The brunch is over. It wasn't a raging success, on several levels. First of all, I burned the tarts AND the biscuits! Both were burned on the bottom, even though the allotted baking time hadn't even been reached yet, and they weren't browned on top. And I used parchment paper, too, which also burned! It was very upsetting to me. Some guests suggested that my oven rack was too low. It was about 2/3 of the way down, so I don't think that's low enough to expect burnt food. I have to wonder if something is going wrong with my oven.
Second of all, several guests came clearly hung over, and maybe on the heels of a fight? I felt a lot of tension and uneasiness in the air. One of them slipped out and left without saying anything.
Interestingly enough, it was my ex who was gracious and cordial and got everyone comfortable. And all the kids had a great time. In fact, my grandson thanked me in a very heartfelt way, and talked about how important family is. He is only six!
After everyone left, I was exhausted. I tried to nap, but I was too keyed up, so I just kind of zoned out for the rest of the day.
It was nice to be lulled back into complacency by watching Downton Abbey. So glad that genteel world is back, but sad at the same time that it will end!
On the day before the brunch, I spent another $29 on groceries, and $18 on gas. Then it occurred to me that my ex and my nephew might bring Christmas gifts and I didn't want to be caught short, so I bought two $20 gift cards for a local restaurant. As it turned out, they didn't bring anything, so I will use the cards for birthday gifts or use them myself.
I have lots of leftovers to use up. Last night I made a smoothie from leftover fruit, and I think I may have another one today. I also have a lot a veggies, some of which I will roast and some I will use in soup.
So my goals today are to process the leftovers, and to take down the Christmas tree and decorations.
I feel like the new year is really starting today. I'm really going to try to stretch these groceries out for the entire month. I'm not going to buy any extras. I do have a trip to make to Michigan, but aside from that, I should be able to do a no-spend month.
Unfortunately, I have already spent 24% of my variables budget, so this restraint is necessary.
Today's menu:
Breakfast: Egg casserole
Lunch: Veggie pizza, smoothie
Dinner: Roast veggies or soup
The Brunch
January 4th, 2016 at 01:53 pm
January 4th, 2016 at 02:21 pm 1451917288
I don't know why, but it works!
Take care
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