Oy vay, I'm so very tired!

I had a a poor night's sleep. Then I got up and went to Planet Fitness, mainly so I could have a free bagel for breakfast. (But I did bicycle and exercised my core.) Came home and showered and then I went to the hospital to visit C. I stayed until about 2; then I picked up the boys after school, took them out for burgers, and then took them to music lessons. Just got home at 6.

I spent $5.50 on parking and $10 on the burgers. Yesterday's hospital parking was $4.50. It's expensive, but the only free spots are too far away for me to walk comfortably with this darn knee.

Yesterday I filled up the tank (after getting my free pizza at PF.) $27. It's kind of funny that Pizza Day and Bagel Day came together, but that was because Pizza Day was originally scheduled for Labor Day. Yesterday's workout at PF included all my strength training except for anything stressing my knee.

The spending has pushed my variables up to 94%. Two weeks to go. But the circumstances are such that I am not worrying about money right now.

My son texted me this morning to let me know they are all safe, and they have suffered minimal damage. So glad that storm is mostly over. My son's half-sister, who lives in Venice, is also safe, though she is without power.

I visited with C for three hours at the hospital yesterday. I felt guilty upon leaving, thinking I had stayed too long. I shared this with my DIL, and she said, "You didn't!"

When I went to get my car out of the parking garage, it was closed and locked! In a panic, I went to the hospital concierge, and he told me how to get into it through the "hamster tunnel." Thank goodness once I was in there the exit door lifted to let me out. Unfortunately, I had to do a lot of extra walking and my knee was really hurting. But, hey, the parking was free!

I spent $17 on groceries yesterday -- blueberries, ricotta, mozzarella, spaghetti and sourdough bread. Now I can make either lasagna or spaghetti with my sauce. Not today, though; I'm going to finish the sloppy joes for lunch and have salmon teriaki for dinner.

An update of my "meals on hand" list:

Chicken vegetable soup
Purple potato soup
Salmon fillets
Spaghetti
Lasagna
French onion soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Cheese quesadillas
Potato bowl
Eggs
Blueberry pancakes (minimal syrup)

I'm planning to drop in at Planet Fitness this evening for pizza.

I just got back from the library. I got the next Harry Potter -- Order of the Phoenix -- and I checked out The Cursed Child for C. I also put the second Harry Potter movie on hold for our next movie night with the grandsons.

Afterwards I stopped at the physical therapist's and made an appointment for Friday.

I had to pay .50 parking at the library, but at PT, I happened to grab a metered space that had 52 minutes on it!

Planning to visit C again today, after lunch and after I rest my knee a bit.

Oops -- just realized I can't have pizza AND salmon for dinner. Guess I will have the salmon for lunch and hold off on the sloppy joes.

C's gall bladder was drained yesterday, and if she is feeling better she will be discharged today. However, her prognosis was altered to weeks only. We were all hoping and expecting that she would make it to Christmas, but apparently that is not to be. It is devastating news, even with all the warning we have received. I can't even describe how much this wonderful woman will be missed. I am finding it hard to deal with how unfair life is -- yes, I knew it was unfair, but sometimes is it so unfair, you just can't process it.

I talked at length to my Florida son last night. He has boarded up all his windows, stocked his fridge and pantry, has coolers and ice on hand, has trimmed off low-hanging branches, and has gotten the use of a generator. His wife's mother is with them. It was a planned visit that she decided to carry out before she realized how bad this hurricane would be. He said she's pretty scared, but she is helping to keep the kids entertained, and her presence will probably be calming to DIL.

My relations who live in Sarasota/Charlotte County have all evacuated -- they have moved in with family and friends who live farther inland and at higher levels. They didn't have time to make preparations, because they believed the gulf coast was relatively safe, so their properties are going to suffer.

I am watching the continuous coverage on NBC, and I probably will all weekend.

I didn't sleep well last night. Of course that's typical for me, but last night I was awake with worry.

I'm glad Amber reported in, and I hope everyone in our SA family who lives in Florida will be safe.

Well, everything is in turmoil around here. C was admitted to the hospital last night with intense abdominal pain. All I know at this point is that they are detecting a problem with her gall bladder.

I took care of the boys yesterday between the end of school and the time their father got home, as DIL was, of course, with her mom at the hospital. I bought them shakes at Steak N Shake -- only $4 as it was Happy Hour. Comfort food -- even though they didn't know anything!

Also on my mind is Hurricane Irma. The model I saw this morning put the path very near Gainesville. At least I know my son's family will be safe from the storm surge, but they are sure to get lots of damaging wind and rain. The new model also shows the landfall to take place on the gulf coast. I have quite a few shirttail relations living there, and I'm worried that they felt safe because the earlier prediction was focused on the east coast.

I finally got a diagnosis on my knee yesterday. It is pes anserine bursitis, and I have to sign up for more physical therapy. But at least I know what I'm dealing with. I declined a cortisone shot. The few that I've had were too painful to be worth it.

