Food

There are lots of things in life I do not approve of.
I was raised to be self sufficient.
Not to rely on others.
To do it myself or not at all.
Going without is perfectly acceptable.

So ...

I have a problem when someone whom can do, doesn't and  shifts their own responsibility off onto others.

For example, my mother (and so many others that I know!).

Mother last month figured out that there is a world of generosity out there and all she has to do is tap into it.  Oh boy!  Free stuff!

First up, was her calling the local Roman Catholic Church - and who knows what tale she spun!  They delivered a big pile of food to her that very weekend!

Then she found out there was a food bank near her house, but no car, so I got to drive the 90 miles down to her to take her there.  She registered and went "shopping" in their warehouse.  I just sat there rather stunned.  I looked over their paperwork and found that their poverty level for signing up is $4,000 more than I make!  I was stunned.  I do not live anywhere close to poverty behavior - I just do without to get by.

Yesterday, I went down to take mother on yet another visit to the food bank.  I stayed outside this time and read a book while she "shopped".  She returned and told me there was a farmer there trying to unload his stuff.  I returned with her and yes, it was a local farmer and he was frustrated - he could not even give his produce away!  No one wanted what he had brought: 25-50 pound cases of apples and 600 pounds of acorn squash!  And no one wanted them ...

Well, if they are free ... free food is free food ... so I am  making applesauce and apple butter from now through this weekend!  Better than letting the food rot or be hauled to the dump.

I just do not understand the concept of those in need, desiring help and not being willing to take it.  I can not understand a food bank not taking the pallet of produce from the farmer.  I just do not get it ...  What was it my Grandmother (whom I can no longer even remember) say?  "Waste not, want not."?  The chant of the Scottish everywhere.  Of course, she was also half Russian, so the same saying would apply there as well!

And something you have not considered is that with my complete loss of my memories, also took my knowledge of how to cook!  How horrible!  I have only recently started to try and relearn - how miserable!  To know (having seen pictures) I was pretty good - to not even able to boil water!  Sigh.

So today is a busy day - try and make some bean soup and chop up about 25 pounds of apples.

:)