The Pavlovian Candy Jar

On a recent visit home

we took my sister and her boys to

the candy store.

Boyd's Retro Candy Store

to be exact.

Located at the

Lewis/ Detroit Ave./Sylvania

intersection...

Toledo, Ohio.

They sell memories.

The oldies BUT goodies.

Pixie Stix, Warheads, Goetze's Caramel Creams...

Soda pop...

the way it should be...

in bottles!

Although small inside

they utilize every inch to stock

all things sugar.

Ice Cubes, Lollipops, Jelly Bellies...

Mallo Cups, Jaw Breakers,

Lemon Heads. Candy Buttons on paper strips...

Candy cigarettes...

in the gum or "blow smoke" variety.

(Sold appropriately behind the counter)

James is certain that heaven is

one big candy store.

We made our purchases.

Ate candy on the drive home.

Ate more candy at home.

I took what was left and put it in an old

Ball jar.

Seemed fitting.

Until one day James came into the dining room

to get at one of those

remaining Pixie Stix.

"OUCH..." he mumbled.

When I asked him what was wrong he said,

"I hate this jar...it snaps my fingers

when I try to open it."

I started giggling.

For the record, I didn't realize it would

be so hard to open...

I thought it looked cute.

Now...when he

goes to get a piece of candy

he thinks twice...

how bad do I want it.

A Pavlovian response?

Have I conditioned James inadvertently?

A Freudian slip...

on my part. tee-hee.