I also declined to pay my copay yesterday, explaining that I would rather pay my full medical online (which I will do after pay day.) I also got away with no cost for parking, because the appointment took less than one hour.

I was supposed to go with C today on a tour of the botanical gardens. That, needless to say, has been cancelled. I also tentatively cancelled my attendance at the jazzfest cookout tomorrow. It's an hour away and I'm not comfortable with being that far out of reach, the situation being what it is.

So all of this will have the silver lining that my spending will stay low as I bide my time at home and on call.

I am very uneasy on several fronts, but feeling grateful for my own health and safety at this time.

I spent $1.50 on laundry today, and paid a $7 doctor bill.

I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow. Now that the inflammation has calmed down, I can point to the exact spot on my knee that hurts. I hope this will help to figure out just what's wrong.

My variables spending is up to 83%, with 19 days to go. And another $5 copay will be made tomorrow.

I'm starting to think about how I can feed myself for the least amount in the days ahead. Here is a list off the top of my head of the meals I have available in the pantry or freezer. Some are already made, some need to be prepared.

Salmon Fillets
Sloppy Joes
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Cheese Broccoli Soup
Cheese Quesadillas
Apricot Chicken
Purple Potato Soup
Pizza
Eggs
Spanish Rice
Spaghetti (need an ingredient)
Lasagna (need an ingredient)
Peanut Soup

I'll have a free meal on Sunday at the cookout. On Monday and Tuesday I'll have a free bagel breakfast and a free pizza dinner at Planet Fitness.

In addition to the copay and groceries I have to figure on a tank of gas, a bag of cat food, $10 for parking, and probably $10 more for laundry. And there will probably be a surprise. There always is.

Two of my grandsons have birthdays next week, but the gifts are bought.

In other news, my son is heading home today in Florida. He's been on the road with his job. He will probably be in terrible traffic as he gets caught up among the evacuees. He and his family are staying put. They are in the north central part of the state, not close to either coast. And they live on very high ground. They are probably as safe as anyone can be in Florida. Still, I worry, this one is sounding so bad. I'll keep watching and hoping for the best.

My dinner downtown with friends was cancelled; one of my friends is not feeling well. We will try to reschedule in the next couple of weeks.

I was actually a little relieved. I didn't feel like making the trip downtown again, and for some perverse reason I always like it when any expected expenditure is put off. Maybe it won't even happen till the next pay cycle!

So instead I went to a matinee, "Tulip Fever." The reviews were terrible, but I love historical costume dramas. I didn't think it was too bad, and it was certainly beautiful to look at. Besides, I am interested in Dutch history, being part Dutch myself. It was Senior Day; it cost $7.

This weekend will be busy -- a trip to the botanical gardens on Saturday, and on Sunday, a cookout before the College's annual jazzfest. (I'm probably not going to the jazzfest itself.)

Variables are already at 82%; I've been too loose with my pocketbook this month. But I think I am set with most things -- I'll probably need another gas fill-up and probably another bag of cat food.

Despite the new phone, I still have a dead zone in my condo. My son's phone reacts the same way. I guess I'll have to look into a cell phone extender, because I really don't like limiting my phone use to the kitchen. But they're expensive, so I'll have to wait till next month -- which is actually the 27th.

I was there until 2 p.m. and then dismissed. They didn't even interview me. Now I go back in the pool, and won't be called again for a year.

The drive to the courthouse was every bit as harrowing as I was afraid it might be, but I got there in time and didn't have to pay for parking. Coming home was worse, because when I was leaving the parking garage I couldn't turn left, as Google Maps was advising me, and had to go quite a bit out of my way. When I was finally going the right direction, the navigator directed me to Wacker Drive. Uh-uh. Wacker Drive is a "layered" road and I always lose my signal on it. Then I come out in the midst of tall buildings and my navigation goes nuts. So I navigated myself to 94, which goes to Wisconsin -- I knew that would steer me the right way, even if it was a bit out of my way.

I took my lunch, so paid nothing for food. I was paid $17.20. That went into my snowflakes.

Now I'm "on" again for dinner in the city with my friends tomorrow night. I'm going to take the train this time.

I'm very tired, even though it was a day of sitting. It was an interesting process. There was a huge pool of people, and they gave us group numbers upon entering. They chose three different groups to go to courtrooms for screening. We had a little video lesson on courtroom procedure hosted by none other than a very young Lester Holt. I had forgotten his roots were in Chicago!

I didn't realize before, but it was a state circuit court, not city or county. There were people from all over. It was also a criminal court. Had I been chosen, it probably would have been interesting, but I'm glad I have freedom instead.

Spent the whole afternoon at the beach yesterday with my son's family, C, and some of their friends. The boys had a great time in and out of the water. I mostly sat in a chair, along with C. It was fun, but the day got long for the grannies! At the end of the day, DIL made burgers and fixins for the family.

I didn't spend anything. I got my two free items from MyMixx (coconut water and coffee in a can).

