Calories: 1975

I hate it that I have to report another high-calorie day. This time it was not tempting treats -- I was just hungry, and I plowed through half a box of crackers.

I can see that in the past this is where I jumped off the diet -- about three months in, no really exciting progress, feelings of deprivation, rebellion against the constant tracking.... I'm not going to quit this time. Onward!

For the trip tomorrow, I'm packing carrots, apples, cheddar slices, string cheese, pepperoni slices, homemade muffins, a jar of peanuts, crackers, tortillas and a small bag of chocolate-raspberry bites. I'll buy coffee and water with my Dunkin Donuts card.

The first leg is only three hours, to my BFF's house, where I will stay the night. Then, early in the morning, I'll leave, hoping to make it to Chattanooga by supper time, where I will buy supper and find a hotel.

I've basically packed -- all except putting the stuff in the suitcase. I don't do that till the morning of, since it freaks out my cats. I've packed a tote bag with one change of clothes, pj's, and my cosmetic bag, so I won't have to lug the suitcase in. I'll repack it with fresh stuff when I head out from Indiana tomorrow morning.

I have a lot of gifts to take -- not only for my DIL's birthday, but a housewarming gift (bottle of wine) and some clothes and toys for the kids. That will be one trip down to the car in itself!

Since the library was closed yesterday, I didn't get my audiobooks. That will be accomplished today, along with buy extra cat food and cat litter.

Breathe!! This is the most stressful part of a trip for me. I am fine once I get on the road....

Calories: 1956

Oops! I went out to lunch after the baseball game yesterday. Not only did I have a hot dog and fries, but I had an ice cream cone! Oh well, it was a good day, and I more than made up for it the day before.

Today I'll be doing laundry and getting ready for the trip. Laundry, pre-packing, making lists, getting audiobooks, etc.

The keyboard is 58 inches long, so I'm going to measure to make sure it will fit between the front seat and the back of the car. It has legs, which may come off, but if they don't, I can stick my suitcase in the empty space that the legs create. Along with the bench.

My variables spending is at 90%. I will buy cat food and kitty litter today or tomorrow, to have on hand for while I am gone, but that should be my only spending before June 1. So it looks like I made it under budget this month!

Calories: 1261

Mostly just checking to report yesterday's calories. The hamburger I had for lunch pretty much filled me up for the whole day!

After yesterday's two games and the traveling, I was dog-tired when I got home, yet I had a very bad night. I feel like I couldn't have slept more than an hour or two. The biggest problem was pain and restlessness in my legs. I didn't exercise much yesterday, but I sat for a long time on bleachers, and I guess that was enough to mess me up. I'll try to stretch more today, but since it is only one game, it shouldn't be as bad.

Despite putting sunscreen on twice, I still managed to get a sunburn -- mostly on my upper chest, which I guess I missed in the application. Well, I'm just thankful I didn't get that much of a burn on my face.

I have arranged with all concerned that I will start my trip on June 1. Should arrive in Gainesville on the evening of June 3. I'm going to charge everything on my BOA travel card (though I don't think I'll get any points for gas & food -- I will for hotel rooms, though).

I've been told that the keyboard I'm bringing home is very large, so I'll have to clear out my car, and expect to fold down the back seat. Still, I'm very happy I can do this for my grandson.

Will pack a bag of food, and will only buy coffee on the road until dinnertime, when I will stop for the day and find a nice restaurant (by which I mean Cracker Barrel, or something like that!)

Yesterday I wore a pair of capris that were too tight to get on last year. They were still a bit tight, but I could wear them! For my trip, I'm taking all my capris and a bunch of tees.

I'm getting excited!

Calories: 1470

Yesterday was a pretty quiet day, but today I went to a northwestern suburb to watch two of my grandson's baseball games. These are his first games with the traveling team. The first game was a "slaughter" -- they called it when the point spread reached ten. Unfortunately, we were the losing team. We won the second game, though, 10-7. This team has had very little practice together, so it is bound to get better as the season progresses.

Between the two games we went out to Portillo's for lunch, which our Illinois Laura will recognize. I had a delicious hamburger and drink for $7.

I didn't have to buy gas, because we carpooled.

There is another game tomorrow, in the same place. I will offer to take my car, or else pitch in for gas.

Variables spending is at 88%.

