Answers and Ambling

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker

Yesterday, Brandy asked: So CVS and Walgreens don't mind you stacking coupons?

I can't use two manufacturers coupons, but I *can* use a store coupon with a manufacturers coupon. The register returns, up rewards, etc., are also considered manufacturers coupons, so I have to make sure I buy enough stuff that I can use them -- usually if you aren't getting everything free, they don't care.

And Angelina said: Can you be my personal shopper? I'm really bad at finding deals, and I never remember to bring coupons.

I actually use a couple of couponing sites (via Facebook) who help "match up" coupons with deals, and I clip nearly every coupon out of my flyers weekly. Even if I don't think I'd use it (like the one I have ... and forgot to use... for Blink eye drops), I clip it. I do draw the line at things like Fixodent, but for the most part I pull every coupon because if I can get it free, even if it's not something *I* would use, I probably know someone I can give it to.

Also, I never go anywhere without my box o'coupons in the car -- which is why I'm doubly annoyed at missing that Blink coupon. :::slaps self on hand:::

It's fun and I also have my DD helping -- she clips coupons for me every week for a small fee :-)

In other news, we've decided NOT to do the craft show this coming weekend for a number of reasons. Partly because I'm SO not prepared, partly because we'd be out in the roasting sun with no protection for six hours (and it's HOT here lately, people... it was 90 yesterday with a "real feel" of 98), partly because I can't get in touch with the organizer for ANY details, partly because my husband is going boating on Saturday and DD has already missed two other trips for stuff (like agility last weekend) and partly because I've just had a really bad feeling about it for the past couple weeks. That's a little "woo woo" I know, but I really believe in intuition (don't you think your brain picks up on things subconsciously that you don't realize consciously?), so I'm kissing the reservation fee goodbye and giving it a pass.

That does mean, however, that all the stuff DD has been cranking out has to get up on DistinctivelyDD (she's done maybe 50+ earrings, several necklaces and some bracelets and hair pins). It also means I'm going to have a contest for her very, very soon.

This morning, after several insanely hot, VERY dry days (my POOR garden ... I'm watering, but it's still struggling), we're having a thunderstorm. The rumbles have just started, but I'm just so grateful for the rain. I hope it pours... It should also clear out the 90+ degree heat and 9 billion percent humidity. Those of you down south are probably laughing up your sleeve at me, but just remember -- I don't have A/C here.

I've also been insanely busy. I can't remember the last time life has been this nuts. I won't go into it all, but suffice it to say I seldom get a moment to just slow down ... it's go-go-go all day long. I've tried to visit your blogs, but I'm a day behind again. I MISS you guys when I don't visit (though I am on Facebook a lot, so at least can see your posts there, in passing... I really do love Facebook).

I'd like to say that things will settle soon, but I don't see that happening any time in the near future. It's a good thing, really, but exhausting! LOL...

How's life in your neck of the woods?

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You Are a Lion

You are just in all your actions. You want to be seen as both honest and fair. You are wise and discerning. You focus on what really matters in life. You have ideals, but you try not to let those ideals get in the way of living your life. You are conscientious. You are diligent and reliable, even when it isn't easy to be.

What's Your Inner Big Cat?

Mostly right :-)

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Ticks and Thrift

Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of character. ~S.W. Straus

Yesterday was a banner day for us -- we found NO TICKS. It's the first day since tick season started that we didn't have at least one (and usually more) ticks on the dog or in the house our (:::shudder:::) on one of us.

Hopefully that trend continues.

I also did some couponing. I'd taken a break for a week or two -- truthfully, I was just burned out and frustrated that none of the items I wanted were available. Many stores are starting to put limits on how many of anything you can buy to avoid having people clear the shelves, and I'll be honest -- I'm thrilled. I don't mind "only" getting four deodorants or six toothpastes. That's enough to see me through until the next special.

We went to three stores, only Walgreens didn't have anything in stock we wanted. The people there are the nicest of all, though the lady who helps us at CVS is starting to warm up to us (because we chat with her all the time). It's a pain for them to run all the coupons and Up Rewards / Register Returns, so I try to be as nice as possible.

Here's what we scored.

From CVS:



The Crest Rinse had a Register Return in the amount of the entire product, and I had a $1 off coupon, so I actually made $1 on it.

The Gillette deodorant was Buy One, Get One 50% off, and I had two BOGO coupons, so I got four deodorants for the price of one.

The toothpaste had register returns making each tube cost $0.75 each.

The toothbrushes had register returns making each one cost $0.99 and I had two $1 off coupons, so I earned a penny on each.

The lipsticks were $5/each. I had a coupon for $2 off plus when you go to CVS, you scan your card and they spit out coupons, one of which was for $3 off, plus I got a register return for another $2, so got two $9.99 lipsticks for a total of $3.

Granted, you have to pay up front and the RR's are for use on another purchase, but it all comes out in the wash.

At Rite Aid:



The Blink eye drops had a rebate for the total cost of the item (and I could submit it online, so didn't even have to pay postage), so they were free.

