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Home > Archive: October, 2019

Archive for October, 2019

Many Things

October 13th, 2019 at 03:19 am

Lots of bits and pieces today: DD worked on a school project called Generosity Feeds both last night and today assembling soup kits for school counselors to distribute as needed. And I did laundry, pickup, grading and more and more of that. It was very cold here too, and while I toyed with the idea of holding off on the heat, I thought, the heck with it. It was 35 this morning. Too cold to mess around.

Yesterday afternoon I brought in my potted herbs and cut some chives. The chives usually go into a freezer pot to be used as needed throughout the winter. They grow so well outside I can't see much point in digging them up and bringing them in.

Much more to think through, but that can wait. Time to take the darn ironing board down. Exciting Saturday nights here in my English castle, eh?

Now We're Cooking!

October 11th, 2019 at 07:50 pm

While the dog and I took an early walk, I've been mostly inside today--alternating between grading and cooking.

I made a big pot of potato leek soup, adapting Pioneer Woman's recipe to include leeks instead of celery. The not-so-swell apples went into cranberry apple crisp, and I've cooked down some red cabbage. Happy to use lots things up, and SO happy to have a day home. I really don't like the administrative part of my job--too much responsibility and too little reward. Give me the classroom any darn day.

DD has a jam-packed weekend with work and lots of school service projects. I intend to do lots of work and get my horrible house picked up--starting now with my kitchen mess.

No spending but plenty of goodness today!

Battening Down

October 11th, 2019 at 03:17 am

When I got home from the university this afternoon, I put on the remaining storm windows and looked up some new soup recipes. It must be fall, eh?

We have only a few weeks left of our CSA share. Right now we have loads and loads of potatoes, onion, leeks, and squash as well as celeriac, kohlrabi, and so much more. I think it'll be leek and potato soup tomorrow--maybe a load of roasted veggies over the weekend.

It's week six of the semester, so buried in grading and work. If the weather turns out to be as nasty as they're saying, it'll be a good weekend to stay in, grade papers, and make soup.

I visited the benefits fair at the university yesterday, got my free flu shot, and investigated other health and dental plans. I think we'll probably renew what we had this year. And tomorrow my wellness incentive forms are due. I can't access them until today's activities process, so it needs to be done tomorrow.

Save Save Save

October 9th, 2019 at 04:39 am

Long day at the university today, but I spent nothing. Long talk with a colleague about money; she's the only sensible one of all my university colleagues, but she noticed I was eating a salad from home while she'd got one from the Farmer's Fridge vending machine. I also had coffee from home and had to leave briefly to move my car.

Sometimes we all spend money to make our lives a bit more smooth, but I had to laugh when she estimated she spent $20 today vs my zero outlay.

Some of my more intensive financial focus came from the news my adjunct class (and the paycheck) was cancelled for low enrollment. No adjunct work until January. Bleah, but also hooray.

I was hoping to throw that cash into DD's college fund, but have a bit more time and energy to attempt some other money-saving ideas. Penny saved and all that.

Updating Slowly

October 8th, 2019 at 02:42 am

Glad SA is back, and I guess I'll update things slowly as I get more time.

The last couple of weeks have been devoted to DD's college stuff. She's chosen five US schools and five UK schools to apply to. And we've gone over the costs a bit. It's so hard to know until the financial aid offers come through, and I'll need to finish her FAFSA soon. I wouldn't mind seeing her go to a large public university in the Midwest, but she has lots of ideas. The bottom line on all of this is some belt tightening--especially since DH's ancient clunker has almost breathed its last. He only drives it to the Park and Ride, but it didn't pass emissions and the garage says its not worth fixing. So on to a slightly newer clunker. I dearly wish we could get away with just one car, but I can't seem to make it work.

Lots to do and plan for.