Beach Combing Fashion

I got a lesson this weekend in beach combing fashion. It's not the clothes I'm talking about, but the accessories.

I had no idea accessorizing was so important. It turns out that for a serious beach comber, heading onto the beach with an improper collection bag is as unthinkable as the caterer of a two hundred dollar a plate dinner setting out paper plates.

Motivated Mom is definitely a serious beach comber, while Determined Dad (yours truly) is a serious beach sitter. The difference is important. The trunk of Motivated Mom's car is filled with bags of all shapes and sizes, things to poke with, and things to reach and dig with. The trunk of Determined Dad's car is filled with beach chairs, umbrellas, books, and towels.

We were in Determined Dad's car when we drove to the beach Sunday. When the lid of the trunk was popped open, Motivated Mom was mortified... Empty plastic grocery store bags were the only things available. HOW was she going to go beach combing with plastic bags? Plastic bags screamed amateur. Canvas bags were a necessity.

I pointed out that some of the bags were different colors and perhaps we could find a couple to complement our attire - but no go.

Just when all seemed lost, Motivated Mom let out an ecstatic whoop having spotted a duffel bag in the back of the trunk. The duffel bag was quickly emptied of its contents and we set off for a happy afternoon of beach combing.

I thought it best not to mention the color of the duffel bag clashed with her clothing.