Whatever Happened to Her?

I can remember years ago when I delighted in spending all day Saturday at the mall browsing and buying.

These days I take extreme measures to avoid the mall. In fact, I haven't been to a real mall in a long, long time. I will go to the outlet mall in San Marcos or Round Rock from time to time when I need to replenish my closet, but those are outdoor malls with lots of space. I just can't bear to be cooped up inside with a crowd. I hate the press of bodies and I hate the noise. I just can't take it anymore.

I went to Austin today with the idea of making a family visit and decided I would hit a few stores along the way. I thought about going to Central Market and nixed that because of the inevitable crowd. I thought about going to the Container Store and nixed that because I really didn't need anything and the last thing I want to bring into the house is more stuff I don't need. I thought about going to Hobby Lobby and nixed that because I already have way too much craft material on hand. I thought about going to Chico's and nixed that because I just didn't feel like trying on a bunch of clothes. The only thing that I could dredge up any interest for was books.

So I ended up hitting 3 different Half Price Bookstores in addition to a quick stop at a JoAnn's craft store for a knitting magainze I can only seem to find there and a last quick stop at the Lowe's in Hutto to pick up two more patio cushions. There was a time when I would have come home with at least one to two outfits, a couple of new books, a couple of new cds and possibly some new jewelry or a new purse or a new pair of shoes. That kind of shopping just doesn't appeal to me now.

At the end of the day I was happy with my new pile of books and glad that I had dragged in nothing else. I have two knitting magazines, 3 new audiobooks, a couple of novels and best of all two history books for Fisher and Brazoria counties, both places where my Hodge line settled and that will be good additions for my growing Texas history library. Texas county histories are rare finds and I was lucky enough to find them when I had a discount coupon in my purse. Successful shopping indeed.

I was ready to call it quits and head home by 2 o'clock. Back in those old days I could stay on my feet and shop from the time the stores opened until late in the afternoon. Now I just want to go home and pet the dogs and cats.

Not sure what happened to that girl who loved to browse the malls. I think she may have gotten old.

LSW

P.S. When I arrived home, I discovered that two new Kentucky reference books had arrived, plus a historical society newsletter. I've got a wealth of new reading material. Just how I like it.

P.P.S. Miss Dixie had to be put in time out this evening for tormenting Scout and then trying to gnaw through my ankle. I predict this may become a regular thing. She's becoming a real little devil.