Planets Perfectly Aligned.

It is an absolute joy when this happens. My first day off in two weeks and there were lots on the to-do list of errands to run and chores needing attention, so after a good night's rest I was out and on the move early wanting to get back to take advantage of this beautiful day.

First up a search for a new kitchen faucet sprayer. Found it with some help, paid for it and checked it off the list. Next stop L.L. Bean where I hoped to find a messenger's bag (now called a "murse" or man's purse in some circles - don't get me started on that one) as they were out of stock last time I visited. The old backpack is causing back pain, and a friend suggested one of these to replace it. Struck gold again!!! They received a shipment of a half dozen yesterday and they were on sale for 50% off this time.

Then it was off to hunt for comfortable shoes suitable for both jobs. I have three pair and one offers less comfort than it used to, so I go to BASS (where two of the three pair came from) as the planets held firm and I found a beautiful, rather hip and sleek pair of black "Comfort Step" shoes which just happened to be 50% off, plus another 10% off with local ID, and topping it off, I had a 'rewards' check giving me another $10.00 off the entire bill. Walked back to the car with a spring in my step (no pun intended) having paid a whole $35.05 for these great shoes.

Next to last and in the home stretch I needed to find new slacks for work; two pair of Khakis were ruined by the finger print dust left in the store after to the robbery.

Once upon a time I used to wear a 32" inseam, then two years ago realized I had shrunk requiring a shorter 30" length. But, I swear since fracturing my spine last year the 30" are way too long and a 29" inseam is a must. Hard to find in the best of stores, I know, I've been looking. I am still a 34" waist but the 34 - 29 combo is rare perhaps because many guys are shrinking like me and snap them up, or manufacturers don't see the market for it. Whatever.

You can imagine my surprise when Jupiter aligned with Mars and I found three pair in one store, and of course, due to the economy, guess what?, they were on sale. I love one-stop shopping.

The final stop as I made the loop back to the apartment was a bit of grocery shopping; spent more than the budget because I'd run out of Rosemary and Thyme - had plenty of fresh parsley, (I knew you'd go there!) - so I bit the bullet and went for the extra $12.00 purchase. After all, they enjoy a long shelf life and I use them all the time. When did herbs and spices become so expensive?

A happy camper hit the dusty trail back to the bunkhous... uh, apartment. It was not yet 11 am as I unloaded the last of the treasures; the plan is to enjoy a bit of sun on the deck before I prep supper while deciding which of the chores on the list will get done and which will have to wait another day. Fiddle dee-dee! Where's my magnolia?

My humble efforts to stimulate the economy has ended. I hope everyone, including the President is proud of me as I gave it my all, and then some. The total cost of today's spending spree came in under $100.00, including the groceries part. Only the Universe knows what the outcome would have been if the planets hadn't aligned in my favor, so let's not think about that, OK?

This is Pride Weekend in DE and while I'd like to join in the festivities I'd rather relax here. I know, I know, I'll never meet new people if I keep holding up at the apartment. There will be other opportunities throughout the Fall and Winter. After all, I live in Gayberry Delaware, anyway. I know all the vendors who'll be there and many of the people. This is more of a celebration for those from the northern counties who live, shall we say, 'quieter lives' out of necessity. Oh there are folks in town from NJ, PA, VA, MD, and DC to be sure, who want to get in on the fun, too. They were in the restaurant for lunch as they arrived yesterday and were clearly ready for the good time ahead.

As a dear old friend used to say as he lifted his martini, I send them hugs and kisses and a sh**load of happy thoughts. I'll drink to that.

And so it goes.
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