Summer Of 2015 Northwest's Largest Garage Sale Finds

Just over one week ago was the summer version of one of my favorite events. That event is the giant flea market known as The Northwest Largest Garage Sale. While I have tough wants, and don't ever bring back any earth shattering goodies lately. I do always seem to bring a few things back that fit nicely into the hobby room.

Much like last year's summer show it was smaller than the first one I went to in 2013. Despite being smaller than that show it was bigger than the 2014 version. Much like the indoor versions it is starting to see more, and more dealers. Unlike the indoor it hasn't been taken over yet by those dealers so for most there are sill some sweet deals to be had.

Finding this at the everything is one dollar person I couldn't pass it up. Being a Broncos fan I figured at some point an idea would pop into the head of what to do with it. Over the past week I've come up with something that needs tested. If it works this button will have some friends to go with it in the future as a wall display.

My second find of the show was more buttons, but of the Disney variety. Only costing 25 cents each I thought why not bring them along. We have been planning for quite some time to do some Disney related pictures, posters, and other items around the living room. The wife has been wondering why these seem to follow me home every so often. I've always wanted to do some display of them, and odds are that day is coming close. All that needs to happen is the Broncos button idea needs to work, and finally the reason I've been gathering these will be discovered.

The last treasure was this 2009 Portland Beavers magazine. When I picked it up there was no price anywhere. What followed next was the usual price question which was met with what are you willing to offer. Not wanting to insult them, but get it on the cheap I went with two dollars. He accepted, and I am now the proud owner of this magazine. Honestly I don't know what I want to do with it after I eventually give it a good reading. If all else fails, and I decide it should find a new home there are Padres fans out there someplace that it'll end up with. Until then it'll make a stop here waiting for a good reading.

Overall it wasn't a bad show as I did find a few things that were worth the time. Leaving I learned that there is a reason I go to these things at opening. The line of cars coming in was insane, and something I didn't have to deal with due to the early arrival. Seeing it only cemented the fact that whenever I go to any show, arriving early is always the best plan.

Artelopes- Couple Late Season Baseball

With so much going on this past week, and continuing through this weekend. I've got four posts that are needing to be done. Figuring that this would be the easiest under the circumstances. Artelope returns from two baseball teams gets to take center stage.

Neither of these were anything mind-blowing as their single goal was to get schedules from two teams I collect. I'd even considered not showing them, but then thought under the circumstances why not throw in a quickie.

Keeping it basically as simple as you can. The idea is three dust devils that were created by using the teams two colors. Created during one of the dry spells in ideas it did part of it's job.

With the team going through an affiliation change from the Rockies to the Padres. A business card, and a few schedules was the main goal. Tri-City met half of that by sending out two of the above schedules. Ironically this seems to be the common theme from the Dust Devils this year. So far I have heard of three returns, and all three are saying the team sent two schedules. Others are still waiting as the Dust Devils have been very slow in sending out returns this year.

This was the second request to the Drillers this season. Being the second I came up with the idea of doing an oil rig, and gushing the teams color of blue. While simple it turned out as I had hoped.

Every season the Drillers seem to put out multiple covers, and sponsor variations. While there has been one cover, and a few different sponsors on the back. The return failed to yield any new results in either category. This leads me to believe that the first time in over fifteen years the team went with just the one cover, or my luck was terrible. Sadly the sponsor on the back was the one sent to me earlier in the season.

While not exactly what I had wanted when sending out this request it was worth the shot. So much so, that in future years I will not be swayed, and send out an early attempt, and late season request again.

Ending The Vacation With Two Sweet Finds

Continuing my year of being slower than I should be in posting finds. Last weekend I ended the vacation off by making not one, but two great finds at Goodwill.

