On the way to the bank, treasure!

     I have been yard sale-ing for years.  For a long time, it was my best way to provide some extra things for my home that I could not afford at retail prices.  Sometimes, it put money back into my pocket.  When I was able to purchase clothes with the price tag still on them, I could either buy my sons more of the things they needed or bank the money for the time they grew to the next size.  

     You never know what is going to be put out on a table in a driveway and you never know when you are going to find a treasure you weren't looking for.  I tried to keep a running list of shoes sizes and clothing sizes  for the kids in a little notebook in my purse.  As they grew up and grew into their own homes, those lists were replaced with lists of things they could use or I needed to maintain or improve our homes.    

     The first time I bought a power tool on the word of the homeowner without testing it by plugging it in was the last time I bought anything electric on the word of the homeowner.  Most people are honest, but I was taken advantage of by one who wasn't and that never happened again.  There is no shame in trying on a shoe (if you are wearing clean socks), and no shame in asking if you can plug in a power tool or other electric appliance.  There is also no shame in walking away from a deal that is too good to be true.  

     This weekend, I went out to the bank on Saturday and noticed a sign to a sale on the way.  Work First, Play Later!  I went to the bank, and picked up a padlock and some duct tape at Lowe's.  But, on the way home, I had a mental list of all the signs I had passed and I made it home eventually.  I managed to pick up two solid iron antique irons, two aluminum cupcake pans (mini cupcakes), a children's book on languages of Europe, a mint in the box edition of The Hobbit, three sets of ladies thermal underwear with tags still on, two sets without, a lovely crystal serving dish I will give stacked with cookies as a gift, a portable hunting blind and a cup of fresh lemonade from a Girl Scout and I didn't spend twenty dollars.  I spent $17.50.  

     I spent about one extra gallon of gas on this yard sale trip since I veered off my path home chasing the signs posted on the main road to the actual sale.  There were several yards I just drove past.  Sometimes, I am in the market for baby clothes or baby items, but rarely in pink!  So, I drive by and on to the next sign.  This weekend I did not use my web locator site because I did not have time to shop too many sales.  I had other things to do; a movie with family, an errand for a neighbor who couldn't get out of her house, lunch with mother, and even some 'me' time.  

      I am always in the market for an antique I can use at the camp side and the irons make great door stops.  They are prep items that hide in plain site.  I know someone who will appreciate a gift box edition of The Hobbit and the portable blind I bought as a pattern to make more.  The thermal underwear are my idea of pajamas in the winter.  All these Items appealed to my eye and then to my wallet.  

     Preparing for hard times is a habit for me now.  Once the bug for treasure hunting bites you, it will serve you well, too.  Check out some yard sale tip sites.  Be yourself and hunt like the deal is the deer and the money is the bullet!  You only need one well placed shot to bring down the big game!  

Yard Sale Ettiquette

     Yard sales are a great source of discount priced items you may want for prepping, storing or for the home.  I go out at least once a weekend.  I use a targeting website, local ads and signs to find the sales.  I have cold water, a snack and moist towelettes in the car.  I count my money before I leave my driveway and get my head in the game.  Yes, I enjoy the country drives, but I am out shopping and I am not alone on the road and that is a game I don't want to lose because I was daydreaming.


     So I am not totally wasting gas and driving aimlessly around the county, I go to my targeting website to pre-plan my trip.  I use www.gsalr.com.  I am in an urban enough area for this site to work for me.  I choose a section of the county or a town I haven't shopped in recently as my target.  I key in my address and choose where I want to go and I get a trip map planned out for me from sale to sale.  I can print that map.  If I don't need a map because I am familiar with a township, I just copy and paste addresses to a document and print that.  Gsalr covers all sales listed through their site and they pick up the sales listed through Craig's list.  Also available to me is a free newspaper our town prints every Thursday.  This paper is still widely used by old time residents and civic groups having rummage sales.  


      Approaching a sale, I make a snap decision here,I may not want to get out at every one.  An ad online or in a paper cannot tell me if the homeowner looks like a felon selling someone else's stuff.  They may have sold all their camping equipment and have only girly baby bibs on display.  

     Once I get to the sale and decide if this is a sale worth getting out of the car to explore, there are some basic rules of saling to keep in mind.

