CB in the City

I went to the refinisher today to take a look at my table to make sure it looks good.  To my surprise, it wasn't fully assembled.  I guess as long as it is by Wednesday, when it's delivered, that's okay.  The guy in charge said he is having problems with labor shortage.  The new finish does look fabulous, a really enormous improvement.

On the way home, I stopped at Walgreens and bought a large package of pads ($18) and two large bags of M&Ms ($8) for making trail mix.  I bought two because the unit price was lower that way. I also stopped at the bank and withdrew the delivery fee in cash ($115) and "bought" two rolls of quarters.  Variables are now at 85%.

I got a notification from Wells Fargo that someone tried to use my credit card, one of those small test charges.  They declined and notified me.  I called them and cancelled the card.  They will be sending out a new one.  I thought I had gotten past the danger from that awful computer breach, but I guess not.  I had already changed my password, but tonight I got to worrying that I should do it again, if someone somehow got access.  Well, I couldn't log in, because my card is cancelled. Duh.

I've been having a problem with my computer crashing after I leave it on without shutting it down.  I've been able to get it going again, by pressing the power button for a LONG time and forcing automatic repair, but I think I'll take it to Best Buy to have them check it out.  I have a service agreement, might as well use it.  I hope it's nothing serious.  It's a pretty new computer.

I finally got a call that my table is finished!  I paid the balance of $1125 this morning.  It won't be delivered until Wednesday afternoon, because the delivery guy is slammed with work.  That means I can't get on the road for my Thanksgiving trip until Thursday morning, but that will be the best time to travel, traffic-wise, anyway.

It's unfortunate that this is happening right before Christmas, but I think I have enough in savings that it will be okay.  

I'm going to start ordering gifts on December 1, to roll the expense onto my December budget.  I am trusting (fingers crossed) that the orders will be fulfilled before Christmas.  Everyone on my list has pretty full and varied Amazon wish lists, so I think it will be okay.  If orders can't be fulfilled, they will get cash.  Given my budget, my gifts are not a tremendously exciting part of their Christmas, anyway!

Pay day has become so undramatic that this morning I completely forgot it was pay day.  But I finally did remember, and paid my bills -- mortgage, two credit cards (which I always pay in full).  Everything else is automatic.

I went to the dentist yesterday and (yay!) got my crown recemented.  It feels so much better, and I'm so glad it wasn't any more complicated than that.  They submitted the bill to insurance, so I don't know yet how much the cost will be.

I got a call this morning that my table will be ready at the end of the week.  I've heard so many promises I'm skeptical.  But fingers crossed.  

Oh yeah, almost forgot.  I spent $52 for a birthday gift for my son.  It should arrive from Amazon today.  That finishes up the November birthdays, and I can start to concentrate on Christmas.

I ordered some hair conditioner and a set of Ruby sliders (chair leg covers) from Amazon.  I had some credits, so the total order was only $8.  They are supposed to be delivered today.  Variables are now 53%.

Tomorrow I'm going to GS1's birthday breakfast.  I'm planning on giving him $50 to put on his debit card.  You know your grandchildren are growing up when they only want money.

My dentist is out of town until Tuesday, so I have an appointment then to have my crownless tooth examined.  I continue to have no pain, so this really isn't an issue, as long as I chew only on the left side!

I had a busy morning yesterday.  I  started the day with a stop at Walgreens, which is where I have bought Christmas lights in the past, but they had none at all.  From there I went on to a drive-through breakfast at McDonalds ($3).  I did not have breakfast at home because I had to move the car for street sweeping at 9 am, and pretty much had to rush out of the house.  After breakfast, I went to Goodwill to drop off an old headboard and footboard that I finally decided to let go of.  They wouldn't take them!  They have decided not to accept furniture anymore.  I don't know it that applies to all Goodwills, but it does to those in my area.  I was going to take them to the Chicago Furniture Bank, but I texted BFF to see if her son might want them.  Lo and behold, BFF wants them herself!  So I will pass them on to her when we meet again.  From there, I went to the gym and did my workout.  Then I went to Sam's, mostly to check for Christmas lights.  They had lights, but only the big-bulb kind; I want the little fairy lights.  While I was there, though, I bought some raspberries and blueberries ($8).  On to Home Depot, where I finally found the lights, and I also bought a box of nails ($13).  Then I went to Aldi and bought 7 items for $20.  Since I was out, I stopped at Best Buy to have them examine my phone to see if they thought it would weather the 5G upgrade.  (Consumer Cellular continues to push me to buy a new phone).  The technician looked it over carefully and said he could see no reason why it would not be fine after the upgrade.  It is, after all, a 5G phone.  He said, if it was up to him, he would just hang onto this phone and IF I started having trouble with dropped calls, etc., then it would be an easy matter to buy a new phone then.  I thought that was good advice. 

