Calories: 1517

My calories would have been lower, but I was still hungry after dinner, so I had some toast. For me, this is all about finding an eating plan that will be comfortable for life without making me fat!

That's why I'm planning to have a small popcorn when I go to the movies today! I'm going to go see "Love & Friendship." I love anything Jane Austen (though I have to say Pride & Prejudice & Zombies was a little too far out of my league!) I'm going by myself, as I don't have a Jane Austen soulmate here in town.

Last night was another baseball game. I gave my grandson a ride home afterwards, and he asked me why I was always going away on a trip (when I mentioned I would be in Florida next week). Tickled me -- I sure don't travel much, in my perspective, but in his perspective, I do! He asked me why I am always going to Michigan, and I said it was so I could see my brother, which blew his mind -- he had no idea that "Uncle M" was my brother. I guess that's how it is for kids, they go here and there to visit and actually have little idea of the relationships behind the visits.

I don't think I have any financial news today, except that my electric, cable, and assessment fees all posted yesterday -- but that's all automatic. Tomorrow is pay day! But that is a non-event, as well, since all I do on pay day now is pay my mortgage and pay the Discover bill.

One cool thing, though -- they changed my street-sweeping schedule so that it is always on the two days after pay day. That's going to be so easy to remember!

Calories: 1496

I got my shopping done for my DIL's birthday. I bought three bottles of Seventh Generation hand soap at Target, ordered a book at Barnes & Noble, and ordered a bird feeder at Walmart. Walmart's order will be ready to pick up tomorrow; B&N will let me know. Altogether I spent $38. I also have some bargain books and a bar of bath soap to give her.

With any luck, I will be able to bring back a keyboard for my grandson. If my son's cousin is able to get it to Gainesville from Sarasota, I will take it the rest of the way home. I would even be willing to meet his cousin halfway, as my grandson really needs this for impending piano lessons.

While shopping, I picked up some body wash for myself - $3. I also picked up a free loaf of bread and added the value - $2.99 - to snowflakes.

Variables spending is at 78%.

Today I have to get a beach pass for the season, before the price goes up at the end of May. I think it's around $35, if memory serves.

Calories: 1374

I did well yesterday, even with a surprise eating-out lunch (and an indulgence -- a small chocolate shake). I had a very light dinner.

After GS1's baseball game yesterday, I went out to lunch with GS2 and the other grandma ($7) and then we went to an art fair in the park, which featured work by K-12 students citywide. Both my grandsons had work displayed. Both were self-portraits -- one a collage and one a painting, which was a little off-beat, depicting only half his face. I love their creativity. We visited most of the exhibits, and GS2 made a Father's Day card at one of the booths. It was a good day.

When I came home, I had to wash my bedding again because of cat mischief. Grrr! I think it happened because my quilt was on the floor, and somehow that makes it fair game? I'll have to be vigilant about any other accidents, and see the vet if need be. If I can figure out which cat is the culprit!

I reordered my prescription online yesterday and realized it is due to arrive the day I leave for Florida. I have enough to get me through my vacation, but I don't like the idea of the package sitting there for a week. I'll have to tell my son to look for it if I don't get it before I leave. Anyway, the refill was free, one of the perks of my Medicare Advantage plan.

Today I'm going to shop for a couple of things from DIL's Amazon list -- I mean shop live; I don't want to take the chance that packages won't arrive in time, much less pay for shipping. There is a book I can get at Barnes & Noble, and hand soap from Target; should be easily accomplished. (She said confidently).

I also want to see "Love & Friendship" -- the latest Jane Austen movie. I may wait till Tuesday, which is discount day, only $5.75. Wednesday is Seniors Day, and it's $6.25 -- what's up with that? Seems it should at least be the same price as discount day -- anyway, I'll focus on Tuesday.

Calories: 1626

Ah me. Lots of bad eating yesterday. My justification is that I was feeling bad, and I went for the comfort food. Today I feel a lot better. My sore throat is gone, and I don't feel any particular signs of a cold coming on. Not yet, anyway.