This is not my house.  These are not my children and that is not my dog.

I do not pet the dog.   I will ask if the dog is friendly and I will leave a driveway if the homeowner does not have their animal under control.  

I will also leave the home if the children are bouncing off the trees.  It is not my place to tell someone to get their kids on a leash!!!

You may greet the homeowner, especially if they greet you.

I appreciate good signs inside neighborhoods and I will complement the homeowner on signage.  

Never mention how lovely the home appears or how safe the neighborhood seems or ask the average home price.  People are selling their leftovers.  They know they are inviting strangers into their yard, don't make them nervous about your presence.  Personal questions are also out. 

Taking in information is unavoidable.  People will volunteer.  If someone volunteers that they are moving, wish them luck, don't ask them where to? 

Be prepared to be engaged in conversation, like it or not.  If you ask the price of an item, you may get a history of the item.   Just respond, as if you were not interested, without angst or sarcasm, "How much did you say it was?" 


If an item belonged to a late child or spouse, (and people will tell you that was my late wife's or my son bought that then died) say, I am sorry for your loss, how much are you asking?  If they hesitate, ask, "Would three dollars cover it?", or some other reasonable offer.  If you hear no or that is not enough, do not haggle, this item is not for you.

When you ask for a price and it is very high, keep that urge to say, "What drugs are you on?" to yourself.  Just say, "Is that your best price?"  if you really want to begin the haggle, or "Oh, I don't have that, thank you."  Exit the sale with some grace.  It is not bad to blame a missing, absent or imaginary spouse for the lack of funds!  I went to a sale today and asked a price on a single pair of cammo pants and the guy said $50!  ( you know they were only thirty dollars brand new!)  Not looking him in the eye. I put them down and said, "My husband would never let me spend that much on him.But, Thank You."  The killer to this story is, he sold me three shirts for two dollars and he gave me four pairs of wine glasses for free, because he didn't want to pack them back into the garage.  Crazy!  

Speaking of the phrase thank you, you can use it to end a conversation, to thank a seller or to express any number of sentiments.  I am from the south and I know I can say thank you and men get off my last nerve, bubba.  So, I watch the attitude.  If you don't know how to inflect the phrase thank you, watch a few episodes of THE CLOSER!  


Keep in mind, some people are trying to make a balloon payment or cover a sudden debt.  Be kind.  Save your sarcasm for the comedy shop.  

Manners in mind, don't be afraid to offer a bulk price for a purchase.  Before the seller has a chance to tell you the price of each tiny item in a jewelry box, offer $5 for the entire box.  I bought a box of fires starters for two dollars.  There were twenty four in the box, he was asking 50 cents a piece, according to his sign, but I asked "How about $2 a box?"  He asked me how many boxes I needed!  

Another great way to exit a sale that isn't working for you is to say, " We collect the same things!" 

Sometimes, you can get a good deal when the seller is happy or tired, you have to learn to read the people and take a "No" as a no.  It isn't personal.  It's a yard sale.  A no can mean: I want more, I don't want to sell it, I want to get into the yard sale business and quit my job, I want to talk about it.  You have to learn to read the people and smile.  Just walk away.  

Just like these are not your kids, so don't scold them, this is not your home, so don't argue.  Don't try to change, train or educate the sellers.  This is a fun day, stay grateful, positive and keep moving.  Bargains will come to you.  

How to acquire 'stuff''

     Do you wonder how you are going to acquire the things you think you need, now before a financial crunch?  How are you to get the supplies stored up for the future uncertain times?  I asked myself these same questions.  I have more than a few answers for you.

www.target.com

www.walmart.com 

     When I camped for fun with the family, I had the tent that claimed to sleep four but actually slept two and a child.  I acquired it at a yard sale for ten dollars.  I got a second one by remembering where I got the first and recognizing the sign when it was put up at the end of the same summer.  The guy selling off his new in the box equipment was getting out of the business. It never occurred to him to sell online and he was fed up with the flea market life.  I would have liked a larger tent and as the family grew, I was asked once what would you like for your birthday and I answered, a bigger tent.  I now have that bigger better tent and still use the smaller ones.    Later when other family members bailed on the great outdoors, I acquired their tents.  I mainly use my larger tent for myself and the grandchildren and keep the others to gift, loan to family or friend for a weekend or later, perhaps to build a city.  This first three methods of acquiring is buy at discount, put it on the wish list or wait till the quitters quit.