I came home and put my feet up and enjoyed the rest of the day.  Today I'm going to tackle getting the new Christmas lights on the tree!  (Yes, it's early, but I'm going to take the tree down early this year, because I'll be cat-sitting my grandcat, who is a known Christmas tree climber!)

So, November is the month for birthdays in my circle.  Two of my grandchildren, one of my sons, and my BFF.  Plus, my sister and SIL have late October birthdays, and my mother -- no longer living --  was also a November birthday girl.  I only give gifts, however, to my grandchildren, sons and BFF.  I gave BFF her birthday gift when we met for lunch, and yesterday I ordered a gift ($52) for my granddaughter.  Later in the month I will give cash to my grandson and I'll order something for my son.  I wish this birthday cluster didn't occur the month before Christmas!

Variables are at 47%.

One of my crowns fell off yesterday while I was eating.  I rescued it and I think it can just be glued back on.  But there isn't much tooth left there and I wouldn't be surprised if the fix is more complicated.  I'll get in touch with the dentist on Thursday, when my Discover card re-ups.  It doesn't hurt at all, so I don't think there will be a problem waiting for a few days.

I created some sores on my feet last week while walking, and because of where they are, they keep getting chafed and disturbed and won't heal.  So I'm taking a few days to hang around the house barefoot.  After one day, I have made some progress.  But I have to do laundry today, so I have to put on some kind of footwear to go down to the basement.  I need bunny slippers!  I actually put them on my Amazon wish list.

But at least it was a generous splurge rather than a self-indulgent one.  I went out to lunch with DIL and the grandsons on Saturday, and I picked up the check, since it was also the fourth anniversary of her mother's death, and she was feeling a little blue.  My son is traveling, so he wasn't around to prop her up.

I had forgotten how much restaurant prices are rising, so I hope I didn't audibly gulp when the bill was $102 (including tip).  It was just Buffalo Wild Wings, nothing fancy, but it all adds up.  And the boys have big appetites now.

Today I went to the gym and library, and I also stopped at Sam's and filled the tank for $33.  I should have filled up when I was Indiana -- actually, I did try, but I couldn't make the pump work and I gave up and left.  The gas was a lot cheaper there.

I also renewed my AARP membership today ($12).  I had let it lapse, but I think I can get a discount on my phone bill now that I have Consumer Cellular.  I'll have to see if the credit is available retroactively.

Oh, and my tollway pass auto-replenished for $40.  So, with all those things, my variables are already at 41%.

Yesterday I met BFF at the middle point, and we had lunch in a cute little place.  Unfortunately, something I ate there did not agree with me, and I had a pretty miserable afternoon and night.  All better now.  After lunch, we went to an antique shop, and I found some items that I often look for, but rarely find.  I spent $56.  I'm going to consider that my Christmas present to myself.  I also bought a gift for $8.  Lunch was $13.

The day before that, I bought groceries at Aldi ($23) and got a car wash ($3).  The car wash was the deal of the day.  It is a new business, squeaky clean and well-run.  And super cheap!  The wash was $3 and there was no charge for the vacuum.  I will definitely go back there.

Today has been quiet, just did one load of laundry for $2.

Variables are at 21% with 3 1/2 weeks to go.

Yesterday I ordered a couple of things on Amazon, and also picked up a few things at Walgreens:

Aquarium light - $20

Gift - $29

Groceries - $15

Variables are at 16%.

Today I'm going to Aldi after my gym visit.  I expect to only get 10 items.

Tomorrow I'm going to meet with BFF in our middle city for lunch.

The book I ordered from Amazon arrived, and the credit from Skechers went through without any prompting from me.  Sometimes I just worry too much!