In a few minutes I will head out for GS1's baseball game. His season is wrapping up, but he has made the traveling team, so there will continue to be baseball all summer long. And I'll get to see new towns, as many will be away from home.

I grocery-shopped at Aldi yesterday. I didn't stick to 10 items -- I got 12, because they had chicken and beef soup base on sale in the clearance bin. Here is what I got for $27: chicken breasts, creamer, eggs, croutons, salad, a sweet potato, strawberries, honey, ice cream and kitty litter -- as well as the two containers of soup base, of course. I'm finding I like Aldi better and better all the time. I can get most things I need there and the prices are amazing.

My variables spending is up to 74% now. But I only have 10 days left. Unfortunately, I remembered that I have to get a birthday gift for my Florida DIL. Her birthday is not until mid-June, but I want to take her gift along when I travel there on May 31. I do have a couple of pristine secondhand books for her (she's okay with that) but I also want to get something off her Amazon list. I'll have to check that out today.

So that will, no doubt, take me over 100%. I do still have a $500 surplus in the variables this year, so it's not a real problem, just a sign to be careful.

Gotta go!

Calories: 1560

Even though it was a fairly high-calorie day, I woke up in the night hungry. I didn't succumb, but it was an uncomfortable night.

I seem to be getting a cold. I have a sore throat, which is my typical "tell." Anybody have a surefire way to ward off the worst of it? Zicam, or something like that? I've tried Airborne in the past, which did nothing.

No spending yesterday, other than $1.50 for a load of laundry.

My grocery list has reached 10, which is my cue to shop. I guess it's better to do that today than wait for the weekend -- and I may not feel like doing it later if a cold does set in.

Calories: 1489

Yesterday I bought new ink cartridges for my new printer (it's going to run out of the sample cartridges soon, and I wanted to be prepared). With a $10 coupon, the cost was $51. At least in the future I will be able to buy the black and color cartridges separately. With my old printer, I had to get a whole new set every time.

My variables spending is now 73%, quite a bit higher than I would like it to be at this point. But I renewed my license plate, got an eye exam, got a haircut, bought a fan and new shoes, as well as the ink cartridges, so that's a lot of extras on a slim budget. I think my spending will be minimal the next two weeks. Then it will balloon again when I start my vacation trip to Florida.

My net worth is remaining steady, so I am not worried overall.

My son and DIL just sent new pictures of my granddaughter. She is so beautiful, and looks so mature for her age! I can hardly wait to see her again.

Calories: 1574

I took some homemade gorp with me when I went downtown yesterday, in case I was starving by the time I started coming home. I didn't need it, but ate it when I got home. It was over 500 calories, so I could have saved some calories by eating something else, but I was tired and ready to take it easy.

The event I attended was a tour of the surrealistic collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was really interesting -- I was glad I went!

The big financial event yesterday was an addition of $531 to my snowflakes! My bonus from the Alliant credit card came through! Now I am only awaiting the $200 bonus from Chase. Already my snowflakes are equal to what I made the whole year last year.

My passport and my passport card have arrived, so I am all set for travel.

I am seeing news of long lines at airports, so I am glad I decided to drive to Florida instead of fly. I am doing little things to get ready for that trip. Yesterday I made banana muffins, and froze most of them. They'll be good to have on the trip. I'm also planning to take apples, baby carrots, and string cheese.

Variables spending is at 67%, with only 58% of the month gone, so I'm running over a little. I think I can make up for that in the next couple of weeks.

Calories: 1479

Went to a baseball game last night. Not as cold as some of them, but still chilly. I had trouble sleeping afterwards, and slept in late this morning (till 9! Scandalous!)

I have an event to attend in the city this evening -- a museum tour. Still have to figure out the logistics, but I think it will be doable on the El.

Other activities planned for today: I have to make that banana bread/muffins, since I didn't get to it yesterday, and I have to transplant my Christmas cactus, which has really overgrown its pot. If I get around to it, I should make some dressing and some granola.

