7 Quick Takes

~1~

From Monday to Friday---not much to say there!  We've spent the week coughing, taking antibiotics, coughing, cleaning house, and coughing some more.

Oh, yes, and the family drama of my dad being in intensive care.  After a couple of days of serious concern and lots of drama, he turned the corner and was released on Wednesday after 6 days in the hospital.  He's home, very weak and tired, but happy to be eating real food again.

Alas, the drama continues.  I don't know why it has to be this way.   The family needs prayers as much as my dad.  Maybe the family needs ICU.

Why can't we all just get along?

~2~

Little Princess and I are scheduled to go camping today with the American Heritage Girls.  And there is frost on the ground outside.

Frost.  Brrrrr!

I know the Boy Scouts do it all the time, but we're talking about a bunch of women and their little girls.  I'm not looking forward to being cold or wet.  I'll set up my tent tonight, but I'd really prefer to just sleep in the back of the van.   We might.  We'll see how cold we are.

~3~

While I'm away at camp, KT and Hitch will come home from college for Thanksgiving break!  They get a whole week off!  I'll just be glad knowing they're home.  I'll be glad to have extra hands around the house to do some pre-Advent cleaning.

~4~

Yes, we're working on our pre-Advent cleaning.  Before I drag out all the decorations I want the house as decluttered and clean as possible.  Well, not too decluttered.  We're mostly cleaning thoroughly---baseboards, cobwebs, scrubbing windows and doors.  Some minor decluttering occurs along the way, but that's not the main focus right now.  I'd like it to be, but we just don't have time for it.  It is, however, something we can tackle during Advent!

~5~

Are you ready for Advent?

Nope.  Me neither.

I do have my candles.  I have a box full of candles that I found on clearance that I use when I'm desperate, but I prefer to buy a box at our church from the little bookstore.  Her tapers are much prettier.

Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, I'll get out the Advent decorations---nativities and calendars and whatnot.  And we'll make our own Advent calendar.  I haven't done it for a few years because the little ones have come home with paper chains that sort of fill the need.

~6~

Thanks to a good friend of mine, I'm discovering couponing.  It's fascinating, but seriously time-consuming.  I'd love to hear from any of you who do it and find out your tips!  Carol told me to get started at SouthernSavers.com where they publish a list of all the coupons you should be receiving in the paper, plus all the deals at your local store, and even more links to coupons available online.

I've never been a big coupon fan because I'm particular about brands and have always tried to use as much real food as possible.  These days of budget cuts have me thinking a little differently.  I'm still a little selective about the coupons I clip, but if it doesn't offend me and I might actually use it, I clip it.  I'm even clipping some that I wouldn't use, but they would be happy to see at the food pantry.

I'll never be able to buy a shopping cart full of groceries for $5, but I'm saving more than I ever expected.    Let me tell you though:  it's work.  You can't just grab your coupons and go shop.  You have to check the sales and make your list accordingly.  You clip all the coupons and then you have to wait for the item to go on sale.  Ideally, you also shop at multiple stores to get the best deals, but that is just not happening here.  Right now, it is time-consuming enough to make the shopping list and do the shopping, nevermind making my weekly menus!

~7~

Looking forward to Thanksgiving with my little family.  I wish we were having extended family visit, but we'll have fun, anyway.  KT has her big marathon on T-day.  Bless her heart.  I can't wait until it's over and she can't either!  We'll be downtown walking around and hoping to see her and cheer her on.

~~~~~

Y'all have a great, warm weekend, and visit Jen for more Quick Takes!