My vacation cost for this month, which includes last week and quite a bit of the expense of the previous trip, is $564. That does not come out of variables. Because so much of my spending this month was wrapped up in vacation, my variables ended up at only 68%. Of course, that is if I do not spend any more money before pay day on Wednesday. I will probably buy gas, but I can hold out on other things.

Here is how vacation costs broke down:

Food: $151
Car Rental: $313
Airport Parking: $72
Gas: $28

The car rental was for both trips, and covered one whole week and two airport trips. My mess up was not filling the tank on one trip before dropping off the car. It was pouring down rain, and I was rushed, and I thought, how bad can it be? $9 something a gallon, that's how bad. Never again.

The food was mostly stuff I bought on the road and a couple of dinners for the family.

I also spent $53 on the kids, which I did not count as vacation cost.

My son paid for the airline ticket, which I tried to pay back in food and treats.

It was a hard week. Not only were the circumstances hard, with a mom on crutches and two children under five, but my arthritis in my hips and knees kicked up big time and made things pretty miserable for me. Sleep was hard to come by. I loved having the time to get to know my grandchildren better, but I'm glad to be home.

This morning I got my testing done for the nephrologist appointment, which is coming up on Wednesday. I have a baseball game tonight. In between I'll do my unpacking and the usual rituals and getting things back in order.

I'm also glad to be back in cooler weather! What a relief! I could never live in such a hot climate!