On a last-minute mission
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on December 22, 2013 1:50 AM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Caroline's owner Jenny Lewis rings up a customer who is doing last-minute Christmas shopping at her gift store Saturday
Lynley Lancaster, 6, and Colleen Lancaster, 3, had front-row seats to a Christmas music serenade by Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra in Berkeley Mall on Saturday morning.
The siblings watched the animated characters on-stage with rapt attention and smiles on their faces as they sat contentedly in a shopping cart, accompanied by their grandfather, Gary Lancaster Sr. He said he was in town visiting for the holidays.
"We just got here last night from Alabama," he said.
He said his wife was with the girls' parents, Gary and Amy Lancaster of Pikeville, while his assignment was to keep the children occupied.
"Their mom and dad's gone to see Santa Claus for something," he explained.
Joddie Davis of Goldsboro was meanwhile "on a mission" as she race-walked through the mall. But it wasn't for herself or a last-minute quest for a gift.
The grandmother of nine said she had set out to find one of her brood, let loose in the shopping center.
"They're in here actually spending their Christmas money, so I'm just supervising," she said, pausing briefly before resuming the search for a grandson.
Linwood Outlaw of Goldsboro was more nonchalant about the whole holiday shopping ritual.
"I had a list for this," he said, gesturing to the small bag in his hand. "Everything else is just trying to figure it out on the go."
Whether it was just a normal day of mall walking or seeking out whatever sales remain in the final push before Christmas Day, there were plenty of shoppers frequenting every large and small business around town this weekend.
And the bottom line remains that if you happen upon a real bargain, it's wise to take advantage, even if it's for yourself.
Susan Garner of Goldsboro did just that, when she found a good deal on a pair of boots.
"It's for me. I still haven't got my children and grandchildren's (gifts)," she admitted.