Today might have been my last time going to Diess Feed and Seed in Eugene, Oregon. They are closing their doors, and I wanted to walk around the place and appreciate it another time before that happened.

I’ve been a customer there for almost as long as I’ve lived in Oregon. (19 years now.) From the early days of raising chickens and goats… from before our son was born… there have been countless visits over the years.

Diess had the kind of charm you just couldn’t find in a big box store. A place where strangers would instantly start chatting about their animals and gardens. The owner would recognize my voice when I called with a question, and most everyone there could guess what I came in for before I even started to speak. I love the old building it’s in. And the jokes posted on the board out front by the road? I always sent those to my dad.

Our son has been going to Diess his whole life. He has lots of fond memories bringing home chicks and ducklings. When he was really little, there was a dog there who would take your money and bring it to the cash register. He was too young to remember that, but recently a sweet dog named Jo has been carrying on the tradition! (We are delighted every time we hand our money over to her, and just shared a video of it over on Instagram, I felt like sharing a bit of the magic about the place.) ❤

I should add that though I’m sad to no longer be shopping at Diess, I am glad for the owners who are very happy to retire. A big thank you to Diess (and all the people behind it) for serving the community for so many years!!