I bought a bag of pistachios last night - $8 - and I think it is my last bit of Christmas shopping. Forgot to use my Walgreen's gift card! But I guess that's not really a loss, as there will always be other things to get at Walgreen's. The pistachios were $2 off.

So I'm finish with shopping, except -- I am a little worried about grandson #2. While I spent the same amount on both boys -- maybe even a little more on #2 -- he only has two gifts, while #1 has about five. They are too young to understand quality versus quantity. I may have to get some little somethings.

This morning we had our Christmas breakfast at work. It's very nice -- they set up omelet stations and provide a really nice buffet. Then there is a raffle for some nice gift baskets. I was really hoping to win a basket geared to games and toys, but, of course, didn't win anything!

I had some kind of bad digestive reaction to something I ate yesterday -- maybe cheesecake that sat out too long? I really thought I might not come in today, but felt so much better in the morning. I figure there will be days when I REALLY have to take off; might as well save my time.

Tonight I have to grocery shop, then make a cheese ball for tomorrow's family dinner. I also have to wrap gifts, and more laundry is beckoning, too. I am learning that the 3 1/2 hour commute, while not awful, is seriously eroding my home time. I did laundry last night, and loaded the dishwasher and that's all I did. My supper was cold bacon; I couldn't even take the time to warm up something.

But at least I didn't spend anything other than the pistachios and the laundry.

I didn't bring a lunch today, but with my good breakfast this morning, I might be okay with oatmeal for lunch.

I got a bill from the hospital that I just threw in my bag and haven't had the nerve to look at yet.

One of my co-workers was found sobbing at her desk this morning, and won't tell anyone why. And another is late because her grandfather had a cancerous kidney removed. So the atmosphere here is not very festive. I will try to find something nice to do for each of them today.

Last night after I boarded my train for home, we were told to get off -- there would be a an hour-and-a-half delay. A pedestrian was struck and killed on the track we were using and all lines north were delayed.

I went to Corner Bakery (seems to be my new hangout) and got a sandwich and drink. $11. I talked to my sons, who recommended that I walk to the CTA station and take the Purple line. I decided not to, since it was dark, and I didn't know where I was going. It was not much later that we boarded the train again, but they were correct -- it was an hour-and-a-half before I got home.

No one was complaining, and everyone seemed subdued. I don't know who died -- the news reports were pretty sketchy, but it was apparently a man who was not trying to catch the train, because the train that struck him did not stop in that area. So sad.

This morning, the news was all about a man who climbed to the top of a smokestack on one of the big downtown hotels, fell in, and died shortly after he was rescued. I hate hearing these stories at this time of year, though it is a tragedy at any time of the year! But incongruous with the holiday season.

Tomorrow is payday, and I'll be paying the biggest Discover bill I've had in a while -- $2,676. It's a combination of Christmas shopping, medical bills, car repair and move-in expenses. I would say next month will be better, but I'll be paying the balance on the couch and ottomans (not yet delivered) and buying area rugs.

The cover for my spare tire arrived yesterday. I will see if my son can put it on -- otherwise, I'll have to make a trip to Toyota. Seems like it should be easy, but you never know.

Today I need to walk to Starbucks just to make sure my gift card, which I'm giving away, is fully loaded. I know I have one that is worth $50, but I'm carrying several in my purse. I want to make sure I give away the right one! I wonder if the cafeteria, which sells Starbucks, can tell me?

Two more gifts to arrive in the mail, and I'm done. I do need to pick up some nuts to fill out a gift bag. I noticed that Walgreens was selling nicely packaged Wonderful Pistachios, so maybe that's what I'll do. I could use my gift card again.

That's what I like about blogging! I think of things as I write! Thanks for listening to my blather!!

I went to Macy's after work last night to use my $10 off $25 coupon. Macy's is a six-mile drive away, and I was tired, but I wanted to get this done. After picking over the socks, I finally took my purchase to the checkout, and was told that my coupon was only good until 1PM. WHAT? Time limits on coupons now? I'll admit I didn't read it carefully. I was so annoyed. I didn't buy the socks. The clerk told me I could come back before 1PM today and use it. Uh-huh. The only way I could do that would be to stay home from work.

I will have to either commit to reading every word on the coupon or give up trying to use them. This is the third time I've been unable to use a coupon because of its restrictions in a pretty short period of time.

I overslept this morning and missed the first train. I had to wait a while for the next train, so I bought a scone and coffee -- $3.75.

I DID get a free lunch yesterday -- roast beef, salad, pasta salad, crudites -- very nice! There might even be some left today, but I brought in the makings for a turkey sandwich anyway.

On the way home from the station last night I stopped at Walgreens to buy stockings. They had a display, but they were large and costly, and I was looking for something small. Then I happened upon a display of Christmas oven mitts. Perfect size! I bought two for $3.98 (but used my gift card, so free) -- and they will be just the right size for the little things I have to put in them -- and much more useful after the day is done! I was quite proud of my cleverness.

Well, the lovely weekend is over and it's back to reality. On Monday I was still coming down from my high but today I landed with a thump.

I could hardly get out of bed this morning. It was a little cold -- I'm learning that the radiators are not quick to start when the weather turns cold, though they do get very warm once they get started! Then when I went to the station it was a chilly walk, and I could have used my heavier coat and my heavier mittens. But it should warm up during the day.

Last night I sliced and cubed my cooked turkey breast and got it into the freezer before it gets too old to use. I did warm up a few slices for my dinner in the microwave with a little gravy, and I chopped up and sauteed all the veggies in the fridge for a side dish -- with the addition of sliced almonds, it was very good.

I brought granola bars for breakfast, but did not bring a lunch. This is kind of a risk, but there was a big party yesterday for the HR director, who is leaving. Their office uses our break room, and the (massive) leftovers are in our fridge. I figure there is a good chance their office will offer the leftovers to the rest of us on this floor.

If I don't get a free lunch, I will go to the cafeteria and get soup & salad.

I decided to make a cheese ball for the holiday dinner this weekend. I already have the cheese, cream cheese, onion, garlic and almonds. All I have to buy is some Worcestershire sauce and the crackers. It's pretty much foolproof, too, and everybody likes it.

