Last weekend my family enjoyed a nice 3 day trip to Lake Tahoe (I took a vacation day). A client generously gave me the use of his vacation property as a "thank you". There were 7 of us: my daughter, my son-in-law, my son, my mother, my nephew, my SnugglyBumps, and myself. We had such a nice time, we are kicking around the idea of renting it for a week in November.

SB has a half-brother who was a dealer at Harrah's in Tahoe the last time SB spoke with him (about 15 years ago). One evening we all (except J, who is 20) went to the casinos and SB set off for Harrah's to see if the half-brother is still working there. It turned out, he is. AND, their father (whom SB had lost touch with more than 20 years ago) is living with him. In Tahoe.

On Sunday before we left, we went to the brother's house. SB saw his father, met his niece and grand-nephew for the first time. They were all very nice, and the father was very happy to see SB. The family resemblance is strong. I was so glad SB had the chance to re-connect with these relatives. I hope he sees more of them.

SB has booked us a cruise during the first week of October. If you count the days we embark and disembark, it is a 5 day cruise. Really just 3 full days and 4 nights. It will be just the two of us, so hopefully a bit romantic. I am taking 5 vacation days that week.

I am going to take a week off in either November or December, whether we go to Tahoe or not. Probably November.

There is talk of using my brother's time share at Christmas.

We have been taking day trips to San Francisco...to catch pokemon. Lol, it sounds so silly, but it really has been a great deal of fun. I am up to 102 unique pokemon now. And I do not even know how many miles I have walked, just to catch them.

My mortgage payment has posted. This month Wells Fargo Home Rewards Visa paid an additional $25.00 and I paid an additional $16.52. My new balance is $164,300.00.

Chips to date: $2,082.08

Interest savings this month: $7.73

Interest savings to date: $191.24

Eventually, the interest savings on the chips I have already made will compound to $4,431.49, provided I own this house until July 1, 2042. Which I probably won't.

Income - one additional day's pay

Savings - fell short of my goal

Utilities - paid J's cell bill twice

Groceries - so close

Gasoline - buying gas for just me now; J is buying his own

Everything Else - This month I spent $340 at the dentist. A visit each for J and I, plus I had two cavities so I got two fillings. I paid the GP another $100 for J's office visit. His medical card was expired, even though he is still covered. I will submit a claim for partial reimbursement.

Cash is up.
Debt is down.
Investments are up.
Home value estimate is up.