Kentucky Derby Week

Here it is: "Derby Week". Louisville is in full bloom - grass is green, dogwoods are stunning, azaleas are bright and full. Almost all the debris from the giant ice storm in February has been cleaned up. It was getting to be a dangerous obstacle course on the side streets. Now it can officially be put behind us! Thursday is a parade in downtown Louisville. I heard it has big balloons like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! That sounds like a blast for the kids if we can brave the heat and the crowds. Friday is "Oaks" day. A lesser race day for those who can't afford a spot at the Run for the Roses on Saturday. We have a tip on a few even cheaper options - Dawn at the Downs, a morning trip to Churchill Downs to see the horses take their first run of the day. We could do that and have the kids be just a tiny bit late to school! We have not been invited to any Derby parties(yet). It's probably just as well, because I don't have a proper Derby hat. They really do wear fancy hats to the Kentucky Derby and all the events surrounding it.

Wal-Mart with the Refugees

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take some newly-arrived refugees from Darfur to get their first groceries. They had only arrived in Louisville the previous night! Three single men, one male translator, and I got our "basket" (they don't call them carts in Kentucky) and started out. I thought it was an amusing and interesting sight for anyone who took notice: three very dark African men and one lily white American with a shopping basket in Wal-Mart. It was suggested that I could help by explaining value to the guys. Example: loaves of bread: two 12" loaves of Pepperidge Farm french bread - $3.19. "Too expensive" - showed them American bread: nicely squared off loaf of sliced bread 98 cents. Next example: carrots - show them the word "organic" and tell them it is too expensive. You can buy regular carrots for much less.

After my overseas experiences I can imagine the culture shock of a store such as Wal-Mart. The variety is unbelievable, the size of the store is also overwhelming. In my perfect world, I would take an incoming refugee family to a local grocery store that is close to their country of origin. They could find their own comfort foods and feel a bit in control of their own destiny...........but the shopping needs to be done where there are funds available. In this case, Wal-Mart gift cards were given to help the refugees!

Renamed my blog - (we just aren't living very LARGE)

Life this past six months has been a lot about learning to live on less. We had shrunk our spending while living overseas, BUT it is much more challenging here in the USA.

Haircuts: my first haircut here was $30. I was told that was a reasonable rate for this area. I decided I could get one haircut every six months. Last week A GREAT FIND - a local beauty school! Today I got my first $5 haircut. I had a lovely conversation with my stylist and even got a coupon for 1/2 price next time. Am I a risk taker or what?

Kids need socks: Anya has sworn off ruffled socks - Justin's socks have worn out. I got a $10 COUPON from BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY in the mail. They are having a Grand Reopening. Anya will have a new 5-pack in her Easter Basket. Justin will have a new 3-pack. Total cost $1.03.

Prescription: Needed a prescription--CVS was offering a $25 giftcard for any new or transferred Rx. I will spend part of that on Easter candy!

Thrift Store: Got a $5 off any purchase coupon in the Val-Pak envelope. Got one from my neighbor's mail, too! Got myself a new pair of black denim jeans (Lands End, size 12P). Bought something else to sell on ebay.