tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post2498145831583209049..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: My New Shopping NormalLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-78755162043686221722020-09-01T20:32:39.888-04:002020-09-01T20:32:39.888-04:00JustGail, I agree with you about the arrows, lol. ...JustGail, I agree with you about the arrows, lol. Especially, since everyone pretty much ignores them.<br /><br />When the pandemic first started, very little was known about this virus, so precautions and guidelines were trying to protect against all possibilities. Now, thanks to extensive testing and months of worldwide data collection, a more realistic, factual picture is forming. The guidelines have actually been updated to reflect that, but few people seem willing to change. I think that's just how it is with us humans; we tend to accept the first presentation of something new and we hang on to that, even after more data and experience is gained to give us a clearer picture and more functional basis for guidelines. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34803119632042027562020-08-31T16:03:47.951-04:002020-08-31T16:03:47.951-04:00I don't mind wearing a mask, then again when y...I don't mind wearing a mask, then again when you make your own masks, you can custom fit them. When I see so many with smushed noses and ears pulled forward it's no wonder people wear them improperly or not at all. But I wear one not so much to avoid getting the virus, but to keep from spreading it if I am asymptomatic. Yes the messages on effectiveness of masks has faffed about over the months, but so has so much of what is known of the virus itself. And then there are the countries where mask wearing is already common for influenza or pollution and how much lower their infection rates are. Then we see so many gatherings in the US with no masks or distancing followed shortly by an increase in infections.<br /><br />What I don't understand is the local grocery store employees not wearing masks (floor/deli workers or checkers), a small plexiglass shield at checkouts, and usually no wipes for carts available - yet we cannot use our reusable insulated bags. I'm tired of things thawing on the drive home. And when are they going to start taking back all those damned plastic bags we are stuck with now?!??!?<br /><br />WM and prices - maybe they used to have best prices on most things, but now - not always. Sometimes I wonder if paying $1 more a jar for mayo at the grocery is so bad given how little we use if I'm not making lots of salads. Where I do save at WM vs the local grocery is frozen breakfast bowls, and Dove chocolates. Or did - I haven't needed to buy those for a few weeks now... As to those arrows on the floor - I confess I'm usually focused on my list and the shelves that I often don't see them. But if an item is 3 feet the "wrong way" down an aisle, I will not walk all the way around, especially on days my hip is giving me fits.JustGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08948391538309176039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-13812396233542592532020-08-29T20:39:19.719-04:002020-08-29T20:39:19.719-04:00Mrs. Shoes! So good to hear from you! Are you blog...Mrs. Shoes! So good to hear from you! Are you blogging again?<br /><br />I agree about Walmart prices. In fact, I used to find a check price scanner in the store for anything I was uncertain of. Sometimes the shelf price said one thing, but it scanned at a higher price. I think that was the beginning of the erosion of my trust. I'm glad you found a good alternative.<br /><br />The keyhole garden is wonderful. Hoping to build another one this winter!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-64907881978031874442020-08-28T14:23:09.946-04:002020-08-28T14:23:09.946-04:00We used to stop at Walmart specifically for dogfoo...We used to stop at Walmart specifically for dogfood and milkbones in the largest possible quantities (the "king' in King German Shepherd refers to how much he can put away and how much output results, lol); it was out of my way to go there, but I also believed the Walmart prices were lowest. Except, sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't. I was gobsmacked by the checkout price, the clerk told me she's been working there years and never shops there - she advised I try Real Canadian Wholesale Club for way better deals. That's all I needed to hear....... goodbye Walmart, been nice knowing you.<br />p.s. LOVING that keyhole garden; it's looking SO good!Mrs Shoeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02636736944375337989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-19729409157361628872020-08-17T07:20:01.139-04:002020-08-17T07:20:01.139-04:00Rain, you gotta do what you gotta do!
