I have generous friends who came to visit me to practise speaking Spanish this afternoon and brought muffins, dainties and home-made soup. I know it says in the rules that we're not supposed to let friends or family purchase or supply meals, but these "snacks" and the soup were items they would have brought under normal circumstances, and not because I'm doing the Poverty Challenge, so I hope they're not "illegal"! And wine, did I mention that they brought wine? What a treat! I am thankful for thoughtful friends!

I've also given some thought to the utilities aspect of our "allowance". I am probably spending approximately $10 per day (at least) on hydro, water, cable, phone, cellphone and gas, not even including personal items, so out of my $63 for five days, if $50 plus goes to non-food items, and I've spent $40 on food, I'm $27 in the hole. Depressing ..