I started the new year with a $600 donation to my Oregon grandchildren's college funds.  I will do the same for my local grandchildren when the family gets back from Florida.  I used to do this at Christmas, but it is working out better budget-wise in the new year.

And for myself, I spent $38 on personal and household supplies.

We were threatened with a heavy snowstorm yesterday, but in fact it didn't pan out to be much.  Thank goodness!  When it snows more than four inches I have to move my car around to permit snowplowing.  This way it can just sit.  Soon I will go take my daily walk -- first time in the snow this year.  Well, obviously, but first time this winter season.

I've been pondering new year's resolutions, and I think I'm making very few this year.  There is no reason to make a resolution about something I'm already good about doing, so I'm concentrating on the places I fall short.  Here they are:

1. Walk 5 days per week, 20-30 minutes per walk.

2. Eat 2-3 high fiber foods per day.

3. Spend 30 minutes per day on concentrated housework.  This does not count making the bed, loading the dishwasher, etc.  30 minutes on things I usually skip or postpone.

4. Reach out to family members once a week.  This doesn't count my children and grandchildren, but the more far-flung family members -- my siblings, cousins, etc.  Also, old friends.

5. Write every day, even if it's only a sentence or two.