Kindred soles?
The worst punster ever? Maybe boot. Er, both.
Bag Lady can be talking about none other, of course, than the gent behind L.L.Bean. His Freeport store is a Maine institution, like red hot dogs and pier fries, though mostly less edible. This time of year it’s hopping and with online deals too sweet to resist (free shipping! Spend $50 and earn a $10 gift card!), I settled in for an evening of e-tailing with one caveat: made-in-the-USA items only.
That search a few weeks ago pulled up 721 listings. That search on Wednesday pulled up 669. Either way, it’s A LOT, including many, many, many boots, socks and dog beds. One might say an inordinate number, but then it can’t be all moose callers.
Gnnnnurrrrr!*
* Moose for, “Let’s get to it!”
* Therapeutic dog couch, $119-$309
For the dobermans, one of whom is old and grumpy and another just sometimes grumpy.
Bag Lady initially scoffed at the price — $309? — but this couch has an average 4.5 out of 5 consumer stars in 127 reviews. Maybe the dobs will leave a little room for me to give it a test.
* Rangeley bed, $299
For camp.
Made in Maine! And about as simple as simple can be while still, technically, sleeping off the ground. No need for a wussy box spring, according to the write-up. (Which makes pains not to use “wussy.”) Also, you assemble it yourself.* (*See aforementioned lack of wuss.)
* 100th Anniversary Trout Knife, $49
For gramps.
With a sheath! And a belt loop! Because you never know when trout will strike.
* Men’s Allagash Bison Leather Belt with Ornament, $49.95
For gramps again. He’s totally making out.
With affixed silver fish. Pair with the trout knife, of course.
* Rolla Roaster Hot Dog Forks, set of two, $15.95
For anyone with a mouth.
Ha, ha! Rolla Roaster. Top with ketchup and slide between a warm pun.
* New England Shirt Company plaid shirt, $105
For anyone on your list with a torso.
I want to like this shirt, badly. It’s made in Massachusetts, which is great. It’s also an Oxford for $105. Quick, avert your eyes. My cheap side is smacking up against my regional pride.
* Quaker Boy Moose Mate Call, $14.95
For the family-party gag gift.
Comes with a funnel to call through and a cassette tape titled “Moose Mate” to learn the calls. Um, a cassette tape? Even the moose is scoffing.
Best find: Peet Boot Dryer, $49.95
For everyone! Or at least Bag Lady.
Um, genius! From the description: “Uses thermal convection to safely and silently dry soggy footwear overnight.” Why doesn’t every Maine entryway come standard with these?
Think twice: Hammock table, $69
It’s a teeny, tiny triangular whiff of a table that pokes into the ground next to one’s hammock. Very Thurston Howell III.
Gnurrrffff*
*The moose says, “Outfit your family with Rolla Roasters instead.”
Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who mildly dispute grumpy accusations) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.
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