it's a good thing I like it here, because I can never leave.

I dislike shopping and do it as little as possible, clothes shopping especially. Some of this stems from being cheap, but a lot of it has to do with me knowing exactly what I want and being dismayed that I can't seem to find what I want anywhere, at any price. Vermont generally can be bad for consumer options and my little region is often worse. I'll go visit my sister and hit stores that run more to my tastes when I'm in the big city. Otherwise I just wear what I've got until I realize that, for example, my pajamas are so shabby and holey I couldn't wear them in mixed company, or I've been swimming so long I no longer own a pair of sneakers. Also, moths ate every wool sweater I had, which wasn't many.

My next big city visit is a ways off so I went to my favorite little consignment shop -- the place I buy swimsuits which wear out with shocking regularity -- to pick up a few things. It was strange. The place was empty and dreamlike, every rack or shelf seemed to have something that was on my list and fit me perfectly. I tend towards lists in my writing. Here is the list.

1. Nearly new Airwalk sneakers
2. Gently used Redwing steeltoe boots, same size as my existing 13 year old pair. Made in USA!
3. Woolrich wool jacket, red, shiny buttons
   
4. Flannel pajamas in one of my favorite plaids.
5. Three wool sweaters

- J. Crew baggy tan v-neck
- Maroon pullover something
- Purple cardigan made partly of "rabbit hair" according to the tag

So, I think I'm set for whatever is left of "winter" this year. Oh, and the reason I can never go anyplace else, why I'm rooted to the spot here in the land of trees and rivers? I mentioned before that I was cheap, or perhaps thrifty. When I paid for the needs-two-arms-to-hold-it bag of stuff, I gave the woman at the counter $30.

And she gave me back change.