I believe there will be no Memorial Day celebrating this year. Some family members are out of town, and my son is planning on studying all day. After two days of away baseball games, I think that will be just fine.

Calories: 1419

Yesterday I finished up my shopping for my DIL's birthday. I picked up the book she wanted at Barnes & Noble -- I had a 15% off coupon and the total was $14. I also picked up the bird feeder at Walmart, which was already paid for.

I was in the neighborhood of Bed, Bath & Beyond, so I stopped in to find the callus shaver that interested me. I looked all over the store and consulted with several clerks, and finally found it at the very front of the store in a Tweezerman display. The shaver was $9 and I also bought replacement blades for $6. Today I'll try it out; hope it's worth it. I was kind of mad at myself that I forgot to take a BB&B coupon, since I have a gazillion.

While I was there I saw a sheet set that was marked down to half price -- still in the $50 range. It was the right color, size and had a 650 thread count. But I passed it up, since my budget is straining this month. Good thing I did. I learned yesterday that GS1's first traveling game is a twofer in a suburb about 45 minutes away. I'll have to buy gas and lunch (or take one). Then there is another game in the same location on Sunday.

I talked to my Florida son last night; he was checking on my timing for the trip. I was planning to arrive on Thursday evening, but he will be on his way back from a business trip, and he wondered if the next day wouldn't be better. He's going to confirm his plans and then let me know. It's no problem for me to leave a day later, though I'll have to check with my friend in Indiana whether her home will be available to me the day after I said.

No activities scheduled today. I'm planning to wrap the presents and organize the stuff I want to take. Also, it's not too early to check out audiotapes for the trip, so I might get that done today. I have some laundry to do as well.

I finally got back to my writing yesterday, and even though I am not pleased with what I produced, it feels good to be back on track again.

I think I'm almost ready to open the bin with my smaller clothes. Not that I can't continue wearing my pants, but a couple of pairs are really wearing out now, so maybe it's time to see if I've shrunk enough to get into some smaller pants in better condition. I hesitate, though, because if they're still too small, I'll really be depressed!

Calories: 1487

My calorie count is pretty good, considering I had a big bowl of ice cream yesterday. It was so hot, and I craved it desperately.

I didn't go out at all yesterday. And I really didn't accomplish anything, except finishing the novel I was reading. Which is good, because I'm going to give it to DIL when I go to Florida next week.

I will go out today, though. I have to pick up that gift at Walmart, and I'm going to check with B&N about whether the book I ordered is in yet. If I do go to B&N, I'm going to swing by Bed, Bath & Beyond and pick up a callus shaver. I've been using a disposable shaver on my corn, right after my shower, and it helps, but I think a shaver adapted to that purpose will work better. This evening I will go to my grandson's Tae Kwan Do class.

Variables spending is at 83%, with only five days to go. But I have yet to pay for the book, and there will probably be some cost on the 31st, when I drive to Indiana, the first leg of my journey. However, I don't plan to fill the tank until I leave the following morning, so I might come in under budget yet!

Calories: 1344

I did go to see "Love & Friendship" yesterday, and I enjoyed it -- it was very witty. It didn't have the warm heart of other Austen stories, but then, Jane wrote it when she was a teenager, I believe!

I got the popcorn, too. For some reason, I forgot there was not only a calorie cost, but a financial cost, too. The small bag was $6. It really wasn't worth it.

I did get the discount ticket price of $5.75, and I validated my parking ticket, so I didn't have to pay for parking.

Later in the day, I went to Walmart to pick up one of my DIL's birthday gifts, only to learn that it hadn't been shipped to the store yet. I was just going on faith it would be there next day, as promised. Foolish of me. I'll check before going back.

Today is payday, though the bank still shows the deposit as pending. I scheduled my mortgage and Discover payment. Done.

Nothing on my calendar today, so I'm hoping to get some writing done. It's what I wished for when I was working -- time to write -- so why don't I do it? I perplex myself.

Calories: 1517

My calories would have been lower, but I was still hungry after dinner, so I had some toast. For me, this is all about finding an eating plan that will be comfortable for life without making me fat!

That's why I'm planning to have a small popcorn when I go to the movies today! I'm going to go see "Love & Friendship." I love anything Jane Austen (though I have to say Pride & Prejudice & Zombies was a little too far out of my league!) I'm going by myself, as I don't have a Jane Austen soulmate here in town.

