Miserly Ways

I admire penny pinchers and people who can stretch a dollar. Although, it bugs me when they're cheap tippers. I hit both ends of the scale. Sometimes I spend money I shouldn't; other times I could compete for Cheapskate of the Year.

I rarely shop for clothing -- I own more than enough. I buy my cosmetics and hair products at the drug store.

The Belle would clip coupons and complain about the cost of certain items. Then she would go out and buy something unnecessary and obscenely expensive.

The husband and I recently took another trip to the dungeon to clean out Hangdog's things. Stuff with price tags. New shirts, ties, sport coats. Shoes and boots that had barely or never been worn. More leather gloves than any person could wear in a lifetime. We've only put a dent in the basement stuff.

We all have our indulgences. The Belle chose spoiling her man. The husband chooses golf. That includes club fees, golf trips and the endless pursuit of the perfect clubs. I do not want to guess how many sets he owns.

I'm not judging; I have my weaknesses too.

Comfortable Things

The oldies are back. If you could photograph relief, I should have taken a picture of both of their faces. If you could capture panic in a photo, I should've taken a self-portrait. How could I forget so much in nine days?

They were pampered and spoiled on their trip. The sister-in-law cooked elaborate meals and tried to tend to every need. She's a great cook. I think of the kitchen as that room I walk through to get to my office. Upon returning here, they announced they were hungry so I made soup (from a can) and grilled cheese. When they wanted a cup of coffee, I nuked some that was leftover from breakfast. (It was EXCELLENT! Best meal they've had in days.)

They couldn't wait to crawl into their bed but after a few hours, I was on call again. They are exhausted and there is difficulty with getting around. Plus, I had to personally inspect every bump, bruise, etc. She uses her cell phone to call our home phone. (I have asked her to do this so she doesn't fall but it makes Big Daddy insane.)

Like a blankie, I am one of their comfortable things.

My Personal Chef and Courier Service

It started innocently enough. My mother said to me, "If I have time, I'll make an apple pie to send over."

Apparently the apple does fall far from the tree. I often say (even if it's just to myself,) "If I have time, I'll ..."

Read one of my fun books
Take the dog to the park
Update my iPod
Sit on the patio
Catch up on correspondence
Watch some of the shows I've recorded

It has NEVER crossed my mind to add, "Bake a pie" to this list.

But, I am grateful it crosses hers. We all love pie and if capable, I knew the Unabomber would turn cartwheels at the suggestion of a homemade apple pie. (Just that vision in my mind makes me giggle.)

Later, she called and said, "I have an extra meatloaf if you want it. All you have to do is bake it." Well, duh! Bring it on.

I added a couple of side dishes and Abracadabra .... dinner!

These items were delivered to me by my favorite courier -- my father. He might be semi-retired but my mother and I keep him hopping by running back and forth between our homes with various deliveries. I think he enjoys it because it gives us time for a visit. He fills me in on their lives. This is never new information; I've heard the news during one of the twelve conversations I've had with my mother on any particular day but I like getting his perspective.

Lest you think I am completely and totally spoiled, the courier truck does carry things both ways. I've even sent food to their house although not nearly enough. Usually, it's books or magazines.

Okay, I admit it. I am totally spoiled. I'm hoping that my mother continues to think, "If I have time, I'll cook a double recipe of .... and send some to Sheri." Then I get food and I get to see my favorite courier.

My Little Corner

I will start this story by admitting that I am very spoiled. I like it that way.

There's a retail center very near my home. A small grocery, a dry cleaners, a meat market, a drug store, jewelry stores, a bank, a deli, a gas station. This is not a mall. It is truly an old-fashioned, neighborhood hub. I have some reason to frequent at least one of these establishments every day.

It's a little like Cheers,-- "Where everybody knows your name."

Last week, I dropped off a watch in the jewelry store. This is not a Rolex. It's a department store, medium-priced basic watch. I didn't feel like standing in line so I wrote my phone numbers on a napkin (from my handbag) and handed it to someone. They called 30 minutes later but I was headed out of town so I just picked it up today. No charge! I cannot believe how many times they have done that for me and the oldies. If I ever make any real money, I must go in there and buy some jewelry.

The husband bought me a beautiful platter for our anniversary a few years ago. The first time I destroyed it, the silver was dented. So, they sent it off to Italy to be repaired. The other day, I knocked it over and cracked the porcelain. I dropped it off today. Yep, they're sending it off to Italy. I'll get a new one -- no charge.

I popped in the meat market and left a list of things I'd like to pick up tomorrow. They'll have it all packaged and call me when it's ready to go.

The liquor store and the dry cleaners do not offer delivery service but they've both delivered to my home on more than one occasion.

I had to pick up a prescription for the husband and line was long, long, long. The pharmacist motioned to me and opened a new register.

I ran in the deli and told the owner I need a couple of quiches for later this week. She'll call me. She offered to deliver them but how spoiled can I be? I'll pick them up.

After all, I'm over in my little corner every day.