February turned out to be more expensive that January. January FELT high-spending, because I bought things -- like the mattress, and cookware etc. February was spendy because I paid the property taxes and made a contribution to my grandsons' college fund.

Taxes - $1209
Housing - $677
Gifts/Charity - $610
Utilities - $162
Fares/Parking - $97
Eating Out - $68
Fees/Services - $66
Groceries - $62
Phone - $51
Gas - $50
Personal - $48
Entertainment - $32
Vacation/Travel - $30
Clothing - $19
Laundry - $18
Household Supplies - $9
Car Repair/Maintenance - $6

Grand Total - $3214

Included in the "fees/services" was the $40 withdrawal for my tollway pass. That happens maybe once a year -- whenever I've used up my balance. I don't travel the tollways very much, but I can't avoid them entirely.

My Saturday morning was spent at the Field Museum of Natural History. I met a group there from my board and professional association. We had a fun time and were given passes to see two special exhibits free -- one on Voodoo, and one on the Vikings. But it was still costly, for parking was $22 and lunch was $10. I could have taken the El and saved a lot of money, but I don't know the routes well enough. Apparently there was a stop a few blocks away I could have used.

When I came home I spent $32 at the grocery store. My ten items: granola bars, tuna, K-cups, spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese, sherbet, frozen yogurt, wine, baby spinach, and russet potatoes.

I also spent $4.50 on laundry.

My weekend cooking included making granola, brownies (for a baby shower at work today), and creamy poppy seed dressing, all from scratch. I didn't make ahead any meals, but I have ham and cheese on hand, and chili in the freezer. Plus, plenty of potatoes, for a quick potato scramble.

I drove this morning because I had to bring the brownies, as well as the K-cups, and get a prescription filled on my way home. I almost stopped at McDonald's for breakfast, but instead I stopped at a grocery store and spent the $5 instead on a double pack of English muffins. I'll keep them in the work freezer. That's essentially 12 breakfasts for the price of one!

My last update -- on Friday afternoon my friend at the museum left a message on my work phone. She will call me again today, but she said she got my email about my retirement plans, and she wanted to let me know she is flexible, and that part-time may be an option! This puts a different light on the whole thing. I'll see what I find out today!