The Auction

I am a little tired.
Actually, that's lie.
I am beyond exhausted.
On Saturday, we left for the auction at 8:30 a.m. without eating breakfast. We were there all day in the sweltering heat whilst vultures scraped and picked through my step-grandmother's estate. We fought back tears, and lost. We bid stubbornly, and won.
My sweet sisters begged their uncle for grandmother's china before the sale began.

"Please," they sobbed.

"No. You can bid with the public." Was the Evil man's reply. (Justifiable homicide, anyone?)

"Isn't this fun!?" his wife beamed.

I am really not making this up. It was aweful.

The public we had to bid against was mostly quite wonderful. These people figured out that the tenacious bidders in the front row were the granddaughters.

"Weren't you allowed to choose something before the sale?" They all asked.

"Not a thing. The executor, our beloved uncle (who wasn't man enough to stay for the sale) felt that his children and nieces should spend their money to fill his coffers. Fortunately we're not bitter."

Most people refused to bid when one of us wanted something. I was so blown away to see such kindness from strangers. Too bad our Uncle didn't stick around to see that part. He might have learned a valuable lesson.

Anyway, I brought home a handmade down comforter that she made herself, a Victorian ladies chair from her bedroom, a steamer trunk, and a really stunning lamp. Plus some books.
My sisters and my cousin spent a tiny bit more than I did. We took the U-haul back today and loaded up.

So, now that the weekend is over... I still haven't had a day of rest.
I have....
driven a large truck for a couple hundred miles,
spent money I don't have,
seen the worst of my step-uncle
and the best of my step-family.
I have spent hours with my sisters, and my precious cousin,
and acquired heirlooms,
and cried
and laughed.
Now....I soooo need some sleep.