This and that..

This post is just going to be a mish-mash because I have a few things I wanted to write about and none of them are related. So here goes....

First topic...

Did I miss a month? Because only a week or so ago, there was snow on the ground! And this weekend it was 80! EIGHTY! Crazy warm! But oh it felt wonderful. Even the rest of this week is supposed to be sunny and 70's. But aren't we supposed to have April showers? We are getting to the point where we could use a good rain. A little dusty in our little world right now.

My hubby and I also had a date night over the weekend. It was so nice, especially because we were able to eat at a little casual spot with a big outdoor dining area. I love eating outside, feeling the nice breeze, enjoying my glass of wine, and watching the people go by.

Next topic....

Gas prices! HOLY Cow! This is crazy nuts. I can't believe how much more gas costs now. With no end in sight.

So I have a question...what are you doing in reaction to the gas prices?

Last year, we replaced my husband's Explorer with a tiny old, high mileage Honda Civic (42 mpg!) through ebay (we don't spend much on cars). We also have a Dodge Caravan which we really need if the entire family, including Caroline's wheelchair, needs to go somewhere. But 95% (or more) of our driving is without the family so the Civic is always used. We have already paid for this car in the gas savings. We probably save $100 a month in gas. Gotta love the Civy!!!!

But it is enough? I don't know. We are still going on a beach vacation, although the cost of the drive is scaring the heck out of me (obviously we are taking the van). We also just drive less, consolidate trips etc..

But with the rising prices, over time people are going to have to consider BIG changes to their lifestyles.

Like moving closer to work/shopping/family - or wherever you drive the most.

Or starting to realize that you really do not need a big F250 truck, or a 4 wd SUV. My BIL still honestly thinks he can't live without his big truck. And he is in sales and spends $75 every other day filling it up. He is one of those people who wouldn't be caught dead driving a Civic.....don't get it....

Are people going to start moving away from the suburbs? Are we finally going to start constructing communities where people are encouraged to walk or bike? Are we finally going to be a country full of tiny Smart cars and bicycles like Europe?

Honestly, it may be a very positive result from this mess.

We have constructed millions of homes in communities that are only accessible by car. Kids can ride their bikes around their streets, but then they (and their parents) jump in the car if they want to go anywhere else. And then we complain that we have an obesity problem in this country so we DRIVE our kids to their organized sporting events! Crazy.

I keep thinking that as much as I love being in the country, maybe someday we may have to consider moving into the city.

And maybe the malls/Walmarts/big shopping centers in this country will actually start adding sidewalks so we can WALK to the store without having to scale a fence or trudge through a drainage ditch. I am still considering writing to Walmart about their newest store in our area where the people who literally live next door, cannot walk.

Last topic...

Not really a topic, just a couple cute pictures from the weekend:

Christina enjoying the weather this weekend after some Photoshopping to brighten/BW and remove the chocolate that was all through her teeth! I love this picture!

And Nugget in her favorite summertime sleeping spot. She loves to sleep under bushes in the mulch. But if you know cats, you can see by her ears that she knows I am nearby her. She is not completely relaxed.


Have a great week!!!