Post updates by email:

Wherever you live, I’m sure you’ve witnessed how much the price of food as escalated this past year.

Every time I walk into a grocery store, I find myself wide-eyed and muttering out loud, “Holy shit.…can the price of food get ANY higher???”

I honestly don’t know how people with families manage.

It’s getting to the point where it’s cheaper to actually dine out, than buy food and eat at home.

Personally, I shop at two stores, either Trader Joe’s or Super Fresh.

Trader Joe’s is usually more economical, but even their prices are getting high.

Super Fresh is one of those stores that I only shop when I need odds and ends, because their prices are normally WAY higher than most grocery stores. Every once in a while I’ll catch a good sale, but most of the time for the prices I pay there, I could buy a 10 acre villa in Rome, Italy!

A few days ago, I popped into Super Fresh to grab a few things because I was walking around that area of the city.

As you all know, I love apples more than my own life, so I picked up THREE to get me through a few days, but didn’t notice the sign which displayed a ‘weight price’ rather than a ‘single price’ for each apple.

I will ALWAYS check my receipt before leaving the store because Super Fresh is notorious for NOT ringing the sale price at the cash register. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered mistakes.

After checking my receipt, which was correct by the way, my eyes suddenly noticed one of the most expensive items…


$4.28 for THREE apples?!?!?

I remember a time when I could buy a whole BAG of apples for $2.95.

I also remember a time when a five-stick pack of Wrigley chewing gum was 35 cents.

But rather than return the apples and use the money for a down payment on a Rolls Royce, I decided to keep the fruit and enjoy them, because for $4.28 they must be GREAT-tasting apples, right?

Yet, how did these three apples taste?

Well, I’ll show you…..



Yup, I paid $4.28 to eat balls of STYROFOAM!

They were GRITTY and TASTELESS.

Talk about lack luster.

An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but at these prices…it’s cheaper to just keep the doctor close to you!



Have a SUPER FRESH weekend everyone!
X

75 comments:

  1. ron i know the prices are out of this world literally. are we paying for martian food? i think i had 5 bags last week and i wasn't shopping, $76 and for what! every friday the job supplies breakfast, which includes fruit, and i think i should stuff some fruit down my pants or in my bra cuz i sure can't afford to buy it. basic stuff cost caviar money.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Everything here is going up and up too. Although there's only two of us my weekly shopping bill is usually £70+ and I don't buy convenience foods I cook everything from scratch. I may have to turn my lawn into a market garden next year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow - almost a dollar and a half for one apple! And a bad apple at that. That's insane. I read somewhere that we can expect to see a big spike in prices next spring when the effects of this year's drought will show up. So, yes, I think prices CAN get even higher, unfortunately.

    I was at the Fresh Market once (maybe like your Super Fresh - it's pricey) and the cashier held up the cherries I was buying and said, "Did you notice these are $14.99 a pound? Do you still want them?" No I did not! I was thankful she called that to my attention.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's a crazy world now, Ron. The prices are similar here, I swear the supermarkets increase them by the hour. Poorer families need to go back to casserole cooking, using cheaper meat and vegetables. Although we're not poor I still do casseroles to save money. A lot of the cost goes in packaging as well, and there's no need for half of it. Oh well, it's Friday, have a great GREAT weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. OH my gosh.....

    I live in smalltown USA--so we purchase our apples from the orchard down the road. Self serve, even. Take a bag, toss in three bucks. It's an honour system kinda deal. I've yet to read headlines in the weekly paper that someone's ripped off the orchard folks. COULD happen--but I'm thinkin' we'd hunt 'em down and make 'em say they were sorry AND put the money back.
    Which reminds me that I want to stop and pick up a bag after work today! Thanks for that. :-)
    (guarantee they won't taste like the ones you purchased.....thank goodness for that!)
    Oh.......and maybe a jug of cider, too....

    LOL Living on the ground floor in smalltown USA does have it's advantages, even if we don't have a great city scape at night!

    *ahem*.....
    Anyway--on occasion I do wander to the grocery store (only under great duress) and I can't get out of there fast enough.... And I never leave feeling richer for the experience!

    The diet I'm on requires 'special' purchases which means he-who-adores-shopping gets to go, do and write the check.
    HOLY cow--now THAT'S a check!

    Thinkin' an all apple diet would make more sense AND save on the pocket book! Think I could sell that one? Hahahaha....fat chance!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ron -- I'm the same. I'm even very verbal when it comes time to ring up my apples. My husband HATES to grocery shop with me for this reason because I will not keep quiet when a f*cking apple costs more than a dollar. I have stood there at the scanner and said aloud, loudly "You've gotta be freakin' kidding me" and then I send them down the conveyer belt, with a promise to never buy them again. And I don't. For a few weeks, then I miss apples and go through the same song and dance about the price of apples these days. Um? And aren't we in like an apple-growing state for crying out loud? Shouldn't be be growing apples in our back yards. OK, I have to go now. My blood pressure's up.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Val girl, your comment made me HOWL!!!!!!!!!!!

    "ron i know the prices are out of this world literally. are we paying for martian food?"

    HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    "every friday the job supplies breakfast, which includes fruit, and i think i should stuff some fruit down my pants or in my bra cuz i sure can't afford to buy it. basic stuff cost caviar money."

    Bwhahahahhahahahaha! CRACKED ME UP!!!!!!!!!

    Isn't it INSANE how much the price of food as escalated???

    " i think i had 5 bags last week and i wasn't shopping, $76 and for what!"

    I agree. It used to cost me about $30 every time shopped (I shop twice a week), but now it's like $42-45!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. And thanks for the giggles!

    Have a grrrrrreat weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sucks, doesn't it? I hate paying exorbitant prices for tasteless apples....my father used to manage orchards when I was a kid and I could pick for FREE these sweet juicy apples...I can still get them when I go to the packing shed and buy them direct which is much b etter tasting and cheaper than the grocery store. The only ones I get at the grocery are granny smiths for baking.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good morning Pearl~

    "Everything here is going up and up too."

    Yes, I hear that from friends who live not only in the U.S., but Europe as well.

    " Although there's only two of us my weekly shopping bill is usually £70+ and I don't buy convenience foods I cook everything from scratch."

    WOW! And I know that price equals about $140.00 in U.S. dollars. That's incredible!!!

    "I may have to turn my lawn into a market garden next year."

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! You GO, girl!

    Thanks for stopping by, m'dear. Have a faaaaabulous weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey there Secret Agent Woman~

    "Wow - almost a dollar and a half for one apple! And a bad apple at that."

    I know, can you BELIEVE that?!?!

    " I read somewhere that we can expect to see a big spike in prices next spring when the effects of this year's drought will show up. So, yes, I think prices CAN get even higher, unfortunately."

    UGH! I better stock up on apples now!

    " the cashier held up the cherries I was buying and said, "Did you notice these are $14.99 a pound? Do you still want them?" No I did not! I was thankful she called that to my attention."

    OH. MY. GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! $14.99 a pound ?!?!?!?!? That's INSANE!

    And what's terrible is that the prices are escalating, yet the quality is getting cheaper.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  11. Goooood morning Valerie~

    "The prices are similar here, I swear the supermarkets increase them by the hour."

    Yes...BY THE HOUR!

    "Poorer families need to go back to casserole cooking, using cheaper meat and vegetables. Although we're not poor I still do casseroles to save money."

    That's a great idea....casseroles, because you can have them for a few days.

    "A lot of the cost goes in packaging as well, and there's no need for half of it."

    AMEN! Great point!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have great Friday and weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gooood morning Mel~

    "I live in smalltown USA--so we purchase our apples from the orchard down the road. Self serve, even. Take a bag, toss in three bucks. It's an honour system kinda deal."

    Oh, how WONDERFUL!!!! And I bet those apples taste AMAZING!!!! We a few vegetable markets here in Philly (which are cheaper and yet have better quality), but I get so lazy sometimes to walk over there that I just end up buying my fruit and veggies at a commercial market :(

    "LOL Living on the ground floor in smalltown USA does have it's advantages, even if we don't have a great city scape at night!"

    You said it, dear lady! Smalltown USA does have its advantages.

    "Anyway--on occasion I do wander to the grocery store (only under great duress) and I can't get out of there fast enough.... And I never leave feeling richer for the experience!"

    A-MEN!

    "Thinkin' an all apple diet would make more sense AND save on the pocket book! Think I could sell that one? Hahahaha....fat chance!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yet, actually, I think that's a great idea!

    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X,
    Johnny Appleseed

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hellooooooooo Kathy~

    " My husband HATES to grocery shop with me for this reason because I will not keep quiet when a f*cking apple costs more than a dollar. I have stood there at the scanner and said aloud, loudly "You've gotta be freakin' kidding me" and then I send them down the conveyer belt, with a promise to never buy them again. And I don't. "

    HAHAHHAAHAHHA! You GO, girl!!!!! And I don't blame you one bit!

    Trader Joe's sells their fruit primarily by single price, but Super Fresh is more so by weight. THAT'S how they get you!

    "Um? And aren't we in like an apple-growing state for crying out loud? Shouldn't be be growing apples in our back yards."

    Amen! I think I need to start renting a car and driving out to Amish country to get my apples. Even with the car rental price, I still think it's cheaper than buying them in store - HA!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend, girl! Thanks for stopping by!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey there Suzi~

    "Sucks, doesn't it?"

    It SURE does!

    "....my father used to manage orchards when I was a kid and I could pick for FREE these sweet juicy apples...I can still get them when I go to the packing shed and buy them direct which is much better tasting and cheaper than the grocery store."

    Oh, how wonderful! And I bet those apples tasted AWESOME too!

    The problem with the apples you get in a grocery store is that they look all shiny and pretty, but then when you bit into them...they're tasteless!

    Have SUPER weekend, Suzi. Thanks for stopping by!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ron, it's so funny you posted about this today because I was just talking to one of my girlfriends about how the price of food has gotten so outrageously high, I'm thinking about starving to death. And have you noticed the price of toilet paper?

    As far as produce goes, I try to purchase it from small produce markets because it's so much cheaper and better than the grocery store.

