Four Frugal Things — Star Trek & Kitty Cats
1) I made an appointment to donate platelets next week, which’ll earn me another $20 in corporate gift cards. I chose Chipotle last time, which worked out well as their kid’s meals cost just $4.70 apiece. I do love the challenge of stretching a gift card!
Not that I’m anemic, but it’s a good reminder to cram some iron into my diet.
The Chipotle kid’s meal provides plenty of food and serves as a splurge while out and about in Portland. A favor to future Katy.
Of course, each and every Red Cross donation includes my favorite cookies — Nutter Butters!
2) I browsed the library’s Lucky Day section after dropping off our ballots and walked out with Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent. I already had it on hold, so it was the perfect reward for completing my civic duty.
I’ve seen this book on multiple “Best Books of 2026!” lists, so my expectations are high. We’ll see though, as it’s written in the format of letters which I’ve found to be clunky with other reads. I’ll go in with an open mind.
3) My daughter is heading out of town for a few days, so I’m babysitting my grandcat. Sweet Tuna, (short for Petunia) is very shy and I’m hoping she’ll start to trust me better than on previous visits when her cousins “Mama’s Little Meatball” and “Myrr” were also here.
I’m guessing that having no other cats in the house will be easier on her nervous system and am looking forward to some kitty snuggles.
I can’t let Meatball and Myrr be the only cats who enjoy their time with grandma!
4) I’m saddened by the news of Patrick Stewart’s passing, although surprised to learn he lived to 86. (He seemed younger!) It looks like he led a full and satisfying life, so there’s no obvious regrets. But still, it’s sad.
I wrote a blog post in 2008 about how “Everything I need to learn in life I learned from Star Trek” and I’d be amiss to not share it again:
Click HERE to read my Star Trek thoughts.
Now your turn, what frugal things have you been up to?
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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I finally sold a heavy 3-seat glider for $30. It’s been outside for years in the hot sun and the cushions have faded. We got it in like-new condition when a friend was moving. I don’t remember exactly what we paid but it was under $100.
Went through my gift cards and found my husband’s Christmas gift a few years ago from his employer: a $25 IGA gift card. Used it up on just a few grocery items.
We were able to get $1 off each gallon of gas with Kroger points. We haven’t spent that much on groceries, but Kroger is always offering 2x-4x point deals on different items, so they add up.
Took the last of our cats for their yearly shots. By taking 2 I got a $20 multiplet discount for that visit.
By being extra careful with our money the last couple of months, we were able to pay for foundation work and vet surgery without dipping into savings.
My grandkitty also has only one eye and looks very similar to yours. <3
My SIL also has an adorable one-eyed cat.
I thawed pumpkin muffin batter overnight and baked six muffins this morning. I had two for breakfast and will have them the next two days.
Lunch was a chicken sandwich, made with a patty from the freezer. Unfortunately I scorched the chicken badly on the stovetop, forgetting to watch carefully. I ate one patty but a second one went into the garbage. Sometimes waste happens.
I have stayed home today, as it’s cool and cloudy, and there was nothing I had to do.