My DH's eye is doing fantastic. He can see really well. He is going to be fitted for new contacts soon.
I'm glad we stayed open today b/c it was a very busy day at work and it looks like tomorrow will be too.
Not too much going on in the savings department, trying to stay on track. DD is hopefully going to have a job starting Saturday. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Sold a few books on half.com yesterday. Finished reading the book Tail Spin. I thought it was pretty good. An FBI thriller.
Tonight for dinner I am having spanish rice. At least my mothers irish version of it. Chop meat, onions, garlic, rice and tomato sauce.
Heading upstate this weekend. We have people renting for next weekend so I have to go up and prep the place.
Added my new mortgage to the side bar.

My DH's eyes are better. He now has to get refitted for dailey contact lenses. This incident was such a scare I thought he might have lost his eye sight in his right eye. With the type of work he does he would have lost his ability to work. Closing the office for 2 days this week cost alot. I would hate to imagine if it would have been for a much longer period of time. To recoup the loss we canceled our trip to Maine for next week. That will save us on gas, hotel money, meals and etc..We will keep the office open where we would have been closed, hoping to make up the loss of income.
It's been 3 weeks since we have had dinner out. Which is incredible for us.I have been using Recipe Zaar like crazy. I haen't made any new purchases. I have sayed away from all the stores except for the food store.

Food shopping was kind of expensive this week.$134.00 with coupons. Returned the beer and soda bottles from the weekend. Hubby has been home from work b/c he has an infection in his right eye making it nearly impossible for him to see. We have been to the eye doctor everday this week. I'm hoping that it clears by tomorrow. I am worried about his vision it is already pretty bad. And since we work for ourselves we have had to shut the business down while he is out. Because of this situation we have had to cancel our trip to Maine which was to take place next week. We have to recoup the loss of not being open this week. Oh Well, Life Happens!
Some of the bills have started coming in from Florida, basically the maintenance and the utility bills. Not so bad so far.

Dinner went well. I stuck to the menu and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The kids were very exited to get their tickets. A lot of plans were made during dinner as to the things they would like to do and see. That's on their own, we will not be paying for the extra's.
Back to work today. It was nice having the long weekend. And having everyone over for dinner made me clean the house really well before hand,so now I have a really clean house to start the week.

Today the family is getting together and the original plan was to meet up at a restaurant with all the kids and their significant others and then hubby and I would pick up the tab. The reason for the dinner is, we are taking a trip together at the end of this month. DH and I are treating, except the kids are all responsible for their own airfare.
After reviewing our budget it was decided that we would have dinner here at the house to save a few dollars. Hopefully we will be able to eat outside if the weather holds up.
Menu:
Appetizers-shrimp and vegetable gyoza
chips and dip, edamame.
Main course=chicken kabobs, ribs, jasmine cocnut rice and corn on the cob.
Dessert-ice cream.
Drinks= beer, wine and soda.
Total outlay of money was 50.00.
Now, hopefully I don't burn the dinner and everyone enjoys themselves.

I have tomatoe plants this year and I didn't even plant them. I just kind of forgot. Then I walked outside the other day and in the planters that I used last year, I saw 3 tomatoe plants growing and they seem to be doing quite well. Now that they are there I am caging them and giving them some miracle grow and some more topsoil. What a pleasant surprise. We have some other things growing in some other containers too...I think one might be a pumkin, the leaves are enormous. My husband had a lot of success with his seeds this year. He was able to take the seeds from the plants last year and cultivate them during the spring. At the end of May he transplanted them outside and they are doing great. He planted Dalia's, Marigolds and Impatients. Some of the plants that we brought indoors after they bloomed last year are also doing well. We have geraniums and impatients that are quite a few years old. Very happy with our free plants.

1. Cash goal 68,000.
2. Sharebuilder account 12,600.00
3. IRA 4,000.00
4. Stocks 25,000.00
5. Make extra payments toward principal on mortgage.
Happy New Year!

