About 5 years ago, my husband and I went to a farm auction. We had a van, empty, no seats in, prepared to shop! This auction was quite large, including not only the contents of the house, but also an outbuilding, barn and 3 car garage.

There were "investment opportunities" everywhere.

We got one paddle, vowing to be cautious and smart. My husband, bless his innocent soul, puts a maximum number down on a sheet of paper. When the article comes up, he bids ONLY TO THAT AMOUNT. Period. He also uses the preview time as a rule-out. He writes down absolutely everything wrong with the articles. I, on the other hand, am not that disciplined.

At this auction, I have purchased several large items and numerous box lots of glassware, tools, hardware, you name it.

After 7 hours we're tired, hungry and a bit ornery. Even though the auction continues, we load up the van, pack everything into it and amazingly, there is still room for the two of us IF the passenger is willing to hold a big box on their lap for the 3 hour trip home. I go to turn in the paddle.

As I walk past the barn, I see a small group of people by an old farm scale, probably used for weighing produce and the like. It is quite large, perhaps 4-1/2 feet tall, and has all the weights you'd need to set up a fruit stand. The auctioneer starts the bidding at $75, drops quickly to $50, and then down to $20. I continue to watch, mesmerized and wondering why no one has bid. It sure Looks like a good deal.

It goes down to $10, $5 and finally $1.00 takes it. My arm began to twitch, I feel my hand levitating and the paddle reflects the sun back at me. Now how did THAT get there?

SOLD!

I hear and realize I am the lucky winner. Incredible. Oh. Who will tell my husband?

He comes up over the hill to inquire as to what is taking so long. I run to him, give him a hug and blurt out that I just WON something super. He laughs and says, "just so it's a small treasure!" I step aside to show him the bargain. He is speechless.

We proceed to the van in total silence and begin to unload it. We fit the scale in and the passenger will now have 3 boxes on their lap, and one on their feet.

The three hour ride home is very quiet.

The good news is that we are still together, I have learned my lesson, and now his rule is:

"If you can't lift it, you can't have it."

That has become our credo.