My favorite of the feral cats showed up at my patio this morning for food. I was almost ready to leave for work and feeling down because none of the cats had appeared -- then there she was! Hopefully the others are okay, too.

I did get a shelter yesterday -- I ended up buying a big covered litter box which I wrapped in foam rubber. I filled it with wood shavings (the kind used in hamster cages) and put a heating pad under the shavings. It is a pad especially made for warming up a pet's bed, and it draws about the same electricity as a nightlight. Because it has to plug in, I had to position the whole contraption very close to my patio window. Unfortunately it doesn't look like anyone has used it, but then, it's hard to tell. It gives me peace of mind, at least, to know that it's there if a kitty is desperate. The whole thing cost me $77 to assemble.

The weather warmed up just enough yesterday so that my car windows and doors were working again, so I went to the bank and got gas. Gas was $22. I didn't completely fill the tank, because the wind was cutting through me, so at a certain point I said to myself, enough! I will try to keep the gas level above a half-tank, always, in this weather.

I went to a Christmas party last night -- a work gathering. The house of the hostess was amazing -- very large -- large enough to comfortably house 17 Christmas trees in various sizes! I wasn't particularly envious, though. What a lot of house to manage!

I took a homemade macaroni salad, which was a hit -- and a very economical side dish to make! In exchange got a wonderful supper, and good fellowship with my work crew, who are a good bunch of people.

So all in all, despite the excessive cold, a very good day yesterday!

This is the coldest weather I remember in a long time. I was okay in my apartment, but this morning when I ventured out, I needed to get gas and go to the bank before work.

At the gas pump, I had to cancel because I couldn't get the door to the tank open.

At the bank, I couldn't roll my window down to go through the drive-through.

These are minor frustrations compared to what is really bothering me....

I feed about four feral cats who visit my patio daily. I am so fearful for them today. I don't see how they could have survived the night without someplace to get shelter. People say, oh, don't worry, they find places. But last night at about 9:30 one of them was trying to settle down in a cardboard box I had left on the patio. (Of course this morning it was empty and full of snow). If she didn't have a place by then, I'm afraid she might not have found one at all.

I left food out as usual but it was untouched by the time I left.

Tonight I plan to stop at the pet store and get a small doghouse. At least it would be something. My fear is that the apartment managers will complain, but I will chance it.

I'm still eating Thanksgiving Dinner, and will be for a while. When my family's get together wound down, I insisted upon taking all the food that others were planning to throw away. I had even brought a cooler for that purpose. I came away with a ton of turkey, ham, and many side dishes.

Phase One: I ate a few turkey sandwiches and ham sandwiches, and froze a bunch of the meat.

Phase Two: I made a big pot of turkey noodle soup, ate a few bowls, then froze it.

Phase Three: I made a "Thanksgiving Pie" -- really just a layered casserole of turkey and the sides, with mashed potatoes on top. Kind of a shepherd's pie.

Phase Four: Got sick of the Thanksgiving Pie and felt it was time to either toss it or freeze it. Instead, I put it in a big pan on top of the stove, added water and seasonings, and made a decent soup. Then I froze it.

Phase Five: I'm taking a macaroni casserole to a Christmas party tomorrow. I'm going to add some of the cut-up ham. (I don't usually do this, but I looked up recipes and saw that many called for it).

Don't know what phase six will be, but I still have quite a bit of ham in the fridge. Maybe grind up some of it for ham salad? Put it in a breakfast casserole?

I'm proud to report that in the month of November I spent a whopping $54 on groceries. (Note that I count only food in my grocery budget -- I have a separate line for household supplies). Between the conference at the beginning of the month, Thanksgiving weekend and the leftovers, I really didn't need to buy much food to have at home.

Last night I had frozen pizza and it was a welcome change!

Thank you for the gift suggestions! I decided on the "snuggly blanket" for my son's fiancee. I found a brown velvety throw with a sherpa-like lining, and I complemented it with two pairs of brown fuzzy aloe socks and some "chocolate" body wash & lotion. All at a good price.

For my son, I got a 5-cup Mr. Coffee for his office (he has to go across the street for coffee now) and a Nike T-shirt.

Also, thank you for encouraging me to get a tree, even though I was feeling too poor. I went shopping for a real tree yesterday -- they were all too big -- and then I overheard a price quote of $70. I scrambled out of there. And not just because of the price, but because I realized I was not physically up to putting up a real tree by myself. But I'm glad I did the walk-through, because it was a very cool Christmasy experience, complete with holiday music, a wood fire and good piney smells.