I might not be a fan of the Boston Red Sox, but I am a fan of stadiums. Seeing this shot glass sitting on the shelf, and looking for a home it had to be at the Cat House. Problem was it almost didn't make it's way here as I almost didn't want to wait in line just to buy one shot glass. The line at this particular Goodwill can be brutal so you want to make it well worth your time to wait in it. The daughter found two posters she wanted, and this second find along with her posters sealed the deal. At only 99 cents it was a find that I'm now glad to have in the hobby room.

These two balls came packaged together with a third ball that I can't figure out what it is. Initially I was bummed as the three balls cost 2.99, and honestly I only want the Walt Disney World ball. Adding this ball puts nine Disney related balls into the baseballs. Now I need to fine tune the display I currently have as it's too small. The idea is in my mind, and just needs to be executed in the near future.

The Northwest League ball is available if anyone collects these types of baseballs. I would love to trade it for a game-used ball from your local league as this is a sort of side collection that I have going, and can use help with. It's another of those collections that goes to show that sometimes I collect way to many things. Unlike some of the other collections I do display the ones I have so they aren't one of those collections that leaves me wondering why I keep them.
          If you don't have a ball to trade, and want it just let me know as I'll send it anyways. Being the Northwest League is what we have around here a few extra's have somehow followed me home. So, I do have more if more than one person wants one of these baseballs.

Adding all this wasn't a bad way to end what was a disappointing week of treasure hunting at the coast. As I've started getting pickier, and pickier about what comes home its becoming more expected to have dry visits. As the hobby room gets closer to completeness the visits might slow down to a trickle at some point.

Artelopes- Carolina Panthers

Despite taking all my supplies to do some artwork while at the coast I accomplished nothing. Why, is a sort of mystery as I was pretty pumped after getting a return from the Carolina Panthers to this artelope.

I wish it would have turned out a little better, but I feel like this was an OK attempt. On the team website their is a logo with a panther standing on an outline of Carolina. Wanting to change it up the idea of putting that same panther over a football was born. What you see above is the result of that idea.

Carolina nailed it with the return as they included the much requested business card. NFL teams have been a very tough collection to add cards into. Getting this card from the Panthers has gotten me excited about the upcoming season, and the hope of adding even more cards.

This return now leaves the count at nine requests out roaming the country. Three of the nine are close to joining the lost files, and might get mentioned by mid August or late August. It all depends on how long before I give up hope on their return.

#Kylecard Does The Beach

Our plan for Thursday was to hit a few beaches south of town. Things changed though as the weather went south in a hurry.With the clouds roaming the wife, daughter, and her friend all decided to stay at the beach house while I went out alone. Kylecard kept me company though as I hit two different beaches for short walks.

This was the first beach Seal Rock which oddly enough had zero seals. The walk here was fairly limited as you can't see it, but to my right was a huge rock that blocked movement any further north. Going to the left was a stream not far away that I didn't feel like crossing.

From here I went maybe five miles south, and hit another beach called Driftwood beach. Much like Seal Rock, and it's total lack of seals, it had no driftwood. The walk was much better though, and felt good to get out, and do as the clouds kept it cool.

Hitting these two beaches would be the last hurrah as the wife was missing being home. We came back today, and have some weekend plans that need to be done. Out of everything I got to get out, and do. The trips to the antique malls ended up being huge disappointments. For the first time ever I came back empty-handed. Maybe the next trip, or this weekend's errands will yield better results.

#Kylecard Goes To Tillamook

As I write this I am currently on vacation, and hanging at the coast. This vacation started with the baseball game on Saturday. Then moved to the coast part of our journey on Sunday.

Other than the drive over nothing thrilling happened on Sunday. Monday was more of the same as we just hung out at the beach-house doing a whole lot of nothing. I did take the dog to the beach though so it wasn't a total waste.

Tuesday was a whole new story as I needed some cheese curds, and that means a trip north to Tillamook. Originally planned for Monday we changed plans to Tuesday. Waking up, and heading out to breakfast first we finally arrived at our destination.

