1291 Juxtaddressed

I just returned from an extended drive through some rural sections of our county. I was quite amazed at the resourcefulness, resiliency, and entrepreneurial spirit of folks in our great land.
Namely, how many businesses were doing two things at once.
Not just that two businesses shared the same address with different spaces, suite numbers and stuff. Like that juxtaddressed one in Tumwater.
You’ve probably seen it. There’s this place called Lord’s Gym. And it’s right above a pizza place called Infernos. I suppose it’s safe for now. Not everyone draws the connection. Let’s hope they don’t rent the empty space above Lord’s Gym to Dante’s Dance Studio.
No, I’m talking about when it appears one entrepreneur is actually doing two businesses together. They’re usually stuck way out on a country road and if there was only one business at the address it wouldn’t survive.
So they combine two ideas in one location. And you try to visualize the connection in the owner’s mind. What were they thinking? Like the plumbing supply and beauty supply place. Hey, they both have supplies...
Or the gun shop that also sells beads. Is it because you need to look good when you shoot a dear, or do you use number 5 bead shot?
But the one that got me the most was on a dark and spooky backcountry road. A simple sign said, “Child Care -- Taxidermy.”
I can here the complaints now...
“Um, ever since I picked Billy up he seems a little... still. Was it something he ate at your place, ‘cause he’s a little glassy-eyed. Yeah, I’m not complaining, you certainly took care of that ADHD thing.
And damned if he ain’t top notch at keeping the door propped open...”
America, ya gotta love it.