I went to town today and did a bit of stocking up. I want to be prepared to help. This is going to sound a bit selfish perhaps, but when others need help, I'd just as soon be able to hand them a can of tomatoes rather than a canning jar of tomatoes. Of course, I'll help if I can but I don't want to lose track of my jars. In this same trip, I discovered some very sad news, that seems to be marking an end to an era. It's weighed so heavily on my mind, I've had to double check blogs and articles to make sure the issue has not already been published, but I think I've just been talking about it to anyone and everyone.
In one of the many recent trips to town, I went by the Locker Plant I've patronized in the past. Last year, they told their customers they were reducing their operation hours to deer season only, but they would still process beef through that season. Since deer season is quickly approaching, I thought I might find someone at the place getting ready. Rather than finding anyone there, or a note on the door as to the opening day, the place was obviously beyond abandoned. The pens were all torn down, the refrigeration compressors were gone. Believe it or not, I really tried to justify those two looming facts by considering, the compressors sitting out in plain view when the business is closed 8 months would just be an invitation for theft and vandalism. As for the pens, since the focus now was primarily processing wild game, pens would really not be needed for dead animals. The mail box atop the pile of neatly stacked deconstructed pen sides jolted me out of my idealistic denial. There was only one more thing to check . . .
My little moment of denial came to a crashing halt and my fear confirmed, when I checked the meter box. The meter had been pulled. So, the next obvious thought of choice was, the elder generation had lived out his days and the descendants realized there really was no future career in a Locker Plant. That may be what did happen, I don't know. I know it was a family business that began right after WWII, just like the orchard up the highway that shuttered last year. I truly do hope and pray that the senior generation simply lived out their days with the kids and grandkids juggling their "real career" and helping grandpa. If that's the case, there's only one tragic detail to this story . . . Most in our society, even though they consume meat, do not raise their own meat, much less know how to process it.
In two years now, I've seen business shutter that were keeping alive the way of life that has sustained humanity throughout history. It's time to dust off those talents and learn how to produce and process our own food, while we still can, or hone some talents that will produce good products for fair barter.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Counting the Cost
We're going to talk money and food today. I know neither of these topics really have any value in the kingdom economy, but the way we spend one to obtain the other does have a bearing on what we have left for greater causes. Eating out, for those of us who keep kosher can be a challenge. We never have any idea what's cooked next to what.
A friend introduced me to the dining experience of a Mongolian Grill. It seemed to have real potential. Since they are constantly cleaning the grill, I could choose the least busy time to dine and avoid any potential treif next to my dinner. The buffet is comprised primarily of vegetables, and although I think there is crab in the evening, the main choices of meat are chicken and beef. It seemed simple enough to just take a bowl, place my choice of ingredients in the bowl, add some pepper sauce of sorts, and hand it to the grill chef.
While the chef mans the grill, we were to stand and watch the food prepared. Of course, the chef does provide skilled entertainment of sorts and scoops the finished product onto a plate. He smiles as he hands the plate over the counter very close to the "jar" and the gong. I can then add sunflower seeds, wasabi, and head to the table. In the meantime, the waitress has brought a beverage and rice to the table for my dining pleasure. In checking my facts, I have discovered the HuHot's Mongolian Grill refers to their chefs as "Grill Warriors."
As I casually ate my meal, and it was good; I glanced through the menu for the cost of this buffet as well as the appetizers and overpriced desserts. Being left handed, I think the right side of my brain is supposed to be dominant. At any rate, it kicked in as I looked at prices while dining. Maybe that's why I never got into reading cereal boxes. The right side of my brain wasn't needed as there was virtually no math on a cereal box, yet I digress . . . Back to my eating and "calculating."
The "cereal bowl" in which I had gathered my grill goodies held probably, at most $2.00 worth of finely sliced and diced chicken and veggies with pepper sauce; for $8.99. It is all you can eat, so I did have the option to fill another cereal bowl, if I so chose, but one plate really did seem adequate. Maybe a few more pea pods or bamboo shoots, but I was full and satisfied, except I found myself discontent with the cost of the meal. I didn't want to sit there and "eat my money's worth." I wanted the meal to be more economical. Now, here's the kicker that caused me to rethink this establishment.
