Category Archives: budgeting

A new car.:)

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, swimming by

So here we are. It has been such a difficult decision-making time. But I got through it and most of it is taken care of. I rented the Honda Civic hybrid for a week, really loved it, and went to look at them. They didn’t have any used ones (at the local dealer, at least), so I was looking at a 2026. I couldn’t really decide because, even though I loved the way it drove, it was low to the ground and it had a trunk, not a cargo area. The Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback was considerably more for some reason.

So I decide to go down to Roseville to the Hyundai dealer. I knew I didn’t want the Santa Fe, too big and too expensive these days. My Santa Fe is a nice size and it was a limited so had lots of extras. Anyway, I drove the Tucson Hybrid and knew that this was the car. But my daughter wasn’t with me so we had to backtrack some and go over details and have her check it out. We ended up making an appointment and got the car on Monday. It has been a very stressful time.

On Tuesday I returned the Honda. I really really did like it but getting in and out with it being low was, I know going to be a challenge).

Anyway, next, I had signed up to have the Santa Fe taken by a company called Peddle. They were going to pay me a small amount and then take the car. Well, they did not show up when scheduled, so now I’m not sure what I’ll do. They said the tow company will get in touch but so far they haven’t. So another decision to make, but very frustrating they didn’t show up as scheduled.

I called and got the insurance updated with my daughter on the insurance for the Tucson. It raised my premium so that was another added expense. sigh:(

I drove down to the pool yesterday and the car got 55 MPG so I’m really thrilled by that. Today, I’m down getting infusion so another drive there. After that I need to go down to the library and drop off my books. I don’t think I’ll do the gym as I’ll just have had my shot. although I could do the treadmill but I’ll just wait and see how I feel.

All in all, things have moved forward and I’m good with it.

So that’s the latest, and hopefully I can figure out the Santa Fe by next week. I guess my next step would be donating it to Cap radio, our local NPR station. But I’ll wait to see if I get contacted by Peddle in the next couple of days.

Our weather has been beautiful but now the rain is coming in on Friday and keeps going off and on for a number of days.

Monday and the week ahead.

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, meal planning, seasonal things by

A very pretty sunrise with lots of pinks and golds in the clouds. One more day until we have a Blue Wave!! Let’s hope it’s magnificent.

Last night we had chicken fried rice with the extra chicken that I had in the freezer. I ate around 5:45 so that was really 6:45. A little late for me but each day forward I’ll keep adjusting my dinner time.

Tonight, I think I’ll pull some black beans from the freezer and use an Amys enchilada on the side. Then I”ll plan some other meals:

  • Eggs of some sort, as I have a lot in the fridge. Maybe a frittata or quiche.
  • I have some orange chicken from Costco that is in the freezer and I can make some rice to go with that.
  • I have some french onion soup to use up. They have been in the chest freezer a while. I think I’ll use them all(3) and put them in a deep dish and bake. I have some gruyere I can add to the top.
  • I’ll pull a pack of chicken out of the freezer for the week.
  • I bought a veggie stir fry pack at BelAir yesterday and didnt use it so I’ll do something with that.*

Today is Day of the Dead so I put a picture of Barclay out with a beeswax candle. That’s one of my favorite pictures.

Thursday, I have my doctor appt in Sacramento, so the Santa Fe needs to be done as my daughter works that day. It’s early yet this morning so I hope I hear after 8am. I’ll update when I hear something.

Friday Things

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, home stuff, seasonal things, Uncategorized by

We’re expecting rain today and tomorrow. We need it so not complaining. I think it’s suppose to rain off and on all weekend.

I didn’t hear back on the car so I’m guessing I will this morning. Hopefully not some big surprise of a fix. It sure has messed up the last 2 weeks, that’s for sure.

Today, I plan on going into town for lunch with my son. I’ll drive the VW. If the car is done before my daughter goes to work she could drop me off but I doubt that it’s done. Usually he calls with an update.

Yesterday, I went into Safeway for a few things. I was after the Di Fara pizza but they didn’t have it. I must have bought it at Bel Air and thought it was Safeway. So I might swing into Belair for that. Actually, I think it might have been Target. Anyway, it’s a very good frozen pizza. Going into Safeway though was strange. I rarely shop there anymore as it’s all Winco TJ’s or Costco. I was pretty shocked at regular prices. I did get a few pieces of their fried chicken from the deli and it was ok.

Instead of the park walk yesterday, I walked around our driveway which is circular although the RV is parked in part of that. So I did a loop but used my walking stick as it is quite uneven. We have never really used it as a circular driveway though only when something needed moving. But it’s nice to walk around and look down in the woods. Barclay had all kinds of trails down there but I’m not able to do that as my balance is not what it was. My daughter did put a bench overlooking the bottom part of the property and some of B’s ashes are there, so I like to sit there and talk to him.