I accepted a free trial of Amazon Prime and applied for the Amazon credit card so I could order some baking pans for my DIL super cheap. ($6) I may regret the Amazon Prime -- I order a lot at Christmas, but not so much otherwise. But I hear it's good for Kindle books and movies, too. I'll be sure my son gives me a lesson on how to use it optimally. If I don't think I'll get much use out of it, I'll cancel before I have to pay for it.

Another credit card -- what the hay. I'm in my forever home, I'm going to pay cash for my next car, I know I won't abuse my credit, so who cares how many cards I have?

I felt like one of my sons didn't have enough gifts in comparison to the others, so I bought a poker chip case ($22). I also spent $13 on gas yesterday, since I was driving in cheap gas country.

I have a $10 coupon for Macy's to use on $25 worth of merchandise (today only). I figure this will be a good chance to stock up on socks. I got four pairs from Lands End, but that will not be enough. My socks are disintegrating all at once! It must be all the walking.

For Christmas, I just need to buy a couple of stockings to gather up the little things, and then wrap everything. I'll use my Walgreen's card for the stockings.

In January, I am definitely doing some kind of financial challenge!

The girls' weekend in the city was a success -- and only $126! This year we did not stay in a hotel, but at a Hyde Park condo which one of my girlfriends is currently renting. It was very retro in an amusing way, but had fabulous views of the lake and the skyline. We only ate out three times -- dinner at the Grand Lux, high tea at the Drake, and breakfast at Bonjour Bakery. I spent $10 on a cab, but otherwise used the train, which was free since I have a monthly pass. I tried to pitch the museum idea, but it was a no-go -- they like to shop. So we thoroughly did Water Tower Place. I ended up buying three infinity scarves at Banana Republic -- one for me, and one for each of my DILs. That was $112, and that was all the buying I did. Now I feel like I'm done with Christmas shopping. Lots of wrapping to do, though.

The nicest surprise of the weekend, though, was coming home to find that my son and his wife had put up my Christmas tree, trimmed it, and decorated the house! What a pleasure it was! And I have to say, my little home does Christmas very well! Very warm and welcoming.

I was SO tired after the weekend. I did one load of laundry and went to bed. It didn't help that the weather turned cold and rainy on Sunday, just when I had to walk to the train station (and it was a good thirty-minute walk). I was soaked. But I had mac & cheese for lunch at Corner Bakery while waiting for the train, and the Christmas surprise at home to sweeten the day.

This morning I had another follow-up appointment from my surgery (all is well). So I drove, leaving the house at 6 to make a 7:00 appointment. Afterwards I picked up a scone and coffee at the hospital's cafe ($5). I was expecting to have to pay $5 for parking, but there was no attendant on duty, so I got a break!

I ALMOST lost a very nice earring, but was lucky enough to find it right by my car -- and not run over!

A colleague from another school took me out to lunch today to "pick my brains." I'm not sure my brains had very much to offer, but he bought me lunch at Portillo's, so I hope he got his money's worth.

This Saturday we are having sort of a pre-Christmas celebration. My DIL is making dinner, and then there will be a gift-opening for family members who will not be in the area on Christmas Day, namely my ex and his wife, and my nephew and his family. My grand-nieces will not even be around for that, as they are going on a Disney cruise with their grandparents from the other side of the family. Remember how I stressed about their gifts? I guess I will wrap them up and they can open them when they come back.

I am charged with bringing an appetizer, and I haven't decided what. Easy, cheap, and impressive -- that's all I ask!

And it's over $2,000! Not much of surprise, I've been spending like crazy.

I spent $65 on myself at Lands End -- more investment clothing. I bought a really good pair of warm mittens -- that was half the cost right there. I only have lightweight gloves right now -- fine for this mild weather, but I will need serious help when winter truly sets in. That was all I intended to buy, but then there was the lure of free shipping if I just spent $50. I found that their no-iron shirts were on clearance, so I bought a white one -- I've been needing one for more than a year -- and I also bought four pairs of socks. All my socks are wearing out at once. I just threw away another sock this morning. (Of course I always save the good one, in hopes of matching up with another orphan -- and sometimes it works!)

Then I ordered the cover for my spare tire (the one on my car, not on my waist, ha, ha, ha). It was $146. I accidentally got a 5% discount because I entered the wrong expiration date for my credit card -- while trying to correct it, the site thought I was cancelling the sale and offered a 5% discount to continue. Cool!

Bought some cards at Walgreens - $6.

I bought breakfast at Corner Bakery this morning - $6. I was packing for my girlfriends' weekend this morning and opted not to pack food for today -- I was challenged already hauling a suitcase, purse and umbrella on the train. (Yes, it was drizzling on top of everything else). However, I do have a lunch in the fridge here at work, since my boss bought lunch for everyone yesterday. Tonight I'm taking the train downtown and will walk to the Grand Lux to meet my girlfriends. I already know I'm going to have the Asian Nachos. I've been craving them for a year!

Our girlfriends' weekend may be cheaper than last year. We are not staying at a hotel, but at the home of one of my friends in Hyde Park. We will go to the Drake for tea again, but Saturday night dinner is open, since we couldn't get a reservation at Joe's Seafood. We may do something much more simple.

Last year we shopped, but this year I am hoping we will visit a museum, or even go to a movie. I'm pretty tired of shopping, but I don't know how the others will feel.

I was too tired to put the tree up last night -- this 3 1/2 hour commute is getting to me. This morning I walked to work with another commuter who works where I do and lives where I do. He is younger and committed to doing this for quite a few more years -- his reasoning is that not only is he underwater on his mortgage, but he likes the town he lives in much more than the town he works in. It's nice to know I'm not the only crazy one going all that distance! (But I'm only going to do it for two years!)

It was a long day yesterday, and full of mishaps. I drove to work instead of taking the train, because I had a Cat Scan scheduled at the hospital, and I had to work late at a reception. I didn't pack any food, and thus fell victim to the expensive breakfast, which I reported yesterday. But that was made up for later in the day, when I got a free lunch for Staff Appreciation Day and then a free dinner (hors d'oeuvres) at the reception.

