Book Board Chat

I was in kindergarten class. We were in"circle time," sitting around the teacher. The principal came in and whispered the news to her, and she told us. My only other memory of that time is the (black and white!) TV in the kitchen playing sad music for many days.

As some of you know, my husband is an administrator at Choate (now Choate Rosemary Hall), where JFK went to high school. The school has spent the fall doing lots of different special programs to commemorate his time there. One of my children is good friends with his great niece, who was in his class for four years. So I'm feeling a lot of connections today!

Oops- I see that I just answered an old post. I'm hopeless at these boards after all these years LOL.

Kathleen- he just finished his freshman year at Northwestern! (in Evanston, Ilinois). He LOVES it there- doing chemical engineering- probably will never settle in New England boo hoo. But he is home for the summer, in fact just arrved this afternoon, to work at the summer sch'ool of hos old prep school.

Happy Anniversary to Kathleen and her DH! 35 years is a long time! 😉

Hi again everyone! Carol (Bookdelle)- Here is what I learned about pipes...you have to be a real expert to sell them! LOL. When I started researching them I couldn't even make sense of the markings. I found this guy on eBay whose name is Rob Cooper- he goes by Coopersark I think. He had over 10,000 positive feedback, all from pipes. I sent him pictures, wondering if he would be interested in selling them on consignment. He called me up on the phone! He was funny, nice, and very efficient. This is what he does for a living. He put them up in lots of 4-5 at a time, except for the two that were more rare, and sold for around $400 each. Those he reconditioned and polished etc. He has a loyal client base, mostly in Asia it seemed. As soon as he put up the auctions he emailed links so that I could follow them. The photographs were better than anything I could have done. As soon as the auctions were done, he sent an accounting and a check for 70% (he takes 30%, pretty standard I think). Anyway, I was really happy with the whole thing.

Helen and Sandy, hello to you too! 😉

Hello book boarders- haven't been on in a couple of weeks. Just scrolled down and caught up. I'm so glad that we still have an outlet for the old book board!

I've been continuing to clean out both my father's and mother-in-laws treasures, and have had some interesting adventures along the way. We sent my Dad's stamp collection and a print from my MIL to Doyle Auctions in New York- very convenient, as they are three blocks away from MIL's apartment! The stamp album fetched $3,500 and the print (that I thought was hideous) $2,500 so that was good, and we enjoyed the process. It's also nice to have a permanent record in an auction catalogue. There were 20 Dunhill tobacco pipes that I realized I was completely incapable of describing properly. I found a great eBay seller who took them on consignment. He cleaned them up and wrote up some really expert sounding auctions...my share of those was about $1,700! Who knew?

With more tuition bills due (two kids in college!), my daughter and I are working on this:

http://forums.ebay.com/db2/topic/Clothing-Shoes-Accessories/Vintage-Hermes-Belt/5100157259

anyone have any good advice?

Also, did anyone see The Great Gatsby movie? What did you think? I loved it, even though it got mixed reviews. Would be interested to hear what you all thought...

Three feet of snow here north of Hartford! Kind of shocked that we still have power. Snow banked up over the doors and windows...

Logged into the book board chat for the first time in a long time, and not only is there a whole series of interesting posts I see that out old friend Tom/Acuity4U is back! Welcome back! Off to read more.

THanks Dan and Aegbooks! Isn't it weird? The mystery is that I sold a much bigger one by Tiffany for around $60 a couple of weeks ago. This thing is tiny, and I can't read the marks! I like books so much better- wish tere was still a market for them...

Happy New Year Book Boarders! Longtime no see Salmegal! Hey everyone- I now know what sells on eBay. Anything to do with tobacco pipes. Look at this!? http://www.ebay.com/itm/271130351566?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649. What is it, and why is it being bid up with 4 days to go? It is my first eBay mystery.

President Obama in Air Force One just landed at the Air National Guard facility in my town! They will shut down the highway and he will be in Newtown faster than we would be able to drive it- for us, it would be about an hour.

Thanks Bob! I will try again and see if I can change the settings.

I have a book selling question! I went to my Amazon selling account for the first time in a long time. I tried to add some books, and they no longer have the option of offereing international shipping. Anyone know anything about this?

They are adorable!

Yeah, no more lock down drills for you! (shudder). Trying to catch the flu before Monday LOL.

Mysteryhorse- I remember that you are a retired school librarian. Lots of my colleagues suddenly revisting the retirement idea!

Patsy- I know Easton very well. Similar town to Newtown. I'm really dreading going back to school on Monday, big meeting for an hour before school on the script that we are to follow when discussing the incident with the children.

Kathleen- yes! You are so right. The days that we could keep them safe in our arms were the best. Although I do savor some of the young adult moments, like the series of texts I got from my DS yesterday, as the news broke. (My school is similar, but an hour away). It went some thing like this "Just heard the news, are you on lockdown?" (No) "Do you feel safe there?" (Yes, sort of. I deal with crazy people every day, but none that bad.) then "Why don't you just go home!" LOL. No problem getting to the airport, it is only 8 minutes away from the house.

It's a terrible day to be an elementary school teacher in Connecticut. I can't even bear to watch the news. They're upgrading the security at my school over the weekend. Kathleen- good to see you posting! Nice to hear updates on your grown up boys! My youngest, who was about 5 when I joined the bookboard, is in the air as we speak, coming home from his freshman fall term at Northwestern. We are both staying up to get him at the airport (Hartford) at midnight.

Hello bookboarders! Happy Thanksgiving to you all! THis was a quiet one for us, with only one child home- the one who is a freshman at Northwestern. It is the first time we have seen him since we dropped him off in September. We really miss him!
I'm continuing to plug away on eBay, getting rid of my Dad's stuff. Books are just not selling at all for me any more. When there was a day where you could list "Buy it Now" for free I put 40 of them up at rockbottom prices, and only four sold. On the other hand, I listed a tiny little "vintage pipe tamper" from a family friend, and it went for $65. Go figure. Thinking of raiding DS's childhood Pokeman card stash next. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I'm tired of politics, so I'll post! Stamphick, you might be interested in this...my Dad's stamp album goes up for auction in New York on November 10th. The estimate is $3500. I hope it makes that much! I've started listing thins on eBay again- two kids in college now. It's getting expensive! Speaking of college, we moved my son into hs freshman dorm at Northwestern about 10 days ago. I had never been to Chicago! I loved it, and can't wait to go back...

Desertprincess! If you scroll just a few posts back, I was talking about meeting you in real life! How is your kiddo? Where are you living these days?

Jhill- Correct. Although I ave to say that the three book boarders I met in real life (and one child and two spouses!) were exactly as lovely as I expected. I do think that there are some life events or situations that people don't past about- and rightly so if they value their privacy!

Sad about Maureen. One thing I have learned on this chat board over the years is that you never know what someone's real life looks like just from their posts.

I swear, I proofread that post. I am so bad at this IPad thing!

Hi there Briguy- some day I'm oing to ask you about the stamps and postmarks on my family Civil War letters (Union NAvy) so I'll give you feedback on the doll auction I looked at (the one with the driving outfit). I loved the description, including listing all of the flaws. It makes the seller, your DW, sound both fun and honest. I would end each write up with a little generic encouraging note "Thanks for looking, good luck!" or something like that. I have a college friend who sold a bunch of doll things, maybe Dawn, for a TON of money. Like, a pile of little shoes for $50! She was also very specific with any tiny condition issues. BTW, you guys live near Chicago, right? My son, who was tiny when I started on the book board years ago, is starting college in Evanston in September! e is taking a Calculus placement test as we speak...

Mysteryhorse- see if your local library hs the free library edition of Ancestry.com. With the name and approximate birth date you won't believe the stuff that will pop up.

So sad to hear of Maureen's situation, but glad she is getting inpatient care. Maureen, if you read this please know that you have been in the thoughts and prayers of people all over the country- there probably are lurkers that you don't even know about who have followed your journey.

Woo Askanne! Over $3,000 on a yard sale find. Kind of amazing!

PS, Askannem, you are in western Connecticut, right? I'm in northern CT. Much more comfortable today, isn't it?

A skannem- just checked out your Stephen King books and whoa! Great find! Please let us know what the final bids are in case I forgot to look. I'm actually listing a few things on eBay just to get them out of my house. As usual, the fishing lures are getting a lot more attention than the books!

Sandy, I actually met your DH once! He was so nice. Wasn't he a chemical engineer? Phd? my kid is going to try chem eng. We will see if he can do it! it's supposed to be one of the hardest majors. BTW he has four classmates also going to Northwestern. Graduation was last week in your old neck of the woods 🙂 Eight classmates going to Yale, shocker.

