Frugal Gifts

I love what Melanie over at Bean Sprouts has written about calculating your hourly wage, and buying gifts and other items. This is something I think about often, and particularly as I consider going 'back to work' options. For me then, it is a case of how much of my life energy do I wish to exchange for money, and how much is it worth versus time away from my children?

Running my own business is the direction I'm heading in but that also takes time, a lot of time, and energy so I'm not too sure just yet. I still want to work with my hands and within the holistic healing field, so training is still on the cards, of course that also requires money.. which is in short supply at the moment (for us anyway!). But then there's Facebook.

Wha?? Yes -well since becoming somewhat addicted to it, and discovering one 'application' after another, the Christmas Tree one has been the most fun by far. It allows you to put up your virtual tree, and send (and receive) free gifts to any of your friends, as many gifts as you want..virtual of course. But what fun, as there are so many to choose from, from ipods to wine baskets, to dates with Johnny Depp. They will automatically open on Christmas Day. And aside from paying for my internet access and electricity, well, I don't have to expend my life energy to choose and share some gifts with friends!

Mes Amies

I have been reminded this past week of how I miss having my friends around. I mean having good friends that you have known for years, that you are completely at ease with, that you can sit comfortably in silence with, or equally engage in lively debate with. Two and half years distance was closed instantly.

With my friends visiting from Chicago, we have enjoyed sharing good food, having dinners at our house and at thier rented cottage and it was so nice to be around other foodies! Its such a pleasure sharing food and low key evenings. I also played my first pub quiz and overindulged the wine, naturally...

We've also done loads of walking and I feel that I may even give mushrooms another try, and take up running, thanks to an inspiring conversation with Kathie. And now the dear friends are on their way to Manchester while we try and resume some sort of routine, sort through the photos, and wind down the summer with some local fairs this weekend. And since its Friday.. the photo..

Waiting on a friend (or two!)

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. -Anais Nin

Ah the delicious apple orchard back in Caledonia USA... I am awaiting the imminent arrival of those two friends from Chicago on Friday.....