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I started my Christmas shopping online this past weekend. I found quite a few good deals and used some coupons. I love getting a jump on things. I hate waiting until last minute. I already received all of the items and I didn't pay a dime for shipping.

This weekend I will be meeting with the log cabin people to develope a floor plan and cost for the cabin. I'm kind of excited and kind of nervous. It is such a huge obligation for the next 10 years of mortgage payments. As my husband says better to do it now before we get too old. I guess he's right but it doesn't make me feel any less nervous.

I bought more stock this month and I am happy with my purchase.

Happy Halloween!

I haven't written much lately b/c there really isn't much to say. i have been doing pretty well with the saving. I haven't been spending too much so that's good. I'm just following the same path, it has become a habit now, so that is what I mean by nothing new.

Unable to save anything this week due to paying alot of the regular bills. Sold one of the two books that I had on Half.com. Not much else going on around here. Just working and watching all the rain.

I went back upstate this weekend and took my nephews with me. The weather was great and we all had a good time. Not much money spent either. Just some supermarket buys for meals at home. On Saturday we drove to my cousins home on the lake. Dinner was free and my nephew was able to ride on Quads and jet ski's which he really has never done before. He had such a good time he couldn't stop talking about it all the way home. His memories of this weekend will be priceless.
On the money side of things my IRA was doing well on Friday due to the jump in the stock market but who knows how long that will last. Same with the sharebuilder account. Not such a noticeable difference in the individual stocks.
I'm stil thinking over the property issues and just wondering if it is doable.
It will be one of the largest expenses that we have ever under taken. I guess I have a little bit of cold feet going on.

My vacation was great! Full of activities and site seeing. Montreal was beautiful and we ate at a very delicious restaurant named Gibby's. It was our most expensive meal while we were away but the food was soooo delicious and well worth it.
We spent most of the time in Windham so we didn't have to pay for a hotel. We took a ride over to the log home builders to get quotes on the type of home we are looking to buy for the property. Very, very expensive. We wioll have to consider this very carefully. I hadn't realized just how expensive log homes are. The type of home we are looking at is about 2,700 we already own the property and the cost to build and have the home turn key ready is 400-450 thousand dollars. Yikes!

Anyway, when we spoke to the sales person thye told us that we had to get our land perked before we could go any further. What perking means is that the land has to be check to see how it can handle sewage and then a sewage system then has to be engineered. If this is not possible then the land become useless and not viable for building. She also told that that b/c it was close to the river(not on it) the DEP has made the laws very strict in recent years with regard to buliding near streams, rivers and lakes. So, this testing will be arranged this week and hopefullwe will get good news that our property can be built upon.

The whole trip cost about 500.00. Which is very good for us. Didn't buy any gifts. Which saved us a bundle.

Oh, the hotel that I reserved using hotwire turned out to be fanatastic. It turned out to be the Omni Hotel in downtown Montreal and it was a gorgeous room. It was a four diamond hotel for 103.00/night. I was so pleasantly surprise(not the broom closet that my daughter warned me of).

I hope everyone had a Happy and safe 4th.
Well it is back to work for me

Windham was great the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. At night it got kind of chilly but it was great sleeping weather. The trip didn't cost too much, a couple of dinners out and gas.

Hubby and I went over to the log home builder, which is why we went upstate in the first place but they were closed on Sunday. It figures. Anyway we got to look around at some of their models and we have narrowed it down to two. We would need some modifications on both but now the deciding factors are if the modifactions can be done and how much to have it built and be in turn key condition. We already own the land. Today DH will make a phone call and set up an appointment to speak to someone. We are set to go up there in about two weeks. Someone from the area also told us that if we wanted to start breaking ground for next year now is the time to get the ball rolling. So, we shall see what the next few weeks bring us.

