TRADER JOE'S: Some California dreamin'

California newcomers, before you buy a new North Idaho home, give a moment to consider the hardship you may experience when there is no Trader Joe’s within 10 minutes of your house.

Seriously, it’s a culture change… 45 minutes to an hour and a half drive for those favorite frozen dinners, cookies, desserts, not to mention some very special wines and traditional English Lemon Curd.

May I suggest you send TJ’s a letter or email explaining the impact they have on your projected retirement in beautiful North Idaho when they continually refuse to open a TJ’s in Coeur d’Alene?

Those of us longtime transplants feel discriminated against as TJ’s opens new stores all across the country and continues to ignore our letters, emails and begging the cashiers when we make the trek to Spokane. It’s a special experience to leisurely walk the aisles, view the beautiful produce, inhale the aromas of freshly brewed coffees, taste a new cheese and giggle at the wonderful 99-cent greeting cards.

Please don’t be offended if someone hands you a copy of a form letter to TJ’s begging for a store. Help us out. Support the community you want to become a part of.

SHIRLEY THAGARD

Hayden