Too Bad

Friday was the day we were determined to sell off Mom and Dad’s things they couldn’t keep or use.  They live in a part of town that has been known as garage sale central not to mention all the flea markets in the area.  Had huge hopes and was prepared to wheel and deal and get this done, or at least get most of it sold.  What a flop it turned out to be.  Wasn’t the weather.  The sale was a day after the ad was delivered via the local paper that had been the leader for getting garage sale info public.  We learned that the ad was restricting the sale somewhat.  Only dealers.  I think that may have done us in.  We sold at least a pickup load of stuff that amounted to nothing dollar wise.  But we had a large trucks worth and then some of stuff to move and we weren’t trying to make money.  I even gave stuff away to the biggest buyer and he spent only 160.  That was more than half of what we sold.  Not getting the stuff gone is truly disappointing.  Mom says she will hire someone to haul it off to the dump or where ever they want.  Too Bad.

Sunday is our extended family's Christmas get together.  It’s been going on for at least 63 years.  I am cooking a brisket and sausage for the main course, everyone else brings the trimmings.  It is getting harder and harder to get everyone together as we each get our own Grandkids, and our kids have wives and their families, not to mention jobs and just life in general.  I can’t remember the last time everyone showed.  It almost didn’t happen at all this year.  It was my side of the family that was to host it, but with all we have been having to deal with this year we just couldn’t get it done.  My cousin offered his home if everyone would come and just bring the food.  If he hadn't, it may not have happened.  He is very sentimental.

Actually we did miss a year not too long ago and it gets easier just to cancel occasionally.  I think it’s only happened twice but it seems the idea to cancel has been bandied around a few more times.  My cousin wasn’t ready for it to die yet.  But it’s breathing it’s last I’m afraid. 

My Mom’s parents were the main focus as it was all their descendants.  They have been gone for a while now and even one of their daughters has gone on.  Mom and her sister are the last.  After they go I don’t see this continuing much beyond if not before.  It seems it gets easier to cancel every year or just not show.  It’s lost its luster it seems.  Too Bad.

Happy Trails