Today was an expensive day as I did buy a new car battery. The battery on its last legs, I would keep on having trouble with it. A bit more expensive than I have paid before on the old car. It has a two year warranty and I have used that warranty before on the old car. Now I need to buy a battery charger for that type of car. My son & I went off to Car supply store to price them out.

2nd mail order parcel arrived today, I was thinking that it would never come. Some good buys in this parcel, 3 throw rugs for $15.00 saving $25.00, 2 Christmas Snow Globe Trains for $10.00 saving $40.00, 2 DVD for $5.00 each saving $30.00, a engraved pen set for $5.00 saving $25.00 and crystal angel ornaments as a free gift value $19.95. Total saving allowing for P&P $144.00.
I am happy that I got the crystal angel ornaments as I do have others crystal ornaments so I use them this year. One of the Christmas Snow Globe Trains is a gift for DIL. Refer to 'Car Service & Rust Proofing'post.*

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Blue Vein Cheese Coffee
DINNER Salmon Patties and Vegetables Apple Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $127.00
Today’s Savings - $144.00*
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $7282.51

Today I had a free Sicilian lunch yet again. This time it was pasta & meat sauce, (this sauce is part of sauce off next dish) meat & Italian sausage in tomato sauce, fennel & tomato salad, coke.

Very filling meal I will not eat again tonight just light snack. I am learning to eat fennel as until I start eating some meals with DF-M, I had never tried fennel before, I would never buy it but I would grow it in our climate. I do invite her to have lunch with me but she prefers to eat at home.

Another than lunch all I did today was to water the garden as it my day to water. No spending today.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out* (free)
DINNER Toast Coffee

As I was not up to walking up the street to the Chemist on Friday, so I went today. I bought DF-M & my own prescription medicines. Both of us are on a pension so get a medication subsidy. Paying only $4.70 on each script, instead of normal government subsidy that is available here. This is around $29.00 on each script.

I drop in to the bookshop and bought 2 books and put 4 others hold to buy next week.

My arm is much better, using the small soft exercise ball this method is working the best. It’s almost right, just a light pain now. All I am doing is putting it in my hand squeezing as much & as often as possible.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Italian Bean and Tuna Salad & green salad Coffee Apple Coffee
DINNER Hungarian Goulash with Rice Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $44.00
Today’s Savings - $ 38.30
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $7138.51

It’s that time of the month yet again. Lunch with my ex-work friends, this is away of getting out of the house and without having to do what others wishes me to do. When I do go out with DF-M & DF-D or DS it want they wish to do, when to go home or go where their wish to go. Today is my day I do as I please. I did need to buy a photo frame for DF-M but it was where I was going today anyway.

As I paid my visa card last week, so I was able to put my rates bill on it for this month it interest free. Savings on full rates bill with discounts of senior pensioner subsidy & discounts etc $209.80 this quarter. Lunch was at Sizzlers again, saving $2.79. I bought a box of 5 VHS saving $6.55 on single ones.
On the way home I stop in at thrift shop where I had put away a pair of sandals all most new that I can where for $6.50 RRP $39.95 saving $33.45.

My arm is very sore but I am still using Panadol. I will have a quite day to-morrow.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out*
DINNER Omelette and Mild Chilli Salsa Apple Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $576.65
Today’s Savings - $ 252.59
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $7100.31

I am in the process of making some new friends in a new group. We meet up at a local park for a picnic today, it’s a much younger group so this will be interesting process. Afterward one of the lasses drove me home which was nice of her.

When my DS dropped in today before I left for the picnic, he was to reset my car radio only to find it was dead. Car battery again, I will need to spend some money on this problem as I have had this happen with my old car too!

To-night I went shopping with DF-D, got a few things Saving $5.80 and another raincheck on fruit juice which is lucky as I don’t have a car to go to pick it up before this week’s sale ends.
After we returned to her place as I was getting to her car, I pulled my upper arm muscle which is now very sore I will heat pack tonight. It’s like I have a dead arm but it will be alright as I did pull a muscle. As I had broken this arm before I did carry to much with it, double what I normally can lift with it.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk with LSA Prunes Coffee
LUNCH Cheese & Mustard Pickle Sandwiches Apple Flavored Mineral Water
DINNER Two Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Focaccia Bread Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $20.80
Today’s Savings - $ 5.80
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6847.72

