Refreshed

Been somewhat busy lately. Three weeks in California in July (some with high school-era friends). Spent the last 10 days in NYC visiting our son with my wife, going to a couple plays/musicals, two days at the US Open, and two Cards/Yankees game (saw Cards’ third win in New York against the Yankees in my lifetime–the first two were in the 1964 World Series). Flying home today (by the time I finish this, will be home).

Or not. Now Tues-Dee night…

Then next Thursday (9/12) head to Atlantic city for Triathlon Nationals, the same races I came to Cleveland in 17 and 18. Staying in Philly the following weekend for a 3 day music festival in Philly with my son, who’s training down from NYC. In between, I’m planning to have some Dee time in NYC–train in, stay three nights, do fun stuff. In between, still coaching tennis, but limited chances to get out. Have seen Michelle a few times in boy mode–as a favor to save her money, I mow the lawn at her salon and house. Keeps me out of trouble and helps shape me up.

Pulled a muscle in my side when I slipped on a muddy slope a couple of days before the California trip. Had to stop seriously exercising for about 3 weeks, and now playing catch-up. Have about 10 days to get ready for two races in two days–and the slinky clothes I plan to wear to the AC casinos.

Anyway, on with the story._______

I have written before about shopping at thrift stores, and the joy of finding a new one you haven’t been to before. I think I heard about Refresh from a fellow CD whom I have swapped texts with, but have not met in person. She lives in Central Illinois and mentioned seeing it. It’s near the St. Louis Galleria, and opposite a Nordstrom Rack (for girl me) and an REI (for boy me).

About a month before, based on the suggestion, I went following the race packet pick up for my 10K race (I went dressed to pick up my packet, without an issue). That day I found a cute dress, and discovered they had a second floor with formal dresses. When I’m out, Ms. Dee-ism often asks for pictures of things I try on. Knowing she was interested in a dress for a wedding we’re both going to attend in October (I’ve been friends with her husband since high school, but I’ve only outed myself to her, not him), I started taking pictures of formal dresses she might like. She was interested and we eventually set a date to go shopping together, and we picked a date for Michelle to join us.

I wore the blue dress I bought that day for the return trip with Ms. Dee-ism and Michelle. We met at Michelle’s house, and took the picture of the three of us, with Ms. Dee-ism doing with the old rabbit ears and Michelle laughing. 

After arriving we browsed both the downstairs (the contemporary clothes) and the second floor with the racks and racks of formal wear. Ms. Dee-ism is more petite than Michelle or I, so she had a lot more choices than either or us (to be clear, Michelle is slightly smaller than me, and she has more natural curves than I do). Ms. Dee-ism is also more restrained in buying than Michelle or I.

I tried on a few formals, though most of them I couldn’t get to zip, and at this point I don’t have an event to wear a formal. I also noted they had a few wedding dresses, but none in my size (although on a subsequent visit, I did get to try on one, the first one I’ve ever tried on). I found a cute summer jumpsuit, and a blue Maggie London dress. Ms. Dee-ism bought a few things, and Michelle bought half the store (I kid, I kid).

More importantly, both Ms Dee-ism and Michelle loved Refresh too, so much that Ms. Dee-ism recommended it to her friends and since returned (without me).

Another fun day out with both my friends.