Saturday, July 9, 2011

Garage Sale

Whew, we've finished our three-family three-day garage sale.  Success!  We have things left, although we probably sold half of most items.  Each one of us was able to sell something big we wanted to get rid of and several people got really good deals.  I was busy for all three days with three or four cars showing up at a time.  My son, daughter-in-law, and I all kept busy on Saturday.  I don't normally shop garage sales, although I realize that isn't really smart when I'm trying to live simply and recycle.  My new goal is not to buy new things until I'm rid of the old things.  I'm jealous of those who looked like they knew what they were doing and left happily with their purchases.  Maybe next summer...... 

My favorite sale was the woman who walked up to me and asked if I had any children's life jackets.  I handed her one for a little boy.  She said, "That's great, this will fit my son.  Do you have any for a girl?"  I reached over and handed her one for a little girl.  She looked at me in amazement.  She said, "I just left work, we are going to the lake tonight, and I thought I'd stop by on my way home just in case."  We both laughed and each of us was extremely happy with the sale.

My son told me it looked like I really enjoyed all three days helping them with the sale.  I realized I did for several reasons.  I was able to help my sons with something they weren't able to do (the first night was their volleyball night and with my daughter-in-law the team captain, she and my son had to be there and my other son was working).  Friday was a work day for all.  It was fun to see many of their things go to others who would be able to enjoy them a little longer.  I knew my family would appreciate those items not taking up room in their homes (I even got rid of a few things).  They made much more money than they had the year before.  Last but not least, I hoped I was losing weight using the old sweat it off method (whew it's hot and humid in Iowa in June!) or by not having time to eat.

So what does that have to do with grandchildren?  My two granddaughters age 7 and 9 were great while I was occupied with customers.  They started the first day by putting their artistic talent and chalk to welcoming customers to a "fun" garage sale across the driveway and sidewalk.  They were always eager to watch over the garage sale when I had to run in the house for a minute (or to fix meals and snacks).  A couple of times they would see toys missing a piece and they would run into their rooms to find it and put it out in the garage sale.  Sometimes they would come out just for a hug and kiss and once I had a lovely dressed up sophisticated lady who sat with me to discuss how the sale was going.  When she found out the neighbor girl was selling lemonade, she once again became a 9-year-old with only the wig and dress left in the chair to remind me of our lovely conversation.

Kids are resilient.  Even though I would like to have every day a "fun day", that can't always be the case.  I explained to the children what our garage sale plans were and that we wouldn't be able to do anything fun other than the garage sale for the next three days.  Their response, "That's OK, Grandma."

Being grandma is wonderful!  What have you been up to lately with your children and grandchildren?

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like everyone enjoyed the "cleaning out".

We had one big garage sale ... and it became a family joke about all the stuff that emerged from the basement once my husband realized people were paying money for our junk. Our grown-up kids still tease him about it.

LexieM said...

That's the downside to not having it at my house. My son was doing the same thing, especially after he brought up a stand that sold minutes after he put a tag on it.