Set free, indeed

It felt wonderful to wake up this morning knowing I had only to drop my son off at work rather than punch that time clock myself. I was happy to help the family finances and I made some new friends but this homemaker is glad to be home. Physically it was more demanding than I thought it would be. However, I did enjoy getting to know the managers and co-workers Christopher works with throughout the year, as well as other "book rush" parents and students.

I have often wondered if it would be a good idea for me to attempt a part-time job since Christopher is taking a few of his classes at the junior college this year. The answer is a definite no, physically I couldn't handle it. I will have to be content to be creative and frugal!

I am saving half of my bonus money for the Labor Day sales next week, hoping to find the shoes and slacks I want at a good price. As for the rest, I stopped at a few garage sales (in the rain!) and found some wonderful items. Not the least of these is a silverplated silverware service for twelve, in its' original walnut box. All for $35.00! I've long wanted some "good silver" and this is in excellent condition. The lady decided she didn't want it, anymore.

I should have asked her the story behind it, if it were her mother's and grandmother's silverware. As both of us were dodging the rain, there was no time. I'm certain these were well loved by someone who enjoyed setting a pretty table.

At another garage sale, I found a very pretty plant stand for my porch for $3.00. The previous owner had beveled glass made for two of the shelves so it will be easy to use it the family room when I store the remainder of the porch furniture in the shed (come cold weather). These two homes were part of a neighborhood sale in one of my favorite neighborhoods, not far from the University. The houses are each so unique and pretty, all built when neighbors sat out front and actually talked to each other.

I went from there to my favorite shop "Downtown" where they sell Primitive and Americana objects, my favorite tart warmer waxes, candles, and such. This store is at its' best when they are decorated for the autumn and Christmas seasons. I like to decorate for the seasons so I added a couple items which will look lovely in about a month for autumn displays, as well as two more sets of their navy blue candles and a couple of tart warmers called "State Fair". When I have a chance to learn how to use the "new" digital camera sent by a special blog friend, I will take pictures!

Did I mention I was absolutely drenched by this time? The rain had been coming down so hard that the downtown streets had turned to low running rivers! I was quite satisfied to wander around the store, breathing in the aroma coming from a tart warmer (pumpkin pie scent, I think) and listening to a soothing sound of acoustic guitar playing early Americana music from a CD player in the back. It was quite lovely.

I can't think of a better morning to relax and find "frugal luxuries" to make our home pretty and cozy. The only other purchase was to put a little money on a Starbucks gift card, to be used when my favorite Pumpkin Spice Lattes become available in autumn. Do you begin to see a longing for the coolness of a late September morning coming up now and then?

Once again, thank you for all your kind comments regarding the one year birthday/anniversary of Coffee Tea Books & Me. I will add a few other Favorites to the appropriate place in the side bar (probably next week as time permits). If anyone had told me I would have around 550 posts by the end of the first year, not to mention writing the Sunday Afternoon Teas each week, I may have deleted the blog after two weeks! Now I know how much fun it is (most of the time).

Almost every week, I wonder if I will think of something for Sunday Afternoon Tea. Each week something has happened to write about! I believe it is a "God Thing", for sometimes what I come up with surprises me as I do the proofreading. I'm certain many of you who put pen to paper (keyboard to blog) can say the same thing.

Now I am off to prop up my feet for awhile. They were willing to walk through ponds of water, over city streets, around neighborhood sidewalks, and along the gravel road to pick up the mail when I arrived home. Now they are demanding equal time and believe me, it will be quite easy to give in and rest awhile. :)

Photo: Billy Jacobs, There's No Place Like Home, Allposters.com