Today is trash day, post New Year's. After beaucoup house guests and the big changing of the cat litter, we had a lot of garbage, in spite of recyling of plastic and bottles plus newspapers and using the cardboard as kindling for the fireplace.
The site of a discarded Christmas tree in the neighbor's waiting trash was not so remarkable, but what was crazy was that it was still decorated. I walked the few yards along the street from our trash to theirs, and found a lovely little Norfolk pine still adorned with beautiful sparkly red balls. Of course I removed them, because some of ours are pushing old age, and felt sad that the tree was to be discarded. The instructions said it could not tolerate cold under 45 degrees, and we are still in the thirties and were low twenties last night. Then Significant Other mentioned that their trash had been put out just this morning.
I'm as tender-hearted with plants as with animals. I mourn each houseplant that bites the dust and each annual that succumbs to frost in the fall.
I rescued the Norfolk Pine. They are devilishly difficult to grow, and need certain temperature, water and humidity requirements that are going to make this a major pain in the butt.
Nevertheless. It is mine, along with 15 or so nice new ornaments.
Scrounging is what I do best. My only bad luck was to acquire a table for the porch at the Wellesley Dump that apparently harbored a poltergeist. It was returned months later with apologies to the spirit. Never had that before. Wouldn't have believed it. Still don't, but it happened.
I'm posting a link to the World's Best Macaroni and Cheese and it doesn't cost a fortune, using as it does ordinary grocery store ingredients. The Christmas bills and the economy are fearsome, so we all must cope. It's a recipe that both kids and adults will love.
Trust me. This recipe rocks!
http://www.bigoven.com/124565-The-Best-Macaroni-And-Cheese-recipe.html
Yours in frugality. Think good thoughts for the Norfolk Pine.
The Cheeseparer
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