As he is again driving he picked me up today, for a day watching DVD ‘Da Vinci Code’. We both have seen it at the movies too! It was nice to just sit and watch it all again, and pause it to find Dan Brown cameo roll in the movie. There is only one scene that I don’t remember at all in this version. I have asked for the DVD - 2CD to be my Christmas present this year. (Fingers crossed)

After we went out to do some shopping and have lite lunch, half of what’s normal bought this time. Saving $1.90.* Then on to the vet’s to get some flea & worm stuff for my cats that worked last time, it’s expensive but it did do the job. Saving $34.69 and much more if I bought it single packs at a pet store.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Lamb chop Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $105.95
Today’s Savings - $ 36.69
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6841.92

What a day, about mid morning my Sicilian friend (DF-M) and her DD & SIL arrived back from a weekend in the country. As they had left early for the 3 hours drive down, they need breakfast so as I was invited along for the afternoon outing. I ate with them too! Meze’s type of food which we bought on last Thursday shopping trip along fresh bread. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, artichokes in oil, marinated mixed olives, two different cheese & meats. Very nice but rich!

Then it was off the crematory for a visit to the family crypt. DF-M wanted some chore done before her SIL flew home that night. So it was off that Mega Hardware store again. I got out with just a rubbish bin this time. Saving $7.18

After we arrived back home, we went different ways and meet up again for dinner.

Sicilian Green Salad and fillet steak cooked on the B-B-Q but marinated in garlic & olive oil with crusty bread and red wine or water. I do think, I will gain weight this week not lose it! After this DD & SIL left for the airport to return home to Sydney.

BREAKFAST Baked Beans on Toast Coffee
LUNCH Sicilian Brunch with DF-M family - (free)
DINNER Sicilian Dinner with DF-M family - (Free)

Today’s Full price Tally $17.18
Today’s Savings - $ 7.18
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6802.23

My handyman friend arrived today to fix my tap & a blind that needed few holes drilled as it was falling down.

As he knows that I like vanilla slice as a cake, that he arrived today with six of them! I don't make them but I like eating them but its too messy to make for one. See a recipe for them below. These have the puff pastry on the bottom and top with that beautiful vanilla confectionery custard filling and iced with yummy passionfruit icing. They are the cheaper version and but gourmet version, with it's triple layers puff pastry, double layer creme patisserie with white water icing is a bit rich. Can't waste them as they cost $2.50 each at the cake shop for a small cake 2 1/2 inch square. Gourmet version coffee shop & restaurant only at $5.00 plus. 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches Rectangle.

My car had a flat battery as I left the boot light on. I hope that was all that was wrong with it! The car club's roadside service came and restarted it for me. It does pays to be a member.

Everyone has they own version of making Vanilla Slices so here two versions. One cup = 250 ml

Vanilla Slice Deluxe

1 500g package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup custard powder
3/4 cup cornstarch
5 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
1 cup confectioners/icing sugar
1 tablespoon milk (4 tsp.)
1 dash vanilla extract

1) Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.
Unfold puff pastry sheets, and place flat onto baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed.
Set aside.

2) Combine the sugar, custard powder and cornstarch in a large saucepan.
Mix in just enough milk to form a paste, then gradually mix in the rest.
This will prevent lumps from forming. Add the butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until thick.
You may need to use a whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.
When the mixture comes to a simmer, cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the egg yolks and vanilla.

3) Line a 22cm baking dish with aluminum foil.
Place one of the baked pastry sheets in the bottom of the dish.
Spread the custard filling in an even layer over the pastry, and top with the other sheet.

4) Mix the confectioners' sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk, and a dash of vanilla to make an icing.
Spread over the top of the pastry.
Refrigerate until the custard layer is firm.
Remove from the pan and slice.

Chef: Geoff Lindsay ~ Pearl Restaurant

Vanilla Slice

Serves Makes 4

1 sheet puff pastry, cut into 4, 6 x 10cm rectangles
2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup caster sugar
1/3 cup custard powder
1 tsp. vanilla essence
icing / confectioners' sugar
Method:
Step 1
Preheat oven to hot 200 C.
Cut pastry into 4, 6 x 10cm rectangles.
Arrange on a baking tray.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until puffed.
Allow to cool.
Separate each into two layers.
Step 2
Prepare custard by bringing milk and sugar to the boil, stirring.
Whisk a little milk into the custard powder.
Whisk the custard powder mixture back into the milk.
Return to heat.
Cook, stirring until mixture boils and thickens.
Simmer, stirring for 3 minutes.
Cover the surface with plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming and allow to cool.
Step 3
Spread custard over 4 pastry halves.
Top with a second layer.
Dust with icing sugar.

