Tuesday, December 11, 2018

CRAZINESS

Life is busy.

Life is crazy.

Some say that retirement is a slow time in life.

Don't believe it.

Well, I don't.

Where has 2018 gone?

The year truly has flashed by for us.

How about you?

Life is a vapor.  

So is time.



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Thursday, November 15, 2018

DUSTY ROADS

Hello there....I am back on the blog scene.  Not sure why or where this will go but I need to try to get some focus in my life.  Been there?

Some things have changed.  Some things never will.  It's life and it keeps going as long as you are breathing.

I really have no clue where to start and aim this little blog.  

I am seriously considering starting another one to try to bring in some fun money.  Not sure I have the confidence to do it but you never can tell.


This is our new puppy.  I was yes, no, yes, no about getting one for us two old folks.  When our Daughter and her family wanted to get us one for an early Christmas.  This little guy was our pick.

He is bigger now, of course, and has added so much to our lives.  He is fun, smart and eager to please.

My Hubbie did not want to be called the dog's dad so he went for the dog's paw paw instead.  Which makes me the dog's grammy.  That is what he knows us by now.

I will post more pictures of him as we go along.  

We changed his name.  The above picture was from the breeder's website.

I wanted to name him after something that our oldest son liked in hopes it would take away some of the sadness we feel at his passing.

The result is, his name is Dusty Roads.  One of our son's favorite wrestlers was Dusty Rhodes.  If you grew up watching then you will know him.  

The grands wanted roads instead of Rhodes.

He also resembles a dust mop.  He is fluffy and soft.  We call him Dusty.  

He makes us laugh and is a great gift and diversion from life.

So, thank you Angela, Larry and Chloe for giving us this sweet little guy.

He is perfect for us.

**********

Thursday, May 24, 2018

WHAT A WEEK

This week has gone by so fast because I have had a very long to do list.

I've kept a to do list since college.

The last few months, I've been distracted.

But, I've restarted it. 

To Do List is an amazing time saver and organizer.

The best part of a to do list is to done it.

There is something satisfying about crossing off a to do.

If you find that you have a hard time getting anything done, write it down, do it, scratch it off.

You are suddenly organized!

You are suddenly accomplishing everything you need to do!

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

FREE FOOD - MONEY SAVING TIP

If it was left up to me, I would not cook another meal.  

Fifty plus of cooking and cleaning up is enough.

However, we must eat.

One way to get free food is to check the receipt when you eat out.

Many restaurants today want to get feedback on how they are doing.

There is a phone number to call, answer the questions, write down a confirmation number.

You can usually do the same on their website.

Easy to do and free food!

It is usually required to be redeemed within a certain number of days.

Still it's free food!

It's your money!  Save it!

**********


Tuesday, May 1, 2018

TRUST

Do you trust people?

When I was young, I did.

Now, that I am almost seventy, not so much.

Guess it's a life time of being associated with people and systems that are not truthful.

Yes, the system said it was the truth.

In actuality, it was abusive.

I am so thankful for the freedom of seeing God in a different light.

It's how it should have been all along but life happens and you discover truth.

Keep seeking and you will find, too.

Read the Bible, not an extra book, but the real Bible.

The one that starts with Genesis and ends with Revelation.

God will show Himself to you.

Blessings.

**********

Monday, April 30, 2018

LIQUIDATION SALES - MONEY TIP

It's Monday already!

Here is a tip but also a warning.

When businesses close their doors, some have liquidation sales.

These sales can be an amazing way to save a bunch of your cash IF you need what they are selling.

A near by rug company is going out of business.

They are selling their handmade, imported rugs for $.29 to $.10 on the dollar!

However, be careful.

Some places jack up their prices to get closer to what the actual merchandise cost to buy.

So, do your research.

Check out the prices and product.

It's your money so why not save it?

**********

Friday, April 27, 2018

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

POST OFFICE RATES

I received an email from another blogger about the post office rates.

These are the new prices:

Up to 4 ounces is $3.50
5 through 8 ounces is $3.75
9 oz is $4.10
10 oz is $4.45
11 oz is $4.80
12 oz is $5.15
13 oz is $5.50

I remember when stamps went up to $.05!

