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.

I do my regular shopping at Star Market (now owned by Albertson's), and go to Trader Joe's every once in a while, mostly for treats.

We used to have Star Markets here in Upstate NY! I didn't know they still existed. They had a conveyor belt that took your groceries outside that was pretty neat.

Yes, Ralph's is a West Coast chain. Until we moved here, I didn't really get the joke in "The Big Lebowski" that whenever the Dude is asked for ID, he says "I have a Ralph's card."

I've now achieved " Gatorade tastes good" level of sick. And checkout at Target was trying to quiz me on what meds work best (she had just started feeling sick ) and I was all CAN'T TALK.