    I had to giggle at your reference to eating Styrofoam balls because I've had apples that tasted the same way!

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hola Denise~

    "the price of food has gotten so outrageously high, I'm thinking about starving to death."

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh...how FUNNY!!!! Either that, or just going on a bread and water diet!

    " And have you noticed the price of toilet paper?"

    OMG...I CANNOT believe you mentioned the price of TP because that's exactly what I thought too! Where I live, it's up to $1.50 a ROLL!!!! I will only buy Scott's because all the other toilet paper is nothing but FLUFF and lasts only TWO days.

    "I had to giggle at your reference to eating Styrofoam balls because I've had apples that tasted the same way!"

    Isn't that the PITS? They always looks so delicious, but then when you bite into them it's like STYROFOAM :(

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  17. "Talk about lack luster."

    Ron, I love your way with words! You are too funny.

    I hear you about the price of food. I'm thinking about getting a part time job just supplement my food cost. For the amount of money I spent on food last year compared to amount I spend now, it's quite evident that I'm not getting as much for the bucks. I try to buy things in bulk at places like Costco at times, but I don't always have the space to store them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hiya Matt~

    " I'm thinking about getting a part time job just supplement my food cost."

    Yeah, me too. Either that or taking out a FOOD LOAN at that bank - HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!

    "For the amount of money I spent on food last year compared to amount I spend now, it's quite evident that I'm not getting as much for the bucks."

    Ditto!

    " I try to buy things in bulk at places like Costco at times, but I don't always have the space to store them."

    With me, not only do I not have the space to store bulk, but also I don't own a car, therefore I don't have the means to transport it. But that is probably a much better way to shop...in bulk.

    Always great seeing ya, buddy. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  19. I especially hate the prices of produce going up - I really love fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, I was eating raspberries and mango while I read your post!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yikes, Ron, for that kind of money you should move in with your doctor! Love this post, man, but I'm sorry you got hosed into buying some mighty expensive styrofoam! If Eve had tried to tempt Adam with these apples we'd all still be in the Garden of Eden! Have a great weekend, buddy!

    ReplyDelete
  21. "It’s getting to the point where it’s cheaper to actually dine out, than buy food and eat at home."

    100%, Ron. It's totally friggen crazy.

    "$4.28 for THREE apples?!?!?"

    That's like robbery, or something! Especially since they didn't even taste good!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I just bought apples at a farm market and I think I paid $7.99 per bag and there were at least a dozen in the bag. Still seems like a rip off though. And I'm a notorious receipt checker. It irritates me when I see they've double rung me for a single purchase and there's no way of proving I only bought one of the item, once I'm home.

    I see you like Ken's Caesar dressing too? The creamy balsamic is excellent as well!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I hear you, Ron! Apple prices have shot up over here too, and yeah, half the time they're not worth it. You have to get to know where your apples come from, and when in the season they taste best. For instance, it's never good buying apples from France. For some reason they're always tasteless. New Zealand apples are normally great ... except in the autumn because that's their spring and they're OLD. Chilean apples are usually good, and American apples (I've discovered) are patchy.

    I had the best apples I've ever tasted on this latest trip; Honey Crisp. Frighteningly expensive, but worth every cent. Gorgeous, gorgeous apples!! I wish I could buy them here.

    ReplyDelete
  24. That's a lot of money for three apples, even at today's prices! Truly, I wonder how some of us are expected to eat healthily with food prices the way they are. All these ads for food, on TV are just rubbing salt into our wounds!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey there Rob~

    "Yikes, Ron, for that kind of money you should move in with your doctor!"

    THANK YOU!

    "If Eve had tried to tempt Adam with these apples we'd all still be in the Garden of Eden!"

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha! Rob, that was freakin' HILARIOUS!!!!

    Touche'!

    Oh well, I least got a blog post out of those DAMN apples!

    Tee, hee!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrrreat weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hey there Meleah~

    "100%, Ron. It's totally friggen crazy."

    I swear to god, if you compare the food cost in grocery stores compared to dinning out, it probably works out to be less expensive...or at least equal.

    "That's like robbery, or something! Especially since they didn't even taste good!"

    I don't think I would have minded as much if they had tasted good, but they were PURE Styrofoam - HA!

    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a super-duper weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  27. "I especially hate the prices of produce going up - I really love fresh fruits and vegetables."

    Meeeee too! Especially during the summer months because I don't like to eat heavy when it's hot.

    "In fact, I was eating raspberries and mango while I read your post!"

    Oooooo.....that sounds YUMMY!!!!

    Thanks for stopping back, girl!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey there Bijoux~

    "I just bought apples at a farm market and I think I paid $7.99 per bag and there were at least a dozen in the bag. Still seems like a rip off though."

    Yes, that does seem a bit high even for a dozen. But hey, if they were good apples, I can see spending it.

    "And I'm a notorious receipt checker. It irritates me when I see they've double rung me for a single purchase and there's no way of proving I only bought one of the item, once I'm home."

    Yes, that's why I try to check the receipt while I'm still in the store. But like you, I've also gotten home and then saw the mistake, so then it's hard to prove it :(

    "I see you like Ken's Caesar dressing too? The creamy balsamic is excellent as well!"

