Fear Of Black Friday!

I have a fear of shopping on this day. I never, ever, EVER do it! Well, usually I don't. My sisters made me go this year. They talked me into this insanity in a moment of mellow comradery.
We were sitting around on Thanksgiving, about ready to pack it in and head home after a wonderful day. My sisters had been pouring over the sale ads and planning their shopping strategy based on a 5 am start time. We live in Maryland and they planned to go over to Delaware to some outlet malls for the deals. Delaware has no state sales tax! I found something in the Wal-Mart ad that I wanted and asked them to pick up for me. After another 20 minutes of planning, we (WE? What? ME?) decided to head out for the midnight openings and finish up at Wal-Mart for the 5 am. Does turkey make you stupid?
We drove the 2 hours into Delaware to a completely full shopping center. No sleeping in the car, we were hopped up on pie! Giddiness aplenty! We shopped in this center for 3 hours. We got some bargains, laughed, stood in line with lots of other jolly maniacs. All good, well, the Old Navy experience aside. That store was nuts! I walked through the door and straight into line. What is it with Old Navy? The place is always about 95 degrees and it smells bad, made me want to pass out! Apparently the shoppers were oozing gravy from their pores because most every store I went into was hot and stinky, yuck! Except for the Kate Spade store, that boutique smelled like leather and money, ahhh. No stink shall cross that threshold. I couldn't afford to buy anything but it gave my nostrils a delightful rest.
We stopped for refeshments at 3:30, laughed some more and on to the Wal-Mart! Ok, the words Kate Spade and Wal-Mart should NOT be in such close proximity but there you go, everything was a little zany!
We had to park half a block away (fa la la) walked over to the store and discovered that the line was halfway around the store. Wow. At 3:45 am on Friday, it was cold and very windy! We weren't wearing coats. You can't wear a coat while power shopping! Who asked that question anyhow? Silly. 45 minutes and we are inside. While still in line employees were walking along announcing some of the big ticket items that had already sold out. Of course the store wasn't supposed to open until 5 and it was about 4:30 when we heard the first sold out announcement. *sigh* Our first priority was getting hold of 6 of one item, a widget, doesn't matter it was in the sale ad. An employee pointed us in the proper direction (it was an electronic item but was in the hunting section??). This location was at the opposite end of the store and, no lie, it took us 20 minutes to get ourselves over there only to find it wasn't the right widget. We questioned employees who "went to look" we sent delegates from our group to other rumored locations. My BIL snagged a cart from some silly person who left it unattended for a moment (good job!). A group began to form there with us as we were all looking for the same thing. We did snag 6 of the more costly widget, just in case. Bil and a sister went off to find the store manager. They complained to said STORE MANAGER about ads item lost in store, searching for an hour. STORE MANAGER tried to blow them off but BIL followed and pinned him down again. STORE MANAGER said he would give us the higher priced widgets for the lower price. He said, just have cashier call me when you get up there. A big win! Off to get in line and wait for another half hour. We had a full cart, probably about $500 in merchandise. Our turn. BIL is walking point, I am his back up, 2 sisters are between us and a very long line. You know this did not go well. BIL told the story, store manager, yada, yada. We stood there for another 20 minutes while cashier gathered various Wal-Mart employees, one employee even flashed her badge at us (hello my name is Julie I am a support manager) yikes, I'm super impressed now Julie. STORE MANAGER finally answered her on her walkie talkie and refused to follow through on the promise he made to us! 10 more intense minutes ensued, rational pleas, fist pounding, anger and frustration as we would have been out of that store an hour ago if the STORE MANAGER had not lied to us. Finally, I refused to buy anything and directed my, formerly merry band, to vacate. There were 4 police officers quite nearby. This happened at the Wal-Mart on Route1, Rehobeth Beach, Delaware. Oh yes, I am writing a letter. Frustrating?
Having an adventure with my sisters, all night, on no sleep......priceless!
Trusting the integrity of this STORE MANAGER on Black Friday......worthless!

