for the groceries and darted over to the RedBox. I found the movie and pulled up a promo code off my phone and got the movie. We headed home and put the groceries away and the two us prepared for the movie After a Very Long Day.

What a delight! There were old favorites I could sing along with mixed in with the new songs. The story was very cute. Just as the movie reached the end, in true romantic fashion, there it was. My song filled the screen and the room. “Mahna Mahna”! My 18 year old had watched a little of the movie and said he would bet me I would cry during the movie….and I did! I love this song and sang along through the smiling tears. I called a friend of mine and told her she had to get the movie…just for this song… “I know what she will be doing this week!”

After dinner…bedtime for the youngest…the Blind Side came on. Another of my favorites! I sat back and watched while I waited for my husband to come downstairs. The other boys were not home sooo the TV remote was mine! When my husband finally came down he said “Oh…I have seen this before!” He does not like to watch things more than once…”If that is the case…why does his watch the news channels…all day?” (insert a chuckle)

The next thing I knew he was involved in the movie…we watched the entire movie with interruptions and paused TiVo. I did not nap as usual and when the movie ended it was 11:40. Well worth it!
It was a good day with some not so good things thrown in…but that will be for another day. I headed for bed After a Very Long Day!

Have a wonderful day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Solitary Reflections

This week has been a blur of movement and activity. Things have been accomplished and others have been added to the growing stack for this next week. Oh the joys of motherhood! For the first time, in my life as a mother, I find that my schedule does not revolve around the boys! WOW! When did this happen? They come and go as they respond to my well wishes for the day. I smile and proceed with my day…the ever present chores…conversations with friends…planning of dinner.
The head count for dinner seems to float between 3-5 instead of the original 6 mouths to feed. Thinking and reacting on my feet with a “shoot from the hip” mentality! Solitary Reflections!

I have been gone several nights, myself, this week. Of course this is due to our Easter Musical practices. Today is the last practice…what will I do next week? “Trio practices!” One of the trios that I am on has been asked to sing at a type of civic meeting. They meet throughout the month and would like to have music as a part of their meetings. This means the learning of new music and practices to organize. But that is next week and I don’t need to worry about that right now. My life is a consistent symphony, of sorts, with dramatic emotional transitions. I find contentment in my small corner of the world.

My grandmother celebrated another birthday yesterday and some members of the family will gather with her today. I wish I could have been able to attend…I did not know about it in time to try and make arrangements. But I do have practice today! I will miss spending this special day with my grandmother. She is in her mid-nineties and may not even know I am not there. I still miss her! She is one of my greatest inspirations and examples in my life. Her grace and wisdom overflowed into my life and for this I will be eternally thankful. I find myself thinking of her as statements and movements surface through me. The simple pleasures in life…beauty in the garden…love of the beach…walking…picnics… We are really alike in so many ways! I miss our talks and time together!

This next week begins a flurry of review for my youngest. They are getting ready for the series of standardized tests. I put him in a Saturday program to assist in this preparation. The school promptly cancelled one session because of two county-wide required furlough days for teachers. They got Thursday and Friday off and did not want to come back for a 3 hour session on Saturday. Can you really blame them? My son will not be able to attend today’s session because I cannot guarantee the availability of a ride home at the needed time. Sooo…he goes with me!

I was used to taking the boys with me to my extra practices. It was our way of life. It was the way I was raised and what I was used to! I guess I am thankful for the extra practices for the main fact that it gets me out of the house. I find myself a home-body of sorts. Not by choice but by necessity. I have accepted this flaw in my life and even embrace it from time to time. I have been invited to participate in group functions and had to turn them down for several reasons. No one to watch our youngest, economic deficiencies, and the wishes of my husband. I guess I am a unique and complicated person! Everyone else finds a way and seems to do whatever they want to do! They gather at peoples houses and share meals or go out together. I am never invited to those activities. “I resolve to do for my family and be there even when not needed.” Now that is a mouth full!

I have been able to see the change in seasons in dramatic ways this week. If you have watched the news our state reached record high levels in pollen counts this week. With pollen comes new growth…blooms of color and explosions of green fill the landscape. We had some rain which washed some of the yellow haze away…but another burst of spring followed the rain. The fluffy white blossoms have blown away in the breezes, creating a flurry of petals. Green leaves appeared as the trees begin to take on their full refreshed appearance.

It has been a good week all in all. I count myself blessed and look forward to what this next week will bring. You know…grocery shopping, loading and unloading of the groceries, normal daily activities with an assortment of daily challenges to overcome. I am ready! “Are you?”