Last night was another baseball game. I gave my grandson a ride home afterwards, and he asked me why I was always going away on a trip (when I mentioned I would be in Florida next week). Tickled me -- I sure don't travel much, in my perspective, but in his perspective, I do! He asked me why I am always going to Michigan, and I said it was so I could see my brother, which blew his mind -- he had no idea that "Uncle M" was my brother. I guess that's how it is for kids, they go here and there to visit and actually have little idea of the relationships behind the visits.

I don't think I have any financial news today, except that my electric, cable, and assessment fees all posted yesterday -- but that's all automatic. Tomorrow is pay day! But that is a non-event, as well, since all I do on pay day now is pay my mortgage and pay the Discover bill.

One cool thing, though -- they changed my street-sweeping schedule so that it is always on the two days after pay day. That's going to be so easy to remember!

Calories: 1496

I got my shopping done for my DIL's birthday. I bought three bottles of Seventh Generation hand soap at Target, ordered a book at Barnes & Noble, and ordered a bird feeder at Walmart. Walmart's order will be ready to pick up tomorrow; B&N will let me know. Altogether I spent $38. I also have some bargain books and a bar of bath soap to give her.

With any luck, I will be able to bring back a keyboard for my grandson. If my son's cousin is able to get it to Gainesville from Sarasota, I will take it the rest of the way home. I would even be willing to meet his cousin halfway, as my grandson really needs this for impending piano lessons.

While shopping, I picked up some body wash for myself - $3. I also picked up a free loaf of bread and added the value - $2.99 - to snowflakes.

Variables spending is at 78%.

Today I have to get a beach pass for the season, before the price goes up at the end of May. I think it's around $35, if memory serves.

Calories: 1374

I did well yesterday, even with a surprise eating-out lunch (and an indulgence -- a small chocolate shake). I had a very light dinner.

After GS1's baseball game yesterday, I went out to lunch with GS2 and the other grandma ($7) and then we went to an art fair in the park, which featured work by K-12 students citywide. Both my grandsons had work displayed. Both were self-portraits -- one a collage and one a painting, which was a little off-beat, depicting only half his face. I love their creativity. We visited most of the exhibits, and GS2 made a Father's Day card at one of the booths. It was a good day.

When I came home, I had to wash my bedding again because of cat mischief. Grrr! I think it happened because my quilt was on the floor, and somehow that makes it fair game? I'll have to be vigilant about any other accidents, and see the vet if need be. If I can figure out which cat is the culprit!

I reordered my prescription online yesterday and realized it is due to arrive the day I leave for Florida. I have enough to get me through my vacation, but I don't like the idea of the package sitting there for a week. I'll have to tell my son to look for it if I don't get it before I leave. Anyway, the refill was free, one of the perks of my Medicare Advantage plan.

Today I'm going to shop for a couple of things from DIL's Amazon list -- I mean shop live; I don't want to take the chance that packages won't arrive in time, much less pay for shipping. There is a book I can get at Barnes & Noble, and hand soap from Target; should be easily accomplished. (She said confidently).

I also want to see "Love & Friendship" -- the latest Jane Austen movie. I may wait till Tuesday, which is discount day, only $5.75. Wednesday is Seniors Day, and it's $6.25 -- what's up with that? Seems it should at least be the same price as discount day -- anyway, I'll focus on Tuesday.

Calories: 1626

Ah me. Lots of bad eating yesterday. My justification is that I was feeling bad, and I went for the comfort food. Today I feel a lot better. My sore throat is gone, and I don't feel any particular signs of a cold coming on. Not yet, anyway.

In a few minutes I will head out for GS1's baseball game. His season is wrapping up, but he has made the traveling team, so there will continue to be baseball all summer long. And I'll get to see new towns, as many will be away from home.

I grocery-shopped at Aldi yesterday. I didn't stick to 10 items -- I got 12, because they had chicken and beef soup base on sale in the clearance bin. Here is what I got for $27: chicken breasts, creamer, eggs, croutons, salad, a sweet potato, strawberries, honey, ice cream and kitty litter -- as well as the two containers of soup base, of course. I'm finding I like Aldi better and better all the time. I can get most things I need there and the prices are amazing.

