Hibernation

On Friday I did several things I haven't done for quite some time.

I took cash out of my bank account.

I was on the road before sunrise.

I signed up for an estate sale. Fun sale! the advertisement promised.

There were a few newcomers to the usual crowd. One was a man who stood on the sidewalk and yelled questions to people. To me, standing by the basement window, he called "Anything good in the basement?" I did not wish to engage with him, so I shrugged. It was a friendly sort of shrug, but a shrug nonetheless.

As I waited, I made several resolutions about the sale season ahead. This year, I'm not going to make any buying mistakes. Not a one. Also, I'm going to treat everyone with dignity and respect. But I'm not answering questions yelled to me from the sidewalk. Mostly I'm going to keep my mouth shut, my head down and my eyes open.

Finally the magic moment came, and we went into the house. I explored it top to bottom, several times. Mostly because I was trying to figure out what possibly could be considered fun about this sale. It was the dullest collection of merchandise I have seen in some time. If there were glasses, they were clear. If there were clothes, they were white or beige. There even was a collection of doll clothes, and they were white and beige.

I found three objects, two of which are too boring even to mention. I stood in line in front of another newcomer to the crowd. She complained incessantly. By incessantly, I mean without ceasing. Why is the line so long? Why is the line moving so slowly? Why are the clerks so slow? This degree of grumpiness has an odd effect on me. It makes me aggressively cheerful. Perky, even. Why, look! We're moving ahead! It's not so bad! This made her even grumpier. Game on.

And thus another sale season opens. For this, I emerged from my winter hibernation. The one object not too boring to mention is the jadite/jadeite scotty dog on a rocker. (One of my resolutions is to worry less about spelling jadite/jadeite.) The rocker serves as an ink blotter, if one wanted to attach blotter paper to it. I did not know such a thing existed, but now I have one.

I'm going back in my cozy den now. If I venture out again, I'll let you know.

 

Comments

[Nashvilledeb]

That's the cutest, most colorful vintage find ever! Like you, I never knew of such a thing, but wow, what a find. Well worth putting up with the other 2 noisy shoppers. Patience is such a virtue.

[Elaine Richardson]

Wow! Welcome back! You were missed.

[KerryCan]

Just seeing that little Scottie prompted a huge flashback! My grandmother had one of these--I had completely forgotten it until I saw yours. I loved it . . .

[Musings from Kim K.]

Patience is definitely a virtue. Welcome back! You were definitely missed and I've ready to tag along on your thrifting adventures! Go get-em!

[Melissa's Antiques]

Better than nothing! Garage sale season started around me... and I hit an amazing sale that has me optimistic about garage sales. We'll see how long it lasts.

[Kate]

I have had very similar thoughts lately about the complaining thing. I like the way you put it. And I missed you, too!

[Kathy]

I adore the blotter and it is a great score but totally get the disappointment when you are ready for a honey hole sale and dive in with a pocket full of cash and then can't manage to find anything. Boo.

[Maria (Magia Mia)]

Ah Barbara, I miss your witicisms......Thanks for a morning chuckle. :)

What a score on the jadite/jadeite! I, too, obsess over the spelling.

[Karla Nathan]

Hmmm, no buying mistakes? For the whole season? Please keep us updated on that one... Best of luck! It reminds me of someone speaking out on Jan. 1st and saying they will lose 40 lbs by springtime. Such a hopeful and sincere pledge.

[vicki]

Phew! I am so glad you are back! You make me want to go to a sale....

[Erica]

Keep your head down and don't make eye contact. Either that or kill them with kindness. Depending on my mood, that is how I approach some of the crazy people I run into at the sales. HA!

Erica

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

Still hibernating over here but I keep popping my head out to see if YOU are done hibernating! I thought I'd seen it all in the jadite/jadeite world. Makes you wonder what else is out there, doesn't it? And I've heard that keeping your head down and mouth shut really is the best way to shop an estate sale. I'll have to try that sometime!

[Into Vintage]

This sale must have been bad if it didn't receive any apron scores from you. Not even a beige one.

[vintage grey]

Darling Scottie! I have been in line with the same kinda people. What's the rush! ;) Have a great day! xo Heather

[Foxy]

So good to have you back. All the lovely Christmas things - can't wait for December - well, Halloween first obviously.
Good to hear you don't have real foxhunts like the dreadful ones we have over here.

[Sally van Der sloot]

I love your posts. I look forward to them I love your photos, collections, gardens & since of humor. Thank you!