Treasure Market

Merril and I went to the Dump Sho….errr….Treasure Market today.  Ummm it is the other day now.  It was today when we went. 
I am sure the name “Treasure Market” is based on the premise “one mans’ trash is another mans’ treasure.” We pick up really good stuff there.  We have got a sewing thing (I take Merril’s word that it was a great purchase as I am soo not into sewing.  How not into it?  Put it this way, when something needs a sew, I often staple), DVD’s, plastic draws on wheels, a roller, and a great table on wheels for sorting plants and cutting stuff.  I also got a kids bike there which I painted and put pots on.  It was my attempt to be “artistic.” 
I saw an interviewer ask a guy pushing out a mower if the mower worked.  The guy said “it will.” I do not know that guy, but I like him based on that answer.  Most stuff there is ready to use straight away and if it is not, then it only needs minor tweaking to be fit for purpose. It is not everyone’s cup of tea but it is ours. 
It is wonderful to see whole families get a bike each (there are always plenty of push bikes.)  The expression of joy on the kids’ faces makes a person know this place performs a valuable service.  It used to be run by the council.  They have outsourced it, and it is now run by private enterprise.
It is interesting to me that older stuff tends to last longer than newer stuff.  New stuff has a built in redundancy.  I find it amazing that it seems as soon as the warranty runs out, the thing breaks down.  I had a builder tell me about a great vacuum cleaner he had, that had lasted years.  His daughter bought the same type new.  The upshot was, they needed to get two to make one good one (the builder could do that, as he knew what he was doing).
On this occasion we were after a punching bag and pair of gloves.  We have a gym at home that is actually used, and basically have what we need (it seems a lot of people have a gym and never use it).  In fact we have given away a few things that were surplus to our requirements. 
The other day I found out who owned a truck parked outside and was told all the stuff in it was going to the dump.  In the back was a weight bench and weights.  We really wanted a weights bench.  As is always the case we got it, cleaned it up, and use it.  I guess that is a variation of “Where’d you get that?” “Oh it fell off the back of a truck.” 
We had found some gloves and were testing them (how do you test boxing gloves?  Err, they fitted.)  Next we needed a punching bag.  I asked a security guy if they had any and they were right next to us.  I was a bit embarrassed.  Anyway we got Morgan gloves and a punching bag.  The gloves have been washed and are drying.  The punching bag will be cleaned and placed. 
Fair dinkum you could furnish a whole house from there with good stuff.
We are happy campers anyway.