Yesterday I took my car to a professional car wash (one that has people) and got the exterior washed (and all the leaves and crud wiped away) for $12. I won't do that often, but it was worth it yesterday. I'm going to miss the free car wash service I had from my previous dealer!

I also spent $18 at Aldi, making strategic purchases which will utilize and stretch what I already have on hand. I did a load of laundry ($1.50) and got my hair cut ($18.) Variables are at 9%. I forgot to report that last month I kept the variables down to 87%. Ten days without a car helped on that.

I stopped at the senior center, but I still can't pay my wheel tax until I have my new registration in hand. But I picked up my Brink's debit card, which I can use for discounted service on taxis and Uber. I don't use those services much, but for getting to the airport they are essential. I believe the attendant said the discount was 50%. I have to read up on it.

I'm going to the library today, to pick up a new book on hold. Perfect timing, I just finished my last one!

Almost forgot! I got $104 in the mail yesterday for a cash settlement in a case against State Farm. I'll take it!

I appreciated all the nice comments on my new car. I am definitely mulling over the idea of transferring the balance to a 0% card. I just got an offer for one the other day, which I threw away! I would still pay off as quickly as possible, but I wouldn't have to hurry as much. I'll have to look at the numbers, though.

Someone asked -- my new car is silver, with black interior.

I got up yesterday and first thing I did was take a look at my car (I could see it from my window.) To my shock, it looked like a garden had been planted on the roof! It turned out that the surprise Halloween snowstorm we had dumped a load of wet snow and then knocked down the leaves from the trees. I was parked under a big honey locust tree, so all these tree-like compound leaves were stuck in the frozen snow on my roof, waving around in the wind. And I mean a lot! They were all over the windshield, too.

I cleaned it up the best I could, but I had to wait for the temperature to warm up before I could really move them. Hoping the ones I couldn't reach will blow off today.

I went to the gym (it's been a long break from that!) and then to Sam's, where I spent $36 on bread, dishwasher pods and parchment paper. Large packages, of course. I was planning on stopping at the senior center to pay my wheel tax, but, being a senior, I totally forgot to do that, so I'll do it today! I will go to Aldi, too; I have about 7 items to buy. And I hope to be able to get in for a haircut, though that is not easy on a Saturday. That may wait till Monday.

I did my October recap yesterday, and here it is:

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $5,383
Housing: $809
Car Repair/Maintenance: $221
Insurance: $211
Utilities: $175
Groceries: $143
Vet/Pet Supplies: $118
Clothing: $60
Phone: $52
Gifts/Charity: $51
Medical/Health: $36
Gas: $30
Eating Out: $24
Laundry: $14
Vacation/Travel: $10
Fares/Parking: $10
Entertainment: $9
Personal: $7
Household Supplies: $4

Grand Total $7367

$5,273 of the first category is the cost of the car beyond the insurance payout. I figure a car is equipment. The rest is the pans, sheets, remote and curling iron I bought earlier in the month.

Housing: I paid $50 extra on the mortgage.

Car Repair/Maintenance: That was the work I had done on the Civic just before the crash. Wish I had waited on that!

Insurance: That was my annual condo insurance.

Vet/Pet Supplies: A vet visit and special kidney care food.

Clothing: Underwear! Much needed.

Everything else is pretty much self-explanatory. The $10 for vacation was the money I paid my grandson for taking care of my cat. I paid him after I came back, and it fell in the next month.

I bought my car yesterday -- quite unexpectedly! I was going to wait until Saturday when my son could drive me to several places in distant suburbs. But when I looked at local websites rather than the big Autotrader-type things, I found new options.

I bought a 2014 Kia Soul with only 29K miles. It is in beautiful, perfect condition. I paid cash (which included putting $2700 on a credit card) and the total was $12,705. I'll get some of that back because I'll be reimbursed for taxes and fees.

