It was an ordinary Thursday morning for me. My schedule was set on my cell phone calendar. When I opened the calendar, I knew it would be an early start.
First, my pets had to be fed. Stella, my dog, waited patiently in the kitchen as I dished out food for the cats, both my inside and outside cats. I think Stella was waiting for me to make a mistake and have some of the cat food drop on the floor. Too bad for the dog, nothing fell that day.
After all my animals were fed, including Fred the fish, I made breakfast for myself. Lately, I’ve been scrambling an egg with the addition of cut grape tomatoes, a mushroom, a bit of precooked bacon, cheese, and a dash of milk. All ingredients were microwaved in a bowl for 90 seconds. It was a yummy start to my day.
I usually have a timer set, so I don’t forget to get moving for my first appointment at the chiropractor in Seymour. This appointment was arranged so that afterward I’d be ready to go to the Muehl Public Library where I volunteered at ten o’clock.
Soon, I was in the library. There I visited with the librarians as I arranged returned books on a rolling cart. Usually, I begin shelving adult fiction books and eventually work my way to the children’s picture book section. Often, I find a book I want to read and check it out when I’m ready to head out the door.
After volunteering at the library Thursday, I made a trip to Kailhofer’s Greenhouse, which is just north of the library on Main Street. There I walked the aisles deciding on plants for my summer projects. I even purchased special potting soil to add to my waiting pots. The young clerk easily tossed the bags of soil into the back of my car. Eventually, all my greenhouse purchases would go into the garage to keep them safe from early morning frost.
After filling the back of my car at the greenhouse, I went a few blocks south to Don’s Market. Luckily, I could pick up a prescription in the same building as my groceries.
Today I remembered to bring my grocery list to the store. Too often in the past, I’ve left it sitting on the counter at home. When that happened, I had to remember all that I needed. After searching for my needed items and a few extras that were on sale, my purchases went into the backseat of my car.
All this was accomplished in Seymour. I never drive to town without plans on making at least two stops, if not four. This is my way of saving time and money on gas.
I’ve always done multiple stops when in town. My habit hasn’t changed with the escalating cost of gas. I know many others who have adopted this practice as well.
Planning ahead is always a good thing, especially when buying something heavy, like bags of water softener salt. When my salt is getting low, I go to the co-op, where they will put the 40-pound bags in my car. If I plan right, I’ll have visiting family members take those heavy bags down to the basement. It all goes together with planning.
So after my Thursday morning in Seymour, I came home with a full car. It might take a few trips back and forth get my purchases where they belong, but by this time there’s no rush. Only after everything is put away, will I remember something I hadn’t put on my list. Hopefully, it can wait until my next foray into Seymour.
Susan Manzke, Sunnybook Farm, N8646 Miller Rd, Seymour, WI 54165; sunnybook@aol.com; susanmanzke@gmail.com; www.susanmanzke.net/blog
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Life runs smoother with a list and a little planning
Reporting by Susan Manzke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
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