Claremont's Best Kept Secret

At Hendricks Pharmacy

Such a deal for 51¢!

Gratitude

I am guessing I should thank a combination of mathematicians and computer scientists for figuring out that I was not the one who spent $1400 at an electronics store and therefore rejected the purchase.

The sad part is that I had memorized that credit card number and now I suppose that space in my brain needs to be used for creating all new passwords.

A penny saved

There were a lot of things I didn't buy today.

Only 80 DKK ($12.50)!  I want all three.

Didn't need to look at the price to know it is more than I can afford.

pretty oilcloths

So cute!  Only 20 DKK ($3), but I want one of each.

Driscoll's in DK?  I have also seen US donuts and toy stores.  Stop!!

Rocky Mountain Marshmallows, a true American tradition from Elk Grove, IL.

I am not sure why I suddenly want Fjallraven, but I am resisting,
especially since it is probably less expensive in the US.  And it is Swedish.

Now in LA!

Victory

I love Keith Knight's Life Little Victories.  I think it would make a great page-a-day calendar, much better the ones we ended up with this year.  Today I had my little victory.

I usually buy gas on the way to the pool, but I usually cycle so it is a little awkward.  Today I was taking R. to yoga at the same place so we took the car.  I grabbed two twenty dollar bills and a change purse.  After dropping her off I stopped at the nursery and found the citrus and fruit tree food.  I had a 15% off coupon and the total came to $21.24.  I had over a dollar in change (I get it from both D., who leaves it on his dresser for me, and from A., who often reimburses me with coins) so I didn't have to break the second twenty.

Then I went to the gas station, paid twenty dollars, and the pump turned off at $19.72.  I squeezed in a few more drops to round it up to $20 so I didn't have to go inside for change.

It was a very satisfying experience AND I remembered to put more change in my purse.  Life is good.

Money, money, money

Our son's soccer team raises money to cover the cost of ref fees, among other things.  On Saturday we had a yard sale in the morning and in the evening a local brewery hosted a benefit, giving a percentage of their profits to the team.

Kids are allowed because it isn't a bar.
Or maybe they aren't allowed and we all brought our kids because they love to be together.
Too bad they are too young to have their own team house.

The assistant coach's band, Los Whateveros, performed

and The Grilled Cheese Truck was there.

What made it unusual was that there was also a company that sells small, personal submarines giving a pitch that night.  They have their corporate offices just one office park away, next to Claremont's other brewery.

I don't know if they sold any, but they certainly educated people who had no idea there was such a product.  The local SCUBA club was there, too, and had a special deal on lessons, but I can't see myself diving anywhere beyond a pool.

It was more work that writing a check, but I think a good time was had by all.

Money In, Money Out

Both kids earn money  - taking part in studies, walking dogs, tutoring, and feeding hens.  Each one has his/her own style of saving and spending, but they are both good at saving for a goal.  This past weekend A. reached his goal and today we went to spend the money.

Sydney Opera House - 2989 pieces!

Having spent a lot on this set he earned extra money to spend in the store.  The money was burning a hole in his pocket (did your mother used to say that you?) and he almost bought three mini figures he created himself, but decided to save it to spend in Cleveland, where his patient grandmother will take him shopping.

Halloween, part one

Halloween is tomorrow and we are facing our annual debate.  To trick-or-treat with a UNICEF box or not?  The debate is not about the value of what UNICEF does, although some people do not support its use family planning.  The debate is whether the embarrassment of approaching people who are unprepared to donate is outweighed by the value of the organization.  Then there is the awkwardness of standing by the door waiting for the person to find change when you'd rather be off to the next house.

Our personal collection of boxes.

The one with the QR code is the most recent.

Donation calculations from five (+/-) years ago.

Of course I have the original from 1993, but this was cut 

from the Tom the Dancing Bug blog.

Changing times

It took me almost exactly a year to fill a checkbook register, in which I also keep track of my online bill payments and other electronic transactions.  I was surprised to see the back of the new register.

Not so useful.