Sandals

June 29, 2010
After looking all over the mall and at a Super Targer for a pair of red sandals, I now have them. Where did I find them? WalMart, of course. They were a little more expensive than other shoes I've bought there, but they were a "name brand", so,,,. Anyway, they are just what I was looking for with July 4th coming up and all the red I wear at other times.


When I discovered them this morning, all I could find were sizes 7 and 8 and 9. Nothing in my size. I finally found these, the right size, in a box that said they are 9's I suppose someone w/ size 9 sandals got home with a size 6 box.
Now if it will just stop raining, I'll wear my new red sandals. My grandmother would be horrified-- "nice" women didn't wear red shoes in her time. I'm sure sandals would not be to her liking either. Oh Well! I'd rather go barefoot anyway.

Mallin’ (as opposed to Mauling)

I felt the need this afternoon to “check out” the Parks Mall. I had been told that that is the only MALL in Arlington with the other shopping areas being more “strip malls” than big connected MALLS. And they were right about Parks Mall. It is connected, under one roof, but is surrounded by various strip malls and restaurants.

I had a few items in mind to purchase in this shopping expedition, but most of them could not be found at a normal mall. I needed two really long parka zippers (not for a parka, but for an unusual craft project for Nikki and Lily), a long pillow form to cover and place on our hearth, and some fancy cord and tassels (the end of a project for UPC, Bwd).

For those items I needed a fabric shop or a Hobby Lobby—which I found, but that is another story for another day.

The mall has about 4 entrances along Cooper St. I picked one and drove around and around trying to get my bearings. I saw the “satellite” shopping areas, a stacked parking structure and lots of eateries. Finally I saw Penny’s, Macys and Dillard’s, so I knew I had found the real deal.

It is a “city” mall like so many others, with the requisite “Brand name” stores selling jewelry, shoes, clothing, hats, phones, books, and electronics. There was a food court offering a variety of choices. One that surprised me was Sonic—sure would cut down on overhead without the young ladies on skates.

I was there more to look around and get the “feel” for the place than actually to shop, but when I do this I usually have some item in mind, that if I find it, I’ll probably buy it. Today was red sandals. I found white, black, pink, purple, orange and neon green, but very few pairs of RED sandals and I LOOKED. One particular shop, whose name I’ve forgotten had a pair of sandals what looked like Nick’s boot he wore when he had foot surgery. It was all Velcro straps and metal rings in front, and bare sandal in the back. Not a particularly attractive look. Didn’t find any red sandals, like I was hunting, tho'.

There were several Salons both for hair and nails and a place called a Day Spa. Then there was Glamour Shots along with at least one family photographer.

The merry-go-round was full of kids and the skating rink also being used, see video below.. Maybe the time of day I was there made the difference, because the mall wasn’t very crowded at all, being early afternoon on Monday.


Here's a video of the skating rink.


I stopped in more than one children’s clothing store, just looking but didn't find anything I couldn’t live without. In one store, named Young at Heart, I found what I’ll call children’s prom dresses. Yep, they were formal wear from 1-year size up to about girl’s 10-12. Some were strapless, some were sequined and almost all had floofy skirts. Most were white, which leads me to think they might have been for some sort of church ceremony. Anyway, they were pretty and completely impractical. Nope, I didn’t look at prices, except for the 1-year size which was $45. I remember Abercrombie and Fitch from years ago as being a rather stuffy men’s apparel place, but as I walked past this one, loud unpleasant (modern) music greeted the passersby and the clerks looked anything but stuffy. Times must change, I suppose. I didn’t go in the Tuxedo shop either, but if you need one, I can show you where to get it.

I was very good about not snacking, but not for lack of smelling and being tempted. I saw folks eating pretzels, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, dippin dots, and candy.



Oops, I forgot to mention, the mall has a very child friendly playground and it was being used.