     The buy at a discount method is the one I most employ.  By keeping a slush fund on the side at home for weekend treasure hunting and planning sale trips, I am able to acquire most of what I want before I need it.  I use web sites like gsalr.com to browse what is for sale and where.  I also use www.estatesales.net.  Estate sales tend to post more pictures than the yard sale sites and that saves me from driving to a sale that has none of the things I have on my list.  

     As you can tell, I need no more tents.  I am always in the market for good garden tools.  Things that do other things, like the seven in one axe or multi-tools, battery operated gadgets and solar gadgets are always on the list.  I also include things on that list that my sons have mentioned.  Either, I acquire those things to give as gifts, or they tell me what they want to pay and we just trade cash for those things.  As long as you are out yard saling, find out if anyone in your family needs something and if they are willing to chip in for gas while they busy themselves elsewhere.  One of my sons works weekends so he is happy to give over the cost plus gas money when I can get him something he has had on his list for a while.  

   
     Another method for acquiring things is the wish list.  If you have an occasion coming up, you can register at Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware as well as Toys R Us, Walmart, Target  and Amazon.com.  Define your needs, don't get frivolous or side tracked.  If you need several batteries for your cordless tools, list them, but don't go making a list of every battery in every size offered.  Need versus greed shows your loved ones it is a need and it is a gift that will be used or appreciated.   If you find someone has used your list and gotten you exactly what you want or need, thank them.  Do not wait a year to get around to it.  Thank them immediately.  Also, if you look into it, choose the stores that offer you rewards for others' shopping.  You can earn points toward purchasing other items or gift cards if someone buys from your list.  Don't be shy.  Ask for points or discounts and any reward programs currently in stores.  They can only say no and that doesn't hurt.


     Use coupons.  As often as you can, use store coupons as well as manufacturer's coupons, doubling your discount.  Join store members reward clubs.  Set up a junk email account and sign up for rewards at the stores you shop most.  They will send you weekly sales notices, store coupons, sale notifications and members only deals.  Even the grocery store GFS sends me sales 'flyers' with printable store coupons for an additional $5 off the $50 I was going to spend anyway.

      I can not give you an image to focus on for the next method of acquiring. It is a mental trick.  You could call it the power of positive thinking or the power of mental focus or even 'Zen' shopping.  
      Call it what you will, clear your mind and make a mental list of the things you are looking to acquire for your prep pantry.  Shortly, they will be on sale.  Make a visual list of the things you really need for the tool bench or the chicken coop and these things will be in front of you.  
      I do believe, I come across great deals at yard sales because I believe I will find great deals at yard sales.  I believe I will find, see, touch, acquire what I need or the method to get those things.  For example, two weeks ago, I wanted a heat gun. I really wanted a heat gun.  I have some embossing to do.  I will not pay $40 for the heat embossing tool I want because I am cheap!  I still want it.  
     I got into the car on a Saturday morning.  Before I turn the car on, I think, today I will find a heat gun, more ax heads for D. and some titanium arrows.  I see these things as if I were looking at an ad in a sale paper.  I turn on the car and before noon, I have seen these things and purchased them all for under $10.  I have also stopped for gas, a snack or drink, paid a bill in person and chatted with a friend or family member on the phone.  I don't obsess on it or beg the Lord for it.  I just think, I want it, I am going to get it, and I will have it shortly.  

tickatoo.com 
It looked like this
before we painted it

     To get what you need, be creative.  I can sew but I don't think I can sew a tent.  I did however, when my grandson wanted one, make a tepee.  I was thinking for a week or so, how will I pull this off?  I researched the basic teppee and it's construction.  Basically it is a half circle stretched on some poles.  Hmm, I thought, he's a little guy and I could scale this down from twenty foot poles to 1" by 2" firring strips. hmmmm.  Then what do you know, someone gave my son the painter some canvas boat covers.  He kept one for drop cloths or covers and gave me one.  hmmmm, laid out flat and turning the pattern in my mind until I had all the grommets lined up where I needed them, I cut the canvas so I could lace the tepee together at the front and VIOLA!.  It was red.  Two coats of latex exterior paint and it was white and weather sealed.  Fifteen years later, it is still in a storage shed waiting for him to hand it down to his children.

