Yard Sale

I recently participated in a multi-family yard sale at my niece's house in North Scituate. I had my home on the market but it did not sell. I think the realtor started too high. I let him pick the price as he is an "expert". I'll try again in the spring. I asked my children what they would like from the house and almost everything has either been spoken for, or already moved to their homes. I still have lots of stuff. I have lived in this house over 40 years. I collected crackle glass, transportation toys (over 500), lead crystal and some artwork. My wife collected pottery and Santa Claus figures, some hand painted and signed and some that were inexpensive. My niece and Carol helped me wrap and box those items that would be sold. It is not an easy thing to do. I guess it took a couple of hours. The day of the yard sale took another six hours. For this I ended up with $42.00, good conversation and Ray made me lunch. I also saw a gal that I went to grade school with over 55 years ago. I took some stuff home with me. The rest was wrapped and boxed and went to Salvation Army. In retrospect, I felt that the whole process left me depressed. If it wasn't a dollar or less, it was not looked at. I had a hand painted vase made in Dublin by the Tara company. It was probably a fifth of its worth. Did not sell. I have promised myself that I will not do a yard sale again. I will either donate or send it to the landfill.

Carol's Craft Bags

Carol supported her family as a self employed seamstress. Her main source of income came from local interior designers. Carol would tackle almost any project. Carol "retired" when we decided to become a couple. Now her former occupation has become mostly recreational. During the past winter she made the most beautiful drapes for the guest bedroom. A soft green with palm trees. Just perfect for Florida. This past year Carol taught herself to knit with some guidance from my daughter Jill. Carol bought a pattern for a craft bag. She made one for herself and one for Jill. Below is Carol's craft bag used for her knitting. There are pockets inside and out.


When Carol gave the bag to Jill, her eldest, Lilia, exclaimed how much she liked the bag. So Carol decided to make a smaller bag for Lilia. Carol also said that Sylvie (3 years old) would also have a bag. Sylvie has become quite attached to Carol and Carol to her. Carol decided to design a version of the craft bag for the girls. Both bags have pockets on the outside and inside. Naturally the bigger bag below is Lilia's and the other is for Sylvie.

Carol has now moved on to her next project. She has decided that quilting will be the next new challenge. Last week we went to two quilting fabric stores for the supplies. Her initial comment was "I thought it would be easier to pick out fabric". Some day I will post the end result.

Travels with Tiny and Gizmo

Tiny

Gizmo

Carol had Tiny when I met her and last October I rescued Gizmo. I did try to get him to answer to a different name. He had none of that. Traveling around the country with the "boys" has been an experience. We have their beds, crates, food dishes and a water dish. Plus a bag with shampoos and assorted doggy needs. We need a cooler for Tiny's liquid thyroid medicine. He and I have a sluggish thyroid and we take the exact same medicine only mine is in pill form.

Not every motel is "pet friendly". La Quinta, Motel 6 and the Drury hotels all accept pets with no extra charge. Other hotels will accept pets with up charges ranging from a fee/pet to set charges. Most are $5 to $10 per pet and I have seen a place that had a one time fee of $75. We did not consider that hotel. AAA sells a book listing "pet friendly" hotels. As a member, I was a little upset that it was over $12. The Internet is also a source. Carol and I have met a lot of great people (almost all seniors) traveling with their pets.

During a recent July trip we either left the truck locked and running while we went to restrooms or sandwich shops for take out or we went one at a time. The truck has a button code on the door for unlocking. We met a very nice lady at a motel with a schnauzer. She said I leave it running and unlocked. Pity whoever tries to take the vehicle.

Tomorrow we are going on a day trip to Keene, NH to visit a favorite cousin. She has graciously also included our pets. In preparation, Carol bathed the dogs this morning. I have washed all the bedding and blankets and they are hung on the clothesline. We want them fresh and clean. Gizmo will not be allowed to run wild in my fenced yard today. We want him clean. Yorkies are little ratters and he seems happiest diving under bushes and plants and rooting in the earth. Later the crates will be put in the vehicle. At one time they slept in the crates at night. I bought them beds and now they mostly sleep in the beds. The beds will be put on the back seat tomorrow. Tiny sleeps mostly while we are riding. Gizmo likes to look out the window.

I can't imagine our life without them. They each have a distinct personality and they give us pleasure and they do amuse us.