CB in the City

I went to Food4Less and Aldi yesterday, which pushed my grocery spending above $100 for the month. I don't like to ever break $100, but it happens once in a while. At Aldi, in particular, I did some stocking up -- for instance, meat to keep in the freezer. I think this food should last for a while.

I had a bit of a scare at Aldi. I pulled up to the store and there was a huge construction fence and the store itself was stripped of any recognizable feature. I thought they were demolishing it! But no, it was a remodel, and I was able to follow a path to get in, where everything was intact.

I also went to the gym, and, of course, babysat in the afternoon. The boys take their lunches to morning sports camp, and I have been going through the remains they bring home. Yesterday one of them brought back a whole sandwich. Knowing it would be thrown out otherwise, I ate it for my dinner. A free meal!

Next week will be a change of pace. Monday will be normal, Tuesday the boys are going to Six Flags, so I'll be off, and on Wednesday I'm going to take them to the kids' movie (Paddington 2), grab lunch, and then drive to Michigan. We'll stay at my brother's until Saturday morning. This will be the first time it's been just me and boys at my brother's house, and I hope it goes well.

The trip to Michigan will begin on pay day, so all of the cost of it will go on next month's budget.

Right now, variables are at 55%. Only five days till pay day.

I found a $5 bill yesterday! It was just lying in the street, folded up. I'm getting so close now to picking up $100!

I took a walk in the alleys yesterday. I found about six boxes, but nothing new to put in the garage sale.

I went to the last baseball game of the season. Our team lost pretty bad, and GS1 had a bad game, striking out twice and missing an important catch. But they all went out to Portillo's afterwards in good spirits. I drove separately, so I passed on the meal out. Not only do I not want to spend the money -- I don't want to eat that late in the day.

Today I slept kind of late, but I need to get to the gym and shop a little before I go take care of the boys.

GS2 is very sad that his cousin, who is almost the same age, has moved out of town, all the way to Oregon. We are all trying to think of ways to let them see each other. I am toying with idea of BFF and I taking the train to Portland with our grandchildren. She has a brother there. I haven't even introduced this idea to her, and it won't happen for a while, even if she likes the idea. It would be hard for me to do during Gap Year. But it is something to think about and aim for. BFF and I were planning to take another trip together, anyway. Maybe next summer?

My mystery shop went well, and I've entered my report. I have not received payment from this particular company for more than a month, so I'm not going to accept any more from them until they do. Unlike some of the others, there is nothing on their site showing what has been paid and what is pending, so it's a little nerve-wracking.

After the shop, I went straight to GS1's playoff game. It was a VERY LONG game. It was stalled many times because of issues with the ump and the coaches. In the end, we finally won, in an exciting comeback, but it was three and a half hours!

I found a Trader Joe's before the game and bought some snacks, spending $7. Most of them I ended up bringing home. Those snacks were my supper. I was planning on going out with the kids after the game, but since the game ran so long, I begged off. Saved me some money.

Variables are now at 51%, with only one week to go.

It was another no-spend day for me, other than $1.50 for laundry, which I don't really count as spending. I took the boys to the library after their sports camp. They had eaten lunch at the camp, so there was no decision about what to do about feeding them. We were there a short while and then GS1 had to go to baseball practice.

In the evening, I went to GS2's championship game. We lost, but it was an exciting game, and GS2 got his first trophy. And I found a nickel in the bleachers!

I ordered my free OTC drugs -- $50 worth. This time I got low-dose aspirin, dairy pills, generic Zyrtec, famotide, acetominophen, and a small box of pantyliners.

This morning I took a walk around the neighborhood. I headed home by way of the alleys, where I found a nice cardboard box. I also found a plastic wastebasket, a small tire and a 12" baking pan, all in good condition. I'll put the wastebasket and tire in the garage sale, but I'll keep the baking pan. I also found a set of paper lanterns still in plastic wrap -- but they had been damaged by rain, so I left them.