When I went to the hospital, they immediately told me that ER cases were backing up the Cat Scan room, and I hunkered down for a long wait. Finally, they moved me to a different floor, where I was dealt with pretty quickly -- but I had to deal with FIVE sticks in the arm before they found a vein! Getting the IV for the contrast solution is always the worst part of a CatScan for me.

I decided to stop for gas on the way back to work, and decided to get a car wash, too, since the car was looking pretty bad. Gas and wash were $42. Then I went to work, and at the end of the day walked over to the reception. I was already dog-tired, but had two more hours to work (unpaid, I'm on salary). The reception was pretty uneventful, except for all the unhappy people who had trouble finding parking. Not a thing we can do about that, but all the complaints go to the poor schmucks working registration. I swear, if I am EVER, EVER rich I will NEVER treat anyone as less important. They're not all like that, but some of the rich that I deal with just floor me with their superior attitude.

So at the end of the reception I totter out to the parking lot, even more tired, and I am shocked to see that the cover for my spare tire (on the back of my RAV4) is gone! Yet the tire is still attached.

I decided I'd better stop at campus security and file a report, which took another 30-40 minutes of my time. I was just pulling away when it hit me -- did it come off in the car wash and I just didn't notice? I went back to the car wash, and indeed it did -- and someone else drove over it, so it was beyond repair. This same cover has already been cracked and repaired, so I wasn't surprised.

Well, it's getting late, but I wanted to stop at Michael's on the way home for a fabric paint kit for my grand-nieces. (My celebration with that part of the family will be next week, so I'm in a time crunch). I had seen just the right one, with paints, and beads and appliques, a while back, and I had a 40% off coupon ... Could not find the kit anywhere, finally settled for just a set of paint tubes. I was just about to check out and then I remembered that I had completely FORGOTTEN my grand-nephew, don't ask me why! So I shopped some more and found some little plastic dragons and dinosaurs for him.

The store was just about to close, and the clerks were clearly impatient to get the laggers out of there. I offered my coupon -- oops. No good. Doesn't take effect until December 9. I could have cried. I just went ahead and paid full price. It was only $33, but last night, when I was so tired, it just seemed so sad.

It was almost ten when I got home. I had a glass of wine and rolled into bed.

This morning I checked my car before I walked to the train, and the tire is still there. I wonder if it will be there at the end of the day.

So today I need to find a new cover, or at least get started on the process.

Yesterday I said that my girls' weekend was starting today. Well, I lost a day somewhere. It starts tomorrow night. I'm ready for some fun!

I bought breakfast at Panera's today. It was $8. In hindsight I could have gone to Dunkin' Donuts or Starbuck's, where I have gift cards, but that thought didn't kick in soon enough.

I drove to work today because I have to go to the hospital for a routine test, and I have to work late as well. I ran short on time in the morning, so I didn't pack any food. So the breakfast was defensible, in my mind, as both a necessity and a treat. It was good, but I won't do it too often. I for sure won't pick a poppyseed bagel again, as the seeds lodged in my teeth and I had quite the snarly appearance until I got them cleaned out!

Yesterday I spent $72 on gifts on Amazon. I hope now I am near the end. Funny, I don't really enjoy gift-buying unless I feel I am getting great bargains. Amazon shopping is stressful to me -- and I'm always thinking -- do they really want that? Even though they picked it out!

At noon yesterday I walked to the jewelry store and took in my Lenox clock, which has lost its timepiece. The jeweler said he would try to find a replacement that would fit, but didn't seem too confident. It is a lovely little porcelain clock and I hate to give up on it. He predicted it would cost about $40-45.

On the way back I stopped at a resale shop, where I bought a Talbot's sweater for $6 and two Christmas Village people for $1 each. The figurines will go to my DIL. Now that's the kind of Christmas shopping I like to do!

I made Turkey Manhattan for dinner and did some laundry. Didn't get the tree put up because I was too exhausted. Now it will be some time before I do, because I'll be home late tonight, and tomorrow I'm going straight downtown after work to start my girlfriends' weekend. (More spending). I'm looking forward to an austere January!

Oh, I almost forgot! I got on the Macy's website yesterday and found that my statement hasn't been created yet, so I don't owe them yet. AND I found that I had received a $37 discount that I didn't figure on! So my clothing expense for last month for the coat and two pairs of boots was under $300.

Yesterday I bought a gift on Amazon, and for the first time I actually had to pay something! $37 for some computer software. Would have been around $59, but I still had some credits to apply.

I did a load of laundry for $1.50.

When I got home last night at 6, I put a turkey breast in the oven. I'd bought it before Thanksgiving, when prices were so low. I let it thaw this weekend, thinking I would get around to cooking it, but I didn't. So I had to do it last night. It cooked until 8. Of course, by then, I had already made myself a peanut butter sandwich, too hungry to wait. But I'll have a turkey dinner tonight. And sandwiches and casseroles later.

Some of you may remember I bought some stuff at Macy's last month, opening up a new credit card to get the savings. I have not yet received a bill. Yesterday I tried to create an online account, but I couldn't make a payment, because I didn't have my credit card number. I was quite worried that I hadn't received my credit card either, so I tore through my house last night and finally found the card in the bottom of my train bag. So now I wonder if I got the bill and misplaced that, too? Oh well, now that I have the card, I can get online and pay today.

I have another load of laundry to do tonight -- a red load, which happens fairly rarely, like a blue moon! It's actually red, pink, purple and orange. I finally learned I can't wash red with anything but these colors. It's quite exciting when I get a full load, so I can wear some of my favorite things again!

I still need to get gifts for my DIL, my grand-nieces and my nephew. For my DIL I'll get something from her Amazon list (she's hard to buy for). For my grand-nieces, I just need to buy a fabric-painting kit -- I already have T-shirts and a how-to book. (I have a 40% coupon for Michael's so that's where I'll get it.) For my nephew, I'm at a loss. Last year I got him a gift card, and I may do that again.

Oh, and I probably need to get a little something for each of my sons. I have their big gifts, but our tradition is to have some little gifts, too. Hmmm, think, think. Since one of them just had a birthday, it's always hard to turn around and think of something new. When they were needy college students, it was so much easier!

I had a really happy, but tiring weekend -- and I spent quite a bit, too.