      To get what you need:  
      Be careful with your money
      Shop wisely
      Use coupons, store discounts and sales
      Be creative

     

junk jewelry and the prepper

     The spring yard sale season is warming up.  Still, it is early and a weekend with high winds or a chill can cause people to put off their sales for a better day.  It was like that when I left to run my weekend errands on Saturday.  I wasn't even looking for signs for sales.  I got all my errands done and found some time to visit a family member along my route.  I bought some plants and plant food at Lowe's and headed home.  

     On the way home, I saw a sign about two blocks before my turn-off from the main highway.  I have been to sales down that road before.  Those people camp!  I flipped on that right turn signal and slowed down to a roll.  I could see the sale items from the road.  Some odds and ends tools and home decor, not much, but not bad.  I stopped.  I have a son who is collecting ax heads and files so I thought, maybe.  I looked around, no price tags.  A lady called out, "make an offer I want it gone."  So I said a dollar for the ax, and what do you think about this watch?  

     I was looking at a wind up watch with a very vintage look and I liked it.  She said, "$5 for all of it."  I looked down at the table where the junk jewelry was spread out and said, "If I fill this bowl with all of it, is it still $5?"  She said yup and it came home.  I filled a Pyrex bowl full of all the junk pieces on the table, I just scooped it up and dropped six dollars on the checkout table and said thank you several times as I grabbed my ax and left.  

     As a prepper, of course you know the ax will be in my tool 'shed' or if it seems I have enough (3) it will be given to the son with the greatest need for axes.  But, the junk jewelry you ask.  What pray tell does junk jewelry have to do with prepping?  Well, 'lemme' tell you.  

     In the jumble of chains and pins and watches and a lint and hair, I found three pieces of silver.  Three pieces of solid silver that could be sold or traded for bulk silver coins or bouillon.  They weigh about 1/3 of an ounce.  That alone is more than $5.  I also found three pieces of collectible signed designer costume jewelry.  These pieces will go into a lot of jewelry to be sold to collectors online later.  They will be valued between $15 and $20.  So far, that alone made the deal a 'real deal'.  

     After all the watches were sorted out of the pile, I separated out the quartz watches from the wind up watches and checked both piles for quality, name, country of origin, working condition and generally whether I liked it or not.  There was gold to be found here.  Yes, a little gold bezel on one watch, about $40 worth of scrap gold.  There was also a MIDO Swiss watch (not pictured) , currently a similar watch on Ebay is listed at $399.  There were two working Timex watches, A siboney swiss watch, all working and keeping good time.  There are another six wind up watches, two are 17 jewel, that are not working.  They were over wound.  Two I will have repaired, the rest will go into a watch lot to be sold online.  All this adds up to more than the $5 spent and will bring in income to fill the prep coffers.  

Quartz watches and junk

17 jewel, wind up, swiss and american made

    The wind up watches I am keeping are of such high quality that I have no doubt I will pass them on to my grandchildren.  I am keeping them in the prep supply inventory in the case of an EM pulse.  The quartz watches in current use will be useless.  Wind up watches will keep ticking.

     To prepare for hard times, be clever.  A second source of income to use to build up your bank of prep supplies or pay for a retreat is a good thing.  Finding things you can use or barter at today's low price is virtual income.  You may cash in some now, some later.  Junk jewelry is a hobby of mine.  It gives me great pleasure to purchase other's treasure and sell it for more than I paid.  Some of it comes to live with me and some of it is given to others who appreciate it.  I only paid $5 for over thirty useful pieces.  Oh, yeah, and I got an ax!  I also forgot to count the Pyrex dish.  They are pricey when purchased new and mine came full of junk jewelry!

Yard Sale Season begins in Florida

     Yard sale season has begun in Florida.  Maybe in some other warm states as well, don't know.  I just know it is hunting season for me.  Bargain hunting season begins for me and lasts until November.  

     Before we go off hunting there are some thoughts I would like to share.

