Of Garden Reels, Shower Grime, and the Great Jam That Wasn’t
Today was one of those “let’s do all the things” kind of days. You know, where you start with a single goal and somehow end up scrubbing shower grout like it insulted your ancestors.
It all began so innocently. I made my garden reel first thing this morning (because content is queen and vegetables wait for no one). That should’ve been the victory of the day—but no. My brain switched into deep-clean mode like it had something to prove. I ended up elbow-deep in shower scum, giving our bathroom a level of attention it hasn’t lately.
Tomorrow, I’m busting out the caulking tape to make it all look Pinterest-worthy and installing a new shower rod and curtain, because let’s face it—nothing says “I have my life together” like a fresh shower curtain.
Meanwhile, the “pile of doom” (you know the one—stuff that mysteriously collects in corners and on every flat surface) got the boot. I even tackled the kitchen counters. If there were Olympic medals for wiping down laminate, I’d be on the podium.
Then came the great mystery: Where is the broom? Not in the broom closet. Naturally. I settled for vacuuming everything that didn’t run away, and called it good enough.
Mr. Frugalist stepped in to make spaghetti (bless him), which inspired me to throw together a salad and ponder baking a savory quick bread. The original recipe called for rosemary, thyme, and parsley—but I said, “What if we live on the edge?” So mine’s going to have rosemary, basil, and garlic. If it turns out less like a brick and more like bread, I’ll post the recipe. Cross your fingers and preheat your ovens.
I made a solo dash to the library to return our overdue books and toys—no children in tow, just me, a bag of books, and a faint whiff of shower cleaner clinging to my clothes. Mr. Frugalist, had vacuumed the living room and stalked the yard like a lawn predator until the grass was dry enough to mow. We are, if nothing else, a very domestically productive couple.
Oh! And yesterday we attempted jam. Yes, jam in the bread maker. I didn’t even know that was a thing until I got one, but I had a “why not?” moment. Turns out, bread makers will make jam—but not if your pectin expired in 2023. (Oops.) My grandson was the one who spotted it. Bright future, that one.
The jam tastes fantastic, but it didn’t gel. It’s currently living its best life as a very sweet fruit sauce, waiting for a second act once the new pectin arrives Wednesday. Don’t worry—I’m not giving up on it. If this jam has taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you just need a little more time (and fresh pectin). I ordered fresh pectin and we will recook it Wednesday or Thursday.
All in all? A wildly productive day, even if the broom is still MIA . Here’s to doing what you can, making what you’ve got work, and finding beauty (and basil) in the chaos.
Stay frugal and fabulous,
Dagne – The Real Frugalist
