Five Frugal Things -- I Check Out the Newest Library!
1. My husband and I drove across town to check out (wink!) the newly built Multnomah County library branch in N.W. Portland. It's not very big, but the interior is beautiful and they did a lot with the available space. I know I'd spend a lot of time here if it were in my neighborhood.
I just love how much Portland values and invests in her libraries!
2. We then walked over to Escape from New York pizza for a couple of mid-afternoon slices.
3. We took a different route to walk back to the car and passed by this rare mid-winter arrangement of "FREE STUFF" that stopped me in my tracks.
What did I take?
Two gift bags. Perhaps not the most exciting free score, but I didn't have enough gift bags this past Christmas season. Now I'm a teensy bit more prepared for Xmas 2026, without having spent a dime.
3. I sold another item for my $100 Goodwill Gift Card Challenge, which brings the net total up to $110.79, which is exciting as I'm now past the hundred dollar mark and any sales from here on out are pure profit. This purse is extremely lightweight and since I bought it at the pay-by-the-pound bins, I'd estimate that I spent a dollar on it and it's now on a journey to its buyer in Spain!
For those keeping track, here's what's sold and net profits after eBay fees:
- LoveSac cushion covers -- $51.73
- "Spot The Dog" plush -- $11.67
- Oakiwear rain suit --$27.85
- LeSportsac purse -- $19.54
I currently have ten unsold items for sale on eBay, plus one the David Hockney framed poster on Facebook Marketplace. Not to mention a full $55.55 left on the gift card. The Portland Art Museum is opening a David Hockney exhibit next month, which I'm guessing will prompt interest in my vintage poster.
I'll tally up sales on February 1st and make my first donation to the Oregon Food Bank at that time. I'll then do the same on March 1st, April 1st, etc.
5. My husband and I are midway through rewatching Breaking Bad in anticipation of our trip down to Albuquerque. Using that Netflix subscription that we pay for and share with family members.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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According to the doctors, as well as my body, I am approaching my sell by date. I have been referred for hospice services once before and then rejected due to some promising signs of a new medication, but the effects were temporary. So far we are managing by ourselves, but I am on oxygen 24/7 and in my wheelchair all the time. We've each had a catastrophic illness where we were expected to die, but fighting to live at 28 and 32 is a lot different than fighting at 74 and 77. And if my primary illness does not kill me, I also have only one kidney and it has cancer that the doctor says is not worth treating because my other condition will kill me first. My frugality now is concentrated on leaving the husband with as little administrative trauma and expense as possible. (I am the money handler in our family, so he has some stuff to learn.)
1. Went through all the credit cards and set them up to text my husband that a payment is due in a week. Not paying interest fees or late fees is frugal.
2. All auto charges for things like streaming devices have been cancelled. That way no surprise charges, also frugal.
3. A lot of doctor appointments are just check ins, so for those I arrange zoom appointments. Especially for the weeks when it was 40 below and colder, struggling to get around in a wheelchair was very hard. Using telemedicine saves wear and tear on the car and gas. Because of so many small and very remote villages, Alaska embraced telemedicine long before other states or Covid.
4. There are not a lot, but I do have a few magazines and newspapers on subscription, some online and others paper. I have cancelled all of those. Some are yearlong commitments, but I have managed to cancel even those by explaining that I am dying. Might as well use that fact to my advantage.
5. We began planning my funeral and the husband wanted to be sure I didn't think he was saying goodbye on the cheap. I would be buried in a compost heap if I could, but short of that, ashes in a carboard box seems like a great alternative. Later he can scatter the ashes in some favorite Alaskan spots. This is much cheaper than casket and graveyard treatments.