Nutritional Information: Per serve: about 1265 kJ; 8.5 g fat; 4.9 g sat fat
Chef: Jennene Plummer ~ Food Editor, New Idea

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Ham Salad Vanilla Slice Coffee
DINNER Lamb chop Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

Today's Full price Tally $ 18.10
Today's Savings - $ 13.80
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6795.05

My son called in on the way home from hospital. He does have heart disease, an enlarged heart, arteries high tension not good for a 35 year old. This is a very big wake up call for him & his wife. He is lucky that he has got a chance to right his lifestyle now. Funny you can tell them but they will not listen, its’ not that he has being going to the hospital when he has had chest pain for years now. But it was righting its self before the ECG was taken, so they would send him home again. This time it didn’t but did 12 hours later so doctors looked further this time.

After I went up the local shopping centre for a walk. I bought eggs and crackers that were on special so now I will have enough for a while. I went two thrift shops and bought some glass dishes one is the top of casserole that I use at times. And soup bowl that I can use for smaller serving of pasta when I have pasta now. I will be watching my diet more closely now too! I got a cookbook by one of my favorite author on beans & lentils. Saving $18.00 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Blue Vein Cheese Coffee
DINNER Honey Mustard Chicken with Vegetables and Rice, Fruit, Coffee
Today’s Full price Tally $27.50
Today’s Savings - $ 21.60
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6781.25

My DS was taken hospital last night. He had chest pains again, this time they did fine something a wrong with the ECG. So they are taking tests to find out what is wrong. Before he has being going the another hospital and they were not finding anything wrong by the time they got to see him. So they were sending him home. Cardiologists said they would find out what is wrong this time as he is too young. He is to have a number of tests and week off work as well! As his ECG went back to normal by morning as usual and all his blood test were normal too! Anyway, he does needs to loose some weight ASAP. This is a big wake up call for him. They did say that had they not found something wrong with first ECG and he keep going as he was, he would be dead from a stroke before 40th birthday. As I spent the day at the hospital buying food and drinks etc. My budget got knocked out a bit today, spent $13.85 on food and $1.10 fare home.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Lunch out*
DINNER Poached Fish with Salad

Today’s Full price Tally $14.95
Today’s Savings - $0
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6759.65

I went to my son place again, to help him clean up the floors as he is having the carpet cleaners in to-morrow and we needed to make sure that they didn’t need to pick-up everything first as they have a lot of things on the floor to start with. I folded the clothes and got my son to put it away. An organized him into doing the washing that was backing up too! They have no lines so it all goes into the dryer. By the time we left in the late afternoon we had all the chores done included all but one load of washing. You couldn’t walk in that laundry for clothes to start with. I just got him to stop what he was doing, a charge the loads over to the dryer and put next load on. It just took about 5-10 minutes each time. I folded the clothes as they came out of the dryer too! $$$ Another Strategy
We did have lunch out again, saving $2.05. He gave me they exercise bike that they are not using so now I have an exercise bike in my small lounge room to use.
When I returned home one of the parcels that I am waiting on arrived an was sitting on my front porch for me. Everything was there too. I got two free gifts in the parcel. 3 savory trays value $29.95 and multi-tool value $7.95. I will now giveaway some of my savory trays and just keep these as I don’t go out much now days.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Fillet Steak, Egg, Onion & Tomatoes Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $ 45.40
Today’s Savings - $ 39.95
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6711.88

I drove down to visit my Avon friend but I never put an order in this time. Afterward I walk up to Sizzler’s and had lunch there saving $4.74 and on the way home bought a plastic container for $1.00 saving $2.45 and a book for 50c saving $9.45. Not much else in the way of saving, another than using one of frozen meals at dinner time.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Salmon Patties and Vegetables Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $32.09
Today’s Savings - $ 16.64
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6671.93

It’s off to the Italian Deli Warehouse to buy Cheese as DF-M is going off to the country to visit her daughter this weekend. As the families there wanted some cheese a full blocks cost over around $100 each. She is getting a ride up to her daughter’s with our neighbor. While we were there a Rep came in and gave us some FREE Blue Vein Cheese 16 x 125g packets, I got 6 packs. Value at $5.35 each. I froze 3 packets as due date is next week. saving $32.10 on my share. I spent $10.00 at the deli saving $2.00 on pasta.

