January 2011           
Happy New Year!

After vowing to follow my New Year’s crafty resolutions by restraining myself against those enticing sales I have to admit I’ve already broken the vow – but what fun I had doing it!

It all began with a visit to my favorite crafty store to see their new Yorkie addition, a.k.a. “Bella” (meaning “beautiful”).  Upon arrival I was met by yappy Taffy (zee little big boss) who I immediately brushed past as I wanted to see the newbie.  I gave the store a quick glance but couldn’t locate Bella apart from a small brown/black handle less mop in the corner.   On second glance I thought I saw the mop move…. what was it?   Upon closer inspection – it was Bella…  We introduced ourselves in the usual canine way – barking/growling.  It continued into a barking good time and then I intended to leave immediately without checking for sale signs but that went by the wayside as out of the corner of my eye I spotted some 75% off clearance signs.  I was in a dilemma, should I or shouldn’t I – you know the answer as I’m obsessed with sales…  With my basket in tow I loaded up on those glorious sale items regardless if I needed them or not – typical me! 

My new Yorkie friend, Bella followed me all over the store, which led me to believe she was in training for canine “store security” or I just reminded her of her mama.  I hope it was the latter.  With my basket nearly full I resumed my search for more bargains and came across a discarded box discretely placed behind a cabinet with papers and odds and ends.  Eureka – I thought I’d found a “pot of crafty gold”… On second glance I found the “pot” alright but it was Bella’s potty… eek… trust me to put my paws where they don’t belong!  After sanitizing myself I continued my bargain search in my “shop-till-you-drop” mode until my snout picked up the aroma of coffee and then I dropped – down to a chair for a bowl of canine java…  

Once energized I resumed shopping, again with Bella, - “me and my shadow”… Finally I was “shopped out” and it was time to approach the cash desk with my crafty haul.  A sub total was mentioned but I was too oblivious with the sight of a sale bin that I’d missed.   My order was put on hold while I quickly looked through the other bin.  There was nothing of interest so I toddled back to the head of the line much to the disgust of the other customers – their problem not mine!

Ex Beader Bob helped me carry my bags, all five of them, out to my Bassetmobile where I checked my bill in detail.  One particular item didn’t appear to be discounted so I had to return to the store and get it remedied.  As usual there was a long lineup at the cash desk so I searched out ex Beader Bob and got him to check.  He agreed - there was some money owing to me.  Instead of sending me to the back of the line he manually calculated my refund and paid me cash.  I thanked him profusely by turning on my Basset charm and I could see it worked!  Perhaps that’l get me further discounts on my next shopping trip…. I’ll keep my paws crossed!