No one needs a vacation more than the person who just had one. -Source Unknown

Well, my vacation is winding down. Whew!I've had such a full schedule. I went to a conference in Sarasota on vacation day #1 & 2. Days 3-7 were in Sanibel doing a little power shelling with blogger friends. The Hubbs & I drove up to Tampa on day #8 to meet family for a wonderful dinner at International Mall. 


As I was planning my time off on my scheduling calender I noticed someone had penciled herself in for my only remaining day.  That would be my niece Pookie who is also one of my best garage sale-ing buddies. She had an entire day planned starting at 7:30 am where we would leave for the biggest community garage sale of the year - Sawgrass Lakes in Venice, Florida. There was also time scheduled for Thai food so I sharpied her in - it's a go.
The early bird catches the worm - and also waits in line to get in

Where to begin?  Pookie chose a left-flank attack
House after house looked just like this

The line of cars to get into the development was about 1/4 mile long.  As you entered Sawgrass Lakes one of their volunteers handed you a map of the area.  So off we went going carefully up and down each street looking for fine junque. Apparently it was my day to be in the zone.  I had my money spent in 1 hour. 
First purchase of the day. Gotta take care of my momma - Sweet lady for GeeGee's collection

No price tags for this seller.  She had it going on with price lists.  

Venice is full of bargain hunters

I found a resin Giga Clamshell for 3 bucks!
After 3 hours we were about done and ready to head on out but Pookie had me stop at one more area that looked promising.  As I parked and walked up I couldn't believe my eyes...Shells, shells, and more shells. We met Jim & Judy Wedge of Coastal Creations of Florida.  They were selling some of the most creative shellcraft, specimen shells,  & beautiful nature photography I have seen in a while. 


Jim told me his pictures are widely published and I can see why - I was embarassed to be taking my pics with a little Canon which doesn't do justice at all to his art.  Check them out online.  They will be doing several events in the Venice area in the next few months. See, even when I am garage sale-ing shells follow me.
Judy Wedge of Coastal Creations of Florida
Lovely Shell craft arrangements

The Wedge's snorkel the Keys & Bahama's to find these beauties

Go to their website for a better view of Jim's photography

Where the last of my money went - more shells

So, one more day left of vacation and it's back to work on Monday.  I'll probably spend some time tomorrow finding some room for all my new shells.  So the ongoing saga continues - The question -"What do you do with all those shells?" Well, I'm working on it - I'm working on it.  I'll keep you posted.
Pots for my Hoyas 3 @ 50 cents apiece, water for the squirrels, & fresh key limes for 25 cents a bag
Lions paw, Tellin, & horse conchs oh my!
New purse, new green wrap-around sweater, Cameo locket, & carved stone beads for 8 bucks...yeah baby!

Comments

  1. Simple DaisyNovember 13, 2010 at 4:10 PM

    WOW! now that's a garage sale:)
    How tiring....but fun!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda @ A La CarteNovember 13, 2010 at 5:00 PM

    Now that looks like fun. All in one neighborhood! You had fun and found some wonderful buys! I love that purse and of course...SHELLS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Leo November 13, 2010 at 6:46 PM

    Wow Karen - amazing stuff. And you are so lucky that you found such amazing shells...and at such a great price. Awesome. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Florida BloggerNovember 13, 2010 at 7:03 PM

    You are so right on. I often think I need a vacation from my vacation.

    ReplyDelete
  5. PCovi November 13, 2010 at 7:17 PM

    You and Pookie are my kinda girls!
    I love the whole ensemble at the bottom and I'd wear both of those necklaces together :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda @ A La CarteNovember 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM

    Thanks for linking up with Junkin Finds Friday!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AmesNovember 13, 2010 at 7:34 PM

    Sounds like a fun day! Cool purse. Great price on the pots, those can be expensive. I love all the shells too. I fill baskets, glass apothecary jars, and just set them on shelves around the house. I love bringing nature into my home. ~Ames

    ReplyDelete
  8. rjerdeeNovember 14, 2010 at 8:45 PM

    Wow, and it's right in my neighborhood! I've never heard of this community garage sale...an annual thing, I take it...I don't even know where Sawgrass Lakes is...duh! I'll be gettin' right on it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. iLoveShellingNovember 14, 2010 at 10:21 PM

    Only three "clams" for the Giga????? Thats the best deal ever!

    ReplyDelete
  10. MarigeneNovember 15, 2010 at 8:49 AM

    Looks like a fun sale...those shell plants are adorable. Cute purse, you could use that with almost any color of the rainbow!

    ReplyDelete
  11. SherrieNovember 15, 2010 at 9:43 AM

    First of all, my sincere apologies about not getting back to you about your kind offer for the book. I just found a copy at the local library sale and was pretty excited about it. It has been so crazy busy having two jobs and no life. I have not yet started to read, but I think being surrounded with such confusion, that now is the perfect time to begin. Again thank you for your kind offer and your kind comments for PS. You should see the rest of her house.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MarleneNovember 15, 2010 at 11:54 PM

    Wow, you had a great day! The shells were beautiful and you found lots of bargains. I saw something in the first yard that I really wish I had. :)

    ReplyDelete

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