Eliminating Excuses

A few years ago I left my 14 year old son home alone while I took a quick 3 day trip. We were delayed so he was alone longer than anticipated. When we finally drove within 30 minutes of home, I called him. He said he was listening to Dr. Laura on the radio to help fill the "mother" void. I chuckled. One of the key qualities of a good mother is to provide safety for her family by holding absolutes, and Dr. Laura is absolute.

The most common responses that I received during our 90 days of "no trips to the grocery store" were 1) I couldn't do that, I don't have time. 2) I don't know how to cook or bake. 3) I make a trip every day for fresh produce. 4) It is too expensive. I would use all the precious food we have struggled to put away. I can't afford to use "food storage."

I must conceed that I am more than a little distraught over the increasing welfare state of our citizenry. Accepting this second challenge is a small attempt of my 'Mother's Heart" to establish some absolutes. The shelf stable basics of grains and legumes are the cheapest ways to feed a family; they are healthy because they are whole grains and provide a nearly fat free complex carbohydrate with a good source of protein; and finally, convenience can be built into a cooking routine that maximizes use of time with our family while teaching valuable skills of self reliance. Beyond personal health and well being, there is a responsibility to our communities to live within our means and if we have extra to live modestly so we can freely give and lift others out of a welfare state.

Sales for the week are advertised on Wednesdays. Tomorrow will be the first day of our three month challenge.