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Whatever possessed me to go the wine and spirit store at 4 PM on New Year’s Eve is beyond me. I should have gone the day before, but nooooooo, I went when every other person in this city decided to go.

Allow me to interject here that Pennsylvania is a strictly regulated state when it comes to alcohol and can only be purchased in a liquor store. Whereas in Florida (where I lived for 20 years), you can purchase wine and beer in grocery stores, convenient stores and most drug stores (like CVS and Walgreen's). When I went back to Florida last year to visit my family, I had forgotten how awesomely convenient that was.

Anyway, as I walked up to the store (which by the way is a brand new store) I could tell, just from looking through the widows that it was PACKED with customers. I stood outside and pondered, “Do I really want to do this?” But then I thought, “Why not…no matter what store I go to, it’s going to be crowded.” So, I went inside and decided to make it an adventure. Besides, I had my camera with me so I knew I could take pictures and write a blog post about it.

Isn’t it hilarious how we bloggers are always thinking blog post?

First of all, it was so crowded that I couldn’t even get to the Cabernet Sauvignon section of wines because the line of people waiting to get to the cash register, wrapped around the entire store; blocking the shelves. And the customers were so paranoid that someone else was going to cut in line, that there were no spaces between them to even see what was on the shelves.

Finally, I found the wine section I was looking for and had to say, “Excuse me, but I need to get in between you so that I can quickly grab a bottle off that shelf.” A woman so kindly said, “Sure, go right ahead.”

After I got my wine, I then had to figure out where the check out line started. And low and behold, it started waaaaaaay on the other side of the store by the front entrance. And you will be able to tell from the next series of photographs, how big this liquor store is. It looks like a MEGA wine and spirit store.

So I took my bottle of wine and marched myself to the end of the line.

Then very nonchalantly, I pulled out my camera and started snapping photos so that I could show you how LONG the line was.




I did eventually make it to the other side of the line, but even still...




I have to say that the cashier who rang me up was a delight - very friendly, upbeat and quick. And I told her so; thanked her, and then wished her a Happy New Year.

All in all I probably only had to wait in line maybe 15-20 minutes, so I didn't think it was that bad.

But as I walk out the door though, I turned around and noticed that there was now a line just to get INTO the store. In fact, the store manager had to stand outside and monitor how many people could enter by how many people exited.


OY VEY! 


And as I walked away, I took one last look through the windows and thought, "Shit, I'm glad I went at 4 PM instead of 5 PM.

Oh and by the way, this is the bottle of wine I purchased from Rex-Goliath. It's a fabulous Cabernet, but I have also tried their Pinot Noir and Shiraz, which are equally as fabulous. 


Happy Monday y'all!

66 comments:

  1. First, I love that you took those photos! LOL.....whenever I see someone taking a photo of something odd, I always wonder if they are a blogger!

    That sucks that PA has that liquor monopoly going. We can buy our booze anywhere, even Target now! It does look like your state stores are nice and modern. Our state liquor stores all look like something out of the 50's. I went to one last month, looking for a specialty Port, and the place smelled so bad and had some creepers walking around. And only 2 brands of Port!

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  2. It IS funny how we always think of blog posts! How did you manage to take pictures without anyone seeing you? I'm always hesitant to because I'm afraid that security will think I'm casing the joint.
    That line is insane! And the store looks more like a gallery than a liquor store. Our state stores are tiny little boxes but then, we can buy it in drugstores and grocery stores so that's probably why. I went to the liquor store within a grocery store on Christmas eve and there was a line but nothing like this. There was one guy who was driving around in one of those motorized shopping carts and the clerk kept looking up and telling him to be careful. Another guy came in and knocked over a display which motorized guy loved. "It wasn't me!"

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  3. Yes, we do all think of blog posts. Even Hubby and daughter, and they don't even run a blog. As for your visit to the wine store, I think you deserve a medal even for contemplating a wait in that long queue let alone actually doing it. Loved the pictures though, so thank yo for that.


    Can't stop any longer in case my broadband fails yet again. Have a fab week xx

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  4. My God, Ron, it looks like these people are lining up to get concert tickets, not wine!

    If I had to deal with that line, I'd probably take the pledge and drink Diet Coke on New Year's Eve!

    Love the photos and you're so right-- we bloggers are always thinking blog post!



    Happy New Year, buddy!

