So I did get my hair cut (well, trimmed I guess) this afternoon, and it wasn't cheap (!). But, figuring the last time I got a professional cut was 6 or 7 months ago, I guess it isn't too bad. I asked for an easy, wash-and-wear, long layered kind of style that can grow out gracefully -- because who knows when I'm going to get back there. And I can't *really* judge how it looks yet, because she styled it all fancy-like, complete with styling products - I promise it will NEVER look like this again, heh....

I have a wee headache. Hmmm, guess I'm nervous about this weekend.....

This week is flying by. I've been busy, busy -- digging and planting. Then digging and planting some more. Plus lots of tilling. By hand. Whew. It's hard work! But there is progress in my project of expanding the shade garden beds in my yard. Under the trees where sickly grass grew in pained, straggly patches, I have transplanted hostas and ferns, native columbine, solomon's seal, and wild geranium. My neighbor noticed me digging and offered her ostrich ferns -- she has them thick as theives over there, nearly to the point of invasiveness. They sure are pretty though -- a thicket nearly five foot high. Since I have a total three or four ferns in my whole entire yard, as big as it is -- she didn't exactly need to twist my arm. She just pointed out where they were a nuisance and let me have at it, while she went back into the house. I did have a small moment of hesitation when I wondered if I was going to regret introducing a potentially aggressive species over on my side. When it comes down to it, I guess I'm willing to take the risk because they're going to be a heck of an improvement over the patchy grass tufts and weedy dirt I currently have under my shade trees. And of course... they were FREE (just checked online -- found some priced at $50 for 10 ferns). Plus, this is the kind of fern that can be harvested and eaten as 'fiddleheads' -- so I'll know what to do with them if they decide to take more than their fair share of space. But, who knows if they'll even take off anyway....

I also broke down and did indeed divide my hostas, again. While I purchased some new hosta plants this past weekend, it was clear they were not going to be nearly enough to cover all the area I'm targeting. I was actually thinking of jumping in the truck and getting more, and then the cool hand of reason patted me on the back and pointed out the hostas planted from previous years. So, I grabbed the shovel and got to work. I think I have now divided them about as much as they can take this year. If I need to purchase another few plants to finish my project, so be it -- at least I did save some money once again by stre-e-e-e-tching my current plantlings.

With all this planting I am now desperate for rain. Things looked really promising earlier today, and I rushed this afternoon and evening like a madwoman to get more plants in the ground ahead of the apparently approaching storm. But so far ....nothing. Well, we surely could use it around here. Looking at the doppler radar online for our area shows rain all around us, and a bunch of near misses, even rumbly thunder -- but no rain in our immediate area. Blargh, if we don't get some precip tonight I'm going to be irked....

As for the vegetable garden, the kids and I ran out there yesterday to have a look-see. The onions are very happy, and the potatoes, which had been bitten by frost last week, seem to be rebounding, thank goodness. We planted four tomato plants (with many more to come), and some cucumber. We also weeded some, plus I 'hilled' the potato rows a bit-- and watered everything down with the hose (nothing like a real rain though -- that's what it could really use).

On the spending front, still writing checks around town, although it's tapering off a little. Sort of. Except for today I guess --since I actually found myself clothes shopping. Something I rarely EVER do. In fact, I think the last time I shopped retail for clothes for me was, hmmm, probably about this time last year, when I needed an outfit for a spring event. Well, once again, warm weather arrives and here I found myself needing another outfit for an upcoming event. So off to Target I went this afternoon, and managed to pick up some warm-weather slacks and shirts and things that I can wear this summer -- and to this thing I'm doing this weekend. You see, I've registered to take a three-day, intense training workshop this coming friday through sunday, which, upon completion, will enable me to apply for a particular part-time position here locally. Yes, I'm pursuing employment, folks -- a job. And I want to make a good impression (might even seek a haircut tomorrow -- more $$ outlay, but could it ever use it ). Anyway, we'll just see how it goes....

Hee haw! Been a spending freakazoid this past week or more -- writing checks all over town, like it's going out of style. Wooh....!

