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I don't know how it is where you live, but in Philadelphia we have three drugstore chains - Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS.

The order of my favorite to least favorite is as follows:

#1 Walgreens (love it a lot)

#2 Rite Aid (like it for certain things)

#3 CVS (can't stand it for MANY things)

Yes, I am a huge Walgreens fan because I like the brands they carry. Their reward points system is easy to use, and I also find that Walgreens offers the best prices and has awesome BOGO sales on a variety of products. 

I like Rite Aid for certain things, such as their frequent sales on laundry detergent, because I'm sure you all know how expensive laundry detergent can be. I swear to God, I think it's cheaper to buy new clothes rather than spend money on washing them.  

I can't stand CVS for many things and only shop there because my health insurance company partners with them when it comes to drug prescription discounts and certain healthcare products. But other than that, I find it the most irritating place to shop. I don't like the "vibe" at CVS. Not to mention, they are the HIGHEST priced drugstore in this city. And their ExtraBucks Rewards are a JOKE because you have to jump through hoops and do backflips in order to activate them. Their ExtraCare coupons are a joke as well. In fact, every time I get the five billion coupons that are attached to my receipt, I immediately tear them off and throw them in the nearest trash can.

And speaking of coupons, here's a perfect example of a CVS receipt. When other companies are trying to be more "earth conscious" and not waste paper or use plastic bags, CVS seems to be on some other planet. 

You could literally wallpaper the states of Texas and Alaska with this receipt...


And another thing I find annoying about CVS is the self-checkout system. 

I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the advantage of using self-checkout because it's much faster than waiting in line for a cashier who is moving at a snail's pace because they are too busy texting on their cellphone during work hours?!?! I mean, God forbid you interrupt them before they hit the send button. 

To be honest, I actually prefer self-checkout and don't have a problem using it in most stores. However, at CVS, the self-checkout system is not only confusing, but it's also the LOUDEST in prompting you through the process. It SCREAMS at you at the top of its lungs. It sounds a lot like how my Italian grandmother used to scream at the dinner table...

"PLACE YOUR ITEM IN THE BAGGING AREA!!"

"YOUR TOTAL IS $450.68!!"

"SYSTEM PROCESSING...PLEASE WAIT!!"

"PLEASE WAIT!! HELP IS ON THE WAY!!

"FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PIN PAD!!"

Additionally, I don't like the questions they ask on the screen before you complete your checkout. Such as, they ask if you would like to round up your total purchase and donate the money to one of their charities. I feel like saying, "No, but how about CVS donating some money to the "Let's Not Waste Long Paper Receipts Charity"?

So as you can tell from this post, I don't like CVS. A lot.


And remember...

"PLEASE WAIT!! HELP IS ON THE WAY!!

------------------------------------------------------------

Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week, y'all! 💗


*What's your favorite and least favorite drugstore chain?

26 comments:

  1. Ron, I love your commentary on things, it's hilarious!

    "...it's also the LOUDEST in prompting you through the process. It SCREAMS at you at the top of its lungs. It sounds a lot like how my Italian grandmother used to scream at the dinner table..." LOL!!!

    I have never shopped at Rite Aid, so I can't comment. I'm a Walgreens girl. Although, I do sometimes shop at CVS for specific items. And I agree, to redeem CVS ExtraBucks Rewards is too involved. I prefer Walgreens because your points can be used immediately when you checkout. Quick and easy!

    Thank you for the morning laughs, Ron! I look forward to your posts. x

    Remember..."PLEASE WAIT!! HELP IS ON THE WAY!

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  2. Lol, you really do hate CVS!!! And I get that!!! Like you, our health insurance prescriptions are through CVS, so I don’t have a choice but to go there. And also like you, I HATE their Extra Rewards program!!! I finally had to block them on my email because I’d get multiple emails per DAY! It was ridiculous!

    One thing you didn’t mention is how annoying their prescription refill policy is. As many times as I check the NO for automatic refills, they do it anyway!!! I’ve had them fill an RX I don’t need anymore or they will call my dr office for a refill when I’m on vacation and then leave multiple messages on my answering machine about picking it up. Drives me insane!

    The receipts are legendary. Like you, I just throw the damn thing in my recycling bin. Getting an Extra Reward $1 is not going to save me on their overpriced toothpaste. No thanks! And I also hate the charity thing year round. I’ve always felt that it just gives corporations bragging rights that they do not deserve. Unless they want to brag about harassing their customers?! I also hate how they harass you to sign up for some other program where you pay to join! I’ve thought about avoiding that by using the self-checkout, but I’ve noticed how long it takes for people to use that, so I opt for full service line, if you want to call it that!

