Some people have a hard time going into a bar and spending more than they should. It isn't uncommon for a few people I know to go into a bar, drop a $100 bill for a few drinks, and maybe a little something to eat. They'll stay two hours or so, and meet people, dance, and talk. They think it's worth it. They enjoyed themselves, and I would never tell them they shouldn't have fun. Likewise, there are those who find going to the casinos more fun than going to a bar. They'll spend so much money trying to win so much more. I'm not into it, but hey, if they are, that's their gig.
My obsession now, and I suppose it's an older one, is Tractor Supply. I am that person who walks into the store thinking I'm picking up a bag of dog food, only to realize my horse may or may not need something. Usually, the horses don't need anything, but there I am looking up and down those aisles...you know, just in case. I mosey past the car and truck stuff, not even thinking about what Stephen (my car) may want. I find myself in the clothing; I find myself thinking about boots. I could always use another pair of mucking boots, right? 😏
I won't exit the building (usually) without dropping over $100 for feed, food, fleece, or footwear. Today, I was on a mission because the horses we rescued are coming tomorrow. They were going to come on Wednesday, just two more days away, but with the winter vortex hitting just north of the Oklahoma border, the hauler (a woman in Kansas) decided tomorrow would be better. It's OK, it saves me $60! I love saving money, but we weren't ready for them, and I needed to make a trip to my happy place.
Since Laura won't let me lift anything, I engaged the help of a young worker named Bryan. He was truly a sweet, very cute kid, around 19 or 20. He told me he's not from our city, but goes to school and needed a job. He's driving farther to work than I would, but I think the Tractor Supply in his area was fully staffed, so he took a shift way out this way. He's like me; he can't break away from the words "on sale" or "clearance". He told me Black Friday and Cyber Monday are his two favorite days of the year.
I'm going to save up for next year's Black Friday special if it's anything like this year's special on ATVs. I could use a $3000 savings on a Gator! I think honestly, though, if I had to guess, I'd end up buying something used and keeping it on the farm rather than dumping a whole lot of money on a new vehicle. I can't see myself spending $6000 when $2000 will do the trick. It is fun to look though. I'll stick to my several bags of feed, dog food, cat food, litter, and that long-sleeved Carhartt T-shirt that I didn't need. You know I won't forget the pecan rolls, Charleston Chews, or Cow Tales. Nope, those are a staple.
I like Tractor Supply a lot, but if my city had an Atwoods, I might switch loyalties. Not gonna say it loud or anything, but I could see that happening. One of the great things about living on land and needing to fix something every week is that Tractor Supply is only 1/2 mile from me. If they don't have it and I'm forced to go to Atwoods, I only have 10.6 miles to go. I can see myself doing it just to be doing it, if you want the truth. I could sneak over there, maybe pick up a sandwich at Earl's BBQ (Yukon), and make a day of it. I could swing by Ollie's too while I'm living large in the moment.
People in El Reno like to say that folks who live in Yukon are rich and uppity. It isn't true; not for the most part, but it is fun to listen to the people talk about their neighbors the way they do. We came from Oklahoma City, another two cities west of Yukon, and I can tell you, not one of us ever thought those living in Yukon held a candle to what we had in the Big City. Still, it's fun to see the small-town rivalry extend beyond the football field into the streets and byways. I'm an El Reno Indian now. I've even got the T-shirt to prove it. I will take Jeannie to the game next fall too; she'll like that.
Recently, my Tractor Supply addiction has forced me to pick up fencing supplies for both the horse and dog fences. I've got a co-worker helping Laura put up the two fences, and he's loving the freezing weather so much more than I would. You should have seen the restraint I had while walking through the store today, picking up the new 40-gallon rubber trough, feed, a few treats, medical aids for the horses, and an 80-foot garden hose. I did stop by the dog food, picked up a sack, and I did happen to get Laura her fix (the pecan rolls and Cow Tales), but I did not, did not, did not, purchase anything else -- I was so good!
Photo Credit: TractorSupply.com
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