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A trip and a birthday party

November 15th, 2007 at 05:33 pm

I just got back from a vacation which didn't cost me much -- $283. I went back to Indiana for my grandson's first birthday, and also visited old friends. I stayed about a week, but due to the kindness of my friends and family I only had one night's hotel stay, and spent little on food ($58). I spent $112 on gas and $54 to board my dog.

Although gas prices are rising, I was able to find good deals on the road, including a big fill-up at Sam's Club. I also got a free flu shot at my old place of employment (a retiree's benefit) and I got a haircut which was $10 cheaper than I can get at home. I stopped at my old favorite Goodwill and spent $52 on 4 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of jeans, 2 sweatshirts and a sweater set -- finds which delighted me! For entertainment along the way I listened to books-on-CD from the library. It was a good trip.

My grandson really pulled in the loot. I brought what I thought was an appropriate gift for a one-year-old -- three baby books, a little stuffed toy, a cup with his name on it, and some pajamas. I think everyone else way outspent me, which was kind of embarrassing, being one of the grandma's -- but honestly, how much does a one-year-old need? Not that my son and daughter-in-law weren't appreciative, but still.... I know that some of the people who gave big gifts were not all that financially stable, either. Oh well, you have to figure that it cost me to make the trip, and most of the others were local.

I am making another trip next week for Thanksgiving. It will be interesting to see how that compares.

5 Responses to “A trip and a birthday party”

  1. moi aussi Says:
    1195148513

    How did it feel to visit where you used to live? Did you drive by your house?

  2. laney Says:
    1195150338

    Bravo for you! I think you were very savy in the way you did your trip. I agree how much does a 1 year old need for his/her birthday.
    I always like to see a place as a tourist even if it's my hometown. It makes the visit more like a vacation.

  3. baselle Says:
    1195186798

    For a child, the gift of financial stability is the best gift of all.

  4. Carolina Bound Says:
    1195215423

    Moi Aussi,

    I did not drive by my house this time, but I did when I made the trip back in August. It made me a little sad, so I skipped it this time. Not that the house had changed much, it just gave me a tug.

  5. mom-from-missouri Says:
    1195620694

    What part of Indiana?? I lived there awhile and want to go back soooo bad. I still have family there. I plan to retire in LaGrange County. (God's country)

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