For us no stop in Tillamook is complete without a trip to the Country Smoker for some jerky, and the very popular 2 feet long pepperoni sticks. At a cost of only one dollar they are definitely a must stop. Problem is we never leave with just the sticks, but a whole selection of other jerky as well. Looking at the smile on Kylecard he approves.

From there we headed of to the main event for this day trip.

Once again Kylecard approves, and probably wishes he wasn't a card. Bet he'd love to share in the spoils of this trip. There was a little bad news on this trip though. We usually get a scoop, or two of Tillamook ice cream. It looked like 80% of the people visiting the factory were in line for ice cream. That left me no choice, but to be part of the 20%, and pass.

I can't complain much as we did get the dog, and me four packages of cheese curds to share. There are also a few places here in town to get ice cream so no loss. Another bummer is I missed out on a chance to get a picture of Kylecard with the mini loaf VW inside. It was empty when we entered, and I passed. On the way out it had a line so it ended up being a lost opportunity.

Hopefully Kylecard will make another one, or two appearances as the Wednesday plan is the bay front, and Thursday a trip southbound. Who knows maybe he'll pop up in just droves doing whatever.

Artelopes- Real Salt Lake, and Dallas FC

With my big streak of drawing, and sending out tons of artelopes that has been going on lately. I have gotten two more of the 13 that were still roaming the country. What I learned from these two after some thought that what I might consider a failure in the request might actual be appreciation from the other end. These two returns are both examples of this possibility.

Take my what I think was a sad attempt at drawing a bull. I used a picture from the internet, and attempted to draw it myself. The envelope above is how it turned out when all was said, and done. The return wasn't what I expected, but who knows maybe this was a huge form of appreciation for the artwork.

Dallas FC didn't use my small return envelope, but used a big white mailer that you'd use for photo's.

That team picture is 8x10, and not something I requested when the request for schedules, and a business card was made. I'd like to think they could have just tossed in two or three schedules no business card, and put it in my returner. They didn't do that because of my going the extra mile, and thus went that same mile themselves. Do they send these pictures to all their fans with requests? Not in my world of drawn on envelopes they don't.

The staffer also put in two schedules that both have different sponsors on the back. To schedule collectors this is a big deal as most like to collect all the sponsor backs of a specific schedule. Without a return like this it would take the initial request either followed by another hoping you had luck in getting the other sponsor. Secondly a trade with another collector to get the second back for the collection. Dallas FC hooked up this Cat by putting two sponsors in.

My second, and not sure if my last Minions artelope was sent to Real Salt Lake who is also in the MLS with Dallas FC. In the original sent to Philadelphia Union the goalie was simply waving as the ball was heading for the net. This time I thought it'd be different to have one being mischievously hanging from the net, and blocking the shot. Don't be surprised if another Minions drawing shows up, but don't be surprised if this was the last.

Real Salt Lake's return like the Dallas FC is one I'm not sure if the artwork got me treated special. From past experience for myself atleast, getting three different covers is very rare. I have had it happen once maybe twice in what is now almost fifteen years of schedule collecting. If you throw in that the Dallas FC request was along the same lines. These two returns are a very big deal when it comes to what two teams sent out. To get them both within a couple days of each other is plain crazy.

More than anything these two teams have me now thinking that since started doing the artelopes any return is possible. I've known it on a certain level with some of the fantastic returns that have come in. Problem is I just never sat here, and appreciated what was sent from some teams. Not being a fan of certain sports, or teams I've always thought no business card was a failure that would require another two stamps to try again. Now I'll try to be more thankful for returns like these, and treasure the business cards from the harder to get teams that much more.

Right On Target

On Monday the 29th there were the usual Monday errands to be done. This weeks included a stop out to Costco for work related snacks for breaks, and my favorite stop Goodwill. As a special treat the daughter decided to go, and keep me company for the cool price of one Black Rock drink. While making the rounds a text came in from the wife mentioning that Target had shorts for the daughter on sale. A little coaxing followed as I tried to convince the daughter to do a quick look. My agenda was that they might have some sort of baseball card deal I could hit on for a few cheaper packs.

