I finally made it to the new Maines store on Friday to do my weekly grocery shopping. What a mistake!!!!

There's not too much there to put on the family table.

After buying all that was available to me, my bill came to $25 and change. The cashier asked me if I had a discount card. After replying in the negative, I asked her "What do I have to do to get one, buy a restaurant?" She said yes.

The produce department doesn't offer as big a variety as the Giant.
They offer nothing that fits into my diabetic diet.
I have a 1/2 gallon of milk in the fridge that I bought at the Giant last week, that has a has a "Sell by" date that is more recent than the date on that at Maine's.


I think I'll stick to the Northgate Giant. Just as cheap or cheaper on some items and I don't have to buy in in bulk.

The next time I buy from Maine's will be to purchase the food for my wedding reception the next time that I get married. (read nevah!!!!!!!!]

I'll meet you at the Northgate Giant on Friday between 5 and 6 PM.

I hear you, BM, about much of their stuff. I've been in twice so far, but did find a few really good deals on some items, such as a qt size jar of minced garlic for $2.49, and a gallon of red wine vinegar for $2.99.

I'd never attempt regular grocery shopping there, though.

I grow my own garlic.

Yes. They had an old store in Johnson City that got flooded out in one of our storms last year and they built this new one about 4 miles from me.

The old one was a lot better for a family shopper.

I'll expound later on their story. It's a rag to riches one.

Suckers! I've never even bothered going in there. BM, I'm guessing you go to the Northgate Giant instead of the new one, because of the time you shop.

Yup, Northgate. I know most of the people in there. The mgr., I've known since he was a young teen-ager. I get good treatment in there.

The deli mgr. always makes sure that she has my favorite sandwich ready for me on Friday.

PS, there's one check-out woman at the new Giant that really freaks me out.

She's about 7 feet tall and talks to herself all the while she's checking you out. Freaky!!!!!!

I remember a "Sue" that used to work at the lunch counter at Grant's in the old Chenango Plaza but I don't remember one at the Giant.

Boy, you're going way back with the Grant's thing. My older sister Cheryl worked there, and we still had B&W TV back then. You're dating yourself BM!!!

My best friend and I used to go there on Friday nights after grocery shoppong at the old Giant there.

No problem dating myself. You're only as old as you feel.

Ahem...I bought the gallon of vinegar to make my own homemade herbal vinegar.

Also, if you're talking about who I "think" you are - tall, freaky Sue...woohoo!!!

Gotta be the same one I'm thinking of...last time I saw her, she was at the Giant that they tore down to build the Library.

Watch out there, trust me.

You're saying she's at the new Giant on Front???

I don't know the name of the "Giant" at the new Giant. When I do go in there, I avoid her at all costs.

She's scary.

Is she also about 6 inches around, which makes her seem more freakishly tall?

And looks like she creaks when she moves? Late 40's?

Yah, and when she walks, she looks like she's been playing catcher for the Giant's baseball team. Her knees are close toghether and her feet are about 18 inches apart.

Oh, god...it's gotta be the same one I'm thinking of.

I go into that Giant once in awhile...I may rethink that.

The "Sue" from the upper front street Giant was also a cat lady, I ran into her at Doc Allen's and she said she had about 20 animals or so.
It's odd that the Giant has had so few "characters" over the years, you'd think the odds would be better there!

You frequent Doc Allen's? My D-in-L is the office manager there.

She's my Girl Friday and any other day that I need a chauffeur.

not surprised!