Fall's Not Here, but the Decorations Are!

For some reason I've spent the past couple of days  reflecting on the past.  Not on purpose, but things are popping in and out in a rather random manner.  Not things that happened, but the things and people who have shaped who I am.  Things I consider gifts from God.  At this very moment I am so thankful for the good things that my heart is bursting and tears of joy are flowing.  Thank you, Father, for always taking care of me and protecting me.

This week has been a quiet one, but I did get out a couple of times.  Dinner with family on Wednesday evening at Smokey Bones to celebrate little miss's fourth birthday, then a party on Saturday with friends and family.

One of the families that came to the party are foster parents.  They currently are caring for a beautiful one year old girl who warmed my heart when she put her arms out for me to hold her.  I love babies and puppies.  It's nice they like me, too.

A local grocery was offering a 10.00 off 50.00 purchase coupon.  Since I seldom spend over 28.00 a week on groceries my first thought was the offer was not for me.  Immediately afterwards my mind went in a different direction.  I could purchase long term items such as coffee and sugar to bring up the total to meet the requirements.  Not only did this work well, but the items I needed were all on sale.  Here's the breakdown.

The total came to 71.00 and change.
The coupon brought the total down to 61.00 and change.
I then asked what day the military discount applied and was told it was every day on store brand items. (organic items included)
The final total was 58.33.

I have enough food for well over three weeks, including organic fed sausage that was on a manager's special for 1.49 for eight patties.  I bought the two packs that were in the meat case.

Another item I want to rave about is a new to my area yogurt called NOOSA.  It's made in Colorado with a mother from Australia.  What an amazing product.  The container holds close to twice as much as our normal ones do so it will last for two to three servings.  It's so good, though, I may 'pig out' on it and eat it all at once.

I normally eat peach yogurt, but it was
not on the shelf.  Strawberry runs a
close second.

I also stopped in to a local thrift store and found a sweater from The Loft which looks as if it has never been washed or worn.  4.99 later I have something to keep the chill of winter at bay.

The toasty warm thrift store sweater.

This was the week I went through the fall decorations and brought a few down.  In one bin I have fall, Thanksgiving and Halloween decorations.  I only brought out the fall decorations and paired them with a new wreath for the front door and a new pillow that has dogs dressed in costumes that was placed on a living room chair.  I bought that pillow more for the little ones than myself.  The four year old loved it while she described all of the animals and outfits they wore. 

This is one of those items I paid full
price for.  The picture doesn't do it
justice because in reality the
colors are rich and deep.

I can't remember where I got this or
when, I only know it's been around for
a while.  It hangs off the pantry door.

This is the third year this pumpkin
has held a place of honor on the coffee
table.  It's blown glass and is a
heavy pumpkin at that.

The pillow that charmed a four year old!

How has your week been?  Do you have your fall decorations out yet, or perhaps you don't decorate for the fall season.  Let us know in the comment section.

Stay safe.