Thursday, May 29, 2014

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #23

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Thrifty Week #23 at Harvest Lane Cottage.  It's been another busy week.  Aren't they all busy these days?

Sometimes the thriftiest things you do are the things you don't do.  What we didn't do this week was go on vacation or smoke ribs or grill steaks. ~smile~  Saturday evening we went to the creek and cooled off after a long day at the cafe.  ~smile~  Lowell's father and brother enjoyed the peaceful creek with us.  Ah, the joys of living.

Here we go!
~ I had my son plant my three little tomato plants.  I thought it was a sunny place, but the tree has more leaves on it now.  I can't remember if he planted them a week or two ago.  My accomplishment this week is making sure my mini-garden gets water. ~smile~  I have never grown anything.  I asked my husband to explain hoeing to me this morning. He's a Master Gardener but is too busy with Royal Delights, our cafe.  I'm sure this amused him.

~ The last of our hens went to a new home.  She ran straight into the middle of her new flock and fit right in.  Why's this thrifty?  I don't have to buy more chickens this year nor do I have to buy more feed for her.  She's much happier, too.
~ I shopped at Goodwill, but didn't find anything we needed.  Still, it was thrifty shopping. ~smile~

~ I'm reading a review book, Modern Pioneering.

~ I stopped by the Humane Shelter again.  I'm still looking for a thrifty puppy instead of the Dachshund puppy I've wanted forever.  Maybe someday when I'm not raising three kids. ~smile~

~ We watched a very good movie that I received for review.
~ I bought a Sirloin steak on sale.  It was less expensive than stew meat!  We've not eaten much beef lately.  This one will be part of Thursday night's supper.

~ I had my daughter make granola using Hillbilly Housewife's recipe. She used regular brown sugar.

~ I bought a pound of lean ground beef on sale.  It will probably be used in a soup in a few days.

~ We took advantage of the library.  I could never afford all the books our family reads.  We bring them home by the boxful!

~ Our only vehicle, our 2004 van, broke down on the road Wednesday while I was running errands.  I prayed it to the mechanic's shop.  Bless them, they knew exactly what was wrong and fixed it right away. Two hours and $220 later, I was back to my errands.  Why is this thrifty?  First, we drive an old, paid for vehicle.  Second, I didn't have to pay for a tow truck.  God answered my prayer, and prayer is an important part of being thrifty!  Third, we have an emergency fund.  We do our best to keep at least $1000 in the bank to cover things such as this.  This means that we didn't have to borrow money or put it on a charge card.
No interest!  God be glorified!  This was a miracle all the way around.

Well, that's it for this week.  How about you?  What are you doing to stretch your dollars and your resources?

Blessings,
Laura
Happy at Home
~~~~~
May I suggest?
A review.
~~~~~

9 comments:

  1. I'm a huge fan of my local library. I borrow recipe books to see if they are worth buying, fiction, DVDs, music etc.. It's a wonderful and free service.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Jo,
    It's truly a frugal blessing, is it not?
    Blessings,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  3. My kind of books, for sure.. Love thrift shopping, too although I may not get anything.. Love finding good books there.. Thanks for putting me on your bloglist, Laura.. xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. You're very welcome, Faye. I tend to read a blog awhile, get busy and lose track, then find it again. I don't want to lose you. ~smile~
    Blessings,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like you had a great week! Many blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks, Cathy. Bless you, too.
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  7. Library is a great resource :)
    Thanks for sharing at the HomeAcre Hop

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love that you had your husband explain hoeing. Too cute Laura! I don't know what I've done that's been too thrifty, but hubby and I spent a lot of time working on a project in the garden. Oh, we did dig up our own sod instead of renting a machine. Saved a little money there, but still spent plenty on rock, sand, and flagstone. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  9. Every little bit adds up, Jann. Blessings to you. I love seeing the photos of your home. You're a blessed lady. ~smile~
    Your blog friend,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for "talking back" to me!

I read all comments and appreciate them.
Please make sure I have your email if you want me to respond or pray for you.

God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor