Winter Hiatus

You would think that things would slow down in the winter but Frugal Grandpa and I have been busier than ever. I am going to take a short hiatus from blogging. Will have lots of fun thing to share when I return. Thanks to all of you who visit. Keep warm and God Bless!

PhotoHunt Theme: Aftermath

Deja vu - didn't this just happen to us?

What's left of our Christmas Snowman!
We knew we were going to have record breaking high temps the Saturday after Christmas. I didn't think anything of it. Our snow quickly melted - I didn't think anything of it. Grandpa and the boys were at Charles helping with a project - they didn't think anything of it. I was home sitting on the computer. I was just about to enjoy all the wonderful PhotHunt pictures for the week's theme when it happened. The rains started - not a nice gentle rain - no, it was coming down in buckets. OMG, it was like I got punched in the gut. I threw on my coat and ran outside - we were in bad trouble - dangerously bad trouble! There was so much water and with the frozen ground there was nowhere for it to go - except into the house! In a panic I called the men home!



Diverting the water toward the river.
They got the first pump going but it couldn't work fast enough. The second pump wouldn't even start. So it was an emergency run to the local hardware. Of course the store sold out of pumps that morning - figures doesn't it! So off to the next town. Luckily that harware still had a few. Junior arrived home with the new pump only to discover it didn't come with the piece to connect to the hose. So it was a race to Ace a second time.


Waiting for the second pump.
Just in the nick of time. The second pump was put into action. Slowly the water came down to a safe level.


Our neighbor Paul watches Charles work on the second pump.
Our poor neighbor arrived home from his work too late - his home had already taken on water. If it wasn't for the men working for many hours in the rain we would have also.


The AFTERMATH: A dry home thanks to my four heroes!

Toy Hunt: Small Toy/s

I have quite a few "Small" toys - I picked out my three "smallest" to share with you. This Elephant and Mahout is slightly bigger than a penny. I have no clue if he was a Cracker Jack prize, gum ball toy, found in a Christmas cracker - I just don't know.


There is a wheel on the bottom. When pushed along the Mahout bobs up and down.


I think this is supposed to be Disney's Pluto but I am guessing it's a look alike.


You can see the loop by his nose where you can attach a string - he walks amazingly well with perfect balance. Even if he's not really Pluto he's a fun part of my collection.


Just had to include a member of the Peanuts Gang - this vintage Charlie Brown finger puppet.

The best part of collecting "small" toys is that they take up very little space. That is unless you are one out of control collector - nah, not me! (Hee, hee!)

A Double Dose of Hope

On January 20th Americans will receive a double dose of HOPE as Barack Obama and Joe Biden are inaugurated. Most media attention is focused on the president-elect. But, we must remember that the vice president-elect is our #2 man and will be working closely with Obama as he leads the country towards a better future. The days and months ahead are going to be very difficult. God bless them and guide them both in their endeavors.

My sister-in-law Becky gave me permission to post this picture she & her niece had taken with Joe Biden. She included this note: "Diane and I had our photo taken 2 years ago with Joe Biden. Diane hadn't ever met a politician, and he was her first. I didn't really even want to go to the dinner that night, but I am glad I did, so I could introduce her to him. He's so friendly and fun to talk to. He found out she worked for Head Start, and took her face in his hands and praised her for doing it. He said," God bless you for taking care of those kids". She just beamed with pride! I always say, "Everybody should have one Democrat in the family, to take care of us when we get old."

Photo Credit: Anita Campbell, Des Moines, Iowa

PhotHunt Theme: Hope

America's "HOPE"
Our country's Hope for the future relies on our President elect Barack Obama. He has a tough road ahead - Godspeed him on his journey!

And who is that distinguished looking gentelman standing with Barack Obama? It's my brother! John is very involved with politics in Des Moines, Iowa. He worked diligently for the Democratic Party during the election.

This is the first time I am posting a picture for Photohunt that I didn't take myself. I credit my sister-in-law Becky for this wonderful picture of Hope! She said it was "A proud Moment!"

For more photos and this week's PhotoHunt check out tnchick.com.

Toy HUNT (Toy/s with Wheels)

Charles and Di gave me this Simpsons Springfield Elementary School Bus one year for Mother's Day. They gave Di's Mom two rose bushes. So, what does this say about the two Grandmas?


Di's Mom keeps a neat, tidy home. She loves to garden and her flowers flourish.
Frugal Grandma is a certified nut case clutter bug collector of fine and vintage toys and she hates to garden.


At any rate, this is one of my favorite toys with wheels which includes Otto, Bart, Millhouse, Ralph and Martin.

And you thought toys were only for kids - ha!

To see more toys with wheels check out whenmomtalks.com.

A Contest Winner!

Wow, I won a contest. Or, I should say, I was one of the winners over at totallyfreecrap.com. All I had to do was brag about totallyfreecrap on my blog and link to it. Since I had already thanked the site for freebies in my Christmas post I thought oh what the heck, I'll enter the competition. Figured I wouldn't win anything but, hey, maybe someone might discover my blog.


