The Drugstore Deli.

06/03/2026

Gas is so high that my mailman is working from home. He just called and read my bills to me.

It's not my fault...my friend keeps sending these to me. I have to pass them on. Right??

Good beautiful morning...

Late Spring in GA is often glorious! Everything is fresh and green from the mostly daily rain. The temp is moderate. The 'skeeters haven't arrived yet! Love it while it lasts....

Domino Kitten is so happy! Vicki gave him a new sparkly ball and the world is good again. Of course, if he wouldn't hide his toys or more problematically, push them under something...usually heavy... that requires moving.....y'all get the picture. But for today, life is good for the boy.

Son David is off to Japan in two weeks. So excited for him!

His trip inspired me to locate the Asian Chicken Salad recipe.....

Yummy Chicken Salad on a bed of crisp greens with snow peas, baby corn, sweet lollipop peppers and oranges...soy ginger dressing, if you're so inclined.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Blackeyed Peas 'n Greens

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Smokey Chicken & Artichoke ~ Kentucky Hot Brown

Sweets: Brownies W/ Walnuts ~ Blueberry Cobbler

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

05/27/2026

What do you call a short mother? Minimum.

Good morning...

Long weekend or the beginning of vacations? We thought all last week with graduations and school letting out for the summer that we'd be slow. Wrong. I've long since given up predicting the public's dining out patterns....I would sell the info to the food industry and retire if the "pattern" ever became one!

Milestone in the life of Domino Kitten. He gets his three little kitty treats before bed, but Vicki's bedroom door is open now. So far not too much has happened. He tried to roust Vicki earlier than the alarm, but went away when she said, "no."

He got on my bed this morning and walked around but left til my alarm rang. Then he was back...purring! He stays in Vicki's room during the day when we're gone....next step is run of the house during the day. Yikes!

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Chicken Bisque

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Greens 'n Things

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Chocolate Bundt w/Chocolate Ganache

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

05/20/2026

We all know about Murphy's Law: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

But have you heard of Cole"s Law? It's thinly sliced cabbage.
Food joke....stop that groaning!!

Good morning...

Four thirty Monday morning. Dark outside. No squirrels dashing about, no birds singing. Vicki takes the kitchen trash out through the garage door, takes the trash bin down to the curb for pickup. When she returns, Domino Kitten is ALMOST in possession of a tiny wren....feathers flying, tiny wren struggling to escape (and does) to higher ground, Domino Kitten trying to figure out how to reach said higher ground.

When I wake and come out of my room, Vicki has banished the "bird catcher" to her bedroom, closed other doors and is trying to corral the tiny bird for removal to freedom! Not to be. But with Domie safely tucked away, front and back doors are opened and Wren sees freedom and embraces it!!

We think the bird spent the night in the garage and flew through the door as Vicki opened it. They love making nests in garages.....safe from predators unless one ventures into Domino Kitten's Kingdom.

Graduation week. Memorial Day Weekend. Leaving for the beach?? Always trying to figure out how busy we'll be with so many events.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Peasant Vegetable

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Lorraine

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Lemon Coconut Cake

A thought.....

Memorial Day honors the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally established after the Civil War, it remains a national day of remembrance and gratitude.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this weekend, pause.to remember those who gave everything in service to our country.

Sara Jo & Vicki

05/13/2026

A food joke......

"If a 1000 Islands can agree on one dressing, anything is possible."

Good morning...

Flowers from the boys, flowers from Para & Bobby and a book of funny family tales, Lowcountry culture and great food from Vicki, phone calls and being lazy. Great day! I even found a recipe for Tomato Pie (it's on the menu for this week) that I had forgotten and have been "searching" other recipes to duplicate.

I told y'all last week that Domino Kitten is a year old. Time flies when you're having fun!! So his birthday present from Vicki is a 4 foot or so tower. It had a stretchy cord ending in purple feathers hanging under the top tier. The cord remains (so far) but alas, the feathers are no more. Well, they are, but not hanging...

