I was hoping to get “a round tuit” for Christmas but I didn’t.

So I’m on my own with a long list of projects that need to be completed here before grass-cutting season begins. That, I’m afraid, is just around the corner.

Last week I finally painted the toe boards around the base of the kitchen cabinets. They have been unpainted for two years. Now I need to move on to the base and crown molding in the hallway that was installed at the same time. Two years is an ample amount of time to put off projects, don’t you think?

Today is the day. No more excuses, no more moving things down on the priority list. Today I just DO IT.

So now it is 9 a.m. and I have just finished painting the first coat on the moldings. I have to sit cross- legged on the hard floor and I’m feeling my age in every bone in my body. I crouch and bend and maneuver to get the painting done.

Oh why didn’t I do this two years ago? Wasn’t I more agile then?  I don’t mind the painting. It’s just the positions I have to get in to accomplish the task. The crown molding will be much easier, although standing on a stepladder is not my cup of tea either. I’d rather be painting a mountain scene while sitting in a field of daisies somewhere. But I don’t know how to paint mountains, and it’s way too early for daisies.

Last week and this I hung every load of laundry on the clothes lines that now number three.

I was so proud of myself by Saturday evening I turned on two lamps instead of one.

I am anxious to get a garden area planned out and I’m trying to locate coupons. I keep hearing of websites to visit but so far none are helpful. I’ll keep looking and pass on any useful information I find. I did find out that lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda will clean just about anything in your household. Those items are a lot cheaper than cleaning products that you purchase. They are also easier on your lungs, especially young children who sometimes suffer breathing problems due to strong cleaning product smells.

I got a letter today from a reader. A real letter written on real paper with a real pen and mailed with a stamp. Thank you, dear reader for all your kind words and she asked that I pass along to you that a certain Batesville grocery store sells meat five packages for $19.99 every week. This includes beef, pork and chicken. I have purchased these and other items many times and the savings and the meat is good.

Many of you have told me that you are trying my budget. I hope it’s working for you. We are now six weeks into the year and I am still hopeful.

The one thing that nags me a bit though is the lack of action on Washington’s part to get anything going on the stimulus/spending package. Didn’t Rome burn while Nero fiddled?

Seems as though it’s business as usual doesn’t it?

One last thought this week, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Tell someone that you love him or her. Gosh, tell everybody that you love them. And smile; smile often and at everyone. Neither of those two things cost any money and we will all be the better for it.

Love and forgiveness will lead to peace and harmony. I know I sound like an old hippie.

But you get the picture.

 (Contact Sherry at <swhcsc@wildblue.net>.)