My prescription was $3, and I also spent $16 on groceries at Walgreens. And I will admit most were wants, not needs. I could have ignored that siren call, but I didn't.

Today I'm going to be taking it easy. The only job that really has to be done is cleaning the fish tank -- and even that I could put off another day. Maybe I will.

I'm not going to spend anything today, so here is my May recap:

Housing: $774
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $749
Groceries: $197
Utilities: $169
Home Repair/Maintenance: $93
Household Supplies: $92
Phone: $51
Eating Out/Takeout: $34
Entertainment: $33
Medical/Health: $32
Fees/Services: $25
Gifts/Charity: $16
Laundry: $15

Grand Total: $2,247

Variables: 78%

The F/E/D expense was mainly the new computer, but also shower curtain rings, a clock, the quilt set, and a picture frame.

Groceries were highest yet this year.

Home Repair: the cost of the new microwave handle plus shipping, and the service fee for the appliance repair technician.

Household Supplies: printer cartridges, paper goods and hand sanitizer.

Eating Out/Takeout: all Panera

Entertainment: a book, and Netflix

Medical/Health: Premium, and two prescriptions

Fees/Services: license plate renewal

Gifts/Charity: a birthday gift and random donations

Zero categories: clothing, vet/pet supplies, gas, fares/parking, personal, vacation/travel. As well as taxes and insurance, but they are usually zero categories except for a few months.

The appliance repair technician was scheduled to come yesterday sometime between 2 and 6. He didn't come until almost 7. Of course, I was just hanging around home anyway, but it felt like a wasted day, because I didn't really want to get started on anything that might get interrupted.

I paid a service call of $70, and he reassembled and tested the microwave and reset something on the air conditioner that got it working. He did not charge me for labor because it went so quickly. He seemed to be a very nice guy and was very apologetic for being so late. He said they have been overwhelmed by customers needing help to repair appliances affected by flooding.

So woo-hoo! I don't have to buy an air conditioner! And the microwave is working great, and the new handle is so much better than the old one. Metal, not plastic.

It's nice and cool today, so I don't even have to use the AC.

I'll be walking to Walgreens to refill a prescription. I have to do a load of laundry. No cooking -- I'll be eating salad and warming up mac & cheese. It will be an ordinary pandemic day.

The new handle for the microwave arrived yesterday, and I was feeling energetic so I set right to making the repair. I found a good video on YouTube. But I had some major problems.

First of all, the previous owner, it turned out, had superglued the old handle to the screw inside the door. I had to literally tear up the handle to get it loose, and I really didn't think I would ever get the screw out. At some point I decided I would have to buy a new microwave anyway, so I aggressively tore into it and I finally did get the screw free without damaging the door.

The real fail came with reassembly. I got the new handle on the door with no problem, but I could not get the door back on the microwave. I made numerous attempts and finally gave up. I even googled phrases like "how to get Frigidaire microwave door back on" and that's when I found warnings that DIYers shouldn't even mess with microwaves and that the machine would have to be tested for leakage once it was reassembled. Nothing about this was mentioned on the YouTube video!

So I called an appliance repair service, and someone will come out today to put the door back on and test it. I am also going to have him look at the air conditioner to see if there is a simple fix there.

It's always something.

Otherwise the day was pretty uneventful. I took a walk in the morning and exchanged books in the tiny library. I watched a few episodes of "Poldark".

The new quilt set arrived in the evening, and it's great! Here is a pic, with Iggy photobombing in the background (red chair).

The result of my antibody test is negative. That doesn't mean I didn't have a mild case, but it does mean that I did not develop detectable antibodies. I'm a little disappointed, but I was planning to continue being very careful anyway.

It was warm enough yesterday that I decided to turn on my air conditioners. But one of them would not turn on. I checked the cord and the outlet, and they were fine. I looked up troubleshooting, which suggested getting to the internal control panel and checking the fuse. It looks like I can't get to the control panel without removing the case, and I'm not going to do that. I don't have the strength to lift the unit.

