This weekend, at my brother's up in Michigan, I was very pumped when I found a nickel -- then a quarter! Thought I was doing really well, as I can go for weeks picking up random pennies and not raising the pot very much. But this morning I found $10! I was in the station, and picked up a book from the take-one-leave-one bookshelf, and there was a $10 bill stuck between the pages! Awesome!

It was a good weekend. My brother made prime rib, which was fantastic! (I have probably mentioned he is a retired chef.) I was treated to lunch by my old professor, and we had a lovely conversation. I am wishing I didn't have to travel so far to see him! It would be nice if we could get together more often, as I would really enjoy getting to know him better as a person.

I spent $29 on gas (and I noticed gas prices are rising again). I also spent $10 on a bottle of wine for my brother, $13 for a box of bakery cookies, and $3 on some valentine candy for my grandsons. I stopped at a Goodwill and found a top, pants and a jumper for my granddaughter for $6. I also got a car wash for $6, and my big splurge was a no-chip manicure for $36 (counting tip). Love the way it looks; hope it lasts!

I got home later than I should have last night, since I stayed to play cards with my niece and nephew. I came home to a mess, because a stained-glass hanging had fallen off my bathroom window and there was shattered glass all over. I hope I got it all. Since it fell on tile, it really smashed.

The temperatures fell this weekend, but a refreeze has made everything icy. It was a treacherous walk to the station. On Friday, on my way to the car, I fell once again on an icy patch and really bruised my arm. I'm tired of this! It's only mid-February, but I'm longing for blue skies, warm air, and clear pavement!

I have not even started my taxes yet, but I hope to get to it this coming weekend. Meanwhile, I have to do the stuff I usually do on a weekend -- laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning up, etc. I love a getaway, but I pay for it!