I just made a quick run to the grocery store.  Mother Hubbard Cupboard Status has once again hit the kitchen, but today is payday, and I needed enough to get us through the next day or two, so I could sit down with menu planning and coupons and plan for the “real” grocery trip tomorrow or Friday.

$47.60 later…

$47.60?!?  Really????  Okay, let’s take out the ginormous container of coffee for $9.99 plus tax.  (Even though that big thing gets me through a month or more and saves me a boatload of money in Dunkin’ Donuts & Starbucks drive-thrus.)  So now it’s $37.50, give or take a few cents.

The state of the economy, Sen. McCain, is not fundamentally strong when buying enough produce (not organic), meat (on sale), cereal (generic), and milk (also not organic) to last a family of four two days costs nearly forty dollars.  Yes, I know about couponing.  I know you can make a little money go a long way when you spend a few hours a week comparing sales and coupons.  But that doesn’t cover produce, milk, and meat (usually), which are by far the most expensive parts of any grocery list.  And what about those folks who are working their behinds off in one or two (or more) jobs and need that time at home to sleep or – Heaven forbid – spend time with their kids?  Where are they going to find the time for the heavy couponing?

Strong, my ass.