It's a...Rain, you gotta do what you gotta do! <br /><br />It's always interesting how circumstances affect perspective and one's routines. And that points to the reality of no one-size-fits-all in the choices we must make. Of course, as you get your gardens and home food production established, that will help with the amount of driving you need to do now. But I agree, living a rural life is worth it! Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-73679613373526949872020-08-15T22:08:18.583-04:002020-08-15T22:08:18.583-04:00I know Leigh...but honestly I was a little despera...I know Leigh...but honestly I was a little desperate for some "support" lol! We are definitely farther from shopping resources here, but honestly, living a rural life is worth the long drives to get places to shop! It really is putting many things into proper perspective though!Rain https://www.blogger.com/profile/14377719049819222133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-16469502077061771982020-08-15T21:16:39.068-04:002020-08-15T21:16:39.068-04:00TB, if I had been smart, I would have quit them lo...TB, if I had been smart, I would have quit them long before now. Besides (as others have pointed out) how it destroys local businesses, the attitude at ours has gotten really bad. That was really my last straw. I do find that the less I shop the less I spend! And that's a good thing. :)<br /><br />Rain, that sucks! Why would anyone want to risk buying something that might not fit and couldn't be returned?<br /><br />I'm thinking you and Alex are probably farther from shopping resources in your new home(?) Another good reason to rethink habits. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4936342671031354682020-08-15T20:57:48.020-04:002020-08-15T20:57:48.020-04:00Hi Leigh :)) I fully agree with what you've wr...Hi Leigh :)) I fully agree with what you've written. ALL of it. We are creatures of habit. Walmart DOES NOT have the best prices or selection anymore, maybe they did years ago and it was worth it, but not now. Actually I had my "done with wally-world" moment last time I went shopping for a bra. I was not allowed to try it on and if I bought it, I couldn't return it. So I convinced the manager (thankfully a female) to let me try it on over my clothes. Crazy huh? I was lucky it fit when I got home or I'd have been stuck with it. What's a gal to do? I have been rethinking my (our) grocery needs a lot lately because the selection everywhere just plain sucks. I'm trying to get back into the mind-frame of simplicity and making everything I can from scratch. Hard to do when you're so busy, but I think it's essential. Great post. :)Rain https://www.blogger.com/profile/14377719049819222133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-56040220742591969742020-08-15T19:42:35.669-04:002020-08-15T19:42:35.669-04:00Leigh, I cannot actually think of the last time I ...Leigh, I cannot actually think of the last time I went into a Wal Mart- or a Target, for that matter. Any number of reasons - large crowds, not great service, not really anything I needed there In fact, my "shopping" has been reduced to the grocery store of choice, an occasional stop at the pet store, the used book store (of course) - and that is really it. There really is not that much I need out there.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-68049586588692662592020-08-14T13:17:24.357-04:002020-08-14T13:17:24.357-04:00Jo, all's well that ends well. I'm glad it...Jo, all's well that ends well. I'm glad it wasn't worse. I wholeheartedly agree with staying in the best health we can and boosting our immune systems. I'm not saying one will never get sick, but I think if we do, our bodies are better able to manage the disease. <br /><br />Judy, it's true, they never seem to service those carts! LOL. I have to say again, that I'm glad current circumstances pushed me to rethink why I was going there and why I needed to change. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58371778684961509322020-08-14T11:08:58.739-04:002020-08-14T11:08:58.739-04:00I hear you and agree with you 100 percent. I hate ...I hear you and agree with you 100 percent. I hate Walmart never shop there. It's over priced. They want you to believe it's cheaper with the way they keep the stores and ugly carts they never service. Look around they are way more expensive than many other places including target.Great post. Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09838137051204650737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-12017167637193697722020-08-14T09:37:03.262-04:002020-08-14T09:37:03.262-04:00Leigh, Mel got it and they didn't know what it...Leigh, Mel got it and they didn't know what it was at the time. They sent her home with an upper respiratory treatment and told her to rest and stay in bed. I've always keep immune boosters in our diet and on the shelf in our pantry (herbals like golden seal, echinacea, clover and other goodies). We rarely even catch a cold. <br /><br />Her fever was never above 102. Her cough was wicked almost like whooping cough, but her airway wasn't seriously compromised. What really surprised me is the her low air stamina continues now months later. I'm thinking there was permanent damage to her lungs. She won't go back to the doctors.<br /><br />I was given the antibodies test because I was dealing with cancer and possibly been exposed and am in the high risk category. I had surgery the week before 19 cases ended up in the hospital with it. I tested positive to the antibodies. So working backwards, we figured that was what was wrong with her. I can't afford the $1200 test out of pocket to have her tested (no insurance). My test was covered 100% by Medicare and my supplement.<br /><br />As for my exposure, low grade fever, a nagging cough that lasted three week, and a general unwell feeling. I was lucky, but then I was drinking my white clover tea to alleviate symptoms too. This virus is so different in every case. I firmly believe that our regime of healthier eating and being away from the city played a big part in our "light" brush with this virus.J.L. Murpheyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782355786883006411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42963321748548411762020-08-14T07:17:27.220-04:002020-08-14T07:17:27.220-04:00Wyomingheart, thanks! We live in strange times.
