God, I HATE Going to Town!

A trip to town was necessary today. One more opportunity to witness morons in action.

Sweetie had to have a tractor tire repaired, but found out the tire is trash. Guess who's trying to figure out where we'll get $400 for a new one?

I still had $41.11 remaining on a Shopko gift certificate. Most people that would be excited but I'm so accustomed to doing without or paying barely nothing that 60-70% off doesn't impress me. Besides, there isn't much we need. While Sweetie sat in the truck I shopped: one puzzle book to keep at our house for my Dad's use - $2; a pizza cutter and metal measuring spoons - $6.50; a package of underwear and two pairs of socks - $9; and finally, canned cat food and paper towels - $13.80. The last 12 roll pack of paper towels lasted six months and the cat food was 13 cents per can more than usual. Just kills me. Total thus far: $31.30. I hit the junk food aisle and got chips, peanuts and Diet Coke. Final bill: $43.90. Figures. I get a gift card and go over the limit. I think they're designed that way. Oh well, it was the thought that counts.

And then, I stand at the checkout. I'm third in line and something goes wrong with the register so we all move to another aisle. I'm now fifth in line as two people in a hurry step in front of me. I smile. Gotta keep that holiday spirit, right?

I smiled again when she bumped my cart and said it was "two damn cold to be shopping." Well, I agree - if you're a 90# waif who has bare feet slipped into open-toed heels; has four inches of her midriff exposed (including the belly ring); and is wearing what appears to be a bolero for a jacket! Sheeeesh! Yah oughta be comatose.

Finally, I exit the store - in time to see her fall on her fanny.

After I dump a bag in the back of our truck, I open the door and Sweetie's laughing so hard he needs his inhaler. Ms. Bolero jacket had fallen again and slid part way beneath her car.

I tell Sweetie maybe she'll stay home the rest of the winter. He says we could have been rich if we'd had a video camera. For the next 12 miles he enterains me with stories of his parking lot people watching - all either inappropriately dressed or sliding into other cars.

Our last stop was a tour of two foreclosed houses my son just bought for $5000 each. Both are in need of some work. One home sits on half a block and the original portion is over 100 year old square logs that were preserved by siding and drywall. He's installing insulation, new cabinets and fixtures in the kitchen addition. The second house was full of trash, mattresses, assorted clothes and a few dirty dishes. As we walked through it I pulled open a kitchen drawer and found silverware that matches what we have. Home it came. My son would have thrown it out. Upstairs we got a bookcase Sweetie will use in the garage and three pairs of men's sweatpants. Two pair appear to be new. On our way home I called someone who's looking for bunk beds. My son's house has a red metal set that doesn't needs a home.

So, it was a profitable and entertaining day but I'm glad to be home. The weather is getting worse and the drivers were careless. We saw two accident on the way to town and three on the way home.

Oh, that we never, ever had to leave here, especially on days like this. It's about 10 degrees, the wind is about 25mph and it's been snowing all day.

Well, time to fix supper. Take care, Treesong