This morning I was strongly remembering through the years I've spent of buying other people's stuff from their yard sales. I started going to yard sales after my first child was born, stopping at each house, putting on the baby "front" pack, placing the baby inside it, and going off to see what bargains we could find.
It being a university town, it was a bonanza!
I think half of what we own here came from thrift stores and yard sales--and it's not in disrepair, either!
During the child years, it was easy to rise very early and to get onto the road. We had a "family bed" for a long time, so I never needed an alarm clock. I quickly dressed, put on my special Garage Sale hat (to hide my messy hair), and started driving.
I was serious. I was often one of the first arrivals.
(But I was never mean, I never pushed, I never grabbed--just so you know)
Since my boys are teens now, and I don't have that special alarm OR that need to buy toys and child clothing, it's been a while since I've even bothered to go out. Today I wasn't one of the first ones to arrive, and I often found myself musing about the homeowners, the house, and the yard instead of looking at what I was SUPPOSED to be doing: choosing stuff before others got to it!
I bought a lot of things. It was very hard not to buy more. BUT: none of it was for me.
Here are some camping supplies for my younger son.
I have a friend who works at a reform school. The students aren't allowed to remove books from the library, and so they're eager to devour any books she brings to her classroom.
One gentleman had everything at his place for FREE. Well, surely someone I know can use this battery-operated clock.
I found a Victorio Food Strainer for $4!!! These things are absolutely fantastic. Since I already have one, I called a friend. But she already has one, so she called her mom. I am soooo glad I found someone for whom I could buy this bargain.
And a tractor for 10 cents. Yes, it's true, only 10 cents. Surely I will find an opportunity and a boy for whom I can just whip out this gem as a gift, right?
If you want me to look out for one for yourself, let me know.
One gentleman had everything at his place for FREE. Well, surely someone I know can use this battery-operated clock.
I found a Victorio Food Strainer for $4!!! These things are absolutely fantastic. Since I already have one, I called a friend. But she already has one, so she called her mom. I am soooo glad I found someone for whom I could buy this bargain.
And a tractor for 10 cents. Yes, it's true, only 10 cents. Surely I will find an opportunity and a boy for whom I can just whip out this gem as a gift, right?
If you want me to look out for one for yourself, let me know.
I would say you were very successful, and so sweet to get things for others. I love the camping coffee pot for your son. I love old dishes/utensils......good job, Mom!
ReplyDeleteEverything free at a garage sale? Wow! I should have one of those! I have plenty of stuff I need to give away. Enjoyed the pictures of the bargains. What it comes down to, I'm a pack rat.
ReplyDeleteI CANNOT believe you found a Victorio strainer for only $4!!!!! If I didn't have my own I would be pounding the door down wanting to take that bargain off of you hands.
ReplyDeleteI know this is a bit off-topic, but, do you have a hat for every occasion? I think sometime we could use a post about your hats. They are wonderful.
ReplyDelete