6. The elderly lab is staying with my husband, but the Dane is going to live with my sister on a 32-acre property in Virginia. They have several dogs already and they have a great life of running around the property, plus my sister and her husband are retired so are around all the time. Arranging this now means we can do it less expensively than when my husband gets the house sold and moves into an elder community. The Dane is too large to be allowed in those communities. And, frankly, the Dane takes a lot of time and my husband has enough going on as I get closer to dying. This is going to take a few months, and since we can't predict how long I will be around, the Dane might still be here when I am gone but at least his future is set. My sister has been here and spent a lot of time with him, and she can't wait to have him around all the time.
I have had a good life, very few regrets. My biggest sorrow is that my husband and I did not meet 10 years before we did. In October i will be 44 years, if I last that long, but I am greedy enough that I wish we'd had 54 years together. I am lucky to have this time to prepare an orderly and frugal departure. Not that frugal---a lot of things don't taste that great anymore so we are buying whatever sounds good to me, no matter the price. I will keep reading but won't be posting much more. It takes energy that I need to conserve for other things. Thanks to all of you for the years of share knowledge and entertainment.
I have never commented on here before, but you are one of the reasons I always check this site. The husband, always the husband , has given me much joy. I wish you peace as you journey forward.
Lindsey: Oh, my. Oh, oh, oh.
May love and wisdom continue to surround you and your husband, through all the precious time you have together.
Lindsey, thank you for all the comments you have posted, especially about the antics of “the Dane.” The love you have for your husband and his for you has been inspiring. Peace be with you and him in the days to come.
Lindsey - sending you, your husband, and all your loved ones all the strength and love it the world. Thank you for existing on this earth and having such a wonderful impact on all those around you, both physically and digitally.
Sending you a big (((hug))), you are a beautiful soul and so courageous. I've gone thru this process 3 times with dear friends and always marvel at their graceful and humble perseverance.
They are not gone. Those who live in the hearts of others.
Think of me sometimes, but not for long. Remember me in happy times, when you see something beautiful that I would enjoy. Watch for my signs, as I will visit when I can. I didn't die, I simply walked on...
Lindsey,
I have no words. You and your husband are in my thoughts. Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. I've enjoyed hearing about you and your husband's lives in cold, cold Alaska. I'm hoping for the time you have left to be full of peace and joy.
Lindsey you are a class act. I have enjoyed your comments so much. When scrolling I always say, good here is one from Lindsey.
And I love love love in your thankfuls when you say the husband always the husband. I think I appreciate my husband a little more because of this.
I hope and pray peace for you and your husband.
Oh, Lindsey, this news isn't unexpected--but it's utterly heartbreaking all the same. Hail and farewell to you, dear friend. I'm glad that you've had this time to prepare for the inevitable and make arrangements (especially for Clobber Paws), at least.
Thanks for all your kindnesses both online and in person. And I send best love as always--and an extra large share this time--to you, the dearly beloved husband, Houndini, Clobber Paws, and everyone else who cares about you.
Lindsay, I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. I always enjoy your comments and the peek at Alaska living. I once consulted up there and it was quite the trip and consultation with the school-based personnel. I am a believer, though, and would be doing all of the same things you are doing in preparation. Peace be with you! And your husband, “always the husband!” one of your endearing thankful.
Lindsay, I've always enjoyed reading your comments--for both the snippets of life in Alaska, so different from where I live, and for your insights and tales of you and your husband's love for each other. Praying for peace and strength for both of you as you navigate this final road in your journey together.
I have always enjoyed your Alaskan adventures, Lindsey, and have been in awe of the frugality you have managed in such a cold environment. You have contributed much to our knowledge on this site for years. You have made a difference.
Godspeed.
Lindsey, thank you for sharing your life with us, and the lives of your husband, the dogs, and your amazing father. And thank you for setting such a great example in how you are preparing for the end of your time on earth. May there be peace and joy in this last journey.
"approaching my sell by date" - such a Lindsey (frugal) way to share with us all where you and your body are at. Your kindness, honesty, humour and (quite frankly) astonishing life have brought much joy to this blog; I am among many when I say that seeing that you have a post lifts my heart, even before I read it.
Your dogs! Your cold winters! Your husband! Your wild and wonderful life!
