I got a raise today at work! Yay!!! Everyone on staff got a cost of living increase…and absolutely all needed it since the cost of living seems to have gone up for everyone. I’m grateful that the increased gas prices haven’t affected me all that much since I usually only have to fill up once a month. And other costs also aren’t so bad for me lately since Patrick has moved out. Less expense for groceries, utilities, telephone, cable tv, etc, etc. No doubt my taxes will increase, though, so I’m not spending all that “extra” money just yet. Hopefully the raise will cover the extra taxes…

I’m watching the Winter Olympics every night–mostly because there’s not much else on tv right now. Tonight is rather boring due to really foggy conditions in Italy, but have been enjoying the figure skating, ice dancing and snowboarding.

Weather is very wintry here right now with temps dropping into the 30’s at night. I’ve had to turn on the heat most nights for 2-3 hours as it’s just been too chilly inside to do without it. My gas bill is running over $100/month for the past few months, but I just can’t handle the house being cold at night. Gotta be grateful I’m not living where it’s really cold.

I’m ready for spring, though. Lots of yardwork awaits out back and I’m ready to get started. Only about 6 weeks until daylight savings time begins again allowing me to do stuff after work. I so love those nights when it doesn’t get dark until after 8 pm!

My injuries from my fall while back in Ohio are finally starting to heal. I can now go up and down the stairs at work without pulling myself up while holding onto the handrail. Still have a bit of pain in my knee as well as some pain and swelling just above my right eyebrow, but it’s becoming less and less. Just need to be healed by summer so that I can get going once again on a few more home projects.

I made my tv debut on the Antiques Roadshow Monday night. I was in the background, waiting in line while another person was being interviewed and having their item appraised. It was fun to actually see myself on the show. Part 3 from LA is on next week. Maybe I’ll make it to “The Feedback Booth” at the end of the show.

Murphy is ready for bed, and so am I. Time to set up the coffee pot for tomorrow and hit the sack. Just enough time remaining for one Sudoku puzzle!