So, what do you do?  

Mail stuff less and just send a check?

Here is the link to her blog:

www.dinahsoar.blogspot.com

You may need to copy and paste.

The live link is not working on blogspot today.

**********

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

STAPLES - MONEY SAVING TIP

I am still a fan of coupons.  

Lots of stores have programs that can earn you points, money off items, etc.

This money saving tip is about Staples.

When I was working from home, I signed up for their frequent buyer program for businesses.

I am still a participant.

Several days ago I received a coupon for $30 off of a $60 purchase ordered online or by phone.

Last night I sat and shopped their website.  

I put things that I needed in my shopping cart as I spotted each one.

Well, the total was closer to $100.  

Whoa!

I backed up and deleted several things ending up with the two things I really needed, printer ink.

The total was just over the $60 requirement.

I clicked checkout.

Shipping was $9.99.

What?!

I went back and clicked pick up in store.

The coupon still applied and the shipping was cancelled.

I will be near the store tomorrow so no problem with the pick up.

Everyone knows how expensive printer ink can be and this simple trick saved half of the price!

Half off is great!

It's my money and I want to save it!

Don't you?

**********

Monday, April 23, 2018

RANT MONDAY - US POST OFFICE

This is my rant for a slow Monday.

It's about the US Post Office.

I mailed my grand daughter a package.  

It was a small package, weighing only 2 ounces.

What did it cost to mail that same small package?

Ready for this?

$3.50!!!!!

The new price for mailing ANY package via the US Post Office is now $3.50.

I was told it is the least that can be charged?!

So instead of $.49 per ounce, it is now $1.25 per ounce!

Ridiculous, I think.

It's my money and I want to save it!

**********

Friday, April 20, 2018

FRIDAY FLOWER

It is FRIDAY!

So here is a pretty flower for you.



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Thursday, April 19, 2018

FOOT SOAK IDEA - MONEY SAVING TIP

I saw this on a friend's FB post.  

Yes, I'm going to try it!

Have you see the cost of a pedicure lately?

Wow-zers!



--copied

These are not my feet by the way.

**********

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

KOHL'S - MONEY SAVING TIP

Kohl's is probably my favorite store now.  

I refused their credit card for years and years.

Finally, I was talked into applying for one.

It's great!

Kohl's charge card customers are sent flyers and coupons 12 times a year.

This month, I pulled the sticker off of the card flyer and it was for 30% off of all purchases!

I purchased a bed pillow, a pink sweater, a pair of pants and a card of rings.

The thing I like about the credit card is you can accumulate points and get Kohl's cash!

PLUS you can pay for the credit card charge right at the register!  

So, you never have a balance and no interest!

Today, after my purchases, I stepped over to the Customer Service desk and paid my balance which is what I had purchased today only.

The lady told me I could pay at the register.  

I knew that but there was a line, I replied. 

Her response:  Well look at you going ahead and being all sweet like that!

What can I say?

It's your money so save it!

**********

Monday, April 16, 2018

CHAPPAQUDDICK

I went to see the movie.  

It was not very impressive.

I left with more questions than answers.

It was revealing how many lies were told to protect Teddy Boy.

He was disgusting.

I feel sorry for his ex wife, Joan.  

Teddy did not know how he got out of the car.

After seeing the movie, I wonder if he jumped out before the car hit the water.

So many unanswered questions.

Some day it will all be known.

This is an interesting interview:



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Thursday, April 12, 2018

LIPSTICK - MONEY SAVING TIP

Lipstick can be expensive.  

Is it really worth the price?

To me, a penny pincher, no.

I've found a brand I like.

Yes, it's at the Dollar Tree.

Yes, it costs one dollar.

It is called LA Colors.  

I love the color. 

It's a fushia pink.

I think I need to post a picture.

Save that money!

It's your money!

***********

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SHOPPING ONLINE MONEY SAVING TIP

Seems that my best thoughts about saving money come late at night.  

Someone needs to write them down?!  

The tip for today is saving money when shopping online.

Go to your favorite website, for example Wal-Mart.