Hello everyone! I just got a surprise email notification that I was mentioned on the book board LOL. Kathleen, my son will be a freshman at Northwestern University in Evanston, in the fall. hard to believe! he was about 5 when I found the book board! He will be studying engineering. sandy/bookbase (please excuse the lack of caps I'm on my IAd, still learning) I love your beach house! Took a look at the Facebook link. By the way, I had no idea that you lived in that particular town in New Jersey. That is where my ancestors are from! We will have to chat. Finally, Maureen, if you are reading this please know that all of our thoughts and prayers re with you...

Beth and Chris- thank you! I just looked through some completed listings, and let me just say, my mouth is open. Attic being raided tomorrow. This could even help with tuition next year!

OK, I'm finding a lot more PIECES of little Lego people that I could put together to make people, is that allowed?

Beth- thanks! It has already gotten more looks than any of my books LOL. I'm going to have to raid the rest of that under the bed storage box that is full of them!

Hello book boarders. Cold, windy day here in Norther Connecticut. I feel so bad for the tornado victims who are now getting snowed on. I can't imagine that. BethVt, if you are around, could you look at my Lego auction? I couldn't think of more to write about it...

Askanne/Anne- I was in Rowayton yesterday dropping my kid off at a friend'as house! I should have tried to find the sale LOL. Where did he live in relation to the Five Mile River?

Carol/Bookdelle- I also thought the book might appeal to Kennedy collectors. It has a coffee or tea stain, but maybe that adds to the appeal- looks like it was read by Choate students LOL. Has your most recent snow melted yet?

Agebooks- yes, that's what is hard about letting go of books- there are lots of memories associated with them. Maybe I should just take a picture of the ones I'm getting rid of LOL.

Diane/Furtim, Jim/Dainisinj- I also find that I'm cleaning out the fiction and keeping the reference books. What if we have another October snowstorm/power outage? (I guess that was my thinking.

Acatlover- lately I find that I'll buy a book from the library sale, read it and donate it back. LOL on the cats and birds not reading.

Kathleen/Lludwig- as usual, you are a great resource. No, I never got as far as making sure it was a "true" first edition until I read your post, and then I ran to the book and checked. It is! M-E and all. Hope things are going well with you...

Getting rid of books: I have such mixed feelings about this! I have piles now; to donate, to bring to school, to throw away. Many of them I haven't opened in 20 years ("How to Raise a Son" LOL "Children's Parties" etc), but they seem like old friends. Thoughts/sympathy anyone?

OK! Book question for you all. We have a leak into our living room ceiling from a bathroom upstairs. I have spent the day dismantling a tall bookcase loaded with books that is, of course, right under the part of the ceiling that needs to be opened. I'm making piles to donate or bring to my classroom, and finding some treasures.

So what do you all think of this one? I bought it at a library sale. It's John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage, but what's neat about it is that it was discarded from the Choate Rosemary Hall library, where he attended prep school. In the front there are two bookplates, one from the school's library and another that says "John F. Kennedy, Choate 1935, President of the United States 1961-1963." AND, it is a stated first edition. However, there is a small coffee stain at the bottom. Think it has any value?

Hello book boarders. Checking the book board chat on this gloomy, cold Connecticut afternoon because I am actually listing books on eBay. First time I have listed anything since this summer, and I'm happy to say that they haven't changed the site too much and I'm actually able to do it.

I don't like cats, as I am deathly allergic to them. They all seem to know this and immediately jump into my lap if I'm ever at a house where they live.

I watched Downton Abbey with my DH and that crabby old lady with the acerbic comments (forget her name) is a dead ringer for my mother. Seriously. My mother is English and makes all of the same comments. My sisters think it is hysterical.

No spoiler here, but it was a very nice piece!

I was wondering if he will do his PhD in Indiana? He is still young to go away to grad school...

Casinokat, just saw your grandson on 60 minutes! That was so cool!

Jhill- I think you're right. My DH moonlights as a high school football and lacrosse referee. We have always used an accountant and meticulously declared all of those little checks. Once you take all of the allowed deductions for uniforms and mileage there's not much profit anyway. This year, all of the school systems are asking the referees for their ss#s etc- some of the guys who couldn't be bothered with the paperwork are now going to have to do it!

