Monday, March 24, 2008

Easter Sunday With The Family


It has become a family tradition that Di's parents (the other grandparents) host Easter dinner. They live in our town so there is virtually no travel involved. This is a very casual family get together and the meal is potluck so no one person gets stuck with all the cooking. Even Junior contributed a lamb cake from a local bakery.

Beth and Wullie each hunted for an Easter basket that Grandma #2 & I put together. Of course the baskets have been recycled for years. We included dollar store goodies and some of the freebies we have recently received. Wullie got the little football Grandpa brought home from his work. And they each got a book from that wonderful Freecycle giveaway.
There is nothing like being together with the ones we love for a holiday celebration. We are blessed that our family lives close to us and we can share these special times. And the fact that Di's folks also embrace frugality and enjoy a simple gathering makes it all the more memorable.
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Saturday, March 22, 2008

I Started My Christmas Shopping!


I started my Christmas shopping this week! I found these puzzles at our local super market for only 75 cents a piece - that's cheaper than the dollar store! I know they were on sale as Easter basket fillers but I plan to sit on them until December. Beth and Wullie love puzzles and do well with ones that have 25 pieces. The puzzles I just purchased have 100 pieces and are for ages 5 and up. By the holidays the kids will be ready for a bigger challenge.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A Visit To Sparrows Nest


While out running errands the other day I decided to stop at The Sparrows Nest - the thrift store in the next town. It's not an establishment I frequent because I seldom find anything to purchase there. The prices are too high for most items (in a lot of cases Wal-Mart or Target will be cheaper). However, a quick peek once in awhile might be worth my time. It's a nice, clean, large store and everyting is neatly displayed.
I am always disappointed with housewares - if there is anything vintage it has an antique store price attached. Books, both adult and children's, had nothing to offer. There was no fabric, no craft supplies and of course no toys as that is store policy. Finally I looked through clothing. I did find this darling Cherokee spring jacket for Beth. Pretty good timing with Easter almost here. Priced at $3 - ouch! But, it is like new - perhaps never worn - so I could justify the cost. It's a tad big on my granddaughter so she should get a couple years wear out of it - it was a good find - my only find.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Birthday Parties For The Prince And Princess



Beth and Wullie's birthdays are only two weeks apart. Their parents insist they each have their own party and enjoy being the center of attention on their special day. The celebrations were simple but fun and there were tons of presents - what more could a 3 year old and 4 year old want?



The only thing my son splurged on was balloons and a canister of helium. Birthday cakes were homemade. Dinner was a make your own sandwich. Di made a cold-cut tray instead of paying a ridiculous amount for one of those ready made party platters.



The freebie candy dispenser that Grandpa got from his work was a big hit with both kids. Chocolate covered peanuts - yum!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Frugal Grandpa Has Retired!

Frugal Grandpa has retired! This was a long time in coming. He could have quit his job several years ago but opted to continue working. His co-workers are a fine group of hard working, dedicated individuals who have helped make his job a very satisfying one. But, alas, after 27 years of service it was time to call it quits - time to relax a bit and say good-bye to the old alarm clock.
Did Grandpa get a nice gold watch after 27 years of service? Ah, NO. Did he get a farewell dinner? Ah, NO, but that was Grandpa's choice. He knows well that some of the gals in the office would not attend because they need to go home to their families after work. He requested a nice lunch instead so everyone would be able to enjoy it. A huge Chinese/Thai buffet was provided along with a chocolate chip cookie cake from Mrs. Field's for desert.

If Frugal Grandpa was a Rolex type of guy I am sure the company would have presented him with a gold watch - they truly have valued his work and devotion to the company. But Grandpa has more of a Timex personality. I was astounded at all the wonderful, practical gifts he did receive, not only from the company but also from his co-workers.

Grandpa received a service award for his 27 years with the company. It's quite an impressive plaque - love the Art Deco look of the display stand.

This Spring floral arrangement is gorgeous! Doubt it will last through Easter but we will keep it as fresh as possible as long as we can.

Grandpa is going to get a lot of use from his new Werner Telescoping Multiladder. It has come in handy already.


Knowing that Grandpa loves to grill he received a gift card from Omaha Steaks.

And good cooks need good tools. This Premium BBQ Tool Set from Smart BBQ will get a lot of use.
Last but not least, Grandpa got some cold hard cash - gotta love it!
Grandpa really appreciated the thoughtfulness of his co-workers and all their well wishes for a happy retirement.
So, what will Grandpa do now? Spend more time with the grandchildren. Help the boys with home improvement projects. Work on my "honey do" list. And accept handyman jobs - he already has several lined up. He wants to learn more about the computer. And next Fall we will have lots of company to entertain. And he thinks he's going to relax - HA!!!
Oh yes, we also have more time now for romance. Listen, we might be old but we are not dead! That's what makes the golden years golden! As long as our good health prevails we are going to enjoy retirement to the fullest. We have much to look forward to!