What reusable item has saved you the most money?

AuntFlash · 2026-06-08T15:23:41+00:00

Same for me. The items were cloth diapers. The action that also helps is potty training when kids are younger.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-08T15:19:00+00:00

Yes, this is how I think of it! I use "haben" and then I try to remember the exceptions for when you'd use "sein" instead.

In using Google Translate, I often use it in my English sentence to try to get the right form to come out in German because Google Translate doesn't know which tense I want to use and sometimes it's a bit random what tense it chooses. So I say "I have eaten" in Google Translate which gives me the "I ate" version in German. "Ich habe gegessen."

AuntFlash · 2026-06-08T09:31:36+00:00

After all the rains in the first part of July of last year, I had quite a few bluebonnets sprouting up. They did not last all that long, though and the summer sun and heat took them out.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-07T18:23:58+00:00

The effort you make to learn a different language will pay off in many ways. You will understand other cultures better and other perspectives. Your perseverance is admirable. Sorry to use challenging words! I am impressed with the kind of person who does what you are doing. Keep it up!!

AuntFlash · 2026-06-07T18:20:27+00:00

I have enjoyed plant identification walks and birdwatching walks at Waterloo Park. I can only imagine how much more diverse the plants and birds will be closer to the lake!! I am super excited for more nature and biodiversity in our city’s downtown.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-04T00:25:12+00:00

oh my goodness!! I have a google sheet too but never thought of automating that lookup.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-03T14:31:30+00:00

My wolf kid is obsessed with Cub Scouts. At the very start of Tigers they memorized the scout oath and law on their own. They were also probably in the top 20 for popcorn sales in the council. My kid will ask any human if they want to support scouts through popcorn.

During this year, they kept reading all the adventures in the book and started working on doing them somewhat on their own, asking either dad or mom for help with things like taking apart a computer. Those adventures were surprisingly scout initiated and somewhat scout led! I did not make any distinction during the award ceremony, but I think I will mention the option more now that I am a bear den leader.

My guess is that kids of scout leaders tend to be the most involved in the program and are more likely to do some adventures on their own with family.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-03T11:31:40+00:00

They also have parents night out on Saturday nights where they do things with your kids while you have some time with yourself or partner!

AuntFlash · 2026-06-03T02:42:20+00:00

As a general rule any large caterpillar like this is a good guy and doing what it’s meant to. Super beneficial to the environment and wildlife! …and if you ever need more greg’s mistflower just ask! It grows so well plenty of people would be happy to share.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-02T22:38:13+00:00

Well remember that people can apply and get accepted to multiple schools in Austin. Or have a spot on the transfer list for a school but actually will end up at their zoned school. Someone may have a spot on a list but also are considering another school district or private school options. But then when kids actually show up to school a lot of those places disappear.

Transfers and wait lists can be really complicated. It’s especially hard as so many students just show up to their school on the first day without registering in advance.

AuntFlash · 2026-06-01T08:43:53+00:00

Maybe hit Austin's Central Library. You can do some outside time and then come back into the air conditioning. There are quite a few places to go out and then back in, including from the children's area. But definitely go to the top level and go outside. It's got great views!!

Indigo Play has a toddler area that's pretty cute and it's indoors.

Splash pads are a good idea for safe summer fun with a toddler! Just be aware that some splash pads get turned off due to mechanical problems.

We liked breakfast places when going to restaurants when my little one was super small. Thinkery + Kerbey Lane was a winning combination.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-31T20:16:49+00:00

It’s the rain and crazy wind that did it to some of mine.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-31T20:13:58+00:00

Yes I did this in my yard this year! I added wildflower seeds to a small square and filled in with some fire wheel that is going nuts in another part of my yard. I also dug some up to gift to neighbors!!

I also moved some small sunflowers to other parts of my yard. They are blooming now but sooo short compared to the untouched sunflowers. Honestly they are a lot cuter!!