The Kitten hates a closed door and he's none too fond of one standing ajar. He stretched out in front of the closed bathroom door this morning as I was getting ready for the day, slid a paw under the door and played "footsie." It's great to start the day with laughter!!

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Chicken & Wild Rice (someone tell DeeDee)

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Smokey Turkey ~ Lulu's Tomato Pie (the one mentioned above)

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Amaretto Cake

For those of you who may not have heard: Charlie Short died last week. He was a friend of this community and the people in it for many years. He and Connie went back North several years ago so while we haven't been the recipient of that care directly, Byron was special to him. And he, to us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

05/06/2026

Good morning....

Downtown at the Deli EARLY Sunday morning to do inventory. On Saturday the Battle of Byron with vendors, food trucks, a spectacular car show, lots and lots of people, some with their pets the length of Main St and a few side streets. It started late because of the rain, so ended a bit later than usual. That much stuff and people can generate a lot of trash.....NOT SO MUCH AS A GUM WRAPPER ON SUNDAY MORNING!!

Austin and the BOB committee planned a great day of fun and games and music; waited out the rain to avoid cancellation; and folks came! I say "yea."

Soups: Tomato Fennel ~ Black Bean Chili

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Asparagus w/Ham & Swiss

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Pineapple Rum Bread Pudding

Check out the deli case for a new treat...Smoked Turkey Salad w/Apples & Grapes.

Himself had a birthday on the 4th. We let the day slip up on us and didn't plan a proper celebration....how could we forget?? For Domino Kitten it was just another day of chasing toys, zooming through the house and being precious....we are so smitten with the kitten.

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

04/29/2026

Good morning...

Y'all! Fingers crossed for sunshine and low 70's on Saturday for The Battle of Byron. So much planning and hard work has gone into the festival....good thoughts for good weather!

Speaking of The Battle of Byron, the Deli will be closed on Saturday. Food trucks abound, so it's a play day for us.

Vicki and I went to lunch with two of my college friends....Tift Girls! Lunch at the Iron Rail in Bolingbrook. Going back again on Saturday after we cruise BOB. Such a charming place, good service, good food.

Let Domino Kitten out of Vicki's room this morning when I got up....he was rattling the door and Vicki had time left before her alarm. He gave me thorough instructions on his food prep, cleaned his dish (didn't say "thank you"), and then stretched out in front of Vicki's door to wait for her.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Italian Veggie & Sausage

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Tomato Pie

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Apple Craisin Bread Pudding

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

04/22/2026

Good morning...

Good news: Nick Smith has completed another step in his recovery. Good thoughts and prayers have made it possible for him and his family to stay strong and focused on that vision. Don't stop now!

The Battle of Byron gives back to the community every year and this year the "give back" are benches...black metal, decorative. Just the thing for the Deli! It's all part of our spruce up plan...we have the new hanging plants out front; weeds will be gone from the sidewalk down to the stop signs; plants and mulch in the garden in time for BOB. We want everything to look nice for the visitors and hometowners!

Last week I forgot to tell you this funny Domino Kitten story. I was sitting at my desk next to the sliding glass door. Domie pounced on the door. When I looked, he was nose to nose with the tiniest chipmunk. The staredown lasted until the chipmunk broke the spell and dashed off.....only to turn around and nose up to the glass again. Then, of course, he went on his merry way...himself was very sad.

You know how two year olds hide all their toys? Well, not so much hide as stash for later retrieval. Domino Kitten stashed a bunch under Vicki's dresser which he could no longer reach. Flashlight and Vicki on her knees produced the evidence!! She put down the flashlight and went for the yard stick to retrieve the toys When she returned, the flashlight was gone. She started pulling out the toys and saw the flashlight (still on) mixed in with his treasures. The Kitten works fast!

He is, at this moment, lying on the floor inspecting the dishwasher. It's draining and he is fascinated with the sound of the water. Our lives are blessed with laughter!!