Enter the item you are considering purchasing.

Look to the right side of the page showing items offered.

You will see a drop down menu saying Relevance. 

Click on it.

Click on Low to High.

The next page will show the same items at the least expensive price.

This works for other websites, too.

Try it!

It's your money!

**********

Monday, April 9, 2018

GRIEF SHARE

Grief Share is a Bible based recovery program for those who have lost a loved one.

Our group was small.  

At the end, there were only three of us.

One had lost a wife.

One a elderly mother.

And me.

Yes, I learned ways to cope.

Am I over it.

No.

I did realize two things.

1 - I will miss my son till the day I die.

2 - I am not the only mother that has lost a grown son.

One of the members encouraged me to move forward.

It's all I can do.

**********

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

COMPANY

He's in the house!



**********

Monday, April 2, 2018

EAT OUT MONEY SAVING TIP

Let someone else pay.

Done.

**********

Friday, March 30, 2018

GRITS


Hubby is from the North.  

This is a picture of him actually eatting GRITS!

Miracles happen.

**********

Thursday, March 29, 2018

COUPONS MONEY TIP

Coupons have been a great money saver.

But....

Since the show Extreme Couponers, coupons are not as helpful.

Yes, you can still find products that have coupons but for what we buy, not so much.

I've basically stopped buying extra newspapers for the extra coupons.

The cost, even from the Dollar Tree, is not worth it.

So, the money tip for today is use coupons when you can.

Some stores, Kroger, no longer double coupons.

It doesn't make sense to me.  

Millions of dollars of coupons are thrown in the trash, unused.

Oh well, do what you can with what you have.

Save, your money.  

It's your money.

**********

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

EAT OUT MONEY SAVING TIP

This is an easy tip for couples or empty nesters or a single for two meals!

When you are eating out, order a larger portion of a meal, ask for an extra plate and split it!

If it is steak, it will be a better cut of meat, taste better, etc.

Try it.

Save, save, save your money!

And no dishes to wash!

**********

Sunday, March 25, 2018

TRAUMA IN LIFE

We all deal with personal trauma in our own way. Some of us seek out others to help us to get our feelings in the open, others retreat inward, holding those feelings deep inside so that they don’t erupt out into the world.



--copied

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Friday, March 23, 2018

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY



Keep trying!!!

**********

Thursday, March 22, 2018

NEW YORK

Did you see the news about snow in New York?

The post said snow was going to fall and be more than NY has seen in 130 years!!!

Spring has sprung but not in New York!

Yet.

**********

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

MONEY SAVING TIP - LEFTOVERS

This is a no nonsense money saving tip.

Some do it and some don't.

The tip is to eat leftovers!

Some food dishes taste better the second day after all!

Just be sure and store the food well refrigerated and heat before digging in.

Today, for lunch, I finished off the PF Chang meal we had last night.  

Plus a Diet Coke.

It was filling and cheap!

So, it's all about saving your money! 

AND

HAPPY  FIRST  DAY  OF  SPRING!!


**********

Monday, March 19, 2018

MONEY SAVING TIP - PF CHANG

Today's money saving tip is simple, as all of my tips turn out to be.

Last week when I bought groceries, I spotted a PF Chang meal in the freezer section of Publix.

It was $1.50 off and not BOGO as I mistakenly thought.

I picked the beef and broccoli meal.

We ate it tonight.

For two servings, each serving was $2.25.  

I cooked a pot of white rice, which is our favorite.  

The beef and broccoli already had sauce frozen in chunks, cook for 3 minutes covered.

Cook and stir for another 7 to 9 minutes until food is heated throughout.

It was delicious.  

I know people promote eating in and not eating out because of the cost, duh.

On this meal, I agree.  

Save, save, save.

It's your money after all!

**********

Friday, March 16, 2018

GRIEF SHARE MONEY TIP

As the readers of this blog know, my oldest son died last March after a long battle with Alpha1 of the liver.

In search of a grief counselor, I googled and found a grief class.

It is a long one, 15 weeks long.

It is difficult to go and deal with each week but I go.

One of the participants made a statement:

You can't go back.  You can only go forward.