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Car Travel

Traveling to new destinations is so much fun. New places, new people, new foods to try. So easy to do if you are traveling by car. You can stay on a schedule if you choose or be spontaneous from one destination to another.
While traveling in Portugal for, instance, you can go from the sea coast of the Atlantic through romantic valleys. Perhaps make an unscheduled stop to tour a beautiful winery for an afternoon. A stop at the river Tagus for some fishing or boating might be your preference. If the mountains are your favorite spot you can also drive to the peak of Serra de Estrela.
Do your comparison shopping from home on the company that will best suit your needs for a rental car. Reserve your car before you go pick up from many convenient locations.

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Grandfather Time

Are you a clock person? I am and so is my husband. I enjoy the beauty and functionality of clocks in my home. I have several free standing clocks decorating various rooms in my home. The one clock I don't have, yet, is a grandfather clock. I have always wanted one and we have actually looked at them at different times, we just haven't bought one yet.
I suppose I find comfort in marking the passage of time and the metronomic sounds of a clock. There are so many different sounds to clocks and I'm not thinking of a cuckoo clock but the beautiful chimes of a grandfather clock. I find those sounds pleasant and comforting.
There are many different styles in clocks. You can get them to enhance nearly any home decorator style including many contemporary style clocks. I have looked at several that I love. I'm wondering if I could convince Santa to bring me this clock for Christmas? Oh, I've been good all year. How beautiful it would look in our home. We have a large, 2-story entry with a large empty wall just waiting for a lovely, chiming clock.
I think I'll need to leave some hints for Santa soon.

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Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to wish all of you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving holiday.

Things I am thankful for:

1. My husband, he is strong and patient and I love him dearly.
2. My children, even the ones who blow off my phone calls (is the guilt working on you yet?) They are beautiful adults, all their own people and I love them.
3. Pumpkin pie, I seriously love it as Mike over at Too Many Mornings will tell you.
4. My parents, they taught us well and love us completely.
5. Dual control electric blankets! Snuggly, warm bed to climb into even if my hubs thinks we don't need it.
6. All of the women in my family. For many years it was "The Sisters" and I have three of those. Now it has extended to our daughters as well. This bunch of women are strong and funny and opinionated and talented and annoying at times and I am so proud and happy to be one of them.
7. Slide on shoes. Why wear any other kind really? It's all about the comfort.
8. My Buggy girl, I love her with all my heart. She brings me immeasurable joy.
9. Yoga pants. No, they are NOT sweat pants, far nicer.
10. I am thankful to be a part of this bloggy family and to have made so many wonderful friends here. To Lin, Staci, Mad Margo, Jude, Glenn, Grace, Stacey, Jen, Kathy, Mike, JD, Ann, Stacy, Jennifer, The Bee, Russ, The Jacobsens, Lee, Maria, Roschelle, Daisy, blueviolet, beaded tail, thank you and have a wonderful holiday!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Random Tuesday Thoughts - Adam Lambert Oh My!

Oh my GAWD he did Not! Adam Lambert was a favorite of mine right from the start of last season's American Idol. His music is not exactly my style but it's more like the whole package appeals. He is a SHOWMAN! In every sense of the word. When he gets onstage to sing, he sucks you in to the whole experience. His performance on the stage at the AMA on Sunday brought to mind a Michael Jackson style show. Ok, it was a little edgy, some say off the cliff especially for TV. But damn, that was some performance.

I daresay that Glambert does a Fred & Ginger production of 2009! Remember watching those old black & whites? The costumes, the moves, the stage set?

Did you see it? Do you enjoy his showmanship or is it just too much?




Randomness?! I have received several emails asking for a reprint of my Caramel Glazed Apple Cake for a Thanksgiving Dessert. Go here for the recipe and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Oprah Says "Fun Gift Card Idea"

Another very cool gift idea, along with a discount! When I read about this I thought it was very clever. I have always been a little reluctant to give gift cards to my family and friends. I always felt like it showed a lack of thought. Maybe it's just me because everyone loves to receive them. Well, now Visa is offering a way to completely personalize a gift card.

Gift Card Lab is a website that allows completely customizable Visa Gift Cards. Very much like the customizable credit cards. You may choose to use stock images or your very own photos to create gift cards for anyone on your list.

Yes, this does come with a small price tag. Prices of the cards start at $5.95 but if you use the promo code "pumpkin" you will receive a $2 per card discount!

I think anyone on your list would appreciate this very thoughtful gift. Just remember to use promo code "pumpkin" for your discount. Again, no Black Friday crowds to fight through.

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