My son and his girlfriend have come and gone. We had a wonderful time, but it cost me -- $94 for groceries, $113 for eating out, $60 for his birthday gift. Ouch. But these are the times I live for -- this is why I scrimp, so I can have great times like this! We did some sightseeing, ate at a gorgeous lakeside restaurant, and played lots of games.
This morning I totaled up my January spending. I spent $5855, but $4802 was for my annual medical premium. Otherwise I spent $225 on the dentist, $176 on gifts, $170 on groceries, $130 on travel, $113 on eating out, $61 on clothing, $45 on my phone bill, $33 on miscellaneous, $27 on entertainment, $24 on personal care, $12 on fees & services, $11 on pet care, $11 on gas, and $3 on household supplies. Not too bad, for a month which turned out to be pretty active.
Today I have been busy in the kitchen. I had some bananas going soft, so I decided to make a banana cake. As I got into it, I realized I didn't have buttermilk (or milk), but I substituted sour cream, and it seemed to work. But I had trouble with the frosting. I wanted to make a caramel frosting, and I found a recipe on the web that didn't call for milk. But it turned out awful. So bad I scraped it off the cake. Then I made a cream cheese frosting, which was better.
I also made a cheese ball. I guess you would have to say I actually remade a cheese ball. I had half a cheese ball left in the fridge. I let it get soft and then blended in some shredded cheddar and rolled it in chopped nuts. We'll eat it tomorrow when my sister & her husband come over for cards. And I won't confess. My sister does not approve of the frugal life. 
The aftermath
February 1st, 2008 at 10:30 pm
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 am 1201913517
February 2nd, 2008 at 04:13 am 1201925618
February 2nd, 2008 at 05:42 am 1201930958
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:38 am 1201999131
Also, since I came home, I have driven very little. As a retiree, I don't really have to go anywhere!