Civilization

When we moved here 30 years ago, there wasn't much in the way of conveniences. Banking, shopping, and post office runs had to be done next town over. We did have a strip mall. There was a pharmacy that also carried greeting cards and lovely gifts, a convenience store, a jewelry store, and a restaurant. Gradually these things moved out. The restaurant became our own post office. The convenience store couldn't compete with the gas station convenience store across the street. The jewelry store became a bank. Several actually, as small banks were bought out by larger banks.

A sign in the parking lot boasted major shopping coming soon. We were thrilled, and we waited with excitement. We waited and waited. The sign was taken down. I thought it was the same kind of response I got shortly after we moved in to town. I asked when we would see town water and sewerage. I was told not in my life time.

We did have Tony's Pizza at the interesection of the highway and main road to town. Makes a good pizza (I think mine is better), but great subs. Even if Tony's doesn't deliver. Friday night, you can get fish and chips. Sometimes scallops and chips, but hurry because he sells out fast. Tony's used to have a donut/bakery shop next door. That became an insurance office and then Tony expanded his restaurant.

Bank of America built a new bank on the other side of the highway next to the gas station.

Last year, ground was cleared and broken along the highway. A shiny grocery store arose from its depths. It won't compete with Ma's beloved Mahket, but it's nice to be able to run 5 minutes down the road to pick up stuff instead of 20 minutes or longer.

And then the rumors about what other stores were going in the shopping complex. A Starbuck's, one of the big box hardware stores, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Real hamburgers and fries cooked to perfection. Five Guys was no rumor. The restaurant opened last week.

When Himself asked what I wanted to do for Mother's Day. I didnt' ask to be taken out to a fancy restaurant for brunch or dinner. The Little Princess wanted a Little Bacon Cheeseburger with mustard, relish and a pickle to be brought to her. And that's what Himself did. He also stopped at the grocery store to pick up Coconut Gelato for an extra treat for me. Yeah, he's a keeper.

So slowly, civiliation is arriving in our sleepy, bucolic town. Maybe if I wish real hard, we'll get town water and sewerage, too.