After I took DF-M home I went off to another supermarket that I visit rarely. It had meat on special that I thought would be charge from what I have being eating of late. As I like variety in my diet and for heath reason, I must not eat the same food every day if possible.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers & Blue Vein Cheese Coffee
DINNER Lamb chop & vegetables Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $85.54
Today’s Savings - $ 38.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6513.71

Bulk Food Replacement on 9/24($200.00) Fund - $177.22 - 19.00 =$158.22

Today he dropped by to pick up my ladder, as he plan to cut his front fig trees down. As his would not take me and the ladder, I drove up my self to help and watch take he doesn’t has an accident or so I could get help if did. Doing these kinds of jobs alone is not a good idea. We start around 9 am and by 11.30am we had all the trees cut down with a two small handsaws. We then went off to get a trailer to hire. I bought lunch at subway and we had this before we started to load the trailer for it first load to the dump. We have vouchers for the first 500kg each year for each household with our local council or its $7.50 per 100kg or part of. We didn’t know if we had enough vouchers so I came back home to pick up my vouchers and some pots to put over the trees stumps while DS took the first load to the dump 10km away. The load was 200kg so we still had vouchers left for next load. We got all rest of the trees on next loads, which came up to 300kg, and return the trailer with hour to spare on the hire time. They are hired in 4 hours lots.

He saved $350 by just hiring the trailer over the quote he got from the tree lopper and they were four small trees too! I got away with cost of lunch & gas, this time saving $2.30 on lunch with my senior card.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Omelette with Cheese
SNACK Yoghurt & LSA

Today’s Full price Tally $7.85*
Today’s Savings - $ 2.30
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6474.81

Why is it when I spend a day with him, I spend. Today was no different!

He just got a NEW car and it had to go in for its first service. My car was needed to pick him up for the morning. Then he wanted to go the Big Hardware store that I went to on Sunday but one near his place. So I got the sugar cane mulch and Zero weed killer applicator that I was looking for on Sunday. Saving $5.00 as the sugar cane mulch was on special.

After we went to his place so he could mower his lawn and clean his backyard up. I clean his tile floor area while I was there. Then his Labrador dog came over with mulberry juice all over him. His mulberry tree has ripe fruit, so I picked what I could of them. As he plan to cut it down to-morrow if his wife would let him. So FREE fruit.

Then it was back to the car service to pick his car up but we had to got McDonald’s for lunch on the way. Saving $1.50 on coffee senior discount.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Beef Bourguignon with Basmati Rice Fruit Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $49.21*
Today’s Savings - $ 6.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6472.51

Today DF-M wanted to Groceries shopping at the shopping centre a Target store. so we had to go in didn’t we. When I go shopping with other I try not to buy much as both my friend are big shoppers when they do shop. Anyway I had a look a underwear that she wished to buy and got 3 pair. When she decided to have a look at shoes while we were there. I don’t carry a large range of flat heel shoes but as we looked, I notices that the shoes were 20% off and along with my extra 5% off would be a good buy if I found a pair. I wear a special type of sandal if I can find them I will buy them at anytime as I can go for a number of years between buy’s too! I did find a pair in the right size and DF-M bought a pair as well. We saved over $9.60 each on them.

I bought only 3 items at the supermarket that we that where were heading in the first place. All the items were on my shopping list to buy at next shop. Saved only .30 c this time and DF-M bill over $200.00. She bought a pizza for lunch so saved me $5.00 on my lunch and gave me gas money as well!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH ½ pizza (Free) *Fruit Coffee
DINNER Poached Fish with Salad coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $54.55
Today’s Savings - $ 14.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6454.40

It’s my cousin birthday today as she lives alone 40 minutes away but can get to my place via a train, she came to dinner to–night and I pick her up at the train station. Instead of going out to dinner, I pulled two single dinners form the freezer and used these. She bought the dessert too!