It was a little over my spending limit, but I am so pleased. I did look extensively at Toyotas and Hondas, understanding totally that their reliability is legendary, but the only options for me would have been cars that were older than the one I lost (which was pretty old already!) or cars that had very high mileage.

The Kia Soul has good ratings for reliability as well, and I am trusting that this will be a good car. I love the way it looks and the way it handles, the roominess of the interior and the nice, high seat! I didn't realize how much I hated getting in and out of the low-slung Civic. A friend of mine just told me that he LOVED his Soul and that it handled great in snowy conditions.

The fly in the ointment is going to be quickly paying off what I put on the card. I'm going to have to really be frugal in order to pay it off in a couple of months to ameliorate the interest. Unfortunately, this is the worst time of the year for that, as Christmas is coming, as well as two birthdays this month.

Today I'm going to go get my wheel tax paid, as well as go to the gym and pick up a few groceries. I'm due for a haircut, but I think that may have to wait until tomorrow. But I'm so excited to get in my new car!

Yesterday my agent texted me that my check (!) had been sent on the 25th and should arrive in 7 to 10 days. I fired back, what happened to quick pay, which I signed up for as my preferred payment? Apparently, I was too late in turning in my title. Though I did transfer it to the glove box on the day the car was totaled, it wasn't there when the adjustor was there, and so wasn't officially turned in until the next day, when the car was towed away.

Well, I was very unhappy, expecting the money to come on Friday at best and next week at worst. Then I went and got my mail.... The check was there!

I'm still a little perturbed, since now I have to wait for the check to clear (I deposited it online). I also noticed that I did not get the towing reimbursement, but that may come from a different office. I'll call today.

With any luck, I can shop tomorrow -- except that it is Halloween, and my son will not be available to bus me, so maybe not.

I did not make the bus trip to the library yesterday. I thought I would try to finish reading my current book first. I didn't, but I'm a lot closer. I still have a few days.

I also need to make a trip to the senior center to pick up a debit card for discounted taxi/Uber service. I might as well wait till I have the new car, so I can take care of the wheel tax at the same time.

I checked on my variables yesterday, made a few corrections, and it is now 87%. Still under. I am going to have to be very careful in the next few months, because it's going to take time to rebuild my EF, some of which is going to go toward the new car.

No money yet. Yesterday I sent a text to the adjuster I was working with asking when, but he has not answered yet.

I have singled out two cars I want to look at, but if the money doesn't arrive promptly, they may be gone and I may have to start all over.

Meanwhile, it's a bit of a pain to be carless. Today I'm going to take the bus to the library again. I have a book to return and one to pick up.

Food is still holding up, and even though I am down to three dishwasher pods (one will be used today) I am still hopeful that I'll have a car before I have to go to Sam's. If I have to go to Sam's, I can take the bus, but it's a long, winding route.

ODS (Oregon Dear Son) texted last night that the offer came and the salary was higher than he expected. He was clearly pleased. He will start work right after Thanksgiving.

I went to GS1's Halloween concert last night, grabbing a ride with IDS (Illinois Dear Son). It was lots of fun; all the kids were in costume. Especially amusing was the T-Rex who played the tambourine. GS1 was dressed as Steve Harrington (Season 2) and wore his cool seventies' sunglasses through the whole performance. Couldn't believe he could see, but his violin bow was in sync with all the others, so obviously he could!

I had a good conversation with Florida DS, who will soon be Oregon DS. He is happy to have found a job with such a good company (Amazon), but now that he is looking at the logistics of making such a big move, he is a little freaked out. He does plan to go up by himself at first and live in temporary housing while he searches for a home for the family. He says that housing is more expensive there than in his current home. His MIL is hard at work looking for suitable places online -- she's really good at that -- she found the home they are living in now. He is also a little freaked out that he will be living so far north after living in the south for so long. The family will all have to get winter gear.

The good news is that he will get stock options in addition to retirement contributions, and the medical plan is very good.

