Yesterday was shopping day

I was out of here at 9AM, rocking out to Gordon Lightfoot *grin*  I stopped at Jack in the Box for a bite (yeah, I know, I'm bad) and when I got done ordering I realized I didn't have my debit card!!!  When I got to the window, I asked if they took checks (cuz my checkbook was in the car.... how many people even use checks anymore?) which of course they don't.  And the gal (who called me Ma'am *shudder* I can't be that old, can I!?) told me not to worry about it, she'd take care of it.

It wasn't much....like $3.  But still.  And she said she hoped I would find my card.  So, cheeseburger in hand, I flew home and promptly found my card.  It was in the pocket of the coat I was wearing when I took Stina home the other night.  I had stopped for gas. Silly me.

I went back to Jack in the Box, but she wouldn't take my money.  So I headed west for my shopping.

First to Walmart, where I picked up some odds and ends like Christmas ornaments, Power Bars, two small electric heaters, Splenda, and cinnamon candles. 

Then to the feed store, where I got rabbit, chicken, and horse feed.  I also told the owner about an ad I'd seen on craigslist for really cheap cattle feed.  Turns out it's cheaper than she is getting it for from another mill, closer, AND they deliver.  She was just thrilled, and was checking it out online when I left.  (It IS a killer deal... $70 cheaper a ton)

Then it was off to Winco, where I hit the bulk section for spices and pantry staples, and picked up a couple salads in the deli for Stina and I. 

So I went to Stina's.  Tristan ate part of his sandwich, played with his cookie and ate a few eeka's (crackers) before we put him down for his nap.  Then Stina and I played drug dealer in the driveway, dividing up spices into smaller containers so she could have some.  She envies my pantry.  I think for Christmas I'll get her a bunch of gallon containers, and a Winco gift certificate.  She'd enjoy that.

On the way back this direction I stopped at the produce place.  I got a few apples, a lot of pears, some not very good avacados, grapes, bananas, onions and sweet potatoes.

When I got back here I unloaded the car.  I was putting stuff away when Carlo stopped by.  He was still here when the kids came home.  After Carlo left, Darbi and I finally got everything crammed in the pantry, got a loaf of cheese bread started in the machine, and had the shower curtains washing with bleach.

Getting everything crammed in the pantry was really tough.  It surprised me to discover that every single container is full!  That's 600 canning jars, and about 65 canisters, buckets and one gallon jars of dry goods.  The chest freezer is full.  The big cupboard in the kitchen is full.  There is a pile of squash in the School Marm's house.  And there is still stuff in the garden to bring in.  I guess Stina has every right to be jealous. 

I am glad my kids both understand the importance of a stocked pantry.  Mark was thrilled when I told him yesterday that when he and Darbi get moved out, I am going to be giving them a bunch of jars.  Both of the kids will take virtually anything I give them in the way of food and supplies, and they are always helping get more.  The other day Stina asked me if I'd make some jerky for a friend of hers in trade for some elk meat.  Of course!!!!

Having a stocked pantry is nice for so many reasons.  Yes, we have food if some horrible emergency comes up.  But way more important is that I can step into my pantry and come out with everything I need to cook whatever.  From scratch.  Most people don't realize that cooking from scratch really doesn't take long at all.  I can have most meals on the table in 45 minutes or less.  It's just a matter of timing, organization, and having the ingredients on hand. 

Another reason a full pantry is nice is that I hate to shop.  If I could, I'd only shop once a year.  I've never managed that.  Yet.  As it is, I do a major shopping about 4 times a year.  Alan picks up milk and odds and ends on his way home from work in between.  And I try to keep that at an absolute minimum.  He's a good shopper... he rarely buys anything on impulse, and when he does, it's something useful.  He's also great at picking up stuff on sale.  (The rule is, if it's meat, and it's .99 a pound or less, bring it home.  But no hamburger)  Alan loves to shop.  He'd shop every day if we could afford it.

Not me.  I'd like nothing better than to only go into town once a year.  I'd think it was even cooler if I could do it with pack horses.  Seriously.  I was born 150 years too late. *sigh*

Oh well... I get to enjoy as much of the old ways as I can manage, and as much of the new as I can stand.  Not a bad way to be.