These are all things that were set out by the dumpsters, not in them. I don't actually go dumpster diving!

It seems many of the millennials I live among declutter by taking things to the dumpster and do not donate to Goodwill. So wasteful! But I'm sure there are others like me who come along and snatch them up!

Today I have a mystery shop to do, which may interfere, time-wise, with GS1's away game tonight. I have to do the mystery shop, once I'm signed up, so it will get priority.

My cash back from Discover hit the bank, almost $8.

I cleaned that tank, I hung those pictures, and I squeezed in a visit to the gym in between the baseball games. I also managed to put aside more stuff for the garage sale. I've worked my way about halfway through my house.

My only spending yesterday was .50 for lemonade at the ball park.

It was a good day, especially for GS2, whose team won all three games and will now play in the championship game tonight.

This week the boys are going to a morning sports camp, so I don't go on duty until 1:30. With DIL coming home around 3-4, it will be a light week. (My body appreciates that!) Next week I'm taking them up to Michigan. Not nailed down yet, but probably Wednesday through Friday.

I need to do some more laundry today, but first I need to go get quarters. I think I'll take a walk to the bank before it gets too steamy and hot.

There are things I don't like to do. One of them is cleaning the fish tank, which actually has to be done pretty often. I was supposed to do it yesterday, but I didn't. I was also supposed to hang some pictures, and I didn't do that either. I can only credit it to procrastination. Probably added and abetted by the heat. I didn't turn on the air yesterday, trying to be frugal.

But the good news is that it was a no-spend day, other than the $3 I spent on doing laundry.

Today I have three games to attend, so I only have freedom until noon. I will put it out here that I intend to get those two neglected chores done this morning. I am also supposed to do strength training at the gym, according to my own schedule.

I slept poorly and don't feel good, at least not yet. So this is going to be a challenge.

Yesterday was a pretty calm day. GS1 left early to go to the batting cages with his friends, so GS1 and I played a board game. He "taught" me how to play. His instructions were hilarious. He's 8.

No spending at all. For lunch we had leftover pizza.

Today I'm off duty. I'm going to do some laundry and some general housework. I found a couple more boxes so I'm going to continue boxing up things for the garage sale.

Tomorrow there are three baseball games. It's raining this morning, so I hope that means there will be a cool-off.

I got a coupon for a free full stack at IHOP, which I will have to use by the end of the month.

Variables are at 45%, with 11 days to go.

I had a restaurant mystery shop yesterday which I did with the boys. My portion of the bill will be reimbursed, but what they ordered cost $22. Then, after the evening ball game, the team went out to Fuddrucker's. I ordered a veggie burger and water, and it was $8. I am spending more on eating out than I want to, but it just seems to be a casualty of summer, with its hectic schedule and child care demands.

DIL had a bad day yesterday. Her grieving for her mother is hitting her hard now. It so often happens that way -- the grief really hits later than you think it would. For that reason, I'm not even going to bother her about the extra expense I had yesterday. I'm sure she assumed that the mystery shopping would cover the boys' portion, too.

I'll be caring for the boys today, as she has to put in an extra day at work. I was hoping to go visit BFF this weekend, but that will be postponed. Just as well -- there is so much I need to do at home.

Yesterday's spending included getting gas - $28 (another big summer expense). I also stopped and got my free car wash.

I signed up for another comic store shop this coming week, even though the last one didn't go so well. This is a different location, though, and I should have a better idea on what to do.

Found a nickel yesterday! My found money is inching toward $100!

Well, Mamma Mia II was really fun -- and quite touching, too! I liked it better than the first one, but probably because I knew what to expect and I just went along with the campier, cornier aspects of it. I sat next to a very nice woman who caught me up on what happened in MM I (it's been a while!) and that really kept me from getting lost and confused.

My spending yesterday was $6 for nachos at the water park -- which made me sick later in the day. Not because there was anything wrong with them, but because I didn't have my dairy pills with me. I don't know what got into me, ordering them in the first place. They just looked good.