Oh, well. I can't say it's been especially 'frivilous' spending, for the most part at least. I did need to purchase this week the required parphenalia of DS's ballet I'd written about earlier for example (shoes, garb, dance belts, etc. Ca-ching!) -- which was pretty much unavoidable. I bought soccer photos (group and individual) of the kids for $15.00 each (as homeschoolers, we sort of count that toward 'class pictures' ) -- plus other little purchases like that. I've also done several little food shopping side trips, picking up the odd convenience item (or two or three) along the way when I felt just too immersed in our various involvements to properly cook....

Last but not least, today I opened my wallet wide at several different local plant sales, buying all manner of plants and seedlings for our home landscaping projects, to the tune of well over $100 (and I'm not done either). Not exactly 'nth-degree frugality'. Still? By far most of what I bought today consists of hardy native perennials (except for a number of hostas, plus ONE FLAT of showy annuals for my porch flower boxes) -- so really, I'm looking at this as an investment purchase. The new plants will be lovely, and will grow and last from year to year . I have such plans to expand our yard's natural areas this spring. And I want it done right, with enough plants to properly cover the barren spaces here and there that desperately need attention. No more incremental gardening by the inch -- done with that. I'm feeling impatient, and don't want to wait another 4 years of gradually dividing hostas and adding the occasional plant and seedling to have yet another chunk of yard FINALLY look the way I really want.....

Argh. I'm beginning to feel a trifle scattered and disorganized these days, as typically happens when our familiy's activities and involvements begin to charge up, or the various things I commit myself to sort of all come due at once. I was feeling as though I had things comfortably together not too long ago -- now, I feel clutter and disorder surreptitiously lapping around the edges. The results will be some costly mistake somewhere along the line if I don't pay better attention (for example, I realized the other day I'd lost track of a bill, and will now probably pay a late fee (rolls eyes)...).

But I'm seeing progress on one of my volunteer projects at least, having worked on it yesterday and today. There's still a bit more to do. In any event, it will be nice to complete it and remove it from the house, 'cause it's a big, awkward thing that's taking up more than its' fair share of space around here. In addition, some of our family involvements (soccer season, the upcoming show, etc) will soon be wrapping up as well.....

On the garden front, we hadn't realized our little potato friends had *finally* decided to get around to the business of sprouting (one of the hazards of off-site gardening I guess -- can't keep as close of an eye on things), only to get stung by the unusually late frost we had these last few chilly days (Drat. There wasn't any sign of ANY potato action when I checked late last week. Who knew?!). I haven't seen them yet myself, but my father informs me that...they're 'black'. Well! (I'm thinking (hoping?) they'll pull through? But still, bummer...)

DS made dinner tonight -- his specialty, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Very helpful....

It's been busy this past week-and-a-half. Lots of things going on at once, and I'm trying to keep on top of it all. DS's dance performances are coming up quickly, and I still have several volunteer projects to complete for it. I will also need to make a few necessary purchases -- DS needs a pair of 'jazz shoes' as part of his costume that we'll have to pick up from the dance store this week, and new, clean tights. His teacher has also recently informed me, that DS is so big and skilled now she wants him to ditch the 'little boy' dance garb he's worn for years for class (tight white T-shirt, black bike shorts or leggings) in favor of a sharper-looking men's black unitard, a 'dance belt' ('supportive' attire for men), the whole nine yards. This is a sort of a 'promotion' in a sense I believe. As I understand, he's the only boy being asked to do change his class attire at this time. It will look very striking I know, and I think she's hoping it will set an example for the others. But it shall require some spending -- and dance shtuff is typically not el cheapo, you know? (Not that I have any reason to complain of course, since he's been on full scholarship with this studio since the beginning....).

So I have lots to do today -- time to start list making....

-get something in the crockpot for dinner tonight (check)
-maybe something in the bread machine to go with it (check)
-hang laundry (check)
-start more laundry (check)
-wash dishes (check)
-fold clothes
-get bills in the mail (check)
-make rice milk or some such for DH
-work on my project for the rest of the day (deadline looming) (check)