    I LOVE anything Ken's!!! And yup, I've also tried the creamy balsamic and it was DELISH!

    Always great seeing ya, my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by!

    Have a wonderful weekend.....X

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hiya Babs~

    "Truly, I wonder how some of us are expected to eat healthily with food prices the way they are."

    Yes! And I also wonder how families with kids manage?!? It's no wonder that BOTH parents have to work now-a-days to support the family. Between mortgages, utility bills, insurance and food, it must take A LOT of money to run a household.

    "All these ads for food, on TV are just rubbing salt into our wounds!"

    It's like a subliminal message...."Eat...eat...eat"

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Babs. Have a terrific weekend!

    X to you and Mo!

    ReplyDelete
  30. *waving*

    Hellooooooooo Jay!!!

    "Apple prices have shot up over here too, and yeah, half the time they're not worth it."

    Isn't that the PITS???? I don't mind spending the money IF they're good. But when they're tasteless AND expensive....it's such a disappointment :(

    Thank you for sharing that information about knowing WHERE your apples come from, because I never thought of that. But come to think of it, I've had Chilean apples before and they were GREAT!

    "I had the best apples I've ever tasted on this latest trip; Honey Crisp. Frighteningly expensive, but worth every cent. Gorgeous, gorgeous apples!!"

    Yes! Yes! Yes! I adore Honey Crisp apples too! FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! Fuji and Honey Crisp are my two favs!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Jay. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  31. Man, how you like them apples? Not so much, sadly.

    Tara and I are going to Hood River, Oregon tomorrow to drive the Fruit Loop. It's a meandering road that traverses the countryside, with a couple dozen farms and produce stands along the way. We plan to pick up lots of apples (and pears and other fruit), and I'm sure they'll be both cheap...and delicious. In fact, the best apple I've ever had was an heirloom variety called a Spitzenberg that came from the Fruit Loop a few years ago. Turns out it was one of Thomas Jefferson's faves! I'm hoping to find that one again.

    http://www.eatlikenoone.com/spitzenberg-apple.htm

    ReplyDelete
  32. haha, this really made me laugh when i read it:

    An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but at these prices…it’s cheaper to just keep the doctor close to you!

    unfortunately i seem to keep mine pretty close whether i want to pay his bill or not and pay i do!

    apples are expensive ! my son has 4 growing kids and they are eating them out of house and home, literally and they live in a state that is far cheaper. i can tell you one thing...the grower of those apples isn't getting that much! every apple farmer here has pulled the trees for vines, sadly as the gravenstein is one of the all time best apples.

    such is life nowadays..we or at least i don't always like it either... thanks for being such a loyal friend, dear ron. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  33. Howdy Mark~

    "Man, how you like them apples? Not so much, sadly."

    I know, isn't that the PITS? They SUCKED!

    "Tara and I are going to Hood River, Oregon tomorrow to drive the Fruit Loop. It's a meandering road that traverses the countryside, with a couple dozen farms and produce stands along the way. We plan to pick up lots of apples (and pears and other fruit), and I'm sure they'll be both cheap...and delicious."

    OMG...I'm so jealous because I bet those apples are gonna be faaaaaaaaaaaabulous-tasting!!! Listen, can you pick up three for me and then email them? HAHAHHAHAHA!

    " In fact, the best apple I've ever had was an heirloom variety called a Spitzenberg that came from the Fruit Loop a few years ago. Turns out it was one of Thomas Jefferson's faves! "

    OMG...you're kidding me???

    Thank you so much for sharing that link on Spitzenberg apples because it was VERY interesting to read. I'll have to see if I can find them here :)

    You and Tara have a great time tomorrow driving through the Fruit Loop because it sound like a lot of fun!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy!

    X to you and Tara!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hellooooooo Linda!

    "An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but at these prices…it’s cheaper to just keep the doctor close to you!"

    Tee, hee....aren't I silly man? But I just couldn't resist :)

    "apples are expensive ! my son has 4 growing kids and they are eating them out of house and home, literally and they live in a state that is far cheaper."

    Honestly, I don't know HOW families manage to do it with the cost of food going up and up and up!? For what I used to pay for a bag of groceries a few months ago, I have to pay twice the amount now.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. I was so happy to see that you posted yesterday and that you're feeling better!

    "thanks for being such a loyal friend, dear ron."

    You too, dear Linda!

    (((((((((( You )))))))))))

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  35. Ron, Fuji apples are my own personal favorite. I also like Pink Lady's.

    Isn't it a bummer when you buy apples and the look like they're going to taste delicious, yet after to take that first bit they taste like nothing (or as you shared, Styrofoam)?

    I agree, the cost of food in general has gotten way out of hand. But unfortunately with the economy, I think it's going to get worse.

    Perhaps we need to go back to bartering.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey Robert~

    Aren't Fuji apples the BOMB? And about three years ago, I tried my first Pink Lady from a local produce store, and LOVED it! Up until that point I had never even heard of them. You can't find them everywhere.