    The Rite Aids here have been closing and the one closest to me seems really shady and dirty. I do think Walgreens seems clean and tidy, but I’ve never found their prices gone very good. We have a local discount chain that I buy most drugstore type purchases from.

    You know I love a good retail post, Ron! Was excited to wake up to it this morning! XO

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  3. " I prefer Walgreens because your points can be used immediately when you checkout. Quick and easy!"

    Yes, Candice. I LOVE that about Walgreens. And the one that I shop at here in Philly, the cashiers will always remind me of how many points I have, which can sometimes add up to a discount of $10.00 on my total purchase. Whereas, the rewards system at CVS requires you to go through too many steps.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrrreat Thursday!

    X

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  4. "I HATE their Extra Rewards program!!! I finally had to block them on my email because I’d get multiple emails per DAY! It was ridiculous!"

    YES, same here!!!! Aren't they a royal pain in the ass?!?! They are so persistent and aggressive with their emails.

    But for some reason, I never got the emails you speak about regarding my prescription refills. I only used the CVS pharmacy once last year, when I had to get antibiotics and extra-strength Ibuprofen for the work had done on my teeth. Maybe it was because my dentist marked 0 refills on my prescriptions?!?

    "And I also hate the charity thing year round. I’ve always felt that it just gives corporations bragging rights that they do not deserve. Unless they want to brag about harassing their customers?! I also hate how the cashiers harass you to sign up for some other program where you pay to join (CarePass)."


    OMG...YES...YES...YES! I think the same thing. It's like a way for them to BRAG about how thoughtful and generous they are giving to charities. When in reality, it's just BS. LOL! You're right, the cashiers also harass you to sign up for other programs.

    I agree, the Rite Aid here in Philly is shady and dirty too. There is one close to where I work and it's a mess. I heard that Rite Aid is slowly closing a lot of their doors throughout the U.S., and has been bought by WALGREENS!

    "I do think Walgreens seems clean and tidy, but I’ve never found their prices to be very good."

    Really? I don't know why, but I seem to find the best deals (and sales) at Walgreens. I get a lot of my vitamin supplements and essential oils there, which are always BOGO 1/2 off or free.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your take, my friend. I always enjoy your feedback about retail. I swear to God, you and I need to start our own "Retail Slam" blog. Wouldn't that be a HOOT?

    Have a faaaaaaabulous day! X

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  5. That WOULD be a hoot, but nobody would enjoy it as much as us! LOL!

    I’m on two maintenance drugs (thyroid and blood pressure) and those are the ones they constantly try to refill without my permission. Or a dermatological one where my issue is resolved! No emails, they just refill it and then leave automated voicemails about picking them up! I hate it. Let ME decide when I’m ready for a refill. I don’t want to pay for one when I still have a 30 day supply at home!

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  6. OMG. that is sooooooooooo annoying! And like you said..."let ME decide when I'm ready to refill!" And you're right, why would you want to pay for another one when you still have a 30 day supply at home?!?

    But I've noticed over the years how many companies try to get you to sign up for "automatic replenishment" and will give you a discount for doing so. But I've never once did that because I don't trust them. And besides, I don't want my credit card/debit card # listed in my online account because you never know who's looking.

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  7. I'm with you Ron, Walgreens is my #1 drugstore as well. When I was still living in New York, Duane Reade was my favorite. Which is owned by WALGREENS! I've heard of Rite Aid but have never been to one.

    "I swear to God, I think it's cheaper to buy new clothes rather than spend money on washing them. " LOL! That cracked me up because it's so true! And I tried using the cheaper brands but they don't work as well as Tide. I also laughed my ass off at the mention of your Italian grandmother screaming at the dinner table. HYSTERICAL!

    I've shopped at CVS, but found them more pricey. And yes, what's the the LONG receipts? What a waste of paper! And you can never find anyone to help you in CVS either. They might as well just call the whole store SELF-SERVE!

    And talking about drugstores, when you were still living in Florida, do you remember Eckerd? I loved that drugstore. There used to be one next to a Publix I shopped. But eventually they all started to disappear.

    FUN post, Ron! Thanks you for always making me LAUGH! xox

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  8. Hola Denise!

    OMG...I FREAKING LOVE Duane Reade!!! And yes, I discovered several years ago they they are owned by Walgreens! In fact, I can use my rewards card in BOTH drugstores and get points. We don't have Duane Reade here in Philly, only NY.

