Moving In

Since we are going to be in Houston until Ned finishes his cancer treatment, we've moved into an apartment in a mid-rise condo near the Galleria. This gives us another chance to test condo living.

We took a one-bedroom apartment that is fully furnished right down to the wine glasses. All we had to do was bring our clothes and toothbrush. This is the first time in about 10 years that we have had wall-to-wall carpet. While I like hardwoods and tile, it is kind of nice to walk around barefooted on the carpet.

Then, we had to go grocery shopping. Grocery shopping here is such a shock. The fruits and vegetables are abundant in variety and quantity but they are so much more expensive than shopping in the mercados of Mexico. Meats are more expensive as well. I'll make my usual complaint.....chickens are too big. You can not fry a four to five pound chicken. Well, I guess you can if you can fry a turkey but it doesn't taste like the fried chicken of my youth. I did find a 3-1/2 pound chicken that was organic, free-range, etc., etc., but it cost about $8.50. Yes, that is right $8.50 for a 3-1/2 pound chicken. I hate to admit that I bought it. I WANT fried chicken. Other than that, I tried to be a careful shopper and looked for specials and store brands, still check-out was sticker shock.