I sacrificed my ice cream and sherbet to son's family. Not eating sugar is proving to be so effective in reducing my inflammation, now I just have to think of ways to get rid of the sugary things in my house.

This morning I am meeting friends for coffee at a nearby diner. Tomorrow I report for jury duty in the city. I am dreading that so much, but mostly I dread the trip into the city and trying to find the courthouse and parking. Once I get there, it is just a matter of biding my time. I'm planning to take a lunch and a book.

C and I went to garage sales today. I had some luck!

Ceramic Teapot (gift) - $7
Cinderella Ornament (gift) - $1
Paris Ornament (gift) - $1
Minnie Mouse wallet (gift) - $1
Book - .50
Beatrix Potter figurines - $10
Wooden Desk Organizer - $2

The Beatrix Potter figurines were $10 for 10. I figure I can sell them for $5-10 apiece. If I have no luck with that, I will give them to my niece for her daughter's room.

After the sales, we went to Panera for lunch, which cost me $10. It was a good morning.

I got a notice that I earned $2.60 for reducing my energy usage during Peak Savings Day. It was pretty easy, considering I wasn't at home!

No other news, financial or otherwise.

I, like Patient Saver, am worried about SecretarySaving. I hope she posts soon.

Today I took $600 out of my Chase checking account and moved it to my BOA account. Two reasons. I wanted to have enough money in my account so that when the second assessment fee hits, it won't bounce. I also need to keep $300 in the savings account -- my slush fund -- in order to avoid fees. New policy. I don't like it -- it means my slush fund will have to be higher so I don't encroach on the $300. But it's not really a loss of funds.

My only real spending today was $1.50 for laundry. BFF let me do a lot of laundry at her house, but I did not take my towels, and it was time.

Oh, wait a minute. I also spent $46 on a birthday present for my Florida grandson. Picks from his Amazon list -- kinetic sand, Play-Doh, a school bus, and a thermos. I'm very proud that I got this done before the last minute!

I put all my stovetop burners in the dishwasher and I'm running it now. I've tried before, but never with the new dishwasher. I hope it will get some of the crud off, and if I still have to hand-scrub them, at least it will not be quite as much effort.

My car is still half-full of stuff from my trip. I'm taking things up a little at a time, because I don't want to stress my legs too much. I figure I have two more trips up the steps to go. But I'm done for today.

The rest of the day I'm devoting to reading. I'm way behind in the family Harry Potter book club!

I'm back from my short trip to Indiana. Here is what I spent:

Gas: $17
Food: $33
Goodwill Shopping: $53

Here's what I got for the $53:

Skirt for my granddaughter
11 Ball Jars
Gap Hoodie
2 casual jackets
Black leather jacket
3 pajama bottoms/workout pants
Bra
Santa collectible
Orrefors crystal vase
Book
Butter dish
Teacup
1 pair of socks

I am hoping to sell the Orrefors vase for a profit at some future time. But if I don't, it will be nice to have for flowers. I always use a pitcher now.

BFF and I usually go to a movie, but instead we watched a couple of them on HBO - Collateral Beauty, and Jackie. BFF somehow accidentally got signed up for premium channels -- we decided to take advantage until she fixed it.

We had only one restaurant meal, which was about $20. The rest was road food.

I remained sugar-free, and I have to say, I am not feeling very much craving for sugar -- more like just struggling to break habits. My legs definitely feel better. I have not had the burning feeling since the first day. I do think the sugar was adding to the inflammation.

My BFF said a friend of hers was suffering the same problem with inflammation, and she is cutting out sugar, as well as some other things. I am going to start with sugar, and so far it's been beneficial.

On the way home I passed a full bag of potatoes on the side of the road -- it looked like a 25 lb. bag! And later on, a big bag of plastic cups. I sure wished I could have stopped for them, but they were in places where it was hard to stop. I'm sure someone will manage to get them!

BFF did send me home with some fresh garden tomatoes. What a delight! I love "real" tomatoes in summer. And she gave me a nice top she couldn't wear. I only had a can of nuts for her, but I'll make it up some other time!

As always, it was a great, refreshing trip. We are now making plans to go to Ludington, Michigan, this fall, and to New England next spring/summer. It's always great to have something to look forward to!

My Houston relatives rode out the storm high and dry. I don't know how easy the days to come will be, but at least they didn't have to evacuate and did not suffer loss of property. What a terrible mess that hurricane has left. Redoubles my appreciation that all I have to deal with is blizzards and tornadoes

It was another no-spend day, with a free meal to beat -- well, several actually! Because my DIL sent me home with a rather large container of purple soup. It was made with purple potatoes, purple cauliflower and purple carrots. No one in their family liked it. I haven't tasted it yet, but I trust that some seasoning might rescue it.

I'm afraid I have the reputation in my family as the one who will eat anything!