I am just so relieved that I don't have to worry about him any more.

In my world, I had a quiet day yesterday. I made some French onion soup, to use up onions, and also cooked myself a meal of sauteed chicken, stewed tomatoes and boiled tiny potatoes. So good.

I am hopeful that the money for my car will be in my bank account today, but it is too early to look.

Well, I lost this entry twice due to being distracted!

Maybe it means there is not much to tell....

I spoke to XH yesterday and he said that FDS will definitely take the Amazon job when the offer is made. I looked up the area he will be moving to, and not only is it far away, but hard to get to! Not close to a major airport. And it's a three-day drive. Well, I will figure out some way to visit. BFF has a brother in Portland -- we may road trip together.

Disappointed I couldn't car shop this weekend, but I guess it was unrealistic to expect the money so fast.

Read my insurance policy and found I do not get replacement value, but actual cost value, which is the Edmunds/Blue Book value. That's in line.

I'm not excited about the cars that are available in my price range, but I trust I will find something when the money is in hand.

I exchanged emails with my agent yesterday, and it seems that the car (and title) will not be picked up until today. I suppose I will have to wait until Monday before any money appears in my bank account.

I looked at cars online yesterday and wrote down some good possibilities. We'll see if they're still available when I have the money.

I went to the library yesterday, and on the way home I decided to get off at the Walgreens stop to pick up a few groceries. To my surprise, there were police cars and fire engines all over the lot. It turned out that a woman about my age had jumped a barrier in her car and run over a man sitting on a bench! He was taken to the hospital in stable condition, and she was not charged (yet). Just goes to show that worse things could happen!

I paid $4 for the groceries. Would have been $8, but I had a $4 rewards balance. Variables are at 82%, with five days to go.

No particular plans for today. I suppose I could do housework ....

Allstate called yesterday morning with the verdict. My car is unrepairable; it is totaled. I thought that was probably the case, but I will admit I was hoping not.

They will give me $6,552, plus, when I buy a new car, they will reimburse me for taxes (maximum of $705), and transfer fees of $135. But all I will have in hand to buy is the $6,552. That will not buy much. It definitely will not replace the car I had.

I have $3,000 to spare in savings. Plus, based on my last car-buying experience, I can charge $2,000 and pay the balance in cash, and thus avoid financing. (I don't want to finance, because a car payment would put me right back in the misery I experienced in gap year.)

So, my buying power is a maximum of $11,552, which puts me in a better range of vehicles. I did some looking online yesterday, but didn't find anything that excited me. I don't have the money yet anyway, so I can't do anything.

I had to go to the repair shop and clean out my car, which was not easy. I had to take the train there because DIL was working frantically on the biggest event of her company's year, and thus unavailable. I filled two IKEA bags. I also had to shoulder a heavy foldable chair, that at least had a strap, but it was still hard to manage. I took the stuff home on the train. It was an exhausting walk home (about six blocks).

I really didn't have a lot of junk in my car, though it sounds like it! I had a big bag of snacks for the boys, some emergency car supplies, a blanket, a bleacher chair (in addition to the folding chair), an umbrella, and the small stuff like the transponder, baseball hat, phone holder, headphones, sunglasses and contents of the glove box.

Because I neglected to bring my title I had to go back a second time. This time I took the bus, which was much easier. It was actually a direct route to where I had to go, though there were a lot of stops. I was kind of glad to learn how to take the bus and where it would go. (I'll take it to the library today.) Both the train and bus are free for me; it is a senior benefit.

By the time I got home the second time, I was beat, but it was time to take care of the boys. I went over there to wait for them to walk home from school, but to my surprise DS was there! He was getting ready for the event, and hung around for about an hour, waiting for his ride. He ordered pizza for us, and I was grateful, because I didn't feel like cooking after my big day.

I was sprung around 10 pm. Came home and slept like a log.

