Shopping

Last Saturday, I went clothes shopping (alone!) for the first time in a long time.  As many of you know, I'm a big fan of the TV show What Not To Wear (although Stacy and Clinton would be appalled that I wear sneakers even when I'm not exercising).

For two hours, I tried on jeans, sweaters, and blouses.  Too big.  Too small.  Too long.  Too short.  Too big here, but too small there.  One after another.  Then back to the racks for more rooting and poking.

Each time I tried on a different pair of jeans, I repeat to myself like a mantra: "It's just a number.  It's just a number," referring to the size.  I'm annoyed that the sizes are not uniform among the different brands of jeans.  Of course, I'm looking for the perfect pair.  No mom jeans here.

Moreover, I'm getting annoyed at myself.  I typically don't look at my body in the mirror.  Some of my body parts sag, most of it is doughy.  Some might call it zaftig.  (That's an SAT word right there.  Look it up.)

Then I notice on the tag of the umpteenth pair of Levi's that the jeans are made in China.  An iconic American brand manufactured in another country.

Are there any clothes still manufactured in the USA?

Don't get me wrong.  I still bought that pair of Levi's despite my reservations.  After all, the jeans made me look less doughy.  Later,  I checked out the website for Levi's and they do good things: "profits through principles" and working with cotton farmers to use less water and chemicals on cotton.  All well and good.  Still.  An iconic brand of American jeans are manufactured in China.

What would it take to bring back the manufacturing to the USA?

The Seed Catalog!

I am excited!  The seed catalog arrived in the mail last week.  Pages and pages of beautiful vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Lavish abundance packed into tiny seeds.

Every January, I fantasize about all the tomatoes and herbs and flowers that I will grow on my desk.  In turn, I fantasize about all the homemade salsa from truly vine ripened tomatoes or pesto sauce that I will make with my abundant little container garden.  You will envy me.  I might even share.

What are your gardening plans?