My variables spending is up to 74% now. But I only have 10 days left. Unfortunately, I remembered that I have to get a birthday gift for my Florida DIL. Her birthday is not until mid-June, but I want to take her gift along when I travel there on May 31. I do have a couple of pristine secondhand books for her (she's okay with that) but I also want to get something off her Amazon list. I'll have to check that out today.

So that will, no doubt, take me over 100%. I do still have a $500 surplus in the variables this year, so it's not a real problem, just a sign to be careful.

Gotta go!

Calories: 1560

Even though it was a fairly high-calorie day, I woke up in the night hungry. I didn't succumb, but it was an uncomfortable night.

I seem to be getting a cold. I have a sore throat, which is my typical "tell." Anybody have a surefire way to ward off the worst of it? Zicam, or something like that? I've tried Airborne in the past, which did nothing.

No spending yesterday, other than $1.50 for a load of laundry.

My grocery list has reached 10, which is my cue to shop. I guess it's better to do that today than wait for the weekend -- and I may not feel like doing it later if a cold does set in.

Calories: 1489

Yesterday I bought new ink cartridges for my new printer (it's going to run out of the sample cartridges soon, and I wanted to be prepared). With a $10 coupon, the cost was $51. At least in the future I will be able to buy the black and color cartridges separately. With my old printer, I had to get a whole new set every time.

My variables spending is now 73%, quite a bit higher than I would like it to be at this point. But I renewed my license plate, got an eye exam, got a haircut, bought a fan and new shoes, as well as the ink cartridges, so that's a lot of extras on a slim budget. I think my spending will be minimal the next two weeks. Then it will balloon again when I start my vacation trip to Florida.

My net worth is remaining steady, so I am not worried overall.

My son and DIL just sent new pictures of my granddaughter. She is so beautiful, and looks so mature for her age! I can hardly wait to see her again.

Calories: 1574

I took some homemade gorp with me when I went downtown yesterday, in case I was starving by the time I started coming home. I didn't need it, but ate it when I got home. It was over 500 calories, so I could have saved some calories by eating something else, but I was tired and ready to take it easy.

The event I attended was a tour of the surrealistic collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was really interesting -- I was glad I went!

The big financial event yesterday was an addition of $531 to my snowflakes! My bonus from the Alliant credit card came through! Now I am only awaiting the $200 bonus from Chase. Already my snowflakes are equal to what I made the whole year last year.

My passport and my passport card have arrived, so I am all set for travel.

I am seeing news of long lines at airports, so I am glad I decided to drive to Florida instead of fly. I am doing little things to get ready for that trip. Yesterday I made banana muffins, and froze most of them. They'll be good to have on the trip. I'm also planning to take apples, baby carrots, and string cheese.

Variables spending is at 67%, with only 58% of the month gone, so I'm running over a little. I think I can make up for that in the next couple of weeks.

Calories: 1479

Went to a baseball game last night. Not as cold as some of them, but still chilly. I had trouble sleeping afterwards, and slept in late this morning (till 9! Scandalous!)

I have an event to attend in the city this evening -- a museum tour. Still have to figure out the logistics, but I think it will be doable on the El.

Other activities planned for today: I have to make that banana bread/muffins, since I didn't get to it yesterday, and I have to transplant my Christmas cactus, which has really overgrown its pot. If I get around to it, I should make some dressing and some granola.

I do believe I did not spend anything yesterday, but I forgot to report my find of .26 over the weekend. Whoo-Hoo!

Calories: 1438, 1340, 1388

Wow! I was really successful at keeping my calories down during my BFF's visit, mostly because I skipped dinner -- or ate light in the evening! Did most of my eating at the noon meal.

Here is what I spent during our three-day weekend:

Clothing/Accessories: $71 - new shoes, necklace
Eating Out: $26
Entertainment: $8 (movie)
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $31 (Clay pot, fall wreath, dishcloths, fan, serving bowl)
Gas: $22
Gifts: $48 (Books, Disney figurines, clothing, mugs, soap)
Household supplies: $5 (potting soil)

Shopping was done at Goodwill, garage sales, DSW, Home Depot, Kohl's, and Nordstrom Rack. Two lunches out -- Culver's and a casual Greek restaurant.

As usual we had a very good time. In addition to the above, we went to a baseball game and a belated Mother's Day brunch, for which we were treated.

She is now on the road home, and I am getting back to normal, but with a nice buzz! Today's chores: laundry, and baking banana bread (or muffins).

