Garage Sale

I sigh. Saturdays are supposed to be the one day I get to sleep in. But today is day 2 of the big garage sale and I didn't even make an appearance yesterday. It will never do not to help. So I roll out of bed and insist that Kiel get up and take me over to my sister's house. She and Mom are already doing a brisk business. Yesterday was a good day and today, though less busy, is still pulling in customers.

My sister never does anything halfway. She has spent hours finding ways to display things so that people can clearly see what is there. She labels everything with printed tags so the prices are marked well. She has a cooler with cold soda for sale in case the customers are too hot in the summer sun and want to buy a can for a quarter.

People who come self identify as regulars. They like garage sales that are well done and have quality merchandise for a reasonable price. Mom greets people and makes sure they know there is more inside the garage, rearranging displays when an item sells, refolding clothing, putting something that isn't attracting attention in a better location.

There is nothing I can do, really. I sit, in the way, in the hot sun, and chat during lulls in activity. My role is supportive only. Just to let them know I care about the success of their venture and while I am of no particular help, I want to be supportive. Besides, I don't get to spend a lot of time talking with Mom and lunch time, as good as that is, is limited. Mom has a lively sense of humor and I appreciate her sense of what's funny.

Right around lunchtime, the boys appear and whisk me off for eats. I will not be missed at the garage sale and the boys have promised to be back to help put the heavy stuff away and fold down the tent and racks. Its going well. I have done absolutely nothing to contribute, but then, most of the time at my place I am the sole contributor. Its nice for a change to just be there.