Thanks to YOU for the years of shared knowledge and entertainment. Your sage comments and unique take on the ways of our hearts and of the world are precious, and glow with love.
Thanks for reminding me that one can have a very very fulfilling life, even as the pieces are falling off - and that even if things seem to be going sideways, the people we have built relationship with will show up and support us, time after time.
Much love to you, Lindsey. May you enjoy many small things, and eat the damn peaches, wouldja? XX
Oh Lindsey, I am thankful for you, always you. You've noted that you are tall in real life, and you stood out on the NCA and The Frugal Girl blogs, too, with your intelligence, big heart, sense of humor, amazing life stories (past and present), and unambiguous love for your husband. May your journey be as peaceful and as pain-free as possible for both of you. You will be sadly missed.
Lindsey, I have not been here long and I was just getting to know you. It seems others were prepared for this post, but I was not. I am deeply sorry and so very sobered and humbled by your graciousness. I hope your remaining time will be peaceful and beautiful. You have clearly been an inspiration to so many here. May you continue to be a blessing to all around you.
Lindsey,
That was beautiful and remarkable, much like you I will guess. Your posts have clearly brought joy to so many people as I see in the comments.
Peace to you and those around you that love you so. Thank you for sharing with wit and honesty.
Lindsey, It has been a pleasure to meet you via this blog. Your comments were my favorite. You write with intelligence, love, humor, interesting life experiences and practicality. It was so interesting to learn more about Alaska, and big dogs, and the many challenges you and your family overcame, and the love you have with your husband. I'm hoping for another reprieve for you, but should that not come I wish for you peace and love. You will be missed. Thank you for sharing yourself on this forum.
Lindsey, I am honored to read how you are putting aside your own woes to make things easier for your dear husband. I can only hope that I can find such strength when my time comes. Praying for you both in this difficult time you are enduring. Blessings to you both.
Much love and peace to you, Lindsey.
Patricia
I feel for you and your husband. My husband died this past June from a very aggressive cancer. We were lucky that we had 55 years together, but even that isn't enough. There were many admin things that needed to be sorted after he died, even though we thought we had taken care of everything. I'd say the most important thing is to have access to your accounts, especially emails and such. We thought we did, but my husband's writing was so bad we couldn't figure out some. There are still things out there waiting to be done, like selling his motorcycle, which we should have done as soon as we knew this was terminal. I wish you peace and your husband as well.
Lindsey,
Thank you for all the commenting you've done here, it has been a joy to read. I hope to be as gracious as you are as I approach my final days. You have added to the world and we will miss you.
Godspeed
Lindsey, I am crying as I read your sweet, sad, and lovely post today. What a beautiful attitude you have and what a wonderful life you've led....and are still leading. Sending you my love and a great big, if virtual, hug. I wish you and your husband and your fur-babies and family -- and everyone you care for and who care for you-- all the love and joy and goodness that God can give you during your final days, and in eternity with Him in Heaven. God bless you! Thank you for sharing your story today. It meant a lot to me, and I'm sure I speak for many other readers. I pray that your end will be as pain-free as possible and as beautiful as you are.
Lindsey,
Thank you for posting your stories, insights, and frugal practices. I've enjoyed reading them greatly. Wishing you and your husband gentle passage. Warmest regards.
What a beautiful tribute. You and your husband are in my thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear this. I too have enjoyed your posts and as a person who has also taken in my dumps/needs a good home pets, you are to be commended for what you and your husband have done.
I applaud you in ensuring financial ducks in a row - don't forget about the likely "retraction" (I am being nice) of social security. I also would counsel your husband to not be quick (or at all) to notify any credit card companies that he is now a single owner (read: don't cancel him OR lower his credit limit). Given your financial savvy, I'm sure you two are joint owners so he should not lose access. Like it or not, having a credit card is somewhat of a necessary evil these days.
I also love that the two of you can talk and plan at a place of equality. And that there is a plan for your husband in the future.
