Someone please remind me NEVER to have another GARAGE SALE!

Charlotte waiting for customers.

The Lemonade Stand was a huge success. Throughout the day Charlotte jumped in the pool and then jumped out to make a sale. I gave her a small bowl of nickels to start her change drawer. She was so thrilled with this, that as each person approached the stand she would start by saying, "Before you buy anything, let me give you some change."

In the above photo Charlotte is sitting with our friend Mark. Mark arrived early to help Michael, Jennifer and my parents get all of the stuff out of the house and into the yard. He also brought baked goods from his wife Luciana. Thanks to their combined effort, the kids made $90.00 at the lemonade stand. $90.00!!!

I must add this tidbit. Charlotte and Josiah and I each got to pick out a "gift" for ourselves with the earnings. Charlotte chose a purring kitten and a tree swing. Josiah got a garbage truck. I went to Williams-Sonoma and chose a new set of measuring cups. I was so proud of Charlotte while we were there. She interrupted my gadget gazing with a shout, "Look Mom! There's Ina Garten and Bobby Flay!" You darling little chef, you! You know a good cookbook when you see one!!

There I am celebrating my freedom from clutter.

Now that I am a few weeks away from the infamous GARAGE SALE, I can admit it was over the top. My Mother's wisdom led us to cancel the second day and I still made well over $500.00. The truth is, it wasn't about the money. The primary benefit for me was having lots of help sorting through stuff. I love camaraderie in a big project. My friends rallied around me and it all worked out. When I say "rallied around" I mean that Laura was with me hammering in signs on the street corners at midnight.

Oh, speaking of friends, earlier I mentioned my friend Mark. It was fantastic having Mark stay around for several hours of the sale. We had many Spanish-speaking customers and Mark was able to chat with them and help us negotiate deals. One man bought 12 shirts, 3 pair of pants and a suitcase. Mark translated for us as we worked out a deal. For some reason, Mark started folding up the pants (as if he worked at Macy's or something). When he did this, he felt something in one of the pockets. He pulled out two $50.00 bills and a $10.00. We could not believe it. Our jaws hit the ground and we burst out laughing. Can you imagine John walking around with $110.00 in his pocket? I bet someone gave him some cash and he stuck it in his pocket. The fact that he never pulled it out of his pocket will tell you how disconnected his mind was from things like that. And by the way, the profit total from the sale does not include that money. I also adjusted for the money I spent on an add and signs, etc!!

Hey Janna, Look! There's Jennifer buying your picnic basket!