Yes, judy being frugal just makes sense in so many ways. Some of 'those ways" are going by the way side, because us women aren't teaching the younger women how to do it! How do you do those things? My problem is I need instructions! Or someone to show me! I've been considering looking for a local group that quilts, I know they're around, but must be a smaller group!? When I volunteered in my local thirft shop the ladies would come in after we kept things for them, & they're not far from where I live, but where?! Darn! I marvel at my son's train blanket that was made 13 years ago, so wonderfully in OH/WVA area, where I'm from & send down to his grandmother to give him! Now this is well-made & will be cherished from me for sure! I may or maybe not give to him when he's older! Giggle! (I'm kidding, of course, but marvel at the simpicity & workmanship! I saw that because I'm getting older, & beginning to get bored with my life, as it is, & have more time to pe! rhaps devote now to something crafty! Anyonew know of crafts on the net that are fun, & whatever?! Let me know! (OH and how you thread a needle when you can't see too well too!) Thanks, Cathy ----- Original Message ----- From: Judy <artandsoul@embarqmail.com> To: padutch-life@rootsweb.com Sent: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:23:16 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [PD-LIFE] lights and being frugal At one point I tried switching to fluorescent bulbs, but didn't see a difference on my bill. Now I only use a couple fluorescent bulbs: one on the back patio because I leave it on all the time, and the other in the fan because it is too high to change regularly. My eyesight is sure worse since I started my job that uses only fluorescent bulbs. They are very bad for the eyes, skin and lungs. I also avoid things made in China as they have defied all the safety laws, and the US doesn't care what comes into this country, unless it is less expensive medication! Yea Canadian meds! It is all about the almighty dollar. Makes me sick. I can be frugal in other ways like walking instead of driving, mending clothes instead of replacing them, making new things out of discarded clothing, (quilts, shopping bags), and saving buttons to use on sewn items or crafts. Remember Grandma's button box? I'd sure love to get ahold of it now. What fun we had sifting through her buttons. Most of them had been used on clothes, probably things purchased at the thrift store. In one of her old diaries she said she bought the boys coats for 35 cents at a second-hand shop. This was in the mid-1930s. I'm pretty sure it was the Salvation Army. Not sure when they started. She also ripped out zippers from discarded clothing to reuse. Grandma also saved "oleo" tubs and styrofoam trays that fruit used to come on. She was "green" before her time I guess. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PADUTCH-LIFE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message