Field trip day. I don’t venture out in the car very often while I’m at the cottage because I usually take it as a sign of restlessness and that’s’ just the kind of thing I practice avoiding. But today I was feeling stuck, which is also something I want to avoid. So I set out. Destination, Freeport and L.L. Bean, about an hour away. I took the shore Road to Kennebunk and then headed over to the turnpike. Since for me simplicity has to do with being frugal, I liked that I saved a dollar in tolls, although I may have spent as much on extra gas. Who knows? When I’m conscious about how I spend my money, I feel a sense of simplicity.
Freeport is outlet city, with L.L. Bean towering above all the other clothing outlets you could every imagine. It has several huge buildings—Flagship, Hunting and Fishing, Bike, Boat and Ski, and Home (plus Outlet). There was plenty of parking on this Thursday in January, but believe me, I wouldn’t dare count on finding a spot during the high summer season.
Step through the front door (no lock because the store never closes) and there you are, ready to wander through the catalog, will all those colors, styles and sizes right there to touch, smell, see and try on. The store is more spacious than the catalog, with fish tanks and climbing places for little children to explore. Rather like a children’s museum selling more than you need.
Certainly another place to be frugal. This time it was all about my sales resistance. How tempting were all those luscious bright colors, soft fleeces, and pants in my size. I discovered that I like ‘favorite’ fit jeans better than ‘regular’ or ‘classic’. But then I made a more important discovery—that I didn’t need to know about all this sizing because I have more than enough jeans that fit me at home.
“You don’t need another pair, Bobs. Same with a white turtle neck. And how many warm sweaters can fit in your closet?”
So, I left everything with the friendly girl who works there (I would have put them back but then there would be no need for her job.). I’m still feeling a little regret that I didn’t buy the salmon pullover, but I’ll get over it. No regrets, however, about the delicious cup of lobster soup and a small Caesar salad at a local restaurant.
My next field trip will be to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge and the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. I gave both places a try on my way home, but their trails were icy, which got me making up a new ‘rule’ right on the spot. It goes something like this: Simplicity includes being penny wise and not foolish about talking the chance of slipping and falling.
Freeport is outlet city, with L.L. Bean towering above all the other clothing outlets you could every imagine. It has several huge buildings—Flagship, Hunting and Fishing, Bike, Boat and Ski, and Home (plus Outlet). There was plenty of parking on this Thursday in January, but believe me, I wouldn’t dare count on finding a spot during the high summer season.
Step through the front door (no lock because the store never closes) and there you are, ready to wander through the catalog, will all those colors, styles and sizes right there to touch, smell, see and try on. The store is more spacious than the catalog, with fish tanks and climbing places for little children to explore. Rather like a children’s museum selling more than you need.
Certainly another place to be frugal. This time it was all about my sales resistance. How tempting were all those luscious bright colors, soft fleeces, and pants in my size. I discovered that I like ‘favorite’ fit jeans better than ‘regular’ or ‘classic’. But then I made a more important discovery—that I didn’t need to know about all this sizing because I have more than enough jeans that fit me at home.
“You don’t need another pair, Bobs. Same with a white turtle neck. And how many warm sweaters can fit in your closet?”
So, I left everything with the friendly girl who works there (I would have put them back but then there would be no need for her job.). I’m still feeling a little regret that I didn’t buy the salmon pullover, but I’ll get over it. No regrets, however, about the delicious cup of lobster soup and a small Caesar salad at a local restaurant.
My next field trip will be to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge and the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. I gave both places a try on my way home, but their trails were icy, which got me making up a new ‘rule’ right on the spot. It goes something like this: Simplicity includes being penny wise and not foolish about talking the chance of slipping and falling.