Big Decision Made

I've been wavering back and forth and forth and back on the number of trips to take this year. It's a tough decision considering all of the places I'd like to revisit or visit anew. It's not that I can't afford to travel - it's just that I feel most comfortable having a certain amount of a savings "cushion". Last September when I bought the Honda Civic I paid cash out of my savings accounts - mostly my TFSA. That was on top of the expenses to travel to British Columbia, Bracebridge and Scotland.  So while I am still above my cushion amount now I might not be if I took two major trips this year plus I am looking forward to going to PEI this year as well as Bracebridge once again. My daughter would like to see both of her aunts again this year.

Hiking to China Beach

Mystic Beach

Sun setting on Vancouver Island

Hiking along Loch Lomond

Ferry - Loch Lomond

Family time in Bracebridge

Therefore - I am putting off B.C. this year and going to Scotland for 3 weeks sharing expenses with my brother, plus making visits in Canada sharing costs with Kazi. That will allow me to reimburse my savings account by $1200 per month. By this time next year I'll be able to plan several trips without the anxiety associated with using up too much of my savings.

I think everyone has that magic number that makes them feel comfortable. I didn't really have one when I was teaching but now that my ability to save is a lot lower than when I was working it takes a while longer to build up or rebuild a nest egg. And living on one income is a factor also.

On the bright side I will have the time to ride my bike to Kilally Meadows every day and document the spring wild flowers and birds. I'll need to be in really good shape to keep up with my brother in the Scottish Highlands! He's a lot taller and has a much longer stride than I do.  I estimate my costs for the 3 week trip to Scotland to be around $4,700-$5,000 though I have given myself a large misc fund to cover emergencies, as well as spending money, food, accommodations, rental car, gas, tour fees, ferries and so on. I hope to come in way under budget....she says optimistically!

Do you have travel plans for 2018??

Procrastination

Baking awaits me but I am procrastinating and you lucky people receive the fruits of my procrastination:)

Today I'm (supposed to be...) making my famous melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies. Then...if I've managed to get my baking mojo going I'll make some peanut brittle. I just love the combination of brown sugar and butter!

No peanut butter balls!

To be absolutely truthful (which I usually am) I am cutting my previous amount of baking by half. No peanut butter balls this Christmas, no lemon squares...the reason being that I overeat and my hips pay the price. I hate wasting food. And I hate gaining weight! I suppose I could freeze what doesn't get eaten but I'd rather not have the temptation in the house as my willpower isn't what it used to be. HAH! I've NEVER had willpower - who am I trying to kid?

A couple days after Christmas feasting I am going to an appetizer party. I haven't figured out what I want to take yet - I'm thinking something low cal...like celery!! My friend Troy is home from B.C. for a couple of weeks and this will be the "girlfriends" get together.

Last time I saw Troy was when I visited her in Victoria B.C.  at the end of May. I'm hoping to travel west again in 2018, I loved it there!

But I must get off my duff and into the kitchen! If anyone has an appetizer recipe that they love could you send it my way? Thanks!