Gramma Ray's Blog

This is my third month in a row that we have started the month with enough money to pay all of the bills for the month.

This is even more of a big deal this month because I only earned 1/2 of my salary last month from the pest business.

It feels so wonderful to start a month knowing everything is paid for.

This site has helped so much with ideas, suggestion and motivation!!

A tip here...a success story there...
It all helps to keep me focused. I am looking forward to getting a month ahead!! then two...and so on!!

For all of your input, I thank you!!

Last night I stepped back from my stove and there was a box on the floor....down she goes...right on the ol tailbone again.

Today, I went to retrieve our mail and stepped onto my dads wet proch and slipped on a leaf...luckily, I landed on my hip instead of my tailbone...but now my tailbone is hurting pretty bad.

I am shaking and in tears as this run of bad luck is truly painful---it hurts dagnabit.

I am NOT going to the retirement dinner tonight because I am back to not sitting for more than a few minutes at a time.

Does anyone else have this much trouble staying on their feet?

I am attending a retirement dinner for the CEO at my old job tonight. It is at the country club- so I am sure it will be a nice evening. (and it's free!) I was very close to this man, he was always more of a big brother to me than a boss. (Ok, every once in a while he pulled out the 'boss gene'...but not too often.)

Today I am watching my grandaughter--she is now 14 months old and too cute! Im looking forward to the day ahead.

It is raining here...which always keeps the house a little warmer--I guess the cloud cover keeps it warmer at night.--by warmer, the house is probably about 60 right now. I guess its time to get the fire going so GD will be warm.

Ok- DH and I have a little difference of opinion...and it has to do with our businesses.

He does wood. I do puppies. His business makes WAY more than mine. I am limited to the remaining 6 puppies for any profit...then my business is over for 6 months.

DH just called to ask if I would 'trade' one of my male puppies to one of his co-workers for a 'headache bar' (something for DHs truck.)

umm...ok. No problem. Says me.


BUT- (being the business person I am)
Then "I" own the headache bar and if YOU want it, the wood business will have to buy it from me for $200 (cost of the puppy)...

Sounds fair doesn't it???

What does DH say?

"Fine, then the house fund will have to pay the wood business for all the firewood this winter"....

geeze...MEN.

Sigh...well, there goes another male puppy--- and to a good home, to a nice family. I guess thats fair afterall.

maybe i could still negotiate for $100...hmmm...

The puppy that I feared would not be adopted, was chosen today!!!

This little guy is the smartest of the lot...but he was born with a tummy hernia. It will cost about $100 to repair.

A lady called about the pups today and I mentioned this little guys plight and she immediately said that was the one she wanted!! I actually ended up giving him to her since she was going to pay for the surgery, etc.

The pup is replacing their dog who died a year ago...and is also a birthday gift to the husband.

I love to see these little guys go to good homes.

I will miss him. He truly was a very intellegent pup--always the first to come and sit intently while all the other pups got petted and left---he'd still sit and wait to be held.

So, no money- but much joy on finding a good home for a pup who really needed it most!!

I cancelled my insiders-club membership today with MyPoints and should receive a refund of $56 from the annual fee. I was able to use enough of the benefits to outweight the cost, but dont feel that I need it any longer.

I will move the money into the Challenge account when the credit goes through.

Ok, I know that this news would not be exciting to most frugalites...but it is extremely exciting for me!!

I received a call from our bank today that our pest business has been approved for a business line of credit with no fees!!

Until today, I have been loaning the business my personal money.

We had been told it would take TWO years before the business could take a loan on its own. We've only been in business 19 months...so a little earlier than we'd hoped and planned on.

This is a huge step for the business as it is on its way to becoming self supporting!!!

The loan is not enough to pay me back--that will take many years, but it is a step in the right direction---and a significant boost to the soundness of the company!

Doin the happy dance!! (Whoda thunk, over a silly loan?!?)

It is an odd combo indeed when there is a fire in the wood stove and sheets hanging out on the line.

Wishful thinking on my part?? Perhaps. Or maybe I am just a wimp when it comes to a cold house.

