Since my car is in the shop today, I found myself having to run errands on foot. Fortunately, most of my errands involved retailers near my house. The weather today wasn't too bad, so I put on a warm coat and started on my trek. Little did I know what a wonderful world awaited me.
You never really realize how much your car isolates you from the outside world. We get caught up in our own little worlds and never truly notice things, places, or people as we drive by. Once the car "shield" is removed and you are faced with the outside world, perspective changes.
My hike started with Overland Hardware. Had to pick up a few things there for the old coal bin/new pantry that I was determined to finish. I had time while walking to think of questions about electrical wiring (don't know a thing about it except it doesn't like water). Overland Hardware is located in the heart of downtown Overland and I took notice of a new restaurant at the old shuttered Hacienda Restaurant trying to get ready to start business. A new paint job, new sign, looked like they were doing something with the roof. Hmmm. Hope the food will be good. Passed the vacant Overland Medical Building. Nothing new there. Ritenour School District offices were on my right and I noticed a historic marker that told me the original Buck School was located there before the Civil War. Very cool. Noticed the new gaming store still hadn't reopened since a planned remodel. Looking through the window, I didn't see much evidence of remodeling anything nor any life in there at all. What a shame to see it die before it had a chance to take off. It was a great idea. Maybe location issues? Guess I'll never know.
I conducted my business at Overland Hardware and got answers to my electrical questions. Need a contractor to solve the problems - no money, but they gave me a recommendation for someone. Began to head back towards home and Walgreens along the way. Had to wait for one of Jack's prescriptions, but that was okay. Not really used to walking that much, so the rest was welcomed. Bought a small bag of peanuts and perused through the Christmas merchandise.
After Walgreens, I began the second to last leg of my journey to Dollar General which just recently opened. I can see their store from my house. Along the way, I passed a small tailoring shop. I've passed this shop at least a million times in the 20-something years I've lived here and never really paid any attention to it. Since I'm in the process of selling my mother's tailoring supplies, I thought I would stop in to see if this business person knew of anyone needing a sewing machine and/or serger. This idea would never have occurred to me if someone at Macy's hadn't suggested I talk to the alterations department about my sewing machine dilemma.
The tailor was working with a customer, but she talked to me while she worked. It turned out that she is in the market for a new serger and wanted more information. Of course, I didn't have any info to tell her and being without a car today prevented me from running to Mom's apartment to get the serger. I promised her the info by tomorrow. We traded business cards and I happily went on my way. Hope this lady buys the machine.
Dollar General would be my last stop before home. Along the way, crews were working on the sidewalk. Looked like something to do with the sewer system. A big mess. A small shop was vacant. The old Overland Ice Creamery had been purchased by someone else and they made it into a pizzeria. Wonder if they are any good. Don't know anyone who's been there. Cut across the parking lot and arrived at Dollar General. Wandered around the store a bit, gathering things that we needed. I love Dollar General - it's a fun store.
Paid for my purchases and headed home. Had a choice of cutting through a couple of yards to get to my house or just being polite and taking a little longer route. I chose the longer route. I saw fences and wasn't sure if I could get over them without looking ridiculous. As I passed the neighbor who lives behind me (I'm on their street), I saw the front of the new shed they were building. Nice little shed. I had to laugh since they were building it out of wood and it looked pretty similar to ours. If I think we inspired them, I'm afraid I'll give us way too much credit.
My adventure came to an end when I arrived at home. Hopefully, I'll sell a serger. If I like this lady, I might send some business her way. Now, I need my car back.
