Pat took these pictures a couple of weeks ago.  He was down-town with a friend, and they found a beautiful gourmet food store.  The owner has someone make these canned and jarred fruits and vegetables.

I wish I had been there.  Pat said there was a fabric store on the same strip that I would have enjoyed.  He mentioned that he would like to take me back there- fingers crossed?

This is the same shop from which Pat procured the best chocolate I have ever eaten.  And the best chocolate Emma has ever eaten too, as she came to me with a dark streak on her cheek and said: “I just had a little bit Mama”.

Mine child, all mine.  

I spent a little more at the grocery store last night.  In part, due to lack of organization.  But also in a concerted effort to veer completely away from processed and high-sodium anything.  More into the area of simple, fresh food.  (My Mom raised us on the healthiest diet you could imagine.  Flax seeds or bust).  But not organic, as my passion is economic side of things and not over-priced and under-sized packaging.  We have an AMEX Costco card.  So most purchases we make with this card earn us 2% back.   Each year in March our rebate arrives.  This year it was a little heftier, since Pat had purchased flooring and a camera through Costco.  I finally had an opportunity to head up to the store, and bought a couple of things.   But the secret in the rebate is this: buy one or two staples, then apply check, receive cash-back, and pay for piano lessons with it.

I was so tempted by Costco.  Everything in that beautiful store is fresh and colorful.  It is incredibly high-quality food.  But, I am spoiled on Kroger and I find it very rare that Costco can compete with my local grocery store.  So I wander around with my big check, but come home unconvinced that it is worth the money for most things.  Many items are easily more costly in “bulk“.  And if I DO buy 4 romaine hearts, they will spoil and so my money is truly wasted then.  I think in another couple of years, my boys will make Costco a winning proposition for me.

Piano lessos are pricey!  And so we bought our Stacey’s Pita Chips and Veggie Crisps and the rest goes into music.  So far, it seems a good trade as Anna is enjoying herself and progressing well.

And Josh will start guitar next year I hope.  And so 2011 will see us selling used items by the side of the road.