It was a cheap machine, and I am going to replace it with a better one. But I'm going to wait until my Discover card enters a new cycle. That is less than two weeks. Meanwhile, I set up a floor fan to push cold air from the living room toward the back of the condo, and it worked okay. I will have to refrain from using the oven for the duration.

Luckily, after today we will have some cool weather before it heats up again.

I was out most of the morning yesterday, first to get my two tests, at two different locations, and then through the Panera drive-through and finally, a 20-minute shop inside Aldi. I spent $14 at Panera for bread, bagels and cream cheese, and I spent $48 at Aldi. I was so focused on social distancing and getting out fast, that I forgot three things on my list. Well, one I can't get at Aldi -- popcorn kernels. The other two were spaghetti and maple syrup. I can probably get through the month without those.

I got my results from the chest x-ray very fast -- no problems. Everything was "unremarkable." So that's good, but I still don't know why I have a persistent cough.

It may be two days before I get results from the antibody test.

Variables are at 64%.

It's quite warm, but I haven't turned the AC on yet. I haven't reached that degree of discomfort yet.

I can't express how great yesterday was. We met in the designated park -- it was almost empty! We found a shady spot under a tree and set up -- six feet apart. We ate our brown-bag lunches and talked for three and a half hours! The boys rambled around as we talked. They had their skateboards and frisbees. The weather was perfect, as long as we stayed in the shade. It was such a good day. I hope we can have more of them.

DIL gave me a Revlon One-Step hair dryer. It was too big for their short haircuts. I can't wait to try it out -- which will be this morning!

It was a no-spend day. I had been planning to go to Panera afterwards, but since we stayed so long, I just went home afterwards. I didn't want to have to use a public restroom!

Today I get my tests done, and will probably make my Panera run afterwards.

My friend P, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, has just learned that his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson have all tested positive for COVID-19. So far, it appears they have light cases. But this is scary stuff. He has not been as vigilant as I would like, and I am afraid for him. For instance -- he just hosted a visit from his two sisters, even though their state is still under a no-travel order. Now I wonder if they are all at risk.

I took up Rob's suggestion and looked online to see if I could order a new handle for my microwave. I did find it without much trouble. With shipping, it is costing me $23. I hope I can figure out how to install it.

I just put in a load of laundry. I am several hours away from our SD-BYOE (socially-distanced bring-your-own-everything) picnic in the park. I am going to pack a peanut butter sandwich, an apple and some cookies -- water, too, of course. Nice and simple.

I didn't sleep well last night, and it was probably from excitement!

I walked to Walgreens yesterday and bought coffee creamer ($4) and hand sanitizer ($5). My variables are now at 58%, and it is almost the end of the month.

It is almost warm enough to turn on the air conditioners, but I am going to open the windows instead.

The new quilt set is due to arrive on Thursday. Thanks to everyone who complimented it! I'm very pumped!

I ended yesterday's entry by saying I had no Memorial Day plans. Well, now I do. DS & DIL are planning a socially-distanced bring-your-own-everything picnic for the immediate family at a local park. They chose a park that is NOT by the lake (because that's where most people will go) and that has plenty of green space, but not many picnic tables. We will find an open area and set up chairs. I'm so excited! The only fly in the ointment is that it will be hot. Summer clothes and sunhats will be in order.

I also mentioned yesterday that I was interested in replacing throw pillows. I started looking around online and somehow morphed into bedspreads, and I ended up buying one! It is actually a quilt set (Laura Ashley) with shams, and the cost was $83. Even at that price it was 25% off.

I have been looking for a new bedspread off and on for some time. At present I have a comforter, which is so old I can't even place when I bought it, and it is springing holes on a regular basis. I've had trouble finding one I like, though. I like vintage prints, and the spreads I have seen in stores are either too gaudy or too plain. This one is just right!