Just had a bad night struggling with tingling pain in both legs. Reading about the experience of others, I think that I should try cutting out sugar. (Which will be painful it itself -- I love sugar!) I think I can do it short-term, though, to learn if it's the problem. It would certainly be good for me in many ways if I could cut out sugar -- but life would be a lot duller, too. Actually, just the thought of it is depressing.

Since I'm getting on the road tomorrow, I hope I can sleep tonight.

I am concerned about those in Houston. My cousin lives there, and he is safe, but trapped in his home because of high water, which promises to get higher. We haven't heard from Secretary Saving, have we? I know she was planning to stay in place, and I would like to know that she is okay.

Saturday was a no-spend day. I went to my grandson's first Fall Ball game, and afterwards to the library, where I exchanged my Harry Potter book for the next in the series. Tonight we are having a pizza & movie night at my son's house -- we will be watching the first Harry Potter movie. (We are all reading the series.) Tomorrow school starts, so this is kind of the last party of summer.

This morning I am making the sloppy joe filling and spaghetti sauce. I don't think I will eat either one today, as I have more salad to eat, and I will be getting pizza tonight. I think the spaghetti sauce will go straight into the freezer. I'll have sloppy joes tomorrow and the remainder will go in the freezer. On Tuesday morning I will leave for three days in Indiana with my BFF.

I had to improvise on the sloppy joes, because I didn't have nearly enough ketchup. Luckily, there was some barbecue sauce in the fridge, so I think they will turn out well. Maybe tastier than usual!

I think today will be a no-spend day, too.

I intend to take it easy until I go out for dinner. I do have plenty of household chores to catch up on. And a lot of reading to do!

I did go to the Skechers Outlet yesterday, and they had the shoes I've been eying online. The price was the same, with the added advantage that I got to try them on and there was no shipping cost. I paid $44, and I'm happy to have them. They are so comfortable!

I also got my haircut -- $17 even with the coupon! Price is going up. And while I was waiting for the outlet to open, I got a muffin at Corner Bakery for $2.

Once home, I did a load of laundry for $1.50.

My variables are up to 50%. But I think I have done most of my purchasing. I have a trip to BFF's coming up, as well as dinner in the city with friends, and an outing to the botanical gardens. And I imagine I will have to pay more medical bills.

I realized last night that I will have to pay my assessment fee twice this cycle. I already paid it, but it will come due again the day before I get paid again. Bummer. It will have to come out of savings, as the budget doesn't allow for a double dip.

I cancelled the rest of my physical therapy. I won't do any exercise until I see the doctor on September 6 and get the green light.

I have to report for jury duty on September 5. If I get chosen, and if the trial lasts more than one day, that will throw a wrench into some of my plans, but I guess the bright spot is that I would get paid a little. The worst part is figuring out how to get there (it's in the city) and where to park. I've tried to figure out mass transit, but it's too complicated -- two trains and a bus. Too many opportunities to screw up and be late.

Yesterday I did a little more shopping. I started out at Walgreen's, where I bought three bottles of conditioner. I got the third bottle free, and 1,000 points in rewards. Total cost was $14. These are large bottles. I'm set for conditioner for quite a while.

Then I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and bought a drapery rod for $40. That was the price after a 20% reduction. I looked for cheaper options, but this one had the look and sturdiness I desired.

While at BB&B, I found a Christmas gift for DIL, a vegetable crisper/carrier. It was half-price; $6. I also bought a device to catch hair in my bathtub drain -- unfortunately it does not fit and I'll have to take it back today.

Then I went to PetSmart and got two more containers of kitty litter, using two $5 coupons. Final price was $20.

Finally, I went to Aldi and got 11 more items: eggs, syrup, salsa, hamburger buns, dark chocolate bar, frozen salmon, coffee, ground beef, shredded cheese, pizza and ice cream. Total was $41.

I still haven't bought much in the way of produce. I may do that at the farmer's market on Saturday.

I also got some gas for $27 and bought a sausage biscuit at McDonald's for $2.

So today I have to go back to BB&B -- and I'm going to stop at a new Skecher outlet which is on the way. I want to see if they have anything similar to the sneaker clogs I have loved to death.

Another goal today is to cook off the ground beef and make spaghetti sauce and sloppy joe filling.

And I need to get a haircut. I have a $3 coupon toward that.

Variables are already at 41%, and I'm planning to go see BFF next week.

I paid a $41 medical bill, spent $33 on groceries, $24 on pet supplies, $11 on postage, $36 on gifts, and $2 on entertainment.

The groceries: my 10 items at Aldi were bread, crackers, granola, vanilla wafers, butter, croutons, salad, mayo, honey, and almond milk. Then I went to Jewel to buy lactose-free creamer and sherbet.

The pet supplies were a container of kitty litter and a gravel vacuum. I had a $3 coupon for the kitty litter. But I forgot to bring an additional $5 coupon. The cash register spit out another one, so now I have two. Since they have an expiration date, I'm going to get two more containers today. The litter I like is on sale as well.

