Stretching the buck a little bit farther . . .

A little over a month ago, on the advice of several friends, I made my first trip to Henry's Farmers Market. My Friday morning shopping trips haven't been the same since.

I *heart* Henrys.

Jason has had to listen to me rave about it for the last few weeks and now, dear friends, it's your turn. :) Let me tell you just why I *heart* Henrys:

• 2 Sirloin Tip steaks (for a crockpot recipe) $6.30
• 0.70 lb. chocolate covered pretzels $0.60
• 1 onion $0.35
• 1 bag red grapes $3.11
• 1 green bell pepper $0.49
• 1 carton of blackberries $1.50
• 1 lb. of peaches $0.50
• 2 cucumbers $1.18
• 4 pluots (or plums) $1.67

And what did the steak and all that produce come to? A grand total of $15.70. That, my friends, is nothing short of a miracle. I could never have spent so little at Albertsons. I even have my doubts about Trader Joes. Ask anyone. Fresh produce is pricey.

But at Henrys, something magical ocurrs at checkout. You get more bang, or berry, or pepper, for your buck. That's why I *heart* Henrys.

There is a place, however, that I very much do NOT *heart*. A place that I ex-heart.

A place called Arco.

Where I filled up my little 13-gallon, four door Chevy today for $4.49 a gallon. I spent over $60 on gas today, folks. Sixty. 60.

Eeep!

That's a record.

So, in light of the evil gas pump, whose snickering I could almost hear as it sucked up my husband's hard-earned income, can you blame me for jumping for joy when I find delicious places like Henrys and Traders to shop at?

Well, I suppose you could blame me. But I ain't gonna stop. No siree. I'm a-jumping for joy with my steak and fresh produce in both hands.

At least a buck is still worth something somewhere.