A building full of treasures
This afternoon saw me out trying to buy little things. Stuff like headphone adapters, that stores such as Radio Shack would have had by the boxload only a few years ago. Now, the orphan child of that venerable chain is about to be sent to a new foster home, where only telephones will be given a place in front of the fireplace. The clerk knew what I was looking for (he’s older than you might think), but that doesn’t change the way stock is now allocated. If you’re looking for little stuff, grab it while you can, because “the times, they are a changing”.
I wasn’t going to lose a chance to get out to the interesting shops, so I climbed the hill to our regional flea market. There, people who would like to run a store but can’t have made their camp, and the familiarity with things like electronic payment vary from stall to stall. At my favourite genealogy shop, the older gentleman seemed bemused by my paying with something other than hard cash.
The one shop that sells stuff for the musician has posted a “Going Out Of Business” sign. When I asked, the older gentleman (not the same one) explained that the owner was in poor health, and the long term likelihood of the shop was under a cloud. Now, this is the kind of shop that needs closer examination, every time. Nothing on sale is new, and some of the instruments and amplifiers may be better quality than first appearances would announce. I came away with a microphone, table stand, clip and cable for $30, which is not much in this inflated retail world. Worth my trip.
On one table in the general “flea” area, I spotted a pair of safelights. Big one, meant to hang from heavy chains from the ceiling. The seller was excited that I actually showed interest, and wanted to be sure that I knew what they were. Indeed! I have no possible use for them, but the temptation was strong. I like other people’s junk. I’m supposed to stop that.
