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Inflation Example

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    Photo by Polina Chistyakova at Pexels.com    Eating out is definitely an occasional splurge, but in July I had several outings. I try not to overthink and just enjoy the company, but it felt like my wallet was much lighter than anticipated. When looking at the online menu for a lunch gathering, there was a couple photos patrons posted a year ago of the menu. Sure enough, costs across the menu have increased between 15 and 23%. A Rheuben a year ago was $13.99, now $16.99. The burger I was considering went from $12.99 to $14.99. I don't fault the owners, but it does make me think hard before automatically accepting an invite for a meal out or suggesting it. I'm just one person, but imagine if 25% of folks reduced their outings by just 25%, that's a hard result loss to owners and staff of 7% revenue/gratuities. I come from a long line of restaurant workers, myself included. I put myself through college as a server so I know the hurt wait staff might feel.   ...
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Weekends Still Weekending

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       I used to think this might be my mindset post retirement, but there's a different feel come late Friday afternoon. Bookclub and cards were Fridays plan, with leisurely coffee Saturday morning with one sister who stayed over. Despite the heat, enjoyed a drink with neighbors Saturday night, then much of Sunday with my youngest.      We had a good book club discussion of Sue Garrett's The Spy Coast . Theres other's in a series and a couple sisters started reading those too. Yes, I had too much food and sent home leftover chicken salad and croissants with three and buns and croissant with two others. My son got a big plate of meat and cheese and more buns plus the huge bag of gardettos. I don't need them around! I've been picking at other leftovers for meals and froze some too.      My daughter volunteers at the University Raptor Center. I finally took a tour and then took her out for lunch. I just snapped a couple quick photos....
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Friday Fiscal Wellness Check, July 24,2026

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                                                                      For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, July 17 to Thursday, July 23. I just sort of list things as they come up. Use it Up/Avoid Waste  I ran out of coffee before my Sam's Club stop Tuesday but found a couple sachets of instant and used Monday amd Tuesday morning instead of rushing out. Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs   Did my quarterly stock up of basics at Sams Club. Purchases were TP, dog chews and wet food, water for cabin, onion powder, canned tuna and chicken. I'm never sure if I save money because the final receipt is staggering. (MegB...it was under $300, barely). Comparing unit price I confirmed ...
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Adventures in (Pathetic) Gardening

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      This past couple days were wonderfully coolish days but with loads of sun.  By coolish after the wave of early heat we had, I mean upper 70's to mid 80's and little humidity. I could really embrace summer if that was the norm. I used to love the heat, but never the humidity. Getting stuff done outside sure is better when I'm not dripping with sweat after 10 minutes. Fall is my season, but with time on my hands to enjoy being outside, being one with the grass, the dirt, plants, and even weeds, I'm starting to embrace summer again. My front yard is toast. I can't justify using water when we're in drought conditions. It'll come back; it always does      The daylillies bought last year survived and there was actual blooms.  The hydrangeas however are not looking great. The peony from the Buy Nothing seems to be growing and thriving, but these don't look like peonies so maybe its sonething else? It's pretty and I like the pop of color.  ...
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Nope, Not an Energizer Bunny

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    This is about my speed these days.       I can go go go when I'm on vacation, wanting to take in as much as possible in limited time. But, I can't pack in a week at home without feeling spent. It's rare for me to have social and or commitments every day. Sure, I have pet care, house and yard, and my ever present to do list but I'm subject to just my own and the pets schedule and timeline. Since Tuesday I've done my usual at home, but also had 1-2 outside ventures daily. Two concerts, an overnight stay in a hotel, two friend meetups, dinner at my sons, a lake day, and a volunteer shift at a book sale stretched my batteries. Oh, and a late afternoon kitty check and play yesterday. Pup enjoyed the very warm lake.     The, he found cool pavers in the shade to nap upon.  This week starts busy too. My sister, BIL, and I are getting an oak desk and chair ( picture in Friday post) to my son this morning. Tomorrow is PT and a blood work appointment. I ...
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Friday Fiscal Wellness Check, July 17, 2026

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                                                                    For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, July 10 to Thursday, July 16. I just sort of list things as they come up. Use it Up/Avoid Waste  While we had planned just happy hour food before concert, a series of issues with hotel disrupted that plan so we grabbed quick food before taking shuttles to the venue. Both sister and I had chicken tenders and while food was expensive portions were large. Between the two of us, a full order was left. We saved in the room refrigerator for my niece to take home.(Big eating teenage son!) Edit: She left forgetting in refrigerator so I popped in my cooler, then freezer at home as not sure...
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New Sociable Week Ahead

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      We've got the heat dome again, today will be in the mid 90's and no reprieve intil possibly Sunday says the meteorologists. Poor pup is not a fan but he gets out frequently. I just met my daughter for grandpup and he had a play outside while its cooler. I watered the cucumber pot and tomatoes, the beans too but think they're done for. I got both dogs on walks as well, all before 7:30. I was slow and hermit like. I did some tasks, read, watched both Wimbledon finals and World Cup matches, and didn't venture farther than the park, though took several walks. I did a few rounds each day of my PT exercises for my hip. While the stabbing pain is gone, I'm still struggling and bit.      The cats are still with me and this one's going to have a hard transition I think to living where someone isn't home most of the time. Where Little Miss likes her quiet places, this guy wants cuddle time on demand. I sit, and he jumps in my lap. Maybe it's because he's...
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