As predicted I had to toss more than half a box of crackers due to expired staleness. I had to buy them when I needed them and then when I needed them again “it’s too late baby, now.” I hate being right.
About 45 years ago crackers sat next to my alarm clock on the night stand. Nine months or so later they were back in the cupboard and became a go to accompaniment to a bowl of Campbells tomato soup, or still the occassional tummy upset. Having hungry children to feed they also served as a makeshift PB&J. And this is where I was today; in need of a makeshift.
A week ago Saturday I bought a lovely loaf of rye bread at the local co-op. It was only $4.99. I say only beacuse my usual loaf from the local grocery store has gone up to $5.99. This beautiful loaf was still far bigger than I knew I needed or wanted but it was the smallest I could find. Today, along with the no longer “premium” saltines, I had to toss about $3.99 worth of that loaf because it had become a science project.
So here I was, PB on the ready and no slice for my smeer. Fortunately I am not above eating a spoon full of peanut butter. Immediate problem solved. But there is still the dilemma of what one does to get around a too large loaf or a too short shelf life. For starters I am pulling out my recipe for starter. I can try, again, to bake a 1/2 loaf of brick, I mean bread.
Last night, as sleep eluded me, I thought I might make myself a cute pair of brown cords to wear in the coming chill of Autumn. I finally fell asleep with images of warm cocoa brown legs making that fun swish-rub noise when I walked.
Over the morning coffee I searched on-line at my go-to store for fabric. At Michael’s.com I searched ‘brown corduroy cotton fabric’. Scrolling through the wrong colors, and less than cotton choices I clicked on what I thought was the price for a whole bolt of fabric. I was seriously shocked to see that they are asking almost $56 a yard (!) for cotton corduroy. I cannot even begin to tell you of the spiral I went down on. If this is the cost of fabric how much are britches ready made at Walmart? Or Macy’s?
This, I think, is the effect of the pumpkin-head-president and his insanity over tariffs. I am truly afraid for people with families that need to dress their babies. I can only imagine that places like second hand stores and Good Will will be very necessary to many. Will we again be saving flour sacks to make clothing? Hardly. These days flour comes in paper bags.
My sister had a paper dress in the 60s. Gee, I wonder what happen to that?
Across the street from the food co-op is this fabulous new little shop called Up Stitch. They sell fabric, yarn, patterns, threads; all the things for crafters of textiles. They too will now be a lifeline for many, including me.
The cords are on hold. I’m off to the grocery store. The starter calls for flour. On the way I am going to swing by the food pantry. That $6 I’m saving will help someone else feed their family.
Fuck Trump.
swansroost 