Nothing fancy or exciting about this milestone. I keep hoping to get outside the Dexter area for one of my 1,000 mile dates, but today the odometer turned just as I passed LaFontaine Chevrolet (about which, more later; given today's GM bankruptcy). My destination was Busch's, just next to LaFontaine, so that will be the main subject of today's blog!
This trip started out as a trip to the Dexter District Library. Or, shall I say the new Dexter District Library on Alpine Street. While there I had a visit with a dear friend that is going through some extreme difficulties in her life. I saw the hugely talented Mitchell Clark, DHS '09 and superb trombonist. It was my pleasure to be his accompanist at Solo and Ensemble for about three of his years in band (until he got way out of my league!) Mitch is on his way to college, as a music major. He comes from Dexter's Clarks, of Cribley Drilling, from which I always purchase my water-softener salt (ThinkDexterFirst!) Mitch works at the library.
I spent a little time on the library computer, while my daughter checked out two books, Sweethearts by Sara Zarr, and Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer. My computer work involved updating some information on my Geni page, about my grandmother, Fern Turnbow, and Great Grandfather, John Wach. I also logged some comments on my grandmother's myfamily.com page, and sent greetings out to some distant Wach cousins.
Date: Monday, June 1st, 2009
Time: 9:00pm
Purpose of the trip: Having spent some time at the library, I and my daughter went through town, to pick up a treat at Busch's. The girls have been working hard at their band, piano, play practices, music rehearsals at church, confirmation (which was yesterday), soccer, volleyball, and general end-of-school-year stuff. And I reached a new money milestone today. I was feeling good about doing something nice and special.
Where: Dexter, Michigan. Eastbound, Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, at Dan Hoey intersection, Washtenaw County, Michigan. I could have made LaFontaine the featured site, but as explained above, I went with Busch's.
We bought some M&M ice cream cookie sandwiches for everybody, and also some treats for their girls' lunches: Keebler Cheese Crackers, Kraft Dunk 'ems, and Mini Golden Oreos. In the impulse-buy category I bought a box of Malt-o-Meal Cinnamon Toasters, which were on sale for $1.29. They are comparable to Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which I love. But I hate the generic brand versions of the same. I also like Malt-o-Meal, so I will give them a chance to win me over on this one!
The Dexter Busch's is outstanding. Some people say they shop elsewhere because Busch's prices are higher. I say "Bunk!" Busch's annually donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to Dexter's schools, athletics, clubs, and many, many charitable events. The store is always clean, and the staff always professional. And if you look around, you can always find sale items. The entry-way is clean, and the can-return area is kept odor-free (Store Manager Dennis Blanchard told me they are required to clean it completely, twice a day!).
Speaking of Dennis, he's the best. Here's a store manager that remembers your name, and always smiles and says "hello." He also makes himself known throughout town. Busch's is a Southeastern-based retail chain that maintains a hometown feel. Each store adapts to local character and culture, and reflects it in its design and emphasis.
I shop at Busch's for all of these reasons, and I know that my money spent there comes back to help our community, and our kids.
On the Ipod/Radio: Listen to What the Man Said, from Paul McCartney's All the Best. This great song reminds me of riding in Dean Lindemann's pickup, to track practice at the U of M track during Spring Break in the late 70s. (Dexter did not have a track in those days. We had to use other tracks). This song was played a lot during the Spring of 1977. I always wish the sax solo at the end had led into a long extended, four minute solo.
Other Things About This Day: I'm getting upset about the escalating price of gas. Two years ago everybody blamed President Bush about the $4 a gallon. We are approaching $3 now. And Bush-Cheney have nothing to do with this! Today GM announced a bankrutpcy, and the Obama Administration thinks its team of politicians can run a corporation! (You Obama backers - and I am an independent - need to think about whether or not you would like Republicans having the power to eliminate your jobs; the same power you have conferred upon President Obama! We are all in this together, we need to watch each other's backs, and no President should have this kind of leverage over our livelihoods!)
I say this because I want President Obama to succeed. But he is taking control over so much of the economy, that if it does not work, and gas prices rise, and people lose their jobs, and we get inflation, he will be the only one to blame. He has made himself the one, the sole, the only, the final root and branch of our economy's rise and/or fall. If this stuff does not work he will be the one, and only, person worthy to take the blame. Even President Bush could not claim half the culpability! We need to be careful!
So - gas prices are going up, and I look to the White House to do common sense things to bring them back down! (The President has all but said we needed to pay more for energy!)
Finally, my discussion with my friend in the library only reinforced my total disdain for our system of divorce and family law in the U.S. No-fault divorce is wrong, morally and ethically. Anything so harmful to children and families needs to have blame foisted upon somebody! My friend is forced to accept conditions that are wrong for her kids (by what they must witness in the home of their father). And the courts do little about it. They only want the docket cleared.
Goal for 103,000 Miles: Well, I still would like to get some new floor mats. But I think I had better stow some money for my car, in a gas fund! So - hopefully I will finally have those mats at the next posting!
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