This morning I used the microwave (to warm up Iggy's food -- isn't he spoiled?) and when I pulled on the handle a piece chipped off. I can still use it, but I will have to be very careful now pulling on the handle, because it's loose on the bottom. It's one of those over-the-stove built-in microwaves, and I don't want to have to replace it. Especially not for a broken handle, but I can't see how to fix it. The piece that chipped off doesn't even fit, so I think other bits must have been lost without my noticing. Or perhaps before my time.

My virtual doctor visit went well. It was a video call, so we could see each other as we talked. My doctor advised that I get a COVID antibody test and a chest x-ray. The test is scheduled for Tuesday morning, and, since the x-ray is a walk-in, I'll do that the same day. It is not the same location, but I like to bundle my outings, so to speak. I will probably make a Panera run the same day as well.

I got ten hours of sleep last night! I guess my body finally demanded it. I feel so much better. Wish I could just sleep on a regular basis.

My Amazon order arrived. I have put my son's picture back on the wall. The frame is much flatter than the others -- that's what happens when you can't really see what you're buying -- but that's okay; it doesn't look terrible. Also, the clock came in black rather than red. That was a disappointment, but I didn't want to mess with a return and exchange, so I hung it up, and actually, I think the black probably looks better than the red would have.

Next, I want to replace my throw pillows. There is no hurry, since no one sees my living room but me, but the current batch is old and tired. I should wait, though, until I can see the pillows in person. I'm learning just how deceiving those online pictures are.

I hear that libraries are allowed to open in June, but it will be up to the individual library. I hope ours does. I will have to be careful, though. I suspect it will be inundated. Our community is a big supporter of its libraries. But the very thought of being able to pick out books I WANT to read! Intoxicating!

I have no Memorial Day plans. Until I get the antibody test (and get the result I'm hoping for) I will continue to shelter in place. I'll bet the parks will be packed with people bending the rules!

Yesterday I walked to the post office to mail a book to BFF. The postage was $3. Along the way I gave a dollar to a man who asked for help.

When I got home, I made an appointment with my doctor (for today) to discuss the cough that has been hanging on too long. Well, my doctor's nurse heard "cough" and did not want me to come in. We will do a telephone visit. His nurse recommended a COVID test. I tried to explain that I probably already had COVID in March, based on the symptoms, but was unable to get tested at that time due to the test kit shortage.

I have a feeling that my doctor is going to insist on a test now. I would be more interested in an antibody test. We'll see what he says.

I had a very bad night and feel pretty awful today, so I guess it's good I'm talking to the doctor.

Yesterday I ordered a new frame for DS's graduation picture, a supply of Command strips, and a kitchen clock. All from Amazon; total was $47. I am trying to keep up on household things, even though no one will be coming around. My kitchen clock has been nonfunctional for some time, and I keep glancing at that blank space on the wall to see the time. I can always look at the stove instead, where the time is displayed, but I like a wall clock. I ordered one with a red case; it should look really cute in my kitchen. These purchases bring variables to 44%, with ten days to go.

My printer is being temperamental. It's only four years old, but probably replacement is inevitable, and I hate to do it now -- especially since I just replaced the expensive ink cartridges. It is not grabbing the paper very well. I tried cleaning it internally according to directions I found online, but it is still unreliable. Sigh. I hate electronics. They never last.

Today I'm going to walk to the post office to mail a book to BFF. That will be my big outing!

Pay day is here, and I had a few challenges with the new computer. Even though I keep a list of ids/passwords, apparently the one I had for Chase was out of date. I tried the "forgot password" route on their website, but that took me to a page that wasn't working. I had to call to get online, and it took two different people to get it done, because I was cut off the first time. Very frustrating.

But now everything is paid, and I still have a nice balance in checking. I'll keep it there, because it will go toward the cost of the computer next month, when that bill comes due.

