Friday, August 6, 2010

Junking at 65 MPH

I get so mad at my husband when he texts while he drives. I'm all..."If you want to play with your phone while you're driving, just do it when my children are not in the car...etc. blah, blah blah, etc." So I'm going to tell you this story, but only if you promise you will NEVER tell him. Promise?

So, I'm heading north on I-5 when this red truck passes me. Loaded up with junk. As it goes by, I see the cabinet...creamy white, fabulous shape.

I drive up next to the truck, roll down the window, honk my horn in a friendly but persistent manner and holler: "I HAVE TO HAVE THAT CABINET!" The guy hollers back; "FOLLOW ME TO THE NEXT EXIT." At the offramp, I can see the situation has become even more urgent....The cabinet has yellow (!) handles.

We end up by the side of the road...talking junk. Mike is a dealer, on his way to a weekend flea market. He tells me the cabinet is English...he's asking $200. Totally worth it, but a bit steep for me. Then I start pawing through the rest of the stuff...and spy a pile of old school room maps.

I decided on the ginormous one of the Pacific. We swapped cash for product like it was some sort of drug deal. School room map: $50. The story: Priceless. When my grandchildren ask me where I got the cool map, I'll say..."Well, I'll tell you the story, but you have to promise not to tell Grandpa...Promise?"

18 comments:

Barbara said...

So after all that, he wouldn't come down on the cabinet? Bummer. But nice map!

JustJoan said...

Love it!!! The story and the map.
Happy Friday!

JunqueMagnet said...

This story is hysterical.And EVER SO understandable!!!!!!!!Way to score and the memories of that map will forever be priceless.

Linda said...

When I am a really old lady, like not now but later, whenever I see a map I will giggle and I still won't tell them why!

Lynn said...

I am in awe of your persistence. I would think a man who had a person stop him on the freeway would give you a better price on the cabinet!
I LOVE this story!!!!!!!

Rose H (UK) said...

Priceless, just priceless! My neck stretches every time I pass a skip (dumpster) but I've never flagged down a pick-up truck. (yet!)

Unknown said...

too funny! but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
and cool map!!!

you might be on to something here....drive-thru junkin'! haha!
have a great weekend =)

trash talk said...

Are you kidding me...junking is a drug and we are so addicted! Case in point...you followed a complete stranger off the road...LOL! You and Mindy!
What a hoot...and what a story to pass down.
Debbie

Toocutedobs said...

Love that story and it sounds like something I might would do too. Your map is absolutely beautiful!!!! Great score!

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Your JPS (Junk Positioning System) was cranking. I wish this would happen to me! XOX

concretenprimroses said...

What a riot!
Kathy

Lisa said...

I think a road trip with you anywhere would be a blast. Way to go!!! Pirate and a great find out of a back of a truck. Can't wait to see what happens this weekend!

laurie -magpie ethel said...

You are a crazy woman Dot! Great story!

Mary Kay Andrews said...

I like the way you roll!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

OMG that is so funny!! I am glad if you couldn't get the cabinet that you at least got that great map and a wonderful story

Georgia Peachez said...

What ever it takes, right? After that did you go hit the flea market he was heading to?

Amber Von Felts said...

Hahahah! High Speed Pursuit!

Anonymous said...

Did you at least get his information so you could follow up and ask if he still had the cabinet?
You could say it did not sell because it is supposed to be yours - at a more reasonable price!