YARD SALE ETIQUETTE

      Yard sales are any impromptu sale of new or used goods privately owned offered for sale in a home, yard, garage, backyard, porch, barn or churchyard.  You are in someone's personal space.        

www.gsalr.com

      A friendly, “Good Morning!” will get you a long way!  Always greet the person who looks like they got up way too early to drag their stuff out in the yard and have dealt with the rude people that just left.  Compliment them on their signage or tell them the county guy took all their signs if it was hard to find.  Tell them you found their sale on Craig’s List or gsalr.com.  The homeowner likes to know they did well.      

     

Caroline, on the ride home.
Do not pet other peoples' dogs!

     Never pet the family dog.  If there is a dog or cat in the yard, ask if it is friendly.  Be respectful of the homeowner’s misguided adoration of their pet.  If you are uncomfortable, either ask if the owner will move the animal, or leave politely.  Feign an allergy if you want to look at an item or browse the sale.  They will move their pet away from you.  If you feel threatened, do not scream or scold the homeowner.  Just turn and leave at an easy pace.  If they call out to you, tell them you are afraid of big dogs and nothing else.  Just smile and wave.  

     Treat their kids like the family dog.  Do not pet them; do not engage them in conversation, smile and move on.  Do not barter with the kid for toys or any item without asking the parent if they have the right to sell. 

     When you ask for a price and don’t like it just say something like: oh, that’s more than I can spend today, sorry, or hmm I just paid my mortgage and sigh quietly, I wish....  The price will either come down or the owner will defend the number.  If they defend, walk on.  There is no good to come from an argument.  

      About half the time the owner will tell you what they paid for it new first.  Don’t roll your eyes or laugh.  Don’t say it isn't new anymore or point out the dust on it.  If you just have to say something when you don’t like anything you have seen, you could say, “We collect the same stuff!”  Or “Sorry, I tried to find something I don’t already have!” 

     Ask if they will consider a lower number, only if you are going to purchase it at a lower number.  Don’t barter or dicker for fun.  This is not a sport. 

     I have been to yard sales and found boutiques that have been run out of business by the economy or the high overhead and are liquidating inventory to get some of their investment back.  I don’t stay long at these shops in the driveway.  This is not usually a prepper's sale. 

     I went to a yard sale once where the people were sure they were going to get rich selling monogrammed key chains in countless styles as they traveled across the country from fair to fair.  Apparently, they didn’t read the fine print and registered for an art fair only to be turned away as they neither designed nor made their wares.  You will be surprised the amount of information laid on you by strangers while you sort through their goods.  Listen to them for a while, you may learn something that can help you get a deal.

     Be prepared to laugh.  If the owner is engaging, don’t ignore them.  Laugh along about the weather or the crazy people that come to yard sales.  A friend will get a discount.  A sympathetic friend gets a good discount. 

     Don’t take it personally.  Some people are just angry and rude.  Don’t be one of them.  The worst thing you can do is take your money home with you.  Walk away with a smile and a thank you.  

Antiques and prepping

     There is a great outlet for some prep supplies.  The local flea market.  I live within a reasonable driving distance of the nationally known Renninger's Flea Market.  I mentioned it in yesterday's post in a negative light.  It was not the market itself at fault.  It was the vendor's who were being silly.  Tonight as Antiques Roadshow is on PBS and I am feeling forgiving I thought I would set straight the flea market issue.

http://www.renningers.com

       If the vendor calls out a price without being asked, it is a chance to decide what you want to do next.  A vendor who calls out a price is right on the barker fence.  Maybe the vendor is tired or maybe the vendor is tired of customers.  If you are looking at an item you really want or need, walk up to the vendor and ask quietly will you take less?  If they pause, you are in!  Next you could remark, I notice it isn't perfect.  It may need repair to make it usable.  What do you think?  You now have a conversation started and it is not out of line to ask what's your lowest price?
     
     Always walk away from carnival barkers and their type.  Don't engage them in conversation, you are not their friend and you don't want to become their patsy.  Always keep your goal in mind.  If you are searching for a butter churn, buy a butter churn not a rusty saw or a wood worm eaten hand plane.  If you can't find the butter churn of your dreams buy good quality of something else or walk away.

     I have purchased a few items for prep at the flea market in the last month, namely: wool blankets for under $5 each, military OD, new in plastic wrap, a kerosene or hurricane lamp, glass, $4, ammo several boxes mostly shotgun shells value about $50 for $15, a Wedgwood dish valued at about $50  for $5, socks, produce, and four budding orchid plants for $20.  