This is my goal.

I am not there yet and have no time period set.

But for those who need help, check out this option.

The fee was only $15 for the entire course.  It includes a workbook, video and discussion time.

Counseling is expensive so this is my money saving tip for today.

Check out Grief Share.

It may be the help you need.

Blessings.

**********

Thursday, March 15, 2018

FLORIDA BRIDGE COLLAPSE

The news is reporting and showing pictures of a modern Florida bridge that has collapsed.

People have died.

People are injured.

You never know what a day will bring.

Life is hard and can be full of pain.

I am praying for those involved and their families.


**********

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

NEW ANTENNA

Well, we're taking the plunge.  Maybe.

Hubby has ordered one of those TV antennas to try to see if we can cut the cable chord.

Cable is so expensive.

We're still looking for ways to cut expenses.

Check back for an update.

**********


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

MONEY SAVING TIP

Originally this blog was for sharing money saving tips for all who are interested.  

Here is a tip.

Buy only curtains, drapes or bed coverings that are washable.  

Dry cleaning is expensive.

Dry cleaning curtains or bed covers can cost an arm and a leg.

Over a period of time, an item can be paid for twice, if it is dry clean only.

Don't forget to make sure the colors are fast and the item is not too large for the washer and dryer.

Carry on!

Save money!

**********


Monday, March 12, 2018

OJ INTERVIEW

I did not watch this interview when it was shown on Sunday but Hubby dvr-ed it for me.  

I watched it the next day.

So, Mark Fuhrman, you were right.

The glove was left by the killer and NOT planted by the Police or you.

The glove is the match to the one owned by OJ Simpson. 

The truth has finally been revealed.

RIP Nicole and Ron.

May your families find some kind of comfort in finally hearing what they KNEW 24 years ago.

**********


Thursday, March 8, 2018

WELCOME SUMMER


Isn't this a cute sign?  It was at Michael's a couple of years ago.

Summer will be here before we know it.

Dixie is a great place to live but it does get hot in the summer.

Still it's a cute sign!

**********

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

WINDOW





This is a window of a church that we visited a few years ago.

It has a cross suspended by wire.

It's simple but beautiful.

**********

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

ONE YEAR

Today marks one year since you left us.  

We know you are no longer in pain and suffering.

We know you are healed.

We know we will see you again.

This is the last picture I have of you not in the hospital dying.


Hundreds of pictures and still not enough pictures.

I love and miss you every minute.

One year seems longer.

It just does.

**********

Friday, March 2, 2018

KIDNEY CANCER



The little boy in this picture is now 3 years old.

He is living through a nightmare.

He has kidney cancer, taking chemo, radiation, has a port, etc.

His name is Titus.

Will you pray for him?

Bless his heart!

**********

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

CHATTANOOGA

I made a quick trip to Chattanooga, TN.

Each time I go, I am amazed at how many more people there are and how much more traffic there is!

Who knew it would explode to be a main hub in TN?

Not me.

Never.

Oh well.



**********

Saturday, February 24, 2018

TODAY

It's just a lazy day.

Not much going on so that's a good thing.

The seasons are changing.  

No, it's not climate change.

It's season change, totally normal.

**********

Friday, February 23, 2018

HUNTING HITLER

This is a series, in it's third season, on the History channel.

The title says it all.

It's amazing and thought provoking, including the fact that our own government had knowledge of it all.

I'm watching it as often as I can and it is fascinating.

Natzi rebaptism, north and south escape routes.  Check it out.  If you dare.

**********

Monday, February 19, 2018

SPRING?

We live in Dixie.  

We have very little winter and lots of warm months.

The birds are here....Robins, Cardinals, Wrens, you name it.

The weather has changed to warm already.

My problem.....how to decorate the front porch.

Is it Spring or is it still Winter?

Do I put out the snow flag or do I put out the welcome Spring flag?

May be I should follow up with a picture to end this great puzzle of life.

***********

Saturday, February 17, 2018

SCHOOL SHOOTING

The world has gone mad.

Our country has experienced another school shooting with many dead.

Gun control supporters are screaming in the streets.