So, the money hasn't hit my bank account yet. I'll keep checking throughout the day. My understanding was that it would be immediate, but maybe it won't happen until the agent has his hands on the title, which is sitting in my wrecked car now.

After all that, I can honestly report it was a no-spend day!

Nothing from the insurance company yesterday, so I'm assuming they have not yet looked at the car.

I'm going to babysit the boys this evening, but I do not have to take them to music lessons, which are cancelled. I assume that is because DS & DIL need the car for their event. I'm going to walk over there after school, give the boys dinner, supervise homework, and put them to bed. They have asked for sliders for dinner. I don't have any ground beef, but I'll take over some chicken (along with small rolls) and hope that will be acceptable! If not, DIL informs me there will be leftover spaghetti and meatballs. Hmmm, maybe I can turn the meatballs into sliders!

But the bigger news is that my Florida son got word that Amazon will make an offer in the next 48 hours! Of the three interviews, I think this is the one he wanted least, since it would mean a move to a small, rather isolated town in Oregon. I can't name it because the residents don't know Amazon is there. It is a division of Amazon which is developing their drone product.

I know he is hoping he will get offers from the other two, but I am sure he will accept the sure thing.

I started transcribing my mother's diary again yesterday. I don't know why I left off from it for so long. I guess because I see sadness creeping in, but it's not like I can change the past! I certainly do know that she was unhappy in her marriage, though she stuck it out till the end.

I had to contact the second seller from Amazon again about the discount she offered me for keeping the underwear (which arrived in the wrong color). She said it had not "gone through." I got a text from Amazon last night that a $3.80 credit is coming. It's not a lot, but I'm glad I didn't just let it go.

Not much to report. I had several calls from the insurance company yesterday. The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing, because they are asking questions I've already answered. Mainly, they are trying to go after the other party to pay for repairs, and they will have to get that information from the police report. When I joined the scene, the driver was in handcuffs and yelling at the police, so I was hardly going to go up to her and say, "Hi, could I have your name and insurance information?"

No inspection has been done yet. I sent in the towing charge, but they told me I won't be reimbursed until the inspection is done. They will reimburse me for that and the $500 deductible at the same time. (Or whatever I get if the car is totaled.)

I did a load of laundry yesterday and I'll do one today. Variables are at 81%. Eight days to go.

I still have plenty of food on hand, but I'm out of creamer, on top of being low on dishwasher pods. If DIL loans me her car tomorrow, I will make a quick stop for those two items. As well as a stop at the library, because a book is due on Friday and it cannot be renewed (there's a hold on it).

Yesterday I got a ride to the towing company, and when I walked in, I had to pay $255, which seems outrageous to me, but insurance has said that I will be reimbursed. Then I asked them to tow my car to the repair shop. I don't know if I'll get charged again! I've been watching my Visa account to see if a second charge pops up. Anyway, the car is there, waiting for an Allstate agent to come and inspect it.

I had my DIL take me to the repair shop so I could get things signed and squared away. I was hopeful that the inspection would take place that day, but they laughed and said I would be lucky if it got done by Friday.

So I took the train home, which involved a short walk to and from the stations. It was the first time I used my ride-free card on that line, and it was simple -- all I had to do was show the conductor my card. I'll probably use it a lot more now that I know that.

I will probably borrow DIL's car on Thursday to take the boys to music lessons. I'm also going to take them out for dinner and keep them until midnight or so. DIL has a big event at work, a must-do thing, that she and DS will both attend.

Meanwhile, I just wait for news on the car.

I'm doing good on provisions. The only thing I may run out of (so far) is dishwasher pods, but if I do, I can always wash dishes by hand. And I can probably get them at Walgreens, which is within walking distance.

I got inspired yesterday to thoroughly clean the fish tank. I took out the ornaments and all the gravel I could get and scrubbed and bathed them in hot water, and I scrubbed the sides of the tank. I really wore myself out! I'm trying to fight black algae. I guess my algae eater, who died this summer, was taking care of that. I don't want to get another one -- I'm basically just waiting for the remaining 6 fish to die, so I can get out of the aquarium business. From what I have read, the black algae will probably return, but next time, I now know I should take the fish out and turn the heat up high in the tank for a half-hour. That sounds a lot easier.

