Heya :)
Times don't seem to have gotten better lately, and I'm often reminded of pieces of wisdom my dad, who went through the Great Depression, imparted to his children. Little things like "Don't pay someone else to do things that you can do," or "Never buy a car on credit." Of course, I've added to this as I've grown and matured, and I strive to share some of that wisdom here. :)
With the changing of the weather, I've started doing the prep work for candle making. I've got the large pot out that I use to heat water to melt the wax in spent candles, which I'll then put into plastic yogurt containers until I get the candle maker out. I've already filled 2 of those containers with beautiful fragrant pink wax from a candle set I got a couple years ago that has finally been used up. I also have a third container filled with clear green candle gel from last Christmas's candles. I specifically time working on these projects to coincide with the cooler weather, and have not had to turn on the heat in the house at all, since working on these projects adds heat to the living areas, just enough to take the chill off.
I've also devoted a lot of time lately dusting, cleaning and putting away things that are not childproof. The reason for this is I will be further consolidating my household with my son, his wife, a newborn and a two year old next month. They will be moving down from Seattle, and we will be getting a 5-6 bedroom house in an older section of town so we can establish what my son laughingly calls a M.A.D. house, or a Mother-And-Decendents home. This is an old strategy from days gone past, where several generations would live in the same residence for a time. In the past, this allowed new couples the opportunity to financially contribute to the household, but at a much lower rate than living on their home, so they could save up the money for a car or home of their own. This was also when you had to have a minimum of 25% downpayment to even talk to a bank about a mortgage. There were also added benefits of built-in babysitters in the older generations, good advice from many sources, expanded social circles and contacts, and children that had many eyes on them. And this doesn't even begin to discuss the sharing of resources (respectfully, of course), such as tool sets, vehicles, cooking utensils, etc. No need to have several sets for several households if it's all consolidated into one.
I'm looking forward to the combining of households. I'll get to know my daughter-in-law better, my grandsons, and share quality time with them on a regular basis. I'll also be able to teach them about things I know about (where they're willing, of course), and overall just lend a hand in the busy and hectic business of raising 2 active boys. I'll also be able to save up so I can travel more, and be free to leave without having to find a cat-sitter or plant-sitter. Even though I'll be the elder in the home, I see my role as more of a supporting member of the household. It's going to take time, work, compromise and understanding to make things work out smoothly and to everyone's satisfaction, but I'm confident we can do this and that it'll work out well. :)
Well, that's all I have for now. Have a great day :)
