What a great thermos! It's perfect for you! I bet it draws looks if you handle that rough - no way to treat a nice camera lens, lol. For food inspiriation, maybe getting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) basket during the growing season would do the trick. You never know what they will have in their basket, lol. Or just get to know some good gardeners! As my dad always says, "If you don't cultivate a garden, cultivate a friendship with a gardener!"

Sorry to hear about the illness in your family. I hope it all resolved soon and for the better. Take care of yourself during this time, too. It can be a hard process to go through a serious illness in the family.