A Thrifter Before It Was a Thing

()re-run) Today, as I entered the Good Will in Monterey, California, I was glad to see it mostly empty because of the rain and wind. But there were several teen girls and even a young guy shopping for clothing. That’s right, spring break.  When I as a teen shopping in thrift stores, I got lots… Continue reading A Thrifter Before It Was a Thing

Another Thrifty Day at the Thrift Store

I admit it. The Saver’s Thrift Store in Dublin calls me and every other over-55 senior in the tri-valley on Tuesdays. Why? The 30% senior discount off of everything. That’s why. My massage and chiropractor appointment messed up exercise class for me, so afterward, I swung through CVS to get Sis’s meds that they’d sent… Continue reading Another Thrifty Day at the Thrift Store

When It’s Foggy, Go Thrifting

(re-run from near end of Pandemic) I’m in Monterey County, which is known for its June Gloom. I woke up to fog and had no desire to pull weeds in the dampness. Since there was no Zoom Zumba this morning, I seized the day, deciding before breakfast to go thrifting in Carmel. I hadn’t been… Continue reading When It’s Foggy, Go Thrifting

Five Errands and a Passport Photo

(re-run) My daughter is going to her college friend’s wedding in India. She discovered that her passport was about to expire, which got me to wondering if mine had expired. I hadn’t used it since I got divorced.  I found it and saw the expiration date was 2019. That’s what the pandemic will do to… Continue reading Five Errands and a Passport Photo

Two Dolls in Two Days

I am in my beach town, and it’s foggy and gray. I pulled weeds the first afternoon so that I could put out a full green can this morning for the yard waste truck. More weeds await, but it’s another gray day. I took off for thrift stores both days at lunch time. Yesterday, after… Continue reading Two Dolls in Two Days

My Republican Beach Town

A thrift store in Carmel had a half-off sale yesterday and today. I paid cash for my stack of books at the book store. I mentioned that cash is important, especially for people who don’t have bank accounts or credit cards. “Without cash, what would those people do?” I commented. “Those people always find a… Continue reading My Republican Beach Town

Neighborhood Pack Rat

(re-run) You know our kind. We save everything, just in case. I might need that someday. I’m going to wear that size again. That thing on the side of the road still has use left in it, and it’s free. That has a good memory for me. Who keeps stuff that evokes bad memories? No… Continue reading Neighborhood Pack Rat

What to Do instead of Going Online

(re-run) It’s amazing once a person takes the internet out of the daily equation, just how much she can get done. And how she doesn’t miss it all that much. And how she has time to write about not missing it. As technology goes, I could take it or leave it. I still shop at… Continue reading What to Do instead of Going Online

The People I Meet When Thrifting

(re-run) I have a deep need to thrift. I do it at least once a week, even on vacations. I’m not talking consignment stores where people bring in items, hoping to get some money back.  I’m talking about stores that take donations and sell things on the cheap because they got them for free. Last… Continue reading The People I Meet When Thrifting

No Christmas Tree for Me

(re-run from 2018) Eight Christmases in this house and only two trees. Both were living, and both got planted in my yard. Guess what? My yard is full. That’s what happens when you get rid of your grass, fire your gardener, and watch volunteer trees grow on their own, self-planting trees with a little help… Continue reading No Christmas Tree for Me