Coupons & Stuff

We're enjoying so much looking out the windows in our apartment. We're on the third floor and the windows look to the north. The house next to us is an old brick structure that sits on a double lot that runs from one street to the other. Their yard is filled with mature trees, and the result for us is feeling like we live in an adult-sized treehouse. We can see a brief glimpse of blue sky here and there, and we can see a small piece of the roof of First Christian Church. But otherwise it's a wonderland of green, birds, and squirrels.

We did a shopping trip out of town today. I enjoyed checking out the bargains at Aldi. It always amazes me how much I can buy there for so little money. And I've come to realize they have some good quality produce. I was kind of excited about shopping at wallyworld today because I've been checking the weekly Sunday coupon inserts. Normally I'm not a coupon person, but I figure now it's worth a few minutes of my time.

I had several coupons to use in the pharmacy/beauty section. I didn't mind at all stocking up on shower gel, razors, deodorant, body lotion, and sun screen for a savings. These are things we'll use and aren't frivolous buys. So I was a little disconcerted when I finished checking out and saw my coupons laying on the cash register – the checker set them aside and forgot to actually use them.

My coupons and I ended up at Customer Service, waiting in line for our turn. I made sure all of my coupon items were within easy reach, in case I had to prove I bought them. I gave over my coupons and my receipt and eventually got my savings back. It didn't quite cover the cost of our lunch, but it came close. It was definitely worth waiting for.

A few years ago on this day – or perhaps more than a few – I was in the dining room at the farm playing the piano when I heard someone coming across the porch. I was a little surprised to see my cousin walk in, because it was the middle of the week. But he had come by to tell us that I had a new baby cousin. As a 16-year-old, I was very excited to know there was a new baby to play with.

That was one of the down sides of growing up on the farm and not having a phone. There was a time delay in finding out news, whether good or bad. We were so glad that this cousin was excited enough to drive to our house to let us know this new family member had arrived. My cousin was a little worse for wear – he'd gone to sleep the night before and was sleeping very soundly when his wife woke him up to go to the hospital. He was running on just an hour or two of sleep. I know he was grateful for strong coffee.

When we moved into town, we finally got a phone. It was such fun, even with a system that automatically cut off any call after four or so minutes. The people on the party line were interesting, too – especially the older woman who could never figure out how I could be talking on her phone.

When Mom and Dad moved back to the farm, that was one issue that Mom said was non-negotiable.....she wasn't moving back out there without a phone. They also made sure they added plumbing to the house before moving back in. Running water, an inside bathroom, and a phone. That old farmhouse was right uptown!