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Bright and early Saturday morning we were off to meet the bus which was taking a load of church ladies and their friends to Mini-apples for The Jersey Boys show and shopping. After the relatively short bus ride, about 2 1/2 hours, we dropped our luggage off at the hotel and proceeded to catch the light rail transit to visit the Mall of America. We managed to figure out where we were going and arrived there safely.
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Wow, what a place! It's a shopping/eating/playground/amusement park experience...and not for the weak or weary! That place requires a great deal of walking and I was plenty worn out. We did succeed in saving hundreds of dollars at CJ Banks where they offered additional 40% off. I've added a few pieces to my wardrobe, but not too many as I have to be able to get them all back to Florida, right?
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We were there approximately 5 hours and needed to be back to the hotel, dressed, and ready to see the show by 8:00 p.m. We did all that plus got a chance to rest before heading out. Our sumptuous late lunch negated the need for dinner but we made up for it afterward with a couple small pizzas in the hotel bar. Just the right cap for the evening.
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Now--about the show--as we stood in line to be scanned and admitted to the theater, we saw a sign indicating that this program contained "language typical of that used in New Jersey in that era, including profanity", and worse yet, "smoking would take place"...really? Profanity and smoking on the same sign? I didn't like the sounds of that, not expecting to hear foul language in this venue, and yet, it's probably my fault for being so naive in my expectations. But, that doesn't mean I had to like it or laugh about it!!! Guess I haven't achieved that level of 'sophistication' yet....The music portion and the story as a whole was quite good, but the language was more than a little over the top and I didn't need to hear/see it. You've been warned now, folks, if it comes to our area, I am not putting together a group to go see it! Once was great plenty!
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All the ladies were quite nice, each sharing their stories of sales and purchases with some glee. One of the highlights for me was finding the Archivers Store, a virtual wonderland of scrap book supplies and equipment. In this case, there was too much choice so I only took several 12 x 12's and some adhesive to use next week at Linda's when we work on our albums together. At Barnes and Noble , I replaced the book I'd left at home, "A Year in the World" so I can finish that and start something else. I've never read or seen "Pride and Prejudice" and Judy's told me how much she loves the story, so I have to see what the fuss is all about. And I'm so 'cited because I am seeing her tomorrow!
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An e-mail came for me reporting progress on the elevator replacement is coming right along and should be completed by the expected date of April 17th. Perfect timing for my return! Yippee! The same e-mail reported an increase in the condo dues so all the news was not welcome!
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Much joy is in my heart as I have some "tenants" staying at my personal "Days Inn"--Judy J.'s son and daughter-in-law are making use of my vacant quarters while they are in town. Her house overflows with guests and mine is the perfect place for them to lay their heads. Justin reports that he has finally gotten a haircut (do I hear a raising of thanks to God for this??) and looks quite different now. He is still getting used to it himself and I can't wait to see him when I get home! Hope that I recognize him!
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