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The differences between living in the city and out here in the woods are without limits.  Everything from conveniences, culture, and quiet.  Like everything else there are good differences and less than good ones.  One of the most interesting changes has been the Post Office.  In the city, they are just there.  They are where you go to get stamps, drop off or pick up packages.  Mostly there are where you go to wait in a line with a bunch of strangers.   Here in Etoile, the Post Office is a huge part of everyone's life.  It is in a building that gets shared with the water company, the volunteer fire department and the community center.  There is an old bulletin board out front where they have announcements about fundraisers, fishing tournaments, and upcoming fish fry or BBQs.   For many people, "getting the mail" is just an excuse to go visit with others who are "getting the mail".   Most of the time there are more people gathered in front of the Post Office than they are actually in the Post Office.  The people who work there, both of them, know just about everyone by name, including Rose Mary and we have only been here about 5 weeks now.    In the city, I never gave the Post Office much thought, here it is a vital part of the community.

Thank goodness my Depends come in plain, unmarked packages.