Monday, August 25, 2008

END OF SUMMER BLUES

It's that time of year. Summer is on the way out, and fall is fast approaching. Yay. Still, I'm feeling a bit sad today because summer IS just about over...and once again, it has passed with no vacation or short trips or anything that slightly resembles some time away. Somewhere. Anywhere.

It's my own fault. All I need is a plan, and more still, a willingness to spend the money and go somewhere. I don't know what I'm saving it for. I'm sure it stems from once being widowed so young, and not knowing what the future would hold. And then when I did marry again(the most wonderful man created!), money was something we didn't have a lot of. It was always tight, and we were always putting monies away for the "down season" that could last 3-4 months...or longer...when you worked in the woods. I always tried to keep our budget to where we could exist on unemployment, with maybe just a few hundred borrowed from savings each month, to make ends meet. And once he went back to work, it meant saving again for the next winter's down time. Not much left to play with.

Now he has this wonderful job, and while I'd like to think it will last, as is, until he retires, it's in the back of my mind that it could all change at any moment. I KNOW it can. Been there, done that. And so letting go to spend monies on something as frivolous as a vacation....or a new kitchen floor...is hard for me. I wish it were different.

3 comments:

ELIZABETH said...

.. I don't know what I'm saving it for...

for that unknown what-if that seems to lurk out there for anyone who has had to struggle

My father never managed to shake off the depression years were he and I've never shaken off his "need or want", statement whenever I think about spending beyond the household bills. If I don't have the money to pay cash for it now than it has to wait til I save. I don't think it ever really goes away.

You need some sunshine, a day out that will satisfy you with a change of scenery and the chance to spend some fun money on yourself. Doesn't even have to be anything expensive.

Never having a good memory for books I checked the storyline of some of Harris' other novels.
I enjoyed Blackberry Wine, thought Five Quarters of the Orange OK, and struggled with Holy Fools.

What else was in that pile of books you have been reading?

ps..9 years later and I'm still happy I let go of the purse strings and did a update of my kitchen. Not a redo just an update *grin* it was cheaper.

Kathleen said...

You're right, Elizabeth...a day out with a change of scenery, and doing something fun, would be wonderful. A few of my sisters and I are thinking of a quick trip to Oregon to see covered bridges (who knew they had any!) and just get away. Here's hoping I can actually GO when the time comes!!! (You don't know how many trips I've booked and backed out of.)

Let's see...what else have I read...I actually keep a notebook with names, authors and comments (after reading three books by this one author, not knowing WHO it was, and haven't found him again).
I've read "The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society" by Beth Pattillo. Did you know there's a whole genre of books about women, centered around knitting? There's also a similar genre around cooking, and to that end I read, "Comfort Food" by Kate Jacobs. And to satisfy my love of quilting, "Sister's Choice" by Emilie Richards (book 5 ? of the Shenandoah Album series. All her book titles are names of quilt patterns.)
I read "Rosewater and Soda Bread" by Marsha Mehran. A sequel to "Pomegranate Soup", which was the better of the two. Three sisters from Iran set up a restaurant in this small village in Ireland.
And I'm working my way through the "Miss Julia...." series by Ann Ross. 60ish woman in small Southern town. Think Mayberry.

I currently have my nose in "Off Season" by Anne Rivers Siddons. One of my favorite authors.

Let me know when you get to reading "The Blood of Flowers." Hope you enjoy it!

ELIZABETH said...

Go!
Sometimes the best trips are those you second guess or don't take because ( insert reason here ). I've finally learned to not let myself talk me out of things and I refuse to let my frugal self do a number on my brain.

I expect photos.

I did try The Blood of Flowers but found myself unable to really settle into the story.

I love a good mystery but haven't been drawn to the "themed" ones yet.

I think I've read just about everything Siddon has put out but I'm not sure the the title you mentioned so I'll have a look.

I have my handy dandy trusty list as well. I hate it when I can't remember the plot let alone the author but KNOW it was a good book.

Grin