A trend I've noted

or survival in a down economy?

Yesterday it happened twice. I went to lunch with a group...separate checks. The first two people paid by credit card--the girl rang their payments up. Mine was cash--and I got change from the open drawer--no buttons were pushed, no reciept.

I would say this was efficiency. It was a 'buffet", so the price is the same for everyone....

Then I went to a little botique on the way home. Had a coupon! Looked at things, did not find what I went there for, but did find something else. $18.00--less $5 coupon + tax=14.02. I handed her my card--she says--I don't take plastic for less than a $25.00 purchase--the fees are too high. I dig and dig and find the correct amount in cash in the purse by combining all the loose change, etc.

I get only the had written reciept--and she put my purchase in a "used" bag--all crumpled! Again, no ringing, no reciepts from the register!

So I guess that is what it has come to--off the grid cash purchases, and recycyled bags---nice people, running small businesses--and just trying to make it. A sad commentary on "my" economy....in a state that just raised taxes. Bet these two businesses are thrilled!

Simple pleasure!

Today I got pants for $1.97!!! It was the thrill of the unexpected! Bagging a bargain! Getting something for practically nothing.

I will not wear them to work--more like Saturday, gardening, retirement(?) pants--but for $1.97, I do not even need to wash them if I don't want to---can just afford to throw them away--really!

Somedays the stars just align!