I have a few minutes while I wait for DIL to pick me up. She is going to take me to the towing company, where I have to sign a release and arrange to have my car towed to a repair shop. From there, I hope to hitch a ride with the tow truck and get someone from Allstate to come and look at the car.

I called Allstate yesterday and opened a claim. Insurance from the other driver will cover, including the $500 deductible, if repair is the best route to go. They will reimburse me for the towing cost.

I will hang out at the repair shop until I determine whether or not an Allstate agent will come out today. I'll take the train home, as there is a station very close by.

I hope to get as much as possible done today, as this is going to be a long, drawn-out process, whether the car is repaired or replaced.

In other news, my Florida son is having his third of three different interviews today. Really hoping that one of them will result in an offer.

Thanks to all who expressed concern! I'll get through this -- it's only property, after all!!

I got a call at 3 am this morning. I didn't recognize the number, so didn't answer, but then it started ringing again. I answered this time, and it was the police.

It turned out that an impaired driver smashed into two cars that were parked on the street. One of them was mine. The trunk is completely smashed in. The car has been towed away. I will try calling insurance today, but I don't think I will actually reach anyone until Monday.

I have a bad feeling about this. It's a 2010 Honda Civic and I bought it for $10K. I think it may be totaled, especially if the frame has been bent. I don't know what they'll give me if it's totaled, but I suspect it won't be $10K. I only have $3900 in savings to put toward a replacement.

And I'm going to be without wheels for a while. Luckily, I am well-stocked with food and don't really have to go anywhere. I've let DS know that I probably won't be available for music lessons this week.

I'm kind of stunned, but I am thankful that it was only this. When the police started out the phone conversation with "There's been an accident..." my heart was in my mouth.

Yesterday I received my fall order from OTC-Essentials. For free I got: bladder pads, aloe wipes, a digital thermometer, cotton balls, Loratadine, Dairy Aid, and stool softeners. This program saves me a lot of money.

I also paid my mortgage, putting an extra $50 on it. It was money that was sitting in my credit union savings account -- I thought it would be better to put it on the mortgage. I am shooting to get my mortgage balance below $60K.

I did find a live phone number for a family member for my cousin, and she was able to contact her and have a conversation about her ex's passing. Hopefully, this young lady will be able to contact other family members and spread the news, and let my cousin off the hook. My cousin was so delighted, and sent me a big thank you. It was really gratifying to be able to do that.

Today is supposed to be a lovely day, so I'm going to take a walk -- sometime -- when I get dressed. I'm also going to go through the fridge and make a plan to use up stuff. Just the kind of day I like.

Well, phooey, I just deleted my entry while trying to copy it!

So here's the shorter version. I tried to pay my wheel tax (resident vehicle tax) this morning, but even though I got verified that I was eligible for the senior discount, the system wasn't showing it yet. So I have to go back.

The process took so long that I was starving for lunch, and I made a rash decision to go through the McDonalds window. Spent $9, and now I wish I hadn't.

I'm doing some free research for my cousin -- her ex died, and she's trying to inform some distant relatives, but has outdated addresses and phone numbers. I'm doing my best, but without access to the databases I used when I working, I am not finding much.

I'm heading to my grandson's last flag football game tonight, and it will be the last game of any kind until baseball starts again next spring. He is not playing basketball this year.

Winter is coming! It is getting dark so early now, and a chill is in the air. I'm dreading it.

I went to the gym this morning and stopped at Aldi on the way home, spending $39 on groceries. Home Depot was nearby, so I stopped in there also, buying light bulbs for $4.

Yesterday I sent $20 to my Florida son.

Variables are at 79%. Two more weeks to go.

