Several of us in the office are taking my boss out to dinner tonight to celebrate her upcoming wedding. The others decided to get her a little gift as well. I could have said no, but I didn't. They are going to run out at noon to look for a nightie, and then I will pay my share. Already got her a shower gift, but whatever. She is a good person, and I'm very happy for her. She is marrying somewhat late in life for the first time, so this is a very happy event.

We are going to a Mexican restaurant, so I looked up calorie counts of typical Mexican entrees and have already decided what I will order. Two chicken tacos on corn tortillas should get me in under my calorie allowance. Plus all the salad I can eat, with salsa rather than dressing.

I have gained four pounds since I was in the hospital. Not unexpected, but I want to nip this in the bud. Since I gave away all my big clothes, I can't afford to gain weight!

The weather has turned cool but will warm up again. I have not turned on my heat. The last two nights I have gone to bed early and bundled up to stay warm. I just can't bear to turn on my heat this early in the season. On a high note, my latest gas bill is one of the lowest ever -- only $19!

I have two coupons for Lean Cuisines -- $1.50 off eight, and $1.25 off six. Last weekend Lean Cuisines were on sale. If they are still on sale, I will buy 14 of them tomorrow. They are so convenient to pack for lunch; also, I will want them on hand when I am recovering from surgery. I wouldn't pay full price for them, however.

That will mean breaking my fifteen-items rule, since I have a few other things on my list. But rules are made to be broken (judiciously!)

Also tomorrow, I must get gas and should also get a haircut. Other than that, I'm looking forward to a nice, lazy weekend.

"Uh-oh" is my grandson's new all-purpose word.

But I did a real uh-oh this morning. When I made my transfer to savings, I decided to round up from $653 to $700. No problem there, but then I saw that I had a Capital One bill in my email. I'd forgotten that I charged my son's wedding pictures to Capital One rather than Discover. So I also shelled out $252 that I wasn't planning on paying this month (I was assuming it would show up in next month's Discover bill). We'll see how much of a hardship it will be this month to make do on what's left in checking. I'll try not to disturb savings.

Yesterday I got a notice of a class action suit for owners of Toyota RAV4, 2001-2003. There was a lot to read, but the gist of it was that if I had paid for transmission work, it would be reimbursed. I haven't, and haven't had any trouble, so I guess I just won't respond. Which means I can't sue them later, but I'm not planning to.

Every day I get emails from BC/BS saying that a bill has been paid -- not in full, of course, there is always a "patient's responsibility." So far, though, I have only received one bill in the flesh. It is amazing to see the number of bills for all the different services provided. And I'm not done yet! I still have the actual surgery to get through!

Pay day tomorrow. I am so excited, because I'll get to make a big transfer into savings -- $653! And next month's Discover bill is pretty low, so next month's transfer should be pretty good, too. (I put all my day-to-day expenses on Discover and pay in full). I did put some big charges on Discover -- my son's wedding pictures, a medical bill -- but they haven't shown up yet.

This week we are interviewing the three finalists for the VP position in our office. I am struck by how young they are, and what a short time they have been in the field. It makes me feel like I've rather wasted my years -- but, I never really wanted to have the pressure a VP has -- I've never even wanted to be a director. I just like to do my work and go home. I've had to accept pretty low pay, but it's a lifestyle that suits me.

I just heard from an old friend who is coming to Chicago next week and wants to meet for coffee. Will probably mean a trip downtown after work, but it will be fun to see her. This Friday, a group of us from work will take one of our bosses out for dinner. She's getting married (family only ceremony) and this is our little celebration. So, fun stuff on the horizon!

Saturday was busy, busy, busy. After getting groceries and getting my oil changed, I headed up to my son's house. We had an impromptu birthday party for my great nephew (who is two) in a local eatery. I ordered a broiled half chicken and had lots of lovely leftovers (which I left at my son's, so I hope they are enjoying them!) I already had a present for my great nephew in my stash, so the only cost to me was $10 for the meal.

