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| Osteospermum and Lantana |
These two plants seem happy together. The lantana was planted there and the osteospermum self-seeded, but, I left it in place and now they appear almost as one bush!
I had to wake up early, this morning! Not that early, but, 7:00 a.m. is pretty early for me, these days. I was at the car service station by 8:00 a.m. They did an oil change, rotated the tires, and did an inspection of brakes, fluid levels, etc. I was told the service would cost $149, but, I could buy a multi-service package of 5 services in the next 3 years for $239. Since I get the car serviced at least twice a year, I decided to get the package. The service went well and they didn't find anything else that needed to be done. I waited in their waiting lounge with a few other people; I was the only one wearing a mask!
I was home by 10:00 a.m. and hungry! I made myself more pancakes and ate them with chicken curry for an early brunch. Then, I sat outside in the sunshine for a little bit (it was a lovely sunny day with an afternoon high of almost 80F), replied to blog comments, and caught up on a few other blogs.
In the afternoon, I called my half-sister to check on her (she's scheduled for her second cataract surgery later this month) and called neighbor T to check on her because she forgot to call me on Sunday! T is fine, but, she said she has a lot going on. Later, I called friend R and checked on her. I told her I was going to order groceries and asked if she needed anything, but, she said, no.
I also sewed a few more patches on the quilt I am repairing and paid my water and electricity bill, which also includes sewage fees and solid waste collection fees. The billing period is 2 months and the total bill came to $331.83. It's not too bad, but, between the gas bill and the water and electricity bill, that's over $1,000 I've paid for utilities, this month!
Later, I watched news and snacked on the leftover pancakes, with some of my peach topping poured over them. I had dinner, later - macaroni and cheese from a boxed mix with some pieces of ham added to it.
After dinner, I ordered groceries. I had been waiting for chicken to go on sale and this week, it is on sale for $.99/lb.; I ordered two family packs of chicken thighs to stock up. I also ordered a 1 lb. packet of ground beef at $5.49/lb., which is the regular price.
Later, I video chatted with my daughter for a bit. Our call had to be cut short because she lost her internet connection! We said our goodnights over the phone!
Today, I am grateful for:
- The car being serviced and checked
- A lovely, sunny, warmer day
- Phone chats with family and friends
- Being able to order groceries online
- Being able to pay my bills!
Today's joyful activity was video chatting with my daughter while she had internet connections!
Plans for tomorrow include picking up my groceries and tending to the garden with M.
How was your Thursday? What are your plans for Friday?
We had an oil delivery this month, so our utilities are very expensive this month, also. But I'm happy to have heat!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a blessing to have heat and to be able to pay those high utility bills when we need to, isn't it? Last week, my gas bill estimate for this month was $550; this week's estimate, received today, is $444! It's probably due to a combination of gas prices going down and me turning the thermostat down. I've 9 more days to go in the billing period, so, I'm wondering if I'd be able to keep that heat turned down!
DeleteI agree those plants look happy together. That sounds like a good package deal for your car servicing. I find not many people wear masks, including checkout staff. Last week I heard someone with a terrible cough and spluttering at a funeral and I was very thankful that I was up in the choir loft. I don't understand anyone putting others at risk like that.
ReplyDeleteWe escaped the threatened freezing rain and it is above freezing today with water dripping from the roof and icicles. This is the strangest winter.
Thank you, Bushlady; I, too, thought that the service deal was a good one. No, not too many people are wearing masks, these days. The overall Covid numbers are down and I suppose that those of us who have a higher risk of getting complications from getting sick will have to do what we can to take care of ourselves. I've accepted that fact that most people are inconsiderate of others.
DeleteYes, it is a strange winter in many places. I think we will continue to experience more such strange winters in years to come.
The package for five car services sounds a good deal, I'm glad the service went well. At least you were back home early and had the rest of the day to yourself.
ReplyDeleteYes, the package deal sounded good and I hope it works out well. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if on future services they will find a reason to heap on added charges! LOL. It was nice to get the important task of the day done and out of the way, early! Today, however, I slept in a bit. :)
DeleteI'm glad your car service went well. The package sounds like a good deal. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules. Yes, the package deal was good and I'm glad I got it. :)
DeleteYour utilities are high in LA! I am glad you can pay for them without struggling to do so. And your gas estimate has moved way down hasn't it? Good job. :). I'm glad you've been able to soak up the free warmth from Mother Nature.
ReplyDeleteWith the rising prices all around us, it is good to get a deal like you got on your car servicing package.
The lantana and osteospermum look wonderful together .
Yes, utilities are high in LA. I am very thankful that I can pay for them without struggling, although I might grumble a bit about the gas bill! Yes! The estimated gas bill has gone down by $100! I was very pleased to see that! And the car service package was a good deal, too, wasn't it? M says he buys that, himself (he'll be taking his truck for a service next week, he said).
DeleteThe front garden is full of flowers, again, and it looks nice. The bees are happy, too! :D
Great deal for the car servicing. I have not heard of anything similar here. We usually get our cars serviced annually, and there are three grades: full, interim and lube. So every three years the car gets a big overhaul and I am constantly on the lookout for the garage charging least!
ReplyDeleteThe service deal is through the car dealership; I take the car to the dealership to have it serviced. Maybe check with your car dealership to see if they offer similar deals?
DeleteI'm quite sure there isn't anything similar. Once they have your contact details they add you to their mailing lists so I automatically get all the promotional bumph every year around the time my service is due.
DeleteSorry to hear that similar deals aren't available there. Maybe you should ask the dealers why there aren't similar deals?
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