Who would pay $23.95 for a stuffed teddy bear at a garage sale?! Yep...ME!

Yes, it's true, two weekends ago I bought a stuffed, handmade teddy bear from a local garage sale and I paid $23.95 for it. Considering how much I can otherwise buy with that much money (such as a vintage fur coat, or a complete double bed set, or practically my entire fall and winter wardrobe) you might be wondering 'why?'.

Was it some rare Steiff bear that I was lucky enough to stumble across and that would sell at auction for thousands of dollars? Was it a one of a kind or limited edition bear from a modern day teddy bear artist? Did I notice a hole in one of the seams and discover that someone had secreted their life savings within the body of the bear?

No, nothing like that. Albert, as I call him, is just a very large, handmade, fully jointed, old-fashioned style teddy bear (29 inches long). He is without maker tags or any kind of identification. He is not made of expensive mohair.

I am also positive that he is not made of recycled real fur, like the seller thought, although he is made of good quality fake fur and is very soft and pleasing to the touch. This was one of those rare times when I came across an unique item that I felt warranted the additional expense.

Part of the draw was that for a time I created hand made jointed teddy bears myself. I designed my own pattern and sewed them entirely by hand. I appreciate the amount of work that goes into one.

One of my handmade teddy bears.

I have a sentimental connection to stuffed bears. I know that it would have cost more to make Albert in materials than what I paid for him. I know that on etsy or at a craft fair that for a hand made, one of a kind bear of this size, that I would have paid far more than what I did pay.

When I first saw him that day, and his brother who was made out of a lighter coloured fur, there was another woman there admiring them both and chatting with the woman seller. I gathered that someone she knew, perhaps a family member, had made the bears. The shopper was complimenting them.

Once she left, I went over to take a look at them. I asked how much they were and the seller replied, "She was asking $50 each, but I think that is too much. I would take $25." Regretfully, I passed on them and continued with other sales.

Later in the day, I had the non-buyer's remorse that I get on occasion. I knew that it was a lot of money to spend at a garage sale. But I also knew that I couldn't stop thinking about the bears and wanting one. I knew that I had not seen anything like them before and would not again.

I also recognized that while the price seemed high...while it was high for an item from a garage sale...that it was worth that much. At least to me. And that this was one of those rare times when I would not regret splurging.

But I had no idea where the sale had been located. I could not even have told you what part of town it was in, either than to say the north end because that was the only area we garage saled in that day.

Fortunately, my husband has a keen sense of direction and an incredible memory for places he has been. He recalled exactly where the house had been where I had seen the large stuffed bears. However, he thought it was crazy to pay that kind of money for one and balked at taking me back. But the next day he did.

I knocked on the door and a man answered. I apologized for the intrusion, and asked whether this was the right house that had had a garage sale yesterday, and had been selling teddy bears. I was not certain either or both of them would still be available, but figured there was a good chance based on the price and the fact that it was unlikely someone else like me with a real penchant for stuffed bears might have stopped at the sale and had to have them.

I did think that there was a chance that at the end of the day everything might have been loaded up and taken to the thrift store, which is what a lot of people do at the close of a sale when left with unsold items. Many people don't want to haul stuff back into the house that they have already mentally and emotionally parted ways with.

He was very friendly and did not seem irritated at being bothered. He called to his wife, who had been the one running the garage sale. When she came to the door, I asked about the bears and she said that they were both still available. I said that I was interested in the darker one, and asked if she would take $20 for it.

I was a bit surprised that she held firm on the price, and began to rummage around for additional change to add to the $20 bill I had brought with me, wrongly assuming that offer would be accepted. I managed to scrounge up an additional $3.95, which is where the odd total of $23.95 came from. She said that that was close enough, handed Albert to me, and off we went.

Albert sitting on my bed.

I am very happy with him and do not regret the purchase. I know that it was a lot to pay for something from a garage sale, comparatively speaking. I know I could get lots of shoes and clothes for that same amount. That I could get another piece of exercise equipment. That I could probably get a fancy kitchen appliance. I could get some nice pieces of artwork.

But to me this stuffed bear was worth it. He was not made by a well known artisan. It is highly unlikely that if I wanted to resell him that I would come anywhere close to recouping what I spent. But he brings me pleasure. I enjoy seeing him sitting on my bed.

I like thinking about the person who made him, wondering how long it took her, whether she named him, and whether he was an original design that came from her imagination, or was created from a purchased pattern.