The Pringles (a concession to DH's junk food needs) were on sale 2 for $3 and I had a $1 off coupon, so they came to just over $1/ea.

The gum was on sale for $0.77/each and I had a $1 off 3 for Stride and a $1 off 2 for Orbit. Please don't make me do the math ... let's just say it was cheap.

The shampoo and conditioner were on sale for $3.50 and had up returns that, along with my coupons, made them free.

The toothpaste had up returns, making them $1/each.

There were a couple goofs on my end on some other things that I didn't pay close enough attention to ... but I'm still learning. And, I discovered I had a coupon for the Blink eye drops for $2 off that I could have used and actually made money on the deal, but didn't because I'd forgotten. Bad me.

Still, for a newbie, I'm doing okay.

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You Are Sweet Because You're Passionate

You provide direction and leadership for others. People are looking to you to see what you'll do. You focus on goals rather than people. You've always been happiest looking out for yourself. You welcome new challenges without fear. You're ready for whatever comes your way. You are a very ambitious person. You aren't about to settle for second best.

The Sugar Rush Test

Mostly right.

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Weekend in Review - A Day Late!

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. ~Philip K. Dick

Ever notice how, when your day starts off badly it tends to continue in that direction? Is it pure physics? An object in motion and all that jazz? Yesterday was nuts.

Today, though, DH couldn't sleep and got up VERY early. Ergo, *I* got up very early. Maybe today will stay on this already productive path...

Over the weekend, DD has her Junior Agility competition. The turnout was small (which was kind of nice) and she did well, getting first place and a "Q" (or Qualify ... which helps her go up in levels of competition) in all her classes.

Here are her videos, if you're interested.

The Tunnel Game is first -- just a series of tunnels. The courses get more complicated (with more tunnels and more difficult turns) as you go up in level. DD is a level 2, but has "Q'd" for level 3 next competition.



Next was "Dealer's Choice" where the handler chooses a course based on points -- you'll hear the judge calling out numbers every time Dakota takes an obstacle. Each team has to earn a minimum number of points, but can earn more. When the whistle blows, they have 5 seconds to get to the table.



Then came the Standard Course which includes everything Dakota and DD can do at their level -- really it only excludes the teeter and poles (both of which Dakota loves ... but has to earn the right). She's been having LOTS of trouble hitting her contacts on the A-Frame lately, and sure enough she misses here too, even though DD slows her down. You'll hear me groan... she also goes for the Dog Walk instead of the jump coming out of one tunnel, but that was DD's fault -- she didn't call the obstacle and Dakota just went to what was in front of her face.



Lastly was the Jumpers course (which only means no contacts like the Dog Walk or Frame). She did really well:



All-in-all a good day and one of the scorekeepers as well as two of the other helpers, all of whom run their dogs professionally, suggested that DD start competing in CPE (Canine Performance Events) trials (which are "real" trials where, in theory, you can qualify for nationals but aren't as crazy competitive as AKC or USDAA). They said she'd do fine at level 1, Junior. There's a CPE Trial in July... we might do it. It's a two day event, so I have to decide if I can stand two full days ...

This weekend is the art show. I'm still on the fence as to whether we're doing it ... there are multiple problems that are making it massively stressful for me right now. I'll probably end up doing it, just because DD will be so sad if I don't, but I'm dreading it with every fiber of my being...

We got DD's Standardized Test scores back yesterday and she did great! Got a 96 overall. Her math concept & application was the only score that wasn't above average (she missed 3 out of 20), but otherwise she either missed none or 1 in all the rest. Guess I managed to do my job this last year of teaching. *G*

And so are the days of our lives ...

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You Are a Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake

You are a true friend. You are compassionate, loyal, and generous. You are reliable and faithful. You can be counted on, even in the worst of times. You have an outstanding memory. You remember every person you've met in your life. You are rarely stressed out or in a rush. You take the time to do things right.

What Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake Are You?

About 80% right ...

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Late, Late

Has Quackie Gotten His HEA?

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. ~Mother Teresa

Last fall and this spring I wrote posts here and here bemoaning the fact that the little white duck (that I call Quackie) who lives in the pond down the road is now alone. Ducks shouldn't be alone, and the past month I've celebrated whenever mallards have come to visit. They seldom stay long (interestingly, they've almost all been males), but when they're there, Quackie always hangs out with them. It's clear Quackie is lonely.

A few days ago, when we drove past and looked, there were TWO white ducks. I couldn't believe my eyes! I thought it was a fluke... I figured the duck was en route somewhere else, but as of last night both ducks are still there (along with a handful of mallards). I found it fascinating that, when Quackie was alone and the mallards came, he hung out with them, but not that there's another white duck, they've segregated: mallards over there, white ducks over here.

I really, really hope that Quackie's found a mate. More, I hope they stay at the pond here, so I can watch. I'm half afraid that this new duck will whisper of the joys of freedom, of flying where you want, when you want, and tell tales of faraway ponds to lure Quackie away.