We’re still dancing around the Thanksgiving thing but I think we’re closer to do a buffet with cheeses,crackers, dips etc and then have a turkey breast on the side with a few extras. That’s where it is as of now.

Plodding on…

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, Credit cards, LLS, swimming by

Well, I made an appointment to take the Santa Fe back in, as the heater is not working. I was freezing while driving down to the library/gym the other day. So I’ll bring it in tomorrow. According to ChatGPT, it could be an air pocket in the coolant system, which would make sense since that’s what they worked on, or the thermostat they put in isn’t registering. Anyway, it needs to be done. So with that, I decided not to drive to the pool today as I’m a little nervous about it. It has been working fine( the coolant has stayed at the right level) but with the heater being an issue, I’m not sure if that could trigger something. So I’ll be patient about getting in extra swims for now.

I may take the VW into Auburn as I do need a few groceries but I’ll decide that later as there’s no rush to get out like there is getting to the pool. The lap swim ends at 9:15am so it’s get up and go pretty much.

As usual in my morning routine, I checked LLS and still no funding. Maybe by the first of the year. It does make a huge difference. But I’m sure many people are waiting for the funding. I write in my notebook every morning a list of what I want to do and my budget stuff. Right now I’m using a thrift store notebook that I got for 1.99. I also write how I slept and my stats from the CPAP machine,Apple health and Ring Conn. So today’s list isn’t too involved. Do a bigger vacuum and mop the floors, maybe the store in town, and plan some meals from the freezer. The other day I did a turkey breast I got from Trader Joe’s and it came out really good. It’s the Empire kosher brand. I have some meat sauce to use so I may do spaghetti or use the ravioli I have in the freezer. Regardless, I need to plan some meals so I can use stuff up.

I will be really glad to see October end. It has been a huge money drain and most of it on CCs. So that will be my priority for November and December, trying to get them paid as much as possible. We’ll see.

Thanksgiving is still being planned. My son said he’d do some cooking here, but my daughter isn’t too thrilled at the idea of any big Thanksgiving dinner. So, it’ll be simple whatever it is. I’ll probably order the turkey breast and at least have it if that’s what we do. My daughter thought maybe just a few bits like dips and veggies and maybe a cheese tray. I’m sure we’ll figure something out. I did check a premade meal pack but it seemed very expensive for what you get.

What do you do for Thanksgiving? Is it the traditional or something else?

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, books, budgeting, budgets, California, cancer, home stuff, medicare, Myeloma, swimming by

Yes, I am feeling thankful or at least hopeful the Santa Fe is doing ok. I went to the pool yesterday, and the temperature gauge stayed below half, where it should be. So I’m thankful and grateful, at least feeling a bit less stressed.

The pool was wonderful and not real busy. It’s so nice when it’s not crazy busy. I took my time as it had been over a week since I was there and didn’t want to overdo it. I really enjoyed it.

I’m thankful for another blog reader sending a Buy me a Coffee gift. Thank you for your kind gesture and support. Any donations I get I plan to use toward the car repair bill. So thank you kindly.

I researched the Medicare Part D plans and the one I’m on now will go up from $1 a month to $10. A big increase but still doable. It also seems to be the best for the drugs I take so I’ll keep it for next year. At least that’s done and out of the way. There’s not much choice but at least it’s done.

Today is just a home day and it has been drizzling. We really need the rain so it’s welcome. Tomorrow have the 6 month follow up with the Sleep NP in Roseville so that’ll be another drive to test if the car is doing ok. My CPAP is going well, overall. After I see her, I’m planning on going down to the library as I have a hold. I think it’s the Ann Patchett book, so I don’t want to miss that. Have you read that? I’m not sure what it is about.

My labs came back and my Kappa light chains went back up to 35.( 19.4 is high normal, for reference). So not really happy about that but what can you do. I see him in November but I’m sure he’ll just say, stable which it is and yet out of range. I’m disappointed but it is what it is. At least I feel ok. Well, I just won’t think about that today.

I’m not sure about dinner tonight. My daughter works late again, so I may just do quesadillas or scramble some eggs. I have some rotisserie chicken I can use too. I made some mac and cheese the other day and it came out so so. I cant seem to get the ratio quite right to have it not be so dry. Are any of you mac and cheese experts? I used the Costco aged cheddar so I know the cheese was a good one but it still seemed to fall short. Maybe I’ll just stick to a box or Stoffers. So thought the last time I had a Stouffer’s it wasn’t very good. Trader Joe’s one is ok not great. Oh well, we don’t eat mac and cheese all that often.

It’s almost the end of daylight savings time again. B and I used to joke about, how every year we are surprised by it and yet it happens every year. Go figure.

Well, I made it!

