Staggering Around

You may want to brace yourself... are you sitting? Okay, good. I am making something for myself. I was digging through Yarn Mountain last night and put my hands on a beautiful purple. It was originally going to be made in to a hat & scarf gift for Diva's cousin. The more I looked at that yarn, the more I ran my fingers down the soft fiber, the more I was convinced - it's meant for ME.

I grabbed the "yarn bowl" out of the cabinet and some off-white and the newly claimed purple, along with US13 needles. I have seen the fancy yarn bowls, and if I was using expensive yarn on a daily basis, it may be something I would consider spending $40+ on... but then again, if I was buying expensive yarn, who would have the money for a bowl with a hole in it. I also have a "yarn cup" that I use for my kitchen cotton (don't tell it that it's just a recycled peanut butter jar, it feels important).

Now... what to make with it. I wanted something useful. If I am going to make something for myself, it needs to be useful. At first, I thought about a hat. It's winter, hats are useful. I then thought about mittens. I decided on a scarf. Not just any scarf mind you, since it will be purple & off-white, I wanted something a little fancier than a garter or rib.

I was walking in to the kitchen when it hit me. Well, to be honest, I tripped. That little moment made me remember I had a pattern on Pinterest that would work. Staggered Rib! It's subtle, but *I* know it's there. I started it this morning and ignore the craptastic resolution of my camera (I plan on getting a new one for my birthday in a few weeks).

I am hoping to have it finished by Thursday... hey, I have other things to do than knitting you know. I just heard the weather, something about a nor'easter hitting by the end of the week!

No UFO's Here!

Before you think I've gone off the deep end, talking about visiting aliens or anything. UFO is knit-speak for unfinished objects. I finished the dishcloths for Mom and I finished a hat for one of Diva's cousins. Yes, I am talking about Christmas 2012 gifts - NOW you may look at me as if I have gone off the deep-end. I also finished the mistake rib scarf for my friend.

I popped in to JoAnn's to get the wire I needed, hopefully I will get to make the birds nest pendant this week. Also, I bought some earring hoops. I was feeling creative, but as of right now, I have NO idea what I am going to do with them.

I am technically calling these NON-ufos... they just need to be sewed off, as soon as I can find that itty bitty bottle with all my needles.

That Art of Stout

I was looking at vintage patterns this morning. I love the look of the clothes but they don't flatter my figure at all. I think that women of the 1950's have been pressed in to some assembly line form or something because there seemed to be only one style of dress. Itty bitty waist.

The ad is from Lane Bryant in 1957 (they have been around forever, and no shocker, even the "stout" model is stick thin! Some things don't change I guess.)

It's no wonder I haven't been able to procure a pattern in my ample size. You simply weren't "fat" in those days. If this is what "stout" looked like back then... I must be orbital!

An "older" friend of mine said "Back in the day, if you were a fat chick..it made the man look good - meant you were content and happy". I can only image how jovial I would be if size = happiness.


So, now back to dream shopping the vintage patterns and comparing them to something modern, preferably from Simplicity. You will know if I manage to devise something.

Duck & Cover - Man in Kitchen!

It's Friday. Elvis is home. He's in my kitchen - again! I know a lot of people would be happy if someone else did all the cooking. I'm not one of those people - I honestly enjoy cooking. I do have to admit, when he cooks, it's usually pretty good. Granted, we have totally different cooking styles - I, am a Domestic Goddess in the kitchen, able to make everything from abalone to zucchini. He, is a man. That usually means that whatever it is, there is bacon involved. Dinner tonight is no exception.

I should have known that he was plotting his kitchen coup when he asked what was for dinner - before I even had my first sip of coffee. I wasn't remotely caffeinated at that time so I missed the subtle hints. It wasn't until he was asking about peppers, onions, carrots, mushrooms and BACON did I know, he was up to something.

Bacon Bomb - From what I can tell, it's weaved bacon with ground pork, peppers, onions, a bunch of other things... and everything is rolled up and shoved in the oven. I know he's basting it with bbq sauce every 30 mins. I'm sorry I can't post a recipe for you, but I have no clue what he's doing in there!

*Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough*

I woke up feeling wonderful. Jumped out of bed and made apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast, which my family ate with difficulty - not because they weren't delicious, but because it's hard to chew with your jaw on the floor. Have I not mentioned before, I am NOT a morning person?

Somewhere between the first and second cup of coffee, it happened. Sniffle, sniffle, cough. I am not going to get sick. I simply will not allow it. Lunch will be another batch of the soup, this time with cilantro. Dinner will be baked potato, onion, pepper, chicken and cilantro casserole.

I know what you are thinking - "What's with all the cilantro?" Elvis went to the store to get the ingredients for his salsa. Yes ladies and gents, Elvis is allowed in my kitchen, on rare occasions, after he submits to request in triplicate. He ended up buying a big bunch but only needs a small amount. I want to use it up before it goes bad. Tossing food = not frugal - not Domestic Goddess approved.

Now, what to do with the extra cilantro, it's going in the salsa, it's going in the soup, it's even going in the casserole - dinner muffins.

I know that look, I've seen you with it before... dinner muffins???

Easy Dinner Muffins

1 c. self-rising flour (bisquick)
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. mayonnaise (nobody tell Elvis, he hates mayo. I take that back, hate is not a strong enough word... loathe)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
3T garlic (love garlic)
cilantro (whatever you have on hand)
~~~~Combine all; mix well and drop in a well greased muffin pan. Bake 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes (or however long your oven takes... mine has been rebelious lately)

Baby, It's BEYOND Cold Outside!

It's FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZING outside! I think even penguins would be complaining - it's THAT cold! Does he look happy to you??? I know you can't see me (and be thankful for the shield of the internet) but I am wearing my fleece jammies and thick slippers. I know, the Domestic Goddess in her finest.

Weather like this makes me think of wrapping my hands around a mug of soup... not just any soup - Stracciatella! Wait, what? You don't know what that is??? Come closer, grab a pen, I'll tell you.

Stracciatella basically means "torn apart". The soup isn't pretty, but it is delicious!

3.5C chicken broth
1/2C cup water
1/4C small pasta (I use soup pasta, you could use any type)
1T parsley
1/2t nutmeg
1/2t garlic (I put it in everything)
2T grated cheese
1 egg, beaten
Bring broth to a boil, stir in pasta and cook until tender (check your pasta directions for time). Reduce heat and stir in parsley, nutmeg, garlic and cheese. Pour the egg in to the simmering soup, slowly, and stir once.

That's it - pretty simple, right? If I am making it for a dinner, I will make garlic sticks for dipping. Not a drop of this soup is ever left behind.

Enjoy!

"She's Crafty"

A friend had said that about me. I suppose it could be taken a FEW different ways -- I am going to assume she means that I am good with arts and crafts. Ya, lets go with that.

Martha Stewart, I am not. I don't even have a room dedicated to my inspirations. (Someday, someday) I do have totes upon totes stacked next to hampers full of things... things other than dirty laundry that is!

I've been trying to go through everything in my "crafting stockpile". Thing is, I don't sew as much as I want to. Why? A few different reasons - 1) I don't have a sewing table, yet and 2) I can't sew a sleeve to save my life. I plan on fixing that this year.

In the meantime, I have planned on a few other sewing projects. Fabric napkins being one of them. They are simple, I have the material already, they don't have sleeves!

When I finally get around (hopefully this weekend) to making them, I will post pics of them. Promise you won't laugh. If you do, at least don't point while you are doing it.

For now, I am working on the knitting. I am currently working on a simple, repeat pattern scarf. It's basically a mistake rib pattern. Simple, simple, simple! I enjoy following a pattern, but there are times that I just want to recline on the sofa, watch tv in my snuggie and not have to worry about missing a stitch in a complicated pattern.

My Mistake Rib Pattern

Use any size needle you want - I use a US-10

cast on 27 (or any multiple of 3 if you want a wider scarf, or using smaller needles)

Knit, Knit, Purl, rinse and repeat.

Bind off when you get to the length you want.

I told you it was easy! It makes for a great frugal gift for someone. Don't let the holidays sneak up on you.

Day 2 - In the kitchen