As I have said before, garage sales are not just about saving money and being thrifty. Sometimes they are about those things that are simply nifty. Like Albert.

Cuddling Albert

(Oh, and as an aside, if I did find a teddy bear stuffed with wads of cash at a garage sale, I would turn it over to the seller and let them know. )

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

The weekend I saved approximately $1,000 garage saling!

Three weekends ago I had the pleasure of going garage saling with my good friend Carolyn again. There were not a lot of sales that weekend, and neither of us bought a lot of things (though I found a bit more than she did) but what I did find was amazing, and I saved a TON of money. Close to $1,000 and possibly more.

The 'buy of the day', in fact easily the 'buy of the season' if not the 'buy of my garage saling career', was a double sized Sears-O-Pedic pillow top bed; firm mattress, boxspring and bedframe for $25. That's right....$25!!!! You are hard pressed to find a second hand bed frame for that price.

I know that some people might be squeamish about the idea of a 'used' bed. I checked it thoroughly though. There was not a single stain. Not even the slightest indentation from anyone's bodyweight. It was a rarely used guest bed. The other offerings of the people who owned it were clean and well cared for, indicative of their lifestyle and habits.

This is a photo of a current model. The one I purchased is very similar. http://www.sears.ca/product/sears-o-pedic-md-1735sl-oxford-v-euro-top-sleep-set/601-45785-45785

I saw it when we first got out of the car. Having just priced a double bed with mattress, box spring, frame and taxes at almost $1,000 on sale at a local national furniture store, and seeing the immaculate condition that it was in, I assumed their asking price would be far above what I might be willing to pay. I asked anyways, and was surprised to hear a response of $40.

I went back to take a second, more thorough look, examining the seams and testing the firmness. I thought $40 was an incredible steal, and would have happily paid that amount, but I had only taken $40 for the day, so I offered $25, fully prepared to pay more. The $25 was accepted. I paid, took their phone number, and said I would call later to arrange pick up. I felt elated as they put a 'sold' sign on the bed.

At the same sale, I spied a long winter coat whose colours and textures immediately appealed to me. I admired the vintage feel of it, and the short, curly grey fabric accented by the faux fur collar. I picked it up and it was quite heavy. I slipped it on and it fit nicely and felt so good. 

My friend Carolyn glanced over at me and commented, "My grandmother had a coat like that." Now, that might have put some people off, but I have a love of things vintage and nostalgic. I asked how much it was, and was told $80. Darn! Regretfully, I put it back.

As I continued to browse, the woman selling it came to me and said that I should make her an offer, that she wouldn't be offended. I replied that I probably 'would' offend her. I told her that I go garage saling regularly, and had recently paid $6 for a Danier leather coat and skirt and was originally thinking the price on the coat might be $5. 

She said that there was no way she could sell it for that, but that she would take $40. I said that I understood and that $40 was probably a good price and that it was a beautiful coat, but that it was more than I could pay. She seemed to understand as well.

That coat was on my mind all day. I do not have a dressy winter coat, a fact that I lamented last Christmas when I went to our work Christmas party in my beautiful floor length designer party dress (purchased at Value Village of course!). I thought how perfect that faux fur coat would have been, and how 'me' it would have been.

I did find a couple of other coats and jackets though. At a subsequent sale there was a pretty lilac coloured suede jacket from Fairweather. I tried it on and the seller even had a full length mirror so that I could see how it looked. Her price was $10. Not unreasonable for a genuine leather jacket, but more than 'I' wanted to pay. As I hung it up, she amended, "How about $5?'"

That piqued my interest again, and I slipped it on once more double checking for sleeve length, which is often an issue for me, especially in coats and jackets for some reason. I offtered $3, and it was mine.

At the next sale I came across a lovely long, hooded spring/fall overcoat or trenchcoat. It was black with black and white checks on the collar and as an accent for trim on the pockets. The size was far too small for me, according to the tag. I tried it on anyways and was surprised that it fit. I guess it was generously sized! The price was marked $5. I offered $3 and I had yet another coat for my wardrobe.

Later that day my husband and I went back to pick up the bed. The coat was still there. I tried it on again, loving it even more the second time around. I took a closer look ar it, including the labels. I noted that it had come from a local furrier and saw the initials sewn on the satin lining. I stroked the fur collar, examining it, and realized that it was likely real fur.

