It's time for cold weather. If you have to stay in the house, you will have a chance to get some of those pesky "put off" chores done. You know, like sewing buttons on or patching jeans and such. Then, of course, there is always an occasional drawer or closet to rearrange or clean out.

While you are doing all of these things, I can save you time and energy on cooking supper. It's called a crock pot. You just put the ingredients for your whole meal into the crock pot in the morning, plug it in, turn it on low and make sure the lid is on tight. Don't lift the lid all day as the steam will escape and defeat your purpose of "slow cooking." Slow cooking cookbooks can be found at yard sales, from book clubs, online, or anywhere that books are sold.

Even if you can't cook or don't like to cook, this is your way to go. The food cooks itself and nary a pot or pan to wash. You save on water and dish liquid--and your time and energy. What more can you want?

If you don't have a slow cooker, ask for one for a birthday, anniversary, or even a Christmas present. This is one gift that will benefit you, even if it is a practical purchase.

So, try using a slow cooker. I'm sure that you will be completely satisfied. I know that I am.

My thought for the month is: No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. --Aesop.