Store Supplies Stock Up

Badger and Yote had been preparing for the winter season for weeks. Their little homestead was stocked with firewood, their snowshoes were mended, and the last of the fall chores were nearly done. But with the cold setting in and snow soon to cover the mountain trails, there was one more important task to tackle—stocking up on provisions for the long winter months.

The two friends set out early for the old mining town of Brodie. Brodie was a quiet place most of the year, but during the colder months, it became a hub for nearby homesteaders and ranchers, all coming in to stock up on supplies. It was a town where everyone knew each other, and the general store was at the heart of it all.

As they arrived, the sight of the weathered old buildings against the crisp blue sky filled them with a sense of nostalgia. Brodie’s general store was a comforting place with creaky wooden floors, shelves lined with goods, and a woodstove in the corner radiating warmth. They pushed open the door, greeted by the familiar bell and the smell of leather, dried herbs, and fresh coffee.

Badger pulled out his list, worn and folded, and began reading off their supplies. “Alright, Yote, we need flour, cornmeal, rice, beans, sugar, coffee, oats, dried apples… and maybe a little extra to see us through the winter.”

They split up in the store, each gathering items from the shelves. Yote found the bags of beans and flour, stacking them neatly in their crate, while Badger added sacks of rice and cornmeal. Every so often, they’d pass each other in the narrow aisles, exchanging comments about the winter ahead and making sure they had everything they needed.

As they loaded up, Yote noticed an old leather-bound book on a dusty shelf, tucked away between bags of grain. Curious, he picked it up, brushing off the dust. “Hey, Badger, look at this. A journal from one of the old miners, I think.”

Badger chuckled. “I’ll bet it’s filled with stories about silver veins and hidden treasures. Those older miners loved their tall tales.”

Yote flipped through the yellowed pages with a smile, thinking of the history that filled this town and all the people who had passed through its doors over the years.

After a while, their crates were full, and the two friends made their way to the counter to settle up. The storekeeper, an elderly fox named Mr. Wainwright, rang up their supplies with a friendly smile. “Stocking up for a hard winter, are you?”

Badger nodded. “That’s right, Mr. Wainwright. Nothing like a full pantry to make the cold a little more bearable.”

As they waited, Yote grinned and turned to Badger. “While we’re waiting, how about a little brain teaser?”

Badger rolled his eyes playfully, knowing Yote had a riddle up his sleeve. “Alright, hit me with it.”

Yote leaned in, lowering his voice for a sense of mystery. “What do these words have in common: revive, banana, data, grammar, assess, potato, dresser, uneven?”

Badger scratched his head, repeating the words under his breath as he considered the puzzle. “Hmm… something about them seems a bit off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Mr. Wainwright, who had been listening with interest, chuckled. “That’s a good one, Yote. I think I’ll save that for the next customer who tries to haggle with me.”

Badger chuckled, appreciating the puzzle more with every passing moment. With their provisions packed and the riddle lingering in his mind, Badger felt ready for the winter months ahead. Just like the puzzle, their trip to Brodie was a reminder that there’s always something new to discover, whether in a word or in a well-loved town.

Can you help Badger crack this brain teaser?

🧠 This riddle teaches us to look beyond the surface. Just as Badger and Yote prepare carefully for the winter, seeing things from a different angle can reveal hidden details and valuable insights. Observing patterns, even in something as simple as a list of words, builds skills that help us make sense of the world in unexpected ways.

🌱 Our community is growing! Thank you for your help and support. If you have family, friends, grandparents, neighbors, or anyone who enjoys a brain teaser to start their day, we’d welcome them to subscribe and join in on our adventures.