NEW CASTLE —
Last weekend, we had a few out-of-town family members over for dinner. In an effort to make the dinner a little more special, I made the drive out to New Wilmington to get some Amish bread and the Amish roll of butter that my family and I have fallen in love with.
To us, the quality is much better and it’s worth the extra half hour or 45 minutes of driving. It also is considerably more expensive than the standard grocery store fare, but we feel it’s worth it.
On my way back I had to stop at our “English” grocery store to pick up some other items for the house and our dinner. As stood in line, I noticed the Amish gentleman in front of me. After exchanging quick smiles with the small child in the seat of the shopping cart, I happened to glance down at the items he had placed on the checkout conveyer belt.
To my dismay, he had two loaves of Nickles’ white bread and a pack of Imperial margarine quarters.
I was aghast. Did he know something I didn’t? Was I being bamboozled by the Amish and their scrumptious bread? Why would a man with a clear and obvious hook-up to such delectable foods choose to purchase such pedestrian versions of these same items?
Had he simply settled for the homogenized, mass-produced filler and preservative-laden versions of these items or where these “better” to him?
Had I just witnessed a pure example of the grass being greener on the other side of the fence? From this man's perspective, had he just purchased something that was outside the norm for him and his family? Had he just gotten something exotic and, dare I say, special in something that we consider mundane and frankly, boring?
I grew up with a grandfather who raised a handful of beef cattle. We always seemed to be having steak for dinner. While growing up, that was awful. Another night eating steak was a hideous thought. I would hear friends talk about going out for a big steak dinner. To me, it was inconceivable and a waste to eat steak for a special occasion.
Because of this, I grew fond of seafood. It was different and something we never had at home. Over the years I have kept that taste, and steak needs to be exquisitely prepared for me to become a fan.
I guess my contempt for steak and my taste for seafood is my own little “grass is greener” situation. I am much like the Amish man I encountered in the store. We both wanted something that was not inherent in our cultures.
I suppose there is nothing wrong with that. The want and desire for something we don’t have is part of human nature. To pursue things that are out of the ordinary is typically desirable and often rewarded, but I believe I could find hundreds of things I would choose over margarine and white bread.
Josh Drespling
Related Photos
-
About Josh Drespling: Josh is a former graphic designer at The News. His blog appears each Saturday.
Discussion
Josh Drespling: Really? It’s the greatest thing since ... aw, nevermind
- Josh Drespling
-
-
Josh Drespling: Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I'm sick of being sick! It has been over a week now fighting this ungodly pestilence that has settled in my body. Despite my best efforts, this plague has taken a firm hold of every avenue of my being. It has become the most constant and present force in my life.
-
Josh Drespling: Thank you, Mom. I’ve never said this before but ...
I'm a terrible son. I’ll can freely admit my shortcomings. Well, maybe not as awful as some. I've never been in prison or killed anyone (though I may have thought about it). I’ve never been a drug addict or a drunk. I remember most of the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and I'm capable of supporting myself and my family.
-
Josh Drespling: Leaving a paper trail blows my ‘cool’
As you probably already know, I am the coolest guy in the room no matter the company or the occasion. I am dapper, handsome, and, of course, the hippest. I am the most “in” guy and, by default, the most trendy person this side of the muddy Mississippi. My non-mainstream fashion sense and musical independence exemplify my elite status.
-
Josh Drespling: Please bear with me as I remember my brother’s special friend
As you may have picked up on in my past blogs, I grew up in a home that had only little money to spare. We made the best of all things and found our way by being resourceful and frugal.
-
Josh Drespling: Appointment! What appointment?
Dear Mr. Optometrist: Thank you for the polite reminder about my upcoming appointment. The postcard you sent in the mail was quite helpful.
-
Josh Drespling: Spring is (finally) in the air — enjoy!
We have missed you, my friend. We have all longed for your warmth, vibrance, and energy. The cold gray of winter has had us locked in its icy grasp for far too long. We greet your arrival with great anticipation and long for the newness you will bring.
-
Josh Drespling: But the time it finally clicked, it was too late — I had made a big mistake
OK, I did it. I’ll admit it. I clicked on the flashing banner on the side of the web page. You know, the one offering you great new discounted auto insurance rates or some miraculous cure to all that ails you. I know you have seen them all and have been tempted to click them just to see if you could save a few bucks or transform your life.
-
Josh Drespling: Size Does Matter
Maybe I'm turning into the old miser who chases the kids off his lawn while screaming some intangible string of expletives about staying off his grass. Maybe I'm stuck in my ways and afraid to embrace forward progress. But there comes a time to stand your ground and put your foot down. Such a time as this.
-
Josh Drespling: Afraid to speak in public? Really, it will be OK
I'm imagining you all naked right now. Did you know that a majority of the American population fear public speaking more than death itself? Yes, they would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy.
-
Josh Drespling: Growing tall enough to witness historic leaves of change
There is a giant, old oak tree near the top of Jefferson Street Hill in New Castle. From his perch on the North Hill, he has an expansive view of all that is New Castle. From his perspective, he can see from the West Side across the whole downtown area, through the South Side, up to the very top of Sheep Hill, and back across to the city's East Side.
- More Josh Drespling Headlines
-