On both days I did some Christmas shopping in heavy crowds (I'd say the economy is recovering!) I spent about $148 on gifts, mostly small things. I am not done by any means. Maybe it's time to look at Amazon lists again.

I pulled out my gift stash and made some decisions -- wrapped everything that I could, but I still have some things that may go to one person or another, depending on what I buy in the coming weeks.

On Saturday night I went with my sons and grandchildren (yes, the baby, too) to Navy Pier to see Santa arrive by boat; then we spent some time in the Winter Wonderland (food, rides, etc.) I didn't spend anything there, but afterwards some of us went to Steak & Shake - $22.

On Sunday I made dinner for my son for his birthday -- he requested chipped beef on toast (nice & cheap!) -- mainly because his wife doesn't care for it, so he never gets it. I bought him a chocolate cake from Portillo's ($20) so that made up for the cheap! I gave him his gifts -- an extension for his Carcasonne game, a book on bodyweight training, some athletic socks, and a bag of HotHands. (Like me, he takes public transit and spends his fair share of time out in the cold).

Other spending this weekend included a poinsettia ($7), groceries ($57), stuff for the house ($53) - organizers, plants, mat, in-sink strainer, etc. Also spent $13 on household supplies -- tape, TP, etc. Not really big spending, but a lot of piddly spending.

I also got breakfast at McDonald's on Saturday morning. They had a special on two Egg McMuffin's for the price of one ($3), so I got two and warmed up the second one on the next day. Worked pretty well!

I went to bed very achy and sore last night, but today I'm feeling pretty good. Which is good; I think I'm going to have a tough week at work, and I'd better get going on it!

So I did my spending totals, with the expectation that I will not spend any money today.

I spent $3400 this month, and this is how it breaks down.

Medical/Health: $1127. The big factor here was paying the out-of-pocket cost for my surgery and the subsequent ER visit.

Housing: $989. Double payment on mortgage, assessment fee -- and still less than my former rent!

Clothing: $331. Bought a winter coat and two pairs of short boots, as well as a few Goodwill bargains.

Groceries: $140. I can do better. Just need to get my act together.

Gifts: $114. Not bad for the month before Christmas.

Furniture/Equipment: $112. Folding chairs and sweater dryers.

Fares: $105. Monthly train pass. I get a $30 discount from my employer.

Utilities: $96. Yay! This even counts cable & internet!

Eating Out: $96. Boo! Too high.

Vacation/Travel: $61. Cheap Thanksgiving trip.

Phone: $55. Prepaid. Every time it runs low, I get charged $55. My monthly average is around $35.

Household Supplies: $42.

Gas: $40.

Entertainment: $30 (2 movies & Netflix)

Miscellaneous; $24

Personal: $18 (mostly for haircut)

Laundry: $15 (did a couple of loads for free over Thanksgiving)

So... Spending overall was a little high, but mostly driven by those high medical bills. I would really like to keep it below $2500, however.

Yesterday I gave $2 toward the Powerball pool at work -- looks like we won $1 to split among 10 people!

I met a friend for dinner, and I treated, since she had treated last time. We both got hamburger plates, but it was a fairly upscale place, so the bill was $25. She paid the tip. I will say it was a huge hamburger with lots of homemade fries, so I left feeling quite full for my money.

I got home around 8, and I was so tired I went to bed pretty shortly afterward -- not before checking the vestibule to find that one of my Amazon orders arrived. This is something I like about my new place -- packages are left in the vestibule and I don't have to run down someone in a central office to get my packages. I suppose there is some risk, but I enjoy the convenience.

So I went to bed, woke up this morning after what seemed like a few minutes to walk to the station again. My life is all walk, train, work, train, walk, sleep. Not complaining! This is what I have to do for two more years and then I can take it easy.

I noticed today I was using as a bookmark a $10-off- $30-purchase coupon at Kohl's. That's a pretty good savings, especially if I find something on sale, so I will try to shop there this weekend for a Christmas gift. I also have a coupon for Carter's, and I need to take my Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon in for a refund. I believe I can do it all in the same shopping center -- and pick up groceries, too.

Once again, I made it past Corner Bakery this morning without buying anything. I had a trail mix bar in my bag and I ate it on the train. Later on I will make some oatmeal, and then I have my Hot Pocket for lunch. It would be so easy to spend more eating out, but I am trying to save my money for special times with friends. To my mind, that is when eating out really counts, even if you spend a little more!

Yesterday I bought lunch at the cafeteria -- I had string cheese and raw vegetables to eat, but I just didn't want them. I ordered a meal that was posted as $3.99, and I thought that two sides came with the entree. But at checkout I was charged $5.99. I'll have to look more closely. The meal was a strange one -- baked pasta, chipotle potatoes and grilled vegetables. Huge portions. I ate the pasta and took the sides home, where I used them in an egg casserole. I didn't have milk or cream or cheese for the casserole, so I substituted blue cheese dressing, and it was pretty good! And it puffed up and browned so prettily. I will get two more meals from the casserole, by wrapping the leftovers in tortillas.

In order to combat my cravings for hot food at lunchtime, I stopped at Walgreen's on the way home and bought two boxes of Hot Pockets($5)which I brought to work today. Also earned 1,000 points -- not sure what I can use them for, but I'll find out. Anybody use Walgreen's points?

Once home, I did a load of laundry ($1.50). I spent a chunk of the evening pulverizing my homemade dishwashing powder, which had solidified into a solid mass. I decided that storing it in a jar would be better than in the plastic tub, but first I had to make it powdery again. That took some work with a hammer and a rolling pin. Luckily, I don't think I lost too much down the sink!

This morning I wanted to stop at Corner Bakery in the station so bad, but I resisted. When I got to work, there was apple strudel in the break room, so my discipline was rewarded!

Tonight I'm going out to dinner with a friend at a mid-priced restaurant. Not sure what I'm going to have but I'm thinking soup and grilled cheese would hit the spot and might not be too expensive.

My Verizon bill hit - $54. (prepaid phone) Lately it's been averaging $35 a month, which is good.

Today is my son's birthday, but we will celebrate on Sunday with a dinner at my house. He has yet to turn in his menu request.

