I added up our grocery receipts so far for the month and it looks like we’re coming in @ $425. We still have a week and a half till the new budget starts (Jan 23). That’s really good for 4 people. I am planning Costco soon so that will take us over 600 I’m sure. Still, planning and meal prep does make a huge difference in keeping the budget in check.

Our electric bill is still slated to be very high. I know that Dec, Jan, and Feb are our high months and since we have a balanced plan it helps keep it moderate. PGE is due to increase rates and I’m sure that will affect us. This time of year we use space heaters in the bedrooms and of course, there are more lights on.

Since I haven’t been driving to the pool or gym regularly our gas bill has gone way down so that’s a plus. I did check at the front desk at the gym about suspending my membership but they don’t do that so I’d need to cancel and then resign up. I’ll wait a bit as I think if I can do upper body weights I’d like to keep that going.

I just finished these 2 books. The ‘Murder Uncorked’ is fun and takes place in what I’m guessing is St. Helena or Sonoma?? The author calls it something else but she does reference local areas. The ‘Someone Always Nearby’ is amazing. It’s based on the woman who helped Georgia O’keefe build the Ghost Ranch and Abiqui. O’keefe was quite selfish and narcissistic. Quite interesting and well worth reading.