Got word that our new insurance company changed their records and rolled back the overcharge for the roof. They also agreed to refund $60 in overdraft charges!

We got more good financial news: we’ve been approved for the LEAP program which will pay for part of our heating costs this winter. We’ve failed to qualify up to now so this was very exciting. Won’t know for another week or so how much of an allowance we’ll receive, but it will be welcome and a help as oil costs continue to climb.

I made a cake this morning from pantry goods: box of vanilla cake mix, can of mandarin oranges, applesauce instead of oil and eggs.

Made a vegetable stew with vegetables, mostly from the pantries: potatoes, carrots, a leak, garlic, onions and two heads of chopped lettuce seasoned with “warming spices”: turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika and because we seem to be out of cumin, baharat.

I did get part of the frig cleaned and spot-painted a chip in one of the living room windowsills.