The name for the fur on the body of the coat had come to me during the day. Persian lamb. I didn't know anything about it, but I was pretty sure that that was what it was called. I began to suspect that this was not a faux fur but a genuine vintage fur coat of high quality. No wonder she had been asking $80 originally.

On the drive home with the bed I decided to call the seller and make an offer of $20 on the coat. It was accepted! I was on such a high as we returned there, yet again, to pick up my 'new' coat. The woman mentioned that it had belonged to her mother. I told her that while some people might consider it old-fashioned that I appreciated its history.

When I got home I did some research on it. It would appear that it is most likely from the 50s or 60s. I found an interesting blog post http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/persian-lamb-telling-genuine that educated readers on how to tell a genuine Persian lamb coat from a fake one. It did not take long to determine that this was a genuine fur. Additional reading indicated that the collar is silver mink.

I have to admit that I have some ethical issues with fur products. I would not buy a brand new fur coat or article trimed with real fur. I do not judge anyone who does though. I eat meat and I have no problems with leather. I feel if we are going to be eating an animal anyways, why waste the hide?

I view vintage furs differently though. They are from a different period of time. A different generation with different ideas about the world. I do not see the point in throwing them out or leaving them to rot.

I love my coat. As with all my preowned things, I wonder about the woman who originally wore it. I wonder whether she is still living. I wonder what places she might have gone while she wore it. I wonder how it made her feel. I wonder whether she purchased it for herself or whether it was a gift. Whether it had sentimental value.

The interior lining is monogramed with her initials. Her first name begins with a 'Y'. I wonder whether she might have been an Yvonne, or a Yolanda. Perhaps an Yvette or maybe something more exotic like Yeshara. I enjoy wondering abou the people who used to own the things I buy. Especially those pieces that have some age to them, and that were likely special to their previous owners.

I was beyond thrilled with the successes of the day, and did not realize that there would be one more sale waiting for me the following day, and one more special item to pick up. As we headed home from grocery shopping the Sunday, I did not even see the sign at the entrance to the sidestreet nor glance up the road to see the small sale. But my husband did and turned the van around and went back for me. Before I was even out of the van, a gorgeous teal and purple coat in a subtle plaid pattern caught my eye.

As I tried it on, the gentleman running the sale said, 'It fits perfectly and it looks great on you!' I laughed lightly, and remarked that he was the consummate salesman. I asked him how much it was and he told me that it was $5. I offered $3, he was fine with that, and I hopped back into the van with my 'new' coat.

Closer inspection revealed it to be genuine Scottish mohair, and another vintage piece, though harder to date. It would seem to be from the late 50s to early 70s. I love the texture of the mohair, and it is in impeccable condition.

The colours did not photograph true. The teal is a bit off here, and the purple especially does not really show, and it is a lovely royal purple, as is the satin lining. It is perfect for a 'casual goes slightly dressy' look, and will go equally well with dress pants or jeans. I have only ever owned neutral coloured winter coats as an adult. I love the vibrance of this one!

In the past, I have only had one coat for the season. Last year it was a black leather thigh length jacket (which had gotten too large and which I donated to the thrift store). I am eager to have a selection of outerwear to choose from this coming season! It soothes the pain of knowing garage sale season will be drawing to an end before I know it.

And in addition to the money saved on the bed, I estimate I saved at least a couple of hundred dollars on the vintage fur and mohair coats, compared to similar items being offered for sale on sites such as ebay and etsy. So it's not an exaggeration to say that I probably saved $1,000 that weekend!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,
Cathy

Assorted treasures that I found for myself at the last town wide garage sale

Sunday, August 11, 2013

In addition to the half dozen pairs of awesome shoes that I found at the community wide garage sales on Saturday, August 3, I picked up some fun and some needed items for myself.

I have been trying to scale back on clothing acquisitions, since my wardrobe has filled nicely this season and have been trying to limit new purchases to fall/winter pieces or outerwear. But sometimes I cannot resist, especially when I find things priced for 3/$1 the way I did at one sale.

The sweater vest is not something I currently have in my closet. I really liked that it was reversible, giving two different looks depending on whether it was worn with the black knit side out or the grey faux fur side showing.

I liked the lace bottom on this striped gray tank top and thought the white shrug was cute as well.



This gray sweater vest is from Reitmans. I thought that it would look cute belted over black jeans.

I found a couple of nice looking recipe books. I paid $3 for both of them. I often get recipes by looking them up on the internet. And I actually just recently did a purge and donated a couple of large bags of recipe books to the local Value Village.