After lunch, while my youngest grandson napped, I played games with the older one (and his dad), and then we watched "How to Train Your Dragon" on Netflix. Super cute movie.

Dinnertime was my turn for the birthday celebration. The kids took me out to a Mexican restaurant, where the food was good and the guacamole was awesome! I could only eat half my entree, I was already so full. Afterwards we headed out on foot to get ice cream, but by the time we got there, everyone confessed that they didn't really want it. Instead, we stopped a Barnes & Noble, where the kids had a blast with a Thomas the Train set.

When we got back to my son's house, the kids were REALLY tired, and older grandson had a bit of a meltdown. It was just too long a day, with too much excitement.

Grandma was pretty tired, too. Grandma was AWFULLY tired. I had not slept well the night before.

On Sunday I woke up with a headache that stayed with me all day. My body said, "REST, REST!" So that's what I did. I watched several episodes of "Middlemarch" (yes, still into George Eliot) and read quite a bit of "The Book Thief." My only accomplishments were to take out the garbage and start a load of laundry soaking.

Today the headache is gone and I feel rested.

I just got a $3 payment from Pinecone, and I found .02 in my son's alley. First time I've found any change in a while, but of course, I've spent a lot of time being sick. This morning, coming to work, I walked past the little fountain which is drained and disassembled every fall. It was drained but still standing, and there were three pennies in it. I was tempted, but, I don't know -- seemed like bad karma to take pennies from a fountain. I left them.

I'm back in my routine. I went to the grocery and bought my fifteen items this morning. I didn't have a list today, just went with the flow.

Cat Chow - $1 off coupon
Almond Milk - on sale
English muffins - on sale
Tortillas - not on sale but cheaper than the ones that were!
Wine
4 birthday cards
Frozen waffles - store brand, on sale
3 Lean Cuisines - on sale
Microwave popcorn - on sale
TGIF fajita dinner (2 servings) - on sale

The almond milk is an experiment. I am lactose-intolerant, but can handle milk when I take the digestive aid with it. Many have recommended almond milk instead, so I will try it out.

I bought a lot of frozen stuff. I'm not ready to do much cooking yet. I'm still very tired, and I will take it easy until I'm not!

Total: $42.17
Savings: $9.70

I also got my oil changed (way overdue!) That was $24.

In a little while I'm going up to my son's place to spend the day and have dinner. It will be my birthday dinner -- almost one month overdue, because I was in the hospital for my birthday! They are having a garage sale this morning. I don't want to go until they're done (I suspect things I gave them will be up for sale). That's okay. I just don't want to see it!

I hadn't heard anything from the antique store which houses my booth this past month, so I called them today. They told me over the phone what I owe -- $51.60. I put the check in the mail but asked them to send me a sales report. I left self-addressed stamped envelopes there for that purpose, but they haven't done it yet in the two months I've had a booth there. They are not nearly as well-organized as the place I vacated in NC.

I really need the sales report to update my inventory list. Surely they realize that all their dealers need this? I guess I am a problem because I am not local, but the NC store handled out-of-state dealers with no problem at all.

Anyway, now that that bill is paid, I can predict that, come payday, I will be able to put $650 into savings. That's above the $125 that automatically goes to savings. Yay!

I am SO glad it's Friday. This was a short week, but long to me, as it was my first week back in the office. Even though everyone is giving lip service to the idea of not overburdening me -- there is a lot of catching up to do after being off for three weeks. I have been going home dog tired, even though I am feeling better. I've been going to bed right after supper and sleeping through till I'm almost late in the morning. It will be good to be lazy.

The doctor pulled my PICC line and set the surgery date -- October 5. I was discharged from the home health service. They've already picked up the supplies and equipment.

I am back at work, in person. I took a real-live-honest-to-goodness shower this morning!

I sent my first medical payment -- $216. I forgot to charge it to my flexible spending card, but there will be many other opportunities to use that.

This morning I stopped at the grocery store and bought juice and pastries to bring to work as a thank you to everyone who helped. That was about $32.

At noon today I will run to the clinic to have blood drawn, and then I will see my primary care doctor tomorrow for follow-up.

