My no-spend Saturday went well. I did not spend anything and I did not drive anywhere. I only left the house once when I went for a short walk to mail back a Netflix movie and get some exercise. And I accomplished a few things. I painted a bathroom shelf (which I've intended to do for more than a year) and I framed a garage sale print with a garage sale frame and hung it. A nice, classy-looking decoration for only $6. And I did some much-needed cleaning.

But on Sunday I went up to see my DS's family and take them all out for lunch for DIL's birthday. We went to California Pizza, and even though we shared a salad, two pizzas and two desserts, it was $76 with tip. That fed three adults and a little one. But it was delicious, and I think we all really enjoyed ourselves.

Then, today, apparently not yet done with eating out, I went to Panera for lunch ($7). I don't know, when lunchtime rolled around I just had to fly the coop, even though I have a Lean Cuisine and extra veggies in the fridge.

I didn't do any grocery shopping this weekend, so that will have to happen tonight.

More upcoming expenses: dental work for my cat and a haircut for me.

Well, I've got two expenses coming up next week in addition to the already-mentioned birthday lunch/dinner. I'm getting my hair cut, and I'm taking my cat to the vet for dental treatment. So I've decided to make tomorrow a no-spend day (maybe it will get me in the habit!)

I have a Netflix movie to watch (Away We Go), and chores to do. Many things I have put off -- paperwork, cleaning, home improvement stuff. More than enough to keep me busy all day. Plus, my sister sent me home with a bag of books, so I've got plenty of entertainment.

The pantry is a bit low, but I certainly have enough to get through the weekend.

I'll try to make it a no-drive day, too.

On Sunday I will probably be doing that birthday lunch, but if it's a no-go, then I'll make Sunday a no-spend, no-gas day, too.

Now that July is 1/4 over, I'm finally tallying my June spending.

The highest cost was rent, of course, at $1105.

Utilities were $273.80. This counts phone, cable and internet, as well as gas & electricity.

I spent $170.50 on groceries, which is rather high for me. I can cut that down.

I spent $114.24 on gifts -- two birthdays this month, plus a bit of stocking up.

Medical/health costs were $94.25 -- a big chunk of that was vitamins/supplements.

I spent $85.04 eating out. Unusually high for me, but it included several meals where I treated the kids.

I spent $79.77 on furnishings/equipment, mostly items from Goodwill. The biggest chunk went to David Winter houses, which are worth hundreds.

Insurance was $59.65, for both car & renters.

I spent $44.47 on a weekend trip to a friend's house.

Vet/pet supplies came in at $38.44.

Clothing was $30.27 -- all Goodwill items. I believe that bought me two pairs of capris, a scarf and a belt, and some jewelry.

Gas was a low, low $29.83.

Household supplies were $21.51. (I don't count these with my groceries.)

Personal care was $21.07. Cosmetics and skin care items.

I spent $14.84 on entertainment, most of the Netflix fee.

And that's it!

Hope I will do better in July, but I already know I spent more than $200 vacationing. I also have a conference coming up, which isn't supposed to cost me anything, but always does....

Looks like my vacation came in at around $210. That was for gas and food. Once I got to NC, we didn't really go anywhere. Played a lot of cards, which is always a real bonding activity for our family.

I am very pleased with that total. Gas prices were good, and because my cousin provided most of the meals, food was cheap. She would only let me -- once -- chip in $20 for pizza. I did more stopping and snacking on the road than I intended, but I found that on an all-day car trip you have to have breaks and things to look forward to.

Now I'm trying to get a shower going for my future DIL. I asked my ex-husband's second wife to co-host with me (weird, I know, but our relationship is fine). We seem to be having trouble picking a date, and time is getting short. Hope to get the date set today.

Another thing looming is the birthday dinner for my other daughter-in-law. Will probably do that this weekend. Which reminds me, I need to pick up her gift! I'll bet I deleted the email from Wal-Mart which I'll need to pick it up. Thank goodness I haven't emptied the "trash" in a while, so I'm off to look for it ....

Tomorrow I'm heading out to North Carolina to visit my sister and cousins, and to check in on my antiques booth. I haven't even started packing yet, but I've made my list! As usual, I will try to make this as frugal as possible. I'm driving (so I can haul merchandise) and I will be very picky about where I fill up, and what I eat. I'm going to take snacks in the car, and maybe I won't have to stop to eat at all. I'm going to the library on my lunch hour to get some book CDs for entertainment.

I haven't spent much lately. Hit a few garage sales this past weekend and got a few things for the booth, but no big finds. And I got a McDonald's lunch one day, when I felt like getting out of the office -- it didn't taste nearly as good as I anticipated.

I recently started taking a supplement called Align -- it's a probiotic (sp?) and so far it's working wonderfully for me! I had a $5 coupon for it, so I thought I'd give it a whirl, and I'm so glad. I've had IBS-type problems for a long time and had pretty much given up that I was ever going to solve them. Now I can really tell the difference after just a few days. I think it's one of those things that works only for some people -- digestive problems are so varied -- but it seems to be working for me!

So I think it's going to be a new regular expense for me -- about $1 a day, so not too bad.

I was supposed to have lunch with my DIL today, but she got lost and the baby was screaming, so she went home. Perfectly understandable, sometimes things just don't work out. I saved a lot of money (though of course, treating her to lunch for her birthday is still going to happen). I went to a little coffeehouse/cafe and had a bowl of soup for $3.11. While I was there, they gave me a sample of a sandwich -- just one-fourth size, but it was enough for me! For amusement I thumbed through an old recipe book for entertaining. What a riot -- the things they used to do in the sixties! I would never bother to cook and present they way they did then -- but I guess it was aimed at housewives who didn't have much else to do.

Got stuck behind a long train coming AND going, so I wasted some gas there! It seems I have very bad luck timing when to cross the tracks.

Just bought a jewelry box online for my DIL. I got it at Wal-Mart; it's pretty much the same as mine, which she admired (and I got mine at Wal-Mart, too). The catch is her birthday is tomorrow and they won't ship it to the store till July 1 at the earliest. I thought I could just go into a store and buy a jewelry box, but apparently you can only do that at Christmas time!

If all goes well, she will bring littlest grandson and have lunch with me tomorrow, so I'll give her a card and a picture of the jewelry box.

It was $62.37. A bargain considering most of them are at least $100.

Last Friday I needed to mail a package to my niece for her new baby. I had already done my best finding bargain items -- three onesies, two caps, two little frames, some mesh totes and some tot-sized silverware. I resisted the temptation to have a packaging service mail it. I boxed it up myself and took it to the post office. I also included a homemade card. Still, it cost $12 to mail. (But it would have been more).

I was determined to make my trip up to Evanston as economical as possible. Thus, I took the highway instead of the longer route I usually prefer. Well, that was a mistake. The highway was jam-packed -- and when a vicious storm blew through, I was stuck with no where to go. No damage; it was just kind of scary. And the backup was incredible! It must have taken an hour longer than usual, so there went the gas!

My DIL chose a lodge-type restaurant for her birthday dinner. She and my son ordered steaks and I ordered cod. My son offered to split the bill and I accepted. Even so, with tip, it was $59. Well, I really had no control over that.

The next day, with my other son, we went out for lunch at a casual eatery. Since I had just heard that their taxes had doubled their mortgage payment, I gave my son a $20 bill toward the meal (and that about paid for it all). Another unexpected expense.

I went home to work at the jazz fest. The whole town had lost power, so it was hot & sweaty work, but at the end I was offered a go-round at the buffet, so had a light meal with wine, for free.

On Sunday I grocery-shopped carefully and spent only $34, getting several good two-for-one deals. Then I went to Goodwill to drop off a bag of clothes. I couldn't resist looking, and I found a beautiful pair of pewter candlestick holders and a an adorable Chico jacket -- only $11 altogether. I said I wouldn't buy any more clothes, but this was too good to pass up. And the candlestick holders will make a great gift -- maybe even later this week, when my OTHER DIL has her birthday.

The worst news this weekend was that I got on the scale and it registered two pounds higher. So I have to be more careful. Too much fun, I guess!