Instead I opted to get a small pre-lit articial tree at Wal-Mart. I also got a pre-lit garland. I put them both up today, and decorated them with my beloved ornaments. I also got out my Christmas village, my Santa collection, and my grapevine tree (which I had forgotten about), and which I decorated with all my earth-toned ornaments. I am very happy and brimming over with the Christmas spirit.

In an hour or so I will get ready for a Christmas dinner -- it is a working dinner for me, as it is an appreciation event for my employer's donors. But it is a chance to dress up and I am determined I will enjoy it.

My Christmas gift spending was $65. My trip to Wal-Mart cost $57, but it included some non-Christmas things like hangers, cleaning products, and a new stapler. (Woo-hoo! A Christmas present for myself!)

I also made a Goodwill stop yesterday to drop off items and ended up spending $21 -- part of it was a gift for BFF (a teapot), and part of it was gifts for moi -- wine glasses and more houses for my Christmas village. Good finds all.

In the midst of all my spending, I stopped at McDonald's for lunch. Or, that is, I drove through McDonalds. I dropped a dollar at the window (which was immediately reimbursed) but still I was so rattled I left my food there and had to go back. And someone had already got the dollar bill flopping around on the ground! (Someone after my own heart!) I spent $4 there.

I'm in the middle of Christmas shopping. I went the Amazon route and picked off the lists for my DIL and grandsons, and one of my sons. MY DIL is getting books, my older grandson is getting a little guitar, and the baby, who doesn't care, is getting a new outfit. My son, the daddy in the family, is harder to buy for. The only things on his list are board games (he loves intricate, creative board games -- even wants to design them). However, I just got him a game for his birthday, which was only last week, and I hate to give a similar gift again. My other son is getting a gizmo for his Playstation, which was on his list; however, his fiancee doesn't have a list. I really don't know what to get for her. I gave her vintage jewelry for her birthday. In the past, I've given her cookbooks and a crystal vase. I'm running out of ideas.

Any ideas from you twenty-thirty somethings out there?

Anyway, I've spent about $160 so far (I'm budgeting $40 per person.) All on Discover card. If I find I can't pay my Discover card in full I will use the EF.

On the 16th I'm going to a family holiday breakfast which will include my ex and his wife. I wonder whether I should have some gift on hand in case they give me one? I know they are planning on giving the kids their gifts at that time, as they will be in Florida for the holiday.

I know what I will give my sister. I'm going to reimburse her for the $60 she spent to check one bag on USAir. She is always out of money; I think it will be the best gift for her.

I usually don't exchange gifts with my cousin, but I have learned that she is having someone finish a quilt my mother started. So I need to get something nice for her. I also have a good friend who always gets a little something -- that won't be hard; she is easy to buy for and only expects a small gift.

I just had a phone conversation with my sister, who flew back to her home yesterday. No, I'm not sad because I miss her. I'm sad because I worry about her.

She is utterly clueless about money. This morning she told me that their check for their new water heater bounced for the second time, because Google has taken money from their bank account. Of course it is not Google, and she now realizes that the "make money at home" plan she signed up for has nothing to do with Google and everything to do with getting scammed.

The bounced check is just a drop in the bucket compared to all their other financial woes. I have really tried to help her learn what to do, but she resisted (even bought a new couch on the sly while I was supposedly helping her track her spending). Then she bought a fourth dog (although they clearly can't handle the three they already have -- physically or financially). So about a month ago I wrote her a note that I was backing off and letting her handle her finances herself, that she would help herself when she was ready, yada yada yada.

They have been on the brink of losing their home twice and I am afraid that homeless is inevitable for them.

But I love her, and she has many good qualities, so I can't just write her off. So I'm sad this morning.

Thanks for letting me vent....

I've re-entered my world after a great Thanksgiving trip up in Michigan. Lots of games, food, and general merriment -- a wonderful trip and family gathering.

This morning I'm calculating the financial damage. Looks like I spent $76 on gas & parking, $28 on groceries, $67 on eating out & takeout, $11 at the thrift store. Also, I broke a wiper and had to replace it for $13.

Just before I left, I paid $23 to various people at work for charities, group gifts etc.

