I love road trips. And they’re especially fun for me when they involve a little hunting. For Chip, hunting means guns, ammo, and meat in the freezer. For me, hunting means something quite different.
I begin such trips with the Suburban emptied of seats and debris. So it’s basically a pickup truck with a roof (and sometimes I really resent that roof . . .). Next, the requisite Starbucks drive-thru. Essential to my sanity and happiness. And what makes it extra fun is when you’ve got a buddy who is every bit as excited about the day as you are. On this day it was Cathy of Heather Grey Designs.
Naturally, the day we chose was over 95 degrees. But we were undaunted. Loaded with 8 bottles of water, suntan lotion, and granola bars, we were ready for anything. Here are some photos of our finds:
Love this oil painting! I realize that it’s beat up and chipping, but there’s just something about it that I love. (Don’t tell Chip, but I may have to keep it.) The big galvanized tub is cooler than it looks in this photo. It was white washed ages ago, and has such a great patina.
The concrete duck and metal urn are Cathy’s. Both great finds. The carelessly tossed trophy is mine. Don’t let the haphazard-looking packing fool you; each one of these items is precious to us.
What is it about old dress forms that I love so? And the more dilapidated it is, the more I want it. She’s already in the barn!
Such a nice cabinet. It was so tempting, in excellent condition, with all its drawers. But the price was just too high.
This old printer’s cabinet I absolutely loved. All the drawers were there. The hardware was original and so beautiful. But at $700, I just had to leave it behind.
It was a super successful trip, though. We filled the Suburban to the point that the young men helping us pack the last pieces simply did not believe it would all fit. But they didn’t know with whom they were dealing. Cathy and I climbed, pushed, shoved, cajoled, and, in the end, fit 1/2 dozen paintings, mirrors, 4 chandeliers, a chair, 4 tables, books, tags, trophies, china, lamps, a dress form, a 3′ diameter galvanized tub, and a 5′ solid concrete statue. Yes, we know how to pack.
And all that water we brought? Would you believe we drank all of it? And never had to use the bathroom. That’s just how hot it was.
Altogether a great day.
Thanks for reading,
Virginia
The Chartreuse Life 
What fun, wish I had a scrounging buddy that liked to go hunting/picking, From what I could see on the pics you two really found some keepers. There’s not really too many places to go picking here, drat it.
Those old suburbans are so great for hauling all kinds of stuff aren’t they? It’s amazing how much good stuff can be shoved in them, lol.
We have an 89 and that old buggy has helped us move many times. Right now it’s being used for storage in back yard, (it has a booboo). We took the 3rd. seat out long time ago and the back seat is down to accomodate our seasonal clothes and various decorating pieces and whatever else. Don’t like to put some things in the shed as mice get in there and chew everything up. I know I felt very safe driving her in the really bad weather in MT, KY and here in CO. They are such awesome vehicles.
JaneEllen, I agree with you. I absolutely LOVE my ’99 Suburban. It’s a tank. It’s moved my girls in and out of college dorms more times than I care to count. And it’s THE BEST for my ‘hunting’ trips.
Virginia
Wow! What great finds. I just came across your site and it’s fabulous. I couldn’t agree more with you about the roof. Sometimes those things just get in the way! Do you go to thrift stores, antique shops or yard sales most often? I’m a big yard saler. I started using a cool website (http://www.yardsalesearch.com) to find and map out local yard and estate sales. But I’m always curious how other people choose a route!
I’ll have to check out that site. I used to do a lot of yard sales, but I’ve found that the large, outdoor, temporary flea markets and auctions are more successful for me now.