Strangest Car I Ever Saw!

Seen on Euclid Ave. in downtown Cleveland, summer of 2013

As I was walking outside on my break one day last summer, I saw this silver rocket car parked across the street!  I remember riding these at Euclid Beach, an amusement park we used to go to when I was a kid.  It's not there anymore.  I wonder who rode in this.  It was parked outside of the House of Blues so perhaps it belonged to a singer or band.

Would you like a car like this?  What is the strangest thing you have seen lately?

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Monday Mischief with Manny Boy

I have found a very fun thing to play with in the bathroom recently:

I can put my head into the wastebasket . . .

and pull out light tissue paper!

I love to play with it, tear it apart. . .

and carry it out of the bathroom.

Mom does not like this game though and keeps putting it back in the basket.  She has even threatened to keep the door closed so I can't get in.

Spunky Doodle used to like the toilet paper game when she was a kitten, pulling it right off the roll!

Do your cats like this game too?  Joining in with Monday Mischief, Aww Mondays and Cats on Tuesday.

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Sunday Sharing: Strong Bones and One Messed Up Family

Strong Bones

Don't depend on your own wisdom, respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.   Then your body will be healthy and your bones will be strong. --Proverbs 3:7-8 (ICB)

I came across the above verse when studying for my Sunday School lesson this week and I thought what an easy way to stay healthy.  But then, it's not so easy to not depend on my own wisdom.  I have the respecting the Lord and refusing to do wrong part down, I think.  I just need to seek God's wisdom more though instead of relying on my own.

I want to be healthy and have strong bones.  My follow up checkups with my Oncologist due to having had Cancer and being on the Femara drug to keep it from coming back have indicated my bones are getting weaker.  I need more Vitamin D.  Years ago before all this fancy technology, they never would have mentioned such a thing.  Now they tell me by taking more pills, my bones can be improved.  I've been drinking more milk and also taking three be-BALANCED bone strengthening Calcium, a dietary supplement every day. I call them bone chews--they're good!.  I have an appointment coming up Nov. 7 and she'll probably schedule me for another bone scan so I'm hoping there is some improvement.

One Messed Up Family

Back to the life of David and his family, in II Samuel 14:28-29, David's son Absalom has his half-brother Amnon killed at a family celebration for sleeping with Absolom's sister, Tamar.

But he told his servants, "Keep an eye on Amnon.  When he gets a little drunk from the wine and is feeling good, I'll give the signal.  Then kill him!  I've commanded you to do it, so don't be afraid.  Be strong and brave."  Absalom's servants killed Amnon, just as Absalom had told them.  The rest of the king's sons quickly rode away on their mules to escape from Absalom.  (Contemporary English version)

This show what holding in anger and bitterness can do.  I found it interesting that David's family was so messed up.  He was a much better king than a father apparently.  I also found it interesting that just like Absalom's father, he had a servant do his killing for him.  I always was under the impression that Absalom had actually killed Amnon himself.

Please share in the comments what interesting scripture highlights you came across this week.

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Making a Decision, What to Do? What to Do?

Once again, I wish I could be in two places at once.  Wouldn't that be nice?  My husband and I both work full-time so through the week we do not have much time at all together.  Even when we are both home in the evenings, usually we are doing different things.  Wednesday, I added up our waking time together and got a grand total of one hour!  I felt so disconnected from him and just got to thinking, this isn't right!   Obviously, we see the people we work with through the week more than we do each other.  (Another reason we look forward to retirement!)

Fall Festival

Tomorrow from noon to 3:00 I planned on helping run games at the Fall Festival and let him go to the nursing home with Abby without me which he even suggested.  This is something we do together every Saturday, but the Fall Festival only happens once a year and they need lots of people to run the games for the kids.  I figured that this is one of the pluses to being married--as a couple we can get more accomplished by each of us being in a different place at the same time! 