I am trying to make an entry a day to this little piece of internet that I call mine. Not everything will be fun or educational. A sprinkling of whining here and there where appropriate, which is whenever I, the Domestic Goddess said it is.

Eggnog - just the word brings fond memories of the winter holidays, and about 10 pounds to each hip. So, what to do with about a quart of leftover golden goodness? French Toast! Not just any french toast, deliciously baked to a golden crisp, eggnog french toast!

I am sure there are tons of recipes out there for it, but this is how I make mine (and, it's so simple and yummy, why mess with a good thing?)

2 cups eggnog
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
.5 tsp nutmeg
14 slices of full fiber bread (don't look at me like that, fiber is GOOD for you... fine! Use whatever you want)

Preheat oven to 350 and whisk together the ingredients. Spray 2 cookie sheets and proceed with the french toast making. Bake about 20-30 mins, until golden brown. (Flip after about 10 mins to give both sides a good suntan, I hate "squishy" french toast)

When it's cool I cut them in to sticks for a fast, Diva friendly breakfast and pop them in the freezer.

Now that the tummy is full, back to knitting. I finished the peace symbol and smiley face dish cloths. I got about half done on the heart and realized I needed more white cotton (the only color I don't have a ton of). On to the next project!

Peace, Love & Happiness

Once again, this is the first day of a new year. The neighborhood is about as quiet as my house. Diva and Shrugs went back to his house after a dinner party here last night and Elvis just left for work.

I did a personal year-in-review for 2011, all in all, I am happy with everything that happened. We paid off both cars, booked a cruise for later this year, took Diva on a fantastic vacation, I started knitting more, made scarves for the Special Olympics, got to spend some time with friends, and a lot of hugs and kisses. I love my beautiful and artistic daughter. I love my hard working other-half. Heck, I even like my ex-husband!

I decided that 2012 will be the year of "Peace, Love & Happiness" (I know, the title may have been a give away). The Yule gifts this year will come from one (or more) of those categories. I am also aiming for a 100% Homemade Holiday - since I plan on homeschooling Diva for 6th grade starting in September, I had better get moving!

To start things out, I made the first gift of the year - a peace sign dishcloth. I will make the heart and the smiley face ones later today... as soon as the coffee is done perking. Priorities. Those 3 dishcloths, along with complimentary dish towels, and later some homemade cookies will be given to my Mother.

Reclaiming the condo is also on the to-do list for 2012. We got some things done throughout 2011, but the bigger things still need to be done, such as moving the living room furniture around so the sofa isn't near the draft slider anymore. I am not going to buy anything for the condo, other than what is needed for finishing the remodeling (carpets, molding, spackle & paint) We would like to eventually sell this condo and buying things for this place is low on the list.

We may be heading south this year too, literally. Elvis' mom said she really misses him and would like us to meet at his Grandmothers this spring. It's something we are hoping to do this year, even if it has to wait a few months past that. Diva is excited about getting on a plane and seeing them. She hasn't seen any of them since she was 5. Elvis is just about as excited. He doesn't say it much, but I know he's homesick, and being 900+ miles away from family doesn't help. I'm looking forward to it, mostly because I get to tease Elvis about him having to sleep on the sofa while we are at her house. After almost 9 years of being together, sometimes we may forget that we aren't legally married... but she doesn't.

It's going to be an interesting peaceful, loving and happy year ... OR ELSE!

The "Get it Done in 2012" List

I have been putting the list together, and it's a work in progress because I will be adding things along the way as I find new things (or finally remember what else it is I wanted to do)

There are things I want to try, like the inside window planter for herbs, etc.

Canning - some for home, some to be used as gifts
tomato sauce
cranberry sauce 
pumpkin butter
apple butter
mt. dew jelly 
candy apple jelly
grape jelly 
salsa
wine jelly
port wine jelly
mock-strawberry jelly 
orange juice jelly
garlic jelly
brushetta 

Dehydrating (as soon as I get one )
corn
peas
carrots
potatoes
sweet potatoes
onions
peppers

Knitting
mittens http://www.knitting-crochet.com/2nee.html 
hat http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevsbasichat.html
