This is a post I wrote 2 weeks ago, but have not had time to get it ready to publish until now…and it’s just too good not to share with you! Enjoy!

My day got started early, I met 2 sweet friends for breakfast. We try to get together as often as we can…but it had been 9 weeks since we were together. So…we were there for about 3 hours! Catching up with one another is such fun! All of our children are around the same ages, and were friends growing up. So, we had to hear about each one…and discuss what they needed to do. Between us we have 5 that are still not married….and 3 that are. There’s a wedding for one and 2 granchildren, and a new baby coming for one. Much to figure out!

Thought about stopping at TJ M*xx, but then thought better of it. I had a fun trip coming up soon…and I needed to save my money. However, I did stop in at Belk to see if I could find something really cute to wear on my trip. And, that’s where this episode begins…..

I looked in different areas of the store and gathered up several things to try on. I then walked over to a rack of pants in the petite section and there she was. I knew she was the one and that she was just ‘itching’ to talk. She had a twinkle in her eyes, and she was telling her son exactly what she expected him to do! A little, bitty old lady, who wanted some pants. Her son was trying to help her…and kept bringing her size 14 and 12…and she may have worn a 4! So, when she saw me, she latched on to me, and asked me to help her find her size. “Hey, Hon, would you mind helping me find my size?” She wanted a pair of brown tweed like pattern. She couldn’t find them…nor could I.

I had several things in my hands and she looked at me and said, “Honey, go on and put that stuff down. You can’t help me with your hands full.”

Well, I did not want to lose my things I had gathered…but I could tell she was one of those ladies who expect to be obeyed…by everyone! And, besides, I knew she was going to make a good blog post!

LBL (Little Bitty Lady)……”Now, this here’s the ones I want. These ‘Coronet’ ones. I want this brown pair, and I want a size 6. And, I Do Not Want those vile pants that come way on down where no eyes should be.” (She pointed to the area right below her navel) I tried on a pair of them kind, and I was pure ashamed they even had them in the store. And, I was ashamed I tried them on, but I didn’t know.”

T…..I know. It’s sad that anybody would even want to wear pants like that.

LBL…laughing) You should have seen it! Hon, I looked like a ‘dime store hussy’.

***What is a ‘dime store hussy’? I have no idea. I think a hussy is a woman with low morals…but what has the dime store got to do with it? Oh, the things I learn when I go out and about.***I think I’ll use that phrase again…it fits on so many levels!***

T…..Ma’am, they don’t have those in your size. Don’t you think you could wear a size 4? (she was tiny)

LBL…..I don’t want no tight pants on me…showing my rolls and all. Don’t want no body thinking I’m no ‘you-know-what’.

T……Dime store hussy?

She nodded and laughed behind her hand.

T…..O K, I understand. Let’s look over here. Could you use them in a houndstooth?

LBL…..A WHAT?????

T……This black and white pattern is called hounds tooth.

LBL….Nope, needin’ me some brown pants. And, don’t get me none that don’t have something to match with them. I don’t want to have to come back out here and go searching all over for a sweater. Just look for some brown ones in that ‘Coronet’. They have good matches.

T……You sound just like my Mama did. She wanted to get something to match them right then! She said you never could find something if you came back. She was about your size, too.

Her son had been watching us and he felt embarressed by all she was doing and saying.

R…..Mama, this lady has got her own shopping to do. I’ll help you find your pants. I’m sure she needs to go.

LBL…..Honey, you busy?

T…Well, I have a little time free right now.

LBL…..Sit down Roy, she says she can help me. Just sit down.

He did.

T…..Ma’am…

LBL…..Name’s Esther

T…..Mrs. Esther, I don’t know about the ‘Coronet’ brand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen those anywhere. Can you show me where they are?

LBL……Well, Honey, they’s right there. And, they’s in every store you go in. Where you been shoppin?

I walked over to the rack where she was pointing…..and checked the labels. Sure enough…”Coronet’. Only they spelled it KORET !

I found her a pair of brown pants,and a sweater to match. And, I picked up another pair and a top to match and showed them to her.

LBL…..Don’t need but one outfit….can’t afford but one.

Roy…Mama, I told you to buy anything you want. You just go ahead and buy both outfits. I’m paying today.

LBL…..Well, you need to be saving yore money for them young’uns.

T….Now, Mrs. Esther, if he wants to buy you 2 outfits, you get 2 outfits. It will make him happy! Besides, you should never keep a man from spending money on you! That’s a rule I learned a long time ago!