We too will be celebrating 44 years in October - a great month to get married if you ask me.
And do eat what sounds good - nothing wrong with that in my book.
Lindsey, I've always wished you would write a book about your life in Alaska but in a sense you already have through this blog. I look forward to your posts and feel like I have insights into Alaska living and the life you share with your husband way up there, across the country from this east coaster. Thank you for sharing your life and your thoughts. Also the pieces in which you've mentioned your parents, especially your father's wise words. You will be missed here but you will be on your next great adventure. You take care.
Lindsey,
You are an amazing person. I learned a lot by reading this. There are things I need to do. Thank you for sharing yourself w us. Peace to you and your husband.
Your comments here were always entertaining and inspiring. Wishing you all the best for these next precious months with your husband, and a peaceful ending.
Lindsey,
I also want to add my thanks for all you have shared with us over the years.
Some favorite posts were about adventures with the husband, Houdini and Slobber Paws; life in Alaska; the joys of fresh fruit; all the sharing with others you do; great uses of duct tape to repair van seats and much more. I think there is some comfort in the planning and you are generous to share that with us too. I hope you and the husband feel surrounded and held close by all of us.
Lindsey, thank you for sharing with us, today and in the past. May your remaining days be full of peace and love. How beautiful that you come to the close with few regrets.
I am so sorry. You have touched so many here with your humor, your stories, your family history. You have given us entertainment and a look into a fascinating life. You did good.
Lindsey, I maybe commented once or twice on this page, but yours were always among the comments I loved to read. I am very sorry to read about your fate and I am wishing you all the best in the world, and all that you still want and need.
With love from Germany! <3
Thank you for all the beautiful - and hilarious - insights into your life. It's hard to believe what a comments section has created in terms of friendship and camraderie! For you to have even a single frugal thing to share during such a time is remarkable.
We are all better for having been in this community with you. Sending lots of love from the east coast. May the time left to you be filled with memories and love.
Sending big hugs and prayers for peace to you and yours!
I so enjoy your wisdom & stories, Fierce Lindsey! Sending all the strength, peace, & comfort to your husband. “Always the husband.” Safe passages. I am truly moved by your life
Thank you for being you, Lindsey. You're such a good human and your comments have always been wonderful to read. The way you are working to make things easier on your husband is so loving. Sending you both peace and love. Cathy
Lindsey,
Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to share what's been going on in your life. Everything you're doing in advance is such a kindness to your husband and a lesson for all of us.
Sending you love and gentle virtual hug from Portland. <3
Thinking of you & your family, Lindsey. And, I think the financial prep is amazing (two thumbs up for the act of care & kindness for your husband in the future), don't forget to make both of your own lives easier right now, if money can ease the way a bit with prepped food, cleaning services, etc. It's okay to spend a bit more in the moment to enjoy the time you have left to spend together. I have so enjoyed your contribution to this blog!
Katy, tell us about what is in the rafters of the library, please. One looks like a snake skeleton.
It's all different sculptures. I wish I'd taken more photos.
Lindsey- I am so sorry for all you are facing right now. I want you to know that you have brought me such joy through your dog stories. I have laughed and cried and then shared them with my family. Although we will never meet, your life has impacted me in a positive way and I am grateful. This is a great example of how the Internet can be a positive place that enhances our humanity. So thank you to Katy for bringing us all together. Lindsey, I send much love to you and your family.
So excited with my latest frugal event:I had signed up for a farm basket delivery every 2 weeks.. organic yummy produce and a basket I can customixze each time AND cancel if I don’t need it.. a great company! ALL local farms.. here in Arizona and a few from California.. AND the veggies have been awesome, and as much or less $$ as what i would pay at the grocery.Well,I noticed on facebook they had a promo RIGHT AFTER I had signed up for “FREE EGGS FOR LIFE!” !!!!! I HAD TO ASK!! I emailed… They were sooo nice..(and I left a good google review) and added a half dozen cage free eggs to every delivery forever! YAY!!!