Well, a few days later I learned I had won a prize! And what did I win? A totallyfreecrap.com mirror! Wow, I have never won anything before - just too cool! And a couple days later the postman delivered my cute little pocket mirror. Will I use it? No, it's now on my "Cool Things" shelf in the computer room - gotta display my fabulous prize ya know!

Totallyfreecrap really is a great site for acquiring Freebies. You don't always get what you sign up for. Manufactures only have a set amount to give away and requests often exceed the supply. Still, it's worth the try. After all, what could be better than "FREE".

Toy Hunt Theme: Toy/s received on Christmas Day

I told Santa not to bring me any toys this year but to give Beth, Wullie and Henry a few extra presents Christmas morning. He agreed, but he surprised me anyway with these cute items in my stocking - a little sock coin purse, a Winnie the Pooh glitter pen (lights up when you use it), and a white chocolate snowman.


Beth got this huge gumball bank. We will encourage her to SAVE money. And Wullie is opening the nice tool kit we found at a garage sale. Handyman skills come in mighty handy and he will learn from the best teachers - his Daddy and Grandpa!

See all the toys that Santa delivered at Toy Hunt.

PhotoHunt Theme: SqueakyToy Hunt Theme: Christmas Toys

Wullie: Grandpa my wagon wheels are "squeaky"!

Grandpa: Not to worry Wullie, I am going to fix them so they won't be "squeaky" any more!



Wullie: Thanks Grandpa!


Beth: Grandma, are the little red wagon wheels "squeaky"?

Grandma: No Beth, you can take the Ziggy Santas for a nice quiet ride!

For more photos and this week's Photohunt check out tnchick.com. And to see all the wonderful Christmas toys from around the world go to whenmomtalks.com.

A Waa Hoo Christmas!

We enjoyed a wonderful, happy Christmas. The best part was that we were all together. I often take that for granted because the boys live so close. This time of year I have to remember other families are missing loved ones, especially those who are serving in the armed forces. I thank all those who are diligently working to keep us safe and free.

Every Christmas Eve we host an Open House. Family joins us. Then neighbors and friends pop in for a dram or two to celebrate. Local folks don't have to worry about driving - they just walk home after imbibing in too much holiday cheer.

Christmas morning, hang-overs or not, we go to watch the grandchildren rip into all their presents. The garage sale gods favored me yet again this year and fun presents were plentiful.

After observing the traditional ritual of "open it, open it" we retreated home with Sonny and Junior to indulge in a quiet gift exchange and long afternoon nap.

Now, I am not about to tell you that our Christmas is totally cheap frugal. We actually went to real stores and purchased a few real gifts. Charles asked for a boot dryer which we gave him in advance. The thing looks really stupid but let me tell you Charles says it works terrific. With all the snow we have had he said it's a marvelous feeling to go off to work in the morning with dry feet. Sometimes you have to pay full price but getting a quality product that is used frequently is worth the cost.

There is nothing like being appreciated for my freebie acquiring talents. Every time Sonny opened a stocking stuffer/gift that was questionable he'd say "I hope you got this cheap". I'd answer "I got it better than cheap". With that he'd give a loud "Waa Hoo" and a big thumbs up. He did it so many times I was just bustin' with frugal pride.

I wish to thank Walgreens, Menards, Freecycle and Totallyfreecrap.com for making my "Waa Hoo" Christmas possible.

Oh, and about the picture. Charles got the kids sleds and hung them on the Christmas tree. I guess Santa had a dram too many at Grandma & Grandpa's Open House! "Waa Hoo!"

Wrapped Up With A Christmas Story

Sonny splurged on the awesome "A Christmas Story" wrapping paper (found it at Kmart). But what's a frugal uncle to do when he runs out of cellophane tape? Use duct tape of course!

Merry Chistmas!

Yes, we are having a very "White Christmas" this year! Junior came over this morning and built Frosty. The eyes, mouth, buttons and carrot nose are from a handmade "Snowman Kit" my sister-in-law Becky made for us. Yes, she is one super crafty gal!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! God Bless!

Photohunt Theme: FavoriteToy Hunt Theme: Christmas Toys or Decor

My pictures this week show my "Favorite" "Christmas Decor". I love the Peanuts Gang and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is such a special holiday classic. I wish I could say this outdoor display was ours - it's not - but we pass it everyday on our way to town. Gotta love Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Snoopy and Woodstock!


My sister-in-law gave me this ornament set several years ago (she's such a sweetie!). It's from Hallmark - made to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the television special 1965 - 1995. I dispaly it as is all year long.



These are the six miniature ornaments I bought at a garage sale last summer - 25 cents - A Charlie Brown Christmas to me!

For more photos and this week's Photohunt check out tnchick.com
And find this week's Toy Hunt here!

PhotoHunt Theme: Breakfast

OK, I am not one for the traditional breakfast. Forget bacon and eggs - instead give me a bacon cheeseburger!