LBL….Well, we’ll see. Now, Hon, do those have elastic all the way around? Cause some times they just put it on the sides. Some ‘darn fool’ had that bright idea. I want it to go all around so they don’t fall down! You didn’t get none of that ‘jungle cat’ stuff, did you? (she meant leopard print)

T…..Yes, Ma’am, they have elastic all the way around. No, Mam, no jungle cat. Now do you need to try these on?

LBL…..Are they ‘Coronets’ ?

T…..Yes, Mam, that’s what it says.

LBL…No, they’ll do. I just don’t know if I’ll need 2 outfits.

T…..Well, think about it, Mrs. Esther, there are lots of things going on this time of year. Parties and special things at church. You know Thanksgiving is coming soon, and then Christmas. And, if you don’t need it before then, just think…you can have a new outfit to wear on Christmas Day!

I thought that sounded like a grand idea.

LBL…..I don’t think anybody cares about what an old lady wears on Christmas Day.

T……Now, Mrs. Esther, I can tell you like to look nice. You look so pretty today, everything matches! And, I bet you went to the Beauty Parlor yesterday, too. And, besides, Roy would be real happy to know you were wearing one of the outfits he bought you on Christmas.

LBL…. Yeah, Lucille gave me a perm yesterday. Got it too tight if you ask me. OK, I’ll get ’em both. You been real nice, helping me. You know men just ain’t much use in a store. They’s better out in the yard.

T…..Oh, I couldn’t agree with you more, Mrs. Esther.

LBL……Roy, get that woman’s stuff for her, and let’s get paid and get on outta this place.

Roy went over to retrieve my things.

LBL…..Hang on now, Hon, I’m gonna see if Roy will pay for your things, too!

T…..No,I haven’t even tried them on yet. I still want to look around some.

LBL…..OKaaaay. You might find some stuff for you in the ‘Coronet’ things. They shore wear good. But, you’ll need a bigger size than me. I don’t know if they have that size here in the Petites.

I was thinking now, that maybe I could drop kick her over into the underwear and bra area and let her try to get herself out of there in one piece!! (Just kidding….sorta, kinda) 🙂

T…I’ll find something. You and Roy have a good afternoon.

And, with that, I took the things I had planned to try on…put them back on the rack…and jogged twice around the mall before I went home!

And, it’s Saturday! We made it up earlier today, because we had planned 2 days worth of activity into this one! Had breakfast at the motel, and set the GPS toward the community of Crabapple. This is where our favorite primitives store is located…as well as the arts festival we plan to attend.

Since I got this new phone, I have been able to put all sorts of things on it. Now all of you are probably way more knowledgeable about these things than I…but, I’m getting there. Anyway, one of the apps is a daily Bible verse, as well as devotional. I checked the one for today to share with the girls, and this is it: “For wherever two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 We felt that was just a little ‘wink’ from God. One of the things that makes our friendship so special is the bond we have in Christ. We love the Lord and love doing things in His name. His love forms a bond between us that nothing else can. We always spend part of our time together discussing things we have studied or read. And, often one or the other of us can add to or help clarify something for the other. Each morning we thanked God for his rest, and our friendship, and for the beautiful world He created for us to delight in.

We found the little crossroads where the festival was being held. Right there was the store that we all love to peruse. These are the only 2 girls I know who can appreciate this type of decor. Very simple, very primitive, no frills. ( This is not the old time country of lace and geese and mauve and country blue. ) The lady who owns it is well known for her knowledge of this kind of decor, as well. We knew this would be a fine show if her name was associated with it.

Here are a few shots in and around her store.

We made our way on through the show. Many antiques, quilts, collectibles, and such.

We finished seeing all we could see, and then headed to Roswell. We had passed a funky looking store as we went by this morning and we wanted to return to check it out. We spent some time there and it was a full of treasures. The owner pointed out a little outdoor bakery and cafe and we went over to have a bite to eat. Tina left to go and get the car, so I would not have to walk so far, and as she was gone…I remembered that I had bought a gift at the show and had failed to pick it up before we left. Sooooooo, we went back to Crabapple, and Shirl went and retrieved my purchase. Back again to Roswell, and some shopping in the restored old town. There, groups and individuals had made all types of scarecrows and each lamppost was holding a different one. This was my favorite.

