Overheard at Chipperfields' ... Part XLII ...

Too bad about the internet pharmacy eh?" said one of the regulars at the table in the back conrer, as he folded up the newpaper and set it on the table in front of him, "But we all knew it was coming."

The other men at the table nodded in agreement.

"It was too good to last," observed the second regular at the table, as he set down his coffee, "it was one of those too good to be true things, but everyone hoped it would last forever."

"Or atleast until everyone got their mortages paid off," observed a third regular.

"It's gonna hurt the town," said the first regular, "we're gonna see some folks leave. It's a big hit, especially with the loss of those Government jobs too."

"Hopefully we don't dry up and blow away in the summer winds," said the second regular quietly.

All three men stared at their coffee mugs and said nothing for a long moment.

"You know, there were some good things about having the Internet Pharmacy here while it lasted," observed the first regular, "they did offer support of our sports teams and they made an effort to support the golf course. And the folks employed there spent their money locally and helped out in town."

The other two men nodded.

"It's too bad though it had to come so suddenly," observed the second regular, "but between the US Government, and the Big Drug companies, anyone could see that the days were numbered for them. And yesterday the number came up."

"So, you think we'll find anything to replace it?" asked the third.

"Oh sure," laughed the first, "they'll get a new industrial park build out by the ethanol plant with spin off industries using the by-products. It'll employ thousands ..."

"It's not out of the realm of possibility," observed the second regular, "they laughed when the old Agri-steel plant moved to town, and they laughed when Morris took it over."

"The difference was," observed the first, lowering his voice, "we had men like Old Man Chipperfield who were willing to dream big and take chances rather then scoff and say 'it's not possible,' and hope someone ELSE would do something."

"True enough," observed the second regular, "but you know, I think our mayor and council are made of sterner stuff then they may get credit for. I think they'll rise to the ocassion and pull this one out of the fire before our town is a ghost town."

"Let's hope so," said the first."No," said the second, "let's encourage them to DO IT."

"Absolutely," said the third, "Absolutely