Well, I'm heading up to Evanston tonight to take my DS and DIL (to be) out for her birthday. She gets to pick the place, so I can't be frugal there.

However, I did leave a message with DS asking if I could stay overnight, so I could go see my other DS the next day. Then I won't have to make two trips to see them both. (I rarely get to see them together because of their work schedules).

I'm working tomorrow night at a jazz concert. I don't think I'll get any free snacks, so I'll pack a dinner. All attendees are invited to bring a brown bag, so it won't be weird. Not sure what I have on hand, but I'll figure something out.

Anyway, it should be a great concert under the stars! Free entertainment!

I surfed the web this morning, looking at housing prices in the area I would like to eventually move to. It made me realize that I need to be a more vigilant saver, if I ever want to accomplish this goal.

I've had some fun these past few months, but now it's time to get serious.

Soooo -- today, even though I was sorely tempted to get a snack from the food court, I resisted.

I'd like to walk to work, but it's a 40-minute walk and I don't think my still-healing ankle can take that twice a day.

I've got plenty of clothes now, so I can lay off the shopping trips for a while.

And, if the traffic at the antique booth doesn't pick up this summer, I'm going to close it down. Maybe, if I do, I can sell the stock on eBay.

I'm still going to feed the feral cats, but maybe not put out as much. In the summer, they should have plentiful food sources.

I don't know what else, but I hope other ideas will pop into my head!

Last night I worked at an event -- a golf outing/dinner -- and got a free dinner. The downside was I spilled a glass of wine -- red wine, of course -- all down my front. With the help of a friend I was able to get fairly presentable, and the clothes are now soaking in the washer. This is the second time I've done this at an event I'm working. (The last time was about five years ago). Anyway, I have to be more careful. It doesn't make a good impression!

The wine was free, too, which was good, because I only got a few sips!

I came home and pretty much crashed. I have to get on the stick and get a baby gift mailed. My niece had a little girl. I found some real bargains in newborn onesies and hats, but I know I have to get them to her fast, because she'll outgrow them in a wink.

On Friday night I'm going up to my son's house to take him and his fiancee out to dinner -- to celebrate her birthday, which has passed. I bought her some books; she loves to read. I just hope I have made good choices. She can always exchange them, since I got them at Borders.

Then on Saturday night I'm working again at a jazz concert. Busy week. It will keep me on my toes.

Just got paid, and transferred $639 into savings (the amount left from last month). I was able to make such a good deposit because I am switching from using my debit card back to using my credit card, so some costs from this month have been pushed forward.

I am switching back to my credit card for several reasons: I have determined that it is safer to use (less chance of identity theft and less chance of having to pay an overdraft fee) -- easier to use (don't have to keep records on the check register) -- and I can get rewards. I am very disciplined about paying it off in full, and not racking up charges I can't pay, so there is no reason not to use it.

I updated my sidebar. My emergency fund is growing, and my housing fund is shrinking. That's because the housing fund is in stocks, so I am hoping for a rebound soon.

I just spend a weekend with my BFF. Though we could have splurged more, we were very restrained. Just two meals out (Wendy's & Panera), and a little shopping at Goodwill. I found two sleeveless shells to wear to work, and six David Winter cottages. I bought the cottages for $3-5 apiece; they sell for around $50-75 apiece on eBay. But for the time being I will keep them, because I love setting up a village on my breakfast bar at Christmastime, and these will make it look fabulous!

To update from my last entry -- I did find Nordstrom's Rack and bought three more bras. They were WAY cheaper than Macy's -- about 1/3 the price. I also convinced my BFF to get sized and now she is delighting in wearing a bra that fits. Amazing how good that feels!

I looked at the certificate I got for winning the $500 off rent and realized it applies only to August! So I sent in my $500 shortfall in the nick of time, since rent is due on the 1st. (I usually pay on the 15th of the month before, because that's when I get paid.)

I'm still going to try to save $500 this month.

I am writing something I hope will be a novel someday. It's about a divorced woman who is struggling financially and becomes homeless through a series of misfortunes. I've finished Chapter 1. (Though I keep tweaking it). Chapter 2 is not coming easily. I'm trying to force myself to at least write a paragraph every day. My goal is not to publish it, though that would be nice, but just to finish it! I have a bad history of not finishing things and I want to change that.

Anyway, with the long weekend ahead and no real plans, I hope to make some good progress on that.

I got my "new" bras from eBay, and though I don't like the style quite as well as the one I bought at Macy's, they are great. Another thing I will do this weekend is go find Nordstrom's Rack and see what they have there.

I got a free impromptu lunch yesterday -- food left over from an event. I also had the chance to sit down and eat with some colleagues, including two of my bosses -- I usually just eat at my desk, then go walk the circuit around campus. It was fun just to relax and interact casually.

My boss and I have both had pretty major surgeries this year, so we were sharing war stories. What was funny was that neither of us was very well-versed about the details of our procedures and we kept saying things like, "Well, I couldn't do that, or my head would blow up." And laughing. It was good for both of us, I think.

In my last entry, I shared that my son had given me a $50 gift certificate at Macy's, and that I was going to use it to shop sales.

Well, I decided that I really needed a new bra -- preferably one that fit -- so I decided to get professionally measured. You know how Oprah said that 85% of all women are wearing the wrong size? Well, I was wearing the wrong size.

The saleswoman, who was so kind and patient with me, recommended that I get a Wacoal because of the quality and the superior fit. I had never heard of it before, and it was soon clear why, as they retail in the $60 range. But, since I had the GC, which made it affordable, I did go ahead and buy the Wacoal bra.

Wow! I've never felt like this. The girls have never felt like this! Immediately I decided I had to have more than one -- but not at that price.

I found a seller on eBay who was selling two in my size for $40, including shipping. They haven't arrived yet, but I've already decided I will keep hand-washing these three bras and wear them as much as possible. And look for more deals in the future.

I do remember that a consignment store I used to frequent back in NC sold lightly-worn bras, as long as they were Wacoals (which meant nothing to me at the time). So I will try to find some resellers around here. And maybe watch for sales on Bare Essentials.

I hate to be developing expensive habits, but his one feels pretty darn good!

When I renewed my apartment lease, I was entered into a drawing to win $500. And I won! It is not cash, it's a $500 credit on next month's rent -- just as good!

I've decided to turn it into a challenge for myself. I will try to match it and make a $1000 deposit into savings next month. That won't be easy, but it's not impossible.

For Mother's Day, I got a $50 Macy's gift card from one of my sons. So I thought I'd go and get me something this weekend. His intention was for me to get something to wear, since I'm losing weight. You can bet I'll be checking out the clearance racks! I've never been to the Macy's in this area, so it will be a bit of an adventure.

I haven't been posting much -- and yes, it is probably related to the fact that I haven't been focused much on saving.

I seem to have undergone a sea change when I entered my sixties. Now I am more interested in enjoying my life, I guess because getting into this decade makes you focus on your mortality. How many good years do I have left? Not even if I live a really, really long time will I have as much time left as I have already spent. So I want to make the most of it.

Ironically, as I get older, I am feeling more beautiful. Not that I AM more beautiful, but I think I am much more accepting of what I am and I am enjoying it. (When I was young, and had a lot more going for me physically, I spoiled it for myself by being self-critical, never satisfied with how I looked. What a waste!)

So I have been spending more on nicer clothes, better haircuts, better skincare. The other day I bought myself a necklace and earring set just to finish off an outfit. It was on sale, only $30, but not too long ago I never would have spent that on myself just for the pleasure of it. And I felt great wearing it!

I am enjoying other people and experiences more, too. Yesterday I treated a friend to lunch at a trendy deli and didn't worry too much about the bill -- which was $22 -- again, not bad, but a little more extravagant that I have been for so long. Instead I focused on what a beautiful day it was, how good the food was, what a pleasure it was to walk in the sunshine and sit outside and chat.

