The Antique Bug

I had planned to make economics the subject of this post. Macro economics (the big picture) is the realm of Mr. Bill at our house and my forte is micro economics (sticking to the household budget). At the beginning of the year I decided to put my end of the finances on a fast (plan #2). The miscellaneous category had become gluttonous and was gobbling up way more than it should. Well, because of ‘technical difficulties’ I wasn’t able to post for a while and it’s a good thing. Just eleven days into the year the fast was over and I’m not going to brag about what a good budgeter I am. Here’s what happened:


About once a month or so a dear friend and I go out to lunch. Afterwards, we usually go on a short jaunt to either a fabric store or an antique shop. I have a list of things to hunt for - it adds to the fun. This month we chose antiquing and at the top of my list was a Cricket Stool. I knew the chances of finding one were slim because I’ve been checking e-bay and haven’t seen any. So, I felt financially safe, but it would still be fun to look.


Well, only two minutes into the store, I saw a spindly little leg sticking out from under a basket full of treenware. I lifted the basket and there it was - a grimy little Cricket! It was a tad too grimy and primitive for my taste, but nevertheless it was a Cricket Stool. Instantly, the possibilities flooded my brain. With some elbow grease and stain it could be the perfect stool I needed to go with the rocker, chest, oil lamp and braided rug grouping I envisioned in my sewing room.


The Cricket has one wobbly leg and I pointed it out to the store owner - a crafty lady with a German accent. She checked the tag and said that the price took that into consideration. I tried to play the game, and told her that I wasn’t definite yet and that I would look around. She suggested that maybe I wanted a better stool - a Victorian one that she had just set aside for herself, although it wouldn‘t be as ‘cheap‘. And then I made a blunder - I told her that I came in looking for a Cricket Stool and that’s what I wanted. I knew it was all over - I’d have to pay full price. I made a few more lame tries and then in the end I shamed myself and paid the price on the tag, $13.50. Thirty years I’ve been shopping there and this was the first time. I am really embarrassed.


I tried it out with the rocker as soon as I brought it home. It’s just the right height to rest my feet. AND, the Princess can use it to reach the faucet when she washes her hands. (I always have to think of at least two uses to justify a purchase). Now I only need to buy some wood glue, stain, and varnish. No more financial fasting around here. It’s no fun.


In case you’re wondering what a Cricket Stool looks like, here’s a picture of the antique bug: