Princeton's Underbelly

 

We are into our second month of our "Princeton adventure."  Like a friend who promised to write home everyday,  I have written many blog posts in my head.  Work (always work), setting up house, and finding the quickest route to Target are just some of the things that have kept me away from actually  writing an entry.

Yes, eventually I will explain how it feels like we are living in an academic kibbutz; how Einstein's legacy here at the Institute is very much alive; how the Gothic architecture of the Princeton campus make me feel like an extra in a Harry Potter movie; how I smile at ads for Harris Tweed Jackets in the local paper ("handwoven from Scotland!")....but right now, I am inspired to write about Princeton's underbelly....at least what I call the underbelly.

Holy Mother of all Garage Sales!  Did I find one of the best organized, best selection, best priced garage sale ever, right here in Princeton, New Jersey -- just a few blocks from the Princeton campus.

Every year, Princeton HealthCare (formerly the Auxiliary of the University Medical Center), sponsors a rummage sale on the first level of the hospital's parking garage. This year marked 93rd year of this annual event.  According to the coordinator, who I befriended, they start collecting items donated from the community in April.  Then three days before the event, they sort, label, and price. Volunteers do all the work and all the money goes to the hospital.

We arrived at the appointed start time, and the place was already packed.  Emma and I joined the frenzy of shoppers thumbing our way through old books, CD, clothing, housewares, toys, furniture, art, holiday items, linens, sporting goods, Grandma styled bric-a-brac, electronics, etc.

Truth be told, Emma didn't seem to enjoy the consumer carnival as much as I did. Here she is forcing a smile with my shopping treasures:  a $1 shovel (for the snow!) and a $2 rake.