Combatting Super Inflation - Thrift Stores

I spotted a new thrift store in the city a few weeks back. I have no idea how long it's been there since we do not go into the city very often. It is very nice store and inexpensive compared to Goodwill and other corporate thrift stores in the city. 

I picked up a couple pairs of brand-new sandals at the new to me thrift store for pennies on the dollar. The Clarks would have been $49.99 at Goodwill. Some used brand name shoes sell for $29.99 and up depending on their retail price at Goodwill. 

On top of doubling their prices, Goodwill has the audacity to ask for donations. I have stopped giving extra to Goodwill stores in particular because their prices have more than doubled in most cases at these so-called thrift store; however, we are still able to find items reasonably priced items on occasion. 

To be fair, I still buy books in like new or new condition even though they have also doubled in price. We also still search for resale items and sometimes we score. I scored a king size set of heavy weight flannel Cuddl Duds sheets still in their original packaging for $80 less than retail. While I do not love the pattern, they are fabulous sheets. I knew that I needed to replace a set of sheets that I had retired, so I kept an eye out and ended up with a higher quality set of sheets for a lot less than retail. There are still good deals to be had at Goodwill, but they are elusive these days. 

Number One Husband says that paying retail is for suckers. There are other ways to avoid paying retail prices like purchasing sale items online, waiting for items to go on sale at the store or checking thrift stores. These options require due diligence and patience, but the savings can really add up over time.  

Unfortunately, some purchases have to be made right away due to situations like a refrigerator or a freezer going out. A simple search online can direct us to the lowest prices or sale prices in the area. There really is no reason to pay retail unless there is an emergency situation and there is no other option available.    

Happy hunting,

Mrs. Smith

 

The Winter That Never Was - Extreme Weather

Our first blue bird appeared on February 28th. 17 days earlier than last year. Our winter has been non-existent. We have had more dust than snow. This is crazy! I'm pretty sure that our average daytime temperatures ranged from the 50's to the 60's. 

Sammy Chronicles: Trying to change the sheets with Sammy helping.

Mrs. Smith

Sabbath

 

The Apologetics Study Bible review coming soon!

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs. Smith

Herniated Disks - Pushing Through the Pain

Flour, salt yeast and water.

Tuna melts

I tried my hand at baking bread for the first time since I injured my neck and back. I chose an easy artisan bread recipe. It was a tough task for me, but I didn't realize it until after I was well into the process. 

I also had some potatoes that needed to be used up, so I made a large batch of potato wedges. I put a meal together when the bread and the wedges were finished baking. I made a simple meal out of tuna melts, potato wedges and I threw a salad on the side. It was really good. Number One Husband was happy and full when all was said and done. 

I froze the excess potato wedges.

Once frozen, I bagged up the wedges and put them back into the freezer.

I started some lentil sprouts. 

I was past my limit when I finished. I will have to pace myself better. I have been resting for weeks just doing the bare minimum. I'm tired and have welcomed in the Sabbath with Number One Husband. I will use this time to rest and recover from over doing it. I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Shabbat Shalom,

Mrs. Smith

Dog Sitting - The Sammy Chronicles

 This is Sammy the Chiweenie...

Sammy staked his claim in front of the heater while his momma and I
played board games.

We made Sammy a double-sided ramp to the couch. After all that
doesn't care for the couch.

This is the response I got when I told Sammy that he had to go outside before bed...

I put a hot water bottle in his bed. He's trying to figure it out.
I put his coat on him and he is happier.

He freaks out if we don't take him with us
wherever we go.

Sunbathing together before the dust storm.

I re-arranged the stairs, and he stayed up there for one minute.

It's taken four full days for Sammy and us to adjust to living together even though we have known him for 12 years. He is an interesting fellow. In his elder years, the chihuahua is dominate in him. I do see some dachshund traits, but his attitude screams chihuahua. It will be interesting to see how the month plays out. A new adventure...

Mrs. Smith

Extreme Weather - Another Dust Storm - Drought

 

The wind is still roaring outside, and it looks like it will continue for most of the week. I sat out on the porch with our guest, Sammy, who will be staying with us for a while. We couldn't stay out long once the dust and dirt reached the house. It was 67 degrees today, in the middle of winter!

Stay safe and pray that this drought doesn't spread to the crops that will be planted soon. Food is already too expensive as it is. 

Mrs. Smith

Extreme Weather - Dust Storm in Winter - No Snow!

The wind has been relentless lately. It is so dry and we have only had a few inches of snow so far this winter. I caught this dust storm on camera the other day. The cows took shelter in the shadow of our home for a few hours while the storm blew in.  

The wind emptied our bird feeder in minutes.

Unless we get some snow, it could be an extreme fire season this year. The ski areas are only operating about 30-40 % of their slopes and that is because they are making snow. The snowpack feeds rivers like the Arkansas and Colorado rivers and more. This will definitely affect the crops in other states. This is a disaster in the making. We do not need higher food costs. The greedy corporations have already drained us dry!  

Shalom,

Mrs. Smith