Posted in Blood test, books, bread, budgeting, budgets, California, decluttering, Uncategorized by

So I drove down to the Mahany gym after my labs, and the temperature gauge stayed steady. I drove more slowly as I was on ‘red alert’. I asked AI about the MPG not registering correctly, and it said it could be that when the battery was disconnected, it switched off somehow. But I called the garage, and the manager said that it was fine to drive and the MPG is just read out. I’m too ‘fried’ with it all to go back in right now so I’ll just wait till my energy comes back.

The gym was nice and fairly empty. After that I went over to the library but didn’t find anything on the new shelf to get. I also dropped off our ballots at the drop box outside the library. After that I dropped off a big load of stuff to Goodwill which included my breadmaker. I decided( finally) it’s too bulky and heavy for me to be lifting and putting on the counter so off it went. I’m sure someone will be thrilled to find a Zojirushi bread maker.

Anyway, a thank you to a blog supporter who donated to Buy me A Coffee. I am in awe of support when it comes. I had thought of at one time doing a patreon blog, but I just don’t feel that’s the right direction for me. I also don’t do ads as I find them very annoying so. So with that. I do thank you for the donation.

I’ll plan to go back down tomorrow to the pool and that will be trip #2 so fingers crossed. I also need to hit up Costco for coffee and a few other things. I need some socks. In the past I’ve always supported Bombas as they donate one item to shelters for the one you buy. But I cannot afford Bombas socks right now, so Costco will do. If the car is working ok, I’ll stop tomorrow.

We are heading into a change of weather with rain on the way. We definitely need it. Also, much cooler. I’ll need to get some firewood ready to have inside.

I’m working on November’s budget and writing a small Christmas list for the kids. I probably will do gift cards and a small gift or two. This will be our second Christmas without Barclay and it’s really just not the same.

Before the whole car debacle, I had put in a pick up order at Ikea for a wood shelf for my daily notebooks I use. I use one to track my CPAP numbers and 02 and a budget one and a few other misc. So I wanted a shelf to put them on near my desk. Well, that order got cancelled since the car was in the shop, so I,may think about driving down there to get it. It’s actually a spice rack but is perfect for holding a few notebooks.

That’s a bit of a drive so, I’d need to be emotionally ready if the car broke down:(

Saturday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, home stuff, Walking by

Well, I’m sitting here at 6: 30, and it still seems too dark to go for a walk. I’ll wait another 10 minutes or so. I’m not into getting there in the dark anymore. At one time, walking in the dark was one of my favorite things. Now, though, the path has lots of uneven places and holes, so for safety, I’ll wait. Update:/ I got there at 6:45 and it was fine.

Our weather has turned and it’s going to be cool and maybe even some rain. I think we’re ready. My daughter got all the wood stacked which was a big job. Since my son left the truck here while he’s gone we are planning at least one trip to the dump. Mostly it’s leftover junk wood that I’d like out of here. Frankly, I ‘m amazed at the crap still here that wasn’t taken care of. So my goalis, all of it gone by mid November.

I decided to go to TJ’s yesterday as it had more things I wanted on my list. It was busy for some reason. Maybe because it was Friday? I checked whether they had the fall mini bags but they are long gone. I did pick up the french fries and their has browns that we like because they are unseasoned. I also got some frozen meals of chicken chow mein and their fried rice for a easy dinner. TJ’s is so great for getting interesting things. I want to plan a trip when I have some extra money to get some Christmas things like chocolates and cookies. But not now.

A couple of my vintage Halloween things. Plus pumpkin boy and apple girl.

I’ve been doing some Sashiko on some linen blend napkins. I got the designs off Etsy and they stick to the fabric so it makes it easy to do them. I need to get more thread though. The sashiko thread is a bit silkier than embroidery thread. I’m planning on giving these to my son for christmas, at least that’s the thought now.

I have a few house things to do today and then I’d like to get back out to the garden shed. I had decluttered some but it’s a mess again so that’ll be my first priority today. Now that it’s cooler I get a bit more ambitious.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, freezer cooking, Gratitude, Pantry by

Well. I’m not too thankful that the bear came and knocked over the very full garbage pail this morning. He did it last week too. So I got up at 6am and decided to go look with the flashlight, and sure enough, it was strewn everywhere. We don’t have bear proof garbage pails here and besides it’s garbage day so it’s out on the driveway. Not sure if there’s a solution to this except maybe a bungee cord and then go get it when I get up?? I don’t think a bungee cord is going to keep a 500 lb bear out of the garbage.

Well, I am thankful I got out there before the truck showed up because if they see it strewn around they won’t stop. These new trucks are all automatic lifts so the guy doesn’t get out of his truck at all.

