An item not needed on a hot July day in Georgia.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Two weeks ago I contacted a friend who lives in Norcross to see if she was interested in helping me explore the Yard Sale scene in Gwinnett County. Her retort was that it was too hot to go to sales in July. I did not question her lack of enthusiasm but this week I decided it is too hot to go to sales. Especially now as a stagnant high pressure system sits over most of the nation bringing temperatures in to the mid 90’s in Atlanta. I went to sales anyway but found I became overheated in the process and had to end my expedition around 11 AM.
Whiteford Ave. - Edgewood “Garage Sale”
This sale was in the two-car garage of a massive infill home in Edgewood a block from the Marta station. This type of McMansion seems to be the result of big box stores being built in once iffy neighborhoods. The builders at least had the decency to construct the double garage behind the home so that neighbors would not have to face a line of garage doors housing SUVs. Approaching the sale I passed a 2003 big Toyota for sale in the driveway next to it was a large camping tent set up for buyer’s inspection. The goods inside the garage were what one would expect from such a manor. Here two men watched over a collection of barely used sporting and athletic goods that included skis, a snowboard, a strength-training bench, a basketball hoop and various rackets. Also on display was a set of large speakers, a large framed photo of Yellowstone falls, and a small television, some CDs and a bobbing head figure of Clay Aiken. Overall everything looked very clean and most of the stuff looked like it had never been used.
I bought nothing.
Whiteford Ave. - Edgewood “Garage Sale”
This sale was in the two-car garage of a massive infill home in Edgewood a block from the Marta station. This type of McMansion seems to be the result of big box stores being built in once iffy neighborhoods. The builders at least had the decency to construct the double garage behind the home so that neighbors would not have to face a line of garage doors housing SUVs. Approaching the sale I passed a 2003 big Toyota for sale in the driveway next to it was a large camping tent set up for buyer’s inspection. The goods inside the garage were what one would expect from such a manor. Here two men watched over a collection of barely used sporting and athletic goods that included skis, a snowboard, a strength-training bench, a basketball hoop and various rackets. Also on display was a set of large speakers, a large framed photo of Yellowstone falls, and a small television, some CDs and a bobbing head figure of Clay Aiken. Overall everything looked very clean and most of the stuff looked like it had never been used.
I bought nothing.
Flora Ave. - Edgewood “Yard Sale”
This sale on the porch of an old bungalow less than a block away represented a far different lifestyle than the first sale. I had a sense on déjà vu when I walked up the front steps since I had been seen most of this stuff for sale before at this same house. Here was a collection of dusty and mildewy things piled randomly on the front porch and in the front yard. It appeared that the objects were housed in a dirty crawl space or shed then hauled out every year for a sale. Among the clutter was a Zippo lighter with an engraving of the USS Saratoga, a bag of carnival masks, a lamp with a dogsled and Eskimos, an alligator purse, two old Electrolux vacuums and some empty spice bottles. In the yard was an assortment of old electric motors and discarding building supplies. Most remarkable was and old water cooler with the words “Road busters HQ” painted on it. The vessel had been used to quench the thirst of those who fought the building of 485 through nearby neighborhoods. Some books found there included “How to eat like a child”, “Frank Purdue’s Guide to Chicken” and “Home Brewing without Failure”
I bought nothing.
This sale on the porch of an old bungalow less than a block away represented a far different lifestyle than the first sale. I had a sense on déjà vu when I walked up the front steps since I had been seen most of this stuff for sale before at this same house. Here was a collection of dusty and mildewy things piled randomly on the front porch and in the front yard. It appeared that the objects were housed in a dirty crawl space or shed then hauled out every year for a sale. Among the clutter was a Zippo lighter with an engraving of the USS Saratoga, a bag of carnival masks, a lamp with a dogsled and Eskimos, an alligator purse, two old Electrolux vacuums and some empty spice bottles. In the yard was an assortment of old electric motors and discarding building supplies. Most remarkable was and old water cooler with the words “Road busters HQ” painted on it. The vessel had been used to quench the thirst of those who fought the building of 485 through nearby neighborhoods. Some books found there included “How to eat like a child”, “Frank Purdue’s Guide to Chicken” and “Home Brewing without Failure”
I bought nothing.
