One used to see signs for "notions" and "sundries" in windows of drugstores, dime stores and department stores. I'm not sure what either category comprises, unless the "notions" aisle is where you go to get an idea or buy a clue. (Maybe that's why clues seem to be in such short supply these days; most of the stores that sold them went out of business.) The words carry with them the nostalgic waft of lightly perfumed stationery or sachets for a lady's linens. Those were the days when one had enough time to puzzle over the logic of buying drugs in drugstores and books in bookstores, but not being able to buy departments in department stores or dimes in dime stores. (If you did, how much would they cost?) Or, of course, babies at Babies R Us.
No such luxury for me today. Things are hoppin' here at Media Headquarters, so I'm off to continue my corybantic rounds. Happy second day of spring!