Day of Shopping - Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010

The night was miserably hot even with the fan blowing, probably because it was blowing hot air. We missed our cool mission home room and pillow top bed. Back to being humbled!

Seven o'clock was the latest we could sleep so we got up and planned our day. We always check the temperature and humidity level just to know what we are up against. It never matters as we do what we do, but we like to be mentally prepared anyway. We can't strip (nor want to) and wear just the bare necessities like the Argentines do, so we look way over dressed on these hot days compared to them.

We had a lot of shopping to do today, all in different directions. We wanted to get an early start as there is no set time for closing for siesta. Some places close at one time and some another. We started out about 10:30 and decided first to go up Constitucion to try to find a kitchen/bathroom store that sells bath mats. The one we have had since we came is literally disintegrating. It is practically in shreds. We found one we think will work, so tomorrow is the test. Then, Rich needed some blank CD's to be used for his English class. He is recording some homework drills that each student can take home and practice. That task was iffy as two computer stores he knew of were closed for vacations. He finally found some at a Kodak store. Then we stopped at a small panaderia where we have previously purchased some bread that we like, so we bought some more.

We next came to a little Mom and Pop place that sells empanadas, freshly made ravioli, plus other tasty delicacies. We have a hard time finding this place open when we are out and about, so today we stopped in to buy some empanadas which are the best we have ever eaten. They are generous with the filling. Some we've eaten just have a couple spoonfuls of filling, but this place stuffs them. Then we decided to try some of their ravioli. The little lady was most helpful and explained how to cook the ravioli so it would be at its best. We love this place!

We had walked about 32 blocks (about 16 Tooele blocks) so we had to go home to cool off and dry out. We were just dripping wet. After a rest, we took our pull along cart and headed for the indoor fruit and vegetable market that we found last week. It was about six blocks away in a different direction. It wasn't crowded today so we took our time picking and choosing the items we wanted.

We decided to take a picture of our purchases to show how great the fruit is. The peaches are to die for, and when the pears ripen, they are wonderful too. Rich buys a lot of oranges to squeeze for juice, and we love green apple wedges dipped in dulce de leche. Then there are the fresh green beans and tomatoes, plus delicious plums. All of this produce only came to $7.00, so it doesn't cost much to eat around here.

We cleaned up the house while waiting for our third outing to roll around. Rich sucked up the dust and grit from the floor with the vacuum, while I damp mopped it. Dishes were done, bathroom cleaned, and a load of wash finished.

Then it was time for our third and last trek. We went to McDonald's for a hamburger, and walked over to Disco for picking up the balance of the food items we needed. In the morning when we were fresh, we had anticipated going out to WalMart to shop, but as the day wore on, we decided we could find what we wanted at Disco -- only two and a half blocks from home.

We spent a quiet evening with me catching up on two journal entries, while Rich worked on his Sunday School lesson. It's been a productive Saturday.