I gave her a small gift from hoard of gifts that I have bought over the years. I have a suitcase full plus a cupboard with these kinds of items. I shop my own cupboards first then only buy if I don’t have the item that I need. Working in retail over the years, you do learn to pick out very good bargains by knowing the (RRP) prices of all kinds of lines. A few years ago I stop buying these items, and now I am using them as gifts to the right people.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Coffee Apple Coffee
DINNER Beef Bourguignon with Basmati rice & vegetables

I had a full schedule this morning with going the doctor for results on my blood test that I had last Friday. All is OK on that front. I had to catch the bus early this morning.

After I went to the bank so that I could pay half my car bill off my visa card so $350 off that bill and the same next month. Then I will pay no interest on the credit card at all. I am within the interest free time limit. The other amount is my debit bills on that CC. You may ask ‘Why do I still have Credit cards?’ Well it’s so that I can use them at time like this and carry no cash on me. I can’t close these cards and get new ones, as I am no longer in the workforce my income amount doesn’t allow me to reapply for any, if I do.

I went to lunch with ex-work friend at our usual restaurant, as it’s school holidays we had two of grandkids with us today. I saved $2.79 on my meal today. I only other item I bought today nail files at $2 store. I paid $2.00 for 4 metal nail files, the same nail files cost $4.95 each at the department store so saving $18.00 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out *
DINNER Omelette with Cheese Yogurt & LSA Coffee 40

Today’s Full price Tally $387.63
Today’s Savings - $ 20.79
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6439.50

A Free lunch at DF-M place, she is having a BBQ lunch and has invited me down to it. Just the two of us. Fillet steak and Italian salad with broad beans salad as well. Very nice!

Balancing the budget as I check my budget every 2 weeks bring it up to date. Keeping me on my toes with what’s happening with my money and keeping me focus on this challenge too! All money transfers are done at these times too!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH BBQ steak & salad *
DINNER Thai Satay Chicken with Steamed Rice & Green Tea
SNACK Yogurt & LSA

Today was a quite day up until DF-D rang asked if I would like to go shopping with her. Going shopping with other people does have its perks and drawbacks too! I always end up buying something when I do go with shopping with them! Today I bought a few things today was no different biscuits, oat bran, tub of yogurt, & wool wash that was on special, saving $3.45. I got my pin money again too! When we came home DF-D invited me to have dinner with them. It was leftover come again chicken & rice dish baked with white sauce topping and a salad. My friend is very inventive and never cooks anything the same twice.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Cream Cheese & Herbs Fruit Coffee
DINNER (Visiting eating out dining on Leftovers)

Today’s Full price Tally $8.93
Today’s Savings - $ 3.45
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6362.71

All the males in my life came to visit today. First my DS came a spent the morning with me and got on my computer so he could look at the internet. We drove up to my car dealers and check in about the rust proofing that I ordered. So that’s a job for Thursday this week. After we went along to auto suppliers shop at the shopping strip near by. Bought nothing. So at lunch time I suggested that we go up to the Irish Pub for a counter lunch as he had never been there. I shouted both of us too! Two meals for $14.75 then he wanted a plate of hot chips cost $5.50 enough for 3 people, LOL afterward he went home.

This evening I have a visit from my handyman friend, he is the same age as I am too! After a lot of talking about a quote for a tank that I will need to do some work on the base if I go a head with it. He is working interstate at the moment and was having a few days at home. He said he would call in to-morrow to do any odd jobs before he goes back interstate for a few weeks more. It’s nice to have some friend will do little jobs for you. We will see what to-morrow brings and I may get my Smoke Alarm Detector up finger crossed

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out*
DINNER Beef Bourguignon with Basmati Rice Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $20.25*
Today’s Savings - $ 0
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $6203.96

I went for a drive with my DS over to his MIL business so she could go out for a half- hour or so. I went around to the Op Shop near by but it was closed today. So I went off to the newsagent and bought Calligraphy Set for $2.95. Value around $12.95 mark as it was a introductory offer. I have enough calligraphy items to sink the yacht. I don’t need anymore. So I will not be buying this set over 100 books and stuff in it etc. each book set will cost $7.95 each. Around $800.00 mark and counting. It’s not a good buy, don’t fall for such offers just buy the first one introductory offer only then stop. Buy only want you need to start and a simple textbook on the subject and you will come out better off. (Do the Maths Strategy)

