A Quick Stroll

My wife is a canny shopper. She always buys at clearance prices and reads through a bajillion reviews to make sure she's getting the best product for the best price. 

I'm a whole lot cheaper. To me, there's no better price than handing over a few bucks at someone's garage sale or picking up a "curb-side carryout."

Nana trained me well. I have some funny stories I could (some share involving old pool furniture), but that's neither here nor now.

Today, Shane and I went down the street to look at a "water table" one of my neighbors put out to the curb.

My neighbor knocked on the door when I was setting Shane up for dinner and Thomas the Train. We hadn't met, so when she introduced herself she mentioned her dog's name. Her daughters are very friendly and take him for walks, so that was actually a good way to let me know who she was!

When Shane finished eating, I stuffed him in the stroller and we wandered down.

The little girls loved Shane. They had him playing with toy shovels, running in and out of a playhouse, and in and out of their garage. Shane loved it. I swear my boy soaks up attention like a soap in water. We've played with the girls before since they like to be outside so much, but it was nice to meet their parents so they know who I am. 

Eventually, Shane and I went home. The boy took a bath, went to bed, and I ended up carrying a huge kiddie water table down the middle of the street. 

Like I said, Nana trained me well. I have no qualms and no shame retasking most things used to be useful another day. I feel most Americans have almost been conditioned to spurn used items for new, plastic wrapped ones. Maybe my love of used items is my own rebellion against the constant barrage of commercials and materialism in our country.

More likely, I'm just happily cheap!