staggered rib scarf http://itsastitchup.co.uk/patterns/staggered-rib-scarf 
afghan http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/hotdamn.txt 
baby blanket http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pompom-cuddle-blanket
dishtowel http://gulfcoastgal.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/my-unpattern-not-the-papertowel-haha 
kitchen mat http://www.michaels.com/Lily%C2%AE-Sugar%E2%80%99n-Cream%C2%AE-Knit-Kitchen-Rug/e06683,default,pd.html 

Misc. Crafts
fabric bookmarks http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/01/fabric-bookmarks.html
ribbon trees http://sunshineyellow-stitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-beginning-to-look-little-like.html
game gift http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/12/neighbor-gift-idea-game-night-in-bag.html
mod podge dresser http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/03/how-to-update-a-hand-me-down-dresser.html
birds nest necklace http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-bird-nest-necklace.html

Sewing
fabric napkins http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/clothnapkins.htm 
planket http://www.thecraftersfilebox.com/2010/04/planket-tutorial-from-file-box.html
fabric gift bags http://www.queenoframbles.com/quilting/?p=76

End of a Year -- ALREADY????

It's really hard to believe that 2011 is coming to a close in mere weeks. I had so much I wanted to accomplish this year. Some things I was able to check off, some... well, some still have a way to go.

I can say we are starting 2012 totally, absolutely, 100% DEBT FREE! Trust me, that was one hell of an accomplishment. What does "debt free" mean exactly? We have no mortgage, no car payments, an emergency fund and the cruise is paid for in full... basically, the only expenses we have are health insurance, electricity, internet, cell phones, groceries and gasoline.

Diva is doing great in school. She still has her moments, but I can tell that she is TRYING, so, I consider that a win. It's her last year at this school and there is going to be a little graduation party in June. It's going to be her last year in a brick and mortar school for a while. Yup, home-school! I don't know who is more excited -- and I am pretty damn excited!

Elvis is still at the same place, which is good because he's gotten another certification, promotion and raise. He's managed to pick up a few extra days here and there, really helping to make our debt-free celebration to happen. Someone hit his car on the way to work last month... by someone, I mean an 18 year old high school senior driving an SUV and music so loud she didn't even know she hit him... meanwhile, in the Yaris, Elvis had to try to pry the door open so he could even get out and look at the $1800+ worth of damage. Didn't know she even hit him - UGH!

I've been keeping busy with my Domestic Goddess duties (apparently, blogging isn't one of them, must work on that in 2012). I've been on a few investigations this year, hope to be on more next year. Investigating is something I enjoy, and I'm rather good at it. I've done a lot more knitting this year - something else I plan on increasing next year.

Well, that's enough catch-up for now, back to my knitting, movie watching and list-thinkin'

The Goddess on the Go

I could make excuses for not having been here posting as often as I should, but life is already full of excuses (and you know what people say about them).

Always the daring one, I once again started FLYing. Yes dear readers, the Domestic Goddess suffers from a chronic case of CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome). Oh, how I wish I had made that up. Alas, no.

http://flylady.net

It's been a week and, I have to be honest. It works for me this time. Why this time and not the other 998 times? I found the chatroom. The concept is at the top of the hour (toth) and bottom of the hour (both) you go off to clean, declutter, do laundry, whatever for about 15-20 minutes, then you come back and chat for a bit. Could I go around cleaning my house without stopping to chat every once in a while. Yes. Have I seen my kitchen counters since the day they were installed? Not until I started FLYing this last time.

What's so different about my day? Nothing -- and everything. -- Let's skip over the fact that I danced around in the kitchen when I opened the box containing the toilet cleaner I ordered.

