Just an Ordinary Monday Drive

I finally decided I HAD to get my mom's Christmas gift to her, I wanted to go last Thursday but 'mother nature' decided to send us our first snowstorm of the season. Today was the only day I could go unless I put it off for a couple of more weeks. hmmmmm, I kept putting off sending Christmas cards and they never did get sent. I found out that mom needed a vacuum. I decided to check out the thrift store and see if they had any and if they didn't I'd make a detour to Walmart and buy a new one for her. Our local thrift store had 2 vacuums, not a common item for them to have. They both looked good and I purchased the one I thought would work best for her tiny apartment. I can't believe how many times I find just what I am looking for! Then I was ready for my 82 mile drive to moms.
I actually enjoy driving by myself, it was a nice day and I usually listen to radio talk shows ...and can find out some 'useful' information: did you know that: Bubble wrap was invented in 1957 by engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes. Fielding and Chavannes sealed two shower curtains together, creating a smattering of air bubbles, which they originally tried to sell as wallpaper. When the product turned out to be unsuccessful as wallpaper, the team marketed it as greenhouse insulation. Although Bubble Wrap was branded by Sealed Air Corporation (founded by Fielding and Chavannes) in 1960, it was not until a few years later that its use in protective packaging was discovered. I copied that from Wikipedia but that is one of the tid bits of trivia the radio talk show host shared. She also shared a recipe for Beef Enchilada Bake, it sounded easy and good so I emailed her and asked for the recipe. I have done that in the past so I am confident I'll get the recipe.
Wisconsin has a lot of rural area and I drive through it on my way....some interesting sights I saw on my way were: the Polish Pickle bar, a hawk in the road and I think one in a tree (but it is hard to look up when you are driving), and a couple of blocks down from the Polish Pickle was Porcupine Acres. I didn't have my camera with me but I was lucky enough to get the bar sign from their facebook page. So, you see, it wasn't a boring drive at all.
After I visited with mom I took a circular route home in order to stop at Archiver's so I could use my credit before it expired. I didn't buy much because my coupons weren't good until the 21st. I stopped at Goodwill and looked around a bit, bought a pair of yoga pants to wear around the house. They are comfy to weary when cleaning (or not, whichever the case may be).
Now I have to get off the computer and clean up my kitchen counter and table. My granddaughter is spending the weekend with us. I'm picking her up Wednesday after work so don't have much time to get this place presentable.