I just returned from visiting my sister-in-law, and my brother may not let me come back. My brother and sister-in-law are both retired and do everything together, including shopping. However, their shopping consists mainly of going to the hardware store. My brother can spend an hour looking at tools and paint, but ask him to go to the mall and browse in a department store, and he would go running in the other direction. Consequently, my sister-in-law doesn’t get to poke around in stores just for fun. As for me, my husband is still working, and since I don’t like to shop alone, I don’t get to look around in stores either.
We were sitting at the breakfast table one morning last week, and my sister-in-law asked me if I would like to go to the Christmas Tree Shop in Richmond. Before I could scream, “Heck, yes!” my brother was already telling her how I wouldn’t enjoy that at all. I almost heard him except for the noise of my pounding heart. Ignoring my brother’s protestations, my sister-in-law and I were in the car and out the driveway before my brother knew what was happening.
The Christmas Tree Shop is not a Christmas store, contrary to its name. But it does make you feel like you’re in Santa’s workshop when you enter its doors. It is full of …of….well, of “stuff.” Stuff I didn’t even know I wanted until I entered. Before we had even made it down one isle, our cart was half full. I actually remember this coming out of our mouths: “Kathy, what is this? What could I use it for?” “I don’t know what it is, but it sure is cute. Throw it in the cart. I’ve got to have it.” By the time we left the store, we could barely fit all our goodies in the trunk of the car. Our hubbies might have been a little alarmed at all we bought, but they got off easy. They have no idea about the things we almost bought. I know my honey would have loved that giant pink and orange owl with the glow-in-the-dark eyes. It was the perfect bit of whimsy for the garden. My husband just loves whimsy. Don’t you darling?
Coming East 
It is Christmas all year long in Maine as well… Half of the things in my house are from Christmas Tree Shop… “Don’t You Just Love a Bargain.”
Of course you would love this store, Carol! I go to one every chance I get when I’m up that way. Got the beach buggy on this trip. Yay!
I generally don’t like shopping, but if it involves bits of whimsy, I’m there. 🙂
Glad to hear that, Robin!
My sister-in-law has found a lot of things there too. But I don’t understand why they call it the Christmas tree shop if it has nothing to do with Christmas trees. It seems like it would keep people away.
I don’t know why, either, HG. Seems strange to me, too. But it is a very popular store in New England.
Nice shopping trip!
You would have loved it, Patti. Wish you could have gone with us.
Oh…shopping….[big sigh]. I’ve almost forgotten what that is. I did more than my fair share of shopping with my girls when we were consumed by wedding planning. But now…not so much. 😦 Thanks for taking me on this little excursion of yours vicariously!
I think the experience of just having an afternoon out with my sister-in-law was the best part of it, Mama.
I love food shopping too. I’m well-rounded.
Yes, Mark, I forgot you like to shop for food. That’s one kind of shopping we have in common.
Now that sounds like an interesting place! I’m compiling a list of places I’d like to go in Richmond. The Great Big Greenhouse was added last week…..
Be still, my heart! I’m going to have to tell my sister-in-law about that, Dianna.
What fun! Let’s go shopping when you come for a visit! 🙂
Or when you come here, Dor! 🙂
A nice start to my morning with too many to-dos. I HATE to shop, my daughter loves it, and she cannot shop alone. My one exception is the big-box hardware stores. I get lost in the possibilities; oh the possibilities. Love-One dreads my trips to the hardware store, almost as much as I hate shopping with Duckie’s never-ending, “You’ve got to see this.”
On the other hand, I must get out and buy some new clothes for my trip with sisters and Mom. Dee advised me to get some thongs (eeek) to avoid panty-lines. She said if I get the right ones, I’ll be comfortable.
No, no, no, Adela. Not thongs! Go to Soma or order online and get their invisible line panties. Work like a charm and are comfortable. Sounds like you and George would get along famously with your love for the hardware store. He can spend half an hour picking out the right screw.
I think you described my hubby in the last sentence.
Haha, Patti. You like whimsy, though, don’t you?
My imagination does run wild in the hardware store.
I’m usually in the kitchen section, Adela, drooling over the cabinets and countertops I can’t afford.
I got my Soma undies, tried them out and L-O-V-E, love them. You should get a kick-back. I had my doubts with the funny feeling rubbery strips which keep them in place. They work like a charm and very comfy. I’m ready for my trip with Mom and sisters. No panty lines and no thongs (thank God.)
Or even ridicule. Typo alert!
Haha, Val. I didn’t even notice that.
It’s good to be able to own up to this stuff without fear of riducule from our loved ones… ahem. I usually duck into the gift shop that’s attached to the plant nursery when my husband and I go to buy plants… I mean, I enjoy looking at and choosing plants, but I also enjoy looking at the stuff that other half wouldn’t be seen dead near!
My husband is not fond of whimsical things in the garden, Val. He thinks it should be for plants only. Imagine that! I’m looking for some garden elves right now, with their little houses, to hide under leaves, but the ones I want are too expensive.
Make your own, maybe?
Fun! There was an article in the paper recently about the demise of gift shops– so glad you found one that seems doing well. Sounds like a great outing and more memorable because you went with your sister- in -law.
Yes, Grandma, it was definitely fun because my sister-in-law and I were together. That just never happens that we have n opportunity to do that. The stars were in the right alignment, I guess!