    "I agree, the cost of food in general has gotten way out of hand. But unfortunately with the economy, I think it's going to get worse."

    Yup...I think you're right...it's gonna get worse before it gets better.

    "Perhaps we need to go back to bartering."

    HA! OMG...I CANNOT believe you said that because I was talking to someone at work a while back and said the SAME THING...."We need to go back to bartering (exchanging)!"

    Seriously, that's not a bad idea at all!

    Thanks for stopping by, bud. Have an awesome weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  37. To put things in perspective, at present and at my age, I find older folks complaining more about higher prices than anyone else - those who grew up in the 60s and earlier.

    Because this is the group that has experienced inflation through the 70s 80s and 90s and can look far enough to notice the value of money compared to the goods.

    Younger people like me - though we do look at the prices, don't seem to be bothered as much - though we do feel the pinch when prices of everything suddenly jump.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey there Jaffer~

    You brought up an EXCELLENT observation!!!!

    "Because this is the group that has experienced inflation through the 70s 80s and 90s and can look far enough to notice the value of money compared to the goods."

    That's true. And I think it probably happens with every generation because I OFTEN heard my mother and father saying the same thing. And not only about prices, but quality as well when it came certain things.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, buddy. You always add so much to my posts!

    Have a terrific weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hey Ron, Isn't it crazy how much everything has gone up, and the differences from area to area, here in SoCal you would figure everything is extremely high, which is mostly true, but the price of food is better than other places I have been.

    I have actually stood in line behind an elderly lady trying to return half eaten produce, the clerk did not give her a hard time, she weighed the things she had, and gave her a refund for the weight she had brought back, I actually respected her for doing this because with the high prices, some folks need a little help.

    Now for the Styrofoam apples I'd have to drink a gallon of milk just to get one down, which adds to the cost of the apple, isn't there a saying something about a free cow and milk or the apple falling far from the tree, neither has anything to do with this post, but just had to say something :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Howdy Jimmy~

    "...here in SoCal you would figure everything is extremely high, which is mostly true, but the price of food is better than other places I have been."

    Glad you shared that because it's interesting to hear from people who live in different areas of the world if/how they are affected by it. Also glad to hear food prices there are better than other places.

    *two thumbs up*

    " I actually respected her for doing this because with the high prices, some folks need a little help."

    Good for her! I respect her for that too!

    "I'd have to drink a gallon of milk just to get one down, which adds to the cost of the apple, isn't there a saying something about a free cow and milk or the apple falling far from the tree, neither has anything to do with this post, but just had to say something "

    Bwhahahahahhahahaha! That CRACKED. ME. UP.!!!!!!

    And trust me...those three apples were gritty and tasteless. UGH!

    Always wonderful to see your comments, buddy. Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Wishing you and Miss Cindy a fantastic weekend!

    X to you both!

    ReplyDelete
  41. It is absolutely RIDICULOUS how freakin' expensive food is these days!! Look at the very simple things...like Bread, Milk, and yes...apples!! When we were at the apple mill last week, the sign read that the apple crop in New York is down 50-75% and that costs will be 200-300% higher!! It was unbelievable how expensive their cider was. So expensive in fact, that we didn't even get any!! It was totally NUTS!! We got a couple of cider donuts and a tiny little bag of apples...and I think there were maybe six apples in the bag for about $7.00. Not to mention that the sizes of every single package is shrinking. Coffee by the pound...no more. It's like ten ounces now!! How about ice cream or frozen yogurt...SO much smaller!! And don't even get me started on cereal!! They are coming up with ideas to put smaller sized bags of cereal into the LARGER sized boxes!! Trying to fool us I guess. Highway Robbery if you ask me. I honestly don't know how families with kids do it today. It is just me and my husband (and the girlz of course) and there are many nights when we go down to Wegmans for the $6.00 pasta bowls because it's cheaper than cooking at home. Oh, I should correct that, last week we ate there and even Wegmans had to raise the price of the pasta bowl to $7.00!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Good morning Jeanne~

    "When we were at the apple mill last week, the sign read that the apple crop in New York is down 50-75% and that costs will be 200-300% higher!! It was unbelievable how expensive their cider was. So expensive in fact, that we didn't even get any!! It was totally NUTS!!"

    YOWZA! 200-300% HIGHER?????? And you're right, it's even on 'simple and basic' things.

    "Not to mention that the sizes of every single package is shrinking. Coffee by the pound...no more. It's like ten ounces now!!"

    OMG...coffee, yes! Astronomical! Last week I found coffee on sale at CVS (marked down from $6.95 a pound to $3.95) so I grabbed TWO!

    And thank you for mentioning cereal because the cost of a single box blows me away. Bigger boxes, smaller contents.

    Truthfully, I don't know how families with kids do it either!?

    "Oh, I should correct that, last week we ate there and even Wegmans had to raise the price of the pasta bowl to $7.00!!"

    Yup, and unfortunately I think the prices are going to get even HIGHER over the next year.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X to you and the girlz!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Ron...you are right about the price of groceries. Sometimes, it's gotten so bad we've even shopped at Walmart, a store I despise! The other day we bought some Honey Crisp apples. They were $2.65 each. And while they were crisp, they were not "honey" or sweet but sour. What a waste!

