I love the idea of "chat lines," realizing we kind of have them on island. And maybe it was reading your post that had me thinking of how important groceries are for all of us, beginning farmers in particular, because of the safety net they provide for the isolated.
John, thank you for reminding us of nearly everything we need to know about the goodness of humanity. It's there if we look for it!
That said, and with the caveat that the one grocery store in my town doesn't even have it, I'm a self-checkout girl all the way. Actually, I should clarify: I'm a self-packer. The reason I opt for self-checkout is because I always bring my own bags and finding the modern cashier who knows how to pack them is hit and miss. It's a control thing, and I'm a freak about it. But I'm also the person who'll strike up conversation in the parking lot or at the gas pump. So I like to think I'm not missing out too much. 😅
Your turkey donation, facilitated by the cashier, made someone very happy, including both of you! (I didn't know you were a vegan.)
I get it. Our grocery store lets me bag my own, and if not, it's a dedicated bagger. Plus, I always put my items on the belt in the order I want them bagged.
At the Port Townsend Food Coop, we use our own bags, including mesh bags for veg and fruit and grains, and canvas for larger bagging. The cashier gives out "beans" to put in jars as a reward, and the jars equal money to local non-profits. We pack our own groceries, although if someone's too overwhelmed or slow, the cashier will call for help or provide it.
The funny thing is, as a fellow south Whidbey person, I believe I know who you are talking about (if you mean a certain person at Payless), but then, there is also a person at the Star Store who would do the exact same thing...). Life on an island (:
Except for the “only store in town” store, you’re all talking about my favorite stores, where actions like those are pretty much expected. And aren’t we lucky!
Wow, what a lovely and unusual Thanksgiving essay, John! I love how you made these interactions in the checkout lines come alive. I totally agree that a little eyeball/heart contact can make for joy - a serotonin/oxytocin upburst sciency types might say. At the Port Townsend Food Coop, where I've shopped for decades, I choose the checkout people who actually make that eye contact and smile.
I love the idea of "chat lines," realizing we kind of have them on island. And maybe it was reading your post that had me thinking of how important groceries are for all of us, beginning farmers in particular, because of the safety net they provide for the isolated.
John, thank you for reminding us of nearly everything we need to know about the goodness of humanity. It's there if we look for it!
That said, and with the caveat that the one grocery store in my town doesn't even have it, I'm a self-checkout girl all the way. Actually, I should clarify: I'm a self-packer. The reason I opt for self-checkout is because I always bring my own bags and finding the modern cashier who knows how to pack them is hit and miss. It's a control thing, and I'm a freak about it. But I'm also the person who'll strike up conversation in the parking lot or at the gas pump. So I like to think I'm not missing out too much. 😅
Your turkey donation, facilitated by the cashier, made someone very happy, including both of you! (I didn't know you were a vegan.)
I get it. Our grocery store lets me bag my own, and if not, it's a dedicated bagger. Plus, I always put my items on the belt in the order I want them bagged.
And I have to load my own dishwasher!
At the Port Townsend Food Coop, we use our own bags, including mesh bags for veg and fruit and grains, and canvas for larger bagging. The cashier gives out "beans" to put in jars as a reward, and the jars equal money to local non-profits. We pack our own groceries, although if someone's too overwhelmed or slow, the cashier will call for help or provide it.
Beautiful, Kirie.
The funny thing is, as a fellow south Whidbey person, I believe I know who you are talking about (if you mean a certain person at Payless), but then, there is also a person at the Star Store who would do the exact same thing...). Life on an island (:
Actually the Goose, but yes, we are so blessed.
Ha ha. There are a couple of likely candidates there as well (:
Except for the “only store in town” store, you’re all talking about my favorite stores, where actions like those are pretty much expected. And aren’t we lucky!
We certainly are!
Awwww! We LOVE this post. The weaving, the perfect brevity, the generosity. It's wonderful.
Awwww! Thank you!
Wow, what a lovely and unusual Thanksgiving essay, John! I love how you made these interactions in the checkout lines come alive. I totally agree that a little eyeball/heart contact can make for joy - a serotonin/oxytocin upburst sciency types might say. At the Port Townsend Food Coop, where I've shopped for decades, I choose the checkout people who actually make that eye contact and smile.
💚💚💚