A New Day! A New Way!

Today we're all shopping and preparing the best we can, for Hurricane Gustav and for Hanna, who is right behind him.
We're pulling our resources and have a plan ready to execute.

Our hearts truly go out to the people of New Orleans and surrounding coastal cities in his path. Hurricanes are extremely unpredictable, as we've experienced many times in the past, so the only way to really prepare is to have a plan and stick to it.
From now until November, our homes are open to those seeking shelter with little to no resources. And the only way to survive this and its long term effects is to accept we have no control over Mother Nature, nothing short-term that can be achieved, anyway....so, we'll go with the flow and remember that there is strength in numbers.

I still remember how everyone rallied around N.Y. after 911...people from all over the world. It was a time I don't think anyone will forget. It will stay in our hearts and minds, always!
In our town alone, 19 bus-loads traveled to the city as quickly as we could to: help those find shelter; drive them to nearby hospitals to look for their loved ones and a lot of the time was spent holding another in our arms and helping them see past that next minute and into another, then another. The devestation was so overwhelming.

Please take a moment to ponder this and maybe there is a way for you, too to become involved.

We're all in this thing together. This thing called life.

Please keep a good thought for our brothers and sisters everywhere who will be facing a most devestating future of events, in the days and weeks to come.

Peace...Jillee

You never know what you'll find in Winn Dixie parking lot. I waited around for the owner but, no show. I suspect the lid opens to drop your favorite leftovers....eggshells, MacDonald specials...something like what Doc would use when he's "Back from the Future"!!! Stranger things have happened and continue to with so many would-be inventers making their mark.
With the amount of driving I do, I was spending around 120.00 a week, until that is, I changed my driving habits.
Slight Sacrifice! Huge Pay-Off!

I now spend 75.00 every 16 days. So, compared to 480.00 or so that I was spending before I changed my driving habits, I now spend 145.00-165.00 a month, somtimes a little over a month.
That's a huge savings of around 330.00 a month.

So, it can be done and I'm passing along my tips for keeping your money in the bank instead of losing it all at the gas pump.

If 'heavy foot' Jill can do it..anyone can!

Ten ways I save gas/lots of money:

Used to drive 10-15 miles over the limit. I now drive 8 miles under.
Used to run the air full blast. I now use it only when it becomes unbearable.
Used to pass anyone and everyone on the road. I now pass NO ONE.(Local Deputies are happier!!)
Used to keep my foot on the gas pedal going down a hill. I now let off
of the pedal and coast.
Used to wheel into a parking space. I now idle into one.
Used to put off checking air pressure in tires. I now check twice a week, as under-inflated tires use much more gas.
Used to put tune-ups off. I now have everything under the hood checked frequently.
Used to haul a lot of weight in my car, which uses more gas. I now transport smartly.
Used to drive to the bank and the store 3 times a week. I now walk the 3-4 blocks.
Used to drive without the good common sense I know I had. I now drive smartly.

These are some of my favorite ways to save around 4000.00 a year. Yes, it does take sacrifice and sacrifices that I didn't think I was ready to make. But, I did and I am; so the price of gas is no longer a major issue. I'll be happy when it goes down. And it will. But for now, this is what I need to do and like I said, if "I" can do it...anyone can!!!

You had to know how I drove before to appreciate this. I was nothing less than a lunatic but quickly realized that I was cutting off my nose to spite my face.

And, Oh, my favorite part...LOVE the extra money!

Hope this helps those who want to save a lot of money.

Let's not make the oil tycoons any richer than they are.

Any 'money saving' tips not listed? Love to hear what they are. I'm sure there are more than I listed. We could use all the help we can get. I know "I" can! It's just one of many ways we can strengthen/grow our economy. There's strength in numbers!!

Peace and Safe Driving!!

Love...Jill