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meg sandow's avatar

I love the podcast music! And the description of the "scoop toss" of items into the grocery bag - I could see it all so clearly, and even feel it in my body. And scanners! I'd forgotten that they were actually a thing that came onboard in supermarkets, and to which we all had to adapt. I am old enough to remember when neighborhood stores all had a specialty of some sort - the bakery, the butcher shop, the deli, the pharmacy - and how remarkable it was when the A&P first showed up in our neighborhood. By today's standards it was tiny, - in its entirety perhaps the size of a contemporary produce department - but back then it was an absolute wonder for having so many different kinds of items all in one place. Thanks for spurring so many memories, and for carrying me so fully into your own.

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Thanks and I love this, Meg. You should write some more of your own memories of the A&P!

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Simone Farber's avatar

"RUNNER!!" Am I the only one who starts thinking of Logan's Run? (RENEW RENEW RENEW)

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Ha! Yes!

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Chris Wells's avatar

The writing! The read! So good!

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Thank you, Chris!

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Laura Hazlett's avatar

The always brilliant Mr. Kearin has done it again! Hooked on you my friend!

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Thanks so much, Laura! Hooked on YOU!

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Michael A Stephan's avatar

Burnt ecru is now burnt into my memory.

I was a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer drinker until the "we gotta a runner" comment and the report of them stashing PBR and Steaks down there pants. I might just have to try another blue collar beer.

One more "stirred memory" from your story... is the fashion statement of a PUKA shell necklace! So, California in the 70's.

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Try a Schaefer, Michael. The official beer of junior college art openings. And yes, long live the PUKA!

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Kyle Secor's avatar

HAHAHAHAHA! So great! The Vega's rear defrosters true purpose! Looking forward to Part Deux.

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Thanks, Kyle! Loving your Homicide stories, btw!

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Sara W's avatar

You got me at “Sassily tied..” 😂

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

And they were, Sara!

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Betty Faulkner's avatar

This line is SO FREAKING FUNNY!!!- It was said that the reason the Vega had a rear defroster was so you could warm your hands while you were pushing it.

I really look forward to your next installments! (BTW...this is Shelley not Betty!...I really have to get my own account)!

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Stephen Kearin's avatar

Thanks Shelley Not Betty. That was a running joke about the Vega...I wish I could take credit for it. Stay tuned for Part 2 very soon.

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