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Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Gulls in the Rver

Not in Good Company — 1LinerWeds

Dan Antion
2 minutes
,

I read several articles last week about Walgreens Pharmacy being bought by a private equity firm for 10 billion dollars. While that’s a larger amount of money than I can relate to, the 124-year-old company was recently thought to be worth over 100 billion dollars. The root cause(s) for this sad change of fortune has been summarized in words such as these:

Walgreens, founded in 1901, has been dealing with razor thin prescription reimbursement, rising costs, persistent theft and inflation-sensitive shoppers who are looking for bargains elsewhere.

This is the first time I’ve found myself cast alongside greedy insurance companies, downward trending economic conditions and thieves.

For One-Liner Wednesday by Linda G. Hill

Of course, there’s a backstory.

Five years ago, I needed to buy a Blood Pressure Monitor. Walgreens had seven models on display. I narrowed it down to two, and for the life of me, I couldn’t tell the difference between them. I thought I’d read some reviews. I scanned the barcode of the one I was planning to buy. Of course, Google being Google, the first thing they showed me were all the places around me where I could buy this monitor. Walgreens had it priced at $59.99. Having never purchased a blood pressure monitor before, that sounded reasonable. According to Google, Target had this monitor for $44.99 and Walmart was selling it for $29.99. Target and Walmart are both within two miles of our Walgreens. While I wasn’t trying to price check the store, I wasn’t going to pass up a 50% savings. I don’t think that should put me in with thieves.

Trapped leaf
This leaf has survived the winter. I hope it breaks free.
Sunrise
Sunrise along the power line trail
Veterans Park
Looking across the fields of Veterans Park
Robin
A welcome sign of spring.
Trestle
Pretty soon we won;t be able to see this
Railroad trestl
The work gate is open and I can see along the track across the bridge.
Squirrel
He came begging for a few peanuts
Crow
Mr. Crow
Colt Dome
Colt Dome
Gulls in the Rver
Gulls in the Connecticut River
Memorial driveway
The Veterans Memorial is at the end of this driveway
Crows
In a month or so, I won’t be able to see these guys.
Sunrise
I’m walking with the rising sun (again) DST
Flag
Old Glory flying proud on a crisp morning
Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

70 responses to “Not in Good Company — 1LinerWeds”

  1. kzmcb Avatar
    kzmcb

    Ah two sides to every story. Clearly some sympathisers in the media.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      There’s a lot going on, but Walgreens should have the buying power to compete with Target.

      Like

      Reply
      1. kzmcb Avatar
        kzmcb

        100% agree

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. robbiesinspiration Avatar
    robbiesinspiration

    An interesting story, Dan. I see a lot of this in my job. Lovely photographs 💝

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Robbie. We supported Walgreens when they wanted to come to town. We changed zoning laws, gave them a tax-break, and (personally) gave them our business. I think they made some bad decisions as they gobbled up other drug stores.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. bushboy Avatar
    bushboy

    A good set of photos Dan.
    Sometimes I say hang the price, I’m supporting a small business. Competition between big stores, price wins out

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I would always support the little guy, Brian. We supported the small drug stores before Walgreens bought them or ran them out of business. But pay twice as much to save them? No, I don’t think so.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bushboy Avatar
        bushboy

        I didn’t like to see the demise of the corner store run by a family that had almost everything

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          That’s what happened here. We had two very nice family owned stores. Then CVS bought one and drove the other one out of business.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  4. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    I definitely don’t think your in with the thieves Dan. You have worked hard to earn your money why would you throw it away? We always shop around for that very reason. It’s sensible to shop around and why pay more if it’s for the same thing as my dad would have said “A fool and his money are soon parted”

    The photos are glorious today especially the sunrises!! Have a good day and be penny-wise! 😁💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Willow. Your dad was right. The thieves in this story are the insurance companies.