So the bottom line is, I spent way more than I should have, and it will show up on my Discover card next month.

The good news is I brought home a cooler full of food that should last me a long time with careful management.

My sister is still with me -- tomorrow morning I will take her to the airport, and then the holiday is officially OVER!!

I'll be spending Christmas at home this year -- first time in a long time. The airline prices were just too high to consider travel. But I'm looking forward to a little down time.

I'm debating whether to get a tree. I shouldn't -- since I'm already over budget. But I am really in the Christmas mood, and I want one! I haven't been able to use my own decorations for several years, and I want to see them again. Well, I won't decide today. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

My apartment complex has informed me (and everyone else) that renter's insurance is now a requirement. Well, I meant to get it somewhere along the line and then just sort of forgot about it. So I guess I should appreciate this reminder.

I called Allstate, because they insure my car, and set it up. It's not expensive -- less than $90 a year -- and I will certainly be happy to have it if the place burns down. Just didn't need the extra expense right NOW! I had to charge the first payment.

My Discover bill is $317 so far (before the $25 insurance charge). I think the $317 covers all expenses for the SC-NC trip, so I will be reimbursed more than $100 extra next month. If I can keep extra charges under $75 till payday (Dec.15) I should be okay. Of course, included in those charges will be the drive from Chicago to Michigan and back this weekend.

I usually contribute something for Thanksgiving, but this year I will just take whatever is in my cupboard. I have a nice bottle of wine, some cheese & crackers, some fancy hot chocolate packets, and quite a few packages of frozen welsh rarebit which will make a nice breakfast.

Heavy sigh.

I'm back from my trip to the east coast -- three days in Charleston, SC (conference) and three days in Hendersonville, NC (vacation). I brought my sister back with me, and we will go up to Michigan for Thanksgiving on Wednesday night.

I know that I will get a reimbursement of $425 for the conference leg of the trip. Whether that will cover my expenses I'm not sure. The hotel & registration were already paid for, so this is for gas, food and one night at a hotel on the way. I think I came in under but I haven't done the totals yet.

I knew it would be a lean month, and I am already out of cash, so I will have to use the CC for necessities and pay it off next month. All the bills are paid, anyway.

I AM pleased with the progress on my savings goals.

The trip was great -- though tiring! I'm really looking forward to seeing my brother and all my nieces and nephews (as well as my own kids and grandkids) at this week's feast!

While in NC, my sister and I cleaned out and restocked our antiques booth. We've already sold a large Chinese fishbowl which will cover the rent, so everything else that sells this month is gravy. Hoping for lots of shoppers.

Had my session with the TIAA-CREF counselor yesterday. No penalty if I cash out my CREF account after age 60 (though I will pay taxes -- must pay taxes either way). So I decided not to take systematic withdrawals and just let the pot grow there.

Got paid today, so I'm updating my sidebar. Wish I could just wipe out my debt, but I'm getting there.

This will be a lean month, especially since there will be travel. Part of it will be paid by the college -- I'm going to Charleston for a conference. Driving, so I can stop on the way back to see my cousin and pick up my sister for Thanksgiving. (Thanksgiving will be held up in Michigan at my brother's house.)

It's a 900-mile trip, one way. It will take two days. The catch is my grandson's birthday is tomorrow, and I have to be in Charleston at 6 pm on Sunday. I will miss his 5pm party. I am planning, right now, to go up to the kids' house early in the day, help them get ready and leave before the party. But I don't like this tickle in my throat. I might not go the kids' house at all. We'll see how the day plays out.

A couple of finance-related things....

I got a bill from the oral surgeon who did some minor surgery this summer -- it was for a little more than $300 after insurance. I called the office because it was my understanding the procedure would be totally covered. They said they are still waiting for another insurer to kick in -- probably the dental. The odd thing was, I was little disappointed, because my immediate thought was -- something to use my FSA for!

I got my credit card bill, and sure enough, 0% interest has ended, and the rate is now 11.9%. I have the option of transferring to a 3.9% deal, but with a 3% transfer charge, it's all a wash. Especially since I will be paying it off soon. Having this interest tacked on will encourage me to pay it off especially soon!

I'm seeing a counselor from TIAA-CREF today. That is where my retirement account from my previous job is. I'm not invested currently, because I was out of the job market for two years. That's one of the things I'm going to discuss today. It seems to me that since I was in it for 20+ years that they could waive the rule. We'll see.