I had an interesting afternoon, without buying a thing and now I know where to go when I really need something other than red sandals. Got lots of people watching done and got my bearings in that part of Arlington.

Constructing

As part of his birthday/Father's Day celebration, Nick bought some storage units for his new workshop. Of course, they do not come assembled- and the phrase "some assembly required" is an understatement.
Last week we put together the easiest of the 4 items, a metal rack that holds 16 plastic bins of varying sizes (bins did not need assembly--yea) It was quite easy.


A few weeks before we assembled storage shelves for the garage which were easier than simple. And fast and lightweight, but strong. (Came from WalMart)



Also two weeks ago we assembled a wooden filing cabinet to go in the office. I am here to tell you that drawers are not simple. We completed the first one of 2 and and it looks great. Haven't opened the second box yet, it was seriously complicated and took considerable time. Not sure when we'll get back to the other filing cabinet.



Today we began the "Heavy duty commercial drawer cabinets" (2) for the workshop. As I write this, one is finished and the second is in pieces in the floor of the living room (too hot outside to do this). The finished one is a super sturdy, really nice rolling cabinet with 4 drawers and a locking cabinet with 2 shelves for tools, I suppose.




Throughout this process I have learned some bits of wisdom which I wish to share with my readers.
1. ALWAYS- check to be sure all parts are included (no problems with this, so far, but in the past......? Oh, yeah!)
2. Read instructions BEFORE beginning,- even if it seems to be a waste of time-- to be sure all necessary tools are on hand (some of these projects even include a little wrench and/or screwdriver)
3. Two adult persons cannot occupy the same piece of floor and be efficient---take turns.
4. Small hands are not a liability--sometimes they are the only way to reach into tight places to insert a screw--or take one out which might have been accidentally misplaced.
5. Power tools, while efficient, are not always effective. Sometimes they won't fit and sometimes the screw goes in so tight, the head pops off. So, I'm just saying--hand power works best at times.

***Additional suggestion: check to be sure 2 pages in instruction booklet aren't stuck together--it can make a serious difference.

6. Sit back and enjoy the sense of accomplishment from making sense of the gazillion parts and creating an item that looks like the picture on the box.



This one isn't even on the schedule, yet. It'll get done sometime.

JUNE 26----

All construction projects are now finished. The standing metal cabinet is in the workshop just where Nick planned for it to be, the other filing cabinet is done and a sewing area cube storage unit is done.



Here is another item to add to the list of "bits of wisdom"

Some construction projects are amazingly well organized, with every piece labeled and each screw and bolt in individual packages with a designation. SOME ARE NOT. If you happen to buy one that is not well labeled, take the extra time to discover the differences between the pieces and label them yourself. This will save a great deal of time and frustration
The sewing area cube was NOT labeled AT ALL. Descriptions were written in the instructions, but even these were not particularly clear. All fasteners (various sizes of screws, two sizes of dowels and misc other items) were in the same package. I suppose what I'm trying to say here is a little time spent at the beginning, saves having to go back and dis-assemble and then re-assemble later down the road. Sounds like something from Poor Richard's Almanac, except lots wordier.

Finally! Kindermusik

Monday, June 14 (second Monday in June) With 3 babies enrolled-- Kindermusik happened at the Arlington location. Since Lil's Dad is off this week, he got her there and we joined them to watch. It will be up to us to participate with her the next two Mondays.
I will say that the teacher apologized profusely for not notifying us that the class would NOT be held last Thursday in Hurst (since we drove there last week -see other Kindermusik blog entry)
The teacher has a lovely voice and sang the entire class time (about 45 min). Class time included play with balls and objects that rattled, there was dancing, stretching sorts of exercises and some rather funky Australian Outback sounding music. She received a book, a cd, a poster and a Lily sized shirt which says, "I'm a Kindermusik kid".

Lily had not had a restful night before coming to class, so she and her Dad took a detour home to see about a short nap for her, before the rest of the planned adventures. Class along with a sleepless night took its toll, She was asleep when we got to her house and she slept about an hour.

