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Back to Budget: Meal Plan

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          I didn't spend silly money on vacation but even the non-silly adds up but I have not an iota of regret. The food was delicious, and wish I'd have had even more. I'm going to be on the hunt for real plain Greek yogurt, not what passes in the US. A pleasant surprise...my ridiculously priced beer and quesadille in the Toronto Airport that after tip came to $40, was actually $30 US dollars. I had the exchange rate for Euros engrained and wasn't thinking the US dollar was higher than Canadian. Yay, I guess. Anyhow, pricey cheese on a tortilla and flat beer aside, here's my attempt at a menu requiring no additional groceries. Sunday: Chicken, cilantro rice, and black bean wraps or bowls Monday: Meatballs in mushroom sauce with penne, steamed carrots Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables Wednesday: Tuna hotdish with peas Thursday: leftovers Friday: Dinner out with family, fish fry or may have something else Saturday: Chicken drum...
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Back from Greece...Too Much to Share

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      It was a rough trip back yesterday with two stops, a frantic run to catch the second leg in Vienna, and delays in Canada. I'll need the next few days to catch up sleep, laundry, and pound massive amounts of something to squash my angry hip but will do a better recap soon. Here's a few snippets. The view of the Acroplis never gets old. View from Philapaupas Hill Statue at the Ancient Agora of Hadrian Law court...now museum at the Ancient Agora Need to look up this but part of Philapaupas Hill This was legendary Socrates Prison. During WWII, the Greeks hid antiquities from the Nazis then sealed the caves. We found a few sites that served that purpose.  The top of Philapaupas The Olympic Stadium Zeus arm Mask of Aggemennom  Thinking big thoughts at Hadrian's Library  Sites at the flea market Cluster of ancient clay pots outside the Odean of... Outside the Odean of... Exhibit outside Acropolus Museum  Five of six of the Caryatids Coastal scenes- not ...
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Positively Tuesday March 3,2026

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  My windows seat view.      This edition is brought to you from high in the air between Minnesota and Toronto. I was very fortunate in that I got windows seats on all 3 flights. This one is particularly roomy as few people other than those that appear to be traveling together are sharing a row. On Tuesday's I try and capture a few positive things.  I am worried as most humans that are not without decency and empathy about the situation the middle east. Prayers for the inocent people and to service members trying to do their job and stay safe themselves. It feels like looking for positives is very needed. My sister is doing  great and recoverery is on target A new med for my daughter hopefully is the ticket. She declared it almost life-changing after the last experience. I won't say what as do not want anyone making assumptions but I hope it's part of a group of supports to help her be well. So far so go good on the travel- no delays and see above I look do...
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Whole Lot to Do Today

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      Photo pexel.com      Even though a much shorter trip than November, I'm feeling more weight being gone for 11 days.  Maybe it snuck up on me with February being so short. I've been doing a lot of juggling on family stuff in February, calmed for the moment, but some things will be still needing attention once home. My son's dropping me off tomorrow morning by 9:00. I adhere to the three hours recommended when flying internationally. I'd rather sit with a book at the gate rather than panic run should something go wrong or lines in security are long.      Speaking of my son, he was looking very lightly at homes. One ticked all the boxes but because of how he's/ we're financing, needed to wait until after February 24th. Of course, it sold.  That was taken as a sign he maybe isn't supposed to settle here in Minnesota. He's paused now looking, but we'll see if things change once I'm back. Another thought I've had after caring for my...
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Friday Fiscal Wellness Check February, 27, 2026

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                                            As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 20 to Thursday, February, 26 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste    We've done great using up all the leftovers from the weekend and in organizing meals for my sister.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs As I've declared February food shopping complete, I reached my 20% below budget total spend. Mistakes were made and I think I can do even better, but pleased. March will be a low spend goal too, especially since I'm gone for 11 days. That though will be offset in part though with stocking up on a few extra easy things for my son on his off...
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Positively Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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           Sorry for the early publish on Saturday. I was starting a running list to add and got a bit over zealous.  On Tuesdays I try and gather a list of things that have made me smile or brought a bit of cheer. Spring is in the air, but it's a bit false as anyone in Minnesota knows, we do not get through the highschool winter state tournament season with out one or two major snow falls. Still, I'll start with weather in my list. Long time readers know I'm a big sports fan, Minnesota teams in particular. I was pretty pumped that both the women and men won gold for the USA, with respectable Minnesota representation. Now, Go Frost! Go Wild.  Prior to Sunday we had spring thinking weather. It made it easier to get things done out and about.  The C at distribution story over at Two Men made me smile and I will follow the kitten saga. I think they have maybe three new pets.  This is a punch in the gut positive, but happy news. My nephew a...
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Friday Fiscal Wellness Check, February 20, 2026

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                                          As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 13 to Thursday, February, 19 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste    Matched up three pairs of socks from the assorted sock bag. I noticed my supply had been dwindling. Turned two with big holes in the heel into Swifter duster covers. These were just Hanes socks but maybe I'll learn to darn, but, I can always use rags.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs Entertainment  continued to be  cheap this past week with a lot of Olympic watching. . Meals have all been from loss leaders and adapted to what fill in items are low cost but nutritious...
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