An Aldi Thanksgiving

There was a time when one did not admit that they shopped at Aldi, the no - frills discount grocery chain. There was a stigma attached to being an Aldi customer. Mostly, that you must be low - income and did not have the funds to shop at a pricier major chain. But during a trip there yesterday, I found myself with a lot more company than I used to, and passed by grocery carts piled with basic Thanksgiving fare: Turkeys, stuffing, pumpkin pies and cranberries. More people, it seems, are discovering that it makes economic sense to explore other avenues to putting food on the table, be it for yourself or a spouse and kids.

Occasionally, I will walk to the Dominick's in the West Ridge neighbourhood for a few specialty items. For the most part, however, I frequent Aldi for ground beef for chili or spaghetti; boxed stuffing; a bag of russet potatoes; a gallon of milk. For years, I have shopped at their Californian/Granville location and have enjoyed passing a quarter to an exiting fellow - customer returning their shopping cart. (Though quarters are not required to use carts at the Broadway/Granville store.)

The stigma of shopping at Aldi might still exist but, these days, most Aldi shoppers seem content with letting it roll off their backs. I have been doing it for years!

To my fellow - Aldi customers (current and future), Happy Aldi Thanksgiving!

Jackie

Ewwww!

DO NOT SHOP AT 'LA FRESCASITA' , a produce/meat market at 7007 N. Clark St. in the Rogers Park neighborhood! The guy who rang up my purchases would only allow me to purchase 9 Bartlett pears, instead of the 10 that I needed. So, he tore open the produce bag, reached in and, with his filthy hands, removed the offending extra fruit. To say that I was grossed out would be an understatement. Yuck! If you ever pass by this store, KEEP WALKING!

Jackie

H1NI Vaccine at Truman College

DO NOT GO TO TRUMAN COLLEGE expecting you're going to receive the vaccine against Swine Flu, because, you will likely be turned away! They are very disorganized there. Inquire about the vaccine at your doctor's office instead.

Jackie

Things Are Jammin' at ALDI

Judging from the crowded aisles, I think it is safe to say that ALDI has been a welcome addition to the Edgewater community. I have shopped there several times now, and I am happy to report that the store has been busy. This location now has an added convenience: Shopping baskets! I have always thought that it's absurd to wheel around a huge shopping cart for small purchases. A basket is less bulky and ideal when you are picking up just a few items. The cashiers balance quickness and courtesy with considerable skill, which is more than I can say for the majority of employees I've observed at the big - chain supermarkets.

Jackie

WiFi @ West Ridge Dominick's

The rebuilt West Ridge Dominick's, at 6623 N. Damen, now offers WiFi for those who like to chow down while using their laptops.

Jackie

At 2:15 a.m. on Friday, at N. Clark and W. Pratt, a 29 - year - old man was beaten by three men while he was in his car. The assault took place in a McDonald's parking lot. Motive, unknown. No one is custody at this time.

Jackie

Pigeon Clean - Up

This morning, underneath the Metra tracks at Granville and Ravenswood, I noticed that the sidewalk had been powerwashed and cleared of pigeon droppings, candy wrappers and other litter. It would remain in that state if people would refrain from feeding the pesky fowls and 40th Ward Alderman, Patrick O'Connor, installed pigeon spikes like Joe Moore did in his ward, at W. Pratt, behind S & C Electric (there's narry a feather under the Metro tracks now). Moore seems to communicate more frequently with his constituents and respond to their concerns more effectively. I get more information from his office than from O'Connors', via email updates.

I guess for O'Connor, pigeon spikes is too much to ask for; we in the 40th Ward only hear from him when he's up for re-election. If only someone would oppose this useless wanker.

Jackie