Jim, thanks, my sister ordered the adapter today . I was surprised at how small the Kindle was! I have borrowed a Nook from the library, it is much bigger, more like the size of an Ipad. Have fun on your cruise!

Ginnyrose- she is a character! She has repeated the line about dying at the hands of pirates rather than in the care center several times this week. She doesn't even know anyone on this trip. She just wants to get out of soggy New England.

Kathleen- if the rain we are having right now was snow, we would be buried! 😉

Amazon asked for the social security numbers for anyone who had more than 50 transactions. I had about 52! Since they were all my Dad's books, and most of them are gone now I was just going to let the account die. Actually, I was kind of looking forward to donating that last shelf of books! But, the account was not closed.

Carol, Casinokat and Kathleen- thanks! (hope I didn't miss anyone). We have a friend who just graduated from Gordon College, in Music Education. She loved it! Speaking of Amazon...my seller account was supposed to be closed down yesterday because I didn't supply my social security number. It's still open! Wonder what's up with that?

Jim- I read your post with interest, because we gave my 80 year old mother a Kindle for Christmas too! Next week, she is going on a two week cruise to Africa, and we thought it would be helpful to carry one light device with multiple books on it. (The cruise is despite the fact that she has multiple health problems and it's going through pirate territory! She says that she would rather die at the hand of pirates than in a nursing home like my father. Kind of have to admire her spirit!) Anyway, we also had the hardest time trying to figure out how to turn the thing on. We finally figured it out, charged it, downloaded several books, and are hoping that there are some tech savvy people on the boat who can help her if she can't figure it out!

Hello book boarders! This seems like a good time to catch up. Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays to you all! This was a quiet one for us, as my Dad is no longer with us (He died in September) As some of you might remember, I've been selling his books, at his request for the past ten years. That's pretty much why I've been a book seller!

Happy to see so many familiar faces are still. It would be cool if Celticmuse joined us. I remember learning a lot from her back in the day.

Our big news this vacation is that my son got into college! He was 5 or 6 when I found the book board, now he is almost all grown up! He will be going to Northwestern University in Chicago next year to study engineering. Got a really nice scholarship, so it is actually doable. Happy New Year everyone- I'm glad this board exists! 😉

Hello book boarders! Just happened to check in and see that I was missed! Sorry to hear that folks are ailing. I hope that everyone gets better soon!

This has been a busy and weird fall. My Dad died at the end of September. He was 89 and in the end stages of dementia. We had a beautiful memorial service. Some of you old timers might remember that most of the books I've sold over the years were his. I now am the keeper of ALL of the family photographs and letters going back to before the Civil War. Been doing a lot of research on those.

Kathleen, how nice of you to notice that we were in the worst part of the October snowstorm! I know that you were affected too. Can you believe it, it was October 29th and we had 20 inches of wet, windblown snow. If any of you saw the stories on the national news about all of the airplanes stranded on the runways overnight at Bradley airport- well, that's where I live. We lost power for a week. We were out of school for a week and a half, and those days have to be made up! There was a huge amount of tree damage- in our yard alone, I would say that over 100 branches came down. The big FEMA trucks actually came today and took all the tree debris that we had managed to put by the road.

If this was a preview of what the winter is going to be like, I'm dreading it. So that's the news from here! I'll catch up more over the weekend.

Right, I'm a certified half time teacher, but I'm a math specialist. I'm probably counted in the "teacher/student" ratio, although I don't run a classroom. What I do mostly these days, thanks to NCLB, is coach children to do better on the math part of the state tests.

Sorry, meant class size. State law here caps it at 25 I think grades K-5

Suburban Connecticut here- average case size at the school where I teach is 23. The only aides are there one on one with children with severe behavior disorders. When people talk about a teacher/student ratio, I wonder if they are including specialists and special Ed teachers as well? (Aso art, music etc)

Wow, I can't believe it's gone. Are all of the chats gone? Where will all of the crazy people who took the boards over go? I'm still kind of sad...

Good morning book boarders! Still working on the key issue, not giving up yet! Just scanned the board, and thought you might be interested in how we teach "Order of Operations" in the elementary schools these days. Go from left to right, and do the operations in this order: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction) It works! 😉

Thanks everyone! I'm going to try the fine wire up and down approach and will keep you posted!

Well thanks everyone! I was all for the superglue approach, but DH forbade it. He also thinks we need a professional to take it apart- bummer!

