Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Errands and books and putting off until tomorrow...

I was away from home (almost) all day today, feeling the need to get a few errands out of the way while having a rare ice-on-the-roads free day (the snow started again just as we pulled into our driveway).  My daughter laughs at me when I feel I'm on a long trip when making a "Meijers Run".  It is only on the other side of the county while she has to drive miles and miles for many of her errands.

I guess it is all in perspective, I am so used to having almost everything I need between where I live in the country and the University that having to drive anywhere at all seems annoying... sigh.  I'm spoiled.  However, Meijers has the best prices on a few items which are needed and when one is trying to stock a pantry on a tight budget, it is worth following the sales.

While I can't buy a lot of anything, I love to find a stock up price on essentials.  I bought three "boxes" of organic low sodium chicken broth on sale and had a coupon for an addition $3.00 off of three boxes... making them very reasonable.  Meijers also had Cream of Mushroom and Chicken soups on sale... a foundation for a quick casserole dish.

I went through a brief few years of being a food snob.  It wasn't the cooking classes I took in my 20s that caused the attitude but a couple of the favorite cooking shows I watched back then.  One person in particular was always putting down such Midwestern cooking essentials as garlic powder, onion powder, "cream of" soup casseroles, and other foods which were common to me as I grew up.

It wasn't until a few years had gone by and I missed some old favorites that I realized it was my kitchen and I could make whatever I wanted... however I wanted.  My food snobbery morphed into just good cooking using many styles and essentials.  However... I digress.

I'll write about the Goudge books tomorrow since I only have one more to read and I can give a review of it later.  There are a couple more Goudge books I want to read at sometime in the future.  I will work them in between other books.

I should throw another load of laundry in the washer and put away the purchased canned goods in the garage pantry. However, this evening I am tired from the day's "bringing in my food from afar" and I must slice some cheese for a "cheese and crackers" dinner and put the teakettle on for tea.  Christopher is studying late so he won't be home for dinner and hubby wants leftovers... a perfect evening for something simple.  :)

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are making me hungry for more Elizabeth Goudge books! I have so far only read the trilogy of the Eliot family. It is so easy to order nearly any book online that I do it way too often; book lust, that is what I battle! I don't just want to read them, I want to own them, too!

Friend Debra

Vee said...

I zeroed right in on the cooking aspects and cream of chicken and mushroom soups. Honestly, some of my favorite meals are just these very kinds and before I write a post here, I'll save it. So glad that you decided for yourself what you and your family enjoy.

Glad that the weather cooperated with you today and that you had a nice meal of cheese and crackers with tea. That sounds so nice and simple and comforting. Reminds me of those meals that Grandfather used to make for Heidi.

matty said...

Sounds like a lovely day! Sometimes I really like to have time to go out alone, shop, and see what is going on other places.

Are you going to have snow, too?

Stay warm!

Matty

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I'm going to go out and find some Elizabeth Goudge books.... I've never read any of hers.

Glad you got a chance to stock up a few items for the pantry. For me, having more things available to choose from makes meal preparation that much more interesting and special.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

What a blessing to take advantage of sales!

My shopping takes me all over our county, in order to benefit from the stores that sell at a discount.

Can't wait to hear about the Goudge books.

Debby said...

I agree with you! A day running errands and such makes me feel as if I've been away from home too long! All of my errands, and shopping are a minimum of 35 miles from home, I would really like to go in town twice a month, but most times, it's every Saturday. Blah!

Scrappy quilter said...

Glad you were able to get out to do some shopping before the weather turned again. We try to do the same thing. We had a wicked blizzard on Monday and the roads haven't been the best since. However we have to travel them both today and tomorrow. The sun is shining though so hopefully they'll be okay. Although my favorite season is winter, I'm getting pretty close to wanting spring. Hugs

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

I always enjoy reading about your day Brenda. Your points on food snobbery are spot on...it's our kitchen and we should make what we like!! Your quiet, simple dinner with tea sounds so very cozy.

Your blog is a little like reading a Jan Karon "Mitford" book...such a comfortable, wise and happy place to visit.
Love,
Tracey

P.S. The Happy 101 Award list is up and your blog is on it! xox

Connie said...

I make many delicious casserole with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken. I'd hate to do without it. I enjoy your blog.