I had appointment with my Financial Advisors I have two. Lucky me, as one is close to retirement so the another one is taking over smaller clients for now! All is well for the time being in that area. I look after my day to day stuff and they look after my Super, which is not a lot of money but it’s all that I will have. I went to the supermarket near by and bought some garlic bread that was markdown. Saving $2.50.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Salad Cheese with Crackers Apple Coffee
DINNER Pasta with Chilli Tuna Sauce
SNACK Pancakes with Maple Syrup Whipped Cream

Today’s Full price Tally $17.45
Today’s Savings - $12.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5721.91

One of my ex-workmates came back after 4 months visiting family and touring Southern States. It was good to see her after all this time. I think she had a good time spend time with families, in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and touring with each to Tasmania & south coast of NSW & Victoria.

Today I did a little shopping after our lunch with her. I bought some multi-vitamin tablets saving $7.95 off them. I pick up a two for one deal in room deodorizer with 50% that pack too! Saving $3.00. I got a few other items saving $3.00 on them too! So I had a good day as our lunch was an all you can eat salad bar & drinks $13.95 plus extra manger special for $2.00 value around $9.95 of two Kebabs of Prawns & Steak with Baked Potato with Mustard Sauce. Then we got 20% off for our senior card. They were eight for lunch today!

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH lunch out *
DINNER Baked Potato* with Mango Chutney Coffee Apple
SNACK Muesli bar

Today’s Full price Tally $54.90
Today’s Savings - $23.90
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $5709.41

It was a busy day today at my house! My DS arrived just after breakfast and went onto my computer and stayed there.

Not long after that a neighbor that I rarely see arrived to say that she had locked herself out of her apartment, and as she didn’t have her glasses with her could I find a locksmith as she didn’t have her landlord phone number on her mobile (Cell phone). After two goes, we found a locksmith that would come ASAP then her mobile went dead in the middle of giving her address too! After another call on my phone, he would call within the hour then he couldn't get it open so had to put a new lock in it as well! So it was a costly mistake to make, as now she was $100 out of pocket. My DS wouldn’t been any help even if she had left a window open as she is top level of the apartment block.

I had to phone about home help for DF-M. Which after a lot of chatting got something done at that front. Now someone is coming to help her, keep her house clean. Not that it’s dirty at all. But she does need help and she can get help with government subsidy.

While all this was going on, I did my pay day budget balance. Which came out on right side.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Chocolate Muffin Apple Coffee
DINNER Poach Fish & Salad Coffee

When I have visitors or guests to stay, I serve a lunch, where I put out in divided dishes enough food for all of us in controlled portions plus one extra serve. It’s most times, mix your own salad, only thing I make is one of the following mixed beans salad, rice salad or pasta salad. I serve enough of other things to make a meal. Mixed salad green, olives, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, bread & butter cucumbers, asparagus, fresh shallots & herbs, cheese, eggs, ham, tuna or sardines, Chutneys, relishes, lemon juice and two salad dressings and a long with crackers & bread. What is left in the dishes is used to make a meal later in the week. I never had anyone say I don’t eat this stuff, very little is left too! If put out full containers of each for two or three people they take a lot of one thing and don’t try any of others. e.g. olives serving is 4 so I put out 12 for two people. Cheese is 30g each. If it’s a luxury item then I only put out enough per serving only.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Apple Coffee
DINNER French Onion Chicken with Toast Fruit Coffee

I tidy up the dining room table after dumping all my goodies from Ekka there. I did go through them and put the items suitable for the children under ten in their bags. Putting away the food items that I bought, as two of the bags were grocery show bags with cakes baking dishes included. A nice little hoard of luxury grocery lines for me to try.

I did go and buy my cats, their canned food as it was on special and it was finishing today. Saving $6.12. I bought some garden fertiliser along groceries that I needed for next week as they on special this week. Saving $4.75

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Coffee apple
DINNER Black Beans Beef with Noodles Custard Tart Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $ 25.88
Today’s Savings - $12.10
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $4604.42

Locally this show is called

EKKA today.
This is its 130th year on the same site too! Images are in the media gallery.

The family, have a member & visitor RNA membership passes which I was able to borrow the visitor pass today, saving over $30.00 on gate entry & cloakroom fees alone without spending another cent. I had lunch & dinner at the showground. We bought a Food & Treasure Maps you had to go to 30 places on the showground to get a stamp & a small gift at each. I bought only 3 showbags and I got a number of free ones for the children that rarely go to the show, as they’re live in the country 3 hours west of here. All up I spent around $55.50 this was an inexpensive day as you can spend hundreds on just food, rides & showbags as well the cost of entry fee and fares or parking.