I do believe I did not spend anything yesterday, but I forgot to report my find of .26 over the weekend. Whoo-Hoo!

Calories: 1438, 1340, 1388

Wow! I was really successful at keeping my calories down during my BFF's visit, mostly because I skipped dinner -- or ate light in the evening! Did most of my eating at the noon meal.

Here is what I spent during our three-day weekend:

Clothing/Accessories: $71 - new shoes, necklace
Eating Out: $26
Entertainment: $8 (movie)
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $31 (Clay pot, fall wreath, dishcloths, fan, serving bowl)
Gas: $22
Gifts: $48 (Books, Disney figurines, clothing, mugs, soap)
Household supplies: $5 (potting soil)

Shopping was done at Goodwill, garage sales, DSW, Home Depot, Kohl's, and Nordstrom Rack. Two lunches out -- Culver's and a casual Greek restaurant.

As usual we had a very good time. In addition to the above, we went to a baseball game and a belated Mother's Day brunch, for which we were treated.

She is now on the road home, and I am getting back to normal, but with a nice buzz! Today's chores: laundry, and baking banana bread (or muffins).

Calories: 1704

Calories were a bit up yesterday, but it sure was an enjoyable day, eating-wise, with blueberries & cream, a hamburger, ice cream, and even a little peanut butter cup. Every once in a while you've got to have a day like that.

Waiting now for my BFF. I'll try to be careful, but I know from experience it is hard to stick to a diet when friends are visiting.

I had 1806 points on my Chase card, which I don't use (I got it for a bonus). I looked on their site and saw that I could use 1000 of them for a $10 Dunkin Donuts card, so I ordered one. If it arrives in time for my trip, it will be useful on the road. Otherwise it will be a stocking stuffer.

I guess I'll donate the remaining 806 points, if they present an opportunity.

Calories: 1339

Can't believe I'm on Day Eighty already! This morning when I pulled on my pants I felt a little discouraged because I still have to pull on the waistband to get them buttoned. But I have to remember that before I started, I could hardly get them on at all -- and I'm in this for the long haul.

I had a terrible night's sleep last night for no reason at all that I can figure out. My legs hurt, so I should have gotten up and taken Advil, but I was in that hazy state where you're awake but not thinking sensibly. I slept in a bit this morning. Hope I will get through this day all right. I have to clean -- all the things I usually put off -- and I'm not feeling much energy.

I'm supposed to go to a Happy Hour in the city, but I'm thinking I will call off, unless I really rebound during the day.

Yesterday I grocery-shopped at Aldi - spent $43 and this is what I got: Baby carrots, Spring mix salad, canned stewed tomatoes, bananas, Honeycrisp apples, pantiliners, frozen Brussels sprouts, biscuit mix, barbecue sauce, canned mushrooms, almond milk, chocolate-orange bites, chocolate-raspberry bites, bacon bits, honey-roasted peanuts, creamer, blueberries, sandwich bags, kitty litter, and ice cream. I think that's pretty good!

Variables spending is now at 41%. And this weekend, with my BFF visiting, will push it up more. Then I'll have a two-week respite before I begin my Florida trip on May 31 -- but I will have to buy printer ink before the end of the month.

Another baseball game yesterday evening, and another cool evening on the stands. Tonight (if I forgo the Happy Hour) it's Tae Kwan Do, which is indoors and comfortable.

Calories: 1394

I did two loads of laundry yesterday ($3). Today I'm going to grocery shop and on Thursday I'll clean. My BFF is coming on Friday morning.

I am signed up to attend a Happy Hour event in the city tomorrow. Hosted by my professional organization. I try to make it to as many of these things as I can, just for the social aspect. I'll have to look it up to see if there is easy access by public transportation. I've learned that driving and parking is more expensive than the event itself.

Variables spending is 35%, right on track, but of course grocery shopping today will throw that off a bit.

I'm loving retirement more every day!

