The yard sale was a great success. We got rid of lots of superfluous stuff and made a fair amount of money. I also saw old friends and family members I hadn't seen for a long time, and met some really interesting new people as well. (More about that later.)
But the whole affair left both Vann and me stiff, sore, tired, and grumpy. I think it was the stair climbing that did us in. We live in a three-story house and most of the things to be sold were on the third floor. So this was very probably our last ever yard sale.
Saturday was a beautiful day, and our street was full of visitors during most of it. Three other neighbors had yard sales too, so it was almost like a street festival. And almost like a reunion of sorts as well. The daughter of my best friend from high school showed up. I hadn't seen her in years and years. We had a good talk. A cousin that I hadn't seen in years came too, along with some of her girlfriends.
But most of the visitors were strangers. Interesting strangers. The best story, I think, is about the two good-old-boys (one black, one white) who told me that they like to get out and visit the yard sales on Saturday before the football games start. The black fellow looked pretty normal; the white guy had tattoos o'plenty. They were both very friendly and outgoing; you could tell they were doing what they like to do. I didn't think they were going to buy anything, but then the white guy spied a ceramic pig and had a fit.
"I have to have this pig for my mama," he exclaimed. "She loves pigs."
"Well, so did my mama," I told him. "In fact, those pigs are part of her collection."
"Oh, look, there are more!" he exclaimed. "I want this one too. My mama will love them. Oh, look, I didn't see the salt shakers. And look at the little pig pitcher. Oh they're so cute. I want them all."
His friend seemed quite amused by this guy's appreciation of the pigs.
"His mama likes pigs," he said to me as if he felt some explanation was needed.
"Yeah, mine did too," I replied.
As I was wrapping the pigs in newspaper for safety and bagging them, the friend said to the tattooed fellow, "Now we're going to have to go by your mama's and drop these off before the game. They might get broken if we leave them in the truck."
So if you ever get the idea that all good-old-boys care about are football, beer, and their trucks, just think of these two fellows who scour yard sales on Saturday morning in search of treasures that their mamas would like.
Another interesting visitor was a tall handsome fellow who bought scads of stuff and returned later in the day with his wife and a friend (woman). The friend chose lots of clothes from my rack and when I was bagging them, I asked her if she wanted the hangers. "No," she replied. "I live with them, and they won't let me have wire hangers. Just like Joan Crawford, you know?" She didn't smile or anything, and neither did the two friends or relatives or whatever they were. It freaked me out, I'll tell you. I couldn't help wondering if this poor woman had learned her lesson the 
same way "Mommie Dearest" taught her daughter about "NO WIRE HANGERS!"
Sophie had a ball, but I think the whole affair tired her out too. She started the day in the house, where she stood constantly at the bedroom window and barked and barked and barked and barked. Finally I let her out. And, as I knew she would, she ran to meet every visitor, barking at them like the most fierce dog in the world. It didn't seem to bother anyone, and Miss Sophie copped many a pet, until she accosted a young Mexican woman with her ferocious greeting. The woman froze in her tracks with a look of extreme terror on her face. I ran immediately and grabbed up Sophie and asked the lady if she was all right. She just smiled and walked on up to the yard sale displays. She didn't buy a thing. I hope she's ok today, fully recovered from her fright.
After the sale was over and all the leftovers were boxed up for transport to Joseph's Storehouse (local thrift store), Paul C. treated us to a wonderful neighborhood cookout of burgers, beans, and coleslaw. Paul is likely the best cook in the neighborhood. He and his wife Karen have an amazing patio behind their house. It's actually an outdoor kitchen with a huge grill and a brick pizza oven and I don't know what all. The supper was delicious, and we were all ravenous after a long day of greeting customers.
So that's it for the Clevelands as yard sale entrepreneurs. Too hard a way to make a living, we say. But it won't stop me from visiting other yard-salers. In fact, I hear I missed quite a few great ones by staying home and holding my own. You can bet I won't let that happen again.
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On 10/22/2007, Pam said ...
It sound like it was quite the day. Loved the story about the "good old boys" It looks like you got rid of a lot of "stuff". It is amazing how that stuff collects and then multiplies. And then all it really does is require dusting or storing from then on in.
I'm sure Sophie was thrilled to be part of the action - pretty exciting all those people in your yard!!
On 10/23/2007, Georgina said ...
What a success the yardsale was! I understand that must be a lot of work but also a good day , plenty of little stories that will make you smile when you remember them. Being the hostess must have been stressing to Sophie, but I think she got the best part: no carrying and no packing the stuff. Have a nice day Susan!
On 10/23/2007, Deb said ...
Loved hearing about your day. I know you feel much freer now that the "stuff" is out and gone. And what a blessing that you were rewarded with a cookout with friends.
And did sweet Sophie get any leftovers after guarding her people all day? LOL!!
On 10/23/2007, Gayle said ...
I continue to appreciate your wonderful blog. I usually don't take the time to read most of the blogs out there. (I just look at the pretty pictures!) But you write exceptionally well and I thoroughly enjoy your writing. Thank you!
On 10/23/2007, Nicole said ...
Your garage sale looks like it was a HUGE effort! My gosh, it puts mine to shame! Hope you didn't have much to put back up on the third floor!
On 10/23/2007, Karla said ...
Sounds like quite a successful day! My back aches for you! I remember how much work it was. Great that you sold a lot though. I enjoyed reading your stories about the customers!
Karla
On 10/23/2007, Molly said ...
Oh I'm glad to hear it went well!! And happier still that it wasn't me having to do any of the work!LOL There are lots of things that need done here, hopefully this weekend...
Molly
On 10/29/2007, Kai said ...
WAS THAT YOUR WORD YAHTZEE GAME? DID IT SELL? Oh, I WANT that! I play Yahtzee ALL the time, but I've never seen WORD Yahtzee! If you still have it, can I buy it from you & pay you to mail it? PLEASE? I'm SERIOUS!
Whew! Sorry - had to get that out first! LOL! I SO much enjoyed your last several entries, Susan! Your witch poem was hysterical! And I loved seeing all the fun at the party! But I most enjoyed this post about the yard sale! You REALLY should be a writer! OH! And THANK YOU for putting us onto the paperback exchange!
Let me know about the Yahtzee, PLEASE!
On 10/30/2007, Rose said ...
I just came to your blog by way of Daisy Cottage! I sooo wish I had been at your garage sale...I see Currier and Ives dishes on your table. I've been collecting them for over ten years now. I hope they found an appreciative buyer!
On 10/30/2007, Rose said ...
I just came to your blog by way of Daisy Cottage! I sooo wish I had been at your garage sale...I see Currier and Ives dishes on your table. I've been collecting them for over ten years now. I hope they found an appreciative buyer!
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