Politics this week

Because Joe and Jane Six-Pack also have retirement funds: Over at the Six-Pack residence I am guessing that rumored layoffs down at the plant are a subject of much concern. What with the little Six-Packs going to the dentist next week, maybe mom and dad want to hear what's good about McCain's economic vision, not what's bad about Obama's now irrevocably broken relationship with his spiritual mentor. (serious giggles)

Meanwhile...

Meanwhile, America's infrastructure priorities will probably take a distinctly European turn -- especially under Democratic leadership -- with a greater focus on mass transit, walkable cities and "smart growth" and declining support for the kind of subdivided, car-connected sprawl that has flowed outward from our cities since the days of Bailey Park. Gas will probably get more expensive, thanks to stricter environmental regulations as well as market pressures; so will McMansions and big lawns, vaulted ceilings and master suites. More Americans may well eschew the suburbs entirely, opting for the denser, mixed-use neighborhoods that New Urbanists have been urging on us for decades -- kinder, gentler and hipper versions of the Pottersville depicted in George Bailey's nightmare vision, dotted with coffee shops and farmers' markets instead of honky-tonks and gin joints. (drinking my second cup of coffee here)

We tightened our belt in 1999 when we went effectively to one income. we tightened our belt in 2001 when we added Magnus to our brood. we tightened our belt seriously when the crash hit 2002 and we once again trimmed the fat off the budget in 2008 with appliance reliance reduction (getting rid of the electric dryer and the electric dishwasher and the electric deep freezer) we trimmed 338 kwh off our bill each month, we shut off our computers at night, we unplug appliances when not in use and we are still using 1500- 2300 Kwh and are finding new ways to eliminate our consumption or start producing our own with solar.

the grocery store is my next challenge. how to trim the fat off that starting with meat of course and including more bean recipes during the week. This weekend I made a KILLER chili.

Saute BASE:

1 bunch of cilantro shredded

3 roma tomatoes chopped

1/2 cube butter
1 red onion chopped

1 1015 Sweet Onion chopped

1 yellow bell pepper chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
2 poblano pepper chopped

1 ripe mango chopped

juice of one lime

Soak over night and then boil BEANS:

1 lb of black beans
.5 lb of pinto beans
1 whole head of garlic, peeled, crushed, and chopped

Combine and SIMMER 5 hours:

base
beans
4 cans diced tomatoes
1 packet of taco sauce

1 can dice green chilies

Served over YANKEE Corn Bread Muffins made with Sweet Corn and sugar.

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 cup yellow corn polenta
1 Tbl Butter
2.5 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 can creamed corn

just because we are in a Depression, doesn't mean that we will not eat well.