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  5. Now THAT'S a line! Oh, what silly things we'll do for a bottle of wine/spirits. I adore the photos, though I'm surprised you didn't get thrown outta the line AND the store for toting the camera. Either that or you're way sneakier than I give you credit. LOL Well done on the photos! I'm always chatting away with whoever I'm stuck in a line with--we're all in the same boat--might as well, huh? Oh, but what a cute bottle of wine.


    HUGE store--goodness....since we're not state monopolized (oops...meant regulated!!!LOL) you can buy booze just about anywhere. Makes me crabby to walk into the grocery store and THERE it is...right there with your fruit loops and frozen pizza. How convenient, eh?
    *shaking head* Because we NEED to make it convenient to buy alcohol. :-/


    Eesshhhhhh.....*shaking head*

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  6. You only got ONE bottle??? ;)

    You can purchase wine and spirits at the supermarket here, much easier and great offers. Just before Christmas our favourite red (TreZanti) was on offer at half price plus another 33% off if you bought six bottles - we got a dozen! ;)

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  7. really, ron? um wow. that line was long. i think i would have taken my chances of running out the store with the wine and throwing money at the cashier on my way out. what in da whirl. i probably would have left for reals though. i don't think i want anything that bad. maybe, maybe, groceries, but if the line was that long i might even rethinking needing food. :) happy monday to you!

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  8. ONE BOTTLE?! Are you mad?
    I hope you sipped it slowly.
    Should have got at least two, then you wouldn't have needed to queue up next new year. And it would be extra vintage by then too!

    You're right about us bloggers using any excuse to crowbar in a blog post, I very nearly surrendered to the temptation to write a post about the horrendous flu-like bug that I've had since boxing day.
    I don't really want to subject anyone to the kind of biologically detailed description that would involve, but my brain has felt like it's been pumped full of glue for the last week and I haven't been able to think of anything except feeling like crap.
    However, having still not been back to work since Christmas (apart from three abortive, snot-filled hours last Thursday, after which I was sent home - more from fear that everyone else would catch it than from much in the way of sympathy, I suspect) I have finally given in and made a doctor's appointment to get some antibiotics (which I really would rather not take to be honest, in itself a measure of how fed up I am with feeling like this) as "conventional weapons" of cold annihilation seem unable to touch the viral little bastards circulating around my bloodstream.

    Ah, now you see how bored I am, sitting at home under a blanket, surfing the net on my new tablet? I've gone and written that post about having a cold anyway, but I've done it on the wrong blog!
    Doh!

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  9. Oh boy. It surely takes a blogger to turn a 15-20 minute wait at the wine store into a fun adventure. I love the pictures. I've seen the Rex-Goliath wines but have never tried any. I will now that I know it's recommended:)

    I just kept thinking of those poor people who had to wait outside to get in. Imagine someone comes here lightly dressed thinking it's going to be a quick in and out only to have to stand outside for a few minutes to get into the store. It makes me appreciate the fact that I can walk into a Walmart or convenience store down here in Georgia for a bottle of wine. Happy Monday Ron!!!

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  10. Oh my, what a line! Waiting in that line would give you almost enough time to make your own wine, lol! Glad you enjoyed your purchase.

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  11. Ron, I love that you "nonchalantly" pulled out your camera to get this post. You should be an uncover action reporter! You are so funny! Yes, that's one of things I do like better living in Florida - you can get beer or wine anywhere. I can't believe you waited in that huge line. I would have been too impatient and tried another store.


    I have purchased Rex-Goliath and really like it. And you're right, it's so cheap, but it's also a very good wine. I like their Pino especially.


    I love your photographs and how you captioned them.


    Have a wonderful week, Ron!x

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  12. Hey there Bijoux!

    "whenever I see someone taking a photo of something odd, I always wonder if they are a blogger!"

    HAHAHHAHHAHA! OMG...me too! I'm always in 'blogging mode."

    "That sucks that PA has that liquor monopoly going."

    Yes, it TOTALLY sucks, big time. I heard last year that they are attempting to change that, but I doubt it very much because PA is very conservative, union-driven, and HATES change.

    "It does look like your state stores are nice and modern. Our state liquor stores all look like something out of the 50's."



    The one picture here is brand new. It used to be a corporate business building. They actually built the store from the lobby of the building. I have no idea what's upstairs now. The building has about 8 floors. It's a really nice-looking store with TONS of things to choose from.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a marvelous week!


    X

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  13. If I had to queue like that, I would give up alcohol ha ha!

    It used to be like that in the UK, when I was young. You could only buy alcohol from an off licence, which was either part of a pub or a shop in it's own right. We didn't have so many young drunks then either. Now, with every supermarket and grocery shop stocking cheap booze, young people have been enticed into drinking far too early and we have a drink problem amongst the young. It's very sad, but you can't turn back the clock.

