Day One

Yesterday a friend, Jim, suggested I start a blog about my experiences as an antique dealer.  One of those sledge hammer moments - thanks for a poor night's sleep, Jim!  It occurred to me this would be a great way to let curious friends and family know how I spend my days, and the characters I come across in my wanderings. Along the way, maybe I can give some advice to people wondering what Grandma's blue vase is worth or how best to sell their Vermeer. I have been buying and selling objects for 20 years, and yes, I have some stories and favorite finds.  But let's stick to today.  My roommate is having a yard sale this morning of junk he has accumulated over the years.  What a load of junk.  Just like all yard sales I have ever been to - electronics with missing leads and paperbacks with frayed covers.  Naturally I thought a good scheme would be for me to give him some of my junk to sell which I have been unable to sell to the punters.  Am I going to help him?  Are you kidding?  I am going to split.  I have an interesting-sounding Estate Sale to attend.  Tell me this ad. in yesterday's local rag isn't pretentious (verbatim):  "The recent sales of our Port Royal guest home, Old Naples townhouse, Sanibel home and Park Shore Venetian Bay condo mean that we need to liquidate! At this large sale we are offering furnishings, antiques,children's items....(etc)."  Pretentious, no?  But like a moth to a flame, I'll be there.  


    P. G. Wodehouse, in an introduction to one of his books, wrote about what dedications he would really like to publish.  My favorite was:  "To the swine, these pearls".  I'll check in later and let you know how the day went.