Score!

For the last couple of months, our local Target has been in the process of a complete redo.  Supposedly it will be finished the first week of October.  But, in the meantime, it's a frustrating mess.

I shop Target at least once a week, and often more than that.  During the redo, I'm having to hunt for what I want every visit and a simple errand is taking twice as long.  I've been tempted to use the next closest Target.  But I prefer to keep my money in Ballwin, so I persevere.

Today that perseverance paid off.  I found $8 women's t-shirts for $2 and $13 tanks for $3.  I also got a pair of $17 knit crop pants for $4.  Score!

By now, some of my everyday summer shirts are looking a little sad, so I'm excited to have found replacements at such a great price.  Looks like it's time, again, for one of my favorite activities, cleaning out my closet and wardrobe :-)

Carpe Diem!

The decision's been made.  The trip is booked.  We're going to Ireland and I'm getting more excited by the minute!

I never expected we could afford a nice trip to mark our 60 birthdays after all the home improvement we did this year. But paying off the house last year has made a big difference.  No longer having that large monthly payment has allowed us to treat ourselves while still sticking to our savings plan.  Plus we've been lucky that, during a poor economy, business has remained steady.

Nevertheless, some would argue that "during these uncertain economic times" we shouldn't be spending money unnecessarily.  But, every time I think of my parents, I'm more determined that Jim and I grab every opportunity to enjoy life together while we can.

My parents saved all their lives for retirement.  But, for them, the joy of retirement only lasted a few years.  Dad often talks about how mom's Alzheimer's is particularly sad because they have the money to travel.  But mom's in a home and dad refuses to leave town as long as she's alive.

So, because I'm reminded daily that we never know what the future holds, I say -- "carpe diem!"

Happy Anniversary Zuae and Daniel!

Two years ago, my oldest child and only son got married.  It took relocating to South Korea for Daniel to find his perfect mate.  Where Daniel is weak, Zuae is strong, and vice versa.  They compliment each other beautifully.

I often still can't believe that Daniel's been living in South Korea for several years now.  But I also still have trouble believing that Jim and I actually went to South Korea for the wedding.  Before that trip, we had never been so far from home or away for so long a period of time.  We are so grateful we were able to be there for Daniel and Zuae, and only have fond memories of our time in South Korea.

Happy second anniversary Zuae and Daniel!

Sign of Fall

Last spring I decided to grow some vegetables.  It was more of an experiment and I didn't expect much.  The cauliflower failed and something ate the cucumber plant.  I did get a few strawberries and bell peppers.  But the peppers were green when the tags on the plants said red.

Grandma's Pumpkin Patch

My two cocktail tomato plants have produced the most fruit .  Both plants are huge and completely out of control.  I harvested fruit daily through most of July and then nothing.  But now there are hundreds of new blossoms, so it looks like I'll have a late summer crop also.

Hello Jack-Be-Little!

Of all the planting I did, however, the only thing I really wanted to succeed were my pumpkin seeds.  So I'm happy to report that I now have a small pumpkin patch in my backyard!

Currently I have three nearly full-grown pumpkins and the start of several more.  So there will be plenty of fruit for Elliott and Jonah to pick.  But, best of all, pumpkins are a sure sign that fall is on the way.