      Like

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 Avatar
        willowdot21

        Yes indeed 😊😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  5. niasunset Avatar
    niasunset

    Beautiful photographs, and titles too, we have several problems in here about prices,..etc. We all the old days… I would have done as you, even we still we do the same. Thank you dear Dan, Have a nice day, Love, nia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Nia. I guess there are multiple sets of old days. I remember when Walgreens had reasonable prices.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. niasunset Avatar
        niasunset

        not reasonable prices anymore… world changes… You are welcome, Love, nia

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
    2. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Nia. I guess there are multiple sets of old days. I remember when Walgreens had reasonable prices.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    I like the photos of that bridge especially the one through the gate.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Frank. They rarely have that gate open.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    Ah, the trestle: the span for all seasons! It never takes a bad picture. As for comparison-shopping, I thought that was what we were supposed to do, though I agree with bushboy that, when it’s a small business, paying a bit more is OK. Can we sue for defamation of character for being lumped in with insurance companies? Suing does seem to be more the national sport than baseball.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I worked for an insurance company (not health) and I think I’d rather be lumped in with the thieves than health insurers. The trestle is going to gradually disappear and play its “can you see me?” game for six or seven months. I don’t often do comparison shopping, and if I Can shop at a local store, I do, and not worry as much about the price. When it comes to the big guys beating each other up, I can’t afford to help.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    It’s sad but true. The big box stores kill every other retailer, but who wants to pay more than they have to? Add in home delivery and Amazon kills everybody…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We don’t buy much from Amazon. We bought our new appliances from a regional chain. We chose them when (way before Covid) they announced that they weren’t going to open on Thanksgiving, or at o’dark-thirty on Black Friday. They were letting their employees have a nice holiday.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Rivergirl Avatar
        Rivergirl

        I shop locally for a lot of things, but being an hour away from major shopping makes Amazon very convenient.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I understand that.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  9. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Dan, we changed to mail order prescriptions, maintenance drugs only, through our insurance company a few years ago. Pricewise, we’d be crazy not to. Other than using Walgreens for endless vaccinations, they are too expensive for our pocketbook.

    That first sunrise and the Robin are outstanding shots. Pretty soon the trestle won’t be visible….but something to look forward to. Love your shot of the gulls and the rising sun on your walk.

    Old Glory never disappoints.

    Colder again, but plenty of sunshine. Enjoy this day. Keep on comparing prices. Our money is better in our wallet than in the retailer’s pocket.

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ginger. At the moment, we don’t have enough prescriptions for these guys to fight over, but twice this year, they haven’t been able to fill a prescription for simple antibiotics. They could give us one or two days worth and order the rest. I don’t understand that.

      The trestle will start hiding again soon. I need to make sure I walk up the canal path this year to get an unobstructed view of it. IF I time it right, I can catch a train crossing the river.

      It’s been good seeing the robin, but pretty soon he’ll be pacing around his big bath wanting the water to be changed.

      Have a nice rest of the week.

      Like

      Reply
  10. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    Interesting because I think a lot of us can remember when they were a ‘drug’ store. Now they want to sell ‘front of the house’ stuff for twice the amount and assume we will pay because it is convenient. I’m a price and review checker, and I don’t pay extra if I can avoid it unless it is a ‘small’ business. We moved from Walgreens to CVS because of our insurance plan, but the story is the same.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Walgreens fought their way into town, pressuring the zoning board and Selectmen to allow them to build on a parcel where the town didn’t want a retail business due to traffic. Then they asked for a tax break. Over time, their prices started inching up. We’re at the point where greeting cards, eye drops and other OTC health products are cheaper at the grocery store. They don’t have the lowest price on anything, so I don’t even try. We went from a family owned drug store to Rite-Aid, to Walgreens. CVS bought out the small store. Walgreens bought out Rite-Aid.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. GP Avatar
    GP

    I used to shop there and get great prices, but that changed, so…..
    The pictures are once again terrific, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks GP. They have definitely priced themselves out of consideration for anything other than prescriptions.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    Interesting backstory, Dan. I’ll pay more to shop at an independent store, but price-comparing among chains doesn’t sound guilt-worthy to me. :-) As for when a private equity firm buys a company, no good can ever come from that other than making rich private equity firm ghouls richer.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think you’re right, Dave My guess is our Walgreens will disappear. They don’t care about customers or jobs, or the vacant building that will be left standing on a corner they fought the town for the right to build. All they want now is to recover much more than the $10 Billion they spent.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dave Astor Avatar
        Dave Astor