All this is to say that I seem to be entering a period where I am spending more, and I like it. I know that I still must be committed to saving, however. I think when this month ends (my month ends on the 15th, when I get paid) I will still have $300 to put into savings. I would be unhappy if I could not meet that goal. I am also automatically saving $100 into my money market account, so really, I am saving $400 on a pretty modest salary. I will try to make that my bottom line, and anything I save above it is gravy. But I'm not going to pass on the little pleasures any more.

I spent a lot of money this weekend. For me. I've been feeling in a fix-me-up mood. I'm losing weight, and that's making me want to do a total overhaul. I feel really good, but also somewhat guilty.

I bought some new clothes. Two pairs of jeans and some really nice tops. Now, I bought them at Goodwill, so you might rightly say that's not much of an indulgence, but they were higher-priced "boutique" items. Ann Taylor, Talbot's, Chico's, Eddie Bauer. Good deals, but not the usual Goodwill deal. They are such cute clothes, but I have to remember that my ultimate goal is to shrink out of them, so I won't be wearing them long. I guess it all right to feel good during the transition.

Then I went to Walgreen's just to pick up a few things, I thought, but I ended up buying cosmetics and skin care items and the total bill was over $90!

Not done yet, I went to Kohl's and bought some earrings and a new watchband.

A few weeks ago, I spent $48 on a haircut. Unheard of, for me.

I don't know what's got into me. Yes, I want to feel pampered, but I am facing my second retirement in a few short years. I really need to do serious saving.

The worst part is, now that my ankle is pretty much healed, I am dying to get a pedicure!

It's like another person has taken over!

Oh well, I'm sure I will get back on the program soon.

My last entry was April 8!

Well, I've given my $1000 wedding gift to my son, so that is no longer in my sidebar. I'm now counting all the money in my money market fund toward the car, as well as my ING Sharebuilder account. The housing fund is in stocks.

I will continue to build the emergency fund, knowing that someday it, too, may go toward housing.

I've decided (I think) not to move this year. My rent will only go up by $20 a month. A move would cost more than that, and would add a commuting cost as well. Much as I would like to be nearer my kids, I have to think of the bottom line -- being able to relocate into permanent housing after I retire. (Hope I'm not repeating myself -- should have read my last entry).

Work is nuts. I wish I could retire today, but then I would have to eat cat food for the rest of my life.

I am heading into my last week of physical therapy next week, and I believe my next appointment with my ortho surgeon will be the last. So I guess I am officially well, though I think the remnants of my ankle break will be with me for a while. And I may never be able to go down stairs without pain, but, hey, that's what elevators are for! So far the only money I have paid out of pocket for this break is the $15 co-pay for every doctor's visit. I hope it stays that way.

Just got back lab results and everything is good!

Somehow I got out of the loop on blogging. I'll try to get back on a more regular basis.

I had a lovely Easter weekend -- traveled for the first time since my injury. I went to visit a friend in Indiana, and we did all kinds of girlie things like shopping, eating out, movies, playing cards. On Sunday I met my son and his family and an old friend for lunch at a Mexican restaurant -- that is our Easter tradition. The weather was lovely and it was a great time.

As we head into warmer weather, I am facing a problem with my footwear. I've been wearing some soft snow boots ever since I got out of the "boot" but I can't wear them any more without looking odd. I've tried wearing my regular shoes, but they are either too high or too tight. Last night I bit the bullet and bought four pairs of Skechers -- the kind that look sort of like Mary Janes and not like athletic shoes. They are comfortable and should get me through the summer, anyway. I also bought 12 pairs of socks in colors that coordinate with the shoes. Altogether the cost was $195 -- not too bad -- all items were on sale. Now my next worry -- are all my pants going to be too long now that I'm wearing lower heels? Sigh.

I got the ok from my boss to go to a conference in Anaheim, California, this summer. I've been there before, so I'm not real excited about the destination, but I'm excited about getting away and perhaps seeing some old friends. My cousin lives in the area, so I will probably try to grab a dinner with him. Maybe by this summer I'll be walking like a normal person! I am walking now -- and usually normally unless I'm tired -- but I cannot do stairs yet. And I can't dance. I have to be able to dance by October for my son's wedding!