The gifts were an Amazon order for my grandson's upcoming birthday. He loves red pandas, so I got him a stuffed toy and a T-shirt that says, "Be Yourself, Unless You Can Be a Red Panda." Or something like that. By accepting the somewhat slower free shipping, I earned a $5 credit for Amazon Prime Now.

The $2 was for a PowerBall ticket, which yielded nothing but an evening of dreams.

Today, when I get going, I'm going to get a curtain rod for my "new" garage-sale curtains, and some more groceries.

My variables are at 20%.

Still feeling pretty good. I can tell my knee is not functioning correctly, but at least it doesn't hurt.

Several reasons to celebrate today! First of all, it's pay day, and after paying my credit cards and mortgage, I have $184 extra in my checking account (that is -- not already targeted for utilities, assessment fee and my condo insurance payment). Usually I come closer to zero. I'm going to transfer $84 to savings. I like to keep a little surplus in checking for surprises. (The great majority of my spending is done on credit cards, which I pay in full.)

Second, I feel so much better! It's only because I'm taking an effective painkiller (375 mg of Naproxen), and I know the problems are still there, but what a relief. I did my blood work yesterday and hope to hear some illuminating results today.

Third, I really slept well! Which doesn't happen all that often any more.

Today I'm going to get 10 items at Aldi, plus make a side trip to PetSmart for kitty litter and a new gravel cleaner for the aquarium. I'm also going to get gas, and I have two packages to mail -- one for the shower I missed, and the other is a packet of greeting cards for my granddaughter, who gets "mail" at her preschool. My DIL will dole them out every Friday.

Until I get some word from my doctor, I am postponing all physical activity, including physical therapy and the gym. The stairs will be stress enough on my bad knee.

So here is my August recap:

Housing: $695
Property Tax: $614
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $281
Gift/Charity: $198
Utilities: $174
Groceries: $94
Vet/Pet Supplies: $92
Eating Out: $91
Medical/Health: $71
Entertainment: $58
Phone: $52
Gas: $29
Laundry: $14
Fares/Parking: $8
Household Supplies: $7
Fees/Services: $5
Personal: $2

Grand Total: $2485

This month was a bit high, mostly because of the semi-annual property tax and the new phone. I also contributed $100 to a scholarship fund.

I spent 96% of my variables budget.

Now I'm off to shower and start my day!

I saw the doctor yesterday. He is concerned about what is going on in my legs and has ordered some blood tests. I'll get the blood drawn today. I have finally admitted to myself that I am not up to travelling and I cancelled my trip. This is very disappointing to me. Not only was I looking forward to visiting with my brother and SIL, but I was also looking forward to meeting my nephew's wife. I am going to have to mail the shower gift.

That said, I am relieved not to have to make the effort. I can rest today and work on getting better.

My doctor is checking to see whether the inflammation in my knee and hips is spreading into a systemic inflammation, which could be dangerous if it enters the bloodstream. He is also checking for gout. He is checking with my nephrologist to get permission to use NSAIDs, which would help with the pain. He also told me I should triple the Tylenol dosage I am using. He told me to postpone physical therapy until we have some answers.

I've been struggling with this pain since before July 4, and I'm at my wit's end. I hope I'm at the beginning of the end.

Yesterday I went outside to read at "eclipse time" just to experience the atmosphere, since I didn't have the glasses. But then I got so hungry, so I went to a nearby yogurt place for sorbet and fruit. The shop owner let me use his glasses! So I did get to see the eclipse as I ate my sorbet in the outdoor seating area. It was amazing! We didn't get the full eclipse here, of course, and it was somewhat cloudy, but it was a solemn and majestic moment. I'm glad I saw the banana in the sky!

Spending yesterday was $1 for breakfast and $6 for the sorbet. Not only are my groceries dwindling, but I find I am not feeling like cooking; it's too uncomfortable to stand for long. I will try to get the chicken fajita made today, as that will probably serve for two meals.

Tomorrow is pay day, and I can grocery shop and stock up, but I am not sure if I will feel good enough to carry groceries up the stairs.

My variables are currently at 93%, so I will come in under budget this month, no matter what I do today! And I'm planning to do nothing.

Yesterday I went to my ex's (along with the kids and grandkids) for what he calls the Big Breakfast. It IS a big breakfast -- eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, fried potatoes, and all the fixins. We ended up talking around the table until about 2 pm. I ate so much I didn't eat anything else until I had some sorbet at about six.

My kids gave me a DNA test kit for my birthday. Yesterday I finally got it sent in. I know quite a bit about my heritage on paper, but it will be interesting to see if the science matches the genealogy. I am expecting a BIG percentage will be centered in England.

I went to the library to get the next Harry Potter, and I also checked out the movie of the first book. Won't be able to watch (with the kids and C) until I get back from Michigan, though.

At this point, I'm planning to leave for Michigan tomorrow morning. I am hoping my doctor will offer me some relief this afternoon. I had an awful night and it was the second one in a row. Sleep is elusive these days.