Housing - $795

Utilities - $198

Clothing - $125

Personal - $120

Groceries - $108

Gifts/Charity - $193

Medical/Health - $61

Gas - $32

Eating Out/Takeout - $31

Phone - $18

Laundry - $16

Entertainment - $14

Grand Total - $1611

Variables - 68%

After my stewing at the beginning of the month, it turned out to be a low-spend month.  Buying three pairs of shoes kind of threw things off, but I have returned one pair, and the above reflects the new total -- I am trusting that the credit for that return will eventually come through.  I'll go to Skecher tomorrow if there is still no action -- Chase has confirmed they have received no communication from Skecher, and that the credit will appear on my account immediately when Skecher comes through.  They did say they have 30 days to file a credit.  I don't know what they're waiting for.  Sigh.  I'll go back tomorrow if nothing happens today.

I have asked Amazon to replace the book that never appeared, though it was "delivered."

No updates on my food-stretching project; I'm still eating what I have already made.  But you can see it sure has made a difference in my grocery bill!

Looking forward to a frugal November!

Edit:  I switched something from gifts to personal, because it's something I'm going to keep for myself.  So the numbers above have changed, but not the bottom line.

Last night was my ex's birthday dinner at a local restaurant.  My DIL picked up the tab for the table, but I gave her $20 toward it.  I brought a bottle of wine ($15) for my ex.  When I picked up the wine, I also spent $4 on a grocery item for myself.

I don't expect to spend anything today other than feeding the washer and dryer for one load, but I expect that I will do some grocery shopping tomorrow, so I won't do my October recap yet.  

Two negative financial events -- a book I ordered from Amazon has been recorded as delivered, but I do not have it.  I'm only out of pocket for $5, but I also used points which I wish I had back.  Weirdly enough, it was supposedly delivered by USPS and I have to contact them to trace the package, which I expect is useless to try on a weekend.  (I suspect the package may have been stolen.  It's that time of year.)

The other -- I returned a pair of shoes to Skechers and received a credit of $61.  However, my credit card doesn't seem to know that.  It is not showing up on my account as either processed or pending.  This might be a time lag thing.  I sent an inquiring message to Chase, but it won't be answered until Monday or Tuesday.  I may drop by Skechers tomorrow when I do my errands, just to check that they processed it correctly.

I got my booster shot yesterday -- no problem at all.  While I was at Walgreens I bought a birthday gift for $12 and afterwards I spent $6 on lunch.  I could have skipped that, but I was awfully hungry and running errands all day.  I got a lot done -- I returned shoes that hurt my feet to Skechers, I turned in some electronics for recycling at Best Buy, I picked up a book on hold at the library, I went to the post office, checked in at the refinisher's, and I dropped off a bag of donations at Goodwill.  I also went to the gym.

Today I'm meeting my kids and my ex to celebrate his birthday at a new restaurant in town.  DIL sent me the menu and it looks like it is quite reasonable in its pricing.  I'm already planning on getting a chopped salad and soup.

My table -- which has been gone so, so long, will probably be ready at the end of next week.  At least that's what the refinisher says.  When I went into the shop he sat like a contrite little boy and said he had no excuse for taking so long.  He said he has stopped accepting orders because he is so overwhelmed with work.  It has been no hardship to me, since I can always eat in the kitchen booth, but it does mean I can't make dinner for anyone else.  Which has been kind of nice!  Anyway, I hope it will indeed be ready when he said.

Forgot to update on the food stretching project!  After I had two meatloaf sliders, I chopped up the remaining loaf and made kind of an ersatz chili with green peppers, onions and mushrooms.  The leftovers from the fast food I bought yesterday -- chicken strips and fries -- were repurposed this morning into an "eggless omelet" -- chopped up the meat and potatoes, added peppers and onions and mushrooms (again!) and some cheese -- heated in a skillet, it made a nice breakfast.  Tomorrow I'm going to finish off the mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce to add to spaghetti -- thus using up some half and half that needs to be used.

Today I took a trial run to the Walgreens where I'll get my booster on Thursday.  I wanted to make sure it was in a safe part of the city.  It looks like a neighborhood where I wouldn't want to live, but is probably okay to visit for a half hour in the daylight!  Afterwards I went to the gym and then to Aldi, where I spent $33, which included Halloween candy.  I don't hand it out at the door -- no one comes into my gated building -- but I give it to my grandsons.  For my Oregon grandchildren, I'll just send cards and cash.

