L.L. Bean: February 1, 2007

My flight to Dallas isn't until nearly 2:00, but I left Farmington early so I could have some shopping time in Portland. I wanted to go to LL Bean. Of course, with their store in Freeport being open 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year (they say that there are no locks on the doors, but I forgot to look), I could've gone late Sunday night when I get back. But I decided to go during the day when I could see it. I drove through Freeport on my way to Farmington back on January 8, but didn't see the store. I had no trouble finding it though, today.

Jodi lives near Portland, and she left her ski pants at the house when she was in town for the ski patrol article, so Melanie gave them to me to give to her if it was convenient. So I got to town and I called Jodi from the LL Bean parking lot. She couldn't believe that she hadn't missed her ski pants and she was thrilled with the timing because she was going somewhere this weekend and probably would've needed 'em. She was lying in bed reading a good book when I called so she got up and was going to meet me in town. Good timing! I went on in to LL Bean (she has worked there off an on for a long time, so she didn't need to go in the store). I got some "mocs" and a shirt on sale (and a new pair of smartwool socks not on sale) and had a chance to look around the store. My original plan was to get the snow mocs and leave them in the trunk, but the weather is so bad in Dallas (Brenda wrote that it snowed twice yesterday) that I shoved them in my suitcase and will break them in in Texas. I was in my car getting ready to call Jodi when she called to say that she was on Main Street. We talked on the phone until she pulled into the parking lot and could see me. We actually had time to grab a bite to eat. We ended up at a local place that's famous for its chowder....Morrison's I think was the name. I got corn chowder which was delicious. We yacked a lot and then I had to scoot. I got to the airport without any problems and was checking my bags in 40 minutes before the flight. They have the 30 minute rule, so I had 10 minutes to spare. It was very stress free. I kind of like flying out of Portland. It's a nice size airport and never very crowded. Plus I REALLY like the airport gift shop after I found the perfect thank you gifts for my committee in less than 20 minutes when I was there in December. ;-)