    I hope you really enjoyed your wine, Ron :)

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  14. Hey there Chrissy!

    "It IS funny how we always think of blog posts! How did you manage to take pictures without anyone seeing you? I'm always hesitant to because I'm afraid that security will think I'm casing the joint."

    Do you know what's hilarious? I was so paranoid about taking these photos (not getting close ups of people's face), but as I made my way around the line, I saw SO MANY people taking pictures OUTRIGHT with their iPhones, and no one even cared.

    "And the store looks more like a gallery than a liquor store."

    Yes, isn't it an awesomely HUGE store? It used to be the lobby of a corporate business building, which they closed down years ago. Then about two months ago, they opened this wine and spirit store.

    " Another guy came in and knocked over a display which motorized guy loved. "It wasn't me!"



    HA! Good for him!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a fantabulous week!


    X

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  15. Hey there Valerie!

    "Yes, we do all think of blog posts. Even Hubby and daughter, and they don't even run a blog."

    I know, isn't the truth? We're always thinking BLOG POST. I'm surprised we don't all walk around with a camera crew, like news reports; looking for potential blog post topics to film!

    " I think you deserve a medal even for contemplating a wait in that long queue let alone actually doing it."



    Actually, it didn't end up being that bad. Plus, I got a blog post out of it - HA!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you get your broadband back soon. It's the pits not having Internet service, isn't it?


    X

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  16. Hey there Rob!

    "it looks like these people are lining up to get concert tickets, not wine!"

    I know! I have NEVER seen a line in a liquor store THAT long before. But like I shared, it ended up only being a 15-20 minute wait, which I didn't think was too-too bad, considering the size of the line. Those cashiers really moved fast.

    "If I had to deal with that line, I'd probably take the pledge and drink Diet Coke on New Year's Eve!"



    HAHAHHAHAHAHA! I almost said, "To hell with it" and didn't even bother getting a bottle.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER week!


    X

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  17. Hiya Mel!

    " I adore the photos, though I'm surprised you didn't get thrown outta the line AND the store for toting the camera. Either that or you're way sneakier than I give you credit."

    HA! But do you know what's hilarious? As careful as I was to not get closeups of people's face, I saw so many other customers taking photographs with their iPhones; not even caring. And I also saw the store manager walking around watching people taking photographs, and he didn't even say anything.

    "How convenient, eh?*shaking head* Because we NEED to make it convenient to buy alcohol. :-"



    Well, my feeling is this...people are going to purchase alcohol whether it's regulated in a state store, or more easily available in say, a convenient or grocery store. And I don't think it's so much that certain states really care that over consumption of alcohol can be harmful. I think it's more about control and MONEY.


    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Have a super-duper week!


    X

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  18. Hey there Pearl!

    "You only got ONE bottle??? ;)"

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! I know, but I'm such a lightweight when it comes to drinking wine. It takes me probably FIVE days to drink a bottle of wine. The only time I will purchase multiple bottles is when I spot a REALLY good sale, then I'll buy two.

    "You can purchase wine and spirits at the supermarket here, much easier and great offers."

    I agree! It's so much easier. And that's one of the things I miss about living in Florida.

    "Just before Christmas our favourite red (TreZanti) was on offer at half price plus another 33% off if you bought six bottles - we got a dozen! ;)"



    WOW! What DEAL!!!!!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely week!


    X

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  19. Hey Val!


    "that line was long. i think i would have taken my chances of running out the store with the wine and throwing money at the cashier on my way out. what in da whirl."


    HAHAHAHAHAHA! Trust me, when I first got in line, I thought of that! However, I was pretty impressed with how efficient and fast the line moved, for being that busy. I didn't think 15-20 minutes was too-too long. Plus, I knew it would be fodder for a blog post - HA!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a super week!


    X

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  20. I bet you had a smile on your face when you left the store to see the queue outside :) I'm sure the wine tasted really good too, so it was well worth it and you should have bought at least 6 bottles, just in case it increases in price with the new year. Did I just see a bottle of Captain Morgan spiced rum in your photo? Right up my street.

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  21. Hey there Dale!

    "ONE BOTTLE?! Are you mad?I hope you sipped it slowly."

    HAHAHAHAHA! I know! But do you know what's funny? A bottle of wine will last me about five days. I can only drink one glass at any given time, and don't drink everyday. I'm such a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. The only time I will purchase multiple bottles is if I spot a REALLY good sale.