We've had two days of pouring rain.  Today I realized that water was coming in around one of my AC units.  I pulled it out in order to wipe it up, and then I went ahead and put it away (after testing to make sure the unit was still working!)  While I was at it, I took down and put away the other one, too.  These units are pretty heavy, and it wasn't easy, but it's a good job done.  Now I'm banking on no more hot weather -- which I think I should be able to count on at the end of October!  But who knows in this crazy climate!

On the food-stretching front, I thawed some spaghetti sauce (with mushrooms) and added macaroni.  The final product was enough for three meals.  I've eaten two, and will have the last serving tomorrow.  Tomorrow morning I'm going to thaw one of my little personal-size meatloaves.  I'm going to slice it and make meatloaf sliders with my brioche rolls, which should make lunch for several days.  I'm also going to make blueberry pancakes for breakfast tomorrow.  One batch generally lasts for three days.

Variables are going well -- I'm only at 63%, and less than a week to go.

Yesterday my ex told me he'd gotten the Moderna booster at Walgreens and urged me to sign up.  Long story short, he did not get the booster, he got a third full vaccine, and I don't know how, considering he is not immunocompromised, or at least not that I know of.  But anyway, I did get an appointment that evening, but they stopped me at the gates.  Even though I have chronic kidney disease, that does not make me immunocompromised -- I would have to be on dialysis or receiving transplant drugs to fall into that category.  However, while I was there, the clearance came through for anyone over 65 -- but the pharmacy did not have the booster in stock, which is a half-dose.  In the end, I came away with no booster.  But today I made an appointment to get that done next Thursday.  I'm glad.  I will feel that much safer once it is done.

I donated $10 yesterday to a homeless shelter, and this morning I bought an exercise book on Amazon for $5 (I had a $17 credit).  My variables are now at 59%.  And we're 71% of the way through the month, so after worrying about how fast the money was going, my spending rate has slowed down considerably.

I'm continuing to stretch food as far as it will go.  This morning I ate the last piece of spinach quiche for breakfast.  For lunch, I made taco "pies" out of the leftover taco filling, using crescent dough in a muffin tin for the crust.  That made 5 pies and I'm freezing 4 of them.  There is still some filling left, so I'm going to make a taco omelet tomorrow morning.

Today was my errand day, but I did not need to go to the grocery.  Probably will on Monday.  I went to the gym, and returned some library books.

I finished my first draft of Part One of a dystopic novella I am writing.  I sent it to a former teacher for comments.  I hope he likes it!  Determined to start on Part Two today.  Once I finish it, I plan to self-publish on the internet.  This is mostly for fun, not to make any money from it.

I went to the dentist yesterday, and I got my teeth cleaned and got bitewing x-rays.  I couldn't believe it was time for x-rays again, but they said my last x-rays were panoramic, so a different animal, I guess.  Anyway, I did not pay for any of it; they filed the claim.  I guess it pays to complain.

That saved me some money.  The only recent spending was $2 for laundry this morning.  Variables are at 57% and we're 65% of the way through the month, so finally I am not in the overspending category.

I have been quite dismayed by the rise in grocery prices.  I am trying to combat it by stretching out what I have on hand.  This week I have made spinach quiche, using up leftover Swiss cheese and leftover spinach, and making the crust from scratch, which went pretty well.  I have had a couple of hamburger lunches, making small patties to fit on brioche rolls.  I cooked off the rest of my ground beef this morning to make taco filling tomorrow.  I have tortillas in the freezer, and some frozen peppers and onions.  Also have plenty of shredded cheddar.  I have some salsa, but I think it will probably have to be thrown out.  But I think I will be okay without salsa.  I have plenty of spices on hand to make a taco seasoning mix.  I have apples and carrots on hand for roughage, as well as frozen veggies.

I'm not planning to go back to the grocery store until I run out of something vital.

Gas is crazy high, too, but my monthly expenditure is not higher, so I must be driving less.  I credit my plan to do errands and gym on one day, and stay at home the following two days.  It's working, as well as being relaxing.

My electricity bill was the highest it's ever been, but I think it was reflecting heavy use of the AC last month.

I don't think prices will go down any time soon, so I'm determined to be vigilant.

So... sometime last year I handed my Medicare Advantage card to my dentist's receptionist and asked her to check for dental benefits.  I kept seeing ads on TV touting the benefits on the plan I have.  I know I didn't have dental benefits when I started, but I think last year that changed, though I was never notified.  The receptionist acted put out and did some sort of cursory check and told me I had no dental benefits.  I took her at her word, though her attitude should have tipped me off.