I am back in the real world!

I found my coupons in the back seat of my car. Whew!

Yesterday my other son came to visit. We went to Panera's for lunch. We came home and he hung a picture for me, helped me set up the Kindle (birthday gift) and then we sat down together and finally went through his wedding proofs online. Even though he married in October last year, I still hadn't ordered pictures because the website was so difficult to maneuver. (And I was putting off the cost, too). But finally I got the deed done. It was very expensive. I ordered one 8x10, one 5x7, and, I don't know, 10 or 12 4x6, and it was $251.

Also spent $3.99 on an eBook. I don't plan to buy a lot, but I wanted to test the process.

Today I go to see the surgeon. I used the last IV bag yesterday, and no more have been delivered, so, I think if the surgeon gives the ok, I am done with that. Now it's time to set the surgery date.

Somehow my envelope of coupons has disappeared. It's not anywhere it should be. Along with them I also lost the grocery store cards for the two places I shop. Not a tragedy, but frustrating. Possibly, the envelope is in the car. I haven't been in my own car in quite a while, being housebound.

Yesterday with my son and grandsons was fun but exhausting! Our big activity was feeding the ducks and geese at the retention pond. The ducks were shy but the geese came really close. My five-year-old grandson was so scared he clung to me (I didn't mind that a bit!), but the two-year-old was unfazed, just loved tossing them the bread. We also got a prescription filled, did some grocery shopping, got a take-out lunch from Portillo's and dropped off donations at Goodwill. I was really beat at the end of the day.

Today the pain in my back is better. I hope it goes away on its own.

Tomorrow my other son is coming. The nurse is coming as well; she will change my dressing and draw blood.

On Tuesday I see the surgeon.

I started a notebook where I will save all my medical information and communications. I think it's going to get complicated.

Yesterday my doctor advised me to go the emergency room because of the pain in my back. I was very dispirited, thinking I was going to go back for a stay in the hospital. But after they did the cat scan, they determined that the reason for the pain is a small amount of fluid that has built up outside of the lung. They released me, but I am supposed to follow up with a pulmonary specialist. However, I can't make the appointment till Monday -- maybe Tuesday, if he is closed for Labor Day.

If the fluid doesn't get re-absorbed they will have to drain it -- with a needle in the back. Yikes! Well, now that I know what it is, I will breathe more deeply and move around more. I DO NOT want a needle in the back!

My son and his family are bringing lunch today and one of my co-workers will bring dinner. I have a new prescription to fill, so there will be a Wal-Mart trip today. Woo-hoo!

The "flank pain" (that's what they call it) is worse today, despite my pushing liquids and taking milk of magnesia. The nurse is coming today, so I will let her know I think I need to see the doctor. Sigh.

I said previously I had $856 in checking, but I forgot that $100 was already designated to go to my money market fund. Plus, another $25 will automatically go to my savings account. My gas bill will probably be 20-something, and then there will be my booth rental, which will probably be about $80. Whatever is left, I will transfer to my emergency fund on the 15th when I get paid.

I got my paperwork for medical leave, but I hope I won't have to file for it. I am not eligible until I've missed four weeks. I first took off work on August 10 and resumed working from home on August 30. That's only 20 days. The only catch is that HR has to accept that I am working from home (my boss will back that up). I just hope I don't have to go back in the hospital with this new symptom; that will mess everything up.

No real medical bills yet, but lots of action on the BCBS website.

Looks like I might have a good chunk of change to put in savings come payday. I still have $856 in my checking account and only the gas bill and my booth rental to pay.

I looked at the BCBS website and it looks like I will be billed for about $900, so far. I think I have about $400 left in flexible spending to put toward that.

Yesterday I had a new symptom -- pain in my kidneys. It was a day the nurse came, and I told her about it. She thought it might be related to, ahem, lack of movement, and told me to force liquids, including cranberry juice and coffee, and take some milk of magnesia. My boss was planning to bring some files to me, so I emailed her to also bring cranberry juice and milk of magnesia, as well as tp and yogurt. Well, she never came or called. I don't know what happened. I do know she is way overstressed in her personal life and something might have happened with her daughter, who has numerous health problems. I expect I will hear from her today, but I may walk over to the dollar store (a few blocks) to get what I need.