I got a letter from the city about renewing my wheel tax. I'm entitled to a 50% discount as an income-eligible senior, but they are saying I must bring in a benefit card, which no one has ever given me, and when I inquire about it, I am told they don't issue them any more. Grrr. I'll have to call the senior center, who has been helpful in the past.

It's pay day! Now that I have more money, it is not as dramatic as it used to be. I paid my mortgage and my credit card bills. Nothing else is outstanding. Looks like I have $675 left over if I don't pull anything extra out of checking. I'll leave it there, as I like a cushion in checking.

My grandson passed on the haircut yesterday since his favorite stylist wasn't working. I took both boys to the library and helped GS2 find books on drought. We found some books about the dust bowl, which I hope will be okay. It occurred to me later that we were looking in the history area rather than science. He's in fourth grade and I don't know how exacting they will be about subject matter.

Today I have nothing going on, and may not even change out of my pajamas!

I got my oil change yesterday ($64) and I also picked up a $10 prescription. While I was at Walgreens I got my flu shot. My arm is sore today, but not too bad. I get the high-dose shot; I don't know if that makes a difference in how you feel afterwards.

Anyway, I feel good that I will be protected against flu this winter (hopefully).

Variables are at 75%, but I think I have most things done now.

Since yesterday was Columbus Day, my son was off work, so he called me to come over and play a board game. The one he chose was so complicated that he had to explain the moves every step of the way. I felt really old and feeble! But still had a good time.

My BFF called yesterday asking if I could go with her to a colonoscopy this week. She was having trouble finding someone available in her area. I agreed to, but later in the day she let me know that she was covered.

Today I'm taking GS2 to get his hair cut after school -- then to the library.

Florida DS let me know that I am not needed this week, so that's both a relief and a disappointment. Mostly a relief, since it would have been so expensive and I'm not sure I'm physically up to a whirlwind visit right now. He said he wants me to come when they are in their new place; he is very confident that one of these interviews will bear fruit. He is especially hopeful for the one today in Mississippi. He pointed out that it would only be an 11-hour drive for me, a big improvement over the current situation.

Today I'm going to head out to the gym, and then I will get my oil changed. I also need to pick up a prescription at Walgreens, so I will get my flu shot at the same time.

Yesterday GS2 came over while the rest of the family went to Costco. He didn't want to go shopping. We played a new game of his and then he watched some TV. He was happy to help me get rid of some chocolate chip cookies. I sent a baggie of them home with him.

It was a no-spend day, except for one load of laundry.

I sent a message to the property manager site yesterday evening. I don't know if this was a response to that, but the heat came on a few hours later. Oh, it feels so good!

I talked to my Florida son last night. He has three interviews next week -- one in Mississippi, one in Seattle, and one in Blacksburg, Virginia. The employers are paying for travel and expenses. Things are looking good, or at least hopeful.

Yesterday, when I was still so cold, I used the oven to make granola, chocolate chip cookies, and to heat up a frozen pizza. It did really help to make the place more comfortable.

It was a no-spend day.

Today I'm doing some laundry and just taking it easy. Next week MAY be really busy, as I MAY go to Florida to help DIL, who is recovering from knee surgery. We'll see. Tickets are at least $500. I'm hoping someone down there can help. My ex has a sister and daughter and niece in Florida; seems like at least one of them could step up, but this is a family where narcissism runs deep and wide. We'll see.

37 degrees here, and we don't have heat. This infuriates me every year. Our property management company won't turn on the boiler until the last moment they can. I think it's criminal to expect people to live in temperatures like this.

I slept under a pile of blankets but did not sleep well. I'm bundled up this morning. I turned the oven on this morning so at least the kitchen will be somewhat warm. I may do some baking to make it worthwhile.

I'll probably go somewhere else to hang out for the bulk of the day. Because everyone else has heat! DS says his building's radiators come on whenever the temperature dips below 65.

