We have received a few inquiries if we have trouble finding food on the shelves at the grocery store. During the six months we were at the coast we competed with tourists. Relish was an item that disappeared off the shelf. Organic tomato paste was often a no show. Disposable gloves and rubbing alcohol were hard to find. Olive oil was a mysterious item that appeared briefly and then disappeared for weeks. We shopped in the morning before all the organic meats and produce had been purchased. September 1st we landed at Fort Yamhill and now shop in Salem. Totally different shopping scene. Boxes of disposable gloves, lots of rubbing alcohol, plenty of organic meats and produce and relish. When complaining to my daughter about organic products not being readily available she reminded me that being able to afford to buy organic is a privilege, that all my food and shopping concerns are 1st world privileges.
Pantry items are now purchased when it is on the shelf. No waiting for sales. And we are frugal and much prefer saving so the not waiting for items to go on sale is a new mindset. Buying when it is available and not just when you need it feels like hoarding. There is a fine line between hoarding and taking care of yourself and loved ones and I am not sure where the boundary is.