    "I don't really want to subject anyone to the kind of biologically detailed description that would involve, but my brain has felt like it's been pumped full of glue for the last week and I haven't been able to think of anything except feeling like crap."

    Dale, I know so many people right now who are experiencing the same thing. I don't know what's going around right now, but so many people I know have either really bad colds or the flu. I was so paranoid during the holiday season that I was going to catch something.

    " (which I really would rather not take to be honest, in itself a measure of how fed up I am with feeling like this) as "conventional weapons" of cold annihilation seem unable to touch the viral little bastards circulating around my bloodstream."



    I'm the same way. I will only take conventional medicine in few cases, other than that, I used alternative/natural remedies because they seem to work better on my body.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And I hope you feel better soon!


    X

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  22. Hey there Nicky!

    "Oh boy. It surely takes a blogger to turn a 15-20 minute wait at the wine store into a fun adventure."

    HA! Ain't that the truth? We're always thinking, "Hey...this might make for a good blog post." HA!

    ". I've seen the Rex-Goliath wines but have never tried any. I will now that I know it's recommended:)"

    It's a really, really great brand of wine which was recommended to me by a fellow-employee at my job. I only drink red wine, but I've heard from others who also drink white, that their whites are good as well. And very reasonably priced. On sale, you can get a bottle for $5.99!

    " It makes me appreciate the fact that I can walk into a Walmart or convenience store down here in Georgia for a bottle of wine."



    Yup, that's what I loved about living in the south.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Happy Monday and have a super week!
    X

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  23. Hiya Suzi!

    "Waiting in that line would give you almost enough time to make your own wine, lol!"



    Bwhahahahahahahaha! LOVED that!!!!!


    And yes, I go enjoyed my purchase! YUMMY wine!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous week!


    X

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  24. Hola Denise!

    "Ron, I love that you "nonchalantly" pulled out your camera to get this post. You should be an uncover action reporter!"

    HA! But do you know what's hilarious? As careful as I was NOT to capture close ups of peoples face, their were so many other customers who were snapping photographs with their iPhones, not even caring. In fact, the manager of the store was walking around and saw them taking photographs, and never said anything.

    "Yes, that's one of things I do like better living in Florida - you can get beer or wine anywhere."

    LOVE IT!!!!!

    "I have purchased Rex-Goliath and really like it. And you're right, it's so cheap, but it's also a very good wine. I like their Pino especially."



    Isn't it a FABU wine? Someone at work recommended it to me and now I'm a BIG fan!


    Thank so much for stopping by, girl. Have a most excellent week!


    X

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  25. Hey there Babs!

    "If I had to queue like that, I would give up alcohol ha ha!"

    Bwhahhahahaha! Trust me, when I first saw that line and how packed the store was, I almost DID give up alcohol!

    "Now, with every supermarket and grocery shop stocking cheap booze, young people have been enticed into drinking far too early and we have a drink problem amongst the young. It's very sad, but you can't turn back the clock."



    You're right, you can't turn back the clock. Here in the states, (whether regulated or not) the stores have to ask to see an ID from anyone who is younger, just to make sure they're of age. And if they don't ask, the store can me fined harshly. And each state here has a different drinking age.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FABU week!


    X to you and Mo!

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  26. Considering the length of the line, that was a short wait. Your patience paid off. I can't say anything about the wine as I've never developed a taste for it except some home made stuff that was really sweet. Everyone needs to be happy on New Year's. That's a very large rooster. I daresay he's done his part.

    http://davidloliver.blogspot.com

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  27. "I bet you had a smile on your face when you left the store to see the queue outside :)"

    Yes I did...BIG time - HA! All I kept thinking was, "Thank god I went in there when I did."

    " Did I just see a bottle of Captain Morgan spiced rum in your photo? Right up my street."



    Yup...you sure did! It was kinda fun, while waiting and walking through the line, to look at all the different bottles of alcohol. And since I only drink wine (and red), it was so cool to see all the other things that people drink.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, Rum Punch! Have a super week, buddy!


    X

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  28. "Considering the length of the line, that was a short wait. "

    Exactly, David, that's what I thought too! And I feel that the cashiers were being as efficient and fast as they could possibly be. I mean it was a holiday, so I totally understood. But normally, I'm not a very patient person.

    " I can't say anything about the wine as I've never developed a taste for it except some home made stuff that was really sweet."



    Wine seems to be something that you develop a taste for. I can only drink red because it's not sweet. I tend to like drier and bolder wines. Kind of like how I prefer my coffee. Bold.