I also spent $6 at McDonald's on the boys and $17 for guest passes to the water park, but I am assuming I'll get reimbursed for those.

I got a $51 payment from a mystery shop company.

Variables are at 37%, and so far, Gap Year is going well!

Yesterday I took GS1 and a friend of his to a pool in an adjoining suburb. GS1 had a pass, but the friend and I were charged $15 as guests, since we were out-of-town. There is no public pool in our suburb.

DIL reimbursed me, and also reimbursed me for the IHOP meal yesterday.

Today GS2 (who had a playdate with a friend yesterday) will be going to Six Flags with another family. So it will be just me and GS1 again. He may want to do another swim day with his friend, but we may do the beach instead. Certainly a lot cheaper.

I spent $7 on ice cream.

In the evening, after a great baseball game, I went to PetSmart, which is very close to the ball park, and spent $42 on dry cat food. This enabled a $10 coupon which I can use on my next bag.

Variables are at 37%.

Tonight I'm going to see a complementary showing of Mamma Mia II. I got the invitation as a subscriber to the Cinemark loyalty club (which is free). I wasn't crazy about MM I, but, hey, it's free entertainment and it will be nice to have a night out. Wish I had a movie buddy, but since C's death, I haven't had that kind of friend here in town.

I signed up for another mystery shop at the hamburger place. This one will happen on July 29. That's in addition to the one I'll do tomorrow. I really like these shops because I get a fee in addition to a free meal.

I got my tire yesterday, but I had to pay the full price in order to take my car. The tire place had not heard from the warranty company (after the initial authorization) so they advised me to pay and get reimbursed rather than wait days for payment to come directly to them. I guess they go through this a lot.

So I paid $351, and later in the day I faxed the invoice to the warranty company. They have authorized $334 in payment. I hope they are quick in cutting me a check. Since I don't have a land line, the fax cost me $2 to send at Office Depot.

My hair dryer pooped out yesterday, so I picked up a new one at Walgreens. It was $18, on sale for 20% off. I do hope it lasts longer than the last one.

My other spending was $21 at IHOP, where I hung out with boys while I waited for the tire to be delivered to the tire shop. I'll give the receipt for that to DIL today. I'm not sure whether she will reimburse me, since it's not our regular Thursday Eat-Out Day -- but this Thursday I'll be doing a mystery shop for lunch, so it should be pretty cheap for the boys.

We also went to the library, where I picked up three new books.

Variables are now at 33%. The bulk of the tire cost is not counted in this, but I did count the difference between my payment and what the warranty company has authorized.

Two weeks and a day left till pay day, so I'm doing pretty well, despite some surprises.

Yesterday I rode with my son to an out-of-town baseball game, which we lost, but it was a good game. Afterwards my ex (who had also come to the game) took all of us out for dinner, which was nice. It was a free meal for me, but one that I didn't really need, since I had already eaten about as much as I should have for the day. But I couldn't turn it down, as I had no separate transportation.

Came home and had a long telephone conversation with my other son, whom I hadn't heard from in a while. He is feeling the pinch for dental work -- his daughter and his wife. But he was in good spirits, and lifted mine, which were rather low.

Today, since I am still using the temporary tire, I'm going to try to just stay home. I'll have to drive a lot tomorrow getting the boys to music lessons and then to the tire store, so I'm just staying off the wheels today.

The flat tire kind of took front page news yesterday, so I didn't even talk about my experience with the pizza delivery mystery shop.

It happened on the day I was not feeling well, but I had to follow through. Because I was a little woozy, I did not comprehend the instructions as thoroughly as I should have. I knew I was supposed to take at least three pictures of the pizza at a 90 degree angle. What I didn't get was that I was supposed to put notes beside the pizza showing my ID number and the store number. I took the pictures, and then I ate a piece. And then I saw the deal about the notes. Well, I couldn't add the notes and take a picture of a pizza with a piece missing -- even moving the pieces was a no-no.