I also want to see how much of a penalty I would have to pay for withdrawing a large sum (say, to buy a house) and if it would be better to withdraw small sums without penalty and invest it myself.

Tomorrow is pay day!!! Can't wait to attack my bills!

Pepe le Pew visited last night.

I've been setting out food for stray cats who tug at my heartstrings. Last night I heard the bowl scrape on my patio and checked it out. Came face to face with a skunk!

I quickly backed away and gave him his space. But I watched through the window as he chowed down. I have to say skunks are handsome animals.

But I don't want to feed him -- and I'm sure my neighbors would be upset if they spotted him dining on my patio.

On the other hand, I don't want to cut off my cats.

I'm going to try just setting up a small dish in the morning and bringing it in when I come home. Hopefully, Pepe only roams after sunset.

I know this isn't finance-related, except for the fact that I was going through a lot of cat food -- now I know why!

My intention this weekend was to label and package all the stuff I bought for my antiques booth this summer. I'm going to the Carolinas next week, so this is my chance to get that stuff on the shelves. What I DIDN'T intend to do was buy more -- but the weather was beautiful and people were having garage sales. I ran into one I thought was pretty good -- several boxes of 25c and 10c items. I found figurines, little pictures, a rosewood cross, a snack tray -- all kinds of stuff. Plus a wonderful iron wall hanging which I will keep (that was $4). Flushed with success, I hit another. This family was getting rid of their parents' stuff. OMIGOSH, what good deals. I bought a crystal decanter, crystal glasses, wooden peppermill, Delft ware, a Schnapps bottle, all for only $6. The decanter alone will sell for $60.

Then I went to Goodwill to donate some things, and I thought -- I'll just take a peek. Oh, great things. A Gorham plate (worth $50) a very cool wooden bill sorter, a Meakin calendar plate -- and a pink T-shirt for moi.

So I had even more stuff to process, and it took me a big chunk of the day on Sunday. I also had to polish some silver I had bought before, so I worked hard. It is mostly done -- a few things yet to be identified before I can label and box them.

I added about $1000 to the inventory. The booth will have a whole new look when I get in there next weekend!

Got a letter from Allstate telling me my car insurance premium has been reduced by $33 every six months. I recently had to file a claim (not my fault -- my parked car was back-swiped) so I am pleased to get reduction, however small.

It is coming toward the end of the year and I still have more than $350 in my medical flexible spending account. There are still a few bills out there waiting for insurance approval, but at this point I have no idea how much I will have to pay out of pocket. Or when they will bill me. My plan is that if I'm still hearing nothing in mid-December, I'm going to stock up on OTC supplies with the remainder of the account. No way am I letting that money go!!

I just did my enrollment package for next year's benefits, and this time I only allocated $200 to flexible spending. I have received much better medical coverage at this job than I did with my previous employment, so a big FSA isn't necessary, and maybe wasteful.

I had to scrape ice from my windshield for the first time, which brings me to the question -- does anyone know of a really good way to do this? I will have to park outside all winter, so I am willing to buy a really good tool. Maybe something that heats up? Anybody have any ideas?

Yesterday I got a call telling me I had won a prize from the raffle at the Health Fair. It was a small travel thermos, very nice. Then I went to a supervisors' meeting and won a bag of candy.

Well, don't things always happen in threes? I bought a lottery ticket on the way home -- the scratch-off kind. No winnings there. I guess you can't force the rule of three.

I've updated my sidebar. Some automatic deposits went into two of the accounts. The housing fund dipped, since it is stock-based. I made my ING account, which also isn't doing much right now, my car fund. I won't really get the car fund going until the debt is paid off and the wedding gift is fully funded.

Today my chore is to go through the enrollment papers for next year's medical plan. I'm told that the cost of premiums will jump 13%. To offset it, we got a 1% raise recently. Rather humorous, but it beats a freeze, or a cut, or being laid off!

Yesterday I got a free lunch, which I almost declined!

Some of my co-workers were heading out the door and asked me if I was going to the health fair.

Health fair -- nah. I didn't think I was interested.

Then they said the magic words -- "free lunch."

The fair did indeed offer sub sandwiches, low-fat chips and apples to every person who came in. I also got some hand sanitizer, band-aids, and a lot of pens. I was really glad I changed my mind!

