Thursday, September 26, 2013

Home Shopping: I'm Not Talkin' QVC

If you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter, you probably know that just 2 days before I was due to fly to Indianapolis for the American Chrisian Fiction Writers conference, I had to cancel. Because I broke my ankle. Trust me, I would like to say that I did it skydiving or running with the bulls in Pamplona (like our hero Jack Travis in Trauma Plan). But the truth is I slipped on an ACORN, rolled my foot and broke my fibula. The dangers of autumn!


The doctor gave me the option of a cast or a walking boot--I'm sure you can guess which I chose:


Saying that I was disappointed not to be able to attend the conference--meet with agent, editors, fellow writers, other members of the publishing team  (and a reader I'd planned to meet for breakfast!) is an understatement. But it didn't stop me from dressing up for the Awards Gala and following all the excitement vicariously through Wynn-Wynn Media's "Live Blog: :


 Do you think the cane adds classy touch?

Being kept down for several weeks is putting a cramp in my style for sure, but at least I don't type with my feet!

For a "foodie" like me, one of the hardest things is not being able to go to the grocery store. My hubby is SO sweet and helpful, but grocery shopping isn't his passion--you can imagine the look on his face when I handed him a list and then waxed poetic on how to choose the best quality mushrooms. In truth, he did pretty well with just grabbing a huge handful and dumping them into the bag. 

He tried to talk me into trying one of those electric shopping cars, but I had a flashback to my first driving experience: ran my mother's Corvair Monza into the old piano we kept in our garage--I had yet to master reverse gear.

So today tried something I'd heard of: online grocery shopping with delivery.


 Propped the leg up, grabbed my mouse and clicked away, aisle by aisle through my neighborhood grocery store. Bread, pasta, frozen goods, milk, paper towels, the whole gamut right on to organic produce.
And that's where I got a little teary-eyed. There is no way to fondle fruits and veggies through a computer screen.
 Impossible to sniff a melon, press a fingertip against a nectarine.
This is real problem for me. The shopping "experience" includes that, along with reading labels, chatting with the produce people, inhaling the yeasty aromas from from the bakery . . . feasting on it all (I've been known to photograph grocery displays!) , enjoying the way it gets my creative cooking juices flowing. 

On the other hand, I do know lots of folks who hate to grocery shop. Enjoy it about as much as a root canal.

I'm guessing there are people who are someplace in the middle: can take it or leave it.

So I'm curious about YOU:

How do you feel about grocery shopping?

Have you ever tried online grocery shopping with home delivery?


Postscript: 4:00 PM (two hours earlier than expected) The grocery delivery has arrived--carried to my kitchen, quite politely:



I'm impressed. 

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I do love to grocery shop. I used to go every week with my sweet little mama. Never tried home delivery - don't even think they do that here.

Rebecca DeMarino said...

I have been so out of the loop! I did know I didn't see you at the conference, but had no idea you'd broken your foot! And on an acorn! I'm one of those who does not enjoy grocery shopping so much, but you, sweet friend, have made me wish I did! :o) Love this post, and the pictures. I have seen the Safeway ads about home delivery, and believe me I've dreamed about using it - but I doubt they's come across the river here in the gorge. (Once you cross it you're in a different state)And I suppose, I really am picky when it comes to choosing the fruits and veggies. And meat. And . . . Anyway, Candace - you made me smile, even though you are in pain. Take care and get well!!

bonton said...

To tell you the truth - grocery shopping is getting a little old to me. I get my groceries, then go back to the store & get my 90 year old aunt's groceries, have been doing this for several years now.

Have never used the online grocery shopping - like to pick fresh items out myself, however - think I will try it, if I am ever in a situation, such as you, where I can't go to the store. Thanks for the info.

SO enjoy your humor, comments, pics, & blog, Candace!

Connie Brown said...

I have tried the motorized shopping cart. If I have a lot to get that won't do. It's not that hard to drive but reverse is the hardest part. I'm one of those people who only shop when they have to. I try to make a big run once a month and only when I need something. I would prefer to try it on line but the only thing stopping me is we don't have it here in my small town and I too prefer to handle my produce. I'm sorry you had such a bad run in with the acorn. I don't have those kind of excuses when I fall. MS does that to you so . . oh well. Get well soon and I'm glad you can get things done for you that way. The cane always makes things better. I don't always use mine ash that's the way MS works but when I do I'm thankful for it. I have seen some very plain ones and some that were beautiful.
Connie

Between the Pages with Katrina said...

Candace, you are very lucky to have this convenience. I think it's wonderful. Wish there was something like that close to me. Like you though I would prefer to get my own fruits and vegetables. I don't mind shopping if I'm child free. I can take my time, read labels, etc. If one or both of the children are with me I always spend more than I planned on. I hope you heal quickly and are able to get back to your activities. I bet you husband was so happy to get out of grocery shopping.
Katrina

Diwakar said...

Hello candace Calvert. So good to know you through your profile on the blogger. I am glad to stop by your blog "Authors' Galley:Manuscript & Wooden Spoons" and the post on it "Home Shopping I'am Not Talkin'QVC". So good to know that you are a Christian whose profession is Nursing and aspire to travel World. I hope you have visited India in the past. But I would like to invite you to bring some more with you from the medical profession to work with us in the slums of Mumbai where people living in the slums are infected with various diseases due to poor sanitation. We have out reach ministry to the poorest of poor in the slums and we reach out to them with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted. We also encourage young people as well as adults from the West to come to Mumbai on a short term missions trip during vacation time to work with us by being hands and feet of Jesus. We would love to have such medical professionals to work with us. My email id is :dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede

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Anonymous said...

How did you break your leg?Best wishes and take care.