Missing pieces

So here's what usually happens when I'm driving back from a decent auction or estate sale: I think about the enormous amount of stuff I got, and what a good deal I got on it. I look forward to getting home and sorting through the box lots. I'm cheerful and optimistic.

But that's not how I felt when I was driving home from an auction Saturday. Oh, I had bought stuff, all right. But I felt like I spent a lot of money, and I didn't have much to show for it. I felt as if I'd made some rookie mistakes. I chided myself over and over again for buying some completely unremarkable Christmas ornaments. I missed out on some box lots I wanted. I regretted spending as much as I did on one lot, and regretted not bidding higher on another. Since this auction was some distance away, I had plenty of time for second thoughts and regret on my drive back. By the time I got home, I didn't even want to unload the car.

The lot that I regretted buying was a lot of Jadite. There were four mixing bowls and some miscellaneous pieces. I'm such a cheapskate I feel queasy any time I spend more than $25. Let's just say that when the bidding was done, I was feeling very, very queasy.

Last summer was a good year for finding some medium- and large-sized bowls. I already had a couple of small ones. Which left me with two incomplete sets of nesting bowls. The lot that I bought at the auction had more small ones. Which is why I was really kicking myself for buying them: I didn't need more.

Except, as it turns out, they weren't the small bowls. They were the next-size-up from the small bowls. Which meant they were the missing links, and I now had an embarrassment of riches: not one but two sets of Jadite nesting bowls. And my mood improved instantly.

So what I'm left with, aside from the bowls to complete the two sets, are a 7-inch swirl mixing bowl, another mixing bowl about the same size with a banded edge, and a couple of cereal bowls in the Jane Ray pattern.

And something else to look for, because the lot had a creamer and the lid to the sugar bowl, but no sugar bowl. But I'll find one eventually. Maybe not right away, but some day. I'm back to feeling optimistic.

Comments

[MaryKayAndrews]

Not one but two completed Jadeite mixing bowl sets--I'm, well, Jadeite green with envy. I've got a set with 3 pieces, missing the smallest piece I think.

[Angela]

Nice! The only time I have ever come across Jadeite was at an estate sale where they wanted $18 for each coffee mug. So you see, I am "green" with envy. :)

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

I love it when we think we've made a colossal mistake, but then we find out it's really ok! You are definitely swimming in bowls over there. Oh, and I have a sugar bowl with no lid. I've looked on Ebay, and there's one that's always on there for $24.95. If I actually used the bowl, I think I'd just let the flies land on my sugar, thank you very much!

[Tina]

Oh, I could look at those bowls for hours!

[Linda @ A La Carte]

So glad it turned out better then you thought for yourself. I hate it when I spend over $20 for something and then think should I, was it worth it? Yikes...so envious of you and that gorgeous Jadite!!

[HeidiAnn]

Great stuff - I know you will find your sugar bowl - and probably sooner than later.
Your post got me to thinking that I just HAVE to get all my Jadite together! I need to move/pack/get-rid-of other stuff to give it the place of prominence it deserves, dang it! Sure do wish I had more shelves for display! And a bigger kitchen would be nice, to keep ALL of my dishes in!

[nanette]

That is why auctions are so hard. Split second decisions. When I was growing up nearly 80% of everything in the house was bought at auction. My dad had a friend. At the time I hated getting "used" stuff. Now I wish so much I could go back there ...

[Mary @ Turkey Farm Treasures]

To find any jadeite at all for a decent price would be a miracle, because I live so near where it was manufactured, sellers are knowledgeable of its true value. Good for the seller, not so much for the buyer.

Nice serendipitous finds.

[Shelley Germann]

You are writing EVERYTHING that goes on in my head after an auction. All the uncertainties, second guessing and regret on how much I spent and buying the "wrong" box. After all these years you would think I would be over these feelings. I'm glad it all worked out for you. In my experience, all that worry fades after a few days and you are ready to do it all again!

[One Gal's Trash]

And I have an extra Jane Ray sugar bowl...let me know if you want me to ship it off to you! Nothing better than re-uniting a couple that were Made For Each Other.
xo
Pam ~ One Gal's Trash

[rebecca]

Oh what thrifty karma! And yes, you'll find that sugar bowl. I have faith. :)