My husband has me so steamed right now. He is one of those guy's that don't believe in doing too much. Everything is such an effort for him. Mind you he has absolutely no health issues at the present time or has he ever. He does nothing around the house inside or out. That is left for me or outside help. When outside help comes he is never home, he always schedules the appointments on days when he will not be around. But then he has the nerve to complain about everything and anything. I was the one who found the roofers and hired them. I'm the one that made the arrangements to get my deck done. I'm the one that got the trees taken down in the backyard. I was the one that was home yesterday when the pool guys came to check the filter. And today it is my fault that the pool is not up and running. Can you believe it????

My biggest peeve that I have with him right now is that I had purchased a boat for him. A really nice 19 ft. Sea Ray a few years ago b/c he was interested in boating. I got a great deal on a 2 year old. I bought it, he used it a few times and then just let it sit in the boat yard. Now b/c he hasn't kept up the payments on the rental space for the last few years. The people at the boat yard have let the boat deteriorate. There was a cover on the boat(shrink wrapped) but not anymore. There is a hole in the hull. And the whole thing looks like such a mess that I want to cry. When we left it there a few years ago it looked brand new. Anyway, I asked him to please resolve the boat issue. I got a song and a dance b/c he did not want to go down there and speak to the person. Finally he went and when he came home he said that I wouldn't get much for it b/c it was old and it wasn't in such great shape anymore and that it was too small that people are buying bigger boats these days. I went online and checked the book value of the boat and it was valued at 15-18,000.00. So, I don't know who he spoke to b/c he also told me that I would probaly wind up having to give the boat yard about 4,000.00. I got so pissed at him that I told him to just pay the fee and to get the boat out of there and take it home and I will keep it, sell it or give it away. I am so sorry that I ever ask him to do anything...Do any of you have a husband like mine???? LAZY,LAZY,LAZY.

I just lost and incredibly long blog post and now I'm really annoyed. You can't go from page to page with out losing info.

I have been away for awhile due to work. We have had 2 people quit at around the same time, so I have been trying to fill the void myself and trying at the same time to hire someone. It seems that no one wants to work. Or once they start, they leave for greener pastures. We hired someone new On Monday and they quit yesterday. So I ask myself why did they bother applying and coming in for the week, when they were starting at our place but waiting for a better offer to come through. It was a total waste of our time!!! I will be the Jack of all Trades for a while and now that DD's semester is coming to an end she will have to fill in for a while.

I will be using my tax refund to cover the cost of replacing the roof. I think that we got a pretty good deal but time will tell. We got a few estimates and went with the lowest who also through in the gutters for same price. They are coming over Monday to discuss the roof shingles and to collect a down payment.
I had dreams of using that money for the stock account. But it was only a dream. The roof is a reality. Especailly after the rain we experience this past week.

On the money front, the mortgage made a pretty good drop. This is due to the bi weekly payments we make. The is an extra payment that gets applied. 1/2 of the payment gets applied to the principle now and then another 1/2 in July. Credit Cards are doing ok, paying off the entire balance at the end of the billing cycle.

I had a great Easter as I hope all of you had. Little bit of extra money spent but well worth it. I have a bunch of leftover food that we will be polishig off this week.

I have to get back on board with losing some more weight. Still at 154 but now that the weather is nicer I know that I can and will do better.

Today will be a no spend day as I am at work all day today. Unfortunately DH's car broke down and he needs to have a new altenator put in. That is going to be a large payment. Between his car and mine we have been racking up the bills this past month. Still trying to hold out before getting another car.

DD is back at school today after her spring break. She was not looking forward to going back. She only has to go until May 4th and then her year is finished. I have encouraged her to start looking for a summer job as soon as possible. I hope she listens to me. Otherwise it will be a very rough summer for her.

Wow was I shocked by the new layout and the colors. It was not a good shock either. Is this for real? It is very hard on my eyes when I read the text.

Yesterday was a no spend day. This week was actually a good week with regards to not spending. All meals were prepared at home and they were very good. Many of the meals were chicken or fish dishes and for lunch it was either left overs or sandwiches. Breakfast is usually the same Cheerios, oatmeal or PBJ's. Many of the dinner recipes, I have been getting off of recipezaar. I really enjoy that site. It has been saving me big bucks by offering delicious recipes and me not going out to eat.