Calories: 1593

Went to a baseball game yesterday, and it was the worst weather yet. I keep saying that, but the weather keeps getting worse. Last night it was cold and rainy. They didn't call the game, because the rain was just sprinkling until the last inning, when it poured. Luckily I had my umbrella with me, but my feet got soaked. It was a heartbreaker game, because our team came up from behind to get three runs in the last inning -- but they didn't count, because the man on third came in behind the man on second. That's kid's baseball for you!

I also got my hair cut earlier in the day - $15, and a nice walk there and back.

The road resurfacing is done already, so I'm no longer trapped!

This morning I let out the hems on the jeans I'm now wearing. They've always been too short. There isn't enough material to put in a new hem, so I'm just going to let them fray, ala 1969! I don't think I'll be wearing them much longer anyway.

Today I'm going to do a couple loads of laundry, and tomorrow I'm grocery shopping and cleaning up the house for my company.

I'm adding another book to my sidebar. While walking to the hairdresser's, I passed a take one-leave one library. I didn't have a book with me to leave, but I took one! (I'll remedy that later.) It's good I took the book, because I had a wait at the hairdresser's, and I was glad to have something to read.

Calories: 1318

Except for a $1.50 load of laundry, yesterday was a no-spend day.

My free entertainment was going to my grandson's soccer game (which they lost miserably, but it was still fun.)

Today I am making marinara sauce so I can make lasagna tonight. Yes, I do eat things like lasagna on my diet. I'm using 2% milkfat cottage cheese and yogurt for the creamy part. I will spread each (cooked) lasagna noodle with the cheese/yogurt, add a nugget of mozzarella cut from string cheese, roll up the noodles, nest them together in a pan and top with the sauce. It is yummy and pretty low-calorie. And I can freeze the individual roll-ups for later.

I'm also getting my hair cut today. I think I will have to walk to the hairdresser's. My road is being resurfaced. I have parked in a legal spot, but the only way to get out, with the road blocked, is to back up all the way to the nearest intersection. I am no good at backing up, so I think I'll stay put. I may be stuck there for three days! Wasn't thinking. I should have parked in the next block.

I have almost finished the jigsaw puzzle. It is really a good mental challenge, because I have to hold in my mind all the various shapes and colors I am seeking. It is a different kind of mental challenge than doing word puzzles and reading, and I like the variety. And I've read that doing different types of mental challenges is important for brain health!

Calories: 1748

Went over yesterday because of a very delicious cheeseburger. Back to towing the line today. I just had a Mother's Day smoothie that was very low-calorie and tasty, too.

I figured out my calorie average, which is just above 1500. I'd like to pull that down to 1400; I can only do that by daily vigilance.

No changes in the physique to report, except that last night my grandson said I looked taller!

Yesterday I attended the GS's baseball game. I thought I had already endured every kind of bad weather, but yesterday it was very windy, making it miserable for spectators and players alike. I spent the whole game wrapped up in a quilt that I carry in the car.

In the evening I babysat for the boys while the parents went out with friends.

My only financial transactions yesterday were .25 for parking, and picking up a free loaf of bread at the grocery!

My son, who is working on an MS, asked to reschedule Mother's Day to next weekend so he could complete a big project. Don't know what the event will be, probably a brunch or something. I expect that my other son will call today from Florida.

My BFF is going to arrive for a visit on Thursday. Can hardly wait for the fun!

Calories: 1489

I did go to a garage sale and an estate sale yesterday. I spent $12 and purchased an egg platter, a Belleek figurine, some pirate action figures, a book, and an ornament. The ornament is a Santa in a helicopter, perfect for my son! The most costly piece was the Belleek dog figurine. I spent $8 on that. I looked it up online, and it was selling on Etsy for $22, and on an antiques site for $129, and all prices in between. I may resell some day but for now I will enjoy it. I collect white pottery, with Belleek pieces being the upper tier of my collection.

I'm going to my grandson's baseball game soon; at least I hope I am -- it is off and on rainy; it may be cancelled. The rain has deterred me from checking out garage sales today.

