Convenience Store Tales 2 : Nothing in Life is FREE

It's no secret that Val goes to The Gas Station Chicken Store every day, rain or shine, in (mild) sickness and in health, only casino trips and ice storms and fever delirium keeping her away. I'm a loyal customer, paying $1.69 for my 44 oz Diet Coke. I know it costs them mere pennies, but my magical elixir is my extravagance. That, and scratch-off tickets. Which I also buy at The Gas Station Chicken Store. I do not, however, buy my gas there.

Ever since I came home from assorted teaching jobs throughout the state, I've had a regular place to buy my gas. It used to be the 7-Eleven out by the park. But they went out of business. Then I switched to a Casey's a couple of blocks over, on the way to and from my bank. However...I got some bad gas there, and it clogged up my fuel filter, so I switched to a different Casey's. I've gone there for years now, the prices good, no problems with my cars, in a convenient location. Now that one is going out of business.

I might have to start buying my gas at The Gas Station Chicken Store. Those of you who live in states where you're not allowed to pump your own gas...don't flip out! It's not all that hard. Except I admit that I AM a bit nervous now. I know how Casey's pumps work. But The Gas Station Chicken Store pumps are OLD SCHOOL. Like back in the 60s when my dad would pull up and tell the attendant who came out, "Fill 'er up." Squatty thick rectangular pumps, with the handle and and spout and hose on the side. So old that they don't even need a switch flipped inside to activate them. I've heard the clerks tell confused customers when they come inside, "No. Go ahead and pump. We're old school. Come in and pay when you're done." I'm pretty sure I'll be able to learn how.

There's a reason I think I'll start buying my gas at The Gas Station Chicken Store.

"But Val!" you say. "That is NOT a gas hose! That's an AIR hose! What does that have to do with pumping your own gas?"

Read the sign, people!

What if I'm out and about, and T-Hoe turns up lame? I'm not going to pay A DOLLAR for air! And let's let the record show right now that I HAVE gotten air there in the past, without buying gas! I was stealing, people! Stealing air! Granted, the sign was not up back then. It's a recent addition.

Something tells me Lady Owner is kind of bitter about other convenience stores charging cheaper prices on gas. She has the best location, a corner right off the highway. Four pumps. But I suppose other, bigger, more inconveniently-located stores are undercutting her prices. So she must recoup her losses somewhere!

Let the record further show that it took me three days to get a picture of this sign, because there is ALWAYS a vehicle there using the air hose.

I seriously doubt that any of them paid A DOLLAR for their air.