Something good happened, that I didn't really expect. I was approved for a ride-free transit card. It's good for five years, and it provides free rides on the buses, the elevated train, and the Metra train, which connects the suburbs to the city. This will make so much difference to me. I can pretty much go anywhere in the area, free, as long as I am patient.

Meanwhile, I am still waiting to hear if my driver's license will be reinstated. They have dawdled so long, that it is now expired, and since I am 75, I will have to take a driving test to get a new one. I haven't driven since April, so that makes me a little nervous. On the other hand they may decide not to let me apply for a license at all. It's out of my hands.

I moved my grandson's college money into the big ticket category, so my variables are now 74%. I have paid another medical bill, and there's still more to come, I think. Also, I have not been billed by the ambulance company, and according to my Medicare Advantage website, there will be a bill to pay -- $250, I'm thinking, off the top of my head. And the ER is not done with me yet. It looks like $300+ is percolating there. Sigh. I will be glad when all this finally behind me.

My neighbor with the water leak has not contacted me since that first day, so I assume he is taking care of it on his end.

Yesterday I paid what is known here as the "wheel tax." It is basically proof of residency to enable parking on the street. I was surprised to get the senior discount price - $45. I thought I was not eligible for those programs anymore, but that is what I was charged, and I'm sure they will inform me if they have made a mistake. (Even though I am not driving right now, I have to pay the wheel tax to park.)

I also sent $36 to my son to enter the family football pool, and I also sent $250 for my grandson -- $50 for a birthday gift, and $200 for his college fund. He will not be excited by the college fund money, but maybe someday he will appreciate it.

I've done quite a bit of grocery shopping and have done a bit of eating out, so all told I have spent 78% of my variables -- and I have another grandson's birthday coming up!

Grand Total                  2270

My computer is fixed! My son knew what to do.

August's spending wasn't too bad, considering I had to buy a new refrigerator. That is the bulk of the furnishings category. I also bought some magnetic shelves to attach to the side of fridge, since the new, narrower fridge opened up some space there. I moved my larger spice bottles and my measuring cups and spoons there.

Groceries were a bit high, but not only is it challenging to grocery shop without a car, but this month I had to throw away food that was spoiled when my old refrigerator died. Luckily, not too much.

The majority of the medical spending was a $105 copay for a CT scan.

Eating out was higher than I'd like it to be. I spent $13 in coffeeshops and $5 at a gelato shop. The rest was in restaurants -- two lunches and a brunch. All of those, I have to say, contributed to my mental health.

Fares were three autoloads on my Ventra card -- which I use for both train and bus. $60 in one month is the highest yet. I haven't been forcing myself to stay home, but maybe I need to move around more mindfully. I don't want to pay that much every month.

Most of the personal spending went to a haircut. The balance went to hair care and skin care products.

The rest really needs no explanation.

September spending is starting out with more grocery shopping. My son chauffered me to a family gathering yesterday, and I took the opportunity to have him take me to Jewel as well. I spent $30 there, mostly on chicken and veggies.

I haven't heard back from my neighbor about the leak in his ceiling, so I'm in a holding pattern there. I can't really report it, having seen nothing, and no outward sign of a leak in my bathroom.

My laptop is giving me problems, so I'm entering this post on my phone. I lost a long entry this morning because it took so long, so for now I'll say I will post my August recap when the problems are resolved. I may just need a new laptop. Added to that, I will probably have to call a plumber because my downstairs neighbor is getting water in his ceiling. I'll probably have to pay for repairs, too. So this month is not starting out great. It is what it is.