The scarecrow is on the LEFT…in case you weren’t sure! All along the sidewalks were several cafes with outdoor seating. And, that is where we wanted to eat…outside…enjoying the air, and the people, and the animals! There were so many dogs! And, so we put our name down and sat down to wait.

Along with the scarecrows on the lampposts, there were whiskey barrels all along the street, as well. They had been planted with a variety of plants and greenery…and for the season, each had 3 white pumpkins added to the center. So festive.

Finally, after about an hour of waiting, we were seated at a table outside. We enjoyed our meal immensely, and hated to have to get up and leave.

Back to our motel, and the wreath makers set about their work. My feet were as big as boats after being on them all day, so, I headed off to bed. They finished their work, then came in the bedroom and proceeded to watch The Blind Side…and discuss it…right where I was sleeping!!! It’s not like there wasn’t another TV in the sitting room!!! 🙂 Here is a one of the Christmas wreaths…beautiful! This pic does not do it justice.

We had brought all our packages from the car, and repacked them to try to save some room. So, Shirl and Tina began the task of loading the car.

They made this trip 3 times to get it all loaded! Then they woke me up, I gathered my little bag, and we all headed to the car.

They had packed the car, all right! This is a picture from the front seat looking to the back. Yikes!

You’re right. You can’t even see out the back window! As long as I did not breathe too hard, I was fine. Good thing I didn’t want to cross my legs!!! I kid! One more stop on the way home at Target…and we pulled into Dothan in time for Tina to get to her church picnic. And, Shirl left today to go home to Moultrie.

And, that’s the end of Fall Fling 2010. A time of renewal for us all. A time to be together with friends who know all about me and love me anyway. A time to share things of the heart with each other, that only we would understand. A time to be ourselves, as we can only with each other. We shared as much as we could, solved as many world problems as we could, and laughed as much as we could. And, as you well know: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22. We are well.

We went…we saw…we shopped…we laughed…we cried…we had a ball!

Oh, but it was such a wonderful weekend. The weather was perfect! Really…just perfect. Just a little cool, not hot, breeze blowing…perfect. We 3 always have such fun together and this time was no exception.

We pulled out around 4 and headed up toward Atlanta. No major stops along the way. We were too anxious to be there. Found our motel…….but they were NOT expecting us! Can you imagine? I made reservations…and got a confirmation (so I thought). But, obviously I didn’t…because they had never heard of our merry band of travelers. But, the Lord knew all about it, and had made sure there was a room available for us just like we had ordered! And, so we unpacked the car, and made it inside, and crashed.

Friday morn- slept a little late, but got to moving quickly when we woke. Atlanta is a big place and we had major places to be! Grabbed some cheese crackers and granola and drinks and headed to the car. First stop, Michaels, where much silliness ensued. Now, we do have a Michaels that we can shop at home, BUT, Shirl had a bazaar at her church coming up and she had to make something to sell. She thought wreaths would do just fine, so she set about buying supplies to make 4 wreaths. Not that we had room in the car for 4 big wreaths…but that has never stopped us before!

As you can see…good looking men were following us everywhere! We finished there, and made our way on to Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann. Now to cover these 4 stores…row by row…front to back, takes some time. So, it was beginning to get a little late. Our dear Shirl had chosen Thursday morning before she came to Dothan as the best time to have major dental work done. Her mouth was full of ulcers and she had bitten her tongue, and she was in pain. So, we found a drug store, and got her some meds. She and Tina and I were starving because we had only had cheese crackers and a little pkg of granola ALL DAY! But, dear Shirl said she had to have something soft. Tina and I watched the Cheesecake Factory disappear from view, as we looked for a place to find something ‘soft’. And, we ended up at IHOP! Blueberry pancakes for supper! Not a bad second choice. Tina managed to get some meds onto the ulcers in Shirl’s mouth.

Then she got to feeling so good, that she even ordered a desert crepe after her meal! Back to the motel, where she and Tina got set to make wreaths! They worked hard and long…pausing occasionally for me to put my 2 cents worth in from the couch!

Bet you’d like to hang this one on your door! They did a great job, with only a little coaching from me. Of course, I taught them all they know about making wreaths! 🙂 JK!

I’d better stop here and finish up tomorrow. Here are a few more pics from Friday………note who’s sitting in my buggy!!!!!

No. No, that sign is not about me.

Beautifully wrapped gifts we brought from home to share with each other! I’ll finish up the story tomorrow!

“God has given us these times of joy!” Nehemiah 12:43