Montana Prairiemom

Wow, What a Snowstorm

          Greetings everyone,

     We just had a snowstorm that left us with 2 feet of heavy, wet snow. The last time David and I can remember a storm of such magnitude in our area was in 1983 in May around the time of his 25th birthday. We were living on the family farm at the time and were without power for 6 days. Do you know how much snow you need to melt on the woodstove to provide enough water to flush a toilet? Answer: lots! After a couple day of not flushing, I was determined to get 'er done.

     Our area schools were closed yesterday and today and David has been unable to travel to Choteau for work. Jonathan has had a great time. He and a little friend played in the snow in our backyard yesterday. Today he got together with a group of neighborhood kids and sledded on some huge snowpiles in the parking lot of a nearby church. He should sleep well tonight.

     Recently I acquired a copy of Backwoods Home magazine and read a couple of very encouraging articles written by a veteran homesteader named Jackie Clay. It got me to thinking that it would be fun to add some frugal tips to my blogs. Technically we aren't homesteaders. We live in a town of about 2500 on the prairies of northcentral Montana, but we have many homesteader interests and habits. Frugal living is a passion of mine. If I can provide any ideas that are useful for anyone, I will be pleased. Otherwise it will just be enjoyable to get in some blog conversations with those who are like minded.

     So, why frugal living for us? It began nearly 21 years ago when our daughter, Maria, was born. I didn't find the idea of leaving her with a sitter so I could work full-time at all appealing. Especially since we wanted to raise her to be a godly woman. In order to help out with a little part-time work, but mostly to be at home with her, I began to find ways to make it affordable.

     We had many years of infertility before Jonathan was born 8 years ago. After waiting for him for so many years, I , once again, didn't want to leave him with a sitter and spend my time earning money.

     Has it been easy? Of course not. Really, what is? Would I choose to focus on being a wife and mother if I could do it all over again? Absolutely. Can it be discouraging? Sometimes. It sure helps to get together with like minded people though and discuss ways to achieve our common goals.

     So, without further comment, here is my frugal thought for the week. (Actually this one is likely more of an organizational tip than a frugal one). A magazine article I read awhile ago suggested acquiring a plastic tub with a lid to hold picnic items, such as: paper plates, cups and silverware. I buy those items in bulk when I am at a discount store and they are ready for summertime outdoor meals, taking food to neighbors or church family or even for snacks for Jonathan's activities. It works well to buy disposable aluminum pans on sale for taking meals to people who need a little extra help and  storing them in the plastic tub as well.

     It is almost time to open the library doors, so I will wish you a blessed week.

                                                          Denise (prairiemom)