But sometimes I enjoy holding a book in my hands, seeing the beautiful photos, and getting inspired. The internet is good for searching for a recipe for something if you already have an idea of what it is you are going to cook or bake. But looking through a book can help you find new recipes that you might not have thought of.

 Life requires balance. And because indulging in decadent desserts or carb heavy meals will inevtiably take its toll, I felt that I should pick up this Suzanne Somers book. I will never be slim (but have never believed that a low BMI was the only pre-requisite in order to be sexy) and that is okay, but thought that it might contain some tips for maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.



In the vein of taking care of oneself, I lucked upon a seller who was probably a former Avon sales rep, or who is close to someone who is, and who was just putting out some brand new items when I arrived early that morning. I love Avon nail polishes and these plum and chartreuse colours caught my eye.

And I have always liked their make up as well.  Now I have two different types of foundations, and an under the eye concealer. I do not wear much foundation in the summer, usually only in the colder months, so these will last me a long time.

It is difficult to tell from the photo, but the blue box contains a necklace and matching earrings of gold tone and faux topaz (which happens to be my birthstone).

I was able to get all six items for $5, which is a significant savings.

And just in case I ever take myself too seriously and need a reality check I picked up this little gem to remind myself of the fifty in niftythriftyandfifty. Or if I just need a laugh now and then I am sure that it will contain a gem or two that I can relate to and that will put a smile on my face.

Speaking of age, I found that perfect little accessory that every woman over 40 should have. Wrinkle defense sun glasses, lol! This seller had a couple of boxes with assorted sunglasses. No Raybans or Oakleys, just the kind of thing you'd get at the dollar store. But no tax, some cute colours and designs, and I picked up seven pairs for $5.

I also found a pair that have a built in bifocal with magnification for reading. I do wear glasses for reading and it is not very convenient to take off sunglasses and put them on to check a map book in the car.

And I can never sit outside in the sunshine and read, because I need the protection from the bright light or am liable to get a migraine. So those are perfect for lounging outside and thumbing through a magazine or reading a good book.

I do not have anywhere near as many wallets as I do purses, but now and then if I see one that I like I will pick it up. This came from one of those sales where the seller had nothing priced. I really do not like those because I do not want to waste time collecting an armful or things only to find out that they are, in my opinion, way over priced

It is annoying to pick up one thing after another and to ask, "How much is this? And how much for this?" And if the seller is dealing with someone else as well, it can mean standing around until someone else goes through their armful of things trying to get prices.

I picked up the wallet and asked about it anyways when my turn came and was told that it was $2. Normally, I would haggle a bit and offer $1, which is what I am willing to pay for a wallet at a yard sale. But because I was already a bit put off at nothing being priced, I just set it back on the table.

As I started to walk away the woman called, "Or you can have it for $1 if you like." I gave in to the temptation and handed over a loonie and tucked the wallet into my purse.

I try to steer clear of serving pieces since I have enough of those already. But the vibrant colour of these dishes called out to me as I surveyed the table of offerings. I was surprised that they were priced for only $2 considering the way some of the other items there were priced.

Not only were there the three pieces that make up the set, but they came with a lazy susan for serving convenience. This was one of those rare times that I did not try to haggle or offer less. The set was very me and in the gorgeous fall colours that I am always drawn to and surround myself with at home.

And finally, I saw this cute box with fashion inspired graphics on it and took a closer look. It was a charming set of dessert dishes. And, as a happy coincidence, I had bought that lovely volume of dessert recipes earlier in the day.

I took a quick look at them and thenm since this was another sale with merchandise unmarked, waited to ask the seller how much they were. In my mind I had been thinking $2 so when I heard $5 I thought that was a bit high and set them back on the table, not even making a counter offer.

I stood there and looked at the box again, and realized that I had never seen a set at all like that before in all of my Saturday travels.

So I picked it up again, offered $3, and now they are mine. They are perfect for a ladies' tea, with assorted little bite sized squares or small cream puffs, or some other delicate and feminine treat.

Community wide garage sales really do rock. It truly was nice to get all of the things that I got for the rest of the family this weekend. But of course it was also nice to find all of these great things for me. So much pleasure for such a small financial investment and a few hours of my time!

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

I even found things for my 'picky' teen at yard sales!

Monday, August 5, 2013

When my children were younger, it was easy to find things for them at garage sales. They were not particular about their clothes, did not care about 'name brands' and had no personal style sense or image to maintain. Garage sales were a wonderful source for books and toys for them as well and helped our family to budget on one income in the early years.