Well, just found a magnet kit in the son's room, but it was too weak. I was thinking about rubber cenent and a Q tip, but they probably don't make rubber cement any more because of fumes...

Magnet! That's a great idea. I could test one on the part of the key remaining on the key ring...

Alright- the bookboard knows all! I broke a key off in a lock this afternoon (flimsy key!) It looks like the piece could easily slide out. I bought some gum (Juicy Fruit!) and stuck it over the piece, hoping to pull it out tomorrow when it is not so soft. Any other brilliant ideas out there? I really don't want to pay for a house call by a locksmith...

We had heavy bands of rain here in Northern CT last night, which continue this morning. There is much more flooding in our yard and basement right now than we had with hurricane Irene, and I'm just starting to hear about school and road closings. Crazy weather!

Oh, and hello to Gargay! I'm so glad to know that some of mt favorite eBay people are not gone forever.

Jim- (dainisng)- have a wonderful time! Sounds like the trip of a lifetime!

Sandy (bookbase)- I just watched two hours of Buried Treasure! It was a little hokey, but I learned a lot. You know that the producers had to have checked out all of those homes before hand.

Kathleen )lludwig)- sorry to hear about all of the water! That was one beautiful river when we drove past it this summer, it probably looks more menacing now.

Askanne- good point. I'm lucky because I'm just selling off family things and my Dad had particular interests. Once I'm done with his stuff it will be a lot harder to group like things together.

Thanks Jude! I guess I'll just get them ready for that day...

Last comment- finally, I'm a big believer in a tip that I learned from Satnrose about ten years ago. Save things up on the same subject, then list them at the same time! I listed most of my Dad's mountain climbing books together, generated a lot of interest, and made about $500 altogether. Then I moved on to the fishing lures, I think I made about $300 on those. Now I'm working on his Harvard memorabilia. I want the people looking to be able to click on my other and find something they might be interested in. It also helps to immerse yourself in a subject so you can answer questions intelligently. And, that's my tip of the day. Sorry for any spelling mistakes!

Continuing...the lure buyers prefer that you list them individually, then combine shipping. They were very generous, emailing me with identifications and advice. The highest one went to Japan for $66. Some of them only sold for $1.00, that was fine too.

Two comments and a question! I'll start with the question first. I just searched eBay announcements and can't find the answer. When do we get the increase in characters in the title? From 45- ? and when?

OK! What I learned about fishing lures. Well, the best thing you can do is put them up and describe them the best you can. Previous research doesn't seem to matter a lot, as they can have subtle differences that you don't know about. I started one of them at $1.00 because I thought that was what is was worth based on my research. It closed at over $40! But, there were only one of those. The most valuable lures were "Heddon" lures, they all went to Japan.

Yes, Beth, just saw Southern VT on the news too. We're having a second round of heavy winds here- but- we still have power!

Checking in here from the Conn-Mass border. We never lost power, but there was tons of rain, wind, and tree debris all over the yard. The hurricane took a more western track than they expected, and I guess Western Mass and parts of upstate New York are getting slammed now. We just have residual winds left.

Bethvt- that's a good idea- I could call my sister. Now that you mention it though, DH has an Iphone! (for work but it it here right now). His data plan should be able to get the internet even though the power is out. My other sister made a good point today (she is in southern ct, also supposed to get a direct hit) The last time she lost power for a weeki, the house got filthy. So I'm trying to do all laundry, dishes etc assuming I won't be able to for a while...

Pouring rain here in Northern CT all day- just saw the latest hurricane track which takes it right over our house tomorrow afternoon. Bummed out that we will probably lose power and I won't be able to watch the end of my fishing lure auctions LOL

I was actually calling on behalf of my college daughter, to remind them that the college heath center is supposed to be covered as an "urgent care center." I would hate to think of anyone sick or fragile being screamed at- yikes!

We had the earthquake shake the house a couple of days ago, and now we're right in the path of the hurricane. I guess if things come in threes, a tornado would be next! Actually had one of those close by earlier in the summer.

I just had a conversation with someone at our health insurance company who was so rude it took my breath away. Usually they are so nice! By the end she was yelling at me and refused my polite request to speak to a supervisor. I'm going to call tomorrow morning and ask for her name (should be in my file). Then what should I do? Go through the HR department at my husband's workplace or write straight to the president of the company LOL.

