I was in Home Depot and Lowe's today, and could not help but notice all of the Christmas décor items for sale, including trees. This made me ponder the idea that Christmas is a good time to get those things we want/need for our ponds as gifts. I started wondering how many of us have received pond equipment/toys as Christmas presents in the past. Maybe now would be a good time to start "hinting" or asking for those things such as a new pump or a new net, etc. for Christmas. You might even have a list with an under $20 gift, under $50 gift, etc. I know I always am needing something.
Along those thoughts, I want to encourage you to sign up for the Christmas/Holiday card exchange as well as the Holiday ornament exchange here on KP. It is a great way to get to know other KPers, and to add joy to your holidays. You can find the information in Chit Chat. Also, if you would like to help someone less fortunate or you need help during the holidays, there is a thread that explains that, and we appreciate all those who are willing to help.
Now for a cost saving idea. I had an idea this year to get different colored 5 gallon buckets in which to store tropical lily tubers over the winter. I decided to use one color of buckets for the stock plants, one color for the saleable tubers, and another color for the Aussie tubers. Home Depot's buckets are orange, Lowe's buckets are blue, and Ace Hardware's are red. I am sure you have other stores with various colors. What I want to share with you is not a major savings, but it is good to know. My helper told me this, and so I am telling you. She said that the Firehouse Subs sub shop sells the 5 gallon plastic buckets with the lids that their pickles come in. I called and asked and was told that they do sell the used buckets. The buckets are red with white lids, and have the logo on them, and that they are only $2 each, including the lid. Having the logo on them also helps differentiate them from other red buckets. I have eaten there many times and never knew that. The money from the sale goes to the firemen's fund so there is also no tax on them. They smell like pickle juice for a few days, and they only sell them as they have them emptied, but it is a savings that also goes to help a good cause. Don't we all need a bucket now and then?
Now let's go out and do more "pond"ering!