As they got older, naturally they became choosier about their clothing. My thirteen year old daughter, in particular, has very strong preferences. It is difficult enough to find things for her at retail stores. My sixteen year old son is easier to please, though he has a few 'must haves' when it comes to his clothes.

As they got away from playing with toys and their interests became more electronic related, finding things in general for them became more difficult.

This past weekend's community wide sale yielded wonderful bargains for both of them, however. For the first time in a long time, my daughter actually asked me to keep an eye out for certain things for her. At the top of her list was books. Like me, she is an avid reader. My son also reads, although his interests are usually more non-fiction as opposed to novels.

One of the first sales I stopped at had a set of Hunger Games books tied in a bundle and priced at $5. I knew my daughter had read the series already, but that she would probably like to have her own copies to keep on display and to reread. I offered $3 and it was accepted.

I found more books that I thought would interest her at additional sales throughout the day. I paid between .50 cents and $1 for them. For under $10 she now has enough books to keep her busy for the remainder of the summer.

It is usually my son who is interested in comic books and when I saw this huge volume of Bones comics for .50 cents I bought it for him. I was not familiar with it myself, but my daughter knew what it was immediately and apparently she enjoys them. I am happy if it is something they can both get some reading pleasure from. And with a cover price of $46 new, it was quite a bargain. Even if it is well worn.

I found a couple of non-fiction books for my son as well. He is interested in history, especially modern day. I was happy to find the book about Canada's Avro Arrow and related programmes. As it happens, we have a late relative, Owen Maynard, who worked on the project. During the 'brain drain' of the sixties he was recruited by NASA and worked on the American Apollo space programme.

My brother, who was a fighter pilot in the Canadian Forces, and who now flies commercial jets, would also be interested in this book, I know. I think these books were worth the loonie that I spent on them.



We have been looking for a new winter coat for my daughter for the last two seasons, without any success. Did I mention that she can be picky? I saw this one on Saturday and knew right away that it was very her. Now if only it was in her size. Perfect! It fits her nicely and she really likes it, so she will actually wear it and get use out of it. For $2 it was a great find, I think. I also bought her a couple of hoodies, an ultra soft oversized hooded sweater, and a pullover. I paid $2 for all of those as well.

My son's signature style is plaid shirts. Long-sleeved in cooler months, short-sleeved in warmer weather. He is open to any colour combinations, which makes him easy to buy for. I found these three offered for $1 a piece. I paid $2 for the three. He likes them all and his genuine appreciation made me feel really good.

The very first sale we stopped at Saturday morning, I did not see anything that grabbed me. My husband, who had remained in the van, gestured to a pair of Bolle goggles that he thought he could use for dirt biking. They were priced for $3, and my offer of $2 was accepted. 

They are in excellent condition. I was happy to get something at the first sale after all. My experience has been that if I find at least one good thing at the first sale I stop at for the day, the remainder of the day will be a success. The theory held up that day! 

I came across these cute cast iron stocking holders that were priced at 3/$1. I couldn't even haggle on that one!

A few years ago I bought a lined wicker basket for our cat to sleep in. I brought it home, put it on the floor, and my Shih Tzu Mickey D. promptly jumped in and claimed it as his. Lately, Bobby has decided that a basket looks pretty good and has been taking naps in it, to Mickey's consternation. When I saw a cat bed for $1 at one of the sales this weekend, I snatched it up.

Bobby has decided that it is quite comfortable and suits him just fine and now Mickey D. has his bed back.



So everyone got at least a little something and it was well worth the outing. I spent more than I would have spent on a normal weekend out yard saling, but I saved even more. It had been a while since I had found much for the kids, and it made me recall those early years when the bulk of what I used to buy each weekend was for them.

That has shifted and now it seems that most of what I look for and bring home from sales these days is for myself. It was nice to find things for others, to know that they will actually enjoy them, and t get some deals.

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy

Sometimes the value of what you find at a yard sale cannot be measured in dollars and cents...

Sunday, August 4, 2013

My thrifting isn't just about saving money. Occasionally, it is not even about being frugal at all. Sometimes, I scour garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets searching for those items whose value to me is priceless because it is sentimental and nostalgic in nature.

There are things that you cannot buy new, because they are no longer made. Things that are a link to the past. Sometimes my own....the world of childhood memories. Sometimes a past that precedes me but to which I feel a connection nonetheless.

