Democrat-Gazette online

The complex just off U.S. 71 on the outskirts of Alma is a U of giant metal buildings. A-Z Tools, A-Z Fashions, A-Z Gifts and More. Across the highway is A-Z Furniture. I have been coming here since it was just plain ole A-Z in the one building that now houses gifts and more. That was at least 35 years ago, since it was my granny who introduced us to it; she died in 2000 after years of cancer and stroke-induced demise. Granny lived through the Depression--her family went from riches to rags--and she always knew about places like this.

My mother and I still like it, probably most of all for the memories, and my daughters are dedicated thrifters too. Mom picked us up at 10 a.m. We had several errands in town, as Granny Jr. always does. On I-40 west by 10:30 a.m., we ate where one always should for lunch in Alma, which is Pizza Parlour, and then pulled up to A-Z Gifts and More. The door was bedecked in a garland of plastic flowers. Stella had Floof the toy Aussiedoodle along in an effort to keep her fur free of beggar's........

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