Next stop, Science Museum in Ft. Worth. I hear you, now---, a Science museum for a 10 month old? It is a very interactive place for children of all ages. For Lily’s age, there is water to play in, soft places to crawl on and toys to play with, and many strange textures to experience along with really cool bubble tubes. And then there is the glass elevator.




For older kids, there are construction type play areas, art/creative areas, a grocery store, with kid sized shopping carts and “fake produce” which actually “scans”. This will be a place to bring Lily for years to come.

For the adults on this particular trip, there was a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit including models of his unique machinery designs and some of his works of art as well. Nick’s comment was “wonder if he ever slept?” An amazing thinker and creator.

The third stage of our Monday adventure was a stop at Dos Gringos, a restaurant near the museum where we all enjoyed some very good Mexican food.



Lily was again, asleep when we got her home around 2:45 and I heard later that she slept til 5 . A fun adventure for a Monday of B’s week off. Thanks for including us.

Storage Building/ Workshop

AFTER!

As I mentioned before storage in this house in Arlington is decidedly less than in our Bwd house. Not only do we miss the huge pantry, and antique furniture with drawers and cabinets, but also the worshop, large storage building and small mower shed that graced the Bwd property. You don't really appreciate what you have til it is no longer available.

So this week some of that difficulty was taken care of with the construction in our back yard of a 10 X 16 ft. storage building which will house tools, fishing stuff, and miscellaneous Nick paraphernalia gathered over the years.

With the deaths of my dad, a mechanic, 30+ years ago, and his dad, carpenter and “SERIOUS saver of stuff”, 3 years ago , many, many, many tools etc. have been accumulated.. Yes, some were disposed of in a farm auction, with N keeping only his favorite items.

The building of this workshop/storage place was fascinating to watch. The 3 workmeen arrived about 8:30 with the promise that the building would be useable in 6 hrs. After taking about an hour to unload their truck and set up equipment, they began. I have a chronicle of the progress in the photos below.

9:30



10:30


11:30



12:30



They were gone, with most of their mess cleaned up by 3 pm.



Nick is pleased with the finished product and is gearing up to caulk, paint and varnish and then move his plethora of stuff in. He has also found storage cabinets that he wants for Father’s Day and his birthday (3 days apart). We’ll purchase these the day after Father’s Day.



Soon we will be able to use our garage for storing vehicles rather than stuff. YEA!!

Kindermusik—the unfinished story

Lilly was signed up to attend this “class” at her daycare ( Arlington First United Methodist Church) on Mondays in June beginning this week, but the class didn’t make- not enough babies.

Soooo---- we’re all set to drive to Hurst Methodist church this morning for the class there.
Let me rewind—Lilly was originally signed up to go to the class w/ her momma. Nki decided she needed to teach Summer school , so we were tapped to enjoy Kindermusik with Lilly. From what I understand, this is a program which a child may take each year for about 6- aimed at their level of maturity to teach them to participate in and enjoy music (http://www.artschild.com/) thereby becoming complete learners.

We’ll pick her up this morning at the day care, and drive her to Hurst (I’m sure we can find it, we have very specific directions and we have Sara –my van’s GPS.) This is one of the major challenges of moving to the CITY--- finding one’s way around without getting TOO lost.

