where is my way and why can't i get out of it?

I have had a whole bunch of blog posts in my head, but haven't been able to put them into the cyber ether. I can't seem to get out of my own way. Work has been crazy. Long days overflowing into my evenings. I had to give up an upcoming weaving class with Deborah Chandler for a work training class. My Bernina 200 broke again. Everything I start to write turns depressing. So here is a stab at a more upbeat post......

We had a good time in Denver. The best day, for me anyway, was our drive up Mt. Evans. DH didn't enjoy it as much since he got really bad altitude sickness and wasn't himself for the next couple of days. DD showed us where her pictures were taken for the article from last summer . That photographer was even better than I thought. She is standing in the spot he took this picture. (I tried to get her to do the pose, but she wouldn't) Doesn't the waterfall look so much bigger in his picture? The one with the tree really surprised me. That tree is only about 12" in diameter and nowhere near as tall as it looks. I'm always impressed by people with such artistic talent.

On a proactive note I have been trying really hard to be more frugal and spend less. I am afraid what this winter will bring. We have to pay oil heat for 2 buildings. Since our deadbeat tenants (guess I can't completely keep the depressing out) forced us to take out a loan to pay for their heating and housing last winter I am scared what this winter will bring. My friend April and I had made a loose pact about keeping each other on the straight and narrow as far as not buying crafting supplies. Then I read this post about not buying "things" and thought it was a great idea. April and I talked it over and decided we would both stop buying, in 2 month increments. We are not going to buy anything except necessities (groceries, gas, Father's day gifts) for the next 2 months. During that time, if there is something we think we want we are going to put it on a list. At the end of the 2 months we are going to evaluate our lists and see if we still feel the same way about those things and purchase accordingly. Then start another 2 months. I have also gone a a step further and am cutting way back on my grocery shopping. I am doing meal plans and only buying what is on my list, making our bread, growing vegetables and cutting way back on meat since it is more expensive and more draining on the environment. We started as soon as vacation was over. I did great last week. Nothing extra purchased and I spent about 2/3 of what I usually spend on groceries. I feel really good about this because it is something I can control. I think that is the hardest part about this uncertain economy, the feeling that we have no control.

This resolution is going to help my stashbusting as well. This week I put the backing on Jan's quilt and started quilting it. I also finished a round for the round robin I am in and used 3 1/2 yards for some Pay It Forward gifts I have been working on. My year is almost up. {{oops}}

Purchased this week -- NOTHING! woo hoo

Used this week -- 4 1/2 yards.

All in all a pretty good week for me!