...Wyomingheart, thanks! We live in strange times. <br /><br />Nancy, you bring up a good point. I'm in a constant mental dilemma over the buying cheap issue. Flooding our market with cheap goods manufactured elsewhere doesn't help ordinary folk put food on the table or clothes on their kids back. Yet, I'm one of those folks on "fixed income" so there aren't many dollars to stretch, and so the issue becomes a question of what am I willing to do without. Lots of people are in my boat. If buying cheap $10 shoes means I can still put food on the table, then that's preferable to buying $100 shoes and going hungry. My personal answer (FWIW) is returning to small local based economies centered on locally provided goods and services, and a return to valuing the local community. <br /><br />I agree with your assessment of a bigger picture. Unfortunately, we humans are living examples of not being able to see the forest for the trees.<br /><br />Renee, the inconsistencies between the mandates and reality are real head-scratchers. Walmart's set-up of recent months also violates handicap laws, which no one seems to be pointing out. Another thing I've noticed about the mask issue, is that the primary folks who violate social distancing are the mask wearers! Some of them are really pushy about it. <br /><br />I agree that Walmart's prices really aren't that great. I think decades ago they used to be, but now, if all I save is a couple of cents on an item, so what? Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-88008071321173538452020-08-14T01:09:02.400-04:002020-08-14T01:09:02.400-04:00Our state started off with the arrows on the floor...Our state started off with the arrows on the floor stuff, but no one was paying any attention so they quit. We are supposed to be social distancing, but the store insists on blocking the aisles with displays making it impossible to not get into someone's bubble. Even though numbers are down in our state, the governor mandated everyone to wear a mask in a building. So for some reason that eludes me, our Walmart & Target have only one door open (fire codes anyone?) At least at the Walmart there is someone stationed at the door to make sure you have a mask on...however, apparently it isn't really mandatory as I followed a guy in who said something and got in w/o a mask (the door person offered him a mask that he refused.) The Target had no one manning the door so who knows why we have to all enter just the one door. Then there is the much bigger issue...folks not wearing their masks properly. I cannot tell you how many folks are wearing their masks under their nose or even just on their chin. <br />I have switched to buying many of the items that I used to get at Walmart at my grocery store...the prices aren't all that much different. Unfortunately there are a few items that I can't get elsewhere...yet. I am working on trying to find other sources. Unfortunately there are not a lot of "local" shops in my town. But I am trying.Renee Nefehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08167893445846427824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-46725939180681584972020-08-14T00:04:05.007-04:002020-08-14T00:04:05.007-04:00I totally hear you! I've never been a fan of W...I totally hear you! I've never been a fan of Walmart with the way they've treated their employees. I go to Walmart maybe once or twice a year since there are plenty of other places where I can go. I think sometimes just getting something cheap is not the best investment long-term for our market and Society. They're all the small businesses that Walmart put out of business , and then in some cases Walmart left the area . While we ont really go out for meals very often right now the only ones we are going to our small local restaurants and cafes. I work in the medical industry and I can tell you that there is a lot of very questionable data going on here. I could go on but I won't bother at this point suffice to say I'm not buying into this after hearing what doctors are saying in my organization. I think this is part of a bigger picture when you see currency being eliminated, travel being restricted Etc. The time to use a lot of critical thinking skills and not just believe what mass media is trying to feed us all. Great post!Nancy In Boisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03749272217529362089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-79493518658103268782020-08-13T22:46:13.082-04:002020-08-13T22:46:13.082-04:00Excellent and well said, Leigh!Excellent and well said, Leigh!wyominghearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11866831359786301254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83485422958683802862020-08-13T22:26:00.954-04:002020-08-13T22:26:00.954-04:00Kris, why are you assuming that I'm turning my...Kris, why are you assuming that I'm turning my blog into "just another place where people make everything about politics?" In fact, you'll recall that my plea in the post was to not make it about politics. If you've actually looked at my blog and read my posts, then you know that your conclusion is incorrect. Your comment suggests that you've jumped to your assumption based on ???? One paragraph in a blog post?