I already had a lunch packed, which I left in the refrigerator and will eat today. I would say I eat a packed lunch at work at least 95% of the time. I am really out of the norm. Most of my co-workers go out for lunch regularly. What a drain on the budget!

I am also dieting, so a packed lunch helps me there. I am on what I call my "lifetime" diet -- just trying to keep calorie count under 1800. I am hoping for a slow, steady and permanent loss. I am finding that 1800 calories is not at all uncomfortable, you just have to make some reasonable choices.

I did my monthly recap of my spending last month, and it was a very expensive one -- not that I'm surprised. I had a car repair, had company, bought a mattress and box spring, went downtown for a day (which cost $45 in parking alone)... oh, the list goes on. Here's to a more frugal November.

I started out November by buying two pairs of shoes -- actually a pair of boots and a pair of sandals. I almost hated buying them, I am feeling so penny-pinching right now, but I really needed the boots (getting ready for that blast of winter) and the deal was so good. First of all, I have a hard time even finding boots. They have to be flat, and the upper part has to be larger than normal. I found a pair that is actually VERY wide at the top, and you wrap and buckle them to fit your calf. Perfect solution. And they are flat, a good color (dark brown) and I like the way they look. Here's the best part -- they were marked down from $95 to $25. At the same time, I got a pair of navy sandals from the clearance rack for $5. I looked for navy sandals all summer, and how can you beat $5? So why do I feel splurgy? I guess it's because I wish I could just put EVERYTHING toward my debt right now. Yet I know if I pass up good deals I will have to pay more later.

I had a great weekend. Trick or treating with my grandsons was a real treat for me. They live in a "vintage" area of a northern suburb, so the houses around their condo are all turn-of-the-century. They were all decked out for Halloween. I felt like I was in a movie! The kids were over the top with excitement, and all of them so cute. Such fun.

On Sunday I went to a choral concert at the college where I work. They performed the music from "Beauty and the Beast." It was so professionally done -- really wonderful. And as I bought a "group" ticket, it was only $5. A reminder that frugal entertainment is always available if you seek it out.

Yesterday I bought 6 $2 candy bars to put in my boo bags. They were being sold by a sorority who was fundraising for school supplies in Africa. That satisfied my philanthropic streak. Along with some hot chocolate packets and a few hard candies they made a nice presentation. Left the two bags at my neighbors' doors this morning.

I gave a co-worker a ride to work this morning, and she told me that someone had left candy at her door, calling it a "chain letter thing", and she was suspicious -- didn't know if she should eat it. (She is in another building in the same complex.) I told her that I was guessing that our manager started a bag in each building. It certainly never occurred to me to be fearful!

We are having a Halloween bash at work. I was going to bake something last night, but totally forgot (got involved in Thursday night must-see television). So this morning I grabbed a can of cashews, which I think will be a nice foil to all the sweets....

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm supposed to go to a networking event downtown today. It's pouring down rain, so that's decided it for me. I would have to take the train, and walk several long blocks to get there -- not worth it. So I'm saving train fare, possibly taxi fare, and the cost of drinks.

Tomorrow I'm going to head up early to see my two grandsons. Then I'll have a few errands to run -- dry cleaners, and the grocery (a very short list). Trying to save all I can for those important funds!

First of all, I want to thank you for your warm welcome back! I had no idea I would be missed, and I'm grateful for your kind comments.

Last night I arrived home from work to find a bowl of candy and a note at my doorstep. It turned out it was one of those "Secret Santa" type deals; the note says to keep it going by doing the same thing to two other people.

My first reaction was delight. My second one was -- oh, I don't want to do this. I had just stopped at the store on the way home and didn't want to go back. I don't have candy around the house to share. I would have to make copies of the note ... blah, blah, blah.

Then I thought -- I'll just pass on the same candy and the same note to some other doorway. (But then, what if I gave back to the very same person who gave to me? Crass.)

Finally I decided to honor the feeling of delight it gave me and to continue in the spirit of the thing. So today I'll go over to the cafeteria on campus and buy some candy bars. I have some fancy hot chocolate packets and Quiznos coupons at home that I can throw in. That way I won't be spending too much, but still, hopefully, delighting someone else.

Such are my financial decisions, these days! Stay tuned for my next dilemma -- should I go downtown for a networking event or stay home? I'll let you know.

I just updated my sidebar with a few un-fun facts.