Upon entering the establishment through lunch hours, $8.99 is a given. When Mr. B and I went together, that was two people to be "served," so there were two meals to grill and two glasses of water . . . For $17.98, there were two plates, lovely as they were, exceedingly overpriced for veggies and paper thin meat. That's not all, though, a 20% tip: 3.60, even 15% is 2.70, then the grill chef's tip. Even a dollar a plate is an additional $2.00 and I'm sure someone reading this just called me cheap . . . So, for two people to have lunch with minimal tips, the cost is $22.68 + tax. That's over $11.00 a piece for a couple of dollars worth of veggies AND I served myself and another person at the table.
The food was good. I have no complaints about the freshness or the quality of preparation. I will, however; probably not return to HuHot's Mongolian Grill. That is an outrageous cost for lunch and I could do something much more meaningful with that money.
A friend introduced me to the dining experience of a Mongolian Grill. It seemed to have real potential. Since they are constantly cleaning the grill, I could choose the least busy time to dine and avoid any potential treif next to my dinner. The buffet is comprised primarily of vegetables, and although I think there is crab in the evening, the main choices of meat are chicken and beef. It seemed simple enough to just take a bowl, place my choice of ingredients in the bowl, add some pepper sauce of sorts, and hand it to the grill chef.
While the chef mans the grill, we were to stand and watch the food prepared. Of course, the chef does provide skilled entertainment of sorts and scoops the finished product onto a plate. He smiles as he hands the plate over the counter very close to the "jar" and the gong. I can then add sunflower seeds, wasabi, and head to the table. In the meantime, the waitress has brought a beverage and rice to the table for my dining pleasure. In checking my facts, I have discovered the HuHot's Mongolian Grill refers to their chefs as "Grill Warriors."
As I casually ate my meal, and it was good; I glanced through the menu for the cost of this buffet as well as the appetizers and overpriced desserts. Being left handed, I think the right side of my brain is supposed to be dominant. At any rate, it kicked in as I looked at prices while dining. Maybe that's why I never got into reading cereal boxes. The right side of my brain wasn't needed as there was virtually no math on a cereal box, yet I digress . . . Back to my eating and "calculating."
The "cereal bowl" in which I had gathered my grill goodies held probably, at most $2.00 worth of finely sliced and diced chicken and veggies with pepper sauce; for $8.99. It is all you can eat, so I did have the option to fill another cereal bowl, if I so chose, but one plate really did seem adequate. Maybe a few more pea pods or bamboo shoots, but I was full and satisfied, except I found myself discontent with the cost of the meal. I didn't want to sit there and "eat my money's worth." I wanted the meal to be more economical. Now, here's the kicker that caused me to rethink this establishment.
Upon entering the establishment through lunch hours, $8.99 is a given. When Mr. B and I went together, that was two people to be "served," so there were two meals to grill and two glasses of water . . . For $17.98, there were two plates, lovely as they were, exceedingly overpriced for veggies and paper thin meat. That's not all, though, a 20% tip: 3.60, even 15% is 2.70, then the grill chef's tip. Even a dollar a plate is an additional $2.00 and I'm sure someone reading this just called me cheap . . . So, for two people to have lunch with minimal tips, the cost is $22.68 + tax. That's over $11.00 a piece for a couple of dollars worth of veggies AND I served myself and another person at the table.
The food was good. I have no complaints about the freshness or the quality of preparation. I will, however; probably not return to HuHot's Mongolian Grill. That is an outrageous cost for lunch and I could do something much more meaningful with that money.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Tis the Season
In this part of the country, the weather is getting just cool enough to get jackets out of the back of the closet. This is also that time of year in which the need for charity seems to increase. I'm not a proponent of the celebrating that which is not in Scripture, but there are ways to help others outside of the traditional charities. One of the ways I enjoy discovering every autumn, is to share the money I find in my coat pockets. I'm careful how I go about this sharing, though.
I do not want to cause anyone to stumble, so I am careful not to supply funds for addictions. Many may disagree, but I feel a certain responsibility in helping people and the perfect place I've found to do that is in the checkout lines. It's a simple but easy way to help someone. This isn't to be confined to last winter's change, but the concept works with all sorts of change.