     I don't go to the market just for prep supplies.  I go for a bargain and a walk.  I go with two zippered coin purses attached to the inner zipper of my hand bag.  One has cash for prep supply purchases.  One has the money I have set aside for seasonal produce or socks or some other purchase.  I do not mix prep supply money with weekly budget money.

     If you want to try shopping flea markets try these tips:

Google up the market first.  Get an idea of the layout.  
See if the market has a website with a map of the market.
Some markets host events like military sales or cars and guitars or powwows.
These events can bring with them different vendors with different items.

Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing.  
You can always peel off clothes as the day heats up, but cold and wet makes for miserable shopping conditions.  

Keep your money close.  Criminals shop for targets in crowds.
Keep your eye on the clock. 
Know the values of the items you are shopping for and the top price you will pay to have one. 
You can go back to a vendor at the end of the day and renegotiate a price.  Sometimes, they would rather sell it than pack it!
Get some fresh fruits and veg before you go home.  
There will be another day with different items.  

Rust and Antiques, Prepare to walk away!

www.pbs.org

      I don't care what you saw on Antiques Roadshow.  I don't care if you've been watching the show for years or just happened to catch an episode.  Just because it's old and/or it's perfect cousin was featured on the program doesn't mean your rust bucket, chipped, cracked lookalike is of equal value.   I just don't want to hear it any more.

www.renningers.com

      I will have to make a point to miss the next nationally known Renninger's Flea Market Antique Extravaganza, in Mt. Dora, FL.  This place is usually a great place for a walk and an exploration and occasionally to go to an event like the car swap meet.  I went to the extravaganza today and I am fed up with people hawking their wares at top volume yelling ridiculous boasts of "as seen on Antiques Roadshow".  I know the economy leaves less money for frivolous purchases.  I know times are hard and getting harder and I know you have a first amendment right to say whatever stupid thing you want to say.  

    Know this:  I have the right NOT to listen.  I have the right to keep my money in my pocket.  I have the right to walk away.  I have the right to laugh at you as I go.

     I often recommend thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets as sources for non-electric gadgets and prep supplies like military surplus.  I stop to blog tonight to clarify.  BUYER BEWARE!

     It is your money.  Don't throw it away.  I was appalled by the number of vendors proudly displaying their wares in a state of utter ruin!  Rust is not good for a saw blade, ax, or other tool.  Rust is not a sign of age.  Rust is a sign that the tool has not been properly maintained.  I was at an antique fair at a flea market.  I was not looking for new.  But, it is appalling to me to see a kerosene lamp with the fuel cap rusted to the point that it was welded shut.  To hear a vendor tell a potential customer that she could take out the wick and fill the base from there was dangerous.  To hear a vendor claim a shotgun with termites in the stock was a wall gun was a joke that was painful.  A wall gun, indeed!  It had termites!  Live termites!  They were alive and had wings.

by MARK BELLIS  (THIS photo is a representation of what NOT to buy when prepping and was taken from an art photo site.  This is ART.  This is NOT a prep item.)

      It is not my place to speak out and say to the unknowing customer, "Run away!"  But I do have that kind of face that can discourage a fool and her money with a subtle head shake and a mommy look that says, "put it down, child".  One vendor snapped around and caught me looking discouragingly and asked me my opinion.  Because we are the same age perhaps this person thought I would agree and say oh yes, take a hot wick out of a kerosene lamp and splash a combustible fuel into a slot with a screw mechanism below the surface that would cause it to splash out.   

      Not gonna happen.  I told the customer that the lap was useless except as a door stop.  It was unsafe and overpriced since it wasn't all that old and the chimney wasn't original and it's BROKEN! We both walked away quickly as he shouted out it was just like one on Antiques Roadshow.  No it wasn't.  It was a reproduction at best, a fake at worst!  

     I warn the world, do NOT ask my opinion and assume I am your girl.  I am MY own person and I don't play with money.  I shop Flea Markets and I smile and change direction or I offer a lower price if i feel I could use an item.  I do not buy junk.  I shop yard sales and I have often just said thank you and walked away when a price is out of reason.  I never argue or ridicule the owner and I did not like seeing vendors bullying and lying to customers.  I did a lot of walking away today.  I suggest you do the same.

