In the 18 months I have lived in Canada full time, I believe Red Vines have been the No. 1 item requested from visitors of the States*. Please, bring me red vines!! I have looked for them constantly. It’s automatic now, I glance at the licorice sections of every store that carries candy. Without even thinking about it. I have never found them. Never.

Until today. If I had been in the middle of a conversation, I would have been rendered speechless. (I was alone, so I was already not utilizing speech.) I gasped. I stood there entranced. I picked up a bag and held it to my heart. I’ve always felt that London Drugs was a fairyland of miracles. (You can buy a MacBookPro there. At a DRUG STORE. It’s awesome.)

The best part? they rung up as American Vines.

“Oh HELL yeah!”

“I’m sorry?”

“Nothing. I’m fine. It’s just the vines…. from America…”

*I’m not sure what #2 is, possibly Pickapeppa Sauce, or stuff from Bath and Bodyworks. Or an entire Target store.