My son asked for a rain check on our mother's day celebration, as he has a big project to complete for school. We are planning something next weekend. My BFF will be visiting, so I already made sure she was welcome to come along to whatever will be planned. My son said, "Sure! She's a mom, too!" He makes me proud.

Calories: 1715

Not only did I eat that pecan bar for breakfast, I somehow forgot the morning's splurge and had a small serving of ice cream after dinner. Yikes!

I spent $11 on Mother's Day cards yesterday, and my medical premium ($29) was withdrawn from my account.

My doctor's office called to let me know that I had scheduled my annual too early. Last year's annual was in August. If I schedule before August, my insurer will probably not cover. So I switched to September 12. The free annual is a good benefit; I intend to take advantage of it every year.

I did some walking yesterday, to the post office and library. Got my one-week book read and returned, but I checked out another! Before I even start it, I have to finish the Patchett book which is due tomorrow. More reading today. Oh, sigh.

I also want to finish my last bit of filing. I've been much better about processing new mail, so it's just the dregs of the old backlog I have to eliminate.

Thought I might check around for garage sales today!

Calories: 1559

I made a grocery trip yesterday and today, spending $44 on groceries and $21 on household supplies. Two different stores. At one store I used a number of coupons, totaling $3.75 in savings, which I added to my snowflakes.

Later today I will go to GS's Tae Kwan Do class and then go to the library to return a book. However, I have to finish reading it first! It's a one-week book, so I never even added it to the sidebar -- After Alice, by Gregory Maquire. I will be able to finish it today, but I'll have to devote the afternoon to reading. (Oh, darn!)

This morning I used a coupon for a free sweet from Corner Bakery. I wanted a muffin, but that didn't qualify as a sweet, so I got a maple pecan bar. I have yet to look up the calories, I'm sure there were a ton of them, but I just had a low-calorie lunch of Brussels sprouts sprinkled with cheese, so I think the day will even out fine. I will also figure out how much the sweet would have cost and add that to snowflakes.

I went to my other GS's baseball game last and it was FREEZING! Even colder than the last game, which I thought was really cold. The team had only seven members show up, and one had a broken hand and was only there for appearance's sake. But apparently being so lean energized them -- they played a great game! And my grandson made a few of those great plays. He was so proud. I just learned he made the "traveling team," so there will be lots of baseball this summer.

Calories: 1519

I did well on my to-do list yesterday, getting everything done except spending an hour writing.
I also did something not on my list -- I managed to carry the new side table from my car to my third-floor condo all by myself, with the help of a dolly. I also took the big old printer to the car. Next time I go to Goodwill I will drop it off there.

After all that effort, I took a nap. Unusual for me, but it felt good, and it didn't even affect my sleep last night.

When I made the eye appointment, they said they could take me later in the day. So I have got that done. It was $50 (copay) and everything looks good, except that I may have the very beginnings of a cataract. I was cautioned to wear sunglasses more regularly.

My license plate was renewed online and I can expect to get the new sticker in a few weeks. That cost $103.

I made the doctor's appointment, but I can't get in until July 18! My doctor must be on leave, or something. Since it is only an annual checkup, it doesn't matter.

My variables spending is at 22%, but I always do a chunk of spending early in the month, and then it evens out.

Today I need to go grocery shopping, as well as catch up on some housework (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning fish tank). I also have a Pine Cone survey to do. I've done 5 surveys so far this year, which has brought in $15 in snowflakes.

I made some really creative sloppy joe's last night! As I was putting it together, I realized I didn't have nearly enough ketchup. I looked around for anything tomato-y and ended up putting in some cocktail sauce and some steak sauce. Then I found some single-serve packets of ketchup in the fridge that I had saved from fast-food lunches, so I added those, too. It turned out pretty good!

Calories: 1750

That is an estimate. Yesterday I was still coming down from vacation and out of my routine. Today will be the day I get back on the wagon.

My list of "to-do's" today includes renewing my license plate, getting doctor and eye doctor appointments and devoting at least one hour to writing my novel. I told my man friend about my novel this weekend and he was delighted! So now I've got to do it and not be so lazy.

