This is my friend and neighbour Maria.
Maria owns the local deli. She runs it and is the only employee.
Maria has owned the deli for the last 18 years. She is the third owner. The deli has been in my neighbourhood for more than 40 years.
Maria sells take-away food like sandwiches, soup and beverages. She sells some prepared foods but she makes much of her food herself in the shop.
I have shopped at the deli for the last 30 years.
The economy has not been kind to Maria lately and it seems that many people prefer to shop in the big box stores.
Not me.
Maria may have to give the store up when her lease runs out in 6 months.
I will miss the deli, but more important, I will miss my friend Maria.