    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a spectacular week!


    X

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  29. Ron, I was like you, I waited until the last minute to purchase my wine before going to a New Year's Eve party that night. NEVER again! I waited much longer than you and it wasn't nearly as crowded as the store you went to. Damn, that store is huge! I've seen that brand of wine in the store here, so now that you recommended it, I will try it. I love wine!


    Great photos, dude! And I could see just how cold it is there from what everyone is wearing.

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  30. Hiya Matt!

    "Ron, I was like you, I waited until the last minute to purchase my wine before going to a New Year's Eve party that night. NEVER again!"

    You TOO?!?!? Yup, next year I will definitely make my purchase a few days BEFORE the holiday. Oh well, live and learn, right?

    "Damn, that store is huge!"

    Yes, is HUGE! To me it almost looks like a bookstore!

    "I've seen that brand of wine in the store here, so now that you recommended it, I will try it. I love wine!"

    As I shared, it's a very good wine at a very good price. I think you will like it.

    " And I could see just how cold it is there from what everyone is wearing."



    HA! Yes, that's about when we got hit with freezing temps. In fact, the day after New Year's is when we got all that snow.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an excellent week!


    X

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  31. Happy New Year! Your pictures are hysterical. And yes, it is the blogger mentality to think, "Well this could be a great blog post." That's why I always bring a pad and pen with me ... for blog posts and writing.


    Thank you for recommending those wines. I try to save the labels from bottles I enjoy but eventually throw them out. I wonder if there is a wine app for saving names of wines. I guess I could just make a list. But when you're drinking, making a list is not a priority. : )

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  32. Happy New Year to you too, Lauren!

    HA! We bloggers hysterical with our "this-would-make-for-a-good-blog post" mentality?

    "That's why I always bring a pad and pen with me ... for blog posts and writing."

    Yes! Yes! Yes! I do the same thing!!!!

    "Thank you for recommending those wines."

    Someone at work recommended that wine brand to me several years ago and I ended up LOVING it. It's a very good wine at a very reasonable price. I think you will enjoy it too!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!

    X

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  33. So the wine is, in essence, Big Cock? How about that...

    Washington was the same way, up until 2012. Then we voters passed a law abolishing state-run liquor stores. Now we're able to buy whatever booze we want in grocery stores, etc. It's about a million times more convenient. I hear Oregon is voting on a similar bill this year.

    "Isn’t it hilarious how we bloggers are always thinking blog post?"



    SO true! It happens all the time. Even in the midst of a big political argument last week, I was thinking, "this is going to make one hell of a blog post!" And it did. :)

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  34. Oh, this is great! I love all the photos! Glad you were able to finish your transaction within 20 minutes. I love bottles of wine that feature animals, and used to buy Monkey Bay wine just for the cute character. I'll be looking for your giant 47 pound rooster!

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  35. "So the wine is, in essence, Big Cock? How about that..."

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha! Mark, do you know what's HYSTERICAL about what you just shared? That's exactly my nickname for this brand of wine - Big Cock! I kid you not!

    "Then we voters passed a law abolishing state-run liquor stores. Now we're able to buy whatever booze we want in grocery stores, etc. It's about a million times more convenient. I hear Oregon is voting on a similar bill this year."

    Yahooo! That's great to hear! Last year, PA was talking about doing the same thing, however, I sincerely doubt they ever will.

    "Even in the midst of a big political argument last week, I was thinking, "this is going to make one hell of a blog post!" And it did. :)"

    Oooooo! I can't wait to read it!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  36. Ron, I'm blown away that you only had to stand in that long line 20 minutes -- judging from the photos, I'd have thought your wait would have been MUCH LONGER!
    That said, I guess you're a more patient person than I am. I'd have to want some REALLY bad to stand in line 20 minutes to get it!! Illinois must be more like Florida -- we can buy wine, beer, and other alcohols at grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. It's rather nice not having to deal with crowds and lines.
    That's an interesting label on the bottle you chose! Have a SUPER week, friend!

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  37. Hey there Jean!!!!!

    Thank you :)

    " Glad you were able to finish your transaction within 20 minutes."

    Me too! I really didn't think 20 minutes was bad at all, considering how crowded that store was.

    "I love bottles of wine that feature animals, and used to buy Monkey Bay wine just for the cute character."



    Aren't the various bottle designs of wine faaaaaaabulous? I will often pick up a new wine and try it, just for the label!


    Yes, do try this wine because it's very good, but also reasonably priced.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous week!