<br /><br />Learning to grow less dependent on the consumer system is part of my journey and the fact that current politics is pushing me in that direction is my experience. My experience. Obviously, some people don't like me saying that, but it is my experience. Mine. It's my blog, so I'm allowed to say that. If you've actually read my blog, then you'd know where I'm really coming from. If you haven't, then you don't.<br /><br />It would be great if we could live in a world where politics left us alone, but sadly, that isn't the case.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-48892989520167887962020-08-13T21:59:13.394-04:002020-08-13T21:59:13.394-04:00Wow. I was going to comment on Walmart and your ot...Wow. I was going to comment on Walmart and your other posts, but this is just another place people make everything about politics and not about a farm at all. I am crushed. I was so excited to find someone who is looking at drying their own goat plants for minerals, who is growing figs and doing other cool things.<br /><br />Most political ideology comes from emotional reactions and an intense need to conform. Farming is about experiential knowledge, experimenting, and sharing ideas. Politics is messy and dirty in all the wrong ways, whereas farming is dirty in all the right ones. Why would you turn a perfectly lovely blog about farming into another political blog? <br /><br />Respectfully yours,<br />KrisKris O.B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02355330466237902558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32843269319698646672020-08-13T21:05:55.367-04:002020-08-13T21:05:55.367-04:00Kay, sorry, I'm puzzled as why you think I'...Kay, sorry, I'm puzzled as why you think I'm talking about enemies (real or otherwise), or how you think they factor into evaluating and changing my shopping habits. I'm honestly stumped as to how to respond to your comment. Even though you don't agree with me, I agree with you that large corporations limit choices, drive wages down, and buy influence. Personally, I don't see that as a good thing and I'm glad for the motivation to change, so yes, I'll definitely "go for it." <br /><br />Wyomingheart, I thought I warded off any hot buttons, but it appears I stepped in it anyway. I thought I was owning this as my personal opinions and personal conclusions, but apparently I'm not coming off that way!<br /><br />Shawneen, the other one is shopping malls, which is another version of the same thing. They have destroyed so many small towns and the sense of community that goes along with them. All the small towns where I grew up became like ghost towns once the mall opened. <br /><br />Jo, I feel like I'm late to the party!, lol. Walmart does carry a few items that I think are good deals, but I'm sure I'll survive. <br /><br />Interesting that you were exposed to the virus and probably didn't know about it. Something that amazes me, is that <i>nobody</i> is talking about building a strong immune system to deal with it the way our bodies were designed to. When we started hearing about coronavirus, that was the first thing that popped into my mind - building my immune system. We hear about "herd immunity" (like we're a bunch of cows, lol), but all measures being taken run away from that. I think that's what's prolonging the presence of the virus and that we should focus on building our immune responses. Instead, masks are seen as the magic bullet. That being said, I do wear a mask when appropriate, but I'm also aware they cause their own set of health issues, so the best policy is to avoid situations where one might be needed. <br /><br />Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34960961324405402082020-08-13T20:13:35.364-04:002020-08-13T20:13:35.364-04:00I gave up on Wally World decades ago. The only thi...I gave up on Wally World decades ago. The only thing I shop for there is meats and Depends (Walmart knock offs) because they are cheaper there. I do like their free pick up though or home delivery.<br /><br />As far as the virus goes, it turns out that my roommate had it back in February. I was exposed to it and have the antibodies. But there's no telling some people. I rarely wear a mask and haven't been harassed by it. I do wear a mask in doctor office and hospitals though. There's all kinds of creepy crawlies there more deadly than the virus.J.L. Murpheyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782355786883006411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72772602581379257152020-08-13T18:13:22.944-04:002020-08-13T18:13:22.944-04:00I haven't been in a Walmart in over 10 years. ...I haven't been in a Walmart in over 10 years. I have witnessed too many small business close; too many families scrambling to save the cornerstone of their small communities. I have found I spend less while supporting our local shops. Furthermore, Walmart sells an inferior product for a lower price.