Quest Complete!
I’ve been on a quest of late. A few weeks ago, the spouse requested that I purchase a FIRM toothbrush on one of my many sojourns to the store. He was very specific. It could not be one of those newfangled ones with the rubber scrapers or tongue massagers. It had to be a standard toothbrush, and the bristles had to be firm. No such toothbrush to be found at Rite Aid, Target, Costco, or Nugget. These are all stores that I frequent. Resigned, I decided that finding a FIRM toothbrush would be an outstanding achievement–one I wouldn’t give up on, but would set on the back burner for a lucky day. Well, it must have been the full moon or the Lunar Eclipse, because today was that lucky day.
This evening, on my way home after class, I ended up at the Raley’s on Freeport. I don’t usually shop at the Raley’s / Bel Air stores, unless I’m looking for something in particular, or it’s on my way home, like tonight. Raley’s on Freeport is a bit shabby, with one of those scary parking lots where you’re glad there’s a security guard–even if he looks like he eats WAY too many donuts.
So, in the midst of buying my list items (from memory, natch), I decided, on a fluke, to go down the toothbrush aisle, where…to my astonishment and delight, they had a Colgate brand of FIRM toothbrushes. No matter that they were all pink or that they were $3.99 each, and probably produced in South Viet Nam for pennies on the dollar. I snatched up four out of the six on the shelf. Pink will do, and blowing $16 on four measly toothbrushes…well, that’s between me and my confessor. Or at least between me and the grocery bill.
Oh, you better hurry if you have a firm toothbrush on your shopping list. Once I save up another 8 bucks, I’m going back to Raley’s to get the last two, which I am sure are going to be discontinued. Better get a move on. That particular Raley’s is open ’til midnight, and the next year of my wedded bliss is dependent on getting those durn toothbrushes. So, outta my way….unless you’d care to pony up a few other locations that sell FIRM ?
That Raley’s is a bit shabby - could use a makeover. But it’s the highest selling Raley’s in the whole chain (and I think it might have been the first Raley’s too, but I don’t remember). And the staff is always friendly and helpful. Plus, when you shop there, even if it’s not the cheapest place, you’re supporting a local business (HQ is in West Sac).
And the parking lot isn’t scary. Most of the time after dark there’s an actual Sac PD officer stationed out front. I’ve never heard of any trouble in the lot, living in the neighborhood most of my life.