Situation: Laura’s mother had asked her to go grocery shopping before she went to
work this
morning. Since Laura is still busy
with her homework, she asks her sister Martha to go to the
market for her.
Laura: Mom had asked me to
go grocery shopping before she left for work this morning, but I need to finish
my school project. Can you go for me, Martha?
Martha: I guess I can. I am
done with my homework. What did mom want you to buy?
Laura: Well, she wanted me
to buy enough groceries for the whole week. Besides meat, some fish and
vegetables, we can buy whatever else we want for snacks and breakfast.
Martha: What do you want
for breakfast?
Laura: I guess some cereal
as usual.
Martha: I do not want
cereal everyday. I will buy some pancakes and syrup then.
Laura: Get the new
FineFood pancakes in the frozen food section please. I want to see how it tastes.
Martha: Do we still have
enough coffee and cream for mom and dad?
Laura: Yes, we do. Talking
about coffee and cream, you better buy some milk also. We almost ran out of it.
Martha: Next, what do you
want for snacks?
Laura: Some chips would be
fine with me. You probably want your chocolate cookies.
Martha: I better write down
all these things; otherwise, I will forget them by the time I get to the market.
I would hate to make two trips to take care of things.
Laura: Right! As far as
meat, mom wants some pork and some chicken.
Martha: Just any kind of
pork?
Laura: I forgot to ask mom
about that. Anyways, you can ask the butcher for his opinion. He knows what is
best.
Martha: How about fish?
Laura: Mom wants some
salmon and some catfish. Make sure that they are fresh.
Martha: How much salmon and
catfish should I buy?
Laura: Oh, buy four pieces
of salmon filet and four pieces of catfish filet. Mom does not like to get the
whole fish.
Martha: Are these fish
filets sold by weight or by the piece?
Laura: I am not very sure.
Just buy four decent sized pieces. Not too big and not too small.
Martha: Do I need to buy
some spices so mom can marinate the fish?
Laura: Yes, get some
ground pepper and some garlic.
Martha: Now, how about
vegetables? Mom probably wants carrots, potatoes, cabbages and some lettuce.
Laura: That would be fine.
We need some fruits also. What do you want?
Martha: Dad always packs an
apple for lunch everyday. I want the same thing.
Laura: We have already run
out of eggs. So, get a carton of eggs also.
Martha: How about some soft
drinks?
Laura: No, buy some
bottled water instead. It is healthier for us. We need to cut down on our intake of sugar, as too much sugar is not good for our bodies.
Martha: I need to put bread
on the list before I forget. Should I get one loaf or two?
Laura: One loaf will be
enough. Put down a bag of rice also.
Martha: Do we need anything
for dessert?
Laura: Get a box of ice
cream.
Martha: Ice cream? Isn’t
ice cream packed with sugar?
Laura: Yes, but since I
already drink water instead of soft drinks, one or perhaps two scoops of ice cream after dinner is not too bad. Besides, mom loves ice cream, especially cherry vanilla.
Martha: OK, I will put down
one box of ice cream if you say so. Do you want me to buy some pastries for
you?
Laura: I know the pastries
at the market are delicious; however, no is my answer. Do
not tempt me, Martha.
Martha: Just asking, Laura.
Laura: You have quite a
few items to take care of. You need to get going.
Martha: Yes, the list is
quite long. By the time I get to the cashier to pay, I will probably have a full shopping cart. OK, I am all set to go. I will be back soon.
Laura: Drive carefully
please!
Martha: I will.