So, the first night of my Mom’s Time Out Extravaganza, I wrote an amusing and clever post which refused my order to “publish.” And then *poof* it was gone. (See, I can say how clever and amusing it was because it’s clearly never going to materialize, despite the wonders of the World Wide Web. Ha.) (I did manage to update my other blog, The Amazing Shrinking Mom, however.
I’m home now and I even came home early, a whole three hours early, because I missed my kids. My daughter was delighted to see me and jumped into my arms as if I’d been gone for years. Then she asked what I brought her . . . and after each thing, she’d say, “What else did you brought me?”
As part of my adventure, I met two bloggers, both named Tammy. One blogs at Dishpan Dribble and one blogs at Lavendar Knits. 
(Left to right: Tammy of Lavendar Knits, Tammy of Dishpan Dribble, and me. Right-click and open in a new window for best viewing.) We had such a yummy dinner and enjoyable conversation. (I have a picture, too, but the camera’s in the car still and I find myself too lazy to go get it tonight.) I appreciated the fact that they each drove into Portland and braved the Lloyd Center to meet me for dinner. (Once, fifteen years ago or so, when I lived in Portland, a woman was killed–randomly–at the Lloyd Center parking garage.)
The following day, I met two women I’ve known through an AOL pregnancy message board since I was pregnant with my almost-4 year old daughter. Tina (who doesn’t have a current blog, alas!) and JulieAnne (her blog is Home Jewels) met me at Red Robin for lunch. After knowing them through the computer for all these years, meeting them face to face and chatting was a great joy and pleasure. 
(Left to right: JulieAnne, me and Tina.)
I hated to part, but the thrift stores were calling my name! And they had to get back to their families.
I visited four or five thrift stores yesterday afternoon. (Bargains!) Last night, I went to a movie (You, Me and Dupree) which was quite possibly the most boring and stupid movie I’ve seen this year. I almost walked out half-way through.
This morning, I went to Value Village (again) and then to Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland. The planets were aligned just right and I was able to park mere steps from the front door. I (foolishly) didn’t pick up a basket for my books and ended up clutching a precarious armful of books. I bought a bunch of books for my boys and also some Madeleine L’Engle for myself. (And some other books, too.) I could live in that bookstore forever.
Then, I steered the car back onto I-5 going north and soon, I’d left Oregon. I stopped at one more thrift store and then an outlet store, and then, home again, home again, jiggety jog. Time sure flies when you aren’t wiping bottoms and fixing snacks and stepping on Legos.
Tomorrow, life returns to semi-normal, except that I still don’t have a hooked-up washer and dryer. But, the gallivanting has come to an end and we’ll revert to being the homebodies that we are, deep down inside.
It’s good to be home.
Actual Unretouched Photo 
You sound like me. The items designated for Goodwill are sitting in the closet while I’m busy hunting their replacements.
So glad you met some of your online friends. It’s such fun.
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Welcome home, Mel. I always love hearing about your time out alone. I look forward to the pics!
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I’m exTREMEly jealous you were able to go to Powells. I used to haunt that place before they had the coffee bar et al. It was a wonderful place to lose myself. Lucky kid. 😉
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Meeting folks you’ve met online is a great deal of fun. Glad you had the opportunity.
Enjoy your homebodiness!
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I think my dream vacation is going from one bookstore to another =)) I would of course need to save up a years salary for that.
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Welcome back!
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welcome home! Sounds like a wonderful mini-vacation!
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It indeed was lovely to meet you.
So you went to Powell Books, you minx you! I soooo need to get down there! Glad you found a lot of good things!
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Sounds like you had a fantastic time! And I’m jealous of your Tina/JulieAnne meet-up, but glad you ladies had a fun time =)
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I’m sad to hear the movie was so boring – I was thinking about seeing it this weekend. Guess I should wait to rent it?
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Ah well…sounds like I missed out on a nice evening with you and the two Tammys, sigh. Life interrupted once more for me, haha! Hmmm…if it’d been on a Saturday you were wandering around Powell’s or the thrift stores I might’ve been in the same aisle as you, especially with Madeleine L’Engle books. Were you ever a fan of “All My Children”? The lovely refined actor who used to play Dr. Tyler years ago, Hugh somebody — his last name deserts me at the moment — was Madeleine’s real-life husband. Hopefully she wasn’t anything like his screen wife Phoebe was…I’ve got a day to myself tomorrow…Dear Hubby and my son are going on a father/son bonding hunting trip…so I’ll probably hit a few shops myself. Glad to hear you had such a nice getaway, Mel.
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I’ so glad you had a good time!
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Sounds like quite a fun time. Of course, anything that involves Powell’s is bound to be wonderful. I LOVE that place.
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It was great meeting you too Mel! I had a good time out with both you and the other Tammy.
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Great pictures. You look awesome!
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Sounds like you are having a great, great summer. I’m getting the urge to get out of the house for a week 🙂
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You look great!! I hope to organize something like this someday, too!
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