After seemingly endless rain, we have a nice day here. I took a walk to the tiny library and returned two books. I picked up one more that looks only passable, and I noticed that most of the books there I've already read or passed over. So it looks like that free book source is drying up.

I still haven't quite finished "Anne with an E," but I've also picked up "Poldark." I watched it on PBS, but during Season 4 my watching got spotty, and soon I gave up because PBS doesn't keep its episodes up very long, and I lost the thread of the story. So I'm beginning with the start of Season 4 on Amazon Prime, and I'll be able to watch till the end of Season 5, the end of the series.

Food is holding up well -- I am eating mostly from the freezer now. I'll get back to cooking when that supply dwindles.

Our state is opening up slowly, but my county is the hardest-hit and it will be the slowest to open. I'll continue to be very judicious about how much I go out even then. I don't mind a simple life. I do mind not being able to see my family, but I know, in time, that will happen again when we are all safe.

I'm typing this now on my new computer, which I got set up, basically, without TOO much trouble. I can get to the internet and I can get to my spreadsheets, which are on a thumb. I'll worry about the rest later.

The mouse that came with it didn't work at all, so I just hooked up the old one and it's fine. I don't like to use a laptop without a mouse.

I don't think my devices (i.e. this PC and my phone) are properly synced. I downloaded the required app on my phone, but it wants me to select "Send notification" on the YourPhone app on my PC. I can find the app, but no such link. I guess I can live without it for now.

I uploaded some old pictures and documents to Google Drive, but really there wasn't too much I wanted to save. Most of my important documents are on the thumb.

It was easier than I thought it would be, but I'm not sure I'm completely out of the woods yet!

Other than that, not much happened today. I decided against going to Sam's tomorrow, since I realized I had more detergent than I thought. So instead I walked to Walgreens for a few groceries -- they were $14. I did a load of laundry. My variables are now at 38%. Of course, that does not count the computer, which will come out of savings.

It has rained steadily all day long. It's very dreary. But it was good weather for binge-watching! I finished all three seasons of The Handmaid's Tale, which is great because today is the last day of the free streaming. I thought it might be completely wrapped up at the end, but it looks like they left it open for another season.

In my hallway, I have a bunch of photos of my family attached to the wall by Command strips. Most of them stay up fine, but for some reason, DS2's high school graduation picture keeps jumping off the wall, and yesterday the frame broke as it fell once again. I guess I will order a new frame, since that's not an easy thing to shop for right now. One that's more lightweight! I also need to replace my kitchen clock. But I'll wait for the new computer before I do any ordering.

My spring cleaning is done -- now it's just maintenance -- and today being Sunday I didn't do any cleaning at all except for the daily things. It's a good feeling. While I have to be home all the time, it might as well be clean and tidy.

I am not hearing as much from friends as I did at the beginning of the lockdown, but I did hear from one yesterday who sent me pictures of her new beehives. She and her husband are trying out beekeeping, which I guess is as good a diversion as any during the pandemic. I wish I could do something outdoorsy like that, but I have no yard; I'm really a total insider now.

Cook County, where I live, just surpassed Queens County in New York as having the most reported cases of COVID-19. That's a dubious honor, and it's going to keep me inside more than ever.

My mental health is somewhat affected. I have to fight the blues more now than I ever did. I have to talk myself out of it, and remind myself to stay strong; that it might be a long haul. I think, when I get the new computer, I'm going to get back to writing again. Even though it probably won't be much good, I have found in the past that writing makes the time fly like nothing else, and it would be a good thing to do when the hours are dragging.

Well, my old computer is now behaving itself, after being powered off for a few days. The new one is in the midst of being shipped, and is supposed to arrive on Monday. I am probably going to keep the new one, unless I just hate it. This computer has been glitchy in the past and this most recent episode was plain weird and very distressing. I don't trust it. BUT, if it had only righted itself before I ordered a new one, I would probably would have soldiered on with it and saved the money.

