yard sales in florida are a curious thing. they usually start early in the morning because there are those who are up and about specifically looking to be the first one there. inevitably, a van full of seniors will arrive while you are setting up. there are old ladies who, normally sweet in personality, will talk you down from a quarter to a dime. there are old guys always looking for guns, knives or fishing rods.

yard sales have the tendency to make me question myself; i look at my items for sale and wonder why no one else seems to need them like i once did. doesnt anyone have a small rodent they need a cage for? (actually, rodent or not, someone did eventually get that small cage) whats so wrong about the price im asking for those collectors mugs? and dont even ask about the clothes i had for sale. even at 50 cents each, i didnt sell much.

in a way, its sad to watch. in other ways, its uplifting to be free of so much stuff that you dont have a place or use for.

yard sales also end up being a time for acquistions. usually, others throw in their few items to sell and of course, i always examine these items to see if perhaps its something i had been looking for. because of one such purchase like this, i ended up with negative sales for the day. the next day, however, i was happy to make a little over 8 dollars, even with one more purchase. i also use yard sales as a way to look through dan's garage, which is full of so much stuff, im sure i could almost build a house and have all the supplies i need from his shelves alone. this time, i made an off-hand comment that i was looking to get a toolbox. within ten minutes, i had three such toolboxes shown to me, and 30 seconds more, i had approved of the final selection. along with such box, i was allowed a few tools to add to my collection. a rasp, a hacksaw blade (for which i had no saw) and a swiss army knife. there will be plenty of room for the small amount of tools i currently own, essentials like a hammer and nails, screwdrivers, pliers and other odd and ends.

yard sales. this was my last one.