We Went on a Quest Today

What would you guess the availabilty of a flannel shirt in Southern California in January would be?  

See a problem?  It never entered my mind it would be and we went off in search of one today.  

About 20 years ago (and 50 pounds heavier) I splurged and bought myself two flannel overshirts from Lands End.  I brought one with me and left the other at home.  Last week I put my right elbow through the sleeve.  Bummer.  Those of you that are women and who have reached a certain age realize that a shirt of that weight is important.  Sweatshirts, fleece and sweaters are too warm and long sleeved tees are not quite warm enough for the evenings.  A lightweight flannel shirt is the perfect answer - at least it has been for me over the years.  I can't wear them out in public as they are quite worn and way too big now,  but they are like security blankets in the cool evenings in the house or RV.  

I'm not really ready to spend the money at Lands End or LLBean right now, so thought I'd pick one up on a sale rack somewhere.   It seemed reasonable to me that stores carried them for Christmas gifts and by now they would be on clearance.  As most flannel shirts are plaid, I figured I'd end up with a plaid of some sort but that's OK because the ones I have are.  I found one at Sears - the ugliest pink/purple plaid (and I like pink and purple) with a flower pattern collar, button placket, and cuffs. It was painful to look at.   Then, I thought - men's wear - men wear flannel shirts in the winter.  That didn't work out either.  The only ones they had were red/black and fleece lined.  Nope.  

We treked to the other end of the mall to the Wal-Mart but that was a bust.  No stores in between the two carried anything like that - we are talking mall and young folks.  I'm looking for old lady clothes.  

I ended up back at Sears and did find a man's cordoroy shirt that was the right weight.  As I sit here and the RV is cooling off after a nice warm day, my shoulders and arms are happy.   Now, that I am thinking of it, though, maybe LLBean or Lands End is having a sale.  I'll quit now and check!  

I guess if push comes to shove I could make a patch for my elbow and save my shirt from the rag heap.  Hmmm.....