It has also been a good savings week. I find that using my banks bill pay has been so easy and helpful. I wish I thought of using it sooner.

There will be some major expenses coming up. I need a new roof and gutters. The carpet in the family room has to be replaced. I would like to replace that carpet with hardwood floors. I can not replace with carpet b/c the dogs like to tear up carpet and make big holes in it. And when they come in with their wet furr the carpet holds the odor. The living room and dinning room floors also need to be sanded and stained. I can't afford to get the deck replaced this year b/c of the roof, so I will have to replace some of the boards, sand it, stain it and hope that it will last a few more years b/f needing replacement. I would like to be able to get the estimates for these jobs b/f the end of this month so that work can begin asap.

Today will be a full day at work, so essentially it will be a no spend day.

It is raining so hard here the streets are flooded and I definitely need a new roof. I have a huge puddle in my hallway right now. I will have to get some estimates this month and have it repaired in the spring or summer. It's always something!!!

On another topic, since this post is anonymous and I know people blog here from all over, I just want to extend my sorrow and well wishes to anyone that was involved with yesterdays devastation in Alabama and Missouri. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Why am I a saver and when did I become one? I think that I have always been a saver no matter what type of situation I have been in i.e. Living pay check to paycheck with a child and no husband. To then having a husband and him and I both not having jobs with plenty of bills. To both of us having jobs and good incomes. In all of these situations I have been a saver. Now after sending all three kids through college and having a few bucks left over we have been saving for ourselves.
Many on this webite are in different places with regards to why they are frugal and why and how they choose to save their money. I am one of the people that now save not out of necessity but more out of security and philosophy.

There is a wonderful post from My Two Dollars entitled Why We Save Our Money. Please feel free to read this article. Archive date is 2/16/07. If you have trouble finding this post just go to Most popular posts and it will be the seventh one down. The link to this blog is on the right side bar under links I frequent "My Two Dollars". I think this is another perspective on frugality and savings. One that I strongly identify with.

I took my cousin to lunch today. We had a very good time. My treat.

My cousin will be losing her house (foreclosure)soon and will be moving in with her parents. She is a divorced mom of 3 older children (20,17 and 13). She was never good with money and after the divorce she kept refinancing the house. Her boyfriend at the time, encourage her to do this so that they could go out and have a good time. When the money dried up, he was nowhere to be found. The mortgage is now at a staggering 3,500.00/ month and then she has to pay 12,00.00 a year in taxes and that is just to maintain the house. Next are the utilities and everything else that goes along with owning a house. To think that before she got divorced she only had 16,00 left on the mortgage. SCAREY!. Anyway the appraisal that was done only a couple of months ago was poor. She would wind up still owing if she sold it. It just makes sense for her to go into foreclosure at this point. In addition to all this she just got out of a nursing home after a long illness. The doctors to this day do not have a diagnosis for her. She is trying to get disability and they are giving her such a hard time. And that is b/c of all the idiots out there defrauding the system. I want to help her out but I just don't know how to. If I were in her position right now I think I would be crying but she isn't, she is very matter of fact about her circumstances and is just plowing through. I was actually afraid about meeting up with her today. I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. She was able to laugh and joke and to have a good time. There wasn't any self pity in her at all. What I took away from today's visit is that your monetary belongings can be taken away in a blink of an eye but it is much harder to take away the spirit. I believe that my cousing will be alright... not great. My uncle is going to put an addition on his house and she and the kids will live there until circumstances change. I will be there for her if she needs anything else. As I've said I wish that I could do more but I don't really know how, at this point. This whole situation really makes me count my blessings. This could have been me!

Today was a no spend day. Worked all day and decided I didn't want to go out into the frigid air to go to the supermarket(for dinner). I have to think of something to make for dinner. I have frozen chicken cutlets on hand and frozen shrimp. I'm thinking of the options that I have. No money in...no money out,today.