So I emailed the agent and explained why I was not filing a report. I assumed I was going to have to absorb the cost of the pizza.

Next day, in the midst of all my flat tire drama, I saw an email from the agent telling me that they needed a report or my assignment would be cancelled. I returned a rather snippy reply that I had already sent her an email to explain, and she should check her inbox.

Well, it turns out she had sent me an earlier message that they could still use the report (which I had missed because I was driving) and I should go ahead and file it. So I had to apologize, hat in hand, and I promised to file the report by 4 pm. That meant I had to retrieve the labels from the box, which was in the trash, but, thank goodness, not in the dumpster. I got the report done and sent it in.

I'm not sure, at this point, whether it will reimbursed or not, so I counted the expense as "eating out" and I will remove it if I do get a reimbursement.

No one was around to eat the pizza, so after I ate the one slice, I put the rest in the freezer.

So, back to the car. I got a call yesterday from the tire dealer saying that there was a possibility the tire will come in today. I am hoping so, because I have to take the boys to music lessons at 9 on Monday, and I'd like to have the car all fixed by then.

This morning I took the short trip to the gym and then to Food4Less, which is in the same plaza. I spent $35. I am hoping this will be enough food to last the month, with only emergency fill-ins. I WILL have to buy some pet supplies, but I don't count those in groceries.

Between yesterday and today, I've spent $4.50 on laundry.

Variables are now at 25%.

I signed up for another mystery shop at lunchtime on Thursday. This time I'll take the boys with me. I've done this particular shop so many times now I don't think they'll be a distraction.

Why, you say?

Because I hit a pothole, hard, on Lake Shore Drive (during rush hour), got a flat and bent the wheel, and I can't get a new tire & wheel till Monday.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

I should have been scared, going flat on a busy road like that, but it happened so fast I didn't have time to. I just got over (four lanes) and took the first exit, as there was no shoulder. I had to drive a bit to find any place I could park the car. That's how I bent the wheel. AAA came and put on the baby spare. I had to go all the way back home and beyond to find a tire store that would fit me in. (Every place was overbooked because of the holiday.) And even then, there was no tire like mine in stock. So I'm grounded. No Michigan this weekend.

My warranty will cover all but $20. I don't know why it isn't completely covered, but $20 is not going to break me.

Meanwhile, I'll go back to reading my book and attending baseball games!

On the Fourth, I went with my kids to my ex's house for a cookout. Well, really a cook-in. After dinner my kids and I went to the beach to watch the fireworks. The beach is an easy walk from our condos, but I had to find a parking place, since I had driven to ex's. It took me ages! And I ended up parking too close to a fire hydrant, but I didn't get ticketed, so it all worked out.

Then last night, I woke up feeling a little unsettled. Soon that feeling turned to -- well, a terrible night in the bathroom. I admit I did eat a cheeseburger without a dairy pill, but I don't usually get much of a reaction from cheese. Something must have been a little off.

I felt so bad and lost so much sleep that I begged off taking care of the boys today. I still feel like I'm in recovery mode.

Today I have to order a pizza for a mystery shop. Of course, I don't feel like eating one, but you have to follow through if you've asked for an assignment. I can do it any time today, so I'll order later in the day. I've offered to share with the kids; we'll have to see if their schedule permits.

I'm leaving for my Michigan trip tomorrow. I have to get there by 1 to meet my friend P. That means leaving at 9 at the latest. I'm taking my laundry, so I don't have to pack! Except toiletries, of course. Really looking forward to it, but I hope I'm feeling better.

I don't believe I spent anything yesterday. I did figure out that I have enough padding in my checking account to cover the property tax bill and the other automatic payments that are coming out. I always round up on withdrawals, and round down on deposits, so that I build up a bit of a cushion. Sometimes it comes in useful!