For those on a tight budget, and basically that covers most of us, it's not always easy to come up with a sizeable donation. If we face facts, though; most of us can afford to do a bit of nickel and diming. If you are one of those organized individuals who checks your pockets before stashing your coat for the summer, then there is another idea for sharing. This is really easy and doesn't require calling attention to yourself or lurking . . .
It seems in most grocery stores, there is always a young mother with a couple of kids in tow, and there is always an elderly person. To guarantee helping the elderly, just see which day the store offers a senior discount and go that day. Most cashiers will work with you on this and in smaller towns, the cashiers pretty well know the customers. When you check out, leave the change with the cashier and tell them it's for the next person that comes up short, or the next mom of three, or the next elderly lady, or my personal favorite; the person next in line. That can have a ripple effect. If the person behind me didn't need the help, they'll pass it on with their change, and if they did need it, no dignity is lost. It's a small, very small way to touch a heart and bring a smile.
Many stores have a donation basket by the door. See what's on sale in the canned goods aisle and buy the bargain to donate. In this time of so many in need and so many in search of a way to give . . . Everybody needs groceries!
I do not want to cause anyone to stumble, so I am careful not to supply funds for addictions. Many may disagree, but I feel a certain responsibility in helping people and the perfect place I've found to do that is in the checkout lines. It's a simple but easy way to help someone. This isn't to be confined to last winter's change, but the concept works with all sorts of change.
For those on a tight budget, and basically that covers most of us, it's not always easy to come up with a sizeable donation. If we face facts, though; most of us can afford to do a bit of nickel and diming. If you are one of those organized individuals who checks your pockets before stashing your coat for the summer, then there is another idea for sharing. This is really easy and doesn't require calling attention to yourself or lurking . . .
It seems in most grocery stores, there is always a young mother with a couple of kids in tow, and there is always an elderly person. To guarantee helping the elderly, just see which day the store offers a senior discount and go that day. Most cashiers will work with you on this and in smaller towns, the cashiers pretty well know the customers. When you check out, leave the change with the cashier and tell them it's for the next person that comes up short, or the next mom of three, or the next elderly lady, or my personal favorite; the person next in line. That can have a ripple effect. If the person behind me didn't need the help, they'll pass it on with their change, and if they did need it, no dignity is lost. It's a small, very small way to touch a heart and bring a smile.
Many stores have a donation basket by the door. See what's on sale in the canned goods aisle and buy the bargain to donate. In this time of so many in need and so many in search of a way to give . . . Everybody needs groceries!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Found Money
My daughter and I have this "game" we play when visiting each other when I try to give her product. When she sends a check, I don't cash it, and when I give her money, she hides it back in my purse. It's what we do . . . We are so much alike, when her check book doesn't balance or I find money in some extra spot, we know, we just know! She and I are both "stashers" when it comes to smaller bills in receiving change,and we both leave a cushioned pad in our balance; but even though we stick it in a pocket or hide a small deposit in our account, we do remember when we come back across it. It's when we know we didn't lose track of something, we know the other one has "been there!"
Recently I discovered some "found money," and immediately I had that old feeling! This daughter of mine is tricky and truth be told a little on sly side! What I had given her, was a gift, so when I discovered some money, I asked her, she was cagey, so I knew; and that was that. I couldn't send a check, she already knew my trick!
It seems about 12 to 15 years ago, the old adage "found money is to be spent," became a new adage for me. "Found money isn't figured in, and can be given away!" My quest became rather interesting and quite touching this week. I'd been told the grocery store in a nearby town kept "money on hand" for those who came up a bit short. The food pantry in that town has now moved well out of the downtown area, so it's not really so accessible for those who are in need. I'd already left some change on occasion, at the store and taken groceries to the food pantry, but when I heard there was actually a fund for this, I went with money in hand. As it turns out, I'd heard wrong, but . . . they were gracious and agreed it was a good idea and they would implement it somehow. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed in that I felt like I drew significant attention to what I thought was just a simple donation. It was so awkward, it almost stopped me from doing what I did today. I'm so glad I listened to the voice of Adonai.
