It has been a sunny day here on the prairies and on the old homestead. That's a bit different than it has been for awhile. Usually the sun only peaks out for a little bit during the afternoon. Still I will definitely take it, even if it is windy and slightly cooler.
Been working around the house today, trying to get caught up on projects, household tasks, and extra cleaning. The extra cleaning is not happening today as my mojo disappeared after working on the project, clearing off the sewing table so I can work on the next project, and putting the projects into the totes I made to get rid of the big blue Rubbermaid tote in the living room. Things are beginning to come together nicely.
I was going to go shopping today, but decided to stretch what I have until at least Saturday. Really trying to cut shopping down even more over the next few months. If I can stretch things a day or two between trips by the end of the year I may actually have cut a couple of shopping trips out altogether.
Rising costs on almost everything have me a bit concerned. Not only concerned for me, but concerned for our sons. Kurt is planning on getting solar panels on his roof this year to hopefully cut costs on electricity and gathers wood from friends who chop down trees for his fireplace outside and downstairs. He plants a bit of a garden, but most are in planters and bags as his soil is terrible. Not too worried about his job as a teacher he will always be in demand and the school he is in loves him.
Kris is planning more planters so as to plant even more veggies and fruits. I told him he should do some planters out front and get even more items growing. I believe that herbs would do very well out front on his small deck space. He does have hydroponic growing in his basement during the winter and he is thinking of expanding that a bit. He also starts most of his own plants as well. He still needs to add weather stripping to his doors and change a couple of locks on his doors. Lots to do inside as well. But those things cost money and even though he is frugal, things are getting very expensive for upkeep on a home.
We are okay right now, but if interest rates fall or we begin to lose money on investments things could become a bit tighter. Shopping Canadian is not inexpensive but at this point in time perhaps the only way we can fight back against tariffs. I will continue to use up all that I can, make a few more meatless meals, downsize, and be a bit more selective on what I purchase. We will look into more free things to do in the city (not that there is much around here that is free) and grow more veggies and such ourselves.
Life is full of compromises, but those compromises do not have to limit living.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I’m always concerned with my boys. As moms we don’t like to see them struggle. It’s good that your sons inherited your frugal ways. One son is extremely frugal - doesn’t own or want a vehicle, lives close to his work and the other one is married and while he’s frugal his wife is a shopaholic. I know that stresses him out but she makes good money as a nurse, works hard and likes to spend. Then there is my step- daughter who lives on social security disability and has been out of work since last April when the state cut jobs to the disabled. We’re really concerned with her because she bought a new to her car, and financed it.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great to have been able to cut out a couple of shopping trips by the end of the year. I completely understand about using what you have and how expensive items have gotten. I know I am being more careful than ever. I need to order pet medicine fromCanada and I’ve not looked at the prices yet, but I’m sure they have gone up due to the tariffs. We will just do the best we can. I’m so glad you saw some sunshine today!
ReplyDeleteThe best thing we ever did was to stop wanting so many things, when we downsized 16 years ago, we had way to much stuff, which opened our eyes to just how much stuff stores want to sell you, it was never about need. We do enjoy having less, simplicity is way better.
ReplyDeleteSounds like both of your young men are very ambitious. Good plans they have.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry the "leader" to the south, selected by only 31% of eligible voters is causing stress in your country. I place the blame solely on the 90 million who decided not to vote!
ReplyDeleteMay we all survive this with our sanity and safety intact.
I'd say both Kris and Kurt are practicing some great habits that will stand them in good stead. Just an fyi, I only grew veg in planters when I lived in the old house and was amazed at what I could grow. We're going to try planting potatoes in bags this year too, as we don't have a large garden space.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how prices are increasing, even though the majority of the tariffs have yet to be applied. April 4th I believe is the next deadline.
My investments are in the stock market and they've taken a real hit, but thankfully, not nearly as bad as the Covid crash (yet). We're in for some volatile times, but you've got a good hand on the rudder.
I know the concern you feel for your boys because I feel the same about ours. Our oldest is the chef and the only one working. His wife suffers from debilitating migraines and can't hold a job but can't seem to get onto disability which would be a tremendous financial help. #2 son and his wife both are working in decent jobs but they're raising three little kids which is a huge financial drain as we all know. Like many people these days we worry about how stable their jobs actually are.
ReplyDeleteI always feel grateful that my hobbies are relatively inexpensive, but bring me a lot of joy. I can very easily entertain myself at no or low cost using stuff I already have at home. It must be hard for young people with young families in the current economic climate, although it's never easy with a young family.
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