Shop til You Drop

...unless you are in a wheelchair! We spent about six hours shopping today. That's pretty spectacular for me, considering I hate to shop (excluding groceries, although that thrill is also finally waning). I wanted to get Mary some warmer pajamas and nighties with long sleeves (which are so much easier for me to deal with). I also got her some really cute warm tops (one with Tigger on it!), corduroy pants and slippers that she can wear year-round (since she can't wear normal shoes due to her deformed feet and poor leg circulation). I also want to get her some large post-like earrings (like the ones you get when your ears are initially pierced). Her left ear hole is extra large--I think it got ripped when the ladies were taking care of her while I was at UK. She adores earrings but they all threaten to slip right through the hole. Mom got rather impatient when I started looking at the earrings, saying that Mary wouldn't even know she had them on, as she couldn't see them, so it was ridiculous to get them for her, but I disagree. I think it would be important enough to her that she should have them. Jo has promised to get them for me since she knows what I want. She enjoys shopping, so I'm glad she'll do it. I just get depressed seeing all of the material things that someone has to buy. They'll just wear out and be thrown away some day. And there's the whole wanting-business, which seems so unholy--the product of my taking my Catholic education too serious.

I got myself some underwear and jeans. I've spent quite a bit on stuff from Germany, so I don't deserve anything else. I almost got some gloves and a knit cap I didn't need but luckily came to my senses in time. Mom and Jo got various clothing items. We put it all on my Kohl's card because I got an extra 15% off. Oh, I also got a $50 gift certificate for spending so much money (argh!)--so Jo can use that to get Mary's earrings!

We went over to the mall and all got hot dogs. I haven't enjoyed food like that in a long time! We were all starved. Mary really dug into her dog with sauerkraut! Mom even got to have a beer. Then we looked in the Disney shop and had a cup of coffee at Starbucks, so we could sit and look at the huge tree and all the adorable little kids. This last bit has kind of become a tradition for Mary and me. It's such an interesting cultural experience to see all the people and how they're dressed--as well as what is for sale.

Well, I'm so glad all that shopping is finished! Jo promised she'd help me with the wrapping. It will be so fun to see Mary open everything and be so surprised :-)

PS--J came and fixed the chairs yesterday and then took the dogs for a walk with me around the pond down the street (a hidden jewel in this subdivision). He asked me if I want to go to a cafe on Monday night--my brother Fred has some photos exhibited there this month. Jo keeps reading me my horoscope which keeps saying not to get involved too fast with a person I'm interested in!