I got my property tax bill -- second installment -- in the mail yesterday. I was very surprised that it was only $169. That is the lowest I ever paid. I'm not sure why it is so low, but I'm pleased. I already paid it out of my checking account. Now the account is just a little in the red (because of future withdrawals scheduled). But I think I can make up the difference without touching savings, if some mystery shop payments come in.

I did a mystery shop along with the boys yesterday in a garden shop. I had to buy something to prove I was there, so I let the boys each pick out a small thing for themselves. One chose an air plant, and one chose a pack of catnip seeds. The bill came to $8, and $5 will be reimbursed.

Afterwards I stopped at the grocery and spent $24.

Variables are at 16%.

In the evening we had an exciting baseball game to watch. We were tied in the seventh, and went into extra innings to finally make the win. Our boys haven't won much this year, so it was especially sweet. The game lasted three and a half hours!

I am not planning much today. It would be a gym day, but I think it is closed. I will probably walk over to the beach tonight to see the fireworks.

A bit of a cool-off has allowed me to turn off the air conditioners, but it seems like today might heat up again.

Yesterday was tiring. We had a baseball game at 6pm at a location an hour away. Well, with rush hour traffic it was an hour and a half. Plus, Google Maps TWICE directed me to the wrong location. I can't figure out what went wrong, but had I not been able to text my son and get better directions, I never would have made it there. I was almost ready to just turn around and go home.

The game lasted a couple of hours, and I didn't get to bed until around midnight.

Before the game, I went to Sam's and bought paper towels and Command strips. I spent $29. I shouldn't have to buy paper towels again for quite a while. As for the Command strips -- I have quite a few wall hangings, and some of them keep coming down. I'm going to double up on the problem children. I don't dare use the traditional nail in the wall, as I have old plaster walls.

I was going to order the Command strips from Amazon, but got a pop-up saying that Sam's had a better deal. I hadn't even thought of them.

Today I have a mystery shop in another suburb -- a garden store. I have yet to read through the guidelines, but I know I have to pretend I'm going to make a walk, or build a fence, or something like that. The boys will be with me; I hope they won't blow my cover. I'm going to put them in charge of buying the $5 item for which I'll be reimbursed.

Tomorrow I get the day off -- a day of rest, whee! And on Thursday I will get to order a free pizza via mystery shopping.

Almost forgot -- I also spent $28 on gas at Sam's. Variables are now at 12%.

Yesterday was a good catch-up day. I set aside a lot of things to sell, some for the garage sale, and some for eBay. My dining room table is full of boxes now. I'm going to start taking the full boxes down one at a time as I come and go.

I have to take the boys to music lessons at 9 this morning, which pretty much jump-starts my day. I don't know what the plans are beyond that. We might go swimming, but that will depend on DIL giving me the passes. I've already made their lunch, peanut soup. They loved it in Williamsburg; I hope they'll love it here.

The weather has cooled off a bit, so I turned off the air and opened the windows this morning. It feels good and I wish it would stay that way.

Yesterday I ran across some old journals I kept back in the 80's and 90's. I never kept them very long at a time, but it's still a good window into my past. I was really worried about money then. I was in debt, living hand to mouth, didn't see any way out. I was also very busy, and I refer to a lot of events and people I don't even remember. Makes me appreciate the security and sense of peace I have now.

I'm going to Michigan this weekend to visit my brother, and I'm going to have lunch with my friend P, too. Looking forward to the fun and relaxation, but not the drive!

DIL had a great 40th birthday party. It was held at a local brewery, in the big backroom area where all the kettles and barrels are kept. They provided trays of antipasto and bread, and of course there was birthday cake. I tried not to indulge too much.

A lot of her friends came, but also some of her relatives from Indiana, whom I hadn't seen for a while, so I spent most of the evening catching up with them. It was a fun night, and unusually late for me!