I'm also washing my quilt, because one of the cats upchucked on it while I was gone.

And I am determined to take a walk. The weather is supposed to become nice today. It was very cold yesterday evening when I attended my grandson's baseball game. My light winter jacket did NOT cut it!

I think I need to get a new pair of shoes. I wore my brown loafers this weekend and when I attended the auction, the wet grass soaked my feet. I thought there must be holes in the soles! I didn't find any, but I think there are breaks where the shoe attaches to the sole. I may not get them this month, but a new pair of brown loafers is on my list for replacement.

I'm back from my trip to Michigan. I had lots of fun. The class reunion was kind of a bust -- I stayed less than an hour -- but I met an old high school friend and I may hook up later with some other friends from high school through this contact. None of my college friends were at the event, though there were a few acquaintances. And everyone I knew was completely unrecognizable!

I went to an auction with my SIL and bought an adorable side table for the dining room for only $2!

We went to see "Mother's Day" at the movies. Everyone agreed that it was "cute" but I think they were being kind. It was pretty routine and forced, IMHO.

I had a lovely lunch with my man friend; we got into a serious discussion and I feel like we are getting closer, but he has still not made a move! I wish I knew what was going on in his head.

What I did NOT do -- I did not count calories. I started, but I gave up. I did try to be reasonable about what I ate. It's difficult, when my brother cooks so well and he knocks himself out to please. I'm going to start counting again tomorrow.

Forgot to add my April recap!

It was a spendy month, $3403 total. How it broke down:

Car Repair/Maintenance: 1603
Housing: 677
Vet/Pet Supplies: 233
Fees/Services: 211
Utilities: 131
Groceries: 105
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: 80
Vacation/Travel: 62
Home Repair/Maintenance: 62
Phone: 52
Gifts/Charity: 48
Medical/Health: 29
Eating Out: 21
Business: 20
Gas: 18
Laundry: 17
Household Supplies: 16
Entertainment: 8
Personal: 8
Fares/Parking: 2

I spent 111% of my variables budget, but I did include everything except the big car repair bill. I still have a surplus in the variables bucket, so I'm not worried.

Calories: 1158

Wow, my calories were low yesterday, but I felt satisfied. Must have been the broccoli!

This morning I transferred $ from my e-fund to pay off my credit card. My net worth has taken a hit, but I will work my way back. I should get the $200 bonus at the end of next month. I'm also expecting to get the $200 bonus from Chase (for the new savings account) any time now.

I got a manicure yesterday, no pedicure. It is so cold here, and I had to park several long blocks away. I didn't want to walk back to the car in those temporary sandals. Clearly, it will be too cold to wear sandals this weekend. So I will save the free pedicure for another time. I paid $4 for a tip and $2 to park.

Iggy threw up on my bed, so I have to wash all the sheets and the mattress pad. Luckily, he didn't hit the comforter or quilt. That is one of today's chores. Also, I will go to the library to return some materials and check out an audiobook for the trip. Then, in the early evening, I will once again watch my grandson's Tae Kwan Do class. And I have to pack; I'm leaving early in the morning.

I probably won't be blogging in Michigan, but I will definitely track my calories and catch up on Monday.

Calories: 1404

I'm starting to feel different. The roll around my middle is going away. I'm feeling stronger and more toned, even though I am not doing much exercise. I AM doing leg stretches every day, and I walk sporadically. But the real difference is that the diet is working. Slowly, maybe, but it's working. I heard recently that people who stick to a diet for a year are most likely to keep the weight off. That's my plan. Actually, I could eat this way forever....

No spending yesterday. But today is pay day! I'll pay my mortgage and my credit cards; everything else is on automatic.

I went to my grandson's spring concert last night, and today my other grandson's kindergarten class is putting on a show. I really love having all these activities to attend.

I'm going to make an appointment for the mani/pedi today, a day earlier than planned -- just in case. I don't want to go to my reunion unpainted because I couldn't get in! I have a gift certificate to get it done free, but at a place I've never been to before.

