It’s been a productive week all-round. One day seems to blur into the next lately until it’s just about Thursday when I ask myself what I might write about for Saturday’s post. 

It’s been a busy week on many fronts. Our local Winn Dixie will be closing in a few weeks, to be taken over by Aldi. Despite rumors that Winn Dixie would remain intact here in rural Crescent City, FL, we will officially lose our store come May 31st, although some will remain throughout other parts of the state.

There is a smaller privately owned grocery store in town trying to pick up the slack, however, it is a 30-45 minute drive to the nearest large grocery store, something that will definitely impact the elderly population and young families of this region until the new Aldi opens early next year. This Winn Dixie has also been a source of employment for many.

I’ve always lived within ten minutes of a major grocery change so this is new for me. Even Kroger delivery, which had been an option, is no longer providing service in this area. Maybe this change will activate new businesses to the area and those here already to expand with this change.

I moved here on an impulse in September 2023 after falling under the spell of a lake front log home. During that time, I was just moving on instinct. I didn’t know how rural a place this truly is. It made me happy to discover that there was a big, bright and beautiful Winn Dixie located high on a bluff overlooking Crescent Lake.

For the past two years, I’ve been so grateful to have a well-stocked store nearby with its friendly manager and staff. It’s been a bright spot and a constant for me at a challenging time and I’m so sad to see it closing. This change will prompt us to explore smaller local offerings and farms in the region and who knows what we’ll discover down another dirt road to “nowhere”.

Earlier this week, I purchased the very last container of Cabot’s Greek Yogurt that has been a favorite of all of our four dogs. I felt a sadness as I reached for it, almost like it was just sitting there waiting for me.

I know we will adjust, but as someone who has had to make so many, it isn’t always easy to face change and I feel there are many more changes to come here. 

This week, coincidentally, I submitted the story of how I met and and “acquired” our dog, Winnie outside the entrance of this store a year ago. Thankfully she wasn’t a BOGO (Buy One get One Free).

Last week, I also took my malti-poo, Quint for his annual check up. He’s been blind since birth and seems to be steadily gaining weight. A full blood panel work up didn’t show any causal medical reason for this and another weight management formula is now being tried. It’s not unusual for visually impaired dogs to not be active, but we continue to encourage him to move as much as possible. He is sweet, but stubborn, and has also had to adjust to life in the country as well.

And adjust, we must. We pick our private battles, and celebrate our victories, but as the saying goes we win some, and lose some. To be continued…Have a good week and may it bring some win-win situations.