    X

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  38. "Ron, I'm blown away that you only had to stand in that long line 20 minutes -- judging from the photos, I'd have thought your wait would have been MUCH LONGER!"

    Me as well, Debbie! I honestly don't think the wait was that long, considering how PACKED the store was. The cashiers moved swiftly.

    " I guess you're a more patient person than I am. I'd have to want some REALLY bad to stand in line 20 minutes to get it!!"

    Actually, I'm not a very patient person at all. But since it was New Year's Eve and knew that ANY store I went into would be crowded, I just bit the bullet and did it.

    " Illinois must be more like Florida -- we can buy wine, beer, and other alcohols at grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. It's rather nice not having to deal with crowds and lines."

    AMEN!

    If you ever spot the brand I mentioned here, and you feel like it, try it because it's a great wine at a great price.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a SUPER week too!

    X

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  39. Wow, I can't believe that line! Missouri has the same set up as Florida. You can buy alcohol just about anywhere. And, yes, it IS funny how we are always looking at life through the perspective of a blog post! Glad you got your spirits and hope you had a wonderful night.

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  40. Hey there Lisa!

    " Missouri has the same set up as Florida. You can buy alcohol just about anywhere."

    Yahooo for Missouri! Last year, PA was talking about changing the law, but I doubt that it will ever happen.

    " And, yes, it IS funny how we are always looking at life through the perspective of a blog post!"

    HA! Isn't is hysterical how we do that?

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a most fabulous week!

    X

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  41. Oh my goodness that is just like the line we waited in on Christmas Eve at the alcohol store! It seems holidays and alcohol go hand in hand! Very handy that you have your camera on you though. Always gotta think blog post as a blogger lol! Hope the new year is starting off on the right foot for you Ronnie!

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  42. Helloooooooo Shae!

    "Oh my goodness that is just like the line we waited in on Christmas Eve at the alcohol store! It seems holidays and alcohol go hand in hand!"

    Yes, exactly! So I have no idea WHY the heck I waited until New Year's Eve day to go to the liquor store?!? Oh well, at least it gave me something to BLOG about - HA!

    " Hope the new year is starting off on the right foot for you Ronnie!"

    And you too, girl! I look forward to blogging with you this year!

    X and Cheers!

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  43. I would never stand in line this long for anything. My time is way too valuable (I just decided this one day while I was standing in a line somewhere). The trick here is I don't drink, so I wouldn't be caught dead in a liquor store in the first place, but even if it was chocolate or my absolute favorite treat, I would not have the patience to stand in line this long. At least you took advantage of your time to people watch!

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  44. "At least you took advantage of your time to people watch!"

    Ha! Exactly. AND...I got some photos and a blog post out of it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Benze! Hope you had a super Monday! Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  45. Wow Ron, not only am I amazed at the line waiting to get to the cash registers, but I'm also amazed at the size of that store. It's gigantic! And good for you for taking photographs and then blogging about it because it made for a very entertaining post. We can purchase wine or beer in convenient stores, supermarkets, etc., but we also have liquor stores. I shop at both, depending on where I am at the time.


    I've never tried Rex before but will, now that you've mentioned it. Love the label.


    I really think 20 minutes was not bad at all too, considering the length of that line.

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  46. Hey ho Robert!

    " but I'm also amazed at the size of that store. It's gigantic!"

    Yes, isn't it freaking HUGE? It looks more like a HUGE bookstore than a wine and spirits store. It used to be a professional corporate building which they closed down years ago. Then suddenly, they turned it into this wine and spirit store.

    "I've never tried Rex before but will, now that you've mentioned it. Love the label."

    Oh, it's AWESOME wine. Someone at work recommended it to me year ago. It's one of my favorites. They have white as well as red.

    "I really think 20 minutes was not bad at all too, considering the length of that line."



    I didn't either. Not bad at all.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Hope you're Monday faaaaabulous. Enjoy the rest of your week!


    X

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  47. Now that's what I call dedication! I think I would have lost my mind if I had to stand in a line that long. Heck, when go to Costo and Tyler wants a hotdog, if the line is more than three deep I seriously consider just walking away. But then I get the sad eyes from Tyler and I know I'll be standing in line no matter how long the wait. Darn kid...how does he do that?! ;-)


    And you post reminds me that I should be carrying my camera more often. Will make a mental note to do that...

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  48. Howdy Herman!

    "Now that's what I call dedication! I think I would have lost my mind if I had to stand in a line that long."

