This is a late entry that should have been posted pre-Christmas. But in line with my 'intentions' it's worth a few finger taps to keys. The story is about our sojourn to Buffalo for a weekend with two goals in mind: shopping for bargains with no HST attached; and a few days of living in a bubble. I am happy to say that both goals were accomplished with ease.
Firstly, the outlet malls on the south side of the Niagara Falls are a veritable Aladdin's Cave of treasures. We found clothing marked down 50% and then received another 10% at the till for shopping that day - everyone was happy with our choices of Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, etc. I was particularly pleased with a Kate Spade find. And was it just my imagination or wishful thinking? We found retail staff to be smiling, happy, and eager to help wherever we went. In the big stores like Fifth Ave and Macy's, to the little ones offering very specific goods - all staff were available, easy to find, and ready to help - which is not always the case in our home town in Canada. There, Sears at the local Mall sometimes feels like navigating a labyrinth - you have to negotiate walking sideways down dark alleys of racks of clothing, and then rummage through the stacks to find a worthy item, where bargains are usually no bargains - certainly not in the 50 to 80% range we experienced in Buffalo. No sales people to be found anywhere on the floor so don't expect any help there. The fitting rooms require standing in line weighed down by your prospective purchases, and then the final quest to find the check out cashier - an exercise in patience as you stand in a long queue waiting your turn to pay.
Our second goal of rest and relaxation was easily met - no phone calls, no interruptions, no chores - just quietly relaxing in a bubble of contentment - quiet room, lots of books, a couple of movies, good food in restaurants with much cheaper bills, and a lie-in Sunday morning - something we never seem to do at home.
Have to talk about the game we played in parking lots - counting the number of Canadian number plates in a row - 11 was the most we saw - so we were in good company!
Wonderful weekend and one we will repeat soon.
Valentines Day 2012 - still magical, still celebrated. We have been married more than 34 years now, and there is still sunshine, sparkles and fireworks. Our relationship has grown, matured, and consolidated over time. We seem to have weathered the worst of challenges and still come through the other side with a positive attitude and a strengthened resolve. 