I am noticing a change in myself. Getting up at 6am (note: I am not a morning person), make bed, shower, wipe down shower, get dressed and put on my shoes (hate shoes, but hey, it's working), worship the coffee pot, wake Diva for school, make breakfast, turn on the dishwasher, wipe down the bathroom and sigh as I wash yet another toothpaste glob down the drain, dash out to drive Diva to school, empty dishwasher, laundry, laundry, laundry, prep dinner, zone clean, work on getting rid of things I no longer feel the world would end if I part with, dash out to pick up Diva from school, help her with her homework, cook/serve dinner, shine my sink.

THAT doesn't look so bad? I'm not chained to the appliances, I can sit down when I want to, I can have a conversation with the outside world. Check email, facebook, play games...

Nock, Nock -- Who's There?

Okay, I probably could have done a better job coming up with a title, but it's been one hell of a day.First, Elvis smashes open his face and cuts himself from brow to brow. He now resembles a manlier version of Burt. Sexy, yes? Let us not forget how Diva came out from school 15 minutes late, clutching an ice pack to her eye. 

Why haven't they outlawed Dodgeball yet????

Now... for the reason of today's real post. Elvis is working Thursday and Friday this week so he can take Sunday off and be my chauffeur to Napanock, NY so I can check out the Shanley Hotel. I was invited to be part of the team based out of Pennsylvania. Elvis had to purchase a ticket, but since he did, he can come along with us -- his first time!

I am looking forward to it - just need to pack the bag for the both of us and maybe hit the salon for some tidying up.

How I Spent $55.39 -or- How I Saved $57.74

I usually don't shop at Shaw's since it is a LOT more than the local grocery prices. Today I went in knowing I was only going to searching for the deals. I paid regular price on nothing and walked away paying less than half!

Totally avoided anything in an aisle, this was all perimeter (against the outer walls). Aisles can be a dangerous place, especially when they are overpriced to begin with!

Ricotta Cake

Today has been such a crazy day that we decided to take Diva out for lunch at the local family style Italian restaurant and even ordered dessert. Yes, it was that kind of crazy...

OldMan ordered a tiramisu and he loved it. I am glad he has finally caved in and tried new things. The downside is, once he has something, he wants it again... as soon as we get home!

Okay, I admit it, this is so simple it's almost not a recipe! I didn't have mascarpone cheese or a package of lady fingers hanging out in my fridge (I know, the shock) but I made my version of a tiramisu.


3 egg yolks
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/8 cups ricotta cheese
1 rectangle pound cake
1 1/2 cups brewed coffee
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)


        In a medium bowl, beat yolks with sugar and vanilla until smooth and light yellow. Fold ricotta into yolk mixture. Set aside.Slice pound cake in to 'lady finger' size and arrange some of them in the bottom of an 5x9 inch dish.  Pour half the coffee over the pieces. Spread half the cheese mixture over the cake pieces. Repeat with remaining cake and cheese. Cover and chill 1 hour. Sprinkle with cinnamon just before serving.

• 
  

Second Easiest Dishcloth EVER!

(half way mark)

SECOND easiest only because the #1 easiest is just a square of garter stitch.

I have been doing some 'home prep' and going through the mountain of yarn. My energy level isn't at it's highest today so I wanted to make something simple. This pattern IS simple.

If you are new to knitting you can still manage to follow along. I am far, far, FAR from a knitting expert but this is almost imposable to get wrong... and if you do, big deal, the dishes won't care!

REQUIREMENTS
1 ball of knit worsted weight cotton (I use Sugar 'n Cream or Peaches 'n Creme)
Size 10 needles (You can use smaller but it takes more to make the right size, I use size 10)

DIRECTIONS
Cast on 4 sts.

Row 1: Knit one row.

Row 2: K2, YO, knit to the end of the row.

Repeat row 2 until there are 40 stitches on the needle.

Next row: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row.

Continue decreasing until 4 sts left. Cast off.

Yes, Yes... I am still alive!

Just a quick little update from the House of Chaos - all breathing and accounted for.

Someone stole my front license plate - in Shrugs driveway!!! I was in shock to say the least. Long story short, I caught him stealing it but he still got away. The police came and he was very friendly and even sympathetic when he told me that *I* would have to pay for new plates. It made no sense to me either. I was the victim in this... I even gave a description of the car, the driver and the passenger. He did knock me for a loop when he asked if I noticed any body parts in the back seat of the car --- WHAT????

