Such a Deal

— Penny Wise —

I happened to pass by the 'Salvation Army' Thrift store and even very fancy cars were lined up around the block just to 'Bin' shop; along with huge truck trailer loads toting in varied merchandise. This gorgeous store offers everything from baskets of eye glasses to lovely furniture all cleaned and sanitized; a $500 recliner is tagged for $50 Bucks.

Vocal Village Bud just sold her house - A Million Dollars more than they paid for it just a few years before. But, Capital Gain Taxes ate most of that up, along with new 'Special' Creative-Government-Whimsical Taxes to access our holdings; not to mention the huge interest rate/cost for a replacement home in another city. She's been Bin-Bagging summer clothes for her children at the 2nd hand thrift store. Typically a department store, even as a big-box store shopper, currently off-budget.

Who me cynical? Just happened to cruise by several fast food joints. Probably the only one that's noticed that 'No-One' was in these drive through lines @ 12:00 Noon lunch time. Chicken-Sh' Filet~Jack's Box~Chocko-Chicken Loco~Kfc. And, not even a car in the parking lot at StarBucks...!

But, the sidewalks were lined with customers at the vendor umbrella stands directly in front of the Brick & Mortars'. No need for gov't regulated inspector lettered ‘A-B-C’s’ grade health signs hanging over their plastic tented window or Wage Hikes~Sur Charges~Taxes for all cash entrepreneurs or even unbreakable leases here - Ah, Progress...!

THE FINDS⏳

— Grab-or it's-Gone —

Although some of us may be fortunate enough to pay full retail for certain items; where's the fun in that? For some reason I've always enjoyed leisurely picking to find 'The Finds.' Got a pair of large twin-fans, better than good; I mean how much does a fan do anyway. I'm actually into unique lamps and bowls. Often vintage-varieties find their way into eclectic overstuffed-interesting Salvation Army stores peeked into and test-touched from aisle to aisle.

Everyone has a favorite 'Might-FIND' when out 'Schlep-Shopping' looking for the 'Golden~Nugget' or the Great-Bandit Get away 'Mona~Lisa' that may be sifted from the bottom of the assorted Bins ~ Now MoanerLisaLess ~

Used clothing is usually a no-no. But most of us like the worn-in feel with a few strategic tears in the knees that are very stylish of late being sold in retail stores; the more exposed skin and hanging threads the merrier. These stores, as a Religious organization, are exempt from charging you the 10% prevailing state tax rate on your purchases as well: 'Goodwill Stores' are a business so you would be taxed there. Though, even the size shown on clothes hangers are different coming from some countries; I couldn't even get a foreign 'Large' over my elbow.

Since retirement I have a closet full of suits-shirts. Some even with an archaic-adornment with my initials stitched onto the cuffs - these 'Outfits' were once carefully coordinated. They are now hardly used; different times. I was told that I should put them into some kind of Consignment-Store, or even sell them. Nah, I've mostly gotten my innings out of them. Besides, the 'Newbie' official 'Uniform of the Day' is currently, Tank Tops-Shorts and of course 'Huarache' sandals: No 'Clothes-Horse' market here.

In our neighborhood we once had streets lined with Antique-Rows. Shops whereby every imaginable 'period-décor' furniture was on display. From French Provincial, emphasized with busy patina gold and intricate swirls, to heavy Oak and assorted fine wood, that was our favorite. Noticing that although few of these types of specialty shops exist today, similar pieces purchased years ago are simply not affordable. I've always wondered, at what point, is the Handle ~'Antique'~ label tagged to an item? I never see that designation tagged at a thrift store to get more dough.

I had an electric blanket that was actually a cozy hand-me-down from years ago. Come-on it was only used 1/2 of the year and always just seemed to warm-up just fine, with a few minor exposed cord-repairs using black electrical tape and infrequent 'Sparks' - so it wasn't fancy. I know it is hard to fathom, but I was told that it was a 'low-voltage' 🎇 blanket; never having a clue WHAT that meant. Probably, in this case, ignorance may not have been bliss! Though now I have an abundance of Electrical-Tape on hand since 'Sparky' has been replaced.

— BargainBucketBonanzas —

I may be the only one who does this, but I don't pay much attention to replacing items that just work; don't give it much thought. Special finds can include advertised items that really do what they say they will; making things just a little easier. Most of us have purchased impulse-items (the 'Pet-Rock' hype) that land on our shelves only to end up in Good-Will carts.

Who me overreact - They even stopped complimentary Fortune Cookies @ our longtime favorite Chinese Cafe'

— Confucius ~ Cookies ~ Crumble —

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -