Depression Era Challenge Update

 I picked out a bag of butterscotch candies. I'm turning into a grandma. Will have to put some in my purse.

The next part of the challenge isn't for a few days, so I am reflecting on the gratitude that I have to just be able to run to the shop and get candy whenever I want. I live in a small rural town, and am just learning it's history. I beleive the corner shop, which is now a diner/general store/pizza place has been a shop for a long time. This town used to be quite busy, I think. But I am able to just pop across the street whenever I want or need something.

The workbook for this challenge is a nice tool. I've got it printed and ready to go. The first part of the challenge is on Basic Skills and DIY. The emails come out on Friday so I have more time to prep. Definitely have a ton of projects I could DIY right now. 

When I moved here in 2019, I was so excited about building community and reestablishing old friendships. The pandemic kind of shut that down, but I have been working on this in 2023.  Stone Broke Bread & Books  opening up in Gardiner is going to help. Those good people know where its at. And going to my art class is nice, a quiet way of meeting new people. I wish there were more things in my immediate area, I need to get over to the library and see if there's any new programming. I'd like to meet more people in town. Working on community is a big thing for me, so I am hopeful for this year.

Back to the Depression Era Challenge... sorry for getting sidetracked. In the little write up they talk about savoring each piece of candy. I just found a book called Frugal Hedonism and there was a similar section in there! And then, while sharing some of the cara cara oranges I just got with David, he was talking about savoring each segment and thinking about how even 100 years ago it was hard to get oranges in Maine, and he imagined what it would be like for a child back then to eat their first. Good reminder to slow down and appreciate what we have.

I got 20 pounds of them from the buying club, so have had a busy few days eating them, processing them, and sharing them. I made a jar of them in brandy and brown sugar simple syrup, have dehydrated 2 trays of slices and one tray of zest. Think I will make a jar of them in just plain syrup as well. The rest we will probably eat. I may get more soon, but they are so expensive this year! 

Peels go in vinegar to clean with. Little waste. I'm trying to not throw away food scraps. What can't be eaten go in a bag for stock, fed to bunny and guinea pig, fed to chickens, fed to worms, or composted. Last year I started dehydrating scraps and then whizzing it up in a blender and using it in stew and soups.

Well, that's it for today's ramblings.

Depression Era Challenge

 I have joined the Depression Era Challenge over at The Farm Wife blog. Today was the first challenge, which is to buy a bag of penny candy to have on hand. Before each challenge we're to unwrap a piece and savor it, and reflect on how candy is a luxury that often was only available at Christmas, if there was food on the table. 

I lead a privileged life. I have food in my cupboards and fridge. I have a roof over my head. I have a good paying job that enables me to take care of myself. I wasn't always food secure, there were times when my daughter was young that I had no idea where the next meal was coming from. Or my big meal of the day would be "frybread," essentially just water, flour, and a little salt. Living like that for so long has made it a bit hard for me now. I tend to get a bit panicky about having enough food. 

But I think this challenge will help me appreciate what I have. I need to be more thrifty for sure, and this will help. There is a good, free workbook for the challenge and the nice group page to post our reflections. 

I haven't bought my bag of candy yet, but I'll pick one up after work. I'm not much of a candy eater, so I know it will last.