1. Put an ask out in our BN group for milk jugs to start seeds. I’m really determined to get a veggie garden going with my toddler this summer but want to keep the cost as low as possible. Picked up about 12 which will be plenty!
2. Sold 3 items over the weekend all from the bins . Total spent maybe 3 dollars on all 3 items, which means a profit of about 65 dollars. Is this a ton of money? No, but the extra cash I make as a SAHM helps with the extras and putting some money in our kiddos 529.
3. Unfortunately we had to take our toddler to the ER over the weekend due to a stubborn case of croup. I’ve accepted we will likely meet our max OOP again this year due to upcoming surgery for me and having a toddler. Beginning to gather tax documents and pinch pennies so that we can put as much into our HSA as possible.
4. My mom generously gifted me a new set of dishes for Christmas. The ones my husband and I have been using for 10 years were the ones my mom and I thrifted my second year of college so we were due. I cleaned them up a bit and passed them on to someone in our BN group! Also gifted the very nice boxes the new dishes came in to another member who is moving.
5. Library is closed today but I reserved a handful of books for my toddler to pickup tomorrow.
Katy, I am loving these frequent posts! Thank you so much.
One of the best thrift shops around here had a half-price special on winter gear and all clothes...which meant I snagged those goofy knit ski hats, with the long strings-and-yarny-ties-on-the-end, plus some beautiful scarves, for half price. Plus a vintage rayon-silk kimono in glowing shades of reddish orange and gold -- that one was $3. (The halts were $1 each. Our kids love them.) Just the boost for cloudy days.
Lindsey, you will be missed. Praying for you and Husband, that it will end peacefully. Or you will be healed.
I love your food bank idea!
1. We are experiencing extreme cold. We are off school tomorrow due to the cold. Today was day 3 of spending most of each day at home. I convinced dh to go to the mall to walk. We walked for an hour. We went into exactly 1 store (Lush) where I bought a new Helping Hands lotion. I work in special education and wash my hands about 10,000 times a day. I bought my first Helping Hands lotion 2.5 years ago and am just now almost out. What a deal! And I didn't have to pay shipping
2. I have a lot of back issues but right now my neck is flaring up with arthritis pain. I read my book on essential oils and dug through my oil stash to try to find something that will help the pain. I have been successful and have not had to take pain meds for a couple of days now.
3. Dh shoveled our driveway (several times). He also cut his own hair.
4. Dinner was going to take awhile in the oven so I mixed up a homemade breakfast bread and put it in at the same time.
5. My church was asking for donations of coats. I have a few in a pile to eventually sell. I ended up donating them and am happy with less clutter in my bedroom. After several years of thinking I would sell them and NOT - well donating them seems like a win-win.
Lindsey, you are a treasure. I hope your days are as peaceful and painless as possible. May you and your husband look back fondly on all the wonderful days you've shared, and may more lie ahead.
Katy, I'm library envious! Our small town library is beautiful but I wish it were open more days during the week.
I cleaned house and baked today, 14 sandwich rolls and 24 bagels, which sets us up nicely for meal prep.
I used my library envy to get a Libby account with my library. My husband got me a pair of really nice headphones for Christmas and I've been wanting to multitask with a book while I do chores.
The patch job I did on my husband's pants survived the washing machine and a full day of wear! Sewing is not my strong suit so this is a big win for us.
I used our washing machine's self clean cycle since it's due. Gotta keep the major appliances in working order so they don't break down with a major cost.
I found a bag with a bunch of manuals in it. I need to go through and see what I need to keep and what can be shredded. I noticed on top was the instructions for our ice cream maker! We don't use it often enough to justify keeping it so I was thinking of donating it or selling it but needed to find the manual first. Score!
Lindsay i wish you peace and joy and I wish more people would be practical about their final arrangements as you are being putting reminders on your husband’s phone and making new living arrangements for your dog. I wish more people were. This is just an fyi for anyone reading this blog who can not pay for a burial or funeral you also can donate your body to a medical school. Google it for your state’s medical school to make arrangements before your date of expiration.