Moreland Ave. - Inman Park “Multifamily Sale”
This sale was in the garage of a condo development built a few years ago next to Freedom Park. I drove into the small driveway and parked behind a new Saab 95 with a “Who is John Galt” and “Don’t Tread on me” bumper sticker. In the back window was one of those stylish looking W stickers that they made for Republicans who felt the Bush Cheney stickers clashed with the styling of their expensive cares. At the sale I found a small assortment of very new and very clean goods spread out in the driveway and garage. Among the stuff was a leather sofa, a paper shredder, a set of golf clubs and two electric fans. There were also two of those backpack picnic sets. Both sets appeared unused. These are starting to be one of the most common unused items at sales. I’m starting to believe no one has ever used one of these sets anywhere.
I bought nothing.
This sale was in the garage of a condo development built a few years ago next to Freedom Park. I drove into the small driveway and parked behind a new Saab 95 with a “Who is John Galt” and “Don’t Tread on me” bumper sticker. In the back window was one of those stylish looking W stickers that they made for Republicans who felt the Bush Cheney stickers clashed with the styling of their expensive cares. At the sale I found a small assortment of very new and very clean goods spread out in the driveway and garage. Among the stuff was a leather sofa, a paper shredder, a set of golf clubs and two electric fans. There were also two of those backpack picnic sets. Both sets appeared unused. These are starting to be one of the most common unused items at sales. I’m starting to believe no one has ever used one of these sets anywhere.
I bought nothing.
Seminole Ave. – Inman Park “Yard Sale”
This sale offered marked contrast to the prior event. On the roof on a large craftsman bungalow was a bed sheet with the words "yard sale" on it large enough to be seen by passing helicopters. Here the entire front yard was covered in clutter. In the yard no less than three camping tents were erected and for sale. One was sold and taken down while I was there. In the middle of the yard was a massive collection of used golf balls piled into various boxes. A great selection of books and records took up a quarter of the yard. Among the titles were “Don’t know much about geography”, "When do fish sleep?”, "Do animals dream?” “Dictionary of pronunciation of artists names” and “Cooking in the Mississippi”. Among the children’s books was an assortment of Captain Underpants novels. Found among the recordings was a 45 album of the Firehouse 5 plus 2 and two 78 Albums by Dorothy Shay and the Park Ave. Hillbillies. Mixed in with the media were boxes of old House and Garden magazines from the 1960’s as well as old National Geographics. Other stuff scattered about the yard included a Chinese wind up toy of people playing ping pong, a gingerbread house kit, an inflatable strange looking yellow mustached figure called a Bop-it, a box of beanie babies, a small microscope, a bag of plastic eye patches, a Sponge Bob steering wheel cover and a boxed copy of Chaos software. On the street outside the sale was a box marked free. It contained some geometric forms made from popcycle sticks
I bought nothing.
This sale offered marked contrast to the prior event. On the roof on a large craftsman bungalow was a bed sheet with the words "yard sale" on it large enough to be seen by passing helicopters. Here the entire front yard was covered in clutter. In the yard no less than three camping tents were erected and for sale. One was sold and taken down while I was there. In the middle of the yard was a massive collection of used golf balls piled into various boxes. A great selection of books and records took up a quarter of the yard. Among the titles were “Don’t know much about geography”, "When do fish sleep?”, "Do animals dream?” “Dictionary of pronunciation of artists names” and “Cooking in the Mississippi”. Among the children’s books was an assortment of Captain Underpants novels. Found among the recordings was a 45 album of the Firehouse 5 plus 2 and two 78 Albums by Dorothy Shay and the Park Ave. Hillbillies. Mixed in with the media were boxes of old House and Garden magazines from the 1960’s as well as old National Geographics. Other stuff scattered about the yard included a Chinese wind up toy of people playing ping pong, a gingerbread house kit, an inflatable strange looking yellow mustached figure called a Bop-it, a box of beanie babies, a small microscope, a bag of plastic eye patches, a Sponge Bob steering wheel cover and a boxed copy of Chaos software. On the street outside the sale was a box marked free. It contained some geometric forms made from popcycle sticks
I bought nothing.
