Saleing and Sailing

Two weekends ago we went garage "saleing" (though sometimes it seems like garage sailing in that we sail right by). We generally do this three or four times a year, 10% of our efforts go towards seeking a treasure for us, 90% of our efforts go towards seeking out cheap baby gear (books, clothes, toys, puzzles) to send to Gentle Hands in the Philippines. It's an easy way for us to compile goods, it usually costs less than $50 to stuff a "Balikbayan" box to the gills, add another $70 to ship (which isn't any more than a nice dinner or two) and 6 weeks later the kids can have a new batch of stuff!

During this latest treasure hunt we did manage to find some goods to eventually ship over to Manila but haven't quite filled a box (truth be told we haven't find a Balikbayan shipper here yet either). One interesting side effect of our hunt is that we on occasion chat with the proprietors (for lack of a better word) of the garage sale (they ask if we have a little one at home, we say that the clothes are for an orphanage, wala!). A couple of time the proprietors have offered to help. At one in Chicago we were told we could have the clothes that remained after the sale. At this past "saleing" stint we gave the orphanage information to the lady and she indicated that she'd send the clothes over. I have no idea if anything has or will come about it but one of these times something will, in the meantime we can do the little things to help.


Our 10% treasure hunt also presented itself, we've been in the market for a new tent as our old trusty steed from Sears is starting to show it's age. Bear in mind that it did serve as refuge for our drive from Alaska to the states and we've used it a few times since, it's just not grandiose, and, well, it may just fall apart here soon. We managed to find a tent that's pretty much as big as my first dorm room, it's a "7 man" (so, 4 man in application) tent from Kelty (the Mantra 7), weights 22 pounds. Lists for $400 - $500, got it for $40. Not quite a backpacking tent but it's a good one to pitch right next to our car when we go "camping".