There’s one way to see fireworks and avoid those overpriced – albeit ridiculously tempting – concession stands, and that’s from a mile offshore! We had an early dinner at home, then took off in the boat on $20 worth of gas, a $4 ramp fee, a $2 12-pack of cokes, and a$3 bag of Doritos. We headed south about an hour and anchored off the coast of barrier islands (between the mainland and the islands, where the water is about five miles across). The kids played around the boat (entrepreneurial little creatures, they started a seaweed collection business) while we bobbed in the water, waiting for the show to start. Once darkness fell, we were treated not only to the huge display we were waiting for, but unending fireworks up and down both coasts. We made it back to the ramp after 10:40 and we could still see them on both horizons. Very cool!
My trip to the grocery store was worthwhile this morning. Normally priced $10 packs of chicken breasts and tenders were on sale for $3 ($1.99/lb). I didn’t have much cash on me, so I’ll need to go back before Wednesday to pick up a few more. The real steal came in the parking lot, though, when one of the employees asked if I’d seen the milk on clearance. Nope. She explained that the store brand gallons were marked down to $1.41 each and dated through the 13th of July because they were the WRONG store brand. Cool! I spent another $6.11 on three gallons of milk and a bottle of chocolate syrup. We’ll use ‘em!
The boat trip was already figured into my July numbers, so no extra expense there. I’m slow to update for gas and grocery money spent so my July shortage still stands at about $4300 in spite of the extra income. After the middle of the week, I’ll cut the numbers needed for gas and groceries and the $4300 will drop a little.
Side money rec’d since last update:
- $26 from a client
- $80 from repair
- $40 grocery store gift card
Current stats:
- $70,681 – current debt
- $21,453 – 2009 debt paid off
- $14,299 – 2009 snowball