I trimmed my own bangs last night. That was overly courageous, maybe, but they turned out all right.

Calories: 1356

Yesterday I took my passport application to the post office. I was directed to another one, farther away, if I didn't want to wait for an appointment. (I didn't!) So I got my application turned in, to the tune of $165. $110 for the passport, $30 for a passport card (which will be required next year in Illinois) and $25 for the processing fee.

Since I was driving right by the testing emissions site, I drove in to get that done. Turns out I don't have to do it until next year! I thought it was an annual thing.

Since that is not necessary, I can proceed on renewing my license plate. I think I'll do that after May 1. My variables budget is at 86%, and I didn't count the cost of the passport or the car repair.

I was thinking of getting a haircut, but, really, I think it's okay. I'm still a couple of weeks away from needing it. Tomorrow I'm going to get a mani-pedi, but I have a gift coupon for it, so there will be no cost other than the tip.

I'm going to head up to Michigan early Friday morning.

This evening I'm going to my grandson's spring concert. His baseball game last night was canceled soon after it started, as there were threats of lightning. Luckily, he got to pitch before it ended -- unluckily, he was hit in the head with a ball, but he seems to be fine!

Calories: 1321

I seem to have found the sweet spot between too much hunger and too many calories! Having distractions help, too, when I don't sit around and think about what I can eat next.

Today I'm doing laundry -- I spilled salad dressing on a sofa pillow so that prompted running a new load. Hope it comes out, but it won't be any tragedy if I lose that particular pillow..

I have another baseball game today. Since the weather is good, it's a nice diversion to sit outside and watch.

I talked to a couple of lenders this morning about the possibility of switching to a fixed rate mortgage. Both of them felt it was a wash -- I could do it, but the payment would go up. I'm so close to the bone right now, I don't want a bigger mortgage payment. When my SS payment goes up in 2019 -- that would be a better time to switch.

I got my package of OTC freebies, which includes a LARGE bottle of sunscreen lotion. I will try to remember to use it every time I go out, as I have read it doesn't really keep well from year to year. I also have a large bottle of aloe vera. I've never used it before. I probably won't need it for treating sunburn, since I'm not going to burn this year , but I tried it out as a moisturizer last night and I liked the feel of it very much. Anybody here use aloe vera?

Other freebies were ear drops, brushpicks, throat spray and ibuprofen. BIG packges, not samples. I really like this service!

Now that I'm finally set with a decent passport picture, I'm going to the post office today to get the process started.

Calories: 1298!

I thought I wouldn't do any spending yesterday, but when I went to the baseball game, I realized I was quite close to both Walgreens and PetSmart. I went to Walgreens and got a retake on my passport photo (much better!) for $14, and then went to PetSmart, where I spent $48 on cat food, cat litter and fish food. I bought a large jar of cat treats (which I thought Iggy, at least, liked before) but neither cat will touch them. I spent $10 on that jar! Today I returned it for a full refund, even though it was opened. Yay, PetSmart!

I also stopped at the grocery and spent $22 for nine items. I was supposed to get a free yogurt, but I see on the receipt that I was charged. So I'll have to go back and fight about that. I did save $1.75 using virtual coupons and $4.08 on promotional items.

Let me go back and say that despite the extra expense, I'm so glad I had my passport picture retaken. I just know that every time I glanced at that other picture of me looking like Rocky Raccoon, it would have been a downer. Yes, I will pay a little for vanity.

It was a beautiful day and I took full advantage of it, attending a soccer game for one grandson, and playing in the park with the other. Very nice day.

Calories: 1412

Now that's more like it!

I have been picking up jigsaw puzzles at garage sales for some time, but I haven't actually worked one in a long time. I always thought it would be a good retirement entertainment. Well, yesterday I finally started one. The picture is a Tiffany glass window, and it's very challenging. I managed to put together all the edge pieces. Doing the inside is going to be harder.

My cats like to jump up on the table and walk on the pieces (with the ultimate goal of knocking them off the table), so I have to put the table pads on top of the puzzle when I'm not working on it, but I don't think that will be too much trouble.