    Re your comment on The Villages: There's a new "downtown" that has now opened in Wildwood near I-75 called Brownwood. It's supposed to reflect Florida in the 1880s when cowboys and cows roamed the area. We visited it today. Not too far along and rather boring. The best downtown is Lake Sumter Landing 'cause it has the lake. I'll be posting some shots of Brownwood fairly soon.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ron, with food prices these days, I think we should just skip the grocery store and head right to the car dealer. Heck you can eat Styrofoam in a Rolls, or even cardboard, for that matter, and LOOK really good, to boot!

    That's a crime, $4.28 for apples. It's also highway robbery. The damn food pyramid says to eat at least 3 to 5 servings of fruit per day, yet who the hell can afford it? And it's scary because it's only going to get worse.

    I wish I had a garden. Although, that doesn't help in the winter, which is coming all too fast. I know I could "can"...but I'd rather "can" inflation.

    Funny post, Ron, and I got a good laugh, but in a way, it's quite serious.

    Since it's Saturday, I'm going to just leave the seriousness aside because last night, my son's Jeep broke down AGAIN! Can you even believe it! Yep, we had ONE freaken week of reprieve. But that's better than none, right? ;-)

    I hope you have a fantabulous weekend.

    ((YOU))

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey there Lowell~

    "The other day we bought some Honey Crisp apples. They were $2.65 each. And while they were crisp, they were not "honey" or sweet but sour. What a waste!"

    YIKES!!!! $2.65 for each one?!?!?!? For that price they should have tasted like GOLD! And isn't it the pits when you spend that kind of money and they're tasteless???

    While in Florida this past summer; visiting my family, I noticed that the price of food is pretty much equal to the prices here. Which is odd because I thought they would be MUCH more expensive here.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thanks for sharing the info about Brownwood. Looking forward to seeing your photos in upcoming posts!

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hellooooooooooo Pam~

    "I think we should just skip the grocery store and head right to the car dealer. Heck you can eat Styrofoam in a Rolls, or even cardboard, for that matter, and LOOK really good, to boot!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Touche'! And you're soooo right!

    "The damn food pyramid says to eat at least 3 to 5 servings of fruit per day, yet who the hell can afford it? And it's scary because it's only going to get worse."

    Exactly! And yes, I have a feeling it IS going to get worse.

    "I wish I had a garden. Although, that doesn't help in the winter, which is coming all too fast. I know I could "can"...but I'd rather "can" inflation."

    You know, a lot of people I know view the 'Amish Culture' as being weird and sorta STUCK IN A TIME PERIOD, because they grow their own food, make their own clothes; basically live off the land. But what's really ironic is that they are basically self-sufficient, so that if the economy gets real bad, they'll have everything they need.

    " I'm going to just leave the seriousness aside because last night, my son's Jeep broke down AGAIN! Can you even believe it! Yep, we had ONE freaken week of reprieve. But that's better than none, right? ;-)'

    Aw SHUCKS!!!! Damn, I was thinking your were home-free now, after going through all that really hard stuff these past four months. But never fear, my friend....it WILL swing back the other way.

    (((((( You )))))))

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Have a FANTABULOUS weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  47. OH GOOD GOLLY! No, they DIDN'T! What a rip-off! You might want to invest in a few Apple trees before you go bankrupt! Better yet, invest in some trees, and sell what you don't eat for profit! Oh man, I feel like I just solved all your woes, except I guess you'd have to build a greenhouse to keep it going all winter. Might still be cheaper. And DAMN, you really love Apples. :-D

    ReplyDelete
  48. Helloooooooooo Angelia!

    "What a rip-off! You might want to invest in a few Apple trees before you go bankrupt! Better yet, invest in some trees, and sell what you don't eat for profit!"

    Bwhahahahahahaha! OMG...that was BRILLIANT!!

    Faaaaaaabulous idea! And you DID solve my woes! Why didn't I ever think of that?

    Okay, I guess I better get busy planting those apple seeds! :)

    Always FAB to see ya, Angelia! Thanks for the great laugh! Hope you're having a really great weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  49. fuel for trucking
    droughts all over
    and endless corporate greed

    eating will be the new American luxury

    shame the apples didn't taste good

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'm the comment that starts with
    'fuel for trucking'

    after I submitted it said 'expand's profile'
    odd

    ReplyDelete
  51. Goooood morning Lady Dianne~

    "eating will be the new American luxury"

    AMEN! I think we'll all be living off Ramen noodles and reused tea bags - HA!

    "shame the apples didn't taste good"

    :(

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're enjoying this fabulous cooler weather we're having!

    X to you and the gang!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Yes, that is odd. Something has been up with Disqus this weekend because I've noticed odds things happening with my dashboard interface. I'm stilling using the old interface rather than the upgrade, so I think that might have something to do with it.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Ron


    Testing...testing

    ReplyDelete
  54. With gastroparesis, I can't eat apples anymore and I hate it. I miss mcintoshes so much. Or is it macintoshes. I am too tired to google it. But I am not too tired to peruse more of your shopping list! Why do you buy mixed vegetables that make you gag? And Herrs makes something that kills your pc? And HC STMT and PNAP CHKN? Can't figure out what those are... all I see is statement and pinup LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  55. "Super Fresh"? Never heard of it before. Sounds like the title of a bad 70's blaxploitation film. Heh.

