I can’t remember when I began shopping at Winn- Dixie, but it’s been a long time ago.

Browsing around in the store and stopping to visit with friends who often chuckled at my odd choices, such as a six pack of Irish Ale with multiple boxes of lime sherbert, was always relaxing after a stressful day. And watching the butcher lay out an assortment of good beef was wonderfully pleasing.

Whether the presence of a mountainous new retail barn with temporarily lower prices is progress or not is an open question.

Personally, I don’t expect a Super Walmart to attract industry, etc., or even to substantially increase the sales taxes that local government lusts for, but we can hope for the best.

Putting that aside, best wishes and love to the friendly cashiers and all the others at Winn-Dixie. As Bob Hope used to say, thanks for the memories, and thanks also for all the good groceries.

– John N. Gallaspy

Bogalusa