Calories: 1704

Calories were a bit up yesterday, but it sure was an enjoyable day, eating-wise, with blueberries & cream, a hamburger, ice cream, and even a little peanut butter cup. Every once in a while you've got to have a day like that.

Waiting now for my BFF. I'll try to be careful, but I know from experience it is hard to stick to a diet when friends are visiting.

I had 1806 points on my Chase card, which I don't use (I got it for a bonus). I looked on their site and saw that I could use 1000 of them for a $10 Dunkin Donuts card, so I ordered one. If it arrives in time for my trip, it will be useful on the road. Otherwise it will be a stocking stuffer.

I guess I'll donate the remaining 806 points, if they present an opportunity.

Calories: 1339

Can't believe I'm on Day Eighty already! This morning when I pulled on my pants I felt a little discouraged because I still have to pull on the waistband to get them buttoned. But I have to remember that before I started, I could hardly get them on at all -- and I'm in this for the long haul.

I had a terrible night's sleep last night for no reason at all that I can figure out. My legs hurt, so I should have gotten up and taken Advil, but I was in that hazy state where you're awake but not thinking sensibly. I slept in a bit this morning. Hope I will get through this day all right. I have to clean -- all the things I usually put off -- and I'm not feeling much energy.

I'm supposed to go to a Happy Hour in the city, but I'm thinking I will call off, unless I really rebound during the day.

Yesterday I grocery-shopped at Aldi - spent $43 and this is what I got: Baby carrots, Spring mix salad, canned stewed tomatoes, bananas, Honeycrisp apples, pantiliners, frozen Brussels sprouts, biscuit mix, barbecue sauce, canned mushrooms, almond milk, chocolate-orange bites, chocolate-raspberry bites, bacon bits, honey-roasted peanuts, creamer, blueberries, sandwich bags, kitty litter, and ice cream. I think that's pretty good!

Variables spending is now at 41%. And this weekend, with my BFF visiting, will push it up more. Then I'll have a two-week respite before I begin my Florida trip on May 31 -- but I will have to buy printer ink before the end of the month.

Another baseball game yesterday evening, and another cool evening on the stands. Tonight (if I forgo the Happy Hour) it's Tae Kwan Do, which is indoors and comfortable.

Calories: 1394

I did two loads of laundry yesterday ($3). Today I'm going to grocery shop and on Thursday I'll clean. My BFF is coming on Friday morning.

I am signed up to attend a Happy Hour event in the city tomorrow. Hosted by my professional organization. I try to make it to as many of these things as I can, just for the social aspect. I'll have to look it up to see if there is easy access by public transportation. I've learned that driving and parking is more expensive than the event itself.

Variables spending is 35%, right on track, but of course grocery shopping today will throw that off a bit.

I'm loving retirement more every day!

Calories: 1593

Went to a baseball game yesterday, and it was the worst weather yet. I keep saying that, but the weather keeps getting worse. Last night it was cold and rainy. They didn't call the game, because the rain was just sprinkling until the last inning, when it poured. Luckily I had my umbrella with me, but my feet got soaked. It was a heartbreaker game, because our team came up from behind to get three runs in the last inning -- but they didn't count, because the man on third came in behind the man on second. That's kid's baseball for you!

I also got my hair cut earlier in the day - $15, and a nice walk there and back.

The road resurfacing is done already, so I'm no longer trapped!

This morning I let out the hems on the jeans I'm now wearing. They've always been too short. There isn't enough material to put in a new hem, so I'm just going to let them fray, ala 1969! I don't think I'll be wearing them much longer anyway.

Today I'm going to do a couple loads of laundry, and tomorrow I'm grocery shopping and cleaning up the house for my company.

I'm adding another book to my sidebar. While walking to the hairdresser's, I passed a take one-leave one library. I didn't have a book with me to leave, but I took one! (I'll remedy that later.) It's good I took the book, because I had a wait at the hairdresser's, and I was glad to have something to read.

Calories: 1318

Except for a $1.50 load of laundry, yesterday was a no-spend day.

My free entertainment was going to my grandson's soccer game (which they lost miserably, but it was still fun.)

Today I am making marinara sauce so I can make lasagna tonight. Yes, I do eat things like lasagna on my diet. I'm using 2% milkfat cottage cheese and yogurt for the creamy part. I will spread each (cooked) lasagna noodle with the cheese/yogurt, add a nugget of mozzarella cut from string cheese, roll up the noodles, nest them together in a pan and top with the sauce. It is yummy and pretty low-calorie. And I can freeze the individual roll-ups for later.