It was great day in that I had quality time with my son as we went together alone and spent a good 10 hours there (This was the only second time since his marriage over 6 years ago that we went together.) Before his wife arrived after work, then we all went and watched the ring events for another 3 hours.

They were The Man From Susan River, riding a horse bare back with no raids doing tricks.
Carlton Clydesdales
Whiptacular An impressive 240 whipcrackers perform in assorted formations in this nightly show,
Buffalo Bill and Bison Show
With many species of bison now extinct, the Buffalo Bill and Bison Show is a rare opportunity to see this magnificent creature up close – 20 of them in fact! Humphrey the bison is the star of this show, though he shares the spotlight with three galloping horsemen in a performance that’s sure to be a hit with Ekka visitors of all ages. …Buffalo Bill riding bison up a ramp with herd of bison and running around the arena and wild horses running around the arena in the same act and some trick riding on horses.
Country Music Performer (Tania Kernaghan),
Freestyle Motorcross bike riding jumping over ramps
Holden Stormriders Precision Driving Team
Human Cannonball
Plus Dairy Farmers Fireworks which is the highlight of the night.
After which we collected our bags from the cloakroom and headed back to the car.
Oh! What a long day!

BREAKFAST Oatmeal with Current & Milk Coffee
LUNCH food out *
DINNER food out*

Today’s Full price Tally $205.25*
Today’s Savings - $150
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $4590.28

Caught up on some of my ironing this morning and went shopping this afternoon with DF-D

Bought a large storage container with a Raincheck that I had saved $5.36 on it too! Some frozen Asian dinners were on sale 60% off so I bought 3 of them for a change, I will get two meal out of each as you need to add the protein to it cost $2.50 a serve but it will be a change. I will cook up the whole meal up and use the other serve as a meal in the next two days after cooking. I have plenty of steaks in the freezer to use. Saving on Asian dinners & soup $9.80 along with my staff discount of $1.05

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Soup & Toast Apple Coffee
DINNER Black Bean Beef with Noodles Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $37.06
Today’s Savings - $16.21
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $4442.32

Taking DF-M to hospital for a check up after she had being in hospital last month.

As I was just an escort for DF-M she paid for the bus fare. Saving $2.20 she was unable to walk that distance to the hospital.

With free car parking is just three streets from our homes. It saved around $9.00 by going by bus over paid parking in the visitor car park or $280 on towing fees, if I had parked in the shopping centre across the street and got caught parking there. You have to stay within the shopping centre or just go to the post office and back or they will tow you! Many have been caught too! It’s only five blocks too! It will get worse next year when two-hour parking comes in for the whole area including where we live too! Use Public Transport Strategy

Had all slacks fitted so that I can take up my hems that my next project to do! Seven pairs of slacks to take the hems up on. Oh well! I will get them done one day.

Quite day at home after had long afternoon nap.

BREAKFAST Baked Beans on Toast Coffee
LUNCH Crackers with Avocado & Herbs Fruit
DINNER Pasta with Pasta Sauce & Tuna Coffee

Today’s Full price Tally $2.20
Today’s Savings - $2.20
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $4426.11

I drop in to one of thrift shop and I bought wine bag & 3 historical novels all for $3.00 saving $26.95 It’s a novel that I can’t put down. I went up to the shops to buy DS birthday gift card for him. Along a few other items.

I had visit & lunch with my friend today. He called after he had been at the hospital for health check up on previous stay in hospital.

DS Birthday Dinner at Hog’s Breath Café, as this was not a inexpensive place to eat, I had Beef & Salsa Salad one of lower end of their menu price range. Also as I had large serve of BBQ fillet steak on Sunday I didn’t need to buy a large meal there. It was healthier anyway. It cost $13.50 if I had steak & vegetables, I was looking at around $30.00 a plate. So I saved $16.50 here.

BREAKFAST Muesli & Milk Coffee
LUNCH Pumpkin & Lentil Stew with Focaccia Bread
DINNER dinner out*

Today’s Full price Tally $101.40*
Today’s Savings - $43.50
2006 Total $-t-r-e-t-c-h Savings Tally $4423.91