Hours later---

Before we were to pick Lily up, we headed to a post office to mail a VERY important packet for the Brownwood Arts council. We didn’t know this little side trip would take 25 minutes, or we might have done it later. That particular post office didn’t open til 8:30 and there were 5 folks ahead of Nick. As he got in the car to head to day care we already decided that we’d be late to Kindermusik, but just a little. With no problems we got there and retrieved Lily and headed out for Hurst. Our directions were very good, traffic was light and we were just going to be a LITTLE late. We found the church, and our hearts sank---it was ENORMOUS/ GIGANTIC AND HUGE all rolled into one. Several buildings with lots of cars in various parking lots. We headed in, found the main office, asked a secretary where Kindermusik was being held and she looked confused. She looked on a sheet and said room 121. She then started---“you know where the sanctuary is… kind of routines” I said I knew where NOTHING WAS and that we were late. A young man who worked there, I think, Ben, offered to take me there. We went up stairs, and down corridors and finally found room 121- LOCKED. He phoned the office (cell phones are great) and found out that the teacher had called in late and that yes, indeed, the class was supposed to be in room 121. Ben opened the room, turned the lights on and away he went. We were thinking, yea, we're not really late. Nick and Lily and I played for 25 minutes and gave up and tried to find our way out of the maze. It took awhile and with help from a kind gentleman, We FINALLY found our way out and found the van, loaded Lily and drove home.

We found out later-- after we told Nki that there was no class, that the class in Hurst didn’t make either, and they forgot to phone her to let her know. So---:::sigh::: no Kindermusik for Lily--- at least not this week.


She is now asleep in our playpen with too many toys after having a lunch of pumpkin/apple babyfood, crackers, and jello. Lots of adventures for one day.

Canton- June, 2010

I've written about Canton before and for the uninitiated, it is a mega shopping experience. Half craft fair and half garage sale/flea market, with food thrown in for good measure. The reasons we decided to go in June, were three-fold. First, my Bwd church group had originally planned a group trip and I thought I'd join them. Sadly that trip had to be rescheduled. Second, I wanted to replace some outside decorations that were on our new house when we bought it, but when we moved in, were missing. And thirdly, Nki wanted to go as an end of school "get away".
We were a little later than planned getting away from Arlington, cuz Nki decided to bring L with us and packing baby stuff for an extended shopping trip takes some time. We are several hours closer to Canton here than folks in Bwd, so we expected to be there in about 90 minutes. Then we came up on this wreck that was being cleaned up and the traffic SLOOOOOOOWED DOOOOWN, so we just sat and waited and inched and waited and inched. We finally got there, found a good parking place, got Lil into her stroller, packed all our necessities (sun block, hats, bottles of water, diaper bag, etc) and headed out. My decorative items were in the first pavillion we entered, but I waited til we were ready to leave, not wanting the haul these large items all morning. I also wanted a specific hummingbird feeder which I found, but again waited to buy. N found several gift items she was looking for an we walked and browsed and entertained Lily with crackers and milk. She was so happy and excited to see (and be seen) that i would not hesitate to take her again, but it helps to have 2 pairs of hands to see about her. We looked, and looked and stared at people and enjoyed the crowd. And it was crowded. I didn't see as many folks this time, with their dogs in tow, or in baby type pouches on their bodies. People were buying, so I suppose the economy is okay. We saw furniture, food prep. items, lots of baby items--bedding, toys clothing--, so much bling and glitz on clothing, that I wonder about the people who buy and wear the items. We saw personal services such as massages (obviously not full, but shoulder, feet, hands) We saw accupuncture services, and there were ladies who were matching hairpieces to a person's existing hair
We had lunch in a nice food court type area, and no we didn't have the giant turkey legs, but more sensible food. Nki had pasta and salad and I had a baked potato with chili on it. Lil had applesauce and crackers that we brought and pasta and potato from our plates. We planned ice cream for later and were a little disappointed in the ice cream that we chose. It was soft serve, but hardly ice cream. It lacked on texture, and taste--was more like grainy milk flavored ice crystals. not very sweet, and definitely not creamy tasting or feeling. That was our only disappointment for the day.
We decided we'd all had enough, so we bought my items (large, but not heavy) and headed out.
These are the outside decorations I purchased. Thanks, N for installing them.




Lil slept most of the way back to Arlington and the exciting day of shopping in Canton was over.
I'll get back to more about the move in a day or so. I think I'll talk about driving and finding where we want to go.