    And as for the price of apples....holy schnikes! So much for baking an apple pie for Thanksgiving this year. But as long as the price of beer remains stable I can see myself getting through this year's family reunion ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hellooooooo Katherine!

    "With gastroparesis, I can't eat apples anymore and I hate it."

    Oh, bummer! But I have heard that apples are not advisable with gastroparesis, so it's better you don't eat them.

    "Why do you buy mixed vegetables that make you gag?"

    HA! No, they don't make be gag, I love them. I like to mix them into a BIG salad because they're already chopped and easy to use.

    " And Herrs makes something that kills your pc?"

    Bwhahahahahahhahaha! Herrs is a brand of potato chips! They were on sale that day for $1.99!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope you had a super weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  57. Howdy Herman~

    ""Super Fresh"? Never heard of it before. Sounds like the title of a bad 70's blaxploitation film. Heh."

    Bwhahahahahahha! OMG...that was HILARIOUS! Yes, it does sound like that!!! I think it's a grocery store only here on the east coast. But I know you KNOW Trader Joe's because it out of California!!!

    " But as long as the price of beer remains stable I can see myself getting through this year's family reunion ;-)"

    HAHHAHAHAHAA! You GO, boy! I drink wine, and I did notice that the price of a bottle has remained pretty stable too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud. Hope you and the family had a super weekend!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I totally hate it when that happens because I look forward to my fruit snacks every day too :( We went to a Trader Joe's for the first time yesterday and while I did see a few interesting things in the market, overall I didn't think their products were better than Whole Food Mkt or HEB. Y'all may not have HEB in PA, not sure. As weird as it sounds, we consistently find great quality produce at Sam's Club. Believe it or not. Of course you have to get a bag of apples or oranges, but they're all good. another apple tip - next time you make a chopped salad at home, dice up an apple or pear and maybe add a few chopped toasted pecans too (and craisins!) yum. Favorite fall salad add-ins :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hellooooooooo Diane~

    "I totally hate it when that happens because I look forward to my fruit snacks every day too :("

    Yes, isn't that a BUMMER? There is nothing worse than anticipating a delicious apple, but discovering that it's tasteless :(

    "We went to a Trader Joe's for the first time yesterday and while I did see a few interesting things in the market, overall I didn't think their products were better than Whole Food Mkt or HEB. Y'all may not have HEB in PA, not sure."

    Honestly? I've seen Trader Joe's change over the past two years. It use to be REALLY, REALLY great (and I still enjoy it), but they have a lot of stock issues. And they also discontinue items A LOT.

    " As weird as it sounds, we consistently find great quality produce at Sam's Club. Believe it or not."

    Yes, I hear that from a lot of people. Great quality, great prices!

    Ooooooo....you sound like me, I LOVE to put apples and nuts into my salads. I also like a little feta cheese too!

    Thanks for stopping by, Diane! Have a great week!

    X to you and C!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Ronnie,

    O-M-G... I have been gone too long!!
    I can't compare prices between Europe and here but we also think that our fresh produce is also very costly. Fruit has really skyrocketed.
    I would have done like you; paid the price and say "I'll just enjoy and be more careful next time".
    But, when you get mush... I make applesauce! If they were big enough, I would have cut those apples,added water & cinnamon and cooked the whole thing. Homemade applesauce is easy & delicious!!

    I also don't like a mushy apple. Best apples that I ever eaten were in Canada. They "bit" you back!! That crunch IS an apple.

    Lots of love to ya, sweety.
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  61. Helloooooooooooo Barb~

    "O-M-G... I have been gone too long!!
    I can't compare prices between Europe and here but we also think that our fresh produce is also very costly. Fruit has really skyrocketed."

    Yes, several other people who live in Europe shared the same thing in their comments. I think the price of food is skyrocketing EVERYWHERE.

    "But, when you get mush... I make applesauce! If they were big enough, I would have cut those apples,added water & cinnamon and cooked the whole thing. Homemade applesauce is easy & delicious!!"

    Hey...that's a GREAT idea! I have to remember that for the next time!!!

    "I also don't like a mushy apple. Best apples that I ever eaten were in Canada. They "bit" you back!! That crunch IS an apple."

    I don't think I've ever had Canadian apples before, but judging from your comment, they sound DELISH!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Barb!

    Have a wonderful week!

    X to you and D!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I would think you'd get really good apples up there. That really sucks! Maybe you should have an appletini instead! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey Nitebyrd~

    "I would think you'd get really good apples up there. That really sucks!"

    I know, you would think that wouldn't you?

    Honestly? The best apples I ever tasted were when I lived in Japan. They were VERY expensive, but worth it!

    " Maybe you should have an appletini instead! ;)"

    HA! I've never tried one, but you got me thinking!

