Good Morning, my girls!

I am off to work today, although it is frustrating, not many clients, the economy is really bothering alot of people. I was out for 5 weeks and I knew it would be hard to build my practice back up but it really is more about what people can afford right now and mental health appointments are low on the list.  Choosing between gas to there or the co-pay is pretty hideous! I know it is changing the way I am doing my life.  I used to run to North Conway more than when I was just up there for work, on the weekends I would make at least one more trip, now if I am not up there for work, I don't go. My car stays parked all weekend. We are camping at Point Sebago every weekend, got the "gas saver Spring special" and I go to Casco on Thursday night and I really don't leave the campground until I come home Sunday night. I will be cancelling a dentist and counseling appointment on Wednesday in Auburn, cause I just can't do it. Until MY business picks up, I can't give anyone else my business. I wanted to start a dialog this morning about this. How are YOU all doing with the prices of our necessities going up and up? Blessings for this day to all of the rockin' woman of the Maine board. kate

Dear Kate,  I know it is terrible.  I see my kids struggling, we try to help them but when they get to be 27 and 30 it kinda is their responsibility.  My son works in Portland and travels to Boston once a week to see his girlfriend.  he still lives at home they are planning on buying a home or condo in Boston area so we are helping his with no room and board for now.  He is very very good with his money and paying off his loans and duties always on time.  he has bought a new truck, he actually was looking for a motor cyle, till mama flipped out.  My dgt. works 1/4 of a mile from her work, so she is good on the gas front, thank God cause her and her fiance's vehicles are less then perfect.  they have a hard time, again with college loans and his child support.  we kick in a loan payment here and there, and buy them things for thier appartment, or a tank of gas.  She need a few summer clothes, so that is next on my list.  AS for my DH and I, I don't go out often so we have really cut back alot.  although when I do I can see my gas guage go down.  my DH tonly ravels  7 miles a day to work. he has a huge truck too.  I thought we would save money on my not drinking anymore, between the pepsi and beer.  but now with having to pay for Nutritional visits, it has made up for it.  which by the way they lied to me, I had called before and they told me the Nut visits were $21 a visit, and it has been $55.  I'm not happy about that, I don't know if Corinne charges for the time? or the visit.

Hi Kate! I definitely know what you're talking about!  I am not looking forward to going back to work for exactly that reason!  The price of gas is crazy (oil to heat the house/ho****er is too!)  I am in my car ALL day when I am working...sure I get some reimbursement for mileage, BUT, it doesn't cover all of the expenses!  We have cut WAY back on our trips into town (even though it's only 5-6 miles, it adds up when you do it 3-4 times a day!)  Grocery prices are crazy and I'm just thankful that I'm hardly eating at this point!  haha!  Not sure if/when this will all get better, but is sure does make life rough right now! Ruth