My Third Ear

Monday, August 3, 2026

RAINED OUT GARAGE SALE

Wow, started this STORY written way back when. I mean like Husband died in Nov 2009 and I moved to Oregon in 2017 and even sold the washtub before I move. That's a story in itself.) 

WELCOME. Memories are heart warming smiles. 

“Mook, do we really need that?”  Husband would say. Of course, I felt we did.

On my drive home one day, it started to rain—one of those summer storms that hits Nebraska. Only a few blocks from home, I saw two men a garage sale--trying to get rid of stuff before the rain destroyed everything. 

“Anything for $1.00,” one yelled when I slowed down.

“We’ll even load your van for you.” The other one grinned.

They didn’t need to offer twice—my huge purchases cost me only $10. I pulled into the garage, managed to drag some larger items out of the van and into a corner.  Desperate, I threw blankets over the top to hide my treasures from husband. I knew for certain he’d question my sanity on these great finds.

When he parked the pickup in the front of the house, I greeted him with a big kiss. Excited, I almost told him, but then he was tired and I kept quiet.

The next week husband offered to help me clean house. I never say no. After we finished the major cleaning and sat for coffee, I asked for more help.

“Sure, whatcha need.” 

Come with me.” One item at a time I uncovered my treasures. An old fashioned washtub I wanted for a planter—I couldn’t move it and it needed soil.

An old 
top of a hutch to put on the top of the bathroom dresser—no way could I lift it very far and then…and then—
Two hours and lots of paint, varnish and elbow grease later even husband said the rained out garage sale blessed us—even if I spent more than quarters. 

Can't find the photos for all those fun finds, but here is the washtub. Its one thing I plant for me every year.