Posted 5/9/01 Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson: At garage sales, the one with possession wins Saturdayís Garage Sale extravaganza drew hundreds, if not thousands to North Branch and surrounding area. A lot of ìstuffî was moved out of basements, attics and garages, into otherís basements, attics and garages, I would surmise. The pace was hectic, beginning at the stroke of eight and continued all day, even into the rainy afternoon hours. At the onset, if you spotted something you really couldnít live without, you were wise to snatch it up, pay for it and put it in your vehicle immediately. I know, I hesitated on a couple of items and - poof - they were gone. The items went in the instant you turned your back to ask hubby if it was what we wanted. The mat, actually a gym or wrestling mat, gone. I had visions of sleeping on something more comfortable this year when we went camping. The dog carriers? A trip around the block was one trip too long, they were gone. And on it went. You could take a few minutes to make up your mind if you held on to the item and walked around the sale. Still, I almost lost the Christmas tablecloth by setting it down to examine a bedspread. I prevailed, however, by retrieving it from the hands of another and saying, politely, of course, ìIím buying that.î Then there was the tricycle that my grandson really wanted, and it was, in fact, one of the items on my daughterís list. While mom, auntie and grandma were busy poring over the treasures, the little guy gave it a test drive. Then he came (on foot) to tell us he wanted the trike. Meanwhile, another small-fry decided to try it out. Around and around the sale yard she took her test ride. Then she abandoned it to go see if her mom would buy it. My grandson once again had possession. He gave it a few more spins around the jeans and puzzles and lamps and sweaters. More assured than ever that it was the bike for him, he returned (on foot) to the older generation for confirmation of the impending sale. To be sure, the little lady took possession again. But, all was not lost, Saturday, her mom said ìNo,î and he who had possession won. ©Post Review