Do The Math

Feb 082012
 

Just because I don’t own my Organic store anymore, doesn’t mean that Rick & I go without the food we like the most.

A few years ago when Rick was doing some work for the BIA in Ashland, he came across a store that he just knew I would love (oh, and by coincidence, it was located next to an Espresso Bar/Coffee Shop…).

And love it I do.

The Chequamegon Food Coop is my “Go To” store for a lot of my Organic needs.

But since we live an hour away, we don’t travel up there as often as we like, so we stock up each time we visit.

Last Sunday was a beautiful February day, which provided us with an excuse to hop in the car and take a road trip.

I walk into this store and I fall in love.  The aroma alone is enough to make me want to purchase everything on the shelves.  But I can’t.  I have to stick to my list.

Kinda.

Since we are Coop members, we get to enjoy the wonderful sales that they always have going on, but we don’t limit ourselves to just them.  If we need something, we buy it.

“But organic is so expensive,” you’re saying to yourself.  Don’t get me started on that argument, because I’ll win.  Trust me.

My case in point?  4 pounds of Organic oranges for $5.59.  That’s $1.39/lb.  I went to the local “Big Chain Store” last Monday and bought name brand oranges at $1.49/lb.   And they taste terrible!  They are tough and dry.  The skin is 1/4″ thick!  Blech!!!

Organic White Flour in bulk?  .79 cents a pound.  Yes A POUND!!  Pillsbury and Gold Medal can’t beat that.   I make my own bread so I save even more!

They even had my favorite Creme Soda in stock, and Rick was more than happy to buy it for me (I love him so much).

So before I jump off my soapbox, I have to say this:  Don’t think that all Organic food is out of reach for your checkbook.  Do the research and do the math.  Shop around and find a Coop or Organic store in your area that provides great products at reasonable prices.  Find those Farmer’s Markets or join a CSA.

Wouldn’t you rather be spending your money on something that tastes great and is good for you instead of on Doctor’s bills in the future?

I know that I am.

 

The Birthday Girl

Feb 072012
 

Another one of my Grandchildren has decided to defy me and have another birthday.

Don’t they realize that every time they celebrate a birthday I get older too?

Oh, that’s right, I stopped having birthdays in the middle ages.

But this isn’t about me, it’s about her.

Happy 10th Birthday, Paige.

You are growing into such a beautiful young lady.

Your Dad sure has his work cut out for him in the not-so-distant future keeping all those boys away from you.  (Good luck with that one Corey 😉  )

Even though we can’t be with you tonight, remember that your Grandma & Grandpa love you very much.

xoxoxo

Mr. Hyde is Really a Cat

Feb 072012
 

If you’re unfamiliar, Calie has been dealing with Kidney failure, or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), for over 3 years now.  It can be a slow, painful condition for any animal, and frankly I’m not sure how she has been able to hang on this long.

But knowing her as well as I do, it doesn’t surprise me.  She’s a feisty one (well duh, she’s a Calico!).  This type of a cat is a fighter, but at her advanced age (19), that fighting spirit doesn’t really show itself until she goes to the Vet.

When I’m home alone on Monday’s, I really get to spend time with the furballs.  They enjoy their “alone” time with me and I get to observe their normal everyday routine that they have when I am at work.

Which mostly consists of sleeping.

But with the CRF, I also get to see how much activity Calie is getting, along with the amount of water she drinks and how frequently she uses the litterbox.  If you know anything about CRF, drinking water and peeing are tell-tale signs of where she is at with the disease.

And on Monday, the “P” factor was definitely an issue.  As in, it wasn’t happening.  Which scared the bejesus out of me.  She wanted to, but couldn’t.

Enter unexpected trip into the Vet, where Calie turns from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde in a nanosecond.

She’s fine with me holding her, but anyone else comes near her with a hand and stand back!  The hissing starts and the claws threaten to come out in full force.

I feel sorry for her, because I don’t like to inflict that kind of stress on her.  I also feel sorry for the people at the Vet’s office because all they want to do is pet her and help her and she turns into this vicious monster.  Which, by the way, is quite amazing when she is less than 5 pounds now and looks like a fragile kitten.

Diagnosis?  Based on the information I gave, the Doctor is going with a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).  A liquid antibiotic has been prescribed that I have to give her twice a day for a week (oh joy).  She hates it (of course).

Weird factor?  Thor must smell the meds on her because He Won’t Leave He Alone!  He comes up to her, sniffs her, meows at her like “Hey, gonna share that stuff or what?”  She is less than thrilled by his attention.

Of course.

She’s a Calico.

 

*Cross your fingers that the meds do the trick, or else it’s back to the Vet for further diagnosing.

 

Squirrel Gymnastics

Feb 062012
 

The people who read my blog know of my love/hate relationship with squirrels, so I just have to share this with everyone as it gave me a much needed laugh today.