I did have some joy in the bathroom this morning, but the pain, while improved, is still there. I may call my doctor.

Sorry about all these gory details, but such is my life right now.

On the positive side, I lost another pound. I have lost 39 pounds since January 2010. Talk about slow, huh? But I am happy. One more pound and I will be in the 150's. It's been a long time since I've seen those numbers on the scale.

August was indeed a crazy month. All that time spent in the hospital made expenditures superficially low. I say that because I know I racked up a lot of bills lying there -- just don't have to pay them yet.

Rent: 1132
Utilities: 302 (high phone usage)
Business: 87
Groceries: 77
Insurance: 66
Gifts/Charity: 54
Gas: 34
Entertainment: 23
Medical/Health: 15
Eating Out: 12
Clothing: 5
Vet/Pet Supplies: 5
Miscellaneous: 4
Furnishings/Equipment: 3

Total: 1818

Just got a call from the infusion delivery service. They are going to deliver new meds today based on the blood tests done yesterday. Don't know if it is good news or bad, but I feel pretty darn good.

Yesterday one of my co-workers brought me three homemade chicken pot pies! I was craving pot pies, so it was quite a treat. I ate half of one and will eat the other half today. The other two are in the freezer.

I tried to log into my work computer from home yesterday, but it didn't work. I'll try again today. I didn't hear from my boss yesterday. We were going to talk about possibly working from home. She probably had a busy day.

I've missed 15 days of work so far, and my house arrest doesn't end till Friday. Then I still have the actual surgery ahead of me. I think my workplace is going to have to file for some kind of medical leave, but nothing has been decided yet.

I took a peek at the BCBS website today. About 7-8 claims have already been paid, most showing some "patient responsibility." Seems to be under $1000 so far. I believe my total out-of-pocket limit is $1750. I still have about $400 on my flexible spending card. So, while this won't be cheap, it won't be devastating.

I went through my closet and pulled out two big garbage bags full of clothes to give to Goodwill. Feels good. The closet still looks pretty full, but at least there is breathing room.

We haven't heard from Patient Saver in a few days. I hope she wasn't affected by Irene.

Easy to do no spending when you are housebound!

I have had a craving for Italian ice, but I haven't walked to the store to get it. A craving is just a craving, not a need.

Yesterday I made a great smoothie for lunch out of the last of my yogurt, ice cream, a very soft banana and some frozen blueberries. I ate more of the spaghetti for dinner. (I think I have two more servings of spaghetti). I've thawed some chicken medallions, which I will saute today.

Today the visiting nurse will come to change my dressing and draw blood.

I am actually getting quite good at giving myself the IV. Only two more days of that.

I'm getting nervous about how much work I am missing. I told my boss I could probably do some work from home now, but I have to get my home computer set to access my work computer. I did it once before, but I'm not sure I still have the instructions. Or if the instructions are still up to date.

Last night one of my co-workers brought me a big serving of spaghetti with meat sauce from a local restaurant, as well as a pint of specialty ice cream. I didn't eat it all, but I am definitely raking in more calories than I need! Gotta start cutting back to normal levels.

Yesterday while doing my IV, I spilled some of the antibiotic on the floor before I got the line clamped. I am hoping that there is a margin for error, and that I got enough.

I have almost finished "The Help." I also watched "Daniel Deronda" on Netlix -- four episodes -- and I've done several double acrostics. So I am keeping busy with fun things. Doing the minimum on housework. Every day I take a leisurely walk to the garbage bin. There are so many medical supplies that must be tossed every day.

Today my big plan is to wash my hair in the sink. I can't shower, because of my PICC line, or sit in the tub, because of my drain site, but I have been keeping myself decent with spit baths from the sink. Still, I will be glad when I can just soak myself all over.

