I got back from my Michigan vacation today. I'm very tired, because it's not much of a vacation when you're running after two little boys. That said, they were really pretty good at entertaining themselves. But with a pool and a lake in the back yard, I had to be vigilant.

I spent only $56. $27 of that was for gas and the rest for food on the road. We hit a few garage sales on Friday morning and I spent $2 on things the boys wanted as well as a Christmas gift. We also went to my SIL's antique shop and I spent $10 there on a gift for DIL.

I caught up on my bill paying, as pay day came the day I left. Everything looks to be in order.

Variables for this new month are now at 8%.

Now I'm going to get some serious rest! Really, I had a lovely time. The weather was perfect, if a little cool, and my brother served up some fabulous meals. I am truly lucky to have a brother who is a chef -- and a good one at that!