Lots of spending this weekend. I spent $100 on groceries, $31 on gas, $12 on gifts for my grandson, $15 on fish oil, $4 on dishwasher detergent, $19 on cat food & litter, and $20 on a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Plus, the water bill came out of my account, and it was $56.

What have I done to save? Well, I DIDN'T buy shoes as I had planned. It snowed on Saturday, and it seemed all right to wear boots to the fancy dinner. I DIDN'T go to the fundraiser on Sunday -- babysat instead -- but in its place I did donate $20 to the cause. Still, $20 is less than I would have spent on four lunches, and my co-worker was more than grateful for the donation. Since the fundraiser was a rousing success, I didn't feel bad about not making it.

Had an awful day at work today. I decided I must be sick, but stuck it out -- now that I'm home I feel much better. Hmmmm. Maybe it was the Advil I took.

Five and a half more years to work! I realized yesterday I don't have to think "6" any more! I can do it.

Some time ago I bought a new digital camera that came with a rechargeable battery and charger. Some time after that I completely lost track of the charger. I looked high and low, even in my car. I gave up and decided to get another one from Target, but it turned out I couldn't buy it separately at the store. I was advised to go online. I didn't get around to it.

Then, yesterday, I couldn't find my pill box. Now, it's pretty big; it has 14 sections, so I couldn't figure out how it could just disappear.

I started looking in all kinds of unlikely places (after I looked in the likely ones) and voila! Inside my living room end table I found the battery charger! You never find just what you're looking for, do you? But that was a nice surprise.

Later on, I opened up the freezer and my pill box was in there. Apparently, when my mind was on autopilot, I processed the pill box as "food" and put it in the freezer.

Ah me. Senior moments.

Our St. Pat's party at work yesterday was lovely. There was a big spread that included corned beef, soda bread, scones and all sorts of non-Irish goodies, too. Irish music played softly in the background all day. Everyone was in such a good mood. As they say, everyone was Irish!

So, because of the spread, I got a free lunch AND dinner, because I took home some of the leftovers (with permission). And there is still some left today, so I just had a scone for breakfast....

Just spent $11 on Green River soda and cups for our St. Pat's party at work. I could have baked something cheaper -- or bought something cheaper -- but the soda WAS on sale and I think it will be well received. Often drinks are not provided at these potlucks and people miss them. Anyway, it will look so festive!

I have to attend (in work status) a dinner on Saturday night. Dress code is "cocktail." I have a black velvet top and black satin pants that I think will do, but shoes are a problem. My ankle is still swollen and I have been wearing high top shoes for support. I have a pair of black sandals with low heels, and I'll see if I can wear them comfortably. Otherwise, I'll have to shop for something. It wouldn't hurt me to have a nice pair of black flats, anyway.

On Sunday, I'm going to try to attend a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Basically, it's a buy-a-burger deal at a local restaurant. I hope I can get my kids to come down and I will treat us all. I really want to do this, because the woman in charge of the event has been so helpful to me while I have been recovering from my broken ankle, and I think making this event a success is the one thing that will make her happiest right now.

So it seems I am in spend mode rather than save mode. Once this week is past, it will be different.

I just transferred $1695 into my EF, bringing it up to $2728. Woo-hoo! I will be using some of that to make my move this summer, so it won't last, but it will be so nice to pay cash instead of charging it!

On Saturday morning I decided to buy a coffee table. I've been looking for one all year at garage sales and whatnot, but yesterday I was so tired of not having a place to set down my mug I decided to just go to a furniture store and get one. Well, I went to a furniture store, then Target, and then an antique shop, and still didn't find one. The catch is it has to be pretty narrow, and all I could find were big ole honkin' tables. What happened to the little cocktail table? So I've put that desire on hold again. Meanwhile, at Target, I found something else I've been hankering for -- a grill pan. Cookware is my guilty pleasure! I found something called a "green pan" which is nonstick but not Teflon. I think it will work great for the occasional filet or chicken breast. I also bought Easter basket supplies, shampoo, and pots for my plants, and the grand total was $71. I also got lunch at McDonalds for $3.60, since I knew I wouldn't be up to making lunch when I got home.