<br /><br />As you said, your post is to foster a discussion of our shopping routines, not the covid mandates. So in this window, I agree that we need to be conscious where we shop and who our dollars support. The small communities and their businesses are the catalysts that helped our country prosper. It is now imperative that we support them in this uncharted time in history.Shawneenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13387448009181212441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-33547667932759648862020-08-13T16:50:55.826-04:002020-08-13T16:50:55.826-04:00Wow, Leigh!,, Hot button issue that most folks won...Wow, Leigh!,, Hot button issue that most folks won’t talk about! I am in total agreement with the overreaching of government and corporate pushing. We are on the ridge because we were influenced by the desire to become more self sufficient and wanted to be much more rural for our future. We were very much influenced by folks like you, who shared the struggles and successes of being and becoming more self sufficient. We are in a position where we rarely go to the box stores, as there are a lot of small businesses in our tiny town. These mom and pop stores are living with the mandates that our governor stated, requiring a face mask for all who enter their stores. I feel like this virus was a problem, but in our state, the numbers are simply not adding up to the panic driven mandates! Please allow those who feel fear of the virus to make decisions on what to do to protect themselves, and vice versa. It will be interesting to see how many mandates are put on us by the month of December. Do I think this is politically motivated? Absolutely! Meanwhile... the garden is keeping me tied to the kitchen, and the shelves are filling in the pantry, and we pray for our health, and our families and our resolve as a nation. Thanks for letting us talk about our differences and providing us with momentary soap boxes! Yer the best, Leigh!wyominghearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11866831359786301254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-37395515828536365552020-08-13T15:29:32.368-04:002020-08-13T15:29:32.368-04:00While I totally disagree with your reasons, if not...While I totally disagree with your reasons, if not shopping at Walmart means you will support more local businesses then go for it. The real enemy is not each other, but the large corporations that limit choices, drive wages down and buy influence.kay saylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07933827877596457772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-26224585926454515572020-08-13T13:30:32.210-04:002020-08-13T13:30:32.210-04:00OffHerRocker, hello and welcome! I've never tr...OffHerRocker, hello and welcome! I've never tried the curbside and delivery services and didn't realize they were so bad. I'm sorry to hear it for your sake, but really like your alternative solutions. Double thumbs up!<br /><br />Goatldi, you know, India did something similar with their small currency several years ago. The difference was that they flat out said it was the first step in switching to a digital economy. The thing is, if we all hand over our exact change and they opt to not put it back into circulation, then there truly will be a coin shortage. So I'm with you on getting your change back. I'd also tell people to keep an eye on their receipts. Some stores (Kroger is one, I believe) now adds a "change shortage" fee whether you pay with cash or card. <br /><br />I'm also with you on the difference between medicine and science. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have worked in both hospital and a doctors office. There was a huge discrepancy between what I learned (textbook theory and science) and what was being practiced. In the office, I learned that the majority of treatments are driven by drug reps and the latest pharmaceuticals they're selling. And all of it backed by science whether it worked or not! It's all about profits. <br /><br />Lady Locust, I agree. Yet, we have a large number of people who think it is their right to be taken care of by others. I can't help but wonder where we went wrong as a society. <br /><br />Tpals, your comment points out something very important. That we should have the confidence to act on our own conclusions and not require agreement or approval from others. It seems to me that people who try to bully or coerce others to agree with them have a deep down doubt about what they believe. I'm not saying I'm right about that, but I think it's kinda obvious to most of us that some opinions are based on emotion alone, rather than reason. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-5355700512179411212020-08-13T13:11:30.323-04:002020-08-13T13:11:30.323-04:00Interesting comments. Personally, I paid attention...Interesting comments. Personally, I paid attention in January when the first reports came out of China. I don't go inside stores at all. This is why I prep. I disinfect everything I buy through curbside pickup (never Walmart) and delivery. If circumstance forces me inside a building I wear a real N95 mask and keep my distance.<br /><br />I despise politicians and disdain journalists. But, I suspected this could be deadly serious long before any of them noticed it was happening. I will not be swayed by the opinions of others. If I or my parents catch it then I have failed.tpalshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05646231041413714929noreply@blogger.com