It's not my picker, it's the sales

The sales the past few weeks have been just awful. October's usually one of my big buying months. This month it's been a big month to save money. I know I get pickier every year, but there's been nothing to even tempt me out to look the last few weeks.

This morning's lineup of sales looked equally bleak. However, I had a mid-morning doctor's appointment, and I would almost have had to go out of my way to avoid them.

I went to the first sale mostly because I'm fond of the couple running it, and it fit into my schedule. I found nothing at all there. The second sale was a fluke, because I had not seen any ads for it, but there were signs all over the place. It seemed less an estate sale than a sale for a business that might have closed its doors years before and at one time sold frog collectibles. The last sale, after the doctor's appointment, sounded from the ad like the best bet of the day. It was very, very odd. I could not figure out if it was a home, a restaurant, a bar, or an exercise studio ... there were elements of all of those. It seemed as if someone was still living in the house (or restaurant/bar/exercise studio). Also, nobody seemed to be in an especially good mood.

All I could find was the jack o'lantern in the first photo, and a few Christmas items - glow in the dark icicles, a single glass bead pick, a handful of tiny ornaments, and a stack of mesh Christmas stockings. The Christmas print back there is a tablecloth. Even the little spun-head matchbooks didn't really cheer me up. Three sales, and not enough to fill a grocery bag.

On a brighter note, my doctor pronounced me in fine health. (Not that I thought otherwise; it was one of those once-a-year deals and I was tempted to cancel.) I didn't ask him, but I think my internal sale picker is working just fine. It's not me. It's the sales. 

Comments

[Erica]

Hi Barbara~

I am dealing with the same lack of sales here on the west coast. I haven't been to any in the last 3 weeks. There is one that sounds promising tomorrow morning and I will be there for sure (along with every other person in town I'm sure). I love your candy bucket. Maybe you can tell me how to tell if they are old or not (besides the telltale Walmart stickers on so many of them).

Thanks!

Erica

[rae]

it has been the same around here. slim pickings, and i have barely even gone out. i love those little matchbooks though!

[laurie magpie ethel]

I am not sure how the doctor would have responded if you asked about your internal picker. Dismal sales this weekend here too...at least you did not leave totally empty handed!

[Into Vintage]

It's that time of year, I suppose, although I agree, some of my best finds have traditionally been in October. Except for this particular October.

BTW -- your last photo pretty much sums up my entire yard sale season regarding vintage Chrsitmas finds. (insert frowny face here)

[Renee]

Here! Here! Dismal pickings here too. Although I might have been happy to come home with that sweet tablecloth. Glad you checked out OK...smiles..Renee

[Kathy]

Happy to hear you are feeling better. Maybe the junking overlords are looking out for you and holding back the good stuff until you fully have your game on! 8+)

[Heather]

Such a pretty vintage tablecloth!! Hope you have a great weekend! xo Heather

[Joy]

Erica,
I was wondering the same thing about how to tell which ones are vintage pumpkin buckets.

And, Barbara I hear you about lack of sales. The church rummage sales even have been sorely lacking on my side of town and the stuff isn't worth buying. I did, however, recently buy some Halloween Suni candles for $.25 a piece(which are very similar to Gurleys and also made in Buffalo)at church rummage sale. They are new but missing the wicks. I was so excited to actually find vintage Halloween.

[Joy]

Actually, I think Suni candles may have been a division of Gurley.

[nanette]

I love the jack-o. I had those trick-or-treating. Everyone did. Love that. Life is like this post sometimes, isn't it.