Linwood Ave. - Poncy Highland “Yard Sale”
When I left the sale on Seminole the day was beginning to get extremely hot. When I arrived at this small sale on the porch of a house not far from Ponce De Leon the climate was unbearable. The seller looked hot and I could barely focus on what was being sold. She told me that all the Xmas CDs were free. It seemed difficult to even consider any thing that had to do with that holiday in this heat. I was enen too hot to take notes. All I can remember was a combination Xmas and Tabasco necktie, some women’s clothing and a monitor priced at 5 dollars.
I bought nothing.
Fairview St. Druid Hills “Garage Sale”
At least this sale was in the shade. But I was still dazed by the heat as I entered this sale through the porte-cochere of this classic brick Tudor home. The first thing I encountered were two books by Rush Limbaugh and a biography of William F. Buckley. Other clutter there included some old vacuum cleaners, a cordless phone, some 3M board games and an unassembled plastic model of a piper aircraft. On a table was a selection of barware from the Ritz next to it was a framed copy of the serenity prayer.
I bought nothing.
Maxwell St. – Oakhurst “Moving Sale”
At this sale the sellers well all properly outfitted in lightweight straw hats. I did not have a hat so I had to watch out for heat stroke. A large selection of stuff was assembled in the front yard of a well-kept two-story frame home. Among the items were crutches, a pillow in the shape of a Perrier bottle, night vision goggles and a lot of graphic arts software manuals. In the shade of the porch I found books on dealing with chronic pain and improving ones sex life. On a table was a selection of Indian jewelry from the southwest and native made baskets from the Darien. On the ground spread out on plastic tarps was a collection of antique large tools with sharp blades and points. The most out of place object was a down parka making kit. In this heat the site of the down made one want to drink from the Perrier shaped pillow.
A bought a copy of “The Pillow Book” a collection of old Asia erotic art for one dollar. I hope to sell it on Ebay.
When I left the sale on Seminole the day was beginning to get extremely hot. When I arrived at this small sale on the porch of a house not far from Ponce De Leon the climate was unbearable. The seller looked hot and I could barely focus on what was being sold. She told me that all the Xmas CDs were free. It seemed difficult to even consider any thing that had to do with that holiday in this heat. I was enen too hot to take notes. All I can remember was a combination Xmas and Tabasco necktie, some women’s clothing and a monitor priced at 5 dollars.
I bought nothing.
Fairview St. Druid Hills “Garage Sale”
At least this sale was in the shade. But I was still dazed by the heat as I entered this sale through the porte-cochere of this classic brick Tudor home. The first thing I encountered were two books by Rush Limbaugh and a biography of William F. Buckley. Other clutter there included some old vacuum cleaners, a cordless phone, some 3M board games and an unassembled plastic model of a piper aircraft. On a table was a selection of barware from the Ritz next to it was a framed copy of the serenity prayer.
I bought nothing.
Maxwell St. – Oakhurst “Moving Sale”
At this sale the sellers well all properly outfitted in lightweight straw hats. I did not have a hat so I had to watch out for heat stroke. A large selection of stuff was assembled in the front yard of a well-kept two-story frame home. Among the items were crutches, a pillow in the shape of a Perrier bottle, night vision goggles and a lot of graphic arts software manuals. In the shade of the porch I found books on dealing with chronic pain and improving ones sex life. On a table was a selection of Indian jewelry from the southwest and native made baskets from the Darien. On the ground spread out on plastic tarps was a collection of antique large tools with sharp blades and points. The most out of place object was a down parka making kit. In this heat the site of the down made one want to drink from the Perrier shaped pillow.
A bought a copy of “The Pillow Book” a collection of old Asia erotic art for one dollar. I hope to sell it on Ebay.