Jcp, an anatomical donation is what I did for my late DH--but in NY State at least, it isn't cost-free or entirely uncomplicated. As you noted, you do need to complete paperwork in advance (I got mine done for DH *just* under the wire). But in addition, you do need to do this in NY State through a funeral home, and the funeral home will charge for completing the arrangements and transporting the body to the medical school. That said, however, it probably is the least expensive option.
If the books are thick, I always cut off the parts of manuals that are in languages I don't speak and put those pages in the recycling.
Though manuals are becoming a thing of the past--- our new stove had just a small number of pages (mostly warnings) and the technician said to look online for a detailed manual.
My frugal stuff:
I am working my way through my food stores. Yesterday I made a Thai-inspired soup using carrots, red onion and chicken from the freezer, vegetable stock from the fridge, and evaporated milk and potato flakes from the pantry. There's another serving to eat today. Then I will invent something else.
I didn't do laundry yesterday -- Monday is my typical laundry day -- because it was too cold to even open the door. I use laundry facilities in the basement of my building, which can only be accessed by using an external staircase which is open to the elements. It will be warmer today, eventually, and I will bundle up and do the deed today.
I have used my time indoors to do some organizing -- mainly papers, many of which are financial. But also I have gone through several areas where junk piles up and put things in their proper places. Or better places.
Entertaining myself with borrowed books, streaming, and texting and calling friends and family. One more day of being stuck inside, and then there will be a reprieve -- but another polar vortex on Friday.
Sigh.
1. I took down all my Christmas decor yesterday and swapped it out with winter decor. I keep my tree up, but put on white lights instead of colored, and all of my ornaments get switched to the white/silver/gold ones that I have. The only thing I bought a few years ago to facilitate this was a stunning white glass tree topper with snowflakes on it, and I got it from eBay for a song. My Christmas tree topper is a Santa hat, so that wouldn't do for winter. Everything else I have on hand (included 2 new boxes of white lights a friend gave me when she moved last year). Our winters are long and dark (although not as bad as Alaska) and the glow of the tree really makes things cozy. I'll take it down in March.
2. I've been using weight using what I have (apps and equipment) instead of buying things for this journey.
3. I'm going to visit my parents this weekend, and while I usually drive (160 miles round trip), I decided to take the train. Better for the environment, less wear and tear on my car, and more relaxing. I also really want to support rail transport in this country.
4. Dinner made last night with thing on hand, except the mushrooms, which I got at Aldi. I made vegetarian cottage pie, and it made a ton. Since it is just me and my partner, I knew we'd get bored of it. So I text my bestie/neighbor and asked if she wanted to trade leftovers since I know she cooks in large quantities and it is usually just her. She'd made birria tacos, so we traded 2 servings of each!
5. Didn't leave the house yesterday due to weather, and likely won't leave today (unless in clears up for my dance class tonight). Not leaving means not spending any money!
6. Bonus that I'm still on the fence about. I read Careless People, a memoir written by a former Facebook executive. It really pulled back the curtain on how malicious Facebook, now Meta, is about collecting data and driving users to keep on scrollin'. So I deactivated my Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. I'm totally ok with losing IG, but I'm on the fence about FB. Our Buy Nothing is super active on FB, and hardly active at all on the app. We'll see how I do for the next few months, especially since a goal of mine is to totally declutter my apartment in February and March. Maybe I'll reactivate it for that time if I am having trouble getting rid of things via the app, and then deactivate again when I'm finished...we'll see.
Do you have access to Apple TV? New show Pluribus has the same director and lead character from Breaking Bad. Also set in Albuquerque, very odd but interesting series.
Lindsey, I've enjoyed all your stories. And whenever I pull an oddity out of my dog's butt, I remember you as the person whose dog swallowed a whole bra that exited intact. May the rest of your life be peaceful.