On September 6, 1916, Clarence Sanders revolutionized the grocery shopping experience. Up until that time, the woman of the house, or someone in her employ, would present a list to the grocer. She would wander around looking at the wares for sale while her groceries were gathered and either placed in a box, or a basket of some sort. The grocer would hand her a bill and she had a choice to pay it then, or have it put on her tab. 

Mr. Sanders realized he could save time and money if he stocked shelves and had the customers make their own selections. Thus, the first Piggly Wiggly was opened in Memphis. I heard of “The Pig” for years, but they were mostly operated in southern states. The name “Piggly Wiggly” conjures up a simpler, slower life to me for some reason. So, when our local grocery store aligned with the brand, I was thrilled.

My grandkids enjoyed going to the store with me when they were here visiting. It didn’t look like any of the grocery stores they are used to in Colorado. The idea of ham salad about did them in. Jars of pickled eggs and smoked ham hocks and cornmeal mush had them nearly running for the door. They didn’t have a clue what I was talking about when I asked them to “get us a buggy.” My daughter whispered to the oldest, “She means a grocery cart.” Yeah…they felt like they had jumped into the “Way Back Machine!”

I love the Pig. I don’t do the bulk of my shopping there because they’re a lot more expensive than the shops in town. To me, saving money is not the point. It’s going in the front door and the two gals at the register waving a happy hello to me. It’s pushing my cart up and down the aisles looking for little treasures like homemade sausage seasoning, Amish goods like honey and jams and jellies, and local produce from the high tunnels out Nursery Road. 

I moved to this little town of 698 souls in late 2017. The population peaked in 2000 at 1,012 but has steadily dropped since then. We have a service area of 4,098 in the county and gain some from the neighboring counties. We’ve seen mom and pop businesses come and go. We have a number of churches, three thrift shops, two gas stations, a quilt shop, a parts store, a barber and a hairdresser and a firehouse. There’s a little flower shop, a couple of banks and insurance agents and restaurants. We have a couple of schools and a really nice library. We even have a recycling place next to the ambulance barn and across from the little park by the river.

You often meet people at the post office and catch up…looking at pics of the grandkids and asking after someone’s health. I actually made friends with one of the gals from my knitting group at the PO and through her I’ve gathered even more friends. It’s just the quintessential small town…kinda like Mayberry. I love it here…a little bit isolated from the big world outside. Where you can breathe clean air and sit in the sunshine…maybe fish a little.

It’s home.

💜

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

***Gratitude Journal***   
Today I am grateful for a simple life in the country. A place where I am free to be me and enjoy God’s nature, my sweet husband, and clean living.

#farmlife, #countryliving, #PigglyWiggly