Walmart

We've lived in Ithaca for 4+ years now, and if there's one thing we've learned to hate along with Ithacans it's Walmart. Not because we're all worked up about fair wages and buying local, but because it's the WORST place to shop in Ithaca. The customers are gross and rude, the bathrooms are a biohazard, the employees are unhelpful and kinda gross themselves, and the prices aren't decent enough to make it worth the trip out there. We've had a hard time avoiding it because it's the one place you can get things like motor oil, paint, potting soil, and some chocolate all in one trip. By some miracle, Ithaca decided to let them convert it into a Super Walmart. (And by miracle, I mean the citizens of Ithaca heavily protested the arrival of Walmart to begin with, and almost succeeded from what we've heard.) So the past half a year, it's been even worse going to Walmart. You can't find a single thing you need because they've moving it all around, the parking lot has been torn up for ages, there are 40+ checkout stands but only 3 of them operational at a time, etc, etc, etc. We recently moved closer to Target, and sort of blissfully forgot about the existence of Wallyworld.

And then the other day I needed groceries AND household supplies. Camilla was having a really rough sleeping week, and I didn't want to drag her all over town if there was any chance she would miss a nap. I caved in and drove through downtown Ithaca (another thing I hate about this place--is it REALLY necessary to make ALL cars drive through the same narrow stretch to get anywhere?) and went to Walmart.

From the exterior, things looked decent. Parking lot nicely paved. (My Dad hates Walmart parking lots because they tend to be poorly planned. This one would please him.) The color is a nice natural brown color. There are two functioning entrances. We ventured inside.

And it was like we were magically transported back to Utah, the land of gigantic Walmarts. It was beautiful. The aisles were nice and large. The bakery, deli, produce departments were still not stocked, but they're getting there. But the best thing about the new Walmart? For the first time in Ithaca, I can buy the following items (which I've never been able to find in any store in this town):

Bulk bags of sugar

Bulk bags of flour

Bulk cans of Nesquik (the small ones don't last Mark nearly long enough)

I use this in some Mexican dishes, and haven't ever found it out here

Jiffy muffin mixes, in all their varieties--blueberry, raspberry, apple cinnamon, chocolate, banana, etc.

You must have this to make fudge, and you must make fudge when it rains, and this is Ithaca, so. . . you need a lot of this -- it's only a seasonal item in most of Ithaca

So judge me if you want for being a Walmart lover again, but if I can get all of this stuff in one place, the prices are good (I've been watching, they're mostly awesome!), and the employees have figured out how to efficiently ring up my groceries, then I'll be coming back. Regularly.