        Very sad. :-(

        Like

        Reply
  13. hilarymb Avatar
    hilarymb

    Hi Dan – I buy if it sounds reasonable and I happen to be there and need that item … like you a blood pressure monitor – otherwise I waste time faffing (looking around) and time to me is precious … at least I don’t get stressed comparing items and then – in my case – having to walk/bus to the best place – I get on with things. Our days are definitely getting brighter – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t usually do much in the way of comparison shopping, Hilary. The BP monitor was a shock when I realized how much more it was there than places 2 miles away. We’re cold again today, but the forecast has us warming up.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    I am a thief, Dan, but not just with Walgreen’s (which is my pharmacy as it’s a stone’s throw away). I am comparing prices all of the time, looking for the best deal. It’s how many of us have to (or want to) navigate rising prices and stay within our budgets. I don’t shop often at Walgreen’s because they tend to be higher, but there’s always a special or something they have that no one else does.

    I haven’t seen my first robin yet, but did hear geese again yesterday. Spring is on it’s way, I only hope that we are almost done with the “S” word and definitely done with the frigid cold. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Mary. We’ve had large flocks of geese overhead for about a week. We haven’t seen the robin that frequents our yard for a bath, but we put his birdbath out and are keeping it filled for when he returns. I don’t think we buy anything at Walgreens anymore. Their prices have gone off the charts for heath and OTC meds. We’re cold today, but that’s low 40s. I hope we are well beyond those teens and single-digit lows.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    I’m with you, Dan, in looking for the best price. With that kind of difference, I’d be doing the same thing. Of course there’s a big difference between price-conscious shoppers and thieves, but it was a great way to use your one line.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Janet. It was funny to see them list price-conscious shoppers in with thieves.

      Like

      Reply
  16. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    I’m sorry about all that, Dan. It doesn’t make us less than conscientious of needs and circumstances of businesses. Whether it’s prices, tips, or contributions, one person is wrong to judge another based on one’s own financial situation. For the vast majority of us, we’re as generous with where we spend the money we’ve earned as we can afford to be.
    We tip as much as we can afford– it doesn’t make us less grateful.
    We’re eat as healthfully as we can afford– it doesn’t mean we don’t know good nutrition. And so on.
    Should one do without groceries because one can’t afford a certain amount to tip the delivery driver?
    Should one do without (or pay double for) needful items because some companies are able to charge less than others? The blame for that particular problem does not sit on the shoulders of the average shopper.
    I hope the rest of your week is good. Hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
      Liz Gauffreau

      Well said, Teagan.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
    2. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Teagan. You covered a lot of ground, but those are all good points. I understand tipping in restaurants and bars, but when businesses add “Customer Service” features like delivery, I think they should pay/charge an appropriate fee that isn’t dependent on the customer tipping the delivery person a hefty amount on top of the already higher priced goods being delivered.

      The sad fact about our local Walgreens is the town never wanted them to build a store here. We had more than enough drugstores for the size of this town. They pushed their way in and gradually became the most expensive place to buy anything.

      I will not feel guilty when they close.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. M. Oniker Avatar
    M. Oniker

    This is another scary thing to keep us up at night — the more than $1 TRILlion trend of private equity firms (relatively) quietly buying out healthcare. This includes pharmacies, as you mention, but also private doctors’ offices and hospitals. If you Google this situation, you read some pretty horrifying articles from reasonable and varied sources. One article was in a recent JAMA. It concluded that private equity acquisitions led to higher charges, prices, and societal spending, and downstream concerns for the clinical quality of care delivered to patients. The JAMA article focused on hospitals (and didn’t mention how the acquisitions have been shuttering desperately needed and already imperiled rural hospitals), but the negative effects of these things are vast. Yay. I only heard of this in the last 1-2 months, but it has been going on for about a decade.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      This has been happening around this area (and I’m sure others) for quite some time. A group tried to buy out our dentist last year. He has a small solo practice, and the quality of care changes he described were beyond scary. I went to have a filling replaced. He said the place that wanted to buy him would require him to tell me I needed a root canal and crown, and that they would give him a time-limit on the procedure that would not let him provide the level of care patients deserve. It’s all (and only) about making money for those companies. They do not care about patients.

