Thank you Readers:
Yesterday, I relaxed by going food shopping. Since Hurricane Sandy I have been searching for my “Om” because I lost it by trying so hard to keep it together. Prepping for Sandy in the calm before the storm, experiencing Sandy, sheltering after the storm, then the follow-up Nor’easter storm with no major problems made me promise I would not complain. But these events took ten full days. So I find that a leisurely trip to the supermarket during off hours, believe it or not, really does relax me. I enjoy seeing what the earth has provided. I love shopping at local markets when I travel as well because stores are where real people come and can be very culturally revealing. A thousand years ago when I lived in France, going to the store on a daily basis became a practice that I continue to this day. Maybe not daily but hopefully you get my drift.
Everything in my refrigerator died with the storm and I had only a piece of gouda cheese and pint of half and half for my coffee. So midday I went to my town’s Farmer’s Market but bought nothing. I moved on to the Mexican-owned store for scallions, fresh chillis, garlic, ginger root, limes, swiss chard and anise for a total of $6.41.
From there I went to Dean’s, our whole-living store, that was featuring 20% off for a restocking weekend spree. I was able to get organic avocados, apples, baby bok choy, alfalfa sprouts, firm tofu and rice noodles for $12.87.
Off to Food Town where I bought small amounts of loose creminis, spinach, parsnips, yams, broccoli crowns, romaine lettuce, grapefruit, carrots, yams, radishes, prepared pad thai for $21.80.
My final stop was Wegman’s. Here I got a little fancy and purchased 2 small chickens to roast, bulk arugula,, sulphured apricots, fage greek yougurt, butter, Lundberg risotto, and creamed coconut for $26.96. Grand total for the day was $68.04.
These items do not fill my refrigerator up. I still have no dijon, curry paste, mayonnaise, juice, etc; but a clean refrigerator is like a new start every day when it comes to healthy aging. Here’s what I want to share. The purchases above were based on my intention to cook the following recipes, all under 460 calories. We did a lot of eating in the dark out of frustration.
- Tofu and vegetable stir fry with rice noodles
- Sweet potato curry with lentils
- Moroccan vegetable tangine
- Nasi goreng
- Shrimp risotto
I am starting over but from a blessed position. For it was not until we got power 5 days after the storm that I saw a television and realized just how badly the Jersey Shore got hit. And yesterday I drove south along the shoreline and it took my breath away. I am told, north of Long Branch the sand from the ocean sits where houses used to be. It will be some time for the shore to recover. I am thinking there will be a new normal just as there is a new normal since 2008 even though people pine for the good old days.
So thanks everyone for checking in on me. I sincerely thank you for the calls, text messages, emails inquiring into my safety. It touched me.
Haralee says
I bet you are grateful to stock up the fridge and pantry again!
boomrwiz says
I am Haralee. I have since learned there is a possibility of securing a small amount from one’s insurance policy for food spoilage. I Didnt know that?