I went to the gym yesterday morning and then stopped at Aldi & Jewel for groceries: $55. Then I went to Kohl's and bought 5 pairs of briefs for $39. Not the greatest price, but it seems to be impossible to buy panties in just one color. I finally found a display where you could buy them individually. I really had to search to get the right size and style. So frustrating, but I'm done with that for a few years, I hope!

So variables have climbed to 66%. I hope I can lay low for a while.

Last night's flag football game was cancelled (thank goodness!) so I went to DS's house and we played a board game called Marrying Dr. Darcy. Amazingly, the boys love that game! There were times we were all laughing so hard we could hardly catch our breath.

What a difference a good night's sleep makes! I feel so much better.

Other than what I already reported, I did a little more spending yesterday when I ordered some fish food ($13). This will last a long time. And I forgot to report the purchase of a tank of gas on Wednesday. It was $30.

Variables are now at 56%, with almost three weeks to go.

I got my results from the mammogram and ultrasound, and it's an all-clear. That's a relief. I was a little freaked about being ordered to get an extra procedure this year. I just walked out at the end without stopping at the desk, so I don't know if there was a cost for the ultrasound. If so, it will appear on their website so I'll keep an eye out for it.

GS1 has a flag football game tonight, but we are supposed to get a serious cold front coming through. He said, "Great!" upon hearing that, but it may be pretty miserable in the bleachers.

Other than that, I have no obligations today, but plenty of work to do at home!

I feel really awful today. I got a terrible night's sleep. I was stressed about things and I tossed and turned, and had nightmares when I did sleep.

I felt better once I got my early-morning medical appointments done (mammogram and ultrasound). I wish I could nap before music lessons this afternoon, but lying down didn't get me anywhere. So I just have to get through this day and hope I sleep well tonight.

I got my order of briefs from Amazon (second seller) but they sent the wrong color! I was going to send them back, but after some back and forth they offered a 15% discount if I chose to keep them. So I will; they are a neutral color, and it will save me some hassle. And I can always use extra underwear. But I still want some black pairs to wear under dark pants. I'm skittish about ordering online again, so I'll look around. At the end of the day, I still prefer shopping in person.

I spent $5.50 on parking today! The hospital parking was $4 for two hours, and then I was so hungry after the procedures (and after skipping breakfast) I stopped at Einstein Bagels and had to pay another $1.50 just to park by the restaurant. I would have gone to McDonalds where parking is free and the food is cheap, but it's being remodeled.

My breakfast at Einstein's was $8 for a bagel sandwich and coffee. But it was pretty good.

Now I'm going to try to rest again before taking the boys to music lessons.

After my outlay for car repair yesterday, I spent nothing the rest of the day.

Today I'm taking care of the boys -- the first Wednesday of every month there is no school; I think the teachers have meetings and professional development.

GS2 has an orthodontist appointment at 10, and afterwards I am to take him to a friend's house. I will have GS1 for the rest of the day, unless he figures out something else. I figure I will at least be on the hook for lunch.

I called the vet to find out the results of Iggy's tests. His creatinine level is actually a little better, which is probably due to variance in the test, since creatinine levels do not improve. But that means he is stable and doing well with the kidney diet -- and he likes it! So we'll stick with that. Costly though it is. I hope I have a few more years with him; he is such a sweetie.

Tomorrow I have the dreaded mammogram, plus I am to have a diagnostic ultrasound this year. I may have a copay for the ultrasound; we'll see. I'll be glad to get that over with.

I was coming home from the gym this morning when my tire light came on. I stopped at Midas, and they determined that a TPMS sensor had to be replaced. They tried to repair the stem first, but it was so stiff and old it broke. That was $157.

Yesterday, I took Iggy to the vet. The visit was $75 and I bought food for $30. The good news is, he has gained a little weight. I have to call later today to get the test results.

Anyway, these two things have convinced me not to tackle any of my short term goals this month. My variables are at 52% and it's only 8 days into the month!