Ebay Update
Several months ago I purchased a limited edition book on the founder of United Airlines for one dollar with the intent of selling it on Ebay. I did sell it a few months ago for $26 which did make me feel I was not wasting all my time going to yard sales. I really do not need a financial reason for my habits especially in light of my loathing those resellers who go thought yard sales like unethical fishermen with large drag nets. I should think the reason I go to yard sales is so I can report on what citizens are divesting themselves of, that also should be reason enough.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Saturday 7/16/05- Do women have nothing to hide that they won’t sell?
Fun for bachelorettes at a low price.
Today I've notice that far more women seem to sell their belongings more than men. The chances of finding men's clothing at a sale appear to be one forth of finding women's clothing. Women also do not seem to mind to give up things that men would find revealing about their lives. Perhaps the letting go of sexual instruction manuals, personal massagers and erotic dice is a cathartic act for women a way of letting to or perhaps they feel that ridding them selves of this clutter is a rite of passage and selling it in public gives them a sense of ascendancy.
Oakdale Ave. Candler Park "Family Yard Sale"
At first inspection this did appear as advertised with children's bicycles, piles of toys and boxes of juvenile media spread out in the front yard of this home and watched over by two women. Yet when I examined things closer I found a VHS copy of "Better Sex through Yoga" and "Surviving Teenage Pregnancy". In one of several boxes of books I came across several books on witchcraft, not your standard Candler Park Earth/Fem/New Age Magick works but titles such as "Cotton Mather on Witchcraft". Other items were mundane and perplexing at the same time such as the VHS based game "Nightmare" and a kit for making microscope slide from brine shrimp. Also puzzling was why were all the men’s shirts so wrinkled? But the three ceiling fans splayed out on the lawn gave this all an edge of everyday reality.
Clifton Rd. - Candler Park "Yard Sale"
This small sale was set up on the front porch and steps of a 1920’s wooden bungalow. A woman who appeared in her 30’s watched over the assembled goods. Among the items there were CDs of cajun Christmas music, a pack of “52 Cheap Date Cards”, an Andre the Giant, bobbing head figure, a voodoo revenge kit and a plush bear and frog. Among the books were several titles on ballroom dancing, “Prescription for Joy” and “Conversation Piece”. One of the conversation pieces in the latter work was “If you could add anything interesting to an elevator what would you add?” One item was a clear plastic bag on the porch with the label “Bachelorette Kit”. Among the items in the kit was a pair of glow in the dark erotic dice. Each side of the dice bore either a body part name or an action word. The pair facing me read lick-toe..
I bought nothing.
Oakdale Ave. Candler Park "Family Yard Sale"
At first inspection this did appear as advertised with children's bicycles, piles of toys and boxes of juvenile media spread out in the front yard of this home and watched over by two women. Yet when I examined things closer I found a VHS copy of "Better Sex through Yoga" and "Surviving Teenage Pregnancy". In one of several boxes of books I came across several books on witchcraft, not your standard Candler Park Earth/Fem/New Age Magick works but titles such as "Cotton Mather on Witchcraft". Other items were mundane and perplexing at the same time such as the VHS based game "Nightmare" and a kit for making microscope slide from brine shrimp. Also puzzling was why were all the men’s shirts so wrinkled? But the three ceiling fans splayed out on the lawn gave this all an edge of everyday reality.
Clifton Rd. - Candler Park "Yard Sale"
This small sale was set up on the front porch and steps of a 1920’s wooden bungalow. A woman who appeared in her 30’s watched over the assembled goods. Among the items there were CDs of cajun Christmas music, a pack of “52 Cheap Date Cards”, an Andre the Giant, bobbing head figure, a voodoo revenge kit and a plush bear and frog. Among the books were several titles on ballroom dancing, “Prescription for Joy” and “Conversation Piece”. One of the conversation pieces in the latter work was “If you could add anything interesting to an elevator what would you add?” One item was a clear plastic bag on the porch with the label “Bachelorette Kit”. Among the items in the kit was a pair of glow in the dark erotic dice. Each side of the dice bore either a body part name or an action word. The pair facing me read lick-toe..
I bought nothing.
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