In any case...I do indeed have a toasty fire going and my sheets are out in the sun.(Hopefully drying) I am using my dryer for jeans and heavier stuff, but am still trying to frugal along on the lighter stuff.

We'll see how long I can pull this off!!!

I FINALLY got out of the house today.

DH needed to prep 2 cords for delivery today and needed some help~~so DD3 and I went out and did the splitting and loading. (Thankfully my tailbone felt better today!) We got it all ready and then went with him to deliver.

One of the cords was delivered to a McMansion...and the owners asked if DH and DD3 would mind carrying a desk into their home from one of their cars. They were given a $10 tip for it!!!

We gave DD3 $30 for her help today- so the remaining $300 goes into the wood business account.

Then, we went to Costco and had lunch/dinner for $6 (gotta love those hotdog prices) and spent $104 on restocking food for the house.

I also sold a puppy yesterday for another $100. And DH had an extra $50 on his paycheck for some overtime.

All in all a good money weekend.

Best of all, I am not in pain tonight- WOOHOO

Looking forward to the week ahead. Have a good one!

I soooo need to go grocery shopping. But I soooo can't ride in the car. (sitting hurts)DH works today, DD1 is deejaying a wedding and DD2 is working- so no help there.

What to do, what to do.

Last night I used up most of the lettuce, cut up some turkey meat, shredded some cheese and we had salads...

But today will be a real stretch.

I made GS waffles for breakfast. Lunch will be small salads. Dinner...well, I think I still have some canned chili. (umm, ick at best)...dont even have RAMEN to fall back on!!

I guess this is one way to tackle the 'live off your reserves' challenge...but it sure isnt as fun!!

What a great mail day! I received ZERO BILLS...and a Shick Quatro razor (excellent stocking stuffer!) and a vanilla biscotti Folgers coffee sample.

I ordered/received the kitchen accessories for nana's Christmas gift. She loves southwest stuff and I found a really pretty Kokopelli cutting board, towel and pot holder. I also had foung a beautiful opal/diamond bracelet a few months ago -originally $80, clearanced for $15- so nana is all done.

I am not going to make my goal fot 2/1 bags to dump/goodwill thanks to the tailbone...but I am keeping the goal on the radar for next week.

We arent currently running an ad for the firewood, but continue to receive calls because of customer referrals!! DH is up to 5 cords for this next weeks deliveries...And at this pace, we really dont need to run an ad as this is as busy as DH can handle.

DH did agree to pay his trucks insurance out of the business fund rather than the household fund- which saves us $375. Right now every little bit helps.

I guess if there is a silver lining to falling and busting your hiney, it is that you have no desire to wander out and spend money....the cupboards are very bare! Today for lunch I whipped up an old box of sourdough pancakes. My mom, bless her heart, put on a big roast and is sending dinner down tonight.

No other wow financial news to report....as things just keep plugging along.

If you missed my earlier entry, here is a link worthy of viewing...read it, watch it (turn the sound up), get your hankie out...it is a 4 minute video about a fathers love for his son.

I had never seen this before and stumbled on to it this morning. It is off topic- but very inspirational.

About a fathers love who knows no boundaries....You may want a hankie ready.

DD2 called this afternoon with news that she may be going to Las Vegas for a 5 day training....and if so, would like mom to tag along!!

So I am considering it!

We wont know for sure for another few days...but if she is chosen, I will have to somehow find the funds to 'chaperone'...wink.

I would need to pay for airfare and food, but the room would be paid by her employer.

Im not much of a gambler, but I do enjoy watching and seeing the sites!!

hmmm....

Nana made some homemade blueberry/ boysenberry scones this morning and I just got back from enjoying a nice one- warm from the oven!! Her secret ingredient??? Just use strawberry nectar for the liquid!! YUM! She made enough that I will enjoy scones for breakfast for the rest of the week...so FREE to me!!

It is actually a GORGEOUS, crisp fall day outside (currently 45). I am confident it is warm enough for those clothes to dry!!

I am also grateful that it is not too cold for the pups to be outside. They sure enjoy exploring!

I am putting on a pot of chili for this weeks lunches. (have everything in the cupboard)So that will be easy and inexpensive.