Before the party, I attended GS2's last baseball game. It was ridiculously hot, but I brought a folding chair and found a spot in the shade. I spent $1 on a lemonade, sold by a boy who said he was collecting for the homeless. GS2 got a trophy at the end of the day for being the fastest and hardest-working. They all got a trophy, of course!

Today, I am going to chill, literally. I'm staying home. Even though there are things I could do, I think I am better off staying in the coolness and resting. I'll be running around soon enough, and it looks like this heat is not going away soon.

I have two mystery shops next week -- one at a garden center, and the other a pizza delivery.

I got a $55 check from one of my companies yesterday. About half of that was a reimbursement.

I drove to my credit union yesterday because I wanted to talk to a mortgage specialist in person. The credit union is about 20 miles away, but the trip was longer than that because traffic was terrible. Lots of construction.

Well, of course I got there, and they don't even have a mortgage person in the office! They gave me a phone number. I should have called in advance, I know.

In order not to waste the trip, I made a stop at a bakery outlet that is in the area. I spent $9 on Texas Toast, mini subs, English muffins, Hawaiian rolls, hot dog buns, mini bagels and ginger snaps. All stuff that will help me feed the boys this summer.

Then I made another stop at Dress Barn. I had a gift card balance to use up. I bought a swimsuit cover-up which cost me nothing, and I still have $4 on the card.

Before the trip, I got my hair cut - $18, and that was with the senior discount. The price is creeping up. But boy, it feels good to get all that hair off my neck!

Variables are now 5%.

We are having severely hot weather. I am running my air conditioners full time. I got a text yesterday that it was a peak savings day, which means if I reduce my electrical usage I get a rebate. Yesterday was just not the day. I didn't want to give the heat a chance to get a toehold. My two AC's are barely keeping up as it is.

It remains very hot today, and GS2 has a baseball game. I wish they would cancel it, but it is his last game, and I think they will carry on.

Tonight I'm going to a local brewery to celebrate DIL's 40th birthday. I think food will be provided. Cake for sure!

Yesterday I took all the leftover stuff out of the freezer that I had tucked away to use later. Broth, milk, chopped zucchini, soup. I needed to make room in the freezer. I'll make stirfry today, and perhaps some peanut soup.

But for now, I'm going to the gym. Happy Saturday, everyone!

The boys definitely know that Thursday is Eat-Out Day! They don't miss a beat.

This time I had a coupon from Corner Bakery offering two full-size entrees for $9.99. That was perfect for them, as one could get mac & cheese and the other could get pancakes, their favorites. I had had a late breakfast so ordered only a muffin. The total bill was $14 and my DIL paid me back for it already. I paid for dessert at McDonald's -- two cones for $1.32.

We also checked out a couple of parks. And there were music lessons in the morning. At the end of the day, there was a baseball game. We lost, but played a good game.

Today I'm going to get a haircut, if I can get scheduled with my stylist, and then I'll go to my credit union to talk about my mortgage. This evening I'm taking care of the boys while my kids go to a fundraiser. That should be pretty easy, as it's after dinner, and they can get themselves to bed now.

Planning on a visit with my brother (in Michigan) next weekend after the 4th.

I'm starting to pull out stuff for a garage sale, and I'm kind of surprised by how much I can declutter. Since I don't live in a good place to have a sale, I'm going to haul the stuff to BFF's in Indiana. That won't happen for a while, but I'm getting ready.

I haven't done much spending yet -- a couple of loads of laundry, and one run to the grocery for peppers and onions. And of course, the ice cream cones. Variables are at 1%.

I've paid my bills, and I still have savings, though quite reduced. At least I can take comfort in knowing I had the money to pay them. And I have a new (to me) car.

Here is my spending last month:

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor - $9244
Fees/Services - $2257
Housing - $1105
Insurance - $687
Medical/Health - $227
Utilities - $164
Vet/Pet Supplies - $91
Groceries - $89
Gas - $89
Eating Out - $77
Gifts/Charity - $73
Phone - $52
Clothing/Accessories - $24
Entertainment - $22
Laundry - $12
Fares/Parking - $5
Personal - $3

Grand Total - $14,221

Of course, the "equipment" in the first category was the car. Most of it, anyway.