Yesterday I paid $5 for cat food, which was delivered along with my meal. They tried not to take it, but I insisted.

I have lost about 10 pounds during this ordeal. That, and the upcoming change in season, is prompting me to clean out my closet. I want to get rid of everything that is too big. That would be a good project for today.

Today I feel even better. I am feeling almost normal, but I am still resting a lot and taking it very easy. The visiting nurse came (I'm back in the fold after agreeing to do my own IV). She just took my vitals and so forth and said I was doing very well.

Tonight another co-worker will bring dinner. I'm finding it's quite easy to manage breakfast and lunch when I know that dinner will be prepared for me.

No financial issues at this time. I know some out-of-pocket expenses are on the horizon, but I have the emergency fund; I'm not going to sweat it. Interesting how when your health goes south, financial issues suddenly seem less important. Health is everything!

Ironically, one of my co-workers had an emergency appendectomy while I was in the hospital. She got to the hospital before hers burst. And she is young. So she is already back on her feet. I wish I had caught mine in time, but what happened, happened.

Today I finally did the IV totally on my own. I guess I did it all right 'cause I'm not dead!

I am continuing to feel better, and I slept really well last night.

I have a little spending to report. Yesterday I gave my boss $20 toward a wedding gift for a co-worker. And my electric bill hit -- $63. My prepaid phone plan has cost me this month -- two $54 payments. Lots of texting while in the hospital.

There will be medical bills coming. Having switched from an HMO to a PPO plan will affect my pocketbook. However, my experience with the HMO was so bad, customer service wise, that I have no regrets about making that switch. Not yet, anyway!

Today was a good day. My drain was removed, and it has made such a difference in the way I feel. Then I went to see my primary care physician and got lots of encouragement on how well I am doing.

I have decided to give myself the IV's. I could have changed my plan to having it done at the health center, but then I would have had to pay for all the meds already delivered, as well as the ones the center would provide. It would have been really expensive.

My boss came today to help me with the IV. (She has a daughter with many health issues). I think tomorrow I will be able to do it alone. My boss also brought me a reimbursement check for my conference -- $1127. I deposited it into savings.

I am really looking forward to sleeping tonight without that drain in my butt!

I've had three free delicious meals this week; I am really enjoying this aspect of my illness!

The visiting nurse came this morning, and it is so much more complicated to give myself an IV than I ever imagined. And even though they had the procedure written down, it was not up-to-date and the terminology wasn't clear to a lay person. I had to insist that someone come again tomorrow and take me all through it again before I will feel confident enough to do it on my own.

I also learned that my drain had not been flushed in the hospital (the bag never collected much). She flushed it, and it hurt like crazy. The orders are to flush it every other day. I can't do it myself because it's on my butt. So someone will have to do that. The nurse called to ask if there were any other alternatives, like other family, to train. I said, uh, no, I have two sons and they both live 40 miles away and work full-time.

What is home health care service for? I need help! I don't want to be a DIY-er with my life!

Sorry about the graphic detail.

I called the Human Resources person at my work, as directed, but only got voicemail.

I made followup appointments with my family doctor and with the surgeon.

I'm exhausted. But I'm still so happy to be home. In an hour and a half, one of my co-workers will deliver some KFC. I'll have supper, read and watch TV and then go to bed.

Then it will start all over again.

The best-case scenario won out. I was dismissed yesterday from the hospital. I will stay at home now for ten days and the Home Health Service will visit and help me with my meds and drain.

It feels so wonderful to be home. I can't even tell you. Last night my son and his family got me settled in with groceries, prescriptions, etc. Beginning tonight, my co-workers will deliver dinner every evening, as well as any extra groceries I might need.

I am feeling very blessed!

I slept well. I expect to catch up on some Netflix streaming and a lot of books.

Financially -- I spent about $40 for groceries and $10 for prescriptions.

My white blood cell count went up today -- the docs don't like that. I didn't feel as good.

Tomorrow my surgeon will decide whether to go ahead with surgery now. So I may not be communicating again for a little while.

I'm scared.