So I have an appointment coming up, and after seeing more and more ads I decided to check for myself.  No easy task, as the website is pretty confusing.  But it really looked like I should have a $0 copay for cleaning and x-rays.  I called my MA provider, and the rep I spoke to said yes, I do have those benefits on my plan.  When I told him the story about the receptionist, he became quite affronted on my behalf, and he ended up calling the dentist's office and paving the way for my benefits to be recognized and honored.  I was asked if I could identify the person who gave me the misinformation, but I could not.  She was just the lady at the desk, to me.  Perhaps she is not even there anymore.

I feel a little bad about going into the office on Tuesday.  I was honestly just checking on my benefits and didn't expect that the rep would call the office and take them to task.  But I guess I'm glad it was done.  I just really like my dentist and I don't want the relationship to be tainted by this.

Today was my gym/errand day.  I went to Aldi and spent $41.  My variables are now at 57%, and we're 52% through the month.  Evening out.

I was feeling quite smug listening to all the news about how heating costs are going to rise this winter -- I don't have a heating bill.  But then I heard that heating oil will see the highest rise of all, and that is what powers our boiler -- and of course the property management company will raise the assessment fees to cover this rise in cost.  Duh.  If they don't, I will be quite shocked.  That will probably absorb the increase in my Social Security payments, if the proposed Medicare increase doesn't.  These are challenging times for retirees!

Today was my gym/errand day.  After my strength training I went to the library to pick up some books I had placed on hold.  And I also filled up the gas tank, to the tune of $32.  My other expenditure (yesterday) was a $30 copayment for one of my visits to Immediate Care.  There will be at least one more of those.  My variables are now at 52%, and we are 42% of the way through the month.

I heard today that the COLA increase in Social Security will be 5.9% next year.  However, I also hear that most of that will be absorbed by increased Medicare costs.  You can't win!  I'm not going to get too excited.

I did not go to Aldi today.  When I took stock of my grocery list, it seemed there was nothing I couldn't live without until Saturday.  That's my next errand day.  So I passed.

Looking forward to two quiet days at home.  I am completely recovered from my infection, but I continue to be very tired.  I am going to do a lot of reading.  I have thirteen books on hand, because almost all of my holds came through at once.  That's the trouble with placing books on hold, but sometimes that's the only way you ever get certain titles.  Anyway, it should be a very leisurely two days.

Yesterday was my gym/errand day.  I had only one errand to do -- get a package of Always Discreet.  I went to Sam's, but they didn't have it, though they had many other Always products.  Now that I think about it, I think I might have been in the wrong section.  Anyway, I went to Walgreens instead and found a package of 45 on sale for $20.  That seemed like a decent deal.  That purchase pushed my variables up to 45%.  Since we are only 35% of the way through the month, I need to slow it down.  Getting three pairs of shoes at the beginning of the month really threw things off.  Not that I regret buying them.  Another expenditure, which I didn't report, was $20 donated to a fundraiser for my grandson's school.

On my next gym/errand day -- Wednesday -- I'll have to get gas and will probably need to buy a few things at Aldi.  And next Tuesday (not tomorrow but the next one) I have a dentist's appointment.  So the spending will continue.

I am deferring my eye appointment to January so that I can take advantage of my insurance's allowance for a new pair of glasses.

I did get my flu shot the other day, but there was no cost involved.

I didn't feel very well yesterday, but I pushed myself to go to the gym and then to Sam's and Aldi, where I spent a combined $37 on groceries.  I definitely saw the effects of supply chain problems at Aldi, though it did not affect what I was buying.  

Since I didn't feel well, I did not get my flu shot, as I had planned to.  I think I will try to get it done on my next gym day -- Thursday -- and I will try to get an eye appointment for the same day, since the eye doctor and Walgreens are in close proximity.  I'll probably make that a library day as well, so it will be a busy day.  Good thing I'm just going to rest up the next two days!

I'm feeling much better today!

Yesterday I got my hair cut -- gave up on the longer hair and went back to the chin-length bob -- so much easier to handle.  My stylist did a great job, but it was pricy -- $73 for the cut and $15 for the tip.  Afterwards I went to the Skechers outlet store with the plan of buying anything that was backless with a memory foam insole.  It seems like this is the only type of shoe I can wear comfortably anymore.  I found three pairs, two of them on the clearance rack.  And yet the total price was $185, which feels shocking.  However, these shoes will last me a while; they will be my everyday shoes.  Then, because it was getting toward dinnertime and I was hungry, and the traffic was slow, I stopped at Home Depot for a hot dog and a drink - $5.

