Poncho

Last Saturday was one of those days when the weather wasn't too, too cold here in NE and I knew I was going to be getting in and out of my car running errands. So, I decided that instead of wearing one of my heavier winter coats, I'd opt for my trusty poncho. It keeps out the cold, but is light enough and flexible enough so as not to encumber me when I'm driving. I hate wearing heavy coats while trying to get in and out of a car and drive as well. So, poncho it was.

My poncho is a fairly simple garment. It is square with fringe on all our sides. One side has a zipper opening and it is topped off with a hood that has a pom-pom on it. It is a classic read plaid. I think that's what originally caught my eye when I spotted it in the store.

I started my day at the salon (after a quick stop at the post office where the line was too long for my tight schedule). I checked in and was paying for my manicure and making an appointment for the following week. Both gals behind the counter commented on my poncho. They loved the plaid material and thought the design was terrific. One said that it would be perfect for her to wear over bulky sweaters and sweatshirts - another one of its great features.

I headed down to the room where I have my manicure and my manicurist and another client - who I've gotten to know through our visits to the salon - were sitting chatting. When I arrived they both said how much they liked my poncho. They especially liked the fact that it has a hood and then I showed them the pom-pom they were even more in love with it. I was on a roll.

After I left the salon and, oh, by the way, had AAA change a flat tire, go to the garage and get the flat tire fixed and put back on the car, I then headed to several stores and shops to complete my errands. By the time I finished, I was hungry and stopped in at a convenient fast-food place. I decided to go in since the drive-thru line was long. While waiting my turn, the lady in front of me and I got chatting about the slow service. During the conversation, she stopped and specifically commented on my poncho. She absolutely adored it. When I showed her the hood and she spotted the pom-pom, she was ga-ga. She thought it was creative, comfortable, practical and sharp.

Five people in about 2 hours all commenting on my poncho. How cool is that!

As a footnote, my mom bought me that poncho at the Eli Moore store in the Waterbury Shopping Plaza at the beginning of my sophomore year of high school. We had to wear uniforms (with blazers) and very often had to change buildings to change classes. It was perfect for throwing over me and my books. Besides, it was all the rage and I just HAD to have it. I throw it in the washing machine once or twice a season and hang it up to dry. It's been tossed in the back seat of my car, over chair backs in classrooms, hung on hooks in coat rooms, and worn through rain, sleet and show. It's as good as new. And Mom bought that for me in 1964! I love it.

Shennie