Free Lunch

Economist Milton Friedman said, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” In fact he wrote a book of essays on public policy with that title.  But in this he was wrong. 

“Tomorrow, our ship comes in,” said Annette, meaning our Social Security check would be deposited.  But this was today.  Luckily we weren’t down and out.  Among our assets was a coupon for a free submarine sandwich from Cumberland Farms.  We checked the date and found ourselves smack dab in the window of opportunity.  We got in the car. 

The Cumberland Farms had a drive-through, and from the menu board we chose a Philly cheese steak sub.  “Do you want anything else with that?” the crackly voice asked.  We didn’t. 

On the way home Annette peeked into the wrappings.  It didn’t appear to be the delicacy you carry away from the fabled luncheonettes of Philadelphia, but Annette decided we could fix it up just fine.

At home I sliced half an onion, while she dug in the refrigerator and came up with some rather beat-up mushrooms.  “I think if you cut the side off this one, it will be OK,” she said.  I got instructions for each mushroom and sliced the good parts.  I sautéed them in olive oil and then put in the onions, which I cooked over low heat until golden brown. 

Annette laid the sandwich open on a baking sheet and lit the oven.  I have read that the renowned Pat’s and Gino’s in South Philly uses Cheez Wiz, but we didn’t have any of that.  There were, however, some shreds of Sargento cheddar left in a package.  She sprinkled them on the sandwich and warmed it in the oven until the bread became toasted and the cheese melted.  Then we topped it with the onions and mushrooms and sliced it in half. 

There was Diet Coke left in the bottom of a two-liter bottle.  It was a little weak on fizz, but drinkable.  We chuckled as we did the dishes.  Milton Friedman had his economics, and we have ours.