    Tide is my favorite as well. I just recently found a sale at Walgreens that was for TWO Tide's for only $11.00. And I snapped them up so fast! The only other detergent I like is Gain. I love how it smells!

    "And talking about drugstores, when you were still living in Florida, do you remember Eckerd? I loved that drugstore. There used to be one next to a Publix I shopped. But eventually they all started to disappear."

    YES....YES...YES! I most certainly do remember Eckerd! When I lived in Boca Raton, there was one close to my house, which was next to a Publix as well. And do you know what I found out? Eckerd was bought by CVS, that's why they disappeared.

    Thank so much for stopping by, girl! Hope you're having a terrific Thursday!

    X

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  9. This is a hoot, Ron -- thanks for my morning chuckle! I'm right there with ya, too -- I hate CVS's extra-long printed receipts! And their rewards program might as well be non-existent for all the good it's ever done me. I mean, if I buy something in the store and they give me $5 off to buy more of it, what the heck??? Especially when I have to buy it the very next week!


    Our CVS doesn't have self-checkout lanes. Nope, we're old-school, waiting on that slow cashier. And people in line in front of you who are bent on paying with a jar of pennies!


    We don't have a Rite Aid either, but our Walgreen's is pretty decent. Sadly, their prices are usually sky high though.


    Have a great weekend -- it's going to be a scorcher here! xx

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  10. Helloooooooo there, Debbie!

    "I mean, if I buy something in the store and they give me $5 off to buy more of it, what the heck??? "


    THANK YOU!!!!! And I have thought the exact same thing. The money that you think you're saving, you're actually spending!!!

    "Our CVS doesn't have self-checkout lanes. Nope, we're old-school, waiting on that slow cashier. And people in line in front of you who are bent on paying with a jar of pennies!"

    OMG yes, I've seen that happen too. Someone will pay the whole total with coins, which takes them FOUR hours to count out. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr#!*@?! And I love the people who aren't ready to pay when they get up there. They have to dig inside their purse or backpack and FIND their wallet, and then they have count out the money, which they realize they don't have enough. So, then they have to dig out their debit card, which takes another 2 1/2 hours. DRIVES ME INSANE!

    More and more I see Rite Aid disappearing here in the city. I heard that Walgreens is buying them out. And for some reason, I always seem to find the best prices and sales in our Walgreens.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Yup...it's going to be a scorcher here as well. Tomorrow it's going to be in the mid-90's. And it not only the heat that's been bad, but the humidity as well. Stay cool and have a great weekend!

    X

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  11. Ron, not only is this HYSTERICAL, but you nailed it perfectly! My girlfriend and I ALWAYS talk about how loud the self-checkouts are at CVS (and many other stores). And I don't like how it yells your total because everyone in the store can hear what you spent. I ROTFLMAO about your Italian grandmother screaming at the table. Dude, you are so damn funny. I keep telling you this, you need to do stand-up comedy. You can take everyday things and make them hilarious.

    And let's not even talk about the LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG receipts. So wasteful.

    Thanks for the laughs, Ron. And my girlfriend thanks you too!

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  12. Hiya, Matt!

    I couldn't help myself. Several days ago I had to go into a CVS and the whole experience was so irritating, that as soon as I got home, I sat down at my computer and wrote this post. It was very therapeutic because I felt so much better after I wrote it all out. LOL!

    "And let's not even talk about the LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG receipts. So wasteful."


    Wasteful indeed! And yet, they are one of those companies that goes to the extremes in wanting the public to know just how "politically correct" they are. Oh...paaaaleeese!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Wishing you and your girlfriend a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  13. Ron, I chuckled at your comment about being cheaper to buy new clothes instead of washing them. SO true! Isn't it insane how expensive laundry detergent is? And the price keeps going up and up. That's why whenever I find a deal, I take advantage of it, regardless of whether I need detergent at that time or not. I stock it up.

    I don't shop much at CVS and I've never been to a Rite Aid. Walgreens is my go-to drugstore. Like you, I find the best deals.

    I use self checkout for almost everything, except with I do my grocery shopping. And now that you have to supply your own bags, I always make sure to have one in my car. "You could literally wallpaper the states of Texas and Alaska with this receipt" LOL! I think it's ridiculous the amount of paper they waste on receipts, that's why whenever I can, I have my receipt emailed to me.

    Have a great weekend, Ron! Thanks for your humor!

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  14. Hey there, Daniel!

    Isn't the price for laundry detergent INSANE?!?! I do the same thing, if I find a good deal, I stock up. One day last month I found a deal at Walgreens - $11.00 for TWO Tide detergents - so I grabbed them. I felt like I had struck GOLD. LOL!

