Is Cheap/Free Worth It?

A friend talked me into going to the Senior Center for lunch recently. I decided to give it a try. The lunch is only $1.00, which you can hardly beat price wise, but I have about come to the conclusion that cheap isn’t always worth it.

The meals are mediocre at best, but occasionally they do serve something that is actually very tasty. My main problem with the food is that the portions are way too big. Possibly the cooks have never watched a Dr. Oz show. I often end up feeling groggy in the afternoon after consuming so much food. Taking anything home is a definite no no. Unfortunately I was raised to not waste food so I eat what’s on my plate.

Having lived in Grants, NM for so many years I know many of the seniors who are in regular attendance. I would think I would have many things to talk about with them. No not really. They seem to be stuck in the past focusing on vivid memories from long ago. Some of the stories are cute and even interesting, but come on people this is 2011.

This same friend also talked me into going to the Community Pantry with her once a week, because my income qualifies me to get things free. At first it was like a game to see what my haul would be this week. Then it became less and less fun. I ended up with so many cans of applesauce that I had to find a recipe to use some of it up. If anyone needs an onion I have more than I really have use for.

I have given my newest adventures a month of my time to see if I fit in and I don’t believe I do. I like being able to choose what I bring home and what and how much I eat at a sitting. I also rather enjoy trying to see how far I can make a dollar stretch.

I have been feeling uncomfortable, out of my element, poor and just plain old. Even though things are cheap/free I have about come to the conclusion that price isn’t always worth it.

Just for fun here is the Applesauce Bread recipe I found.

1/3 cup butter or margarine softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ cups applesauce (15 oz. can)
1 ½ cups flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and applesauce, mix well. Combine dry ingredients, add to creamed mixture. Fold in raisins and nuts. Pour into greased loaf pan; bake 350 degrees for 60-65 min. Cool for 10 min. before removing from pan.

Tastes yummy and all those I shared it with at the Senior Center loved it!