I didn’t get up at midnight and camp out in front of Joynes. I didn’t stand in long lines at Lake Superior Trading Post. In fact, I had no plans to go shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving notoriously dubbed as “Black Friday” by the national media.
While the rest of the country battled over electronics deals and fought gridlock traffic, I, like many other Americans, went quietly about the business of my life.
The day after Thanksgiving always fills me with the desire to decorate for Christmas. I strung lights, set out my beloved little ceramic Christmas tree and hung the wreath at the front door. The day was pleasant and enjoyable. However, as the hours progressed, a number of chores built up, so, with a reluctant sigh, I faced the task of shopping. It was Black Friday. Even Grand Marais would be crazy with people.
But shopping in a small town has its benefits.
Trotting into Buck’s hardware store to refill my birdseed supply, I stopped to look over Christmas decorations. No rush. Maybe I’d come back and buy one later.
When I checked out a ten pound bag of sunflower seeds, the friendly clerk kindly suggested I save money by purchasing the 40 pound bag. “I’ll even bring it out to your car,” she offered. Since she was a good deal younger than I, I took up her generous offer.
Next stop was the Whole Foods Co-op where I stocked up on bulk pecans, rice and, of course, a scone or two. As I checked out, the clerk and I held a long discussion about the merits of their free-range turkeys. (Delicious.) Nobody fought over the yogurt on sale or the dwindling supply of baguettes. Nobody used pepper spray to nab the juiciest apple.
I decided, in the spirit of the season, that a bright red poinsettia would add a festive touch to my household, so I ambled over to the floral shop. After spending a considerable amount of time fussing over the shop “watchdog,” a tiny and friendly creature, Sandy, the shop owner, informed me that a large order of plants and flowers would be arriving tomorrow, and if I came back sometime after lunch, they would all be out and ready to be sold. I promised I would.
The grocery stores were busy but not crazy. The checkout lady at IGA chatted about the weather and the holiday. As my groceries at Big Dollar were being packed, the checker asked how Mr. Magoo was doing.
One of the best things about living on the North Shore is the ever-present view of Lake Superior, and there’s no more beautiful a sight than a winter sunset over the big lake. On this Friday, dubbed “Black” by the babbling media, I was lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful colors of a brilliant sunset.
As I drove up the Gunflint Trail towards home, the glowing red of a November sunset filled the western sky, a lovely end to a pleasant day.
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