[ back ]
The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - November 13, 2007)
I cannot believe it’s already November. Where did the year go? Autumn is in the air. Colorful fall foliage is everywhere, and it seems to be getting darker during the day. Some stores have decorated their windows in honor of those who have served our country in the military, during peacetime or wartime. In my day it was known as Armistice Day and celebrated on November 11. Now it is known as Veteran’s Day and National Veteran’s Awareness Week.
I not going to march in any of the parades; however I did manage to find a patriotic hat and purse for the occasion.
Talking about shopping did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is reported to be the busiest shopping day of the year? The grocery stores are stockpiling turkeys and pumpkin pies. (I sure hope the nice weather holds out.) Do you shop early or late? Do you make a list and check it twice? I warn you...I am a shopper. But it’s not a contagious disease like measles or mumps.
I met the neatest man the other day, outside Afternoon Delights across the street from FRSCA (The Senior Center) on Myers Street. He introduced himself as Francisco Saavedra, P.A. Being curious, I politely inquired as to his intentions: Was he an honorable shopper? Or, just another Looky-Lou peaking in the window and afraid to go inside. (Giggle)
Come to find out, this charming P.A. (Physicians Assistant) is the husband of the proprietor, Kay, and Father of their four children: Marina, age 16; Francisco Jr., age 12; Isabella, age 9; and the youngest is Diego. He takes care of babies at Oroville Hospital. You guessed it; he works in the pediatric Clinic at the hospital. And Kay, being the mother of four, is called a working mom.
This good-looking couple tells me, “There is nothing naughty about the newest gift shop in Beautiful Down Town Oroville.” And, I believe them; check out “Afternoon Delights,” a very fun place to shop. It’s located between Day Dreams and The Yarn Shop. I found some exotic gifts for the bride-to-be or those who already have everything. Kay makes her own glycerin soaps with vitamins and goodie stuff for the skin, as well as and gift baskets. I loved the bubble baths, lotions and some of the lingerie. One might say, the lingerie is rather risqué. There are secrets inside Afternoon Delights somewhat similar to Victoria’s Secrets. When you do visit, be sure you tell her The Newcomer sent you.
Pampering yourself and wanting to pamper others? Check out LA DE DA, located just around the corner on Bird Street. I found a patriotic purse more shoes, boots, wallets, accessories, handmade purses, sachets and home fragrance oils. Erica Campbell, the daughter of Wendy, has my vote for hostess with the most enthusiasm. We had a great time talking while she escorted me around this elegant little store: I love their motto: “If you are thinking of a gift for the little princess in your lif…. You know, the one who has everything... you can find it at LA DE DA.”
Who would have guessed... Dad Steve Campbell is one and the same builder of fences, known as Campbell’s Fence, located on 5th Avenue. And, young brother, Steve Campbell, is a star athlete who travels with the Hard 90's baseball team.
According to Pam at Betty Jean’s: Black is out! Brown is in this year! Ladies check your wardrobe and live it up! It’s the season to get out and about. I don’t know about you, but I can not just walk by Betty Jean’s without acquiring new information from owner Pam, and feeling a tremendous need to buy...buy...buy...buy! There are numerous choices of fall outfits, jewelry, hats, watches, umbrellas and crystals. I can’t tell you what I bought...but if you asked, I would tell you, “I Saved a bundle of money...doing it.” (Shopping that is!) That trick used to work with my husband. In fact, I got away with it for years. Then, of course, he finally caught on. It went something like this: “Where did you go today sweet-thing?”
I would say, “Oh Honey, I went to visit my best friend, Betty Jean. Look at how much I saved you? Don’t you just love this new night gown and what about my new necklace.”
Now I will share another secret with you...I heard through the grapevine that some stores in Oroville are going to donate sample gifts of merchandise to the Senior Center downtown, on Tuesdays. This will increase the Bounty for Bingo. One of those stores is Afternoon Delights; Kay will a monthly sample of home-made soaps, for sensitive skin. Also, I heard Day Dreams is going to prepare one basket a month as a gift to the seniors. Why? Why not? Why Not walk...across the street with me and investigate before or after luncheons?
Since I hate traffic jams, crowds, searching for a parking spots, then standing in line waiting for an over-worked and under-paid cashier to come to my rescue… And because my shopping list is incomplete, I will be watching for 2007 “Santa’s Gift Guide” published by The Digger Shopper and News and delivered before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, drop me a line by e-mail. della@diggernews.com. Adios!
[ back ]
