Life in Tee Harbor, Alaska

Our Saturday...

This morning was productive for us.  I got up early and took down Christmas decorations so we could take the tree down to get shredded.  The chips will be used at the community garden next year.  We went to town and got that done.  We looked at a Jeep that is for sale - Rod is thinking about one since it would be much more efficient on gas than his truck (and he has wanted one for a long time).  Then we picked up our hearth for our woodstove - waiting for the wall pads to come in and then we can make an appointment to have them install everything - can't wait!!  The hearth is made of mica which is really pretty.  It will be raised up 6" on a corner hearth with wall pads up the wall also of mica.

We did our once a month shopping today - month 12.  This is the first time Rod has come with me - we did some changes to the list when we got to the store, switching a few things around.  Our monthly budget is $200, but we used some of that money already for New Year's food to bring to our friends, so we were operating today with $175.  We came in $2 under!  Yeah!  We stopped at WalMart just to see if they had anything that I was planning to buy at a cheaper price.  When we got to the checkout and things were ringing up, two items rung up higher than they were marked.  Just like KMart used to be...  I was not impressed.  I hope everyone else knows to keep an eye on what prices things ring up as vs. the price marked on the shelf as I've caught quite a few mistakes.  It may be just a few cents, but it adds up!  I was suprised to see that the price of butter at Costco had actually gone DOWN since last trip.  I normally buy the ultra-pasturized milk that stays good forever - instead I got the regular milk which is a little better for you and we froze it, so we'll see how that works out.  I wish we had a source for raw milk here...  We hunt and fish for our meat - except we do buy ham & bacon  :o).  Anyway, this winter was poor hunting so we are stretching our meat as far as possible.  I'm trying to make it last until the spring when Rod can get us a bear.  We were blessed yesterday when a friend offered us some deer meat - how fantastic!  

We returned movies to the library and picked out some more for this week.  I don't think I've mentioned yet that we gave away our TV that we had in the living room.  So now we have a little one in the bedroom that has a VCR/DVD player that we watch movies on.  It is cute to hear my friend's daughter ask "Where is your TV?...  Why did you give it away?".  I'm glad to be able to teach her that it isn't necessary to have a TV, microwave, or dishwasher in your house.  I also like to prove to myself that these things aren't necessary  :o)

I had put some beans and the rest of our Christmas ham into the crockpot for Ham Hocks and Beans, so it was nice to come home and not have to worry about cooking dinner.  It's late now and I'm thinking about what I'm going to bake tomorrow.  I want to get things ready so our week goes smoothly.  I also want to get some soap made...was going to do that tonight, but had a headache and spent a few hours laying down.  I hate that!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and accomplishing your New Year's Goals!  I should make my list and post it...still thinking about them. 

Untitled Comment

9:04 AM, Sunday, January 6, 2008 .. Posted by haflinger

Good afternoon I just love to read your blog.. I know what you mean about prices.. I'm always watching. Glad things are working out for you to shop once a month..I've been thinking about doing that as well cause gas prices are so high..
How did the aprons fit everybody? Did they were them at all? haflinger

They Loved the Aprons!

9:12 AM, Sunday, January 6, 2008 .. Posted by mdonohue

Haflinger~
The girls loved the aprons and wore them while they were here on Christmas. We haven't tried them out while baking yet though. When they are over next I need to take a picture and send to you!
~Michelle

Wal Mart

3:01 AM, Monday, January 7, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

I don't know if it's the same at all Wal Marts, but at our local one, if an item rings up wrong and it's under $3, you get it for free! I'm not sure what they do if it's over $3, but I've caught quite a few mistakes and gotten a number of items free! You're right, it does pay to watch the screen! Love reading your blog!

Missy, Ohio

Love your blog

6:44 PM, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Hello,
You have such a fascinating blog. Wonderful all that you accomplish & I'm impressed with your monthly food budget considering you are in Alaska.

I looked at your soap site and am wondering if there will be more added down the road & if everything (especially fragrance) is all natural?

Thanks & take care, Lyn

Untitled Comment

2:59 AM, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 .. Posted by Glammon

We gave up the dishwasher, are working on not using the microwave as much, and as much as I would love to lose the tv I don't think my husband will ever make it there. Some sacrifices are better than nothing : )
Have a wonderful day!
~Gretchen