    Me too, I use self-checkout most of the time as well, except for Trader Joe's and Mom's Organic Market. I also make sure to carry a shopping bag in my backpack at all times because many of the places I shop will charge you for a bag if you don't have your own.

    I should try using the email receipt option too. I've noticed that many stores are offering it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a fantabulous weekend! It's going to be a very hot and humid one for us.

    X

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  15. Ron, I didn't know that so thanks for sharing the info. I forgot to mention in my first comment, isn't Publix the BOMB?!? I love that grocery store because they have so many great sections with the BEST food. I purchase my wine there too.

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  16. Denise, that's one of the MAJOR things I miss about Florida....PUBLIX! And GOD, how I miss it! I used to love their deli and baked goods sections. And yes, Publix has the most awesome wine selection. And that's another thing I miss about Florida, being able to purchase wine anywhere. Here in PA, you have to go to the wine/liquor store. And they charge MORE tax on alcohol. Bummer!

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  17. Well, I tried to comment on your Bobby Sherman post the other day and I don't think it posted. Life sucks sometimes. LOL

    Needless to say I read it entirely. My teen heart throb was Paul Newman. I always did go for older gentlemen.

    As for CVS, I've boycotted them for decades. Don't like 'em...never will. Walgreens is my choice too.

    Have a great holiday weekend Ron.

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  18. Hey there, Anni!

    Yes, I got your comment on my Bobby Sherman post (you will see it there). Sometimes Disqus acts wonky and delays publishing comments, but I definitely got it, so thank you!

    "As for CVS, I've boycotted them for decades. Don't like 'em...never will. Walgreens is my choice too."

    Yahooooooo! And for you for boycotting them. I'm actually thinking of doing the same thing and forfeiting my insurance benefits because I don't think it's worth the hassle.

    Don't ya just love Walgreens?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great holiday weekend too!

    Happy 4th!

    X

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  19. Oh my gosh, Ron, we are absolutely on the same page regarding shopping at CVS ! In fact, I did a post last week that included some of the same complaints as in this one - especially the sheer volume of wasted paper in for form of coupons, which we hardly ever use. OK, the exception being when we have a redeemable cash value one for a couple of dollars off an order.

    Yes, I absolutely dislike ALL the questions on the checkout screen and totally disagree about rounding up a total purchase to donate to a charity not of my choosing. The other dislikes are when I get asked if I want to purchase some sort of discount card.

    I feel like saying, "No, but how about CVS donating some money to the "Let's Not Waste Long Paper Receipts Charity"?

    What a GREAT idea you had there, Ron!

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  20. Ron, sorry to be late to the party but we just got back from our vacation. HYSTERICAL post! And it's ironic that you mentioned CVS because we have one not from where we live and both my husband and I HATE going there, and for the reasons you listed. It's so overpriced. And you can never find anyone to help you because everything is under lock and key, but yet there is never enough people working to open the cases for you. Our drugstore of choice is Walgreens. I've been to a few Rite Aids over the years, but they seem to be vanishing.

    "It SCREAMS at you at the top of its lungs. It sounds a lot like how my Italian grandmother used to scream at the dinner table...

    "PLACE YOUR ITEM IN THE BAGGING AREA!!"

    "YOUR TOTAL IS $450.68!!"

    "SYSTEM PROCESSING...PLEASE WAIT!!"

    "PLEASE WAIT!! HELP IS ON THE WAY!!

    "FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PIN PAD!!"

    LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks so much for the laughs, Ron. I always enjoy your sarcastic commentary about things you don't like VERY funny! xo

    *hasn't this city humidity been horrendous? We've been at the beach, where it hasn't been this intense.

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  21. Hey there, Elaine!

    Hope you had a FANTASTIC time on your vacation. And yes, the humidity here has been insane. But I'm sure it wasn't nearly has intense at the beach. I'm already counting the days until FALL. LOL!

    " And you can never find anyone to help you because everything is under lock and key, but yet there is never enough people working to open the cases for you."

    OMG...YES. A million times...YES! The CVS by me has all their products stored behind plastic cases with locks on them. And it's almost impossible to find someone to come over and open the cases for you. It's such an annoyance.

    I know, Rite Aid has been going bye-bye. And that's because Walgreens is buying them all up. And better Walgreens than CVS!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay cool and have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  22. Helloooooooooooo there, D!

    Isn't CVS the pits?!?!?

    " especially the sheer volume of wasted paper in for form of coupons, which we hardly ever use. OK, the exception being when we have a redeemable cash value one for a couple of dollars off an order.."