Today I decided to do something with all the bread crusts in the freezer. I made a batch of bread crumbs and croutons and also put some in a breakfast casserole. The crusts are all used up and I can start collecting them again!

My weight was 3 lbs up from last weekend! I knew I was misbehaving and that I would pay for it, but didn't expect that high a jump. So I will have to get serious again.

Thinking about Baselle's bout with food poisoning, I threw out a bunch of stuff in the fridge. I hate to waste food, but trying to use it up by eating it, when it just may be a little too old, is not a good idea. Out it went. Hope you're feeling better, Baselle!

Well, I won't be putting $2K in savings this month. I took my cat to the vet yesterday, and it cost me $365. She was limping -- had been for days. So we took x-rays, and found out she has arthritis in both front shoulders.

Most of the cost was for the medication -- which will last for two years. I will inject it myself, which doesn't bother me. I did it for several years when I had a cat who was diabetic.

I also have some oral meds for the first six days. I tried to give her the first dose this morning and got most of it on my sleeve. I'll have to get better at that! I do believe the orals are more difficult than the injections.

Even though this was an expensive trip to the vet, this cat has cost me very little so far in her life and she is a total sweetie, so I am all in favor of helping her through her pain. The vet explained that there are not as many good options for medications for cats as there are for dogs -- hence, the expense. I didn't feel pressured at all. It was my decision.

The vet also mentioned that there are some dental issues to address later, but we'll get through this first.

by racking up the most miles!

Went to the doctor yesterday, which is a 45-minute drive away. I have to travel that far because he is the surgeon who operated on my ankle, which I broke while visiting in the north suburbs. Tried to transfer to a doctor down here, but the insurance won't let me. So I'm stuck with that.

I'm also traveling twice a week to physical therapy, which is 20 minutes away.

I am trying in little ways, though. The other night I had to go to Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription. While there, I also picked up the few groceries that were on my list. I am going to try to avoid the grocery store this weekend, and get creative with what I have on hand.

I have a container of sour cream that passed its sale date on March 1. I am going to try to use it up this weekend. Plans are for turkey stroganoff (thus using up the turkey in the freezer, too), a potato casserole, and clementine cake. (I'm going to adapt a lemon cake recipe, since I have no lemons but plenty of clementines). Anyway, clementine cake sounds better, doesn't it?

Recent spending:
$78 - dentist
$2 - Shamrock shake at McDonalds
$15- doctor co-pay
$10 - prescription
$8 - groceries
$22 - renter's insurance
$48 - cable & internet
$60 - car insurance
$46 - electric bill

This is my lean time - every month between the 1st and the 15th (pay day) I try to spend as little as I can so I can transfer a big chunk into savings. This month, because of my tax refund, I should be able to put more than $2000 in there.

My driving challenge is off to a bad start, but I had to go to a neighboring town yesterday to pick up a freecycle item. I was first in line for a crystal/silver champagne pail, so I went and got it. It is new and in perfect shape, and it will make a good wedding/shower gift down the road.

I updated my sidebar. My car fund and housing fund are pretty static right now, as those are stocks. When I get my EF where I want it to be, I'll start saving more $$$ for the car and down payment, but I don't know whether I want to put it into more stocks, or just keep it in a savings account. I can't afford to lose any money. I go back and forth. I have six years, roughly, to save for a home, and I want to make the most of it. I won't even buy a car if the one I have now lasts, but it's got 100,000 miles on it, so it probably won't.

I made soup this weekend -- not just one pot, but two! The first was made from the chicken I brought home from Maggiano's. Simmered it and made nice broth, added frozen soup veggies and pieces of the chicken. MMMM... Just had some for lunch and it is delicious!

I also "made" butternut squash soup with chicken. That is, I added chicken to a box of organic soup. It was good, too. They will both serve as lunches this week.

My trip to the grocery store this week yielded some good buys. Because I can't stand on my ankle very long, I limit my shopping to ten items, but I allow doubles (no extra walking for those). I got two-for-one deals on plastic bags, my favorite oatmeal cookies, vitamins and calcium tablets. Also got a gallon of milk for less than I usually pay for a half-gallon. I will have to drink up this week to avoid letting it go bad.

