Hello!
Between needing to do the weeding, cleaning the chicken coup and bunny hutch, walking the dogs, swatting mosquitos and all the other fun stuff that goes along with summer, I am making this a short tip.
While continuously playing ball with my dogs, I am noticing my elbow is becoming quite sore. I know there are items on the market that allow you to “chuck” the ball further and possibly not even need to touch it. Checking out this nifty item, I found it to cost over $7.00 and my “thrifty” blood asked, “Isn’t there something I already have that will do just as well for helping me throw the ball without throwing out my arm?”
Yes, there is, a tennis or racquet ball racket (even a badminton racquet works, you just can’t hot it as hard). I just toss the ball up and off the dogs run, and run and run! Now yes, I do have to touch the ball, but I’m standing in a field getting swarmed by mosquitos so for me, it really doesn’t matter (comparatively speaking). I do have to give one additional hint, after the ball becomes a bit “wet” (or slimed if I am really being honest here!), toss the ball to one side of your body as you hit it or you may get a bit of a shower!
Don’t have a racquet? I have seen many at rummage sales for only a few dollars, still a savings over the “chuck” toy. I know many of you may say for only $7 it is not worth it, but I am all about reusing what we have or what is out there to be given away or tossed out from someone else before we go and add to the consumerism of the marketplace. (Heck, ask around, someone probably has one they are not using and will give it to you just to get rid of it!) That is why I am working on the book, Being the Thrifty Naturalist, 365 Ways to Save Money and the Environment. So, watch for more tips and hints and stay thrifty! It benefits both you and the environment!
© Marie Boyum, July 2, 2009