Oh, and I did some Christmas shopping on Amazon -- mostly toys for the grandchildren -- and have not yet spent a cent, thanks to MyPoints and Discover rewards. I think I am getting close to using them up, however.

One of my tasks this weekend is to pull out all my stashed gifts and make a plan for who gets what, and what I still need to buy. I can't believe how suddenly Christmas has come upon us! Like it does every year!

Yesterday was a no-spend day, as was Sunday. I sent a $10 check today to someone who is buying a gift for the outgoing President of a board upon which I serve. I also promised to donate $50 to the local hospital which is trying to pay off its construction costs. Long story, but the hospital, which is a non-profit, started an ambitious building campaign before the recession and got caught. I'm glad to help out in a small way; it is a great hospital, and I've been treated very well there.

I noticed yesterday that my mortgage check was not credited, so I called the credit union. It turned out that I had written different amounts on the check -- in one place I wrote $650, but on the line where you write it out, I wrote "Six hundred and 50/100." Oops. So I had them transfer the mortgage from my savings account rather than write a new check. I think I may continue to do that, and just write one check every month to go into the savings account. (I do not have a checking account at the CU -- the idea was to have inaccessible savings -- but I may rethink that, now that my mortgage is there).

I am continuing to leave about $3000 in checking because I will soon be paying the annual property tax.

I have to decide soon whether I will continue to keep my parking space at home. It is in an alley and quite near my back door, which is convenient. However, I am enjoying the benefit of free parking right now because the previous owner paid through the year. In January, I will have to start paying $60 a month. If I park on the street, I will have to buy a $100 parking pass, but it will be good for the year. There is usually parking on my block, and I am not using the car a lot, so it seems that giving up the parking space is the thing to do. The only thing I dread is that I will have to keep moving the car during snowplowing season. But heck, for $60 a month I can do that, can't I?

At least I don't have to pay to park at work any more, though I am paying $105 a month for the commute on the train! Which is so much more reasonable than gas -- I am not complaining.

I did a Pine Cone survey for $3 and found .03 today. A nice symmetry!

I love Thanksgiving break. It is always a real change in my routine -- I drive to Michigan, see family I haven't seen in a year, get well fed, play lots of games and laugh, laugh, laugh. I've decided that Thanksgiving is my real New Year's because I always come back home recharged and refreshed and ready to make improvements in my life.

It was especially poignant this year. Just before I left, I ranted a little about my sister cutting herself off and not joining us this year. Well, guess what? My sister-in-law reached out and gave my sister her credit card miles so she could come -- they kept it as a surprise, so it was quite amazing to walk into my brother's house and see my sister at the table! It made me realize that despite our differences, having my sister there makes the holiday.

I spent most of my time at my nephew's house, because he had the space. He lives in the country in a big lovely house on a dirt road with few neighbors. His daughter raises chickens in the back yard. They used to have a pony and a goat, but they were sold to other families this year (too much trouble, I imagine). But they just added a Great Pyrenees puppy to their family. Anyway, it was very, very rural and quiet. It was weird to be told I didn't have to lock my car. Even weirder that the guest house I slept in was unlocked and that I might expect neighbors to come into the lower level to buy organic meat from the freezer below -- where they simply left money for their purchase with a note of what they had taken.

Today it's back to city life, where I wouldn't dream of not locking the door. Memories of the windswept fields kept whirling in my head as I walked to the station this morning between the high rises, stepping over beer cans and cigarette butts. Don't get me wrong, I love city life. It's just so different; it's like two different worlds.

But on to financial things ... I had a pretty low-spend vacation. $4 on road food, $18 for a movie and treats which I shared (the movie was Rise of the Guardians), $39 for gas. I also visited their Goodwill and bought 3 pairs of pants for myself and 3 sweaters for my sister for $22.

Oh, and before I left, I DID get my intercom fixed -- the bill is yet to come.

I stopped at Walgreen's last night and transferred my one prescription, thus earning a $25 Walgreen's gift card. I will use it for Christmas somehow, whether as a straight gift, or to buy gifts with it. I have some family members who would welcome very practical things.

Spent my usual $5 on the prescription,thus emptying my flexible spending account.

This morning I bought my train pass for December -- $105. Later, when my business office opens, I'll go get my $30 voucher for next month.

The repairman who was coming to fix my intercom was running late yesterday, and had not yet come at 10:30 when my niece had to leave. So I rescheduled him for Wednesday morning, when I will be home, getting ready for my trip. I hope it will not take a long time, as I want to get on the road. On the other hand, I have lots to do -- packing, baking a pie, laundry -- so I won't get on the road TOO early in any event.

I have been trying to reach my sister about Thanksgiving, even though it is pretty clear she is not joining us. Her internet access is gone (this happens regularly) so I called and left a message on her cell phone. She never listens to her cell phone messages -- doesn't know what her password is. Are you starting to see the problem here? Oh, and she rarely answers her cell phone either. (And she often loses that account, too). So she is pretty much impossible to reach, when she doesn't want to be reached, and she usually doesn't. Well, this morning, while I was on the train, I get a call, and it's from her! I answered, but the train was noisy and I couldn't hear. Then it went dead. When I got to the station, I called back. It rang three times and then it stopped, like she had turned off the phone. I think the first call was probably an accident. C'est la vie. She has cut herself off before, and I've learned I can't do anything about it. It usually means grave money trouble, and I can't do anything about that either.

At least I will see my brother this Thanksgiving, and quite a few of my nieces and nephews. One of my sons and his family is coming, too, if some health issues are resolved. So it will be a happy Thanksgiving, if also a little bittersweet.

I had a really busy weekend, starting with my grandson's birthday dinner on Friday night at Bonefish Grill. I chipped in $20 for that.

On Saturday morning I spent $2 on laundry, then went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and bought two folding chairs and three sweater dryers. Now I can seat 6 at my table. The chairs were $40 apiece but sturdy and good-looking, not the card-table variety. The sweater dryers were $10 apiece. I bought three because I had three sweaters laid out on my kitchen table. These dryers stack so I can dry 3 sweaters at once with air flow underneath.

I also spent $15 on a bag of pistachios to take to my brother's for the Thanksgiving card games. (I will also take a pie for the dinner, provided it turns out well).

