...........and now, on with the story:
My favorite garden center of the universe is closing, which means that there will no longer be a Cocky Garden Center Dude in my life. Sigh.
Nor will there be lovely perennials that tempt me to take them home. Or boat-loads of interesting annuals or hanging plants in which Emma has to try to keep alive all summer. Or tubs of snails and tadpoles (with and without arms) for me to adopt. Or help with sick trees or garden questions. There isn't going to be anyone to chat about plants with or ask if everyone else's pond in the area is green too. And my wallet will suddenly be filled with money that I would otherwise hand over willingly to my favorite place of the world--Sid's Greenhouse.
I'm sick with the sadness of it all. It was my hangout, my guilty pleasure, my place that I spent all of my hard-earned cash at--and it is closing, after a million years or something of being in business. And it breaks my heart to see another mom & pop place go down the tubes--never to return. I hate that we are stuck with big box stores that sell cheap and crappy plants for the unknowing masses. I hate that I will have to travel to find decent garden wares, if I can find them at all.
You know, I can take Borders closing (not without much sadness), but Sid's Greenhouse--that is a whooooole other story. It was my hangout, my place to go all summer long--and sometimes even in the winter when I needed some green for my eyeballs to rest on. Damn, I'm gonna miss Sid's.
While the news of its closing spurned bargain shoppers and deal hunters, I couldn't bring myself to go. I didn't need to pick the bones of my dear friend, and I certainly couldn't go and say goodbye to all of my buddies there. As for Cocky Garden Center Dude--I'm not sure I wouldn't go over and give him one last kick in the shins--you know, for old times sake. And I don't think that would have made him feel any better, so I stayed home and thought of the Sid's I remember--the one stocked with cool garden stuff, pond supplies, and a never-ending supply of tadpoles.
So, it is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to Cocky Garden Center Dude, to my friends at Sid's and to all the businesses past and present that are trying to make it through this economy. And while Washington may just view this as a business, I feel like I lost a friend. I'm sure Obama doesn't have a Sid's or a Cocky Garden Center Dude in his life that he needs to look out for. But he should--it would make some decisions more important, I think.
And so, Cocky Garden Center Dude--I say thank you for the attitude and the laughs. In the end, the score was a draw--I got you with the raccoons, but you got me with the heron. Damn.
15 comments:
Lin, I feel for you. I felt the same when my all time favourite café closed its doors.
We do have plenty of really great garden centers here...and no chance of them closing, they do a brisk business every year.
Have no fear-since the condo building boom went bust and left towns such as mine looking like ghost towns not to mention condos in deteriorating sections of this town, what happens when something goes out of business? They build another bank. Just what everyone needs. Maybe you will find a cool banker to spare with-better yet that banker may be...HIM! Cocky Bank Dude.
Eep. So now you'll have to go to Lowe's or something instead? They don't like to help much there either....
Mayhap that a certain someone you mentioned needs not only a garden center in his life, but a good kick in the shins as well. Give it to 'im!
In tough times, the things that make life beautiful are the first to go. We lost a garden center here, too.
So let's be sad for the departure of Sid. And shed a tear for the dispersal of his Sidlets. Vanilla is right. You really should give that Sidlet a swift kick to the shin.
My condolences...I think my husband would be devastated and desolated and inclined to move if his bread store went out of business. I personally can't live without Trader Joe's - there must be other places nearby??? And other blog fodder??
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find another similar place not too far away.
Duni--It's the taxes here that are killing mom & pop places. Between county taxes and property taxes, a business can't make a go of it anymore. I'm very sad.
Helene--Or the place is just going to sit empty like all the other stores and businesses that go out. It's getting depressing.
Nancy--GASP! NEVER!!! They don't know a thing about flowers, gardening, or anything else for that matter. Nope, I will be traveling far to the next best place--and mail ordering tadpoles and pond supplies.
Vanilla--It sorta makes me sad that he is out of a job. Where does a Cocky Garden Center Dude go anyway?
Chuck--Aw, you can't kick the guy when he is down. Even I have sympathy that he and the other great guys there lost their jobs. I'm really broken up about this loss. Seriously, I can't go there to say goodbye.
Grace--There is no blog fodder at Home Depot and Lowe's--I hate those stores. I like places with character.....and characterS!
Pricilla--The next place is a bit of a drive and expensive. I'm mostly worried about getting tadpoles, snails, and water hyacinth for the pond. I may be able to mail order, but it isn't the same. :(
Oh that is sad. I don't mind hearing about a big box store going out but not a mom and pop business. We need more of those.
I wonder what will become of cocky garden center dude.
Big misunderstanding. I have sympathy for CGC Dude who lost his place of work. I was referring to someone else mentioned when I suggested you kick him in the shins. ;-)
That's too bad that they are closing especially in the summer when they should be doing their best. Such a sad economy and of course people losing their jobs just makes it worse.
Be careful Lin... Cocky Garden Dude may show up as your waiter the next time you go to your favorite restaurant! ;)
xo Catherine
Ann--Yeah, I'm not a big box kinda gal. I wouldn't mind more of those going out of business. I don't think I'd miss them.
Vanilla-oooooh, I get it. ;) He-who-shall-not-be-named is really messin' it up, isn't he?? Criminy. Welcome to what we already knew in Illinois--he talks pretty but does NUTHIN'.
Beaded Tail--It's like losing a friend, I tell ya. I can't tell you how many times a summer I go there--just popping in to have a look see on where I can drop some cash. Sigh. :( I really feel for the workers. I hope they find new jobs.
Catherine--Hahaha! Wouldn't THAT be funny?! It would be a great blog post.
I know you are trying to be flippant, but you have hit the nail on the head- none of those politicos have a clue about how real people live and the things they care about.
awwww. I HATE when this happens. It is soo sad and i always feel like an old fart when I wax on and on about the good ole days...but I really DO miss the good ole days of KNOWING the people who work at the stores and having a neighborhood hangout. sigh.
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