I Am Afraid Of ....

 I was taking to someone the other day about things we are afraid of.  Some of the things I am afraid of may seem a bit silly to others.

I am afraid of not finding my car. I know, I should remember where I parked my car. I should be able to hit the emergency button on my fob, but I sometimes just stand in the crowded parking lot and think every white car is mine. 

I am afraid of dropping something in a place I can't get it back. I think about manholes, grates, an outhouse, or a crack in the sidewalk. I don't know why I am afraid of this. It has never happened to me, but I just always think my wallet, keys, money, something is going to fall in a place and  I will never get it back.

I am also afraid of my car not starting when I am at some remote place at night. I think I heard too many of those scary stories in my youth of the the guy with the hook on his arm that was left dangling on the car door handle.

I am always afraid I will come up to a small group of people I have known my whole life and won't remember any of their names.

Things that many people are afraid of like spiders and snakes don't bother me as much as a doll sitting on a shelf looking like she is watching me. Especially if her name is "Talking Tina".

When I am up to the checker at the grocery store with a cart full of groceries and five people are behind me in line I am sometimes afraid I will discover I forgot my wallet.

 I am afraid of getting lost while driving in the woods. Even in the daylight, even when someone else is driving I am always afraid when I am lost. There are people who say, "Oh, this will be a fun adventure. Who knows where we will end up. " while  I am breaking out in a cold sweat. 

What are you afraid of?

Summer Cocktails: Keepers From the Recipe Box

Have you ever had a day that a cocktail sounds pretty good at Happy Hour time. Me too. Today I am sharing some of my refreshing summer cocktails. Cheers!

If you have fresh mint growing like crazy in your garden, this drink is the one for you. It is so tasty and refreshing. You can find the recipe here:

https://thewanderlustkitchen.com/how-to-make-a-whiskey-smash/

Are you serving cocktails for a crowd? Here is a perfect Sangria that is perfect for a hot day, especially if you have a big crop of cucumbers from the garden. You can find the recipe here:

https://www.bhg.com/recipe/cucumber-sangria/?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-recipe&utm_content=20210708&utm_term=RU202715

Who doesn't love a fresh lemonade on a hot summer day in August? This drink combines fruits and mint for another summer drink to enjoy on the deck during Happy Hour. Here is the recipe:

https://www.honeyandlime.co/vodka-mint-lemonade-cocktail-summer-party-drink/

Of course, all these drinks can be just as delicious without liquor. Cheers!

August: The Summer's Last Stand

 

Our August has been hot, smoky, and dry. What is amazing is there is still beauty every day amid our extreme weather and the fires surrounding us. Here are some images I have captured  

that illustrate the beauty of August.

first sunflower

Riley running in the grass

lily in the evening

garden bouquet

 

garden flowers

a clear day along the river

sunset and smoke

lighting up the yard

Are You Still Wasting Money On......?

 

Yes I am!

It seems like every time I scroll through social media  or read headlines on news feeds there are always articles about how to save money. "Ten Things You Can Give Up To Get Rich". " Are You Wasting Your Money On...."

I am not rich. I do have money though for miscellaneous items every month.

 Yes, I am still wasting money on fancy coffee drinks. I know I can make coffee at home and take it with me in the car, but it doesn't taste as good. I know I could just drink water, but I don't want to. If I am driving out of town I want a latte with a favorite syrup hot. Hey... I do save money sometimes and get the daily special. Life is too short to drink lukewarm coffee from home in the car. Besides, I thought we were supposed to support local businesses.

Here is one of my favorites. Are you really going to buy gas in Kellogg when you can save money by  going thirty-five miles, taking the Fourth Street exit, and using cash at that Exxon station ?  Trying not to roll my eyes I reply,"Yes, I am."

My mom always tried to save a dime. We called her Bargain Betty. She read the ads, she cut coupons, she would drive six miles to Pinehurst if eggs were ten cents cheaper. Here is how it went with us. "Hi Mom, I am going to the store. Do you need anything? I am picking up a whole chicken for Family Dinner." "Be sure you get the chicken at IGA and use the double coupon and if you go to the clearance bin it might be cheaper. Oh wait, let me get the ads," Mom replied. Rustling of papers, more rustling of papers as she scanned the ads. " If you have enough time the best buy is at Super I in CdA, but only if you get there today. " Maybe bologna sandwiches would be better for Sunday Dinner.

Yes, I am still wasting money on books. I do use the library, but sometimes I want the book for more than three weeks. Sometimes I want to mark up the book. Sometimes I just like to see the book on the shelf! I know, I know I am not going to get rich.

One classic tip for saving money is to use leftovers. I do use leftovers, or at I least try to. After eating crock pot chicken surprise for five days straight and noticing it is looking a bit fuzzy and green, that is when I have to " splurge" and open a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese for dinner. I think I did save a dollar that week.

While standing in line at the plant nursery there is always that wise gardener behind me that leans over, examines my cart, frowns, then says, Are you really buying all those plants for yourself?" I smile and calmly answer," No.... I am heading to Farmer's Market to sell them for twice the price." wink

One tip said to eliminate unplanned shopping sprees. When is a shopping spree ever unplanned? If you are in the car, you have a purse, you see a store calling to you to stop and shop, that to me is planned.It is necessary. I know, I am still not getting rich.

The last tip I had a hard time understanding. It said, "Separate your needs from your wants." By the time I figure out if I really want it or really need it, all the purses on the clearance table are gone. Not sound advice for me.

I am sure many of you have good tips on how I can get rich. Just don't make them hard. I am going to go get a coffee drink, put gas in my car in Kellogg, head to a bookstore to buy a book, and buy a whole chicken without a coupon. I know, I am living in the fast lane. 

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
– John Ruskin

Full of Hope

 I have shared before that I love quotes. Sometimes I write them down, some I stick on the mirror, or on the desk by me. I have a friend recovering from surgery and today I read a lot about hope. All that I read made me feel better. I received good news about her recovery tonight and I was filled with hope.  I hope these quotes help you also. Don't lose hope.

Blooming In Spite of Smoke and Heat

 We are experiencing a heat dome and once again the air is filled with smoke from the wild fires. This is what amazes me. Amid 95 degrees weather, a high pressure system, acrid smoke, and sometimes wind my flowers have survived. Here is a collection illustrating how strong plants can be in the worse of conditions. I needed these flowers today to bring joy into my life.