Louisiana: Settling In

“Settling in” is a euphemism for spending a lot of money the first few days of a move-in. What I bought the first two days:

Non-perishables

• Toaster ($12)
• Full-length mirror ($6)
• Step stool that will serve as step stool, foot rest, and side table for the veranda outside ($9)
• AA battery replenishment
• Swiffer system – all my floors are vinyl ($20) + pad/soap refills
• Colander ($2)
• Dishwasher detergent ($4)
• Small plates in the infant section – (five for $4)
• Small glasses with lids in the infant section – (five for $3)
• 62-oz size plastic food storage ware that I use for large bowls, such as for salads
• Roaster pan for doing up my chickens and occasional turkey ($8)

Food

• Turkey on sale @ .69 per pound … Thanksgiving, you know
• Two roaster chickens
• Large bags of frozen brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and baby peas
• Large bag of frozen “tropical” fruit mix
• Plain, nonfat yogurt
• Pumpernickel bread
• Onions
• Sweet potatoes
• Bag of frozen sweet potato patties
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Green peppers
• Cucumbers
• Coffee
• Eggs
• Pam spray
• Cooking oil
• Sugar-free blackberry jam

Ouch, my wallet hurts!

What hasn’t translated to Louisiana from New Mexico

• My shower/tub already has a shower curtain and rod, so there’s no need for the tension rod and curtain I bought in New Mexico, which I used to partition off my den from the living room.
• I’m going to try and use my vacuum sweeper, bought in New Mexico, in my new place instead of buying a broom and dustpan. We’ll see.

What I’ve been able to re-use from New Mexico or prior purchases

• Coffee maker
• Flatware
• Work table
• Desk lamp
• Cutting board
• Spices
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Shelf stereo
• Plastic 4-drawer, rolling storage cabinet
• Skillet, some pots, baking sheet, and a small square cooking pan
• Large stainless bowl
• Vacuum sweeper (hopefully)
• Twin-size sheets, pillowcases
• Blankets
• Pillows

As in New Mexico, I use my storage bins as side tables.

Still to get

• Second-hand table for dining and to do artwork
• Second-hand chairs for dining and guests
• Second-hand office chair for working

I’ll get an air bed for visitors, but I won’t get one (or two) til right before they arrive.

I’ll work up my total relocation expenses in the near future.