I had some nice news yesterday not at all related to health -- well, somewhat.

My appeal was accepted! BCBS HMO will pay the $8,000 to the surgery center for the removal of the pin. I feel like I just had Christmas!

Now it's on to the next big medical financial challenge. I also got in the mail an acknowledgment that benefits will be paid for my admission to the hospital for three days -- huh? I've been here twelve days already! Why did I get that kind of a notice without even being discharged yet?

Guess I'll wait and see.

I continue to feel better and I am so very hopeful that I will be dismissed on Tuesday after the observation period is over.

After that I will be committed to housebound (visiting nurse) care for ten days while I continue to get anitbiotics. Then the surgery can be scheduled weeks after that. It would be so much better than a bigger, more complicated surgery now.

There is a lot of work I can do from home once I get there, so I may not have to take medical leave. Just a whole lot of sick time!

And I've been here since August 9. Turns out my stomachache was a ruptured appendix. All this time the doctors have been trying to kill the infection so they can operate (that's the latest way to treat a ruptured appendix). It has walled itself off (a good thing), however, two abscesses have popped up in my colon. One was successfully drained, but the other is in a place that cannot be drained. If things are not improved in 48 hours, they will operate, even though it would be better to wait until everything is clean and dry as possible.

This the first day I have felt any good at all. I can finally eat, walk and sleep fairly normally. I am hopeful for the best outcome.

I haven't caught up on anybody's blog and won't for a while, but I just wanted you to know I'm still kickin'.'

Needless to say, all financial experiments are off.

Last night I came home from work feeling tired and uncomfortable in the stomach area. I went straight to bed. After a while I got up and ate a few pieces of bread to settle my stomach and went back to bed.

Thus started the worst night of my life! My stomach got worse and worse. I never got nausea or diarrhea but the pain in my stomach was incredible. I didn't know what was wrong, but I was starting to imagine it could be a heart attack, or gall bladder attack, since they don't always present systems according to pattern.

I couldn't hardly sit up and knew I couldn't drive to the emergency room. I toyed with the idea of calling 911, but on the other hand, I thought it might be just gas!

I slept for brief intervals. I didn't take any medication but Dulcolax, because I really feared what putting drugs in my stomach might do.

In the morning I called work to let them know I was sick. I was no better. The pain had been unremitting since the beginning and I was exhausted as well as in pain.

I drank some baking soda in water and I did get rid of some gas -- but no improvement in the pain. Finally I decided to bite the bullet and take some painkillers since it couldn't get much worse. I took two Aleve and went to sleep. I woke up a couple hours later feeling much better.

So I guess I just have some weird kind of flu and I'll be able to manage it with Aleve.

For a while I thought it was the salad I'd eaten at noon, and was imagining salmonella, etc. Your mind can really run away with you when you're not feeling good.

So. I need a plan for when I get sick. Who should I have called? What should I have on hand? Where is the urgent care? I need to figure these things out before I get sick again.

At least being sick is frugal. No driving, no food, no desire to spend!

Tomorrow is my birthday and I hope I am better, but if not, c'est la vie!

My Netflix bill hit my credit card. Since I didn't count Netflix among my fixed expenses, and I expect to want entertainment when I retire, I counted it.

Last night I hard-boiled some eggs and cut up the two packages of chicken breastd into medallions (most of which went into the freezer. So much easier to cook that way. I expect these groceries will last me a while. Tonight I'm having chicken stroganoff.

I got my notice from Amazon today that it is time to ship Align. I told them to skip this shipment. I have plenty of probiotic pearls to get me through till the next shipment. They may not work as well, but they will help some, I'm sure.

I have a doctor's appointment coming up, but I will reschedule. Not just because of the challenge -- I have to go to a retreat that day. But I will make the new appointment in September.

Got an email coupon today for a free birthday scoop of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. That should be totally free! No tip involved!

I didn't think my weekend spending was too bad, but it did cut well into the $300.

