Editor's Column

"All-night store solves problem It was with utter dismay that I learned this week that I’ve been Christmas shopping too early for the past few years. Turns out I’m not out of luck when the drugstores and hardware stores close at 5 p.m. on Christmas eve, because I’ve learned that the Clinton Chevron/Subway store is open 24 hours a day, even on Christmas. This is great news for guys like myself who take last-minute shopping literally. Going shopping is like voluntarily going to our own execution -- it may be inevitable, but we’re probably going to be slow about it. At least there are guards to speed the execution along. Nothing drives us reluctant shoppers except the fear of giftless children and spouses on Christmas morning. And the seriousness of that situation doesn’t hit us until it’s almost too late. Perhaps we can stomach one mainland foray to the mall, but that’s it. Then it’s local shopping only for those last minute gifts that we literally need at the last minute. I still plan to shop early Christmas eve at some of the old standbys like Jim’s Hardware, Ace, Sebo’s and Langley Drug, but when time runs out I’ll now have Clinton Chevron/Subway to fall back on. That’s like being given a fourth strike by some generous umpire. As a public service, I perused the shelves of Clinton Chevron/Subway earlier this week, just to give my fellow procrastinators a hint at what awaits them. And the news is good -- you won’t have to give everyone on your list a gift of gasoline, oil and sandwiches -- there’s much more from which to choose. This isn’t Toys R’ Us, but Clinton Chevron/Subway does boast some well-made plastic cars. Choose from Zachary Zoomer, Brandon Bumper, Casey Coupe and several others models, for only $6 .95 each. That should take care of all the kids on the list. For males, there’s literally everything you need -- an assortment of Zippo lighters for the firebugs, and mean looking pocket knives for almost everyone else. For the brother-in-law types, there’s plenty of beer and cigars. For women, the pickings get a bit slimmer. The best idea I could come up with was a Mariner’s mug filled to the brim with cheap champagne or sparkling cider. Sentimental and practical at the same time -- what woman wouldn’t love it? And if they don’t, you’ve got yourself a nice mug. That’s just a sampling of what’s available at South Whidbey’s only 24-hour store. I’ll meet you there Christmas morning about 4 a.m. -- approximately about one hour before the kids wake up. "

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