SHOPPING HURTS MY FEET

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS SALES were a bust for me.  I was on a mission to hopefully buy at a discounted rate garland for next year's Christmas to decorate the outside of the screened in porch.  Large jingle bells. Beautiful day to be out, but I had no success at finding garland or large jingle bells.  It's as if the stores sent it all back to CHINA.  

Drove to Topeka through St. Marys.   A beautiful sunshiny day almost like Spring.  

First stop was Walmart Super Center.   They were so busy, you'd thought it was CHRISTMAS. Finding a parking spot was challenging.  No garland, but I bought a make-up bag set that I know I will enjoy using.  Chocolate covered cherries.  Popcorn in tins.  Nail polish and hair bands.

Next was Hobby Lobby.  No garland.  Left empty handed.

Joanns.  Bought a pretty candle that was 70% off.  Looked at ribbon.  No garland. 

Sams.  This was the biggest let down as they hardly had any Christmas out.  Left empty handed.

Target.  No garland.  Picked up a bottle of water and two see through storage Christmas boxes for my PIPKA Santas that need a special box for them.

3 Starbucks.  Buzzed by 3 different times and if there were 20 cars in line each time, I'd be off. People are shopping for sure and I missed out on my green tea.    

Tired, I decided to drive onto to Manhattan.

Attic.  Thrift shop.  Left empty handed.

Walmart.  No garland.

Hobby Lobby.

Goodwill.  Picked up a wooden grouping of snowmen.  A Christmas ornament.  

Dollar General.  No garland, but purchased some sympathy cards and potato chips.  

Drove to Wamego's Hardware store.  Whaalaah.  They had garland, but it was way too expensive.  Can't justify.

Icing my feet as I type.  I will take the evening off or tomorrow I will not be able to walk. Shopping is hard work for me as my feet hurt and wearing a mask made me so HOT as the temps were warmer today.  Almost like a Spring day.  So pleasant. 

If I have an opportunity for another CHRISTMAS, I will buy greenery garland next November and call it good.  Over the WINTER I will group together all my CHRISTMAS decorations so I know where it all is and what I have.  This will be a WINTER GOAL for me that will help ease my mind so I can relax once again about order.  I hope to use a more natural theme next year with pinecones, acorns, walnuts in the shell, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and apples, maybe a pineapple.  Might have some paper fans filled with nuts and candies along with jingle bells and angels.  Ribbon of course maybe burlap.  Lots of greenery throughout the house.  Battery operated candles and greenery.  Thinking about swags on the front doors.     

We had a very quiet Christmas this year.  Took birthday cake over to Daughter's.  Saw her whole family on the porch.  Waves would have to do.  A nice Christmas, but very quiet at HOME. Visited with both Sons via computer. Visited with one son's family.  This covid thing is real.  We will social distance, wash hands, wear mask.  I have to say that while shopping, I kept my distance and wore a mask.  Not around coughers.    

This past week, my sister-in-law's younger brother passed away from COVID.  He was 56 leaving behind a wife and two children.  This week-end I found out that my son-in-law has an Aunt that died from COVID.  She was in her 70s.  Lord have mercy. 

May you stay safe and well,

d