I have debt from my move (after becoming debt-free! oh! painful!) I put it on a card that was charging 0% interest, but I think that rate will expire soon. I expect to get whopped with interest on my next bill.

My emergency fund is down from $1000 because I had an expensive car repair. Will pay it back up with my next paycheck.

My son is getting married in June (which I am very happy about, and I just love the girl). I gave my other son $1000 for his wedding gift, so I will do the same for this one. So I have to get that funded.

My car is doing great, but it has more than 100,000 miles on it, so I know I need to start saving for its replacement.

The housing fund -- well, that's in stocks -- it's part of my retirement fund. I am hoping that it will grow and that I can use it in six more years toward a down payment on a modest piece of housing. Meanwhile, I will start a vigorous saving program on the side once I get the debt paid off.

My new employer will start a new retirement fund for me -- in two years. Four years before I retire! Well, it's better than nothing.

And so much has happened!

I un-retired, found a job in the Chicago metro area, and moved cross country. I am near my kids again (about 40 minutes away), and pretty happy in my employment -- it's not a lot of money, and more than a little stress, but the people are all great. And it's so wonderful to have my own place again and to be in control of my own money.

Another bonus -- my son has produced another grandson for me!

My biggest challenge at present is to save money for a place to live when I REALLY retire in six years. Right now I'm living in a nice apartment, but it costs too much, and the rent will go up next year when the move-in special rate lapses. I had only one day to find it, so I'm not kicking myself for my choice, but I'll have to find something else next July.

I also have a little bit of debt to pay off from the move. I'll keep you posted!

Feelin' good today! I was called back after a mammogram so they could "take a better picture." Although they told me not to worry, I worried. Today the radiologist gave me an all clear. Getting that good news helped me refocus on what's really important.

Today I sent off a claim for unclaimed property -- my parents apparently had insurance policies they forgot about. A friend of mine found the information on the internet. The total value is near $7000. If they honor the claim, I will divide it with my two surviving siblings and my late brother's wife. I would be very happy to get $1700 in these times!

I had to take $145 out of my emergency fund today to pay the dentist for x-rays, periodontal check and cleaning. Interestingly enough, that makes my emergency fund $491, exactly what my credit card debt is.

I am paying 0% interest on my credit card for the rest of the year, so there is no hurry to pay if off. I'd rather have the money in my EF.

I ALMOST charged the dentist appointment, because I didn't have my checkbook with me. But the receptionist agreed to let me run home and get the checkbook, so I avoided that temptation.

Bad news -- I have broken a filling and he wants to cap it with a crown. I really can't afford that! I told him I'd think about it.

I need a windfall.

It's been a long time -- and I even considered just fading away from here -- but I thought I ought to let you know what's happening.

I may be moving back to the Midwest.

I won't go into detail, but I had a big, long, ongoing discussion with my cousin, and because of the way the economy is going, and because of me missing my kids, and because of certain philosophical differences, I decided to unretire and look for a job near Chicago.

It certainly won't be easy, and may not even be possible. But I did send an application to a university with an opening in my field, and I have sent an inquiry letter to my old boss.

If I don't find a job in the Midwest, I will at least try to find a job here. The market is terrible, but my budget is worse. Mainly it is healthcare that is making it unworkable.

After a little bit of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, my cousin is now okay with it. If I do leave, her sister, who is retiring soon, will be able to step in and help a lot.

At this point I really don't know what's going to happen. I'm just going to take it day by day.

I gather from hints from my cousin and sister that I am considered "too clean." That is, they think I shower too often and wash clothes too often. There have been some comments about the water bill. Of course, that hits me where it hurts, because I am trying so hard to encourage frugal living among some pretty diehard spendthrifts.

I shower once a day, in the morning, and pretty quickly, too, I might add. I wear one fresh outfit a day and a fresh pair of pajamas each night. I know a lot of people wear the same pair of pajamas more often, but this is what is comfortable to me. Am I weird?

I'm a lot more lax on towels and sheets. I usually don't change sheets any more often than once a week, and sometimes will go closer to two weeks. I use the same towel for a week.

It just seems to be personal cleanliness that is most important to me, and I wouldn't like to change it. Just wondering how others weigh in on this issue?