    Doesn't it blow you away by how much paper they waste with their 10 mile receipts? And I've never use the redeemable cash value because I find the whole process too confusing and too specific.

    "...and totally disagree about rounding up a total purchase to donate to a charity not of my choosing. The other dislikes are when I get asked if I want to purchase some sort of discount card."

    Exactly! It I want to give to a charity, it will be one of my choosing. And you're right about the discount card too, I totally forgot about that one.

    Judging from the comments here, I think a lot of us feel the same way about CVS.

    HATE it. LOL!

    Much thanks for stopping by, D, and for sharing your thoughts and feelings on this topic. Hope you're having a fantastic week and staying cool. It's been very hot and humid here.

    X

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  23. You could literally wallpaper the states of Texas and Alaska with this receipt... Oh my! That is a looonnnggg receipt! I've never been to a CVS but we do have Walgreens. CVS's rewards program sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth....which is probably done by design. I LOLed at the receipt photos. That first one with the sling is super funny! I don't usually do the self checkout except when I'm in a hurry because I hate the idea of machines taking over every aspect of personal interaction. But, sometimes it is more convenient....and that's the bottom line, isn't it?! Been out of pocket for a while, but always love to catch up when I surface again. X

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  24. I know, Lisa, isn't that receipt tape LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG? Talk about wasted paper. LOL!

    Yes, CVS's reward system is more trouble than it's worth. Walgreen's is so much easier. And faster.

    And you're right, machines have pretty much taken over every aspect of personal interaction. The only place I don't use them is at a grocery store such as, Trader Joe's or Mom's Organic Market because the ONLY have cashier checkouts. And when it comes to buying food, I actually do prefer someone else to ring up and pack my groceries.

    Great to see ya! Hope all is well and that you're enjoying your summer. It hasn't been too hot or humid here so far, so I'm actually enjoying the summer (so far).

    X

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  25. Good morning, Ron! I'm behind, as usual. *sigh*

    Yes, we do have a local CVS but it's not my fav store. I think we left their pharmacy and switched to Rite Aid after some issues many years ago? At one time, they used to have decent sales, not so much now. Now, they have a 'care pass', which reminds me... I need to cancel. Originally, I got $10 off my total, but then you're charged $5 a month to continue with it. It's good IF you go regularly because you get $10 for paying $5. But you have to spend the $10 at one time or lose it the rest, and it doesn't accumulate, so if I don't go each month, it's lost. Conditions!! Just forget all that stuff and offer better sales!! It's not really just CVS though. Other stores have dialed back on their deals, and if you don't have an app, or a digital coupon, etc... you miss out. You have to download technology... which constantly glitches...to save a bit of money, but the aggravation costs me little bits of my sanity every time I shop! Gah!! LOL OH, don't even get me started on self-checkout! I loathe it! Really because I don't shop regularly, so it's not just a few items, but a full cart... and if I wanted to be a cashier and bag girl, I'd get a job as one. Oh, but there aren't as many of those jobs... because they are being replaced with self-checkout. Trying to find bar codes, and look stuff up, and for me... that 'place item in the bagging area', unexpected item, etc. etc.... GGrrrrr! Yeah, I'm going to risk arrest by trying to steal a zucchini. Just give me a damn minute you effing hellish machine! LOL
    Oh, lovely mood I'm in now right before actually having to go grocery shopping this morning. haha!!

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  26. Helloooooooooo there, Mary!

    Great to see your comment!

    "But you have to spend the $10 at one time or lose it the rest, and it doesn't accumulate, so if I don't go each month, it's lost. Conditions!! Just forget all that stuff and offer better sales!'

    A-MEN! It's the conditions that irk me. And they are SO specific. Like you said, just offer better sales. And it's not like they can't afford to do that. Even through COVID, they were one of the essential stores that were open; therefore, they were making money.

    ",,,,and if you don't have an app, or a digital coupon, etc... you miss out. You have to download technology... which constantly glitches.."

    YES! YES! YES! Every place you go today, they want you do download their app. And that is something I refuse to do. I don't have a single app on my phone connected to a store/retailer. In fact, I barely have any apps on my phone because they take up too much space on my storage.

    "Yeah, I'm going to risk arrest by trying to steal a zucchini. Just give me a damn minute you effing hellish machine! LOL"


    Bwhahahahahahaha! OMG, Mary, that cracked me up!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying the summer and this horrendous heatwave we're having in the Northeast. I can't WAIT for FALL!!!!

    X

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