I've spent $3 on laundry the last few days, and my variables are at 36%. Finances are doing fine, even with the $600 expenditure for a new laptop.

I've continued to work on my spring cleaning, and I'm still in the kitchen! I cleaned the oven today, but I didn't have oven cleaner. I used a baking soda paste (overnight) which worked well in the past, but this time it really only did a mediocre job. When I get out again, or when DIL offers to grocery shop, I'll get the cleaner and try again. I am planning on a concierge visit (for seniors only) at Sam's on Tuesday, and maybe I'll get it then -- but I'm afraid if I buy oven cleaner there, I'll get WAY too much. A concierge visit, by the way, is staying in your car while an associate takes your order and gets your stuff. I haven't done it, but I think it's time. I need laundry detergent.

Now I only have the inside of the fridge and the floor to do, and the kitchen's done. And it's time to start the next cycle around the house, which should be SO much easier, since I've done a lot of things that won't have to be done again for a while.

Paperwork, too, is trickling down to the very end. The closer I get to the end the less I want to do it. Gotta push myself.

Still watching Handmaid's Tale -- I'm so absorbed by it, but it is also so sad and scary. I read the books, so I knew what was coming, but somehow the dramatization is more upsetting.

Really tired today. I cut back on the housework, just cleaning the kitchen counter, stovetop and the mixer.

I discovered that Xfinity is running a free Handmaid's Tale watchathon, so I've been binging on that. I learned that a friend has been diagnosed with probable Parkinson's, and I'm feeling sad about that.

I can hardly wait to get my computer, because doing this on the phone is murder!

I am entertaining myself with Spring cleaning these days. I am on the kitchen now, and it's slow going. But I am seeing the difference and it feels good.

I missed the Blue Angels yesterday. I lost track of time and then I heard them. By the time I got outside it was too late. Oh well. It was an impressive noise, anyway.

Well, I knew it was coming. My computer pooped out. I ordered an ASUS, a 2020 model rated best for under $600. It was just over $600 with tax. It will come on the 15th. I don't know how I will transfer stuff, just going on faith that I can. I do have my spreadsheets on a thumb, so I'm not worried about losing them.

Not how I wanted to spend my money!

Got my last free bagel today. Now I need to stay home for a while. I have lots of food, plenty of books, Netflix and Amazon Prime, and it's cold outside, so I have no excuses.

I'm doing two loads of laundry today. Because of that, I will put off cleaning the kitchen till tomorrow. But tonight I will try to remember to spread a baking soda paste in the oven, so I can clean it tomorrow. After I get done cleaning the kitchen, it will be time to make granola again.

I figured out a new way to wear my mask. DIL made it for me, and it has long stretchy ties at top and bottom. I've been tying those at the back of my head, but I've been having trouble with the mask staying in place. Today I connected the ties on each side to each other to make a circle, so that I can loop them over my ears. So much easier to put on, and the mask stays in place! I do have long ties hanging down on each side, but I'm going to think of those as my dreadlocks!

A friend sent me a good article about how to remain safe if your state opens up to business. This is the link: https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

Really good information on just how the virus spreads and what the most risky environments are.

I went to Panera this morning at my usual time, then realized because it was Sunday they wouldn't open for another hour! I didn't want to go all the way home, nor hang out in the parking lot, so I went to a nearby Walmart, planning to just run in and pick up some coffee creamer. Well, once I got in there, it began to make sense that I pick up this, and that, and this, and that, and in the end I had three tote bags full. I spent $55 on groceries and $18 on household supplies, as well as $11 on a gift.

I hope I did it as safely as possible. I was wearing my mask, as was everyone else. It wasn't crowded, but it wasn't empty, either, and some people came within six feet of me. As I say, I hope I got off scot-free.

Afterwards, I went back to Panera and spent $2 on a bagel and coffee.

