Friday, June 3, 2011

Curb Appeal...

Driving home from the gym this morning I spotted these bad boys near the curb.


Technically, they were still on this person's property. But they looked like they were meant for the dump. The family was moving out. There was very little left on the property except for a mop and some trash bags on the porch. I was perplexed.

I pulled into the driveway and knocked on the door. Nobody answered. I could see a vacuum through the window and a few random pictures on the wall. They were definitely coming back. I was torn.

If the set was meant for the trash it would only be minutes before someone else snatched it up. If our one neighbor, "S" drove by, he would have just taken it. I had to beat him to it. But how?!

I raced home and wrote a note telling the owners I took the set. And if it wasn't meant for the dump, I'd bring it right back. I was desperate.

But my conscience started to bother me. It felt like I was stealing it. But time was running out, and I knew that "S" would be driving by at any moment. And this gem would be his.

Instead I wrote a new note. This one gave the owners my phone number and asked them to please call me if they were getting rid of the set. I taped it to their front door. And then I taped another note to the set, "DO NOT REMOVE. NOT TRASH!" I was covered.

About two hours later, I hopped on my cruiser and found the neighbors in their front yard. On the phone. I introduced myself as the crazy sign maker. And the woman told me she just left me a message. The set was mine if I wanted it. *snoopy dance*

I raced home. Jumped in BSD's truck and hauled those puppies home as fast as I could. I had to leave it in the back of the truck as I went to run errands. And when I returned my other neighbors told me that "S" was hovering around the truck ready to pounce. I'm telling you it's dog-eat-dog when it comes to this guy and junking.

Now I just have to clean it up. Give it a fresh coat of paint. Maybe make some cushions for it. Before BSD gets home. Because I know he'll drag it right back to the curb in its current condition. And that would make it that much closer for "S" to drag it back to his garage. Over my dead body.

26 comments:

Pam said...

Hurry Up!! I'll be over to help because that set is going nowhere!! You lucky girl you...Let's make up a batch of Sangria and get to work. :)

Bridget said...

SCORE!!! This set is great and will look amazing when you get it fixed up. So glad you got it!

Kristin said...

Yowza! What a lucky find! You had some good mojo karma going on to happen by there when you did. Can't wait to see how they turn out after you work your magic on them!

karren said...

Your plan for this set sounds fantastic. What a cool find...so happy for you. I also got a kick out of your story. LOL!

Andrea @ little buckles said...

What a great find! You don't see something like this everyday :)

Kerri said...

Oh you LUCKY girl!! It's so cute!! It is a dog eat dog world out there, isn't it?! Can't wait to see what you do with it...although it looks good to me as is!

Nicolle said...

You crack me up! I'm so glad you got the set. I LOVE it! Love the color and everything about it. Are you going to leave it pink? I would!!!

Amy said...

What an awesome find! Can't wait to see how you fix them all up.

storyqueen said...

Those are the coolest! You are so lucky!!

I am kind of digging the hot pinkness of them.

Shelley

Amy said...

those are soo cool. I wish people would throw stuff like that away around here!

Kerri said...

Just came across this...thought you could use a little inspiration!

http://justanotherhangup.blogspot.com/2011/05/patio-furniture-redo.html

sloan said...

the side story of the competing neighbor is cracking me up ... love that you were the winner on this one ;-)

Congratulations ... I can't wait to see what you do with them - get on it, girl!!

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

HAHA!!! Kim, you crack me up! What a GREAT find :-)))

mandy said...

dude! great score and I love the story that goes with it.
i love the color of these in the photo; are they really PINK? totally awesome!

Gabe said...

What a score!!

LOVE!!!

Gabe said...

What a score!!

LOVE!!!

Jess said...

are you kidding me!!!! for free!!!! the story is too funny!!! can't wait to see what color you pick!!!

Jill said...

Great find!! can't wait to see them fixed up! Have a great day!

Blessings,
Jill

Anonymous said...

good lord, woman. i'd hate to see you in line for a cabbage patch doll.

:-)

Karina said...

Wow - talk about being in the right place at the right time. Score! What a great find. Is it hot pink....or faded red. Either way - I'm in love, and I'll be over this summer to sip some spiked lemonade with you. Can't wait to see them all spiffied up.

vanessa said...

Talk about a steal! Great set. Don't you hate that feeling when all you can think about is someone getting to the good junk before you.

Unknown said...

what a deal on the flowers...I love the little containers they came in...and thheirmso pretty too... I love the vintage yard chairs too they are awesom...have a great week...Mica

Dani said...

That is a major score! We want something similar for our backyard area.

Way to go. Victory is yours.

Teresa said...

What an amazing steal! That is a great set. Truly, you got the deal of the day! Can't wait to see what you do with them.

knack said...

SCORE!! this is an awesome treat....and so glad you got it before mister"s"!! what a hoot!

xo

My Interior Life said...

You're hilarious and a girl after my own heart! You did the right thing and got rewarded with an awesome set of outdoor furniture. Can't wait to see your makeover!!