My favorite grocery store is a pretty well kept secret. It is one mile up the road and I pop in there several times a week. I have actually popped in there several times a day if I am having one of those days when I am completely disorganized.
I moved out here on the Mesa when I married my last husband 40 years ago. At that time it was Chet's grocery store. Kenny was a wise man and told me that we needed to support the local grocery store or the time would come when we needed a loaf of bread and we would have to make a 30 minute drive to town and back.
Sadly, the original owner sold to someone else and the store began to go downhill. Then the roof began to leak. Lack of maintenance began to show. The shelves began to carry inferior brands and the store soon became a place where one shopped as only a last resort. I think it actually sat empty for a while.
Then, Hark! A new owner! The first thing on his agenda was to repair the roof! Not more walking around buckets of rain water to shop. It is my understanding that Lagrees also exists in Alamosa, and another town in the mountains.
And if you think just because they are a small store you will not be able to get something, think again! Canning supplies, dog bones, organic produce, fresh cut meat, dairy products! All there. If you can not find something, just ask one of the stockers. From lye for soap making to Filet Mignon for a romantic supper. All there.
Kenny said it best when he said "We have to support out local businesses or they can not survive and when we need something we will have to drive all the way into to town and pay the same price, plus city tax."
Kenny was wise. Kenny and Momma. They would have made a good match!
