Four Frugal Things -- NASA Memories
1) Remember the stained Land's End puffer jacket that I picked up at The Goodwill bins the other day? Not only was I able to remove the stain, but I also mended the undone stitching while on the phone with my sister.
I only remembered to photograph the process because she reminded me that I'm a blogger and should be documenting the process. So there may be no closeup shot of the "before," but at least I got a "during!"
Here's the "after." I listed it on eBay for $40 and it's now aside while I wait for the right buyer.
2) I pulled the last of some frozen chicken thighs from the basement freezer, marinated them and baked up every last piece for both my husband's work lunch and tonight's dinner. These were the very last scraps from a honkin' huge Costco bag, so it was very satisfying to get down to the bottom.
I try so hard to not waste food and I always give myself a little pat on the back when something we've bought gets fully utilized.
3) I finished reading my library copy of Atmosphere: A Love Story and let me share that this book was everything I love in a book! Beautifully written, detailed on the subject matter, (NASA in the 1980s) and deep rich characters.
I had the incredible privilege of attending a private NASA event in 2019 when my uncle Bob retired after decades of service dating back to the beginnings of NASA. I had access to things a normal tourist wouldn't, which was very exciting. (They even did a background check on me ahead of time to ensure I wasn't harboring nefarious motives!) I made the most of the experience, which is now seared on my brain.
I think you can see it on my face.
I peppered my uncle with so many questions that he finally just arranged for a colleague to take me on that private tour with someone who turned out to be a senior engineer. Not a normal tour guide!
I geeked the F out that day!
In a different life I'd have worked a bit harder in school and had the opportunity to work at NASA. And yes, I kept my personalized visitor's pass, even though I was supposed to return it.
It's amazing how books can transport a person using nothing more than squiggles on a page.
4) I may not be an astronaut, but I did sell my Goodwill bins Brooks Brothers towel for $30 on eBay, so that's about the same level of accomplishment. Right?
Right?
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Atmosphere is waiting for me at my library! I was going to pick it up today but I got mired in the process of selling my sister's clothes, and I'm too tired.
I actually listed two things (and I have vowed to myself that I will do five today). I washed another load and sorted another load I brought up from the car. There is still most of a big garbage bag full in the car. Yes, lots and lots of clothes. Lots of work to do. I sure hope some of them sell. They're all good brands in good condition, but I see that there's a lot of competition out there.
What a gift having a tour of NASA behind the scenes and getting to ask lots of questions. Thanks for the book recommendation.
1. I walked to the library to get free exercise and return a book. As usual I checked the Friends of the Library sale table to see if there were any books that might be good for our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter. I found one to keep at our house for 25 cents and paid $1 because it is such a good cause and still a frugal buy.
2. A usual we planned our dinner menu first thing this morning based on what is in the house. A pork chop is thawing now. We'll add a sweet potato and mango that just turned ripe.
3. I was getting ready to wash my lined raincoat and saw that a seam was coming undone. In my "how long can this really take mode" I mended it right away.
4. Hubby reset our irrigation controller based on water district recommendations. Our landscaping is maturing so it needs deeper watering for longer but less often. Hoping this reduces our water usage during the dry season versus hand watering.
5. I did not waste taxpayer money putting my name all over the Kennedy Center and then again to remove it all.
5.
I am in the library hold queue for Atmosphere - #118 on 21 copies. I have more than enough books to keep me out of trouble until then!
In answer to your question in #4, I'd say you're a NASA-level blogger.
That trip to NASA is a dream come true!
Got the next book for the banned book club as an audio book from the library. Am also re-reading a free copy of "The Lathe of Heaven" for the library book club. The June theme is science fiction and that's one of my favorite books.
My son's heavy winter coat keeps breaking plastic hangers and landing in a heap on the closet floor. The nearby non-profit thrift shop sells bundles of heavy duty hangers, so I stopped by this morning. $5 got me six burly hangers, including two for skirts, and a beautiful cut glass bowl for the dresser.
Last night I chopped up the carrot sticks and sweet peppers my husband did not finish this week and added them to a stir-fry for our lunch. Printed out a 15% off coupon from Ollie's Outlet and bought a litter box paw-cleaning mat for my son's messy cat, a set of ice cube trays for freezing fresh herbs in oil -- the basil and oregano in my garden are huge, two placemats for the kitchen table, a container of coffee and a can of cashews.
Our town hosted a “walk the trail”
at local lake. Free hot dogs, icees and water. Plus booths had snacks, highlighters and travel packs of reusable utensils. Maybe I’ll win something in the raffle.
I have a number of things listed however nothing is selling right now.
Watching tv and reading for entertainment