Yesterday was one of those days when, quite unexpectedly, I came across something that touched my heart and took me back to simpler, more innocent times.

I have always loved animals. When I was a girl, I was horse crazy. I would devour books about horses and those written by Marguerite Henry were among my favourites. I am still searching for a hardcover copy of King of the Wind which will always be the best horse story in the world to me, no matter how old I get.

Books about wolves and/or dogs were also sought out by the young Cathy. Our school library had some older copies of Albert Payson Terhune's novels about his beloved collies. Lad:A Dog was the first that I discovered, and as it happens the first that he wrote, and has remained my favourite of his books. 

I still have a copy which I purchased from my high school library at one of their discarded book sales. Gosh, I just realized that was more than thirty years ago!

I am drawn to stacks and boxes of vintage books whenever I go garage saling. Looking for old favourites. Discarded hard cover library copies with their card pockets and dust jackets with Dewey decimal system labels on the spine take me back to quiet hours spent among treasured 'friends'.

I can see again the shelves that held worlds that sparked my imagination. I can feel my fingers rifling through index cards in the wooden drawers of the old-fashioned card catalogue.

In one such box of old books yesterday, I chanced upon a trio of hardcover novels by the aforementioned Mr. Terhune. Three that were previously unknown to me; The Faith of a Collie, Sunnybank Home of Lad, and Buff a Collie. All three were in good condition for their ages, with their pictoral dust jackets intact. Not ex-library these, but pieces from the collection of a young boy who owned them a decade before I was even born.

His name was Wayne. I know this because it was inscribed inside two of the covers when the books were presented to him as gifts. The first The Faith of a Collie, was a Christmas gift from 1952. I think the givers may have been his siblings. The handwriting that penned the names is identical to that which inscribes the other book. Sunnybank Home of Lad was given to Wayne on April 18th, 1954, Easter Sunday, from his mom and dad.

I do not know whether Wayne is still living or how the books came to be put out in yeseterday's sale. I do not remember whether it was an older gentleman or couple who held the sale and that perhaps he had decided it was time to part with them, or whether they had been passed down in the family and having no sentimental or monetary value to later generations they were put out with the other offerings. 

I do know that Wayne must have thought a great deal of them, to have kept these three books for so long. I know that he took good care of them.

I wonder whether he had a dog growing up. I always wanted a dog as a child, so badly, but we never had one. We lived in the city and my dad, who grew up on a farm, believed dogs were meant to live outdoors and did not want one in the house. I would read my books and imagine how wonderful it would be to share one's life with a loyal canine companion who gave unconditional love.

Albert Payson Terhune's (1872-1942) novels were based on the lives of actual rough collies that the family raised at Sunnybank Kennels in New Jersey, U.S.A. Today, Sunnybank estate is known as Terhune Memorial Park - Sunnybank. There visitors can see the gravesites of some of the famous Sunnybank collies immortalized in Terhune's books. 

Perhaps I shall have an opportunity to visit there one day. I would love to wander the grounds with my thoughts and my camera, holding hands with the one that I love.

I do not know how many people today remember or know of the Sunnybank collie stories. If you remember these stories, or are a lover of collies, or a dog lover in general and would like more information there is a website http://www.sunnybankcollies.us/collies.htm that might be of interest.

I paid fifty cents a piece for these old books, published by Grosset & Dunlap, the company that is also known for issuing the original Nancy Drew hardcover editions, including my treasured and well worn copies from the sixties. 

They do have a bit of a collectible value. I do not ever resell for profit items found at garage sales, thrift stores and flea markets though. I have always thought it would be bad luck. And it goes against my personal philosophies. Their value to me is not financial anyhow. It is the floodgate of memories that holding one in my hands opens up.

It is the warmth in my heart as I think about the beautiful dogs with unconquerable souls whose stories lived on long after their paws no longer continued to pad across the emerald expanse of Sunnybank and their barks no longer echoed across the grounds. 

It is being again the me that I was all those decades ago when my body would lounge in my twin bed in my small bedroom of our townhouse, and my eyes would scan the pages of Terhune's books, while in my mind I cavorted with the gorgeous, spirited dogs who even then were just a memory.

So you see, going to garage sales isn't just about being thrifty. It isn't just about saving a buck or two. It is sometimes a way for me find that which is invaluable. A little piece of my past to hold onto in the present and to have for the future.

Nifty, thrifty and (almost) fifty,

Cathy