Around noon my local son dropped off a package outside my door -- a candle, banana bread and a Mother's Day card. He called to alert me to its presence, and we all talked. My other son called twice in the past two days, and his kids sent me a hilarious Grandmother's Day card. I am feeling loved and appreciated. And I am having a delightful, lazy day! I haven't made the bed nor have I taken a shower! And I don't intend to!

Hope all mothers out there are having a similar happy day.

I am enjoying these bagel outings. Only two more. I spent $3 today. Variables are at 25%.

I found .20 by the garbage dumpster yesterday! It was one nickel and the rest pennies. Don't know why the change was dumped there, but I picked it up and soaked it in hot soapy water, then washed my hands carefully.

I cleaned the bathroom yesterday and today I will clean the bedroom. Tomorrow I will not clean -- it's Mother's day! But on Monday and Tuesday I will clean the kitchen. I think I will make it a two-day job, even though my kitchen is small. The kitchen is a lot more complicated than other rooms.

My Earth shoes (sandals) arrived, and they fit great with my orthotics inserted! Just what I was hoping. I got them so deeply discounted, they were not returnable, and I figured I would pass them on to someone else if they didn't work. But I'm so glad they did! I am very hopeful now that I'll be able to wear them somewhere this summer, besides just at home!

This morning I just got a coffee along with my free bagel so only $3 spent. I notice that Discover is reporting a different (lower) pending payment from Panera than is shown on the receipt, all the days I have gone there. Not sure what's going on there, but I hope the lower cost is the correct one.

My payment to Nicor, the company that supplies our gas, hit my account yesterday. It was only $16, and it was $29 last month. That, too, is weird.

I know I keep reporting that I am almost done with the paper sorting/filing/shredding -- but, honestly, I can't think of a single place I could find any more paper. I have three tiny piles right now. One to sort, one to file, and one to shred.

I cleaned my living room yesterday, and today's project is the bathroom. I know, that sags my spirits, too.

It has turned ridiculously cold, and a freeze is predicted. I will be happily staying at home today.

Yes, getting my daily bagel is definitely a mental health thing. It does me a lot of good to get out, take a spin in my car, actually talk to a real live person (behind a mask) and get a delicious breakfast as well. I spent $6.63 today because I bought a tub of cream cheese and a coffee. I also made a brief stop at the tiny library and exchanged a book.

I put up my new shower hooks and I love them! Why didn't I do this a long time ago? It's going to be so easy to take my shower curtain and liner down for washing, and the hooks glide like magic.

Decided on a new plan for housework -- I'm switching to a room at a time rather than a job at a time. I did the dining room yesterday and today I'll do the living room. For some reason, it's much more pleasant for me. Maybe just because it's different. Or maybe because the whole room seems to glow when you do it all at once.

I'm thinking about getting a new smaller, lighter aquarium. I only have three fish left, all Cory catfish. I'm going to let them live out their life spans, but I'd like to get rid of the big, clunky aquarium -- first of all because it's old and cruddy and the black algae is growing again, and second of all, because it's going to be hard to move if I have to clear the living room quickly in order to get the ceiling replaced. And I think life would be easier if the fish were relocated into a system that was easier to clean and away from the living room. The dining room would be a good place for them, but the tank would have to be a lot smaller. I looked around a bit online but haven't seen a good option yet.

So that's my pandemic life for today!

Yesterday I went out to get my free bagel at Panera, but I was too late. They were all gone. While I was there, I bought a package of sliced cheese. Via the drive-through, of course. I didn't realize it would be 2 pounds! But I bought it anyway. It was $13. When I got home, I put half in the freezer. With meat shortages coming up, it will be good to have cheese on hand.

On the way home I stopped at Barnes & Noble and bought the book I was interested in, "Miss Austen." It was $24. The store was closed, of course, but there was staff inside to take orders by phone and run the books outside.

My order from Amazon arrived yesterday -- printer cartridges and shower hooks. I installed the cartridges, and today I'll get the shower hooks up. And I got an email saying that my shoes have been shipped.