      Like

      Reply
  18. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Who in their right mind would NOT buy any same item at the lowest price? It’s nice to be faithful to a store and all but the wallet is the big boss, I say :)

    That robin’s breast matches the leaves in the background perfectly ;)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know! My mission in life is not to make some corporation owners wealthy. I find it mildly disturbing that I am listed as one of the reasons this company is going out of business.

      I’m glad you like the photos. The Robin is a bit early, but he’s welcome.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        ‘Zactly! Them going outta business is a them problem.

        We have them year ’round up here. Not quite as many as show up in spring but quite a few stick around all winter.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  19. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    Nice to have a robin sighting today!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It was good to see him, Liz. The one that visits our birdbath hasn’t shown up yet, but we’re ready for him. He’s very particular. He only uses the big deep birdbath, and he wants it clean and fresh. Se sometimes see him pacing around in front of it. We go out, fill it with clean water, as he waits in the bushes. Then he takes his bath. Other birds all pile in at once, but not him.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        That is so funny about your persnickety robin!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  20. Author Jan Sikes Avatar
    Author Jan Sikes

    Lots of businesses are having to adjust or sell out. Macy’s is closing over 150 of their stores. Who knows? Great photos today. The sunrise is my favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      That’s sad :(

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    No, it doesn’t. It’s the new reality. I do pay more for “made in the US”, but even stuff that says it is has arrived occasionally saying “Made in China”. I did buy nice USA-made shoes and socks, for a higher price, and love them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I support local and USA business when I can. My recent hiking books were made in Wisconsin (I think). But I’m not out to save one big box from another.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jacqui Murray Avatar
        Jacqui Murray

        Agreed. They often make it difficult to find ‘made in America’ products on their shelves.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  22. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    No, it doesn’t. I wish they could figure out a way to be more competitive and still turn enough profit to stay in business.
    Your sunrise and Robin sighting are wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I wish they could, but the way it stands now, I’m guessing we will lose the store in our town.

      It was good seeing the robin.

      Like

      Reply
  23. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Walgreens used to be an old fashioned pharmacy here in Ca which was a pleasure to visit thus the higher prices but everything changes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They started out in our town with slightly higher prices, but not nearly to the point of making you think about going somewhere else. Now, everything is way more expensive there than all the nearby stores, even CVS.

      Like

      Reply
  24. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    That’s a great robin photo!

    Prices make no sense. No place around here has uniformly higher or lower prices on any product. That included the big retailers. I go different places for different things. Businesses, big and small, come and go. You hope the ones you like manage to stick around for awhile. But Amazon is delivering everywhere all the time. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Amazon does pressure all of them. We don’t buy much from them, because most of what we need is close at hand.

      We’re still waiting on “our robin” to show up at the birdbath. It’s ready for him.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. memadtwo Avatar
        memadtwo

        I’m waiting for the robins to start waking me up in the morning. It’s about time!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I’ve seen a couple early arrivals here, but we’re waiting for our local buddy to show up.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  25. Resa Avatar
    Resa

    Adore your pics Dan!

    “”Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” 

    (I have no idea about this one liner thing!)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Haha. If you read most posts, Resa, you’ll conclude that I don’t get the one-liner thing either. Fortunately, Linda is a compassionate host.

      Like

      Reply
  26. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    At one time we had Walgreens on almost every corner, then there were fewer, and now I know of a couple of them in this huge city. I’d suggest part of their decline can be attributed to the fact that I can buy the same stuff they sell at the Kroger across the street. For less. And only one stop.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Agreed. I buy eye drops for $2 less at our grocer, and it’s not even national. It’s a New England outfit.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Great photo gallery, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome.

        Like

        Reply

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