Week 16... Mall Date

Greetings:

This week is one of those weeks when I sit at my computer and wonder...  what am I going to say this week???  I did a lot of "sitting" and a lot of "wondering" this week.  I asked Donna for her opinion on what I should say this week.  Her reply:  "It will come to you."  Thanks Babe.  So, the following is "what came to me."

Every Saturday in the late afternoon, Donna and I are more or less "forced" from our apartment while Miss Lucy comes in and takes over and cleans for a couple of hours.  So, we have to find someplace to go whether we want to or not.  Now, "want to or not" is relative.  We could sit there, I suppose... and be in the way, or move from where we sit every few minutes, etc., listen to the vacuum cleaner, dish washer, washing machine, and dryer, all at the same time, as well as Miss Lucy's conversation with her sister (you know I only know poquito), and also hear the latest tunes from Spanish Radio.  It's not as if we live in a 5,000 square foot apartment.  So, we leave each week around 4:30 so Miss Lucy can do her "thing."  Ok, so, what to do...

Miss Lucy has been coming for quite a while and on most Saturday's, we will usually go to a restaurant of choice and have a snack and libations.  Sometimes, we will have an early dinner and libations.  Sometimes, we just simply walk down to the pool and have libations.  We like our libations was not sure if that was clear or not.  Other times, we will go "walk" shopping at the nearest JC Penney, World Market, Old Navy, or Target, etc. they don't serve libations.  Occasionally, we may go see a movie.  And Galveston and/or the Strand is just 20 minutes away...  as good of a libation destination as there is.  Simply put:  "Lucy time is usually Libation time."  Ha!!!

But, last Saturday, I suggested going to the mall.  Mall Date!!!  Baybrook Mall in Friendswood, Texas, about 10 minutes from the apartment.  Now, we have been to the "mall" many, many times in the past several months.  But, clearly on a tee-tiny technicality...  you see, when we go the mall, we go to Macy's.  Period.  

Our "Mall" Entrance & Exit

We go in a Macy's side entrance, shop at Macy's and exit Macy's from the same side entrance.  That has been our "mall experience" for quite sometime.  But, last Saturday, my suggestion was to "venture" into the mall portion of the "Mall."  Unknown territory at least, for us.  So, as usual, we entered through the same Macy's side entrance...  for familiarity.  And of course, it took a good 15 to 20 minutes of "shopping" in Macy's just to get out of our "home turf" and out into the "real" mall.  Now, I looked this up...  Mall Stats, if you will:  Baybrook Mall covers an area of 1,240,000 square feet and has 175 stores as well as 14 restaurants and eateries.  So, that means there were 174 stores and 14 restaurants to be seen and "walked" by that we had not seen in sometime (some not at all as there are so many new stores now)...  seen by walking around a large and long mall "walk around."  About half to three quarters of the way through, Donna said she had clearly worn the wrong shoes.  Ha!!!  See Below...

Cool Shoes...  But NOT for the Mall Walk

During our journey "around" the mall, we stopped and looked at purses, sports jersey's and tees, Men's and Women's shoes, Men's hats (always on the lookout for a good fedora), lots of Men's and Women's clothing, jewelry, sunglasses, cell phones, radio controlled helicopters (Christmas is around the corner), etc., but not anywhere did we stop for a libation...  not to be found at the mall.  I remember us "talking" about libations though.  As we made the complete circle around the mall, kinda sorta back at the "starting" point, I asked Donna to come over and sit at the "coin" flipping wishing fountain.  Sitting on hard marble never felt so good.  Ha!!!  I told Donna to pick out something that she had seen and liked on our "tour" and we would go back and get it.  She had a blouse in mind.  Of course, it was at the other "a little more than half way" end of the "circle."  But, as we walked down to the store she thought it was at, I said, "No, it was at this other store."  And of course, it was farther around the circle.  Once there, I realized I had made an error in judgement and it was back at the store Donna had first suggested.  So, back we went, and yes, there it was.  And yes, of course, as Donna picked out her blouse, the sales lady made it clear that, "If you buy one, you get half off on the second."  And so, yes, she got two blouses, in the bag below... 

Donna's "Bag" of Goodies...

Me: nothing...  but I sure had my eye on a new pair of Vans from the Vans Store (love me some Vans).  We'll see.  It was approaching 8:45pm and it was absolutely time to go home and have a libation.  All this being said, our "Mall Date" was lots of fun and certainly different from our "usual" Saturday afternoon "doings," but the legs were sore on Sunday afternoon.  We might have to get in a little bit better shape for our next shopping Mall Date.  Ha!!!

Update:  Just an FYI...  I did sneak back over to the mall this week and yes, I did get me some shiny new Vans.  We do have a two hour "Road Trip" (cha-ching) planned next weekend.  So, we will both be looking pretty "spiffy" at the "tables" in our new duds.  Just sayin'... 

My New "Black & White's"

Houston Texans Football:  Week 1...  This week, the Texans "kick off" no pun intended their 2012 Season at home in Reliant Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.  Currently, the Texans are -12 Point Favorites.  The Dolphins are coming in with a rookie starting Quarterback and new Head Coach and they are not expected to do much this season.  Should be an easy W for the "Good Guys."  Not sure what my wager (love football season) will be.  I will post the results next Friday.

Recipes:  I was reminded this week of a dish I have made several times that is healthy, loaded with flavor, and easy to make.  Again, from our "go to" site, skinnytaste, Gina makes it really easy.  When you get a chance, check out and enjoy some Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos.  Holy Smokes!!!  You will find your smile.  

Enjoy

Libations Anyone:  The Godfather is my favorite movie of all time.  Number 2 on my all time list is:  The Godfather 2.  This week, I am highlighting a wine from the Director of these two movies, Francis Ford Coppola.  Donna really likes his Cabernet's.  She just finished the Claret Cab and is now enjoying the Diamond Collection Ivory label Cabernet Sauvignon.  So, the next time you are in the mood for a good movie, or two, give Coppola Wines a try and enjoy both his movies and his wines.  It's "an offer you can't refuse."  Ha!!!

Market Watch:  At the "close" yesterday, Facebook finished the day at 18.96...  Now flirting with 20 points below its opening of 38.  How many times can I say "yikes!!!"

The End:  As I always like to say, Thank You very much for stopping by and having a quick read in Slu's World.  I would like to say that in the last couple of weeks, I have had two friends inquire of me about creating their own Blog.  I would encourage not only them, but anyone who has something to say.  There is so much pleasure in putting your thoughts "out there" for others to see and read.  And "Comments" are like "icing" on the cake for a "Blogger."  I receive several each week and I hope everyone understands just how much your comments mean and how much I truly appreciate them.  Again, Thank You.  And yes to all those interested, Go For It.

Be safe, be smart, and always smile...  It's "Happy Friday"

adios