Visiting Nursing Home

We really look forward to the weekend, but then I found out my hubby has to work tomorrow morning!  This changes everything.  I will go ahead and do our grocery shopping without him in the morning, drop off more candy for the Fall Festival, but at least want to spend the afternoon and evening with him so I'll be picking him up from work so I can see his new place that he wants me to see, then joining him and Abby on the nursing home visit and checking out the new library together.

As I prayed about what God would want me to do, He gave me peace about this decision.  Apparently, this year he doesn't need me to help at the Fall Festival.  I'll leave that in His hands and focus on keeping our marriage strong by making the most of the little time I have with my husband.  I'll pray He provides enough workers.

What do you think of my decision.  Do you find it hard to prioritize things to?  What is your biggest dilemma at the moment?

Related posts:  Church's Fall Festival Brings Back Memories of Dad & A Beautiful Day by Abby

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Wordless Wednesday

Go Sox!  Wish the games were on earlier!


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What Our Pets Think of "Cats Stealing Dog Beds"

Once again, a video proving that cats rule: Check out this cute funny compilation of cats stealing dog beds at Paw Bonito or the original post at HuffingtonPost.com (I tried to embed it, but it didn't work, sorry.  It's really worth watching for a laugh).  My favorites were the dogs pulling the beds in an effort to get the cats off.  I think only one succeeded.

Here's what our pets thought of this video:

Spunky Doodle and Manny:  We think those cats are very brave not running from the barking dogs.  We have to work at developing that quality.  Abby barks so loud though, it hurts our ears!  We think these cats in the video were extremely mischievous!

Abby:  I think those dogs should leave the cats alone and lay on the floor our a couch like I do.  It's perfectly comfortable.  I got a big soft dog bed for Christmas one year and never used it.  

Does your dog use a dog bed?  What did you think of the video?

Joining Monday Mischief, Aww Mondays.

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Sunday Sharing: Guard Your Thoughts

David, a man after God's own heart, was at the top of his game so to speak in II Samuel 8:14b-15 which says:

The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went. David was King over all Israel. His decisions were fair and right for all his people.

Then, just three chapters later in II Samuel 11, he totally blows it. First he covets another man's wife, then commits adultery, then he arranges to have her husband killed in battle. He obviously did not seek God's will in any of this and it took him nine months or more to even admit he sinned. The Lord did not like what David did and although he forgave David, there were still consequences. Not only would his descendants die by the sword, and his baby died. but he would also have his wives taken from him.

This is what the Lord says: I am bringing trouble to you from your own family. While you watch, I will take your wives from you. And I will give them to someone who is very close to you. He will have sexual relations with your wives and everyone will know it. (12) You had sexual relations with Bathsheba in secret. But I will do this so all the people of Israel can see it.--II Samuel 12:11-12

Wow, isn't it amazing how much trouble one bad thought can lead to? My key verse of the week was Proverbs 4:23:

Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life. (ICB)

Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (NIV)

Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. (Contemporary English version)

David's fall is sad, but it serves as a warning to us all.  A point Beth Moore made that I thought was interesting was to seek forgiveness as soon as we realize we have an bad thought before we act on it.

So, what was your scripture highlight from last week?  Please share it in the comments or feel free to comment on this post.

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Friday Fragments--Frazzled (life, Purim)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post to give Mrs. 4444 a break for the summer. Here we go:

Frazzled

I'm feeling somewhat frazzled, busy week and not much time to blog. It seems there is so little free time to blog. Our weekends have been busy with things going on and normal stuff we need to do. We got our cell phone replaced, but also got an extra one which we had to return. I'm hoping we will get a credit for the shipping cost, but I won't be surprised if we don't.

Sunday: I let the kids draw on the whiteboard to illustrate the lesson as I taught about Elijah being fed by ravens and the widow sharing her last meal with him that God kept replenishing. I was going to take a picture of it but forgot.

Monday: I forgot my key card to get into work so had to get a visitor's tag. I hate when I forget it--just wasn't ready for another work week. Finally got the new cell phone activated when when George from tech support fixed the serial number--their records didn't match the phone they sent to us. Great Call hasn't been so great for us lately. Hubby went to his regular work place and then was told to go to the new place where they are moving to instead.

