LLBean Pants and Boots

It seems we go to LLBean at least once a year. We rediscovered LLBean when I retired almost three years ago. My professional work wardrobe was swapped out for every day walking gear. My husband needed to get a couple pair of pants and I needed some winter walking boots - for rain and snow. My winter snow boots are over fifteen years old and I can’t get the zipper up or down - the insides are so shredded. They are one of the last reminders we have from our thirty years in the frigid Midwest. We started in the men’s department and my husband quickly found a really nice pair of jeans and corduroy pants. Then we went over to the shoe area and found a really cute pair of snow boots that looked very different from my ugly black numbers. The trick is to find anything in my size. But luckily for me, this shipment had just arrived that week so they were stocked up in size eleven. I wanted to get the same rain boots my husband got last year, but the lower cut option hit my ankle in just the wrong spot. So I tried the shin high boot and it felt okay. Hopefully with some wear and tear the top will loosen up around the same ankle area. I had a chance to try them out this week in the torrential rain and one foot was perfect. The jury is still out on the other. Why do they have to rub in the wrong spot!? So now I’m stretching the top out sideways and hopefully it will help the fit. Otherwise it will be a bit uncomfortable. I am always ecstatic when there is a shoe available in my size. But it’s a rare find to get the kind that fit just right. As for my husband’s pants? Perfect!

Walmart Pants

When my husband and I took an overnight trip to visit family and go to a Billy Bob Thornton concert last week, we also got our first canoe ride courtesy of our grandson. All we had to do was sit there and relax. Unfortunately the canoe only had a “seat” for two people on either side, but enough space to fit someone in the middle. So I got the seat up front, and clutched the sides as he paddled along. My husband got to sit on the floor of the moving craft. By the end of the adventure, the back side of his pants were soaking wet and “filthy!” Since this was the only time he didn’t bring along a spare pair, we decided we better stop somewhere and get something! So we drove to Walmart and we dashed in. Our grandson said no one would notice. And if they did, they would probably ask “how was the fishing?” As he was searching for school supplies with his mom, we found the men’s department and took the first pair that was the right size - without trying them on. They ended up being fine, but probably a size too big. So when we got back to the house, he threw his good jeans in to the washing machine and came out looking great. Now he has an extra pair to wear around the house. They are probably not exactly what he would have gotten in less stressful shopping excursions, but you can’t go wrong at $16.99. 

LLBean Boots, Pants, and Socks

We haven't been to LLBean for a while. We stocked up on several things since I retired almost two years ago. I switched out my business work wardrobe to casual walking attire for all seasons and haven't looked back. I was hoping to find some ear muffs and a slouch hat to round out my winter wear; my husband wanted to replace some old corduroy pants and find a winter walking shoe or boot that would keep his feet dry. So we drove out to LLBean at Tyson's and started looking. He immediately found a grey pair of nice fitting corduroy pants. When we looked for my hat and ear muffs, there was nothing that caught our eye. The only ear muff they had was the kind you wear behind your neck rather than over your head and slouch hats didn't exist. Then we asked about a good waterproof shoe or boot that would not irritate the ankle. We have tried hiking style foot wear before and even with lambs wool tucked inside around the ankles, the shoe rubbed and it was very uncomfortable. My husband tried on a couple of things and hopefully what he selected will work. He picked out a pair of thick wool socks and got gaiters last year to keep the snow out if it's one of those days. So my husband did get what he was looking for. I, on the other hand, didn't. That's one of the reasons I prefer Amazon. But some things need to be tried on and it was a good excuse for an afternoon ride. Who would have thought we would need all this winter stuff in DC after living in the Midwest for thirty years? I wish I had kept a few more of my favorite pieces. 

LLBean Wardrobe Conversion

Since I retired in February, my wardrobe has significantly changed. A couple weeks ago I cleaned out my closets and removed all the work suits, heels and the like. What was missing were casual clothes to wear on "keep it really simple" road trips and for "hiking" the concrete jungle of Washington DC. We are not trailblazers, and we don't do any outdoor activity like kayaking, boating, golfing, etc - they are just not on our radar screen. But we do love to walk. So my husband and I decided it was time to check out LLBean as an option and for the assistance we needed. Who would ever think that polyester and nylon would become the fabric of choice? And because it is so hot outside right now, we both stocked up on essentials that we hope will last for a long time to come. We had extraordinary help from Diane, who really knew her stuff, pointed us in the right direction with several options, and kept us thoroughly entertained along the way. So today I put the "quick dry" method to the test by washing, ringing out, and hanging the shirt and shorts I wore today on this dreadfully hot morning walk. They are already almost dry as I'm writing this blog. The underwear that lasts for several days won't get here until Amazon delivers next week. Now that's something I'm really anxious to try! What have I been missing all these years? There really is a life outside of work! 

A Rainy Day at Costco Beats the Total Wine Store and Macy's

We were thinking about getting our wine restocked and look for some pants to wear around the house when our friend called to say she was making a run to Costco. We became members in November and haven't been back since because we have such a tiny space and the stuff lasts for quite some time. We have toothpaste and razors to last for two years! But since it was a lousy day and we wanted to get a few things anyway, we decided to go. The Christmas decor has all been replaced with spring goods - Easter chocolate bunnies and eggs replaced the Christmas trees and ornaments. I was running out of ink for my printer and decided to get some cartridges, and the wine was selected without difficulty. I could spend a lot of time checking out all the other stuff there, but we needed to be back home for a house appointment. Probably the best part of this outing (aside from the wonderful company) was finding our favorite cheese - P'tit basque. On the way to the check out we noticed a slew of pants just waiting to be taken. So we sorted through them and found two pair. At that price you simply can't go wrong. The parking lot seemed a lot busier than the amount of activity in the place and by the time we got out it was relatively quiet compared to Christmas time. So we are once again well stocked with napkins and Kleenex - and pants! - but need to remember to bring our own bags the next time. One of these days we will get the hang of it.