Yesterday was a no-spend day. I've got $103 left in the budget, which should cover the gas and a trip to the bakery I frequent up in Michigan. I like to stock up on bread there. Until I get on the road, it's going to be creative meal planning here. I'm running out of most staples. But I've got the ingredients to make chicken fajitas today, and for another meal I can have a hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, and ants-on-a-log.

Really hope I feel good enough to get on the road tomorrow morning. It will be a long day, with the 3-hour ride up there, and the shower in the evening.

At least I will not be on the road during the eclipse! I do plan to go outside and just experience the change, without looking at the sun. I am actually not tempted to do that -- I know the news will provide plenty of footage!

Yesterday's garage sale-ing yielded a new glass pitcher for the fridge ($4), 10 greeting cards ($2.50), a book (.25), and a Mickey Mouse jacket (Disney brand) for my littlest grandson ($3). My eldest grandson came along and he bought an Android tablet for $2! And it works! I'm sure it is an old version, but it was virtually unused, and included the charger! I'll be interested to learn today what he managed to do with it.

Afterwards, we all went to lunch at Noodles & Company, where I spent $12. I was really disappointed to learn they no longer offer Indonesian Satay, which was my favorite. So I had potstickers and my grandson had mac & cheese. C paid for herself; she had Pad Thai.

We managed to avoid a parking fee by keeping our lunch under one hour.

It was a good day.

I came home and promptly fell asleep on the bed, taking a two-hour nap. Of course, that messed with my sleep last night. After hours of tossing and turning, and struggling with my (returning) pain, I got up and started looking up symptoms on the internet. I now think my stubborn knee pain may be septic bursitis, which has to be treated with antibiotics. I made an appointment with my doctor to discuss it tomorrow. This will cut into my trip to Michigan, but I need to get this problem resolved. The baby shower is on Tuesday evening, so I can still leave on Tuesday morning and make it. It will just give me less time with my brother.

Variables are now at 90%. Three more days to pay day.

Just a bit. I bought kitty litter and fish food at PeSmart for $22. Also some glue sticks and two cans of mixed nuts at Walgreens for $8 (after using the balance on a gift card). At PetSmart I earned a coupon for $5 off kitty litter next time. At Walgreens I was supposed to get 1,000 reward points, but I see on the receipt that I wasn't credited, so I'll have to go wrangle with them today.

The mixed nuts are a bread & butter gift for my brother, so were counted as a vacation expense.

This pushed variables up to 87%. Four days till pay day.

Today I've planned to go garage saling with C. I'm not looking for anything in particular, just for fun.

Remember I commented on a car-dwelling person always parked by Planet Fitness? The other day I realized it was a woman. I previously assumed she was a man, because she always wears a baseball cap, but when she got out of the car, I saw that she was was an older woman. Somehow that made me feel sadder. She apparently has a membership at PF, because I have since seen her coming out of the bathroom. My guess is she uses the showers. My sense is she is not a person like Tabs, who has a home. This is her home. So sad.

I almost hate to say it and jinx myself, but my knee seems improved. I went to the gym yesterday to do my strength training, as well as a short stint on the bike. After that, I stayed holed up in my condo. I am seeing a difference now in pain and flexibility.

No spending yesterday. My variables are at 82%, with only four days to go.

On Monday I'm going to leave for Michigan. I think I will just make this a 2-day trip. It depends on what my brother and SIL are doing. They are retired, but they are usually busy with other activities on Wednesdays. At any rate, I won't be gone for more than 3 days, because that's as long my cats and fish can go without outside help.

After complaining about Pine Cone, I qualified for three surveys in a row, so I guess my complaints were unfounded! Nice to have that little bit of income for my snowflakes.

I am determined not to go to the grocery store before payday. I have plenty of food; however, I am finding it is not always the food I want to eat. I need to be a little more proactive about preparing meals, but with the knee pain I haven't felt like cooking. Maybe today I can turn that around.

On Sunday morning I'm going to a family breakfast at my ex's house, so that will help stretch my pantry!

Oh, and best news of all -- my phone fixed itself after I downloaded a system upgrade and I am now able to receive calls. Whew!

Last night when my son was biking home from work, he was cut off by a car, thrown off his bike, and he passed out briefly after the accident. A good Samaritan called for help, and he ended up in the ER. He only has a few bumps and bruises, and everything else checked out, but it was a bit of a scare. I went and sat with him for a little while as he was waiting to be discharged, more to keep him company than anything else.

I learned, through this incident, that my new phone is not ringing and is not even logging incoming calls. So when people are trying to contact me, I have no idea. Texting, however, works fine. I went through all the troubleshooting steps, but it didn't seem like any of them were the fix. But Motorola has pushed two system upgrades, so I am in the process of downloading and installing them. If the phone is still not working properly, I guess I have to call the company. Tired of this. So nostalgic for the days when stuff actually worked.