We made some financial decisions that we hope will get us on the right track. Elvis' car loan is 11.99% and no matter what we threw at it, the balance barely budged due to not being able to make principal only payments. I won't bad mouth the credit union, they gave him the loan when others wouldn't. Now, don't get me wrong, we don't have bad credit, we have next to NO credit because we pay for everything on time and in cash. Financing is an evil word in this house!

I managed to get a loan for the remainder due ($8400) for only 2.99%. Yes, it's still evil interest, but it's more of an imp than a demon. I ran the numbers and the final pay-off will be November 4th.

Dance if you want to... I know I do!

Blame the stuffy nose, but being sick has it's advantages. I don't want to go out in public with a "nose-so-bright" so I stayed in all night crunching imaginary numbers. Income vs. Expenses. As long as the first is bigger, I am a happy reindeer. (I tried to find a pic of Rudolph with a stuffy nose, but, lets be honest, who can really tell?)

So, that's where we are right now. Shrugs is still in his cast - the 16th can't come fast enough

2011 Camping Vacation to the White Mountains

First thing first, we needed someplace close. Airfare is crazy, baggage prices are worse. Add in all the hidden taxes, the parking costs and a rental car at the destination we were looking at big money... let's not forget Elvis hates to fly.

That leaves us with CAMPING!

http://www.countrybumpkins.com/

Now, don't be shocked, it's not tent on the ground roughing it. Country Bumpkins Campground in Lincoln, NH does have plenty of grassy tent areas for those who like 'that sort of thing', a few cabins and 2 trailers for rent.We stayed at this campground last year but in a cabin. The cabin was cute, it was quaint, it was TINY. It did serve its purpose and the memories made there are priceless. It had a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and a porch with tv and futon sofa. Like I said, it worked and if the rental we chose this year wasn't available, we would have gone back to it. 

Bill & Alice (the owners)

The campground itself is small, and that's what we wanted. I could sit on the porch and watch Diva play in the playground, or feed the ducks and fish at the pond or even hear her playing games at the rec building. The only thing I wished the rec building had was a ping-pong table. It's a family owned and run business. We saw them popping around the grounds in their little cart, changing out linens, cleaning up after check-out and just spreading smiles as they make sure everyone is having a good time. If you are looking for a party in the woods, this isn't the place for you - very family friendly.

The trailer isn't exactly a pop-up tent (not that there is anything wrong with that) but it's still camping. The roughing it part comes from no dishwasher, but I am sure I will find a way to survive the week somehow! Diva is excited because she will have her own room with a tv and bunk beds. She has always wanted to sleep in one, but hasn't said yes when I offer to get her one for home. It has a full eat-in kitchen, a full bath, living room with tv and stereo, a master bedroom, a wooden patio with lights and a fire-pit. If it is anything like last year, we will be having breakfast by the fire a few times and one every night. The campground sells firewood bundles not only is it the best price around, it's close to the site.

Lots of activities planned, not too many that we are exhausted at the end of the day and not too few that we're bored and climbing the walls. 

~DAY 1 (Thursday) Pack up and head out. Brunch will be at the Cracker Barrel in Londonderry, NH. which is about the mid-point. I'll have to let it slip that it's Elvis' Birthday. Diva will get a kick out of it and I am pretty sure he will too, even if he laughs when some poor unsuspecting person has a restaurant sing to them. Check-in at 2pm, unloading the car shouldn't take long at all and a quick pop to the local (and overpriced) market for milk and eggs and I can almost relax. 

~DAY 2 (Friday) Bears, bears and more bears!

Clark’s Trading Post - 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH ($54)

White Mountain's most outstanding attractions featuring trained North American Black Bears, antique Americana, steam trains and a whole lot more. The Clarks have been providing quality family entertainment for over 70 years. An admission ticket will provide fun for any age as you step back in time. Exhibits include a replica of a hook and ladder house, Tuttle's Rustic House and Merlin's Mystical Mansion, which will turn your whole world upside down. A ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad will take you across the Pemigewasset River and the bumper boats in Old Mill Pond are sure to cool you off! ~HOURS: varies ~COSTS: $18