Hi Wes- welcome to the book board. There are a lot of helpful people on the board, feel free to ask away.

Ginnyrose we have the same taste in books LOL

Patsy and Kathleen- yes, we loved Charleston although we only visited for three days. It was just beautiful and so full of character. I read The Lords of Discipline for about an hour today while my teenage driver was practicing parking in anticipation of the drivers test on Tuesday. And no I was not in the car, I was sitting at a nearby picnic bench! The fishing lures are hilarious because of the response, but I am so done with them. I'm going to pack the rest up and give them to my nephew. I have spent the afternoon answering emails from kindly old gentlemen who are helping me correct all of the listings LOL. There are a lot of very nice, expert fishing eBayers out there who have been very helpful. They are just as passionate about these things as we are about books.

I'm getting punchy here. I actually just wrote in a listing "the purple thread is from where it stabbed me!"

I'm currently reading The Lords of Discipline, by Pat Conroy, again. I read it originally when it came out around 1980. I remember thinking at the time that it was over the top violent. We just got back from a short family vacation in Charleston, SC and I'm curious to read his vivid descriptions of Charleston now that I've actually seen it. Also, is Briguy on this board? Because we visited the old State House and they had a big exhibit on Confederate Postal History! Specifically, exactly which stamps and postmarks were used in Charleston during the Civil War. I took pictures LOL.

Fishing lure report! I just listed my best ones, and within 5 minutes got two "I want to buy it now" requests from Japan LOL. I have a bunch more that are not worth much, but am quickly losing interest in researching and describing them. Give me books any day...

Ouch! Out him should be put him...

Antsy- I really feel for you. My family went through that with my father for a long time. Finally out him in a nursing home a year ago, and everyone is happier, including him. He'll never qualify for Medicaid, but we don't mind losing any inheritance. I really feel for you...have you looked into other care?

Thanks Diane/Furtima- running off on another college trip but when I get back I'm going to put up all the rest of the lures (about 30). Some of them are supposedly valuable so we'll see. DH and I went to see "The Help" last night. It was very well done and true to the book. THe theater audience had about an equal number of blak and white viewers, and it was one of the only movies I've been to where everyone laughed out loud, clapped and cheered in certain parts, and lot of people left with tears in their eyes. I really recommend it.

Furtima/Diane- yes! LOL. I will post a summary of what I have learned after it is over.

Books that other people are reading...I sat next to a lady on a plane who was just finishing "Cutting For Stone." I had just finished it the week before for my book club. When she was done I looked at her and put my hand over my heart (she had tears in her eyes) It was a book bonding moment...not available with a Kindle.

Grano- I had to go peek, and boy was I sorry. Guess I won't even go back and say goodbye. I'm so grateful for this new version of the book board.

Fishing lure update- there are some very nice people out there. I emailed a picture of my mystery wooden "pikie" to a couple of the guys who run antique fishing sites, and got an answer back in 5 minutes! It is unusual, but not worth more than $30. Oh well!

Lilliana, I'll look forward to seeing how your vintage hankies do. Books are my first love, but they seem to be harder to sell with every year that passes.

Casino- very cool! Please let us know when it airs.

wellingtonct- not sure if they want us posting auctions on this board but here's one of them 270795618149. One of my new fishing lure buddies told me not to put them in lots like this though, they prefer to pick out their own and then combine shipping. One thing I love about eBay is the nice customers you and up communicating with and learning from. THat's one reason I started with clearly marked ones, so the customers could educate me LOL. Beth- that's a good idea. They are spread out on my college daughter's bed now- shhhh don't tell her, she'd be horrified, and I'm not touching them again until they get shipped. But, I'm thinking that putting peanuts on their dangerous little hooks to ship is a great idea!

Nonamegoddess- thanks! I have been stabbed quite a few times. I only carry them one at a time now. Nasty things- maybe I'll appreciate them more when they sell! I'm following your same strategy. I listed a bunch that were clearly identifiable, and now I have people emailing me pictures of ones they want. Fishing people seem to be just as nice as book people! I'm saving the very old, and/or already identified as valuable ones for last.

Fishing lure update! My DH has declared the family room a "lure free" zone so I've set up operations in the college daughter's bedroom ha ha. I put up eight or so that had the original packages as "bait" ha ha again, and I'm starting to get questions and interest. I still wish there was this much interest in books!

