THE DAY AFTER

What a beautiful white Christmas we had! Just a dusting of snow refreshed our snow that had been here for a couple of weeks already. We missed the snowstorm that had been predicted. Unfortunately for some Southerners, they also had a white Christmas.

Today is the day after the big day. Years ago, really not that many years ago, today would have been a huge shopping day--especially for my mom. We'd rush out early to get all the 50% off Christmas wrap and cards. Nowadays all of that seems to be on sale from Thanksgiving on. All of the clothes and most other merchandise have been on a 40% to any other higher amount percent off since it arrived in the store. Truthfully, the constant sales take the fun out of shopping. No longer can we say, "Look what bargain I found!" Macy's has had so many largest sales event days that I can't count them. Shouldn't we as consumers begin to become highly skeptical of the merchanisers' pricing? Shouldn't someone begin a Tea Party among shoppers? I wonder where the Merchandise Tea Party might have their Christmas party? (Before I continue, this part is a jab at being humorous at the expense of someone I love dearly.) Maybe they could party up the a** of a reindeer.

Oh, well, I digress. Actually, I did go shopping today. I went to a local discount store. I think there were two other cars in the parking lot. My lions got their new neck wear. Of course, some would say that I decorated late for Christmas, but I call it their Mardi Gras decorations. I've been in New Orleans after Christmas--and even at Mardi Gras time. The homes are decked out in beautiful decorations. They really know how to make the neighborhoods festive. The Mardi Gras colors aren't far from Christmas colors; therefore, I think I can get away with what I've used. Of course, my neighbors thought I was crazy today while I stood in hip deep piled snow to secure the wreaths. I think I picked the windiest and coldest time of the day to do the outside work. I think I was seconds away from frostbite. New Orleans doesn't experience that while decorating their mansions.

I might mention now that I know I don't have a mansion like the South, but my home does have a name, Dande Lion Manor. Everyone is greeted by my two lions at the end of the driveway. (I'm also known as the Concrete Queen of my little berg because I have had a huge concrete drive put in--just short of a landing strip.) But the house did not get its name from my lions, they were an added feature. You've guessed it! Those pesky little yellow weeds have thrived because of my thumb--obviously not green, just lazy.

I hope those of you who went out to find bargains today did just that. I, on the other hand, am still bone cold from my purchases today. Like I hinted, no bargains really existed for me today. Brrrr!!!!!