I ordered DHs belt buckle from the ProRodeo site this morning. DH has collected these for years...and so it is staple Christmas gift. By the time I pay shipping, it comes to $40--but at least it is just a once-per-year expense...and something he really wants.

Ive been racking my brain for what I really want this year...and aside from a new butt- one that doesnt hurt-- all I really want/need is a larger cutting board. My current one is about a 5x8---which is tiny when cooking for the crew I often have.

I have my change box all ready to go. I mentioned this recently-- about saving change to donate at Christmas...If anyone else is interested, let me know. We can start a thread and keep track of progress.

Off to whip up that chili now.

Ciao for now!

Will clothes dry on the line when it is only supposed to hit 65??? That is the question that I intend to answer today. I am willing to dry every other load in the dryer if need be...but I have a ton of laundry today and my goal is to get er done by end of day. Right now it is 41 out there...At least the clothes won't freeze

I cooked a pork roast in the crockpot yesterday, so dinner is 1/2 done- just reheat and decide what to serve with. (Im thinking mashed potatoes and green beans)

I also need to write up a grocery list and get my coupons ready....

So it looks like a nice, busy day today.

Oh- I did get one bag ready for the dump and am working on one for goodwill...so I am confident that I will achieve the 2/1 bag goal by Friday!!! Declutter in progress!

It would have been a no-spender, but I needed to visit the library to return some books. I had $2.80 in fines...all because they set an erroneous expiration date on my library card that blocked me from renewing online this weekend. (They do this so you HAVE to verify your address periodically)

If my backend had not been hurting so much, I would have argued the point...but I just didnt want to today.

The puppies were all moved out to the puppy shed tonight. This is their new home until they are all adopted....Once the puppies go on puppy food, they really need a place of their own. We have nice warm heat lamps out there so they will stay nice and toasty....a small addition to the electric bill, but a major save on my floors.

I continue to declutter. My goal this week is two large bags for the dump and 1 large bag for goodwill.

I have whittled and shaved on the winter budget and am still coming up about $100 month short.

I talked to DH about taking a small salary out of the wood business, but he is not so sure he can swing it this year.

I can probably do a little more on the food budget...IF I can stop doing really stupid things like pinching nerves and falling down stairs---which cause residual pain and keep me from cooking!!

I am hoping to complete the puppy season soon...and if need be, I can consider some seasonal work options.

Until then, I am going to focus on the budget and keep expenses down as much as possible.

DH has a load of firewood to deliver today. Since DD# is not in school (in service day) she will be helping with loading and delivery.

The pups are doing great. I will try to get a pic posted. They are now old enough that I can tell their personalities and match the dog to the family. There is one little female, the runt, who has deemed me her surrogate mommy---she is too sweet. We also have a first- one of our males has a tummy hernia...so i will call the vet to determine the cost of repairing it. My ad comes out this week...so I am hoping to have a busy weekend next weekend...the pups are now 5 weeks and fully weaned.

I have a ton of payments to process for the bug business today---which is a great thing!!

Finally, Im ready for my run of bad luck to move on...I am currently sitting on a pillow with a very sore hiney after taking a spill on the stairs this morning. Very sore tailbone.

I hope my pillow stays comfy for a while.

Have a good one.

First, let me set the scene:

Costco. With a sore throat, earache and fever...With a 1 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, a great-grandma, a 14yo and 3 other adults...

On a SATURDAY.

No real purchase needs in mind, let's just browse...oh boy.

So we work the maze...with all the other harried Saturday patrons...(I have decided only really desperate or really insane people try this for no good reason)...I clearly fell under the latter today.

Let's see...GS was put on a tricycle...and he proceeded to 'tap' this ladies cart---who proceeded to get really upset and in a loud voice exclaim that she 'obviously picked the wrong isle to use as her kids were all grown"...and stomped on by...
Then, 14yo and nana wandered off in separate directions to look...then nana dropped a cup of ice water on the floor "cleanup in toys'...GS took his shoes off...and I have no idea what isle he left his socks...14yo HAS to have these new pillows...

