Frustration

This will not be a joyful blog but rather a 'rant'.  I don't like grocery shopping with my husband.  I managed quite well doing it by myself for 40 years.  When he retired, he decided he needed to accompany me.  At first I thought it would be fun, something we could do together.  I remember the first couple times.  By the time we got to checkout, I was sure we wouldn't have any money for the rest of the month because of all his impulse buys.  Fortunately, things have improved and we aren't quite as broke when we leave the store.

Today was not a major shop but just a stop to get a couple things.  During the years when I shopped alone,  I was a careful shopper.  We were mostly a one-income family, feeding three children.  Now I read labels and try to make informed decisions that will help keep us healthy.  I also try to choose local products or at least Canadian products.  A couple years ago I read  "The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating".  It made me more aware of where our food comes from and how important it is to support local farms.

At this time of year, we are looking forward to things like asparagus and strawberries.  BUT, those products are available now from places further south than we are.  This morning, Hubby decided he wanted frozen raspberries (because he saw them when I was looking at something else).  Alone, I would consider them if they were Canadian.  These were not.  The raspberries are now in the freezer and I am sure he has already forgotten about them.  Then he saw some asparagus.  Asparagus is grown locally and it will be available soon.  I suggested we wait.  We almost got in an argument right there in the store.  Of course we came home with asparagus.

When we get to the checkout, he stands back and watches me unload the cart.  No big deal this morning because we didn't have much but sometimes we have a big order and I can feel myself simmering.   Fortunately, he is more helpful when we get home because he will carry the bags into the house for me to put away.

Do I feel better now?  Yes, at least until the next time we are in the grocery store together. :)  I guess that is where being together for 43 years is a good thing.  Although he can frustrate me and make me want to make him see my point of view, I realize he isn't all bad.   We are on our joyful journey together.  In the grand scheme of things, buying produce out of season isn't the end of the world.