A Date with the Auction

“Buying or selling?” was the question I was asked by nearly everyone I ran into.  I never know how to answer that question.  Usually selling, but I always want to buy.  Generally I sit with a cup of coffee and observe livestock prices, while trying to understand the auctioneer.  Even though I have been visiting with my dad since before I could walk I still have to really concentrate and often wonder if they even know what they are mumbling sometimes…
 
It is impossible for me to not take a peek at the junk items.  It is also impossible for me to not walk away with something from the scattered array of items that fill the room.  Items that sell for $1 or $2 amazes me, as I see those same items sell in antique stores for $50-$100. I spent $16 in total and was the proud owner of a vintage stool, frame, antique classroom abacus and wooden crate.  I was lucky!  However, when off to look at the cattle I missed the white, chippy paint ladder that went for ten bucks.  I guess I don’t need it if I already have three similar ones at home!  The best part of perusing the junk section is the people watching and trying to guess who will bid on what items.  I had to chuckle at the three men in a bidding war for the 1980’s playboy magazines…
 
Half an hour was spent looking at the birds and giggling at the overpriced rabbits, as the men try to explain to passerby’s why the rabbits are worth so much and why their hens are better than the next.  I am not very good at bul!sh%*#ing people, but they are!  A few to many times a duck or goose has made its way to the farm from the auction barn, though.  It’s never easy to walk past the Australian Shepherd puppies, but I close my eyes and remind myself that there are 12 paws to clean at home.    
 
Acquaintances say hello, share stories and old men tell average jokes that still make me laugh.  Oddly enough, it is a nice way to unwind.  My to-do list grows, but a sunny Saturday morning at the auction just seemed right.

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