Mammoth Shopping trip to Bealls Outlet stores.

On Monday, after Connie and Jim’s bluegrass and party weekend, (which was a week ago, but I have had no time to write before now) we all went for breakfast at the local diner. It was decided that the girls – Connie, Cathy, Jan and I, would go to shop at Bealls Outlet Store as it was senior day – over 60’s get 15% discount off already really low prices. These outlet shops sell great clothes – some designer gear and some just ordinary makes, household goods and nick-nacks.

Connie drove us to the store in Belleview and we had a great time rummaging for bargains. Connie and Jan decided to buy blouses for their band, The Crooked Halos, to wear when performing so the quest was on to find identical tops in various sizes. We then moved onto the bigger and better store in The Villages – a huge retirement complex covering many acres of land. This store had a great selection and Connie had a huge trolley (cart) full of the most lovely tops. As she was paying, the system decided to shut down and she was left praying that things would get sorted out. We were all creased with laughing as the shop girl had to phone headquarters to get everything sorted out and a huge queue (line) formed behind her. Eventually she was able to pay for the things and we then moved onto store number three as Connie still had not got tops in the right sizes. There was very little choice at the next store but another top or two as added to the bags. After this we were hungry so we went to a drive in Sonic burger joint. I find these places a scream, as you drive up in your car, wind the window down and have a conversation with the servers through a microphone. ‘Hi. Welcome to your tasty, finger lickin’ good food joint – Sonic Burgers. And how may I help you this bright and beautiful day?’ You place your order and then the food is brought to you by a cracking looking young girl ON ROLLER SKATES– usually a student trying to earn some dough. We had French fries and drinks and then set off for store number four as Connie still did not have the right number of tops in the right sizes. Store number four provided me with some shoes I have been looking for ages and I was delighted to find they were in the sale (clearance) and, combined with my 15% discount, meant I only paid $5.38 – less than 5 pounds. (This keyboard is American and does not have the pounds sign!!!!!!) Bargain!!

Connie and Jan still did not have all the tops they needed so they decided to go onto store number 5 which is a brand new store. Cathy and I were really tired by this time, so we were taken back to Connie’s where we rested. That evening, Connie and Jan sorted out all the tops. They had bought 5 sets of tops for 6 ladies – all different sizes. They are beautiful and I’m sure they will look good in them – they will have to make sure they wear the same set together and not get muddled up!!!!

I managed to buy 3 pairs of Capri trousers – lightweight, two tops and a jacket to take home to England and my bargain shoes. A good shop was had by all and we had a fun time girly outing with much hilarity and good humour.

Sally