Tuesday: Got to catch up on some taped episodes of Cedar Cove.

Wednesday:  Rush at end of the day to get out on time, the rushed off to Bible study at church.  No TV time or blogging time.  Felt bad I didn't get to join in the note card party, but just didn't have time to get it together.  Had to enjoy the beautiful weather outside Saturday.

Thursday: Typed up some fragments but feeling like I just want to kick back and watch The Biggest Loser that I taped and some of the Red Sox game.  Doing the Beth Moore Bible study on David takes me longer in the morning so have much less time to visit other blogs, but am really enjoying this study.

Friday:  Time to apply Revolution to our pets and do the laundry.  Rush, rush and then off to work.

image source:  Wikipedia

Sunday School

Found a video about Queen Esther that I might use in my Sunday School class this week, "Queen Esther Saves The Day" on Jewish TV Network. Also found out what a gragger is. It's a noisemaker kids twirl when Haman's name is mentioned during the reading of the Book of Esther for the Purim celebration.  I think it might be fun to give the kids some noisemakers and have them hiss, boo and make noise whenever I mention Haman when I tell them the story.  Yup, think that's what I'll do. 

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A Beautiful Day by Abby

It was a beautiful day Saturday so I got out a lot!  Went to West Creek Reservation with both my mom and dad twice and to Veteran's Memorial Park all in one day!

Here I am posing with my dad in front of the colored leaves.  They are just starting to change color.

We also went visiting at the nursing home where I got some bonus treats from my good friend, Marlene.

On our way out, we stopped and took some pictures with the scarecrows along the drive. The top one is Gerard's favorite because it had a dog head, the middle was Marlene's favorite because it was funny and holding a Bingo card and a hand of cards. The bottom was Karen's favorite but she blocked the guy scarecrow that was sitting.  The sun was glaring so Gerard couldn't really see what he was getting when he took this picture.

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Sunday Sharing: Depending on God

My highlight this week is from my Sunday School lesson, the story of Elijah being fed by ravens during a drought and the widow and her son who took care of him found in I Kings 17:1-16.

image:  openclipart.org

The thing that stood out to me was the great faith Elijah had in God demonstrated by his total reliance on Him for food and water.  I like how God uses even birds and animals for His purposes!  I can't imagine just camping out by a brook relying on ravens to bring me food each morning and evening . . . for days. 

Finally, when the brook dried up, God told him to go to a widow's home.  She was very unselfish and poor.  Down to her last meal, she still shared with Elijah what she had.  God came through for them in a miraculous way, never letting her run out of the oil and flour all through the 3.5 years of the drought!

The jar of flour and the jug of oil were never empty.  This happened just as the Lord, through Elijah, said it would.--I King 17:16

We too must remember to obey Romans 12:13 like the widow which says:

Share with God's people in need.  Practice hospitality.

I have a hard time picturing me inviting a total stranger to stay in my home for three and half years!  I wonder what would have happened though had she not welcomed Elijah to stay and fed him what she had.  Would God still provided for her needs had she turned Elijah away or would she and her son have starved to death?
Share a scripture highlight you came across this week in the comments.

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7 Friday Fragments (blogging, life, death, sports)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post to give Mrs. 4444 a break for the summer. Here we go:

Broken Cell Phone

Hubby's cell phone broke, but had replacement coverage on it which we paid $4.00 a month for. It still cost us $25 to replace it (just a basic phone--no texting, no pictures, no internet access). I asked how much an upgrade would be and the service rep at Great Call said $75. So, I'm thinking we should have just not did the replacement coverage and put that money towards an upgrade instead. The next day I canceled the monthly "replacement coverage." They said without that it would have cost $50 to replace it. At least they are waiving the shipping and handling fee. In the meantime, hubby is borrowing my phone--I miss it.