Another appt today, and I’ll be thankful when it’s over. But with this shot I’ll have to expect tomorrow the side effects won’t let me go to the pool or gym if it’s like last week. Fortunately, I did feel better by Saturday so hopefully this will be the same. My schedule has been very messed up with these shots and then side effects. I’ll be glad to get out of October. I have Velcade next week so that’s 3 days out. UGH!!!!

I made sole meuniere last night with some cheese raviolis on the side cooked with cherry tomatoes and olive oil, it was good. The raviolis were from the freezer and that’s one more thing out of there. I have one more serving in the freezer to use. I think from now on I’ll get the TJ’s pack and not Costco. Easier to get through.

The big freezer is emptying out nicely. I’m going to defrost it once it’s a little more cleaned out. I like having the chest freezer for extra things but not when it’s crammed full and there’s only two of us. I need to go get some chicken to defrost, so I’ll check on what else can get used. The raviolis were near the bottom and that’s why I used them. It’s been a challenging process learning to cook for basically just me and my daughter. We don’t eat all that much especially at dinner time. ( ok, then why am I overweight?? ha ha!!!) Well, for one, I am definitely not as active as I was even a year ago. I’m not walking as much and even with swimming, I dont get there as much as I’d like especially when there’s these appts. Plus, right now with gas over $6 a gallon, it’s hard to justify moe than 2 trips a week. Oh well, age catches up to us all.

Simple Sunday/Monday morning catch up.

Posted in bread, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking by

I decided not to go to the Auburn gym this morning. I’m feeling a bit tired and my stomach feels a bit off. I’ll just do some house things and declutter some areas that could use a look-through. Update: I didn’t find much to declutter, but I did add to my book pile to bring to the pet bookstore.

I did wash most of the inside windows yesterday, so all I have left is the sunroom. Update: Nope, didn’t get them done; maybe today.

That was yesterday. It was a mellow day and so pretty with bright blue skies and puffy clouds. It was a Tahoe-feeling sort of day.

Today I need to go to Costco to stock up. I need eggs, flour, coffee, and some non food items as well.

I wrote up a meal guide for the week and plan on spaghetti, burgers, some kind of soup, and a night of rice and spring rolls. The other nights, I’ll probably just come up with an easy something.

I called about the firewood, and I think he’ll deliver this coming Saturday. It’s crazy expensive at $475, but he mentioned that his delivery truck is diesel, and then I understood. Diesel here in N. Ca is almost or even over $8 a gallon, so I don’t begrudge him charging that at all. I just hope it’s nice wood. I’ll need to go get that cash sometime this week.

I made some whole wheat bread. This is just with the KitchenAid mixer, not the Zojirushi.

I froze one loaf and sliced the other up to use.

I’d like to get some rye flour and try rye again. Rye is difficult because it is a dense bread, but it’s worth trying.

I am going to get my flu/covid shot this week, so I need to work around that. I think I can get one swim in, but that’s it because I always have a down day after my shot. I’m also meeting my library friends for coffee this week. I have a bag of apples from our tree to give to one of them who still cans applesauce. We had an good crop this year but I still have applesauce from the apples I froze in the spring. If anything I’ll cut some up and freeze those for later use.

My daughter plans to go back to work this week. She still tested positive on Friday but didn’t test yesterday, so I’ll see if she does that today. I guess you can test positive for a while and you’re not contagious. I’ll probably do a test today as well, just to be sure.

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, budgeting, budgets, California, cooking, home stuff, knee injury, Walking by

I’m in the process of canning tomatoes. I ordered a flat of Roma tomatoes from a local farm. They were 2.50 a pound, so a very good price. I did half the lug and have half to do tomorrow or Tuesday. I have 8 pints in the water bath and 2 more ready to go when these are done. I’ll add some jars filled with water so it fills the canner. I didn’t add any seasoning, just citric acid and a little salt. I’ll do seasoning when I open and use them. I’m a little tired from standing but I’m almost done.

I did go for a walk, and it was quite nice. A few other people, but not bad for a Sunday. My left knee (torn ACL and meniscus) seemed to tweak a few times, so I’ve been really careful, and I’ll probably put my knee sleeve on to help with stability. The only thing I’ve done differently is that I’ve added my PT exercises back into my workout, so maybe that tweaked it. So today I’ll back off since I’ve been on my feet a while now.

This is a busy week for me, which, as you know, I really dislike a lot of appts, but they must be done. That includes my Velcade on Thursday. I did change my dentist appt from Monday next week to Wednesday, as Monday is my labs and dex crash day. It doesn’t always happen, but I figured it would be better to change it if I could.

I also finished Calamity Club, and it’s as good as everyone says. Really, such insight!

I moved most of my cookbooks into B’s office bookcase.

I’ll see if I like them there or not. The other picture is the little fire pit I bought a while ago. I had a few nights of fires outside when it was cooler. Now with our temps dropping, I’ll sit outside again. Today’s high is supposed to be 75, so quite lovely.