Every now and then, WordPress throws out a question that feels a little thin at first glance. This week’s prompt—List your top five grocery store items—initially struck me as one of those “answer it and move on” kind of things.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized our grocery cart is remarkably consistent. And consistency, whether we notice it or not, tells a story.
So here they are—the five things that almost always make it home with us.
1. Milk
This one is non-negotiable. Daryl drinks milk by the glassful. I use it in my coffee. We can’t use kids as an excuse for running out any longer—we’re on our own now, and the milk situation reflects that reality. When we’re low, things feel… unstable.
2. Greek Yogurt
Sometimes it’s breakfast. Sometimes it’s dessert. Sometimes it’s a late-night “this is healthier than what I want” compromise. Greek yogurt is flexible, dependable, and quietly doing a lot of work in our refrigerator.
3. Eggs and Turkey Bacon
These two come as a package deal. Daryl loves to make me breakfast. I love that Daryl loves to make me breakfast. This is not a dynamic I question or attempt to disrupt. Some traditions are meant to be encouraged.
4. Meat
Chicken. Ground beef. Pork. Something. This is not a vegetarian household. Sorry—but not sorry, That Vegan Teacher. We respect your passion. We just don’t share it. The only thing better than meat… is more meat—preferably seasoned and unapologetic.
5. The Unnecessary Item
This is the wildcard. I rarely leave the store without one thing that wasn’t on the list and absolutely wasn’t required. A dessert. A snack. A bottle. Something unnecessary. Life shouldn’t be all staples and responsibility. Every cart needs at least one reminder that joy still exists.
None of these items are remarkable on their own. But together, they tell the story of a married couple settled into routine, enjoying food, humor, and the small comforts that make a house feel like home.
WordPress may be reaching—but at least this week, it gave me an excuse to look at what’s always in the cart… and why I’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
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