I use 3 spikes per gallon lily container per month in the growing season. Hubs just snagged a 50 count pkg at DG for $2. I count 54 in the pkg.

OMG! Karen, your story brought back memories--rushing to get to work, look down and nasty looking comfy yard shoes still on, or like Jeanne, sitting at desk and look down to see two different colored high heels--and nothing to change to until I could run home for lunch! (I finally started carrying an extra pair of black heels in my car since I knew I'd probably mess up again.) I can imagine your embarrassment--and your friends hoots of laughter! ;o) Lots of good finds (in addition to the tennis). Those domes will keep goodies protected from the kitties and look good too. You always seem to find neat bunny items, that purple jar is just perfect for you and the metal ones will work indoors or out. Glad you had fun and were able to go visit with your friends. Luvs

Slinkey, I was not declaring 'all mine' as I unpacked glasses and plates and place mats. I WAS muttering Kathleen's name however. DT had bowls, coffee mugs, plates, but no salad plates. I am sure I'd have bought them tho if they had. I didn't want the others. I went back this morning and got my DD's stuff. And NOTHING else. When I got to the cash register with 16 glasses, all those large snowflakes and placemats, and more ornaments. The gal looked at me and said "you were here yesterday too?". I mumbled these were for my daughter, but I didn't like the way she grinned at that. Have a feeling she didn't believe me. And she asked if I wanted the guy to carry the box of glasses to my car AGAIN. I said sure, why not. If DT would let you take the dang buggy outside the store I wouldn't have needed help. So its their fault. Lynne, you found some purple ornies I didn't see here. dd50, don't say the folks here are "no help", they help a LOT. Just not always in the way we need them to. LOL. Shee, you and some of the others often say you saw something and wish you'd gotten it or you'll go back for it, be cheaper (GAS) just to get it the first time and be done with it. LOL Mo, I don't appreciate hearing the word Wal Mart. I'm heading there in an hour for my groceries. That is FOOD not goodies. Lord help me! And I WAS going to Michaels tomorrow but now not too sure that is a good idea. In fact I know its not. Did I mention they opened a Dollar Tree right next door to it? Poor Michaels. Poor Me! Literally, POOR me. I may or may not report back after Walmart. LOL Luvs, I think a bunch doing the Flake Off setting would be interesting, cause its all the other stuff on the table that will make the plates and glasses look so different. Of course Kathleen will probably do fat food fotos of her's, just to be different. Karen holding the EMPTY collection plate still.

A Kmart I've been to has carts that lock when to tilt them so if you go over a curb, it locks. An Aldi locked the wheel when I took it in the exit door. I haven't seen places not allowing the carts outside. Menards did prohibit taking their electric cart outside which I think is a good idea but boy did a couple of people throw tantrums! Anyone who expects groveling level customer service at a dollar store is in for a surprise. When I was managing station stores we were the price leader. Gas was lowest in the area, though in the later years they'd let someone match but we always were the first to drop prices and last to raise prices as the price would trend. Sold milk, cigarettes and other support items at state minimums, coffee and fountain pop was the cheapest around and had a lot of promos on pop and things. But still, people would come there all the time taking the extra two or three cents of gas or trying to tell us to cut prices, change check policies and all that or "you'll lose a customer!!!" Buh-bye now, don't let the door knock you over on the way out and I'll see you in a couple weeks since you're not going to give up the penny or two a gallon savings for very long! And they'd be back far more often than not. Losing a customer for a short time happens but losing them long term takes quite a bit. There's an interesting thing in sales. If you price things higher from the start, people are less likely to complain and want more. The "upscale" stores sell the same Tide detergent, the same Colgate toothpaste, the same Maxwell House coffee and the same Skippy peanut butter but people aren't near as likely to complain at the upscale store. And curiously, it's not the truly poor people who try to get more for less! That said, not being able to take a cart full of purchases out could have an impact with a few people. This weekend I bought 3 cases of spring water at a Walgreens. If I couldn't take it to my vehicle I wouldn't have bought it. People who have trouble walking likely will avoid a place where carts couldn't go out. As suggested, multiple bags, someone walking with a cane and other times when multiple trips would be necessary could have an affect. But I doubt it'd be many. I doubt the true loss would offset the cost savings though so I highly doubt they'll change this policy. The one thing though is if this is successful, other stores will follow. Retail trade is a herd of cattle. One or two try things out and if it works, others follow. I remember when self-serve gas started in this area. The chants of "I'll never buy that!" and the like. Now getting gas pumped for you is a rarity. Prepaid gas, drive up windows, no checks, etc are examples of how businesses follow the lead. Take out, delivery. Burger King is experimenting with delivery. Yes, retail is interesting. I do kind of chuckle at Aldi's quarter concept. Talk about puppets on a string. People really will do most anything for a quarter. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great idea, but just like the clubco type stores and their perceived "savings" it's amazing what people will to to think they're saving money. And you never hear of people complaining about lack of service there. They will not help you carry out even a furniture or appliance purchase. I asked for a flatbed and maybe someone to help me load it and it was like I asked for the Taj Mahal. He did bring a flatbed and shoved it at me from about 10' away and took off. "We don't help people load". LOL