The hunters and gathers of ancient civilizations probably didn't spend any more time stocking up their pantry than we did today. Of course, they probably had to go out and do it all over again the next day; I trust we're done for the week.
We started out by making the 45-minute drive to Walnut Hill to visit Steve's Farm. They're famous for their sweet corn which is, of course, gone by now. They do make a second planting so they have a little in the fall but it's gone too. That's OK as that wasn't our objective; this was:
One Saturday in December they fill their barn with dried fruit and nuts brought in from the west coast and offer it for sale. I'm guessing they get a full trailer those over-the-road semis tow but it could be more as there are boxes stacked under and on tables throughout the barn. The fruit is so soft and juicy...so much better than what can find anywhere else around here. And the choices are much wider too.
The sale was actually last Saturday but the weather was so yucky they still had plenty of fruit left over. And they sent out an email blast letting people know they were doing it again. Fortunate for us as we didn't make it there last Saturday. Carol and Dr. Dale were game to go (along with their daughter Jen) so off we headed to the little Mennonite farming community where Steve's is located.
They're smart merchandisers those folks at Steve's as there are bowls of each dried fruit and nut offered for sale so you can taste how good they are before making your selection. My favorite from last year (dark chocolate covered cranberries) was already sold out but we came home with a bag of plain cranberries, some dried nectarines and the Very Berry Trail Mix. Yum!
And since it's Saturday a trip for regular groceries was on the agenda too. Walmart was every bit the zoo we expected and it's only going to get worse as Christmas nears but we put on our patience button and endured. We hit Publix too since that's where we get meat, milk, yogurt and a few other items we don't buy at Walmart. And when the meat we wanted just looked so-so at Publix, we stopped at one more store for it. Before we knew it, it was 3pm.
Who knew grocery shopping could take all day.
I hate shopping at our WalMart this time of year! I try to do it late at night, after soccer games or at other odd hours! I know the walk from the edges of the parking lot would be good for me, but not the mood the crowds in the checkout line puts me!
Posted by: Suzeyq | December 07, 2011 at 06:08 AM
I often don't shop with plastic bags.
Now that I've learned that it's ruining every environment every bag we purchase.
Posted by: castors | January 05, 2012 at 07:35 AM