The Hunter/Gatherers

SHOPPING AND HUNTING ARE THE ONE AND THE SAME!

“Go in, buy what you need and let’s go!” Isn’t that a man’s philosophy about shopping? They just don’t get it. For a woman, shopping isn’t about buying things necessarily.

Anthropologists tell us that all aboriginal societies existed by a hunter-gatherer culture. Real sportsmen will tell you that they must go out much ahead of the season to “scout” out the wild game. If they don’t, they will probably hire a guide who has. They look for scrapes or scratches where the animals have marked their territory, try to decipher just what paths the animals are taking from their beds to feeding areas and even locating beds to verify that the animals are in the vicinity. They do not actually hunt the animals at that time. The hunter is using his wits to prepare for the actual hunt. Then on the day of the hunt, he will carefully utilize the information he has gathered, go to the best possible site and can reasonably expect to come home with a trophy to show off to others. He will live on that victory until the next season. If he comes home empty handed, he will begin his preparation earlier and more thoroughly. Occasionally, a hunter will just “luck up” on a good trophy but to be a consistent victor takes preparation.

So, what does all this have to do with shopping? Think about it. Women go up and down the aisles of the stores “just looking”. She may even try some clothes on and put them back on the rack. She picks up a towel, appliance or other item. Tries to imagine just how it would function or look in her home or as a gift for someone. She is gathering information about her prey the same as a man gathers his. Because she has done this preparation, she knows where the best bargains are, and if the merchandise really is a bargain. She knows if the quality of one item is worth the price difference on one of lesser price.

The hunter often takes comrades on the hunt. They may even plan to camp overnight. Some like to “rough” it as an indication of individual “toughness”. The hunter plans his meals, taking along snacks and drinks that he probably would never eat at home. Some hunters are also adept outdoor cooks and have equipment to prepare meals in the outdoors.

Women also love to shop together. They will point out bargains to their friends or mention a similar item they bought earlier. Lunch is usually enjoyed at a special restaurant that “the men don’t like to go to.” A Tea Room is a special treat. Instead of “roughing it” they may enjoy a trip to a spa on their shopping trip. Both groups will come home to show off their trophies. Unfortunately, seldom do members of the opposite sex fully appreciate the other sex’s trophy. The two days growth of beard, chaffed skin or backache the men sport, as proof of their quest seldom impresses a wife. The perfect pair of curtains for the kitchen window goes unappreciated by the male of the species. Both sexes can only find full admiration from members of their own gender.

Women will become known as the neighborhood bargain hunters and others ask her before they shop where the best spots are. Accomplished hunters are admired and respected and invitations to accompany them on a future hunt are widely coveted. If both sexes would recognize the primordial function of both the hunter and the shopper, it could possibly avoid much stress and conflicts. Before you complain about your spouse's hunting or shopping habits, ask yourself if your own hunter/gatherer habits are similar in their own vein.

Beautiful Sunset

Just had to take a picture and share it of the Sunset we had last night. Our weather has been beautiful on one hand with temps rising to the upper 60's and lower 70's but still no rain or snow. It is so dry now, we really need about a 6 inch snow that will sit on the dry ground and slowly melt and soak in. I'm afraid any rain would just wash away our top soil. I'm sure the good Lord knows what is best and we just need to be patient.

Back to Reality and a New Year

I'm home again after traveling across the country for the Holidays. It was great to visit with the grandchildren, daughter and son in law and then home for one day and back on the road to spend New Year's with son and his wife and family. But- I'm glad to be home sleeping in my own bed. I woke up a couple of times and had to think about where I was.

I took advantage of some after Christmas sales but not as much as previous years. Most things were picked over before I had a chance to do any serious shopping. I have enough Christmas wrap for next year. I did buy some more bows. I like to pick them up this time of year for birthdays, weddings, showers, etc. I still have some things stored in my gift closet in case of a wedding. With all the weddings we had in the last couple of years, I probably need to stock up on baby gifts now. But after all, I’m really at a point in life that I need to simplify and reduce the clutter.

Now, back to reality: Taking down the Christmas tree and other decorations; Looking at all the left-over baked goods and telling myself I really don't need that Christmas cookie, candy or piece of fruitcake; Looking at the stuff in the basement and resolving that I really will have a yard sale and get rid of it. Catching up on the mail and phone calls.

We heard from some old friends over the holidays and I really need to work harder at keeping in touch. Maybe this blog will help. If they read it, they can post their latest news as a comment.

This was our son’s first Christmas season in the sporting goods store he bought last June. He left his job of 18 years to try doing something he loves. He admitted to me that it was a lot more work than he had anticipated. Being your own boss can make you work too hard some times. It should be easier next year. He will know ahead of time what he needs to order and perhaps will have more help. Plans to hire one of his cousin’s sons full time. He is a bright young man and has been working there part time for a few months. As soon as he works out his notice with his other employer he will work full time for our son.

(Would you call him a second cousin or 1st cousin, once removed? His dad and our son are first cousins.)

I’m looking forward to a good year. Lots of projects planned. I Read an article by a man who said that as a child, he had spent New Year's Eves with his dad and some older men. He said the men were not so much anxious to celebrate a New Year as to reminisce about the previous one. Rather than say “Happy New Year” they always said, “Wasn’t last year a Dandy!”

Here’s wishing your past year and the coming ones are Dandys!