One of my favorite morning meals is left over pizza. And it just so happened this week that orange juice was on sale for $2 a carton and I had a 75 cent off coupon (ah, if it could only be that way every time). Anyway, cheap and nutritious = a great frugal breakfast!

For more photos and this week's Photohunt check out tnchick.com

Toy Hunt December Theme: Christmas Toy or Decor

I just bought this Christmas Spongebob a couple days ago. I found him at our local Tuesday Morning. This is a national chain that specializes in selling closeout merchandise at discount prices. Sometimes you can find a pretty good deal. Spongebob was priced $3.00 so that's 50% off regular retail. He was too cute to pass up and now sits on our Christmas tree along with other Spongebob and cartoon character ornaments.

For more photos and this week's Toy Hunt check out whenmomtalks.com By the way Joy is having a toy giveaway this week - see how you can have a chance to win The Bratz Swimwear Collection. (Of course I would love to win this for Beth's Christmas so wish me luck!)

Photohunt Theme: Metal

Is she transversing a METAL maze?.....no, just having fun on some shinny new playground equipment!

For more photos and this week's Photohunt check out tnchick.com.

PhotoHunt Theme: Reflection

Who's that handsome boy in the mirror there?

For more photos and this week's Photohunt check out tnchick.com.

PhotoHunt Theme: Ruin(ed)

My sweet, sugary expectations have been ruined!

I admit I have a sweet tooth - not so much for candy - I crave pastry - the gooier the icing the better! So it has been with much anticipation that a combination Dunkin' Donuts - Baskin Robbins store was coming to town. Before, those donuts were only a rare treat. The closest Dunkin' Donuts was several towns over. Now, those sugary morsels would be conveniently available - oh yum!

The store opened a couple of weeks ago. We didn't rush right over - we were hoping for a "Grand Opening" coupon to arrive in the mail - so far zilch. So yesterday we decided to just go over and splurge on half a dozen donuts - ooooh, sweet anticipation!

Upon arriving at the new building I had hopes of taking a picture of the shop outside - it looked pretty festive with all the orange flags signaling that the store was indeed now open. But, there happened to be a group of teenagers smoking by the front door - um, not the best timing - forget it. My only thought was - you silly young people - you will so regret this choice later in life while you are trying to quit. (Charles and Di were both smokers and it was very difficult for them to break the habit so that's why I simply felt sympathy for those clueless young people).

Once inside I was surprised at the lack of donut quantity and variety. We arrived before noon but the shelves were three quarters empty. There was no indication that they were going to be replenished. My favrorites were missing: French donuts, jelly filled Bismarks, and crushed peanut covered cake donuts. They did have a few toasted coconut cake donuts left which we purchased.

I took the picture of Wullie waiting for our six donuts to be boxed. I was all set to take more photos when the clerk realized what I was doing and told me it was not permitted. Did the clerk not want his picture taken? Or was it really against store policy? I have never in my whole life been told I couldn't use my camera in a restaurant. Golly, I am a gray haired little old granny - is that the profile of a spy from Krispy Kreme?

Next came the reason this whole experience was ruined for me. We were charged $6.42 (including tax) for our purchase! Are you kidding me????? $1.07 per donut?????? OK, I know some of you are going to tell me I am out of touch with reality - that this is a reasonable standard price. Our local Dominick's Supermarket sells donuts for 60 cents (including tax) and they are just as good! They don't have a big variety but then Dunkin' Dounuts didn't have any variety either.

So sorry Rachael Ray, this Frugal Grandma ain't coming back anytime soon!

Garage Sale Finds: Planet of the Apes

A historical museum is the last place you would expect to find a second hand treasure. The McHenry County Museum had a table set up covered with donated books for sale - hardcovers 50 cents, paperbacks 25 cents. I must admit I am not much of a reader - the books were mostly novels and I just didn't find anything that interested me. But, there in the center of all the romance and mystery was "Planet of the Apes". Now, it happens that the movie of the same name is one of Charles' favorites. And, yes, he belongs to the NRA and is a Charlton Heston fan. I just know he is going to love adding this book to his personal library. Book purchase was on the honor system - you put the money in a box provided. Luckily Charles didn't even notice the table - he was off with the kids in another section of the museum. So taking the book out to the car and hiding it was easy enough. I will wrap it up as a present - just a fun little surprise Christmas morning!

Free Admission Day At The Museum

The 1847 log home at the McHenry County Historical Museum, Union, Illinois.

Each town in McHenry County gets a free admission day at the museum. When it was our town's turn Charles wanted to take Beth and Wullie for their first visit. He asked us to go along to help with the kids. Of course we said yes. The museum has lots of hands on exhibits for youngsters so it's great family fun. And of course I saw it as a chance to get a few good photos. Oh, and it ended up not being free. We all had such a good time that Charles and Grandpa both gave donations and I purchased some raffle tickets on a quilt.


Wullie checks out this funky old keyboard typewriter.


Beth got to ring the bell at the West Harmony one-room School.


What's a museum without a Sock Monkey on display?