Now that I'm not drawing a paycheck, I'm more conscious of the monetary outflows - of which there have been many - than I used to be.
We got a free dog, and that's good, but we've already spent $210 on vet bills getting him examined, vaccinated, tested and antibioticked (after testing positive for Lyme disease antibodies.) I'm trying to make up for that by reminding everyone that he's a bit on the chubby side and doesn't have as much need for food as a normal dog. We'll see how that flies.
We went to Petco after he ran off (and came back) and bought him a 30 foot leash, a doggy cushion, a harness: About $60
I created a pen for him on the side of the house and just spent $80 on the world's cheapest power lawnmower to keep that area trimmed. (If the grass isn't trimmed, he grazes on it instead of doing what he's supposed to be doing: Giving me something to pick up with little reversible bags we also bought at Petco. If I close my eyes while doing this, it's a lot like squeezing a gal's breasts. That's what they told me at the store, anyway. So far, that hasn't been my experience.) The mower arrived yesterday and I used it today. So far, I'm VERY pleased. It was easy to assemble, is incredibly light, and did an excellent job on the lawn. Since it only has to mow a 20' x 20' area every two weeks, I hope it will last a few years.
My wife just found a 1986 Winnebago-style RV for $3,450 and is trying to get us an appointment to look at it. We may buy that as early as tomorrow.
My wife's van failed its safety inspection due to a power steering fluid leak. Cost of repair + 2 new tires? $600
My truck hasn't had its safety inspection yet but it's due. We replaced its front tires in anticipation of it failing too. Another $260.
I asked about studded snow tires for the truck. They'll run me $640 if I decided to get them. They're optional for me: I could die first.
I bought a shell for the back of the truck. It's ugly as sin, doesn't lock and has a patched roof - but for just $50 at a garage sale, I'm happy.
Tomorrow, three cords of wood are being delivered. That'll keep me busy for a couple of days just stacking it up. $729. Maybe next year I'll be motivated to cut and split the wood for myself.
I bought a tiny rototiller at a Sears that was shutting down. The rototiller won't be used until next year. $180.
The electrician who installed the conduits for my long driveway FINALLY sent me a bill. His billing process only took him three years! $1,200.
My son has an ingrown toenail and will probably need a podiatrist to amputate his foot or something. Who knows what that will cost.
It goes on and on...
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