50% of 50% off.

I wanted to go to the second hand goods store yesterday afternoon and there is one in the little shopping street close to us where I had never been, so it was time to check out the place. I was full of expectation, as I usually like to browse in places like that, but this one was a big disappointment. Upon entering I was greeted by a large group of people who were all congenially sitting around a big table in the middle of the store, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. What was left over of the asisle to walk in, was taken over by a very large dog that had to be stepped over. I could see at a glance that they did not have any of the things I was looking for, because what I saw were racks and racks of clothing and one tiny shelf of dishes.

I wanted to replace some of the items that the Exfactor had boxed up to take with him, but I could see that I wasn’t going to be able to do it there. So I walked out and moved a few doors down to the houdhold goods store where I happened upon a gigantic moving sale. It was chaos in there and people were moving about with loaded up baskets, pulling at piled up items not to miss anything that was really marked down a lot. The term looting came to mind and I joined in and had a very good time. It was so much fun to see what I absolutely could not live without that was narked at 50% of 50% off.

In the end, I bought 4 senseo cups in a bright blue color, 4 drinks glasses, a new wallet with lots of space, a corkscrew, office supplies, and a bright blue basket to keep them in, all for under 5 Euros. I felt very righteous and satisfied after that, because in my mind it had added up to more, so when she said it was a total of 4.48 I was quite surprised. I love it when I get loot cheaply.

This morning I had the brilliant idea to loot the piggy bank, which actually is a doggy bank, but you put your change in it anyway. I took out all the 20 and 50 cent pieces and that added up to a grand total of 12 euros and 60 cents. I thought that was just good enough to go over to M&S Fasions and browse in their sales racks, where they practically give the stuff away.

So, on my bike I hopped, with a wallet full of coins and into the brazing westerly wind I rode on my trusty steed. I climbed the long bridge across the Meuse and didn’t swear once. I’m getting better at it all the time and that is on a bike without gears. I am developing lung capacity and muscles in my legs.

Once in town, I illegally parked my bike where everyone else does too and walked to the shop with much anticipation and once I was inside i had a god look around at the possibilities. I ended up buying three tops that had been marked down twice already, but that were still attractive and would look good on me. I could see that. So I got those and the lady at the cash register was very happy with all of my change and she meant it genuinely, because they are always short of it.

Feeling smug and satisfied, i then walked to the Hema and bought a necklace to go with the new purchases and a candy bar, because I craved one. Then I visited my sister at her work and saw her work her magic charm on the customers while she didn’t know I was there. I love taking a peek.

I keep all my necklaces in a drawer at home, but it does mean that after a while they become entangled and today I had a heck of a time disentangling them, so I had an idea. I have a kiddie coat rack next to my bedroom door in the hall with a little shelf on top. I took all the odds and ends of that coatrack and hung all my necklaces on the knobs. On the shelf, I put some little meaningful mementos and now it is a whole cute corner by itself and my necklaces are not tangled up and easy to see. Ta da! I am turning this into a female place yet. Gone are all the nuts and bolts and spare parts to obscure machinery. Things I didn’t know what to do with, but that kept laying there forever.

Once the Exfactor’s bookcase and chair are gone out of the hallway, I may even be able to park the new bike there that he has been promising me through the bike plan at his work. I hope I still qualify as an ex. It would be an expensive bike with 3 gears that I would not want to be left outside overnight, even when locked up.

I walked by a Belgian waffle place in town and the smell nearly did me in. I had visions of hot waffles with freshly whipped cream and strawberries on top. Mmm…That candy bar was the second best thing. It was a Bros, I don’t know if any of you are familiar with those. It is chocolate wit tiny air bubbles in it.

Well, I am going to change the sheets on my bed and go with the floral scene this time, something romantic and reminiscent of the olden days when all ladies sept between floral sheets. Actually, I need the sheets to fill up the washing machine and I do like clean sheets on the bed.

It’s been nice chatting at you. I think I will mostly be lazy today and do odds and ends as they occur to me. Can’t spend any more money! Will have to think of some other decorative ideas to brighten the places up and me. I am sure I’ll think of something.

Have a great day,

Ciao…