I am also due for an oil change, and I guess I should get that done rather than try to push it off till next month. Midas gives you a free change after three of them, so I guess I'll go back there. I did like the service I got.

Yesterday I sat at the two baseball games for about four hours. Plus, the ride there was about 40 minutes each way. That was a big chunk of time. DS and I were the only fans there for GS1. But it was a beautiful day! There's something invigorating about being out in the open air.

I bought coffee for myself and DS ($2). In turn, he bought me a hot dog when it got to be lunchtime.

After the games, I came home and did laundry and I washed and seasoned my new pans. I used one to heat up some scrambled beef and peppers (with spaghetti sauce and rice). I forgot what I was doing and burned it! I rescued some the the food and the pan was fine -- but why do I burn food every time I buy a new pan? Like it's an initiation rite?

Then, while I was making the bed yesterday, my hand went right through one of the pillowcases. This was my second best set, now that I have bought a new set. Makes me wonder if I need to buy another set. I can use pillowcases from my third best set, which I am going to throw away, but the second best set will look awfully patchwork, since the bottom sheet already doesn't match. I'm not excited about buying more sheets right now, so I'll watch Sam's to see when they go on sale.

I like the Sam's sheets (Member's Mark 450 thread-count) because they are very soft to the touch and reasonably priced. I tried them out when sleeping at my brother's house and I'm sold. But my brother said they do go on sale occasionally, so I'll keep my eye out and wait.

I'm taking Iggy to the vet today, and I'll be buying the canned kidney diet food when I'm there. I hope they are stocked up this time!

I have just enough time to check in before I go to a double header this morning.

Yesterday at Sam's I did some grocery shopping ($22) and also bought a set of sheets ($33) and a three-pack of frying pans ($30). Then I went to Aldi and spent $22 on groceries. Hah! Same total at both Sam's and Aldi! Variables are now at 22%.

The remote I ordered from Amazon came yesterday, and it is working fine. It is so much better than trying to use the Fire Stick app from the phone, because the phone keeps going to sleep and I have to reconnect.

I just ate some breakfast so I will not be tempted by the concessions at the game. (Though I will allow myself a cup of coffee, since it is cheap and hot.)

It's getting cool. I slept under several blankets last night because the boiler hasn't been turned on yet. It's supposed to get significantly cooler this week, so I hope the boiler is turned on soon.

I went to a flag football game last night at 9 pm. Got home at 10:30, and I was wide awake so I read for a while. I never slept well all night. I'm probably going to crash today.

I didn't spend anything beyond the online shopping I reported on yesterday. (Except for a load of laundry.)

I'm going to the gym today, and then I'll stop at Sam's and Aldi to pick up some stuff (read all about it tomorrow!)

I made an appointment for Iggy on Monday morning.

Along with Lucky Robin, I'm not going to try to salvage any of the lost posts. Since I post pretty much every day, there are too many of them. I save my financial information in spreadsheets, so I haven't lost any data, just my nattering about daily activities. My biggest fear was the loss of the community, and I'm so glad we have that back.

I sat down and ordered a couple of things from Amazon this morning. A four-pack of panties for $25, and a new Fire Stick remote for $30. My son pointed out that a new fire stick, with remote, was not much more, but it is $10 more, and that still matters to me. Just hope it will pair successfully with the fire stick I have.

The panties are rather expensive, but they are a brand and color that I want, and I paid the price.

Variables are now 11%.

I'm doing laundry now, and in a few minutes I will call the vet. Iggy seems fine today, but he is due for a follow-up and weight check.

Took the boys for music lessons yesterday, and learned that the appointment time is changing for the better. I'll have 15 extra minutes to get them there! Which is great, because it is a tight squeeze now between school dismissal time and appointment time.

Nothing going on today until 9 pm, when there is a flag football game. It is pretty cool today, so I will have to bundle up. Football weather!