At the grocery store I spent $34 on food for myself, and $20 on frozen pizzas for my son, the new papa. I also bought a bag of cat food for $5, and a box of pantiliners for $3. This is something of an milestone -- I can wear very light pantiliners after my surgery -- no more pads. Freedom!

Then I stopped at Carter's and bought a dress and a sleeper for my new granddaughter -- $25 for both.

And you might have figured out that I spent the evening at my son's house, holding the baby.

On Sunday I was invited to both a brunch and an afternoon open house. The open house was an hour away, but close to my old hairdresser's, so I stopped and got a cut for $15. On the way home, I also stopped at my old Goodwill, where I bought three Christmas figurines -- one for my own Santa collection, and the other two to use as gifts. I also found a shirt for my brother-in-law and a top for me. Spent $12 all together.

This morning I'm having my intercom fixed -- I am not able to buzz people in the front door. They already fixed the front door part, but apparently my intercom is also faulty. My niece offered to let the repairman in, so I could go to work. I'm really enjoying the benefit of having family close by! I don't know how much that will cost -- I just hope it's fixable, as it's quite annoying to have to go downstairs to let people in!

I tried to transfer a prescription to Walgreen's online today, but it didn't work. I will have to do it personally. I hope I still get the $25 gift card! The Walgreen's is right on the way home, so it will be more convenient anyway.

Can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here! I'm ready for a break! I'm taking Wednesday off, since the drive out of Chicago is a nightmare on Wednesday night. The earlier I can get on the road the better! Safe travels to all of you who are also on the road this week!

Oops -- forget to say that I also bought gas for $3.49 a gallon -- very cheap for this area -- $19 in total.

Last night I went to visit my new granddaughter and to help out if I could. I did some dishes and prepared a vegetable tray, but there was not much that needed to be done otherwise. I got to hold her for a while and give her her bottle. About 8:30 I left to give them their private time.

When I got home, I wrapped presents for my grandson. His birthday was on the 14th, and I was in on the tail end of the "kid" party and cake & candles, but tonight is the official family gathering, so it is tonight I am giving my presents. It took me a while to find and wrap them, but I got to bed fairly early. Only to lie awake for hours. I finally took a painkiller, which helped, but I don't think I got much sleep at all before the alarm went off at 5. I would have skipped work today, except that I have an important meeting. I'm sure not going to be in tip-top shape for it.

I bought breakfast at the train station this morning - $6 for a caramel latte and a pumpkin muffin. I felt that this was going to be such a hard day, I needed a boost. I have to say they were delicious and made my morning feel much better.

Tonight I will be eating out again, as the birthday party is at a restaurant. I will bear in mind that I've already had my treat, and order accordingly. And try not to fall asleep at the table.

All I can say is TGIF!!

I just added $10,000 to my emergency fund. It was money originally intended for the down payment, but it's been sitting in checking, since I made a smaller down payment than planned. I may yet move it to my mortgage, but I'm undecided. I like having a healthy emergency fund, and I may soon need to buy a car. My 2001 Toyota is doing great, but it has 126,000 miles on it, and it won't last forever. I would like to pay cash and not have a car payment hanging over me in retirement. (Managing the insurance will be bad enough!) At least in the savings account it will draw a little interest.

I made a double mortgage payment today (it's payday) and paid off my credit cards.

I also paid a hospital bill of $822. I hope that will be the biggest chunk and no more big bills will trickle in.

Planning to see my granddaughter again tonight! I offered to bring dinner -- just waiting for my son to text me about what they want. Last night was my grandson's birthday, so I had to devote my few evening hours to him. Funny, the two cousins have a birthday one day apart!

Maybe at noon today I can sneak out and buy a little dress! Buying little dresses is going to be a real treat, since I raised two boys myself.

It seems that another girls' weekend in Chicago is shaping up. One of my friends recently moved to Hyde Park, and she wants us to bunk there. Then we will go downtown and have tea at the Drake and, maybe, dinner at Joe's Seafood. (No, not Joe's Crab Shack -- a whole different experience!) So I need to be saving my money for that. Then of course there is Christmas, and soon after, property taxes to pay and income tax. So I'm glad I have a nice cushion!

My first granddaughter and third grandchild arrived safely yesterday evening. She is beautiful, and all is well. She was named after my aunt, who recently passed away, so that was a nice surprise.

I was able to be there for the delivery (not in the room, of course) and got a chance to hold her. I tell you, holding these precious little beings in your arms makes all your so-called problems and annoyances drop away. You can only feel grateful and humbled for such a gift.

Since I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, I drove to work. And since I was in the area where gas is cheaper, I filled up. $20. I also did a load of laundry last night - $1.50.

It's turned cold and bitter all of a sudden. There was light snow on the ground this morning! It was a cold walk to the station, and it reminded me that I need to find some warm mittens. The gloves I have are fine for cool weather, but not for COLD weather.

I opened my bedroom and bathroom radiators last night before I went to bed, but they didn't produce heat in the night. I know they are working, because they have blasted out heat before, so for some reason the boiler didn't kick on. Anyone have experience with radiator heat? This is all new to me. I huddled under my quilt and blanket all night, and even my cat got under the blankets. This morning, the radiators felt warm, but not hot. I suppose when it gets really, consistently, cold outside the boiler will run all the time and I won't have this problem.

Otherwise things are just toolin' along! Still expecting that grandbaby to make an appearance!

I served my first dinner in my dining room this weekend. I had my son, his wife, their two children, and my DIL's mother over for beef stew. It was really nice to use the room, and the stew turned out great! I even lit the candles.

The old dresser is now set up as a sideboard in the dining room, and I had the kids move a bookcase to a better position. Baby step by baby step, I'm getting the place in order.

I had two adventures this weekend: shopping at Whole Foods and making dishwashing detergent.

I had a $5 coupon for Whole Foods if I spent $25. I spent $33 after the coupon was subtracted. I didn't find it very easy to find things I wanted. I ended up getting stew beef, a chocolate bar, pumpkin butter, raspberries, Rice Dream Egg Nog, almond milk, hormone-free ice cream, organic salad greens, and soy creamer. The prices were intimidating, but the people were wonderfully friendly. It was the most friendly experience I've had in my new town!

