I wonder how many people pay full price for things these days. I’m always shocked to see people are still lining up for the latest Apple or phone, I’ve never understood the need to have the latest gadget first. But I guess other people who like to be the first in line probably don’t understand a bargain-hunter like me!

I guess that means bargain hunting for pool toys and summer gear is probably nearly over. I’m always late for those sales somehow. So there I was looking for new shorts for the kids and finding them in limited supply. Well, at least the prices were pretty good. A neighbor mentioned they were in a home decor store in the mall and the store even had Christmas items on display. I was floored enough by the Halloween decor, so I’m glad I wasn’t the one to view the Christmas goodies.

There a lots of deals to be had on clothing, outdoor furniture, swimming accessories and toys, and a whole lot more. I guess the trick to saving money is to not start shopping too soon. Of course, you might not have a choice if you’re heading off to vacation or taking the kids to the beach, but when it comes to garden decor or new summer dishes, it might be well be worth waiting for the really good deals.

Of course, the trickiest part of setting up a pool is not the pool itself, but getting the ground level to support the pool properly. When they advertise those wonderful, affordable “easy set-up” pools in the store circulars, its probably the furthest thing from most minds that their yard might not be flat enough. Getting it level can be very tricky, but if you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll surely shorten the lifetime of your pool.

We recently ate dinner at a neighbor’s house and the meal was delicious and simple. Along with some tossed tomato pasta and some grilled chicken, they made some scrumptious grilled veggies that were absolutely wonderful. They simply sliced up the eggplant and zucchini lengthwise, coated them in some olive oil and grilled them outside on the BBQ. Simple, healthy, and delicious!

The tricky part with allergies is finding a medicine that works without making you feel miserable in a different way. Some of the non-drowsy medications don’t seem to always work as well, but if you take the other allergy pills you end up feeling a bit off-kilter. So then it’s the question, do I deal with the ridiculous sneezing or do I take medicine that make me function at half power. It’s crazy!

So the family dinner includes ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, biscuits, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more. After sitting around chatting and stuffing ourselves we usually try to get some fresh air and make room for dessert- a perfect time for the kids to do an Easter egg hunt. Why do so many holidays revolve around food?  Of course along with dessert there is usually a second round of Easter candy to go around. After all of the sugar and food, it’s no wonder we all crash early for the night.

There are a lot of other great yard tools that would surely make yard work go much faster. We are in dire need of a new edger and there are some good ones to be found that don’t cost very much. While we’re at it we’ll probably splurge for a new lawn mower since we’re long overdue. I’d like to get a good mulching mower and one that offers he option of a rechargeable battery.

While I was outside spraying I couldn’t help but notice all of the yard work that needs to be done (again!) And along with the spring flowers come the weeds of course. Maybe I should learn to love the weeds? Even if I could  I don’t think my hubby would. He’s already started his first round of yard care and attacking the weeds in the lawn was top on his list. And to be honest, I don’t like it when they try to take over my flower beds either.

So I realize my obsession is not so much the current weather as to when will the weather turn nice again! We recently had a beautiful day only to slip right back to the winter weather the very next day. On a positive note the kids love being out of school and getting to play in the snow and build a snowman. So I guess not everyone is feeling gloomy about the forecast. Meanwhile, I’ll just keep longing for springtime!