~DAY 3 (Saturday) Is it wrong to want to lick a tree?  

The SugarMill Farm - 1296 Glover Road, Barton, VT ($0)

Self-guided tours of the maple syrup-making facilities. The grounds include a maple museum with a 15-minute videotape presentation about the history of maple syrup, a travel information plaza and a fish farm. ~HOURS: 9-5 Daily ~COST: free ~PHONE: 802-525-3701

~DAY 4 (Sunday) When I can I move in???? 

Castle in the Clouds - 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, NH ($35)

The Castle's spectacular mountaintop estate offers a 270-degree view of mountains and lakes.  The Castle is an iconic, turn-of-the-century 16-room Arts & Crafts mansion perched high on a pristine mountaintop estate overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Walk or hike 45-miles of trails, stroll the winding paths along beautiful gardens and gorgeous waterfalls and feed the giant trout in Shannon Pond. ~HOURS: 10am-4:30pm Daily ~COST: $15/adults, $5/children ~PHONE: 603-476-5900

~DAY 5 (Monday) Canada, Eh?

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway - Franconia, NH ($35)

Extends from Valley Station to the top of Cannon Mountain. An 80 passenger aerial tram car will take you to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the Franconia National Park and the White Mountains National Forrest. Foot trails lead from the observation platform to overlooks from which on a clear day you can see four states and the province of Quebec. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $9 children ~PHONE: 603-823-8800

~DAY 6 (Tuesday) The Doctor is out... so let's touch his stuff!

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm - 58 Cleavland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH ($9)

The museum preserves the heritage of Dr. Edwin C. Remick and his son, Dr. Edwin Crafts Remick, who practiced medicine in the village of Tamworth from 1894-1993. Farm exhibits interprets 200 years of rural New England domestic and agricultural life while contrasting historic and modern methods. Hands-on summer activities include grinding corn and milking cows. An interpretive hiking trail and live farm animals are also on the premises. ~HOURS: 10-4 Monday-Friday ~COST: $3/each~PHONE: 603-323-7591

~DAY 7 (Wednesday) Oh so beautiful!

The Flume & The Basin – 852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia Notch, NH ($36)

A deep glacial pothole at the base of a waterfall. Measuring 20 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, its sides have been polished smooth by sand, stones and water. Below the basin, the Pemigewasset River tumbles through the Baby Flume, a smaller version of the well-known gorge. This area includes walking paths, hiking trails and a picnic tables. A chasm extending nearly 800 feet along the flank of Mount Liberty. A mountain stream tumbles in a series of waterfalls and pools between its 60-90 foot high granite walls. An optional shuttle bus takes visitors the first .5 mile; it is 1.5 miles back to the visitor center. A well-constructed boardwalk leads through the gorge; there are, however, some steep grades. Within the flume there are two covered bridges, waterfalls and cascades. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $10 children ~PHONE: (603) 745-8391

~DAY 8 (Thursday) Time to say good bye...

Packing up and cleaning because check-out is by 10. A quick snack and off we go. There is a diner down the street that we went to last time, but I wasn't all that impressed with it and would actually like to go back to Cracker Barrel in Londonderry proving no one is near faint from starvation.

I love my daughter. She is artistic. She is a wonderful person. She is caring. She is athletic. She is beautiful. She is the best thing to ever come in to my life. She is LD .

The teacher pulled me aside today to tell me that they don't know if they can take Diva next year. because they don't have enough staff available to help her because she needs more educational help than they can offer. This school has the smallest student:teacher ratio available.

She is already being pulled out of class as much as possible and it still isn't enough. To quote the teacher "At the end of this year, she still won't be at a 4th grade level. Even if we do keep her for 5th, you are going to have to home-school her for 6th just to get her caught up because she will be so behind". She went on and say that Diva NEEDS that one-on-one and to not put her in public because they will not be able to help her, there isn't a private school that can dedicate that much time to one student and if I don't home-school her, she will have to be put in a school for severely learning and physically disabled students.