I made my first Goodwill trip since my accident. Didn't find too much, but I did find a BIG shirt for my BIG brother-in-law (not easy to find), a wonderful cobalt blue bowl that will go nicely with my Blue Willow dinnerware, some Easter baskets and toys to put in them for the grandsons, and some items for my antique booth -- a lidded wooden bowl and some vintage puzzles (probably from the fifties). All that for less than $10.

On Sunday I had a no-driving day -- heck, it was a no-getting-dressed day. Saved money on gas, hot water, shampoo.... It was also very nice to just laze around and just what my ankle needed. Today I am walking much better than I was just last week.

Well, they took the pin out of my leg on Wednesday -- actually it was a 3-inch screw. They asked me if I wanted to keep it and I laughed. Though it did look usable.

I am walking better, though walking is still painful. Still, I'm glad that now my bones can move naturally now that they are not screwed together.

I did not eat out on the day of the surgery. I had breakfast at my son's house, and skipped lunch. Got home about 2pm and had linner. Watched a Netflix movie and went to bed early. Back to work the next day. It's been fine, but I'm glad the weekend is almost here.

On Tuesday night I went out with my sons, DIL, DIL-to-be, and grandsons to celebrate DS1's birthday. Went to a very nice Italian place and got a 50% discount because it is in the same franchise my sons works at. I think, with tip and all, it was about $85 for all of us, a very good price considering that we took home a ton of leftovers. I had roast chicken and I plan to make soup from it this weekend.

Other than that, I spent $6.35 for a prescription, and $5 for cupcakes for the birthday party.

Looking forward to a lot of R&R this weekend. Hope everyone else has a great one, too!

The eating in challenge is taking a hit. I had a glass on wine at a pub last Friday, lunch at Steak N Shake on Sunday, and today I had lunch at McDonald's and will have dinner at an Italian restaurant tonight.

I already explained the glass of wine -- it was part of a going-away party I felt obligated to attend. My Sunday lunch was an opportunity to get together with my son, DIL and grandsons, and I wasn't about to turn in down. Today I am meeting my other son to celebrate his birthday (more than two weeks late!) When I got to work this morning I realized I had left his gift at home, and I was planning to leave straight from work to go up to his house (about 40 minutes away in good traffic). So I went home at lunch to get it, and to make things easier, I just drove through at McDonald's. But that was good, because I got a Happy Meal so I could give the Madagascar penguin to my grandson tonight. Also, just a while ago, some sorority girls dropped by my office selling baked goods. I bought some fancy cupcakes to take with me tonight. So I've been quite the spender on food away from home. But, I still have 20 points for the challenge.

Tomorrow I get the pin taken out of my ankle. I dread the procedure, but I am hoping I will feel better after it's done. Today my ankle is swollen and painful. Part of that is having to walk too much. Even with a "gimp sticker" -- as my cousin calls it -- I had to park several buildings away.

I imagine tomorrow will be another day when I will end up eating out, since I won't be near home.

Re: my trip to the doctor -- He told me that when I broke my ankle and dislocated my foot, I probably wrenched the nerve (it has a name and he named it, but I can't) and that is why I am experiencing numbness. He says it will most likely go away, though it will be a slow process. So I'm relieved, and hopeful that I will be normal again someday!

The co-pay was $15. I did not eat lunch out, as I thought I might. I was in a hurry to return to work, so that I would only have to count a half day of sick time. I had a Lean Cuisine in the break room fridge, so .... 18 points!!!

However, tonight I am going out with co-workers for a good-bye party for a colleague, so I will not be able to count today in the challenge. This morning I stopped to buy a good-bye card for her, and while I was there I picked up Easter cards for my grandsons. $7.85. I felt bad because I sent a homemade valentine for the two of them -- late -- pretty lame. So I want to make sure they get nice Easter cards. The older one loves to get mail.

Work has been crazy, and I'm glad to be facing a weekend. Sometimes I wonder if I can do this for six more years, but, financially, I have no choice.