Time Is Money And I’ve Got A Lot of Time

The summer months are pretty much gone and they took with them a lot of boring days from my point of view. It wasn’t particularly a busy summer, but one filled with days of minor appointments, a birthday get-together, a craft show and some baking inbetween.

Naturally, Nat’s had a great summer of golfing 3 days a week, leaving me to my own devices, which can be scary at times. When I’m alone and not baking I can get on the computer and wander around the world. I’ve made a few trips to England, to the U.S. and even China. I will admit they were the cheapest trips I’ve ever taken, saving me thousands in airline tickets, but alas, not in souvenir costs.

As I had decided to redecorate the bathroom, I managed to save a lot of money on new picture framing costs. I printed pictures of owls from the internet and framed them using my old frames, but there was just some little “thing” missing. So, as I trolled around the world I happened upon Tillingham, U.K. on Etsy. There he was, just hanging in the photograph waiting for me to press the “Buy” button. A Dreamcatcher Owl named “Owlbert“. He was crafted from owl feathers, with deep brown beads for eyes, a golden jewel stone for his nose and feathery eyebrows. I couldn’t resist. He was just the “thing” I needed. Boom – pressed Buy – Boom – UK dollars converted to Canadian dollars – Boom – added shipping and handling – Boom – triple the price. Too late ordered confirmed!! Was well worth it when the little guy flew over and arrived all snuggled in a box carton and wrapped in soft tissue paper!!!

Meet Owlbert from Tillingham, UK

There were other things on my mind that I knew were needed to buy and more sooner than later. Last year I left my purchase for the very last minute but got lucky, but this year I was planning ahead. The annual Golf Dinner Dance is coming up in October and as I had lost a few pounds I wanted to show off a little bit. I’m entitled!! Away I went again on my travels. This time to the U.S. and just happened to find a gorgeous black and white striped blouse from Macy’s in New York . It would go perfectly with the dressy black pants I’d be wearing. Again, one little “thing” was missing – the shoes. Didn’t really have a dressy enough pair that would look any good with the new ensemble, so I had to travel again.

I stayed home this time but did go to Toronto and Hudson’s Bay Store for a (dare I say it) “gorgeous” pair of suede pumps with gold and black squares on the heels. They were perfect and I would be able to dance with hubby in these shoes as they had the thicker heel and would give me a lift to at least come cheek to cheek with Nat when doing that low, slow, swaying to the music dance. I was now excited – but again, went just a tad over what I wanted to spend. I did tell myself that at least they were cheaper than the other heels I was looking at. In my mind I saved a few bucks!

New Shoes for Dinner Dance

Along with the decorating souvenirs and clothing necessities I took a small trip to China and purchased a cheap Persian rug that I hope will work in the newly decorated bathroom . It’s taking that “slow” boat to arrive, however, as it’s been over 2 months since I ordered the damn thing. The wait better be worth it!!

So, as I said previously, leaving me along to my own devices and having the internet and its glorious online shopping options at my feet can be an expensive proposition, as well as scary. Nat’s been pretty damn good about the whole thing. He really likes the shoes and blouse for the dance, and I think he’s warming to “Owlbert“. I’m pretty sure he’s keeping his “why” question to himself as he knows I go on these redecorating sprees once in awhile. Throughout our whole marriage that’s one thing he’s never understood and probably never will. I truly believe now he’s reconciled himself to the whole thing and as long as I don’t put him into bankruptcy we’ll be okay.