    HA! It's funny because I'm not a naturally patient person at all. However, I knew there was nothing I could do other than wait because every store I went to would probably be the same. Plus, I REALLY wanted to purchase some wine for that night.

    "But then I get the sad eyes from Tyler and I know I'll be standing in line no matter how long the wait. Darn kid...how does he do that?! ;-)"

    Aw!!!! How cute is that? And how wonderful a father you are!

    "And you post reminds me that I should be carrying my camera more often. Will make a mental note to do that..."

    I swear to god, the last thing I do before ever leaving my apartment is check to see if my camera is with me. Because you knew never know if a blog post will show up.

    Much thanks for stopping by, bud. Hope you're Monday was super. Enjoy your week!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  49. We have to buy wine and liquor in package stores, too. That's a big store! I have a favorite - my old neighborhood's package store. Periodically they have a sale for 20% off a case, and I stock up then so that I'm never having to buy at the last minute. I know you don't have storage room - I do it because I have a big basement and plenty of cool storage. In fact, my sons friends are all convinced I'm an alcoholic because of the big wine rack in the basement!


    I like Rex Goliath. It's a good wine at a reasonable price. I have tried the three you mention and I think my favorite is the pinot noir. Have a few bottles in my basement, in fact!

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  50. "We have to buy wine and liquor in package stores, too. "

    You too? I think you and I probably live in the only two states that are like that because everyone else has said that where they live, it's like Florida.

    Yes, isn't that a HUGE store? It looks like a Target - HA!

    " I have a big basement and plenty of cool storage. In fact, my sons friends are all convinced I'm an alcoholic because of the big wine rack in the basement!"

    Oh how funny! I usually have (on hand) two bottles of wine, but I ran out, so I was naked.

    "I like Rex Goliath. It's a good wine at a reasonable price."

    You're right...their Pinot noir is faaaaaaaaaabulous!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a super week!

    X

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  51. Happy New Year Ron!

    Being a PA resident I can attest to what a pain in the butt it is to buy liquor here. And yes, during the holidays the lines in the liquor stores are horrendous. Although, I don't believe I've ever seen a liquor store that HUGE!

    I was cracking up at your pictures. That bottle of vodka...lol! I would've wanted to drink it standing in a line that long! And I know I would've been tempted to pet that lady's fur coat! Or at the very least tell her I loved the color of her turquoise purse!

    Glad your line moved along quickly and your cashier was friendly. That makes it worthwhile.

    I hope you enjoyed Big Rex...I mean your Rex-Goliath ;)

    Are you keeping warm? It was -7 this morning! I'd be happy with 20 degrees right about now...and it would feel like a freaken heat wave!!

    ((HUGS))

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  52. *jumping up and down*

    Hellooooooooooooo Pam!!!!

    Grrrrrrreat to see ya, my friend!

    And HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too!!!!

    "Being a PA resident I can attest to what a pain in the butt it is to buy liquor here."

    Thank you and AMEN!

    " Although, I don't believe I've ever seen a liquor store that HUGE!"

    Isn't it freakin' HUGE? It used to be an office building lobby in the business district of Center City, Philadelphia.

    "That bottle of vodka...lol!"

    HA! Isn't it huge as well? I don't drink anything but wine, so I didn't even know what it was. I had to tilt my head sideways to read the label!

    Yes, for as crowded as that store was, I give the FIVE stars for moving the customers through so quickly.

    "I hope you enjoyed Big Rex...I mean your Rex-Goliath ;)"

    Bwhahahhaahhhaha! CRACKED ME UP! And yes, I did enjoy Big Rex! It's a great brand of wine!

    "Are you keeping warm? It was -7 this morning! I'd be happy with 20 degrees right about now...and it would feel like a freaken heat wave!!"

    OMG...can you BELIEVE how COLD it is? The high here today was 3 degrees. The windows in my apartment were sealed shut because they were FROZEN, I kid you not. However, I heard that within the next few days, the temps are going back up into the 40's and even 50's!

    Much thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of your week and stay warm!

    ((((((((((((((( You ))))))))))))))

    X

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  53. Ron, I wanted you to know that while I was in the grocery store last night, I spotted Rex-Goliath wine and grabbed a bottle of the Cab. Loved it! Thanks for the recommendation!

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  54. Excellent! And I'm soooooooooo glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for stopping back and letting me know, buddy!