I'm also getting my hair cut today. I think I will have to walk to the hairdresser's. My road is being resurfaced. I have parked in a legal spot, but the only way to get out, with the road blocked, is to back up all the way to the nearest intersection. I am no good at backing up, so I think I'll stay put. I may be stuck there for three days! Wasn't thinking. I should have parked in the next block.

I have almost finished the jigsaw puzzle. It is really a good mental challenge, because I have to hold in my mind all the various shapes and colors I am seeking. It is a different kind of mental challenge than doing word puzzles and reading, and I like the variety. And I've read that doing different types of mental challenges is important for brain health!

Calories: 1748

Went over yesterday because of a very delicious cheeseburger. Back to towing the line today. I just had a Mother's Day smoothie that was very low-calorie and tasty, too.

I figured out my calorie average, which is just above 1500. I'd like to pull that down to 1400; I can only do that by daily vigilance.

No changes in the physique to report, except that last night my grandson said I looked taller!

Yesterday I attended the GS's baseball game. I thought I had already endured every kind of bad weather, but yesterday it was very windy, making it miserable for spectators and players alike. I spent the whole game wrapped up in a quilt that I carry in the car.

In the evening I babysat for the boys while the parents went out with friends.

My only financial transactions yesterday were .25 for parking, and picking up a free loaf of bread at the grocery!

My son, who is working on an MS, asked to reschedule Mother's Day to next weekend so he could complete a big project. Don't know what the event will be, probably a brunch or something. I expect that my other son will call today from Florida.

My BFF is going to arrive for a visit on Thursday. Can hardly wait for the fun!

Calories: 1489

I did go to a garage sale and an estate sale yesterday. I spent $12 and purchased an egg platter, a Belleek figurine, some pirate action figures, a book, and an ornament. The ornament is a Santa in a helicopter, perfect for my son! The most costly piece was the Belleek dog figurine. I spent $8 on that. I looked it up online, and it was selling on Etsy for $22, and on an antiques site for $129, and all prices in between. I may resell some day but for now I will enjoy it. I collect white pottery, with Belleek pieces being the upper tier of my collection.

I'm going to my grandson's baseball game soon; at least I hope I am -- it is off and on rainy; it may be cancelled. The rain has deterred me from checking out garage sales today.

My son asked for a rain check on our mother's day celebration, as he has a big project to complete for school. We are planning something next weekend. My BFF will be visiting, so I already made sure she was welcome to come along to whatever will be planned. My son said, "Sure! She's a mom, too!" He makes me proud.

Calories: 1715

Not only did I eat that pecan bar for breakfast, I somehow forgot the morning's splurge and had a small serving of ice cream after dinner. Yikes!

I spent $11 on Mother's Day cards yesterday, and my medical premium ($29) was withdrawn from my account.

My doctor's office called to let me know that I had scheduled my annual too early. Last year's annual was in August. If I schedule before August, my insurer will probably not cover. So I switched to September 12. The free annual is a good benefit; I intend to take advantage of it every year.

I did some walking yesterday, to the post office and library. Got my one-week book read and returned, but I checked out another! Before I even start it, I have to finish the Patchett book which is due tomorrow. More reading today. Oh, sigh.

I also want to finish my last bit of filing. I've been much better about processing new mail, so it's just the dregs of the old backlog I have to eliminate.

Thought I might check around for garage sales today!

Calories: 1559

I made a grocery trip yesterday and today, spending $44 on groceries and $21 on household supplies. Two different stores. At one store I used a number of coupons, totaling $3.75 in savings, which I added to my snowflakes.

Later today I will go to GS's Tae Kwan Do class and then go to the library to return a book. However, I have to finish reading it first! It's a one-week book, so I never even added it to the sidebar -- After Alice, by Gregory Maquire. I will be able to finish it today, but I'll have to devote the afternoon to reading. (Oh, darn!)

This morning I used a coupon for a free sweet from Corner Bakery. I wanted a muffin, but that didn't qualify as a sweet, so I got a maple pecan bar. I have yet to look up the calories, I'm sure there were a ton of them, but I just had a low-calorie lunch of Brussels sprouts sprinkled with cheese, so I think the day will even out fine. I will also figure out how much the sweet would have cost and add that to snowflakes.