And most of the fees and services were related: warranty, license plates, wheel tax.

I had to pay assessment fees twice this month.

My semi-annual insurance came due, and it reflected the expected jump from insuring an old car to insuring a newer one.

I had a dentist's appoint and an eye appointment.

I took Iggy to the vet.

Gas was higher due not only to prices but more driving as I cart the grandsons around.

It was just a killer month.

Gap Year is now in full swing, and my savings have been hit hard. Just what i didn't want to happen. But I am confident that most of my hurdles have been conquered, and the future will be frugal, but fine.

The "cheap" movie cost a little more than expected. Doesn't it always? The admission was $3. But we spent $9 on drinks, $7 on popcorn, and $4 on candy (which we sneaked in.) The boys each had $5 to contribute, so it wasn't TOO bad. But who knew drinks, especially, would cost that much? The boys had big expectations of what their $10 would buy, and the damage was done before I could intervene. Oh well. It was fun. GS1 met up with a friend and we sat together. A good time was had by all.

At my mystery shop this evening, I exceeded the reimbursement limit by .45. Last of the big spenders! I brought home enough for another meal. And I earned $6 for enjoying a free dinner, but I won't see it till next month.

Tomorrow is pay day, and it's going to be a killer. I have BIG credit card bills to pay off -- the aftermath of buying a car. Hope I'm still standing when all is said and done.

Made it through another day without spending. I am not even doing laundry! And it is piling up, but not unmanageable.

Tomorrow is the last day before pay day.

I made bread today with the help of my grandsons. They were truly amazed that such simple ingredients could turn into bread! The loaves turned out very well this time, and after we treated ourselves to warm bread and butter, they took some home.

We also took a pretty long walk, and my older grandson invented a board game! He called it "Speedy Sploshion." He printed out the "cards" and the game board, and it was pretty cute.

There may be minor spending tomorrow if we go to the kids' movie, but it's only $1 apiece.

No spending yesterday despite one real temptation. After last night's baseball game (a big win for GS1's team) we all went to Culver's in celebration. I had to go along, as I had hitched a ride with my son. I did not order anything and sat and watched everyone eat their delicious food.

Otherwise the day was pretty nondescript. I took a walk around the neighborhood in addition to doing strength training at the gym. I repaired the purse I bought at Goodwill. It wasn't zipping up well, kept catching the lining in the zip. I tacked the fabric down, and then stitched down one area where the fabric was too close to the zip. Then I waxed the zipper, and it's now zipping up well. It took me about 40 minutes.

I got a call to do another mystery shop at a burger place -- one I've done several times before. So tomorrow evening I will have a free dinner plus a little folding money. I prefer this kind of shop to the kind where I have to pretend to buy something and and then renege. That's uncomfortable.

I did use some gas, when I drove to the library and then to the two baseball games. I checked out two books which I must finish within one week.

I gave DIL her birthday gifts: a desk organizer, a globe stand, and an Amazon gift card (which I earned with hotel points).

I got a $25 Panera gift card in the mail, which I earned with travel card points. I also got info on my auto warranty, which was a relief. I didn't have any, and I wasn't sure whether it was coming.

I ate leftovers from yesterday's dinner for breakfast, and at 3:30 I ate a second meal of meatballs in marinara sauce with penne, and California blend vegetables. I ate a tiny serving of ice cream -- trying to cut down on sweets, but not cut them out entirely. I feel very satisfied, and I think I'm going to stick with two meals today.

After the games I did some routine housework, and now I am reading and lounging. I'm very sleepy and I may make it an early night.

Overall, a very nice day.