Well, I'd better get going if I want to get a bagel today!

I got an email from Panera yesterday telling me I can get a free bagel daily until the 11th. Since I was going out anyway to pick up a prescription, I went to a Panera with a drive-through, which was a bit of a drive. I spent $1.36 on cream cheese. I actually intended that they sell me a larger container of cream cheese, so I could have some on hand for other things, but I didn't notice it was the small individual size until I got home.

I think I will continue to do this -- it's something to do, after all! -- but I will buy something else, too. I don't think it's right to just get the free item in times like this.

Other spending yesterday -- I did laundry for $1.50, paid DIL $20 for the groceries she got me, and spent $3 on a prescription (again, a drive-through). Variables are at 19%.

It has turned cold again, so I probably won't walk today. It doesn't sound appealing.

I'm cooking off my mushrooms this morning, and I'll make an omelet later on -- I didn't have one yesterday -- I was just not hungry at dinnertime. Some of the mushrooms will go into fettuccine Alfredo tomorrow, and then I'll freeze the balance.

The freezer is nicely packed. Soon I will need to stop cooking and start thawing.

It was a beautiful Spring day yesterday, and I took pictures while on my walk. This is one of my favorites. When I was a kid, we had a magnolia tree like this in our front yard. Our fussy neighbor hated it, because it was so messy when it dropped its petals. But it was so beautiful.

It was a no-spend day. Today I'll do laundry. Monday is my day to wash towels and linens. My load will be mostly filled today by a quilt that Iggy sleeps on -- hoping to get my towels in as well. I have to change my sheets, as it's been two weeks, but I'll hold the used sheets for next weeks' wash. I know it all sounds silly, but it's easy for laundry costs to get out of hand when you have to use coin-op machines. My rules make it work. My other rule --
wash only when I have a hamper filled. I have three hampers: lights, darks and colors. They are rather narrow hampers, but their volume is the exact size to fill the little washers I use, so it's easy to know when to wash.

I appreciate the comments I got from you guys on my peppers and onions! I have never refrigerated onions before, but I'll give it a try! Yesterday I chopped up half a pepper and half an onion and made a new macaroni salad. Also added some leftover chopped-up green beans, and for the "sauce" I used the last of my ranch dressing, some Dijon, and mayo. It turned out really good! I froze what was left of the unused but cooked macaroni -- I'll put it in Pasta e Fagioli later, when I get the other ingredients.

I like the idea of freezing peppers by the half -- I have always chopped them up small, but I see that isn't necessary. Later, when I thaw the beef & tomato mac, I'll add some pepper chunks to it. My DIL taught me to do that, rather than bother with stuffing the peppers. Much easier and just as tasty.

Onions, of course, are easier to use up; they go in everything. I think I'll make an omelet today. Because I have to start using up the mushrooms, too!

I realized yesterday that the tuna I asked for did not arrive. I don't know if DIL didn't order it, or if it was out of stock due to high demand. That's okay, I have plenty of food. It's just one of those things I like to have on hand.

When going through papers yesterday, I found a Citi credit card that had never been activated. Goodness. I don't remember ever getting it. I wonder if I was planning to earn a bonus and then forgot. It's going to expire this August so there's no point in activating it. Guess I'll cut it up.

Wish I could find money instead, but evidently I do a good job of keeping track of that!

I'm in the lull between SS payments. I'm caught up on everything I need. I saved $700 last month. Financially, things are going well.

I'm tackling my last bag of papers today. Progress has been slow, because I have been having to make decisions as I cull. But a glance at these papers indicate that I can throw most of them away, and I won't have to shred them either. Of course there is still that file drawer in my closet to investigate ... but it's not very large, and again, I think most of the papers will be toss-able.