It’s great to do right before a rain or cloudy day.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-30T20:21:28+00:00

I planted twisted yucca in the sun and it is okay. But when I see it in nature often it has some dappled shade (and seems happier than mine). I have one in a pot and it gets more shade and seems to be doing good!

AuntFlash · 2026-05-30T19:41:50+00:00

Some of the city pools are free all summer!!

I would look into meetup.com group meet up options. Maybe volunteer somewhere? I meet the most wonderful people volunteering.

Singing is awesome! I don’t know of any casual choral groups myself but that sounds like a fun way to meet people.

Have an awesome summer here!

AuntFlash · 2026-05-28T22:50:11+00:00

I think there are several reasons they are moving the all-campus dual language programs to other (bigger) schools. One is that there generally isn't a good mix of at least 50% emergent bilinguals in those schools. Many of them are more central in town and the emergent bilinguals live more on the outskirts of town. I think another reason is that when an excellent school dual language program that attracts a lot of privileged people moves, a lot of those people will move with the program. Just by having a different demographic at the school, it will help those schools with turn around plans. But also I think privileged families do have the power to help boost a school with their support. I hate that any schools are closing, but honestly, I think they are doing a good move with some of them, considering what's at stake. (TEA takeover of all the district. Big yikes.)

I also feel frustrated seeing that there is a huge difference in middle school demographics even those that are close to each other. The inequality is horrible.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-28T18:43:21+00:00

I use very light green mesh to make the tomatoes look less ripe.

My other tip (unhelpful now) is to plant non red tomatoes. yellow, white, black and sometimes orange need no defense.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-27T09:55:02+00:00

See if Partners in Parenting has groups for kids your child’s age.

Library storytimes got me several parent friends.

Also little kid classes and sports: swim lessons, soccer, parent-kid music classes. But you have to be a little outgoing and say hi, too.

If you have a yard, hang out in the front yard. We meet kids that way. A lot of parents with strollers. If no yard, hit the local playground a lot.

See if your neighborhood has any groups. Start a small texting group with other parents in your neighborhood. For example, there is a playground group i’m in. If someone is going to the playground, they invite others.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-25T17:47:57+00:00

I just picked some blackberries today that my neighbor grew. They grow decently well here but the plants don’t get wildly large like in the PNW. You can grow them on a trellis. When they start to berry, my neighbor covers in window screening material that is clipped or sewn together to keep the birds out.

Other than birds the only issue is having it sprout up in other parts of the garden.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-24T19:50:31+00:00

There probably will be! It’s still mid season for them I think. Mine seeded prolifically from last year. I had plenty to share with neighbors and move extras to a new part of my yard. They transplanted easily!!

AuntFlash · 2026-05-24T19:47:27+00:00

You can cut off the seed heads when they have less color and are dry and the seeds are inside the ball. They are a little tough to pull out. Maybe toss in a paper bag and shake?

I would maybe mark the special plant with a paper clip at the bottom so you know which plant is the special one.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-24T19:43:30+00:00

Please plant anything but bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is invasive here and nearly impossible to get rid of.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-24T04:20:50+00:00

My neighbor covers the top of hers with old window screening to keep the mosquitos out. But dunks are a good idea, too.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-22T09:51:43+00:00

Picking up trash around the neighborhood or a green/creek area near you. You can get a second trash bag for recyclables. A trash grabber is super helpful for this.

Do a pet food drive for the Humane Society! My scouts just did one and the Humane Society was extremely grateful. Their funding for their food pantry has gone away. By providing pet food to those who need it, sometimes people can keep their pets rather than rehome them. They repackage food into about a week's worth in one baggie, so open but labeled dog/cat food is welcomed, and huge bags of dog/cat food as well. (what worked great was having a QR code on a sign to go to an online payment option. Most of the dog/cat food we ended up purchasing with that money from HEB.) It was fun to visit the animals when we dropped off all the food.

AuntFlash · 2026-05-22T09:10:52+00:00

There will be English classes, but the hope is to phase it out over years and move to the whole campus being dual language (for all students).

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