That puts my variables at 33% in just one day!  Wow.  I will have to be careful.  I have a dental appointment coming up in the middle of the month, and that won't be cheap either.

My Chase credit card, which has a "tap to pay" feature, is currently offering a deal to add $10 to rewards if I use it three times.  Yesterday I used it three times.  I will use it one more time just in case, but I think all three should count.  The minimum to charge was $3.35.  And on all three I used the tap feature, in case they are somehow tracking that.  So I'm looking forward to that $10 reward, which I will use on Amazon.

I am not going to spend anything today, so I did my September recap.  (If an unexpected spenditure takes place, I'll put in on next month's spreadsheet.)

Housing: $795

Taxes: $428

Insurance: $238

Utilities: $197

Vet/Pet Supplies: $182

Gifts/Charity: $147

Medical/Health: $123

Groceries: $103

Personal: $90

Eating Out/Takeout: $58

Entertainment: $53

Gas: $34

Laundry: $16

Phone: $11

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $10

Grand Total: $2485

Variables: 94%

It was an expensive month, since I had to pay both property taxes and condo insurance.  I also had unusual medical expenses due to an infection and there was also the very sad business of having to put down my beloved Iggy.  Two birthdays made the gift category higher than usual.  Entertainment was higher than usual because of the family football pool.  Personal was high because of the purchase of skin care products.  I ate out more than usual because of having no access to my kitchen for several days.

On the bright side, groceries were very low, and I spent nothing on clothing, vacation/travel, fees/services, car repair/maintenance, and household supplies!  Phone was very low, because I only paid for a switchover to a new service, and the monthly service fee hasn't hit yet.

I got up early this morning and went to the gym, then to the bank to deposit a check and "buy" quarters. 

I have finished my second round of antibiotics, and I am so hoping this is the end of the infection.

Friday was a fun day, though I was super tired, I think because my body was fighting off the infection.  I met BFF for lunch, which cost a reasonable $12, and then we shopped at a few stores.  I spent $4 on a mug and $5 on a small wall hanging.  Big spending!

On Sunday, I went to my ex's for my grandson's birthday party.  It was his 12th, so it was a double celebration, since he got vaccinated!  I gave him $50 in cash.  Also spent $5 on a birthday card.

The new tile floor is done, and it's beautiful.  My ex paid for it, and all the financial stuff has been completed.  It was very generous of him, and he did it with no complaint.  Here's a pic to give you an idea of how it looks.  The old floor was square terra cotta tiles, faded and cracked!

I was feeling better this morning, so I went to the gym and then to Aldi afterwards.  I spent $24 there.  I also filled up the gas tank at Sam's -- that was $34.  Whew!  I remember when I was shocked when I had to pay more than $20 to fill up.

I'm going to meet BFF tomorrow in our halfway city.  After a couple of rather chilly days, it's supposed to be warm and sunny tomorrow.  We may get lunch at a drive-thru and eat outside.  Indiana is not taking the virus seriously, and I don't care to get it at this late date.

I rescheduled my dentist's appointment to mid-October, since so many expenses are hitting me this month.  Also putting off getting my hair cut till October.  This time I'm going to cut off quite a bit.  I've had it with long, untameable hair.  On to short, untameable hair!

REALLY hoping the antibiotics will work this time.

The UTI came back, so it was off to Immediate Care this morning.  This time the prescribed antibiotic was very cheap, only $2.  I hope this one kills the bacteria for good.

The workers are applying grout today on my new floor.  I expect that they will let it dry overnight and come back tomorrow to clean up, return the appliances to their proper places, etc.

Even in its unfinished state, the floor looks amazing.

All of a sudden there is progress -- fast progress -- in getting my kitchen floor redone.  Today the tile guys came and looked it over and made their recommendations.  Then I went to Floor & Decor and chose tiles.  On Monday they will begin demolishing the old tile.

It appears to the tile guys that there is another layer of even older tile under the current one.  Certainly possible -- these old buildings -- you just never know what you'll find.  They are going to go down to the subfloor and then install a new underlayer.  There will be a lot of cutting and piecing to do, because my kitchen is small and has unusual features, like an old-fashioned built-in booth in an alcove, so they estimate it will take 3 1/2 days.