GS2 delivered my groceries outside my door yesterday. Included were cans of cat food that their cat won't eat. Guess what? Iggy doesn't like it either. I will have to figure out who can use them. They haven't let me know yet what the cost of the groceries was.

I did a load of laundry, but did not go out otherwise, even though it was a nice day. I was very tired from poor sleep, and I feel much better today after sleeping in till 7! Woo-hoo!

I started a new book yesterday but gave up on it after about 30 pages. Clearly a book written for men who like a lot of action, with a lot of acronyms and detailed descriptions of weapons and what they do. Thanks, anyway. Now I am starting a thriller which is a little too thrilling for my tastes but at least it has characters I can relate to.

I ran into a review of a new novel based on Jane Austen's sister Cassandra, and I may order that. I hardly ever buy books, but I'm saving enough money in other ways that I can afford to buy one once in a while.

I made peanut soup yesterday, moving into my vegetarian phase in light of the meat shortage. I'll have another serving today and then will freeze the rest.

One of the things I asked for in my grocery order was a green pepper. I got a bag of three, so I'll need to figure out how to use them. I also got a bag of onions rather than just one. May just do some chopping and freezing. Using all my food wisely is more important than ever!

Yesterday DIL's event-planning company livestreamed a virtual celebration of a local club's 100th anniversary. It was a big success; I'm so happy it went well, and I'm hoping it will spur more business that way.

After my morning flurry of shopping and spending yesterday, I settled into another day at home. I finished a book, which I will take back to the little library today. I have eight more to go! I didn't realize I had stockpiled quite that much! I do donate a lot of books to the little libraries, so I don't feel too bad about it.

This morning I made apple danishes for breakfast, using crescent roll dough. They were delicious! Basically, I just made a paste of cream cheese, brown sugar and butter, spread it on the dough, sprinkled chopped apple on top, and sealed them up. After baking I added some leftover cookie icing on top. I love using stuff up that way. There is enough for breakfast tomorrow.

I boiled a whole package of macaroni yesterday. I mixed a lot of it into the leftover spaghetti sauce, and that went into the freezer (after I ate one serving). But there is still a lot of macaroni to deal with. Some will go into soup. The rest I may freeze in small batches to add to recipes. I don't want to make mac & cheese or macaroni salad again because I'm really tired of both of them.

Today will be a laundry day, and other than that, the day is pretty much open. It's a nice day, so I'll take a walk, but not until my groceries are delivered.

It's May Day, the beginning of another month of staying at home. I am completely in favor of our governor's order, and I am a bit concerned about all the areas that are opening up without any appreciable improvement in COVID-19 numbers. I hope these actions do not backfire into more cases, more deaths, more swamping of hospitals. For my part, I will stay at home.

I had a busy morning. I ordered my new license plates (or stickers, not sure which I'm getting). I was very pleased to be able to use my senior discount online -- that has never happened before -- I've always had to go the DVM in person or to the senior center. And it was only $1 extra to use a credit card, so the total cost was only $25.

Then I ordered shower curtain rings and printer cartridges from Amazon -- $83 all together.

My DIL asked for a grocery list from me, as she had nabbed a time slot from Amazon Foods. I gave her a modest list of seven items -- tuna, cheese, eggs, butter, onions, peppers, and chicken bouillon -- which were all in stock and will arrive tomorrow, cost as yet unknown. Then I decided to augment the list with a trip to Walgreens. There I got six more items, all treats -- two bags of Pepperidge Farm cookies, ice cream, pizza, peanuts, and, oh yes, one grocery item, a jar of Alfredo sauce, because I have fettuccine on hand. Yes, stress eating has set in, and I'm not apologizing.

My variables for last month were 63%. So far, one day in, variables for this month are 13%.

I took a late afternoon walk yesterday and met up with my grandsons in the park -- at a distance of course -- and I picked up another book from the little library. I am seeing the boys almost every day now, but just for a few minutes and not too close. But it's better than nothing! It's wonderful just to see their beautiful faces.