After doing the clothes thing I headed off for the cards as she tried to steer for the checkout line. It took a mere second for her to realize my will was stronger than hers, and we were visiting the card section. That is when the decision was easily made due to a white sign directly in front of the 2015 Opening Day. Reading a cool 69 cents per pack I figured that 12 would be a good number that ran around 8-10 dollars.

As we made our way to the checkout she threw in a pack of gum, and we were set. Not so fast, as the cards all rang up at 99 cents. Watching, and mentioning the sign our cashier rushed to the cards for a quick look. Sure enough there was an old sign for an expired ad that had the cards for 69 cents. Working her magic she overrode the 99 cent price, and gave me the 69 cents on the sign. As she was doing that another teammate was going through the section pulling all the signs for other cards that fit the same not on sale bill.

With nothing earth shattering here are the highlights of 12 Opening Day packs. She opened all the packs while I drove so as a special treat they will come with some opinions of a 15 year old girl.

Superstar Celebrations were fun cards that she really enjoyed the silver foil on.The three players didn't do anything for her, but she thought the pie in the face was pretty cool. If she saw enough of them I bet she'd change her mind, and dislike them like most people. Hit The Dirt she was luke warm on, and thought look ok with the sliding guys.

Madison didn't even get a seconds notice. This subset did absolutely nothing for her, and was discarded quickly. Franchise Flashback got a real good look-over as she thought the design of the card was very cool.

"What happened to his face?" Those were her exact words as she first laid eyes on Yu Darvish's card. While the card isn't a subset I had to share this awesome stunner from her.

As collectors I have heard some bashing, and other who enjoy the Stadium Scenes cards. The bashing came mostly in the form of the fact that they could have picked some better photo's to use. What I can say is she really enjoyed these two cards, and they might honestly be her favorite from the 12 packs. That means Topps knew what they were doing when they created this subset as my kid seems to enjoy them atleast.

Out of all the subsets I have always collected the mascot cards. The daughter isn't a huge fan of the mascots, and is kind of bleh on these cards. One thing she did notice, and brought to my attention was the Clark card. She feels if you look closely that the little girl has a look of horror on her face. Even went as far as to say the girl seems to be trying to get out of Dodge. Giving it a closer look I think she might be on to something there.

Last is the blue shiny cards. These caught her attention as she loves shiny. Nothing huge here, but they are good looking cards.

The thing that got me the most about these 12 packs was this. Out of all these cards the only ones I can use for my personal collection is three mascot cards. Not one Mariners or Rockies player made an appearance in any of the 12 packs. There were no Mike Trout cards included anywhere, no nothing. It's amazing that through all these cards I couldn't walk away with something to add into the player collections, but I managed to pull it off. What it was is a reminder on why I haven't bought very many packs this year, and joined the group of buying the cards I want straight up. Now if only I could make it to a card shop again, or a card show to use this idea. The show part won't be happening until sometime in August at the earliest as things are crazy busy right now. Once these things do happen though I will be ready to spring into action. Until then I have 69 cent Opening Day packs to remind me of the strategy.    

4th At The Emeralds

For the second year in a row we decided that it would be fun to do an Emeralds game for the Fourth of July. Unlike last year where we went out to pizza before heading out. We decided to stick around the house, and leave so we'd arrive close to the gates opening. Things worked out perfect as we were a couple minutes late, and were able to walk up, and enter right away.

A few things stuck out on this trip that were different from any other season. First was this.

Not thinking very clearly it took me a couple minutes to remember that the Emeralds change affiliations to the Cubs this year, and this had to be a memorial to

It was a great thing that honestly was a bit disappointing in a way. I love the idea of putting the number out there as a tribute to a truly great player. I also know the team is pumped about the new affiliation with the Cubbies this year.The disappointment comes from the fact I don't recall seeing Tony Gwynn get the same treatment last season. It might have been something I missed, but for some reason I doubt it.