My ex has already sent me about half of the money and the rest will come tomorrow -- he has a limit on how much he can send via Zelle.  Maybe I do too!  I've never tried to send a large amount.  Anyway, it should arrive in plenty of time.  I am really grateful that he is doing this, because it would be a real strain on my budget.  But it has to be done.  The old tiles are cracking like Saltines.

I got a breakfast sandwich and OJ at McDonalds this morning, because I didn't want to mess up the kitchen prior to the visit from the tile guys.  That was $6.  I also stopped at Walgreens and bought some probiotic gummies and a jar of popcorn kernels.  Total cost was $31.  Also did a load of laundry, so altogether my variables are up to 66%.

Yesterday was the day that had to come.  I had to have Iggy put down.  The fluids helped for a long time, but eventually his health declined to the point where I felt it was kinder to him to let him go, rather than prolong his agony.  I was a blubbering fool all day yesterday, but today I am feeling better.  It helps to know that I did the right thing for him, even though it was so hard for me.

It was $150 to have this done at my vet's office.  She couldn't have been more supportive or more caring toward Iggy.  I know he felt no fear.  It was just another vet visit for him, and now he has peacefully gone to a place where there is no more pain.

I will miss him so much, though.

Two good things -- it's payday, and I will be done with antibiotics tomorrow.  The pain has not come back, so I think I'm good.

Nothing remarkable in paying bills today, except that I paid the second installment of my property tax - $427.

Feeling a bit down the other day, I ordered some skin care products on Amazon.  I am going to establish a new regimen, but there were three things I did not have -- eye cream, moisturizer with SPF 30, and serum.  Those three items cost $70, but I trust I won't have to order again for a long time.

When I was young, I used to take such good care of my skin.  Over the years, I kind of let that go.  Now I want to reestablish that habit, if only to make me feel better!  I'm not sure what can be done at the age of 72, but I'm going to give it a try.

I also picked up some groceries yesterday -- $24 -- and cat food from PetSmart - $18.

Variables are now at 43%.  I am halfway through the month, so the pace is about right.  I do have a dental appointment at the end of month, which may skew things a bit.

I woke up with a UTI this morning which necessitated a visit to Immediate Care and then to Walgreens.  I didn't pay anything at IC -- that will come later -- but I did fill a prescription and got an OTC drug, for a grand total of $56.  While I was there, I picked up an eyebrow pencil for $7.

The pharmacist told me the antibiotic would probably be rough on my stomach, so I'm waiting till dinnertime to take it.  I took the OTC drug and so far I think it's helping a little -- hope it will help a lot in the next few days.

Variables are now at 27%.

A little more spending ... I ordered a birthday present for my Oregon grandson, $52.  And I sent in my fee for the family football pool, $34.  Variables are at 19%.

I'm going to call today to see if the contractor who did my ceiling also does tile floors.  My kitchen floor tiles are cracking -- either because they are that old, or because the subfloor is shifting.  My ex has offered to pay for it, though I'm not counting on it.  I just need to get the ball rolling.  

Yesterday was my day out -- gym, vet, drive-through lunch.  I spent $14 at the vet for fluids and needles, and $3 for lunch at Burger King (great coupon).  I had a lot of leftover fries, so this morning I chopped and refried them with peppers, onions and celery, and had it on the side with eggs and stewed apples.  Delicious breakfast!  I also froze half of the chicken nuggets, and I will eat them later on Hawaiian rolls as chicken sliders.  So that $3 went far.

It would have been an uneventful outing, but a storm broke out -- a wild one, though mercifully short -- and then I had to pull over twice for fire trucks.  Much excitement!

Now two days at home -- today I will do some laundry.

My son's shower is finished, so no more daily visits from the grands.

My phone problems were resolved yesterday.  I called Consumer Cellular.  I had to wait a half hour for an agent, but then I did get to experience their legendary service.  The woman I spoke to told me she could activate my service, but it would disconnect our call, so I had to have another phone handy.  Well, I don't have a landline.  I told her I could go across the street to my son's house and use his phone as the second.  That was fine with her, and she hung on while I tromped over there.  I thought that was great!

Everything is working fine now.  After all that trauma, I'm now looking forward to a lower phone bill.

Oh, another thing.  I caught an error in the formula in my variables spreadsheet.  My variables this month are actually 15%.  Quite a bit lower than I reported before.