Travis Benjamin

This Browns wide receiver/punt returner is very fast! He had 179 yards on punt returns in Last week's game which broke the Browns record formerly held by Metcalf. Said he learned to run fast by chasing rabbits in Florida and now that he shared his rabbit story, his teammates nicknamed him "the Rabbit"! Read more about it: Benjamin Built Speed by Chasing Rabbits.

Funeral

Glad I happened to look at Facebook yesterday morning because my cousin posted that my Aunt Jolene died with a link to her obituary. The funeral is tomorrow so I am planning on going. Funerals are like family reunions for my family--it's the only time we get together. She was 78 and died of Lymphoma.

Blogger Trouble

Don't know what's up with Blogger, but I tried changing my weekly quote on my blog but it wouldn't save it. Finally, I just deleted it and tried adding it from scratch instead of editing it, but that didn't save either. The verse I was going to change it to is "Our God is in heaven. He does what he wants."--Psalm 115:3 (ICB)

Skunk

On my way to work, walking to the bus stop, I saw a skunk! It was little but I didn't stop to take its picture. I warned a dog walker not to go that way because a skunk was in one of the front yards so she thanked me and kept going straight.

Quiet Time

I am enjoying Beth Moore's "David--Seeking a Heart Like His" so much! I am learning a lot and every day finding new verses to mark in my Bible that pop out at me. Starting off my day with an hour with my Lord which seems like 15 minutes is so precious and wonderful. I highly recommend this Bible study and encourage you to check out my Sunday Sharing posts from this starting in September. (Just use the search box or the archive list at the left of my blog to find them.)

New Place

Gerard gets to see his new work place today which I seem more excited about than him. He's a bit nervous about going a different route than usual--he is a creature of habit but I know he'll be fine! It's actually much easier to get to than where he works now!

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Time For Some Poetry (UPDATED--Revised)

Our motivational name poems:

Karen

K is for Kind, generous to people
A is for Alluring, drawing people in  Analytical, thinks through everything
R is for Ravishing, an entrancing beauty Rascal, sometimes a bit mischievous
E is for Eloquent, the gift of expression Entertaining, making people laugh
N is for Noteworthy, having remarkable achievements

(This is actually a funny one if you know me.  "Alluring, Ravishing, Eloquent" are not words I would choose to describe me.  This made me laugh!) 

Gerard

G is for Gracious, handling matters with class Growly, when arising at 4:30 a.m.
E is for Entertaining, a source of endless fun Energetic, goes non-stop all day long
R is for Real, authentic in character
A is for Arresting, people flock to you Amusing, can be very funny
R is for Relaxing, you put people at ease
D is for Diligent, a committed worker

("Gracious, Energetic and Arresting" are not words that I would use to describe my husband but all the others here are right on.)

Abby with girl afraid of dogs

A is for Alluring, drawing people in
B is for Beautiful, a treat for the eyes
B is for Big-hearted, you have room for everyone
Y is for Yummy, so delectable loves to eat

Spunky

S is for Smart, a keen intellect
P is for Picturesque, strikingly beautiful
U is for Ultimate, just the best
N is for Noteworthy, having remarkable achievements
K is for Kind, generous to people shares things with Manny
Y is for Yes, always believing in yourself

Manny

M is for Modest, humility is your virtue
A is for Amazing, I never cease to think
N is for Nutty, full of wackiness Noble, a very good cat
N is for Nice, a sweet soul
Y is for Yearning, a drive to succeed



Try it out for yourself! Go to Below are the name poems generated by http://www.namepoem.org/ and choose motivational or funny, then generate. I think the funny ones should be called stupid instead--didn't think they were funny at all.  If you don't like what first comes up, try again and you will get something different.

UPDATED with my "improvements" Oct. 9.
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Time For Some Poetry

Our motivational name poems:

Karen

K is for Kind, generous to people
A is for Alluring, drawing people in
R is for Ravishing, an entrancing beauty
E is for Eloquent, the gift of expression
N is for Noteworthy, having remarkable achievements

(This is actually a funny one if you know me.  "Alluring, Ravishing, Eloquent" are not words I would choose to describe me.  This made me laugh!) 

