Shopping on Beaver Island

Shopping on Beaver Island is unlike shopping in most places in the United States, unless you are factoring the Alaskan Bush into the equation. We have one grocery store on the island, and while I enjoy the things they sell, it is expensive and occasionally quite limited. There have been days where the milk is out, or the bread didn't make it over on the airplane.  That means that we tend to stock up when we head to the mainland.  Cody's parents did a great grocery run for us last time they came up to visit.

Here's what they brought:

3 whole chickens
2 large pork shoulders
1 box of veggie burgers
2 bags of veggie sausage
20lbs rice
5lbs black beans
5lbs kidney beans
5lbs garbanzo beans
5lbs pinto beans
5lbs lentils
3lbs split peas
20 cans of vegetables
5 cans of whole tomatoes
4 cans of buillion
3 boxes of Bisquick
10 boxes of mixed pasta
5 loaves of bread
2 bags of apples
1 bag of oranges
1 butternut squash
1 bag of onions
1 bag of potatoes
2 bottles of BBQ sauce
3 bottles of olive oil
various spices

On the mainland, they were able to score all of these goodies for just over $200.  Here on the island it would have cost us more than double that price.  For example, a (small) bag of rice here on the island can cost $4-$6, while they
were able to buy bags that were twice the size
for less than $3.  We still stick to buying most
of our fresh stuff on the island, things like dairy
and fruit. As much as I prefer supporting local
businesses (and I do love our little store) we
have to look at ways to cut costs in such
 an expensive place.

Your turn...Do you ever buy in bulk?
Currently listening to...Float On - Modest Mouse

For The Love Of Snow Days

As per usual, on Tuesday morning I woke up, walked the dogs, and started a roaring fire in our stove. I noticed the snow was particularly deep and heavy when I took the dogs outside, but I didn't think anything else of it at the time.  My main concern was the chilly house and the need for a fire to be started quickly. Then, as soon as I got the fire going, the phone rang. The call informed me that school was cancelled, and after I made the rounds calling my students, I crawled back into bed.  Ahhh...sweet, sweet freedom.

The day was wonderful and relatively uneventful.  Windchill had us sitting below zero, which is typical for northern Michigan in January, and the drifts were forming like mad. The dogs could care less about either of those things though. so we ended up on multiple lengthy strolls throughout the day.  It was a beautiful day for it, but we were all frozen by the time we made our way back to the house.

The majority of the day I spent pouring over books, both educational and relaxation related.  I just started two college classes and spent some time perusing through my texts. I am currently doing a reread of the Harry Potter series for enjoyment too.  I read about 75% of book three over the course of the snowy afternoon and evening. 

I must say, it was wonderful to have an extra day of relaxation this week. Although, I'm not hoping for many more days of cancelled school.  We are already going to be running into the middle of June this year, which makes for a very short summer season. I'd be happy with just one more, little snow day...

Your turn...How do you like to spend snow days?

Currently listening to...First Time - Vance Joy