From Patio to Picnic Blankets

As I browse my blogroll I notice that, with only one or two exceptions, nearly every blogger I follow appears to be taking the summer off from writing.  Summer is indeed a busy time for many with barbecues, beach days, patio lunches and colorful cocktails with impaled tropical fruit writing may find itself stuck in the back seat. With a heavy performing schedule, my day job, learning a new instrument and booking the troupe I work with for the fall and winter I've had little time to write and I've yet to have a beach day or a barbecue.  However, I have had my share of patio lunches and cocktails.  Actually, after balancing my checkbook this afternoon I've come to realize that I've perhaps been partaking in patio life a bit too much this summer.

It all too easy after a full day of work to take one look at my kitchen, say "I've been indoors far too long," and head out for nearest shady patio for gazpacho and a cocktail; or after an evening of rehearsal who would refuse the invitation of a shared pitcher of sangria and a pizza with my fellow performers who happen to be some of my favorite people in the world to spend time with; or there is always the old summer standby - it's just too damn hot to cook!   Some weeks have shown me eating away from home three or four nights a week and while my belly and soul have been quite happy with this state of affairs, my wallet is feeling the pressure.

So here before all of you I am making a solemn vow to be better about this.  I am an excellent cook and since I have been gifted with an air conditioner this summer I've no excuse about it being too hot to spend time in the kitchen.  Picnics with friends can be just as pleasant as a patio lunch.  I also happen to have a killer sangria recipe.

I can be restore my wallet! I have the the technology to make myself into a more frugal spinster...better than before.  Resourceful, inventive, armed with a corkscrew, ice and a punch bowl!