Okay, I've thought twice and counted to ten before writing this - knowing that my partner is going to read it sometime.

But, when you've been out thrift shopping for the afternoon, spent $35 max, and come home with a garbage bag of goodies, what do you say to your partner who complains about how much more junk (that we don't need - and I agree mostly) you're bringing home. She just doesn't understand.

I have talked a lot about filling the hole in me, and sometimes I do shopping for that reason - which is not the best reason in the world to shop or to do anything. But, today, was just to get out, see and talk with some different people, look at other folks junk (and some of my own that I've taken to the various shops).

I mean, I bought brand new beach towels for $2.50 each - only four of them - and we're having lots of company this summer who enjoy the water - and yes, we have probably 12 already, but some of them are almost dead, and these were pretty. Besides that, I had to fight two dealers over them at the Goodwill. They split the whole box between themselves and never let anyone but me get any of them. Gone in a flash.

And, I bought four belts - one is beads, and you know I make jewelry; so how could I resist at 50 cents. One for the buckle, one because it was an interesting weave and I may make a choker out of it.

I bought two pair of shorts - one for me, one for her, two t-shirts (we have way too many, I admit it), and some picture frames. I want to put my friends pictures on my study wall, and I didn't have frames the right size. I bought two little magnet things that were strange for 10 cents. And, I bought a very old purple felt hat for $5 (my most expensive purchase). It feels like cashmere and says that it was made in switzerland for a new york company. Oh yeah, I bought a kitchen knife - and yes, we already have so many that they won't fit in two knife blocks - but this one will sharpen up so nicely.

I think maybe this gives you both sides of the picture. But, I had as much fun talking with the people in the thrift shops as I did buying these things. And, I met two women from Maryland and their friend from Virignia who left home this morning and told their spouses they would be back next Monday. They followed me from one thrift shop to another and then were on their way to the beach, then down to Charleston, SC and eventually to Nashville. What a road trip!!!

Then I talked with several people and cooed at some babies. A woman and I discussed how to get stains out of our favorite placemats (no, I didn't buy any today - no place to put them - and besides, I didn't see any that I liked). I didn't buy any dishes or pillow cases or glasses or kitchen utensils (except the knife) or Christmas junk or ......

Oh, but I did buy a pet tent, thinking our kitties might like it to play in, but I opened it at home and it probably doesn't have all its pieces.

I don't know to explain to her that I had a wonderful afternoon, talking with with people, getting in and out of my cute little red car, thinking about my Mom as I looked at the Madame Alexander dolls (overpriced or else I have a trunkful of expensive dolls), touching the fabrics and thinking about the people who wore them.

Yeah, I guess I do need other outlets for socializing, but these are such down-to-earth people. The dealers out to make the grab for a bargain they can resell at 100% profit, the grandmothers trying out fit young ones, the mothers with teenagers looking at funny handbags, the greetings of people who go to these places regularly and know one another. Sigh.

Instead of the expected, "look at all the bargains and fun stuff you found,", it was "why did you bring more junk home?" I don't know how to answer that.