Dateline Dayton – Last Friday and Saturday was the garage sale in Piqua, and I am happy to report it was a success. I could have sold six Hartzell’s airplane propellers and more Lange beer cases.

The customers starting arriving at 7:30, and my first sale was the airplane propeller, beer case and a cheese box from Zollinger’s where my dad worked for 50 years. Traffic was a little slow the balance of the day, but we all managed to sell many items. Friday was a premium day for the three participants.

Saturday was slower, and none of us had a customer until after 9 a.m. I sold enough to cover gas and food for the day. The best part was I found someone who enjoyed music.  I made a great deal for him to buy three boxes of records from Pauline’s brother, Father Joe. I am giving up on books. They do not sell, especially the subject matter Joe has to unload.

The weather was excellent both days. On the 35-mile drive home, though, I encountered something peculiar. A cab next to me displayed the business’s name, USA Taxi Co. Except the taxi was a Toyota. Thinking about it later, the van could have been more American than one carrying one of the American auto company’s names.

The Farm Hour

Sunday afternoon I was at the Learning Tree Farm for its 40th anniversary celebration. Over the years, Ohio has lost more farmland than any other state except one. The Learning Tree was started to acquaint schoolchildren, who may have lost touch with the outdoors, with authentic farm life. Pauline was to attend with me, but she was not feeling well. On another beautiful day in southwestern Ohio, everyone had a great time. I did the welcome, the introduction of guests, and Sally Keyes and Jean Ryan, founders of the Farm, shared a brief history. After the formalities, guests roamed the Farm and visited the animals while enjoying cake, popcorn and soda.

We took the occasion of the Farm’s anniversary to kick off a fundraiser for the new roof being installed on our century-old barn. We spent a lot of money a few years ago to stabilize the barn. It is past time to deal with the roof.

I See You

Tomorrow morning I will be off to the eye doctor for my regular eye exam. I hope he will be able to provide me with one pair of glasses instead of the three I use now, for distance, for reading and for working at the computer. With one pair, possibly I will be able to wear them all the time. I will know where they are and not have to search for them, which consumes a large part of my time.

Doing Business

Saturday, I may participate at a flea market in the community of Monroe to unload treasures left over from the garage sales. I have set up at this marker before, years ago. The nice part is, reservations are not required. You may change your mind, if the weather doesn’t want to cooperate.

Hope I will be able to give you another good report next Thursday.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net