These past few weeks have been full of new experiences for me:
Hitting a curb, blowing out 2 tires and discovering we didn't have a 'real' spare, only an inflatable thing-y… That had to be inflated.
Learning how to use a power lawn mower (I'd only ever used the old, hand, push kind…. Sheesh, what did you think! I have mowed lawns in my mis-spent youth) BTW, my new best friend's name (the lawnmower) is Izy. It's right there on her front in little white letters.
And now: Boot Sales! Aka: garage sales.
Not only have I never participated in one before, I've only ever been to one. I bought a lovely antique Welsh dresser….
Oh wait, that wasn't a garage sale; that was an estate auction.
I've never been to a garage sale.
I've walked past them but never gone in, so to speak.
I've always considered them to be the ultimate in recycling: I'll buy your junk if you buy mine.
And, frankly, I have rather enough junk.
Facing my 5th major move in 11 years, I am trying to only buy what I really want…. And to only want what I really, really need.
That, and the minor little detail that I have been without a house-cleaner for the past 4 years.
(To make you all jealous – I had a maid come in once a week and thoroughly clean my house in Andorra…for less than $20.00 per week.)
Faced with not only moving my cherished goodies, but dusting them on a regular basis, I have decided it's time for them to become (in the immortal words of Douglas Adams) an SEP: Somebody Else's Problem.
My treasures are going on the block.
If you think about it, there probably doesn't need to be anything newly manufactured anywhere in the universe ever again….we can all just keep selling it to each other.
Boot sales/garage sales were not big among the Andorrans. Their wealth was new enough (and sufficient enough) that they would never consider buying something that had been 'previously owned'. That included antiques.
But the English, like the Americans, are ever searching for the treasure in the attic.
At least, I'm hoping they are.
Next weekend, I'm loading up the boot (trunk) and heading off to dump sell whatever anyone will buy.
Talk about being the new girl on the street – I haven't a clue even how to price anything…..
But, I'm sure, no one will try to take advantage of the new, dumb kid!
I've heard that people who frequent garage/boot sales are the milk of human kindness; generous to a fault.
Wish me luck!
But luck isn't necessary to find great new pasta dishes.
Just head over to Presto Pasta Nights, at Once Upon a Feast.
Ruth has a great round-up every Friday.
Pasta with Peanut Sauce
1 cup uncooked pasta – fusilli, penne, farfalle 
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tbs peanut butter
1 tbs dry sherry
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tbs fresh snipped chives
2 tbs fresh snipped oregano or marjoram
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Snip herbs. In a small saucepan heat chicken stock, peanut butter, soy sauce and sherry, just until peanut butter melts, stirring well to combine. When pasta is done, drain well and put into a bowl. Immediately pour sauce over and stir well to combine. Let rest 5 minutes. Add herbs, stir well and serve.
To those who have asked:
The toe was just a smoke screen. The real problem is diverticulitis. The surgery is Monday; expected hospital stay an additional 2 weeks; return to full lawn, hedge, vine and garden duties, 6 – 8 weeks.
Did I mention my new best friend is Izy? I haven't met Bert yet (the strimmer/weed whacker)… Soon, very, very soon.
Sorry to hear about all your dilemmas and as for garage sales…I’ve had 3 in 18 years or so….3 too many!
I do hope your Honey will be okay. My thoughts are with you and I’ll be praying for you both on Monday.
Thanks for taking the time to still contribute to Presto Pasta Night.
What a time you’re having! Hope everything improves soon … especially the husband
I’ve only once done a carboot sale, and there’s something you need to know, especially if you haven’t decided on pricing: when you arrive, you will not be the first, and all those early birds (who are often semi-pro junk dealers) will descend on you as you get out of your car and try to paw over your stuff and buy it. This is – I’m told – easier to deal with if you are prepared. My daughter and I just wanted to run away … instead we used strong language to chase them away, set up; they hovered, and got real bargains because we hadn’t decided on our pricing before we set out.
Having said that, it was a good fun day, there were lots of lovely people buying and selling, we got rid of lots of junk (LOVE that idea of SEP), and made a bit of money
Good luck with it – and let us know how it goes
Joanna
Hope your husband is doing well, and that by the time he is home you haven’t sold everything out from under him! I love having yard sales (our equivalent of the car boot sale) and clearing how the accuumulated stuff. Makes me feel lighter — and of course makes room for more stuff that I find at other people’s yard sales…. it is a vicious cycle, this cycle of “stuff”.
Katie the pasta looks about perfect for your life right about now.
I myself am contemplating boot sales. Trying to spend 3 to 4 hours each day gathering clutter (my husband’s term for it) items I will not move (my term for it) and carting it out to the storage area for sale/recycling. I don’t really mind the getting rid of it part, it’s the idea of putting prices on it and then actually watching the people swoop in over it – that part scares me.
Wishing you an uneventful and speedy recovery for the husband.
Ruth, thanks for the thoughts and prayers… They are appreciated! 3 sales, eh???
Joanna, thanks for the tips… I probably would have turned tail and ran had I not known…
Lydia, I told him I was going to go through his tools… Thought that would be a good incentive to heal quickly…
Tanna, I have never been known to part with anything…. this is needed but will be traumatic!
Good luck katie. I love to yard sell.
Your pasta looks good.
I hope things settle down and hope the selling goes well. The pasta looks delicious as always
That looks good! I really like pasta with peanut sauces.
I finally learned a few years ago how addictive yard and rummage sales are. I started with a little table at the flea market stall next to my coworkers’ booth and sold $63 worth. What a thrill! I did it a few more times, then a friend joined me and we had a great time and over the past two years have probably made more than $1000 at flea markets. Then I started working with another friend at a rummage sale to raise money for cancer research – an even greater thrill.
I do hope votre mari is doing OK.
Mimi
There comes a time when you just have to weed out the cluuter. Less time spent dusting and more time in the kitchen where we’d like to be:D
Sue, never having done it… should be interesting!
Thanks, Mike… all things in time.
Kevin, a new way to eat more peanut butter (as if I needed one)
Mimi, my sis is the same way – has one every year and makes enouhg to replenish her shopping account.
Val, I’m on a serious ‘no-dusting’ kick. I hate jobs that don’t stay done… Like dusting, and, now, lawn mowing.
Pasta with peanut sauce could be my downfall, I know If I made it just once I would want it every day 🙂 I have no will power!
LisaRene, I really don’t have much when it comes to peanut butter – so I try to use it up quickly…Wait, that doesn’t work….
First time with a power lawn mower aye? It must have been awkward at first, but I am sure it was very exciting.