This is sort of an extension of Thrifty Thursday, but also what's on my mind. I've been down a bit, feeling a little smooshed by life, worried about people I Iove, and just tired. Sunday I spent a bit of time looking for ideas to shore up my mood, but not add a lot of costs. Of course inflation is kicking our but, but others are hurting more and I feel committed to not cut back my giving efforts. Doing positive things for others is a natural mood lifter, unless I feel unappreciated ( which is part of my down mood.) I've added to my list over the week. Obviously there's some unique local things, but likely you have something similar.
Tennis nights: We have everything we need to get some exercise, out of the house, and maybe improve a hobby I've wanted to spend more time doing. I vow to get DH out a few times. He's a fair player, or used to be.
Local Ball Games: I'm loaded with young family still active in sports so if if wanted, could easily find a game or two during the week. Soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse-yiu name it. But we've got a local city ball team, plus a pro men's team soccer and sort of semi pro women's, plus our St Paul Saints baseball with tickets much more affordable than MLB. Plus, we've got a twin team plus all the little hamlet's have them too. My daughter plays softball in Wednesday nights too. Nothing's finer on a perfect summer evening than watching a ball game. If you're a sports fan, this might be your ticket. Just check your city web site for teams or sports organizations and what might be offered if you don't have a direct messenger to the schedules. My parents and FIL loved this right up until they passed away.
Free concerts and movies at the river: So far I've learned the concerts are weekly on Thursdays to early August, and movies are monthly on Friday nights.
Library/ Community Center Events Many won't work due to time, but check out your library or community center for meetups or special events. I saw an Intro to 3D printing in August that might be worth taking the afternoon off. Our library has recently added a computer and varied printer lab, plus seeing machines for use! Maybe I'll learn to do something. Also, check out Eventbrite and use filters to see what free or low cost classes or speakers might be coming up. I used to pre-Covid and when I was in the office find a few speaking events for after work.
Local Vineyards: We do have them in Minnesota and one not too far. They open their grounds for wandering and picnics. On Sunday afternoons, they have live outdoor jazz performances until September. I'm thinking of Anne when I write this. I figure a bottle now and then direct from the source is justifiable. They have low cost tastings so I can try before buying, but they have a country white and country rose I already know I like and at $15 a bottle, you can't beat it.
Pizza Farms: This is the year we will get to one. Explore Minnesota has the list of those in the the area. Yes, we'll drive there but it's dinner and entertainment.
YaDa YaDa... But I'm putting berry picking on the list. It's an activity that tells me to enjoy summer now, and remember it fondly in January when tasting the frozen or canned bounty. Extend this to Farmers Markets and roadside stands. As for berry picking, my sister coordinates a fun group ( always room for more) and we both car pool road trip to the blueberry farm, and head to a nearby Hamlet for a deserved cocktail.
Of course there's still the year round activities that for the price of a beverage or two and maybe some food, is good for a night out. Trivia venues on Tuesday and Wednesday, bingo on Wednesday or now we learned about Vingo on Fridays. My friends music school hosts concerts every Tuesday, and while I seldom can make those, she has ad hoc throughout the year. She has a parallel non profit with the school that sponsor's these and we are supporters.
I'll keep looking up ideas throughout summer. Time will fly and all too soon the evenings will start being shorter. But as we approach the longest day of the year, I want to maximize each one. Share what you're doing locally?
Some great ideas here, Sam! xxx
ReplyDeleteWe've had fun with several already.
DeleteHat's off to the do-ers in the local communities who get these things up and running!
ReplyDeleteMy time was in the past. I think I've earned participant status now.
DeleteLove these lists! We may go to a local concert, but are also doing a weekend getaway (local) to celebrate Father's Day. It will include plenty of local dining, & just a chance to explore Carmel. I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, we will probably do a local movie night, and a sip & stroll/bubbly night that our town offers & we've wanted to try.
We go to plenty of local sports events, hike in our neighborhood, & play tennis on the courts down the street.
Your get away sounds amazing. Sometimes a two day unplugged, away from the same is better than a travel destination that adds stress before and after.
DeleteWe sit in the car in the park and watch portions of baseball game. We also watch tennis players for a bit. We are going to a fundraiser event where bbq dinners will be sold. There is some sort of concert, too. But, we will go. Lunch and Learn events are free lectures. It seems they always give away stuff or have things to buy, which we do buy...lol.
ReplyDeleteA drink is never on the agenda and never has been. But, now we are diabetic so never will be.
Ice cold water works too. Enjoy your bbq fundraiser. Delicious.
DeleteI cannot remember the last time I went to a public game. I suppose this is mostly because I don't know anyone who plays sports.
ReplyDeleteOh, to have a local winery! Good for them! I would go/buy often.
Local games are just everywhere, every night here so chances are a walk will wind up by a ball field!
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