    Cheers!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  64. I love love love apples, too. Of course, cuz we're twins. And I don't mind spending the money if they are going to be the best goddamn apples I've ever tasted. But I've been burned, too. I just end up throwing them out in the yard for the deer. I was on a Fuji kick for years but I think Honeycrisp is my new favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  65. It's crazy! Part of the problem is the whacked out weather we've had since the spring. It's been a bad year for apples. We have three trees in our yard and while what came in was good, we got about half of what we did last year. I'm really careful about checking expiration dates too. It ticks me off when the markets don't take down expired products.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hey there Chrissy~

    "I love love love apples, too. Of course, cuz we're twins."

    Yup...apple TWINS!!!

    "And I don't mind spending the money if they are going to be the best goddamn apples I've ever tasted. But I've been burned, too."

    Isn't that the pits? Well, at least the precious deer get a treat!!!

    " I was on a Fuji kick for years but I think Honeycrisp is my new favorite!"

    I ADORE Honeycrisp too!!! A little more expensive, but well worth it!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're having a FAB week!

    X to you and the gang!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hiya Jen~

    "Part of the problem is the whacked out weather we've had since the spring. It's been a bad year for apples. We have three trees in our yard and while what came in was good, we got about half of what we did last year."

    Yes, I think you're right...the wacko weather is part of the problem.

    " I'm really careful about checking expiration dates too. It ticks me off when the markets don't take down expired products."

    I normally purchase my apples by the piece, so I don't think they even put an expiration date on those, but I'll check.

    Thanks for stopping by, girl!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  68. OH and I like Honeycrisp apples, but you need a loan to buy a few of those. Yikes!
    Hey, don't want to be the bringer of bad news... but at a lecture recently, word was that food prices will be going up even higher next year. By almost 25% on some stuff. So it was suggested that we stock up now. Ron gets a little turned on when he sees 'bulk items' ... this man of mine seriously wants for there to be something like 36 rolls of toilet paper in the house at.all.times so that has to be bought by the case! He didn't seem all that concerned though about the prices going up THAT much. And he knows I'm not one to buy toooo much extra because I'm a stickler for paying attention to expiration dates. He weeps just a little bit when he's eating a BLT and soup for dinner and the dogs are getting yesterday's steak.
    I shop mostly at Wegmans and some things are priced fairly but others, especially things in the gluten free/organic sections are quite high.

    Ooh, and I see you like Arizona Green Tea. I just bought, tonight actually, those tall cans ON SALE at Rite Aid ... wait for it, wait for it....

    TWO for a DOLLAR!!!! Score!

    ReplyDelete
  69. That is why I grow a little of my own, plus do a whole whack of canning in the fall. I've got jam, pickles, relishes, and more. It still costs money, if I have to buy in bulk, but usually we make a family outing (strawberry, apple or pumpkin picking) of it at least, so I can factor in entertainment value.

    FYI: The apples were probably more pricey this year because of the early spring thaw & subsequent frost though. Apple crops here were virtually wiped out (85% gone). Yikes!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hellloooooo Katherine~

    "That is why I grow a little of my own, plus do a whole whack of canning in the fall. I've got jam, pickles, relishes, and more."

    You GO, girl!

    OMG...how WONDERFUL! And I bet your stuff tastes soooooo much better than any store-bought food!!!

    And like you shared....entertaining and enjoyable as well!

    "The apples were probably more pricey this year because of the early spring thaw & subsequent frost though. Apple crops here were virtually wiped out (85% gone). Yikes!"

    Yes, I think you're spot on about that! The weather this year has really messed with the produce :(

    Always FAB to see ya, my friend! Much thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of your week!

    X to you and your daughters!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hiya Mary!

    "OH and I like Honeycrisp apples, but you need a loan to buy a few of those. Yikes!"

    Aren't Honey Crisp apples DELISH? But OMG...expensive!!! But I don't mind paying the price if they're good.

    "Hey, don't want to be the bringer of bad news... but at a lecture recently, word was that food prices will be going up even higher next year. By almost 25% on some stuff."

    Ya know, I can believe that because you can so obviously see it happening already! YIKES!!!

    And I think you are sooooooo smart for buying BULK (especially with a family) because in the long run it's cheaper.

    "I shop mostly at Wegmans and some things are priced fairly but others, especially things in the gluten free/organic sections are quite high."

    Why is it that all the really healthy stuff are so much more expensive!?!? I won't dare go into a Whole Foods (which I love) to buy my food because they are just waaaaaaaaaaay overpriced.

    "oh, and I see you like Arizona Green Tea. I just bought, tonight actually, those tall cans ON SALE at Rite Aid ... wait for it, wait for it....

    TWO for a DOLLAR!!!! Score!"

    Loooooooooooove Arizona Green Tea! And it's so ironic you said that you bought some tonight because I did too! I was at CVS, so I picked up two cans. Like you, sometimes at Walgreens I'll get TWO for dollar!

    SCORE!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  72. umashankar pandeySunday, October 28, 2012

    One may feel impelled to return to the woods, that is if any of it is left over.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Greetings Umashankar Pandey~

    You're exactly right!

    "...that is if any of it is left over."

    Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.