Finances on Friday

Something I've been considering this week: 

Some of my financial efforts this week:

* The "bucket situation" that I spoke of previously turned out  not-quite-as-expected. Walmart people said they would hold 10 buckets for me but called when there were only six and told me to pick them up.  I drove out there to discover that three of those had no LIDS (which kinda defeats the purpose of storage, wouldn't you say?!?)  Plus- they had attitudes. The people, not the buckets. Frustrated, I ended up buying the three that were worthwhile for a dollar a piece.  I almost went over to Lowes and bought the brand new ones right then, but I decided to at least TRY to get some at Price Chopper since they said they did give them away for free, if they had them.  Even one or two would help.  I popped in on the way home from church, so I didn't make a special trip out (and burn more gas).  Turns out- they had PLENTY and gave me all that I needed.  For free.  And with smiles.  SO....awesome.  I'll know where to go if ever I need more.

* While out at the "Walmart Bucket Trip", I dropped off more clothes at the consignment shop and picked up the $52.00 I had earned there!  (Which will be going in the furniture fund.)

* harvested lots of collards from the garden

Harvesting collards (that much more in the garden still needing to be harvested.)

* picked up eight roundbales of old hay for our garden.  The farmer down the road gave them to us for free.  (I'll  bake him a pan of cinnamon rolls as thanks.)

* made two handmade baby gifts using yarn I already had

* went to a Putnam Publishing warehouse sale in which brand new books are drastically lowered...all books are $1, $2, $3, $4 or $5 at most.  I spent WAY too much money there ($78.00.  For shame!) but got a ton of brand new, beautiful books.  I felt so badly about spending that much money that I added up all the book prices (on the covers).  The cost, had I bought them at regular price would have been $501.97 (not including tax).  Many of the books will be gifts, some are for homeschooling, and some are for homesteading/herbal resources.  I even got two DK educational videos on Weather and Rocks and Minerals.  I may try to resell two or three  in order to lessen my guilt.

The garlic cloves I planted were homegrown by some friends of mine.  They were absolutely enormous~ the clove on the right is a large size clove.  That is how monstrous it was.  Seriously insane.

* planted garlic. 60 cloves to be exact.  I don't know if this is too much or too little-my inclinations are that it will just scratch the surface of our garlic needs...but it is 60 more cloves than I have ever grown before.  :-)  And I can always grow more in spring.  The garlic I planted was given to me by a friend so there was no initial investment cost.  :-)

* Took our family pictures myself (for Christmas cards)

* cut all three boys' hair

Weekend plans include: 

 bringing in wood (unfortunately a weekly reality from now until about April), cleaning the house, company on Saturday, letters and packages to mail and handmade Christmas presents to start and crocheting in the crevices. You?

Have a great weekend!