Gerard

G is for Gracious, handling matters with class
E is for Entertaining, a source of endless fun
R is for Real, authentic in character
A is for Arresting, people flock to you
R is for Relaxing, you put people at ease
D is for Diligent, a committed worker

Abby with girl afraid of dogs

A is for Alluring, drawing people in
B is for Beautiful, a treat for the eyes
B is for Big-hearted, you have room for everyone
Y is for Yummy, so delectable

Spunky

S is for Smart, a keen intellect
P is for Picturesque, strikingly beautiful
U is for Ultimate, just the best
N is for Noteworthy, having remarkable achievements
K is for Kind, generous to people
Y is for Yes, always believing in yourself

Manny

M is for Modest, humility is your virtue
A is for Amazing, I never cease to think
N is for Nutty, full of wackiness 
N is for Nice, a sweet soul
Y is for Yearning, a drive to succeed



Try it out for yourself! Go to Below are the name poems generated by http://www.namepoem.org/ and choose motivational or funny, then generate. I think the funny ones should be called stupid instead--didn't think they were funny at all.  If you don't like what first comes up, try again and you will get something different.


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Spunky Doodle Surprises Me

I like when my cats actually use the things I buy for them. One year I bought a double-decker wicker cat bed but mostly they just used the top part of it. It's unusual to see them inside it, but once in a while, they actually do go in.

Is that Spunky inside?  I had to get a closer look:

Go away, leave me alone and take that bright flashing light with you!

Yup, sure enough, there she was!  Manny went in too the next day, but didn't stay long enough for me to get his picture.  She also rotates sleeping spots at night. 

When I went upstairs to say goodnight to her last week sometime, I was surprised to find her lying in the cat carrier.  I leave it open in the den in the hopes that if they see it all the time, they won't think anything of it when it's time to go to the vet. 

Joining the Awww Mondays blog hop.

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Sunday Sharing: Four Highlights From II Samuel 3-5

In continuing my study through David--Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore, I am learning a lot of things.  Here is a list of some of the highlights that jumped out at me this week.

David's Family Grows

I knew Solomon had a weakness for women and had many wives, but I never realized David had so many.  Nor did I know David had so many sons!  II Samuel 3:2-5 lists 7 wives and sons.  Then over in II Samuel 5:13-16 after he became king, he took more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem and had 11 children "born unto him in Jerusalem." 

Recab and Baanah

Do you know what Recab and Baanah did? These are two I didn't know anything about until I read II Samuel 4:5-12.

They came into the middle of the house, Recab and Baanah came as if they were going to get some wheat. Ish-Bosheth [son of Saul] was lying on his bed in his bedroom. Recab and Baanah stabbed him in the stomach. Then they cut off his head and took it with them. They traveled all night through the Jordan valley. (II Samuel 4:6-7)

They took the head to David in Hebron, thinking he would be pleased with them but he wasn't. He had no desire to hurt any of Saul's family and Recab and Baanah were both put to death for doing this.

Ask For Directions First

Something that really stood out to me this week is the fact that David prayed asking God if he should do things before he acted. I thought, what a wonderful habit to get into! In II Samuel 2:1-7 after he became king, he prayed to the Lord asking if he should go up to any cities of Judah. The Lord told him to go and he asked where. Then the Lord answered him and said to go to Hebron.

In II Samuel 5:18, David asked God first if he should attack the Philistines and if God would deliver them to him. Again, God said yes.

This shows that David was not arrogant like Saul, but trusted in God. In Psalm 20:7 he wrote:

Some trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust the Lord our God.

 

Joab v. Abner

Another section I found interesting was how David made an agreement not to harm Abner (commander of Saul's army) when Abner transferred his loyalty to David.  This did not set well with Joab (commander of David's army) because Abner had killed one of Joab's brothers in battle.  When Joab found out, he got Abner alone and stabbed him to death.  David was very upset about this! (I Samuel 3:22-39)

I highly recommend this study. Remind you, these are just highlights from last week! Share a scripture highlight you came across last week in a comment, or feel free to comment on this post.

