Gettingthere: We do a few meatless meals each week too, usually eggs, homemade pizza, quesadilla's, entree salad ( sometimes we include chicken or fish on the salad, but sometimes not). Good work with the repairs instead of hiring/replacing.
You are lucky to live near a Reny's, I think. I'll admit that I cannot resist shopping when I'm in Portland, but since Reny's opened, I can scratch that shopping itch affordably and pick up some practical things we really need for reasonable money. So Reny's actually turns out to be a frugal for me. I used to always pick up mustard at Stonewall Kitchen in Portland, but last year I discovered Raye's at Reny's, which is just as delicious for less than half the price. They seem to carry a fair number of locally-made products, and I like that. I've also read that they're a good employer with lots of loyal, long-term employees, so that's the kind of company we want to keep in business!