Making Do

 It's the little things... 

-- Regular gas is now $4.759 per gal at my favorite nearby station.  It's $4.999 at most other places.  I top off my tank $10.00 worth of gas at a time to lessen the sticker shock.   A top off lasts 2 to 3 weeks.  I live on a small island, try not to drive much, combine trips based on proximity.   

-- Groceries.  Living alone is a plus.  Don't have to feed or please anyone but myself.  I'm easy.  Eating the same thing daily doesn't bother me.  Yogurt/wheat germ for breakfast, simple salad (green leaf, scallions, mini sweet peppers, diced boneless skinless chicken breast) with homemade dressing for lunch.  Dinner varies:  some nights it's soup and crackers, other nights microwaved Mex topped with sour cream.  Saturday night is burger night.  I make my own patties with 80/20 ground beef, keep a stash in my freezer.  Frills are OUT.  No more chips, no more "oh, I think I'll try that" indulgences.  Latest splurge: whole watermelon at $0.59 per pound.  

I have a budget and I'm sticking to it.  I'm also still wearing my mask when I'm out and about.  I can't afford to be sick.

Penny Pincher