Thrifty Thomas Tike Train Tracks

“More people should learn to tell their dollars where to go instead of asking them where they went.” ~ Roger Babson

Beloved taxied me around in our new van this morning so the Children and I could hop in and out searching for some good buys! Eventually, one garage sale had me at a home where the Family had not cleaned out their back shed in quite a long time.

In 90 degree weather with the sun beating down on me I scanned the drive way and the amount of packed cardboard boxes. I was overwhelmed. (It takes a lot to overwhelm me!)  I sifted through a few before I came upon a box with a good bit of miscellaneous items.  Buried beneath the stuff in the box was some wooden train toys.  These were just perfect for the boys and would give a good many hours of indoor play fun.

(The items outside the containers is what I bought to add to their collection. In the store the 2 sets of train tracks would be about $40. I am not sure about the attachments.)

The lady quoted me $5.00 for the entire falling apart cardboard box.
"Oh! (sounding a little surprised) But, I don't want the whole box!"
She said, "You must take the whole box."
I looked at the huge box and was rather annoyed.
The cardboard box had so much stuff in it that I didn't want -- including Spiders!

So, once again, I said, "I am sorry.  (giggle) I really do not want the whole box. I just want the train set."
She said, "You must take the whole box."
I said. "Really?  I truly just want the trains. I will be honest with you. I would throw the rest of the stuff away."
She said, "That is fine. Throw it away. But, you must take the whole box."
Errr! This crazy military town!!!!!
 I sighed and giggled.
"I really don't want to put that whole box in my brand new van. I just bought the van yesterday."
She said, "You must take the whole box or no sale! It all most go. I am cleaning out my shed."
I am thinking to myself, "Hmmm! This lady does not live with a perfectionist and apparently has not dealt with a redhead lately"

At that point, I summed her up.
I was not intimidated.
I thought to myself, "Here we go."

Beloved walked away --- allowing me to do my redhead thing.
He took the Children back to the air conditioner.

Patiently and quietly I pulled out the train set. 
Dodged about 5 spiders and a couple of other bugs too.
Tossed a handful of leaves.
I barley kept in a shriek when a lizard poked his head out!

The train items were all out of the ripped cardboard box and separated from the other trashy- treasure items.
At which time, I smiled and said, "How much for the train set, sweetie?"
She looked at me.
Then said, "Give me a price!"
I thought so!  Just like my Dad -- all bark and no bite!

I said, "$4.00 but you keep the rest of THAT box!"
She said, "I will take it!"
I went to the van and got my money.
She had the train set all waiting for me in a plastic bag.
See! She was a sweetie!


All Cleaned up!
And, being played with...