C and I took the boys to the $1 children's movie yesterday. I took the caramel corn I made for a treat. (Hidden away in my bag, of course!)

I had another PT session. The therapist seems frustrated, as I am clearly not improving as quickly as I should. I'm frustrated, too. He thinks it is osteoarthritis, but I'm experiencing a flareup, which should settle down in time. Weight-bearing exercise seems to be the worst trigger. But I'm stuck up here above three flights of stairs, and I can't help but aggravate my injury every time I go out, or go to the basement to do a wash.

I won't see him again until next Thursday, so I hope there will be significant improvement by then.

I went to the movie yesterday on Discount Day, so paid only $5 for the ticket. On top of that, I had a free popcorn coupon. It was for the large size, which retails for $8! C and I did our best to eat it up, but at the end of the movie, half was left. I took it home and I made caramel corn, which turned out pretty good, if a bit sticky! Perhaps in humid weather you can't avoid the stickiness.

I also went to DSW to spend my $5 coupon. In the clearance section I found what I thought were three pairs of knee-high socks marked down to only $4. I bought them and sacrificed the extra dollar. (It was the last day to use the coupon.) Well, I got them home and unrolled them and - what? - they are actually two pairs of tights, and while they ARE large, they are GIRLS' large! Total fail! I plan to give them to BFF for her granddaughters (mine is too little.) If she is not interested, I may sell them online.

But another frugal win yesterday -- I stopped at Panera while waiting for DSW to open and got a free muffin. I didn't even know I had that on my Panera card, it was just a happy surprise!

Going through my inbox yesterday, I discovered I still have another $5 coupon at DSW for my birthday, so I'm going to try again. This coupon does not expire until the end of the month.

I'm going to the children's dollar movie today with C and the grandsons. That will only cost $1 each. Too bad I got the popcorn yesterday, it would have been good to have to share today.

Today's meals -- johnnycakes for breakfast, fried rice for lunch, grilled cheese for dinner.

Variables are at 82% and I have one week left till payday. In dollars, I have $156 to spend.

Back to the movie -- it was "The Glass Castle," which is a true story of a woman who grew up in a dysfunctional home. She dealt with an alcoholic father and a neglectful mother, extreme poverty, intermittent homelessness and a vagabond life. The irony is that the woman's mother was holding onto land which she could have sold for $1M, but she didn't because her father said she should never sell land. I had read the book, so I knew what to expect. It was inspiring that the children scrimped and saved to buy their way out -- also that the main character finally learned to be open about her past and accept the good with the bad. I recommend it -- and the book even more! The author is Jeanette Walls.

I was intending to have a no-spend day yesterday, but when I walked past a custom t-shirt shop, I saw a rack of $5 shirts for sale. They were mostly men's shirts with the Cubs "W" graphic. I bought one for my Florida son, to put in his Christmas box. I figured $5 was a pretty good price. And he loves the Cubs.

I had my first physical therapy exercise session. It was strenuous. At first I felt better, then later I felt worse. This morning, after a good night's sleep, I feel better again.

Today I'm going to the gym and then to DSW to use a $5 coupon. Planning on finding a pair of socks. Then, later in the day, C and I are going to see "The Glass Castle." I loved that book; I hope the movie does it justice. I'm going to get free popcorn; I got a birthday coupon on my theater app.

Didn't eat the salmon yesterday - I wasn't hungry at dinnertime - so I'll have that today, and probably my other meal will be fried rice. For breakfast, I may make johnnycakes, but I'm not hungry yet.

Anybody have solar eclipse viewing plans? Carbondale, in our state, will have the longest total eclipse in the U.S. But it's WAY downstate, and, anyway, I'm going to be in Michigan. If I didn't have other plans, I might be interested in viewing it -- such a rare event.

My only spending yesterday was a load of laundry -- the basket of totes, scarves, hats etc. that my cat soiled. Not everything was washable. I lost three scarves and a pair of gloves. That's okay, I have plenty of both. The worst problem was the lint exchange -- white on black and black on white -- I should have never washed them together! But I got them all brushed and presentable. Good job done. Today I'm going to store them in their new home, the little chest of drawers I moved to the entryway, and I'll be all ready for winter.

Variables are at 80% and nine days to go. I do have a trip coming up, but if I'm careful, I should be able to come in under this month.

My DIL gave me a chicken carcass that she was going to throw away. I made broth yesterday, and I'll combine in with leftovers to make chicken rice soup today. My other main meal will be salmon.

I went to the library yesterday and took out the next Harry Potter and three more movies - "Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close," "Aloft" and "Aloha."

After waking up yesterday with no pain, I have to admit that it came back during the day, and I had kind of a rough night last night. I have physical therapy today; hope it helps and doesn't make me feel worse. I'm also going to go to Planet Fitness and work out on the recumbent bike, but gently, of course!