To make the dishwashing detergent, I had to buy washing soda, borax, kosher salt, and Lemishine. I already had citric acid, which I ordered online. Finding the washing soda was a problem -- I went to three different places before I found it at Ace Hardware. My DIL put it together for me, and now I've got enough dishwashing detergent to last several years, I think. Does a really good job, though! The ingredients cost about $40.

I also went to see Cloud Atlas with my other son ($10), did some laundry ($3), bought groceries at Target ($11, after coupons) and bought some generic Glucosimine Chondroitin. ($18) My joints have been killing me, and the science community seems to agree that G-C, when taken in combination, helps some people. I have taken it before, but stopped when I broke my ankle. The powerful painkillers I took after the surgery made it redundant! But the pain has come back. I think it is partly because I am walking and climbing stairs so much more. My joints are complaining, but I think in the long run the extra exercise will develop muscles that will help my joints -- and maybe even help to get some weight off, which would be the best thing I could do for my aching hips and knees.

I went for my first followup to the pelvic surgery this morning. All is good. My next appointment is in four weeks. I paid $5 for parking.

It's turned chilly! Winter is breathing down my neck!

I love my train bag. I bought it at Goodwill for $7, and I think it was brand new. It is black, sleek but roomy, and stylish. Now that I've carried it around for a few weeks, it's evolved into a pretty consistent warehouse of handy items! What's in my train bag?

Wallet
Coupon holder
Book & bookmark
Reading glasses
Hat, gloves & scarf
Sometimes an umbrella
Ibuprofen
Granola bars
Lint roller
Measuring tape
Binder clips
Kleenex
Phone
Lunch
Extra keys

My primary key set and my train pass are always in my coat pocket.

I have a vintage Coach purse (also purchased at Goodwill) that I hardly use any more because the train bag is so handy. I may sell it on eBay, or, I may just keep it for the occasions when I don't want to carry a big bag.

But right now, I'm really into the big bag.

In other news, my DIL posted that she is 2cm dilated. It won't be long before I have another grandchild to cuddle!

Did some laundry last night - $1.50. I paid a $64 medical bill yesterday and will be paying $196 today. Will also pay my gas bill, but first have to check out why they didn't get last month's payment -- or if they really didn't. I'm pretty sure I set it up with Checkfree.

I woke up at 4 again. And here I was so looking forward to an extra hour of sleep! My body refuses to acknowledge that the time has changed. So after lying around for a while I got up and got ready in a leisurely way. I do like it when I have time to make the bed in the morning and clean the cat pan. Just seems to make the whole day go better.

My intercom has not worked right since I moved in -- my visitors cannot hear my voice, and they say the door doesn't unlock when I try to buzz them in. I'm not sure what's wrong, but I called the property manager and they are sending someone to look at the box in the vestibule. If there is no problem with that, then I will have to pay to get my intercom repaired. That's okay. That's what I have the E fund for.

I got a $5 off welcome coupon from Whole Foods. I'm tempted to use it, even though the extra cost of the food there will wipe out any gain from using the coupon. But it's fun to go there. I'll look for something I can't get at other places.

They tell me a Trader Joe's is scheduled to open in the same area. I can't really tell where it is going to be -- not a lot of progress has been made, I guess. But I'm looking forward to it.

There is an Aldi not far away, also. I need to check that out.

Found another penny on my walk in! Weird how happy that makes me!

I made it to the polls last night about a half-hour before they closed, and all my records were in order. Those of us there were die-hard voters, because it was dark, rainy, and the building was tiny -- hardly any room to get to the machines.

I believe I spent nothing at all yesterday. It's been a while since that happened! But today I will be paying a medical bill, and tonight I have to do a load of laundry.

I went to a health fair at work yesterday, where they served mini ham sandwiches for lunch, along with fruit and chips. So that was my free lunch. Then, since Human Resources, the department that sponsored the fair, is right down the hall, the leftover sandwiches appeared in our break room in the late afternoon. I took one for dinner. Lo and behold, this morning there were more in the break room fridge! So I had two for breakfast. I think now I'm officially tired of them, but seriously, if they are still there at lunch time, I'm going for it. I love free food!

I did some shopping on Amazon yesterday for Christmas -- bought a game, a book, and also some citric acid for my dishwasher detergent recipe. But it was still a no-spend day because it was all free, paid for with Discover rewards. Gotta love that!

For three adults and two children the bill was only $32. And I, for one, had too much to eat, and it included a big dessert cookie that the boys split.

My grandson was puzzled that he was getting another birthday so soon (I missed his real birthday in September when I went to his aunt's funeral. With my move and my surgery, the celebration kept getting pushed back). When he finally realized that, YES, he was getting another birthday, he really got into it. He liked the little dinosaur sippy cup and the sticky ropes as much as he liked the Toy Story garbage truck. He was not impressed with the pullover hoodie, but hopefully, Mommy was glad to see it.

I woke up at 4 this morning (body clock said it was 5!) It was kind of nice to enjoy coffee and watch the news before I left. On my way to work I found another penny.

Tonight I will stop and vote on the way home. I walked by my polling place this morning, but it didn't open till 6 and I had to catch the 6:13 bus. It will be open till 7, and I usually get home at 6, so I should have time to vote. IF -- they have my correct information. I received a letter in the mail saying that I had accessed the website but hadn't sent in the application. But all the information on the sheet was for another person with my last name. So we'll see if the polling place has it right. If I don't get to vote, I'm not too worried -- as a Democrat in a Democrat district all my choices are already decided!

I moved an old dresser with mirror up here, but it got scratched in the move, and then a drawer was stuck open. I was going to get rid of it, but last night I fixed the drawer. I'm going to use it in the dining room as a sideboard, and I will paint it (again) -- it's been painted before. I would like to put a matte paint over the current glossy paint -- is that a no-no?

Anyway, I will use it to store tablecloths, napkins, and whatnots that don't fit anywhere else. I will not use the fixed drawer at all! I don't dare touch it again! Eventually I will replace it with something nicer, but with the new couch on the way, this is not the time to buy MORE furniture.