My sister and I went to eight garage sales yesterday. Between us we spent about $60. Our haul:

Windowpane wall mirror with shutters
Espresso coffee set for 4, made in Poland
Banana Republic knit top
Full set of Lemony Snicket books
4 old children's schoolbooks
1 old casserole cookbook
Glass swan figurine
1950's-style teabag holder
2 small unfinished frames with blank canvases
Plate stand
4 miniature porcelain "Cornwall cottages"
small basket with apple stencils
rustic white tin church
Coca-Cola crate
3 embroidery hoops
5 new tubes of toothpaste
Curling iron
Lip gloss set from Bloomingdale's
3 books
Aquarium castle and book on aquariums
Santa Claus fireman ornament
Panda music box
Cupcakes and coffeecake from bake sale

I think that's it, or close to it...

What a feel-good day!

I can hardly believe this, but a friend of mine was poking around on an unclaimed property site and found insurance policies taken out by my (deceased) parents, with a total value nearing $7,000! I had no idea!

I am now in the process of collecting proofs -- they need death certificates, SSN's, obituaries, and proof of address. This is a little challenging, since I'm in Florida now and my records are in North Carolina, but it's coming together.

I will, of course, divide it with my sister, brother, and my deceased brother's widow, but it still will be a nice little chunk of unexpected change.

In other news, my sister and I went to a garage sale this morning. We spent less than $10 and came home with a wooden salad bowl set, two books, a pair of new shoes, a tin, a platter, and four goblets.

Yesterday we shopped at a couple of Goodwills. We found the prices here quite a bit higher than we are used to. We did, however, manage to find a set of cobalt blue salad plates (12), a miniature chair, a "treasury" of Laura Ingalls books, and a T-shirt -- once again, the whole lot under $10.

Today my cousin gave me a pile of clothes she doesn't want any more. I will take home about 8 tops and 5 pairs of jeans. (Some of them I will sell at a consignment shop.) My sister selected two tops. The rest will go to her cleaning lady, who distributes them among her friends.

My car is going to be really full on the way back!

Yesterday my sister and I took an old coin/currency collection to an appraiser/buyer. On the way we stopped at my uncle's house to ask if he wanted us to take his stamp collection. He didn't, but he had a bunch of old watches and jewelry handed down from an uncle of his.

Well. We sold our coins for $42. We sold my uncle's stuff for $671! Boy, was he thrilled! Just giddy, like a kid. He insisted that we take some of the money, so we ended up with the $71 even though we really tried to make him keep it all. We will use the money for buying for the booth. There's going to be a big estate sale this weekend.

My aunt was cleaning her closet and gave me two garbage bags full of shoes. Some pairs have never been worn. I picked out what I could wear and what I thought I could sell at the consignment shop, so I have one bag of shoes. The rest my cousin will give to her cleaning lady.

But I'm saving the best news for last. My son skyped me last night and surprised me with the ultrasound picture of my NEW GRANDCHILD! He/she will be born in late September. I'm so excited! Two grandchildren at Christmas! I think I might start a quilt.

I made the trip down for less than $50 in gas. Once I arrived, my refund appeared in my bank account, so I paid $1900 to my credit card debt. I kept out some cash to pay for an oil change, a haircut, one meal out and $20 for garage sales.

I feel much better, but will be better still when I pay it off the cc debt entirely.

My plan tomorrow is to take some old coins and currency to be appraised and perhaps sold. They were handed down to me by my great aunt. I suspect a lot of it is worthless, but we'll see.

With the money I had left from the trip I already bought some stuff at garage sales. A Toby Jug, a whatnot box that looks like two stacked books, a step-basket, a commemorative plate, an ornament, two lamps, and three plate racks. Most will go in the booth. I also helped my sister buy a mesh tent that she will give to her granddaughters. All very good deals -- spent $35 altogether.

The booth is not doing well this month. We checked in before we left for Florida and found we had sold only two bowls for $3 each. There is still a half a month to go before we pay rent again, so I am hoping for the best.

I'm getting ready for my trip to Florida on Thursday. I have about $100 to make it down there. Once I'm there, my tax refund should be in the bank, so I'll be able to make it back.

After I get my refund, I'll need to get my oil changed, and when I get back I'll have a dentist appointment which will cost $160.

My refund was going to go wholly for my credit card debt, but I can see that isn't going to happen. Right now my goal is not to add to my credit card debt.

The cats are both due for checkups, too.

Last night I dreamt that I was selling paintings in a gallery. I was just swishing paint on canvas and they were selling like hotcakes. Wishful thinking, huh?