THEN, we are in line...we are about 10 people back...and DD1 over a few isles mouths that she left her $10 mixed berries in my cart...so I leave nana and GS and weave through to deliver berries--being glared at by everyone in line who thinks Im 'cutting'....I turn and head back and see that nana and GS are oblivious to the large gap ahead as they have not moved with the flow of the line...and a couple literally CUT IN FRONT OF THEM instead of pointing it out...OH NO, they arent pulling that...so I suddenly become assertive ( a rare act for me, but I have this fever and all)...They sheepishly get behind us as I make sure they understand that nana was simply distracted, but we were IN LINE. (duh, why the heck are we standing here...geeze)

Icing on the cake....

The cashier rings it all up on one tab...and he blames my mom saying she asked him to 'subtotal'....no problem, except he also didnt subtotal... and I look over and the 'bagger' is just throwing everything loose into the cart..."Could you please box those smaller items"...so Mr. Checker gets peeved and starts throwing all of our stuff in a box, some of the items hitting the floor as he misses'...Didnt even bother to separate nanas from mine...ARGH.

GS is wanting OUT of the cart...nana is a wreck because she had wanted to put her order on her debit card...and I just want my jammies and a warm blanket--a couch and the remote....

heavy sigh...

Im home, Ive unwound, I done my drugs (no, no---just antibiotics)...and I have made a mental note to NEVER do Costco on a Saturday again.

So, how was your day???

Our audit was very successful. The examiner said that he was impressed with our operation and that we have some of the best procedures he's seen!!!!

Woo-hoo!

So no fines or penalties...just a nice pat on the back.

Singin.."I feel good, I knew that I would now...I feeeel nice...like sugar and spice...so good, so right..."

Now, I can get back to focusing on my finances again.

Ive noticed that I derail pretty easliy. My arm hurt, puppies, audit...and the careful shopping and planning just flew out the window. I want to get back on track and am planning to use my free time this weekend while DH is hunting to do that!

My coupon box needs attention and I need to restock the kitchen. Best get a to-do list going.

Have a good one!

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from the Or. Dep of Agriculture letting me know that they were coming to audit our pest records.

We've never been audited before, so I have been making sure all is ready (which it is) and getting things nice and orderly here in the office. Sounds easy enough, but juggling this with new puppies and muscle relaxers has been...well, a little challenging to say the least!

Today I will spend working on the finishing touches for the office.

He comes at 8:30am..and I am hoping it takes under an hour...then I am planning to RELAX and do things like our banking, some grocery shopping, and laundry catch up---you know, like life without auditors.

Please send those good wishes along for no fines or penalties...(although I am confident our records are in order, I have this fear about 'you dont know what you dont know')

Is definately my carpet cleaner...It has been running non-stop for several days now as I strive to leave no piddle or paddle un-sucked-up and refreshed....and to top it off..Momma dog has a tummy thing tonight...so double duty for the cleaner...

I LOVE MY CARPET CLEANER!!!!

I am truly grateful that we have it...and will definately be appreciative tomorrow when the house is daisy fresh inspite of my 11 -4 legged challenges. (they are confined but every once in a while out-smart my obstacles)

Today was a stay-at-home, no spender...and to top ot off, I sold one of the puppies!!! (a boy!!)

Too cool!

Somedays I feel like I am spinning my wheels, or just going backwards...so a day like today does much for the motivation!!

Tomorrow, DH and I are going shopping...Costco and grocery, so it will definately end the no-spend spree. DH is going hunting again this weekend--so he needs to restock the trailer (and that is always more expensive than if I just do it myself..)
The absolute worst tho' is when he goes by himself...he has no restraint and never looks at prices...doing this at Cosco only multiplies the sticker shock!!!

So, off we shall go...His zing to my zang should make it an interesting, fun shopping excursion.

I submitted the ad to the local Nickel for the puppies. The ad will be in Thursday's edition.

One little girl is already spoken for by DD2.

Another puppy is going to be chosen for a neighbor tonight...

and then I have 7 left to find homes for.

We listed the puppies for less than usual and are not registering them with the AKC. I am hoping this strategy will encourage more people to consider a purebred, who don't necessarily care about the registered piece.