I have a baseball game to attend today, and I still have two DVD's to watch before I have to return them tomorrow, so I have plenty of entertainment lined up for today.

No spending yesterday. Today I will pick up a free yogurt, but I don't intend to do any other "shopping."

Retirement is good!

Calories: Cheat Day!

Yesterday I was so hungry I just kept grazing until at some point i just stopped counting calories. I don't know why I was so hungry, but I didn't have the gumption yesterday to push through it.

I'm feeling renewed today and I expect I will do well. I definitely see a difference in my silhouette in the mirror, so that is encouraging.

I spent $26 on groceries at Aldi, and did a load of laundry.

I went to my grandson's Tae Kwan Do class at the Y, which was seriously cute.

No big plans today. I'm going to make burgers out of half the ground beef, and cook off the rest. The weather has turned cold again, so I'm probably just going to stay inside and read and watch movies. Yesterday I watched Cold Mountain and Lucy. Today I'll watch Emma. I've seen it before, but I'd like to see it again.

Calories: 1603

I seem to be gravitating toward 1600 no matter what. I'll try to rein in today. Yesterday's culprit was ice cream. My mistake was thinking that the new premium ice cream I bought was about the same in calories as what I had before. It's about twice as much. Really delicious, though.

Yesterday I tried to print off a document, and it was smeared and sloppy. But according to the dialog box, I had plenty of ink. My printer was old, a big old dinosaur, and I decided not to put any money into figuring out what was wrong. For $20 more than the price of new ink, I bought a new printer at Office Depot.

I bought a display model because the price was so delightful. Only $39.99! Unfortunately, once I got it home, I found it was defective. The test print would not run.

I packed it up this morning, expecting some pushback from OD, but they were wonderful about exchanging it for a brand new still-in-the-box printer, a grade up from this one, for the same price! Needless to say, I'm pleased with their customer service.

I'm in the process of setting up the new one now.

The total price, with a two-year warranty and setup kit, was $72.

I got my birth certificate in the mail yesterday, so today I'll work on completing the process to get my passport. Dare I admit I want to get a new picture? The one I had made was awful -- made me look like I've never slept in my life. I'd really like to get a retake; it would make me feel so much better.

Well, back to hooking things up! Wish me luck!

Calories: 1655

Tough day. There was a bag of potato chips I couldn't leave alone. The good news is they are gone. They bad news is they are gone in my stomach.

Still, since I think my normal eating is easily 2000+, even the 1600's are a success, of sorts.

Iggy's visit to the vet yesterday was $25, and it was the last one. His ears are clearer, if not completely clear. He seems to have a ball of wax in one ear which may loosen on its own. I still have drops to put in. He'll get a re-check when he goes in for his annual.

I did another load of laundry yesterday.

In the interest of trying to keep my credit card bill payable, I'm not going to buy an airline ticket. I will make the trip to Florida by car, after the CC is paid off. I have the time, and I have the skills to make it cheap. Last time I did this I saved $$ over what the plane fare would have been. And I rather enjoy a road trip, even though this is a long one.

I have ten items on my grocery list, so I guess it is time to go shop. I've been doing well at stretching my food and avoiding waste, so I'm not feeling any urgency to shop. But I have to remember that if I buy more than ten items, I have a hard time carrying them up the stairs. I had enough of a struggle yesterday, carrying Iggy in his case. (Glad that's done for a while!)

I've settled on my reunion outfit. Plain slacks, a dressy top, kitten heels. I hope I hit the right blend of dressy and casual. But if not, I won't worry about it.

I have a coupon for a free mani-pedi, so I'll be getting that before I go. I'll probably need a hair trim, too.

HBO is airing its free watchathon on Xfinity on Demand this week, so I am enjoying some good movies. 5 Floors Up, A Little Chaos, The Fault in Our Stars. I have a couple of DVD's from the library, but I may just try to renew them so I can take full advantage of the free movies this week. I think Cinemax (?) is also free this week. I may never leave the couch!