I went out with the kids to a Mexican restaurant yesterday in honor of my birthday. It was great. But the best present of all -- I got up this morning feeling something was strangely missing. It was PAIN! For the first time my knee feels significantly better. I'm not going to push it today, though I do need to do a load of laundry. Mystery got accidentally closed up in my hall closet and relieved herself in my basket of winter accessories and tote bags. I'm just going to wash everything and see what survives. That will mean at least three trips up and down the steps.

My son brought up the chest of drawers I bought at the garage sale. It's actually a little large for the space I was hoping to fill, so I put it in my bedroom, replacing a chest that's a little smaller. The smaller chest is now going in the entryway. I plan to put hats, gloves and scarves in the drawers.

Anyway, no spending yesterday!

My new phone is finally operational. It took a long time for the SIM card to be delivered. Since my son ordered it, it was delivered to his address -- BUT, even though it cost only $1, it could not be left without a signature, and at my son's house, everybody is on the move all the time. Well, finally this weekend he had the card in hand and he set up my new phone. I am happy to report that I can now use it in every room of my condo. Plus, I have TONS of storage now, so I downloaded and started enjoying the Scrabble game immediately.

I'm getting near the end of Harry Potter, and when I'm done, C and I and the grandkids are going to watch the movie. So I'm under pressure to get it done today! I'm going to the library today (materials to return) so I'll check out the second in the series.

Exciting stuff, eh? Life is good.

Yesterday I hit the garage sales for the first time this year. C and I went together. I had some good luck -- at the first stop, I found a small chest of drawers for $5, a set of 7 placemats for $5, and a new set of curtains, which will look great in my bedroom, for $4. At the next I bought 3 figurines for $1 apiece. Two will go to BFF and one to GS2. At the third stop I bought a new jeans jacket for GD, $5, as well as a play iron for $1.

At about noon we got tired and went to IHOP to use my birthday coupon for a free stack of pancakes. We split the balance, so lunch was $4.

After I got home I got achy and supertired, so I took some Tylenol and went to bed; got up later feeling much better.

Birthday celebrating is being delayed, as my son was traveling yesterday and GS1 was at camp. I did get a package from Florida son -- a book I really want to read, plus a promise of "something else" to come today. And I got a nice long letter from my sister, which was wonderful, as we have been out of contact for some time. She tends to "disappear" when her life gets messy (it's messy a lot) so it was good to hear from her.

Variables have jumped up to 80% -- $171 left to stay on target -- 11 days to go.

Just got back from the gym and PetSmart, where I spent $13 on cat food. That brings my variables up to 76%. I can only spend $200 before payday to stay on track.

I believe yesterday was a no-spend day. I did go to the gym yesterday, but spent the rest of the day at home.

Meals today: Steak bread for breakfast, grilled cheese for lunch, and chicken w/brown rice, quinoa & red pepper for dinner. This may change, as today is my birthday, and the kids might take me out today.

As befitting my birthday, I found .37 today -- .35 in the laundry room and .02 at PetSmart. Which reminds me, I need to go down and put my wash in the dryer. Too bad I didn't remember to do that on my way back from my outing! Oh well.

My eye appointment yesterday went very well. I showed a little change in my distance vision but not enough to need glasses. The optometrist suggested I might get progressive lenses, though, so I wouldn't have to go back and forth with reading glasses. Really? Buy an expensive pair of glasses just so I don't have to put on reading glasses? Wouldn't even consider it. The appointment cost $20 - copay. That didn't seem right; I didn't think there was a vision option in my Medicare Advantage, but I didn't argue with them.

After the eye appointment I went to the physical therapist's and made an appointment for later in the day. After the evaluation, they signed me up for five more visits. I won't be paying that bill until they bill me. Usually that comes at the end of the series. But it will be $45 per session. Which I didn't think was so great until I saw the price chart and realized yesterday's visit would have been $261 otherwise!

The therapist is confident I will be feeling much better in a few weeks. He advised me to get an adhesive wrap, to use the bicycle at the gym five days a week, and to continue my strength training, while avoiding any movement that hurts. Also to use heat, not ice. He said my knees are structurally fine.

So, while I hate to spend this money, I'm glad I went, and I'm looking forward to improvement.

I bought the Ace bandage this morning with my Walgreens gift card, so it was free.

I signed up to be a mystery shopper yesterday. I am disappointed at the possible assignments, however. I would say 98% of them are for car repair, which I can't use right now. Well, nobody can, since the mechanics are all on strike! There were a few for retail stores, but so far away it wouldn't be worth driving to for the little money it pays. But I'll keep checking every day.

Variables are at 71%. I will have to buy more cat food before I leave on my Michigan trip on the 20th. I can't think of any other necessity, but I really want to see the movie "The Glass Castle" which is opening this weekend. And I still have my free popcorn coupon, which I couldn't use before because of app issues.

Meals today: Breakfast - oatmeal. Lunch - Pizza. Dinner - Cheeseburger. (Note: I didn't have the cheeseburger yesterday because the burger was still frozen.) Sides, of course, will be carrots and celery!