We will see how this line of thinking works.

I am always anxious at this stage- as they are so darn cute and I want to find the best homes possible for them all!!

After what seemed like a long hiatus, I finally cooked a dinner for my family tonight. My arm has been giving me fits for a couple of months and I just havent felt like cooking and thus aggrivating the muscles and tendons...

So we've been subjected to numerous pizza's, burgers and anything else quick and easy.

This afternoon I made chicken and rice and for under $5 I fed all three of us plus a co-worker of DHs. Id forgotten how great it feels to feed everyone on $1 or less a plate...and there are leftovers for DHs lunch tomorrow!

I am looking forward to going grocery shopping and restocking my bare kitchen with some decent makings for good, healthy meals.

As far as the arm---it is still hurting, but I see my PCP this Saturday and am confident that she will get the ball rolling on a fix. She is a patients dream doctor!

DH got the chiminey cleaned and our first fire of the seson is crackling (love it!)

I have hamburger layed out tonight for a nice pasta fagioli soup tomorrow. (yum)

Today is definately sweater weather. It is raining off and on and it is currently 54 outside.

DH had two honey-do's this past weekend while I was away.

1. Move the puppies/mom dog out to the puppy shed and set up the heat lamp.

2. Clean the chiminey so we can have a fire in the woodstove.

Well, he never got to either one. So- tonight he and a buddy are going to clean that chiminey because it is COLD in this big ol house...

and then, they are getting the pups moved to their new home.

Mom dog (Anna) has become more of a pill and is restless to get back to her old digs with the boys. I am ready for her to transition as well...so off they go to the halfway house...a place of their own that is less wear and tear on my home and sanity!!

So, with the woodstove, we save on electricity...but now I am back to using the dryer...I guess its a trade-off. But one I enjoy making...I love the warmth and coziness of the woodstove!!

Welcome Fall!

We had a blast. The room was great, the food delicious, the shopping successful, the bonding was food for the soul!

Everyone found some great deals...I bought a few outfits for the grandbabies for Christmas- my top dollar spend--an adorable dress with major 'bling' for GD for Christmas--black velvet, white tulle and a red sash and faux diamond clip--$20 She will be stylin!

We also enjoyed a few 'freebies'-- A FREE Krispy Kreme donut for stopping in at the right time. FREE Newsweek and Woman's Day magazines and newspaper compliments of our hotel, FREE breakfast each day, again, compliments of the hotel. FREE tastes of various foods at the street fair. A FREE ride on the MAX to downtown Portland. and since DD2 has recently become a 'Body Shop' consultant, we were her guinea pigs and got FREE pedicures each night...which felt wonderful after a full day of shopping.

All in all, a wonderful trip. My share of expenses- $23 for gas, $59 for hotel, $50 for food and $150 on shopping. Not too bad for a fantastic weekend with my mom and 2 daughters!!!

Girls Trip 2006, huge success!

I have errands to run today and will be heading out in a little while. Library, post office, bank, presciptions, etc.

I am trying to get ready for the trip this weekend!! We are all pretty excited to get on the road!

I have my Christmas list all made up...and there isnt much I need to buy gift-wise on the trip except for stocking stuffers. I am glad I took some time and actually wrote the list...otherwise I would have been shopping for gifts that I dont need/arent in the budget!! It is those 'filler gifts' that always get me!

We have a family tradition that started when I was 12 of drawing names to fill each others Christmas stockings. I remember the Christmas I was 11...mom filled everyones stocking, and hers did not get filled--so I suggested that we pick names and all get involved...and this has grown into a much loved event. Now all my kids and their SO's LOVE to be a part of it.

Each year, the request to draw names gets earlier in the year. This year we drew in JULY. Everyone is supposed to keep their name a secret...but half the fun is trying to figure out who has who.

What goes into the stocking is totally up to the giver, although the recipient does make a wish list.

And the kids only have to fill their stocking, they dont need to buy for anyone else in the family.

It is such a fun event on Christmas morning!

OK, now I am really ready to go on the trip...all this blogging has got me ready to hunt those perfect stocking gifts!!!