Bloom

Across town a new upscale grocery store opened, called Bloom and their motto: *A different kind of grocery store. I had to get a few items and decided to take the boys over to check out the place. It is a beautiful store - hardwood floors, very modern inside, great atmosphere and I wander over the deli to order my turkey lunch meat. I comment to the lady on how I was impressed with the store, she looks at me, smiles and says, "It's great... except for the people who work here." I nod politely, thank her, take my meat and keep shopping. I was not really interested in hearing the behind the deli Bloom drama.

In the next aisle, Landon was hunting for juice and a man who apparently left his dentures at home, comes zipping along with his motorized cart and stops quick to take a gander at Landon. He holds out his hand and says, "Wait...I think you are old enough...." And so we are waiting for seconds...then minutes...for him to dig into his old, flannel shirt front pocket...pulling out papers, then lint...and then whatever else came out before he hands over a piece of candy and then another piece - one for Landon and one for me. He then continues to tell me that he used to give out hugs but now people would think he was a pedofile. And we were off...to the next aisle.

Almost done and a lady approaches me to ask me if I was from a certain neighborhood around here. She tells me that she is a retired teacher, part time tutor who would love to babysit during the day, weekends, and even for overnights... all the while she is touching Chase's hands...I guess that was her way of showing me she really cares for kids. And she left me with her number. I didn't bring the number home and I pulled out the sanitary wipes when she was out of sight. I thought it odd how she approached me and she should know that you don't randomly touch babies in stores!

My rating on Bloom:
Modern/Trendy Atmosphere: 10
Specialty Foods: 10
Soap Opera Service: 10
Random and Strange Customers: 10

Bloom: Definitely a different kind of grocery store!