I wonder, too, if it's the white duck who was odd man out a couple years ago (when the first duck of the foursome was killed and its mate never quite fit in with the other two) and has returned.

Regardless, I really hope this means Quackie has gotten his HEA. Maybe all our positive thoughts worked!

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Tomorrow, DD has a junior agility competition to attend. She's up one level so it will be a little tougher, but they're ready (I hope). Dakota's been having some trouble hitting her contacts on the dog walk and frame and in this competition you can't touch your dog or the obstacle or you get a fault, so we'll see how it goes.

Next Saturday is the craft show that I'm still utterly unprepared for.

Busy, busy...

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You Are Well Grounded

You are cautious and guarded. Whenever possible, you choose restraint and moderation. You create a logical environment in every aspect of your life. Reason rules for you. You are concerned about others and the world at large. You worry a fair amount. You like to think everything through throughly and carefully. You don't make snap decisions.

The Cactus Quiz

That's pretty much correct.

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Are We In Kansas?

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. - Dorothy Gale

So ... New England had a crazy day, weather-wise, yesterday! Just after lunch, our town emergency system called and told me we were under a tornado watch. Tornado? REALLY?

We've had them before, but so seldom as to be nearly non-existent. We aren't the midwest, folks. We have mountains and trees and valleys... our terrain alone just isn't conducive to tornadic activity. Apparently Mother Nature thought otherwise, however.

Though the weather around my place settled down pretty well (we had some wind, rumbles and a little heavy rain), south of us was another story. My friend, Michele, reported HUGE hail and heavy winds. There were trees downed in her town and other damage.

Worst hit, though was Springfield, MA, who actually did have a tornado hit:



It's amazing watching it suck up all that water from the river before hitting the town.

Folks, we're used to blizzards and ice storms and even hurricanes. But tornadoes???

Today promises to be much calmer and the storm cleared out the extreme heat and humidity, so that's even better.

Still... tornadoes? Sheesh...

Yesterday, Dru asked me the status of the story I'd hoped to submit this past weekend. Well... I'm doing another scene. I know, I know ... but it needed it. It just keeps growing. If I can manage to find time in the next few days, though, it should be done. Finding time is the problem.... life has been particularly crazy this week and I barely have time to breathe.

I keep thinking life will settle down. Apparently not. *sigh*

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You Should Win a Grammy

You are extroverted and sociable. You feel comfortable at any fete or soiree. You like to be the center of attention. You have a flair for working a room. You have no problem getting front of a group and singing your heart out. You were born to perform. You are both a risk taker and a showoff. Whenever possible, you go for the glory.

What Award Should You Win?

Though I have no fear of standing in front of crowds speaking or anything else (hello... umpteen years of drama), the rest really isn't me.

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Wednesday?

"Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination." - Karl von Clausewitz

The quote has nothing to do with today... I just liked it. :-)

Aside from the fact I kept forgetting it was Tuesday, yesterday was a pretty good day. I'm still fighting a raspy, mostly non-productive cough that I got following my sore throat escapade last week. It's bad enough it wakes me up 2 - 3 times a night. It has DD worried enough (granted, she IS a drama queen) that she keeps hugging me and saying, "Don't die." Aside from the cough and being really tired, though, I feel fine. It's weird.

Liz Fichera said yesterday that she's living vicariously through my pix because of the greenery in the back. While I understand -- Liz lives in the desert, and I remember living in Colorado Springs (which is high desert and oddly devoid of plant life and trees) and missing green stuff fiercely. Now though? Not so much. Things grow SO well in New Hampshire, it's a little scary. 100 years ago, the state was largely pastureland, pretty much cleared of trees. You saw the picture of my yard, right? That's how most of the state looks now. DH says he'll be out in the wild, hunting or hiking, and stumble across things like rock walls in the middle of nowhere (that's the other thing NH grows efficiently ... rocks.) and ruined buildings, so it's clear folks used to live and farm there.

Brandy asked on Friday if I'll have more time to write once DD is in school. I hope so. I'm not sure what my days will look like, how much volunteer time I'll be putting in at school, since they strongly encourage that, and how much of my time will be spent on other things: errands, etc. But I have very positive thoughts on finding more time to write.

Today we have to go get some new flippers for DD. Remember the flipper fiasco of last year? She still has the Visa gift card the manufacturer sent to cover the cost of the flipper and since the lake water is finally about warm enough to swim in (it's 65 degrees as of last weekend), she's eager to go get a pair. Otherwise, we'll stay home and work/school because I want to GET DONE with her school. She's only got 6 more days to go... I think I'm as antsy as she is!

Have a great day all.... I hope the weather is gorgeous and the day calm.

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You Are Strong

You are independent and resourceful. You prefer to rely on yourself and not involve others. You are a rock. There may be a world of chaos swirling around you, but you stay steady. You may have had a difficult time earlier in life. You are highly sensitive and a little cautious. You lay the groundwork for months or years before you act. You like to be completely and totally prepared.

The Window Test

About 75% right...

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