I keep running across the idea of having a little secret cash tucked away in the house, in the sugar bowl or whatever. The experts say to have it for emergency preparedness, in case of a hurricane or the bird flu. It was mentioned in the book "How to hide money from your husband," as something wives have done for generations, partly to protect themselves if husbands leave or die. Generally, it seems to be a way of protecting against some dire emergency. A good thing to have, but not a very happy thing, and about as exciting to save for as a root canal. So I haven't done anything about it.
Well, I finally remembered that my dad kept a little something hidden away, and it was a much more cheerful affair. It was his Hidey Hole. I asked my mother about it recently, and even she never knew where the hiding place was! I'm sure my parents relied on it for little emergencies, unbeknownst to me. But it was also used for treats and unexpected opportunities. If the ice cream truck was coming, Dad might go into the bedroom, shut the door, and retrieve ice cream money from the Hidey Hole. If I had the chance to go somewhere that I couldn't afford on my allowance, I might be handed some money from the Hidey Hole. I have the feeling it was Hidey Hole money he took to rummage sales in case there was a deal too good to pass up. For years, he got a kick out of using an electric frying pan he'd bought for a quarter. 
In other words, it was a fund for the unexpected, whether good or bad.
I think there's enough extra cash coming in right now that I can start my own Hidey Hole. Just calling it that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. And deciding it can also be used for fun things has made it a much more attractive idea, too. Current balance $40; where it is--not telling!
Dad's Hidey Hole
March 22nd, 2006 at 06:07 pm
March 22nd, 2006 at 06:48 pm 1143053289
March 22nd, 2006 at 07:51 pm 1143057082
March 22nd, 2006 at 08:24 pm 1143059091
He kept his other stash of cash in his work clothes closet, which had a work clothes smell to it. Boots, big heavy jackets, the works. To this day, when I smell that damp canvas of work coats, I think of dad & his generous hand with the money he stashed in that closet!
March 23rd, 2006 at 07:31 am 1143099089
March 23rd, 2006 at 04:30 pm 1143131429
Grandma showed me where the place was, just in case. I don't remember the secret stash coming up after Grandpa died and we moved Grandma to a retiremement community closer to where we live. I can only hope she remembered to take the money with her!!
March 26th, 2006 at 12:59 pm 1143377952
April 19th, 2006 at 06:43 pm 1145472233