Gas - $34
Groceries - $37
Prescription - $5
Parking - $4
Eating Out - $12
Gifts - $6
Wall Hanging - $3
Necklace - $2
Socks - $3

Gas and groceries -- not much I can do there. I felt like my grocery shopping was pretty productive. I bought my 15 items (I like to have several challenges going on at once, tee hee)

Granola - house brand
Milk - on sale
Red pepper - on sale
Green pepper - on sale
Shredded cheese - on sale
Horseradish spread - no-name brand
Bag of lettuce greens - on sale
Eggs - on sale
Can of tuna - on sale
Craisins - on sale
2 loaves of bread -- BOGO
Raspberries - on sale
2 packages chicken breasts - BOGO

Total savings: $12.82

Prescription -- a necessity, and cheap.

Parking -- surprise trip to the airport (helping out son)

Eating Out -- this was actually two "free" birthday meals -- one at IHOP, one at Brio Tuscan Grille. I did buy beverages and tipped appropriately for the value of the meals. The two meals actually fed me thee times, as the Brio meal was quite large -- and very delicious!

Gifts -- I went to Goodwill with my 25% off birthday card. Did not spend very much, but I spent $6 on a new shirt for my son and a gift bag.

Wall Hanging -- I also found a beautiful framed print of dogwood blossoms that will go in my bedroom. Dogwoods are special to me, and the price was amazing. This is a beautifully framed, professionally matted picture. Great find.

Necklace -- Goodwill again. Old gold beads with jet spacers. Couldn't pass it up.

Socks -- DSW. They sent me a $5 coupon. The cheapest thing I could find in the store was two pairs of half-socks. Anne Klein. Nice quality.

I think these are all things I would do as a retiree -- try to find the bargains wherever I can. Just have to watch the bottom line, also.

I also found some items for my booth at GW, but I'm not counting them, as I do not expect to have a booth after I retire (unless the thing miraculously starts making money!) I found a Japanese teapot, a Royal Holland pewter coffeepot, and an old tin (in good shape) for some kind of British goody (I can't remember what right now). Anyway, those three items cost me $5 and should bring in about 7 times that if they sell.

This is my birthday month, and I have lots of free food coming up. I have coupons from IHOP, Houlihan's, BRIO and Benihana, all for free meals. Also, the new school year will kick off this month, and I'll get a free breakfast and lunch. I already had a free lunch for going to a nutritional lecture provided by the College's wellness program. Sometime, when my kids get home from their Disney cruise, they will take me out to lunch. I think I can really take it easy on the grocery shopping. Actually, I already have -- I haven't been to the grocery since I left on my trip to Austin last Wednesday.

I haven't spent any more out of my $300, but that will change tomorrow. I have to get gas, grocery shop a little, and I really should get an oil change.

Oh, and Goodwill sent me a coupon for 25% off anything. I have to look.

DSW also sent me a coupon for $5 off anything. I might go see if I can find some socks or something.

That's how the walk to work was this morning. I thought the temperature was low enough, but the humidity was high. Note to self: Check the humidity, too!

I will probably bum a ride home, since the weather won't improve during the day.

I'm a little downhearted this morning. Our apartment management posted a note about feeding stray cats, encouraging people to turn in the offenders. Of course, I'm one of the guilty ones. I can't help it, they break my heart.

When I saw the note this morning, I brought in the dish. I don't know what to do. I don't want to pay a fine, or even worse, lose my home.

Okay. I'm back to my $300 pretend-retirement scheme. I will try to spend $300 or less on non-bills, as I think that might be what retirement is like for me.

I spent $15 on a Groupon for a boat ride yesterday, and today I spent $28 on gifts from Amazon. That was rather impulsive, but I couldn't pass it up. My son loves board games, and the expansion game to one of his favorites was marked down, with free shipping. Then, if I selected two other games, they would be 34% off. Since my grandsons' birthdays are coming up in the fall, it was a good opportunity to get something for them. So I ordered three games for $28, with free shipping, and the value is something like $47.

That leaves $257 and most of the month to go. However, part of my retirement will be entertainment and gift-giving, so I do need to figure out how to fit these things in.