Ad

Sunday, January 28, 2007

A Saturday On The Road And Shopping

It looked like stockup time for the pantry and the freezer,so we got rollin'. First stop, oil change for new van, then down to a specialty grocery store in our old neighborhood. Great selection of quality cheeses, coffees, and cooking/baking supplies. Hit the bank for more ammunition, then over to Walgreens. This stop was actually for my youngest son. His workplace is going "smoke-free" so he is going to try and quit(again)! His mom volunteered to pay for the chemical aid for his program to the tune of $60. I'm OK with that, as long as he quits!
We then decided to head for Birds'-a country store 40 miles north of us, famed for their meat counter and deals. On Sat. this place is always packed, mostly rural types stocking up big time. You take a number for the meat counter and hope it goes fast. There was probably 20 people in front of us(remember now this place is in the middle of nowhere!)with no one buying less the $60 worth of meats! Everyone waiting is pretty amiable about it, and you end up having a conversation or two Mayberry RFD style. I got a whole boneless rib (16lb),boneless pork ribs,boston butt, and thick cut bacon. When I got home,I cut and trimmed the beef into steaks, and 1 boneless prime rib roast. I then vacuum packed it all for freezing. Alot of work, but worth it(I think!). You folks in the big cities must have a different way of dealing with supply procurement. I'd be interested to hear about it!

14 comments:

Megan said...

I've got four (4) grocery stores within 1 mile of my house. It's all the same chain, mind you, but four seperate buildings.

I like your way better.

buffalodick said...

Finn- We've got that going on too, but to go places where they recognize you(because they've worked there years, and you've gone there years!)is really half the reason we do it.
Aims-Good for you! Just don't ever go into Birds' market and announce that!

Helene said...

I have a large market within walking distance to me here (but I dont walk it lmao) and several others within a 5 minute drive. I shop just about every other day and dont freeze much. I do keep a stash of burgers in the freezer for when the kids have friends over though. I like to decied what i am in the mood for and go out and get it.. I am like that a lot in my life... not just with grocery shopping! lol

cheers

Christo Gonzales said...

I shop in all kinds of places. Saturday was chinatown for seafod, clams, shrimp, squid, tilapia, sea bass, oysters for a giant fish soup. I will usually stop at at least two places a day for something whether its the bakery or the cheese shop or the plain old grocery store.

Lynda said...

I will probably go to your way if I can get a vacuum pack machine. LOL.

Though we went shopping yesterday, and I am hoping to be able to make some things to freeze during the week for another meal. If my husband doesn't eat it all!

buffalodick said...

Lynda- A good vacuum packer is a great way to take advantage of any good deal on food you come across. It really helps prolong shelf life!
When I first bought it, I had made some beef jerky for a kid serving in Iraq (He had mentioned in a letter he really missed it!). I sent him about 3 packs all vacuum sealed, which he actually got intact and excellent.

pinknest said...

no vacuum packing for me. i usually just buy the goods from the market the day i'm going to eat it! yes, i like to pretend that i'm french.

snowelf said...

"Hit the bank for more ammunition..."

hahahaha!! That was SO funny to me!! I've never heard it put that way...

We have a Super Walmart (which is the epitome of an oxymoron) and Aldi's that's about it for us. I wish we had a friendly little place like Bird's. :)

--snow

Michelle Ann said...

Yes, the end of the month and the food shopping frenzy. I too had an excursion this weekend. Trader Joes, the local gourmet grocery store (specialty cheeses and produce), costco(you can't beat their price on boneless leg of lamb), the asian market (cheapest place in the world for all the necessary sauces, seafood and spices), the natural food store, the year round farmer's market, the wine shop and finally the pet store (their food supply was dwiddling as well). That ought to hold us for a couple of weeks....

buffalodick said...

Pink & DoggyB- I have gathered the NYC group finds it easier and tastier to buy as you go. I don't blame you with what's available there!
Kate- A preference for a small larder.
Lynda in the Midwest group(like me!)understands stocking up & stopping about once a week is less hassle!
Snow- I could use a debit or credit card more, but I believe in my slogan "American money-Don't leave home without it!".
Michelle Ann- Looks like we're on the same wavelength!
I admit to being a borderline hoarder, but I am showing signs of progress!

Christo Gonzales said...

Hey dont get me wrong if some dry good or some unbeleiveable deal is there I buy extra, for example I got 4 tilapia filets for 2 dollars all vaccum sealed, so I bought 3 packs.

Sornie said...

If there is one thing I love about our small town, it's the fact that there is no hint of either hustle or bustle, the thing I miss about living in the city is being able to drive only a few minutes for groceries instead of it nowe being a major event. Plus I think that the cigarette companies are behind the quit smoking options too, that way they profit no matter what the outcome of their customers is.

Tanya Kristine said...

it's called tofu.

remember the day when you had to quit cold turkeY? no patches, no gums, no pills...just good old fashioned will? that's how i quit. course i puff away when i'm drinking. s'why i like to drink every day.

hahahaha....kidding.

buffalodick said...

As far as the smoking thing, I tried it, but never had a habit. It surprised us when both our sons took up smoking-peer pressure I suspect. I always said it would cut into my drinking time!