Back to school.

For most families. Not for ours, yet. We have a couple years ahead of us before back-to-school looms large. We can't afford preschool or daycare, so LW stays home with me until she starts public school.

Even so, I've done some clothes shopping for the Little Woodchuck over the past month when I had little bits of money. Mainly, I hit the thrift shops and bought ahead clothes for the coming fall and winter. Everything has been washed, sorted, and carefully stored away until needed.

But yesterday I went on a little spree. A family member generously gave me a gift certificate for the Carter's children's clothing outlet up in Brattleboro, and I had a discount coupon as well. LW needed pajamas for winter, and a coat for fall, and some socks. I found all those things at Carter's and now we're all ready for the coming cold weather. The only thing lacking, at this point, will be a new pair of shoes and some winter boots. LW's feet are growing very quickly, and she's outgrown the size 7 toddler sneakers and shoes that were too large at the beginning of the summer. I'll try to find a second-hand snowsuit, too, as she's outgrown last year's suit and we spend so much time outdoors in winter. I'm knitting two sweaters for LW right now, and I'll start on warm socks and mittens soon.

The cashier at Carter's handed me an additional gift check good for $10 off a $35 purchase, but I have no reason to go back in September and spend any more money. I'll find someone who can use this gift check, as it's a considerable savings.

Today the weather and temperature is very much to my liking. I love cool weather, always have, always will.

LW's birthday preparations start this week. I want to be well-prepared in advance for her party.