Rounding third!

We are so close now to the end of the challenge. It's getting harder because our food storage is shrinking. Our small freezer in the basement is empty. And there is very little food in our fridge.

 I saw a video of some kids who were opening shoe boxes filled with toys and they were so happy, they were screaming and smiling!  It really does make one appreciate all they have. One of my best friends posted earlier last week about having a great husband and kids.  She said she is blessed!  She is so right. I know I am blessed. I am grateful for all the wonderful blessings in my life. A great husband, great kids , great friends and family and I am blessed to have a great job too and home that isn't really anything special, but it's a roof and a warm bed! 

 This challenge has challenged us to use what we have!  It has taught us to be resourceful and creative. I have practically stopped drinking soft drinks. No snacking and no getting into the pantry when I'm hungry, just wait until tomorrow and the next meal. I have not used my badge to buy food at work either. Yeah that's a thing. You can buy food and use your badge and they deduct it from your check. 

I got to spend some quality time with a lot of different friends last week. I had lunch with Aunt BJ.  My friend Jennifer also invited me to lunch and I have not seen her in a long time.  I really enjoyed her company and catching up.  Also, from an earlier post my friend Lori has resigned from her job here in the Natti and she is moving to Denver to be near her kids. I helped her pack up a U Haul Saturday along with some of my old co workers. It was bitter sweet. I know she will be happy there but I will surely miss my good friend.  

Guess this means I will be going to Denver in the future.  

The month of October is ending as quickly as it got here.  Boy time sure does fly.  It marks the end of marching band for the season and the beginning of orchestra.  As the month ends the fall colors in this area are as sharp and as beautiful as ever.  Driving to Saint Louis inspired me to write the following:
                                                  Autumn colors all around;
              Red, yellow, orange and brown.
                                      Wind blows hard the golden grain;
             Red paints the tips of wheat with hot flame.
                                       Dust blows then lays upon the ground,
             like silver paint.
                                      Pale blue sky battles to stay!
             Defeated she bleeds, pink, purple, orange and grey!
                                      Black!  Night seizes the day;
             A gold bold moon stands alone!
                                     the undisputed king!
I am not much of a poet.  But I do appreciate the fantastic colors of fall.  The colors of the leaves and the sky.  This next week also marks, daylight savings.  Meaning we turn our clocks back one hour to extend day light.  That means next week it will be dark by 6pm.  It really feels like the day will be shorter, not longer.  In the weeks ahead, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here too.  I think we will be giving each other a lot less knowing that the important part of the Holidays, is time spent with family.     Next time I post, I will be sharing how much money we saved in the last month.  I told the kids the other day, that I will probably do this again in the summer.  Possibly the month of June.  They're thrilled!