Serious business. The Best of Middle Georgia voting starts 27 April at noon through 15 May at 5:00 pm. Cast your vote at VoteMiddleGeorgia.com.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Corn Chowder w/Bacon

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Green Chili Chicken Pie ~ Kentucky Hot Brown

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Lemon Coconut Cake

In the deli case: Tortellini & Tomatoes w/Lemon Basil Vinaigrette ~ Georgia Caviar ~ Sweet Pea Salad ~ Mixed Fruit ~ Cranberry Jello~ Peaches Melba Jello

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

Vote once per day from April 27 through May 15.

04/15/2026

I'm starting a charity to teach short people math. It's called "making the little things count."

We do not recognize booing....

Good morning...

Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, says, "When you cook, everybody shows up." Last week I did and y'all did!! Busy, busy. I'm convinced Middle GA dined with us....no one went to the Masters??

Domino Kitten is dozing on the chest next to me. He was supervising, but gave me his blessing (actually he said, "you're on your own.") and began his first nap of the day. It was a busy morning chasing the blue ball...Vicki had to retrieve it a couple of times from behind a cabinet. We know it's behind or under something because he lies down near the offending piece of furniture and waits for us to get a clue. He has us well-trained. But we went willingly.

Para has put flowers in our blue and white hanging baskets...so pretty!! It's Spring and it's time to spruce things up....the garden is next.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Minestrone Verde (Italian veggie soup..lots of green veggies)

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Fiesta Pie (beef, chiles, Jack cheese, tomatoes)

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Butter Pecan Cake

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

04/08/2026

Good morning...

What a treat Vicki and I had yesterday!! Para took us to lunch at this charming restaurant in Bolingbroke....The Iron Rail. If you haven't been to Bolingbroke in a while, go. It has grown and grown beautifully. Old buildings have been preserved and reimagined (The Iron Rail for instance). New buildings have been "blended" into the old. And of course, we had to wander through an antique store and touch lots of stuff!! Lovely break, good food, good company!

Yesterday was a traumatic day for Domino Kitten. The tree removal team came to take down two huge oaks....dead, sad to say. Big trucks, big noise. Poor kitty hid in the back of my closet and had to be enticed to come out with a treat.

Nick Smith continues to make progress on the road back to health....prayers and good thoughts work. Keep 'em coming!

On the subject of refurbishing....it's happening on Main St. So nice to see buildings brought back to "life."

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Green Chile Posole

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Golden Italian Sausage

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Creamy Fruit Shortcake

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki

04/01/2026

Son Joshua didn't send this, but he'll love it: "A short mother is a minimom."

And David, you must tell Agatha: "When I tell maternity puns, it's all about the delivery." Then, apologize for me!!

Good morning....

Short jokes and puns....sorry about that!

It's time. Nominations for 2026 Best of Middle Georgia. I would appreciate your nomination and your vote on April 17th. Look at me, being all political, asking for your vote! At least I'm not driving y'all crazy with an ad (or thousands!) on TV.

Well, it had to happen. Domino Kitten and I are at odds. He stepped over a line and I didn't forgive him right away...so he removed himself from my space...being very careful around me, not interacting. I fed him this morning so that Vicki could stay in bed a bit longer; tossed his ball (which he didn't return to me as he usually does). I sense that the fence isn't mended yet on his side.

Soups: Black Bean Chili ~ Mexican Onion (lots of sweet onions, garlic, cumin, red beans, tomatoes, Cheddar)

Quiches: Cheeseburger Pie ~ Butler Brown ~ Fiesta (beef, tomatoes, pepper Jack cheese)

Sweets: Brownies w/Walnuts ~ Orange Bundt Cake

Salads: Corn & Black Bean ~ Mozzarella & Tomato ~ Sweet Pea ~ Georgia Caviar ~ Mixed Fruit

And Deviled Ham Salad.

Come see us.

Sara Jo & Vicki