On Friday I went downtown for a one-day conference. I went very early, as I was doing registration, so I bought breakfast in the adjoining cafeteria, assuming it would be a while before the complimentary continental breakfast was set up. Good thing I did, because I didn't get away from the registration desk until after the program started -- two hours after I arrived. Breakfast was $4.49. No other cost that day, as lunch was provided and I used my train pass to get there. (Walked for 50 minutes, though, not counting the walk to and from the station!)

On Saturday my son called and asked if I wanted to go see "Wreck-It Ralph" with the grandkids. I did! I spent $6 on the ticket and $4 for a frozen lemonade -- bad choice, that, I had to eat it with a straw and it never melted. Afterwards, we found we had lost our parking ticket and were charged $13. I paid it, since the kids are struggling on one income and they've been a lot of help to me lately.

On Sunday I went grocery shopping - $41. I bought exactly 20 items, including two little $3 gifts for my grandson (we're celebrating his birthday this evening). I already have his big gift, but I wanted to get a few things just for fun.

There was still a lot to carry up the stairs, so I will have to limit myself more.

Then I ventured over to the big shopping center -- which was jam-packed -- to buy some investment clothing items. I actually intended to buy a pair of black shoes for work, but I ended up buying two pairs of short leather boots, one black, one brown. $186 for both. (Original price $218 for both.) Not a huge deal, but it is difficult to find good boots that fit around my wonky ankle. I decided I'd better get both black and brown when I found a winner.

I was not even looking for a coat, but I ran right into it -- a black Nautica down coat with a fur-trimmed hood. It fits well, looks good, and hits me below the knees. And it's warm. It will be my walk-to-the-train-station coat. I paid $131, marked down from $245.

I do not generally pay this much for clothes (since most of mine are from Goodwill!) but these are investment items that should serve me well for a long time.

While I was close to a Barnes & Noble I dropped in and picked up a Christmas gift for my grandson, using a gift card -- had to pay $18 above the $25 card, so it was not cheap. But I know he'll like it, because he tries to play with it when we shop there!

Two little tricks I discovered this weekend -- one, if I scoop some leftover breakfast casserole into a tortilla, it makes a delicious and portable breakfast. And two, if I empty my recycling bin on the way to the grocery store, I have a ready-made tote for carrying the groceries upstairs!

And I've started keeping a grocery list with categories -- not food categories, but NEED, WANT, RUNNING LOW and HAVE COUPON. I think it will help me with decisions. BTW, I don't use the coupons unless the item is also on sale (unless the item is a NEED.)

MY DIL gave me a little homemade dishwashing detergent, made with citric acid, washing soda, borax and kosher salt. It worked like a charm, so I'm going to start making my own.

Found .02 and brought in $3 from Pine Cone, so, even though I'm spending, I'm rakin' in the money!

My overall spending in October was still pretty high, mostly due to working out the kinks of moving into a new place.

Housing - $1328 (double mortgage, double assessment)
Furnishings & Equip - $568 (mostly deposit for new couch)
Gifts - $242 (birthday, work events, pre-Christmas)
Groceries - $165
Utilities - $164
Med/Health - $121 (mostly ER co-payment)
Fares - $105
Gas - $82
Personal - $59 (flat iron to keep at work)
Eating Out - $56
Phone - $55
Entertainment - $29
Laundry - $18
Vacation/Travel - $10 (payment to cat sitter)
Vet/Pet Supplies - $7
Clothing - $5
Misc. - $1

I made two assessment payments because I prepaid for November. I plan to always double the mortgage payment.

Laundry is a new category. I am very pleased it is only $18. That is well under what I was paying for water at my old place.

Gas was high -- just made some extra trips back and forth while sorting everything out. I expect I will have no gas expense next month except for the Thanksgiving trip -- and that will go in the Vacation category.

I can do better on groceries -- and on eating out.

Well, that was the most uneventful Halloween ever. By the time I got home from work, I saw no trick or treaters in my neighborhood. Of course, I was expecting none at all to come to my place, since I am on the second floor of a gated building. But I thought the grandchildren might stop by. I know they were going to try out a different neighborhood, however, with friends; I imagine it all got too complicated.

In the end I went to bed early. I can't seem to catch up on my sleep. I am tired all the time. I had the same thing after my appendectomy.

All the name tag drama will be resolved today. Even though I located calligraphic markers yesterday, after I wrote the first page of names, I gave up. I'm off. I don't know whether it's the equipment, being rusty myself, or being post-surgical and on meds, but my work just wasn't up to snuff. Luckily, yesterday one of our secretaries offered to print them for me today, which is a big relief.

We had Halloween treats at work all day yesterday, which provided free breakfast and lunch for me. (And no, it wasn't all candy!) I spent $17 on calligraphy markers (what a waste!) I also found some deeply discounted art pencil sets that I will use as a gift ($11). On the way home I stopped for gas at the cheap station -- $19.

I brought in my lunch today, but it wept onto a book in my train bag. Luckily not too badly, and it is a freebie book from the station, but I have to learn to be careful about that.

Later today I will publish my October recap.

I promised to do name tags for the conference I'm attending on Friday. I'm a calligrapher, of sorts, and I thought it would be a nice gesture to make classy-looking name tags in italic script. I will admit I was trying to make up for my general lack of participation on the programming committee due to my move and my surgery.

Well, I got started last night, and it was a disaster. My calligraphy pen leaked all over my hand, and in the end I decided it was unusable. I went out to get another at Michael's, but my GPS took me to a shopping plaza where there was no Michael's. By this time it was almost nine p.m. I went to Wal-Mart and Walgreen's, both a long-shot for a special item like this, and of course, no dice.

This morning I emailed another board member who had offered her help and said she could easily print the name tags at her office, and had done it in past. I laid out my problem. I haven't heard from her yet, but my Plan B is to go out at noon and find a pen. I drove to work instead of taking the train so I could do this. I have to get more plastic sleeves and lanyards, anyway -- our attendance is unexpectedly large.

I hate it when I'm trying to do something nice and it goes wrong.

I did more laundry last night - $1.50. (Am I the cleanest or dirtiest person in the world? -- I don't know).

On my trip to work this morning I stopped at McDonald's and got breakfast -- $4.02.

While I am down here with my car, I'll get gas since it is so much cheaper -- even though I am not even down a half-tank yet.