So I've fallen off the path and haven't been very good about posting my economical meals lately. I will tell you however that we've managed to cut our grocery bill in half by shopping at Aldi. I'm telling you, it is so worth it. It's almost relaxing too... Do you get anxiety just thinking about Wal-mart? Or even just preparing that weekly grocery list? Get to an Aldi around 9am on a Saturday or by 10:30am on a Sunday, take a deep breath, and enjoy your grocery shopping. Disclose: do NOT bring your children with you! While it isn't a specialty store, and sometimes you have to rummage through their produce to find something that hasn't been squashed, the experience is much different than that of the larger, over-crowded, over-stocked SUPER-markets around. Just remember to bring your own bags (I reuse Wal-Mart sacks) and make sure to have a quarter for your cart (you get it back when you return the cart to the rack).
I made it home from Chicago last night. I was there on business but had the opportunity to take a later flight home so that I could spend some time with three very special women in my family: my Auntie Carol, great Auntie Wetta, and great Auntie Dolores. We drove through the old neighborhood my dad grew up in, then to his schools where my Auntie Carol pointed out both his and her classrooms. A stop at White Castle for a cheeseburger and then to the cemetary where my Grandma Gino and Grandpa Mo are buried, and also my great Uncle Eddie. Next stop: Andy's Deli, a modernized family-run deli where ALL the workers speak fluent Polish or Czech and English (brought back lots of sausage for Dad and some pierogi's for me). Last stop: the Red Apple where we had a Polish smorgishborg for our lunch. I had a great time and am very grateful for being able to mix a little pleasure with business this time around. Miss my family already--oh the stories of my dad dressed up as Zoro or a Army Commando, running up and down the alley behind their house off Talcott Avenue...I can picture it in my mind :)
As nice as a trip away is, it's also nice to come home to family...AND what makes seeing them even better, is a clean house! Happy to be home, rested, and restored. Tomorrow is the Friday before a 3-day weekend, which makes it even better.
Oh and to those who knew my brothers and I were planning a surprise party for our Mom's 50th birthday next weekend...well, she knows so it's no longer a surprise! And I have my HUSBAND and my FATHER to thank for that one :)
Off to bed for me. To all a good night!
