One of my problems is that I love to shop, antiques & old stuff especially. But lately I've been successful in limiting the amount of stuff that comes into the house. I consider that a good start. Now I just go thru the flea market and say "I've got one of those" or "I used to have that same thing", and just keep on going.

This is shaping up to be a busy weekend, but I'm going to try to focus on the kitchen. And maybe carve out a spot for a home office-- the cat will have to share her bedroom, I think.

My mother also was a child of the depression, and she was-- how shall I put this?-- frugal. She saved everything-- paper bags, rubber bands, screws & nails, you-name-it. When I cleaned out her closet after she died, I found many things that still had the price tags on them. She was saving them for something "special", but I never knew what that might be. I've tried not to fall into that way of thinking. If I buy something new, I wear it right away. My mother always said I was like my dad in that respect.

But, to her credit, she was adament about not going into debt. She used a credit card, but always paid it off at the end of the month. I don't think she ever paid a finance charge in her life. I try to do the same.

Maryanne