Hunting season starts today

Ahhh yes, the calendar says Oct. 22. Right in that range before first quarter moon on Oct. 22 and Full Moon on Oct. 27.

Yes, the air is about right -- misty, 72 degrees, light breezes from the south-southeast. Perfect. It will keep the less determined hunters home; the sun won't be an issue; the temperature means I won't be burdened by having to carry a jacket.

Ahhh, yes. Let the games begin! Mistletoe Market starts this morning at the State Fairgrounds! How could I be so lucky... I live less than a mile from the hunting grounds which allowed me a little more time to prepare this morning. S-T-R-E-T-C-H those hamstrings. Bend and stretch -- have to avoid that "shopping-bag lumpitis" syndrome -- keep the load evenly distributed to avoid injury.

Mistletoe Market, for those who don't know, is THE shopping kickoff for festival lovers. Just like every weekend in the fall is filled with various neighborhood home tours and fundraisers and cookbook sales, Mistletoe Market launches the "cozy home" hunt.

It's in one building of the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for three days. The prey: all kinds of candles, soup mixes, soaps, lotions, decorative items, jewelry, handmade clothing, purses.... you know, all the things that make men break out in rashes.

Hunters usually team up in pairs or small groups. The Ladies Who Lunch usually have their cute totes filled with all kinds of smell-goods when they mob the corner concession stands for their chicken salads.

Me, I'm a loner. I find I can scan and manuever best when I don't have to stick with a companion. It makes me a more efficient shopper. I can scan an aisle and see the booths that I know don't interest me. I can serpentine among slow lookey-lous and baby strollers parked in the middle of the aisle.

Now it's time to prepare for the day. Comfortable clothes are essential. My Easy Spirit tennies will guard my feet -- must remember to double-knot the laces. (Retying them can spell disaster in a shopping crowd. I could be trampled.)

I want to try to avoid the concession areas. Overpriced, watered-down soft drinks in flimsy wax paper cups are a hindrance to the mission. So I'll grab my stainless steel coolie, pop in a can of Diet Coke and I'll be set. If I don't drink it all on the drive over, it will stay cool while I shop. Maybe I'll stick a small bottle of water in my purse, too.

Normally, I can make it through the maze in a couple of hours. More than that and I'm too worn down to carry out my catch. I'll let you know how I do.