Carver Jones Market

 For some time the citizens of Fairfield, Alabama and surrounding areas have been living in a food desert. On July 31, 2024, Carver Jones Market opened.

President and CEO, James Harris has over 30 years experience in the grocery industry.

The store is named after George Washington Carver and Frederick McKinley Jones. Both men were pioneers in their field. Carver in agriculture and Jones in mobile refrigeration. 

I had the pleasure of picking up a few items while over that way. The store is small but expertly arranged and doesn't give a cluttered feeling. It was clean and employees were friendly and knowledgeable about where to find items. Prices were about what they'd be in most markets. 

I don't know how to stitch video so I've provided the run time beside each one. Total=39 sec.

Entrance 11 second video. 

 

Produce ,etc. 17 sec.

Meat, dairy, etc. 11 sec.

Mission Statement

The store has pharmacy hours listed on the door. Since I wasn't in the market for any pharmaceuticals, I didn't seek it out. 

If I lived on the western side of town in the community, I would shop here again. 

That's it. 🍐🍋🐔

Street Fair, Tailgating

In addition to coffee ⛾ I enjoy street fairs.
The Woodlawn Market takes place about four times a year. It has become a popular place because of the revitalization that is and has taken place in the area. Rehabbing of desolate buildings into updated homes or into new uses such as businesses, clinics, child care and growth initiatives.

Booths at the Woodlawn Street Market

On market days vendor tents abound.  Food, produce stand, artisan clothing, art, jewelry, human interest groups. There may even be a few freestyle dancers.

I always accept the business cards of the various booths I visit. Here are just a few. Many of the artists dislike having their work photographed and so I never do unless I ask first. 

Below are some of the items I did buy

I was told that the green tops of radishes are edible. I found a recipe online, cooking them the same way as turnip greens are cooked. They have a little more bite than turnips greens. I remedied that by adding a little sugar.  They were good but unpleasantly aromatic. I also took some of the bottoms and baked them in the oven the same way I've done other root vegetables in the past. Make sure you wash  everything well because they were pretty gritty.    

Radishes before cleaning

Radishes before baking

Cooked radishes and radish green

The bowl cozy comes in handy when removing hot foods from the microwave .

Next day tailgating

A friend invited me to her church for their annual tailgating event. Church service is first held inside. Afterwards congregants flood the church grounds where tents, food and activities abound.

There were car  and motorcycle exhibits .

Children enjoyed the whirly car rides

Train rides around the property were enjoyed. There were other 

attractions also. Inside there was even a Cake Walk.

Line dancers (I don't remember the name of the group.)😞

This will be my first attempt at trying to upload a video on Windows 10😐 I've got a feeling it's not going to show. 

That's it***

Grocery Shopping Online, "First Time"

(Late and only 5 photos. email had not sent the pictures I took. Grrr😠 )

this photo copied from online

Grocery shopping is right up there in the top five of things I dread doing. I will make all kinds of excuses to myself as to why I can’t do it. A day turns into a week. A week turns into weeks.  

During this time, I’m eating fast food.  I have three places I’m a regular. Being a creature of habit, I get the same thing every time.  Not surprisingly, the full-time employees pretty much know what I want and will ask, “You want the Kid’s Chicken Finger meal?”  The answer is always,” Yes.” I get the Kid’s Meal so that I won’t feel as guilty for eating fast food.

I’ve been told the proper way to food shop is to;

•  have a list of menus for the week. 
• Make a list of the items you’ll need for the menus.  
• Stick to the list when you shop. 

I don't want to do any of the above three. It's okay. You can call me lazy. I know my strengths.

I had a menu sheet from a previous time I wanted to eat nutritiously 🤩.  I decided to use it to try online grocery shopping.  I chose ALDI.

First, I had to register at Instacart. I'm assuming it is the software agent used by grocers for online purchases.  I went to ALDI's website and discovered that they also deliver. (even better) As an extra incentive they will give you $10 off your first three purchases of $35 or more. (I'm beginning to like this) AND, delivery will take place within one hour. ⭐⭐On a previous site I'd seen delivery within 2 hours. Still, that's great.

The page was categorized by departments such as Produce, Meats, Canned Goods, etc. I typed in my items and the amount I wanted. 

I apologize for my poor pictures. 

The ones I took haven't downloaded to my e-mail yet.

I pressed ENTER and immediately I was taken to my $ sum along with any other fees.

Order Totals

Items Subtotal		$58.07
Delivery Fee		$3.99
Sales Tax		$5.80
Tip		$10.00
Service Fee		$2.90
Credit/Discount Applied		$-10.00
Total		$70.76
Savings from ALDI		$4.71

ending in 4355

   Charges

Original Charge

$

70.76

Shortly afterward I got a text  stating that the shopping had begun. As the shopper shopped, she'd send me a text if an item wasn't in stock and would send pictures of a possible substitute. I'd let her know yay or nay. On only one item did I ask her to omit it from the list. She made great choices.

Within an hour and 10 minutes I got a text stating that my delivery was on the way. Turns out she was actually at the door. After omissions and substitutions my bill ended up at $59.??  A new list and total lets you see what was substituted, price, amount and etc.  You can also add on to the list while the shopper is still in the store. I chose to pay by credit card in case a discrepancy came up. Debit is cash and hard to retrieve.The service fee is what the delivery person is paid. I  put in a tip.

The delivery person was prompt, polite and all about business. I did ask if we could take a pic together since this was my first time.  She consented and then was out of the door. Afterward I received a picture of her from ALDI along with her first name. Reminded me of Uber's set up. There may have been a picture before she began shopping but the cell wasn't behaving properly until I texted her back during the shopping to let her know I wasn't getting the pics.

I was pleased with the service and will use it again. I also plan to explore other online grocery store programs

Well isn't that grand? 2 minutes after I'm about to close this post, the pictures I sent to my email have arrived. 😠Not adding them.I'm done.

That's it***

Next week: Winn-Dixie Sleepover