Is that the answer?

Remember this?




It seems no place is safe.

**********




Tuesday, February 13, 2018

GOOD NEWS

Some days are difficult.

Some days are not.

Today we had good news.

Thankful for it!

**********

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

OUR SON



This is our son before he became terminally ill and passed away.

**********

Monday, February 5, 2018

CARRINGTON

The youngest daughter's name is Carrington.

She has accepted Christ into her life!

Her grand dad baptized her yesterday!

No, I did not make it through the service without crying.  

It was hard but happy, too.

**********

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

POTUS

We did not watch the State of the Union speech live.  

We recorded it.

We are watching it now.

Wow and more wow!!!

How can the dems sit?!  They even sat when the POTUS said AMERICAN money should go to only friends of AMERICA!!  

How can they sit on a statement like this?!

It is time for the states that have these people as their representatives, to vote them out! 

They do NOT represent you or AMERICA!

So sad to see the crying parents that have lost their children!!!

**********

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

DAUGHTER



This is our daughter with her daughter.  

It's when they lived in TN.

Now they live in Iowa.

It's too far away.

**********

Monday, January 29, 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018

WAL-MART

Wal-Mart is one of my favorite stores.  It was not for a long time.  

When Sam died, the store changed.  Prices went up, stores became more modern, etc.  Along with it, the attitudes changed.  It was harder to find a real bargain any more.  The fabric departments were deleted.  Booooo.

Today, though, I had a good experience. 


I really like the order online, pick up at store service.  I sit, shop, go into the side door of the store, pick up my items, along with other things I might have purchased and I'm done!

Today, I followed this plan.  But, when the items I ordered were not right, chaos ensued.  It's a long story.

Basically....One item ordered was out of stock so my card was credited for that item.  One item I received was not ordered or even on the checkout receipt or even showed up on the computer!  

The store was so embarrassed that I was given a gift card for the item that was not even ordered.  I walked out with a gift card for over $21.00.  It was all the store could do and I was told that with all the frustration, I deserved the card.

I was not sure if I should take it because I did not order it.  Long story, short, the Customer Service rep insisted, the employee at the pick up desk insisted and the employee on the phone said do it.

Isn't that nice?

**********

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Saturday, January 20, 2018

PINTEREST

How you discovered Pinterest?  It's wildly popular!

It is also crazy addictive!

Go to the website, sign up and be prepared to spend mucho hours exploring it!

Looking for a tiny house idea?  It is there.

Looking for a way to mix and match your clothes?  It is there.

Looking for new and old recipes.  There!

It is a good diversion, too.  

I rarely change the pins, only save it to the folder I choose and move on.

Check it out.

It may be your new habit.

**********

Friday, January 19, 2018

NEW BLOG

The flu is here.  It gives me lots of time to think.  Maybe too much.  Thinking about starting a new blog.  

What is the best platform?

One step at a time.

**********

Saturday, January 13, 2018

DEEP FREEZE

Rarely does it happen in Dixie but, yes, we have a deep freeze! 

The weather was not as bad as projected but still very very cold!

Last year, winter was very mild. 

This year has surpassed last year, already!

So, keep the milk and bread in the house.

Pray the power stays on since the house is all electric.

All will be okay.

**********

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

MOTORCYCLE



When we went to Atlanta, we stopped for gas for the car.  

This custom bike was there along with several others and a group of men.

I asked to take a picture of this one because I have never seen one like it!

BTW it was for sale.

Price, you ask?  

$40,000.00.

Pretty cool.

**********

Sunday, January 7, 2018

I'M STUCK

Well, the title pretty much says it all.

I'm stuck.

I cannot seem to move forward so I took the plunge.

I signed up for and attended my first grief class.  

I can't afford counseling, really, it's so expensive!

So, I am doing the next best thing.  I hope it is.

It will last thirteen weeks, minus Easter.

It is suppose to take a person from mourning to joy.

Really?

**********

Thursday, January 4, 2018

BIG 09!


This little guy turned the big 09 yesterday!

Where have the years gone?

He is very special and loved very deeply.

Happy birthday, Riley!

We love you!!!

**********