I awoke to the sound of pouring rain this morning and felt awfully sorry for the Flyinge Sports Association who were probably cursing the weather as they tried to set up the flea market tents and tables over by the soccer fields on the other side of the village. By noon, however, the clouds had lifted and there was blue sky showing around all the edges of the towering cumulus skybeasts, when the kids and I set out. For safety’s sake, we wore our raincoats tied around our waists, and we were glad we did as a last sudden shower pounded down right before we got to the entrance.
All of Flyinge was milling about the field, picking over the piles of junk and cast-offs. Martin and Karin kept pointing out OUR things that had gone to the collection truck yesterday but I threatened them with death and destruction if they even so much as THOUGHT about buying anything back. Every few steps we stopped to say hello to someone: classmates, parents of classmates, neighbors, familiar faces. It’s like one big giant garage sale, with all the proceeds going to the sports organization. I still miss American garage saleing, though.
On the grass was a pile of rugs and carpets and wallpaper rolls, and a large area filled with flowerpots. There was 1 tent for clothing, 1 for lamps and 1 for electronics and appliances. A long row of tables in a giant u-shape held Christmas ornaments, children’s toys, movies, books, and kitchen stuff. Off to the other side of the field 2 long rows of furniture marched across the wet grass, many already emblazoned with “SOLD” stickers. Flea-marketing is an art form in Sweden for the serious collectors, they get there well before the gates open and snatch up any prizes immediately—usually to sell in their OWN flea markets in town. In front of an open-bed truck were piled several items for the auction that would be held in a few hours: all the really good stuff goes into the auction so that it will bring more than 20 kronor. Along the back fence were shoes and boots and a large area filled with miscellaneous things: a fake Christmas tree, rowing machines, rusty grills, baby carriages.
The kids and I walked the tables twice just to see what there was. I found a replica of a large glass popcorn bowl that was broken last year: Score! and a Jill Johnson CD, both for 10 kronor (about $1.50). We spent some time in front of the movie section…although it was all VHS and no DVDs we still have a VCR so we ended up purchasing a tape of Tomorrow Never Dies for another 10 kronor. I found 4 foam seat cushions (the kind you take camping or to a sporting event). Each of the kids had 50 kronor to spend, and neither one came close. Martin bought 2 comic book compilations, a drinking glass with a cartoon pig on it, and a plastic soap holder to use for gym class. Karin bought a silver trophy cup and a couple of tiny toys for 5 kronor. Then I bought them both hamburgers and warm Cokes to drink, and a sweet for a treat and we wandered home, well pleased with our finds.
I had plans for more projects and housework tasks today, but instead spent the rest of the afternoon ensconced on the sofa, finishing my book, and grumbling that the next one in the series hasn’t been published yet. I HATE waiting for books! Probably just as well that today was mellow—take a look at what my week looks like, on top of work:
- Monday: AWC Board & General Meeting
- Tuesday: Weightwatchers & Barbershop Singing Class
- Wednesday: All-day/evening Work Event
- Thursday: Sushi and Book group
- Friday: Wonderbras Dinner with the Girls
And that doesn’t take into account the activities that the kids need to be prepared for including gym, piano, karate, scouts and hemspråk!
Craziness. Toto, I don’t think we’re on vacation anymore.