Is there a compliment in there somewhere?

Mom was in rare form this past weekend.  I was away in Pennsylvania the weekend before, so I was able to be with her on Saturday and Sunday evening.

On Saturday, she was so alert and social.  In her own way, she was engaging with other residents and staff members.  I had not seen this side of her for a number of weeks.

Those social skills require great amounts of energy, so she was tired on Sunday when I arrived. 

In between one of her 'power save' settings, she opened her eyes and noticed the blazer I was wearing.  She asked me directly, "So, what second-hand shop is that blazer from?" Ouch!  But, she called it.  She remembered that I frequent thrift and consignment shops looking for deals!  The blazer is an Eddie Bauer merino wool riding jacket in a periwinkle color.  I might add it looks great with my silver hair!  And, I DID find it at the Derry Thrift Shop for $5.

Mom did not say if she liked the blazer or not.  I think she grew up believing she could not give you a direct compliment because then you would develop a big ego.  She has never been fond of 'second-hand' anything - buying antiques is buying 'used' furniture - so I have never pushed her on the value of Thrift Shops.  She is unaware of the consumerism that makes it possible to find never-worn items with original price tags at thrift and consignment shops in the area.

I will continue to do my bargain hunting in the spirit of 'reduce - reuse - recycle.' And I will continue to search for the compliment!