“There’s no yogurt?” I stick out my lower lip in comical exaggeration of disappointment.

Mark, the farmer-owner of the CSA we belong to, looks me in the eye and says, “D, this is why you are a high maintenance member.”

Me?! High maintenance? He must be joking. I telescope onto his blue eyes, which are locked on mine unwaveringly. No. He’s not joking.           

For maximum joy and cheer, fly between December 24 and January 1. The strip search and pat down by security kicks off the festivities.

Each seat in the plane has been sold to two people. Snickers and knowing looks go round the waiting area with the free ticket offer (good for one year) in exchange for taking a later flight. All the later flights will also be double booked.  Music wafts by…. I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams….

So, the Oracle and family went. I know you’re insanely jealous. Let me tell you, I’m insanely jealous of you. By staying home, you got to watch it on TV,  from beginning to end. Live.

We couldn’t get on the metro for the crush. Couldn’t get a cab, all taken. What could we do? Walked the four-plus miles from our hotel on Connecticut Avenue to the National Mall. Which was great. Good exercise. Gorgeous fall day. Beautiful buildings. Cool neighborhoods.

We chatted with locals along the way who were surprised by the flow of people walking downtown. An hour and a half later,

Living With The Budget, Part I

Living With The Budget, Part II

Living With The Budget, Part III

Phase IV: Mastery

Finally, after days trekking through bad terrain in bad weather, the Devoted Followers hiked the last mountain. At the summit, they fell panting to their knees at the mouth of the Great Teacher’s cave. The Learned Loner stuck his head out to see what was making that sick rattling noise.

The Followers cried out in gladness. “Master! We have traveled far to ask you our question!”

Living With The Budget, Part I

Living With The Budget, Part II 

Mentsch tracht, Gott lacht. (Yiddish)  Man plans, God laughs.

Phase III: The Budget As Compass North 

Just when I’ve settled cozily into complacency, something happens to remind me that not only have I not arrived, I never will. The learning never stops. The Budget, like a lodestone, has guided my way more than once.

The Hank Situation

After two decades of throwing money away on rent, Hubby and I bought an investment property,