I heard Abba leading me to donate some money in the next town, when I went and today was the day. After reading my devotion and doing chores, I checked the phone book, intending to call to check their policy for donations, not wanting to make the same awkward and embarrassing situation this time. Well, as it turned out, life got busy and I was on the way to town, before I thought of making that phone call. I certainly wasn't going to be disobedient, but I was truly apprehensive about bringing attention to the endeavor. By the time I got there, there were only the two women working the front. I asked for the manager, and one spoke up and said that was she. I simply stated, "I don't know where the town's food pantry is, but I know this organization operates an outreach beyond the thrift store." She smiled and said yes, and I put the money in her hand. She said thank you, I said you're welcome and out the door I went.
Before I could get in my vehicle, the other woman came out the door in tears. Now, I had that moment of instant ? . . . Never mind, this is what Abba sent me to do. As she approached me with a pen and piece of paper, and the tears were flowing, she simply said she wanted to hug me! Funny, I'd just been telling Abba how much I missed hugs . . . We hugged and she said their food pantry had run out of food Tuesday. Now, clearly, I had no way of knowing this. I don't even live in that town or have that town for an address. She, was clearly overcome with joy and surprise. The pen and paper were for me to write my name. I'm guessing she's going to be praying for me. I know, I'm certainly going to be praying for her. And my daughter, Des, is part of this, too!
What a moment of clarity. Abba led me to a need I could not have possibly known about and that precious woman's prayer was answered, as she reaches out and helps in that community. Oh, "found money" it has a purpose! "Found money is to be shared!"
Recently I discovered some "found money," and immediately I had that old feeling! This daughter of mine is tricky and truth be told a little on sly side! What I had given her, was a gift, so when I discovered some money, I asked her, she was cagey, so I knew; and that was that. I couldn't send a check, she already knew my trick!
It seems about 12 to 15 years ago, the old adage "found money is to be spent," became a new adage for me. "Found money isn't figured in, and can be given away!" My quest became rather interesting and quite touching this week. I'd been told the grocery store in a nearby town kept "money on hand" for those who came up a bit short. The food pantry in that town has now moved well out of the downtown area, so it's not really so accessible for those who are in need. I'd already left some change on occasion, at the store and taken groceries to the food pantry, but when I heard there was actually a fund for this, I went with money in hand. As it turns out, I'd heard wrong, but . . . they were gracious and agreed it was a good idea and they would implement it somehow. To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed in that I felt like I drew significant attention to what I thought was just a simple donation. It was so awkward, it almost stopped me from doing what I did today. I'm so glad I listened to the voice of Adonai.
I heard Abba leading me to donate some money in the next town, when I went and today was the day. After reading my devotion and doing chores, I checked the phone book, intending to call to check their policy for donations, not wanting to make the same awkward and embarrassing situation this time. Well, as it turned out, life got busy and I was on the way to town, before I thought of making that phone call. I certainly wasn't going to be disobedient, but I was truly apprehensive about bringing attention to the endeavor. By the time I got there, there were only the two women working the front. I asked for the manager, and one spoke up and said that was she. I simply stated, "I don't know where the town's food pantry is, but I know this organization operates an outreach beyond the thrift store." She smiled and said yes, and I put the money in her hand. She said thank you, I said you're welcome and out the door I went.
Before I could get in my vehicle, the other woman came out the door in tears. Now, I had that moment of instant ? . . . Never mind, this is what Abba sent me to do. As she approached me with a pen and piece of paper, and the tears were flowing, she simply said she wanted to hug me! Funny, I'd just been telling Abba how much I missed hugs . . . We hugged and she said their food pantry had run out of food Tuesday. Now, clearly, I had no way of knowing this. I don't even live in that town or have that town for an address. She, was clearly overcome with joy and surprise. The pen and paper were for me to write my name. I'm guessing she's going to be praying for me. I know, I'm certainly going to be praying for her. And my daughter, Des, is part of this, too!
What a moment of clarity. Abba led me to a need I could not have possibly known about and that precious woman's prayer was answered, as she reaches out and helps in that community. Oh, "found money" it has a purpose! "Found money is to be shared!"
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