Let the Games Begin

On your mark, get set, go! Tour shopping has begun in earnest. I honestly don’t have that much to do, but there is a certain amount of tradition involved in my tour shopping routine.

Every year Tour shopping officially begins at L.L. Bean in Tyson’s Corner. Every year in early September, Sue Zaffke Bour and I meet at L.L. Bean minutes before opening at 10:00. Since school is already in session, my shopping is limited to school hours, and the hefty trek around the Beltway means starting early. It also doesn’t hurt to arrive early, because a shady parking spot is a must since my car’s air conditioning is on its last legs.

After we’ve worn out our welcome in L.L. Bean, we head into the mall to check the directory and see what stores are still there and what’s new. (I really don’t spend much time shopping, let alone make the trek to Tyson’s – it takes me over an hour to get there. I had already made one trip this summer to help Jenna shop for her trip to Ireland.) We decide on an early lunch at the Asian Bistro and then wandered back into the world of retail.

It was not a big shopping spree – I have most of what I need for Tour as far as clothing is concerned. It’s nice, though to have a new top (that packs well and doesn’t wrinkle) or sweater to save for the day you need a bright spot. I try to save the Retail Therapy for later in Tour. I am happy with the tops and sweater I found, and Sue is tickled to find the pair of shoes that have eluded her for nearly a year.

Back to the Beltway and in to Annapolis just in time to pick up Jamey from NJROTC Drill Team. Home to left-overs – pasta salad, anyone?