Sam Squared

  My windows seat view.      This edition is brought to you from high in the air between Minnesota and Toronto. I was very fortunate in that I got windows seats on all 3 flights. This one is particularly roomy as few people other than those that appear to be traveling together are sharing a row. On Tuesday's I try and capture a few positive things.  I am worried as most humans that are not without decency and empathy about the situation the middle east. Prayers for the inocent people and to service members trying to do their job and stay safe themselves. It feels like looking for positives is very needed. My sister is doing  great and recoverery is on target A new med for my daughter hopefully is the ticket. She declared it almost life-changing after the last experience. I won't say what as do not want anyone making assumptions but I hope it's part of a group of supports to help her be well. So far so go good on the travel- no delays and see above I look do...

      Photo pexel.com      Even though a much shorter trip than November, I'm feeling more weight being gone for 11 days.  Maybe it snuck up on me with February being so short. I've been doing a lot of juggling on family stuff in February, calmed for the moment, but some things will be still needing attention once home. My son's dropping me off tomorrow morning by 9:00. I adhere to the three hours recommended when flying internationally. I'd rather sit with a book at the gate rather than panic run should something go wrong or lines in security are long.      Speaking of my son, he was looking very lightly at homes. One ticked all the boxes but because of how he's/ we're financing, needed to wait until after February 24th. Of course, it sold.  That was taken as a sign he maybe isn't supposed to settle here in Minnesota. He's paused now looking, but we'll see if things change once I'm back. Another thought I've had after caring for my...

                                            As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 20 to Thursday, February, 26 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste    We've done great using up all the leftovers from the weekend and in organizing meals for my sister.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs As I've declared February food shopping complete, I reached my 20% below budget total spend. Mistakes were made and I think I can do even better, but pleased. March will be a low spend goal too, especially since I'm gone for 11 days. That though will be offset in part though with stocking up on a few extra easy things for my son on his off...

           Sorry for the early publish on Saturday. I was starting a running list to add and got a bit over zealous.  On Tuesdays I try and gather a list of things that have made me smile or brought a bit of cheer. Spring is in the air, but it's a bit false as anyone in Minnesota knows, we do not get through the highschool winter state tournament season with out one or two major snow falls. Still, I'll start with weather in my list. Long time readers know I'm a big sports fan, Minnesota teams in particular. I was pretty pumped that both the women and men won gold for the USA, with respectable Minnesota representation. Now, Go Frost! Go Wild.  Prior to Sunday we had spring thinking weather. It made it easier to get things done out and about.  The C at distribution story over at Two Men made me smile and I will follow the kitten saga. I think they have maybe three new pets.  This is a punch in the gut positive, but happy news. My nephew a...

                                          As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 13 to Thursday, February, 19 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste    Matched up three pairs of socks from the assorted sock bag. I noticed my supply had been dwindling. Turned two with big holes in the heel into Swifter duster covers. These were just Hanes socks but maybe I'll learn to darn, but, I can always use rags.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs Entertainment  continued to be  cheap this past week with a lot of Olympic watching. . Meals have all been from loss leaders and adapted to what fill in items are low cost but nutritious...

               I'm trying to use this gift of early retirement better than I feel I have been since my days became my own last April. Now granted, I have substitute taught a few days, took a 12 week part time contract, travelled  a total of 6 weeks (two short and a long) and then got into the holiday season which seems to have calendar of its own. My days vary depending on it the big dog is here and if he's being particularly clingy, antsy and we need to get outside more. But typically, while my days vary, typically each day is a  mix of life admin, housework, errands, meal preparation, personal care/exercise, and free time. Here was a glimpse from yesterday.      My daughter had stayed over the night before, so I didn't even get up with the big dog, but lazed in bed until after 7:00 when I then started coffee. I got showered and dressed and by then, could guzzle down cup number one before brushing my teeth and taking him ...