Adding to a great game was the Emeralds mascot Sluggo was in awesome form.

This was an in-between innings water fight between Sluggo, and a staffer dressed as a member of the Vancouver Canadians team. In the end Sluggo won by dousing the man in ice water, and then watching him get tossed from the game to the crowds delight.

As for the game itself things were interesting with the home team Emeralds coming up short in the end 5-4. The team did have a chance to tie, or win in the bottom of the ninth. Leaving a runner on first when the final out was made. Following the game were some incredible fireworks with music played live by the Oregon Bach Festival.

As for some of the goodies I gathered while at the game here they are.

The information booth had stacks of these magnets which I picked up couple up. A fellow schedule collector is a huge Cubs fan so a couple will be going his direction. One or two will remain here, and any left are up for grabs.

My schedule collecting friend has hooked me up with some sweet items from his local independent league team the Gary/Southshore RailCats. One of these will be going to him, a second I will be keeping, and the third is up for grabs. If unclaimed I do trade with a Cubs fan, or two, and odds are one of them will be getting it with some baseball cards.

I had a great time, and look forward to seeing a few more games this year.

Civic Stadium Update

Things moved real fast after the fire on Tuesday. By Wednesday evening four youths all aged between 10-12 were in custody for the fire.

From articles released on Thursday out of Eugene. All four are looking at second degree arson charges from the destruction of Civic Stadium. Word is that the four had a lighter, and were lighting various things on fire when things got out of control. Trying to stomp a small fire out they failed, and bailed fast as the flames engulfed the wood structure.  Where things go from now is yet to be known as all four have been talking to police.

The big break was a fifth kid had been at the scene, and left before the fire started. He lucked out as a call from his parents to come home had him leave before the chaos started. Feeling guilty about what happened he talked to his parents who contacted police. The fifth boy so far has been freed of any charges as he was nowhere near the stadium.

This is truly a sad situation as four kids lives are most likely ruined, and a piece of Eugene history that was about to gain new life has been lost. It's a tricky story that I wouldn't want to be involved in deciding the fate of these four kids. A stupid mistake that some will want punished hard, and others will say was an accident. I personally can see both sides of the argument, and that is why I'd hate to be making the decision on their fates. More than anything it shows that those of us who are parents need to make sure fires are one thing we talk to our kids about. Maybe a talk like that might have prevented this tragedy.

Artelopes- Bison, and Knights

With me hitting the needed business cards hard, I sent out a second attempt to the Charlotte Knights.

I've sent to the Knights atleast once a year since starting the artelopes project, and have come away empty in the business card department. Earlier this year an attempt was made, and still no card. Wanting to try, and change my luck, and being on a creative streak lately. I thought why not go bigger than the simple stuff I have been sending to the Knights. This all led to what you see above in a knight sitting on a horse ready to joust.

The little extra paid off as Charlotte finally dropped their latest business card on me. Included with the flashy new business card was two of the teams schedules.

Another addition from the International League found its way home on the same day as the Knights. Buffalo has gone through an affiliation change, and was thus needing an update.

Originally I was going to just simply do the baseball with the city skyline inside. Then the idea to add that extra touch of doing the buffalo horns hit me. While being pretty simple I like how it turned out, and was even more thrilled with the results.

It was a great day as Buffalo represented with four schedules, and the much needed business card. Adding to my excitement is now the International League remains at two teams Rochester, and Pawtucket. I have a week off coming soon, and will be thinking up an idea for both teams. They will be my second requests this year for both teams, but if it pays off like Charlotte did then it'll all be worth it.

In an update to the Civic Stadium fire post. I just heard, and it was confirmed on the Eugene news website. Four kids have been arrested for the fire with more information to be released on Thursday. Odds are I will do some sort of related post Thursday evening with what they said.