I have lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1993. I remember needing a raincoat in 1993 and purchased a long red vinyl coat with a flannel hood. I wore it a lot and it did not survive very well. The next raincoat was also red (power color) but also easy to recognize if you are walking a dog on a grey and rainy day. I never liked it. First I lost the belt and replaced it with a brown belt to match the brown buttons. It was not a good red. It finally found its way to Value Village. I hope the new owner will enjoy and stay dry. Next a black professional-looking hooded rain/trench but not fit for the rugged upcoming missions experience. It is the wrong season to go to a mall because there will be no left-over sale winter coats. I think my Mom was good at keeping money. My Dad made it and she ran the household with frugal habits. Therefore – I am a sale shopper. I’ll never forget my recent splurge on fancy chocolate Easter eggs from Sees Candies for my grandchildren. I like the store and the concept of most things chocolate but after Easter (apparently I visit too often), those same eggs were half-price. Christmas is much the same. Our local Molbaks has the most beautiful Christmas displays but you will only see me on December 26th when the most beautiful Christmas displays are 50% off. How do these items lose value? It is called supply and demand. Hold that thought as it also drives the real estate market and so many other things. So here I am needing cold-weather items at the end of summer. How did I let this happen? It is called retiring and taking six trips in about two months. I’m tired but rely on people who are helpful and, maybe, not as tired as I am today. My cousin called this morning and, after some chit chat, she recommended WalMart. I wanted to avoid the mall so checked out Costco – puffers – but no raincoats so off to WalMart. Found about five that worked and purchased the cutest. Guess what – passed on the red and I have matured to a season of green, my Mom’s favorite color. These are silly ramblings but it has taken so many people, prayers, donations, sacrifices, and good stuff, to finally be almost ready – green raincoat and all.