Reducing Your Expenses

Yesterday I took the Santa Clarita Beach Bus again to Santa Monica.  It only runs through the summer, so I want to take advantage of the low fare and opportunity while I can.  The ocean, as always, was gorgeous.  I rode a shared Breeze bike up Montana Avenue, along the popular beach path, and down Ocean Avenue.  The views are spectacular.  Each time I go, I enjoy it.  That $99.00 yearly membership has definitely been worth it.  I fell off the bike in the afternoon, but did not get hurt.  They  new models  are VERY heavy, and they tip over easily.  The key pads are much better, though.  The guy in front of me fell over on his, too.  It you look at the scenery, and slip from the pavement onto the sand, it's over.  The bike starts tipping and it's not light enough to adjust like a normal bike. Oh well. I met some friendly bike riders who asked if I was okay. Yes, just embarrassed.

I brought my Hermione's sock with me.  I have finished the gusset, and am now working on the foot. I should be able to complete today. It feels satisfying to be knitting from my stash yarn, kind of like eating up the leftovers.  It is so tempting to buy new wool, but I have plenty stored away for my retirement. So many people have given me their extra; I'm very fortunate.

I packed a snack to take to the beach.  I did splurge on a salad at a cafe on Montana Avenue, but will probably continue to bring a sandwich, fruit, and water from now on.  Eating out at restaurants really adds up quickly.  It can also become a habit, once you get started.  I asked the waitress if the salad came with bread and butter, and she answered, "We don't serve bread and butter."  She acted  horrified that someone would eat such a thing.  It seems like all the younger people here eat vegetarian, gluten free, and organic.  I might make a loaf of bread tonight.  It felt weird to have a salad without bread.  I guess it's part of the generation gap.

Instead of buying coffee, I waited until I got home and drank the leftovers that I had saved in my French press.  Santa Monica beach provides stations with free sunscreen, so I used theirs.  The dispensers squirt out a small amount when you place your hand beneath them.  I applied it liberally, all over my face and body.

I brought a library book with me for entertainment.  I am rereading The Money Class, by Suze Orman.  It's a very thorough book on what we learned from the last recession. The older I get, the more I understand it.

I did a load of laundry this morning with homemade laundry soap.  It's very hot, so the clothes will dry quickly out in the backyard.  Once they are folded and put away, I will mop the floors using homemade liquid soap and hot water.  I make a hot vinegar water for the rinse.  What are your plans for today?

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