     Buy the best you can afford, not the highest priced item.  Don't get caught up in the prestige of the place you shop or the festive feeling of the outdoor flea market.  Buy good quality.  Buy from a trusted dealer when you can and from strangers when YOU know more about the item than they tell you.  Buyer beware, and you might as well prepare for more of this behavior in the future.  As money gets tighter, there are going to be cheats and liars.  Don't be a sucker.  Buy wisely.  

Over Share Much? It's a good story!

     I stopped at a yard sale on my way to work, this morning. I stopped because I saw a number of power tools in the yard and I thought, why not?  You never know.  Some people sell off useful items for ridiculously low prices when they have purchased a new one of something they already own. These were not those people.  They wanted to sell their used power tools with no batteries for the price of a new set with new batteries included.  Silly people!  

     Still, I was already out of the car so I looked around.  I bought two nearly new backpacks of very high quality for a dollar each.  These bags were not the disposable won't last through a school year book bag type.  They are sturdy, double stitched, double zipped at the top back packs meant for hikers.  They were a dollar!  

     The guy came out and tried to sell the bags as I was giving his wife the money.  People do that.  They want you to 'feel' the bargain I guess, I don't really know.  But, he told me about the extra pockets and the double zip at the top made them water proof.  He said they were hardly ever used.  She said, we hike a lot.  We have a lot of back packs.  I figured they needed me to appreciate the bags, so I said yes, they will make good bags for my grand children.  
    
     What I meant was, G.O.O.D. bags.  They are just the right size to fit a small woman or a tween-ager without needing a frame.  The earth tone green and gray made them the right color.  I don't have any use for screaming neon that puts a target on my back.  

     By the time I had admired the bags, I had gathered from the couple that they make a good second income taking their vacations together and taking newbie hikers into the Appalachian Trails for day hikes and Three day treks.  They made a second income out of their vacations!  Very cool!  They would meet a group of day hikers and take them for a 36 hour trek and teach basic wilderness skills.  These people just got the basics of how to stay on a marked trail and how to wait to be rescued if lost.  The couple would come back and trade them for hikers with more experience, often return clients for a three day hike that was actually four full days start to finish.  They got lessons in scavenging for forest food, and more detailed woodland skills.  With their two week vacations together they could take out five or six groups depending on their booking via internet connections and advertising.  

     So, why then would they be selling off their back packs I asked.  The economy and fewer hikers and they gather dust were things I heard.  I suggested they reach beyond the day hiker outlets and start touting their survival skills.  Maybe they could drum up more clients if they approached the prepper crowd.  Well, then The Husband lit up like a Christmas Tree.  In the next three to five minutes, he told me about all these TV shows like Disaster Preppers that he loved to watch.  I tried stepping backwards toward my car, but they kept talking.  There was talk of let people run out of food in the grocery store and see how they turn into animals 'cuz I gotta gun, and how they were saving their second income ( and the amount in the bank) to move to the country just in case.  

WHOA!!!! Over share much?  Seriously.  I had to stop them.  

     I said let me tell you something you really NEED to know.  One of the 'experts' who actually rates the Disaster Preppers is James Wesley Rawles.  He is a published author and I told them the names of two of his books (How to survive TEOTWAWKI, and Patriots).  I told them the name of his blog,  Survivalblog.com.  And then I told them they have two compound bows, a derringer (.22cal), MREs for two for two weeks, a cat and a 12 gauge shotgun and two hundred rounds of shells, they are gone from their home for two weeks every May, and had absolutely no sense of who they were talking to.  They didn't know me from Adam OR Eve!  

     They didn't 'catch on' to the phrase G.O.O.D (get out of dodge), they didn't know I prep.  They didn't know my criminal history (none, but they didn't know).  They didn't know or realize they had told a stranger way too much.  They were a little shaken.  They had not realized how much information they shared.  They seemed enthusiastic about prepping but had painted a target on themselves.  I hope they read survival blog and learn to "unshare" or not share at all.  I hope they survive whatever hard times come their way.  


     How much do your neighbors know about you?  How many people will knock on your door when hard times arrive, knowing you have prepared?  What do you share with strangers?