eBay items are starting to move, the days are cooling. I'm returning to the No Spend practice that worked for a while last year, getting groceries but eliminating impulse and non-essential shopping. Making do, swapping, etc. I even signed up again for the area freecycle group, we'll see how long I can stand that daily email.

I buy whole chickens and cut them up unless I find parts on a good sale. I buy pot roasts and cut them into 1 lb pieces to freeze (I don't buy hamburger from the store any more). I shop at a deep-discount store that gets gourmet cheese and yogurt for a fraction of the regular grocery store prices (near shelf date, but easy to use while they're still good.) Shopping today I found several packages of NY strip steaks in the Kroger discount bin and cut and repackaged into six ounce packages for the freezer. It comes out about $3.25 per steak, something I don't eat often but are nice occasionally and for guests. I've made a concerted effort to draw down the freezer stock. If I add some frozen vegetables I'll have pretty much everything I need, save the fresh dairy products. It is time to defrost - things are all tumbled around in there since last spring. When I'm feeling efficient I put a list of contents on the door and keep a running tally of contents. If I'm feeling really efficient I'll straighten the side-by-side (frost free) freezer first.

This activity is also getting ready for the fall cooking season, plus canning and freezing (I have tomatoes in the garden now, and a few eggplants). I have food gifts for friends for the holidays, jelly made during the summer in this spectacular year of the wild grape. I have gifts for family, including good Pyrex containers (my local thrift store has great glassware) they can take food home in.