In the past I've mentioned my sourdough starter, Sammy. He's around 5 years old. I started sourdough because I wanted something to do during the months we couldn't do anything or go anywhere during the Pandemic. I know I have learned a lot and have more to learn about sourdough bread, but it sure is fun.

The interesting thing is sourdough has become big. I mean, really popular. Just this past couple of weeks I've seen "classes" for showing people how to start a starter. I guess that's wonderful, but it's a skill one can learn for free. 

A friend of mine, when I offered him some starter a couple of months ago, turned me down, saying he didn't want to be bothered. He visited a family member and is suddenly interested in starting his sourdough journey. So, when I head to the city he lives in later this week, I will be sharing a little Sammy with him so he can start. Although he can start his own, mine has that good sourdough taste from years of fermenting. I'm still amazed at how 1/3 cup of fed starter and 3-4 cups of flour and some honey, extra virgin olive oil and some salt can make a delicious sandwich bread if let rise overnight. 

My loaves aren't the fancy ones with the designs. I have thought about it, but honestly, the bread I make is for every day stuff like toast and sandwiches, so we like the softer crusted stuff. Plus, I like to experiement with different types of flour, which I sometimes add to give it a different flavor and crumb. 

Guess I missed my chance to make money on teaching people to make a starter. I didn't look into the classes, but I wonder if people have to bring their own jar or if that is provided. The cost is $10. I take that back, one class offered by an extension group was ten dollars and people had to bring their own jar. But I think they learned about it and got part of a starter besides. 

So, my Pandemic hobby continues. I have baked our bread since last summer. I think I've saved money because Artisan bread is expensive. Are you doing any of the hobbies you picked up from being isolated at home during the Pandemic?

It seems like it's just doom and gloom as far as the markets. Here it is Monday, things were up and down, and when I checked my retirement accounts, I lost yet another $10,000. I know we all say to stay in it in the long run, but I'm not a youngster starting out. I've been fortunate that I haven't had to use any of this money so far. But it isn't like I'm going to make it up very quickly. I tend to worry about stuff and now I'm feeling stressed. I'm sure I'm not alone. I think we are all on edge. 

Other than fretting, are there are things you are going to do to try to tighten your belt and spend less if prices go up? I seem like I do this anyway. I spent the money a year ago and bought a toaster oven. I use it when we want to heat something up or bake one item so we aren't heating up the oven and wasting electricity. When I do bake, I often will try and fill the oven and bake more than a couple of things. For example, I baked two loaves of brad and baked some dog treats too. I make many of our dog treats to help save money and give them healthy treats. 

I'm sure all of you are doing this too. I've read what many of you are doing to not spend as much and save as much. I think the time has come for us to start emailing our congress people. Maybe if we all make a big enough fuss, they will listen. 

Yesterday was a day I could head to a Kroger store in a nearby larger town. Since we live 40 minutes away, I try to bunch my errands so I don't make a lot of unnecessary trips and with gas prices on the rise, I especially don't want to spend more on gas and wear and tear on my car.

I had a list created. Most, not all, of my items were either on sale or I had digital coupons. I was fortunate that I found a couple of things that I wanted on clearance so I saved even more. Even so, I wound up spending almost $120 and only one item was meat. I did splurge and buy some teeth cleaning dog chews simply because the pups like them and its cheaper than getting dental work done on them. I try to write out my list based on the store layout so I don't forget stuff or make additional visits to aisles. The longer I spend in the store, the better the chance I wind up buying stuff I don't need. One item was buy one, get one free and although expensive, it was far more reasonable than regular price. 

I kept seeing some of the same people making many of the same purchases I was making -- stuff on sale, stuff on clearance, stuff with digital coupons, or items with paper coupons. According to the cash register tape, I saved over $40 and if that can be believed, that's a nice chunk of change. The gal ahead of me in check out had a full cart. But of that cart, I bet she didn't have more than 5 items at regular price. Everything was either on sale or marked down on clearance: very little snack foods, mostly fruits, vegetables, and bread.  I saw the same pattern with the older man ahead of us. Very little was regular price in his small basket. I think there is a trend developing. I think this trend is going to continue as people feel more of a squeeze as prices increase and money doesn't go as far as it did. The thing that bothers me is the people who can least afford high prices are the ones who need help and as programs are being cut, they won't get the assistance. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm thinking as everyone suffers, the folks who were generous to donate to food banks and things like that will cut back because they will be afraid themselves.

I'm hoping if you are going to the grocery you'll report on what you are finding. I'm curious if you are seeing the same thing or doing the same thing.