That was Cary's pronouncement during our Tuesday evening walk. I had to admit he was right &mdash technically &mdash but I also had sorta hoped he wouldn't notice that part of my story.
Sue and I were supposed to have a day of Goodwill Hunting this past Wednesday. Like all of our outings, I had looked forward to it for days, had practically counted down the last few hours, when tragedy struck: One of her friends had passed away. She had to cancel.
I understood, of course, but I couldn't help being disappointed.
I had other things to do in Salem &mdash errands thwarted by bad timing the week before &mdash so I decided to go alone. I knew it wouldn't be as much fun, but maybe I'd find some treasure that would make it worthwhile.
After my Coinstar encounter (read the previous entry if you're curious), I visited the North Salem Goodwill. OUR Goodwill, Sue might say. I sent up the hope she'd forgive me as I walked inside.
In the front display case, I saw a crystal bowl we'd seen on an earlier trip. If I remembered correctly, it should have a purple tag &mdash and therefore would be half-price this week.
I asked to see it. The woman carefully lifted it out, glanced at the bottom, and then smiled."Guess what?" she beamed.
It's half-price? I thought.
"It's half-price," she said, and handed it over. I can't say whether I was happier to get it half-price or that my memory was accurate... but either way, into the basket it went.
At the same counter I noticed a Fitz and Floyd lidded pumpkin in muted sage. It also sported a purple tag, and also went into the basket. The Coinstar Bad Shopping Juju Exorcism had worked.
Elsewhere in the store I found a little purple-tagged Boyds bear and not one but two of the Pfaltzgraff footed mugs my Aunt Merelyn's been wanting. Their tags were blue, meaning no additional discount, but at only $1.99 each, I wasn't complaining. Those babies usually go for $8 each, even on eBay.
Treasures in hand, I went to check out. The cashier picked up the ceramic pumpkin."This might be considered Halloween, which means it won't be half-off," she said.
I figured she meant Thanksgiving or Seasonal, but I got the drift. She held it up and got the attention of another cashier.
"Would this be Hallow&mdash"
Before she could finish, the bottom of the pumpkin slipped from her hand and smashed on the counter. She surveyed the shards for a second, and then slowly raised wide eyes.
"I'm so sorry," she said.
"Accidents happen," I shrugged.
She exhaled relief... then told me about a time at a previous job when a customer brought up a cookie jar &mdash "The last one, they said. They were so happy to find it." &mdash and she'd accidentally slipped and broken its base.
"They weren't as nice about it as you," she added.
Yeah, well, I'm not even supposed to be here, I thought.
After dropping the Styrofoam, buying a few groceries, and filling the car with gas, I decided to detour to the South Salem Goodwill. I hadn't had any luck finding Levi's for Cary at the North Salem location and figured it was worth a try. (So if you really think about it, he's partly to blame.)
I found two pairs of his Levi's 501s, one of which looked brand new but at a third of the brand-new price. Have I mentioned how much I love Goodwill?
I cruised the remainder of my usual aisles and caught up with a woman humming along with the music. Now, I've been known to not just sing along but also dance to the music at Safeway &mdash much to Nephew Blane's delight, especially if his mom joins in &mdash so I wasn't about to judge.
"Is this Ann Murray?" the woman asked.
"Sounds like The Carpenters to me," I answered.
"I think you're right. Very pretty."
I nodded and let her finish the song.
"Have you seen any gravy boats?" she asked.
"Sorry."
"I need a new one. Grandkids keep breaking mine. I thought maybe if I could find a metal one,..."
"Or one of Melamine, or some other plastic?" I offered.
"Yeah! I didn't think of that, but yeah."
"Well, good luck," I said and passed by.
I crossed paths with her again up front by the jackets. (So sue me. Some women love shoes; I love jackets.)
"Did you find a gravy boat?" I asked.
"No," she said, and then smiled. "That looks like it fits nice."
I was standing before a mirror, trying on a purple J. Jill corduroy blazer. Purple in both color and price tag.
"It does," I confirmed. "Even with a sweatshirt underneath. So if I had on the type of shirt I should wear with it,..."
"Is it comfortable?"
I nodded and crossed my arms in front. "It even has a bit of stretch."
"Oh, that's nice," she said, and then held out the arms of another blazer. "I kind of like this one."
"It is a pretty red," I agreed. "A nice Christmas red."
She nodded but frowned. "It's tagged a Large, though."
"I don't go by the tags. My closet has everything from an extra-small to an extra-large, and it all fits about the same."
She frowned at it a bit longer, then put it on, saying, "I always think I'm bigger than I am."
I get accused of that, too, I thought. I stepped back and motioned to the mirror. We both admired how nice the fitted jacket looked on her.
"I already have several jackets, though," she said.
"So do I; but at these prices..."
She smiled and nodded. We'd each get a jacket.
"Nice shopping with you," I said as I turned to go.
"Nice shopping with you," she replied. "Likewise."
And that, my friends, is the exchange that prompted Cary to label me a cheater.
Maybe he's right. But if anyone can forgive, it's Sweet Sue.
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