I went to my other GS's baseball game last and it was FREEZING! Even colder than the last game, which I thought was really cold. The team had only seven members show up, and one had a broken hand and was only there for appearance's sake. But apparently being so lean energized them -- they played a great game! And my grandson made a few of those great plays. He was so proud. I just learned he made the "traveling team," so there will be lots of baseball this summer.

Calories: 1519

I did well on my to-do list yesterday, getting everything done except spending an hour writing.
I also did something not on my list -- I managed to carry the new side table from my car to my third-floor condo all by myself, with the help of a dolly. I also took the big old printer to the car. Next time I go to Goodwill I will drop it off there.

After all that effort, I took a nap. Unusual for me, but it felt good, and it didn't even affect my sleep last night.

When I made the eye appointment, they said they could take me later in the day. So I have got that done. It was $50 (copay) and everything looks good, except that I may have the very beginnings of a cataract. I was cautioned to wear sunglasses more regularly.

My license plate was renewed online and I can expect to get the new sticker in a few weeks. That cost $103.

I made the doctor's appointment, but I can't get in until July 18! My doctor must be on leave, or something. Since it is only an annual checkup, it doesn't matter.

My variables spending is at 22%, but I always do a chunk of spending early in the month, and then it evens out.

Today I need to go grocery shopping, as well as catch up on some housework (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning fish tank). I also have a Pine Cone survey to do. I've done 5 surveys so far this year, which has brought in $15 in snowflakes.

I made some really creative sloppy joe's last night! As I was putting it together, I realized I didn't have nearly enough ketchup. I looked around for anything tomato-y and ended up putting in some cocktail sauce and some steak sauce. Then I found some single-serve packets of ketchup in the fridge that I had saved from fast-food lunches, so I added those, too. It turned out pretty good!

Calories: 1750

That is an estimate. Yesterday I was still coming down from vacation and out of my routine. Today will be the day I get back on the wagon.

My list of "to-do's" today includes renewing my license plate, getting doctor and eye doctor appointments and devoting at least one hour to writing my novel. I told my man friend about my novel this weekend and he was delighted! So now I've got to do it and not be so lazy.

I'm also washing my quilt, because one of the cats upchucked on it while I was gone.

And I am determined to take a walk. The weather is supposed to become nice today. It was very cold yesterday evening when I attended my grandson's baseball game. My light winter jacket did NOT cut it!

I think I need to get a new pair of shoes. I wore my brown loafers this weekend and when I attended the auction, the wet grass soaked my feet. I thought there must be holes in the soles! I didn't find any, but I think there are breaks where the shoe attaches to the sole. I may not get them this month, but a new pair of brown loafers is on my list for replacement.

I'm back from my trip to Michigan. I had lots of fun. The class reunion was kind of a bust -- I stayed less than an hour -- but I met an old high school friend and I may hook up later with some other friends from high school through this contact. None of my college friends were at the event, though there were a few acquaintances. And everyone I knew was completely unrecognizable!

I went to an auction with my SIL and bought an adorable side table for the dining room for only $2!

We went to see "Mother's Day" at the movies. Everyone agreed that it was "cute" but I think they were being kind. It was pretty routine and forced, IMHO.

I had a lovely lunch with my man friend; we got into a serious discussion and I feel like we are getting closer, but he has still not made a move! I wish I knew what was going on in his head.

What I did NOT do -- I did not count calories. I started, but I gave up. I did try to be reasonable about what I ate. It's difficult, when my brother cooks so well and he knocks himself out to please. I'm going to start counting again tomorrow.

Forgot to add my April recap!

It was a spendy month, $3403 total. How it broke down:

Car Repair/Maintenance: 1603
Housing: 677
Vet/Pet Supplies: 233
Fees/Services: 211
Utilities: 131
Groceries: 105
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: 80
Vacation/Travel: 62
Home Repair/Maintenance: 62
Phone: 52
Gifts/Charity: 48
Medical/Health: 29
Eating Out: 21
Business: 20
Gas: 18
Laundry: 17
Household Supplies: 16
Entertainment: 8
Personal: 8
Fares/Parking: 2

I spent 111% of my variables budget, but I did include everything except the big car repair bill. I still have a surplus in the variables bucket, so I'm not worried.