I look forward to sharing the funny and humorous parts of my life this next week. For now I will close and start getting ready for practice. I will drink in the morning…what I have left of it…as I finish my coffee. I should text a friend of mine to pick up a coffee for me as he goes thought he drive thru at Starbucks. “He owes me!” I will get to see my dearest of friends and spend the good part of the morning with them and most of the day tomorrow. What a way to spend the weekend!

What are your plans for the weekend? Did you have a fulfilling week? Take a moment and consider your Solitary Reflections!

Peach State

Peach State says: Middle Class Humor and Current Events

My husband and I went to do a few errands, yesterday, on his day off. Fox News had been talking about the overnight jump in gas prices in Ohio…we did not know it was here in Georgia too! We drove into the gas station and the price had jumped 15 cents. He laughed and said “I guess I should have filled up last night when it was $3.63 a gallon!” The numbers began to spin around as if possessed! Click! My husband got back into the car…”Well at least I am no longer driving the truck!” It would be way over $75 to fill up and he uses almost two tanks per week. At least we have Middle Class Humor and Current Events!

I guess his stomach was growling because he asked where I would like to eat. We decided on trying out the new Panera Bread restaurant. We ordered conservatively: 2 sandwiches with chips, 1 orange juice and one water, and 2 cinnamon rolls. One of the cinnamon rolls was 99 cents! “They were for his dessert later that night.” The red flashing lights streaming from the register should have told us to run…”That will be $21….” My husband handed the girl, behind the register, the money as he choked back his shock and surprise. As we found a seat he looked at me and said $21…!” We were offered a free pastry due to slow service and my husband told me to select a pastry. “If we are going to pay this much for a meal we might as well get all we can!” We enjoyed our meal and time together.

We left and were headed to the local home improvement store to buy lightbulbs. We were driving down the road and headlines became the topic of conversation. They were not just any headlines…well you will see.

*In Lieu of a Summer Trip We Bought a Tank of Gas and Lunch at Panera Bread!

*Cost of Gas and Lunch Bankrupt Family!

*Who Needs Lightbulbs Anyway?

*Family Vacations at Local Gas Station!

*Vacation Destinations Now Include Gas and Grocery Stores!

I see families taking vacations and talking about their vacations on Facebook. They are going camping or visiting Disney and the some head to the beach. I would love to go to the beach house. It is relatively inexpensive except for the gas. I guess we just prioritize differently. A friend posted a picture on Facebook and well it gives us a good laugh…but could it be a true statement?

Our boys are learning how to repair their vehicles themselves…they shop around for the best prices and replace the brakes and most recently an alternator. My 21 year old saved over $150 by replacing the brakes on his truck with his brother. “I think my husband may have supervised!”
My 18 year old had to replace his alternator this week and was immediately on the phone to the auto parts stores comparing prices. “I must have done something right!” I came home from church that night to see my sons under the hood with grease ridden faces and hands…and they were googling the how to guide. It took them several hours but they did it…and saved more money. After cleaning up they collapsed, proud in their accomplishment, and still had greasy faces.

I am old enough to remember my parents complaining about gas prices…I remember complaining about higher gas prices and the cost of living…and now…well we try not complain. We just make jokes! If we can’t laugh about our situation we will get more upset and stress out. We have enough stress today without fighting over the cost of gas. Cut back on trips…combines errands…do it yourself repairs…and don’t forget the lightbulbs while you’re out! Middle Class Humor and Current Events!

The politicians of our nation don’t feel the pinch in the wallet. They do not see the soaring prices the way we do. They campaign on the issues and against each other. If one comes up with a plan another will tear it down. Campaign promises are made and forgotten. They get back on their fancy buses and planes and move on to the next campaign stop. Maybe they do feel the pinch…with all the money they are spending for fuel they can’t afford the commercial air time!

Creative spending not splurging is the norm in our house. Oh..wait…I do splurge! I got a coffee at Starbucks the other day…with a free e-card! “I was worried for a second!” I have found that when I buy my “ginormous” (giant and enormous smashed together) bag of espresso beans I will get a free coffee…I earn Swagbucks and get e-gift cards for Starbucks…I love free Starbucks! Shopping wisely, cutting back, and finding deals are the way we live now. We sacrifice in ways to make ends meet! “Soap is soap…right?” I no longer get my specialty hand soaps with fragrances and colors for each sink in the house. Refillable soap decanters and over-sized containers of plain liquid soap will have to suffice. We all do our part!

Have your and your family made changes in how you spend? Have you changed the way you drive or the number of trips you make? Do you cut out coupons and pay attention to the prices? Do you get excited when you save money? Do you have or find Middle Class Humor in today’s Current Events? Please send me your money saving ideas and techniques! We need to help each other…after all…we all will need lightbulbs eventually!
Have a great day!

Peach State