Is Ralph's a big west coast chain? I have never seen one (I do know Publix!).

Teppy, what do you like about Meijer?

I do a lot of shopping--for produce and almost all the meat we consume--at the weekly farmer's market. MOM's or Whole Foods to fill in for what I can't buy at the market. I haven't really been to TJ's since I left my job last year. The commute used to take me near one.

I go to the nearest Kroger-affiliate, Smith's, because it was built two blocks from our first apartment, which we lived in for 20 years, and I'm on first-name basis with the pharmacists. There's a WinCo two blocks from my new place, but I'll continue to use the current pharmacy even though it will be out of my way. I do occasionally go to WalMart, because it carries varieties that the other stores don't have. I'll go on occasional excursions to the hoity-toity grocery store to see what the rich folks eat. The only Trader Joe's is 40 miles away.

I shop at Tops (http://www.topsmarkets.com/) or Shurfine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shurfine) even though I live in the land of Wegman's because Wegman's has basically pulled out of the city and there are no convenient stores for people who take the bus. I would have to take a 2 hour bus ride each way to shop at Wegman's, even though there is one a 10 minute drive from my house. Part of it is the bus system, and part of it is the desire to have big super stores rather than small stores.

The Shurfine is pretty tiny, but is the only independent grocery store in the area.

I also go to the Public Market, which is easily accessible by bus (and not applicable to me, but has a program so people can double their foodstamp dollars buying Fresh Produce at the market!)

Teppy, what do you like about Meijer?

I think the prices are better, and since it's a superstore like Target or Wal-Mart, we can get socks and shower curtains and whatnot (mostly whatnot) when we get our groceries.

I guess it's like Food N Stuff from Parks and Rec.

If I need one thing, Breaux Mart (local chain near house). If that one thing is ice cream, Fresh Market. If I need many different things, Rouses (local chain slightly farther from house, slightly fancier). If I need a lot of a few things, Costco. If I need veggies, the farmer's market (which is conveniently near Costco).

A TJ's opened last week in the suburbs. It remains to be seen how it will factor into the rotation, but I suspect I won't get out there too much.

I generally split my business between Kroger and Harps, with occasional stops at Wal-Mart, Target, or local chain Hays for specific sale items and the local organic grocery for the good cheese and olives.

Kroger or Target once a week. Aldi maybe every other week. Central Market (like whole foods) or trader joes about once every couple of months.

Gud: my sister has attempted suicide several times. Once she was in a coma for four days. She had a full physical recovery every time; the body is amazingly resilient. I don't know if this was a shock to you, or if you knew your daughter was struggling. Don't be surprised if she's pissed that she was unsuccessful. I wish for your family that this is just a blip and that you all find the resources you need. NAMI offers support groups for families, when things settle down a bit you may want to check that out.

Anyway, I don't want to overwhelm you; just know that you are not alone. My heart aches for you.

I keep meaning to go to Aldi. It's not any further than TJs, so it wouldn't be a huge effort to go there.