To all of my blogging buddies and their families,
I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season. May your goals for 2007 be obtainable and satisfying and may you always have a few coins in your pockets.
Lorie

A very long day at work today. Very tired right now. Went to Chili's with DD for dinner, spent 19.00. I was too tired to cook tonight.

Posted a couple more books on half.com. The items aren't selling as I had hoped they would.

Finished reading Cross by James Patterson. It was suspenseful but kind of gorey and sad.

The Dollar Stretcher had some good articles posted for this week. Take a look.

Today is payday and I was able to save 100%. No bills this week. Went to the Bricks and mortar Wamu branch closest to my home and made a small deposit into my new savings account. Fortunately I didn't have any problems.

Brought my dog Teddy to the Vet for his shots $52.00. Hubby put it on his CC.

Dinner tonight Veal Parm and angel hair pasta.

More importantly today is Pearl Harbor Day and I just wanted to take a moment to acknowlege those lost.

My daughter was finally able to get a hold of one of those Nintedo Wii's. Yesterday she waited outside of Target from 6 am until 8am. They only had 27 units delivered to the store. There were other people waiting since 2am. At 7:10 am personel from the store started handing out tickets for the item. DD was number 21 of 27. She was so thrilled that she got the golden ticket for her Nintendo. Before she had left I gave her a 10.00 off coupon to use on any purchase of 100.00 or more. I wasn't sure if she would be able to use it towards her purchase but she was. So, other than waking up early on a Sunday morning and standing outin the bitter cold for two hours,she said it was well worth the effort. This experience has shown me that if my DD wants something bad enough, she is determined to get it. I find this a very admirable trait.

I have never done a Black Friday sale. I mean never. I just hate crowds, pushing shoving and bad attitudes. I don't care how good the deals are. To me it is just not worth it. My daughter went to stand on line at 4:30 this morning looking to get the Nintendo Wii for her boyfriend. She got back home at about 7:30 with absolutley no success. This was her first Black Friday and she couldn't believe the lines. I don't think she will be doing that again. Not a good experience.

Wednesday I went to the local Salvation Army. On Wednesdays they have 50% off their already low prices on most tickets except for the color of the day. Which is great b/c that means that about 80% of the items are half off. I usually do pretty well when I go. This Wednesday was no exception. I was able to get beautiful Hickey Freeman dress shirts for my brothers. I could swear they were brand new. For my DH I got a really nice LL Bean shirt A hardly worn LL bean winter coat and an LL Bean rain jacket. For my 7 year old nephew I was able to find a London Fog wind breaker with hood with tags still on. I also purchased a few thick hooded sweatshirts and a few zippered fleece jackets to keep him warm. All the items looked in perfection condition, no noticeable wear or tear. While I was on line at the check out I met a woman and we got to talking and she told me she freqents this thrift store once a month to find wool sweaters. She has a horse farm upstate and she likes to buy her kids the wool sweaters to keep them warm. She has also purchased Coach handbags and waterford cystal. We ended our conversation hoping to bump into each other again. My best deal was when I got an Ellen Tracey sweater with tags still on stating the original cost was 800.00 for 5.00.

Oops! My blog was a little longer than I inteded and I have to get back to work.

Finally had my ultrasound done after waiting two months. Everything is fine. It really is a quick and easy test. I don't know why there is such a hassle with getting an appointment. Anyway, I am thrilled with the results and can now enjoy the holidays. I didn't have to lay out any money for this, my insurance will cover the cost. I wish I could encourage more people to go for mammographies and ultra sounds. These tests save many lives. They are non invasive and realitively painless.


Payment for my daughters next semester at the University is quickly coming upon us. We will be ready. It is not such a huge payment now that she goes to a state school.
For Christmas she wants the Nintendo Wii. I have been trying to get a hold of one and every place seems to be sold out. They aren't cheap either $249.00 for the base unit. I wonder where all these people are coming up with this kind of cash?

It got kind of cold here over the weekend and I had to turn on the heat. I think that the cold is here to stay for the next several months. Yuck!

I just wanted to add that I thought that the lists were great! It is so nice getting to know you.