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  55. Great photos Ron and what a hoot that you had your camera available on this shopping trip, to get them. ;<)
    Here in our sleepy little "city" of about 9000, it was pretty darn quiet at the liquor store on NY Eve, I was amazed actually 'cause I can still remember what it was like shopping that day, in larger centers and it was always an adventure!!! Line ups out the door, no parking, no carts, no baskets...but I kind of liked the rush of it too.
    Just like a good Boxing Day sale in the city, I remember Toronto on that day and it was SO MUCH FUN, jostling for that sweater that someone else wouldn't let go of LOL, just kidding of course, we Canucks are a polite bunch for the most part. Usually it's "Oh, I'm sorry" if you happen to grab something, someone else has their paws on. Not always though, depends how good the sweater was LOL!!!
    Thanks for sharing Ron and as is often the case when I stop by, thanks for bringing some good memories to mind. You do that a lot for me. :<)

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  56. PS: You've got to check out the organic wines Ron, really worth the bit of extra $$ for those. Non-organic wines can have a lot of chemical residues from what they spray on the grapes. This year I am even more focused on going organic as much as possible, it is so important for our health and for the environment too.

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  57. BTW, I clicked on the "Volvo" video just out of curiosity. It is great! Very entertaining.

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  58. Hey there David!

    Glad to hear you checked out the Volvo video clip with Van Damme. Isn't it freakin' AWESOME? I saw that on You Tube a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to share it here on my blog.

    And Van Damme actually DID perform that stunt. No trick photography. Can you believe that?

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  59. Hey there Geraldine!

    Thank you, my friend! And yes, I always try to carry my camera with my, just in case.

    "Here in our sleepy little "city" of about 9000, it was pretty darn quiet at the liquor store on NY Eve, I was amazed actually 'cause I can still remember what it was like shopping that day, in larger centers and it was always an adventure!!!"

    OMG...that's amazing because here, the liquor stores are jammed-packed on NY Eve. Which is why I really should have gone the day before.

    But like you, I kinda like the rush of it too because it feels exciting in a way.

    " Usually it's "Oh, I'm sorry" if you happen to grab something, someone else has their paws on. Not always though, depends how good the sweater was LOL!!!"



    HAHAHAHAHHAHA! Oh, how funny!


    You should see what it's like in NYC when you go shopping. Total INSANITY! But oh, I LOVE it!


    Much thanks for stopping by, Geraldine. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week!


    X

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  60. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that, Geraldine. I will definitely look for organic wine the next time I'm out shopping.


    I do eat certain organic foods and I can REALLY taste the difference!


    X

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  61. I forgot about "State Stores"! I don't know if NY is still like that. And look at you - wine, a blog post and pictures! You're BRILLIANT!

    Next time you're in FL go to a Total Wine and More - Fabulous! They also do tastings throughout the store - wine, booze, cordials - it's wonderful.

    Glad you enjoyed your New Year's wine, bro!

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  62. Wow!!! I have NEVER waited in line that long for a bottle!! I do know how you think though...everything could potentially be looked at as "blog fodder"!! Ohio was like that...where you could only purchase in certain stores. Now, I'm not sure. Sure glad you got your special wine for New Year's! Let's make 2014 GREAT year!! xo

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  63. Hey there Lady Nitebyrd!

    "I forgot about "State Stores"! I don't know if NY is still like that."

    Yes, it's the PITS! I had forgotten how wonderfully convenient it was when I was visiting my family in Florida last year. I don't know how NY is.

    " And look at you - wine, a blog post and pictures! You're BRILLIANT!"

    HA! Yeah, Action Blog Reporter!

    "Next time you're in FL go to a Total Wine and More - Fabulous!"

    Yes! I saw one of those when I visiting my family last year, but never went in. I only went to ABC. My brother Tom LOVES Total Wine. RAVES about it!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Sis! Hope your New Year's was awesome!

    X ya!

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  64. Helloooooooooo Jeanne!

    "Wow!!! I have NEVER waited in line that long for a bottle!!"

    Wasn't the line horrendous? However, it moved a lot quicker than I thought it would.

    "I do know how you think though...everything could potentially be looked at as "blog fodder"!!

    HA! Exactly! And thank god I had my camera with me.



    Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady!


    Yup...let's make 2014 a GREAT year!!!!!!!!


    X to you and the girlz!

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  65. WOW! Let's just say I find it hard to believe. :)


    I had no idea. I thought it was some sort of trick photography for a commercial. I didn't recognize Van Damme...but I've seen maybe part of one of his movies...

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  66. Hey David!

    Here is a video clip of HOW the commercial was made. I also found this on You Tube.

    Check it out if you're interested.

    Enjoy!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0P_Ded5cbs

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