I went back to talk to the Outlaws... HE said he will just get her a tutor for over the summer. Great, a 1 on 1 encounter for 8 weeks which isn't enough time to catch up a YEARS worth of classes, and then dump her back in to the big pool to let her drown from Sept - June, then went on and on about how she won't be able to go to Harvard. Rinse and Repeat.

When I told them I will be researching schools and if I can find one we will move to wherever so she can go. There are even programs at community colleges for students of severe learning disabilities.

SHE said "Well, what will you do with the condo"?

I looked at her with disbelief. "Fix it up and sell it. It's only property, we're talking about my daughter. She is more important than where we live. OldMan and I will get a one bedroom trailer and sleep on the roof if it is near a school that can help her".

Not being able to go to Harvard and property... they have a skewed set of priorities. It got 'better' when I talked to the ex about it "what about friends, she's an only child".

As if I kept her locked in the closet after lessons when I home schooled her! She had all afternoon to go out and play because she had no homework. Each subject had it's own dedicated hour and SHE EXCELLED! From Dec - March not only did I get her caught up in 3rd grade, but finished the rest of the curriculum. In March we only put her in the private school because we were finished and it was a breeze for her because it was a REVIEW of everything I had taught her.

Diva made a comment out of frustration to the teacher today... "I don't know why I am having a hard time with multiplication. Momma taught it to me and I KNEW IT. I know I knew it, and I use to be good at it".

I have a meeting with the school when report cards come out in 2 weeks. If they decide they can't/won't keep her next year, I need to figure out what we will do -- and don the battle gear if it means fighting with the Outlaws again to home school again...

It took 2.5 years to get them to agree to it the first time, I don't have that luxury... I barely have 5 months to prepare, gather, submit.

Never Underestimate the Power of Sales and Coupons!

I could end this entry with just the title. Too many times people don't think to clip that coupon, or scan that aisle looking for unadvertised sales.

Check out the reduced shelf at your grocery store as well - a reduced price combined with a coupon is extra extra savings!

I will list today's shopping list. It was not purchased at a markdown/dent/bulk store. Around here, Shaws is one of the more costly stores.

1 stir-fry pan $21.23 **
1 Tex muffin pan $7.43 **
1 regular muffin pan $7.43 **
1.69 lbs red peppers $2.18 **
1.55 lbs bananas .76 **
1.98 lbs tomatoes 2.56 **
6 (7oz) Kraft mozzarella shredded cheese $19.74 **
1 (8oz) storebrand montery jack shredded cheese $2.69 **
6 International Delight liquid creamer $27.54 **
4 Cracker Barrel cheddar blocks $14.76 **
4 Del Monte diced peaches 4pks $13.80 **
2 Prince rotini primivera $2.70 **
2 Prince bowtie pasta $2.70 **
6 Kellogs blueberry muffin mini wheats $22.14 **
3 Cheerios cinnamon burst $11.07 **
4 JollyTime microwave popcorn $8.76 **
5 Aah Bistro chicken gravy granules $22.95 **
1 storebrand childrens vitamins $6.49 **
1 malt vinegar $4.87 **
4 Classico spagetti sauce $11.96
6 Zataran rice $11.94
1 Old El Paso enchilada sauce $1.19 **
1 storebrand hard candies $1.50 **
1 Osem mini croutons $6.50 **
3 Aah Bistro beef gravy granules $14.07 **
1 AngelSoft 12pk toilet paper $7.99 **
1 storebrand carmel popcorn cakes $2.49 **
2 Cambell's healthy select soup $5.58
2 Perdue chicken breasts 5pks $19.98 **
1.69 lbs ground pork $3.02
.97 lb steak $4.54
2 McCormick bearnaise sauce mix $2.38 **
11 McCormick cheesy taco mix $9.79 **
13 McCormick chili mix $11.57 **
4 McCormick one-dish mix $7.80 **
1 organic maple syrup $7.69 **

note: In Massachusetts, we do not pay tax on food (or clothes). The prices for the pans include the tax. ** indicates items at full sticker prices.

So, that's a pretty big list - $331.79 in total.

I did NOT pay that much, not even close! My out of pocket expenses was under $96.00.

Imposable? Not really. I had coupons for almost everything on that list, combined with a sale or clearance price, I was able to save around $235.00 today.

Some examples: I had a coupon for $1 off 3 boxes of Kellogs cereal - the mini wheats were on clearance for $1.50 a box making them $1.17 each instead of the normal price of $3.69. Another big helper was the coffee creamers, shredded cheeses, block cheeses and diced peaches were marked down to $1 each. The McCormicks taco and chili mixes were marked down to .25 each.

That is not ALL the mark-downs and sales, but it goes to show you that it CAN be done... if you take the extra time.