My son got his MS in December, but he went through the graduation ceremony today. It was in one of the vintage theaters downtown, very retro and opulent. The ceremony took most of the afternoon, but it was time well spent. My favorite part was the bagpiper who led the graduates out!

I rode along with them, so I didn't have to worry about downtown parking. But I did end up going out to dinner with them afterwards. I tried to order sparingly, and I only spent $13.

Now I'm very tired. It's been a big day!

Tomorrow I'm going to take my DIL's gift over, as it's her actual birthday. But her birthday celebration is going to be next Saturday, in a bar that is amusingly called "Temperance." Amusing, because our suburb is the birthplace of the temperance movement.

I hope my spending has stopped now, until pay day on Wednesday restarts it!

It rained all day long, and my grandsons' games were cancelled (thank goodness!) I can't imagine what their uniforms would look like after they played on a soaking wet field.

My DIL asked if I would take the boys to see Incredibles 2 today, since they couldn't play outside. I did, and it was $32 for all three of us. It was a DX theater, which I didn't realize when buying the tickets. I also took them out for lunch, since it was Eat Out Day. That was $23 for the three of us.

At the end of the day DIL texted me to ask the cost of the movie and candy. I told her how much the movie cost for the two of them, and the cost of the candy. I think she forgot about Eat Out Day, especially since we had an unexpected one on Beach Day. So I didn't remind her, and I'll absorb the extra cost, unless she asks about it. I kind of follow her lead on the financial part....

I decided to take the dentist visit out of variables -- when something costs more than $100 I try to cash flow it if I can, but this month I can't. So variables are now 93%, with a few more days to get through. I will probably have to park in the city tomorrow, if I cannot hitch a ride to graduation, and that will be expensive.

My deposit to BOA now complete, I changed the funds in my sidebar. Slush Fund has been absorbed into Gap Year Fund. That will be my source to tap when costs exceed income. The Mortgage Fund is held in my credit union, to which I pay the mortgage, and I will just transfer the payment each month. I'll have to add more to that fund to get through the year.

I just got back from the eye doctor. My eyes are dilated and I'm kind of bumbling around in sunglasses. But the good news is, my eye looks healthy, and he didn't see any tears or weak spots. He did advise me to ask my primary physician to set me up with a reference to a retina specialist, just in case. And if I start to see a shadow, or a shade coming down, I am to go to the ER.

The cost was $35.

I bought gas this morning for $30. Variables have now topped out at 101%. And I have six days to go.

I made penne with homemade Alfredo sauce and sauteed mushrooms for my grandsons today, and GS1 said it was the best meal he ever had! They both helped me put it together, and I think their contribution definitely influenced their evaluation!

Tomorrow is Music Lessons Day and Eat Out Day. They will choose the restaurant. My DIL will reimburse me.

I guess the haircut will have to be put off again, until after pay day. It doesn't really look too bad, it's just not holding its shape. I can weather another week with it. I've got enough food and everything else, so I think I can make it without adding to the variables total.

This morning I closed my Chase bank accounts, and I will be moving the funds to BOA and to my credit union. Chase began charging me a $25 monthly fee because my savings balance went too low. They caught me once, but I will not be caught again. I'll update my sidebar when I make the deposits.

I also did a load of laundry, which was my only spending of the day.

Variables are now at 94%, with about a week to go. And I have to get gas tomorrow.

I had a hard day today because of sleep deprivation. I am hoping my aching hip will let me sleep tonight. Meanwhile, a new ailment -- my right eye has suddenly developed floaters and I've had some strange peripheral flashes that may signal retina detachment. So I made an eye appointment for tomorrow. I don't dare let it go.

I still have not managed to get that haircut. Now I have to wait till Friday for my stylist to be back on duty. On Friday afternoon, I'm traveling into the city to watch my son in graduation exercises. He earned his degree in December, but there was no ceremony. He is walking now, mostly to make an impression on his sons, I think. So -- it'll be a good day to have my hair looking nice. I'm even going to wear a dress, which is a rare occasion!