A few weeks ago, Michelle found this partially hidden mulch wholesaler just outside of town. She called for prices, they sounded reasonable, and since it was the closest place, we decided to pick up a yard of mulch for the yard. When we arrived to pick up our first truckload, one of the young owners came out wearing a University of Arizona t-shirt. Of course this sparked a lengthy conversation between Michelle and her about their alma mater. While I covered our load, she and Michelle chatted about Tucson and the University. It was all quite pleasant.

So today, one of my parents' neighbors offered us their old play-gym. It was a small plastic slide, fort, and climbing contraption, sized just a few months bigger than E. We had some empty room in the back corner of our yard and E was really starting to enjoy the big slides up at the park, so we gladly accepted their offer. Only one thing: the area where we planned to put it needed a good covering of mulch to soften the hard earth.

Since we had a good experience picking up mulch before down the street, Michelle called ahead, made sure the front-loader was warmed up, and we went over to pick up another truckload of mulch. The woman was again happy to see us. She quickly dumped a load of mulch into our truck, and again, as I was arranging the back of the truck, Michelle and she went off to discuss the bill.

Just as I was finishing, Michelle came back with a huge grin. "It's free," she smiled. "University of Arizona Alumni Association benefit," she laughed. The was only one caveat. Michelle agreed that we would buy the rest of our mulch this season from them. Since we needed at least three more loads by June, that would be no problem. Nothing like a free sample to get you hooked.

We got home, spread out the free load of mulch and then assembled and set up the free play-gym. But out free day wasn't over yet.

Michelle awoke me from a quick nap to suggest we run over to the hardware store. She needed some paint for another of her projects. Besides, she also wanted to stroll through the garden center. Fresh from my moment of rest, I easily agreed.

At the hardware store, we loaded up on paint and even threw in a random plant, just for good measure. Through the checkout and out to the car, it was all quite painless really. It was in the car where Michelle looked over the receipt, double checked the bag, and suddenly realized, "She didn't charge us for all the paint!" Indeed. We got ourselves a free can of paint at the hardware store.

I know. I know. That last can of paint wasn't exactly meant to be free. But who's keeping track of minor technicalities, anyway? Free's free.