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4 Friday Fragments (sports, thoughts, animals, books)

Friday Fragments is hosted by Half Past Kissin' Time for bloggers to post a list of short things on their minds that aren't really enough for a whole post to give Mrs. 4444 a break for the summer. Here we go:

Lack of Sleep

My new screen saver!

Too bad the Indians lost the wild card game--just couldn't score in spite of getting lots of hits. I stayed up until 11:40 pm hoping for a late inning rally that never happened. The next night I watched the Browns beat the Buffalo Bills 37-24 giving them 3 wins in a row and putting them in first place all alone in their division. Our QB, Brian Hoyer, got hurt at the beginning of the game after a scramble and I thought for sure this was going to be a loss when we were down 10-0. To my surprise, Brendan Weeden stepped up and got it done with no interceptions and several huge plays, making the third down conversions. It was worth staying up until 11:45 p.m. I'll catch up on my sleep tonight. Glad this was the only night game for the Browns this season!

Crazy Thought

I was just thinking today how nice it would be if nations would handle their differences by playing a game instead of going to war. Kind of like a dual, but it would be fun! Maybe I should suggest it to the United Nations. War is so horrible and lots of lives could be saved this way. Players could be with their families and just come to play the game, then go back home. What game would you suggest they play to settle their differences?

Coati Mundi

a South American Coati Mundi

I learned of a new animal this week. One of my co-workers took a trip to the Panama Canal and sent me this picture of a creature she saw--a South American Coati Mundi. I've never heard of this animal before!  I think it kind of looks like a small kangaroo but it is apparently part of the raccoon family.

Books

Check out our reviews of Our Favorite Reads For September:  Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain (Karen's choice) and Alex by Pierre Lemaitre (Gerard's choice).  Both these are very good!




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Disappointed But Hopeful

I am very disappointed the Tribe lost last not, but have to give Tampa Bay credit--their pitching was amazing! They got out of their jams, we did not. They won on the road before a loud, red, sell out crowd. They seemed so much looser than the Indians. It looked good with most of the fans wearing red but unfortunately, the big crowd really had little to cheer about.

I expected to see Giambi get in as a pinch hitter when we had runners on, but he never got in. He has been a good clutch hitter for us all season. I stayed awake to the end, hoping the Indians would rally at the end, but it never happened. They out hit the Rays, but weren't able to score at all. Anyway, thanks Indians, for a fun year and a spectacular September! Great job, Francona--maybe we'll go all the way next year!

Go Browns--Can't be disappointed 2 nights in a row!

Now I will join my husband in rooting for the Red Sox to win the series.

The Browns play the Buffalo Bills tonight so I plan on being up late again.  I am not used to being up so late!  Sure with these games would be on earlier.

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Go Tribe!

We get to wear Indians t-shirts/sweatshirts to work today so this is what I am wearing today.  So excited to watch tonight's game and happy that it is a sell out.  Progressive field will be rocking tonight!

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Giant Eagle is Sneaky

We tried out a new store Saturday because we had a coupon, just to see how it was.  It is called "Good Sense" and is located right next to our Giant Eagle.  Our first impression of it was that it was like a large Aldis.  I felt like I was in a warehouse rather than a retail store.  Customers have to bag their own groceries and buy bags.  Fortunately, we did not have to do that because we have boxes in the car to hold the groceries so we just wheeled them out in the cart unbagged.   Some prices were lower than Giant Eagle's.

Then we went to Giant Eagle to finish our shopping and when we got to the checkout, we remarked about trying out Good Cents and saying Giant Eagle didn't have anything to worry about.  The cashier told us that Giant Eagle owns Good Cents and any coupons for Good Cents are also good at Giant Eagle!  She said they moved in right next door to keep the competition from locating there. 

I don't see why a competitor would choose to move right next to a well-established Giant Eagle anyway.  It really seemed a bit silly to me for Giant Eagle to do that.  What do you think?

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