Beth- go to the ER. Not to be scolding, but always wear gloves! My daughter ended up at the ER in Atlanta this afternoon with a serious asthma attack. Luckily she was at my sister's house, otherwise she might not have voluntarily gone by herself. They immediately gave her a shot of steroids, and she's much better.

Can't wait to hear about your trip Grano/Patsy. My daughter has spent the summer in Atlanta and has been surprised all summer at how hot and humid it is. Bill/Itsagas and Aegbooks asnd Furtima and anyone else interested in the lures- I sorted them out. Not my favorite things! There are less than I originally thought- about 50. Some of them are clearly identifiable and worth about $25. There are a few very old Heddons that I need to do more research on. I listed four that were in packages this morning. We'll see what happens, I just don't love them as much as I do books LOL.

Oh, and not to turn the book board into the fishing lure board (although I did turn it into the college board the other night), but little tip for anyone trying to clean them up- don't ever put them on a terry towel. They sink their little hooks right into it and you have to use scissors to cut them free. It happened!

Bill- hooray! I can't believe I found someone who knows about lures so quickly. I'm going to take the pictures tomorrow. There was one metal one that looked like spoon- we googled the company and spoon lure and it popped right up! (on google images) OK, so really dumb question- are very old weights worth anything, and how about random feathery tail things (that I think are used for fly fishing) but they are not attached to any kind of metal or plastic lure...

Jim- Good Lord. Now I feel a responsibility to get them out of the smelly box. Well, not really, they have been sitting there for years. My mother was joking around about having a brooch made out of one of the prettier ones. And, I'm glad you are on this board, because I also have old cameras. Saving those for another day. This project has been overwhelming. It started with books ten years ago, but now that my poor Dad is in the dementia part of the nursing home and my mother wants the stuff out of the house in case she has to move, it has accelerated. I kind of hope that there's nothing too valuable, because then I'll have to share the proceeds with the rest of the family. They were happy to let me dispose of the books!

Furtima- so here's my strategy! Tell me what you think. There are about 10, unused, in their original box/package, so those should be easy. I'll develop a clientelle, sort of like I do with the old mountaineering books, and ask what they're looking for on the harder ones. So far, I have found two old wooden ones that seem uncommon! (can't find an image of them anywhere). THey are probably from my grandfather. A lot of them are from the 1960s and have silly names stamped on them (see below!)

Report on the furnace room cleanout today! I DID find something interesting today. Some of you have known me for about 10 years now, and the story of the piles of stuff accumulated by my Dad, so you will believe me when I tell you that today's find was...a very smelly box of about 100 old fishing lures! I know nothing about them except that they stab you when you try to separate them and that old ones can be potentially worth something. So my mother and I had an entertaining afternoon trying to identify them on eBay and other sites, they have ridiculous names like "Chub Creek Tiny Runt" which caused some hilarity. It was a fun way to spend a hot humid afternoon. I think that they are going to be my next project on eBay because seriously...books are not selling. Of the last group that I put up, there were 7 sold (some on relists) and 20 unsold. My DH will be thrilled (not) he says "everytime you come back from your mother's you start pulling scary things out of your trunk" ha ha.

Aegbooks- I actually found it on ebay! Worth about $100, but not worth shipping. I gave it to my nephew. I'll let you know if I find anything interesting lurking in the garage or furnace room today (gotta have some reason to look forward to doing this not fun job LOL)

Aegbooks- going back to my parents' condo today to clean out more stuff. Last time I was there, I found this really cool ax. I thought it might be some kind of military thing, but when I searched around on the internet, I found out that it was a 1940s mountaineering ax! Apparently my Dad would go mountain climbing with other soldiers on their time off. I think I'm at the bottom of the interesting stuff, but we'll see if I find anything else interesting today.

Just back from a three day college trip to Pennsylvania. Lludwig, we probably drove past your house! Two days in Philadelphia, where we visited Villanova and did the whole city/history thing. Yesterday we drive to Lewisburg, following the beautiful Susquehanna River for about an hour. We saw lots of Amish people on buggies and bicycles, even a horse hauling a canoe! Final stop was Bucknell University, which we also liked a lot, and then a six hour drive home!

Good idea adderbolt. I think I'm going to be honest. I just got off the phone getting a late fee taken off a credit card (first time ever) because the bill never arrived. We hardly ever use that card so I didn't know it was missing.